GB2541060A

GB2541060A - Road warning system and method

Info

Publication number: GB2541060A
Application number: GB1607358.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steven Hilton Andrew; Stuart Kelly Mark; Ackroyd Steven
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-08-06
Filing date: 2016-04-27
Publication date: 2017-02-08
Also published as: GB2528791A; GB2528791B; GB201513948D0

Abstract

A first vehicle 107 is equipped with a warning means 102 to project an image onto a road surface, the image corresponds with the area and position of said vehicles blind spot or zone 104. The vehicle has a detection means 103 and a control means. The detection means may generate a plurality of detection zones 111. If an object 108, which may be a person, a bicycle or a motor vehicle, enters zone 111 then detector 103a registers its presence. The controller is activated and the projector emits a light onto the road surface to warn the object. The object 108 may be equipped with a detection means or tag 105 that communicates with the first vehicle. The vehicle may also communicate with road or street furniture, see figures 3A 3C. The system may employ more than one projector and may be speed or direction dependent.

Description

Road Warning System and Method

This disclosure relates to a road warning system, and in particular, but not exclusively, relates to a road warning system configured to provide a warning to a road user.

Introduction

The number of motorists and cyclists using UK roads has increased in recent years. The Department for Transport estimates that there are approximately 30 million motorists in the UK alone. Further, a statistical release by the Department for Transport (Reported Road Casualties in Great Britain: Main Results 2013) shows that there were approximately 20,000 cyclist casualties in 2013, of that number 108 being fatal.

In particular, a large vehicle, such as a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) or a bus, poses a significant threat to a cyclist, as it is difficult for the driver to see the cyclist. Even with extra mirrors and/or camera systems, the driver may find it difficult to see the cyclist, who may be on the inside (curbside) of the vehicle. Furthermore, it is difficult for the driver to pay constant attention to the mirrors and/or display of a camera system, especially when driving the vehicle in busy traffic conditions.

It is known to provide a vehicle with a visual and/or aural alarm so that the driver of the vehicle may provide a warning to another road user that the vehicle is about to perform a manoeuvre. However, it is difficult for the other road user to determine if they are able to be seen by the driver of the vehicle.

Statements of Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a warning system, for example a road warning system, for one or more road users. In the context of the present disclosure the term “road user” applies to any person on a road, for example a driver of a vehicle, a cyclist, a pedestrian, and/or any oth er appropriate road user. The road user may be the operator, for example the driver, of a vehicle or a passenger of a vehicle. In the context of the present disclosure the term “driver” is understood to mean the driver of a vehicle, which includes the rider of a bicycle. The road user may be someone by the side of the road, for example a pedestrian on a pavement (sidewalk). The road may be private property or public property. The road may be any appropriate type of way or thoroughfare leading from one place to another.

The road warning system may comprise an indicating device configured to display on a road surface an image corresponding to a blind spot in the field of vision of a road user, for example a driver of a first vehicle. For example, the indicating device may be configured to display the image so that another road user is aware of the blind spot of the driver of the first vehicle. The image may be a grid configured to indicate the configuration, for example the size and/or the shape of the blind spot of the driver of the first vehicle. In the context of the present disclosure, a blind spot in the field of vision of a road user is an area around the road user that cannot be directly observed by the road user, for example while at the controls of a vehicle, under existing circumstances.

The indicating device may comprise a light source. The indicating device may be a projector. The indicating device may be configured to cast the image on the road surface, and/or onto one or more articles of highway infrastructure.

The warning system may comprise a first portion, for example a detecting device, configured to generate a first detection zone. The first portion may be configured to generate a second detection zone. The detecting device may be any appropriate device capable of sensing/determining the presence of another article. The detecting device may comprise an electronic device configured to generate one or more detection zones by virtue of an electromagnetic field and/or electromagnetic wave propagation. The detecting device may comprise an imaging device that generates a detection zone that is defined by the imaging field of the imaging device, for example the field of vision of a camera.

The warning system may comprise one or more second portions, for example a tag, a label and/or a marker, configured to be detected by the first portion. The second portion may be for the purpose of identification and/or to give other information relating to the one or more road users.

The first portion and the indicating device may be operatively connected, in use. The first portion and the indicating device may be configured to operatively connect when the first portion detects the second portion, for example when the warning system is in use. The operative connection may be an intermittent connection, for example the operative connection may be only established once the first portion detects the second portion, i.e. when the warning system is in use. The first portion and the indicating device may be operatively connected irrespective of whether the first portion detects the second portion. The first portion may be configured to operatively connect to the indicating device. The indicating device may be configured to operatively connect to the first portion. The first and indicating device may be operatively connected by one or more wired and/or wireless connections. The first portion and the indicating device may be operatively connected by virtue of one or more controllers.

The indicating device may be configured to provide a first indication, for example a first image, when the first portion detects that the second portion is in the first detection zone. The indicating device may be configured to provide a second indication, for example a second image, when the first portion detects that the second portion is in the second detection zone.

The first portion may be provided on a first vehicle and/or a first road user. The second portion may be provided on a second vehicle and/or on a second road user.

The warning system may comprise a controller configured to determine the operational state of the first vehicle, for example a change in the operational state of one or more vehicular systems of one or more vehicles. The controller may be configured to operatively connect to the first and/or second portions. The controller may be configured to provide a signal to establish the operable con nection between the first and/or second portions, for example when the first portion detects the second portion.

The first indication may be provided when the first portion detects that the second portion is in the first detection zone and the controller determines a change in the operational state of the first vehicle, i.e. when both criteria are satisfied.

The second indication may be provided when the first portion detects that the second portion is in the second detection zone and the controller determines a change in the operational state of the first vehicle, i.e. when both criteria are satisfied.

The controller may be configured to change the operational state of the vehicle when the first portion detects the second portion. The controller may be configured to change the operational state of the vehicle when the second portion is in the first detection zone. The controller may be configured to change the operational state of the vehicle when the second portion is in the second detection zone.

The controller may be configured to record data regarding when the first portion detects the second portion. For example, the controller may be configured to record data regarding the time, frequency, location and/or duration of when the first portion detects the second portion, for example data regarding the interaction between the first road user and the second road user. The controller may be operatively connected to a central server, for example a cloud server, using one or more wireless connections. The controller may be configured to send and/or receive data from the central server. The controller and/or the server may be configured to perform analyses on the data, for analysis regarding the time, frequency, location and/or duration of one or more interactions between a first road user and a second road user. The first portion may be configured to establish a direct operative connection to the indicating device. The first portion may be configured to establish an operative connection with the indicating device by way of the server. The indicating device may be configured to establish a direct operative connection with the first portion.

The second portion may be remote from the first portion. The second portion may be portable, for example easily attachable to a road user and/or a vehicle, without detriment to the road user’s action. The second portion may be configured to move freely with respect to the first portion.

The indicating device may be configured to provide the first indication and/or the second indication to the driver of the second vehicle. The indicating device may be configured to provide the first indication and/or the second indication to any appropriate road user.

The warning system may be configured to provide the first and/or the second indications when a road user is in a blind spot in the field of vision of another road user.

The first indication may be provided to at least one road user when the second portion is in the first detection zone for a predetermined time, for example a time period in the range of approximately 0.5 seconds to 10 seconds, or approximately 1 second. The second indication may be provided to at least one road user when the second portion is in the second detection zone for a predetermined time, for example a time period in the range of approximately 0.5 seconds to 10 seconds, or approximately 1 second. The first and/or second indication may be provided in real time or near-real time, upon detection of the first and/or second portion.

The first portion may comprise a plurality of detecting portions that are operatively connected to one another. The detecting portions may be spaced apart from one another. The first portion may comprise one or more first detecting portions. The first portion may comprise one or more second detecting portions. The one or more first detecting portions may be configured to generate the first detection zone. The one or more second detecting portions may be configured to generate the second detection zone. The first detection zone may have a first detection range, for example a maximum distance from the first portion at which the second portion may be detected. The second detection zone may have a second detection range. One of the first or second detection zones may be at least partially disposed within the other of the first or second detection zones. The first and second detection zones may be spaced apart.

The first detection zone may define a three-dimensional region in space in which the second portion may be detected by the first portion. The second detection zone may define a three-dimensional region in space in which the second portion may be detected by the first portion. The first and/or second detection zones may be located at or near ground level, for example at a height that is appropriate to detect a second portion that is attached to a road user.

The warning system may comprise a plurality of first portions. Each of the first portions may be provided on a respective vehicle and/or a respective road user. Each of the first portions may be configured to detect another first portion. The warning system may comprise a plurality of second portions. Each of the second portions may be provided on a respective vehicle and/or a respective road user. Each of the indicating devices may be configured to provide an indication to a respective road user. Each road user may be in charge of a respective vehicle.

The second indication may be provided once the first indication has been provided. The first and second indications may be provided sequentially. The first and second indications may be provided at the same time. The first and second indications each indicate to a road user the proximity of another road user.

The first portion and the indicating device may be provided in a common housing. The common housing may be provided on a vehicle. The common housing may be provided on a piece of highway infrastructure.

The indicating device may be provided remote from the first portion. The second portion may be removably attachable to a road user and/or a vehicle.

The second portion may comprise a first element configured to be detected by the first portion. The second portion may comprise a second element configured to be detected by the first portion.

The indicating device may be configured to provide the first indication to one or more road users when the first portion detects that one of the first and second elements of the second portion is in the first detection zone. The indicating device may be configured to provide the second indication to one or more road users when the first portion detects that one of the first and second elements of the second portion is in the second detection zone.

The indicating device may be configured to provide one or more indications to one or more road users by virtue of at least one of a visual, aural and haptic signal.

The first portion may be configured to operatively connect to the indicating device when the first portion determines that the second portion is in the first detection zone. The first portion may be configured to operatively connect to the indicating device when the first portion determines that the second portion is in the second detection zone.

The controller may be configured to adjust the configuration of the first and second detection zones. For example, the controller may be configured to adjust the range, position, sensitivity and/or any other appropriate parameter of the first and second detection zones.

The warning system may comprise one or more radio-frequency identification (RFID) devices. The first portion may comprise at least one passive RFID tag. The second portion may comprise at least one passive RFID tag. The first portion may comprise at least one active RFID reader. The second portion may comprise at least one active RFID reader. The first portion may comprise at least one active RFID tag. The second portion may comprise at least one active RFID tag.

The indicating device may have a plurality of operational levels. The controller may be configured to adjust the operational level of the indicating device depending on the proximity of another road user to the first vehicle. For example, the indicating device may be configured to provide a first image having a first colour, for example green, when the road user is at a first distance from the blind spot of the first vehicle. The indicating device may be configured to provide a second image having a second colour, for example red, when the road user is at a second distance from the blind spot of the first vehicle. The second distance may be a smaller distance than the first distance, i.e. a distance closer to the blind spot of the driver of the first vehicle

The warning system may comprise a sensor configured to determine the configuration of the blind spot of the driver of the first vehicle depending on the state of the driver of the first vehicle, for example the position of the driver with respect to the first vehicle. The warning system may comprise a sensor, for example a camera, configured to capture one or more images of the driver of the first vehicle. The sensor may be operatively connected to the controller. The controller may be configured to analyze the captured image of the driver and determine the configuration of the driver’s blind spot depending on the characteristics and/or condition of the driver. For example, one driver of the first vehicle may employ a first vehicular set-up when driving the first vehicle, and a different driver of the first vehicle may employ a second vehicular set-up when driving the first vehicle. As a result, each driver may have a differently configured blind spot. The controller may be configured to adjust the size and shape of the image depending on the vehicle set-up, and/or the characteris-tics/condition of whichever driver is currently driving the first vehicle. A vehicle may comprise one or more warning systems according to the present disclosure. The vehicle may comprise at least one of the first portion, the second portion, the indicating device and the controller, as described above.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method of warning a road user. The method may comprise displaying on a road sur face an image having an area corresponding to a blind spot of a driver of the first vehicle.

The invention also provides software, such as a computer program or a computer program product for carrying out any of the methods described herein, and a computer readable medium having stored thereon a program for carrying out any of the methods described herein. A computer program embodying the invention may be stored on a computer-readable medium, or it could, for example, be in the form of a signal such as a downloadable data signal provided from an Internet website, or it could be in any other form.

To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described in relation to only one or several, arrangements, aspects or embodiments of the disclosure. However, it is to be understood that, where it is technically possible, features described in relation to any arrangement, aspect or embodiment of the disclosure may also be used with any other arrangement, aspect or embodiment of the disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the present disclosure, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows an arrangement of a road warning system;

Figures 2A and 2B depict an example mode of operation of an arrangement of a road warning system;

Figures 3A to 3C depict an example mode of operation of an arrangement of a road warning system;

Figure 4 shows an arrangement of an indicating device of a road warning system; and

Figure 5 shows an arrangement of a second portion of a road warning system. Detailed Description

Figures 1 to 3C show arrangements of a warning system 101 according to the present disclosure. The warning system 101 is configured to warn a road user, for example a driver of a vehicle, a cyclist, a pedestrian and/or any other road user. The warning system 101 may be configured to inform the road user in advance of a possible danger, problem, or other undesired situation.

The warning system 101 comprises an indicating device, for example a projector 102, configured to display an image on a road surface. The display indicates a zone 104 that corresponds to the blind spot of a driver of a first vehicle 107. In the context of the present disclosure, the term “indicating device” is understood to mean any device capable of displaying a visual indication on the road surface. For example, the projector 102 may be configured to project a visual representation of the configuration of the blind spot of the driver of the first vehicle 107. The projector 102 may comprise any appropriate type of light source, and optionally at least one of a lens, a reflector and/or a filter. For example, the projector 102 may be configured to display the boundary of the blind spot of the driver of the first vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the projector 102 may be configured to display an image that indicates the proximity of another road user to the boundary of the blind spot of the driver of the first vehicle. For example, the projected image may comprise a scale that represents the distance of the other road user to the blind spot of the driver of the first vehicle.

In the arrangement shown in figure 1, the projector 102 is provided on a side of the first vehicle 107. However, the projector 102 may be attached to any appropriate portion of the vehicle. The projector 102 is configured to project a zone 104 that corresponds to the blind spot of the driver of the first vehicle 107. Whilst the arrangement shown in figure 1 has only a single projector 102, it is understood the warning system 101 may comprise any appropriate number of projectors 102. Each of the projectors 102 may be configured to display at least a portion of at least one blind spot of the driver of the first vehicle 107. For example, the warning system 101 may comprise a first projector 102 on one side of the vehicle 107, the first projector 102 being configured to indicate a first blind spot, and another projector 102 on another side of the vehicle 107, the other projector 102 being configured to indicate another blind spot. In another arrangement, one of the projectors 102 may be configured to display at least a portion of one or more of the blind spots of the driver of the first vehicle 107.

The warning system 101 may comprise a controller configured to control the operation of the projector 102 depending on the operational state of the first vehicle 107 and/or depending on the actions of one or more other road users. For example, the warning system 101 may comprise a controller configured to determine the operational state of the first vehicle 107, and to operate the projector 102 depending on the operational state of the first vehicle 107.

The controller may be configured to determine the speed, direction, velocity and/or an input to/output from any appropriate vehicular system, such as a turn signal indicator of the first vehicle 107. The projector 102 may be configured to operate when, for example only when, the controller determines a change in the operational state of the first vehicle 107. It is understood that the change in operational state of the vehicle may be caused by an input by the driver of the vehicle into one or more vehicular systems, such as turning the steering wheel or engaging a particular gear of the vehicle’s gearbox. The change in operational state may be time-dependent, for example, the change in operational state may be a change between two operational states with in a predetermined time period. For example, the controller may be configured to determine that an input to the steering wheel is made following the activation of a turn signal. In such an arrangement, the change in operational state may be positively determined only when the input to the steering wheel is performed within a predetermined time period following activation of the turn signal, or vice versa. The change in operational state may be a change between a first operational parameter of a vehicular system and a second operational parameter of the vehicular system, for example a change between a first steering angle and a second steering angle, which may be within a predetermined time period. The change in operational state may be a change from an operational parameter of a first vehicular system, for example a predetermined value of the speed of the vehicle, and an operational parameter of a second vehicular system, for example a steering angle of the vehicle.

The controller may be operatively connected to one or more vehicular systems, such as a turn signal indicator of the first vehicle. The controller may be configured to operate the projector 102 depending on the operational state of one or more of the vehicular systems, such as the turn signal indicator and/or the operational state of the steering system. In this manner, the projector 102 may be configured to display at least partially on a road surface a zone corresponding to the blind spot of the driver of the first vehicle when, for example only when, the controller determines that the driver of the first vehicle 107 intends to change the direction in which the first vehicle 107 is travelling.

The warning system 101 may comprise a first portion, for example a detecting device 103, and a second portion, for example a tag 105. The detecting device 103 may be provided for use by a first road user, for example the detecting device 103 may be provided on a first vehicle 107. The tag 105 may be provided for use by a second road user, for example the tag 105 may be provided on a second vehicle 108. The first and second vehicles 107, 108 may each be any type of vehicle, for example a car, van, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, aircraft or marine vessel. However, the detecting device 103 and the tag 105 may be attachable, for example removably securable, directly to respective road users, for example a cyclist or a driver of a vehicle. Various arrangements of the detecting device 103 and the tag 105 are described in more detail below.

The detecting device 103, for example a reader device, is configured to detect, for example discover the presence of, one or more tags 105 that are at least partially in a detection zone 111 generated by the detection device 103. In the arrangement shown in figure 2A and 2B, the detecting device 103 is configured to generate a detection zone, for example the first detection zone 111. However, the detecting device 103 may be configured to generate any appropriate number of detection zones.

The detecting device 103 may comprise a plurality of detecting portions that are each configured to generate one or more detection zones. The detecting device 103 may comprise a first detecting portion 103a configured to generate the first detection zone 111, and a second detecting portion configured to generate the second detection zone. The detecting device may, however, comprise any appropriate number of first detecting portions 103a, second detecting portions, and/or further detecting portions. Each detecting portion may be provided in a different location, for example on different portions of a vehicle and/or portions of highway infrastructure/road furniture. In the arrangement shown in figures 2A and 2B, the first detecting portion 103a is provided towards the side of the first vehicle 107. However, the detecting portions may be provided at any appropriate location on the vehicle, for example the roof of the vehicle, the underbody of the vehicle, and/or inside the vehicle.

In the arrangement shown in figures 2A and 2B, the warning system 101 comprises the first detecting portion 103a configured to generate the first detection zone 111. The warning system comprises at least one corresponding tag 105 configured to be detected by at least one of the detecting portions of the road warning system 101. In this manner, the road warning system 101 is configured to activate the projector 102 when the first detecting portion 103a detects that the tag 105 is in the first detection zone 111.

In the arrangement shown in figures 2A and 2B, the first detecting portion 103a of the detecting device 103 is attached, for example fixed, to the side of the first vehicle 107 such that the first detection zone 111 is generated to the side the first vehicle 107. The detecting portions may be fixed to the vehicle using any appropriate fixing means, for example by virtue of a fastener, a snap-fixing, adhesive and/or a magnetic coupling.

The detection zone may extend away from respective portions of the first vehicle 107 in any direction. For example, the first detection zone 111 may extend directly from a respective portion of the first vehicle 107, i.e. the surface of the vehicle 107 to which the detecting device 103, or detecting portions of the de tecting device 103, is attached, as shown in figures 2A and 2B. Additionally or alternatively, the detection zone may be provided at a distance from the respective portion of the first vehicle 107 such that the detection zone is spaced apart from the first vehicle 107.

Each of the detecting portions may generate a plurality of detecting zones. For example, the first detecting portion 103a may be configured to generate a plurality of first detection zones 111. Each of the plurality of first detections zones 111 may extend away from the first detecting portion 103a in substantially the same or different directions depending upon the desired arrangement of the first detections zones 111.

The detecting device 103 may be configured to be operatively connected to the indicating device, for example the projector 102, which is configured to provide an indication to one or more road users. In one arrangement, the projector 102 and the detecting device 103 may be provided in a common housing. However, the projector 102 and detecting device 103 may be separate from each other and may be provided in separate locations, for example the projector 102 may be provided on one vehicle and the detecting device 103 may be provided on another vehicle.

The operable connection between the projector 102 and the detecting device 103 may be a physical connection, for example by virtue of one or more electrical cables and/or connectors. Additional and/or alternatively, the connection may be at least partially a wireless connection, for example the connection may be a Bluetooth (RTM) connection, and/or any other type of wireless connection.

The projector 102 may be configured to provide an indication, for example a warning, to any other road user in the vicinity of the first vehicle 107, for example the driver of the second vehicle 108. Additionally or alternatively, the indicating device may be configured to provide an indication to the driver of the first vehicle 107, for example by virtue of one or more other indicating devices.

The warning system 101 shown in the arrangement of figures 2A and 2B comprises one or more tags 105 configured to be detected by the detecting device 103. For example the tag 105 may be configured to be discoverable upon at least partial entry into one or more detection zones.

Figure 2A shows the tag 105 outside of the detection zone 111. In such a situation, the warning system 101 is configured to not provide a warning to the road user near to the first vehicle 107. In other words, when the tag 105 is outside the first detection zone 111, the projector 102 may be inactive, i.e. the zone that corresponds to the blind spot of the driver of the first vehicle 107 is not displayed. In such a situation, the indicating device may be configured to provide an indication to the driver of the first vehicle 107 that there are not any imminently dangerous situations to be aware of.

Where the warning system 101 comprises the controller configured to determine the operational state the first vehicle 107, the projection 104 of the blind spot may be provided when the tag 105 is in the first detection zone 111 and the controller determines a change in the operational state of the vehicle, i.e. only when both conditions are satisfied. Alternatively or additionally, the projection 104 of the blind spot may be provided when the tag 105 is in the first detection zone 111 and the controller determines that the speed and/or direction of the vehicle is changing, such as when the driver of the first vehicle 107 is performing a manoeuvre.

The controller may be configured to control one or more vehicular systems, for example a motor of the vehicle, a power train of the vehicle, a brake system of the vehicle, and/or any other appropriate vehicular system. For example, the controller may be configured to change the operational state of one or more of the vehicular systems. The controller may be configured to alter the speed and/or direction of the vehicle by providing one or more inputs to the power train of the vehicle and the steering system of the vehicle. The controller may be configured to apply a brake of the vehicle and/or sound one or more alarms of the vehicle, e.g. a horn of the vehicle.

The controller may be operatively connected to the detecting device 103. In this manner, the controller may be configured to change the operational state of the vehicle when the detecting device 103 determines that the tag 105 is in the first detection zones 111. The configuration of the detection zone may correspond to the configuration of the blind spot. In this manner, the controller may be configured to change the operational state of the first vehicle 107 when the detecting device 103 determines that the tag 105 is in the blind spot of the first vehicle 107.

The projected image may be provided when the tag 105 is in the first detection zone 111 for a predetermined time. For example, the detecting device 103 may detect that the tag 103 is at least partially in the first detection zone 111 for a predetermined time period, for example a time period in the range of 0 to 5 seconds, before the projector 102 displays the projection. In this manner, the projector 102 may operate only if the tag 105 remains in the detection zone 111a predetermined time period. For example, it may be desirable to not provide the projected image when the tag 105 passes transiently through the first and/or the second detection zone 111, 113. Such a set-up allows the warning system to differentiate between those tags 105 that remain in the detection zone 111 and those that are only in the detection zone 111 for a short period.

The controller may be configured such that a user may select the time period for which the tag 105 must remain in the detection zone 111 before the projection of the blind spot is provided.

The arrangement of the detection zone 111 shown in figures 2A and 2B are merely intended to provide example arrangements of the detection zone arrangement, and the present disclosure is not limited to the arrangements shown. Indeed, the detection zones may have any appropriate arrangement, depending on the desired application of the warning system 101.

The detection zones 111 may define one or more three-dimensional regions in space. For example, the detection zones 111 may define a three-dimensional region that at least partially surrounds the first vehicle 107. The detection zones 111 may be provided proximate to and/or spaced apart from the vehicle. The detection zone 111 may be configured such that the detection device 103 is able to detect one or more tags 105 that are positioned at or near ground level. In the context of the present disclosure, the term “ground level” may be interpreted as within a range of approximately 0 m to 5 m above the ground, although any other range is anticipated depending upon the application of the warning system 101. In this manner, the detection device 103 is able to detect one or more tags 105 that are attached to a vehicle and/or an operator of a vehicle, for example a tag that is attached to a bicycle or a cyclist.

The detection zones 111 may be provided around the vehicle 107 such that the presence of the tag 105 in the detection zone 111 is indicative of the proximity of another road user, e.g. a vehicle and/or an operator of a vehicle, to the road user. For example, the presence of the tag 105 in the first detection zone 111 may be indicative that the other road user is within a first range of the road user, and the presence of the tag 105 in another detection zone may be indicative that the other road user is within a second range of the road user. The first range may be a larger range than the second range, for example the first range may be a range of approximately 0 m to 10 m and the second range may be approximately 0 m to 2 m. In another arrangement, the first range may be a range of approximately 5 m to 10 m and the second range may be approximately 0 m to 5 m. In another arrangement, the first range may be a range of approximately 0 m to 2 m and the second range may be approximately 0 m to 0.5 m. In this manner, the warning system 101 is configured to provide a duel-stage proximity alert of another road user to the road user.

Whilst the arrangement shown in figures 2A and 2B shows only the first detection zone 111, it is understood that the present disclosure provides a warning system 101 that may comprise any appropriate number of detection zones, for example a second, detection zone, a third detection zone, a fourth detection zone, and so on. It is also understood the first and second ranges may be any appropriate ranges depending upon the application of the warning system 101.

The warning system 101 may comprise a radio frequency identification (RFID) system and/or a near field magnetic induction communication (NFMIC) system. For example, the warning system 101 may be configured such that the first detection zone 111 is generated using the RFID system and the second detection zone is generated using the NFMIC system. The warning system 101 may be configured such that the first detection zone 111 is generated using the RFID system. The warning system 101 may be configured such that the first and second detection zones 111, 113 are generated using the NFMIC system. The detections zones 111, 113 may each be generated using a different frequency band in order to establish the detection range of each of each detection zone 111, 113.

The detecting device 103 and the tag 105 may each be a respective portion of the RFID system. The RFID system may comprise any appropriate number of tags and readers. The RFID system may be any type of RFID system. For example the RFID system may be a passive RFID system, for example the tag 105 may be passive tag that uses the signal transmitted from the reader to power on, and reflect energy back to the reader. The RFID system may be an active RFID system, for example the tag 105 may have its own transmitter and power source, for example a battery, and may be configured to broadcast its own signal to transmit information. The RFID system may be a battery-assisted passive (BAP) RFID system, in which a passive tag is connected to an energy source to power the tag's 105 return reporting signal.

In the context of the present disclosure, an “active” component of the warning system 101 may be interpreted as any component that is operatively connected to an energy source, for example a battery, that is used to power the component and its radio frequency communication circuitry or magnetic induction communication circuitry. In the context of the present disclosure, a “passive” component may be interpreted as any component that relies on RF energy transferred from the reader to the tag to power the tag.

The reception range of the RFID system may be adjusted, for example within the range of approximately 0 to 500 m. Such a detection range may allow the detecting device to detect tags at distances of up to approximately 500 m.

It will be appreciated that the RFID system of the warning system 101 may be of any configuration that activate the indications in the manner according the present disclosure. It is appreciated that the warning system 101 may comprise any appropriate number of RFID tags and/or readers. In this manner, any of the first and/or second portions of the warning system 101 may comprise the passive RFID tag, the active RFID reader and/or the active RFID tag.

Figures 3A to 3C show another arrangement of a warning system 201. The warning system 201 comprises similar features to the above-described warning system, the features and benefits of which apply equally to the arrangement shown in figures 3A to 3C, and any of the other arrangements described herein. Furthermore, the features of the warning system 201 shown in figure 3A to 3C may be combined with any of the other arrangements described herein.

The first portion is provided on a portion of highway infrastructure 233, for example a traffic signal, a traffic sign, a barrier, a bollard, a railing or any other appropriate type of highway infrastructure, i.e. road furniture. The first portion is configured to generate the first detection zone 211.

The second portion, for example tag 205, which is provided on a first vehicle 207. The first vehicle 207 may be a bus and the second vehicle 208 may be a bicycle. Flowever, the first and second vehicles 207, 208 may each be any appropriate type of vehicle. The second portion may comprise any appropriate number of tags 205. For example, one or more of the plurality of tags may be attached to a single vehicle, one or more of the plurality of tags may be attached to a cyclist, and/or one or more of the plurality of tags may be attached to a pedestrian. In this manner, the warning system 201 is configured such that any one of a number of tags 205, which are attached to respective road users, may be positioned relative to the detecting device 203.

The warning system 201 comprises an indicating device, for example a projector 202. In the arrangement shown in figures 3A to 3C, the indicating device is provided on the first vehicle 207.

The warning system 201 is configured to provide a warning to a plurality of road users. For example, a first road user may be the driver of the second vehicle 208. Another road user may be the driver of another vehicle (not shown), or a pedestrian (not shown). The indicating device is configured to provide an indication to any road user that they may be in the blind spot of the driver of first vehicle 207.

The warning system further comprises a controller 231 configured to determine the operational state of the first vehicle 207. For example, the controller 231 may be configured to determine the operational state of at least one system of the vehicle, such as a turn signal of the first vehicle 207, a break signal of the first vehicle 207, a drivetrain of the first vehicle 207, a steering system of the first vehicle 207, and/or any other appropriate system of the first vehicle 207. In figures 3A to 3C the controller 231 is operatively connected to the steering system of the first vehicle 207, such that the controller 231 is able to determine the operation state, for example the steering angle of the wheel, and/or control the steering system of the first vehicle 207.

In the arrangement shown in figures 3A to 3C, the controller 231 is operatively connected to the detecting device 203 and to the indicating device. The operable connection between the controller 231 and the indicating device may be a physical connection, for example by virtue of one or more electrical cables and/or connectors. Additional and/or alternatively, the operable connection may be at least partially a wireless connection, for example the connection may be a Bluetooth (RTM) connection, and/or any other type of wireless connection.

In figure 3A, the tag 205 is outside of the first detection zone 211. As a result, projector 202 does not display the image of the blind spot.

In figure 3B, the first vehicle 207 has approached the highway infrastructure 233. As a result, the tag 205 that is attached to the first vehicle 207 is in the first detection zone 211. In one arrangement, the action of the tag 205 entering the first detection zone 211 may activate the projector 202, and cause it to display an image 204 corresponding to the blind spot of the first vehicle 207. However, in the arrangement shown in figure 3B, the sole action of the tag 205 entering the first detection zone does not activate the projector 202.

In figure 3C, the driver of the first vehicle 207 is performing, or at least has started to perform, a manoeuvre in which the first vehicle 207 is turning left, i.e. in a direction towards the cyclist. As a result, the controller 231 determines a change in the operational state of the first vehicle 207. In the arrangement shown in figure 3C, the action of the tag 205 being in the first detection zone 211 and the action of the driver of the first vehicle 207 performing a manoeuvre causes the projector 202 to display the image 204 of the blind spot. It is understood, however, that the order of these two actions need not occur in the above described order. Indeed, the action of the driver of the first vehicle 207 performing a manoeuvre may occur before the tag 205 enters the detection zone 211.

The controller 231 may be configured to further change the operational state of the first vehicle 207, for example the operational state of one or more systems of the first vehicle 207, when the tag 205 is in the first detection zone 211 and/or when the controller determines a change in the operational state of the first vehicle 207. For example, the controller 231 may be configured to interrupt the driver’s input to the steering system of the first vehicle 202, interrupt the driver’s input to the powertrain of the first vehicle 202, operate the brake system of the first vehicle 202, and/or sound a horn of the firm vehicle 202. In this manner, the warning system 201 is configured to at least partially control the first vehicle 207 when the warning system 201 detects that: i) tag 205 is in the first detection zone 211, which is provided around an item of road furniture 233; and ii) the driver of the first vehicle 202 is performing a manoeuvre, or intends to perform a manoeuvre, that could endanger the cyclist.

First portion and indicating device arrangement

Figure 4 shows an arrangement of the detecting device 903 and the indicating device 915, for example a projector, when provided in a common housing 935. The housing 935 may be any appropriate type of casing configured to house the detecting device 903 and/or the indicating device 915. The housing 935 may be configured to be attached, for example removably attached, a vehicle such as a bus, a truck, a lorry, a car, a motorbike, a train, a marine vessel, an aircraft, and or a bicycle. Additionally or alternatively, the housing 935 may be configured to be attached to a road user, for example the driver of the vehicle, a cyclist, and/or a pedestrian. It is understood that the road user may be using the road in any appropriate manner, for example the road user may be an operator of a vehicle on the road and/or may be any individual in the vicinity of the road, such as a pedestrian crossing the road or on the sidewalk (pavement) adjacent to the road. Additionally or alternatively, the housing 935 may be configured to be attached to a portion of highway infrastructure, for example a traffic signal, a barrier, a road sign, a gateway, a tollbooth and/or a bollard.

The housing 935 houses a first indicator light 919A and a second indicator light 919B, which are configured to provide the first and second indications respectively. The first and second indicator light 919A, 919B may be any appropriate type of light, however, it may be particularly advantageous to provide an indicator light 919A, 919B that signals to the road user using a coloured light, for example a coloured light of a colour that is not typically used by any other indicating light on the road. The coloured light may be of a colour other than red, amber, green or white, such that indicator light may be clearly differentiated from another light of a vehicle or highway infrastructure.

The first and/or second indicator lights 919A, 919B may be recessed into the housing 935 such that the first and/or second indicator lights 919A, 919B may be only seen from one or more desired directions. For example, where the housing 935 is provided on the side of the bus, the first and/or second indicator lights 919A, 919B may be recessed into the housing 935 such that they may only be seen by a cyclist approaching the bus from its rear, i.e. the first and/or second indicator lights 919A, 919B face rearwards so as to only provide the first and/or second indications 917A, 917B by the cyclist, and not by any other road user. In a different arrangement, however, the first and/or second indicator lights 919A, 919B may be provided such that they may be seen from all directions and by a plurality of different types of road user.

The housing 935 may contain a power source, such as a battery, and/or may be connected to an existing power source of vehicle and/or a portion of highway infrastructure. The housing 935 may house one or more display screens configured to provide the first and second indications. In one arrangement, the housing 935 may be an existing portion of the vehicle and/or a portion of highway infrastructure, such that the first and/or second indicator lights 919A, 919B, and all one or more display screens, may be retrofitted to the existing portion of the vehicle and/or the portion of highway infrastructure.

It is understood that whilst the arrangement shown in figure 4 illustrates that the first portion and the projector of the warning system may be provided in a common housing 935, the first portion and the projector may each be provided in separate housings. Indeed, the first portion and the projector of the warning system may be provided in separate locations, for example the first portion may be provided in a first housing attached to one portion of a vehicle or highway infrastructure, and the projector may be provided in a second housing attached to another portion of the vehicle or the highway infrastructure.

Brief description of the tag

Figure 5 shows a plurality of tags 1005 attached to respective portions of a bicycle and a cyclist. A tag 1005A may be provided on a strap that is removably attachable to the cyclist and/or the bicycle, for example the strap may be removably attached to the wrist of the cyclist or a portion of the bicycle such as the handlebars. A tag 1005B is provided as a portion of bicycle. For example, the tag 1005B may be provided as part of a dust cap of a tyre valve and/or as part of the frame of the bicycle. In one arrangement, the tag 1005B may be integrated into the manufacture of the bicycle and may be provided inside frame of the bicycle. A tag may be provided as a portion of portion of a bicycle light that is movably attachable to the bicycle and/or the cyclist. A tag may be provided a part of a garment that is worn by the cyclist. For example, the tag may be integrated into the garment during manufacture of the garment or attached to the garment at a later stage.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the disclosure has been described by way of example with reference to one or more arrangements, it is not limited to the disclosed arrangements and that alternative arrangements could be constructed without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims

1. A road warning system, the road warning system comprising an indicating device configured to display on a road surface an image corresponding to a blind spot of a first vehicle.
2. A road warning system according to claim 1, wherein the road warning system comprises a controller configured to determine an operational state of the first vehicle.
3. A road warning system according claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to determine a change in the operational state of the first vehicle.
4. A road warning system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the controller is configured to operate the indicating device depending on the operational state of the first vehicle.
5. A road warning system according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the controller is operatively connected to a turn signal indicator of the first vehicle, the controller being configured to operate the indicating device depending on the operational state of the turn signal indicator.
6. A road warning system according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the controller is operatively connected to a steering system of the first vehicle, the controller being configured to operate the indicating device depending on an operational state of the steering system.
7. A road warning system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the road warning system comprises: at least one first portion configured to generate a detection zone; and at least one second portion configured to be detected by the first portion, the road warning system being configured to activate the indicating device when the first portion detects that the second portion is in the detection zone.
8. A road warning system according to claim 7, wherein the first portion is provided on the first vehicle.
9. A road warning system according to claim 7, wherein the first portion is provided on an article of road furniture.
10. A road warning system according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the second portion is provided on a second vehicle.
11. A road warning system according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the second portion is provided on an article of road furniture.
12. A road warning system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein road warning system comprises a sensor configured to determine the configuration of the blind spot of the first vehicle depending on a physical state of a driver of the first vehicle.
13. A road warning system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the indicating device is provided on the first vehicle.
14. A road warning system according to claim 13, wherein the indicating device is mounted to the side of the first vehicle
15. A road warning system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the indicating device is mounted at least partially within a wing mirror of the first vehicle.
16. A road warning system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the indicating device is at least partially formed in a body panel of the first vehicle.
17. A road warning system according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the indicating device is provided on an article of road furniture.
18. A road warning system according to any of claims 7 to 17, wherein the configuration of the detection zone corresponds to the configuration of the blind spot of the first vehicle.

18. A road warning system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an operational level of the indicating device depends on the proximity of another road user to the first vehicle.
21. A method of warning a road user, the method comprising displaying on a road surface an image corresponding to a blind spot of a first vehicle.
22. A road warning system substantially as described herein, and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
23. A method as claimed in claim 21, and as substantially described herein.