Abstract: The invention relates to an optical exploration device, particularly for the detection of the blind spot of a vehicle, comprising first passive thermal infrared detection means (2) of the thermopile variety, for example, having a sensitivity range within a first wavelength interval (1), second detection means (3) used to measure direct or indirect solar energy (5) within a second wavelength interval (12), characterized in that the first and second (12) wavelength intervals partially overlap, and in that the first (2) and second (3) detection means are disposed and are oriented in a relative manner in order to successively or simultaneously sight the same are of detection (Z). The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising said device.

Abstract: A short-range inter-vehicle communication and warning apparatus comprises a forward radar and a backward radar. The apparatus uses the radars to generate Frequency Modulation/Continuous Wave (FMCW) signals, uses amplitude shift keying for data modulation and arranges a special packet format, to realize such a low cost and fast response device of collision avoidance for vehicles. The invention has the dual capabilities of detecting and communicating simultaneously. It can also measure the relative speed of a preceding/rear vehicles and the relative inter-vehicle distance. The invention also exchanges the real-time traffic information with the preceding/rear vehicles at the same time. It is applicable to a one-to-one or one-to-many inter-vehicle channel model.

Abstract: A beam radiator that radiates visible light beams having a predetermined wavelength onto a road surface to inform drivers of other vehicles of the existence of a self-owned vehicle or to let a driver of the self-owned vehicle confirm a traveling path thereof is disposed in a front portion of a body of the self-owned vehicle. An optical filter is disposed substantially all over a windshield in front of a driver seat. The filter is designed to have a characteristic of being more permeable to light having wavelengths close to a wavelength of visible light beams radiated from the beam radiator 24 than to light having a wavelength different from those wavelengths. In this construction, the driver is prevented from finding it difficult to visually recognize a visible light pattern resulting from visible light beams radiated from the self-owned vehicle or another vehicle owing to sunlight or the like, and visual recognizability of the visible light pattern is enhanced.

Abstract: A method and implementing computer system are provided for enabling management of restricted parking spaces for vehicles. In an example, a sensing system senses the presence of vehicles in predetermined parking spaces and stores that information for subsequent processing. Particular parking restrictions, or limited parking indicia, for given parking spaces are displayed and viewable to vehicle operators. The posted parking restriction indicia are selectively changeable to accommodate various parking demand situations. The displayed limited parking indicia may be changed from one type of limited parking to other types of limited (or unlimited) parking from a remote server location, either selectively by an administrator or in accordance with a stored parking authorization plan or schedule. Vehicles are scanned for proper authorization for predetermined types of parking spaces.

Abstract: In a parking lot management system, which is applied to a parking lot having a plurality of parking spaces, information about parking is wirelessly communicated between a plurality of wireless LAN base stations connected to an interface part and then connected to the Internet, and a plurality of parking condition detection devices or a wireless LAN mobile station installed in a mobile object. The information is managed by a server via an IP network so that the parking lot management system can provide the information for a user who is in the parking lot.

Abstract: A motor vehicle infrared (IR) communication device (2) for an electronic fee-charging system, comprising IR transmitting and receiving elements (9) arranged in a housing (4) and oriented according to a first direction (10), which first direction (10) extends at least substantially in a vertical longitudinal plane of the motor vehicle when the communication device (2) is in a state installed in a motor vehicle, and transmitting and receiving electronics (36, 37); further IR elements (13) oriented at least according to a second direction (14) are additionally arranged in the housing (4), this second direction (14) being oriented towards a side, relative to the first direction (10), or to the vertical longitudinal plane, respectively.

Abstract: A battery powered transmitter circuit has a LED of a continuously cycling microcomputer transmit a beam of a predetermined number of infrared pulses at predetermined time periods to a sensor of a battery powered receiver circuit. Only a clock circuit of each circuit of the same frequency is continuously powered. The two clock circuits are synchronized each time that the sensor senses the predetermined number of infrared pulses. When an object breaks the beam, the sensor causes a count of the object by a microcomputer of the receiver circuit. The receiver microcomputer is inactivated when the sensor does not sense the predetermined number of infrared pulses during one or more cycles of operation of the receiver microcomputer. There is only one count incremented on a count display after the beam is interrupted until the sensor again senses the predetermined number of infrared pulses.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for detecting crossing of a horizontal land demarcation marker of a carriageway for motor vehicles, characterized in that it includes at least one box (2) to be placed under the vehicle and enclosing means for projecting two light beams (4, 6) onto the carriageway (8) in two distinct zones (10, 12) that do not overlap, and distinct means for picking up each of the two light beams (14, 16) after reflection onto the carriageway (8).

Abstract: Vehicle positioning apparatus for facilitating the positioning of a vehicle in a specific position within an enclosure having an automatic door opening device with concurrently activated light source is disclosed. The vehicle positioning apparatus includes a light generating device mounted to the enclosure for generating a targeting mark. A photovoltaic cell generates electrical power from light emitted by the light source when the automatic door opening device is activated. The photovoltaic cell is coupled to the light generating device to provide electrical power for the generation of the targeting mark when the light is illuminated.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical fiber sensor for traffic monitoring, which comprises a former consisting of an elongated plate, and an optical fiber wound onto at least one surface of the elongated plate. The elongated plate is flexible in a direction transverse to the at least one predetermined property of an optical signal transmitted through the optical fiber sensor. The resulting sensor has a reduced depth which makes it easier to locate within the surface of a traffic route, has increased flexibility to enable to confirm to the surface of the traffic route, and has good cross axis sensitivity rejection.

Abstract: The automobile entry detector for garages is a signaling system designed to assist a motorist with properly positioning a vehicle upon pulling into a parking structure, such as a household garage. This device could be offered in various embodiments, including as an aftermarket accessory for existing garage door openers or as an integral part of a new garage door opener design. The preferred embodiment of the device includes a garage door opener motor and controller, a garage door opener control switch, a light transmitter that transmits a beam of light to a light receptor with an LED indicator, a photocell, and an indicator lamp located on the rear wall of the garage. The LED indicator is extinguished when the beam of light is unbroken, and the photocell relays this information to activate the lamp at the same time as the LED.

Abstract: A traffic monitoring system comprises at least one sensor station (2) and an interferometric interrogation system (9); wherein the at least one sensor station (2) comprises at least one optical fiber sensor (5) deployed in a highway (1); and wherein the interferometric interrogation system (9) is adapted to respond to an optical phase shift produced in the at least one optical fiber sensor (5) due to a force applied by a vehicle passing the at least one sensor station (2).

Abstract: A vehicle and a method for controlling headlight status in a first vehicle includes receiving status information from at least one vehicle other than the first vehicle located in a communication area surrounding the first vehicle, the status information including a headlight status of the at least one other vehicle. A headlight status of the first vehicle is determined, and an action is initiated in the first vehicle based on the determined headlight status of the first vehicle and the received vehicle status of the at least one vehicle.

Abstract: Vehicle measuring apparatus and method are disclosed to accurately measure height and width of a vehicle moving at a high speed. The vehicle measuring apparatus includes: a plurality of laser sensors separated from the road surface with a predetermined height and installed closely to each other corresponding to width of every roadway on the road, and receiving a reflection light of a laser light emitted onto the road from the plurality of the laser sensors and outputting a vehicle measurement signal; and a processor means electrically connected to the laser sensors and calculating height and width of the vehicle on the basis of the signal to measure the vehicle and previously stored installation information of the plurality of laser sensors.

Abstract: A precision light source, such as a laser, controlled by the operation of a garage door opener to generate a light beam to provide a reference mark for guiding a user in parking a vehicle. One embodiment teaches powering the unit from the light activation circuitry of the garage door opener directly, or using a bulb connection base having an auxiliary light socket. Further improvements include the use of an aiming device providing dimensional adjustment of the light beam to move the distal reference point created when the light beam intersects the vehicle. A method for use of the apparatus is also taught.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing timely and efficient notification of vehicle parking space availability and locations of vehicle parking spaces to motorists or other network users. Local detector devices sense the presence or absence of a vehicle in a particular parking space and communicate space identification and status information to a computer network. The parking space status information is integrated with electronic street maps of the area where the relevant spaces are located. Integrated maps containing space status identifiers are communicated to any number of networks.

Abstract: A device for detecting a running surface for a vehicle, comprising a plurality of sensors (c1 to c8) designed to be oriented towards the running surface to detect modifications thereof, data processing means for processing data derived from the sensors, wherein the sensors are relatively arranged so as to associate at least part of the points of aim on the ground (v1 to v8) in pairs (p1 to p4), the two points of aim on ground the ground being spaced apart by a first specific distance, and the transverse distances separating two adjacent pairs (p1 to p4) of points of aim on the ground increase towards a longitudinal axis along a direction substantially perpendicular to said axis.

Abstract: A signage system for a traffic area, the traffic area comprising visually-identifiable boundary markers, the signage system having sign means at the boundary markers, the sign means visually viewable by an occupant of a vehicle adjacent the boundary markers. The signage system further having interaction apparatus at the parking lot for providing communication between a vehicle occupant and an entity remote from the traffic area. The signage system wherein the sign means has at least one electronic display apparatus for presenting information to a person at the traffic area.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the vacancy of a parking space is described that allows a customer to remotely receive information about parking space availability before arriving at a parking lot or structure. This system allows the customer to determine whether there are parking spaces available to park a vehicle and where such parking space(s) are located before the customer arrives at the parking lot or structure.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for monitoring a moving object, the method comprising: emitting electromagnetic radiation so that the object passes through the electromagnetic radiation; detecting a plurality of reflection events, each comprising a reflection of the electromagnetic radiation from the object; determining a direction of each of the reflection events from the direction of emission of the electromagnetic radiation or from the direction of detection of the respective reflection event; and determining the relative timing of the reflection events; wherein information pertaining to the object can be determined, the information comprising any one or more of a speed, a location and a direction of the object.

Abstract: A parking guidance and management system. The system provides graphical information regarding the relative availability of parking spaces within a parking garage or other large facility. The system relies on a pair of sensors in each space which combine to provide highly reliable information regarding whether spaces in the facility are occupied or not. The information is gathered by a series of aisle controllers, which communicate with a central computer. The information is displayed at strategically located displays along the way to available spaces. The displays contain advertising messages adjacent to the information about space availability. The information obtained from the sensors at each parking space may be used to provide information to the manager of the facility regarding space utilization. Information regarding the occupancy status of each space may also be used as a check on receipts of parking fees and to identify abandoned vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention is a vehicle traffic measurement system designed to accurately count and record the number of vehicles passing through a selected location, to more accurately determine and record the velocity at which the individual vehicles travel through that location, and to accurately determine and record in which relative direction the vehicles are traveling as they pass that location. The basic physical principle is of a moving object interrupting two parallel light beams a known reference distance apart, and information extracted from the interruptions sensed and electronically processed into count, direction, and velocity being recorded for subsequent data analysis.

Abstract: A detector for detecting light, such as infrared light, reflected from discontinuous lane dividing lines or other lines on a highway surface from a moving motor vehicle to determine the position of the vehicle on the highway detects light reflected from the surface of the highway and includes circuitry to determine from the reflected light sensed not only the presence of a road line but a characteristic of the road line sensed to determine if the road line detected is consistent with previously detected road lines and therefore appears to be a valid road line. The alarm, when enabled, is activated unless a road line consistent with previously sensed road lines is sensed within successive fixed periods of time in which it is expected that a line should be sensed. By detecting the beginning and end of a signal, various characteristics of the sensed line can be determined, and such things as the type of line likely sensed or the speed of travel of the vehicle can also be determined.

Abstract: A vehicle object detection system is disclosed that audibly conveys to the vehicle operator the direction of the detected object relative to the vehicle through the vehicle's audio system. The system includes a sensor array, a processor, and a speaker arrangement. The sensor array detects an object remote from the vehicle and generates a signal when an object has been detected. The processor receives and processes the sensor array signal. Then, the processor transmits the processed signal to the speaker arrangement. The speaker arrangement audibly conveys the processed signal over multiple audio channels. The method of detecting an object remote from the vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A traffic monitoring system comprises at least one sensor station (2) and an interferometric interrogation system (9); wherein the at least one sensor station (2) comprises at least one optical fibre sensor (5) deployed in a highway (1); and wherein the interferometric interrogation system (9) is adapted to respond to optical phase shift produced in the respond to an optical phase shift produced in the at least one optical fibre sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical fiber sensor for traffic monitoring, which comprises a former consisting of an elongate plate, and an optical fiber wound onto at least one surface of the elongate plate. The elongate plate is flexible in a direction transverse to the at least one surface such that passage. Traffic over the optical fiber sensor is arranged to cause a variation in at least one predetermined property of an optical signal transmitted through the optical fiber sensor. The resulting sensor has a reduced depth which makes it easier to locate within the surface of a traffic route, has increased flexibility to enable it to confirm to the surface of the traffic route, and has good cross axis sensitivity rejection.

Abstract: LED Christmas tree for drag racing starting and timing having light emitting diode signal lights arranged on an upper display tier and on a lower display tier.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering parking information is disclosed. Embodiments of the present claimed invention utilize video imaging to analyze the availability of parking spaces. More specifically, a computer is used to process video images of a parking location to determine if a parking space is available.

Abstract: An electronic system which facilitates active signs for car park management systems. There is a light sensitive sensor in each car space allowing a very simple circuit to distinguish whether a group of car spaces is full or has one or more vacant spaces available. There is not necessarily a need for a computer or even a microprocessor to ascertain the vacant or full state of a group of car spaces. This electronic system may directly switch devices accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automobile road center line indicating device by using optical transfer including: a light condensing device installed at road center line or border line for condensing light emitted from headlights of an automobile; an optical cable for transferring the light condensed by the light condensing device to a predetermined position ahead from the automobile; and a luminous device for transforming the light transferred along the optical cable into straight-advancing parallel light to notify a driver.

Abstract: A vehicle safety sensor allows a vehicle operator such as a truck driver to detect the presence of adjacent objects in order to avoid collision with same. In one embodiment, three detection ranges providing feedback with various lights and sounds can be used with separate sensors, with some sensors automatically made “live” upon reversing or turning of the vehicle, and some sensors being manually activated, such as when a overpass is encountered.

Abstract: In order to occur a collision warning to prevent the collision in accurate by detecting the preceding vehicle or target, a vehicle lane position estimation device comprising a means for measuring a distance between said host vehicle and said preceding vehicle or a oncoming vehicle, a direction angle from said host vehicle, an angular velocity and a velocity of said host vehicle, a means for calculating lateral and longitudinal distance between said host vehicle and said preceding vehicle or said oncoming vehicle, a means for capturing a front stationary object, a means for obtaining movement of the preceding vehicle or position of the oncoming vehicle, and a means to estimate a lane position of said front stationary object from a relationship of the stationary object being captured and the preceding vehicle being obtained and a positional relationship with the oncoming vehicle.

Abstract: A system for detecting, identifying and docking aircraft using laser pulses to obtain a profile of an object in the distance initially scans the area in front of the gate until it locates and identifies an object. Once the identity of the object is known, the system tracks the object. The system also monitors an area of the apron near the object to detect obstacles such as ground service vehicles. The system also analyzes the laser pulses to determine whether they are reflected from a solid object or from fog or other condensation or precipitation to avoid misidentifying condensation or precipitation as a solid object.

Abstract: A highway lane position detector including a photodetector for determining the existence of highway lines, wherein the detection circuitry maintains its detection ability over a wide range of ambient light conditions from bright sunlight to dim artificial light in ambient darkness, by providing a dynamic resistance element in series with the photodetector wherein the dynamic resistance element compensates for changes in the photodetector due to changes in ambient light conditions to maintain the photodetector in a detection condition (avoiding saturation) regardless of the ambient light condition. In the preferred embodiment of the detector, the dynamic resistance element is at least one reversed biased zener diode. In currently preferred circuitry of the invention, the detector detects the presence of intermittent lane dividing lines and provides an alarm when such lines are no longer detected.

Abstract: A vehicle traffic detecting device is provided with an automatic cleaning device. The detecting device has an emitter and a receiver facing each other and respectively emitting and receiving a beam of electromagnetic radiation along opposite ends of a beam path. The cleaning device has first and second cleaning units for respectively cleaning the emitter and the receiver. Each cleaning unit includes a fastener fastening the cleaning unit to a casing of the detecting device, a dispenser dispensing a transparent film, a contoured guide defining a film path along which the dispensed film resides, and an actuator for moving the dispensed film along the defined film path. A portion of the defined film path is located in front of the emitter/receiver of the detecting device and thereby positions a portion of the dispensed film in front of the emitter/receiver of the detecting device.

Abstract: A vehicle information acquisition and display assembly 10. The system 10 selectively senses objects 27 residing within a dynamically configurable region of interest 29 and compares values which are created by use of these sensed objects 27 with at least one criteria value. Based upon this comparison, icons are selectively displayed to a driver 15 of a vehicle 11 which represent the sensed objects 27.

Abstract: A vehicular vision system to aid a driver of a vehicle to determine whether it is safe to change lanes includes a camera having a field of view such that the field of view corresponds to at least a portion of an area proximate the vehicle. The system also includes an object identifier electrically coupled to the camera, a distance determiner which determines a distance of the object which is in the field of the camera, and a display electrically coupled to the camera which displays an image generated by the camera and provides an indication of the type of object which is in the field of view of the camera and the distance of the object from the vehicle.

Abstract: Vehicle detector arrangement comprising at least one detector unit (8) comprising at least one sensor (47, 48, 49, 50), a transmission/reception unit (54), an energy supply unit and a control unit (51, 52, 53), whereby the energy supply unit comprises a solar cell module (3). The transmission/reception unit (54), the energy supply unit and the control unit (51, 52, 53) are accommodated in a housing (27, 28) and connected to the at least one detector unit (8), whereby the solar cell module (3) is secured to the outside of the housing (27, 28). As a result of what is thus autonomous functioning of the vehicle detector arrangement, it can be simply secured, for example, to a bridge (6), and complicated installation jobs for power supply and data transmission, for example to a traffic routing center, are avoided.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing traffic congestion is disclosed, wherein a video camera is used to scan license tags of vehicles transiting a particular roadway, preferably only during a time interval T2 during which it is desirable to use the motorway in order to alleviate congestion at another time T1. The scanned images are transmitted to a database to identify the vehicle owner. An appropriate reward may then be rewarded, such as a tax credit, to reward the motorist's behavior.

Abstract: When detecting an object in a given area, especially vehicles for the purposes of traffic control, there appear to be inaccuracies in the system based on measuring pulse propagation times. In order to avoid such inaccuracies, a sample of observed (measured) real values is compared with a gauging table having a sample of values stored therein, so that pulse propagation time measurements are no longer necessary.

Abstract: A toll collection system obtains the data showing that the vehicle enters into the entrance of a toll road and data obtained from the on board unit mounted on the vehicle as the entrance passing data and the data showing that the vehicle exits from the exit of the toll road and the data peculiar to the on board unit mounted on the vehicle obtained by wireless communication with the on board unit as the exit passing data. Furthermore, the system specifies the utilization by the vehicle basing upon the obtained exit passing data and the entrance passing data and also, obtains the data read out from the number plate provided on the vehicle and specifies the vehicle basing upon the data read out from the number plate, when the utilization by the vehicle cannot be specified.

Abstract: Collision avoidance apparatus (28, 30) is mounted on a host vehicle (20) to detect the presence of an adjacent vehicle (22) within a monitored zone (24, 26). A sensor module (30) includes a plurality of discrete sensor systems for monitoring unique portions of the monitored zone (24, 26), each of which comprises an emitter (52) emitting a fixed frequency modulated beam (58) of light energy (54) with a predetermined burst length into its unique portion of the monitored zone (24, 26), and a receiver (68) having a field of view (62), substantially aligned with emitted beam (58) to produce a fixed optical overlap area (A), and for sensing light energy (66) and generating a received signal. A frequency generator (48) produces two or more predetermined different fixed frequencies for use by the emitter (52) to emit beams (58) at each frequency. A phase shifter (70) produces a phase shifted reference signal with a different predetermined phase delay relationship to each fixed frequency.

Abstract: The computerized parking facility management system manages parking operations. The contour of each vehicle that enters the parking facility is captured and quantified as part of its identification. The comparison with subsequent contour measurements at designated locations allows the parking location of the vehicle to be determined. An alternate embodiment implements the Global Positioning System to determine parking location. Variable message displays provide ongoing information to motorists of available parking spaces. The system identifies the specific vehicle parked in any parking space. The system provides computer searching to locate vehicles within the parking facility. A vehicle theft deterrence component automatically notifies the vehicle owner, the police, parking facility operators and other appropriate persons. This invention also integrates with parking revenue operations.

Abstract: The present invention is a vehicle traffic measurement system designed to accurately count and record the number of vehicles passing through a selected location, to more accurately determine and record the velocity at which the individual vehicles travel through that location, and to accurately determine and record in which relative direction the vehicles are traveling as they pass that location. The basic physical principle is of a moving object interrupting two parallel light beams a known reference distance apart, and information extracted from the interruptions sensed and electronically processed into count, direction, and velocity being recorded for subsequent data analysis.

Abstract: A vehicle surroundings monitoring device capable of performing distance measurement as desired even in a short-distance range to provide unerring alarm information to a driver. The monitoring device for monitoring surroundings around a vehicle has a transmitting antenna provided in a door mirror assembly of the vehicle to radiate transmitted waves through a mirror surface of the door mirror, and a receiving antenna provided in the door mirror assembly to receive reflected waves from an object existing near the vehicle through the door mirror surface. The monitoring device also has a stray electric wave limiting member for reducing electric wave components straying from the transmitting antenna into the receiving antenna.

Abstract: An electronic system which facilitates active signs for car park management systems. There is a light sensitive sensor in each car space allowing a very simple circuit to distinguish whether a group of car spaces is full or has one or more vacant spaces available. There is not necessarily a need for a computer or even a microprocessor to ascertain the vacant or full state of a group of car spaces. This electronic system may directly switch devices accordingly.

Abstract: A vehicle-onboard DSRC (dedicated short-range communication) apparatus (10A) which can ensure suppression of communication error due to difference in type of motor vehicles. The apparatus includes an antenna (11) and a control unit (20) for receiving/transmitting information from/to an on-road transport managing equipment serving as an electronic toll collection system and installed in association with a road on which motor vehicles are to run, and a receiving sensitivity setting means (14A, 21 to 23, 30) for setting receiving sensitivity of the DSRC apparatus in an area for communication with the on-road transport managing equipment in dependence on vehicle type information indicative of type of the motor vehicle, wherein the receiving sensitivity setting means is so designed as to compensate for difference of electric field intensity of received radio signals due to different types of the motor vehicles with the receiving sensitivity.

Abstract: A non-imaging traffic sensing system (10) employs three separate detectors (D1-D3) each positioned above a roadway (R) and spatially separated along the roadway. The detectors detect light reflected off the roadway surface. Each detector has its own field of view (FOV) of the roadway surface and a separate footprint (F1-F3) is defined on the surface by intersection of the respective fields of view with the surface. A disturbance passing over the roadway changes the amount of reflected light sensed by the detectors and the detectors generate respective signals indicative of the amount of reflected light they receive. A first pair of the detectors (D1, D3) measure the speed of a passing disturbance. A second pair of the detectors (D1, D2) identify shadows so to eliminate their effects. The footprints defined by the fields of view of the second detector pair generally overlap. A processor (24) processes signals from the first detector pair to determine the speed of the disturbance.

Abstract: A system for optically detecting vehicles traveling a road having a plurality lanes. The system includes a gantry provided at the road so as to straddle the plurality lanes. There are a plurality of optical line sensors provided on the gantry, for obtaining linear images of a surface of the road. There are optical line sensors arranged in two rows and in a staggered pattern such that each has a view field overlapping the view field of either adjacent optical line sensor by the sum of half the view field and a width of a motor cycle, photoelectric sensor apparatus consisting of photo-projector elements and photo-detector elements and optical axes which are parallel to each other and are substantially located in the position of the view field of the optical line sensors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing timely and efficient notification of vehicle parking space availability and locations of vehicle parking spaces to motorists or other network users. Local detector devices sense the presence or absence of a vehicle in a particular parking space and communicate space identification and status information to a computer network. The parking space status information is integrated with electronic street maps of the area where the relevant spaces are located. Integrated maps containing space status identifiers are communicated to any number of networks.