Automotive driving condition alarm system
First Claim
1. A vehicle driving condition monitoring system for warning of dangerous driving conditions, including sensor means mounted on the vehicle for detecting dangerous driving conditions, said sensor means including first sensor means for detecting excessive moisture on the road surface, second sensor means for detecting freezing temperature at the road surface, third sensor means for detecting excessive vibration of the vehicle in both horizontal and vertical directions, fourth sensor means for detecting excessive vehicular speed, and fifth sensor means for detecting drowsiness or inattention of the driver of the vehicle, said fifth sensor means including means for sensing lack of movement of the driver'"'"'s hands on the steering wheel of the vehicle, comprising a pair of conductors wrapped about the steering wheel in non-connecting fashion, said conductors being connected in parallel with a RC timing network, frequency generator means connected to said timing network for generating an ac signal having a frequency which varies with the impedance of said timing network, means for sensing changes in said frequency of said ac signal, means for generating an alarm actuating signal in response to said predetermined changes in said ac signal, and alarm means connected to said sensors for emitting audible and visible alarm signals to the driver.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system for monitoring and warning of dangerous driving conditions includes sensors mounted on the vehicle for detecting excessive moisture on the road surface, freezing temperature at the road surface, vibration of the vehicle in both horizontal and vertical directions, excessive vehicular speed, and drowsiness of the driver of the vehicle. The sensors are connected through detector circuits to an audible alarm and to a visual display which warns the driver of a dangerous driving condition.
120 Citations
9 Claims
- 1. A vehicle driving condition monitoring system for warning of dangerous driving conditions, including sensor means mounted on the vehicle for detecting dangerous driving conditions, said sensor means including first sensor means for detecting excessive moisture on the road surface, second sensor means for detecting freezing temperature at the road surface, third sensor means for detecting excessive vibration of the vehicle in both horizontal and vertical directions, fourth sensor means for detecting excessive vehicular speed, and fifth sensor means for detecting drowsiness or inattention of the driver of the vehicle, said fifth sensor means including means for sensing lack of movement of the driver'"'"'s hands on the steering wheel of the vehicle, comprising a pair of conductors wrapped about the steering wheel in non-connecting fashion, said conductors being connected in parallel with a RC timing network, frequency generator means connected to said timing network for generating an ac signal having a frequency which varies with the impedance of said timing network, means for sensing changes in said frequency of said ac signal, means for generating an alarm actuating signal in response to said predetermined changes in said ac signal, and alarm means connected to said sensors for emitting audible and visible alarm signals to the driver.
Specification