Automatic turn-signal deactivator

• US 6,204,759 B1
• Filed: 01/03/2000
• Issued: 03/20/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 01/03/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Texas Instruments, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Texas Instruments, Inc.
• Inventors: Jahnke, Steven R.
• Primary Examiner(s): POPE, DARYL C
• Application Number:
  US09/476,191
• Time in Patent Office: 442 Days
• Field of Search: 340/475, 340/476, 340/477, 200/61.27
• US Class Current: 340/476
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/40 having mechanical, electric or electronic automatic return to inoperative position

Abstract

The problem of the turn signal inadvertently remaining on is solved through the use of additional intelligence added on to the current turn-signal control system already existing within current late-model vehicles. The turn-control circuitry in a vehicle first sends a signal to the ABS system indicating to the ABS system that the turn signal has been turned on. The amount of distance traveled from a certain event, such as when the turn signal is turned on, can be ascertained by the ABS system, as distance traveled for odometer purposes has always been a product of the ABS system. Therefore, when a predetermined distance has passed since the turn signal was activated, the ABS system, sends a signal back to the turn-control circuitry, instructing the turn-control circuitry to turn off the turn signal. Upon receiving this turn-off signal from the ABS system, the turn-control system logically “OR'"'"'s” the ABS signal with its own current turn signal disabling mechanism, such that the turn signal is cleared as a result.

Claims

1. A system for turning off a turn-signal left on comprising:

turn-signal control circuitry for transmitting a signal indicating that a turn-signal has been activated upon activation of said turn-signal;

ABS circuitry for receiving said signal and for determining the distance traveled since having received said signal that said turn-signal has been activated; and

wherein said ABS circuitry transmits a turn-off signal to said turn-signal control circuitry upon having traveled a predetermined distance since having received said signal that said turn control signal has been activated.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said turn control circuitry deactivates said turn signal in response to receiving said turn-off signal from said ABS circuitry.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein said turn control circuitry has a turn-signal clearing event signal and wherein further, upon receiving said turn-off signal from said ABS circuitry, logically “

OR”

ing said turn signal clearing event with said received turn-off signal from said ABS circuitry to turn off said turn signal.

4. A system for turning off a turn-signal left on comprising:

turn-signal control circuitry for transmitting a signal indicating that a turn-signal has been activated upon activation of said turn-signal and for transmitting a signal indicating that a turn-signal has been deactivated upon deactivation of said turn-signal;

an ABS circuitry for receiving said signal that a turn-signal has been activated and for receiving said signal that said turn-signal has been deactivated and for determining the distance traveled since having received said signal that said turn-signal has been activated; and

wherein said ABS circuitry transmits a turn-off signal to said turn-signal control circuitry upon having not received said signal that said turn-signal has been deactivated and having traveled a predetermined distance since having received said signal that said turn control signal has been activated.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein said turn control circuitry deactivates said turn signal in response to receiving said turn-off signal from said ABS circuitry.

6. The system according to claim 4, wherein said turn control circuitry has a turn-signal clearing event signal and wherein further, upon receiving said turn-off signal from said ABS circuitry, logically “

OR”

ing said turn signal clearing event with said received turn-off signal from said ABS circuitry to turn off said turn signal.