Dynamic vehicle separation system
First Claim
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1. A Dynamic Vehicle Separation Controller (DVSC) configured to be installed in a vehicle, the DVSC, comprising:
- a processor;
a memory connected to the processor; and
an input/output interface connected to the processor;
wherein the memory stores a braking rating for the vehicle, the braking rating indicating the distance required for the vehicle to reach a complete stop from a specified speed;
wherein the input/output interface receives a signal corresponding to a real-time speed of the vehicle;
wherein the processor calculates a separation factor value based on the real-time speed of the vehicle and the braking rating for the vehicle, the separation factor value indicating the distance required for the vehicle to reach a complete stop from the real-time speed;
wherein the memory stores the type of tires installed on the vehicle and the vehicle mileage when the tires were installed on the vehicle;
wherein the input/output interface receives a signal corresponding to a real-time mileage of the vehicle; and
wherein the processor calculates a separation factor correction value based on the type of tire and the tire tread wear calculated by comparing the vehicle mileage when the tires were installed on the vehicle and the real-time mileage of the vehicle with the rated mileage for the tread.
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Abstract
The Dynamic Vehicle Separation System (DVSS) according to the present application allows properly equipped vehicles in traffic to maintain safe and optimal separation distances (i.e., following distances), which are automatically and continually calculated based on numerous criteria. Vehicles are equipped with Dynamic Vehicle Separation Controllers (DVSCs) that communicate with each other to maintain proper separation distances among the vehicles.
25 Citations
31 Claims
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1. A Dynamic Vehicle Separation Controller (DVSC) configured to be installed in a vehicle, the DVSC, comprising:
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a processor; a memory connected to the processor; and an input/output interface connected to the processor; wherein the memory stores a braking rating for the vehicle, the braking rating indicating the distance required for the vehicle to reach a complete stop from a specified speed; wherein the input/output interface receives a signal corresponding to a real-time speed of the vehicle; wherein the processor calculates a separation factor value based on the real-time speed of the vehicle and the braking rating for the vehicle, the separation factor value indicating the distance required for the vehicle to reach a complete stop from the real-time speed; wherein the memory stores the type of tires installed on the vehicle and the vehicle mileage when the tires were installed on the vehicle; wherein the input/output interface receives a signal corresponding to a real-time mileage of the vehicle; and wherein the processor calculates a separation factor correction value based on the type of tire and the tire tread wear calculated by comparing the vehicle mileage when the tires were installed on the vehicle and the real-time mileage of the vehicle with the rated mileage for the tread. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A Dynamic Vehicle Separation System (DVSS) comprising:
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a first Dynamic Vehicle Separation Controller (DVSC) installed on a first vehicle; and a second Dynamic Vehicle Separation Controller (DVSC) installed on a second vehicle; wherein the second vehicle travels directly behind the first vehicle; wherein the first DVSC transmits a first signal indicating a first separation factor value indicating the distance required for the first vehicle to reach a complete stop from a first real-time speed; wherein the second DVSC calculates a second separation factor value indicating the distance required for the second vehicle to reach a complete stop from a second real-time speed; wherein the second DVSC receives the first signal indicating the first separation factor value and a second signal indicating a real-time distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle; and wherein the second DVSC calculates a separation distance between the first vehicle and the second vehicle based on the first separation factor value and the second separation factor value. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. A Dynamic Vehicle Separation Controller (DVSC) configured to be installed in a vehicle, the DVSC, comprising:
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a processor; a memory connected to the processor; and an input/output interface connected to the processor; wherein the memory stores a braking rating for the vehicle, the braking rating indicating the distance required for the vehicle to reach a complete stop from a specified speed; wherein the input/output interface receives a signal corresponding to a real-time speed of the vehicle; wherein the processor calculates a separation factor value based on the real-time speed of the vehicle and the braking rating for the vehicle, the separation factor value indicating the distance required for the vehicle to reach a complete stop from the real-time speed; wherein the input/output interface receives a signal corresponding to real-time tire air pressures; and wherein the processor calculates a separation factor correction value based on the real-time tire air pressures, and their variance from the pressures recommended for the tires.
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31. A Dynamic Vehicle Separation Controller (DVSC) configured to be installed in a vehicle, the DVSC, comprising:
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a processor; a memory connected to the processor; and an input/output interface connected to the processor; wherein the memory stores a braking rating for the vehicle, the braking rating indicating the distance required for the vehicle to reach a complete stop from a specified speed; wherein the input/output interface receives a signal corresponding to a real-time speed of the vehicle; wherein the processor calculates a separation factor value based on the real-time speed of the vehicle and the braking rating for the vehicle, the separation factor value indicating the distance required for the vehicle to reach a complete stop from the real-time speed; wherein the input/output interface receives a signal corresponding to a real-time outside air temperature; and wherein the processor calculates a separation factor correction value based on the real-time outside air temperature, and the recommended ambient operating temperatures for installed tires.
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Specification