Method and system for detecting potential icy conditions on roads
First Claim
1. A warning system for detecting potentially icy road surface conditions from vehicles, the warning system comprising:
- a) an infrared detector configured for mounting on a vehicle to detect infrared temperature radiation emitted by conventional road surface and to produce electric signals representing detected temperatures, andb) a processing unit mounted in the vehicle and including electric temperature indicating means connected to said infrared detector to receive the electric signals from the infrared detector to inform an operator of the vehicle of road temperatures that indicate potential icing conditions.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A warning system for vehicles detects actual road surface temperature and advises the driver of surface temperatures which indicate the vehicle may be approaching possible ice formation on roadways. The warning system comprises an infrared detector mounted externally on the vehicle and aimed at the road surface, the detector arranged to read only the infrared temperature wavelength emissions associated with concrete and asphalt to eliminate confusing and erroneous readings inadvertently received through infrared emission from other objects in the vicinity. The detector is connected to a processing unit which translates the electric signals from the detector into a temperature readout display for the driver and the processing unit may include an alarm which is activated to attract the driver'"'"'s attention when road temperatures are detected that are below a set minimum temperature that is selected by the driver'"'"'s manual adjustment of a temperature select control knob on the unit.
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Citations
6 Claims
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1. A warning system for detecting potentially icy road surface conditions from vehicles, the warning system comprising:
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a) an infrared detector configured for mounting on a vehicle to detect infrared temperature radiation emitted by conventional road surface and to produce electric signals representing detected temperatures, and b) a processing unit mounted in the vehicle and including electric temperature indicating means connected to said infrared detector to receive the electric signals from the infrared detector to inform an operator of the vehicle of road temperatures that indicate potential icing conditions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method of detecting potentially icy road conditions from a moving vehicle comprising detecting the infrared temperature radiation emitted from a road surface and signaling an operator when the detected road surface temperature approaches the temperature at which water freezes or ice melts.
Specification