Rear monitor system triggered by occupant leaving the vehicle
First Claim
1. A rear-object monitor system on an automotive vehicle having a door with a lever adapted to be operated by vehicle occupant for exit through the door, comprising:
- transmit means for transmitting ultrasonic energy in a rearward direction of the vehicle when said transmit means is enabled;
transmit control means, responsive to an operation of said lever by said vehicle occupant, for enabling said transmit means to transmit said ultrasonic energy for a prescribed duration;
receiving means for receiving an echo returning from an object behind said vehicle as a result of the transmission of said ultrasonic energy, said echo having a frequency variable as a function of the speed of said object relative to said vehicle;
detecting means for generating a door-lock signal when the frequency of said echo exceeds a prescribed value; and
door lock means for locking said door in response to said door-lock signal.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A rear monitor system for an automotive vehicle comprises a sensor secured to a vehicle door located on one side of the vehicle and adapted to be operated by a vehicle occupant when leaving the vehicle, the sensor generating a signal indicating that the occupant is going to leave the vehicle. A control unit is responsive to the signal from the sensor for transmitting radiant energy in a rearward direction to detect a reflection from an object approaching the vehicle from behind at a speed higher than a predetermined value. Further provided is a safety device which is responsive to the detected reflection for preventing the vehicle occupant from opening the door.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A rear-object monitor system on an automotive vehicle having a door with a lever adapted to be operated by vehicle occupant for exit through the door, comprising:
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transmit means for transmitting ultrasonic energy in a rearward direction of the vehicle when said transmit means is enabled; transmit control means, responsive to an operation of said lever by said vehicle occupant, for enabling said transmit means to transmit said ultrasonic energy for a prescribed duration; receiving means for receiving an echo returning from an object behind said vehicle as a result of the transmission of said ultrasonic energy, said echo having a frequency variable as a function of the speed of said object relative to said vehicle; detecting means for generating a door-lock signal when the frequency of said echo exceeds a prescribed value; and door lock means for locking said door in response to said door-lock signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification