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Method and apparatus to improve vehicle situational awareness at intersections

  • US 8,031,062 B2
  • Filed: 11/03/2008
  • Issued: 10/04/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/04/2008
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for improving vehicle situational awareness at intersections, comprising:

  • an imaging device comprising one or more of an optical and infra red imaging device for identifying a change in a traffic signal comprising a plurality of traffic lights based upon spatial imaging of relative positioning of the plurality of traffic lights;

    a vehicle route guidance system and geographical database for determining whether a vehicle is at an intersection having a traffic signal;

    a forward-looking radar for determining whether a vehicle is at the front of a line of cars at an intersection; and

    means for alerting a driver of the vehicle of a change in the traffic signal,wherein when the forward-looking radar determines the vehicle is not at the front of a line of cars at an intersection, the imaging device identifies when a brake light of a vehicle ahead is illuminated and extinguished, and the means for alerting alerts the driver when one or more of a traffic light change is detected and the car in front has performed brake release.

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