Imminent collision warning system and method

• US 20050246100A1
• Filed: 04/29/2004
• Published: 11/03/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 04/29/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nattel Group Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Nattel Group Incorporated
• Inventors: Patel, Rajesh, Nath, Sanjeev
• Granted Patent: US 7,451,046 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/301
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/164 Centralised systems, e.g. external to vehicles

Abstract

The invention is directed to methods and systems for sensing the presence of objects in the intended path of an automobile with a system to warn both the operator of the vehicle and the object of regard.

Claims

1. An imminent collision warning system comprising:

a safety device a main controller, and a display controller;

a plurality of client devices capable of communicating with the main controller;

a plurality of monitoring devices capable of communicating with the main controller and the plurality of client devices; and

wherein the main controller keeps track of the proximity of the plurality of client devices and issues timely warning of an impending collision between the safety device and the plurality of client devices.

2. The wireless system according to claim 1, wherein the safety device is mounted onto a first object, including a vehicle that is capable of moving about.

3. The wireless system according to claim 1, wherein the client device is mounted onto a second object, including a person capable of moving about.

4. The wireless system according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring device monitors both the safety device and the client devices.

5. The wireless system according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring device comprises an intelligent monitoring device (IMD).

6. The wireless system according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring device comprises an automobile registry communication system (ARCS).

7. The wireless system according to claim 1, wherein the main controller communicates directly with the client devices.

8. The wireless system according to claim 1, wherein the main controller communicates with the client devices through the monitoring device.

9. The wireless system according to claim 1, wherein communication between the main controller, the plurality of client devices and the monitoring devices is accomplished by utilizing radiation within the electromagnetic spectrum.

10. The wireless system according to claim 9, wherein communication between the main controller, the plurality of client devices and the monitoring devices is accomplished by utilizing WLAN IEEE 802.11x &

802.16x standards.

11. The wireless system according to claim 9, wherein communication between the main controller, the plurality of client devices and the monitoring devices is accomplished by utilizing Bluetooth standards.

12. The wireless system according to claim 9, wherein communication between the main controller, the plurality of client devices and the monitoring devices is accomplished by utilizing technologies comprising laser technology and optical technology.

13. The wireless system according to claim 1, wherein the main controller comprises a microprocessor, including an application processor capable of performing positional calculations, and an authentication sensor.

14. The wireless system according to claim 13, wherein the main controller transmits the positional calculations to the display controller, and the display controller displays the distance of any one of the client devices relative to its own position.

15. The wireless system according to claim 14, wherein the main controller calculates the rate of change of distance between itself and any one of the client devices.

16. The wireless system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of client devices are selected from a group consisting of a CD player, a portable analog/digital video viewer, a smart phone, personal digital assistant and a mobile personal computer, or at least one of, or a combination thereof.

17. The wireless system according to claim 1, wherein the main controller is capable of recognizing a client device carried by an individual moving in any direction within the electromagnetic view of the controller.

18. The wireless system according to claim 1, wherein the main controller is capable of determining a zone which is defined to be an area where a vehicle can be safely operated without risk of collision with an intruding client device.

19. The wireless system according to claim 18, wherein the main controller is capable of employing a zone scanner that is tailored to the needs of an operator of the vehicle on which the safety device is installed.

20. The wireless system according to claim 19, wherein the main controller is capable of providing early warning to the operator of the vehicle that an emergency vehicle is approaching contrary to the traffic regulations in effect.

21. A method for monitoring and providing a warning of an impending collision between a moving and a stationary and/or moving object, the method comprising the steps of:

sensing the presence of an object in the path of a vehicle whether stationary or moving;

determining the distance of separation between the vehicle and the said object, the vehicle moving along a collision path;

determining the speed of reduction of distance between the vehicle and said object, the distance approaching a defined zone;

generating a warning to an operator of the vehicle as well as to the object on a collision course;

sensing an impending event, including an accident;

summoning appropriate authorities, including police to the event; and

summoning immediate emergency care.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the object can be an individual moving on a path, including but not limited to a sidewalk, road, crossing a traffic light or a road intersection.

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein the collision path includes movement of the vehicle contrary to a traffic control device as well as the direction of flow of the traffic.

24. The method according to claim 21, wherein the warning includes monitoring and reporting whether the motor vehicle engine is running.

25. The method according to claim 21, wherein the defined zone comprises an area defined vertically, horizontally and axially within which an operator can safely operate the vehicle without risk of collision.