Vehicle control apparatus

• US 20030167123A1
• Filed: 11/20/2002
• Published: 09/04/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 03/01/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
• Inventors: Mizuishi, Kenichi, Nakazawa, Terumi, Oouchi, Shirou
• Application Number:
  US10/299,687
• Publication Number:
  US 20030167123A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/301
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/166 for active traffic, e.g. moving vehicles, pedestrians, bikes

Abstract

A vehicle control apparatus is provided in which the use of a camera has enhanced the safety. A distance detecting sensor detects the distance between a vehicle, which is positioned ahead of a self-vehicle, and the self-vehicle. Also, the camera detects the vehicle positioned ahead of the self-vehicle. If the distance detecting sensor detects the ahead-positioned vehicle, a control unit utilizes the camera, thereby judging the state of rear lamps of the ahead-positioned vehicle. Then, if the control unit has detected a malfunction of the rear lamps of the ahead-positioned vehicle, the control unit, by a communications unit, communicates the malfunction to the driver of the ahead-positioned vehicle and/or to a public agency.

Claims

1. A vehicle control apparatus, comprising:

a distance detecting sensor for detecting a distance between a vehicle and a self-vehicle, said vehicle being positioned ahead of said self-vehicle,

a camera for detecting said vehicle, said vehicle being positioned ahead of said self-vehicle,

control means responsive to a detection of the ahead-positioned vehicle by said sensor for determining a state of a rear lamp of said ahead-positioned vehicle utilizing said camera, and

communications means responsive to a detection of a malfunction of said rear lamp of said ahead-positioned vehicle by said control means, for communicating said malfunction to a driver of said ahead-positioned vehicle and/or a public agency.

2. A vehicle control apparatus, comprising:

a camera for detecting a vehicle, said vehicle being positioned ahead of a self-vehicle, and

control means for issuing a warning by alarm means if said control means has detected hard brake information on said vehicle by utilizing a signal from said camera, said vehicle being positioned ahead of said self-vehicle.

3. A vehicle control apparatus, comprising:

a camera for detecting a vehicle, said vehicle being positioned ahead of a self-vehicle, and

control means for outputting an instruction of full-closing of a throttle valve and/or an instruction of automatic control over a brake if said control means has detected hard brake information on said vehicle by utilizing a signal from said camera, said vehicle being positioned ahead of said self-vehicle.