Universally usable object detection system and method
First Claim
1. An object detection system for a vehicle, comprising:
- a plurality of positionable sensors detachably coupled to the vehicle and oriented in a direction so as to direct energy into a predetermined area respective to the vehicle;
a control unit electrically coupled to each of the plurality of positionable sensors and detachably coupled to the vehicle proximate to the sensors and configured to receive a signal from one or more of the sensors, the signal corresponding to a detected presence of an object within a predetermined range of the one or more sensors, the control unit electrically coupled to a power source of the vehicle; and
one or more visual alerting devices electrically coupled to the control unit and detachably coupled to the vehicle so that a driver of the vehicle can see the one or more alerting devices through one or more rear view mirrors of the vehicle.
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Abstract
The universally useable object detection system disclosed herein comprises a plurality of positionable sensors coupled to the vehicle and positioned so as to direct energy into a predetermined area respective to the vehicle. The sensors may be temporarily or permanently attached to the vehicle. A control unit is electrically coupled to each sensor and detachably coupled to the vehicle. The control unit receives signals from the sensors corresponding to a detected presence of an object within a predetermined range of one or more sensors. The control unit is also electrically coupled to a power source of the vehicle. One or more visual alerting devices is electrically coupled to the control unit and detectably coupled to the vehicle so that a driver of the vehicle can see the alerting devices through one or more rear view mirrors of the vehicle.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An object detection system for a vehicle, comprising:
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a plurality of positionable sensors detachably coupled to the vehicle and oriented in a direction so as to direct energy into a predetermined area respective to the vehicle;
a control unit electrically coupled to each of the plurality of positionable sensors and detachably coupled to the vehicle proximate to the sensors and configured to receive a signal from one or more of the sensors, the signal corresponding to a detected presence of an object within a predetermined range of the one or more sensors, the control unit electrically coupled to a power source of the vehicle; and
one or more visual alerting devices electrically coupled to the control unit and detachably coupled to the vehicle so that a driver of the vehicle can see the one or more alerting devices through one or more rear view mirrors of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for detecting the presence of objects within the rear driving path of a vehicle, comprising the steps of:
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attaching one or more sensors onto a rear portion of a vehicle so that the sensors direct energy into a predetermined area behind the vehicle;
positioning a control unit module proximate to the one or more sensors so that the control unit may receive a signal from the one or more sensors, the signal corresponding to the detection of an object within the detection range of the one or more sensors; and
activating one or more visual indicators positioned on the side of the vehicle electrically coupled to the control unit so that the driver of the vehicle can visually detect activation of the visual indicators through one or more rear view mirrors of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. An object detection system for a vehicle, comprising:
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a plurality of positionable sensors detachably coupled to the vehicle and oriented in a direction so as to direct energy into a predetermined area respective to the vehicle;
a control unit electrically coupled to each of the plurality of positionable sensors and detachably coupled to the vehicle proximate to the sensors and configured to receive signals from one or more of the sensors, the signal corresponding to a detected presence of an object within a predetermined range of the one or more sensors, the control unit electrically coupled to a power source of the vehicle;
a wireless transmitter coupled to the control unit for wirelessly communicating a signal corresponding to a detected presence of an object within a predetermined range of the one or more sensors; and
one or more alerting indicators having a receiver configured to receive the wirelessly communicated signal, the one or more indicators configured to produce an alert indication upon receipt of the wirelessly communicated signal. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. An object detection system for a vehicle, comprising:
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a plurality of positionable sensors detachably coupled to the vehicle and oriented in a direction so as to direct energy into a predetermined area respective to the vehicle;
a control unit electrically coupled to each of the plurality of positionable sensors and detachably coupled to the vehicle proximate to the sensors and configured to receive a signal from one or more of the sensors, the signal corresponding to a detected presence of an object within a predetermined range of the one or more sensors, the control unit electrically coupled to a power source of the vehicle; and
an audio alerting device electrically coupled to the control unit that is configured to produce an audio alert when the control unit receives a signal from one or more sensors corresponding to a detected presence of an object within the range of the sensor such that the control signal outputs a signal to the audio alerting device to activate the audio alert.
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Specification