Blind spot detector

• US 20030052773A1
• Filed: 09/18/2002
• Published: 03/20/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/15/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Goran Sjonell
• Original Assignee: Goran Sjonell
• Inventors: Sjonell, Goran
• Granted Patent: US 6,744,353 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/435
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/931 of land vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/931 of land vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/931 of land vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/9315 Monitoring blind spots
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/932 using own vehicle data, e.g. ground speed, steering wheel direction
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/9324 Alternative operation using ultrasonic waves
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/93274 on the side of the vehicles

Abstract

A warning device for mounting onto a vehicle, in order to attract the attention of the driver when another vehicle (2) or object is located in a position that is wholly or partially critical for the driver. The device comprises two sources (5, 6) of laser radiation arranged at a distance from each other, a convex lens (8) arranged outside of each source and a position-sensitive radiation detector (7) arranged between the sources (5, 6). The device reacts with different levels of warning signals on the detection of direction indicator (58), angular deviation (60) of a wheel or the steering wheel, speed (62), etc., in combination.

Claims

1. A warning device (50) in the form of a rear-view mirror for mounting onto a vehicle, in order to attract the attention of the driver when an object is located in a position that is wholly or partially critical for the driver, whereby the device (50) comprises at least one source (5, 6) of electromagnetic radiation or ultrasound and an arranged position-sensitive radiation- or sound detector (7), whereby the source (5, 6) and the detector are part of an electronic circuit (52), whereby the detector (7) detects the presence of an object in a position that is critical for the driver, whereby an output (56) from the circuit for a first signal with the status of a warning is activated, and whereby a first level (54) warning signal is given, characterized in that the electronic circuit (52) of the warning device (50) comprises the following sensor means with their associated outputs (56) for activation of a signal with the status of a warning:

sensor means for detection of an input signal on/off (58) from the direction indicators of the vehicle;

output (56) in the circuit for activation of a signal with the status of a warning when the input signal of the direction indicator is on;

sensor means (60) that detect an angular deviation of one of the wheels of the vehicle;

output (56) in the circuit for activation of a signal with the status of a warning when the warning signal is emitted for deviation of the angle;

means (62) for determining the speed of the vehicle;

threshold detection means for speeds, whereby predetermined threshold values of speed emit a signal with the status of a warning in combination with input signals from sensor means (58, 60) in the direction of motion of the vehicle depending on the detection of at least one sensor means (58, 60); and

threshold detection means for a maximum allowed angular deviation in order for the warning device to be active, which indicates rounding of a curve or normal turning of the vehicle.

2. The warning device (50) according to claim 1, characterized in that a further level of signals with the status of a warning is achieved with the sensor means (58) for the direction indicator.

3. The warning device according to either of claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that a further level of signals with the status of a warning is achieved with the sensor means (60) for angular deviation.

4. The warning device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that a further level of signals with the status of a warning is achieved with sensor devices (58, 60) and speed detection depending on the threshold value.

5. The warning device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that emission of warning signals is deactivated when the vehicle travels slower than a predetermined minimum speed.

6. The warning device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that if the speed of the vehicle lies below a predetermined maximum speed, a further level is activated for change of lane or overtaking through detection from sensor means of direction indicators (58) and/or angular deviation (60).

7. The warning device according to claim 6, characterized in that a further level is activated if the detection of angular deviation lies above a predetermined angle when the speed lies above a predetermined minimum speed.

8. The warning device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that if the speed of the vehicle lies above a predetermined maximum speed, a further level is activated when the sensor means (58) for the direction indicator detects that the input signal is on.

9. The warning device according to claim 8, characterized in that a further level is activated when the sensor means (60) for angular deviation detects an angular deviation.

10. The warning device according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that it is contained in the rear-view mirror (3) of a vehicle.

11. The warning device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the rear-view mirror contains a battery for operation of the device (50).

12. The warning device according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that the detector (7) is arranged on the rear section of a vehicle.

13. The warning device according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that one detector (7) is arranged in a rear-view mirror (3) and that a further detector (7) is arranged on the rear section of a vehicle where the detectors collaborate in order to detect reflected signals that are received.

14. The warning device according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that at least one detector (7) is arranged on the side section of a vehicle for detection of reflected signals.

15. The warning device according to any one of claims 13-14, characterized in that the vehicle is a lorry or similar.