Patent · US Active

Vehicular headlight warning system

US9589464B2 · kind B2 · utility

5Cited by
5References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 22, 2015
Grant dateMar 7, 2017
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 22, 2035

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01J2001/4247
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method is provided for alerting a driver of a vehicle of an unsafe exterior lighting status. The method includes receiving, at a first vehicle, information sufficient to detect a presence of a second vehicle. Once a vehicle is detected, the method continues to identify a direction of travel of the second vehicle with respect to the first vehicle. The method includes measuring a level of ambient light, and determining the level of ambient light is below a threshold level. The method further identifies any presence of functioning exterior lighting of the second vehicle by detecting a light color and light intensity. When an unsafe exterior lighting status is determined, the method includes alerting a driver of the second vehicle using a vehicle-to-vehicle communication signal. The signal includes a notification suggesting usage of at least one of headlights, parking lights, and hazard lights.

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