Multi-Mode Safety System for Spotter-Assisted Vehicle Maneuvering
First Claim
1. A system to communicate safety information from a spotter to a vehicle driver during a vehicle maneuver, the system comprising:
- a spotter module comprising a handheld unit operable by a spotter to communicate safety information to a driver operating a vehicle during a maneuver of the vehicle, wherein the spotter module comprises;
(a) a switch module arranged to be in a first state when not actively operated by a spotter, and further arranged to be in a second state when actively operated by the spotter; and
,(b) an illumination module operable to illuminate the spotter module in response to the switch module being in the second state;
a wireless module to receive status signals from the spotter module via a wireless communication link, the status signals including information indicative of whether the switch module is in the second state;
a plurality of indicator devices for communicating to the driver safety information relating to movement of the vehicle; and
,a control module arranged to control operation of the indicator devices, wherein the control operations are responsive to the received signals from the spotter module.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus and associated methods involve a handheld illuminated module to communicate safety information from a spotter to a driver during a vehicle maneuver. In an illustrative example, the spotter operates the module at a position from which to monitor a region in the vehicle'"'"'s path. The spotter communicates to the driver that the path is clear by depressing a switch on the module. When depressed, the module switch indicates a “safe” mode that (1) illuminates the module, for example, with a green color, and (2) communicates to a vehicle safety module (VSM) on-board the vehicle. In response to the message, the VSM may transition from a warning mode to a safe mode and emit corresponding visual and/or audio signals to the driver. If the spotter releases the switch, the module illumination changes, and the VSM reverts to warning mode in which it prompts the driver to stop the vehicle.
22 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A system to communicate safety information from a spotter to a vehicle driver during a vehicle maneuver, the system comprising:
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a spotter module comprising a handheld unit operable by a spotter to communicate safety information to a driver operating a vehicle during a maneuver of the vehicle, wherein the spotter module comprises; (a) a switch module arranged to be in a first state when not actively operated by a spotter, and further arranged to be in a second state when actively operated by the spotter; and
,(b) an illumination module operable to illuminate the spotter module in response to the switch module being in the second state; a wireless module to receive status signals from the spotter module via a wireless communication link, the status signals including information indicative of whether the switch module is in the second state; a plurality of indicator devices for communicating to the driver safety information relating to movement of the vehicle; and
,a control module arranged to control operation of the indicator devices, wherein the control operations are responsive to the received signals from the spotter module. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method of communicating safety information from a spotter to a vehicle driver during a vehicle maneuver comprising:
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providing a spotter module comprising a handheld unit operable by a spotter to communicate safety information to a driver operating a vehicle during a maneuver of the vehicle, wherein the spotter module comprises; (a) a switch module arranged to be in a first state when not actively operated by a spotter, and further arranged to be in a second state when actively operated by the spotter; and
,(b) an illumination module operable to illuminate the spotter module in response to the switch module being in the second state; providing a wireless module to receive status signals from the spotter module via a wireless communication link, the status signals including information indicative of whether the switch module is in the second state; providing a plurality of indicator devices for communicating to the driver safety information relating to movement of the vehicle; and
,providing a control module arranged to control operation of the indicator devices, wherein the control operations are responsive to the received signals from the spotter module; wherein the switch module is activated by a user upon determining that the vehicle trajectory path is clear of hazards. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24)
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Specification