BE1008633A6 - Reflex detector and warning system - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention is characterised by a system that can trigger an audiblealarm (siren) or visual alarm (light) or sensorial alarm (vibrating cushion)when the driver of a vehicle or other means of transport reacts too slowly ornot at all to an audible or visual surveillance signal emitted near him. Theresponse to these signals should be instantaneous. This will be done eitherby activating an electric contact or by cutting a light or infrared beam witha body movement or by emitting a sound which should instantaneously respondto the surveillance signals emitted. If the driver does not respond to thesesignals instantaneously an alarm will be triggered to catch his attentionimmediately. If this is repeated the driver will understand that he is in nocondition to be driving and that he must stop and rest.

Description

       

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   "Reflex detector and warning device The" Reflex detector and warning device "is specially designed to monitor the state of a vehicle driver's reflexes to instantly warn him by a loud sound signal (or a light or sensory signal) when due to excessive tiredness or drowsiness or intoxication, his attention and the speed of his reflexes weaken.



  If the alarm signal is triggered several times in succession by failure to pay attention, the driver no longer has the capacity to concentrate enough to drive. A stop light will come on and a synthesized voice (if necessary) will prompt him to stop.



  The present invention comprises: A.-a powerful audible alarm (such as an anti-theft siren) or an interior lighthouse or a sensory alarm (vibrating cushion, electric discharge)
The audible alarm could possibly be the horn of the vehicle B. -a switch for starting or stopping the device C. -a manual contact for opening or closing the alarm circuit.

   This contact can be actuated in many ways: - either by pressing a finger on a button (as for activating the headlight call or the horn) - or by bringing your hand near a digital button - or by l emission of a sound picked up by a microphone

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 - either by controlling the position of any part of the body monitored by an infrared or light beam or by "micro switch" or magnetic contact.



  D.-A flashing light or an intermittent sound signal (bib-bib) of low power and adjustable or random frequency but of short duration.



    E.-A STOP indicator light paired if necessary with a synthesized voice inviting the driver to stop.



  To facilitate the description of the operation of the invented process, the following elements have been chosen: (A) An audible alarm of the same type as that used for anti-theft devices or as an individual distress siren. This alarm will be placed in the center of the steering wheel near the steering column.



  (B) The device start switch will be placed near the contact (C) (C) A sensitive push button with short stroke and normally closed contact (micro switch). This contact can be placed either under the circle of the steering wheel to be actuated by a finger or on the left arm of the steering wheel to be easily accessible with the left hand.



  (0) The audible signal set to a low power level will be provided by the alarm itself.



   Optionally we will add a flashing indicator light also placed on the steering wheel near the alarm in a visible way.

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  The device thus described operates as follows: When the driver feels the need to be monitored by the device, he presses the button (C) then closes the switch (B). the device is already operational and can operate without the need for the elements of (0) and E.



  In fact, it is necessary to maintain a constant pressure on the button (C) and the slightest release immediately activates the siren which will necessarily happen if we do not pay attention.



  Switching on D requires more sustained attention. In fact, it is expected that at each audible signal perceived, the button (C) must be pressed immediately, otherwise the alarm will sound.



  It is easy to understand that if the state of the reflexes weakens, the driver will react either too slowly or not at all to the audible signal or the flashing light.



  In this case the alarm will activate automatically waking the driver and will force him to react by pressing the button (C) again to stop the alarm.


    

Claims (1)

Claims The "Reflex detector and alarm" device makes it possible to control the alertness of a driver and to warn him when the speed of these reflexes decreases and he is no longer able to drive his vehicle. The invention is proposed for drivers of road vehicles and other means of transport such as ship-train-aircraft. The invented device is made up of: - an audible or luminous or sensory alarm placed close to the driver - a luminous or audible or sensory monitoring signal emitted intermittently with an adjustable close transmission frequency - a means of manual or physical response made available to the driver (action of a button - movement of the body or emission of a sound) to the surveillance signals emitted. When the driver fails to respond instantly to the signals emitted, the alarm will operate until the response expected by the driver is achieved. The device also adapts to keep a sentry or a night watchman awake, etc.