Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for rear-end collision warning and accident mitigation

US7495550B2 · kind B2 · utility

48Cited by
11References
29Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 28, 2005
Grant dateFeb 24, 2009
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 12, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R21/0134
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

This disclosure introduces a system which generates a visual, audio, and/or tactile warning to a driver of a lead vehicle when a possible rear-end collision is detected, based on the approach of a second vehicle from a rear direction. The system may also generate a warning signal (such as quick blinking red brake light, or an array of multi-color lights) directed to the approaching vehicle when it is determined to be approaching at an unsafe speed. The system may include one or more of: approaching-vehicle-sensors mounted on the back end of the lead vehicle, a computer processing system, a set of warning lights, a set of speakers within the lead vehicle, and an antenna and transmitter/receiver for communicating with systems of other vehicles. This system may include a connection to the existing taillight system and other existing systems in the lead vehicle. Extended systems may include connections to and control of head support system, seat-belt systems and airbags system to provide additional safety to the occupants of the lead vehicle. The system may also record and store a few seconds of sensor data of the pre-crash and crash related scene when an impact occurs, and provide bli…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.