On automatic block and passing control system of automobile on multiple highway lanes

Automatic block and passing control systems using optical techniques for automobiles on multiple highway lanes are proposed and discussed. This system combines an optical lane-guidance system, optical lane-change guidance system and block control on the lane, optical pass-guidance system, car-to-car distance-monitoring system and follow-up control system as well as lane-merge control system. For the all the above sub-systems, optical laser scanning methods are introduced, discussed and illustrated. Hardware mechanization and a vehicle identification method using retro-reflectors are also proposed and discussed.