Data processing: vehicles – navigation – and relative location – Vehicle control – guidance – operation – or indication – Vehicle subsystem or accessory control
Patent
1997-08-26
2000-01-04
Louis-Jacques, Jacques H.
Data processing: vehicles, navigation, and relative location
Vehicle control, guidance, operation, or indication
Vehicle subsystem or accessory control
701 36, 342 21, 342107, 340903, G06G 776, G06F 770
Patent
active
060120088
ABSTRACT:
A method and apparatus are described for predicting a crash and reacting thereto. Advantageously, the inventive apparatus is mounted on a vehicle and determines the time-to-impact for approaching obstacles that are within a limited distance from the host vehicle. The sensing distance from the vehicle is set by signal processing of reflected signals and rejection of all responses corresponding to a distance greater than the preset limiting value. The effect of the invention is the projection of a sensing envelope or barrier outwards from that portion of the vehicle provided with the invention. Intrusion into this envelope is sensed for appropriate action, so as to provide a warning of 10 to 40 milliseconds prior to a collision. The invention relies on time-of-flight measurement of preferably short infrared pulses to locate the obstacle. Multiple sensors are used to provide area coverage and to determine size and extent of the obstacle. For each sensor, an algorithm determines if the measured data indicates a collision. An additional algorithm is used to determine if the signals from all sensors collectively warrant a warning signal to vehicle safety systems. The system can be deployed in the front of the host vehicle for warning of frontal impact, and at the sides for warning of side impact. The system can also be used at the rear for backup obstacle warning. Advantageously, the systems for side, front and back are independent.
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