Polarametric blind spot detector with steerable beam
First Claim
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1. A blind spot detector for a vehicle comprising:
- a transmitter for generating a circularly polarized signal into a blind spot to the rear of the vehicle, said transmitter being circularly polarized in a first direction; and
a receiver for receiving a reflection of said circularly polarized signal, said reflection being circularly polarized opposite said circularly polarized signal and said receiver being circularly polarized in a second direction opposite to the first direction, said blind spot detector being for detecting the presence of an object in the blind spot based upon said receiver receiving said reflection when the vehicle is operating in reverse.
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Abstract
A blind spot detection system includes a transmitter directing a circularly polarized signal into a blind spot adjacent a vehicle. A receiver also mounted on the vehicle receives a reflection of the circularly polarized signal which is oppositely circularly polarized. An indicator indicates to the driver of the vehicle when the reflected signal is detected, thereby indicating the presence of an object in the blind spot. An indicator is also directed toward the blind spot generating a warning when the presence of an object in the blind spot is detected and an indication of a turn or lane change by the vehicle is detected, such as turn signal switch activation.
219 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A blind spot detector for a vehicle comprising:
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a transmitter for generating a circularly polarized signal into a blind spot to the rear of the vehicle, said transmitter being circularly polarized in a first direction; and
a receiver for receiving a reflection of said circularly polarized signal, said reflection being circularly polarized opposite said circularly polarized signal and said receiver being circularly polarized in a second direction opposite to the first direction, said blind spot detector being for detecting the presence of an object in the blind spot based upon said receiver receiving said reflection when the vehicle is operating in reverse. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for detecting the presence of an object to the rear of a vehicle, said method including the steps of:
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a) generating a circularly polarized signal into a spot to the rear of the vehicle using a transmitter circularly polarized in a first direction;
b) receiving a reflection of said circularly polarized signal using a receiver circularly polarized in a second direction opposite to the first direction, said reflection being circularly polarized opposite said circularly polarized signal; and
c) detecting the presence of the object in the spot based upon step b) when the vehicle is operating in reverse. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification