SSDD Research Corporation proposes the development of a new microcomputer controlled system incorporating novel and unique microelectronic devices, that will alert the driver of an automotive vehicle that another vehicle or large object in the forward path of the driver's vehicle poses a collision threat. It is important for the successsful marketing of this device to the public that the device be portable, easy-to-install, and free from false alarms. In order to achieve the desired characteristics, it is necessary to develop an electrically steerable phased-array antenna system, identify and develop new transceiver technolnology and develop the microcomputer software programming which will operate the system and alert the driver. Phase I of this research and development program focuses on the development of an electrically-steerable phased-array antenna. The key tasks associated with Phase I are: (I) the identification of the number of array elements required to achieve the desired degree of target identification, (II) which quency of operation will lead to the desired antenna size, (III) can the phased-array antenna be incorporated with other microelectronic components into one physical structure and, (IV) can the combined antenna system be manufactrued at low cost and exhibit high reliablity. The main anticipated results of this research program are two fold: 1. The cost and frequency of automobile accidents in American society, currently at $50 billion per annum, can be greatly reduced and the number of deaths from automobile can be reduced. 2. A consumer device incorporating the technology to be developed is expected to generate sales or at least $100 million per annum and lead to the development of a large and successful U.S. Company employing several thousand American citizens.
