Method and apparatus for object recognition and warning system of a primary vehicle for nearby vehicles

• US 20090066538A1
• Filed: 08/20/2008
• Published: 03/12/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 06/21/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Barry Markman, Dave Thomas
• Original Assignee: Barry Markman, Dave Thomas
• Inventors: Markman, Barry, Thomas, Dave
• Granted Patent: US 8,350,720 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/903
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0266 based on the position of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/0965 responding to signals from another vehicle, e.g. emergency vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle to vehicle warning system comprises a transmitter associated with a primary vehicle alerting one or more secondary vehicles of its proximity through a receiver. The transmitter may emit a radio frequency signal which activates radio frequency receivers in surrounding vehicles. When in appropriate proximity, the signal is configured to initiate a warning at the secondary vehicle, such as light from a light-emitting device or sound from a sound-generating device. In another form, the primary vehicle includes a passive transmitter and the secondary vehicle includes a multi-frequency resonance tag/circuit having distinct frequencies for detection and discrimination. The passive transmitter creates electromagnetic waves which are generated as it passes by the secondary vehicle housing the multi-frequency resonance tag, setting off the secondary vehicle alarm system.

Claims

1. A vehicle information system comprising:

a transmitter associated with a first vehicle, said transmitter configured to actively transmit a first signal;

a receiver associated with a second location, said receiver configured to receive said first signal when said first vehicle is within range of said second location;

a transmitter associated with said second location, said transmitter configured to transmit a second signal to said first vehicle upon receipt of said first signal; and

a receiver associated with said first vehicle, said receiver configured to receive said second signal and provide information at said first vehicle.

2. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said second location is a second vehicle.

3. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said second vehicle comprises an emergency vehicle.

4. The system in accordance with claim 3 wherein said information comprises one or more warnings regarding the proximity of said first vehicle to said emergency vehicle.

5. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said information comprises advertising regarding said second location.

6. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first signal includes vehicle identification information.

7. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said first signal is encoded.

8. The system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said second signal is encoded for use solely by said receiver of said first vehicle.

9. The system in accordance with claim 1 further comprising means for detecting an operating condition of said transmitter and receiver of said first vehicle, said means configured to trigger an alarm or deactivation signal to said first vehicle if an inoperable condition is detected.