GB2153124A - Apparatus for sensing the distance between two bodies, one of which is moving relative to the other - Google Patents

Apparatus for sensing the distance between two bodies, one of which is moving relative to the other Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2153124A
GB2153124A GB08400382A GB8400382A GB2153124A GB 2153124 A GB2153124 A GB 2153124A GB 08400382 A GB08400382 A GB 08400382A GB 8400382 A GB8400382 A GB 8400382A GB 2153124 A GB2153124 A GB 2153124A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
transducer
distance
bodies
signals
vehicles
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB08400382A
Other versions
GB8400382D0 (en
Inventor
Terence Edwin O'toole
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
TOOLE TERENCE EDWIN O
Original Assignee
TOOLE TERENCE EDWIN O
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by TOOLE TERENCE EDWIN O filed Critical TOOLE TERENCE EDWIN O
Priority to GB08400382A priority Critical patent/GB2153124A/en
Publication of GB8400382D0 publication Critical patent/GB8400382D0/en
Publication of GB2153124A publication Critical patent/GB2153124A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S15/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of acoustic waves, e.g. sonar systems
    • G01S15/88—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G01S15/93—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
    • G01S15/931—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/16—Anti-collision systems
    • G08G1/166—Anti-collision systems for active traffic, e.g. moving vehicles, pedestrians, bikes

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Emergency Alarm Devices (AREA)
  • Traffic Control Systems (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Velocity Or Position Using Acoustic Or Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)

Abstract

An oscillator (2) supplies driving signals to a transmitting transducer (3) which transmits acoustic signals. A receiving transducer (4) is arranged on the same vehicle as the transmitting transducer (3) in such a manner that acoustic signals emitted from the transmitting transducer (3) are not received directly by the receiving transducer (4) but are only received by the transducer (4) after reflection from another vehicle. Signals received by the receiving transducer (4) are amplified and passed via an indicating circuit (6) to a warning device (7) which gives a warning to the driver of a vehicle when the distance sensed between two vehicles reaches a threshold level, and/or indicates the distance between the vehicles. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Apparatus for sensing the distance between two bodies, one of which is moving relative to the other This invention relates to an apparatus for sensing the distance between two bodies, one of which is moving relative to the other.
In particular, the apparatus of the present invention may be used to sense the proximity of two vehicles, with a view either to indicating the distance between them or to generating a warning signal to the driver of a vehicle to warn him of an impending collision.
It is known to provide an optical sensing apparatus using a light attached to one of the vehicles. However, such apparatus suffer from the disadvantage that at night, or in heavy fog, the light may be obscured thus reducing the effective operation of the apparatus.
According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for sensing the distance between two bodies, one of which is moving relative to the other, the apparatus comprising, disposed on one of the bodies, transmission means which emits an acoustic signal, and receiving means which receives the acoustic signal after reflection back from the other of the bodies, the apparatus further comprising indicating means for indicating when the distance reaches a threshold value.
The transmission means may comprise a piezo ceramic transducer, and the drive means may comprise an oscillator adapted to supply driving signals to the transducer.
For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention; and Figure 2 shows another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention.
Referring to Fig. 1, an on/off switch 1 controls the supply of power to an oscillator 2 from a battery 10. This switch 1 may be operated manually or automatically in response to action taken by the driver of a vehicle.
The oscillator 2 supplies driving signals to a transmitting transducer 3, for example a piezo ceramic transducer, which transmits acoustic signals. A receiving transducer 4 is arranged on the same vehicle as the transmitting transducer 3 in such a manner that acoustic signals emitted from the transmitting transducer 3 are not received directly by the receiving transducer 4, but are only received by the transducer 4 after reflection from another vehicle. This may be done by either mounting the receiving transducer in a particular position relative to the transmitting transducer, or by the use of screens between the two transducers.
The frequency of signals emitted from the transmitting transducer 3 is controlled by the oscillator 2 and may be in any suitable frequency band.
The receiving transducer may be a piezo electric or electromagnetic transducer.
Signals received by the receiving transducer 4 are amplified in an amplifier 5 and passed via an indicating circuit 6 to a warning device 7. This warning device 7 is adapted to give an audible or visual warning or both to the driver of a vehicle when the distance sensed between two vehicles reaches a threshold level, and/or to indicate the distance between the vehicles.
The indicating circuit 6 determines whether the warning given is continuous or intermittent, and enables the warning to change in intensity as the distance between the two vehicles changes.
In Fig. 2, a modulator 8 is provided to modulate the signals from the oscillator, the signals received by the receiving transducer 4 being demodulated in a demodulator 9, before being amplified in amplifier 5.
The apparatus of the present invention thus allows the use of acoustic signals to sense the distance between two relatively moving bodies or vehicles, for use in avoiding collisions.
More than one transmitter/receiver arrangement may be used, in accordance with reqhuirements.
1. An apparatus for sensing the distance between two bodies, the apparatus comprising, disposed on one of the bodies, transmission means which emits an acoustic signal, and receiving means which receives the acoustic signal after reflection back from the other of the bodies, the apparatus further comprising indicating means for indicating when the distance reaches a threshold value.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the transmission means comprises a piezo ceramic transducer.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the drive means comprises an oscillator adapted to supply driving signals to the transducer.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (4)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Apparatus for sensing the distance between two bodies, one of which is moving relative to the other This invention relates to an apparatus for sensing the distance between two bodies, one of which is moving relative to the other. In particular, the apparatus of the present invention may be used to sense the proximity of two vehicles, with a view either to indicating the distance between them or to generating a warning signal to the driver of a vehicle to warn him of an impending collision. It is known to provide an optical sensing apparatus using a light attached to one of the vehicles. However, such apparatus suffer from the disadvantage that at night, or in heavy fog, the light may be obscured thus reducing the effective operation of the apparatus. According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for sensing the distance between two bodies, one of which is moving relative to the other, the apparatus comprising, disposed on one of the bodies, transmission means which emits an acoustic signal, and receiving means which receives the acoustic signal after reflection back from the other of the bodies, the apparatus further comprising indicating means for indicating when the distance reaches a threshold value. The transmission means may comprise a piezo ceramic transducer, and the drive means may comprise an oscillator adapted to supply driving signals to the transducer. For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention; and Figure 2 shows another embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. Referring to Fig. 1, an on/off switch 1 controls the supply of power to an oscillator 2 from a battery 10. This switch 1 may be operated manually or automatically in response to action taken by the driver of a vehicle. The oscillator 2 supplies driving signals to a transmitting transducer 3, for example a piezo ceramic transducer, which transmits acoustic signals. A receiving transducer 4 is arranged on the same vehicle as the transmitting transducer 3 in such a manner that acoustic signals emitted from the transmitting transducer 3 are not received directly by the receiving transducer 4, but are only received by the transducer 4 after reflection from another vehicle. This may be done by either mounting the receiving transducer in a particular position relative to the transmitting transducer, or by the use of screens between the two transducers. The frequency of signals emitted from the transmitting transducer 3 is controlled by the oscillator 2 and may be in any suitable frequency band. The receiving transducer may be a piezo electric or electromagnetic transducer. Signals received by the receiving transducer 4 are amplified in an amplifier 5 and passed via an indicating circuit 6 to a warning device 7. This warning device 7 is adapted to give an audible or visual warning or both to the driver of a vehicle when the distance sensed between two vehicles reaches a threshold level, and/or to indicate the distance between the vehicles. The indicating circuit 6 determines whether the warning given is continuous or intermittent, and enables the warning to change in intensity as the distance between the two vehicles changes. In Fig. 2, a modulator 8 is provided to modulate the signals from the oscillator, the signals received by the receiving transducer 4 being demodulated in a demodulator 9, before being amplified in amplifier 5. The apparatus of the present invention thus allows the use of acoustic signals to sense the distance between two relatively moving bodies or vehicles, for use in avoiding collisions. More than one transmitter/receiver arrangement may be used, in accordance with reqhuirements. CLAIMS
1. An apparatus for sensing the distance between two bodies, the apparatus comprising, disposed on one of the bodies, transmission means which emits an acoustic signal, and receiving means which receives the acoustic signal after reflection back from the other of the bodies, the apparatus further comprising indicating means for indicating when the distance reaches a threshold value.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the transmission means comprises a piezo ceramic transducer.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the drive means comprises an oscillator adapted to supply driving signals to the transducer.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.
GB08400382A 1984-01-09 1984-01-09 Apparatus for sensing the distance between two bodies, one of which is moving relative to the other Withdrawn GB2153124A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08400382A GB2153124A (en) 1984-01-09 1984-01-09 Apparatus for sensing the distance between two bodies, one of which is moving relative to the other

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08400382A GB2153124A (en) 1984-01-09 1984-01-09 Apparatus for sensing the distance between two bodies, one of which is moving relative to the other

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB8400382D0 GB8400382D0 (en) 1984-02-08
GB2153124A true GB2153124A (en) 1985-08-14

Family

ID=10554692

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB08400382A Withdrawn GB2153124A (en) 1984-01-09 1984-01-09 Apparatus for sensing the distance between two bodies, one of which is moving relative to the other

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2153124A (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2173331A (en) * 1985-01-29 1986-10-08 Norman Stinson Ritchie Vehicle safety systems
GB2184277A (en) * 1985-12-12 1987-06-17 Smiths Industries Plc Intruder alarm system
GB2207401A (en) * 1987-07-24 1989-02-01 Lin Yng Lang Collision prevention arrangement
WO1999042973A1 (en) * 1998-02-18 1999-08-26 Daimlerchrysler Ag Method for preventing the collision of a vehicle with an obstacle located in front of the vehicle and braking device

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1585072A (en) *
GB1207721A (en) * 1967-01-05 1970-10-07 Ambac Ind Automatic braking system and apparatus for use therein
GB1439055A (en) * 1972-10-09 1976-06-09 Matra Engins Detection system
GB2040092A (en) * 1978-11-20 1980-08-20 Reino Int Corp Automatic alarm system for car backing
GB1580647A (en) * 1976-11-15 1980-12-03 Sepa Anticollision system for overhead cranes
GB2090410A (en) * 1980-12-30 1982-07-07 Star Products Ltd Measuring distance

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1585072A (en) *
GB1207721A (en) * 1967-01-05 1970-10-07 Ambac Ind Automatic braking system and apparatus for use therein
GB1439055A (en) * 1972-10-09 1976-06-09 Matra Engins Detection system
GB1580647A (en) * 1976-11-15 1980-12-03 Sepa Anticollision system for overhead cranes
GB2040092A (en) * 1978-11-20 1980-08-20 Reino Int Corp Automatic alarm system for car backing
GB2090410A (en) * 1980-12-30 1982-07-07 Star Products Ltd Measuring distance

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2173331A (en) * 1985-01-29 1986-10-08 Norman Stinson Ritchie Vehicle safety systems
GB2184277A (en) * 1985-12-12 1987-06-17 Smiths Industries Plc Intruder alarm system
GB2184277B (en) * 1985-12-12 1990-02-07 Smiths Industries Plc Intruder alarm systems and methods of deterring intruders
GB2207401A (en) * 1987-07-24 1989-02-01 Lin Yng Lang Collision prevention arrangement
GB2207401B (en) * 1987-07-24 1992-04-29 Lin Yng Lang A device for applying a pushing force to a vehicle brake pedal.
WO1999042973A1 (en) * 1998-02-18 1999-08-26 Daimlerchrysler Ag Method for preventing the collision of a vehicle with an obstacle located in front of the vehicle and braking device
US6624747B1 (en) 1998-02-18 2003-09-23 Daimlerchrysler Ag Method for preventing the collision of a vehicle with an obstacle located in front of the vehicle and braking device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB8400382D0 (en) 1984-02-08

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Legal Events

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WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)