U.S. patent application number 09/391793 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-16 for radar/laser detection device with multi-sensing and reporting capability.
Invention is credited to HSU, GEORGE, OH, CHUNG-A BECKY, SHERER, CHRISTINE ANNETTE.
Application Number | 20010013835 09/391793 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23547981 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010013835 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HSU, GEORGE ; et
al. |
August 16, 2001 |
RADAR/LASER DETECTION DEVICE WITH MULTI-SENSING AND REPORTING
CAPABILITY
Abstract
A combination radar/laser detector with environmental sensors is
programmed to provide a range of functions, including weather
information, road conditions and the like, and in some cases to
incorporate road-specific information in functionality. The
road-specific information may be provided by roadside RF broadcast
terminals. In a preferred embodiment the system monitors
characteristics that indicate a driver's state of awareness, and
audio alerts are provides when the system determines a driver is
dozing or drifting toward a dozing state. In various embodiments a
broad range of functionality is provided based on received and
sensed parameters.
Inventors: |
HSU, GEORGE; (SANTA ROSA,
CA) ; OH, CHUNG-A BECKY; (SANTA ROSA, CA) ;
SHERER, CHRISTINE ANNETTE; (SANTA ROSA, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CENTRAL COAST PATENT AGENCY
PO BOX 187
AROMAS
CA
95004
US
|
Family ID: |
23547981 |
Appl. No.: |
09/391793 |
Filed: |
September 8, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/905 ;
340/540; 342/54; 356/3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60Q 1/52 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/905 ;
340/540; 359/109; 356/3; 342/54 |
International
Class: |
G08G 001/09 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A detection and reporting system for a vehicle, comprising: one
or both of a radar and a laser detector for sensing radar or laser
signals directed on the vehicle to track vehicle speed; one or more
environmental sensors mounted on or in the vehicle for sensing
environmental characteristics; a microcontroller for managing
system functions; an electronic memory for storing data,
algorithms, and operating routines; and a display for reporting
system results to a user; wherein the system monitors input from
one or both of the radar and laser detector and from at least one
environmental sensor, and uses the input in conjunction with system
control routines to provide reports to the user via the
display.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the one or more environmental
sensors include sensors for one or more of inside temperature,
outside temperature, acceleration/deceleration, wind velocity, wind
direction, air pressure, humidity, or the Earth's magnetic
field.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the one or more environmental
sensors wherein one of the sensors is a magnetometer for sensing
the Earth's magnetic field, and the system comprises circuitry and
software enabling the microprocessor to cause to be displayed on
the display at the user's choice, vehicle compass direction derived
from readings from the magnetometer as well as detection of either
radar or laser signals directed onto the vehicle.
4. The system of claim 1 further comprising an interactive user
interface enabling the user to at least select alternative
functions for the system.
5. The system of claim 1 further comprising an RF receiver enabled
to receive and decode data transmitted from extra-vehicular
sources.
6. The system of claim 5 further comprising one or more roadside RF
transmitters transmitting data and messages to the RF receiver in
the vehicle.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein messages transmitted by roadside
transmitters include data on road characteristics to be soon
encountered by the vehicle.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein the road characteristics include
one or more of curve characteristics for the roadway and incline
characteristics for the roadway.
9. The system of claim 2 wherein the user is a driver of the
vehicle, and further comprising an audio system and doze-alert
software executed in the background at times the vehicle is in
motion, the system, via the doze-alert software, gathering sensor
data and processing same, and comparing with stored data to make a
determination as to the driver's state of awareness, and, in the
event of determining the may doze or is dozing, sounding an audible
warning alert to the driver.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein the doze-alert software operates
on an escalating scheme, wherein separate determinations are made
based on sensor inputs as to a level of danger, and separate alerts
are made, each one more urgent than the last as determined danger
increases.
11. A method for alerting a driver of a vehicle to impending danger
occasioned by the driver's level of awareness, comprising steps of:
(a) determining vehicle characteristics that evidence lack of
driver awareness; (b) providing sensors in the vehicle enabled to
monitor the vehicle characteristics; (c) programming an electronic
warning system to store characteristics as a standard that
indicates lack of awareness, and to compare real-time
characteristics to the stored standard; and (d) comparing real-time
vehicle characteristics with the stored standard and sounding an
alert for the driver if a match is found.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein, in step (b) patterns of
movement of the vehicle's steering mechanisms are monitored, and in
step (c) real-time movement of steering mechanisms are compared
with the standard.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein, in step (c) the programming
stores plural standards indicating different levels of awareness,
and in step (d) escalating alerts are sounded.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is in the field of radar detection
devices and pertains more particularly to methods and apparatus for
providing and integrating multi-sensor capability into a radar
detection platform and apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] One of the most popular electronic early-warning devices
available to motorists is the radar-detection device. A
radar-detection device senses radar signals emitted by radar guns
used by various law-enforcement agencies to sense and gage the
speed of passing motor vehicles. The range of a typical
radar-sensing device exceeds that of most radar guns, thus
providing an early warning to motorists of the radar presence. This
gives a speeding motorist typically ample time to slow a vehicle
before entering the range of a radar site.
[0003] Aside from radar detection, there are a variety of other
sensing technologies that may be used to provide a motorist with
information that relates to safety in operating a vehicle, or other
warning data of impending hazards or conditions which may affect
the immediate roadway or a stretch of roadway some distance ahead
of the motorist.
[0004] While many types of vehicle sensors have been developed,
they are available in the art in a somewhat limited fashion. The
systems are generally singular in the technologies used and in
implementation parameters. That is to say that most vehicular
sensing systems are standalone systems such as a radar
proximity-sensing system that is implemented separately from other
types of systems such as, perhaps, a compass navigational system.
Therefore, a motorist that whishes to benefit by virtue of having
his or her vehicle equipped with multi-sensing capability must do
so at considerable expense, purchasing and installing plural
devices.
[0005] What is clearly needed is a method and apparatus for
integrating various sensor capabilities into one unit thereby
providing a platform capable of supporting the various
technologies. Such a system would be less expensive to deploy, and
more convenient to operate than multiple separate systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In a preferred embodiment of the invention a detection and
reporting system for a vehicle is provided, comprising one or both
of a radar and a laser detector for sensing radar or laser signals
directed on the vehicle to track vehicle speed; one or more
environmental sensors mounted on or in the vehicle for sensing
environmental characteristics; a microcontroller for managing
system functions; an electronic memory for storing data,
algorithms, and operating routines; and a display for reporting
system results to a user. The system monitors input from one or
both of the radar and laser detector and from at least one
environmental sensor, and uses the input in conjunction with system
control routines to provide reports to the user via the
display.
[0007] In alternative embodiments of the invention the one or more
environmental sensors include sensors for one or more of inside
temperature, outside temperature, acceleration/deceleration, wind
velocity, wind direction, air pressure, humidity, or the Earth's
magnetic field. There is also, in a preferred embodiment a
magnetometer for sensing the Earth's magnetic field, and the system
comprises circuitry and software enabling the microprocessor to
cause to be displayed on the display at the user's choice, vehicle
compass direction derived from readings from the magnetometer as
well as detection of either radar or laser signals directed onto
the vehicle.
[0008] Also in preferred embodiments there is an interactive user
interface enabling the user to at least select alternative
functions for the system. There may also be an RF receiver enabled
to receive and decode data transmitted from extra-vehicular
sources, which may be one or more roadside RF transmitters
transmitting data and messages to the RF receiver in the vehicle.
The messages transmitted by roadside transmitters may include data
on road characteristics to be soon encountered by the vehicle, such
as curve characteristics for the roadway and incline
characteristics for the roadway.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the user is a
driver of the vehicle, and the system further comprises an audio
system and doze-alert software executed in the background at times
the vehicle is in motion, the system, via the doze-alert software,
gathering sensor data and processing same, and comparing with
stored data to make a determination as to the driver's state of
awareness, and, in the event of determining the may doze or is
dozing, sounding an audible warning alert to the driver. The
doze-alert software in one embodiment operates on an escalating
scheme, wherein separate determinations are made based on sensor
inputs as to a level of danger, and separate alerts are made, each
one more urgent than the last as determined danger increases.
[0010] In another aspect of the invention a method for alerting a
driver of a vehicle to impending danger occasioned by the driver's
level of awareness is provided, comprising steps of (a) determining
vehicle characteristics that evidence lack of driver awareness; (b)
providing sensors in the vehicle enabled to monitor the vehicle
characteristics; (c) programming an electronic warning system to
store characteristics as a standard that indicates lack of
awareness, and to compare real-time characteristics to the stored
standard; and (d) comparing real-time vehicle characteristics with
the stored standard and sounding an alert for the driver if a match
is found. In one embodiment in step (b) patterns of movement of the
vehicle's steering mechanisms are monitored, and in step (c)
real-time movement of steering mechanisms are compared with the
standard. The program in other embodiments may store plural
standards indicating different levels of awareness, and in step (d)
escalating alerts are sounded.
[0011] In the various embodiments of the invention, several of
which are taught in enabling detail below, for the first time a
combination instrument is provided combining the well-known
functions of a radar detector or a laser detector with other
sensors, with the instrument programmed to use sensed and received
information to provide a broad range of functions beyond simple
radar or laser detection.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a passenger vehicle equipped
with a multi-sensing detection system according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating internal circuitry of
the detection system of FIG. 1, and interaction paths with external
components according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of internal circuitry of the
detection system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is an exemplary user-display interface of the
multi-sensing detection system of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] A multi-sensing detection system is provided in various
embodiments of the present invention for the purpose of allowing
many separate sensor functions to be economically incorporated into
one unit that may be programmed and operated by a single
microprocessor and use a single integrated display for a user
interface. The methods and apparatus of the present invention are
taught in enabling detail in various embodiments below.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle 9 equipped with a
multi-sensing detection system according to an embodiment of the
present invention. Vehicle 9 has a multi-sensing detection system
comprising at least a radar/laser detector unit 11, a radar/laser
sensor 13, and an external sensor packet 15. Radar/Laser detector
11 is adapted for standard early warning detection of radar and/or
laser-emitted signals used by such as law enforcement traffic
officers to gauge and determine the speed of passing motor
vehicles. Detector unit 11 may be mounted to any convenient
location in vehicle 9 that is accessible to a user, such as the
traditional dash-mount position as illustrated herein.
[0018] Detector unit 11 has a radar/laser sensor 13 attatched
thereto by a connecting cable. This illustration is to better
describe the architecture of the apparatus, as the sensor(s) are in
many cases included in detector unit 11. Radar/laser sensor 13 is
adapted to sense and report radar/laser signals emanating from such
as radar and laser guns used by law enforcement officers and the
like, reporting the information in the form of an early warning to
detector unit 11. In another embodiment sensor 13 may be enhanced
for communication to detector 11 via RF signal or other wireless
link. However, in this example sensor 13 communicates to detector
11 via cable connection. Sensor 13 may be mounted to the top of the
dashboard of vehicle 9, or in any other convenient and operable
position.
[0019] Sensor 13 may be adapted to detect radar signals, laser
signals, or both. In some cases, there will be two separate sensors
13, one for radar, and one for laser, because radar signals are
typically detected by a horn, and laser signals by a
light-sensitive diode. In this embodiment, one sensor 13 is adapted
to detect both a radar presence and a laser presence by including
both types of sensors elements in the single sensor. The
radar/laser detection function of detector 11 and sensor 13 is
generally known in the art, therefore specific details regarding
such known technology is not reproduced here, accept that in some
embodiments, RF communication is used between sensor 13 and
detector 11 instead of a connecting cable.
[0020] In addition to being adapted for standard radar and/or laser
detection, detector 11 is also uniquely adapted to perform many
more sensor-related operations in conjunction with and in addition
to the radar/laser functions. A unique sensor packet 15 is provided
and adapted to house various external sensors (external from
detector 11 and, in this case external to vehicle 9) that may be
desired and included in the overall capabilities of the
multi-sensing and detection system of the present invention. Sensor
packet is, in this embodiment, a self-powered unit that
communicates with detector 11 via RF signaling. However, in another
embodiment, a power cable may be used to connect sensor packet 15
with a power source such as the electrical system of vehicle 9,
batteries included with detector 11, or another provided power
source.
[0021] Sensor packet 15 is illustrated in this example as mounted
on a top surface of vehicle 9. However any convenient mounting
location may be used as long as the included sensors can
successfully operate from the chosen location.
[0022] A variety of sensors may be provided and housed in sensor
packet 15 and detector 11. These may include, but are not limited
to, an electronic compass circuitry, a temperature sensor, a wind
shear sensor, an altimeter, and so on. The nature of each included
sensor provided in packet 15 is considered in deciding on an
optimal mounting location. For example, if a temperature sensor
were to be included in packet 15, then it would be mounted to a
location where additional heat from, for example, the engine
compartment of vehicle 9 would not affect it's readings. Therefore,
only external sensors that can successfully co-habitate in one
mounting location would be included in packet 15.
[0023] In one embodiment, additional external sensors not included
in packet 15 may be mounted at other locations on vehicle 9 and
tethered to detector 11 (or be mounted in detector 11) via control
lines routed through the interior of the vehicle. This circumstance
is illustrated herein by element number 19 which is a blind spot
sensor, and element number 17, which is an interior temperature
sensor.
[0024] Blind spot sensor 19 is tethered to detector 11 by a control
line 21. Sensor 19 is mounted to the rear quarter panel of vehicle
9 for the purpose of sensing any other vehicles that invade the
driver's "blind area" of vision. A duplicate of sensor 19 and
control line 21 would be mounted on the opposite side of vehicle 9
to cover the opposing blind spot.
[0025] There are a variety of known technologies used with blind
spot sensors such as sensor 19. A common one is laser technology.
Vehicle 9 may have existing sensor systems such as blind spot
system 19 already installed before enhancement with the apparatus
of the present invention. It is the intent of the inventors that
such existing systems may, if desired, be integrated with detector
11 such that their pre-existing control means may be by-passed and
replaced with control means provided by detector 11. In some cases,
pre-existing control means may also be left intact such that either
detector 11, or the original control means may operate the system.
In this way, a pre-existing sensor system such as system 19 may
still be operated when detector 11 is powered off.
[0026] Temperature sensor 17 is illustrated as installed in the
door jam area of the passenger door of vehicle 9. Sensor 17 is
tethered to detector 11 by a control line 23. Temperature sensor
17, as with sensor 19, may be a preexisting system modified for
interface with detector 11, or provided as an additional external
sensor included with the multi-sensing and detection system of the
present invention. There are many possible combinations of sensor
capability that may be customized into the system of the present
invention.
[0027] In addition to external sensors such as those included in
packet 15, sensors may also be provided internally within the
circuitry of detector 11. These sensors may include, but are not
limited to an electronic compass, an altimeter, an accelerometer,
an interior temperature sensor, an interior air quality sensor, and
so on. Many types of sensors may be provided equally well as
internal or external sensors. Some sensors however must be mounted
externally such as wind shear or wind speed sensors.
[0028] In one embodiment, sensors may be standard and included with
each multi-detection system of the present invention. In another
embodiment, sensor capability may be customized for each desired
implementation. In the latter case, a service may be provided to
upgrade the system of the present invention to alter existing, or
add new sensor capabilities. For example, commercial systems may be
provided for the trucking industry. Recreational systems may be
provided for four-wheel drive enthusiasts. There are many such
possibilities.
[0029] It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that a
multi-sensing and detection system such as the one described above
may be provided having various sensor capability without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example,
sensor capability for a standard passenger vehicle may differ by
design than the sensor capability for a commercial vehicle.
[0030] It will also be apparent to one with skill in the art that
actual sensors incorporated into any one sensor system may vary
according to planned implementation and use of such a system. For
example, a cab driver may not need a compass function whereas an
off-road enthusiast frequenting unmapped backcountry roads would
benefit from a compass function.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating internal circuitry of
detector unit 11 and its interaction paths with external components
according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detector unit
11 is, as described above, is a dash-mounted device adapted
principally as a radar and/or laser detector, and additionally
enhanced as a multi-sensing and reporting unit. The multi-sensing
enhancements may, in some embodiments, be added to existing
radar/laser sensor systems with some modification, or they may be
provided as features with new RD/LD systems.
[0032] Detector unit 11 is a computerized device capable of
performing several dedicated and combined sensing/reporting
functions by virtue of sensors incorporated and integrated with the
provided circuitry illustrated herein.
[0033] Detector 11 in the embodiment shown has a microprocessor 35
adapted to manage and control various sensors and sensor reporting
capabilities performed, as well as to manage functions of the
principal radar/laser detection system. Microprocessor 35 is
connected to a communication bus structure 27 for the purpose of
communicating with other digital components that are part of or
connected to detector 11. A memory module 37 is provided and
contains the amount and type of memory required for performing
intended functions such as storing code, caching sensor data,
storing processing routines, and so on. Any suitable mix of
volatile and non-volatile memory such as a RAM/ROM combination
including Flash RAM may be used as needed to implement and maintain
operational integrity of detector 11.
[0034] Memory module 37 may be part of processor 35 and
incorporated therein as one component, or it may be held separately
such as a removable type of memory, several types of which are
known in the art.
[0035] A display module 29 is provided and connected to processor
35. Module 29 contains all of the required circuitry adapted to
allow data received from various sensors to be displayed on a
suitable visual display means provided on the face of detector 11,
which is visible to a user operating the device. In a preferred
embodiment display 29 comprises an LCD display and the necessary
circuitry to operate same.
[0036] Detector 11 has a capability of obtaining and disseminating
information derived from any internal and/or external sensors,
after processing by controller 35 using suitable driver and
translation algorithms. An optional internal sensor packet 33 is
provided and connected to bus structure 27. Sensor packet 33
contains all of the required circuitry and components needed to
facilitate any desired internal sensor devices that are built into
detector 11. Internal sensors that may be built in to detector 11
may include but are not limited to an altimeter, a magnetometer
(compass), an accelerometer, an internal temperature sensor, and so
on.
[0037] Provision of an internal sensor packet such as packet 33
exemplifies only one embodiment of the present invention wherein a
specific sensor capability is optionally provided and internalized
within detector 11. Such provision should not be construed as a
limitation due to the fact that any of the above-described sensors
may be provided externally as well.
[0038] An RF receiver/transmitter 31 is provided and connected to
bus structure 27. RF receiver/transmitter 31 and is adapted to
receive RF signals from and to send RF signals to a similar RF
receiver/transmitter such as one provided in sensor packet 15 of
FIG. 1. Circuitry for sensor packet 15 of FIG. 1 is not illustrated
in this example, but will be detailed further below.
[0039] RF receiver/transmitter 31 has an RF converter/adapter
(known in the art) incorporated therein for converting RF analog
data into digital data for enabling transmission over bus structure
27. Similarly, digital data is converted to RF analog for RF
transmission to external components such as sensor packet 15. RF
receiver/transmitter 31 also receives signals from certain
broadcast warning beacons represented herein by element number 49.
Warning beacons 49 represent any RF signals that may be broadcast
from construction sites on roadways, observation posts, special
radio broadcast stations, and other sources. Warning beacons 49 may
include weather information, road conditions ahead, alerts of heavy
traffic, or any other conceivable warning or alert information that
may be useful to a motorist.
[0040] Many existing RD/LD systems have RF capability for receiving
such warning signals. One object of the present invention is to
provide enhancement to such RF warnings by utilizing added sensor
capability. For example, if a warning is received over an RF
frequency reporting such as a slick road advisory, additional
temperature and altimeter information may aid a motorist in better
identifying the more dangerous sections of the roadway in
question.
[0041] An optional radar/laser detection module 41 is provided and
connected to bus structure 27. Module 41 contains all of the
circuitry required for receiving and communicating serial data
received from a tethered radar/laser sensor such as radar/laser
sensor 13. In an embodiment wherein a radar/laser sensor such as
sensor 13 is physically connected to detector 11 by a control line,
then module 41 would receive the data directly through the control
line as illustrated by the solid directional arrow. In this case RF
communication would not be used for transmitting radar and laser
gun data. Actual radar/laser detection circuitry may be held in
sensor 13, module 41, or both. The primary function of module 41 in
this example is to receive and communicate sensor data over bus
27.
[0042] In an embodiment wherein radar and laser detection functions
are enhanced with RF communication capability, sensor 13, which may
be a radar detection gun, a laser detection gun, or a dual function
(radar and laser) gun, communicates via RF signal instead of data
control line. In this circumstance module 41 would not be required.
Radar and laser data would instead be received by
receiver/transmitter 31 from a similar module (not shown) that
would be provided in sensor 13. Any externally mounted sensors,
such as the blind spot sensor of FIG. 1, that use radar or laser
technologies may also use module 41 as an interface to detector 11.
Alternatively, external sensors that communicate via control line
may have a separate module or modules provided and assigned to
them.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, more
than one separate RF frequency is used to transmit data to detector
11 from a variety of possible sources. For example, sensor packet
15 of FIG. 1 may send data over more than one frequency. Warning
beacons may transmit at still other frequencies. Still further,
control frequencies, which represent the frequencies used to send
command data to such as sensor packet 15 may be different than
frequencies used to receive data. Microprocessor 35, in conjunction
with memory 37 uses software-filtering routines for digital
identification of data that is transmitted by different
frequencies.
[0044] Detector 11 may be connected to an external power source as
illustrated by directional arrow 39, which represents a connection
to a power source such as a car battery. In another embodiment
detector 11 may be self-powered such as by battery or other
portable power cell.
[0045] In a preferred embodiment microprocessor is capable of
processing combined sensor data received from more than one type of
sensor in order to obtain a useable result representing a condition
or state that is presentable to a user. For example, by combining
available sensor data such as altitude, temperature, and barometric
pressure, a motorist may predict a probability of ice danger on the
roadway. If wind shear information is then incorporated into the
result, an accurate prediction may be made that advises the
motorist to pull over because of the high probability of danger
according to the combined readings. Such functions are by
algorithms and software stored in memory 37 and executed in
controller 35. A threshold state representing the combined result
could be saved in memory and compared to subsequent readings taken
such as the next time the motorist travels the same route. If the
subsequent readings approach the readings used to calculate the
danger threshold (probable ice and strong cross-winds), then an
audible alert may take over advising the motorist to pull over.
[0046] In addition to combining sensor data to produce safety
warnings, known data may be incorporated into calculations
performed by microprocessor 35. For example, a known grade of a
particular roadway portion may be entered into the system of the
present invention and be recalled to use in the calculation of
sensor readings on that same stretch of roadway. Such information
may be provided by RF signal from roadside sources for example.
Other known data that may be entered into the system and
incorporated into data calculation may include such as vehicle
weight, center of gravity of the vehicle, known bank angles of
specified turns in a roadway, and so on.
[0047] It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that a
multi-sensing system such as the one described above may be used to
combine specific real-time sensor readings, and incorporate known
input data along with broadcast RF data such as from warning
beacons and roadside sources, in order to calculate a presentable
result that will represent an enhanced advisory that is not
available from any single source. Only design and intent with
regard to the capability of microprocessor 35 limits the level of
complexity achievable in calculating and presenting safety advisory
data based on combined input.
[0048] To illustrate a further example of the above capability, a
trucker operating a commercial rig may use the multi-sensing and
detection system of the present invention to provide speed
advisories when negotiating known turns in a specific roadway.
Known parameters such as the weight and center of gravity of the
rig, the weight of the load that is being transported, and the
specific parameters of a given turn may be input into the system as
constants for the particular rig and used for this purpose. Such a
speed-advisory may be further enhanced by incorporating real-time
sensor data into the above parameters such as perhaps, wind speed
and direction. If the recommended maximum speed calculated for a
particular turn is 30 mph for the particular rig and load
parameters, then the sensed presence of a 40-mph cross wind before
the driver enters the turn may cause the recommended speed to be
reduced by 10 mph.
[0049] If a particular route is well known, a speed advisory may be
calculated for each questionable or difficult turn along the route.
The operator of the rig may activate the calculation and sensors at
any convenient point before entering a defined turn such as at a
prior straightaway. Multiple turns on a given route could be
serially numbered so that the driver does not activate the wrong
parameters for a turn. In one embodiment, such a capability may be
used in conjunction with an existing electronic map service and
apparatus (known in the art) and automated such that each parameter
set associated with a turn is coordinated to the mapped route so
that there is no error in identification of parameters to a given
turn.
[0050] Sensor packet 15 is, in one embodiment, a self-powered unit
as was previously described with reference to FIG. 1. Therefore,
sensor packet 15 has the capability of remote communication with
detector 11. In an embodiment wherein the form of communication is
RF wireless, and there is no physical control line or power line
provided, then certain circuitry is required in packet 15 for
enabling remote RF communication and operation. Such circuitry is
detailed below.
[0051] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the internal circuitry of
sensor packet 15 of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the
present invention. Packet 15 is, in this embodiment, a remote
sensor module. An RF receiver/transmitter 51 is provided and
adapted to enable RF communication with RF module 31 of FIG. 2.
Module 51 may be self powered such that it is always held in an on
state, but in a power-saving sleep mode. Module 51 may, in this
embodiment, receive command data from detector 11, which provides
instruction to packet 15 to direct it's operation and to power the
remainder of the packet on or off. In this embodiment,
bi-directional arrows illustrate the nature of RF communication
between module 51 in sensor packet 15 and module 31 of detector 11
(FIG. 2).
[0052] An off/on power switch 53 is provided and adapted to select
a power state for sensor 15 by affecting a self-contained primary
power source 55. Switch 53 receives command from detector 11
through the receiver portion of module 51 as illustrated by
connection thereto. If sensor packet 15 is in an idle or power off
state, then an RF signal may be sent by detector 11 that activates
power source 55 thereby booting up sensor packet 15.
[0053] Power source 55 may be a re-chargeable power cell or a
battery that may be connected to or disconnected from packet 15 by
switch 53 as illustrated by order of connection. Power source 55 is
connected to a communication bus structure provided and adapted to
manage communication to and from other components in packet 15.
Such integral components include a micro controller 59, which is
connected to bus 57 and adapted to manage the operations of packet
15 according to user instruction.
[0054] Controller 51 is adapted to manage communication between
various included electronic sensors such as illustrated sensors 47,
which are also shown connected to bus 57. Included in sensors 47
are, for example, an electronic compass, an electronic temperature
sensor, an electronic wind-shear sensor, and an electronic
altimeter. Sensors 47 may be varied in type and number according to
alternative embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope
of the present invention. The inventor intends only that sensors 47
as illustrated herein are exemplary of an optional combination of
sensors that may be included in packet 15.
[0055] All sensors 47 are connected to bus structure 57 trough
suitable I/O circuitry. Therefore, sensors 47 may be controlled to
operate individually, in combination, or in concert (all sensors).
A timer function 61 is provided and adapted to apply an automated
time function to sensor operation according to user direction. For
example, sensors 47 may be timed to sense and report periodically,
such as on the hour, half-hour, every 15 minutes, etc. Moreover,
sensors 47 may be timed to execute and report independently from
each other. For example, wind shear may be measured every 5 minutes
while temperature is measured on the hour and so on.
[0056] Sensors 47 maintain their functional apparatus (not
detailed) on the appropriate surface faces of sensor packet 15 if
required of the particular sensor. For example, a wind shear or
speed sensor would need direct interface with the wind and would
therefore have the appropriate sensor interface. In contrast, an
altimeter may be internally housed and would not need such surface
exposure. Sensor architecture related to surface interfaces and the
like is not illustrated herein, as it is generally known in the
art.
[0057] In practice, a user operating detector 11 from inside
vehicle 9 (FIG. 1) would access packet 15 via remoter RF signal.
Presumably, a first transmission would be initiated to power sensor
packet 15 to an on state. Subsequent control transmissions would be
initiated to set-up desired operations and report sequences. As
sensors 47 perform their stated functions, RF data is created and
transmitted back to detector 11 via module 51. Module 51 has the
same RF/digital and digital/RF adapter capabilities as described
with module 31 of FIG. 2.
[0058] In the embodiment represented herein, sensor packet 15 is a
remote device that is a complimentary device to detector unit 11
represented in FIG. 2. This example is that of a completely remote
communication scenario wherein RF communication is used for sending
control data and receiving sensor result data. This circumstance is
not specifically required to practice the present invention,
rather, it is represented as a preferred embodiment. In another
embodiment, a physical control line may connect packet 15 to
detector 11 such that all control data is sent to packet 15 via the
control line. In this case, the control line may also provided
power to packet 15. Also in this case, some sensor data may be sent
back over the control line instead of via RF. In still another
embodiment, another form of wireless remote communication may be
used instead of RF communication. Infrared technology would be one
such application among other possibilities. Therefore, the
circuitry represented herein is only exemplary of one particular
embodiment of many possible alternate embodiments.
[0059] It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that sensor
packet 15 is not limited to the sensor capability illustrated
herein. In one embodiment laser or radar sensing may be included in
packet 15 instead of being provided separately as illustrated in
FIG. 1. It is primarily due to economic practicability that some
sensing function is maintained by physical control lines rather
than RF transmission capability. One such example would be an
interior temperature gauge such as gauge 17 described in FIG. 1.
Another would be a blind spot sensor system using such as sensor 19
also described in FIG. 1.
[0060] In order to provide a convenient means of interface between
a user and the multi-sensing and reporting system of the present
invention, detector 11 is provided with an exemplary user-interface
panel installed on it's user-facing surface. Such a user interface
will be detailed below.
[0061] FIG. 4 is an exemplary user-display interface for detector
11 of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Detector 11 has a display window 63 (LCD) adapted for displaying
such as sensor readings, alerts and other indicia, and also has an
array of user-operable control buttons for selecting
functionality.
[0062] A power button 73 is provided and adapted to allow powering
on of detector 11 and sensor packet 15 in some embodiments. For
example, one power button such as button 73 may power up unit 11
and transmit the required command to power up such as sensor packet
15 of FIG. 1, so both power up in tandem. In another embodiment,
unit 11 may be automatically powered on such as when the vehicle is
started. There are many alternative possibilities.
[0063] Display window 63 is, in a preferred embodiment, a liquid
crystal display (LCD) display. Display window 63 may also be of any
other suitable type of known display technology such as light
emitting diode (LED) type display. Window 63 is adapted to display
any results obtained and reported by the system of the present
invention. Window 63 also displays resident types of information
such as the time or data represented by element number 77, and any
display parameters associated with routine operation such as
current RF frequency indicators and sensor interval readings
represented by element number 75.
[0064] An enter button 65 is provided and adapted to allow a user
to enter information into detector 11 such as information needed to
"train" the system to a particular vehicle's parameters or other
user applied data. Other known data or user-applied data of the
type previously described in this specification includes such as
inclination data for a particular stretch of roadway, roadway curve
parameters, and so on. User applied data may be entered in any
number of several ways. For example, a small keyboard (not shown)
may be provided for the purpose of typing in certain parameters to
the system, and there would be a connector for the keyboard.
Limited audio input capability may also be used if a microphone and
appropriate audio circuitry is included. In one embodiment, options
representing user-data sets are already stored in such as memory 37
of FIG. 2 and are displayable and accessible through window 63.
[0065] Enter button 65 may also be used in conjunction with other
buttons provided such as a select button 69, which is adapted to
allow a user to highlight options presented in display window 63.
For example, by selecting and then entering an available option
presented in display window 63, a user may effect the command
associated with the chosen option. Enter button 65 may also be used
to store certain mode combinations into memory such that it is the
first presented mode when the system is powered off and then back
on again.
[0066] A mode button 67 is provided and adapted to allow a user to
call up to display window 63 the various modes or options
associated with basic operation of the system. The system of the
present invention is not limited to any particular mode or
combination of modes. Listed in window 63 are radar/laser mode,
compass mode, dual mode (compass and radar/laser), sensor mode
(specific sensor), and self-test. For example, radar/laser mode
allows operation to sense radar and or laser only. Compass mode
allows only compass operation. Dual mode allows both radar/laser
and compass operation simultaneously. Sensor mode may be used to
operate only a specific sensor, or a specific combination of
sensors, and to display results based on processed sensor readings.
The self-test mode puts the system through a series of
pre-operative tests. The self-test mode may be programmed to start
automatically when detector 11 is powered on. Select button 69 may
be used to select the mode options listed above, and enter button
65 may be used to effect those mode options.
[0067] With respect to various modes of operation, it is the intent
of the inventor that all combinations of sensor operation may be
performed in concert or selected to perform individually. There are
no limitations except in the event that due to the type of sensor
function, one sensor interferes with the function of another sensor
during simultaneous operation. The inventor knows of no such
limitation concerning any of the sensors described in this
specification.
[0068] A calibration button (CAL) 71 is provided and adapted to
allow a user to perform required calibrations that may be a
prerequisite for certain sensor functions such as a compass
function. For example, a user may have to depress CAL 71 to call up
calibration instructions in window 63 such as turn the vehicle in
two complete circles to obtain compass headings, etc.
[0069] It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that there
may be more or fewer user operable buttons of varying function than
the ones described above without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention. For example, instead of having a
select and enter button, one button may be provided for toggle
operation through modes. For example rapidly depressing and
releasing the button may enable a toggle through all of the offered
modes. When a mode is selected, holding down the toggle button for
such as two or three seconds may enter the mode. There are many
possibilities.
[0070] In one embodiment, voice recognition is used to effect
operation of the multi-sensing system of the present invention.
Voice recognition technology is known in the art and is suitable
for initiating many defined functions. Command words such as
Compass Mode, Dual Mode, Radar Only, and so on may be easily
programmed into and recognized by the system.
[0071] In yet another embodiment of the system sensors are included
and monitored to track the magnitude and frequency of changes in
steering direction for a subject vehicle, and the data thus
generated is compared with stored patterns known to be associated
with drivers periodically dozing or falling asleep while driving.
When a match is found, indicating a significant possibility that
the driver of the sensed vehicle with which the system of the
invention is associated has fallen asleep or is periodically
dozing, an alert is sounded to warn the driver sternly of the
imminent danger.
[0072] In some embodiments incorporating the doze warning system an
escalating system of warnings is used, at an early level warning
the driver, such as by a digitally recorded message, that there is
a danger of dozing, and at an opposite extreme a loud klaxon to
rudely awaken a driver determined to have fallen asleep.
[0073] It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that the
method and apparatus of the present invention may be applied to
other vehicles other than passenger or commercial vehicles. A
marine version may be applied to certain watercraft such as
pleasure boats, cabin cruisers, and the like. Special
implementations may be made to such as construction or rescue
vehicles. Special sensor capabilities known to benefit those in the
rescue or construction fields may be added to or provided in place
of other sensors in a sensor packet such that a system may be
tailored for specific use. Such alternate sensor capabilities may
include a methane-gas sensor for such as a pay loader, or an
infrared heat sensor for a search and rescue vehicle.
[0074] Some of the alternate uses of the system of the present
invention may not require a radar/laser sensor capability in as far
as certain types of vehicles would not be subject to speed
detection from such as law enforcement. However a multi-sensing
system of the present invention may still be provided without the
radar/laser option.
[0075] The method and apparatus of the present invention should be
afforded the broadest scope possible. The method and apparatus of
the present invention is limited only by the claims that
follow.
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