AU2005203342A1

AU2005203342A1 - Parking guidance device for large vehicles

Info

Publication number: AU2005203342A1
Application number: AU2005203342A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Shih-Hsiung Li
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-07-29
Filing date: 2005-07-29
Publication date: 2007-02-15

Description

Regulation 3.2 0 AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

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Name of Applicant: Shih-Hsiung Li Actual Inventor: Shih-Hsiung Li Address for Service: MADDERNS, 1st Floor, 64 Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Invention title: PARKING GUIDANCE DEVICE FOR LARGE VEHICLES The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me.

PatAU132 SPARKING GUIDANCE DEVICE FOR LARGE VEHICLES 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is related to a parking guidance device, and more particularly to a back-up sensor device installable on large vehicles and operated by wireless signal transmission.

O 2. Description of Related Art SBack-up sensors are becoming standard equipment in small passenger vehicles. Currently, dual-sensor versions and quadruple-sensor versions are available on the market. In fact, small passenger vehicles only need a pair of back-up sensors on the rear bumper for obstacle detection when they are moving in the reverse direction.

However, current designs of back-up sensors make no distinction between passenger cars and large vehicles. Large vehicles such as trucks, trailers, buses and articulated vehicles require more than one pair of sensors around the sides and the back of the vehicles. Since their extended chassis and enormous bodies often block off a large portion of the driver's view especially around the rear section of such vehicles, additional sensors are required to cover the blind spots.

-The conventional back-up sensors are hard-wired to a control box that is connected to a console unit in the driver compartment. For a large vehicle, the rear bumper is usually very far from the driver compartment. Therefore extensive wiring is needed to connect multiple back-up sensors on the vehicle bumper to the control box in the driver compartment. Also, this type of installation often involves drilling many holes in the external shell through which electrical wires pass to the driver's compartment, which is troublesome I and detrimental to the integrity of the compartment as water, humid air etc may

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0 thus penetrate the shell.

SSince back-up sensors are conventionally installed on the vehicle's rear bumper with external wiring, the sensors and the wiring are subject to wear and tear from nature and abrasive contact.

Therefore, conventional back-up sensor installations on large vehicles face device reliability and complex installation problems.

The main objective of the present invention is to provide a parking guidance N device that is installable by lay people on large vehicles with a driver compartment and a distant rear bumper without large amounts of external wiring.

A secondary objective of the present invention is to visually monitor complete conditions behind the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect the present invention accordingly provides a parking guidance device installable on large vehicles with a driver compartment, at least one bumper, the parking guidance device comprising a horizontal bar being hollow, mounted on the bumper and having a front surface; and at least one view port on the front surface; a data collection assembly being installed in the horizontal bar and comprising: an assembly controller having multiple inputs and multiple outputs and processing distance and video data for transmission; a memory device connected to the assembly controller and storing combination ultrasonic transmitter and detector module identification codes and parametric data; multiple combination ultrasonic transmitter and detector modules mounted in the horizontal bar to sense objects through the view port that the vehicle is approaching, connected respectively to inputs of the assembly controller and having an ultrasonic transmitter and receiver unit; a signal processing circuit consisting of N a microprocessor connected to the ultrasonic transmitter

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Oand receiver unit to control the reception of echoed signals and further cconnected to the assembly controller to pass digital signals to the assembly controller; a signal amplifier; and an A/D signal converter; and unique identification codes; a signal transmitter being an RF signal transmission module, connected to the output of the assembly controller and transmitting RF signals; and a console unit comprising a unit controller having multiple inputs, multiple outputs and multiple internal preset thresholds and analysing distance data received from the data collection assembly to determine whether an object the vehicle is approaching is within a threshold range and whether to initiate a warning to the driver; a memory device connected to the unit controller and storing all combination ultrasonic transmitter and detector module identification codes and parametric data; a signal receiver being an RF signal receiver module, connected to an input of the unit controller, receiving RF signals from the signal transmitter in the data collection assembly and sending the RF signals to the unit controller; an alarm connected to an output of the unit controller and being activated by the unit controller to warn the driver when an internal preset threshold is exceeded; a monitor connected to the unit controller and displaying images, distance data and messages; and a power supply providing an operating voltage to all device components and being hardwired to the data collection assembly.

In a second aspect the present invention accordingly provides a parking guidance device installable on large vehicles with a driver compartment, a bumper, the parking guidance device comprising a horizontal bar being hollow, mounted on the bumper and having IO a front; and at least one view port on the front surface; Sa data collection assembly being installed in the horizontal bar and O comprising: an assembly controller having multiple inputs and multiple outputs and processing distance and video data for transmission; a memory device connected to the assembly controller and storing combination ultrasonic transmitter and detector module identification codes and e¢ parametric data; N, multiple combination ultrasonic transmitter and detector modules to sense objects through the view port that the vehicle is approaching, connected respectively to inputs of the assembly controller; and a signal transmitter being an RF signal transmission module, connected to the output of the assembly controller and transmitting RF signals.

DESCRIPTION

Other objectives, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram of a parking guidance device installable on large vehicles in accordance with the present invention; O Fig. 2 is a wiring diagram of the console unit in Fig. 1; SFig. 3 is a partial wiring diagram of the data collection assembly in Fig. 1; SFig. 4 is a wiring diagram of an ultrasonic detector module shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the parking guidance device in accordance with the present invention; 3 Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the horizontal bar in Fig. 5 and multiple t mounting brackets; Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the horizontal bar in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the horizontal bar in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 9 is a front plan view of a bus with the parking guidance device in Fig.

mounted on the front bumper; and Fig. 10 is a rear plan view of a truck with the parking guidance device in Fig.

5 mounted on the tailgate of a truck with the aid of mounting brackets in Fig. 6.

A parking guidance device installable on large vehicles in accordance with the present invention is illustrated through the description of a preferred embodiment. Users can install easily the parking guidance device without extensive external wiring because device communication is performed with wireless transmission.

With reference to Figs. 1 and 5, the parking guidance device in accordance with the present invention can be mounted on large vehicles with a driver compartment, a distant rear bumper and a front bumper. The parking guidance device comprises a horizontal bar a data collection assembly a console unit multiple combination ultrasonic transmitter and detector modules and an optional video camera module The data collection assembly the combination ultrasonic transmitter and detector modules and the video (-i camera module (40) are housed in the horizontal bar (11) that is then attached to (-i 5 a front or a rear bumper, and the console unit (60) is mounted in the driver e¢3 e¢3 compartment.

With reference to Figs. 5 and 6, one embodiment of the horizontal bar (11) is a hollow rectangular parallelepiped tubing with two distal ends. The horizontal bar (11) is mounted on the rear bumper of the vehicle, houses the data collection assembly (10) and has a front surface, at least one view port and optional mounting brackets The view ports can be implemented with through holes (12) formed in the front surface so that the combination ultrasonic transmitter and detector modules (30) as well as the optional video camera module (40) can be installed therein.

With reference to Fig. 7, another embodiment of the horizontal bar (1 la) is the same as the previous embodiment except the view port is implemented as a longitudinal slot (111) with guiding groves (1110) defined in the front of the horizontal bar (1 la). The multiple combination ultrasonic transmitter and detector modules (30) and the video camera module (40) are slidable along the slot (111) and can be retained in the horizontal bar (1 la). Multiple movable boards (15) are attached to the horizontal bar (1 la). Each board (15) has two opposed flanges (151) slidable along the guiding grooves (1110) of the slot (111).

The board (15) can serve as a partition to separate adjacent components such as the ultrasonic transmitter and detector modules (30) and the camera module Two covers (16) are further mounted to the two distal ends of the horizontal bar (la).

With reference to Fig. 8, another embodiment of the horizontal bar (1 lb) is cylindrical and has a view port implemented as a longitudinal slot (111) on the front. The horizontal bar (1 Ilb) also comprises multiple movable boards (15) as ¢€3 the partitions in the slot (111).

t As to the application of the present invention, the horizontal bar (11, 1 la, .1 lb) can be attached directly to the vehicle bumper (70) by bolts. With further reference to Figs. 6 and 10, an L-shaped mounting bracket (14) having a vertical leg, a horizontal leg, a proximal end, a distal end and multiple optional holes can be used to attach the horizontal bar (11) to a bumper. The proximal ends of the multiple mounting brackets (14) are attached to a bumper with bolts, and then the horizontal bar (11, 1 la, 11 b) is attached to the distal end of the mounting bracket (14).

The optional holes are in the distal end and the proximal end of each mounting bracket (14) and can be used to micro-adjust the horizontal bar (11) and the mounting bracket (14) on the vehicle. With this versatile feature, the height and width of the detection zone can be suitably adjusted by users to accomplish desired results.

With reference to Fig. 9, the horizontal bar (11) of the back-up guidance device can be installed on the front bumper (70) of a bus. The horizontal bar (11) can be installed either on the front end, the back end or both ends of the vehicle, depending on the user's intended application and needs.

With further reference to Fig. 3, the data collection assembly comprises an assembly controller a memory device multiple combination ultrasonic transmitter and detector modules an optional video camera module (40) and a signal transmitter (50) and installed in the horizontal bar (11).

The assembly controller (20) has multiple inputs (not numbered) and multiple outputs (not numbered) and processes distance and video data for t transmission.

c, The memory device (21) is connected to the assembly controller (20) and stores combination ultrasonic transmitter and detector module identification codes and parametric data.

The combination ultrasonic transmitter and detector modules (30) sense objects through the view port that the vehicle is approaching and are connected respectively to inputs of the assembly controller With further reference to Fig. 4, each combination ultrasonic transmitter and detector module (30) consists of an ultrasonic transmitter and receiver unit (32) and a signal processing circuit (not numbered) and has a unique identification code. The signal processing circuit consists of a microprocessor a signal amplifier (33) and an A/D signal converter The microprocessor (31) is connected to the ultrasonic transmitter and receiver unit (32) to control the reception of echoed signals and to the assembly controller (20) to pass digital signals to the assembly controller The signal transmitter (50) is an RF signal transmission module, is connected to an output of the assembly controller (20) and transmits RF signals.

The optional video camera module (40) is mounted in the horizontal bar (11) and is connected to an input of the assembly controller (20) that processes the video and sends the video images to the signal transmitter (50) to be transmitted.

With further reference to Fig. 2, the console unit (60) comprises a unit controller a memory device a signal receiver an alarm a t 5 monitor a power supply (66) and an optional video camera module (not C€3 shown).

SThe unit controller (61) has multiple inputs, multiple outputs and multiple internal preset thresholds and analyzes distance data received from the data collection assembly (10) to determine whether an object that the vehicle is approaching is within a threshold range and whether to initiate a warning to the driver.

The memory device (62) is connected to the unit controller (61) stores all combination ultrasonic transmitter and detector module identification codes and parametric data.

The signal receiver (65) is an RF signal receiver module, is connected to an input of the unit controller receives RF signals from the signal transmitter in the data collection assembly (10) and sends the RF signals received to the unit controller The alarm (63) is connected to an output of the unit controller (61) and is activated by the unit controller (61) to warn the driver when an internal preset threshold is exceeded.

The monitor (64) is connected to an output of the unit controller (61) and displays images, distance data and messages.

The optional video camera module (not shown) may be connected directly to the console unit so that video images can be sent directly to the monitor IND (64) without passing through the signal transmitter (50) and the signal receiver

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OThe power supply (66) provides an operating voltage to all device ocomponents and is hardwired to the data collection assembly A driver's awareness of a vehicle's surroundings can be greatly enhanced with the parking guidance device having a combination of the combination ultrasonic transmitters and detectors and video cameras by images and distance data being continuously presented to make the driver aware of changing road conditions and virtually eliminating blind spots.

Further, the wireless parking guidance device enables the amount of 10 external wiring to be notably reduced, such that only a power cable is needed for electrical connection from the power supply of the console unit to the data collection assembly.

It will be understood that the term "comprise" and any of its derivatives (eg.

comprises, comprising) as used in this specification is to be taken to be inclusive of features to which it refers, and is not meant to exclude the presence of any additional features unless otherwise stated or implied.

Claims

1. A parking guidance device installable on large vehicles with a driver compartment, at least one bumper, the parking guidance device comprising a horizontal bar being hollow, mounted on the bumper and having C 5 a front surface; and at least one view port on the front surface; c a data collection assembly being installed in the horizontal bar and comprising: 0 an assembly controller having multiple inputs and multiple outputs and processing distance and video data for transmission; a memory device connected to the assembly controller and storing combination ultrasonic transmitter and detector module identification codes and parametric data; multiple combination ultrasonic transmitter and detector modules mounted in the horizontal bar to sense objects through the view port that the vehicle is approaching, connected respectively to inputs of the assembly controller and having an ultrasonic transmitter and receiver unit; a signal processing circuit consisting of a microprocessor connected to the ultrasonic transmitter and receiver unit to control the reception of echoed signals and further connected to the assembly controller to pass digital signals to the assembly controller; a signal amplifier; and an A/D signal converter; and unique identification codes; a signal transmitter being an RF signal transmission module, connected to the output of the assembly controller and transmitting RF signals; and a console unit comprising a unit controller having multiple inputs, multiple outputs and multiple internal preset thresholds and analyzing distance data received from the data collection assembly to determine whether an object the vehicle is approaching is within a threshold range and whether to initiate a warning to the driver; a memory device connected to the unit controller and storing all combination ultrasonic transmitter and detector module identification codes and parametric data; a signal receiver being an RF signal receiver module, connected to an input of the unit controller, receiving RF signals from the signal transmitter in the data collection assembly and sending the RF signals received to the unit controller an alarm connected to an output of the unit controller and being activated by the unit controller to warn the driver when an internal preset threshold is exceeded; a monitor connected to the unit controller and displaying images, distance data and messages; and a power supply providing an operating voltage to all device components and being hardwired to the data collection assembly.

2. The parking guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the 8 horizontal bar is a hollow rectangular parallelepiped tubing and has multiple view ports.

3. The parking guidance device according to claim 2, wherein the view ports are implemented with through holes formed in the horizontal bar.

4. The parking guidance device according to claim 2, wherein the view ports are implemented as a longitudinal slot defined in the horizontal bar. 3

5. The parking guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal bar is cylindrical and has the view port implemented as a longitudinal slot on the front.

6. The parking guidance device according to claims 4 or 5, wherein the longitudinal slot has guiding groves, multiple movable boards are attached to the horizontal bar, and each board has two opposed flanges slidable along the guiding grooves of the slot.

7. The parking guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the data collection assembly further includes a video camera module mounted in the horizontal bar through a corresponding view port.

8. The parking guidance device according to claim 7, wherein the video camera module is connected to the assembly controller.

9. The parking guidance device according to claim 7, wherein the video camera module is connected to the monitor in the console unit.

The parking guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the console unit further includes a video camera module mounted in the horizontal bar (11) through a corresponding view port.

11. The parking guidance device according to claim 10, wherein the video Scamera module is connected to the unit controller.

12. The parking guidance device according to claim 10, wherein the video camera module is connected to the monitor.

13. The parking guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the j horizontal bar is attached directly to the vehicle bumper with bolts.

14. The parking guidance device according to claim 1, wherein the Shorizontal bar has mounting brackets being L-shaped and respectively having N vertical legs, horizontal legs, proximal ends attached to the bumper with bolts and distal ends attached to the horizontal bar.

15. The parking guidance device according to claim 14, wherein the distal and proximal ends of each mounting bracket have multiple holes to micro-adjust the horizontal bar and the mounting brackets on the vehicle.

16. A parking guidance device installable on large vehicles with a driver compartment, a bumper, the parking guidance device comprising a horizontal bar being hollow, mounted on the bumper and having a front; and at least one view port on the front surface; a data collection assembly being installed in the horizontal bar and comprising: an assembly controller having multiple inputs and multiple outputs and processing distance and video data for transmission; a memory device connected to the assembly controller and storing combination ultrasonic transmitter and detector module identification codes and parametric data; multiple combination ultrasonic transmitter and detector modules to IDsense objects through the view port that the vehicle is approaching, connected 0 0 respectively to inputs of the assembly controller; and Ua signal transmitter being an RF signal transmission module, connected to Sthe output of the assembly controller and transmitting RF signals.

17. The parking guidance device as claimed in claim 16, wherein each combination ultrasonic transmitter and detector module comprises: Cc an ultrasonic transmitter and receiver unit; signal processing circuit consisting of a microprocessor connected to the ultrasonic transmitter and receiver unit to control the reception of echoed signals and further connected to the assembly controller to pass digital signals to the assembly controller; a signal amplifier; and an A/D signal converter; and unique identification codes.

18. A parking guidance device substantially in accordance with any one of the embodiments of the invention described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.