Vehicular deceleration warning system
First Claim
1. A warning system for use in an automobile, the warning system communicating a warning signal of variable blinking rate in response to specified deceleration rates experienced by the automobile, comprising:
- a sensor for gathering information related to the speed of the automobile;
a warning signal light capable of displaying warning signals of varying blinking rates;
a microprocessor coupled to said sensor and said warning signal light;
a memory coupled to said microprocessor, said microprocessor memory containing instructions directing said microprocessor to repeatedly perform the steps of;
retrieving, from said sensor, the information related to the speed of the automobile;
utilizing the information related to the speed of the automobile over time to calculate a deceleration value representative of the rate of deceleration being experienced by the automobile;
adjusting the deceleration value according to the speed of the automobile;
comparing said adjusted deceleration value to at least one of a plurality of predetermined ranges of values; and
activating said warning signal light at one of a plurality of blinking rates if said adjusted deceleration value is within a corresponding predetermined range of values.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A passive warning system for communicating vehicular deceleration and other information through a warning light. A microprocessor-based warning system according to the invention accounts for variations in vehicular speed and ambient driving conditions in generating a warning signal having an intensity or blinking rate related to a rate of deceleration. The microprocessor is also programmed to measure deceleration more frequently as the speed of the vehicle increases, allowing information to be communicated in a timely manner. In one embodiment of the invention, the microprocessor is programmed to maintain the highest intensity warning signal activated for a predetermined period of time in order to inform other vehicles of an earlier speed reduction. Further, a warning system according to the invention can be configured to communicate a high intensity warning signal if the wheels of the vehicle become suddenly blocked or rotate at a rate that is disproportionate to the speed of the vehicle. Various other features and embodiments are encompassed within the scope of the invention.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A warning system for use in an automobile, the warning system communicating a warning signal of variable blinking rate in response to specified deceleration rates experienced by the automobile, comprising:
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a sensor for gathering information related to the speed of the automobile; a warning signal light capable of displaying warning signals of varying blinking rates; a microprocessor coupled to said sensor and said warning signal light; a memory coupled to said microprocessor, said microprocessor memory containing instructions directing said microprocessor to repeatedly perform the steps of; retrieving, from said sensor, the information related to the speed of the automobile; utilizing the information related to the speed of the automobile over time to calculate a deceleration value representative of the rate of deceleration being experienced by the automobile; adjusting the deceleration value according to the speed of the automobile; comparing said adjusted deceleration value to at least one of a plurality of predetermined ranges of values; and activating said warning signal light at one of a plurality of blinking rates if said adjusted deceleration value is within a corresponding predetermined range of values. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for communicating an automotive warning signal of variable blinking rates in response to specified deceleration rates experienced by an automobile incorporating a warning signal light, the method comprising the steps of:
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gathering information related to the speed of the automobile; utilizing the information related to the speed of the automobile over time to calculate a deceleration value representative of the rate of deceleration being experienced by the automobile; adjusting the deceleration value according to the speed of th,e automobile, wherein a given deceleration value is accorded a more significant numerical value at higher speeds; comparing the adjusted deceleration value to at least one of a plurality of predetermined ranges of values; and
activating the warning signal light at one of a plurality of blinking rates if said adjusted deceleration value is within a corresponding predetermined range of values, wherein higher blinking rates correspond to more significant values than lower blinking rates. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification