U.S. patent application number 16/250962 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-23 for absolute acceleration sensor for use within moving vehicles.
The applicant listed for this patent is Vision Works IP Corporation. Invention is credited to Beau M. Braunberger, Fritz Braunberger.
Application Number | 20190152393 16/250962 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50546548 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-23 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190152393 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Braunberger; Fritz ; et
al. |
May 23, 2019 |
ABSOLUTE ACCELERATION SENSOR FOR USE WITHIN MOVING VEHICLES
Abstract
A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for
sensing a motion status of a vehicle, a control device, plurality
of data acquisition sensors, and one or more alerting device
activation circuits. The communication system is customizable with
the plurality of data acquisition sensors and one or more alerting
device activation circuits based upon the needs of the vehicle. In
some embodiments, the communication system is customized before it
is installed within the vehicle. Alternatively, in some
embodiments, the communication system is customizable after it is
installed within the vehicle by turning on and/or turning off one
or more of the data acquisition sensors and one or more alerting
device activation circuits. The communication system is able to be
implemented on a bus or other such fleet vehicles.
Inventors: |
Braunberger; Fritz; (Sequim,
WA) ; Braunberger; Beau M.; (Upland, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Vision Works IP Corporation |
Sequim |
WA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50546548 |
Appl. No.: |
16/250962 |
Filed: |
January 17, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15074446 |
Mar 18, 2016 |
10227041 |
|
|
16250962 |
|
|
|
|
14149695 |
Jan 7, 2014 |
9327726 |
|
|
15074446 |
|
|
|
|
14011527 |
Aug 27, 2013 |
8954251 |
|
|
14149695 |
|
|
|
|
12827463 |
Jun 30, 2010 |
8903617 |
|
|
14011527 |
|
|
|
|
12464601 |
May 12, 2009 |
8437935 |
|
|
12827463 |
|
|
|
|
12434577 |
May 1, 2009 |
8000871 |
|
|
12464601 |
|
|
|
|
11585401 |
Oct 23, 2006 |
7529609 |
|
|
12434577 |
|
|
|
|
11243364 |
Oct 3, 2005 |
7239953 |
|
|
11585401 |
|
|
|
|
60616400 |
Oct 5, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60W 2554/804 20200201;
G08G 1/166 20130101; B60Q 1/447 20130101; B60W 30/143 20130101;
B60Q 1/346 20130101; B60W 2556/65 20200201; B60W 2050/008 20130101;
B60Q 9/008 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60Q 9/00 20060101
B60Q009/00; G08G 1/16 20060101 G08G001/16; B60W 30/14 20060101
B60W030/14; B60Q 1/34 20060101 B60Q001/34 |
Claims
1-31. (canceled)
32. A communication device for a vehicle comprising: a. a movement
sensor for detecting the vehicle reentry into traffic; b. a yield
warning activation circuit for activating a warning that the
vehicle is reentering traffic; and c. a control device; wherein the
control device receives a signal from the movement sensor that the
vehicle is reentering traffic and the control device sends a signal
to the yield warning activation circuit which activates a warning
that the vehicle is reentering traffic.
33. The communication device of claim 32, wherein the vehicle is
moving from a stopped position to reenter traffic.
34. The communication device of claim 32, wherein the warning
comprises a lighted sign.
35. The communication device of claim 34, wherein the lighted sign
comprises a lighted YIELD or a lighted MERGE symbol.
36. The communication device of claim 32, further comprising a
blinker engagement detector for sensing an engagement of a
blinker.
37. The communication device of claim 32, wherein the device is
implemented within a fleet vehicle.
38. The communication device of claim 32, further comprising a
braking system engagement detector for sensing an engagement of the
brakes.
39. The communication device of claim 32, wherein the device is
installed as aftermarket-equipment.
40. The communication device of claim 32, wherein the movement
sensor comprises one of an acceleration monitoring system, a
vehicle speed sensor, an accelerometer and a lateral acceleration
sensor.
41. The communication device of claim 32, wherein the warning
comprises a wireless signal.
42. The communication device of claim 41, wherein the warning
comprises a RF signal.
43. A communication system for a vehicle comprising: a. a movement
sensor for separately detecting a movement and non-movement of the
vehicle; b. one or more data acquisition sensors for acquiring data
related to a current status of the vehicle; c. a control device;
and c. one or more alerting device activation circuits, wherein the
movement sensor and the one or more data acquisition sensors send a
signal to the control device and the control device sends a signal
to the one or more alerting device activation circuits based on the
signal from the movement sensor and the one or more data
acquisition sensors.
44. The communication system of claim 43, wherein the one or more
alerting device activation circuits activate an alert that the
vehicle is moving from a stopped position to reenter traffic.
45. The communication system of claim 43, wherein the one or more
data acquisition sensors comprise one or more of a vehicle door
sensor and a location sensor.
46. The communication system of claim 43, wherein the one or more
alerting device activation circuits activate an internal alert.
47. The communication system of claim 43, wherein the one or more
alerting device activation circuits activate an external alert.
48. The communication system of claim 47, wherein the external
alert comprises a lighted sign.
49. The communication system of claim 48, wherein the lighted sign
comprises a lighted YIELD or a lighted MERGE symbol.
50. The communication system of claim 43, further comprising a
blinker engagement detector for sensing an engagement of a
blinker.
51. The communication system of claim 43, further comprising a
braking system engagement detector for sensing an engagement of the
brakes.
52. The communication system of claim 43, wherein the system is
implemented within a fleet vehicle.
53. The communication system of claim 43, wherein the system is
installed as aftermarket-equipment.
54. The communication system of claim 43, wherein the movement
sensor comprises one of an acceleration monitoring system, a
vehicle speed sensor, an accelerometer and a lateral acceleration
sensor.
55. The communication system of claim 43, wherein the warning
comprises a wireless signal.
56. The communication system of claim 55, wherein the warning
comprises a RF signal.
57. A communication method for a vehicle comprising: a. sensing a
vehicle reentry into traffic; and b based on the vehicle's reentry
into traffic, activating a warning that the vehicle is reentering
traffic.
58. The communication method of claim 57, wherein the vehicle is
moving from a stopped position to reenter traffic.
59. The communication method of claim 57, wherein the warning
comprises a lighted sign.
60. The communication method of claim 59, wherein the lighted sign
comprises a lighted YIELD or a lighted MERGE symbol.
61. The communication method of claim 57, further comprising
sensing an engagement of a blinker.
62. The communication method of claim 57, further comprising
sensing an engagement of the brakes.
63. The communication method of claim 57, further comprising
sensing one or more of a vehicle door status and a location
status.
64. The communication method of claim 57, wherein the method is
implemented within a fleet vehicle.
65. The communication method of claim 57, wherein the warning
comprises a wireless signal.
66. The communication method of claim 65, wherein the warning
comprises a RF signal.
67. A communication device for a vehicle comprising: a. a lateral
acceleration sensor for detecting a lateral acceleration of the
vehicle; b. a yield warning activation circuit for activating a
warning that the vehicle is reentering traffic; and c. a control
device; wherein the control device receives a signal from the
lateral acceleration sensor that the lateral acceleration is
greater than a preset threshold and the control device sends a
signal to the yield warning activation circuit which activates a
warning.
68. The communication device of claim 67, wherein the vehicle is
moving from a stopped position to reenter traffic.
69. The communication device of claim 67, wherein the warning
comprises a lighted sign.
70. The communication device of claim 69, wherein the lighted sign
comprises a lighted YIELD symbol.
71. The communication device of claim 67, wherein the lighted sign
comprises a lighted MERGE symbol.
72. The communication device of claim 67, wherein the warning
comprises a lighted signal.
73. The communication device of claim 67, wherein the device is
installed as aftermarket-equipment.
74. The communication device of claim 67, wherein the warning
comprises a wireless signal.
75. The communication device of claim 67, wherein the warning
comprises a RF signal.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part of the
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/011,527, filed Aug. 27, 2013,
and entitled "ABSOLUTE ACCELERATION SENSOR FOR USE WITHIN MOVING
VEHICLES," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety, which is a continuation-in-part of the U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/464,601, filed May 12, 2009, and entitled
"ABSOLUTE ACCELERATION SENSOR FOR USE WITHIN MOVING VEHICLES,"
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, which is
a continuation-in-part of the U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/827,463, filed Jun. 30, 2010, and entitled "ABSOLUTE
ACCELERATION SENSOR FOR USE WITHIN MOVING VEHICLES," which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, which is a
continuation-in-part of the U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/464,601, filed May 12, 2009, and entitled "ABSOLUTE ACCELERATION
SENSOR FOR USE WITHIN MOVING VEHICLES," which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety, which is a
continuation-in-part of the U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/434,577, filed May 1, 2009, and entitled "ABSOLUTE ACCELERATION
SENSOR FOR USE WITHIN MOVING VEHICLES," which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety, which is a continuation
of the co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/585,401,
filed Oct. 23, 2006 and entitled, "ABSOLUTE ACCELERATION SENSOR FOR
USE WITHIN MOVING VEHICLES," now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,529,609,
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, and
which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/243,364, filed Oct. 3, 2005 and entitled, "ABSOLUTE ACCELERATION
SENSOR FOR USE WITHIN MOVING VEHICLES", now issued as U.S. Pat. No.
7,239,953 B2, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety, and which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of the
co-pending U.S. provisional patent application, Application No.
60/616,400, filed on Oct. 5, 2004, and entitled "REAR-END COLLISION
AVOIDANCE SYSTEM," which is also hereby incorporated by reference
in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to methods and
devices for detecting absolute levels of longitudinal, lateral and
vertical acceleration within moving vehicles, and to a variety of
systems and methods for generating responses to changes in these
absolute levels.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Accelerometers find a wide variety of applications within
modern motor vehicles. The most common of these are impact and
collision sensors used to deploy front and side impact air bags in
modern passenger cars and trucks.
[0004] In applications that depend on sudden and drastic
deceleration, the presence of gravity is of little consequence and
will not affect the implementation of the accelerometer. However,
increasingly feedback systems within motor vehicles have attempted
to make use of accelerometer data during much lower and subtler
levels of acceleration.
[0005] One example is anti-collision warning systems. Though all
street legal motor vehicles have brake lamps configured to signal
other drivers of braking, these signals do not warn following
drivers of imminent braking. At least one system has proposed
activating a vehicle's brake lamp system in response to a
deceleration signal from a sensitive accelerometer, and independent
of actuation of the brake pedal. The system described in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,411,204 to Bloomfield et al., entitled "DECELERATION BASED
ANTI-COLLISION SAFETY LIGHT CONTROL FOR VEHICLE," includes a
plurality of deceleration thresholds each with an associated
modulation of the brake lamps.
[0006] However, the system fails to precisely account for
gravitational forces, limiting its effectiveness to deceleration
regimes where gravity's effect is minimal and reducing its
effectiveness as an early warning system. Accelerometers, known as
tilt sensors in the gaming and robotics industries, are extremely
sensitive to any gravitational force to which they are not
perpendicular. This sensitivity complicates any system that
attempts to detect low levels of acceleration by using
accelerometers within moving vehicles, since the system must
account for the wide variety of orientations of the accelerometer
relative to the earth's gravity introduced as the vehicle travels
uphill, downhill, through cambered or off-camber curves, and on
cambered grades. For instance, an accelerometer in a vehicle
stopped on a 45-degree downhill slope would sense deceleration of a
magnitude equal to 0.71 times the acceleration due to gravity. To
avoid gravitational acceleration artifacts, the system of
Bloomfield only produces output if the deceleration signal rises
above a predetermined threshold set above the level of artifacts
introduced during typical driving conditions.
[0007] However, the reliance of this device on a threshold
deceleration reduces its effectiveness as an early warning system.
Even a short delay between the time when the subject vehicle begins
to slow down and the time when a following vehicle begins to slow
can result in a rapid closure of the gap, or following distance,
between the vehicles, and a potential collision. Consequently, the
shorter the following distance between vehicles, the smaller the
margin of error will be for drivers of following vehicles to avoid
rear-end collisions. Disengaging the accelerator, or coasting, is
often the first response of the driver of a subject vehicle to
observing a non-urgent traffic event in the roadway ahead, and
usually results in a slight deceleration. By failing to warn other
drivers of the possible imminence of braking of a subject vehicle,
the proposed device loses valuable time. To avoid this problem, the
threshold must be set lower, which could result in gravitational
acceleration artifacts affecting the system's output. For example,
an overly low threshold could prevent the device from signaling
deceleration on an uphill grade since the accelerometer would sense
a component of the earth's gravity as acceleration. Similarly, a
low threshold could cause the device to continuously flash during a
descent, while gravity appears as deceleration.
[0008] The loss of time incurred by a threshold-based system might
be tolerable in some other application; but in collision
prevention, even an instant saved can prevent a collision. A
Special Investigative Report issued in January of 2001 by the
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) illustrates the scale
of the problem. The report notes that in 1999 "1.848 Million
rear-end collisions on US roads kill[ed] thousands and injur[ed]
approximately [one] Million people." The report concluded that even
a slightly earlier warning could prevent many rear-end collisions.
[0009] Regardless of the individual circumstances, the drivers in
these accidents were unable to detect slowed or stopped traffic and
to stop their vehicles in time to prevent a rear-end collision. If
passenger car drivers have a 0.5-second additional warning time,
about 60 percent of rear-end collisions can be prevented. An extra
second of warning time can prevent about 90 percent of rear-end
collisions. [NTSB Special Investigative Report SIR-01/01,
Vehicle-and Infrastructure-based Technology for the Prevention of
Rear-end Collisions]
[0010] In some instances, a motor vehicle will remain running while
parked or not in use, in an "idling" state. Common reasons for
idling include waiting for a passenger, warming up the vehicle,
listening to the radio and convenience. Motor vehicles that remain
in an idling state pollute our environment unnecessarily. For
example, thirty seconds of idling can use more fuel than turning
off the engine and restarting it. Additionally, idling for ten
minutes uses as much fuel as traveling five miles. Moreover, one
hour of idling burns up to one gallon of fuel and can produce up to
20 lbs of carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming.
Passenger cars, fleet vehicles, diesel trucks, busses and taxi-cabs
are all culprits in adding to pollution through unnecessary engine
idle.
[0011] At present, over 30 states and 900 municipalities have
adopted laws restricting the amount of time a stationary vehicle is
allowed to idle before being turned off. These laws typically limit
the allowable idling time from 1 to 6 minutes before the engine
must be turned off and violations can range up to $1,000 per
incident. Corporate and government fleet vehicles are most
susceptible to such monetary penalties because the aggregate impact
of many violations may reside within only one entity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In this application "acceleration" refers to either or both
positive acceleration and negative acceleration (sometimes called
"deceleration"), while "deceleration" refers to only negative
acceleration.
[0013] The present invention provides systems and methods for
warning drivers of other vehicles of any possibility that a subject
vehicle will brake and/or that the following vehicle may need to
decelerate. This warning occurs earlier than warnings provided by
traditional rear brake warning systems. Some embodiments of the
present invention take advantage of the existing conditioning of
modern drivers to respond quickly to rear brake warning lamps by
using these systems to convey new deceleration warnings.
[0014] Some embodiments of the present invention relate to devices
that overcome the limitations of the prior art by integrating the
signals from pulse or sine wave generators, which are directly
related to vehicle distance traveled per unit of time. These
devices are commonly referred to as vehicle speed sensors (VSS).
Most modern vehicles are shipped with an electronic VSS as standard
equipment. The stock VSS communicates with the vehicle's electronic
control module (ECM) and speedometer to display the speed of the
vehicle to an operator. However, VSS can be installed as
aftermarket add-ons.
[0015] The embodiments of the present invention involve using
signals from a vehicle's VSS to detect deceleration of the vehicle,
and modulating warning lights of the vehicle in response to the
vehicle's deceleration. In some embodiments, the VSS emits a
periodic function whose frequency corresponds to the vehicle's
speed. For example, some embodiments of the present invention use a
VSS that outputs a DC pulse with a frequency that corresponds to
the speed of the vehicle. In addition, some embodiments of the
present invention use a VSS that outputs an AC sine function with a
frequency that corresponds to the speed of the vehicle.
[0016] In one aspect, a communication method for a vehicle
comprises sensing a stationary status of a vehicle, sensing a
motion of the vehicle, and automatically activating an alert in
order to indicate the vehicle is moving in a left direction or a
right direction. In some embodiments, the alert comprises a lighted
sign. In some of these embodiments, the lighted sign comprises a
lighted YIELD or a lighted MERGE symbol. In some embodiments, the
method further comprises sensing an engagement of a blinker. In
further embodiments, the method is implemented within a fleet
vehicle. In some embodiments, the method further comprises sensing
an engagement of the brakes. In some embodiments, the alert
indicates that the vehicle is reentering traffic.
[0017] In another aspect, a communication system for a vehicle
comprises a movement sensor, a yield warning activation circuit,
and a control device, wherein the control device receives a signal
from the acceleration monitoring system and the control device
sends a signal to the yield warning activation circuit based upon
the signal from the acceleration monitoring system. In some
embodiments, the alert comprises a lighted sign. In some of these
embodiments, the lighted sign comprises a lighted YIELD or a
lighted MERGE symbol. In some embodiments, the communication system
further comprises a blinker engagement detector for sensing an
engagement of a blinker. In some embodiments, the system is
implemented within a fleet vehicle. In further embodiments, the
communication system further comprises a braking system engagement
detector for sensing an engagement of the brakes. In some
embodiments, the system is installed as aftermarket-equipment. In
some embodiments, the movement sensor comprises an acceleration
monitoring system, a vehicle speed sensor, or an accelerometer. The
acceleration monitoring system sends a signal to the control device
that the vehicle is accelerating from a stopped position and in
response the control device sends a signal to the yield warning
activation circuit to activate an alert in order to indicate the
vehicle is moving. The vehicle speed sensor sends a signal to the
control device that the vehicle has stopped moving and then sends a
signal to the vehicle has began to move from a stopped position and
in response the control device sends a signal to the yield warning
activation circuit to activate an alert in order to indicate the
vehicle is moving. The accelerometer sends a signal to the control
device that the vehicle is accelerating from a stopped position and
in response the control device sends a signal to the yield warning
activation circuit to activate an alert in order to indicate the
vehicle is moving. In some embodiments, the alert indicates that
the vehicle is reentering traffic.
[0018] In a further aspect, a configurable control module for a
vehicle comprises a plurality of data acquisition sensors for
acquiring data related to a current status of the vehicle, a
control device, and one or more alerting device activation
circuits, wherein each of the plurality of data acquisition sensors
send a signal to the control device and the control device sends a
signal to the one or more alerting device activation circuits based
on the signal from each of the plurality of data acquisition
sensors, and wherein the control module is customizable in order to
turn off and turn on one or more of the plurality of sensors based
on a preference in order to communicate a desired information. In
some embodiments, the module is installed within the vehicle as
after-market equipment. In some of these embodiments, the module is
customized before it is installed within the vehicle. The plurality
of data sensors comprise one or more of a vehicle speed sensor, an
accelerometer, an acceleration monitoring system, a braking system
engagement detector, a throttle engagement detector, an
accelerometer-gyroscopic sensor, a range finder, a transmission
status detector, an emergency brake detector, a blinker engagement
detector, an ambient light sensor, a weight sensor and an external
temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the one or more alerting
device activation circuits comprise one or more of alerting device
activation circuit, a speed control activation circuit, a recorder
operation circuit and a yield warning activation circuit. In
further embodiments, the module is able to adjust a performance
characteristic of the vehicle based on the data from one or more of
the plurality of data acquisition sensors. In some embodiments, the
vehicle is a fleet vehicle. In some of these embodiments, the
vehicle comprises a bus. In some embodiments, the one or more
alerting device activation circuits activate an audible alert based
on the signal received from one or more of the plurality of
sensors. In further embodiments, the one or more alerting device
activation circuits activate a visual alert based on the signal
received from one or more of the plurality of sensors.
[0019] In still a further aspect, a communication system for a
vehicle comprises an ambient light sensor, a control device, and
one or more alerting device activation circuits, wherein the
ambient light sensor sends a signal to the control device and the
control device sends a signal to the alerting device based upon the
signal from the ambient light sensor. In some embodiments, the
ambient light sensor sends a signal to the control device that the
ambient light level has suddenly change and the control device
sends signal to the alerting device to activate an alert.
[0020] In another aspect, a communication system for a vehicle
comprises a proximity sensor, a control device, and one or more
alerting device activation circuits, wherein the proximity sensor
sends a signal to the control device based upon the proximity of a
vehicle approaching from the rear and the control device sends a
signal to the proximity warning device based upon the signal from
the proximity sensor. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor
senses that a vehicle that the approaching vehicle has an excessive
closure rate and the proximity warning device activates an alert.
In some embodiments, the proximity sensor comprises a pointable
rangefinder.
[0021] In a further aspect, a communication system for a vehicle
comprises a vehicle motion sensor, a weight sensor, a control
device, and one or more alerting device activation circuits,
wherein the weight sensor sends a signal to the control device and
the control device sends a signal to an alerting device based upon
the signal from the vehicle motion sensor and the weight sensor. In
some embodiments, the weight sensor is configured with a baseline
weight of the vehicle. In further embodiments, the control device
sends a signal to the one or more alerting device activation
circuits to activate an alert if it is determined that the vehicle
is decelerating too quickly based upon the vehicles weight. In some
embodiments, the communication further comprises a range finder
which sends a signal to the control device based upon a distance of
the vehicle from an object. In some of these embodiments, the
control device sends a signal to the alerting device activation
circuit to activate an alert if it is determined that the vehicle
is following a lead vehicle based upon its weight.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1A illustrates a single axis accelerometer positioned
for measuring lateral acceleration, and included in an
accelerometer-gyroscopic sensor in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 1B illustrates a dual axis accelerometer positioned for
measuring vertical and longitudinal acceleration, and included in
an accelerometer-gyroscopic sensor in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 2A illustrates a gyroscope positioned for measuring a
heading, and included in an accelerometer-gyroscopic sensor in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 2B illustrates a gyroscope positioned for measuring a
lateral inclination, and included in an accelerometer-gyroscopic
sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 2C illustrates a longitudinal inclination, and included
in an accelerometer-gyroscopic sensor in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 3A is a schematic view illustrating the components of
the rear-end collision avoidance system, warning drivers of a
subject vehicle's deceleration, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 3B illustrates a state machine diagram of the control
device in accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 3C illustrates a state machine diagram of the control
device in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of an anti-rollover
system in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of an engine performance
monitoring system in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of a suspension and road
condition monitoring system in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates a navigation system in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic view of an anti-rollover
system in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating the components of
the rear-end collision avoidance system, warning drivers of a
subject vehicle's deceleration, in accordance with some embodiments
of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating the components of a
vehicle monitoring system, warning drivers of a subject vehicle's
stationary status and turning off an idling engine, in accordance
with some embodiments of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart of a system to
automatically turn off an idling engine in accordance with some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating the components of
the rear-end collision avoidance system, warning drivers of a
subject vehicle's traveling speed, in accordance with some
embodiments.
[0039] FIG. 13 illustrates a flow chart of a system to communicate
a traveling speed of a subject vehicle, in accordance with some
embodiments.
[0040] FIG. 14 is a schematic view illustrating the components of
the rear-end collision avoidance system, in accordance with some
embodiments.
[0041] FIG. 15 is a schematic view illustrating the components of a
communication system for a vehicle, in accordance with some
embodiments.
[0042] FIG. 16 is a schematic view illustrating the components of a
communication system for a vehicle, in accordance with some
embodiments.
[0043] FIG. 17 illustrates a flow chart for a communication method
for a vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0044] FIG. 18 illustrates a communication system for a vehicle, in
accordance with some embodiments.
[0045] FIG. 19 illustrates a flow chart for a communication method
for a vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0046] FIG. 20 illustrates a communication system for a vehicle, in
accordance with some embodiments.
[0047] FIG. 21 illustrates a communication system for a vehicle, in
accordance with some embodiments.
[0048] FIG. 22 illustrates a communication system for a vehicle, in
accordance with some embodiments.
[0049] FIG. 23 illustrates a customizable control module for a
vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0050] FIG. 24 illustrates a communication system for a vehicle, in
accordance with some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 1B and 2C, one embodiment of the present
invention includes a dual axis accelerometer and an electronic
gyroscope positioned upon a moving body (not shown) having a pitch
axis and a yaw axis that form a pitch-yaw plane as illustrated,
which attempts to move along a movement vector orthogonal to the
pitch-yaw plane. A first axis, termed the longitudinal axis, of the
dual axis accelerometer is placed orthogonal to the plane of the
pitch and yaw axes to sense acceleration along the movement vector.
A second axis, termed the vertical axis, of the accelerometer is
placed parallel with the yaw axis (and thus perpendicular to the
movement vector) to sense acceleration along the yaw axis. Thus the
two axes of the accelerometer form a longitudinal-vertical plane
orthogonal to the pitch-yaw plane.
[0052] The gyroscope in FIG. 2C is mounted parallel to the
longitudinal-vertical plane of the accelerometer and thus is also
along a plane perpendicular to the pitch-yaw plane of the moving
body. This configuration allows it to sense an inclination of the
movement vector of the moving body relative to the gravitational
acceleration acting on the body.
[0053] In some embodiments of the present invention, an
accelerometer is used to detect additional types of movement. The
orientation shown in FIG. 1A allows for detection of lateral
acceleration. In FIG. 1A, a single axis accelerometer configured
with a first axis, termed the lateral axis, parallel to the pitch
axis senses lateral acceleration of the body, e.g. acceleration in
a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal-vertical plane.
[0054] When the body does undergo a lateral acceleration, its
actual movement is no longer along the desired movement vector.
Thus, during lateral acceleration, another gyroscope can be
included to sense the inclination of the component of the actual
movement vector that lies along the lateral axis. FIG. 2B depicts a
gyroscope configured parallel to the pitch-yaw plane and thus
configured to detect an inclination of the component of movement
that lies along the lateral axis, termed the lateral inclination of
the body.
[0055] In some embodiments, the system also includes another
gyroscope that is configured parallel to the lateral-longitudinal
plane (in which all desirable movement vectors will lie), to detect
a heading of the body. This additional gyroscope is required for
those embodiments that supply supplemental data to navigation
systems.
[0056] The embodiments of the present invention include logic
circuits configured to receive signals of acceleration along the
lateral, longitudinal, and vertical axes, as well as of the lateral
and longitudinal inclinations and the heading, if necessary and to
process these signals to produce a variety of output signals
indicating characteristics of the moving body's movement. In some
embodiments, these include: absolute longitudinal acceleration
(both positive and negative), absolute vertical acceleration (both
positive and negative), absolute lateral acceleration (both
positive and negative), heading, and actual speed.
[0057] Though accelerometers are inherently stable, and especially
so when internally temperature compensated, gyroscopes, both
mechanical and electronic, can suffer from instability and drift.
Because of these drift characteristics, gyroscopes typically
require periodic auto-zeroing or re-referencing to provide reliable
output.
[0058] In some embodiments of the present invention, a method of
detecting an absolute deceleration includes steps of
re-referencing. This task is able to be accomplished using signals
from the accelerometers, but in other embodiments use a Hall
effect, electronic or other type of compass.
[0059] Re-referencing is able to take place periodically; for
systems using Hall effect or some other independent compass, the
systems simply re-reference at specified heading or timing
intervals. However, in some embodiments, systems that use
accelerometer data for re-referencing are more careful. When
stationary, any signal from the accelerometer is essentially
representative of the earth's gravity, this signal can provide an
initial reference for any gyroscopes included in the present
invention, which is able to take place prior to movement of the
body.
[0060] Once the body has begun moving, without periodic
re-referencing, the gyroscope output can become unreliable. The
present invention teaches several methods of re-referencing during
travel. Some of these are only applicable to travel that includes
periodic stops. For example, the vertical or lateral axis
accelerometers can be used to detect whether the body is stopped.
When it is stopped, the signal from the longitudinal axis of the
accelerometer can be used to re-reference the gyroscope. Further,
at any point during travel when no acceleration has been detected
for a predetermined period of time the gyroscope can be
re-referenced. In this way repeated referencing can occur even
during extended travel without any stops.
[0061] In some embodiments, the present invention is implemented in
a vehicle, and the following embodiments of the present invention
are described relative to a vehicle. However, the methods and
systems taught by the present invention can be implemented in a
wide variety of moving bodies other than vehicles.
EXAMPLE 1: REAR END COLLISION AVOIDANCE
[0062] FIG. 3A is a schematic view illustrating the components of
the rear-end collision avoidance system 300, warning drivers of a
subject vehicle's deceleration, in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention. The rear-end collision avoidance system
300 comprises an accelerometer-gyroscopic sensor 310, a braking
system engagement detector 320, a throttle engagement detector 330,
and a control device 340. The accelerometer-gyroscopic sensor 310
is coupled to the control device 340, detects an absolute
longitudinal deceleration of the vehicle, and sends a signal to the
control device 340. The braking system engagement detector 320 is
also coupled to the control device 340, detects any engagement of
the braking system of the vehicle, and sends a signal to the
control device 340. The throttle engagement detector 330 is also
coupled to the control device 340 and detects engagement of the
throttle. In alternative embodiments, the present invention also
includes additional input devices, such as a clutch engagement
detector configured to relay a clutch status to the control device
340. Next, the control device 340 processes the input signals it
receives from the accelerometer-gyroscopic sensor 310, the braking
system engagement detector 320, and the throttle engagement
detector 330 and decides whether to activate an alerting device of
the vehicle. In some embodiments the control device 340 only
activates an alerting device if the vehicle is throttled down but
not braking In some embodiments, the control device 340 activates
the alerting device only if the absolute longitudinal deceleration
is non-zero. In one embodiment, the communication system further
comprises an alerting device activation circuit 350, wherein the
control device 340 is coupled to and sends signals to the alerting
device activation circuit 350, which activates an alerting device
based on a signal from the control device 340.
[0063] In some other embodiments, input from a vehicle speed sensor
(VSS) is used to perform a similar function. FIG. 9 is a schematic
view illustrating the components of the rear-end collision
avoidance system 900, warning drivers of a subject vehicle's
deceleration, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. The rear-end collision avoidance system 900 comprises a
vehicle speed sensor 910, an acceleration monitoring system 915, a
braking system engagement detector 920, and a control device 940.
It can also include a throttle engagement detector 930.
[0064] The vehicle speed sensor 910 is coupled to the acceleration
monitoring system 915, which is coupled to the control device 940.
The vehicle speed sensor 910 detects a speed of the vehicle and
emits a periodic function with a frequency that is correlated to
the speed of the vehicle. The acceleration monitoring system 915
uses variations in the periodic function to calculate the
acceleration (or deceleration) of the vehicle. The acceleration
monitoring system 915 sends a signal to the control device 940 that
represents deceleration of the vehicle. The braking system
engagement detector 920 is also coupled to the control device 940,
detects any engagement of the braking system of the vehicle, and
sends a signal to the control device 940. If present, the throttle
engagement detector 930 is also coupled to the control device 940
and detects engagement of the throttle. In alternative embodiments,
the present invention also includes additional input devices, such
as a clutch engagement detector configured to relay a clutch status
to the control device 940. Next, the control device 940 processes
the input signals it receives from the acceleration monitoring
system 915, the braking system engagement detector 920, and the
throttle engagement detector 930 and decides whether to activate an
alerting device of the vehicle. In some embodiments the control
device 940 only activates an alerting device if the vehicle is
throttled down but not braking In some embodiments, the control
device 940 activates the alerting device only if the absolute
longitudinal deceleration is non-zero. In one embodiment, the
communication system further comprises an alerting device
activation circuit 950, wherein the control device 940 is coupled
to and sends signals to the alerting device activation circuit 950,
which activates an alerting device based on a signal from the
control device 940.
[0065] Some embodiments use a microprocessor or micro-controller as
the acceleration monitoring system 915 to measure pulse width
differentials between consecutive pulses. If the periodic function
produced by the VSS is a DC pulse, only one wire is needed to
interface with the VSS 910. If the periodic function is an AC sine
wave two wires are used.
[0066] The functions of an embodiment illustrated with reference to
FIG. 9 are performed in a module that contains various discrete
electronic components involved in signal conditioning as well as a
microprocessor or microcontroller, which would actually do the
computations. These include one or more of the following: a
microprocessor, interpreter, voltage regulator, RAM, EEPROM,
resonator and communication port and circuitry along with various
filtering and voltage protection circuitry. In some embodiments,
the module is capable of accurately measuring and comparing pulse
widths of 1 millionth of a second or less and frequencies of zero
(0) to mega hertz all within time frames of micro to milliseconds.
The present invention can be implemented in an analog,
electromechanical, or a digital circuit including programmable
elements.
[0067] In addition, in some embodiments the various embodiments
described above are implemented in a module that includes a
separate aftermarket VSS. These embodiments are advantageous when
used to retrofit older vehicles that do not come with a VSS as
original equipment.
[0068] In addition, some embodiments use an aftermarket VSS, even
on newer vehicles. For example, one such VSS comprises a sensor
configured to detect rotation of the universal joint of a motor
vehicle.
[0069] In this embodiment, a sensor is mounted on either the
rear-end housing or on the back end of the transmission and where
the sensor is positioned over the universal joint. The sensor would
not be in contact with the spinning universal joint but in close
proximity, e.g. 1/8 or 1/4 inch air gap.
[0070] In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to sense
ferrous metal. Thus, there is no need to affix anything to the
actual spinning universal joint. Universal joint typically have
four protrusions. The sensor is optionally configured to sense
either two or four of the protrusions. The resultant signal
represents variations in the magnetic flux field produced by the
sensor each time a protrusion passes through the magnetic
field.
[0071] One type of sensor used in some embodiments of the present
invention comprises a coil with or without a core. When a voltage
is applied to the coil, a magnetic flux field is produced around
the coil. If a ferrous metal object passes through that field it
robs just a little of the power (which is stored in the field)
resulting in a change in the current and voltage within the coil
and conductor feeding the coil. This signal is then used to produce
a square wave.
[0072] The embodiments of the present invention include input
devices. Those mentioned above include braking system engagement
detectors, throttle engagement detectors, the
accelerometer-gyroscopic sensor, and VSS/acceleration monitoring
systems. In alternative embodiments, the present invention also
includes additional input devices, such as a clutch engagement
detector configured to relay a clutch status to the control
device.
[0073] The embodiments of the presently claimed invention include
alerting devices. In some embodiments, an alerting device comprises
lamps on the vehicle that are capable of flashing and emitting
visible light. In one aspect, the lamps of the alerting device
flash only at a constant rate, while in another aspect the lamps
flash at a variable rate, and further wherein the control device is
configured to flash the lamps at a rate correlated to a rate of
deceleration. In some embodiments, the lamps are one of the
following: conventional signaling lamps and conventional brake
lamps. However, in another embodiment, the alerting device is a
radio frequency (RF) transmitter capable of directing RF signals
from the rear of the vehicle to a following vehicle. In other
embodiments, the alerting device uses other types of signals.
[0074] For example, in some other embodiments, the signaling lamps
used comprise bi-color light emitting diodes (LED). In these
embodiments, the bi-color LEDs change color depending on the
polarity of the current used to energize them. Thus, the control
device in these embodiments is configured to provide current to the
bi-color LEDs with a polarity that varies depending on the signal
to be sent. For example, in one embodiment the control device
leaves the bi-color LEDs un-energized when no deceleration is
occurring and the brakes are not engaged, provides a current with a
polarity to cause the bi-color LEDs to emit a yellow light upon
deceleration, and to provide a current with a polarity to cause the
bi-color LEDs to emit a red light upon braking
[0075] When used in this patent, the terms "conventional signaling
lamps" and "conventional brake lamps" refer to signaling or brake
lamps included on motor vehicles during their original manufacture.
The present invention also contemplates signaling by using
after-market devices that are attached to a vehicle in addition to
conventional signaling and brake lamps.
[0076] A communication system can be embodied as an after-market
add-on product or as an original vehicle system. These embodiments
include different types of controllers. In some embodiments of an
add-on system, a control device does not interfere with the
existing brake lamp system controller. The control device
communicates with the brake lamps in a substantially separate
manner from the existing brake lamp control system. Control devices
used in the present invention could include relays, switches or
micro controllers. In one aspect, an aftermarket system can
continuously power the alerting device activation circuit without
need of an intermediate control device.
[0077] However, in an original equipment system, a communication
system in accordance with the present invention is able to include
a control device that further comprises a control system for the
conventional brake lamp system, whereby the communication system is
an integrated control and circuitry system for all brake lamps. In
this aspect, a single control system accomplishes the tasks of
conventional brake signaling and the signaling described in the
present invention.
[0078] During operation, the communications system of the present
invention uses information from the various input devices to
determine a manner in which to operate an alerting device. In one
aspect, the communications system continuously modulates the
alerting device based on the accelerometer-gyroscopic sensor's
input so long as the throttle is disengaged, regardless of braking
system status. In another aspect, once the braking system is
engaged, the communications system activates the alerting device
continuously until disengagement of the braking system, whereupon
the communications system once again considers throttle and the
accelerometer-gyroscopic sensor's input in choosing a manner in
which to operate the alerting device. In a third aspect, where a
conventional braking system exists separately from a communications
system as described in the present invention, the control device
deactivates in response to braking system engagement and
reactivates upon braking system disengagement. In some embodiments,
the control device receives input in cycles and makes a
determination for operation of the alerting device within each
cycle.
[0079] In one embodiment, the control device 940 takes input from
the acceleration monitoring system 915, the braking system
engagement detector 920, and the throttle engagement detector 930
in cycles that are substantially continuous in time. In some
embodiments, for each cycle, the control device 940 enters one of
four states: I) it does not activate an alerting device for the
entirety of the cycle, II) it activates an alerting device for the
entirety of the cycle, III) it activates an alerting device at
least once for a period of time that is short relative to the
duration of the cycle; or IV) it activates an alerting device
multiple times during the cycle.
[0080] FIG. 3B illustrates an embodiment in which these four output
states are handled. A state machine 301, included in a control
device in accordance with the present invention, takes five
possible input states, for four of them throttle status is not
considered: 1) brake pedal is not depressed, deceleration is not
detected; 2) brake pedal is not depressed, deceleration is
detected; 3) brake pedal is depressed, deceleration is detected; or
4) brake pedal is depressed, deceleration is not detected. State 5)
only occurs if the throttle is disengaged, and if the brake pedal
is not depressed. Input state 1 corresponds to output state I,
input state 2 corresponds to output state III, input states 3 and 5
correspond to output state II, and input state 4 corresponds to
output state IV.
[0081] Transitions between all input states are handled and every
transition is a plausible outcome of a braking or acceleration
event. For example, a driver disengaging the throttle pedal causes
a transition from state 1 to state 5. In the first cycle detecting
state 5, the brake lamps are illuminated. Once a required level of
deceleration is detected, a transition from state 5 to state 2
occurs. In the first cycle detecting state 2, the brake lamps are
flashed, or another alerting device is activated, corresponding to
output state III. A transition from state 1 directly to state 2 can
occur when beginning ascent of a steep grade: the throttle is
engaged, the brake pedal is disengaged but the vehicle begins to
decelerate.
[0082] If the driver engages the throttle again, or in the case of
an ascent, increases the throttle, a transition from state 5 to
state 1, or state 2 to state 1, occurs. If the driver subsequently
depresses the brake pedal, a transition from state 2, or state 5,
to state 3 occurs. While the brake pedal is depressed, state II
output keeps the brake lamps illuminated. Furthermore, while the
brake pedal is depressed, a transition from state 3 to state 4 may
occur. In this embodiment, in state 4 the lamps are flashed at an
increased rate. Whenever the brake pedal is depressed, state II or
IV output occurs and accelerometer-gyroscopic sensor data is
effectively ignored. When the brake pedal is released, one of input
state 1, input state 2, and input state 5 are entered.
[0083] A transition from input state 3 to 2 corresponds to tapping
or pumping the brake pedal. Depending on the length of time a cycle
comprises, a residual brake lamp flash may occur. Transitions from
input states 3 or 4 to state 1 correspond respectively to
accelerating from a rolling stop on a hill, or rolling forward
downhill. A transition from input state 4 to 2 could arise when
rolling down a hill backwards, for example at a stoplight on a
hill. This points to another feature of the current
system--providing a warning for rollback.
[0084] In the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3C, a
state machine 301' included in a control device in accordance with
the present invention, the system only considers the first three
states. The state machine 301' takes four possible input states: 1)
brake pedal is not depressed, deceleration is not detected; 2)
brake pedal is not depressed, deceleration is detected; 3) brake
pedal is depressed, deceleration is detected; or 4) brake pedal is
depressed, deceleration is not detected. Input state 1 corresponds
to output state I, input state 2 corresponds to output state III,
and input states 3 and 4 correspond to output state II.
[0085] Transitions between all input states are handled and every
transition is a plausible outcome of a braking or acceleration
event. For example, a driver taking his or her foot off the
accelerator pedal causes a transition from state 1 to state 2. In
the first cycle detecting state 2, the brake lamps are flashed, or
other alerting means are activated, corresponding to output state
III. This transition from state 1 to state 2 also occurs when
beginning ascent of a steep grade: the accelerator is depressed,
the brake pedal is disengaged but the vehicle begins to decelerate.
If the driver presses the accelerator again, or in the case of an
ascent, further depresses the accelerator, a transition from state
2 to state 1 occurs. If the driver subsequently depresses the brake
pedal, a transition from state 2 to state 3 occurs. While the brake
pedal is depressed, state II output keeps the brake lamps
illuminated. Furthermore, while the brake pedal is depressed, a
transition from state 3 to state 4 may occur. In this embodiment,
such a transition results in no change in output. Whenever the
brake pedal is depressed, state II output occurs and
accelerometer-gyroscopic sensor data is effectively ignored. When
the brake pedal is released, either input state 1 or input state 2
is entered.
[0086] In some embodiments a transition from input state 3 to 2
corresponds to tapping or pumping the brake pedal. Depending on the
length of time a cycle comprises, a residual brake lamp flash may
occur. Transitions from input states 3 or 4 to state 1 correspond
respectively to accelerating from a rolling stop on a hill, or
rolling forward downhill. A transition from input state 4 to 2
could arise when rolling down a hill backwards, for example at a
stoplight on a hill. This points to another feature of the current
system--providing a warning for rollback.
[0087] In some embodiments, it is less desirable to utilize
flashing lamps or a visual signal as the alerting device to
indicate a change in the traveling speed of a lead vehicle. For
example, in military operations, border patrol, and law enforcement
applications it may be desirable to travel in a covert lights-off
mode. In such applications, it is desirable to communicate
information such as vehicle speed, braking and deceleration from a
leading vehicle to a following vehicle in a non-visual manner.
Thus, changes in traveling speed may be communicated from the
alerting device located in a lead vehicle directly to a receiver
located in a following vehicle in a discrete, non-visual
manner.
[0088] FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating the components of a
rear-end collision avoidance system 1200, warning drivers of a
vehicle's traveling speed, in accordance with some embodiments. As
shown in FIG. 12, the rear-end collision avoidance system 1200
comprises a receiver 1255, a control device 1245, and a response
activation circuit 1275. As shown in FIG. 12, in some embodiments,
the rear-end collision avoidance system 1200 also comprises a speed
control system activation circuit 1265. The rear-end collision
avoidance system 1200 of FIG. 12 works in conjunction with the rear
end collision avoidance system 900 described in reference to FIG.
9. Particularly, the rear-end collision avoidance system 1200 is
implemented within a following vehicle and receives a signal sent
from the alerting device of a lead vehicle.
[0089] As described above, in some embodiments, the alerting device
is configured to flash conventional signaling or brake lamps at a
rate correlated to a rate of deceleration. Additionally, in some
embodiments, the alerting device is a RF transmitter capable of
directing RF signals from the rear of the vehicle to the following
vehicle. In further embodiments, the alerting device is a
transmitter that directs a wireless signal to the following
vehicle. In some of these embodiments, the signal corresponds to
the traveling speed of the vehicle. In further embodiments, the
signal corresponds to a deceleration status of the vehicle. In some
embodiments, the wireless signal is one or more of an infrared
signal, WiFi signal, and a Bluetooth.RTM. signal. However, the
alerting device is able to transmit any other wireless signal as
known in the art. In further embodiments, the alerting device is a
rear facing warning device and transmits infrared signals such as
for use in covert operations as described above. In some
embodiments, the alerting device transmits infrared laser. In
further embodiments, the alerting device transmits a signal which
is modulated to carry digital information.
[0090] In some embodiments, the signal sent by the alerting device
is a discrete signal so that the receiver 1255 is able to
differentiate the intended signal from other randomly occurring
signals. In these embodiments, the receiver 1255 is configured to
receive only a specific signal. For example, in some embodiments,
the alerting device modulates an infrared signal at 38 KHz and the
receiver 1255 is configured to receive an infrared signal only at
38 KHz. In other embodiments, the alerting device modulates an
infrared signal at a lower rate such as 100 Hz. Particularly, the
alerting device is able to transmit and the receiver 1255 is able
to receive signals at any frequency as known in the art.
Additionally, in some embodiments, the signal is an infrared LED.
In these embodiments, the signal is only received by an enhanced
receiver that is capable of viewing infrared LED.
[0091] As shown in FIG. 12, the rear-end collision avoidance system
1200 comprises a control device 1245 coupled to a response device
activation circuit 1275. As described above, the alerting device
sends a signal to the receiver 1255 according to the traveling
speed of the lead vehicle. In some embodiments, the alerting device
sends a signal to the receiver 1255 that the lead vehicle is
decelerating. After receiving a signal from the alerting device,
the receiver 1255 sends a signal to the control device 1245
corresponding to the traveling speed of the lead vehicle and the
control device 1245 sends a signal to the response device
activation circuit 1275, which activates a response device in a
manner dependent on the signal from the control device 1245. For
example, in some embodiments, the response device generates an
alert announcing, "SLOWING TRAFFIC AHEAD . . . SLOWING TRAFFIC
AHEAD, or . . . STOPPED TRAFFIC AHEAD . . . STOPPED TRAFFIC AHEAD.
In some embodiments, the response device generates a visual alert
which appears on a screen. In some embodiments, the response device
generates an auditory alert through a Bluetooth.RTM. device or
speakers. In some embodiments, the response device generates an
alert that indicates the actual speed of the lead vehicle. The
alert generated by the response device is dependent on the signal
received from the control device 1245 and is communicated from the
response device to the driver of the following vehicle.
[0092] As also shown in FIG. 12, in some embodiments, the rear-end
collision avoidance system 1200 comprises a speed control system
activation circuit 1265 coupled to the control device 1245. In
these embodiments, after receiving a signal from an alerting
device, the receiver 1255 sends a signal to the control device 1245
corresponding to the traveling speed of the lead vehicle and the
control device 1245 sends a signal to the speed control system
activation circuit 1265, which is able to control the speed of the
following vehicle in a manner dependent on the signal from the
control device 1245. For example, in some embodiments, the control
device 1245 activates the speed control system activation circuit
1265 to activate the braking system in order to slow the following
vehicle to a speed equal to the lead vehicle. In some embodiments,
the control device 1245 activates the speed control system
activation circuit 1265 to activate the braking system in order to
maintain a safe distance between the following vehicle and the lead
vehicle. In further embodiments, the control device 1245 activates
the speed control system activation circuit 1265 to increase the
speed of the following vehicle in order to maintain a consistent
distance between the following vehicle and the lead vehicle such as
while traveling within a convoy.
[0093] In some embodiments, the rear-end collision avoidance system
1200 comprises a speed control system activation circuit 1265 and a
response device activation circuit 1275 coupled to the control
device 1245. In some embodiments, the rear-end collision avoidance
system 1200 is installed at the factory. In other embodiments, the
rear-end collision avoidance system 1200 is installed as
aftermarket equipment. In some embodiments, the rear-end collision
avoidance system 1200 is implemented on one or more of an
automobile, off road vehicle, and motorcycle. In some embodiments
the rear-end collision avoidance system 1200 is implemented on a
bicycle. The rear end collision avoidance system 900 and the
rear-end collision avoidance system 1200 communicate a deceleration
status of a lead vehicle to a following vehicle without relying on
the conventional stop lamps of the lead vehicle.
[0094] FIG. 13 illustrates a flow chart of a system to communicate
a deceleration status of a subject vehicle's deceleration, in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
[0095] As shown in FIG. 13, at the step 1304 a traveling speed of a
first vehicle is determined, as described above. If it is
determined that the traveling speed of the first vehicle has
changed, then at the step 1306, an alerting device of the first
vehicle transmits a signal to a second vehicle, such as a following
vehicle. As described above, in some embodiments, the signal is one
or more of an infrared signal, WiFi signal, and a Bluetooth.RTM.
signal. At the step 1308, a receiver receives the transmitted
signal from the alerting device. Upon receiving the signal from an
alerting device, the receiver sends a signal to a control device
corresponding to the traveling speed of the first vehicle and the
control device sends a signal to a response device activation
circuit, which at the step 1310 activates a response device in a
manner dependent on the signal from the control device. In some
embodiments, the signal and the response correspond to the
deceleration status of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the
control device also sends a signal to a speed control system
activation circuit, which slows or increases the speed of the
second vehicle in a manner dependent on the signal from the control
device.
[0096] In use, the communication system 1200 enables an alerting
device placed within a leading vehicle to transmit information to a
receiver placed within a following vehicle in a non-visual manner.
In doing so the lead vehicle is able to transmit information such
as actual speed, braking status, and deceleration discretely and
without interference. The communication system has the advantage of
allowing users to transmit and receive vehicle speed information in
a more direct manner without using conventional brake lamps or
other conventional stop lamps. Additionally, the communication
system enables a following vehicle to maintain a consistently safe
distance from a leading vehicle. Accordingly, the communication
system 1200 has many advantages.
[0097] In further embodiments, it may be desirable to implement the
communication system completely within one vehicle. In these
embodiments, information such as vehicle speed, deceleration,
braking and distance of a following vehicle may be communicated in
a manner dependent on the position of a lead vehicle and the speed
of a following vehicle. In calculating a distance between the
vehicle and an object such as another vehicle, a communication
system is able to activate a warning to indicate an excessive
closure rate or an unsafe following distance before receiving a
warning from the lead vehicle or as a substitute for receiving a
warning from the lead vehicle. Alternatively, the communication
system is able to activate a warning to indicate an excessive
closure rate or an unsafe following distance of a following
vehicle.
[0098] FIG. 14 illustrates a communication system for a vehicle
1400 in accordance with further embodiments. The communication
system 1400 comprises a range finder 1485, a vehicle speed sensor
(VSS) 1410, a control device 1445, and a response device activation
circuit 1475. In some embodiments, the communication system further
comprises a speed control system activation circuit 1465. The VSS
1410 emits a period function with a frequency corresponding to the
speed of the vehicle and sends a signal to the control device 1445.
The range finder 1485 calculates a distance from the vehicle to an
object and sends a signal to the control device 1445. Based upon
the signal from the VSS 1410 and the range finder 1485 the control
device 1445 sends a signal to the response device activation
circuit 1475, which operates a response device in a manner
dependent upon the signal sent from the control device 1445.
[0099] In some embodiments, the range finder 1485 calculates the
distance from a following vehicle to a leading vehicle. In some
embodiments, the range finder 1485 calculates the distance between
the following vehicle and the leading vehicle by utilizing a set of
known distances and target sizes. For example, in some embodiments
the range finder 1485 calculates the distance between a following
vehicle and a lead vehicle by using the license plate of the lead
vehicle, which is a standard size. In some embodiments, the
distance is measured using sonar, laser and radar. In some
embodiments. the distance is calculated using trigonometry methods
such as with a stadiametric range finder, parallax range finder,
and a coincidence range finder. However, the range finder is able
to calculate the distance between the following vehicle and the
lead vehicle by any method as known in the art. In some
embodiments, the range finder 1485 is pointable in the same
direction as a lead vehicle that is making a turn. In these
embodiments, the range finder 1485 is able to maintain focus on the
leading vehicle for a longer period of time as the leading vehicle
turns.
[0100] In some embodiments, after calculating the distance from a
following vehicle to a leading vehicle, the range finder 1485 sends
a signal to the control device 1445 that corresponds to that
distance. As described above, the VSS 1410 also sends a signal to
the control device 1445 corresponding to the speed of the vehicle.
After receiving the signal from the range finder 1485 and the VSS
1410, the control device 1445 sends a signal to the response device
activation circuit 1475. The signal sent by the control device 1445
to the response device activation circuit 1475 is dependent upon
the signal from the range finder 1485 and the VSS 1410.
[0101] In some embodiments, the signal sent by the control device
1445 to the response device activation circuit 1475 is dependent
upon whether the following vehicle is following the leading vehicle
at a safe distance. In these embodiments, the safe following
distance is directly proportional to the rate of speed of the
vehicle. For example, if it takes a vehicle approximately 217 feet
to stop when traveling 55 miles per hour (mph) and 315 feet to stop
when traveling 70 mph then the safe distance could be at least 217
feet at 55 mph and at least 315 feet at 70 mph. Thus, if the
control device 1445 receives a signal corresponding to a speed of
55 mph from the VSS 1410 and signal corresponding to a distance of
less than 217 feet from the range finder, then the control device
1445 sends a signal to the response device activation circuit which
activates the response device. For example, in some embodiments,
the response device generates an alert announcing, "YOU HAVE
ENCROACHED ON THE SAFE SEPARATION ZONE."
[0102] In further embodiments, the response device generates an
alert indicating an excessive closure rate of the following vehicle
with respect to the leading vehicle. In some embodiments, the
response device generates an alert indicating that the following
vehicle is traveling too close to the lead vehicle based on its
current speed. Alternatively, the response device generates an
alert indicating that the following vehicle is traveling too far
from the lead vehicle based on its current speed. In further
embodiments, the response device generates an alert announcing,
"SLOWING TRAFFIC AHEAD . . . SLOWING TRAFFIC AHEAD, or . . .
STOPPED TRAFFIC AHEAD . . . STOPPED TRAFFIC AHEAD." As described
above, in some embodiments, the response device generates a visual
alert which appears on a screen. In some embodiments, the response
device generates an auditory alert through a Bluetooth.RTM. device
or speakers. In further embodiments, the response device generates
an alert that indicates the distance between the following vehicle
and a leading vehicle.
[0103] In still further embodiments, the range finder 1485
calculates the distance from a lead vehicle to a following vehicle.
In some embodiments, the range finder 1485 calculates the distance
between the leading vehicle and the following vehicle by utilizing
a set of known distances and target sizes. For example, in some
embodiments the range finder 1485 calculates the distance between a
leading vehicle and a following vehicle by using the front license
plate of the following vehicle, which is a standard size. In some
embodiments, the distance is measured using sonar, laser and radar.
In some embodiments. the distance is calculated using trigonometry
methods such as with a stadiametric range finder, parallax range
finder, and a coincidence range finder. However, the range finder
is able to calculate the distance between the following vehicle and
the lead vehicle by any method as known in the art. In some
embodiments, the range finder 1485 is pointable in the same
direction as a following vehicle as the lead vehicle is making a
turn. In these embodiments, the range finder 1485 is able to
maintain focus on the following vehicle for a longer period of time
as the leading vehicle turns.
[0104] In some embodiments, after calculating the distance from a
leading vehicle to a following vehicle, the range finder 1485 sends
a signal to the control device 1445 that corresponds to that
distance. As described above, the VSS 1410 also sends a signal to
the control device 1445 corresponding to the speed of the vehicle.
After receiving the signal from the range finder 1485 and the VSS
1410, the control device 1445 sends a signal to the response device
activation circuit 1475. The signal sent by the control device 1445
to the response device activation circuit 1475 is dependent upon
the signal from the range finder 1485 and the VSS 1410.
[0105] In some embodiments, the signal sent by the control device
1445 to the response device activation circuit 1475 is dependent
upon whether the following vehicle is following the leading vehicle
at a safe distance. As described above, in these embodiments, the
safe following distance is directly proportional to the rate of
speed of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the response device
generates an alert announcing, "A FOLLOWING VEHICLE HAS ENCROACHED
ON THE SAFE SEPARATION ZONE."
[0106] In further embodiments, the response device generates an
alert indicating an excessive closure rate of the following vehicle
with respect to the leading vehicle. In some embodiments, the
response device generates an alert indicating that the following
vehicle is traveling too close to the lead vehicle based on its
current speed. In some embodiments, the response device generates a
visual alert which appears on a screen. In some embodiments, the
response device generates an auditory alert through a
Bluetooth.RTM. device or speakers. In further embodiments, the
response device generates an alert that indicates the distance
between the following vehicle and a leading vehicle. In some
embodiments, the communication system further comprises an alerting
device, as described above. In these embodiments, the alerting
device generates an alert based on a position of the following
vehicle, as also described above. In some embodiments, the alerting
device generates a visual alert. In some embodiments, the alerting
device transmits a signal to a receiver placed within the following
vehicle.
[0107] As also shown in FIG. 14, in some embodiments, the
communication system 1400 comprises a speed control system
activation circuit 1465 coupled to the control device 1445. In
these embodiments, after receiving a signal from the VSS 1410 and
the range finder 1485, the control device 1445 sends a signal to
the speed control system activation circuit 1465, which is able to
control the speed of the vehicle in a manner dependent on the
signal from the control device 1245. For example, in some
embodiments, the control device 1445 activates the speed control
system activation circuit 1465 to activate the braking system in
order to slow the vehicle in order to increase the space between
the vehicle and a lead vehicle. In some embodiments, the control
device 1445 activates the speed control system activation circuit
1465 to activate the braking system in order to maintain a safe
distance between the following vehicle and the lead vehicle. In
further embodiments, the control device 1445 activates the speed
control system activation circuit 1465 to increase the speed of the
following vehicle in order to maintain a consistent distance
between the following vehicle and the lead vehicle such as while
traveling within a convoy. In still further embodiments, the
control device 1445 activates the speed control system activation
circuit 1465 to increase the speed of the leading vehicle based on
an excessive closure rate of a following vehicle.
[0108] In some embodiments, the communication system 1400 comprises
a speed control system activation circuit 1465 and a response
device activation circuit 1475 coupled to the control device 1445.
In some embodiments, the communication system 1400 is installed at
the factory. In other embodiments, the communication system 1400 is
installed as aftermarket equipment. In some embodiments, the
communication system 1400 is implemented on one or more of an
automobile, off road vehicle, and motorcycle. In some embodiments
the communication system 1400 is implemented on a bicycle.
[0109] In use, the communication system 1400 provides a warning
which supplements conventional warning systems and indicates
possible unsafe driving conditions or slowing traffic. By warning
of an excessive closure rate and an unsafe following distance, the
speed of a vehicle may be increased or decreased in order to make
driving conditions safe. In addition, in some embodiments, the
communication system 1400 has the advantage of generating a warning
which is tailored to the specific speed of the vehicle and the
ideal stopping distance at that speed. Moreover, in some
embodiments, by implementing the system entirely within one
vehicle, the vehicle is not dependent upon other warning systems in
the event of a malfunction or failure of those systems.
[0110] In further embodiments, it is desirable to implement a
communication system within a vehicle. In these embodiments
information such as the speed and the location of the vehicle may
be communicated by flashing a light toward the front or a side of
the vehicle. Consequently, the vehicle is more easily seen as it
approaches another vehicle or as the vehicle enters and travels
through an intersection.
[0111] FIG. 15 is a schematic view illustrating the components of a
communication system 1500 for a vehicle in accordance with some
embodiments. As shown in FIG. 15, the communication system 1500
comprises a vehicle speed sensor (VSS) 1510, a control device 1545,
and a warning device activation circuit 1595. The VSS emits a
periodic function with a frequency corresponding to a speed of the
vehicle and sends a signal to the control device 1545. The control
device 1545 processes the signal it receives from the VSS 1510 and
determines whether to activate a warning device. The control device
1545 is coupled to and sends a signal to the warning device
activation circuit 1595, which activates the warning device in a
manner based on a signal from the control device 1545.
[0112] In some embodiments the control device 1545 sends a signal
to the warning device activation circuit 1595 to activate a warning
device after the vehicle reaches a predetermined rate of speed. For
example, in some embodiments the control device 1545 sends a signal
to the warning device activation circuit 1595 when the vehicle
reaches a speed of 35 miles per hour. In some embodiments, the
warning device comprises a lamp which emits a white light. In some
embodiments the lamp faces towards a front of the vehicle. In some
embodiments the lamp faces toward a side of the vehicle. In further
embodiments the communication system 1500 comprises a plurality of
lamps which face to the front and a side of the vehicle. However,
as will be apparent to someone of ordinary skill in the art, the
lamps are able to face in any direction as known in the art. In
some embodiments the lamp flashes at a constant rate, while in
another aspect the lamp flashes at a variable rate. Additionally,
in some embodiments the lamp flashes at a rate correlated to a rate
of speed of the vehicle. For example, in some embodiments the
warning device flashes the light at an increasingly rapid rate as
the vehicle speeds up. In some embodiments the vehicle is a
motorcycle.
[0113] As further shown in FIG. 15, in some embodiments the
communication system 1500 further comprises a rangefinder 1585. In
these embodiments, the rangefinder 1585 calculates a distance from
the vehicle to an object and sends a signal to the control device
1545. The rangefinder 1585 is able to calculate the distance from
the vehicle to an object in a manner as described above. Based upon
the signal from the VSS 1510 and the rangefinder 1585 the control
device 1545 sends a signal to the warning device activation circuit
1595, which operates the warning device in a manner dependent on
the signal from the control device 1545.
[0114] In some embodiments the rangefinder 1585 calculates the
distance from the vehicle to a leading vehicle. Thus, as described
above the control device 1545 is able to send a signal to the
warning activation circuit 1595 which activates the warning device
based upon the speed of the vehicle and the distance of the vehicle
from the leading vehicle. In further embodiments the rangefinder
1585 is pointable in an upward or a diagonally upward direction. In
these embodiments the rangefinder 1585 is able to calculate the
distance between a vehicle and an object such as an overhead
stoplight or a stop sign. Consequently, in some embodiments the
control device 1545 is able to send a signal to the warning
activation circuit 1595 which activates the warning device when the
vehicle is a certain distance from an intersection. For example,
the warning device is able to flash when the vehicle is a certain
distance from an intersection so that the vehicle is more easily
seen as the vehicle travels through the intersection. In further
embodiments the rangefinder 1585 is pointable in a direction to a
side of the vehicle. Thus, in some embodiments the control device
1545 is able to send a signal to the warning activation circuit
1595 which activates the warning device as the vehicle enters an
area of congestion or an area where the vehicle is likely to
encounter turning automobiles.
[0115] In use, the communication system 1500 provides a warning
system which supplements a conventional warning system of a
vehicle. By communicating a position of the vehicle to the front
and/or a side of the vehicle, the communication system 1500 is able
to communicate the vehicle's position to other vehicles who may not
directly see the vehicle. In this manner, the vehicle is able to
communicate a warning to side traffic as it approaches an
intersection. Additionally, the vehicle is able to communicate its
position as it approaches another vehicle from the rear.
Accordingly, by flashing a white light to the front and/or a side
of the vehicle, the communication system 1500 increases the
visibility of the vehicle increasing the probability that the
vehicle will be seen by other turning and merging vehicles during
travel. In some embodiments, the communication system 1500 actuates
the vehicle's head lamp high and low beams in an alternating
fashion.
[0116] Embodiments of the present invention provide the driver of a
subject vehicle a communication system that provides warning
signals to other vehicles of any deceleration or possibility of
braking of the subject vehicle. One novel and distinguishing
feature of this invention is that the subject vehicle's
communication system warns other vehicles of any possibility that
the subject vehicle will begin to brake. This is so because any
engagement of the brake pedal is usually immediately preceded by a
disengagement of the throttle.
[0117] Thus, this invention provides an earlier warning to the
driver of the following vehicle of a subject vehicle's intent to
decelerate than is currently available in modern vehicles, which
only provide systems that actuate warning lamps if the driver
depresses the brake pedal or if an accelerometer unit detects a
threshold deceleration. Modern drivers respond quickly to rear
brake warning lamps, conditioning that the present invention takes
advantage of by using these warning systems to convey new and
broader warnings. Since following distances on modern roadways are
often inadequate, this arrangement could prevent numerous rear-end
collisions.
[0118] In some embodiments, if the vehicle is traveling an unsafe
distance from a leading vehicle, then the event is recorded. In
these embodiments, a communication system for a vehicle comprises a
pointable range finder to calculate a distance between the vehicle
and a leading vehicle, a recorder for recording an operation status
of the vehicle and a control device. The range finder sends a
signal to the control device corresponding to the vehicle's
distance from the leading vehicle and the control device operates
the recorder in a manner dependent upon the signal from the range
finder. In some embodiments, if the range finder sends a signal to
the control device that the vehicle is an unsafe distance from the
leading vehicle, then the control device sends a signal to the
recorder to record the event. The unsafe distance is able to be a
programmed distance. In some embodiments, the unsafe distance
increases with an increase in speed of the vehicle.
[0119] Referring now to FIG. 16, a communication system for a
vehicle is shown therein. The communication system 1600 comprises a
pointable range finder 1685, a recorder operation circuit 1670 and
a control device 1645. The range finder 1685 functions similarly to
the range finder 1485, such as described above. The range finder
1685 calculates the distance between a vehicle and an object such
as a leading vehicle. In some embodiments, the range finder 1685
calculates the distance between a vehicle and an object by
utilizing a set of known distances and target sizes. For example,
in some embodiments the range finder 1685 calculates the distance
between the vehicle and a leading vehicle by using the license
plate of the leading vehicle, which is a standard size. In some
embodiments, the distance is measured using sonar, laser and radar.
In some embodiments. the distance is calculated using trigonometry
methods such as with a stadiametric range finder, parallax range
finder, and a coincidence range finder. However, the range finder
is able to calculate the distance between the following vehicle and
the lead vehicle by any method as known in the art. In some
embodiments, the range finder 1685 is pointable in the same
direction as a lead vehicle that is making a turn. In these
embodiments, the range finder 1685 is able to maintain focus on the
leading vehicle for a longer period of time as the leading vehicle
turns. In some embodiments, the range finder 1685 comprises an
accelerometer to determine the direction and degree of turn.
[0120] After calculating the distance from the vehicle to an
object, the range finder 1685 sends a signal to the control device
1645 that corresponds to that distance. The control device 1645
sends a signal to the recorder operation circuit 1670 to operate
the recorder based upon the signal from the range finder. For
example, in some embodiments, the control device 1645 receives a
signal from the range finder 1645 that the vehicle is an unsafe
distance from an object, consequently, the control device 1645
sends a signal to the recorder operation circuit 1670 to operate
the recorder and record the event. In some embodiments, the unsafe
distance is a programmed value. For example, in some embodiments,
the control device 1645 sends a signal to the recorder operation
circuit 1670 to record every instance in which the vehicle comes
within twenty feet or two car lengths of an object, such as a
leading vehicle. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the unsafe
distance increases as the speed of the vehicle increases. For
example, as described above, if it takes a vehicle approximately
217 feet to stop when traveling 55 miles per hour (mph) and 315
feet to stop when traveling 70 mph then the safe distance could be
at least 217 feet at 55 mph and at least 315 feet at 70 mph. In
some embodiments, the unsafe distance increases at a constant rate
such as one car length per every ten mph after the vehicle reaches
a certain speed.
[0121] The safe distance or safe zone is able to be determined by a
programmable constant. For example, in some embodiments the
constant is programmed to increase the safe zone 18 feet per
increase of 10 mph of speed of the car. Thus, the safe zone would
comprise X at a speed of Y and X+18 at a speed of Y+10. In some
embodiments, the constant is variable depending upon the speed of
the car and increases the safe zone as the speed of the car
increases. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the constant is
programmed to increase the safe zone at a constant rate once the
vehicle reaches a determined speed such as 50 mph. Particularly, by
using a constant value or variable in order to calculate the safe
zone, the safe zone is determined according to the speed of the
vehicle, the vehicle's distance from an object and a pre-defined
safe zone threshold or constant value.
[0122] Referring to FIG. 16, the control device 1645 receives a
signal from the VSS 1610 corresponding to a speed of the vehicle
and a signal from the range finder 1685 corresponding to the
vehicle's distance from the object. After receiving the signal from
the VSS 1610 and the range finder 1645, the control device 1645
compares the values to the programmed constant and sends a signal
to the recorder operation circuit 1670 and/or the speed control
activation circuit 1665. In some embodiments, if the vehicle is an
unsafe distance from the object, a signal to the recorder operation
circuit 1670 to record the instance. Alternatively or in
combination, in some embodiments, if the vehicle is an unsafe
distance from the object, a signal to the recorder operation
circuit 1670 to the speed control activation circuit 1665 to slow
the vehicle. In further embodiment, the communication system 1600
comprises a response device activation circuit 1475, such as shown
in FIG. 14. Consequently, in some embodiments, an alert is
generated if the vehicle is an unsafe distance from the object. The
response device is able to generate an alert announcing, "A
FOLLOWING VEHICLE HAS ENCROACHED ON THE SAFE SEPARATION ZONE," such
as described above. In some embodiments, the response device
generates an alert in order to indicate an excessive closure rate
of the vehicle with respect to the object as determined by the
range finder 1685.
[0123] In some embodiments, after the event is recorded it is
saved. In this manner, the communication system 1600 is able to
record and store a plurality of different safe zone encroachment
events accumulated by the vehicle over a period of time. The
communication system 1600 is able to comprise any appropriate
memory device in order to save and store the one or more safe zone
encroachment events. In some embodiments, after one of the one or
more safe zone encroachment events are saved, the events are
retrievable. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more safe
zone encroachment events are downloaded to a computer database or
computer operating system. Particularly, in some embodiments, the
one or more safe zone encroachment events are automatically
downloaded as they happen and/or after the vehicle has traveled a
specified amount of miles. Alternatively, the one or more safe zone
encroachment events are automatically downloaded when the vehicle
reaches its destination or when the vehicle returns to its starting
point, such as the vehicle's corporate yard.
[0124] As shown within FIG. 16, in some embodiments, the
communication system 1600 comprises a vehicle speed sensor (VSS)
1610. The VSS 1610 emits a periodic function with a frequency
corresponding to the speed of the vehicle and sends a signal to the
control device 1645. The range finder 1485 calculates a distance
from the vehicle to an object and sends a signal to the control
device 1645. Based upon the signal from the VSS 1610 and the range
finder 1685 the control device 1645 sends a signal to the recorder
operation activation circuit 1670, which operates the recorder in a
manner dependent upon the signal sent from the control device 1645,
such as described above. Additionally, in these embodiments, the
communication system 1600 is able record additional conditions
surrounding the safe zone encroachment event, such as the traveling
and closing speed of the vehicle.
[0125] In further embodiments, the communication system 1600
comprises a speed control system activation circuit 1665 coupled to
the control device 1645. In these embodiments, after receiving a
signal from the VSS 1610 and the range finder 1685, the control
device 1645 sends a signal to the speed control system activation
circuit 1665, which is able to control the speed of the vehicle in
a manner dependent on the signal from the control device 1645, such
as described above.
[0126] FIG. 17 illustrates a communication method for a vehicle in
accordance with some embodiments. The communication method begins
in the step 1710. In the step 1720, a distance is calculated
between the vehicle and an object, such as a leading vehicle. In
some embodiments, the distance is calculated by a pointable range
finder, such as described above. If it is determined that the
vehicle is an unsafe distance from the object, then the event is
recorded in the step 1730. In some embodiments, the unsafe distance
is a programmed value. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the
unsafe distance increases as the speed of the vehicle increases. In
some embodiments, the safe zone encroachment event is saved. In
some embodiments, a plurality of safe zone encroachment events are
saved. The one or more safe zone encroachment events are able to be
manually and/or automatically retrieved. For example, the one or
more safe zone encroachment events are automatically downloaded as
they happen and/or after the vehicle has traveled a specified
amount of miles. Alternatively, the one or more safe zone
encroachment events are automatically downloaded when the vehicle
reaches its destination or when the vehicle returns to its starting
point, such as the vehicle's corporate yard.
[0127] FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a communication system for a
vehicle. The communication system 1800 comprises a system 1801
located within a vehicle which is configured to calculate and
record a following distance and/or other operation status of the
vehicle. In some embodiments, the system 1801 records an unsafe
distance encroachment event of the vehicle. For example, in some
embodiments, the system 1801 is configured to record when the
vehicle is traveling too close to a leading vehicle. As described
above, in some embodiments, the unsafe distance is a programmed
value. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the unsafe distance
increases as the speed of the vehicle increases. In some
embodiments, after the system 1801 records the safe zone
encroachment event it is stored in a memory device 1807 of the
system 1801. The memory device 1807 is able to comprise any
appropriate conventional memory device as known in the art. The
system 1801 is able to record and save a plurality of different
safe zone encroachment events by the vehicle occurring at different
times.
[0128] In some embodiments, after one or more safe encroachment
events are records, the events are saved within a database 1803.
The database 1803 is able to store one or more safe zone
encroachment events from a plurality of different vehicles. For
example, in some embodiments, the database 1803 stores one or more
safe zone encroachment events from each vehicle within a fleet of
vehicles. In some embodiments, the one or more safe zone
encroachment events are automatically saved within the database
1803, such as when the vehicle reaches its destination or when the
vehicle returns to its starting point. Alternatively, in some
embodiments, the one or more safe zone encroachment events are
manually uploaded to the database 1803.
[0129] After the one or more safe zone encroachment events are
stored within the database 1803 they are able to be downloaded by a
computing device 1805. In some embodiments, the computing device
1805 comprises a personal computer, a laptop computer, a computer
workstation, a server, a mainframe computer, a handheld computer, a
personal digital assistant, a cellular/mobile telephone, a smart
appliance, a gaming console, a digital camera, a digital camcorder,
a camera phone, an iPhone, an iPod.RTM., or other smart phone.
Alternatively, in some embodiments, the one or more safe zone
encroachment events are downloaded directly from the system 1801.
Particularly, the one or more safe zone encroachment events are
able downloaded from the system 1801 in a wired or wireless manner.
For example, in some embodiments, the safe zone encroachment events
are downloaded by a long range RF signal and/or bluetooth signal as
the vehicle enters its corporate yard.
[0130] In use, the communication system records a safe zone
encroachment event of a vehicle. The system is able to calculate
the distance between a vehicle and an object, such as a leading
vehicle, and determine whether the vehicle is an unsafe distance
from the object. By recording the instances in which the vehicle
travels too close to the object, the unsafe or safe driving habits
of the vehicle are determined. Additionally, each encroachment
event is saved and downloaded and/or uploaded for later access.
Further, because the system records each encroachment event, the
speed and conditions surrounding the event are available for
download by the vehicle's owner or the management of a group of
fleet vehicles. Moreover, because the one or more safe zone
encroachment events are able to be automatically downloaded they
are available as they happen and/or after the vehicle has traveled
a specified amount of miles. Alternatively, the one or more safe
zone encroachment events are automatically downloaded when the
vehicle reaches its destination or when the vehicle returns to its
starting point, such as the vehicle's corporate yard. Particularly,
the communication system is able to be programmed by management or
fleet operations of the corporate yard. Additionally, because the
range finder is pointable, it is pointable in the direction of a
leading vehicle while the vehicle is rounding a curve and it is
able to be trained on the object for a longer period of time.
Accordingly, the communication system for recording an unsafe
encroachment event has many advantages.
EXAMPLE 2: ANTI-ROLLOVER SYSTEMS
[0131] In some embodiments of this invention, outputs from the
sensing of absolute lateral acceleration are used to adjust
suspension systems by stiffening outside suspension and/or
loosening inside suspension of moving vehicles. Further, in some
other embodiments, simple lateral acceleration is used to adjust
suspension systems during turning.
[0132] When lateral acceleration or force is applied to a vehicle,
it tends to lean in the direction opposite to the force being
applied, due in part to the softness of their suspension systems.
This moves the center of gravity further off center and in some
cases outside of their wheelbase approaching the critical rollover
point. Stiffening the outside suspension and/or loosening the
inside suspension keeps the center of gravity of vehicles within a
tighter envelope relative to the wheelbase. This inversely affects
the propensity, especially in high center of gravity loaded
vehicles, to rollover when the center of gravity of their load
exceeds the wheelbase and reaches the critical rollover point.
Additionally, by adjusting the suspension system in this manner the
distribution of load between left and right side wheels is kept
more even resulting in improved traction.
[0133] The above can be accomplished either with an absolute
lateral acceleration signal and a gyroscopic correction, or with an
uncorrected lateral acceleration signal. In the latter scenario, an
accelerometer mounted to sense lateral acceleration also detects a
component of gravitational acceleration during a banked turn. The
strength of the gravitational component relative to the lateral
(centrifugal) acceleration will depend on the speed of the turn.
Correction to the suspension system is performed accordingly. In
addition, this type of suspension adjustment system could be used
only when the vehicle is turning. A gyroscope mounted in the
horizontal plane to sense heading (e.g. FIG. 2A) could be used to
sense whether the vehicle is turning or not.
[0134] Typically these are configured as pulse width modulated
(PWM) controlling devices. Such devices typically accept analog
voltage level inputs, which are then converted to a corresponding
pulse width output. Such outputs are a common method of controlling
and delivering a regulated amount of current to a device such as a
hydraulic solenoid. The hydraulic solenoids of course are
responsible for increasing, decreasing or maintaining pressure
levels within the hydraulic or pneumatic suspension system.
[0135] An anti-rollover device 400 using an absolute acceleration
signal is illustrated in FIG. 4. In this embodiment vehicles are
assumed to be equipped with adjustable suspension systems,
typically hydraulic or pneumatic. When absolute lateral
acceleration is sensed the accelerometer-gyroscopic sensor 410
sends a signal representing absolute lateral acceleration to a
suspension selector 420, which passes signals along to a controller
responsible for controlling the relevant quadrant of the
suspension. The suspension selector 420 must interpret the signal
to determine the appropriate quadrant. For example, Q1, in which
suspension system 432 is controlled by suspension control 431 could
be the right front wheel; Q2, in which suspension system 442 is
controlled by suspension control 441 could be the left front wheel;
Q3, in which suspension system 452 is controlled by suspension
control 451 could be the right rear wheel; and Q4, in which
suspension system 462 is controlled by suspension control 461 could
be the left rear wheel. Of course, other orderings are possible, as
are systems with only two independent zones, e.g. two sides are
controlled in lockstep.
[0136] An anti-rollover device 800 using a lateral accelerometer is
illustrated in FIG. 8. In this embodiment vehicles are assumed to
be equipped with adjustable suspension systems, typically hydraulic
or pneumatic. When lateral acceleration is sensed the accelerometer
810 sends a signal representing lateral acceleration to a
suspension selector 820, which passes signals along to a controller
responsible for controlling the relevant quadrant of the
suspension. The suspension selector 820 must interpret the signal
to determine the appropriate quadrant. For example, Q1, in which
suspension system 832 is controlled by suspension control 831 could
be the right front wheel; Q2, in which suspension system 842 is
controlled by suspension control 841 could be the left front wheel;
Q3, in which suspension system 852 is controlled by suspension
control 851 could be the right rear wheel; and Q4, in which
suspension system 862 is controlled by suspension control 861 could
be the left rear wheel. Of course, other orderings are possible, as
are systems with only two independent zones, e.g. two sides are
controlled in lockstep.
EXAMPLE 3: PERFORMANCE MONITORING SYSTEMS
[0137] Due to fuel efficiency goals and competitive pressures late
model vehicles have the ability to monitor engine system
performance through an array of sensors and detectors. The absolute
accelerometer/gyroscope combination provides the ability to
communicate actual power-to-the-ground data for use in
engine/vehicle performance computations. In this embodiment, the
accelerometer-gyroscopic sensor continuously sums absolute
acceleration values to provide both absolute acceleration and
actual speed values, which can be used by a manufacturers vehicle
computer unit (VCU).
[0138] For example, the system 500 shown in FIG. 5 includes the
accelerometer-gyroscopic sensor 510, which delivers actual speed
data and absolute acceleration data to a vehicle computer unit
(VCU) 520 (or at least the engine monitoring portion thereof). The
VCU 520 uses baseline engine performance data 540 to either
self-correct through a feedback mechanism, or to issue a warning
through the performance warning system.
[0139] The manufacturer's baseline engine performance data is
helpful in determining how much acceleration should be achieved for
a given amount of throttle and what the speed of the vehicle should
be for a given amount of throttle. For instance, a VCU may have
tuned to maximum efficiency however the vehicle's corresponding
speed or acceleration may be many percentage points less than what
would be expected, indicating perhaps that the tire pressure is low
or that the vehicle is loaded to a higher level than what would be
normal, in which case the tire pressure should be increased.
EXAMPLE 4: ROAD OR SUSPENSION CONDITION MONITORING SYSTEMS
[0140] Because an accelerometer-gyroscopic sensor, which is used
and is part of this invention can use one axis of a dual axis
accelerometer in the vertical position vertical acceleration output
signals are made available to other monitors or computers that
require this information. Such a requirement may be to monitor and
evaluate road quality and/or shock absorber utilization and
performance. For instance, it is apparent to a rider in a vehicle
when such vehicle is riding on worn out shock absorbers. However,
it becomes less apparent when those shock absorbers wear out slowly
over an extended period of time. The first time a driver may
realize that shock absorbers have worn out is in cases where
critical performance is required. Or when they replace worn out
tires and see the evidence on tires of worn out shock absorbers.
The absolute A/G sensor detects vertical acceleration in very small
increments. Increasing levels of vertical acceleration can easily
be monitored thus providing notice to drivers of the degradation of
shock absorber system.
[0141] For example, in the system 600 shown in FIG. 6, the
accelerometer-gyroscopic sensor 610 provides absolute vertical
acceleration data to a VCU 620 or at least a suspension-monitoring
portion thereof. The VCU 620 can use baseline suspension
performance data 640 to either self-correct through a feedback
mechanism or issue a warning through the suspension warning system
630.
EXAMPLE 5: NAVIGATION SYSTEMS
[0142] In most embodiments, the accelerometer-gyroscopic sensor is
continuously monitoring acceleration; a unit of acceleration
multiplied by a unit of time yields a unit of velocity (with speed
as its magnitude). In some embodiments, the
accelerometer-gyroscopic sensor continuously sums units of
acceleration over small increments of time. In this case, the
accelerometer-gyroscopic sensor provides the integrated velocity or
speed as an output. In some embodiments, when a horizontally
mounted gyroscope is incorporated, the accelerometer-gyroscopic
sensor also provides direction or heading as an output.
[0143] Because velocity, or speed and heading are the raw elements
required for inertial navigation systems. In the system 700 shown
in FIG. 7, the accelerometer-gyroscopic sensor 710 provides actual
speed and heading information as an output to a navigation system
controller 720. The navigation system controller 720, which
normally provides navigation data from a global positioning system
(GPS) 730 directly to the navigation system input/output (I/O) 750,
incorporates heading information from the accelerometer-gyroscopic
sensor 710 during periods of connection loss with the GPS satellite
system. In return for providing the heading data to the inertial
navigation system 740, the navigation controller receives
navigation data from the inertial system to supplement or replace
its GPS data.
[0144] In some embodiments, the navigation system controller 720
also provides GPS heading data back to the accelerometer-gyroscopic
sensor 710 to permit re-referencing of the gyroscopes contained
therein. Continuous referencing and re-referencing of the
horizontally mounted gyroscope utilize GPS heading values while
satellite signals are acquired. Once satellite signals are lost
gyroscopic heading values take priority using last known valid
headings from the GPS. This method using absolute A/G values for
supplementing data to the GPS data when the GPS system has lost
signal will find use in many applications outside of the automotive
industry.
[0145] These elements in output signal format are made available to
on board GPS based navigation systems through a data port for
supplementation during periods of lost or down satellite signals so
that the user of a GPS navigation system sees no down time during
these periods.
[0146] In another aspect, since speed or velocity can be tracked by
summing positive and negative accelerations and multiplying by
time, a second multiplication by time can yield distance, which is
also useful in navigation.
EXAMPLE 6: ALTIMETER SYSTEMS
[0147] In another aspect, summing positive and negative vertical
accelerations over time yields altitude. For example, an
instrument, including an accelerometer-gyroscopic sensor, placed in
an airplane or other flying object, contains a circuit that
continuously sums over all accelerations and outputs altitude.
Alternatively, a system including an accelerometer-gyroscopic
sensor included in a non-flying vehicle tracks changes in altitude
and outputs a signal used to vary engine performance or some other
type of parameter.
[0148] This method of altitude determination has certain advantages
over current methods of determining altitude which rely on either
radar, pressure sensors, or GPS triangulation. Of course its
accuracy in determining altitude above sea level (ASL) relies on
knowledge of initial altitude, and its accuracy in determining
altitude above ground level (AGL) relies on terrain maps or
something similar. Since this type of instrument would reveal
nothing about a changing ground level below an aircraft, any
aircraft equipped with it would still require a radar altimeter for
determining AGL on instrument approaches that require such.
EXAMPLE 7: DYNAMIC SUSPENSION ADJUSTMENT SYSTEMS
[0149] In some embodiments of this invention, outputs from the
sensing of lateral acceleration are used to adjust suspension
systems by stiffening outside suspension and/or loosening inside
suspension of moving vehicles.
[0150] When lateral acceleration or force is applied to a vehicle,
it tends to lean in the direction opposite to the force being
applied, due in part to the softness of their suspension systems.
This moves the center of gravity further off center and in some
cases outside of their wheelbase approaching the critical rollover
point. Stiffening the outside suspension and/or loosening the
inside suspension keeps the center of gravity of vehicles within a
tighter envelope relative to the wheelbase. This inversely affects
the propensity, especially in high center of gravity loaded
vehicles, to rollover when the center of gravity of their load
exceeds the wheelbase and reaches the critical rollover point.
Additionally, by adjusting the suspension system in this manner the
distribution of load between left and right side wheels is kept
more even resulting in improved traction.
[0151] Typically these are configured as pulse width modulated
(PWM) controlling devices. Such devices typically accept analog
voltage level inputs, which are then converted to a corresponding
pulse width output. Such outputs are a common method of controlling
and delivering a regulated amount of current to a device such as a
hydraulic solenoid. The hydraulic solenoids of course are
responsible for increasing, decreasing or maintaining pressure
levels within the hydraulic or pneumatic suspension system.
[0152] An anti-rollover device 400 is illustrated in FIG. 4. In
this embodiment vehicles are assumed to be equipped with adjustable
suspension systems, typically hydraulic or pneumatic. When absolute
lateral acceleration is sensed the accelerometer-gyroscopic sensor
410 sends a signal representing absolute lateral acceleration to a
suspension selector 420, which passes signals along to a controller
responsible for controlling the relevant quadrant of the
suspension. The suspension selector 420 must interpret the signal
to determine the appropriate quadrant. For example, Q1, in which
suspension system 432 is controlled by suspension control 431 could
be the right front wheel; Q2, in which suspension system 442 is
controlled by suspension control 441 could be the left front wheel;
Q3, in which suspension system 452 is controlled by suspension
control 451 could be the right rear wheel; and Q4, in which
suspension system 462 is controlled by suspension control 461 could
be the left rear wheel. Of course, other orderings are possible, as
are systems with only two independent zones, e.g. two sides are
controlled in lockstep.
[0153] In other embodiments, simple lateral acceleration is
provided to a suspension control system.
EXAMPLE 8: SYSTEM FOR TURNING OFF AN IDLING ENGINE
[0154] In further embodiments, a vehicle speed sensor (VSS) 1010
such as described above, is configured to sense a lack of motion of
a vehicle. FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating the components
of a vehicle monitoring system 1000, warning other drivers of the
stationary status of a vehicle and turning off the engine after the
vehicle has been stationary for a period of time. The vehicle
monitoring system 1000 comprises a VSS 1010, an idling timer 1015,
a transmission status detector 1020 and a control device 1040. In
some embodiments, the idling timer 1015 is a distinct
microprocessor coupled to the VSS 1010 and the control device 1040.
In some embodiments, the idling timer 1015 is a microprocessor
comprised within the control device 1040. The VSS 1010 emits a
periodic function with a frequency corresponding to a motion status
of the vehicle and sends a signal to the idling timer 1015 or the
control device 1040. The transmission status detector 1020 is also
coupled to the control device 1040 and detects whether the
transmission is in park or neutral and sends a signal to the
control device 1040, as indicated above. In some embodiments, the
system comprises an emergency brake detector 1030, which is coupled
to the control device 1040 and sends a signal to the control device
1040 corresponding to the engagement of the emergency brake. In
some embodiments, the system comprises an external temperature
sensor 1070, which is coupled to the control device 1040 and sends
a signal to the control device corresponding to the temperature of
the external operating environment. In some embodiments, the
control device 1040 only turns off the vehicle if the external
temperature is above a programmed value. In some embodiments, the
external temperature sensor 1070 only sends a signal if the
external temperature is above a programmed value.
[0155] After receiving a signal that the vehicle is stationary, the
control device 1040 activates an alerting device to signal to other
drivers that the vehicle is stationary and the idling timer 1015 is
also activated. In some embodiments, the alerting device is a rear
facing amber light, which warns following vehicles of the
stationary status of the subject vehicle. In some embodiments, the
idling timer 1015 is a microprocessor comprised within the control
device 1040 such that the control device activates the timer. Once
the timer reaches a pre-programmed period, the idling timer 1015
sends a signal to the control device 1040. The control device 1040
processes the input signal it receives from the idling timer 1015
and the transmission status detector 1020 and decides whether to
turn off the engine of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the
control device 1040 only turns off the vehicle if the vehicle is
stationary and the transmission is in park. In some embodiments,
the emergency brake engagement detector 1030 additionally sends a
signal to the control device 1040. In these embodiments, the
control device 1040 only turns off the vehicle if the emergency
brake is additionally engaged, although the transmission may be in
park or neutral. In further embodiments, the external temperature
sensor 1070 sends a signal to the control device 1040. In these
embodiments, the control device 1040 only turns off the vehicle if
the external temperature is above a programmed value. In some
embodiments, the external temperature sensor 1070 only sends a
signal if the external temperature is above a programmed value.
[0156] The idling timer 1015, is configured to send a de-activation
signal after the timer has reached the end of its pre-programmed
period. In some embodiments, the idling timer 1015 is configured to
reach the end of its pre-programmed period after some predetermined
period of time, such as 1, 3, 6 or 9 minutes. In other embodiments,
the idling timer 1015 is configured to reach its pre-programmed
period of time after some other period of time.
[0157] After the idling timer 1015 has reached the end of its
pre-programmed period of time, a variety of signals and types of
signals are sent to turn off the engine. In some embodiments, a
logic high or logic low signal is sent directly to the control
device 1040, which turns off the engine. In other embodiments, a
12V signal is sent to a relay which resides in series with the
ignition system. Receiving the 12V signal activates the relay and
disengages the ignition. In further embodiments, additional signals
are sent to relays or other such devices to turn off a lighting
system or other accessory equipment.
[0158] In some embodiments, additional safety features such as
redundant queries confirming "park-status" are included. The safety
features include querying emergency brake status, transmission
engagement status and foot-pedal brake status. In these
embodiments, signals to turn off the engine are delayed until such
"park-status" is confirmed.
[0159] FIG. 11 illustrates the process used to turn off an idling
vehicle. The process of FIG. 11 starts at the step 1102. At the
step 1104, the system determines whether the vehicle is stationary
based on output from the VSS. If the vehicle is stationary, then at
the step 1106, an alerting device to warn following vehicles of the
stationary status and an idling timer are activated. As discussed
above, the idling timer 1015 is configured to run for a
pre-programmed period of time. At the step 1108, the system
determines whether the idling timer 1015 has run for its
pre-programmed period. In some embodiments, the idling timer 1015
sends a signal to the control device 1040 when it has run for its
pre-programmed period. If the timer has reached the end of its
pre-programmed period, then the system proceeds to the step 1110.
At the step 1110, the system queries the vehicle's transmission
status based on input from the transmission status detector 1020 to
the control device 1040 (FIG. 10). In some embodiments, the system
queries whether the vehicle's transmission is in park. In some
embodiments, the system queries whether the vehicle's transmission
is in neutral or park. When the system queries whether the
vehicle's transmission is in neutral, the system also queries
whether the emergency brake is engaged based on input from the
emergency brake engagement detector 1030 to the control device 1040
(FIG. 10). In further embodiments, the system separately queries
whether the emergency brake is engaged based on input from the
emergency brake engagement detector 1030 to the control device
1040. If at the step 1110 the vehicle's transmission is in park,
then the system proceeds to the step 1112. At the step 1112, the
system queries the temperature of the external operating
environment. If at the step 1112, the temperature is at or below
the programmed temperature, then a signal is not sent to turn off
the engine and the engine is allowed to idle. The engine is allowed
to idle such that a taxi-driver or other vehicle operator is able
to allow the vehicle to run on a cold day while they are waiting
for a fare or in other comparable situations. If at the step 1112,
the temperature is above the programmed temperature, a signal is
sent to turn off the engine and the process ends at the step 1114.
In some embodiments, additional signals are sent at the step 1114
to relays or other such devices to turn off a lighting system or
other accessory equipment.
[0160] In some embodiments, the process illustrated in FIG. 11
further comprises redundant queries confirming the "park-status" of
the vehicle. These include querying the emergency brake status,
querying the transmission engagement status and querying the
foot-pedal brake status. In these embodiments, a signal sent to
turn off the engine is delayed until such "park-status" is
confirmed.
[0161] Embodiments of the invention provide the driver of a subject
vehicle a system that causes an idling engine to turn off whose
vehicle has been stationary for more than a certain amount of time,
whose transmission is in park or neutral with the emergency brake
activated and where the outside temperature is above a threshold
value. The system is able to selectively turn off an engine
according to the outside temperature and a pre-programmed time
period of engine idle.
[0162] Thus, the invention is able to automatically turn off an
idling engine after a variety of different time periods and at a
variety of different temperatures. This is advantageous over most
modern vehicles which must be manually turned off and then
restarted by the vehicle's operator. A novel and unique way for
corporate and governmental fleet operations as well as individual
operators to save money and prevent undue environmental pollution
caused by engine idle is described herein.
EXAMPLE 9: COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE
[0163] In another aspect, a communication system communicates that
a merging vehicle is entering and/or reentering traffic from a
stopped position. A communication system for a vehicle comprises a
mechanism for sensing a motion status of a vehicle, a control
device and a yield warning activation circuit. Upon receiving a
signal that the vehicle has stopped and then begins to move again,
the control device sends a signal to the yield warning activation
circuit to activate an alert to indicate that the vehicle is
moving. In some embodiments, the alert comprises a lighted sign
which indicates that the vehicle is reentering traffic. In some
embodiments, the communication system comprises a blinker
engagement detector which detects an engagement of a blinker of the
vehicle. The communication system is able to be implemented on a
bus or other such fleet vehicles. In this manner, the vehicle is
able to be better seen as it reenters the flow of moving traffic
from a stopped position and away from the main flow of traffic.
[0164] Referring now to FIG. 19, a communication method for a
vehicle is depicted therein. The communication method begins in the
step 1910. In the step 1920, it is sensed that the vehicle has
stopped and is stationary. Then, in the step 1930 it is sensed that
the vehicle has begun to move again and in response a merge alert
is activated in the step 1940. In some embodiments, the alert
comprises a lighted sign which indicates that the vehicle is
reentering traffic from a stopped position. Particularly, in some
embodiments, the lighted sign comprises a lighted YIELD or a
lighted MERGE symbol in order to indicate that the vehicle is
merging back into traffic. In some embodiments, the method further
comprises sensing whether a blinker of the vehicle has been
activated. For example, in some embodiments, the method senses that
a turn signal of the vehicle has been activated indicating that the
vehicle intends to reenter the flow of traffic. In some
embodiments, the method also comprises sensing an engagement of the
braking system, such as described above. The method ends in the
step 1950.
[0165] The method is able to be implemented within a bus or other
such fleet vehicle. In this manner, a fleet vehicle such as a bus
is able to pull over at a bus stop in order to let people on and
off of the bus. Then, when the riders are seated and the bus wishes
to continue on its way, the bus is able to activate an alert to
indicate the bus is reentering traffic and merge into the traffic
flow in a safe and efficient manner.
[0166] FIG. 20 illustrates a communication system for a vehicle in
accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 20, the
communication system 2000 comprises a vehicle speed sensor 2010, an
acceleration monitoring system 2015, a control device 2045 and a
yield warning activation circuit 2080. The vehicle speed sensor
2010 detects a speed of the vehicle and sends a signal to the
acceleration monitoring system 2015 which is able to calculate an
acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle based upon the
variation in the signals from the vehicle speed sensor 2010. The
acceleration monitoring system 2015 sends a signal to the control
device 2045 and the control device sends a signal to the yield
warning activation circuit 2080 based upon the signal from the
acceleration monitoring system 2015.
[0167] In some embodiments, the acceleration monitoring system 2015
sends a signal to the control device 2045 that the vehicle has
stopped and is accelerating from the stopped position and in
response the control device 2045 sends a signal to the yield
warning activation circuit 2080 to activate an alert that the
vehicle is moving. In this manner, the vehicle is able to activate
an alert when it begins to move again such as when the vehicle is
merging into moving traffic from a stopped position. In some
embodiments, the alert comprises a lighted sign. In some
embodiments, such as described above, the lighted sign comprises a
lighted YIELD or a lighted MERGE symbol in order to indicate that
the vehicle is merging back into traffic.
[0168] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 20, in some embodiments, the
system comprises a blinker engagement detector 2065 that senses
that a turn signal of the vehicle has been activated indicating
that the vehicle intends to reenter the flow of traffic. In these
embodiments, the blinker engagement detector 2065 sends a signal to
the control device 2045, which sends a signal to the yield warning
activation circuit 2080 to activate an alert that the vehicle
intends to move from its position. Alternatively, or in
combination, in some embodiments, the system 2000 also comprises a
braking system engagement detector such as described above. The
communication system 2000 is able to be installed on the vehicle
during manufacturing as original equipment or as an aftermarket
system. In some embodiments, the communication system 2000 is
implemented within a bus or other such fleet vehicle.
[0169] FIG. 21 illustrates a communication system for a vehicle in
accordance with further embodiments. The communication system 2100
comprises a vehicle speed sensor 2110, a control device 2145 and a
yield warning activation circuit 2180. The vehicle speed sensor
2110 detects a speed of the vehicle and sends a signal to the
control device 2145 and the control device sends a signal to the
yield warning activation circuit 2180 based upon the signal from
the vehicle speed sensor 2110.
[0170] In some embodiments, the vehicle speed sensor 2110 sends a
signal to the control device 2045 that the vehicle has stopped.
Then, when the vehicle begins to travel again the vehicle speed
sensor 2110 sends a signal to the control device 2144 to and in
response the control device 2145 sends a signal to the yield
warning activation circuit 2180 to activate an alert that the
vehicle is moving. In this manner, similar to the communication
system as described above, the vehicle is able to activate an alert
when it begins to move again such as when the vehicle is merging
into moving traffic from a stopped position. In some embodiments,
the alert comprises a lighted sign. In some embodiments, such as
described above, the lighted sign comprises a lighted YIELD or a
lighted MERGE symbol in order to indicate that the vehicle is
merging back into traffic.
[0171] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 21, in some embodiments, the
system comprises a blinker engagement detector 2165 that senses
that a turn signal of the vehicle has been activated indicating
that the vehicle intends to reenter the flow of traffic. In these
embodiments, the blinker engagement detector 2165 sends a signal to
the control device 2145, which sends a signal to the yield warning
activation circuit 2180 to activate an alert that the vehicle
intends to move from its position. Alternatively, or in
combination, in some embodiments, the system 2100 also comprises a
braking system engagement detector such as described above. The
communication system 2100 is able to be installed on the vehicle
during manufacturing as original equipment or as an aftermarket
system. In some embodiments, the communication system 2100 is
implemented within a bus or other such fleet vehicle.
[0172] FIG. 22 illustrates a communication system for a vehicle in
accordance with yet further embodiments. The communication system
2200 comprises an accelerometer 2210, a control device 2245 and a
yield warning activation circuit 2280. The accelerometer 2210
detects an acceleration of the vehicle and sends a signal to the
control device 2245 and the control device sends a signal to the
yield warning activation circuit 2280 based upon the signal from
the vehicle accelerometer 2210.
[0173] In some embodiments, the accelerometer 2210 sends a signal
to the control device 2245 that the vehicle has stopped and is
accelerating from the stopped position and in response the control
device 2245 sends a signal to the yield warning activation circuit
2280 to activate an alert that the vehicle is moving. In this
manner, the vehicle is able to activate an alert when it begins to
move again such as when the vehicle is merging into moving traffic
from a stopped position. In some embodiments, the alert comprises a
lighted sign. In some embodiments, such as described above, the
lighted sign comprises a lighted YIELD or a lighted MERGE symbol in
order to indicate that the vehicle is merging back into
traffic.
[0174] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 22, in some embodiments, the
system comprises a blinker engagement detector 2265 that senses
that a turn signal of the vehicle has been activated indicating
that the vehicle intends to reenter the flow of traffic. In these
embodiments, the blinker engagement detector 2265 sends a signal to
the control device 2245, which sends a signal to the yield warning
activation circuit 2280 to activate an alert that the vehicle
intends to move from its position. Alternatively, or in
combination, in some embodiments, the system 2200 also comprises a
braking system engagement detector such as described above. The
communication system 2200 is able to be installed on the vehicle
during manufacturing as original equipment or as an aftermarket
system. In some embodiments, the communication system 2200 is
implemented within a bus or other such fleet vehicle.
[0175] In use, the communication method and systems as described
above enable vehicle to conveniently and safely signal when the
vehicle intends to enter and/or reenter traffic from a stopped
position. As the vehicle begins to move from the stopped position,
the system is able to activate an alert that warns other drivers
that the vehicle is entering the flow of traffic. Particularly, by
illuminating a lighted sign at a rear of the vehicle, surrounding
traffic is alerted to the vehicle as it enters the flow of traffic.
Additionally, as the system senses an activation of the blinker it
is able to provide a level of safety in addition to the turn
signals of the vehicle. This is particularly useful for fleet
vehicles such as buses, taxis, police cars and other vehicles which
are frequently stopping and reentering traffic from a side of the
road. In this manner, the communication systems as described above
have many advantages.
[0176] In some embodiments, a communication system for a vehicle
comprises a mechanism for sensing a motion status of a vehicle, a
control device, a plurality of data acquisition sensors, and one or
more alerting device activation circuits. The communication system
is customizable with the plurality of data acquisition sensors and
one or more alerting device activation circuits based upon the
needs of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the communication system
is customized before it is installed within the vehicle.
Alternatively, in some embodiments, the communication system is
customizable after it is installed within the vehicle by turning on
and/or turning off one or more of the data acquisition sensors and
one or more alerting device activation circuits. The communication
system is able to be implemented on a bus or other such fleet
vehicles.
[0177] In some embodiments, one or more sensors and one or more
alerting device activation circuits are included in a customizable
module which is able to be configured for a specific purpose.
Referring now to FIG. 23, a configurable control module is depicted
therein. In some embodiments, the control module is designed to be
implemented within a fleet vehicle, such as a bus, a taxi, a police
car or another fleet vehicle. The control module 2300 comprises a
plurality of data acquisition sensors 2370, a control device 2345
and one or more alerting device activation circuits 2390. The
plurality of data acquisition sensors 2370 are able to be the data
sensors such as described in relation to the communications systems
above and below. For example, in some embodiments the plurality of
data acquisition sensors 2370 comprise one or more of a vehicle
speed sensor, an accelerometer, an acceleration monitoring system,
a braking system engagement detector, a throttle engagement
detector, an accelerometer-gyroscopic sensor, a range finder, a
transmission status detector, an emergency brake detector, a
blinker engagement detector, an ambient light sensor, an external
temperature sensor, an idling timer, and a weight sensor. However,
more or less sensors are able to be included depending upon a
desirability of the user.
[0178] The plurality of data acquisition sensors 2370 send a signal
to the control device based upon the acquired data and the control
device 2345 sends a signal to one or more alerting device
activation circuits based upon the signal from the plurality of
data acquisition sensors 2370. The alerting device activation
circuits are able to comprise one or more alerting device
activation circuits such as described in relation to the
communication system as described above. For example, in some
embodiments, the alerting device activation circuits 2390 comprise
an alerting device, a response device, a recorder, or a yield
warning activation circuit. As shown in FIG. 23, in some
embodiments, the control module 2300 also comprises one or more
vehicle adjustment circuits 2395. In some embodiments, the one or
more vehicle adjustment circuits 2395 comprise one or more
suspension controllers, a speed control activation circuit, and an
engine turn off relay.
[0179] In some embodiments, the control module 2300 is installed
within the vehicle as after-market equipment. The control module
2300 is able to be customized in order to turn off and turn one or
more of the plurality of the sensors based upon a preference of the
user. For example, in some embodiments, the control module 2300 is
configured so that an absolute acceleration of the vehicle is
monitored in order to emit a visual alert based upon a deceleration
of the vehicle, but a range finder is not activated because it is
not necessary to calculate a distance of the vehicle from an
object. In this manner, the control module 2300 is able to be
constructed as a single unit and then customized to the exact needs
of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the control module 2300 is
customized before it is installed within the vehicle.
Alternatively, in some embodiments, the control module 2300 is
customizable after it is installed within the vehicle.
Particularly, the control module 2300 is able to be customized with
a plurality of data sensors 2370 and one or more alerting device
activation circuits 2390 and/or one or more vehicle adjustment
circuits as desired.
[0180] FIG. 24 illustrates a communication system for a vehicle in
accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the
communication system is designed to be implemented within a fleet
vehicle, such as a bus, a taxi, a police car or another fleet
vehicle. The communication system 2400 comprises a vehicle motion
sensor 2405, one or more vehicle door sensors 2415, a bus stop
sensor 2425, an ambient light sensor 2435, a proximity sensor 2455,
a vehicle weight sensor 2465, a control device 2445, and one or
more alerting device activation circuits 2490. Although six vehicle
input sensors are shown in FIG. 24, as will be apparent to someone
of ordinary skill in the art, more or less input sensors are able
to be included within the communication system 2400.
[0181] The vehicle motion sensor 2405 sends a signal to the control
device 2445 that the vehicle has stopped and the one or more
vehicle door sensors 2415 send a signal to the control device that
one or more doors of the vehicle have opened or closed. The control
device 2445 receives a signal from the vehicle motion sensor 2405
and the one or more vehicle door sensors 2415 and sends a signal to
the one or more alerting device activation circuits 2490 based upon
the signal from the vehicle motion sensor 2455 and the one or more
vehicle door sensors 2415. In some embodiments, the vehicle motion
sensor 2455 comprises a vehicle speed sensor, an accelerometer, or
an acceleration monitoring system such as described above. In some
embodiments, the one or more alerting device activation circuits
2490 comprise a yield warning activation circuit such as described
above. Alternatively, or in combination, the one or more alerting
device activation circuits 2490 comprise an alerting device that is
configured to generate a visual alert or an auditory alert. For
example, in some embodiments, the one or more alerting device
activation circuits 2490 comprise a vehicle light that is
configured to flash in order to indicate that the vehicle has
stopped.
[0182] In some embodiments, the one or more vehicle door sensors
2475 send a signal to the control device that one or more doors of
the vehicle is open and in response, the control device 2445 sends
a signal to the one or more alerting device activation circuits
2490 which generates an auditory alert that the door is open. In
some embodiments, the vehicle motion sensor 2405 sends a signal to
the control device 2445 that the vehicle has stopped and the
control device 2445 sends a signal to the one or more alerting
device activation circuits 2490 to generate an auditory alert that
the vehicle has reached its stop.
[0183] When the communication system 2400 is implemented within a
bus, the system 2400 is able to be programmed with information
regarding the route of the bus within a memory of the system.
Consequently, when the vehicle motion sensor 2405 sends a signal to
the control device 2445 sends a signal to the control device 2445
that the vehicle has stopped, the control device 2445 is able to
send a signal to the one or more alerting device activation
circuits 2490 to announce that the bus has reached a specific stop.
For example, the one or more alerting device activation circuits
2490 are able to announce that the bus has reached its 12' street
stop. In some embodiments, the communication system 2400 comprises
a GPS locator which enables the system 2400 to announce its
location.
[0184] Particularly, the system 2400 is able to determine when the
bus is at a bus stop and announce an alert to let riders know that
the bus is at the stop. In this manner, information regarding
current and future stops is able to be conveyed automatically to
riders. As further shown in FIG. 24, in some embodiments, the
communication system comprises a bus stop sensor 2405. In some
embodiments, the bus stop sensor 2405 is a RF transmitter that is
able to read information from a bus stop sign. The bus stop sensor
2405 sends a signal to the control device 2445 regarding
information located on the sign and the control device 2445 sends a
signal to the one or more alerting device activation circuits 2490
to issue an audible bus stop announcement.
[0185] The ambient light sensor 2435 detects the amount of light
around the vehicle and sends a signal to the control device 2445
which sends a signal to an alerting device activation circuit 2490
based upon the signal from the ambient light sensor 2435. The
alerting device circuit 2490 is able to activate an alerting
device, such as described in relation to the communication systems
described above. The ambient light sensor 2435 is able to
continuously accumulate and average light data as the vehicle is
moving. Based upon an average light level, the ambient light sensor
2435 is able to detect a sudden change in the light level, such as
when the vehicle enters a tunnel.
[0186] In some embodiments, when it is determined the light level
has fallen below a certain threshold indicating that the vehicle
has entered a tunnel or other dark area, the ambient light sensor
2435 sends a signal to the control device 2445, which sends a
signal to the alerting device activation circuit 2490 to activate
an alert. For example, the alerting device activation circuit 2490
is able to modulate a rear facing light when the vehicle enters a
dark area in order to better alert other vehicles to its presence.
In some embodiments, the control device only sends a signal to the
alerting device activation circuit 2490 only activates an alert if
it is determined that the vehicle has slowed to a certain speed or
stopped. As described above, the speed or travel of the vehicle is
able to be determined using one or a combination of a vehicle speed
sensor, an accelerometer-gyroscopic sensor, an accelerometer, or an
acceleration monitoring system. By activating an alert when the bus
enters a tunnel or other dark area, the bus is able to warn
approaching drivers from inside or outside of the tunnel that
traffic has slowed or stopped and the vehicle needs to
correspondingly reduce its speed.
[0187] As also shown in FIG. 24, in some embodiments, the
communication system 2400 comprises a proximity sensor 2455. In
some embodiments, the proximity sensor is a rear facing laser range
finder which monitors the distance and a closure rate of vehicle
approaching from the rear. Upon detecting that a vehicle is too
close or is approaching too fast, the proximity sensor sends a
signal to the control device 2445 which sends a signal to the one
or more alerting device activation circuits 2490 to activate an
alert. In some embodiments, the one or more alerting device
activation circuits 2490 to activate a visual alert such as a rear
facing lamp. In some embodiments, the lamp is configured to flash
corresponding to a closure rate of the vehicle. Particularly, the
more excessive the closure rate of the following vehicle, the more
extreme the warning.
[0188] In some embodiments, an activation of the alerting device is
dependent upon a weight of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 24, the
vehicle weight sensor 2465 sends a signal to the control device
2445 which sends a signal to the alerting device activation circuit
2490 based upon the signal from the vehicle weight sensor 2465. In
some embodiments, the vehicle is configured with a baseline weight
before passengers and a safe stopping speed and/or stopping
distance based upon that weight. As the vehicle takes on more
passengers the weight of the vehicle increases and so does its safe
stopping speed and/or stopping distance. Thus, the vehicle motion
sensor 2405 is able to send a signal to the control device 2445
based upon a deceleration status of the vehicle and the control
device is able send a signal to the alerting device activation
circuit 2490 to activate an alert if the vehicle is decelerating
too quickly base upon its weight. In some embodiments, the alerting
device activation circuit 2490 is configured to modulate a rear
facing lamp, as described above. Alternatively or in combination,
the alerting device activation circuit 2490 is able to activate an
internal alert to alert the driver that the vehicle is decelerating
too quickly based upon its weight.
[0189] In some embodiments, the communication device 2400 comprises
a range finder, such as described above. In these embodiments, the
rangefinder sends a signal to the control device 2445 based upon
the vehicle's distance from an object such as a leading vehicle and
the control device sends a signal to the alerting device activation
circuit 2490. In some embodiments, if it is determined that the
vehicle is too close to a leading vehicle based upon its safe
stopping distance and weight, then the control device 2445 sends a
signal to the alerting device activation circuit 2490 to activate
an alert. In some embodiments, the alerting device activation
circuit 2490 is configured to modulate a rear facing lamp, as
described above. Alternatively or in combination, the alerting
device activation circuit 2490 is able to activate an internal
alert to alert the driver that the vehicle is decelerating too
quickly based upon its weight.
[0190] As described above the customizable control module and
communication systems are able to be configured with a plurality of
data sensors and one or more alerting devices. The control module
and communication systems are able to be installed as original
manufacturer equipment or as an aftermarket accessory.
Particularly, the control module and system are 100% autonomous and
provide automatic control of the plurality of data sensors and
alerting devices. In doing so, the control module and systems
automatically provide data and safety alerts to the driver of the
vehicle as well as the surrounding vehicles.
[0191] Additionally, when the control module and/or the control
systems are implemented within a fleet vehicle such as a bus, the
control module and system are able to provide route and other
information to riders. This especially enables sight or hearing
impaired riders to hear and see stop and door information without
other the requirement of other special equipment. Accordingly, the
control module and communication systems as described herein have
many advantages.
[0192] Of course, the present invention has additional uses that
are not discussed in the embodiments above. The present invention
has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating
details to facilitate the understanding of the principles of
construction and operation of the invention. As such, references
herein to specific embodiments and details thereof are not intended
to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be
apparent that those skilled in the art that modifications can be
made to the embodiments chosen for illustration without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *