Automobile collison avoidance laser system

• US 3,891,966 A
• Filed: 08/08/1974
• Issued: 06/24/1975
• Est. Priority Date: 08/08/1974
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Zoltan G. Sztankay
• Original Assignee: Zoltan G. Sztankay
• Inventors: Sztankay, Zoltan G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Waring, Alvin H.
• Application Number:
  US05/495,746
• Time in Patent Office: 320 Days
• Field of Search: 340/31R,32,33,34,52R,53 180/98,103 246/167D 250/215
• US Class Current: 340/903
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 31/0008 including means for detecting potential obstacles in vehicle path
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 31/02 including electrically actuated servomechanism including an electric control system or a servomechanism in which the vehicle velocity affecting element is actuated electrically
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/74 Systems using reradiation of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. IFF, i.e. identification of friend or foe
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/931 of land vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/166 for active traffic, e.g. moving vehicles, pedestrians, bikes

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for the avoidance of rear end collisions between cars by providing a laser transmitting and receiving system and a detection system mounted on the front and rear of automobiles. Each car is equipped with a transmitter and receiver located at its rear end as well as at its front end. The transmitter at the front end emits a signal having a designated wavelength f1 and the receiver at the front end receives signals having a designated wavelength f2. The wavelengths of the transmitter and receiver at the rear end are the reverse of those at the front end. Upon reception of signals of wavelength f1 the modulator at the rear end of a leading car would activate the transmitter which would send a return signal of wavelength f2 to the receiver at the front end of the trailing car. This signal is interpreted by circuits in the receiver and furnishes a warning of the proximity of the vehicles.

Claims

1. An automobile collision avoidance system comprising:

a. means located on the rear end of an automobile for receiving radiant energy at the frequency f1;

b. means located on the rear end of an automobile for transmitting radiant energy at the frequency f2;

c. means located on the front end of an automobile for transmitting radiant energy of a frequency f1;

d. means located on the front end of an automobile for receiving radiant energy at the frequency f2;

e. means responsive to the receipt of radiant energy at the frequency f2 for determining the proper distance between a leading automobile and a trailing automobile; and

f. means responsive to said last-named means for providing an indication to the driver that the distance is less than a predetermined minimum.

2. The system defined in claim 1 wherein said means for determining proper distance comprises a signal processor.

3. The system defined in claim 2 further comprising a speed sensor whose output is applied to said signal processor.

4. The system defined in claim 2 wherein said means for providing an indication comprises a visual or audible alarm.

5. The system defined in claim 2 wherein said means for providing an indication comprises means for actuating the automobile braking system.