A synchronized target subsystem for use in an automated docking system for docking a chase vehicle with a target vehicle wherein the chase vehicle is provided with a video camera for feeding digitized frames to an image processing unit which controls a timing circuit. The timing circuit turns on the video camera to digitize a foreground frame and at the same time turns on a transmitter on the chase vehicle. A power generating antenna on the target vehicle receives the transmitted signal from the transmitter and actuates lights on the chase vehicle so that these lights appear in the foreground frame. After the foreground frame has been grabbed, the timing circuit turns the transmitter off and signals the video camera to digitize a background frame. The image processing unit subtracts the background frame from the foreground frame and provides a docking signal.

A display arrangement for depicting the level of danger associated with current driving conditions of a motor vehicle. A control unit processes the vehicle's speed and its distance from the vehicle in front and presents a green circular area if the speed and the distance from the vehicle in front are in the permitted, instantaneously safe range. If the vehicle speed exceeds the permitted speed by a first limit amount, or if the distance from the vehicle in front becomes smaller than the distance which the vehicle covers within a first prescribed time period, the display changes gradually from the circular shape, to an elongated area with a shape which extends more horizontally than vertically, and the color of the area shown changes from green to yellow. If the permitted speed is exceeded by a second limit amount, or the distance from the vehicle in front becomes smaller than the distance which the vehicle covers within a second prescribed time period (for example, one second), the display changes to a symbol containing cognitively striking warning information and at the same time the color of the symbol shown changes from yellow to red.

A synchronized target subsystem for use in an automated docking system for docking a chase vehicle with a target vehicle wherein the chase vehicle is provided with a video camera for feeding digitized frames to an image processing unit which feeds signals to a control circuit. The control circuit turns on the video camera to digitize a background frame which will include the target vehicle. After the camera grabs the background frame the control circuit turns on a light, which is carried by carried on the chase vehicle and aimed at the target vehicle, and signals the video camera to digitize a foreground frame. A light sensing circuit on the target vehicle receives the light from the chase vehicle and connects a power supply to lights on the target vehicle such that when the foreground frame is digitized the Lights on the target vehicle will show in the foreground frame. The image processing unit subtracts the background frame from the foreground frame and provides a docking signal.

A tachyometric display for automotive engines comprising a display head defining a circular display field. The field comprises a plurality of concentric circular bands having a quiescent state in which all of the bands are of the same illumination level and/or color. An engine speed signal is connected through a logic circuit to change the illumination level and/or color of the bands to show speed increases. A conventional needle type speedometer indicator is combined with the display head and suitable indicia are superimposed on the display field.

A system provides guidance to a vehicle on an approach to a position. A guidance transmitter stationed at the position includes light sources arranged in an array and a controller coupled to the light sources. The array defines a primary field-of-view (FOV) from which all light sources are visible. The light sources are divided into a plurality of sections with each section having a portion of the light sources associated therewith. Operation of each section of light sources is governed by the controller in accordance with unique cyclical on/off sequences. A primary waveform of light energy is defined by a composite of the cyclical on/off sequences visible from within the primary FOV. A plurality of secondary waveforms of light energy are defined by the cyclical on/off sequences visible from positions outside of the primary FOV. A guidance receiver mounted on a vehicle traveling towards the position of the guidance transmitter includes (i) sensor(s) for sensing light energy generated by those light sources visible thereto, (ii) a database for storing calibration waveforms indicative of corresponding guidance correction signals, and (iii) a processor for determining which one of the calibration waveforms matches or is closest to the sensed one of the primary waveform and secondary waveforms. The guidance correction signal associated with the matching calibration waveform can be used to control navigation of the vehicle.