Method and apparatus to determine vehicle intent
US7889065B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 19, 2008 |
| Grant date | Feb 15, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 6, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG08G1/162
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to the field of smart cars and automatic signaling of a vehicle's intent. The invention allows a driver to choose between manual or automatic signaling (turns, deceleration, acceleration) and a prominent feature is that the system is not cooperative and can be phased in over time, one car at a time and offer immediate benefits. Much of the prior art relating to newer automotive technologies relies on the use of cooperative technologies, such as transponders or beacons and the like, requiring all cars to equip in order to gain benefits. While this is technically achievable it is an institutional limitation, and therefore systems that do not rely on this extent of cooperation are more practical and can be introduced sooner. The invention has the capability of ensuring that many more cars on the road provide proper turn signals as well as acceleration and deceleration signals. This display of intent will lead to increased situational awareness for all drivers and will improve efficiencies on the roads leading to less congestion. Today, the car ahead may simply slow down leaving a following or approaching driver to wait and guess what is happening. With th…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.