RU2173890C2 - Warning-alert local information system for motor vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: traffic accident prevention, applicable on motor vehicles as additional equipment. SUBSTANCE: system has the first and second transmitters, radiating elements, receivers and receiving elements, the first and second transducers of outgoing and incoming data, clock pulse generator, data input unit and a display unit. EFFECT: enhanced traffic accident prevention. 8 cl, 1 dwg

Description

 The invention relates to road safety and is intended for use on vehicles as additional equipment that increases the awareness of the driver of a vehicle, in particular about the situation on the road.

 A device of a similar purpose is known, comprising a transmitter, the outputs of which are connected to the inputs of the respective radiating elements, receivers, the inputs of which are connected to the outputs of the respective receiving elements, converters of the received signals and an indication device (see, for example, the book: X. Shiga, S. Mizuni. Introduction to automotive electronics: Translated from Japanese. - M.: Mir, 1989, p. 175). The disadvantage of this known device is to ensure traffic safety only of the vehicle on which this device is installed, with the exception of the possibility of informing drivers of other vehicles about any traffic situations.

 A device is also known, which is the closest analogue, providing a safe distance between moving vehicles (see ed. St. USSR 794575). This device eliminates the main cause of road accidents, which is associated with non-observance of the safe distance between moving vehicles. It contains a first transmitter, the output of which is connected to the first radiating element (antenna), a first receiver, the input of which is connected to the first receiving element (antenna), a unit for determining the safe distance to the vehicle in front, a unit for determining the braking distance of its own vehicle, and an additional device that provides for the forced braking of own vehicles. The disadvantage of this device is the narrow functionality (the only, though important, task is solved). This known device involves equipping all vehicles involved in traffic with the like. Otherwise, it even provokes traffic accidents.

 When creating the invention, the problem of expanding the arsenal of technical means to improve road safety by increasing the awareness of road users, for example, about the need for technical assistance (with gradations about its specific form), about the required medical care, about the intentions of drivers located in the immediate vicinity, was solved vehicles to perform one or another maneuver (overtake a vehicle in front, slow down, etc.), on the condition of the railway moving (approaching to that), the state of road surface and weather conditions on the road, on the technical condition of neighboring vehicles (with emergency modes of operation) of the track accidents (when approaching the scene of the accident), etc.

 This is achieved by the fact that the warning and notification local information system for vehicles (hereinafter referred to as the system) contains a first transmitter, the output of which is connected to the first radiating element, and the first receiver, the input of which is connected to the first receiving element, also contains a clock data input, the first and second input data converters, the second transmitter and receiver, the second emitting and receiving elements and an indication unit, the first and second groups of inputs of which are connected the first groups of outputs, respectively, of the first and second input data converters, the information inputs of which are connected to the outputs of the first and second receivers, the input of the second of which is connected to the second receiving element, the clock inputs of the first and second input data converters are connected to the first group of outputs of the clock the group of outputs of which is connected to the clock inputs of the first and second converters of outgoing data, the first groups of inputs of which are connected respectively with the first and second groups of outputs of the data input unit, the outputs are with the inputs of the first and second transmitters, respectively, the output of the second of which is connected to the second radiating element.

 This is also achieved by the fact that a disjunctor and read-only memory are introduced into the system, the outputs of which are connected to the second groups of inputs of the first and second outgoing data converters, the inputs are connected to the corresponding outputs of the disjunctor, the first and second groups of inputs of which are connected to the second groups of outputs of the first and second input converters.

 This is also achieved by the fact that a signal analysis unit for a vehicle is introduced into the system, the outputs of which are connected to the third groups of inputs of the first and second outgoing data converters.

 This is also achieved by the fact that in the system the corresponding inputs of the first and second outgoing data converters are connected to the first and second outputs of the motor vehicle alarm system.

 This is also achieved by the fact that in the system the first and second emitting and receiving elements are located inside or on the inner surface of the windshield and rear windows of the vehicle.

 This is also achieved by the fact that in the system the data input unit or part of it is made in the form of a speech signal to code converter.

 This is also achieved by the fact that in the system the display unit or part of it is made in the form of a code converter into speech and / or tone signals.

 This is also achieved by the fact that in the system the outputs of the display unit are connected to the corresponding inputs of the audio equipment of the vehicle.

 The drawing shows an electrical block diagram of a warning-notifying local information system.

 The system comprises first and second transmitters 1 and 2, the outputs of which are connected respectively to the first and second radiating elements 3 and 4, the first and second receiving elements 5 and 6, which are connected to the inputs of the first and second receivers 7 and 8, the outputs of which are connected to information inputs, respectively, of the first and second converters 9 and 10 of the input data, the first groups of outputs of which are connected respectively to the first and second group of inputs of the display unit 11, clock inputs - with the first group of outputs of the generator 12 so pulses, the second group of outputs of which is connected to the clock inputs of the first and second converters 13 and 14 of the outgoing data, the first groups of inputs of which are connected respectively with the first and second groups of outputs of the data input unit 15, the outputs are with the first and second transmitters 1 and 2.

 Converters 9, 10 and 13, 14 are converters of a serial code into parallel and a parallel code into a serial one (see, for example, the book: I. N. Bukreev and other Microelectronic circuits of digital devices. - M.: Sov. Radio ", 1975, p. 146, 147, section 4.3). The transmitters 1 and 2 and the elements 3 and 4, as well as the block 15, can be made in the form of pulse switches and emitting LEDs, as well as a set of electromechanical switches (see, for example, the book: Elyashkevich S.A., Peskin A.E. Televisions 3USTST, 4USTST, 5USTST. Device, adjustment, repair. - M .: "Symbol-1", 1993, p. 213). Receivers 7 and 8 and elements 5 and 6 are pulse amplifiers with automatic adjustment of the sensitivity of the receiving photodiode (see, for example, the PI-5 block in the book mentioned above on page 163). Block 11 is a set of light and sound emitting generators with a decoder in their control or power circuits.

 The system operates as follows.

 The message that the driver of the vehicle considers necessary to transmit to the closest road users is dialed by him on the remote control unit 15, while the contacts of the electromechanical switches are closed. The signals from the latter, passing through the encoder of block 15, are converted into a parallel code supplied to the first groups of inputs of the converters 13 or 14, or both. The latter depends on the type of message transmitted, which can be intended in front of the next motor vehicle (channel consisting of a converter 13, transmitter 1 and element 3), behind the next vehicle (channel consisting of a converter 14, transmitter 2 and element 4), or both simultaneously. This message arrives at element 5 in front of the next vehicle or at element 6 behind the next vehicle, passes through the receiver 7 or 8, respectively, and is received as a serial code at the information inputs of the converters 9 and 10, respectively. Further, messages from the first groups of outputs of the converters 9 and 10 in the form of a parallel code are supplied to the first and second groups of inputs of block 11. The signals from the mentioned groups of inputs pass through the decoders of block 11 and make the corresponding power and / or sound indicator. The driver of the vehicle receiving the message, using the light panel or the tone of the sound signal, determines the actual type of message and makes a decision on its basis for further actions to ensure maximum safety for road users.

 The system has a disjunctor 16 and a read-only memory 17, the outputs of which are connected to the second groups of inputs of the converters 13 and 14, the inputs are connected to the corresponding outputs of the disjunctor 16, the first and second groups of inputs of which are connected to the second groups of outputs of the converters 9 and 10, respectively.

 Reception of a certain type of codes by the system is accompanied by the appearance of corresponding codes on the second groups of outputs of the converters 9, 10 (which does not exclude the appearance of codes on the first groups of outputs). These codes pass through the disjunctor 16 and go to the (address) inputs of the device 17. From the output of the device 17, the parallel code goes to the second groups of inputs of the converters 13 and 14, where it is converted into a serial code, transmitted as usual to the subscriber. This allows, for example, at the request of an employee of a body that controls road safety (and having a similar system), to transfer the state registration number of the car and other data about it. In this case, the device 17 or part of it must be made reprogrammable.

 The system has a block for analyzing the signals of the sensors of the vehicle (not shown in the drawing), the outputs of which are connected to the third groups of inputs of the converters 13, 14. This unit, using analog and discrete threshold elements, converts the signals of the sensors of the vehicle into a parallel code. These codes, firstly, correspond to emergency operation modes of units of a given vehicle. Entering the third group of inputs of converters 13 and 14, they are transferred to other road users who (in order to provide assistance) can inform the driver of this vehicle about the presence of malfunctions in the units of his vehicle. Secondly, part of the sensor signals, having passed the threshold elements, with the help of logic elements is converted into a parallel code that carries useful information to other road users. For example, the presence of a signal of an intention to make a left turn by a driver of a vehicle at a low value of its speed, for example, less than 30 km / h, should be considered as the intention of the driver of the vehicle to leave the stopping point and "join" the stream of moving vehicles. Similar with a high value of the vehicle speed, for example, more than 30 km / h, should be considered as the intention of the driver of the vehicle to overtake.

 In the system, the corresponding inputs of the first and second converters 13 and 14 of the outgoing data are connected respectively to the first and second outputs of the alarm system (not shown) of the vehicle.

 The appearance on the first output of the vehicle’s alarm system of a signal about an attempt of unauthorized entry into it triggers a memory element (for example, a trigger) in the converters 13 and 14. In this case, the system generates outputs 13 from the converters regardless of the shutdown or destruction of the alarm system and 14 a code indicating the theft of a motor vehicle. Disconnecting the system’s battery (battery) with its subsequent connection only confirms the generation of the aforementioned signal at the outputs of converters 13 and 14 (even in the absence of unauthorized entry into the vehicle). The owner of the vehicle is able to return the memory element of the converters 13 and 14 to its original state only by a signal from the second output of the vehicle’s alarm system with its full serviceability. This can be any signal from the output of the security alarm system generated when it interacts with the transmitter (key fob) of the owner of the vehicle. For example, a disarming signal, a vehicle unlock signal, etc.

 In the system, elements 3, 4, 5, and 6 are expediently located inside the windshield and rear windows, if they are laminated, or on the inside of the glasses. This increases the reliability of the system, reducing the possibility of accidental damage to the emitting and receiving elements. At the same time, the working signals of these elements (radio, light, etc.) undergo only minor changes.

 In the system, block 15 or part of it is expedient to perform in the form of a transducer of a speech signal (audio frequency range) to code, which can be implemented by known methods. For example, each sound signal uttered by the driver enters the microphone, amplifies, converts into a code and is stored. The stored codes go to the inputs of the code to code converter (for example, to the address inputs of the read-only memory). The latter goes to the first group of inputs of converters 13 or 14. Thus, the system does not transmit the encoded speech signal itself, but a shorter code that carries only the semantic load of a word or phrase from a specific set of them that is included in the list of information necessary for transmission to other participants traffic.

 In the system, the block 11 or part of it is advisable to perform in the form of a code converter into a speech signal. In this case, the codes received at the first and second groups of inputs of block 11, using the decoders of block 11 are converted into codes corresponding to the semantic load received and received at the inputs of the speech synthesizer (voice synthesizer), which is a series-connected memory register, read-only memory and converter code into an analog signal. In this case, part of the address inputs of the permanent storage device is connected to the outputs of the memory register, and part to the outputs of the pulse counter. The pulse counter continuously counts pulses whose frequency determines the resolution of the code to analog signal converter, and therefore the intelligibility of the speech signal.

 The outputs of the speech synthesizer unit 11, it is advisable to connect with the audio input of the audio equipment of the vehicle. In this case, a change in the sound volume in the audio equipment leads to a similar change in the volume of the message received by the system. The output of one of the bits of the memory register of block 11 can be connected to the input of the silent tuning of audio equipment, which will allow you to receive only the message received by the system.

 Using the system on motor vehicles will improve the safety of road workers, especially in emergency situations. Why the mentioned workers and their technical equipment are supplied with similar systems. Such a system can be simpler, consisting of one data transmission channel and containing at least a radiating element, a transmitter, an outgoing data converter (with a fixed code at its inputs) and a simple clock generator. Such a channel operates in the mode of constant radiation - the "beacon", warning drivers of approaching vehicles about the presence of working people and equipment on the highway.

 The provision of railroad crossings and locomotives with such systems makes it possible to increase the safety of vehicles through regulated and unregulated railroad crossings.

 The use of such systems on a par (parallel) with road signs of traffic regulation contributes to its safety, as it does not force the driver of the vehicle to "follow" all the signs.

The implementation of the invention allows a fairly simple hardware to expand the arsenal of technical tools that increase road safety of vehicles due to the awareness of drivers of these funds:
- about the intentions of the participants in the movement to complete one or another maneuver,
- on the condition of the road surface and weather conditions on the highway,
- about emergency situations that occurred on the highway,
- about the condition of level crossings and approaching locomotives,
- about the presence on the highway of working people and equipment,
- about the emergency technical condition of vehicles of other road users,
- the presence of stolen vehicles on the highway,
- the need to obtain and provide technical or medical assistance.

 The above list of system features is not exhaustive.

 Practical implementation of the system at the current level of technology in mass production (but only this is possible with a huge number of vehicles, level crossings, etc.) leads to an external change in the scheme of the system, but does not change the essence of the invention.

 Thus, the warning and notification local information system for vehicles provides increased road safety without removing responsibility for it from road users.

Claims (8)

 1. A warning-informative local information system for vehicles, comprising a first transmitter, the output of which is connected to the first radiating element, a first receiver, the input of which is connected to the first receiving element, characterized in that a clock generator, a data input unit, and the second input data converters, which are serial to parallel converters, the first and second outgoing data converters, which are a conversion The parallel code into serial, second transmitter and receiver, second emitting and receiving elements and an indication unit, the first and second groups of inputs of which are connected to the first groups of outputs of the first and second input data converters, respectively, the information inputs of which are connected to the outputs of the first and second receivers the input of the second of which is connected to the second receiving element, the clock inputs of the first and second converters of incoming data are connected to the first group of outputs of the gene a clock pulse generator, the second group of outputs of which is connected to the clock inputs of the first and second outgoing data converters, the first groups of inputs of which are connected respectively to the first and second groups of outputs of the data input unit, the outputs - with the inputs of the corresponding first and second transmitters, the output of the second of which is connected with a second radiating element.  2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that a disjunctor and read-only memory are introduced, the outputs of which are connected to the second groups of inputs of the first and second outgoing data converters, the inputs are connected to the corresponding outputs of the disjunctor, the first and second groups of inputs of which are connected to the second output groups of the first and second input data converters.  3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the input unit for the analysis of signals of sensors of the vehicle, the outputs of which are connected to the third groups of inputs of the first and second converters of outgoing data.  4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the corresponding inputs of the first and second converters of the outgoing data are connected to the first and second outputs of the burglar alarm of a vehicle.  5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second emitting and receiving elements are located inside or on the inner surface of the windshield and rear windows of the vehicle.  6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the data input unit or part of it is made in the form of a speech signal to code converter.  7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the display unit or part of it is made in the form of a code converter into speech and / or tone signals.  8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the outputs of the display unit are connected to the corresponding inputs of the audio equipment of the vehicle.