Vehicle mounted travel surface and weather condition monitoring system
US6977597B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 3, 2003 |
| Grant date | Dec 20, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 17, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2001/028
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system and apparatus for detecting and evaluating surface conditions on a road surface and atmospheric conditions simultaneously from a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises a sensor for detecting the presence of deposited material on a road surface, a detector for determining one or more characteristics of the deposited material such as freezing temperature, process means for converting a detected signal and display means for displaying the condition of the road surface, and a sensor for detecting falling precipitation. An embodiment of the present invention includes a remote sensing apparatus which utilizes electromagnetic radiation to sense actual surface material conditions, temperatures, and composition and local atmospheric conditions at the vehicle as it is moving over a travel surface. This information is then processed through a computer in order to determine those additional steps necessary to apply additional materials to the road surface in order to minimize hazardous driving conditions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.