Vehicle warning system for visual communication of hazardous traffic conditions

• US 6,011,492 A
• Filed: 06/30/1998
• Issued: 01/04/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 06/30/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Carl E. Garesche
• Original Assignee: Carl E. Garesche
• Inventors: Garesche, Carl E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): PHAM, TOAN NGOC
• Application Number:
  US09/108,129
• Time in Patent Office: 553 Days
• Field of Search: 340/902, 340/901, 340/903, 340/904, 340/539, 340/502, 340/961, 340/435, 340/436, 340/825.71, 340/825.72, 455/45, 455/34.1, 455/34.2
• US Class Current: 340/904
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/0965 responding to signals from another vehicle, e.g. emergency vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle warning system consisting of a transceiver that augments the audible warnings of standard or emergency vehicles by transmitting and receiving a signal (in conjunction with activation of the typical audible warnings; e.g., horns and/or sirens) which, when received, triggers a visual stimulus to alert drivers to the hazardous condition within the vicinity of their vehicle.

Claims

1. A method for a driver of a first vehicle to visually warn a driver of a second vehicle of impending danger, and for said driver of said first vehicle to receive a visual confirmation in said first vehicle of successful warning transmission, comprising the steps of:

a. activating a horn in said first vehicle,

b. transmitting a predetermined signal in response to the activation of said horn in said first vehicle,

c. receiving said predetermined signal in both said first vehicle and said second vehicle,

d. activating a warning light in both said first vehicle and said second vehicle, in response to the receipt of said predetermined signal in both said first vehicle and said second vehicle, whereby said first driver gets said visual confirmation in said first vehicle of successful warning transmission, and said second driver is visually warned by said first driver of the impending danger.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said predetermined signal is a radio signal.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said predetermined signal carries less than approximately 150 meters.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said warning light is one or more dashboard warning lights located in said vehicle.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said warning light is augmented by an audible sound.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein said first vehicle is equipped with a siren and, or, flashing lights.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein transmitting said predetermined signal is in response to the activation of said horn, and, or, said siren and, or, said flashing lights of said first vehicle.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein said predetermined signal is a radio signal.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein said predetermined signal carries less than approximately 400 meters.

10. The method of claim 7 wherein said warning light is augmented by an audible sound.

11. A visual alarm system for a driver of a first vehicle to visually warn a driver of a second vehicle of impending danger, comprising:

a. a transceiver of a predetermined signal, and means for said transceiver to be triggered upon activation of a horn in said first vehicle,

b. means for said transceiver in said first vehicle to activate a warning light in said first vehicle upon receipt of said predetermined signal, wherein said first driver gets visual confirmation in said first vehicle of successful warning transmission, and

c. a transceiver of said predetermined signal in said second vehicle, and means for said transceiver in said second vehicle to activate a warning light in said second vehicle upon receipt of said predetermined signal, wherein said second driver is visually warned by said first driver of the impending danger.

12. The device of claim 11 wherein said predetermined signal is a radio signal.

13. The device of claim 11 wherein said predetermined signal carries less than approximately 150 meters.

14. The device of claim 11 wherein said warning light is one or more dashboard warning lights located in said vehicle.

15. The device of claim 11 wherein said warning light is augmented by an audible sound.

16. The device of claim 11 wherein said first vehicle is equipped with a siren and, or, flashing lights.

17. The device of claim 16 wherein means for said first vehicle transceiver to be triggered are upon activation of said horn, and, or, said siren and, or, said flashing lights of said first vehicle.

18. The device of claim 17 wherein said predetermined signal is a radio signal.

19. The device of claim 17 wherein said predetermined signal carries less than approximately 400 meters.

20. The device of claim 17 wherein said warning light is augmented by an audible sound.