Deceleration light indicator and method therefor

• US 20020190854A1
• Filed: 11/30/2001
• Published: 12/19/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 06/13/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Grant Swan
• Original Assignee: Grant Swan
• Inventors: Swan, Grant
• Application Number:
  US10/000,231
• Publication Number:
  US 20020190854A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/467
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/444 with indication of the braking strength or speed changes, e.g. by changing shape or intensity of the indication B60Q1/1407, B60Q1/442, B60Q1/447 take precedence

Abstract

A deceleration light warning system has a pressure sensor monitor coupled to an acceleration pedal of the vehicle. The pressure sensor monitor is used for monitoring pressure applied to the acceleration pedal. A controller is coupled to the pressure sensor. The controller is used for receiving a signal from the pressure sensor and for calculating the pressure applied to the acceleration pedal. A light warning system is coupled to the controller and to the vehicle. The light warning system is used for receiving a first signal from the controller to illuminate when the pressure on the acceleration pedal decreases and for receiving a second signal from the controller to deilluminate when the pressure on the acceleration pedal is one of a constant or increases.

Claims

1. A deceleration light warning system for a vehicle comprising, in combination:

a pressure sensor monitor coupled to an acceleration pedal of the vehicle for monitoring pressure applied to the acceleration pedal;

a controller coupled to the pressure sensor for receiving a signal from the pressure sensor and for calculating the pressure applied to the acceleration pedal; and

a light warning system coupled to the controller and to the vehicle for receiving a first signal from the controller to illuminate when the pressure on the acceleration pedal decreases and for receiving a second signal from the controller to deilluminate when the pressure on the acceleration pedal is one of a constant or increases.

2. A deceleration light warning system for a vehicle in accordance with claim 1 wherein the light warning system illuminates when the pressure on the acceleration pedal decreases by a predetermined set amount to prevent false illumination.

3. A deceleration light warning system for a vehicle in accordance with claim 1 wherein the light warning system deilluminates when the pressure on the acceleration pedal increases by a predetermined set amount.

4. A deceleration light warning system for a vehicle in accordance with claim 1 wherein the controller is coupled to a cruise control system of the vehicle and the controller receives a signal from the cruise control system to deactivate the deceleration light warning system when the cruise control system is activated and the controller receives a signal to activate the deceleration light warning system when the cruise control system is deactivated.

5. A deceleration light warning system for a vehicle in accordance with claim 4 wherein the cruise control system is deactivated by applying pressure to the acceleration pedal.

6. A deceleration light warning system for a vehicle in accordance with claim 1 wherein the light warning system illuminates when the vehicle is activated.

7. A method for a vehicle to provide an indication of deceleration comprising the steps of:

providing a system for measuring pressure applied to an acceleration pedal of the vehicle;

illuminating warning lights when pressure decreases on an acceleration pedal of the vehicle; and

deilluminating the warning lights when pressure on the acceleration pedal is one of a constant or increasing.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of illuminating the warning lights when an ignition of the vehicle is activated.

9. The method of claim 7 further comprising the steps of:

deactivating the system for measuring pressure when a cruise control system is activated; and

activating the system for measuring pressure when the cruise control system is deactivated.

10. The method of claim 7 wherein the step of providing a system for measuring pressure comprises the steps of:

providing a pressure sensor monitor coupled to the acceleration pedal of the vehicle for monitoring pressure applied to the acceleration pedal;

providing a controller coupled to the pressure sensor for receiving a signal from the pressure sensor and for calculating the pressure applied to the acceleration pedal; and

providing a light warning system coupled to the controller and to the vehicle for receiving a first signal from the controller to illuminate the warning lights when the pressure on the acceleration pedal decreases and for receiving a second signal from the controller to deilluminate the warning lights when the pressure on the acceleration pedal is one of a constant or increases.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the light warning system illuminates when the pressure on the acceleration pedal decreases by a predetermined set amount to prevent false illumination.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein the light warning system deilluminates when the pressure on the acceleration pedal increases by a predetermined set amount.