Driver-adjustable sensor apparatus, system, & method for improving traffic safety
First Claim
1. A method for improving intervehicular traffic safety, the steps comprising:
- a. equipping a reference vehicle with a driver-adjustable sensor for sensing adjacent vehicles (AVs) and adjacent vehicle movements (AVMs);
b. adjusting and setting at least one detection perimeter of said driver-adjustable sensor by the driver of said reference vehicle;
c. monitoring, detecting and tracking in said reference vehicle at least one AV crossing within said at least one detection perimeter;
d. calculating “
live”
AVM status data by processing AVMs of said at least one AV crossing within said at least one detection perimeter;
e. recommending and displaying at least one maneuvering recommendation when necessary to help maintain vehicle safety; and
f. accepting and executing said at least one maneuvering recommendation by at least one of a driver-initiated emergency maneuver and an automatic preprogrammed emergency maneuver autonomously executed by said reference vehicle.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention discloses methods, apparatuses, and a system for improving intervehicular traffic safety by facilitating driver awareness of nearby vehicular traffic activity. Methods are disclosed for monitoring, detecting, and tracking “adjacent vehicles” (AVs) and “adjacent vehicle movements” (AVMs); calculating and displaying AV/AVM status data; and recommending and/or executing intervehicular maneuvering actions as needed. A driver-adjustable sensor apparatus is disclosed, allowing driver adjustment of AV/AVM “detection perimeters” (to increase/decrease detection ranges) based on traffic conditions, driver preferences, triggering of legal or preset thresholds, etc. Multiple versions of a “driver-adjustable” sensor and display system monitor, detect, and track traffic adjacent to a reference vehicle; calculate and display AV/AVM status data; and recommend and/or execute routine or emergency maneuvering actions needed to maintain vehicle safety during congestion or other intervehicular events. Better driver awareness and improved traffic safety are the result. The invention is factory-installed or purchased as an aftermarket product.
51 Citations
24 Claims
-
1. A method for improving intervehicular traffic safety, the steps comprising:
-
a. equipping a reference vehicle with a driver-adjustable sensor for sensing adjacent vehicles (AVs) and adjacent vehicle movements (AVMs);
b. adjusting and setting at least one detection perimeter of said driver-adjustable sensor by the driver of said reference vehicle;
c. monitoring, detecting and tracking in said reference vehicle at least one AV crossing within said at least one detection perimeter;
d. calculating “
live”
AVM status data by processing AVMs of said at least one AV crossing within said at least one detection perimeter;
e. recommending and displaying at least one maneuvering recommendation when necessary to help maintain vehicle safety; and
f. accepting and executing said at least one maneuvering recommendation by at least one of a driver-initiated emergency maneuver and an automatic preprogrammed emergency maneuver autonomously executed by said reference vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. A driver-adjustable sensor apparatus for monitoring, detecting and tracking AVs, for processing AVMs, for calculating AVM status data, and for recommending and displaying at least one maneuvering recommendation to a driver of a reference vehicle, comprising:
-
a. at least one driver-adjustable detection perimeter control switch disposed upon said sensor apparatus adapted for adjusting and setting at least one detection perimeter of said sensor;
b. at least one of an electromagnetic wave transmitter and an ultrasonic wave transmitter for generating and radiating at least one of an electromagnetic and an ultrasonic wave;
c. at least one of an electromagnetic wave receiver for receiving reflected electromagnetic waves and an ultrasonic wave receiver for receiving reflected ultrasonic waves;
d. at least one antenna;
e. at least one processor for processing AVMs, for calculating AVM status data, and for recommending and displaying said at least one maneuvering recommendation;
f. at least one input/output line coupled to said at least one processor for outputting said AVMs and said at least one maneuvering recommendation to at least one display;
g. said display for displaying said AVMs and said at least one maneuvering recommendation to a driver; and
h. at least one power source. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20)
-
-
18. A driver-adjustable sensor system for improving intervehicular safety, comprising:
-
a. a driver for driving a reference vehicle;
b. at least one driver for driving at least one adjacent vehicle;
c. at least one method for improving intervehicular safety; and
d. at least one apparatus for monitoring, detecting and tracking AVs, for processing AVMs, for calculating AVM status data, and for recommending and displaying at least one maneuvering recommendation to said driver of said reference vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (21)
-
-
22. A traffic control apparatus for governing and controlling the speed and movement of a vehicle toward an intersection, further comprising:
-
a. said traffic control apparatus further comprising a traffic light having green, yellow and red signal lights for signaling conventional traffic light signals when illuminated in sequence;
b. a processor having a clock and coupled to said signal lights for controlling the timing of illumination of each of said signal lights, wherein said processor sends a yellow light detected signal to a transceiver when said processor detects that said yellow light signal is illuminated;
c. said transceiver coupled to said processor and adapted for receiving said yellow light detected signal and further adapted for transmitting a yellow light warning signal in response thereto for transmission to said vehicle; and
d. at least one power source. - View Dependent Claims (23)
-
-
24. A traffic light system for controlling the approach of a vehicle to an intersection, comprising:
-
a. a traffic control apparatus having a transmitter for transmitting a yellow light warning signal and further adapted for transmitting at least one of a decelerate command signal and a stop command signal to said vehicle; and
b. said vehicle, wherein said vehicle has a receiver for receiving said yellow light warning signal and at least one of said decelerate command signal and said stop command signal, wherein said vehicle also has a processor coupled to said receiver for responding to said signals, and wherein said processor is further coupled to at least one of the brakes and the engine of said vehicle in order to control said approach of said vehicle to said intersection.
-
Specification