GB2538049A - Vehicle proximity warning apparatus and systems, and methods of warning of the proximity of two vehicles - Google Patents

Vehicle proximity warning apparatus and systems, and methods of warning of the proximity of two vehicles Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2538049A
GB2538049A GB1506355.5A GB201506355A GB2538049A GB 2538049 A GB2538049 A GB 2538049A GB 201506355 A GB201506355 A GB 201506355A GB 2538049 A GB2538049 A GB 2538049A
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Prior art keywords
vehicles
vehicle
distance
warning
speed
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GB1506355.5A
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GB201506355D0 (en
Inventor
David Hayton Philip
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Westcotec Ltd
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Westcotec Ltd
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Priority to GB1506355.5A priority Critical patent/GB2538049A/en
Publication of GB201506355D0 publication Critical patent/GB201506355D0/en
Publication of GB2538049A publication Critical patent/GB2538049A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W30/00—Purposes of road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub-unit, e.g. of systems using conjoint control of vehicle sub-units
    • B60W30/08—Active safety systems predicting or avoiding probable or impending collision or attempting to minimise its consequences
    • B60W30/095—Predicting travel path or likelihood of collision
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W40/00—Estimation or calculation of non-directly measurable driving parameters for road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub unit, e.g. by using mathematical models
    • B60W40/02—Estimation or calculation of non-directly measurable driving parameters for road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub unit, e.g. by using mathematical models related to ambient conditions
    • B60W40/04—Traffic conditions
    • 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
    • G01S15/02—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of acoustic waves, e.g. sonar systems using reflection of acoustic waves
    • G01S15/06—Systems determining the position data of a target
    • G01S15/08—Systems for measuring distance only
    • 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
    • G01S15/02—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of acoustic waves, e.g. sonar systems using reflection of acoustic waves
    • G01S15/50—Systems of measurement, based on relative movement of the target
    • G01S15/58—Velocity or trajectory determination systems; Sense-of-movement determination systems
    • 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
    • G01S15/86—Combinations of sonar systems with lidar systems; Combinations of sonar systems with systems not using wave reflection
    • 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
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q40/00—Finance; Insurance; Tax strategies; Processing of corporate or income taxes
    • G06Q40/08—Insurance
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B3/00—Audible signalling systems; Audible personal calling systems
    • G08B3/10—Audible signalling systems; Audible personal calling systems using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B5/00—Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied
    • G08B5/22—Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission
    • G08B5/36—Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission using visible light sources
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B6/00—Tactile signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/09—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
    • G08G1/0962—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions having an indicator mounted inside the vehicle, e.g. giving voice messages
    • 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
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W50/00—Details of control systems for road vehicle drive control not related to the control of a particular sub-unit, e.g. process diagnostic or vehicle driver interfaces
    • B60W50/08—Interaction between the driver and the control system
    • B60W50/14—Means for informing the driver, warning the driver or prompting a driver intervention
    • B60W2050/143—Alarm means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W2420/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of sensors based on the principle of their operation
    • B60W2420/54—Audio sensitive means, e.g. ultrasound
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W2554/00—Input parameters relating to objects
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W2554/00—Input parameters relating to objects
    • B60W2554/80—Spatial relation or speed relative to objects
    • B60W2554/801—Lateral distance
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W2555/00—Input parameters relating to exterior conditions, not covered by groups B60W2552/00, B60W2554/00

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Finance (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
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  • Economics (AREA)
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  • Technology Law (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Traffic Control Systems (AREA)

Abstract

A vehicle proximity warning device 10 comprising a speed and distance sensor (11, fig 2), a processor (12, fig2) and a transmitter (13, fig 2) for communicating with a display (14, fig 2) suitable for alerting a driver to the proximity of two vehicles. The transmission of warning signals to the display is dependent on the measured distance between the two vehicles and their relative speed of travel. When the distance between the vehicles is deemed to be unsafe, a warning signal is transmitted to the display (14, fig 2) so as to warn the driver of at least one of the vehicles to the proximity of the two vehicles. The device may optionally be mounted on a surface of a first vehicle such that it faces outwardly from its rear. Warning signals issued from the display (14, fig 2) may be displayed to the driver of the first, second or both vehicles. The device may also optionally include a camera (15, fig 3) for recording images when an unsafe vehicle separation distance is determined.

Description

Vehide Proximity Warning Apparatus and Systems, and Methods of Warning of the Proximity of two Vehides
Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to vehicle proximity warning apparatus, and relates is particularly to the sensing and warning of tailgating.
Background to the Invention
The closest prior art known to the applicant are apparatus and systems which are employed in vehicles to facilitate the slow movement of a vehicie, e.g. when a vehicle is parking. These apparatus and systems aim to minimise the risk of collision with another object, such as a wall, as the vehicle is, for instance, reversing into a parking space.
These known apparatus and systems work by periodically or continuously sensing the distance between the vehicle and an identified object. Visual or audible signals are typically displayed to indicate to the driver of the vehicle how close they are to the object. A camera unit may also be provided to show a driver a view of the area around the proximity of the vehicle so that the driver can judge how best to control the vehicle to avoid a collision with an object.
However, the use of these known apparatus and systems is Limited and they are only suitabLe for use when a vehicle is traveLling at a sLow speed (e.g. under 10mph) and are typically only used when the objects that a driver does not want to collide with are stationary.
One instance where increased awareness and warning of a Likely collision is needed is when two vehicles are travelling and one of the vehicles is travelling at a speed and distance behind the other vehicle which is unsafe. This is commonly known as tailgating and is a cause of road traffic incidents where, when a first vehicle brakes, and a second vehicle has not allowed sufficient braking distance between the first and second vehicles, the two vehicles are likely to collide. Given that tailgating frequently occurs on a motorway or dual carriageway, the danger posed by a tailgating vehicle is clear. Therefore, it is important to find a way to identify and warn drivers of a tailgating event to minimise the risk of vehicle damage, and injury or even death of a driver or passenger.
Summary of the Invention
In a first independent aspect, the invention provides a vehicle proximity warning apparatus, the apparatus comprising a speed and distance sensor; a processor; and a transmitter for communicating with a display suitable for alerting a driver to the proximity of two vehicles which are travelling and proximal to one another, wherein the transmission of a warning signal to the display is dependent on the measured distance between the two vehicles and the speed at which the vehicles are travaing; whereby, when the distance between the vehicles is deemed to be unsafe given the relative speed of the vehicles, a warning signal is transmitted to the display to warn the driver of at Least one of the vehicles to the proximity of the two vehicLes.
This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides an apparatus for effectively identifying a tailgating vehicle so that the driver of either, or both, of the vehicles can be warned that a tailgating event is occurring or is about to occur.
Transmission and display of a warning signal to the driver of at least one of the vehicles increases the possibility that the vehicles can avoid a collision, e.g. the tailgating driver (i.e. the driver of the second vehicle) can apply their brakes to slow their vehicle, or the driver of the first vehicle can take evasive action.
Preferably, the apparatus is mounted on a surface of a first vehicle such that the apparatus faces outwardly from the rear of the first vehicle to determine the distance and relative speed of a second vehicle. Mounting the apparatus on a surface of the first vehicle such that the apparatus faces outwardly from the rear of the first vehicle allows the apparatus to effectively monitor the distance and speed of the second vehicle.
Preferably, the warning signal is displayed to the driver of the second of the two vehicles. Displaying the warning signal to the second of the two vehicles increases the probability that the driver of the second vehicle will cease to travel at an unsafe distance from the first vehicle. The driver of the second vehicle may be unaware that the distance between the two vehicles is unsafe given their speed, and so displaying the warning signal to the driver of the second vehicle improves safety.
is Preferably, the warning signal is displayed to the driver of the first of the two vehicles.
Displaying the warning signal to the driver of the first of the two vehicles improves safety because the driver of the first vehicle is alerted to take evasive action or to monitor the second vehicle.
Preferably, the apparatus is configured to communicate with a camera unit which, when the two vehicles are at an unsafe distance from one another, given the relative speed of the two vehicles, records one or more images of the second vehicle. Recording one or more images of the second vehicle when the two vehicles are at an unsafe distance given their speed, allows the driver of the first vehicle to automatically take a note of the registration and model of the second vehicle. If a collision does occur, this can also be recorded and used for insurance purposes.
Preferably, the speed and distance sensor is an ultrasonic speed and distance sensor. An ultrasonic speed and distance sensor speedily and effectively senses the speed and distance of the second vehicle without causing a distraction to the driver of either vehicle.
Preferably, transmission of the warning signal to the display is wireless. Wireless transmission of a warning signal avoids the need to wire the vehicle to incorporate an apparatus. This allows the apparatus to be straightforwardly fitted to a vehicle.
Preferably, the speed and distance sensor, the processor and the transmitter are formed as a single unit. A single unit is compact and allows the apparatus to be straightforwardly fixed to a vehicle.
In a second independent aspect, the invention provides a vehicle proximity warning system, the system comprising: * a vehicle proximity warning apparatus comprising a speed and distance sensor, a processor and a transmitter; and * a display located in at least one of two vehicles which are travelling and are proximal to one another; wherein transmission of a warning signal to said display by said apparatus is dependent on the sensed distance between the two vehicles and the speed at which the two vehicles are travelling; whereby, when the distance between the two vehicles is deemed to be unsafe, given the relative speed of the two vehicles, a warning signal is transmitted by said apparatus to the display in order to warn the driver of at least one of the two vehicles of their proximity.
This system is particularly advantageous because it provides a warning system for effectively identifying a tailgating vehicle so that the driver of either, or both, of the vehicles can be warned that a tailgating event is occurring or is about to occur. Transmission and display of a warning signal to the driver of at Least one of the vehicles increases the possibility that the vehicles can avoid a collision, e.g. the tailgating driver (i.e. the driver of the second vehicle) can apply their brakes to slow their vehicle, or the driver of the first vehicle can take evasive action.
Preferably, the display is mounted to and faces outwardly from the first of the two vehicles such that a warning signal is displayed to the driver of the second of the two vehicles. Mounting the display such that a warning signal is displayed to the driver of the second of the two vehicles increases the likelihood that the driver of the second vehicle will cease to travel at an unsafe distance from the first vehicle given their relative speed.
Preferably, the system further comprises a camera unit which is mounted to the first vehicle, wherein the camera unit records one or more images of the second vehicle lithe two vehicles are deemed to be at an unsafe distance from one another given the relative speed of the two vehicles. Recording one or more images of the second vehicle when the two vehicles are at an unsafe distance given their speed, allows the driver of the first vehicle to automatically take a note of the registration and model of the second vehicle. If a collision does occur, images can also be recorded and used for insurance purposes.
Preferably, communication between the vehicle proximity warning apparatus and the display is wireless. Wireless transmission of a warning signal avoids the need to wire the vehicle to incorporate the apparatus and the display. This allows the system to be straightforwardly fitted to a vehicle.
In a third independent aspect, the invention provides a method of warning of the proximity is of two vehicles, the method comprising the steps of: * providing a vehicle proximity warning apparatus comprising a speed and distance sensor; a processor; and a transmitter for communicating with a display suitable for alerting a driver to the proximity of the two vehicles; * determining when the two vehicles are travelling and are proximal to one another, the distance between the first and second vehicles; * determining the speed at which each vehicle is travelling * calculating dependent on the speed at which the two vehicles are travelling whether the determined distance is unsafe; * transmitting a warning signal to said display if the distance between the two vehicles is deemed unsafe; and * displaying said warning signal to at least one of the drivers of the two vehicles.
This method is particularly advantageous because it provides effective identification of a tailgating vehicle so that the driver of either, or both, of the vehicles can be warned that a tailgating event is occurring or is about to occur. Transmission and display of a warning signal to the driver of at least one of the vehicles increases the possibility that the vehicles can avoid a collision, e.g. the tailgating driver (i.e. the driver of the second vehicle) can apply their brakes to slow their vehicle, or the driver of the first vehicle can take evasive action.
Preferably, the method comprises the further steps of providing a camera unit; and recording one or more images of the second vehicle if the distance between the first and second vehicles is deemed unsafe given the relative speed of the two vehicles. Recording one or more images of the second vehicle when the two vehicles are at an unsafe distance given their speed, allows the driver of the first vehicle to automatically take a note of the registration and model of the second vehicle. If a collision does occur, this can also be recorded and used for insurance purposes.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 shows a plan view of an embodiment of the invention.
is Figure 2 shows a diagrammatic view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1.
Detailed Description of the Embodiments
A preferred embodiment of the vehicle proximity warning system is shown in Figure 1. The system comprises a vehicle proximity warning apparatus, referenced generally as 10, which comprises a speed and distance sensor 11, a processor 12 and a transmitter 13. The components of the apparatus 10 are shown in more detail in Figure 2. The apparatus 10 is mounted to the first of two vehicles, which are travelling and proximal to one another. The system also comprises a display 14 which is located in at least one of the two vehicles. The aim of the vehicle proximity warning system, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, is to identify and warn at least one of the two vehicles, such as F and G, of a tailgating incident, i.e. when the second vehicle is at a distance behind the first vehicle which is deemed to be unsafe given the speed that each vehicle is travelling at. Transmission of a warning signal to the display 14 by the apparatus 10 is dependent on the sensed distance between the two vehicles, F and G, and the speed at which the two vehicles are travelling. In use, when the distance between the two vehicles is deemed to be unsafe, given their relative speed, a warning signal is transmitted by the apparatus 10 to the display 14 in order to warn the driver of at least one of the two vehicles of their proximity. When the proximity is unsafe, i.e. the second vehicle G is tailgating the warning signal and display 14 provides the driver of at least one of the vehicles with an opportunity to take appropriate action in order to reduce the risk of a collision.
Figure 1 shows a number of vehicles A-H which are travelling on a motorway. Three of the vehicles A, D and F have a vehicle proximity warning apparatus 10 which is continuously or periodically sensing the distance between the vehicle (A, D or F) and another vehicle travelling behind the first vehicle. In this example, vehicles B, E and G are traveling behind vehicles A, D and F respectively and each of the vehicles is travelling at approximately 70pmh. Two other vehicles, C and H, are also travelling on the motorway behind vehicles B and G respectively.
The apparatus of vehicle A senses the distance and speed of vehicle B continuously or periodically and calculates whether, given the speed of vehicles A and B, vehicle B is at an is unsafe distance from vehicle A. In this example, vehicle B is travelling at a safe distance, e.g. 100 meters, from vehicle B given their relative speed (70mph). A safe distance is, for instance, one which, should a first vehicle come to a halt, would allow the second vehicle to decelerate to a stop without colliding with the first vehicle. However, a safe distance may also be any distance whereby the driver of the second vehicle has ample time to react zo to a deceleration of the first vehicle so that a collision is avoided.
Vehicle E is also travelling at a safe distance behind vehicle D, as determined by the apparatus of vehicle E. However, vehicles F and G, which are also travelling at 70pmh, are at an unsafe proximity. This is because vehicle G is only, say, 10 meters behind vehicle F. In use, the distance and speed sensor 11 of the apparatus 10 of vehicle F senses the distance between F and G and the speed of G in relation to the speed of F. The processor of the apparatus of F calculates that this is an unsafe distance given the speed of the two vehicles and as a result causes the transmitter to transmit a warning signal to a display so that the driver of at least one of vehicles F and G can be alerted to the tailgating incident. At least one of the drivers can subsequently control their vehicle such that the tailgating incident ceases.
S
Figure? shows a diagrammatic view of the apparatus 10 and the display 14. In order that the display 14 can receive the transmitting warning signal from the apparatus 10, a receiver 16 is preferably provided which is connected to the display 14. Transmission of a warning signal from the apparatus 10 to the display 14 is preferably wireless so that wires do not have to be passed through the interior of the vehicle to connect the components of the system.
In a preferred embodiment, shown in Figures 1 and 3, the apparatus 10 is mounted on a surface of a first vehicle F such that the apparatus 10 faces outwardly from the rear of the first vehicle F to determine the distance and relative speed of the second vehicle G. This could be a rear end of the first vehicle or the roof of the first vehicle, with the apparatus 10 directly rearward.
Most preferably, the warning signal is displayed to the drivers of both vehicles. However, in is alternative embodiments, the warning signal is displayed to the driver of the first vehicle F only or the second vehicle G only. It is preferable to display the warning sign to the drivers of both vehicles to minimise the risk of collision between the two vehicles.
The display 14 for displaying the warning signal to the first driver may be part of a heads up display or a self-contained display for the system. The display for displaying the warning signal to the second driver may be located in the first vehicle and directed rearward from the first vehicle, or the warning signal is transmitted wirelessly to a display Located in the second vehicle. The warning signal may be expressed by a visual display, an audible tone or a tactile alert.
In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus 10 is configured to communicate with a camera unit 15. When the two vehicles F and G are at an unsafe distance from one another, given the relative speed of the two vehicles, the camera unit 15 records one or more images of the second vehicle G, so that a record can be kept of the tailgating incident. Evidence can also be stored if a collision were to occur as a result of the tailgating incident The camera unit 15 is preferably wirelessly connected to the other components of the apparatus 10.
Transmission of the warning signal to the display 14 is also preferably wireless so that the system can be straightforwardly fitted to a vehicle and the components of the system can fit any make or model of vehicle.
In one embodiment, the speed and distance sensor 11 senses the speed of the second vehicle directly. However, in an alternative embodiment, the processor 12 calculates the speed of the second vehicle G by determining the distance of the second vehicle G from the first vehicle F over a given time period. If the distance of the second vehicle G from the first vehicle F is determined periodicaily, e.g. once every second, the speed of the second vehicle can be determined. However, in another embodiment, the speed and distance sensor is an ultrasonic speed and distance sensor which directly senses the speed and distance of the second vehicle from the first vehicle.
Preferabiy, the speed and distance sensor 11, processor 12 and transmitter 13 of the apparatus 10 are formed as a single unit. However, the components may be separated and placed at locations on a vehicie to enhance the speed and effectiveness of the system and apparatus.

Claims (15)

  1. Claims 1. A vehicle proximity warning apparatus, the apparatus comprising a speed and distance sensor; a processor; and a transmitter for communicating with a display suitable for alerting a driver to the proximity of two vehicles which are travelling and proximal to one another; wherein the transmission of a warning signal to the display is dependent on the measured distance between the two vehicles and the speed at which the vehicles are travelling; whereby, when the distance between the vehicles is deemed to be unsafe given the relative speed of the vehicles, a warning signal is transmitted to the display to warn the driver of at least one of the vehicles to the proximity of the two vehicles.
  2. 2. A vehicle proximity warning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is mounted on a surface of a first vehicle such that the apparatus faces outwardly from the rear of the first vehicle to determine the distance and relative speed of a second vehicle.
  3. 3. A vehicle proximity warning apparatus according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the warning signal is displayed to the driver of the second of the two vehicles.
  4. 4. A vehicle proximity warning apparats according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the warning signal is displayed to the driver of the first of the two vehicles.
  5. 5. A vehicle proximity warning apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is configured to communicate with a camera unit which, when the two vehicles are at an unsafe distance from one another, given the relative speed of the two vehicles, records one or more images of the second vehicle.
  6. 6. A vehicle proximity warning apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the speed and distance sensor is an ultrasonic speed and distance sensor.
  7. 7. A vehicle proximity warning apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein transmission of the warning signal to the display is wireless.II
  8. 8. A vehicle proximity warning apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the speed and distance sensor, the processor and the transmitter are formed as a single unit.
  9. 9. A vehicle proximity warning system, the system comprising: * a vehicle proximity warning apparatus comprising a speed and distance sensor, a processor and a transmitter; and * a display Located in at Least one of two vehicles which are travelling and are proximal to one another; wherein transmission of a warning signal to said display by said apparatus is dependent on the sensed distance between the two vehicles and the speed at which the two vehicles are travelling; whereby, when the distance between the two vehicles is deemed to be unsafe, given the relative speed of the two vehicles, a warning signal is transmitted by said apparatus to the display in order to warn the driver of at least one of the two vehicles of their proximity.
  10. 10. A vehicle proximity warning system according to claim 9, wherein the display is mounted to and faces outwardly from the first of the two vehicles such that a warning signal is displayed to the driver of the second of the two vehicles.
  11. 11. A vehicle proximity warning system according to either claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the system further comprises a camera unit which is mounted to the first vehicle, wherein the camera unit records one or more images of the second vehicle if the two vehicles are deemed to be at an unsafe distance from one another given the relative speed of the two vehicles.
  12. 12. A vehicle proximity warning system according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein communication between the vehicle proximity warning apparatus and the display is 30 wireless.
  13. 13. A method of warning of the proximity of two vehicles, the method comprising the steps of: * providing a vehicle proximity warning apparatus comprising a speed and distance sensor; a processor; and a transmitter for communicating with a display suitable for alerting a driver to the proximity of the two vehicles; * determining when the two vehicles are travelling and are proximal to one another, the distance between the first and second vehicles; * determining the speed at which each vehicle is travelling; * calculating, dependent on the speed at which the two vehicles are travelling, whether the determined distance is unsafe; * transmitting a warning signal to said display if the distance between the two vehicles is deemed unsafe; and * displaying said warning signal to at [east one of the drivers of the two vehicles.
  14. 14. A method according to claim 13, comprising the further steps of providing a camera unit; and recording one or more images of the second vehicle if the distance between the first and second vehicles is deemed unsafe given the relative speed of the two vehicles.
  15. 15. A vehicle proximity warning apparatus, vehicle proximity warning system and method of warning of the proximity between two vehicles substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
GB1506355.5A 2015-04-15 2015-04-15 Vehicle proximity warning apparatus and systems, and methods of warning of the proximity of two vehicles Withdrawn GB2538049A (en)

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