GB2244580A - Safe driving of a vehicle - Google Patents
Safe driving of a vehicle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2244580A GB2244580A GB9006622A GB9006622A GB2244580A GB 2244580 A GB2244580 A GB 2244580A GB 9006622 A GB9006622 A GB 9006622A GB 9006622 A GB9006622 A GB 9006622A GB 2244580 A GB2244580 A GB 2244580A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- vehicle
- monitor
- monitoring
- path
- traffic lane
- 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- Withdrawn
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
- G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
- G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
- G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
- G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q9/00—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling
- B60Q9/008—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling for anti-collision purposes
-
- 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
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/16—Anti-collision systems
- G08G1/167—Driving aids for lane monitoring, lane changing, e.g. blind spot detection
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60T—VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL; ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES
- B60T2201/00—Particular use of vehicle brake systems; Special systems using also the brakes; Special software modules within the brake system controller
- B60T2201/08—Lane monitoring; Lane Keeping Systems
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60T—VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL; ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES
- B60T2201/00—Particular use of vehicle brake systems; Special systems using also the brakes; Special software modules within the brake system controller
- B60T2201/08—Lane monitoring; Lane Keeping Systems
- B60T2201/082—Lane monitoring; Lane Keeping Systems using alarm actuation
-
- 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
- G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
- G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
- G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
- G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
- G01S2013/932—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles using own vehicle data, e.g. ground speed, steering wheel direction
-
- 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
- G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
- G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
- G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
- G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
- G01S2013/9327—Sensor installation details
- G01S2013/93271—Sensor installation details in the front of the vehicles
-
- 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
- G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
- G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
- G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
- G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
- G01S2013/9327—Sensor installation details
- G01S2013/93275—Sensor installation details in the bumper area
-
- 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
- G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
- G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
- G01S13/93—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
- G01S13/931—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
- G01S2013/9329—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles cooperating with reflectors or transponders
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
- Remote Sensing (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Traffic Control Systems (AREA)
Abstract
To monitor the progress of a motor vehicle along a traffic lane, a beam of electromagnetic radiation is transmitted 17, 18 from the vehicle over a relatively narrow wave front, or a static electromagnetic field is generated on at least one side of the vehicle, to impinge on any regularly placed objects either defining at least one traffic lane for the vehicle or following a substantially similar direction thereto. Such impingement is detected by the vehicle 17, 18 to actuate an aural or visual alarm to indicate to the driver a tendency to leave the lane. The beam using monitor can also provide warning of a closing distance to another vehicle in front. <IMAGE>
Description
SAFE DRIVING METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE
This invention relates to a method of, and an apparatus for use in, driving a motor vehicle. It is concerned particularly, though not exclusively, with the problem of a driver becoming inattentive to maintaining the course of the vehicle such as by becoming sleepy or otherwise inattentive in the course of driving.
The occurrence of such a problem is a particular hazard on a motorway or other major road having two or more possible traffic lanes for the vehicle to follow.
First aspect of the present invention
According to a first preferred version of a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of monitoring the progress of a motor vehicle along a traffic lane comprising the steps of:
1 generating an electromagnetic monitoring output in the form either
of:
a transmitted beam of electromagnetic radiation from the vehicle over a relatively narrow wave front;
a static electromagnetic field generated on at least one side of
the vehicle
the beam or the field being directed to impinge on regularly placed
objects either defining at least one traffic lane for the vehicle or
following a substantially similar direction thereto;
2 generating an output signal as a result of the monitoring output
impinging on one or more of the objects; and
3 processing the output signal so as to provide an indication, such as
by aural or visual means, for a driver of the vehicle that the
monitoring output reveals that the path of the vehicle is deviating
from one lying within a traffic lane in which the vehicle is travelling
and following a path which, if maintained, will cause the vehicle to
leave the aforesaid lane.
'Regularly placed objects' can be lane markers commonly referred to as 'cats eyes'. These actually serve to define traffic lanes. Alternatively they could be posts supporting a central traffic barrier which necessarily follows the general direction of the traffic lanes while lying outside them.
Second aspect of the present invention
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a
monitoring apparatus for use in driving a motor vehicle comprising: 1an electromagnetic monitor in the form either of:
a transmitter adapted to generate a beam of electromagnetic radiation
generally forwardly of a vehicle over a relatively narrow wave front
and a receiver adapted to receive a reflected beam arising from said
generated beam and as a consequence to generate an output signal;
or
a static electromagnetic field generator on at least one side of the
vehicle adapted to generate an electromagnetic field and further
adapted, on the passage of an object through the field to generate
an output signal; and
2 signal processing means adapted to process the output signal and to
provide an indication, by way of aural andlor visual means, for a
driver of the vehicle that the monitor reveals that the path of the
vehicle is deviating from one lying within a traffic lane in which the
vehicle is travelling and following a path which, if maintained, will
cause the vehicle to leave the aforesaid lane.
Third aspect of the present invention
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a motor
vehicle equipped with monitoring apparatus according to the second aspect of the
present invention wherein the or each monitor is located with its direction of
monitoring corresponding to the forward direction of travel of the vehicle.
Exemplary embodiments
A first exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be described
with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:
Figure 1 shows the front of a vehicle equipped with a pair of
transmitter/receivers according to the second aspect of the present
invention;
Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view of a device referred to in connection with
Figure 1; and
Figure 3 is a view of a section of motorway seen from above with a vehicle
of the type described in connection with Figure 1 shown in first and
second positions.
Items appearing in more than one figure are given the same reference in each figure in which they appear.
First embodiment
FIGURE 1
Figure 1 shows a passenger saloon car 11 having a body 12, engine compartment 13 and front bumper 14 (shown in ghosted outline). Mounted at either side of the car 11 behind forward facing apertures 15, 16 in the front bumper 14 are first unit 17 and second unit 18. The two units 17, 18 are coupled to a signal processor 19 located within the body 12 which serves to regulate operation of and provide power to the units 17, 18. The processor 19 has an output panel located so as to be visible to, and incorporating an aural and visual signal generator to alert, a driver of the car.
FIGURE 2
The units 17, 18 being similar in form and function only unit 17 is here described further with reference to Figure 2. The first unit 17 is made up of: 1 an electromagnetic wave transmitter T and adapted to transmit an outgoing
beam having a narrow included angle; and 2 a receiver R adapted to receive as an incoming signal either reflected
outgoing waves from transmitter T or waves generated in some other way
as a result of the outgoing signal from transmitter T.
The first unit is coupled by cable 20 to the signal processor 19 referred to in connection with Figure 1. The unit 17 is located on the car 11 with reference to a datum axis A corresponding to the normal forward direction of travel of the car 11.
FIGURE 3
The car 11 is shown here in first position 11A and in second position 11B on a motorway made up of lanes I, II and III which are bounded by parallel series 31, 32, 33, 34 of cats eyes. Individual eye 33A is shown for the purpose of describing the operation of the device.
The car is shown in first position 11A travelling on a path P1 parallel to that of the series 32, 33 of cats eyes. With the units 17, 18 energised the transmitters of the units emit, respectively, a narrow angle outgoing signal El,
E2 for a distance of about 17-20 metres in front of the car. It is envisaged that the operating range could be varied to suit the type of traffic lane involved.
Thus on a motorway with slight curves and extensive straight stretches the range would be at maximum- the 17 -20 meters quoted above. However on nonmotorway roads or any roads with tighter or more frequent curves the operating range would be reduced. The transmitters are directed directly forwardly and downwardly of the vehicle on a narrow beam so that on path P1 the outgoing signals El, E2 pass off the road surface at an oblique angle and do not impinge on any projecting elements such as the cats eyes which would result in reflection of all or part of the outgoing beam back towards the vehicle. Consequently the receivers remain quiescent.The processor 19 compares the signals output signals El, E2 in a predetermined way and establishes that the transmitter receiver combination exhibit characteristics which can be related to acceptable progress along the path P1.
A driver can cease to efficiently steer the vehicle for a variety of reasons. For example he can become drowsy, or actually fall asleep, and so fail to steer to conform to changes in direction of the carriageway along which he is passing.
The vehicle can enter an unilluminated or a foggy portion of the carriageway so that a driver while otherwise being capable of responding to normal outside stimuli cannot do so since he can no longer see that the carriageway is changing direction. For as long as the driver maintains the car on path P1 the device will merely serve to monitor progress of the car.
The car shown in position 11B is being steered (for whatever reason) on a path
P2 which positions the unit 18 directly above the line of cats eyes 33. With the units energised as before beams El' and E2' are transmitted. El' on striking cats eye 33A in the oncoming section of cats eyes of the series 33 results in a beam R1 being reflected back to the appropriate receiver of the unit pairs.
Consequently the processor 19 receives a signal which represents the path of the car to be one which will cross series 33 so leaving the required traffic lane.
As a consequence the processor 19 then causes an appropriate warning signal to be generated to alert the driver of the car that a dangerous situation is imminent and correction should be made.
In this case the difference between the situation shown of the vehicle in position 11A and 11B arises from the vehicle in position 11B having been inadvertently steered by a dozing driver. Before long it would be in the path P1 of the vehicle 11A unless the driver is swiftly made aware of the situation. However a similar change could arise from a change in direction of the traffic lane or road where the vehicle is inadvertently steered at an angle to the correct path.
Second embodiment
In a second embodiment of the present invention rather than making use of a monitor utilising transmitter! receiver combinations which make use of a directed beam of electromagnetic radiation a monitor is provided in the form of an electromagnetic field generator similar to that used in connection with metal detection systems. In the case of a single generator it will be fitted to one side of the vehicle. In the case of two units they will be mounted on opposites side of the vehicle. In any event the or each unit is located in a position and is directed to ensure that with the vehicle travelling along a preferred path the or no unit detects the passage of any regularly placed discrete components past the vehicle.While the components will frequently be at least in part fabricated from ferromagnetic material this is not essential for operation of the system.
The monitors of both units are coupled to a processor adapted to provide an aural/visual warning to a driver of the vehicle incorporating the monitors.
With no discrete elements passing through the generated field no warning is generated by the processor. In the event that the alignment changes (as discussed previously arise through failure in concentration such as could arise from drowsiness) and the or at least one generated field has one or more elements passing through it the processor serves to detect any consequent change in the field and generates an appropriate warning signal for the driver.
Using either embodiment of the present invention in the event of a driver wishing to change lanes then operation of the direction indicators provides an input to the signal processor causing it to temporarily avoid the output of an alarm signal and only resuming the monitoring process once the car has resumed progress along a given traffic lane with the monitors out of range of any reflecting elements. In addition the steering system of the car can also provide for a control input to be fed to the processor so that during a positive and substantial steering input by the driver even if the monitor detects an element the an alarm output will not be generated until the normal path is resumed.
A major advantage of the presently described embodiments is that the device takes advantage of existing parts of the motorway system to generate the incoming signal for the device. Consequently the system only requires equipment to be fitted to a vehicle whereupon the method of the invention can be applied thereafter to promote safe vehicle operation.
However in the event that particular portions of the motorway are felt to justify the cost the proposed system can be used when the outgoing signal is not reflected but is received by a stationery receiver at the road side which acts to cause a static transmitter to direct a modified signal back to the car. Typically the signal reflected or transmitted back to the car can be used to cause the signal processor to indicate a variety of events such as distance information, the approach of a turning or hazard, or changes in road surface or whatever.
Clearly the present invention whether in the form of an electromagnetic beam or a static electromagnetic field, could be extended to do more than make passive indications. For example it could be used to provide control inputs to the vehicle to which it is fitted such as providing steering input when the vehicle deviates from the chosen path.
The transmitter/receiver embodiment of the monitor can not only serve to detect steering discrepancies but also to warn oE the approach of the vehicle to a vehicle in front of it when the range between the two vehicle is closing.
Claims (5)
1 an electromagnetic monitor in the form either of:
a transmitter adapted to generate a beam of electromagnetic
radiation generally forwardly of a vehicle over a relatively
narrow wave front and a receiver adapted to receive a
reflected beam arising from said generated beam and as a
consequence to generate an output signal from the monitor; or
a static electromagnetic field generator on at least one side of
the vehicle adapted to generate an electromagnetic field and
further adapted, on the passage of a discrete object through
the field to generate an output signal from the monitor ; and
2 signal processing means adapted to process the output signal and to
provide an indication, by way of aural and! our visual means, for a
driver of the vehicle that the monitor reveals that the path of the
vehicle is deviating from one lying within a traffic lane in which the
vehicle is travelling and following a path which, if maintained, will
cause the vehicle to leave the aforesaid lane.
3 A motor vehicle equipped with monitoring apparatus as claimed in Claim 2
the or each monitor is located with its direction of monitoring
corresponding to the forward direction of travel of the vehicle.
4 A motor vehicle as hereinbefore described with reference to and as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
5 A motor vehicle as claimed in Claim 3 or Claim 4 when the monitor is of the
type adapted to transmit a beam of electromagnetic radiation characterised
in that the beam and processor are adapted to detect and signal the
presence of a substantial object, such as another vehicle, in front of the
vehicle equipped with the monitor.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9006622A GB2244580A (en) | 1990-03-24 | 1990-03-24 | Safe driving of a vehicle |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9006622A GB2244580A (en) | 1990-03-24 | 1990-03-24 | Safe driving of a vehicle |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB9006622D0 GB9006622D0 (en) | 1990-05-23 |
| GB2244580A true GB2244580A (en) | 1991-12-04 |
Family
ID=10673185
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9006622A Withdrawn GB2244580A (en) | 1990-03-24 | 1990-03-24 | Safe driving of a vehicle |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2244580A (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2298754A (en) * | 1995-03-07 | 1996-09-11 | Andrew James Russell | Distance and space monitor |
| GB2307810A (en) * | 1995-12-02 | 1997-06-04 | Roy Michael Ashley | Parking aid |
| GB2328820A (en) * | 1997-09-02 | 1999-03-03 | Rabinder Singh Mandair | Vehicular distance monitoring and warning device |
Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1372836A (en) * | 1973-01-26 | 1974-11-06 | Mcrobbie A F | Vehicle electronic position plotter |
-
1990
- 1990-03-24 GB GB9006622A patent/GB2244580A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1372836A (en) * | 1973-01-26 | 1974-11-06 | Mcrobbie A F | Vehicle electronic position plotter |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2298754A (en) * | 1995-03-07 | 1996-09-11 | Andrew James Russell | Distance and space monitor |
| GB2307810A (en) * | 1995-12-02 | 1997-06-04 | Roy Michael Ashley | Parking aid |
| GB2328820A (en) * | 1997-09-02 | 1999-03-03 | Rabinder Singh Mandair | Vehicular distance monitoring and warning device |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB9006622D0 (en) | 1990-05-23 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |