Vehicular safety sensor and warning system

• US 5,493,269 A
• Filed: 01/21/1994
• Issued: 02/20/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 09/20/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: C.A.R.E., Inc.
• Original Assignee: C.A.R.E., Inc.
• Inventors: Robson, Jerry A., Durley, Clarence W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Crosland, Donnie L.
• Application Number:
  US08/184,486
• Time in Patent Office: 760 Days
• Field of Search: 340/433, 340/436, 340/435, 340/692, 340/901-904, 340/561, 340/552, 340/958, 340/514, 180/167, 180/169, 180/271, 364/461
• US Class Current: 340/433
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/543 for indicating other states or conditions of the vehicle indicating taxis' state of hire or fare G07B13/045
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/544 for indicating other states or conditions of the vehicle occupants, e.g. for indicating disabled occupants
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/56 for presence detection presence detection using near field arrangements G01V3/00, e.g. G01V3/08, G01V3/12; burglar, theft or intruder alarms with electrical actuation G08B13/22 - G08B13/26
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/931 of land vehicles

Abstract

A safety sensor and warning system, for use in combination with a motor vehicle, has sensors for determining if personnel are present in one or more predetermined danger zones proximate to the vehicle, during times when the vehicle is undergoing the loading and/or unloading of personnel; if the presence of such personnel is determined within any one or more of such danger zones related warning apparatus creates a sensory warning signal whereby the driver of the vehicle is made aware of such presence by the personnel; Microwave Doppler Shift Radar detects objects by reacting to a reflected radio signal of controlled strength and frequency which shifts off its original frequency when reflected off of an object of adequate density moving into, or changing position, within the range of the radiated radio signal and its consequent reflection; the sensors for determining if personnel are present in one or more predetermined danger zones utilize this known Microwave Doppler Shift Radar Technology and are electronically and physically designed to detect objects of only predetermined density or mass which translates to an animate object, as a person, and to not detect small debris-type objects such as, for example, leaves, snowflakes, light rainfall, fog, blowing dust, small tree limbs, rocks and birds; digitized speech producing apparatus is provided as to, in speech form, warn personnel that they are within one or more danger zones.

Claims

1. A safety system for use in combination with a motor vehicle which transports personnel and which has periods of time during which said vehicle is stopped and undergoes loading or unloading of personnel, said safety system comprising first means for sensing the presence of a person within an area at least in close proximity to said vehicle and externally thereof, wherein said area is considered as a danger zone whereby any person within said danger zone is at risk of being injured by said vehicle if said vehicle should start into motion from its stopped condition, second means for creating a first sensory warning signal whenever said first means senses the presence of a person within said danger zone, wherein said first sensory warning signal is created within said vehicle to thereby make the driver of said vehicle aware of a person being detected in said danger zone, third means for creating a second sensory warning signal whenever said first means senses the presence of a person within said danger zone, wherein said second sensory warning signal is created generally externally of said vehicle to thereby make the person within said danger zone aware that said person'"'"' s presence within said danger zone has been detected and that said person is in said danger zone, means for producing a faux voice signal externally of said motor vehicle whenever said person is sensed as being in said danger zone thereby having said faux voice signal advise said person that said person is within said danger zone, and wherein said second means continues creating said first sensory warning signal and said third means continues creating said second sensory warning signal and said means for producing a faux voice signal continuous creating said faux voice signal at least for as long as said person is detected by said first means as being in said danger zone.

2. A safety system according to claim 1 wherein said first sensory warning signal comprises both an auditory signal and a visual signal, and further comprising a plurality of piezoelectric horns, wherein a first of said plurality of piezoelectric horns comprises first output means, wherein a second of said plurality of piezoelectric horns comprises second output means, wherein a third of said plurality of piezoelectric horns comprises third output means, and wherein a fourth of said plurality of piezoelectric horns comprises fourth output means.

3. A safety system according to claim 1 wherein said first sensory warning signal comprises first and second signal generators, wherein said first signal generator generates an auditory signal, and wherein said second signal generator generates a visual signal.

4. A safety system according to claim 3 wherein said second signal generator comprises lamp means situated generally within said vehicle, and wherein light emitted by said lamp means comprises said visual signal.

5. A safety system according to claim 4 wherein said lamp means comprises four light emitting diodes;

and further comprising first radar means, second radar means, third radar means and fourth radar means;

wherein a first of said four light emitting diodes is energized upon said first radar means detecting a person in said first danger zone;

wherein a second of said four light emitting diodes is energized upon said second radar means detecting a person in said second danger zone;

wherein a third of said four light emitting diodes is energized upon said third radar means detecting a person in said third danger zone;

wherein the fourth of said four light emitting diodes is energized upon said fourth radar means detecting a person in said fourth danger zone.

6. A safety system according to claim 5 wherein said first light emitting diode is cyclically energized and de-energized after said first radar means ceases to detect any person within said first danger zone and after the expiration of said additional preselected span of time;

wherein said second light emitting diode is cyclically energized and de-energized after said second radar means ceases to detect any person within said second danger zone and after the expiration of said additional preselected span of time;

wherein said third light emitting diode is cyclically energized and de-energized after said third radar means ceases to detect any person within said third danger zone and after the expiration of said additional preselected span of time;

wherein said fourth light emitting diode is cyclically energized and de-energized after said fourth radar means ceases to detect any person within said fourth danger zone and after the expiration of said additional preselected span of time, and wherein said means for producing a faux voice signal externally of said motor vehicle ceases producing said faux voice signal when all of said radar means cease detecting any person within any of said danger zones.

7. A safety system according to claim 1 and further comprising a first plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies carried by said vehicle generally externally thereof and at a rearward portion of said vehicle and positioned as to when energized emit warning lights generally rearwardly of said vehicle;

a second plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies carried by said vehicle generally externally thereof and at a forward portion of said vehicle and positioned as to when energized emit warning lights generally forwardly of said vehicle;

wherein said first plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies and said second plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies are energized generally simultaneously when said vehicle is stopped; and

further comprising first radar means, second radar means, third radar means and fourth radar means;

wherein said first radar means is effective for detecting a person in said first danger zone;

wherein said second radar means is effective for detecting a person in said second danger zone;

wherein said third radar means is effective for detecting person in said third danger zone;

wherein said fourth radar means is effective for detecting a person in said fourth danger zone; and

wherein all of said radar means can become operative only upon energization of said first and second pluralities of warning-type lamp assemblies.

8. A safety system according to claim 7 and further comprising a flasher controller assembly situated generally within said vehicle;

wherein when said first plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies and said second plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies are energized the energization thereof is through said flasher controller assembly which causes said first and second pluralities of warning-type lamp assemblies to be cyclically energized and de-energized in the time that said vehicle is stopped.

9. A safety system according to claim 8 and further comprising headlamp assemblies carried by said vehicle generally externally of said vehicle and at a forward portion of said vehicle;

and control circuit means operatively connected to said first and second pluralities of warning type lamp assemblies and to said flasher controller assembly and operatively connected to said headlamp assemblies to thereby cyclically energize said headlamp assemblies in the time that said vehicle is stopped.

10. A safety system according to claim 9 wherein said control circuit means is responsive to a first cyclic electrical signal received from said first and second pluralities of warning-type lamp assemblies that such first and second pluralities of warning-type lamp assemblies are being cyclically energized;

wherein said control circuit means is responsive to a second continuous electrical signal received from said flasher controller assembly; and

whereupon receiving said first cyclic electrical signal and said second continuous electrical signal said control circuit means becomes effective to cyclically energize said headlamp assemblies in a manner whereby the high beam component of the headlamp assemblies is energized and then the low beam component of the headlamp assemblies is energized with such alternate energization of the high beam and low beam components continuing for at least as long as said first and second pluralities of warning-type lamp assemblies are energized.

11. A safety system according to claim 7 and further comprising headlamp assemblies carried by said vehicle generally externally of said vehicle and at a forward portion of said vehicle and positioned as to emit light when energized generally forwardly of said vehicle;

stop-lamp assemblies carried by said vehicle generally externally of said vehicle and at a rearward portion of said vehicle and positioned as to emit a warning light when energized generally rearwardly of said vehicle; and

control circuit means operatively connected to said headlamp assemblies and to said stop-lamp assemblies to thereby cyclically energize said headlamp assemblies and said stop-lamp assemblies during the time that said vehicle is stopped.

12. A safety system according to claim 5 wherein said means for producing a faux voice signal comprises a plurality of faux voice generators, wherein a first of said plurality of faux voice generators is situated in relatively close proximity to said first radar means, wherein a second of said plurality of faux voice generators is situated in relatively close proximity to said second radar means, wherein a third of said plurality of faux voice generators is situated in relatively close proximity to said third radar means, and wherein a fourth of said plurality of faux voice generators is situated in relatively close proximity to said fourth radar means.

13. A safety system according to claim 12 and further comprising a plurality of mounting means operatively carried by said vehicle, wherein a first of said plurality of mounting means operatively carries said first faux voice generator and said first radar means, wherein a second of said plurality of mounting means operatively carries said second faux voice generator and said second radar means, wherein a third of said plurality of mounting means operatively carries said third faux voice generator and said third radar means, and wherein a fourth of said plurality of mounting means operatively carries said fourth faux voice generator and said fourth radar means.

17. A safety system according to claim 12 wherein said second signal generator comprises lamp means situated generally within said vehicle;

and wherein light emitted by said lamp means comprises said visual signal.

18. A safety system according to claim 17 wherein said lamp means comprises four light emitting diodes;

and wherein a first of said four light emitting diodes is energized upon said first radar means detecting a person in said first danger zone;

wherein a second of said four light emitting diodes is energized upon said second radar means detecting a person in said second danger zone;

wherein a third of said four light emitting diodes is energized upon said third radar means detecting a person in said third danger zone;

wherein the fourth of said four light emitting diodes is energized upon said fourth radar means detecting a person in said fourth danger zone.

19. A safety system according to claim 18 wherein said first light emitting diode is cyclically energized and de-energized after said first radar means ceases to detect any person within said first danger zone and after the expiration of said additional preselected span of time;

wherein said second light emitting diode is cyclically energized and de-energized after said second radar means ceases to detect any person within said second danger zone and after the expiration of said additional preselected span of time;

wherein said third light emitting diode is cyclically energized and de-energized after said third radar means ceases to detect any person within said third danger zone and after the expiration of said additional preselected span of time;

wherein said fourth light emitting diode is cyclically energized and de-energized after said fourth radar means ceases to detect any person within said fourth danger zone and after the expiration of said additional preselected span of time.

14. A safety system for use in combination with a motor vehicle which transports personnel and which has periods of time during which said vehicle is stopped and undergoes loading or unloading of personnel;

said safety system comprising first radar means for sensing the presence of a person within a first area at least in close proximity to said vehicle and externally thereof;

wherein said first area extends laterally forwardly of said vehicle;

wherein said first area is considered as a first danger zone whereby any person within said first danger zone is at risk of being injured by said vehicle if said vehicle should start into motion from its stopped condition;

second radar means for sensing the presence of a person within a second area at least in close proximity to said vehicle and externally thereof;

wherein said second area extends laterally rearwardly of said vehicle;

wherein said second area is considered as a second danger zone whereby any person within said second danger zone is at risk of being injured by said vehicle if said vehicle should start into motion from its stopped condition;

third radar means for sensing the presence of a person within a third area at least in close proximity to said vehicle and externally thereof;

wherein said third area extends laterally rightward of said vehicle;

wherein said third area is considered as a third danger zone whereby any person within said third danger zone is at risk of being injured by said vehicle if said vehicle should start into motion from its stopped condition;

fourth radar means for sensing the presence of a person within a fourth area at least in close proximity to said vehicle and externally thereof;

wherein said fourth area extends laterally leftward of said vehicle;

wherein said fourth area is considered as a fourth danger zone whereby any person within said fourth danger zone is at risk of being injured by said vehicle if said vehicle should start into motion from its stopped condition;

wherein all of said radar means are always simultaneously energized as to thereby have each of said radar means effective for sensing the presence of a person in any of said danger zones;

first output means for creating a first auditory warning signal whenever said first radar means senses the presence of a person within said first danger zone;

wherein said first auditory warning signal is created generally externally of said vehicle in the vicinity of said first radar means and directed toward said first danger zone as to thereby make the person within said first danger zone aware that the person'"'"'s presence within said first danger zone has been detected and that such person is in said first danger zone;

second output means for creating a second auditory warning signal whenever said second radar means senses the presence of a person within said second danger zone;

wherein said second auditory warning signal is created generally externally of said vehicle in the vicinity of said second radar means and directed toward said second danger zone as to thereby make the person within said second danger zone aware that the person'"'"'s presence within said second danger zone has been detected and that such person is in said second danger zone;

third output means for creating a third auditory warning signal whenever said third radar means senses the presence of a person within said third danger zone;

wherein said third auditory warning signal is created generally externally of said vehicle in the vicinity of said third radar means and directed toward said third danger zone as to thereby make the person within said third danger zone aware that the person'"'"'s presence within said third danger zone has been detected and that such person is in said third danger zone;

fourth output means for creating a fourth auditory warning signal whenever said fourth radar means senses the presence of a person within said fourth danger zone;

wherein said fourth auditory warning signal is created generally externally of said vehicle in the vicinity of said fourth radar means and directed toward said fourth danger zone as to thereby make the person within said fourth danger zone aware that the person'"'"'s presence within said fourth danger zone has been detected and that such person is in said fourth danger zone;

fifth output means for creating a fifth sensory warning signal whenever any or all of said radar means senses the presence of a person in any or all of said danger zones;

wherein said fifth sensory warning signal is created within said vehicle as to thereby make the driver of said vehicle aware of a person being detected in any or all of said danger zones;

wherein said fifth output means continues creating said fifth sensory warning signal for as long as a person is detected in any of said danger zones and without interruption continues creating said fifth sensory signal for an additional preselected span of time next following the cessation of detection of a person in any of said danger zones;

wherein said first, second, third and fourth auditory warning signals are continued to be created by said first, second, third and fourth output means for as long as a person is detected in said first, second, third and fourth danger zones and without interruption said first, second, third and fourth auditory warning signals are continued to be created for an additional preselected span of time next following the cessation of detection of a person in any of said danger zones, and additional means for producing a faux voice signal externally of said motor vehicle and directed toward all of said danger zones as may have a person or persons detected therein.

15. A safety system according to claim 14 wherein said fifth sensory warning signal comprises both a fifth auditory signal and a visual signal;

and further comprising a plurality of piezoelectric horns;

wherein a first of said plurality of piezoelectric horns comprises said first output means;

wherein a second of said plurality of piezoelectric horns comprises said second output means;

wherein a third of said plurality of piezoelectric horns comprises said third output means; and

wherein a fourth of said plurality of piezoelectric horns comprises said fourth output means.

16. A safety system according to claim 14 wherein said fifth output means for creating a fifth sensory warning signal comprises first and second signal generators;

wherein said first signal generator generates an auditory signal; and

wherein said second signal generator generates a visual signal.

20. A safety system according to claim 14 and further comprising a first plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies carried by said vehicle generally externally thereof and at a rearward portion of said vehicle and positioned as to when energized emit warning lights generally rearwardly of said vehicle;

a second plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies carried by said vehicle generally externally thereof and at a forward portion of said vehicle and positioned as to when energized emit warning lights generally forwardly of said vehicle;

wherein said first plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies and said second plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies are energized generally simultaneously when said vehicle is stopped; and

wherein all of said radar means and all of said output means can become operative only upon energization of said first and second pluralities of warning-type lamp assemblies.

21. A safety system according to claim 20 and further comprising a flasher controller assembly situated generally within said vehicle;

wherein when said first plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies and said second plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies are energized the energization thereof is through said flasher controller assembly which causes said first and second pluralities of warning-type lamp assemblies to be cyclically energized and de-energized in the time that said vehicle is stopped.

22. A safety system according to claim 20 and further comprising headlamp assemblies carried by said vehicle generally externally of said vehicle and at a forward portion of said vehicle;

and control circuit means operatively connected to said first and second pluralities of warning type lamp assemblies and to said flasher controller assembly and operatively connected to said headlamp assemblies to thereby cyclically energize said headlamp assemblies in the time that said vehicle is stopped.

23. A safety system according to claim 22 wherein said control circuit means is responsive to a first cyclic electrical signal received from said first and second pluralities of warning-type lamp assemblies that such first and second pluralities of warning-type lamp assemblies are being cyclically energized;

wherein said control circuit means is responsive to a second continuous electrical signal received from said flasher controller assembly; and

whereupon receiving said first cyclic electrical signal and said second continuous electrical signal said control circuit means becomes effective to cyclically energize said headlamp assemblies in a manner whereby the high beam component of the headlamp assemblies is energized and then the low beam component of the headlamp assemblies is energized with such alternate energization of the high beam and low beam components continuing for at least as long as said first and second pluralities of warning-type lamp assemblies are energized.

24. A safety system according to claim 20 and further comprising headlamp assemblies carried by said vehicle generally externally of said vehicle and at a forward portion of said vehicle and positioned as to emit light when energized generally forwardly of said vehicle;

stop-lamp assemblies carried by said vehicle generally externally of said vehicle and at a rearward portion of said vehicle and positioned as to emit a warning light when energized generally rearwardly of said vehicle; and

control circuit means operatively connected to said headlamp assemblies and to said stop-lamp assemblies to thereby cyclically energize said headlamp assemblies and said stop-lamp assemblies during the time that said vehicle is stopped.

25. A safety system for use in combination with a motor vehicle which transports personnel and which has periods of time during which said vehicle is stopped and undergoes loading or unloading of personnel, said safety system comprising first means for sensing the presence of a person within an area at least in close proximity to said vehicle and externally thereof, wherein said area is considered as a danger zone in that any person within said danger zone is at risk of being injured by said vehicle if said vehicle should start into motion from its stopped condition, second means for creating a first sensory warning signal whenever said first means senses the presence of a person within said danger zone, third means for creating a second sensory warning signal whenever said first means senses the presence of a person within said danger zone, wherein at least one of said first and second sensory warning signals is created within said vehicle as to thereby make the driver of said vehicle aware of a person being detected in said danger zone, wherein said second means continues creating said first sensory warning signal and said third means continues creating said second sensory warning signal at least for as long as said person is detected by said first means as being in said danger zone, and means for producing a faux voice signal externally of said motor vehicle whenever said person is sensed as being in said danger zone that said faux voice signal advises said person that said person is within said danger zone, and wherein said means for producing a faux voice signal continuously creating said faux voice signal at least for as long as said person is detected by said first means as being in said danger zone.

26. A safety system according to claim 25 and further comprising a first plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies carried by said vehicle at a rearward portion of said vehicle and positioned as to when energized emit a warning light generally rearwardly of said vehicle, a second plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies carried by said vehicle at a forward portion of said vehicle and positioned as to when energized emit a warning light generally forwardly of said vehicle, wherein said first plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies and said second plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies are energized when said vehicle is stopped, and wherein said first and second means are operative when said first and second pluralities of warning-type lamp assemblies are energized.

27. A safety system according to claim 26 and further comprising a flasher controller assembly, wherein when said first plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies and said second plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies are energized the energization thereof is through said flasher controller assembly which causes said first and second pluralities of warning-type lamp assemblies to be cyclically energized and de-energized in the time that said vehicle is stopped.

28. A safety system according to claim 26 and further comprising headlamp assemblies carried by said vehicle at a forward portion of said vehicle, and control circuit means operatively connected to said headlamp assemblies to thereby cyclically energize said headlamp assemblies when said vehicle is stopped for loading or unloading personnel.

29. A safety system according to claim 26 and further comprising headlamp assemblies carried by said vehicle at a forward portion of said vehicle and positioned as to emit when energized light generally forwardly of said vehicle, stop-lamp assemblies carried by said vehicle and at a rearward portion of said vehicle and positioned as to emit a warning light when energized generally rearwardly of said vehicle, and control circuit means operatively connected to said headlamp assemblies and to said stop-lamp assemblies to thereby cyclically energize said headlamp assemblies and said stop-lamp assemblies in the time that said vehicle is stopped.

30. A safety system according to claim 25 and further comprising electrical circuit means operatively connected to said first means, and wherein said electrical circuit means comprises diagnostic means for determining if a functional failure has occurred in said electrical circuit means and for determining if a functional failure has occurred in said first means.

31. A safety system according to claim 30 and further comprising indicator means for indicating that said functional failure in either said first means or said electrical circuit means has occurred.

32. A school bus for the transport of school age children;

said bus comprising a bus body structure;

said bus body structure comprising left side and right side exterior body panel means;

said body structure further comprising front exterior body panel means operatively connected to both said left and right side exterior body panel means;

said body structure further comprising rear exterior body panel means operatively connected to both said left and right side exterior body panel means;

a bus interior defined generally by and between said left and right side exterior body panel means and between said front and rear exterior body panel means;

a door opening formed in at least one of said side exterior body panel means for access to said bus interior as well as egress from said bus interior;

a bus door effective for opening and closing said door opening;

a bus driver'"'"'s area within said bus interior and provided with driver controlled bus steering means and with an array of operating controls;

a first plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies carried by said bus body structure at a rearward portion of said bus body structure and positioned as to when energized emit a first warning light generally rearwardly of said bus body structure;

a second plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies carried by said bus body structure at a forward portion of said bus body structure and positioned as to when energized emit a second warning light generally forwardly of said bus body structure;

a flasher controller situated generally in said bus driver'"'"'s area and operatively connected to said first plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies and to said second plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies;

said flasher controller being effective when actuated to energize said first plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies and to energize said second plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies;

electrical switch means effective to be electrically closed when said bus is stopped to permit loading or unloading of said children;

said electrical switch means when electrically closed being effective to actuate said flasher controller and cause energization of said first and second pluralities of warning-type lamp assemblies;

wherein said energization of said first and second pluralities of warning-type lamp assemblies is cyclic thereby causing said first and second pluralities of warning-type lamp assemblies to operate in a flashing mode and thereby cause said first and second warning lights to be flashing;

a plurality of sensor assemblies carried by said bus;

a first of said plurality of sensor assemblies being carried generally beneath said bus body structure and near a forward portion thereof and situated as to be operationally forwardly directed;

a second of said plurality of sensor assemblies being operatively carried by said bus body structure and situated as to be operationally rearwardly directed;

a third of said plurality of sensor assemblies being operatively carried by said bus body structure generally inwardly of said right side exterior body panel means and situated as to be operationally directed rightward of said bus body structure;

a fourth of said plurality of sensor assemblies being operatively carried by said bus body structure generally inwardly of said left side exterior body panel means and situated as to be operationally directed leftward of said bus body structure;

wherein each of said first, second, third and fourth sensor assemblies comprises a housing;

wherein a printed circuit structure is situated in said housing;

wherein said printed circuit structure comprises a printed circuit electrically connected to a K-band radar transceiver and which carries electrical operational components operatively electrically connected to said printed circuit of said printed circuit structure and operatively electrically connected to said K-band transceiver in said housing for both controlling the operation of said K-band transceiver and for responding to the operation of said K-band transceiver;

adjustment means carried within said housing for selectively adjusting and establishing a field of radar radiation to which said transceiver will be responsive;

read-out apparatus situated in said driver'"'"'s area;

said read-out apparatus comprising at least four energizable light sources;

wherein a first of said at least four light sources is functionally related to and operationally coupled to said first sensor assembly;

wherein a second of said at least four light sources is functionally related to and operatively coupled to said second sensor assembly;

wherein a third of said at least four light sources is functionally related to and operatively coupled to said third sensor assembly;

wherein said fourth of said at least four light sources is functionally related to and operatively coupled to said fourth sensor assembly;

whereby when said flasher controller is actuated electrical power is simultaneously supplied to each and all of said at least first, second, third and fourth sensor assemblies for the simultaneous energization thereof including each and all of said K-band radar transceivers;

when energized the radar transceiver of said first sensor assembly being effective to monitor a first area generally forwardly of said bus body structure in order to detect the presence of any person in said first area;

when energized the radar transceiver of said second sensor assembly being effective to monitor a second area generally rearwardly of said bus body structure in order to detect the presence of any person in said second area;

wherein a monitoring of said second area by the radar transceiver of said second sensor assembly occurs simultaneously with a monitoring of said first area by the radar transceiver of said first sensor assembly;

when energized the radar transceiver of said third sensor assembly being effective to monitor a third area generally outwardly of said right side exterior body panel means in order to detect the presence of any person in said third area;

wherein a monitoring of said third area by the radar transceiver of said third sensor assembly occurs simultaneously with the monitoring of said first area by the radar transceiver of said first sensor assembly;

when energized the radar transceiver of said fourth sensor assembly being effective to monitor a fourth area generally outwardly of said left side exterior body panel means in order to detect the presence of any person in said fourth area;

wherein a monitoring of said fourth area by the radar transceiver of said fourth sensor assembly occurs simultaneously with the monitoring of said first area by the radar transceiver of said first sensor assembly;

upon detecting a person in said first area the radar transceiver of said first sensor assembly causing said first of said at least four light sources to be electrically energized thereby producing a first output light;

upon detecting a person in said second area the radar transceiver of said second sensor assembly causing said second of said at least four light sources to be electrically energized thereby producing a second output light;

upon detecting a person in said third area the radar transceiver of said third sensor assembly causing said third of said at least four light sources to be electrically energized thereby producing a third output light;

upon detecting a person in said fourth area the radar transceiver of said fourth sensor assembly causing said fourth of said at least four light sources to be electrically energized thereby producing a fourth output light;

said first output light serving to indicate to said driver that a person has been detected in said first area;

said second output light serving to indicate to said driver that a person has been detected in said second area;

said third output light serving to indicate to said driver that a person has been detected in said third area; and

said fourth output light serving to indicate to said driver that a person has been detected in said fourth area, and means for producing a faux voice signal externally of said bus body structure whenever a person has been detected in any of said areas as to by said faux voice signal advise said person that said person is within said area and in danger of becoming harmed should the bus start into motion, and wherein said means for producing a faux voice signal is effective for continuously creating said faux voice signal at least for as long as said person is detected in said area.

33. A school bus according to claim 32 wherein said read-out apparatus also comprises electrically energizable auditory signal generating means;

said electrically energizable auditory signal generating means being energized to produce an auditory output signal for warning said driver that a person has been detected in any of said first, second, third or fourth areas by respective ones of the simultaneously electrically energized radar transceivers of said respective first, second, third or fourth sensor assemblies.

34. A school bus according to claim 33 wherein said electrically energizable auditory signal generating means comprises a single generator of auditory sound;

and wherein said single generator of auditory sound is energized whenever the radar transceiver of any of said first, second, third or fourth simultaneously electrically energized sensor assemblies detects a person in either the first, second, third or fourth areas.

35. A school bus according to claim 33 wherein said auditory output signal is continuous and non-segmented and continues for at least as long as said radar transceiver of said first sensor assembly continues to detect a person in said first area;

wherein said first output light is continuous and non-segmented and continues for at least as long as said radar transceiver of said first sensor assembly continues to detect a person in said first area;

wherein said second output light is continuous and non-segmented and continues for at least as long as said radar transceiver of said second sensor assembly continues to detect a person in said second area;

wherein said third output light is continuous and non-segmented and continues for at least as long as said radar transceiver of said third sensor assembly continues to detect a person in said third area; and

wherein said fourth output light is continuous and non-segmented and continues for at least as long as said radar transceiver of said fourth sensor assembly continues to detect a person in said fourth area.

36. A school bus according to claim 32 wherein said first output light is continuous and non-segmented and continues for at least as long as said radar transceiver of said first sensor assembly continues to detect a person in said first area;

wherein said second output light is continuous and non-segmented and continues for at least as long as said radar transceiver of said second sensor assembly continues to detect a person in said second area;

wherein said third output light is continuous and non-segmented and continues for at least as long as said radar transceiver of said third sensor assembly continues to detect a person in said third area; and

wherein said fourth output light is continuous and non-segmented and continues for at least as long as said radar transceiver of said fourth sensor assembly continues to detect a person in said fourth area.

37. A school bus according to claim 32 wherein said first, second, third and fourth sensor assemblies are electrically energizable only if said first and second pluralities of warning-type lamp assemblies are electrically energized.

38. A school bus according to claim 32 and further comprising a rear axle assembly for connection to ground engaging rear wheels of said bus;

said rear axle assembly being situated in a rearward portion of said bus;

wherein said bus body structure further comprises chassis means situated at an elevation generally below that of said bus interior and generally between said exterior body panel means as to be generally inwardly disposed relative thereto;

wherein said second of said plurality of sensor assemblies is operatively carried by said chassis as to be situated rearwardly of said rear axle assembly and operationally directed rearwardly of said rear axle assembly; and

said second of said plurality of sensors being located so as to define said second area being monitored by said second of said plurality of sensors so that said second area includes portions of said second area which are so close to the rear of said rear wheels as to preclude a person from assuming a position directly rearwardly of said rear wheels without being sensed by said second radar transceiver of said second sensor assembly.

39. A school bus according to claim 38 wherein said third of said plurality of sensor assemblies is operatively carried by said chassis generally inwardly of said right side exterior body panel means;

wherein said fourth of said plurality of sensor assemblies is operatively carried by said chassis generally inwardly of said left side body panel means; and

further comprising a front axle assembly for connection to ground engaging front wheels of said bus;

said front axle assembly being situated in a forward portion of said bus; and

wherein said first of said plurality of sensor assemblies is operatively carried directly by said front axle assembly.

40. A school bus according to claim 32 and further comprising microwave absorber material situated within at least one of said housings;

and wherein said microwave absorber material is in proximity to the radar transceiver carried by said one housing.

41. A school bus according to claim 32 and further comprising microwave absorber material situated within at least one of said housings containing a radar transceiver;

wherein said microwave absorber material is in proximity to said radar transceiver and formed as to have an arcuate configuration at least in part circumscribing said radar transceiver.

42. A school bus according to claim 32 wherein said electrical power is supplied by means of a power supply circuit comprising step-up switching regulator means for assuring that said electrical power being supplied does not decrease below a preselected magnitude of voltage.

43. A school bus according to claim 32 and further comprising headlamp assemblies carried by said bus at a generally forward portion of said bus;

and control circuit means operatively connected to said first and second pluralities of warning-type lamp assemblies and to said flasher controller assembly and operatively connected to said headlamp assemblies to thereby cyclically energize said headlamp assemblies in that time that said bus is stopped.

44. A school bus according to claim 43 wherein said control circuit means is responsive to a first cyclic electrical signal received from said first and second pluralities of warning-type lamp assemblies indicative that such first and second pluralities of warning-type lamp assemblies are being cyclically energized;

wherein said control circuit means is responsive to a second continuous electrical signal received from said flasher controller; and

whereupon receiving said first cyclic electrical signal and said second continuous electrical signal said control circuit means becomes effective to cyclically energize said headlamp assemblies in a manner whereby the high beam component of the headlamp assemblies is energized and then the low beam component of the headlamp assemblies is energized with such alternate energization of the high beam and low beam components continuing for at least as long as said first and second pluralities of warning-type lamp assemblies are energized.

45. A school bus for the transport of school age children;

said bus comprising a bus body structure;

said bus body structure comprising left side and right side exterior body panel means;

said body structure further comprising front exterior body panel means operatively connected to both said left and right side exterior body panel means;

said body structure further comprising rear exterior body panel means operatively connected to both said left and right side exterior body panel means;

a bus interior defined generally by and between said left and right side exterior body panel means and between said front and rear exterior body panel means;

a door opening formed in at least one of said side exterior body panel means for access to said bus interior as well as egress from said bus interior;

a bus door effective for opening and closing said door opening;

a bus driver'"'"'s area within said bus interior and provided with driver controlled bus steering means and with an array of operating controls;

a first plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies carried by said bus body structure at a rearward portion of said bus body structure and positioned as to when energized emit a first warning light generally rearwardly of said bus body structure;

a second plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies carried by said bus body structure at a forward portion of said bus body structure and positioned as to when energized emit a second warning light generally forwardly of said bus body structure;

a flasher controller situated generally in said bus driver'"'"'s area and operatively connected to said first plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies and to said second plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies;

said flasher controller being effective when actuated to energize said first plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies and to energize said second plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies;

electrical switch means effective to be electrically closed when said bus is stopped to permit loading or unloading of said children;

said electrical switch means when electrically closed being effective to actuate said flasher controller and cause energization of said first and second pluralities of warning-type lamp assemblies;

wherein said energization of said first and second pluralities of warning-type lamp assemblies is cyclic thereby causing said first and second pluralities of warning-type lamp assemblies to operate in a flashing mode and thereby cause said first and second warning lights to be flashing;

a plurality of sensor assemblies carried by said bus;

a first of said plurality of sensor assemblies being carried generally beneath said bus body structure and near a forward portion thereof and situated as to be operationally forwardly directed;

a second of said plurality of sensor assemblies being operatively carried by said bus body structure and situated as to be operationally rearwardly directed;

a third of said plurality of sensor assemblies being operatively carried by said bus body structure generally inwardly of said right side exterior body panel meads and situated as to be operationally directed rightward of said bus body structure;

a fourth of said plurality of sensor assemblies being operatively carried by said bus body structure generally inwardly of said left side exterior body panel means and situated as to be operationally directed leftward of said bus body structure;

wherein each of said first, second, third and fourth sensor assemblies comprises a housing;

wherein a printed circuit structure is situated in said housing;

wherein said printed circuit structure comprises a printed circuit electrically connected to a K-band radar transceiver and which carries electrical operational components operatively electrically connected to said printed circuit of said printed circuit structure and operatively electrically connected to said K-band transceiver in said housing for both controlling the operation of said K-band transceiver and for responding to the operation of said K-band transceiver;

adjustment means carried within said housing for selectively adjusting and establishing a field of radar radiation to which said transceiver will be responsive;

read-out apparatus situated in said driver'"'"'s area;

said read-out apparatus comprising at least four energizable light sources;

wherein a first of said at least four light sources is functionally related to and operationally coupled to said first sensor assembly;

wherein a second of said at least four light sources is functionally related to and operatively coupled to said second sensor assembly;

wherein a third of said at least four light sources is functionally related to and operatively coupled to said third sensor assembly;

wherein said fourth of said at least four light sources is functionally related to and operatively coupled to said fourth sensor assembly;

whereby when said flasher controller is actuated electrical power is supplied to each of said at least first, second, third and fourth sensor assemblies for energization thereof including all of said K-band radar transceivers;

when energized the radar transceiver of said first sensor assembly being effective to monitor a first area generally forwardly of said bus body structure in order to detect the presence of any person in said first area;

when energized the radar transceiver of said second sensor assembly being effective to monitor a second area generally rearwardly of said bus body structure in order to detect the presence of any person in said second area;

when energized the radar transceiver of said third sensor assembly being effective to monitor a third area generally outwardly of said right side exterior body panel means in order to detect the presence of any person in said third area;

when energized the radar transceiver of said fourth sensor assembly being effective to monitor a fourth area generally outwardly of said left side exterior body panel means in order to detect the presence of any person in said fourth area;

upon detecting a person in said first area the radar transceiver of said first sensor assembly causing said first of said at least four light sources to be electrically energized thereby producing a first output light;

upon detecting a person in said second area the radar transceiver of said second sensor assembly causing said second of said at least four light sources to be electrically energized thereby producing a second output light;

upon detecting a person in said third area the radar transceiver of said third sensor assembly causing said third of said at least four light sources to be electrically energized thereby producing a third output light;

upon detecting a person in said fourth area the radar transceiver of said fourth sensor assembly causing said fourth of said at least four light sources to be electrically energized thereby producing a fourth output light;

said first output light serving to indicate to said driver that a person has been detected in said first area;

said second output light serving to indicate to said driver that a person has been detected in said second area;

said third output light serving to indicate to said driver that a person has been detected in said third area; and

said fourth output light serving to indicate to said driver that a person has been detected in said fourth area;

wherein each of said first, second, third and fourth light sources continue to be energized and respectively produce said first, second, third and fourth output lights for as long as the respective radar transceivers of said first, second, third and fourth sensor assemblies continue detecting a person in said respective first, second, third and fourth areas; and

wherein said first, second, third and fourth light sources continue to be energized for a preselected span of time after said respective radar transceivers of said first, second, third and fourth sensor assemblies cease detecting a person in said respective first, second, third and fourth areas; and

means for producing a faux voice signal externally of said bus body structure whenever a person is detected by any of said radar transceivers in any of said areas;

said faux voice signal being effective to advise such detected person that said detected person is within one of said areas and is in danger of being harmed if the bus were to be placed into motion; and

wherein said means for producing said faux voice continues producing said faux voice at least until said person ceases to be detected.

46. A school bus according to claim 45 wherein each of said first, second, third and fourth light sources continues to be electrically energized as if a person is detected in the respective areas for a preselected span of time after said radar transceivers of said first, second, third and fourth sensor assemblies cease the detection of a person in the respective areas;

and wherein if a person again enters any of said respective areas within said span of time the related sensor assembly and its radar transceiver continue operation as if no absence of a person had occurred.

47. A school bus according to claim 45 wherein each of said first, second, third and fourth light sources continues to be electrically energized as if a person is still detected in the respective areas for a preselected span of time after said radar transceivers of said first, second, third and fourth sensor assemblies respectively cease the actual detection of a person in the respective areas;

and wherein if a person does not again enter any of said respective areas within said span of time, the four energizable light sources are cyclically electrically pulsed "on" and "off" for a preselected length of time.

48. A school bus according to claim 47 wherein if within said preselected length of time no person enters any of said areas, the four energizable light sources stop being cyclically pulsed "on" and "off" and merely go into an "off" mode while all of said radar transceivers are in a mode to sense the presence of a person in said areas if a person should then enter any of said areas.

49. A school bus for the transport of school age children;

said bus comprising a bus body structure;

said bus body structure comprising left side and right side exterior body panel means;

said body structure further comprising front exterior body panel means operatively connected to both said left and right side exterior body panel means;

said body structure further comprising rear exterior body panel means operatively connected to both said left and right side exterior body panel means;

a bus interior defined generally by and between said left and right side exterior body panel means and between said front and rear exterior body panel means;

a door opening formed in at least one of said side exterior body panel means for access to said bus interior as well as egress from said bus interior;

a bus door effective for opening and closing said door opening;

a bus driver'"'"'s area within said bus interior and provided with driver controlled bus steering means and with an array of operating controls;

a first plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies carried by said bus body structure at a rearward portion of said bus body structure and positioned as to when energized emit a first warning light generally rearwardly of said bus body structure;

a second plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies carried by said bus body structure at a forward portion of said bus body structure and positioned as to when energized emit a second warning light generally forwardly of said bus body structure;

a flasher controller situated generally in said bus driver'"'"'s area and operatively connected to said first plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies and to said second plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies;

said flasher controller being effective when actuated to energize said first plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies and to energize said second plurality of warning-type lamp assemblies;

electrical switch means effective to be electrically closed when said bus is stopped to permit loading or unloading of said children;

said electrical switch means when electrically closed being effective to actuate said flasher controller and cause energization of said first and second pluralities of warning-type lamp assemblies;

wherein said energization of said first and second pluralities of warning-type lamp assemblies is cyclic thereby causing said first and second pluralities of warning-type lamp assemblies to operate in a flashing mode and thereby cause said first and second warning lights to be flashing;

a plurality of sensor assemblies carried by said bus;

a first of said plurality of sensor assemblies being carried generally beneath said bus body structure and near a forward portion thereof and situated as to be operationally forwardly directed;

a second of said plurality of sensor assemblies being operatively carried by said bus body structure and situated as to be operationally rearwardly directed;

a third of said plurality of sensor assemblies being operatively carried by said bus body structure generally inwardly of said right side exterior body panel means and situated as to be operationally directed rightward of said bus body structure;

a fourth of said plurality of sensor assemblies being operatively carried by said bus body structure generally inwardly of said left side exterior body panel means and situated as to be operationally directed leftward of said bus body structure;

wherein each of said first, second, third and fourth sensor assemblies comprises a housing;

wherein a printed circuit structure is situated in said housing;

wherein said printed circuit structure comprises a printed circuit electrically connected to a K-band radar transceiver and which carries electrical operational components operatively electrically connected to said printed circuit of said printed circuit structure and operatively electrically connected to said K-band transceiver in said housing for both controlling the operation of said K-band transceiver and for responding to the operation of said K-band transceiver;

adjustment means carried within said housing for selectively adjusting and establishing a field of radar radiation to which said transceiver will be responsive;

read-out apparatus situated in said driver'"'"'s area;

said read-out apparatus comprising at least four energizable light sources;

wherein a first of said at least four light sources is functionally related to and operationally coupled to said first sensor assembly;

wherein a second of said at least four light sources is functionally related to and operatively coupled to said second sensor assembly;

wherein a third of said at least four light sources is functionally related to and operatively coupled to said third sensor assembly;

wherein said fourth of said at least four light sources is functionally related to and operatively coupled to said fourth sensor assembly;

whereby when said flasher controller is actuated electrical power is supplied to each of said at least first, second, third and fourth sensor assemblies for energization thereof including all of said K-band radar transceivers;

when energized the radar transceiver of said first sensor assembly being effective to monitor a first area generally forwardly of said bus body structure in order to detect the presence of any person in said first area;

when energized the radar transceiver of said second sensor assembly being effective to monitor a second area generally rearwardly of said bus body structure in order to detect the presence of any person in said second area;

when energized the radar transceiver of said third sensor assembly being effective to monitor a third area generally outwardly of said right side exterior body panel means in order to detect the presence of any person in said third area;

when energized the radar transceiver of said fourth sensor assembly being effective to monitor a fourth area generally outwardly of said left side exterior body panel means in order to detect the presence of any person in said fourth area;

upon detecting a person in said first area the radar transceiver of said first sensor assembly causing said first of said at least four light sources to be electrically energized thereby producing a first output light;

upon detecting a person in said second area the radar transceiver of said second sensor assembly causing said second of said at least four light sources to be electrically energized thereby producing a second output light;

upon detecting a person in said third area the radar transceiver of said third sensor assembly causing said third of said at least four light sources to be electrically energized thereby producing a third output light;

upon detecting a person in said fourth area the radar transceiver of said fourth sensor assembly causing said fourth of said at least four light sources to be electrically energized thereby producing a fourth output light;

said first output light serving to indicate to said driver that a person has been detected in said first area;

said second output light serving to indicate to said driver that a person has been detected in said second area;

said third output light serving to indicate to said driver that a person has been detected in said third area; and

said fourth output light serving to indicate to said driver that a person has been detected in said fourth area; and

further comprising diagnostic testing means;

said diagnostic testing means being effective for testing the operability of each of said first, second, third and fourth sensor assemblies;

further comprising first, second, third and fourth electrical operational circuitry;

wherein said first electrical operational circuitry operatively interconnects said first sensor assembly and said first light source;

wherein said second electrical operational circuitry operatively interconnects said second sensor assembly and said second light source;

wherein said third electrical operational circuitry operatively interconnects said third sensor assembly and said third light source;

wherein said fourth electrical operational circuitry operatively interconnects said fourth sensor assembly and said fourth light source;

wherein as said diagnostic testing means tests the operability of said first sensor assembly said diagnostic testing means also tests the operability of said first electrical operational circuitry and tests the operability of said first light source;

wherein as said diagnostic testing means tests the operability of said second sensor assembly said diagnostic testing means also tests the operability of said second electrical operational circuitry and tests the operability of said second light source;

wherein as said diagnostic testing means tests the operability of said third sensor assembly said diagnostic testing means also tests the operability of said third electrical operational circuitry and tests the operability of said third light source;

wherein as said diagnostic testing means tests the operability of said fourth sensor assembly said diagnostic testing means also tests the operability of said fourth electrical operational circuitry and tests the operability of said fourth light source;

wherein if during testing by said diagnostic testing means an electrical discontinuity exists in either said first sensor assembly or in said first electrical operational circuitry or said first light source the existance of such electrical discontinuity is made known by said first light source being de-energized;

wherein if during testing by said diagnostic testing means an electrical discontinuity exists in either said second sensor assembly or in said second electrical operational circuitry or said second light source the existance of such electrical discontinuity is made known by said second light source being de-energized;

wherein if during testing by said diagnostic testing means an electrical discontinuity exists in either said third sensor assembly or in said third electrical operational circuitry or said third light source the existance of such electrical discontinuity is made known by said third light source being de-energized;

wherein if during testing by said diagnostic testing means an electrical discontinuity exists in either said fourth sensor assembly or in said fourth electrical operational circuitry or said fourth light source the existance of such electrical discontinuity is made known by said fourth light source being de-energized; and

means for producing a faux voice signal externally of said bus body structure whenever a person is detected in any of said areas to thereby advise such person that said person is within one of said areas and subject to being harmed if said bus is placed into motion; and

wherein said means for producing said faux voice signal continues producing said faux voice signal at least for as long as said person is in said one of said areas.

50. A safety system for use in combination with a motor vehicle which transports personnel and which has periods of time during which said vehicle is stopped and undergoes loading or unloading of personnel, said safety system comprising a radar transceiver for sensing the presence of a person within an area at least in close proximity to said vehicle and externally thereof, wherein said area is considered as a danger zone whereby any person within said danger zone is at risk of being injured by said vehicle if said vehicle should start into motion from its stopped condition, first means for creating a first sensory warning signal whenever said radar transceiver senses the presence of a person within said danger zone, wherein said first sensory warning signal is created within said vehicle as to thereby make the driver of said vehicle aware of a person being detected in said danger zone, second means for creating a second sensory warning signal whenever said radar transceiver senses the presence of a person within said danger zone, wherein said second warning signal is created generally externally of said vehicle as to thereby make the person within said danger zone aware that said person'"'"'s presence within said danger zone has been detected and that said person is in said danger zone, wherein said first means continues creating said first sensory warning signal and said second means continues creating said second sensory warning signal at least for as long as said person is detected by said radar transceiver as being in said danger zone, wherein said first means continues creating said first sensory warning signal and said second means continues creating said second sensory warning signal as if a person is detected within said danger zone for a preselected span of time after said radar transceiver ceases the detection of a person in said danger zone, and wherein if a person again enters said danger zone within said span of time said radar transceiver continues operation as if no absence of a person from said danger zone had occurred, and means for producing a faux voice signal externally of said motor vehicle whenever said person is detected as being in said danger zone, wherein said faux voice signal verbally warns said person that said person is in danger of being harmed if the motor vehicle should be placed in motion, and whereas said means for producing said faux voice signal continues producing said faux voice signal for at least as long as said person is detected in said danger zone.

51. A safety system for use in combination with a motor vehicle which transports personnel and which has periods of time during which said vehicle is stopped and undergoes loading or unloading of personnel, said safety system comprising first means for sensing the presence of a person within an area at least in close proximity to said vehicle and externally thereof, wherein said area is considered as a danger zone whereby any person within said danger zone is at risk of being injured by said vehicle if said vehicle should start into motion from its stopped condition, means for creating a warning signal whenever said means senses the presence of a person within said danger zone, means for producing a faux voice signal externally of said motor vehicle whenever said person is within said danger zone, and wherein said warning signal continues to be created and said means for producing said faux voice signal continues creating said faux voice signal at least for as long as said person is detected as being in said danger zone.