GB2565353A - Improved road proximity warning systems - Google Patents
Improved road proximity warning systems Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2565353A GB2565353A GB1712919.8A GB201712919A GB2565353A GB 2565353 A GB2565353 A GB 2565353A GB 201712919 A GB201712919 A GB 201712919A GB 2565353 A GB2565353 A GB 2565353A
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- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- vehicle
- warning
- speed
- tailgating
- proximity
- 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.)
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Classifications
-
- 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, or advanced driver assistance systems for ensuring comfort, stability and safety or drive control systems for propelling or retarding the vehicle
- B60W30/14—Adaptive cruise control
- B60W30/16—Control of distance between vehicles, e.g. keeping a distance to preceding vehicle
-
- 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
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/50—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
- B60Q1/525—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking automatically indicating risk of collision between vehicles in traffic or with pedestrians, e.g. after risk assessment using the vehicle sensor data
-
- 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
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/50—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
- B60Q1/525—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking automatically indicating risk of collision between vehicles in traffic or with pedestrians, e.g. after risk assessment using the vehicle sensor data
- B60Q1/535—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking automatically indicating risk of collision between vehicles in traffic or with pedestrians, e.g. after risk assessment using the vehicle sensor data to prevent rear-end collisions, e.g. by indicating safety distance at the rear of the vehicle
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/16—Anti-collision systems
- G08G1/166—Anti-collision systems for active traffic, e.g. moving vehicles, pedestrians, bikes
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Traffic Control Systems (AREA)
Abstract
A vehicle proximity warning apparatus includes a speed and distance sensor; and a processor, where the proximity and speed of a first vehicle 15 travelling behind a second vehicle 16 are sensed and a tailgating event identified whereby the proximity of the two vehicles is unsafe given the speed at which at least first vehicle 15 is travelling. A warning display means 10 is provided and is actuated when a tailgating event is identified by providing a warning signal below the threshold of consciousness of the driver of first vehicle 15, which may be a blue light shown for 30 milliseconds or less. The apparatus may be provided on second vehicle 16 or at the side of a road. An image recording unit for recording tailgating events may also be provided. The frequency or duration of the warnings, or the wavelength of the light, may depend on the distance between the vehicles or the speed of first vehicle 15.
Description
improved tedPmmity.Wgmjng.Sy^ems
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The invention relates generally to improved vehicle proximity warning systems, and re< re specifically to proximity warnings relating to tailgating vehicles.
The closest prior art known to the applicant is his own previous application, GB2538049, which describes an apparatus and system for warning a first vehicle if a second vehicle is at a distance behind the first which is deemed to be unsafe in view of the relative speed of the two vehicles. The warning signal of the prior art is transmitted as a visual warning sign which explicitly alerts the driver of the second vehicle of the tailgating event in order to motivate that driver to increase the distance between the first and second vehicles.
In some prior art embodiments, the warning signal is a message, such as ‘SLOW DOWN', which is readable by the driver of the tailgating vehicle.
The embodiments of the prior art suffer from a number of disadvantages. For example, the warning signs must be relatively complex in their configuration in order to effectively convey a warning signal or message to a tailgating driver These prior systems and apparatus are also power hungry because of the ON’ time required to clearly display a warning sign to a tailgating driver, particularly if the vehicle being tailgated regularly experiences tailgating events.
There is therefore a real need to provide a system which provides a warning when a tailgating event occurs which alleviates at least the above problems,
Summary of the Invention
In a first broad independent aspect the invention provides a vehicle proximity warning apparatus, the apparatus comprising a speed and distance sensor: and a processor; wherein said speed and distance sensor senses the proximity and speed of a first vehicle which is travelling behind a second vehicle, and said processor identifies a tailgating event whereby the proximity of the two vehicles is unsafe given the speed at which at least the first, vehicle is travelling: said apparatus further comprising a warning display means, said processor communicating with and actuating said warning display means when said processor identifies a tailgating event: whereby the warning display means propagates a warning signal which is below the threshold of consciousness of the driver of the first vehicle.
This vehicle proximity warning apparatus is particularly advantageous because a warning signal which is below the threshold of consciousness, i.e, the driver of the first, tailgating vehicle Is subliminally warned rather than consciously/perceptively warned, should effectively terminate the tailgating event. The power consumption of the apparatus is markedly reduced in comparison to apparatuses of the prior art, and the simplification of the apparatus allows the apparatus to be fitted to a larger range of vehicles with minimal installation, running and maintenance difficulties.
Subliminally warning a tailgating driver will improve their awareness of the second vehicle and unsafe speed and distance that they’re travelling at. This configuration also reduces the risk of confrontational behaviour by either driver because the warning signal is not displayed for a duration which is likely to aggravate the driver of the first, tailgating vehicle, A subliminal warning also alerts the driver of the first vehicle without requiring him to read a warning sign, i.e, the warning apparatus does not unduly distract the driver of the first vehicle. in a subsidiary aspect, said warning display means is comprised of at least one visible light emitting device. Providing at least one visible light, emitting device effectively and straightforwardly warns the driver of a tailgating vehicle, A subliminal flash of light will alert the driver of the first vehicle when he is tailgating the second vehicle without requiring a significant amount of attention which might otherwise risk, distracting the driver of the first vehicle.
In a subsidiary aspect, the duration of warning signal propagation by said warning display means is 30 milliseconds or less, A duration of 30 milliseconds or less is particularly advantageous because it is a duration just below the threshold of consciousness. Therefore, a tailgating driver's attention is brought to the vehicle in front without aggravating him or requiring an undue amount of attention, e.g. that would be required to take notice and read a warning sign.
In a subsidiary aspect, the warning signal has a wavelength of between 38Gnm and SZOnrn. A wavelength of between 380nm and 570nm is within the light spectrum which is visible to the human eye and which, therefore, will be noticed by the driver of the first vehicle, albeit subconsciously. More specifically, a wavelength of between 380nm and S70nm comprises the violet to green part, of the visible light, spectrum. Violet, blue or green Light propagated by the warning display means will be more striking to the driver or the first vehicle and should, therefore, gamer a more effective response from that driver, i.e, slowing down and increasing the distance between the first and second vehicles.
In a further subsidiary aspect, the warning signal is In the blue visible light spectrum. Providing a warning signal in the blue visible light spectrum is particularly advantageous because blue light, is particularly striking and should therefore result in a more effective response from the driver of a tailgating vehicle.
In a subsidiary aspect, the frequency and/or duration of warning signal propagation increases as the distance between said first and second vehicles decreases, and vice versa. Providing a variable frequency and/or duration of warning signal propagation depending on the distance between the first and second vehicles allows a stronger warning signal to be propagated if a tailgating event becomes more serious, i.e. the first vehicle gets closer to the second vehicle. Increasing the frequency and/or duration of a warning signal allows the signal to become more consciously visible to the driver of the first vehicle as the two vehicles move closer to each other, and vice versa. in a subsidiary aspect, the frequency and/or duration of warning signal propagation increases as the speed of at least the first vehicle increases, and vice versa. Providing a variable frequency and/or duration of warning signal propagation depending on the speed of at least the first vehicle allows a stronger warning signal to be propagated if a tailgating event becomes more serious, i.e, the first vehicle increases in speed at the same or a similar distance to the second vehicle, increasing the frequency and/or duration of a warning signal allows the signal to become more consciously visible to the driver of the first vehicle as the speed of the first vehicle increases, and vice versa.
In a subsidiary aspect, the wavelength of the propagated warning signal is variable depending on the distance and/or speed of said first vehicle. Varying the wavelength of the propagated warning signal depending on the distance and/or speed of the first vehicle allows more striking or consciously visible wavelengths of light to be propagated if a tailgating event becomes more serious, i.e. the distance between the two vehicles decreases at the same or a similar speed, or the speed of a tailgating vehicle increases at the same or a similar distance. For example, a traffic light colour system could be employed. In this example, a green light could be propagated when a tailgating event is first identified to notify the tailgating driver that he is too close to the vehicle in front given his speed. Arnber and then red signals could be propagated as the tailgating event becomes more serious.
In a subsidiary aspect, the apparatus further comprises an image recording unit which records one or more Images of said first vehicle when a tailgating event occurs. Recording one or more images of a tailgating vehicle (the first vehicle) when a tailgating event Is identified allows the details of the tailgating vehicle to be recorded and processed. This is particularly advantageous should a collision occur as a result of or at the same time as the tailgating event. This is particularly pertinent in view of insurance claims.
In a subsidiary aspect., the apparatus Is located on a vehicle, and faced in a rearward direction from the vehicle In order to Identify and warn of a tailgating event. This configuration is particularly advantageous because a vehicle can be equipped with the apparatus for identifying and warning of a tailgating event regardless of the location of the vel i-de. in a subsidiary aspect, the apparatus is located to the side of a road; and wherein the warning display means is a projector for projecting a warning signal. This configuration also allows the apparatus to make use of pre-existing road signs and structures because the apparatus can be retrofitted.
In a further subsidiary aspect, the projector projects the warning signal onto a rear surface of the second vehtc.e so order to warn the driver of the first vehicle of the tailgating event. Projecting a warning signal onto a rear surface of the second vehicle effectively warns the driver of the first vehicle when a tailgating event occurs. In use, the apparatus will determine the speed of each vehicle as it approaches the apparatus, and the apparatus will measure the headway, i.e, distance between two vehicles, as they pass the apparatus. A 'warning signal will be projected onto the rear surface and flash up to warn the driver of a tailgating vehicle if the speed of a vehicle following another is greater than a predetermined speed and the headway between that vehicle and the vehicle it Is following is less than a predetermined distance.
Brief .Description, of.the Drawings
In the drawings;
Figure 1 shows a side view of a preferred embodiment of a vehicle proximity warning apparatus.
Figure 2 shows a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a vehicle proximity warning apparatus.
Figure 3a shows a diagrammatic view of a first part of an alternative embodiment of a vehicle proximity warning apparatus,
Figure 3b shows a diagrammatic view of a second part of the alternative embodiment of Figure 3s,
Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle proximity warning apparatus.
Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a vehicle proximity warning apparatus.
Figure 6 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention situated on the parcel shelf of a vehicle.
Figure 7 shows a biock diagram of an alternative embodiment of the invention situated at a roadside. A vehicle proximity warning apparatus of a first embodiment is shown in Figure 1, referenced generally as 10., and shown in more detail at Figures 2 to 5, The vehicle proximity warning apparatus 10 senses the distance and speed of a potentially tailgating vehicle in order to subliminally alert the driver of that vehicle when a tailgating event occurs, A tailgating event may be defined as a state where the distance between a first vehicle IS travelling behind a second vehicle 16 is unsafe given the speed of at least the first vehicle, i.e. the broking distance between the first and second vehicles is insufficient should the vehicle in front suddenly decelerate or come to an abrupt stop. in the embodiment of Figure 1, the vehicle proximity warning apparatus 10 is located at a second vehicle 16 which is travelling in front of the first vehicle 15 and may be located on the parcel shelf or attached to the rear window or chassis towards the rear of the second vehicle 16. The speed and distance sensing part of the apparatus 10 faces away from the rear of the second vehicle 16. In an alternative embodiment, described in more detail below with reference to Figure 7, the apparatus 10 is located at a roadside and is arranged to measure the speed and distance of a potentially tailgating vehicle from that position.
Referring to figures 2, 3a and 3b, the apparatus 10, which may be located at a vehicle or roadside sign, comprises a distance and speed sensor 11 for sensing the distance and speed of the first vehicle 15. A processor 12 is configured to identify when the data relating to the sensed distance and speed of the first vehicle 15 represents a tailgating event, i.e. is the speed of the first vehicle 15 too fast in view of the distance, i.e. headway, between the first 15 and second 16 vehicles. The processor 12 is programmed with predetermined thresholds which signify a tailgating event, which depends on the speed of at least the first vehicle 15 and the distance between the first and second vehicles 15,16.
When the speed and/or distance of the first vehicle 15 exceeds a predetermined threshold, which signifies a tailgating event has occurred, the processor 12 communicates with a warning display means 13 causing the display means 13 to emit a warning signal towards the driver of the tailgating vehicle. The warning display means 13 propagates a warning signal towards the driver of the first vehicle 15 which is below the threshold of consciousness of the driver of the first vehicle 15. in other words, the driver of the first vehicle 15 is unable to perceive the warning signal on a conscious level because the warning signal propagated by the warning display means 13 is subliminal. A warning signal which is subliminal, i.e, beiow the threshold of consciousness, improves the awareness of the driver of the first vehicle 15 to the second vehicle 16 and the unsafe speed and distance that the first vehicle 15 is travelling at. This configuration also reduces the risk of confrontational behaviour by either driver because the warning signal is not displayed for a duration which is likely to aggravate the driver of the first, tailgating vehicle. A subliminal 'warning also alerts the driver of the first vehicle 15 without requiring him to read a warning sign, I.e. the warning apparatus 10 does not unduly distract the driver or the first vehicle 15, in one embodiment, illustrated at Figure 2, the apparatus 10 is comprised of a single unit housing the sensor 11, processor 12 and display means 14, in an alternative embodiment, illustrated at Figures 3a end 3b, the apparatus 10 is comprised of two units which cooperate to sense a tailgating event and emit a 'warning signal, A first part 17 of the apparatus 10 incorporates the sensor 11, a processor 12 and a transmitter 14. The processor 12 communicates with the transmitter 14 when a tailgating event -s detected in order that the transmitter 14 can transmit a corresponding signal towards the second part 18 of the apparatus 10. The second part 18 of the apparatus 10 incorporates the warning display means 13 and a receiver 19 for receiving the signal of the transmitter 14 when the processor 12 identifies a tailgating event. The receiver 19 may directly actuate the warning display means 13 to emit a warning signal or, in an alternative embodiment, the second part 18 of the apparatus 10 may also incorporate a further processor 20, as shown in Figure 3b, which processes the signal transmitted by the transmitter 14 and received by the receiver 19 in order to actuate the warning display means 13, in further alternative embodiments, the apparatus 10 may comprise more than two units. in the embodiments of Figures 4 and 5 the apparatus 10 is housed in a housing 21 so that the apparatus 10 can be straightforwardly deployed in or on a vehicle or retrofitted to an existing road sign, The embodiments of Figures 4 and 5 are examples of the configuration of the apparatus 10. However, the housing 21 and apparatus 10 generally may take a different shape and/or size.
The apparatus 10 may comprise its own rechargeable battery or a port for replaceable batteries as a power source, or the apparatus 10 may comprise means for connecting the apparatus 10 to the power source of the vehicle or road sign io which it is attached. In one embodiment, the apparatus 10 comprises one or more solar panels.
The sensor 11 of the apparatus, in a preferred embodiment,, utilises radar to sense the speed and distance of the first vehicle IS, although other sensing means may be employed din alternative embodiments, as well as or instead of radar.
In a preferred embodiment, the warning display means '13 comprises at least one visible light emitting device such as a light emitting diode (LED), in other embodiments, more than one light emitting device is provided. A plurality of LEDs is preferred due to their low power consumption and life span. Audio, or a combination of visual and audio signals may be propagated instead of a visual-only signal, in an embodiment where visual and audio signals are employed, switching between v seal and audio signals may be dependent on the speed at which the two vehicles are travelling, For example, at a slow speed such as below IS miles per hour, an audio signal may be employed instead of or as well as a visual signal, in this example, above 15 miles per hour a visual-only signal may be propagated because an audio signal is unlikely to be heard over the engine noise of both vehicles. in a preferred embodiment, the duration of the warning signal propagated by the warning display means has a duration of 30 milliseconds or less so that the signal propagated is below the threshold of consciousness of the driver of the first vehicle 15, In a further preferred embodiment, the duration of the propagated signal is 20 milliseconds or less.
In a preferred embodiment, the warning signal propagated by the warning display means 13 is in the visible light spectrum (between approximately 4QGnm and 700nm) and more preferably has a wavelength of between 380nm and 570nm, which represents the violet to green regions of the visible light spectrum, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the warning signal propagated by the warning display means 13 is in the blue light spectrum, in other words, the warning signal has a wavelength between 450nm and 495nm.
In an embodiment, the frequency of the warning signal propagated by the warning display means 13 Increases as the distance between the first and second vehicles 15,16 decreases, and vice versa. For example, the frequency of propagation of a warning signal may be increased by a factor of two if the distance between the two vehicles, since a tailgating event has been identified, is halved. Alternatively, the frequency of propagation may be increased by a less or greater factor, such as a factor of ten, if the distance is halved. Increasing the frequency of signal propagation allows the signal to become more consciously visible by the driver of the first, tailgating vehicle 15 in order that, if the tailgating event persists, the driver can be warned more clearly that they are too close to the vehicle in front given their speed.
The duration of a warning signal may increase as the distance between the first and second vehicles decreases, and vice versa, instead of or as well as the frequency of signal propagation. Increasing the duration of the signal will also serve to more consciously warn the driver of the tailgating vehicle. For example, the duration of signal propagation when a tailgating event is first detected may preferably be 30 milliseconds or less. If the tailgating event persists, the duration of the signal is preferably greater than 30 milliseconds.
In an embodiment, the frequency of the warning signal propagated by the warning display means 13 increases as the speed of at least the first vehicle 15 increases, and vice versa, increasing the frequency of the signal as the speed of the tailgating vehicle increases similarly serves to more perceptively warn the tailgating driver that they are too close to the vehicle in front This may occur as welt as or instead of increasing or decreasing the frequency or duration of the signal depending on the distance between the two vehicles,
In another embodiment, the duration of a warning signal may be increased as the speed of the tailgating vehicle 15 Increases, and vice versa, in order to more perceptively warn the tailgating driver of the tailgating event, This may occur as well as or instead of increasing or decreasing the frequency or duration of the signal depending on the distance between the two vehicles, and increasing or decreasing the frequency of the signal depending on the speed of at least the tailgating vehicles.
The speed of the second vehicle 16 may also be sensed and taken into account when identifying a tailgating event. Where the apparatus 10 is locoated at the roadside, the apparatus 10 may have earlier sensed the speed of the second vehicle and stored the speed data in order to better determined whether a tailgating event has occurred or is likely when the speed of the first vehicle, following the second vehicle, is later sensed. A time factor will also assist in this determination. in another embodiment, the wavelength of the propagated warning signal Is variable depending on the distance between the two vehicles 15, 16 and/or the speed of at least the first vehicle 15. The wavelength of the propagated signal may also be dependent on the amount of ambient light in order to select a wavelength which is most effective. In this embodiment, the apparatus 10 may be provided with an ambient light sensor (not shown) to take the ambient light factor into account.
The variability of the frequency, duration and/or wavelength of the propagated signal may also depend on the duration of the tailgating event If the distance and speed is unchanged after a particular time has elapsed, the characteristics of the warning signal may be increased to augment the warning to the tailgating vehicle,
In a further embodiment, shown at Figure 5, the apparatus 10 further comprises an Image recording unit 22 which records one or more images of the first vehicle 15 when a tailgating event occurs. Therefore, a recorded image or series of images can be stored and transmitted to relevant authorities if needed. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus 10 is connected to and cooperates with a separate image recording unit The apparatus 10 may also be retrofitted to other units which provide power, record data and/or provide additional warning signals in order to augment the sensing, processing of a tailgating event and signalling to a tailgating vehicle.
Figure 6 shows the apparatus 10 mounted to a parcel shelf 23, the apparatus 10 being positioned such that the sensor 11 and warning display means 13 face outwardly from the rear of a vehicle towards the front of a potentially tailgating vehicle.
Figure 7 shows a block diagram illustrating the operation of the apparatus 10 when located at a roadside. In this embodiment, the apparatus 10 is optionally retrofitted to an existing road sign or other roadside structure, or a specific structure is put in place to support the apparatus 10.
In the embodiment of Figure 7, the apparatus 10 measures the speed of oncoming vehicles, such as vehicles 1, 2 and 3, as shown under the 'Speed Measurement1 heading. As vehicles pass the apparatus 10, the distance between two vehicles, i.e. the headway, is also measured, as shown under the 'Headway Measurement’ heading, in this example, the headway between vehicles 2 and 3 is being measured. As shown under the ’Project Message' heading of Figure 7, if the speed of vehicle 3 Is greater than a predetermined limit and the headway between vehicles 2 and 3 Is less than a predetermined limit, then the apparatus 10 is triggered to project a subliminal warning onto a rear surface of vehicle 2 to warn the driver of vehicle 3 that a tailgating event has occurred.
Claims (13)
1. A vehicle proximity warning apparatus·,, the apparatus comprising a speed and distance sensor; and a processor; wherein said speed and distance sensor senses the proximity and speed of a first vehicle which is travelling behind a second vehicle, and said processor identifies a tailgating event whereby the proximity of the two vehicles is unsafe given the speed at which at least the first vehicle is travelling; said apparatus further comprising a warning display means, said processor communicating with and actuating said warning display means when said processor identifies a tailgating event; whereby the warning display means propagates a warning signal which is below the threshold of consciousness of the driver of the first vehicle.
2. A vehicle proximity warning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said warning display means is comprised of at least one visible light emitting device.
3. A vehicle proximity warning apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the duration of warning signal propagation by said warning display means is 30 milliseconds or less.
4. A vehicle proximity warning apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the warning signal has a wavelength of between 380nm and 570nm.
5. A vehicle proximity warning apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the warning signal is in the blue visible light spectrum.
6. A vehicle proximity warning apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the frequency and/or duration of warning signal propagation increases as the distance between said first and second vehicles decreases, and vice versa.
7. A vehicle proximity warning apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the frequency and/or duration of warning signal propagation increases as the speed of at least the first vehicle increases, and vice versa.
8. A vehicle proximity warning apparatus according io any preceding claim, wherein the wavelength of the propagated warning signal is variable depending on the distance and/or speed of said first vehicle.
9. A vehicle proximity warning apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus further comprises an image recording unit which records one or more images of said first vehicle when a tailgating event occurs.
10. A vehicle proximity warning apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is located on a vehicle, and faced in a rearward direction from the vehicle in order to identify and warn of a tailgating event,
11. A vehicle proximity warning apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the apparatus is located to the side of a road; and wherein the warning display means is a projector for projecting a warning signal.
12. A vehicle proximity warning apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the projector projects the warning signal onto a rear surface of the second vehicle In order to warn the driver of the first vehicle of the tailgating event.
13. A vehicle proximity warning apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying figures.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1712919.8A GB2565353B (en) | 2017-08-11 | 2017-08-11 | Improved road proximity warning systems |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1712919.8A GB2565353B (en) | 2017-08-11 | 2017-08-11 | Improved road proximity warning systems |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201712919D0 GB201712919D0 (en) | 2017-09-27 |
| GB2565353A true GB2565353A (en) | 2019-02-13 |
| GB2565353B GB2565353B (en) | 2020-02-26 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1712919.8A Active GB2565353B (en) | 2017-08-11 | 2017-08-11 | Improved road proximity warning systems |
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| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2565353B (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2567617B (en) * | 2017-09-15 | 2022-10-12 | Uncap Ltd | Vehicle safety distance tutor |
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| FR2781439B1 (en) * | 1998-07-22 | 2000-08-25 | Paul Poutchits | LIGHT SIGNALING DEVICE FOR WARNING AND ENFORCEMENT OF A SAFETY DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO VEHICLES |
| GB2397682A (en) * | 2003-01-27 | 2004-07-28 | John Mcewen | Vehicle rear facing warning lights to signal dangerous proximity to a following vehicle |
| US7495550B2 (en) * | 2005-12-28 | 2009-02-24 | Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated | Method and apparatus for rear-end collision warning and accident mitigation |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20020011925A1 (en) * | 2000-06-23 | 2002-01-31 | Stefan Hahn | Attention control for operators of technical equipment |
| US20090134987A1 (en) * | 2005-12-14 | 2009-05-28 | Daimler Ag | Motor Vehicle Having a Rear-end Impact Warning Device |
| JP2007176380A (en) * | 2005-12-28 | 2007-07-12 | Toyota Motor Corp | Light source device |
| US20100308985A1 (en) * | 2007-09-20 | 2010-12-09 | Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik Ag & Co. Kg | Spacer lamp in passenger and/or goods traffic |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| GB2567617B (en) * | 2017-09-15 | 2022-10-12 | Uncap Ltd | Vehicle safety distance tutor |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201712919D0 (en) | 2017-09-27 |
| GB2565353B (en) | 2020-02-26 |
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