AUTOMATED AUTOMOBILE GUIDANCE SYSTEM

• US 20080125938A1
• Filed: 11/07/2006
• Published: 05/29/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/07/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Brien E. Pierpont
• Original Assignee: Brien E. Pierpont
• Inventors: Pierpont, Brien E.
• Application Number:
  US11/557,138
• Publication Number:
  US 20080125938A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/41
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 31/0058 responsive to externally generated signalling
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 31/04 and means for comparing one electrical quantity, e.g. voltage, pulse, waveform, flux, or the like, with another quantity of a like kind, which comparison means is involved in the development of an electrical signal which is fed into the controlling means
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2556/50 of positioning data, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System] data
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 1/28 non-mechanical , e.g. following a line or other known markers
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 15/0265 Automatic obstacle avoidance by steering
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/931 of land vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/9318 Controlling the steering
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096725 where the received information generates an automatic action on the vehicle control
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096783 where the origin of the information is a roadside individual element

Abstract

An automobile guidance system having an automobile with an exterior, a gas pedal, a brake pedal, and a steering wheel. The system also has a global positioning system and a plurality of ultrasound/radiofrequency detectors/transmitters in communication with a control unit within the automobile. The control unit receives information from the ultrasound/radiofrequency detectors/transmitters and/or the global positioning system. Then, based upon this information the control unit is able to actuate the gas pedal, the brake, and steering wheel to operate the automobile.

Claims

1. An automobile guidance system comprising:

an automobile having an exterior, a gas pedal, a brake pedal and a steering wheel;

a plurality of detectors/transmitters on the exterior of the automobile;

a global positioning system in communication with a control unit within the automobile;

wherein the control unit receives information from the detectors/transmitters and/or the global positioning system;

wherein the control unit actuates at least one of the gas pedal, the brake pedal or the steering wheel in response to the information received.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the detectors/transmitters are located on a bumper of the automobile.

3. The system of claim 1 further comprising detectors/transmitters detached from the automobile and in communication with the detectors/transmitters.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the detectors/transmitters are associated with a highway.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the control unit receives additional information regarding a speed limit and actuates at least one of the gas pedal or brake pedal in response to the additional information.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the control unit actuates the gas pedal via a cruise control in response to the additional information.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the control unit is adapted to stop the automobile in response to information received.