US6470273B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Collision warning system
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 2001-12-26
•
Granted: 2002-10-22
•
Expires: 2021-12-26
Abstract
Abstract A collision warning system includes pairs of optical sensors integral to a moving vehicle. Each of the optical sensors of the pairs of said sensors is enabled for the detection of visible light magnitudes and infrared light magnitudes in the external vicinity of the vehicle, and for creating corresponding electrical signals. Temporal changes in the magnitudes of the electrical signals and a probability of a collision with an object external to the vehicle, are determined and a warning signal is generated when collision is possible. Warning information is presented to alert a vehicle operator as to the possible collision. A reference sensor and an object sensor, are enabled for generating the related electrical signals. The reference and object sensors are positioned in such proximity as to determine when a collision object has entered a sensing field of view.
Inventors
- 👤 Milton Halsted
- 👤 Harvey Williamson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 12:29
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q9/00; B60Q9/008; G; G01; G01S; G01S5/00; G01S5/16
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
124 words
An apparatus for collision warning in a vehicle, the apparatus comprising: plural optical sensors integral to a moving vehicle, each of the optical sensors enabled and positioned for the detection of visible light magnitudes and infrared light magnitudes and for the creation of corresponding electrical signals, the sensors mounted such that light is received thereby from at least two points, one preceding the other along a line of travel of the vehicle; a means for discriminating between roadway light reflection changes, and non-roadway light reflection changes and a means for comparing the electrical signals and for generating an alert electrical signal; a warning alert presentation means enabled for receiving the alert electrical signal and to alert a vehicle operator as to a possible collision.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
124 words
An apparatus for collision warning in a vehicle, the apparatus comprising: plural optical sensors integral to a moving vehicle, each of the optical sensors enabled and positioned for the detection of visible light magnitudes and infrared light magnitudes and for the creation of corresponding electrical signals, the sensors mounted such that light is received thereby from at least two points, one preceding the other along a line of travel of the vehicle; a means for discriminating between roadway light reflection changes, and non-roadway light reflection changes and a means for comparing the electrical signals and for generating an alert electrical signal; a warning alert presentation means enabled for receiving the alert electrical signal and to alert a vehicle operator as to a possible collision.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
67 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the optical sensors comprise at least one reference sensor and at least one object sensor, each of said sensors enabled for generating a visible light magnitude related electrical signal and an infrared light magnitude related electrical signal, the reference and object sensors positioned in such proximity as to determine when a collision object has entered the sensing field of the sensors.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for warning information presentation is a lamp circuit within the visual field of the vehicle operator, the lamp circuit adapted for indicating the advisability of a vehicle action through a visual effect.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the warning information presentation means is mounted within the vehicle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the warning information presentation means is mounted in a rear view mirror.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the warning information presentation means is mounted in a dashboard.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the warning information presentation is an audible alarm.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the warning information presentation is a visible alarm.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the warning information presentation is a vibratory alarm.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plural pairs of optical sensors are positioned on the exterior of the vehicle.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein at least one of the plural pairs of optical sensors is integral to a trim component of the vehicle.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein at least one of the plural pairs of optical sensors is integral to a mirror component of the vehicle.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein at least one of the plural pairs of optical sensors is integral to a lamp component of the vehicle.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein at least one of the plural pairs of optical sensors is integral to an independent housing on the vehicle.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electrical signals are transmitted by signal conducting wires.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electrical signals are transmitted by a means of wireless communication.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is enabled for being powered by an electrical system of the vehicle.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is enabled for being powered by an electrical source independent of the electrical system of the vehicle.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a means for alarm output intensity control.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a means for operator control of the apparatus.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a heat sensor mounted and positioned for detecting a heat signature in a position adjacent to the moving vehicle.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-10-21 | 2006-04-22 | 2006-10-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-10-21 | 2010-04-22 | 2010-10-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-10-21 | 2014-04-22 | 2014-10-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |