CA2351138A1 - Automobile proximity warning system - Google Patents
Automobile proximity warning system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2351138A1 CA2351138A1 CA 2351138 CA2351138A CA2351138A1 CA 2351138 A1 CA2351138 A1 CA 2351138A1 CA 2351138 CA2351138 CA 2351138 CA 2351138 A CA2351138 A CA 2351138A CA 2351138 A1 CA2351138 A1 CA 2351138A1
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- Prior art keywords
- vehicle
- driver
- proximity
- obstacle
- indicator
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q9/00—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling
- B60Q9/002—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling for parking purposes, e.g. for warning the driver that his vehicle has contacted or is about to contact an obstacle
- B60Q9/007—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling for parking purposes, e.g. for warning the driver that his vehicle has contacted or is about to contact an obstacle providing information about the distance to an obstacle, e.g. varying sound
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
- B60R1/12—Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
- B60R2001/1215—Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks with information displays
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Traffic Control Systems (AREA)
Abstract
A proximity warning system for a motor vehicle designed to operate during both parking and driving operations, provides different levels of warning indicators to forewarn a driver when a hazard is encountered and to alert the driver when a collision is imminent. A series of proximity sensors disposed at selected points about the periphery of the automobile detect the proximity of an obstacle, and an alarm system alerts the driver using different indicators corresponding to different levels of proximity to the vehicle.
The indicators may be displayed on the windshield and/or the rear- and side-view mirrors, and may comprise green, yellow and red warning indicators which respectively represent an object in progressively shorter distances from the vehicle, optionally with an audible warning indicator. A strobe light may be provided on the vehicle and activated by a button which is inactive until the proximity warning system senses an obstacle at a certain distance, at which point the strobe activation button becomes operational and the driver can depress the strobe activation button to activate the strobe light for a defined interval as an external warning to the driver of an approaching vehicle.
The indicators may be displayed on the windshield and/or the rear- and side-view mirrors, and may comprise green, yellow and red warning indicators which respectively represent an object in progressively shorter distances from the vehicle, optionally with an audible warning indicator. A strobe light may be provided on the vehicle and activated by a button which is inactive until the proximity warning system senses an obstacle at a certain distance, at which point the strobe activation button becomes operational and the driver can depress the strobe activation button to activate the strobe light for a defined interval as an external warning to the driver of an approaching vehicle.
Description
AUTOMOBILE PROXIMITY WARNING SYSTEM
Field of Invention This invention relates to automobile proximity warning systems. In particular, this invention relates to a proximity warning system that alerts a driver when an obstacle is in proximity of the vehicle during both driving and parking operations.
Background of the Invention Proximity sensing systems for automobiles are known. In such system, one or more sensors are positioned around a motor vehicle to sense an object in proximity of the vehicle and warn the driver, for example located in a "blind spot" where the object may be obscured by a portion of the vehicle or outside of the field of view of the rear- and side-view mirrors in the automobile.
For example, United States Patent No. 5,319,359 describes a detection assembly having multiple motion detectors mounted around the exterior of the vehicle and an alarm assembly for warning the driver when motion is detected near the vehicle. This system notifies the driver of a parked vehicle when an intruder is approaching the vehicle.
Published Canadian Patent Application No. 2,310,570 describes a sensing and indicating device which utilizes ultrasound transducers to alert the driver when an obstacle is in the vicinity of the vehicle, for example in a parking garage.
However, such systems are designed to operate only when parked or during parking procedures. There are many situations which arise under normal driving conditions which pose an accident hazard, and these can be much more dangerous because of the high speeds that can be involved. A conventional proximity warning system which alerts the driver only when the hazard is imminent, is not a suitable solution during normal driving conditions. Because of human nature and particularly the tendency to panic in an emergency, unless the driver is very skilled and experienced at making split-second decisions to deal with imminent hazards, driver reactions under these conditions are often irrational and can actually cause an accident rather than prevent one.
It would accordingly be advantageous to provide an automobile proximity warning system which is designed to operate under both parking and normal driving conditions. It would further be advantageous to provide an automobile proximity warning system in which the driver is given different levels of warning indicators, allowing the driver to make a more considered judgment as to the appropriate course of action to take and to thus respond more rationally to a hazard encountered while driving or parking, to increase the driver's chances of avoiding an accident.
Summary of the Invention The present invention overcomes these disadvantages by providing a proximity warning system for a motor vehicle designed to operate during both parking and driving operations, which provides different levels of warning indicators to forewarn a driver when a hazard is encountered, and to alert the driver when action needs to be taken and when a collision is imminent unless corrective action is taken. The system of the invention provides a simple visual interface which gives an instantaneous indication of the distance of an obstacle while driving or parking, to which the driver can react without substantial mental processing information to assess the extent of the hazard.
The invention accomplishes this by providing a proximity warning system comprising a series of proximity sensors disposed at selected points about the periphery of the automobile, which detect not only the presence of an obstacle but also its proximity, and an alarm system which alerts the driver using different indicators corresponding to different levels of proximity to the vehicle. The driver is thus alerted to the presence of a potential obstacle before it actually becomes a hazard, and through graduating levels of indicator warnings can determine whether the object is approaching the vehicle, and when the hazard becomes imminent, in order to take appropriate corrective action.
In the preferred embodiment the indicators are displayed on any or all of the windshield and the rear- and side-view mirrors, so as not to distract the driver's attention from the road under an alarm condition, and comprise green, yellow and red warning indicators which respectively represent an object in proximity of the vehicle at ranges of 50 to 25 inches, 25 to 12 inches and less than 12 inches. Also, in the preferred embodiment an audible indicator sounds when the proximity warning system detects the presence of an obstacle.
In a further preferred embodiment a strobe light is provided on the vehicle in a position where it is visible to surrounding vehicles, the strobe being activated by a button in the automobile cabin within reach of the driver, to visually warn a nearby driver that a collision is imminent. The strobe activation button is inactive until the proximity warning system senses an obstacle within the "red zone" (i.e. within 12 inches of the vehicle), at which point the strobe activation button becomes operational and is preferably illuminated to indicate to the driver that the strobe light can be activated.
The driver then has the option of depressing the strobe activation button to activate the strobe for a defined interval (for example two seconds) and warn the driver of an approaching vehicle of the imminent hazard. This feature is particularly useful where a driver is unable to take evasive action, for example being trapped beside a large truck during a turn, and needs to warn the driver of the truck that a vehicle is present in the path of the truck.
The present invention thus provides a proximity warning system for a vehicle, comprising a plurality of proximity sensors disposed about the vehicle, and at least one alarm indicator panel within sight of a driver of the vehicle, comprising a plurality of indicator lights, each indicator light being activated when one or more of the proximity sensors detects an obstacle within a different predefined range of distance from the vehicle, whereby the driver is provided with an indication of the distance of the obstacle from the vehicle by viewing the indicator light which is activated.
In further aspects of the proximity warning system of the invention: an external alarm indicator comprises a light visible from outside the vehicle activated by a button disposed within reach of the driver; the button is inactive during normal driving conditions and becomes operational when an indicator light is activated; the button is illuminated when the button becomes operational; the alarm indicator panel comprises three indicator lights respectively associated with three ranges of distance of the obstacle from the vehicle; the indicator lights are coloured green, yellow and red representing progressively shorter distances from the obstacle to the vehicle; an alarm indicator panel is disposed on a windshield of the vehicle; an alarm indicator panel is disposed on a rear view mirror of the vehicle; an alarm indicator panel is disposed on at least one side view mirror of the vehicle; and/or an audible alarm is activated when an indicator light is activated.
The present invention further provides a method of warning a driver of a vehicle of an obstacle in proximity of the vehicle, comprising the steps of: a.
sensing an obstacle in proximity of the vehicle and determining the distance of the obstacle from the vehicle, and b. activating one of a plurality of lights in at least one alarm indicator panel within sight of a driver of the vehicle, each indicator light representing an obstacle within a different predefined range of distance from the vehicle to indicate the distance of the obstacle from the vehicle.
In further aspects of the method of the invention, the method further comprises the steps of: activating a button within reach of the driver, when an indicator light is activated, for activating an external alarm indicator comprising a light visible from outside the vehicle; illuminating the button when the button becomes operational;
activating an audible alarm when an indicator light is activated; and/or the indicator lights are coloured green, yellow and red representing progressively shorter distances from the obstacle to the vehicle.
Brief Description of the Drawings In drawings which illustrate by way of example only a preferred embodiment of the invention, Figure 1 is top plan view of a vehicle embodying the system of the invention, Figure 2 is side elevation of the vehicle of Figure 1, Figure 3 is front elevation of the vehicle of Figure 1, Figure 4 is a schematic view showing preferred positions for the indicator panels according to the invention, and Figure 5 is a top plan view of an automobile showing alternative preferred positions for the strobe light and strobe light activation button.
Detailed Description of the Invention Figures 1 to 3 illustrate an automobile 10 having proximity sensors 20, for example ultrasound or microwave transducers, disposed at various positions about the body of the vehicle 10. The sensors 20 may be commercially available proximity detectors, which are well known to those skilled in the art, for example as described in Canadian Patent Application No. 2,310,570 which is incorporated herein by reference.
Any number of sensors 20 may be disposed in any desired position about the vehicle 10, most advantageously near the vehicle's blind spots at a level below the hood and trunk of the vehicle 10. The sensors 20 may be recessed into rubber standoffs along the vehicle's bumpers, and along the side mouldings of the vehicle, which typically define the outermost projecting portion of the vehicle body.
Field of Invention This invention relates to automobile proximity warning systems. In particular, this invention relates to a proximity warning system that alerts a driver when an obstacle is in proximity of the vehicle during both driving and parking operations.
Background of the Invention Proximity sensing systems for automobiles are known. In such system, one or more sensors are positioned around a motor vehicle to sense an object in proximity of the vehicle and warn the driver, for example located in a "blind spot" where the object may be obscured by a portion of the vehicle or outside of the field of view of the rear- and side-view mirrors in the automobile.
For example, United States Patent No. 5,319,359 describes a detection assembly having multiple motion detectors mounted around the exterior of the vehicle and an alarm assembly for warning the driver when motion is detected near the vehicle. This system notifies the driver of a parked vehicle when an intruder is approaching the vehicle.
Published Canadian Patent Application No. 2,310,570 describes a sensing and indicating device which utilizes ultrasound transducers to alert the driver when an obstacle is in the vicinity of the vehicle, for example in a parking garage.
However, such systems are designed to operate only when parked or during parking procedures. There are many situations which arise under normal driving conditions which pose an accident hazard, and these can be much more dangerous because of the high speeds that can be involved. A conventional proximity warning system which alerts the driver only when the hazard is imminent, is not a suitable solution during normal driving conditions. Because of human nature and particularly the tendency to panic in an emergency, unless the driver is very skilled and experienced at making split-second decisions to deal with imminent hazards, driver reactions under these conditions are often irrational and can actually cause an accident rather than prevent one.
It would accordingly be advantageous to provide an automobile proximity warning system which is designed to operate under both parking and normal driving conditions. It would further be advantageous to provide an automobile proximity warning system in which the driver is given different levels of warning indicators, allowing the driver to make a more considered judgment as to the appropriate course of action to take and to thus respond more rationally to a hazard encountered while driving or parking, to increase the driver's chances of avoiding an accident.
Summary of the Invention The present invention overcomes these disadvantages by providing a proximity warning system for a motor vehicle designed to operate during both parking and driving operations, which provides different levels of warning indicators to forewarn a driver when a hazard is encountered, and to alert the driver when action needs to be taken and when a collision is imminent unless corrective action is taken. The system of the invention provides a simple visual interface which gives an instantaneous indication of the distance of an obstacle while driving or parking, to which the driver can react without substantial mental processing information to assess the extent of the hazard.
The invention accomplishes this by providing a proximity warning system comprising a series of proximity sensors disposed at selected points about the periphery of the automobile, which detect not only the presence of an obstacle but also its proximity, and an alarm system which alerts the driver using different indicators corresponding to different levels of proximity to the vehicle. The driver is thus alerted to the presence of a potential obstacle before it actually becomes a hazard, and through graduating levels of indicator warnings can determine whether the object is approaching the vehicle, and when the hazard becomes imminent, in order to take appropriate corrective action.
In the preferred embodiment the indicators are displayed on any or all of the windshield and the rear- and side-view mirrors, so as not to distract the driver's attention from the road under an alarm condition, and comprise green, yellow and red warning indicators which respectively represent an object in proximity of the vehicle at ranges of 50 to 25 inches, 25 to 12 inches and less than 12 inches. Also, in the preferred embodiment an audible indicator sounds when the proximity warning system detects the presence of an obstacle.
In a further preferred embodiment a strobe light is provided on the vehicle in a position where it is visible to surrounding vehicles, the strobe being activated by a button in the automobile cabin within reach of the driver, to visually warn a nearby driver that a collision is imminent. The strobe activation button is inactive until the proximity warning system senses an obstacle within the "red zone" (i.e. within 12 inches of the vehicle), at which point the strobe activation button becomes operational and is preferably illuminated to indicate to the driver that the strobe light can be activated.
The driver then has the option of depressing the strobe activation button to activate the strobe for a defined interval (for example two seconds) and warn the driver of an approaching vehicle of the imminent hazard. This feature is particularly useful where a driver is unable to take evasive action, for example being trapped beside a large truck during a turn, and needs to warn the driver of the truck that a vehicle is present in the path of the truck.
The present invention thus provides a proximity warning system for a vehicle, comprising a plurality of proximity sensors disposed about the vehicle, and at least one alarm indicator panel within sight of a driver of the vehicle, comprising a plurality of indicator lights, each indicator light being activated when one or more of the proximity sensors detects an obstacle within a different predefined range of distance from the vehicle, whereby the driver is provided with an indication of the distance of the obstacle from the vehicle by viewing the indicator light which is activated.
In further aspects of the proximity warning system of the invention: an external alarm indicator comprises a light visible from outside the vehicle activated by a button disposed within reach of the driver; the button is inactive during normal driving conditions and becomes operational when an indicator light is activated; the button is illuminated when the button becomes operational; the alarm indicator panel comprises three indicator lights respectively associated with three ranges of distance of the obstacle from the vehicle; the indicator lights are coloured green, yellow and red representing progressively shorter distances from the obstacle to the vehicle; an alarm indicator panel is disposed on a windshield of the vehicle; an alarm indicator panel is disposed on a rear view mirror of the vehicle; an alarm indicator panel is disposed on at least one side view mirror of the vehicle; and/or an audible alarm is activated when an indicator light is activated.
The present invention further provides a method of warning a driver of a vehicle of an obstacle in proximity of the vehicle, comprising the steps of: a.
sensing an obstacle in proximity of the vehicle and determining the distance of the obstacle from the vehicle, and b. activating one of a plurality of lights in at least one alarm indicator panel within sight of a driver of the vehicle, each indicator light representing an obstacle within a different predefined range of distance from the vehicle to indicate the distance of the obstacle from the vehicle.
In further aspects of the method of the invention, the method further comprises the steps of: activating a button within reach of the driver, when an indicator light is activated, for activating an external alarm indicator comprising a light visible from outside the vehicle; illuminating the button when the button becomes operational;
activating an audible alarm when an indicator light is activated; and/or the indicator lights are coloured green, yellow and red representing progressively shorter distances from the obstacle to the vehicle.
Brief Description of the Drawings In drawings which illustrate by way of example only a preferred embodiment of the invention, Figure 1 is top plan view of a vehicle embodying the system of the invention, Figure 2 is side elevation of the vehicle of Figure 1, Figure 3 is front elevation of the vehicle of Figure 1, Figure 4 is a schematic view showing preferred positions for the indicator panels according to the invention, and Figure 5 is a top plan view of an automobile showing alternative preferred positions for the strobe light and strobe light activation button.
Detailed Description of the Invention Figures 1 to 3 illustrate an automobile 10 having proximity sensors 20, for example ultrasound or microwave transducers, disposed at various positions about the body of the vehicle 10. The sensors 20 may be commercially available proximity detectors, which are well known to those skilled in the art, for example as described in Canadian Patent Application No. 2,310,570 which is incorporated herein by reference.
Any number of sensors 20 may be disposed in any desired position about the vehicle 10, most advantageously near the vehicle's blind spots at a level below the hood and trunk of the vehicle 10. The sensors 20 may be recessed into rubber standoffs along the vehicle's bumpers, and along the side mouldings of the vehicle, which typically define the outermost projecting portion of the vehicle body.
An alarm system 30 for the invention is illustrated in Figure 4. Preferably the alarm system 30 comprises a central console 32 which contains the alarm circuitry, and which may optionally be integrated into the vehicle 10, and a plurality of indicator panels 40 which notify the driver when an obstacle 2 is in the proximity of the vehicle 10 and provide an indication as to the distance of the object 2 from the vehicle 10.
In the preferred embodiment this is accomplished using different colours of indicator lights corresponding to different levels of proximity of the object 2 to the vehicle 10.
In the preferred embodiment indicator panels 40 are provided on, or integrated into, the windshield 12 (seen in Figures l and 2), and the rear-view mirror 14 and both side-view mirrors 16 as illustrated in Figure 4. Indicator panels 40 may also be provided along the sides of, or adjacent to, the rear window so as to be readily visible when the driver is backing up the vehicle, and in any other position which would allow the driver to see an indicator panel 40 without diverting their attention from driving.
The indicator panels 40 provide indicator lights 42, 44 and 46, for example conventional light emitting diodes, liquid crystal diodes or other suitable indicators, preferably coloured green, yellow and red, respectively. The indicator lights 42, 44 and 46 represent an object in proximity of the vehicle at various distances, which may if desired be adjustable and can be selected according to the tolerance and reaction time of the driver. In one preferred embodiment the green indicator 42 is activated in response to the detection of an obstacle 2 within the range of 50 to 25 inches from the vehicle 10; the yellow indicator 44 is activated in response to the detection of an obstacle 2 within the range of 25 to 12 inches; and the red indicator 46 is activated in response to the detection of an obstacle 2 within a distance of less than 12 inches.
In the preferred embodiment an audible indicator (not shown) also sounds when the proximity warning system detects the presence of an obstacle 2. The audible indicator may sound in response to the detection of an obstacle 2 at any distance from the vehicle within the selected range of the warning system, for example when any of the indicators 42, 44 and 46 are activated, or may sound only when the yellow indicator 44 or red indictor 46 is activated to warn the driver of an approaching or imminent hazard.
In a preferred embodiment an external warning indicator such as a strobe light is provided on the vehicle 10 in a position where it is visible to surrounding vehicles, for example in the headlamp housings, or for vehicles having headlamp doors, in the parking lamp/turn signal housing as shown in Figure 5, to visually warn a nearby driver that a collision is imminent. Figure 4 illustrates a alternate embodiment in which the strobe light 50 is affixed to the driver side side-view mirror 16. This external warning is particularly useful in the common situation where a vehicle 10 is trapped beside a truck making a right-hand turn and is unable to take evasive action. The strobe light 50 is activated by a strobe activation button 52 located in the cabin of the vehicle 10 within reach of the driver, for example on the controller console 32 as shown in Figure 4, or on one of the steering wheel crossbars as shown in Figure 5. The strobe activation button 52 is inactive during normal driving conditions.
When the proximity warning system senses an obstacle within the "red zone"
(i.e.
within a distance of 12 inches from the vehicle), the strobe activation button 52 becomes operational. Preferably the strobe activation button 52 is illuminated to indicate to the driver that the strobe activation button 52 is operational and the strobe light 50 can be activated. This also reminds the driver of the strobe alert option. When the strobe activation button 52 is operational the driver can depress the strobe activation button 52 to activate the strobe light SO for a preset interval (for example two seconds) to warn the driver of the approaching vehicle of the imminent hazard. The strobe light 50 can be activated indefinitely while the strobe activation button 52 is operational, and operates for the preset interval each time the strobe activation button 52 is depressed. If desired the strobe activation button 52 can become operational during any indicator level, for example when the yellow indicator 44 or green indicator 42 is activated.
In the preferred embodiment the driver has the option of turning off the green and yellow indicators 42, 44, for example by switching toggle switch 56 (shown in Figure 4).
This allows the driver to disable the longer range indicators where vehicles may be persistently impinging into the ranges set for these indicators, for example during heavy traffic conditions. However, the red indicator 46 should remain active in any driving situation as an indication of a potential hazard.
The invention thus provides an easily readable indication of an obstacle 2 in the vicinity of the vehicle 10, allowing the driver to react quickly and before the hazard becomes imminent. The invention provides both internal and optionally external warning indicators, with the advantage that the external indicator cannot be activated unless the proximity sensors 20 detect a vehicle within a distance from the vehicle 10 that initiates a warning indication.
A preferred embodiment of the invention has been described by way of example only. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications and adaptations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.
_g_
In the preferred embodiment this is accomplished using different colours of indicator lights corresponding to different levels of proximity of the object 2 to the vehicle 10.
In the preferred embodiment indicator panels 40 are provided on, or integrated into, the windshield 12 (seen in Figures l and 2), and the rear-view mirror 14 and both side-view mirrors 16 as illustrated in Figure 4. Indicator panels 40 may also be provided along the sides of, or adjacent to, the rear window so as to be readily visible when the driver is backing up the vehicle, and in any other position which would allow the driver to see an indicator panel 40 without diverting their attention from driving.
The indicator panels 40 provide indicator lights 42, 44 and 46, for example conventional light emitting diodes, liquid crystal diodes or other suitable indicators, preferably coloured green, yellow and red, respectively. The indicator lights 42, 44 and 46 represent an object in proximity of the vehicle at various distances, which may if desired be adjustable and can be selected according to the tolerance and reaction time of the driver. In one preferred embodiment the green indicator 42 is activated in response to the detection of an obstacle 2 within the range of 50 to 25 inches from the vehicle 10; the yellow indicator 44 is activated in response to the detection of an obstacle 2 within the range of 25 to 12 inches; and the red indicator 46 is activated in response to the detection of an obstacle 2 within a distance of less than 12 inches.
In the preferred embodiment an audible indicator (not shown) also sounds when the proximity warning system detects the presence of an obstacle 2. The audible indicator may sound in response to the detection of an obstacle 2 at any distance from the vehicle within the selected range of the warning system, for example when any of the indicators 42, 44 and 46 are activated, or may sound only when the yellow indicator 44 or red indictor 46 is activated to warn the driver of an approaching or imminent hazard.
In a preferred embodiment an external warning indicator such as a strobe light is provided on the vehicle 10 in a position where it is visible to surrounding vehicles, for example in the headlamp housings, or for vehicles having headlamp doors, in the parking lamp/turn signal housing as shown in Figure 5, to visually warn a nearby driver that a collision is imminent. Figure 4 illustrates a alternate embodiment in which the strobe light 50 is affixed to the driver side side-view mirror 16. This external warning is particularly useful in the common situation where a vehicle 10 is trapped beside a truck making a right-hand turn and is unable to take evasive action. The strobe light 50 is activated by a strobe activation button 52 located in the cabin of the vehicle 10 within reach of the driver, for example on the controller console 32 as shown in Figure 4, or on one of the steering wheel crossbars as shown in Figure 5. The strobe activation button 52 is inactive during normal driving conditions.
When the proximity warning system senses an obstacle within the "red zone"
(i.e.
within a distance of 12 inches from the vehicle), the strobe activation button 52 becomes operational. Preferably the strobe activation button 52 is illuminated to indicate to the driver that the strobe activation button 52 is operational and the strobe light 50 can be activated. This also reminds the driver of the strobe alert option. When the strobe activation button 52 is operational the driver can depress the strobe activation button 52 to activate the strobe light SO for a preset interval (for example two seconds) to warn the driver of the approaching vehicle of the imminent hazard. The strobe light 50 can be activated indefinitely while the strobe activation button 52 is operational, and operates for the preset interval each time the strobe activation button 52 is depressed. If desired the strobe activation button 52 can become operational during any indicator level, for example when the yellow indicator 44 or green indicator 42 is activated.
In the preferred embodiment the driver has the option of turning off the green and yellow indicators 42, 44, for example by switching toggle switch 56 (shown in Figure 4).
This allows the driver to disable the longer range indicators where vehicles may be persistently impinging into the ranges set for these indicators, for example during heavy traffic conditions. However, the red indicator 46 should remain active in any driving situation as an indication of a potential hazard.
The invention thus provides an easily readable indication of an obstacle 2 in the vicinity of the vehicle 10, allowing the driver to react quickly and before the hazard becomes imminent. The invention provides both internal and optionally external warning indicators, with the advantage that the external indicator cannot be activated unless the proximity sensors 20 detect a vehicle within a distance from the vehicle 10 that initiates a warning indication.
A preferred embodiment of the invention has been described by way of example only. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications and adaptations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.
_g_
Claims (16)
1. A proximity warning system for a vehicle, comprising a plurality of proximity sensors disposed about the vehicle, and at least one alarm indicator panel within sight of a driver of the vehicle, comprising a plurality of indicator lights, each indicator light being activated when one or more of the proximity sensors detects an obstacle within a different predefined range of distance from the vehicle, whereby the driver is provided with an indication of the distance of the obstacle from the vehicle by viewing the indicator light which is activated.
2. The proximity warning system of claim 1 further comprising an external alarm indicator comprising a light visible from outside the vehicle activated by a button disposed within reach of the driver.
3. The proximity warning system of claim 2 wherein the button is inactive during normal driving conditions and becomes operational when an indicator light is activated.
4. The proximity warning system of claim 3 wherein the button is illuminated when the button becomes operational.
5. The proximity warning system of any of the preceding claims wherein the alarm indicator panel comprises three indicator lights respectively associated with three ranges of distance of the obstacle from the vehicle.
6. The proximity warning system of claim 5 wherein the indicator lights are coloured green, yellow and red representing progressively shorter distances from the obstacle to the vehicle.
7. The proximity warning system of any of the preceding claims wherein an alarm indicator panel is disposed on a windshield of the vehicle.
8. The proximity warning system of any of the preceding claims wherein an alarm indicator panel is disposed on a rear view mirror of the vehicle.
9. The proximity warning system of any of the preceding claims wherein an alarm indicator panel is disposed on at least one side view mirror of the vehicle.
10. The proximity warning system of any of the preceding claims comprising an audible alarm activated when an indicator light is activated.
11. The proximity warning system of any of the preceding claims comprising a switch for disabling one or more of the indicator lights.
12. A method of warning a driver of a vehicle of an obstacle in proximity of the vehicle, comprising the steps of a. sensing an obstacle in proximity of the vehicle and determining the distance of the obstacle from the vehicle, and b. activating one of a plurality of lights in at least one alarm indicator panel within sight of a driver of the vehicle, each indicator light representing an obstacle within a different predefined range of distance from the vehicle to indicate the distance of the obstacle from the vehicle.
13. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of activating a button within reach of the driver, when an indicator light is activated, for activating an external alarm indicator comprising a light visible from outside the vehicle.
14. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of illuminating the button when the button becomes operational.
15. The method of any of claims 12 to 14 wherein the indicator lights are coloured green, yellow and red representing progressively shorter distances from the obstacle to the vehicle.
16. The method of any of claims 12 to 15 comprising the step of activating an audible alarm when an indicator light is activated.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2351138 CA2351138A1 (en) | 2001-06-20 | 2001-06-20 | Automobile proximity warning system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2351138 CA2351138A1 (en) | 2001-06-20 | 2001-06-20 | Automobile proximity warning system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2351138A1 true CA2351138A1 (en) | 2002-12-20 |
Family
ID=4169322
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2351138 Abandoned CA2351138A1 (en) | 2001-06-20 | 2001-06-20 | Automobile proximity warning system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2351138A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1434186A2 (en) * | 2002-12-24 | 2004-06-30 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Distance measuring apparatus |
| GB2514449B (en) * | 2013-03-12 | 2017-08-09 | Jaguar Land Rover Ltd | Daylight opening surround |
| CN108621942A (en) * | 2017-03-15 | 2018-10-09 | 株式会社斯巴鲁 | The control method of the display system of vehicle and the display system of vehicle |
| US10438464B1 (en) | 2018-06-06 | 2019-10-08 | Ademco Inc. | Systems and methods for determining and verifying a presence of an object or an intruder in a secured area |
| US10996325B2 (en) | 2018-11-30 | 2021-05-04 | Ademco Inc. | Systems and methods for adjusting a signal broadcast pattern of an intrusion detector |
| US11074794B2 (en) | 2018-11-30 | 2021-07-27 | Ademco Inc. | Systems and methods for activating and deactivating controlled devices in a secured area |
| US11282374B2 (en) | 2019-08-19 | 2022-03-22 | Ademco Inc. | Systems and methods for building and using a false alarm predicting model to determine whether to alert a user and/or relevant authorities about an alarm signal from a security system |
| CN115116208A (en) * | 2022-06-27 | 2022-09-27 | 广州联汇信息科技发展有限公司 | Intelligent alarm system |
-
2001
- 2001-06-20 CA CA 2351138 patent/CA2351138A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1434186A2 (en) * | 2002-12-24 | 2004-06-30 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Distance measuring apparatus |
| EP1434186A3 (en) * | 2002-12-24 | 2006-01-04 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Distance measuring apparatus |
| GB2514449B (en) * | 2013-03-12 | 2017-08-09 | Jaguar Land Rover Ltd | Daylight opening surround |
| CN108621942A (en) * | 2017-03-15 | 2018-10-09 | 株式会社斯巴鲁 | The control method of the display system of vehicle and the display system of vehicle |
| US10438464B1 (en) | 2018-06-06 | 2019-10-08 | Ademco Inc. | Systems and methods for determining and verifying a presence of an object or an intruder in a secured area |
| US10996325B2 (en) | 2018-11-30 | 2021-05-04 | Ademco Inc. | Systems and methods for adjusting a signal broadcast pattern of an intrusion detector |
| US11074794B2 (en) | 2018-11-30 | 2021-07-27 | Ademco Inc. | Systems and methods for activating and deactivating controlled devices in a secured area |
| US11282374B2 (en) | 2019-08-19 | 2022-03-22 | Ademco Inc. | Systems and methods for building and using a false alarm predicting model to determine whether to alert a user and/or relevant authorities about an alarm signal from a security system |
| US11776387B2 (en) | 2019-08-19 | 2023-10-03 | Ademco Inc. | Systems and methods for building and using a false alarm predicting model to determine whether to alert a user and/or relevant authorities about an alarm signal from a security system |
| CN115116208A (en) * | 2022-06-27 | 2022-09-27 | 广州联汇信息科技发展有限公司 | Intelligent alarm system |
| CN115116208B (en) * | 2022-06-27 | 2023-12-22 | 广州联汇信息科技发展有限公司 | Intelligent alarm system |
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