Obstacle detection system for a vehicle

摘要

An obstacle detection system for a vehicle which is capable of detecting nearby and remote objects successfully by use of a combination of an electromagnetic wave sensors and ultrasonic wave sensors. The system of the present invention includes a plurality of ultrasonic wave sensors each transmitting an ultrasonic wave around the vehicle and receives a reflected wave thereof for detection of nearby obstacles around the vehicle, and an electromagnetic waver sensor which transmits an electromagnetic wave in a forward direction of the vehicle and receives a reflected electromagnetic wave thereof for detection of a remote obstacle. The system includes a vehicle speed sensor is provided for sensing a speed of the vehicle. A detection unit detects a presence of the nearby obstacle based upon the reflected ultrasonic wave when the vehicle speed equals to a predetermined reference speed or less, and detects a position of the remote obstacle relative to the vehicle only based upon the reflected electromagnetic wave when the vehicle speed exceeds the reference speed. The detection unit issues a nearby signal upon detection of the nearby obstacle and issues a remote signal when the position of the remote obstacle is within a predetermined long distance from the vehicle. A warning unit gives warnings respectively in response to the nearby and remote signals. <IMAGE>