An imaging system for a vehicle includes an imaging device having a field of view exteriorly and forward of the vehicle in its direction of travel, and an image processor operable to process the captured images in accordance with an algorithm. The algorithm comprises a sign recognition routine and a character recognition routine. The image processor processes the image data captured by the imaging device to detect signs in the field of view of the imaging device and applies the sign recognition routine to determine a sign type of the detected sign. The image processor is operable to apply the character recognition routine to the image data to determine information on the detected sign. The image processor applies the character recognition routine to the captured images in response to an output of the sign recognition routine being indicative of the detected sign being a sign type of interest.

Imaging system for vehicle

An adaptive interface for a programmable system, for predicting a desired user function, based on user history, as well as machine internal status and context. The apparatus receives an input from the user and other data. A predicted input is presented for confirmation by the user, and the predictive mechanism is updated based on this feedback. Also provided is a pattern recognition system for a multimedia device, wherein a user input is matched to a video stream on a conceptual basis, allowing inexact programming of a multimedia device. The system analyzes a data stream for correspondence with a data pattern for processing and storage. The data stream is subjected to adaptive pattern recognition to extract features of interest to provide a highly compressed representation that may be efficiently processed to determine correspondence. Applications of the interface and system include a video cassette recorder (VCR), medical device, vehicle control system, audio device, environmental control system, securities trading terminal, and smart house. The system optionally includes an actuator for effecting the environment of operation, allowing closed-loop feedback operation and automated learning.

Adaptive pattern recognition based control system and method

GPS satellite (4) ranging signals (6) received (32) on comm1, and DGPS auxiliary range correction signals and pseudolite carrier phase ambiguity resolution signals (8) from a fixed known earth base station (10) received (34) on comm2, at one of a plurality of vehicles/aircraft/automobiles (2) are computer processed (36) to continuously determine the one's kinematic tracking position on a pathway (14) with centimeter accuracy. That GPS-based position is communicated with selected other status information to each other one of the plurality of vehicles (2), to the one station (10), and/or to one of a plurality of control centers (16), and the one vehicle receives therefrom each of the others' status information and kinematic tracking position. Objects (22) are detected from all directions (300) by multiple supplemental mechanisms, e.g., video (54), radar/lidar (56), laser and optical scanners. Data and information are computer processed and analyzed (50,52,200,452) in neural networks (132, FIGS. 6-8) in the one vehicle to identify, rank, and evaluate collision hazards/objects, an expert operating response to which is determined in a fuzzy logic associative memory (484) which generates control signals which actuate a plurality of control systems of the one vehicle in a coordinated manner to maneuver it laterally and longitudinally to avoid each collision hazard, or, for motor vehicles, when a collision is unavoidable, to minimize injury or damage therefrom. The operator is warned by a heads up display and other modes and may override. An automotive auto-pilot mode is provided.

GPS vehicle collision avoidance warning and control system and method

An imaging system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor and a control. The imaging sensor is operable to capture an image of a scene occurring exteriorly of the vehicle. The control receives the captured image, which comprises an image data set representative of the exterior scene. The control may apply an edge detection algorithm to a reduced image data set of the image data set. The reduced image data set is representative of a target zone of the captured image. The control may be operable to process the reduced image data set more than other image data, which are representative of areas of the captured image outside of the target zone, to detect objects present within the target zone. The imaging system may be associated with a side object detection system, a lane change assist system, a lane departure warning system and/or the like.

Object detection system for vehicle

A method and system of determining a cost of automobile insurance based upon monitoring, recording and communicating data representative of operator and vehicle driving characteristics. The cost is adjustable retrospectively and can be prospectively set by relating the driving characteristics to predetermined safety standards. The method comprises steps of monitoring a plurality of raw data elements representative of an operating state of the vehicle or an action of the operator. Selected ones of the raw data elements are recorded when the ones are determined to have an identified relationship to safety standards. The selected ones are consolidated for processing against an insurer profile and for identifying a surcharge or discount to be applied to a base cost of automobile insurance. A final cost is produced from the base costs and the surcharges or discounts.

Motor vehicle monitoring system for determining a cost of insurance

An apparatus and method for recording operational events in an automotive radar system (1). The invention provides an Event Recording Apparatus (ERA) (5) that records selectable vehicle performance, operational status, and/or environment information, including information useful for accident analysis and updated software for use by a system processor (22) capable of reading data from the ERA (5). The preferred embodiment of the ERA (5) comprises a non-volatile solid-state memory card (20), a memory card adapter (21) located in a vehicle, and a microprocessor (22), either as part of the memory card (20) or embedded in a system within the vehicle, for controlling the storage of data within the memory card (20).

Recording of operational events in an automotive vehicle

A method and apparatus for evaluating a driver's performance under actual real-time conditions to determine the driver's ability to safely operate a vehicle, utilizes the information that is gathered by a radar system (200, 210) and other sensors (4a), together with information previously stored in an event recording device (5). Conditions monitored are used to make a determination as to whether the driver is performing in conformity with normal driving standards and the driver's own past performance. The driver's performance is constantly monitored and compared to that driver's past performance to determine whether the driver's present performance is impaired, and if so, whether the impairment is detrimental to the driver's ability to safely operate the vehicle.

Method and apparatus for determining driver fitness in real time

A vehicular collision avoidance radar system using digital signal processing techniques including a transmit section (202) that generates a two channel transmit frequency. An antenna (210) both transmits the transmit signal and receives a reflected receive signal. A Schottky diode mixer (208) generates a difference signal having a frequency equal to the transmit frequency minus the receive frequency. A signal switch (304) in a front end electronics section (300) time demultiplexes and samples the channel 1 and channel 2 signals. The samples are coupled to a two-channel analog to digital (A/D) converter (310). A digital electronics section (500) receives the digital information and performs a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) on each channel of digital data to determine relative speed and range of a target based upon the frequency and the difference in phase of the two channels. The digital electronics section also receives information regarding the status of vehicle operation and/or controls to determine the degree of danger presented by an identified target.

Multi-frequency, multi-target vehicular radar system using digital signal processing

An interference avoidance system used in conjunction with a vehicular target detection system. The microwave transceiver section (102) of the vehicular target detection system, in which the present invention is incorporated, transmits and receives time-multiplexed microwave signals (104) having at least two channels (frequencies) spaced about 250 kHz apart. The time-multiplexed transmit signal is transmitted and strikes objects (targets) in the environment, and a portion of the transmit signal is reflected back to the antenna. A difference signal having a frequency equal to the difference between the frequency of the transmit and the received signal is generated, digitized, and a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is performed on the digitized difference signal. A microcontroller (106) analyzes the energy spectrum to determine whether there is interference present. If such interference is present, the microcontroller causes the transmit frequency to change until a frequency is found which is relatively free of the interference.

Interference avoidance system for vehicular radar system

Disclosed are devices, methods and systems for the measurement of fuel composition and the detection and measurement of phase separation in fuel storage tanks. An embodiment measures optical and/or electrical impedance spectral features of the fuel by a series of sensors placed at a series of heights within a fuel storage tank. Embodiments are disclosed to measure aspects of the water, ethanol and gasoline content as well as other constituents of a fuel mixture, as well as the onset of the two phase event and the completed extent of the water intrusion into the system in concert with the level at which the layers exist in a fuel container.

Van R. Malan

Papers

Recording of operational events in an automotive vehicle

Method and apparatus for determining driver fitness in real time

Multi-frequency, multi-target vehicular radar system using digital signal processing

Interference avoidance system for vehicular radar system

Devices, methods and systems for fuel monitoring