Trailer based collision warning system and method
First Claim
1. A trailer based collision warning system comprising:
- a sensor;
a sensor control unit coupled to the sensor, the sensor control unit having a signal processor to determine a presence of a hazard and a controller to control multiple sensors, the sensor control unit capable of determining an object within a predetermined field of view for each sensor coupled thereto, and within a predetermined detection range;
a driver vehicle interface coupled to the sensor control unit, the driver vehicle interface configured to receive signals from the sensor control unit representative of objects determined by the sensor control unit;
an alarm unit coupled to the driver vehicle interface capable of providing a representation of objects detected by the sensor control unit, wherein the trailer based collision warning system is adapted for mounting to a trailer; and
a security feature built into the driver vehicle interface that utilizes existing collision warning sensors of one or more types along with additional sensors capable of determining alarm conditions, wherein the alarm conditions include unauthorized opening of trailer doors, unauthorized opening of fluid valves, unauthorized movement of the trailer, and movement of persons in close proximity to the trailer for a preprogrammed period of time.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A trailer based collision warning system includes one or more side object detection sensors, one or more backup assist sensors, a driver vehicle interface, and trailer-mounted display units operating essentially independent of the tractor with all detection and warning system equipment mounted on the trailer. The trailer based collision warning system is coupled to industry-standard tractor to trailer wiring to provide the trailer with power and signals such as left turn indication and right turn indication. The side and rear sensors detect the presence and location of objects and transfer this information to a driver vehicle interface device located on the trailer. The system can also be equipped with video cameras with a means of automatically activating the camera in the area where a hazard condition has been detected. The driver vehicle interface determines the nature of the information and/or warning needed by the driver and provides this information in the form of signals sent to displays that can to assist the driver in safely maneuvering the trailer. The collision warning system can also operate in a security mode.
316 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A trailer based collision warning system comprising:
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a sensor;
a sensor control unit coupled to the sensor, the sensor control unit having a signal processor to determine a presence of a hazard and a controller to control multiple sensors, the sensor control unit capable of determining an object within a predetermined field of view for each sensor coupled thereto, and within a predetermined detection range;
a driver vehicle interface coupled to the sensor control unit, the driver vehicle interface configured to receive signals from the sensor control unit representative of objects determined by the sensor control unit;
an alarm unit coupled to the driver vehicle interface capable of providing a representation of objects detected by the sensor control unit, wherein the trailer based collision warning system is adapted for mounting to a trailer; and
a security feature built into the driver vehicle interface that utilizes existing collision warning sensors of one or more types along with additional sensors capable of determining alarm conditions, wherein the alarm conditions include unauthorized opening of trailer doors, unauthorized opening of fluid valves, unauthorized movement of the trailer, and movement of persons in close proximity to the trailer for a preprogrammed period of time. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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5. A trailer based collision warning system comprising:
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a first sensor control unit having at least one sensor coupled thereto, the first sensor control unit having a first signal processor to determine a presence of a hazard and a first controller to control multiple sensors, the first sensor control unit capable of determining an object within a predetermined field of view for each sensor coupled thereto, and within a predetermined detection range;
a first driver vehicle interface coupled to the first sensor control unit, the first driver vehicle interface configured to receive signals from the first sensor control unit representative of objects determined by the first sensor control unit;
a second sensor control unit having at least one sensor coupled thereto, the second sensor control unit having a second signal processor and a second controller to control multiple sensors, the second sensor control unit capable of determining an object within a predetermined field of view for each sensor coupled thereto, and within a predetermined detection range;
a second driver vehicle interface coupled to the second sensor control unit, the second driver vehicle interface configured to receive signals from the second sensor control unit representative of objects determined by the second sensor control unit, the second driver vehicle interface coupled to the first driver vehicle interface;
an alarm unit coupled to the first driver vehicle interface capable of providing a visual representation of objects determined by the first and second sensor control units, wherein the trailer based collision warning system is adapted for mounting to a trailer. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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29. The trailer based collision warning system of 27, wherein the information is stored in the memory of the driver vehicle interface or in a black box recorder coupled to the driver vehicle interface.
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30. The trailer based collision warning system of 26, wherein the wireless communication system includes a processor and memory for storing information related to the trailer, driver performance, near-accident data, or actual accident data.
Specification