GB2599389A - A motor vehicle warning system and method - Google Patents
A motor vehicle warning system and method Download PDFInfo
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- GB2599389A GB2599389A GB2015457.1A GB202015457A GB2599389A GB 2599389 A GB2599389 A GB 2599389A GB 202015457 A GB202015457 A GB 202015457A GB 2599389 A GB2599389 A GB 2599389A
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Classifications
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- 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
- B60Q5/00—Arrangement or adaptation of acoustic signal devices
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- 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
- B60Q5/00—Arrangement or adaptation of acoustic signal devices
- B60Q5/005—Arrangement or adaptation of acoustic signal devices automatically actuated
- B60Q5/006—Arrangement or adaptation of acoustic signal devices automatically actuated indicating risk of collision between vehicles or with pedestrians
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- 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
- B60Q5/00—Arrangement or adaptation of acoustic signal devices
- B60Q5/005—Arrangement or adaptation of acoustic signal devices automatically actuated
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- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Traffic Control Systems (AREA)
- Emergency Alarm Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A warning system for use in a motor vehicle is disclosed. The warning system comprises a detection device to monitor an environment surrounding the motor vehicle and to detect one or more traffic hazards. The warning system further comprises an audio generator for generating an audio. The audio generator is configured to generate at least one type of traffic hazard sound corresponding to an operator’s test profile in response to a detection of one or more traffic hazard by the detection device. The monitoring system may also observe an operator’s reaction in response to the at least one type of traffic sound generated and the time taken for the operator to respond to the at least one type of traffic hazard sound generated. The intensity of the traffic hazard sound may be adjusted in response to the operator’s reaction observed by the monitoring system. A motor vehicle warning method is also disclosed.
Description
A Motor Vehicle Warning System and Method
Technical Field
This disclosure relates to warning systems, in particular audio warning systems for use in a motor vehicle.
Background
Traditional warning systems in motor vehicles uses visual warnings such as tell-tale icons to notify an operator of potential hazard. As an operator's focus is usually on the road, the use of audio warning is introduced. However, existing audio warning systems are usually designed based upon generic safety mechanisms. A very common example is to use beeping sound as a form of warning. In another example, pre-recorded audio messages are broadcasted as a warning notice in the event to potential hazard. There are no specific requirements or standards for using audio warnings to notify operators of potential hazards. Therefore, the type of audio used is solely dependent on developer's design specification.
Although the conventional techniques explained above may serve its purpose to warn an operator, each operator may respond differently to different audio warnings and reaction times may be affected. This may become an issue for less experienced operators of the motor vehicle, or operators who are new to operating a specific model of motor vehicle (e.g. new owner of motor vehicle), leading to safety issues.
There is therefore a need to provide a more personalized warning system that overcomes, or at least ameliorates, the problem(s) described above. Furthermore, the other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of the disclosure.
Summary
The objective of the disclosure is solved by a warning system for 10 use in a motor vehicle comprising: - a detection device configured to monitor an environment surrounding the motor vehicle and to detect one or more traffic hazards; - an audio generator for generating an audio; characterized in that: - the audio generator is configured to generate o at least one type of traffic hazard sound corresponding to * an operator's sound test profile, - in response to a detection of one or more traffic hazard by the detection device.
The advantage of the above described aspect of this disclosure yields a warning sysLem which broadcasLs an audio warning, in accordance to a sound test profile of an operator of a motor vehicle evaluated according to the operator's sensitivity to sound. Therefore, the purpose of an adaptive warning system, i.e. a warning system which adapts to a user's preference and/or needs (for example sensitivity to sound) is achieved.
Preferred is a warning system as described above or as described above as being preferred, further comprising: - a monitoring system configured o to monitor a passenger cabin of the motor vehicle.
The advantage of the above described aspect of the disclosure provides a form of feedback to the warning system, by monitoring a passenger cabin of the motor vehicle, the object of the purpose 10 of providing an adaptive warning system is achieved.
Preferred is a warning system as described above or as described above as being preferred, wherein the - monitoring system is configured o to observe an operator's reaction in response to the at least one type of traffic hazard sound generated.
The advantage of the above described aspect of the disclosure is 20 to focus on the operator's reaction to the type of traffic hazard sound generated, such that adequate adjustment can be made to the warning system.
Preferredis a warning system as described above or as described 25 above as being preferred, wherein the operator's reaction comprises - a time taken to respond to the at least one or more traffic hazards sound generated, - a cause of action taken in response to the at least one type of traffic hazard sound generated, or a combination thereof.
The advantage of the above described aspect of the disclosure is such that the system is enabled to learn the operator's response or reaction time in the event of traffic hazard situations, such that the warning system may be adjusted to ensure operator is still able to react promptly to traffic hazard sound generated, according to different types of traffic hazard sounds. Therefore, the purpose of an adaptive warning system is achieved.
Preferred is a warning system as described above or as described 10 above as being preferred, wherein the operator's sound test profile is stored in an external database server and transmitted to the motor vehicle through o a wireless communication network.
The advantage of this aspect of this disclosure is storing of the operator's sound test profile may be in an external database server, for example on a cloud platform, which is accessible through a wireless communication network, such that the operator's sound test profile may be retrieved by the warning system when the operator is using another motor vehicle, for example a new vehicle or a rental vehicle.
Preferred is a warning system as described above or as described 25 above as being preferred, wherein the operator's sound test profile is 0 stored on-board the motor vehicle.
The advantage of this aspect of this disclosure is storing of the 30 operator's sound test profile locally onboard the motor vehicle, which supports day to day application, without retrieving the operator's test profile from the external database server.
Preferred is a warning system as described above or as described above as being preferred, wherein - the operator's sound test profile is o stored on a mobile communication device.
The advantage of this aspect of this disclosure is storing of the operator's sound test profile in a personal device such as a mobile communication device, which may be connected to the warning system using short-range communication signals.
Advantageously, this aspect provides an alternative mode to retrieval of operator's sound test profile during loss of internet connection, or if an operator is using a new motor vehicle.
Preferred is a warning system as described above or as described above as being preferred, further comprises - a computer-readable medium configured o to adjust an intensity of generating the at least one type of traffic hazard sound based upon the operator's reaction observed by the monitoring system.
The advantage of this aspect of this disclosure is to process information with regard to the feedback from the monitoring system and make adjustment to an intensity of the type of traffic hazard sound generated, such that the warning system is enabled to adapt to the operator's response and reaction to the types of traffic hazard sounds.
Preferred is a warning system as described above or as described above as being preferred, wherein - the computer-readable medium is configured o to issue a request for reassessment of the operator's sound test profile, in response to observation made by the monitoring system.
The advantage of this aspect of this disclosure is to process information with regard to the feedback from the monitoring system and make adjustment to the type of traffic hazard sound generated, such that the warning system is enabled to adapt to the operator's response and reaction to the types of traffic hazard sounds.
Preferred is a warning system as described above or as described above as being preferred, wherein - the computer-readable medium may be configured o to prompt the operator for a reassessment of the operator's sound test profile at a predetermined period of time.
The advantage of this aspect of this disclosure is to periodically prompt the operator to update the operator's sound test profile to re-take a sound profile evaluation test, such that the operator's sound test profile is the most update version. The updated sound test profile maybe used for adjusting the type of traffic hazard sound to be generated by the warning system when traffic hazard is detected, ensuring safety of the operator.
Preferred is a warning system as described above or as described above as being preferred, wherein the at least one type of traffic hazard sound comprises: -an environmental sound; - a traffic sound; - a synthetic sound; - a sound of an animal or a combination thereof.
The advantage of this aspect of this disclosure yields a warning system which uses different types of sound to stimulate a specific reaction from the user, thereby providing a safety warning system suitable for each operator's needs and preference over beeping or pre-recorded warning messages.
Preferred is a warning system as described above or as described 10 above as being preferred, wherein -the operator's sound test profile is determined by a psychometric test.
The advantage of this aspect of this disclosure yields a sound warning system which is very specific to an operator, thereby providing a warning system characterized by the operator's needs and preferences. Therefore, the purpose of an adaptive warning system is achieved.
The objective of the disclosure is solved by a motor vehicle warning method comprising: -monitoring an environment surrounding the motor vehicle; and in response to detecting one or more traffic hazards, -generating an audio comprising at least one type of traffic hazard sound corresponding to an operator's sound test profile.
The advantage of this aspect of this disclosure is a method of 30 broadcasting an audio warning in accordance to a sound test profile of a motor vehicle operator evaluated according to the operator's sensitivity to sound. Therefore, the purpose of an adaptive warning method is achieved.
Preferred is a warning method as described above or as described 5 above as being preferred, further comprising: - observing an operator's reaction in response to o the at least one type of traffic hazard sound generated.
The advantage of this aspect of this disclosure is to make observation of the operator's reaction to the type of traffic hazard sound generated, to evaluate whether the type of traffic hazard sound provide cue to the operator over prolong usage.
Preferred is a warning method as described above or as described above as being preferred, further comprising: - issuing a request for reassessment of the operator's sound test profile, - in response to observations made on the operator's reaction.
The advantage of this aspect of this disclosure is to request the operator to re-take sound test, to evaluate the operator's needs and preference and make adjustment to types of traffic hazard sounds accordingly, to ensure operator is still able to react promptly to traffic hazard sound generated, according to different types of traffic hazard sounds. Therefore, the purpose of an adaptive warning system is achieved.
Brief Description of Drawings
Other objects and aspects of this disclosure will become apparent 5 from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 shows a system block diagram of a warning system for use in a motor vehicle in accordance to a preferred embodiment.
Fig. 2 shows a system block diagram of a warning system for use in a motor vehicle in accordance to another preferred embodiment.
Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a sound test evaluation system 15 for producing a sound test profile in accordance to a preferred embodiment.
Fig. 4a shows a flowchart for a warning method in accordance to a preferred embodiment.
Fig. 4b of shows a flowchart of a warning method in accordance to a preferred embodiment.
In various embodiments described by reference to the above 25 figures, like reference signs refer to like components in several perspective views and/or configurations.
Description of Detailed Embodiment
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention or the following detailed description. It is the intent of this invention to present an adaptive warning system and warning method characterized by use of an operator's sound test profile.
Hereinafter, the term "operator" used in the context herein shall refer to a person operating a motor vehicle.
The term. "profile" shall refer to a representation of information relating to particular characteristics of a person, for example a record of a person's psychological or behavioural characteristics, preferences, etc. The term "sound test profile" shall therefore, refer to a record of a person's test or evaluation results based upon psychological or behavioural characteristics, preferences and/or sensitivity to sound and the term "operator's sound test profile" shall refer to a sound test profile of a person operating a motor vehicle.
The term "environment" refers to circumstances, objects or conditions in which a particular activity is carried out. In the context used herein, the term "an environment surrounding a motor vehicle" shall refer to circumstances, objects or conditions surrounding the motor vehicle. By way of example, in the context of a moving motor vehicle, "an environment surrounding a motor vehicle" shall refer to traffic condition surrounding the moving motor vehicle, including traffic light, pedestrian, neighbouring motor vehicles on the road, etc. Referring to Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings, a system block diagram of a warning system 100 suitable for a motor vehicle 102, in accordance to a preferred embodiment is shown. The warning system 100 includes a detection device 104 to monitor an environment surrounding of the motor vehicle 102 and detect one or more traffic hazard. Examples of suitable detection device includes cameras, more in particular surround view cameras. Examples of traffic hazards includes (i.) pedestrians dashing out onto road, (ii.) vehicles parked along roadside with opened door or opening door, (iii.) vehicle suddenly accelerating from side of a subject vehicle, etc. The warning system 100 further includes an audio generator 106 for generating an audio. The warning system 100 further includes a computer-readable medium 108 configured to execute a sequence of instructions, including a set of programmable instructionstomapanoperator's sound test profile 110 to a traffic hazard sound detected by the detection device 104. According to the results of the sound mapping, the audio generator 106 generates at least one type of traffic hazard sound corresponding to the operator's sound test profile 110 evaluated, to warn the operator of the motor vehicle 102 of a potential traffic hazard detected. Advantageously, this configuration provides a warning system which relies on the operator's sensitivity to different types of sound, to yield an adaptive warning system to address each operator's needs and preferences.
In a preferred embodiment, the operator's sound test profile 110 is retrieved from an external database server 112' which is in wireless communication with the motor vehicle 102 through a wireless communication network. Examples of suitable types of wireless communication network, are telecommunication networks which complies with International Telecommunication (ITU) standards, for example Sch generation (SG) cellular or mobile network or long-term evolution (LTE) network. In another embodiment, the operator's sound test profile 110 is retrieved from a personal device of the operator, for example a mobile communication device. A mobile communication device may be a handheld computer. Examples of mobile communication device may include a mobile phone, a laptop, a tablet or personal digital assistant (FDA). An advantage of the above described embodiments enables the operator to retrieve his sound test profile for any motor vehicle, for example a rented motor vehicle or a new motor vehicle.
In yet another embodiment, operator's sound test profile 110 is stored in a database 112 of the computer readable medium 108 onboard the motor vehicle 102. A benefit of storing the operator's sound test profile 110 onboard the motor vehicle 102 supports daily usage of the motor vehicle 102 by the operator.
The term "computer-readable medium" shall refer to a processor, a microprocessor, or any suitable hardware suitable for programming a set of instructions, where executed, causes the computer-readable medium to perform operations according to the set of instructions. The term "processor" used in the context herein should be interpreted broadly to encompass a general-purpose processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, and so forth. Under some circumstances, a "processor" may refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. The term "processor" may refer to a combination of processing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.
The computer-readable medium may include a memory. The term "memory" should be interpreted broadly to encompass any electronic component capable of storing electronic information.
The term memory may refer to various types of processor-readable media such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, magnetic or optical data storage, registers, etc. Memory is said to be in electronic communication with a processor if the processor can read information from and/or write information to the memory. Memory that is integral to a processor is in 5 electronic communication with the processor. Therefore, the term "computer-readable medium" used in the context herein may refer to an electronic control unit (ECU) of the audio generator 106 or an ECU of a monitoring system on-board the motor vehicle, or an external application server (which may be available through 10 a cloud platform, i.e. an on-demand available computer system resource without direct management by the user).
With reference to Fig. 2 of the accompanying drawings, a system block diagram of a warning system 200 for use in a motor vehicle 102 in accordance to another preferred embodiment is shown. The warning system 200 includes a detection device 104 to monitor a surrounding of the motor vehicle 202 and detect one or more traffic hazard, an audio generator 104 to generate an audio, and a computer-readable medium 108 to execute sound mapping of a sound of traffic hazard detected by the detection device 104 to produce a representative sound, and execute an instruction to the audio generator 106 to generate at least one type of traffic hazard sound which corresponds to an operator's sound test 110 profile evaluated. It shall be understood by a skilled practitioner, in various embodiments disclosed in the context herein, the representative sound may be generated and/or broadcasted by a computer-readable medium 108 that is either an electronic control unit (ECU) of any sub-system within the motor vehicle 102, 202, an ECU of the audio generator 106, an ECU of the monitoring system 204 or an external application server (not shown) suitable for executing sound mapping function which may in turn transmit the resultant representative sound to motor vehicle for broadcasting by the audio generator 106 without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure.
In this preferred embodiment, the warning system 200 includes a monitoring system 204 to monitor an operator's cabin of the motor vehicle 202. The monitoring system 204 is further configured to monitor and observe an operator's reaction in response to the at least one type of traffic hazard sound generated. Advantageously, the monitoring system 204 provides a feedback for the monitoring system, such that adjustment to the warning system 200 may be made. In particular, the feedback provided through observation of the operator's response by the monitoring system 204 prompts a request 206 to the operator, for re-evaluation of operator's sound test profile to improve an accuracy of the operator's sound test profile 110. A main advantage of this request for reassessment of the operator's sound test profile is for the warning system to learn a behaviour of the operator in response to different types of traffic hazard sounds based upon a response or reaction time of the operator over a period of time of using the warning system. This feature is beneficial, to ensure accuracy of the sound test profile, to yield an adaptive warning system based upon an operator's needs, sensitivity and/or preferences to different types of sounds.
To create an operator's sound test profile for use with a warning system 100, 200 as disclosed above, an operator is to complete a sound analysis test, of which a schematic drawing 300 for creation of an operator's sound test profile 302 is shown in Fig. 3. The sound analysis test may be available through a web interface 304 or a mobile interface 306. The sound analysis test application shall be designed to perform a psychometric sound analysis of the operator using different types of sounds, based upon the operator's input. The term "psychometric" refers to a branch of psychology that deals with the design, administration and interpretation of quantitative tests for the measurement of psychological variables or characteristics of scales that assess human psychological such as personality traits, judgement and perception. Suitable types of psychometric analysis may be performed using software procedures for example CORRESP procedure, FACTOR procedure, IRT procedure, MDS procedure, PRINCOMP procedure, TRANSREG procedure, but not limited thereto. For brevity, the objective of the operator's sound test profile is to evaluate the operator's responses and sensitivity to different types of sound, traffic factors and traffic situations, include traffic hazards, to assist the warning system 100, 200 to generate the right type of audio warning to warn the operator, in the event of a potential traffic hazard detected. Therefore, it is preferred, the web application for evaluating the operator's sound test profile has access to a sound database with different types of sound, for example, types of environmental sound, types of traffic sound, types of synthetic sound and/or a sound of an animal. By way of example, the respective types of sounds in each category as set forth below may include, but not limited thereto: Type of Sound Example Environmental Sounds Running water, footsteps, coughing, sneezing, crowd chattering, kids playing, construction sounds, wind etc. Synthetic Sounds Warning\alert beeps, machines whirring, indicator (turn-signal) sounds etc. Animal Sounds Dog barking, cat meowing, cow mooing, sheep baaing, horses neighing etc. Traffic Sounds Emergency vehicles sounds, truck, bicycle sounds, fast moving vehicle sounds etc. In the operator's sound test profile, each defined traffic situations, critical scenarios and specific traffic are mapped to a corresponding sound based on the result of the sound test profile. Therefore, in the event a traffic hazard is detected by the detection device 104 of warning system 100, 200, the audio generated may consist of one or more sounds like a traffic hazard sound.
Fig. 4a shows a flowchart 400 illustrating amotor vehicle warning method in accordance to a preferred embodiment. At step 402, the method 400 comprises monitoring a surrounding of a motor vehicle and detecting one or more traffic hazard. Preferably, the monitoring and detecting of traffic hazard function is carryout by a detection device. In the next step 404, the warning method 400 determines, by way of a computer-readable medium, whether a traffic hazard has been detected by the detection device. In the event a traffic hazard is detected in the step 404, an operator's sound test profile is retrieved in the next step 406. Otherwise, the method 400 repeats execution of step 402 for monitoring the surrounding of the motor vehicle.
In a preferred embodiment, the operator's sound test profile may be stored on board the motor vehicle and retrieved by the warning system. In another preferred embodiment, the operator's sound test profile is stored in a mobile communication device, which is connected to the warning system. Suitable connection methods include short-range wireless communication signals or protocol available on the mobile communication device, for example Bluetooth, BluetoothLowEnergy (BLE) or near field communication (NEC) wireless communication protocol. In yet another preferred embodiment, the operator's sound test profile is stored in an external database server, which is retrievable from a cloud platform and received by the warning system. In an alternative embodiment, the operator's sound test profile is stored in an external database server, which is retrievable from a cloud platform and received by the motor vehicle, which is than transmitted to the warning system through a suitable motor vehicle network protocol, for example Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, Local Interconnect Network (LIN) bus, FlexRay, to name a few, but not limited thereto.
In the next step 408, the operator's sound test profile is compared with the traffic hazard sound detected in step 402. A sound mapping function is executed by a computer-readable medium to generate a representative sound of the traffic hazard detected at step 402.
In step 410, a warning, in the form of an audio is generated and broadcasted. The audio consist of at least one or more types of sounds representative of a traffic hazard sound that corresponds to the operator's sound test profile. The audio is broadcasted by an audio generator, as an audio warning to cue the operator of the traffic hazard detected by the detection device in step 402.
Optionally, the motor vehicle warning method 400a includes the following steps as illustrated in flowchart 400b as shown in Fig. 4b, in which step 412 comprises observing an operator's reaction, by way of a monitoring system, in response to the at least one type of traffic sound generated by the audio generator in previous step 410. The operator's response may be a time taken for the operator to react to the traffic hazard sound generated, or an action taken by the operation in response to the traffic hazard sound generated.
In the next step 414, the method 400b comprises adjusting an intensity of generating the at least one type of traffic hazard sound based upon the operator's reaction observed in step 412.
The term "intensity" used herein refers to a measurement of a number of times the audio warning is broadcasted to cue the operator of the traffic hazard detected in step 402. For example, if observations made by the monitoring system determines that the 5 operator is not responding to the audio warning broadcasted, the intensity of generating the at least one type of traffic hazard sound shall increase. To the contrary, if the observations made by the monitoring system determines that the operator is responding to the audio warning broadcasted, the intensity of 10 generating the at least one type of traffic hazard sound shall decrease.
Optionally, the method 400a, 400b may further comprise the step of issuing a request for reassessment of the operator's sound test profile in response to observations made by the monitoring system at step 416. The issuance of a reassessment of the operator's sound test profile may be made according to the observation made on the operator's response to the audio generated, over a period of time. In an alternative embodiment, the issuance of a request for reassessment of the operator's sound test profile may be a predetermined cycle, for example, a request for reassessment of the operator's sound test profile may be issued every 90 days. Advantageously, this step ensures accuracy of the sound test profile, to yield an adaptive warning system based upon an operator's needs, sensitivity and/or preferences to different types of sounds.
Thus, it can be seen that a warning system and method for use in a motor vehicle based on an operator's sound test profile in accordance to the operator's need such as sensitivity to types of sound and preferences has the advantage of providing an adaptive audio warning system. Further, using a monitoring system to observe the operator's response or reaction to audio warnings generated helps the system to adjust an intensity of generating the audio warnings, to improve operator' s safety. While exemplary embodiments have been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the invention, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist.
It should further be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, operation or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements and method of operation described in the exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
List of Reference Signs 100-warning system 102 -motor vehicle 104 -detection device 106 -audio generator 108 -computer-readable medium -operator's sound test profile 112 -database / external -Warning system 202 -motor vehicle 204 -monitoring system 206 -request for reassessment of sound profile 300 -schematic drawing for sound test 5 302 -Operator's sound test profile 304 -web interface 306 -mobile interface 400a -flowchart for a motor vehicle warning method 402 -monitoring surrounding and detecting traffic hazard 404 -determination of whether traffic hazard is detected 406 -retrieval of operator's sound test profile 408 -comparing sound profile with traffic hazard sound 410 -generating of at least one type of traffic hazard sound 400b -flowchart 412 -observation of operator's reaction 414 -adjusting an intensity of generating sound 416 -issuance of a request for reassessment
Claims (1)
- Patent claims 1.A warning system for use in a motor vehicle comprising: - a detection device configured to monitor an environment surrounding the motor vehicle and to detect one or more traffic hazards; - an audio generator for generating an audio; characterized in that: - the audio generator is configured to generate o at least one type of traffic hazard sound corresponding to * an operator's sound test profile, - in response to a detection of one or more traffic hazards by the detection device.;2. The warning system according to claim 1, further comprising a monitoring system configured o to monitor an operator's cabin of the motor vehicle.;3. The warning system according to claim 2, wherein the -monitoring system is configured o to observe an operator's reaction in response * to the at least one type of traffic hazard sound generated.4. The warning system according to claim 3, wherein the monitoring system is configured to observe - a time taken for the operator to respond to the at least one type of traffic hazard sound generated, - a cause of action taken by the operator in response to the at least one type of traffic hazard sound generated, or a combination thereof.5. The warning system according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the operator's sound test profile is - stored in an external database server and transmitted to the motor vehicle through o a wireless communication network.6. The warning system according to any one of 1-4 claims, wherein - the operator's sound test profile is o stored on-board the motor vehicle.7. The warning system according to claims any one of 1 -4, wherein - the operator's sound test profile is o stored on a mobile communication device.8. The warning system according to any one of claims 1-7, further comprising - a computer-readable medium configured o to adjust an intensity of the at least one type of traffic hazard sound that the audio generator is configured to generate based upon the operator's reaction observed by the monitoring system.9. The warning system according to claim 8, wherein - the computer-readable medium is configured o to issue a request for reassessment of the operator's sound test profile, in response to an observation made by the monitoring system.10. The warning system according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein - the computer-readable medium is configured o to prompt the operator for a reassessment of the operator's sound test profile after a predetermined period of time.11. The warning system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one type of traffic hazard sound comprises: -an environmental sound; a traffic sound; a synthetic sound; a sound of an animal or a combination thereof.12. The warning system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operator's sound test profile is determined by a psychometric test.13. A motor vehicle warning method comprising: - monitoring an environment surrounding a motor vehicle; and in response to detecting one or more traffic hazards, - generating an audio comprising at least one type of traffic hazard sound corresponding to an operator's sound test profile.14. The motor vehicle warning method of claim 13, further comprising - observing an operator's reaction in response to o the at least one type of traffic hazard sound generated.15. The motor vehicle warning method of any one of claims 13 -14, wherein the generating the audio comprises - adjusting an intensity of o the at least one type of traffic hazard sound based upon the operator's reaction observed.16. The motor vehicle warning method of any one of claims 14 -15, further comprising -issuing a request for reassessment of the operator's sound test profile, - in response to observations made on the operator's reaction.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB2015457.1A GB2599389B (en) | 2020-09-30 | 2020-09-30 | A motor vehicle warning system and method |
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| GB2015457.1A GB2599389B (en) | 2020-09-30 | 2020-09-30 | A motor vehicle warning system and method |
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| Publication Number | Publication Date |
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| GB202015457D0 GB202015457D0 (en) | 2020-11-11 |
| GB2599389A true GB2599389A (en) | 2022-04-06 |
| GB2599389B GB2599389B (en) | 2024-04-10 |
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Citations (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20050261815A1 (en) * | 2004-05-20 | 2005-11-24 | Cowelchuk Glenn A | System for customizing settings and sounds for vehicle |
| US20090210257A1 (en) * | 2008-02-20 | 2009-08-20 | Hartford Fire Insurance Company | System and method for providing customized safety feedback |
| GB2496476A (en) * | 2011-11-14 | 2013-05-15 | Ford Global Tech Llc | Method and system for managing the configuration of a vehicle. |
| US9248819B1 (en) * | 2014-10-28 | 2016-02-02 | Nissan North America, Inc. | Method of customizing vehicle control system |
| US20160114805A1 (en) * | 2014-10-28 | 2016-04-28 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Driver-centric learning |
| US20170080949A1 (en) * | 2015-09-21 | 2017-03-23 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | System and method for applying vehicle settings in a vehicle |
| US20180257642A1 (en) * | 2017-03-10 | 2018-09-13 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. | Personalized active safety systems |
| US20200189458A1 (en) * | 2018-12-13 | 2020-06-18 | Lapis Semiconductor Co., Ltd. | Sound output device and sound output system |
-
2020
- 2020-09-30 GB GB2015457.1A patent/GB2599389B/en active Active
Patent Citations (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20050261815A1 (en) * | 2004-05-20 | 2005-11-24 | Cowelchuk Glenn A | System for customizing settings and sounds for vehicle |
| US20090210257A1 (en) * | 2008-02-20 | 2009-08-20 | Hartford Fire Insurance Company | System and method for providing customized safety feedback |
| GB2496476A (en) * | 2011-11-14 | 2013-05-15 | Ford Global Tech Llc | Method and system for managing the configuration of a vehicle. |
| US9248819B1 (en) * | 2014-10-28 | 2016-02-02 | Nissan North America, Inc. | Method of customizing vehicle control system |
| US20160114805A1 (en) * | 2014-10-28 | 2016-04-28 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Driver-centric learning |
| US20170080949A1 (en) * | 2015-09-21 | 2017-03-23 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | System and method for applying vehicle settings in a vehicle |
| US20180257642A1 (en) * | 2017-03-10 | 2018-09-13 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. | Personalized active safety systems |
| US20200189458A1 (en) * | 2018-12-13 | 2020-06-18 | Lapis Semiconductor Co., Ltd. | Sound output device and sound output system |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2599389B (en) | 2024-04-10 |
| GB202015457D0 (en) | 2020-11-11 |
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