Trailer based collision warning system and method
First Claim
1. A trailer based collision warning system comprising:
- a sensor control unit having at least one sensor coupled thereto, the sensor control unit capable of determining an object within a predetermined field of view for each sensor coupled thereto, and within a predetermined detection range;
a driver vehicle interface coupled to the sensor control unit, the driver vehicle interface configured to receive signals from the sensor control unit representative of objects determined by the sensor control unit; and
a display unit coupled to the driver vehicle interface capable of providing a visual representation of objects determined by the sensor control unit, wherein the trailer based collision warning system is adapted for mounting to a trailer.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A trailer based collision warning system includes one or more side object detection sensors, one or more backup assist sensors, a driver vehicle interface, and trailer-mounted display units operating essentially independent of the tractor with all detection and warning system equipment mounted on the trailer. The trailer based collision warning system is coupled to industry-standard tractor to trailer wiring to provide the trailer with power and signals such as left turn indication and right turn indication. The side and rear sensors detect the presence and location of objects and transfer this information to a driver vehicle interface device located on the trailer. The system can also be equipped with video cameras with a means of automatically activating the camera in the area where a hazard condition has been detected. The driver vehicle interface determines the nature of the information and/or warning needed by the driver and provides this information in the form of signals sent to displays that can to assist the driver in safely maneuvering the trailer. The collision warning system can also operate in a security mode.
62 Citations
83 Claims
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1. A trailer based collision warning system comprising:
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a sensor control unit having at least one sensor coupled thereto, the sensor control unit capable of determining an object within a predetermined field of view for each sensor coupled thereto, and within a predetermined detection range;
a driver vehicle interface coupled to the sensor control unit, the driver vehicle interface configured to receive signals from the sensor control unit representative of objects determined by the sensor control unit; and
a display unit coupled to the driver vehicle interface capable of providing a visual representation of objects determined by the sensor control unit, wherein the trailer based collision warning system is adapted for mounting to a trailer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A trailer based collision warning system comprising:
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a sensor control unit having at least one sensor coupled thereto, the sensor control unit capable of determining an object within a predetermined field of view for each sensor coupled thereto, and within a predetermined detection range;
a driver vehicle interface coupled to the sensor control unit, the driver vehicle interface configured to receive signals from the sensor control unit representative of objects determined by the sensor control unit; and
an audio unit coupled to the driver vehicle interface capable of providing an audio indication representing objects determined by the sensor control unit, wherein the trailer based collision warning system is adapted for mounting to a trailer. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
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39. A portable warning system comprising:
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an information display to communicate warning information to a driver of a vehicle; and
an adaptor capable of being coupled to an auxiliary power outlet of the vehicle, wherein the adaptor includes a power line carrier interface circuit for receiving collision warning information superimposed on a vehicle battery power wiring, the collision warning information being communicated to the driver by the information display. - View Dependent Claims (40, 41, 42)
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43. A trailer based collision warning system comprising:
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a sensor control unit having at least one sensor coupled thereto, the sensor control unit capable of determining an object within a predetermined field of view for each sensor coupled thereto, and within a predetermined detection range;
a driver vehicle interface coupled to the sensor control unit, the driver vehicle interface configured to receive signals from the sensor control unit representative of objects determined by the sensor control unit; and
a alarm unit coupled to the driver vehicle interface capable of providing a representation of objects detected by the sensor control unit, wherein the trailer based collision warning system is adapted for mounting to a trailer. - View Dependent Claims (44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60)
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61. The trailer based collision warning system of 59, wherein the information is stored in the memory of the driver vehicle interface or in a black box recorder coupled to the driver vehicle interface.
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62. The trailer based collision warning system of 58, wherein the wireless communication system includes a processor and memory for storing information related to the trailer, driver performance, near-accident data, or actual accident data.
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63. (canceled)
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64. (canceled)
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66. (canceled)
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67. (canceled)
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70. (canceled)
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71. (canceled)
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72. (canceled)
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73. (canceled)
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74. A trailer based visual display unit comprising:
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multiple indicator lights for displaying status and parametric information associated with a trailer;
a mounting to attach the trailer based visual display unit on the trailer; and
a receiver of control information to activate the trailer based visual display unit in a manner that communicates meaningful information to a driver. - View Dependent Claims (75, 76, 77, 78)
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79. A portable warning system comprising:
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an information display to communicate warning information to a driver of a vehicle; and
an adaptor capable of being coupled to an auxiliary power outlet in the vehicle, wherein the adaptor includes a wireless receiver for receiving collision warning information and video information originating from a trailer coupled to the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (80, 81, 82, 83)
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Specification