INDICATIONS FOR VEHICLES

Abstract

A display on a front, back or side of a vehicle, linked to an on board computer or a can-bus of said vehicle for displaying changes in the trajectory of the vehicle, wherein rear display provides a non-binary illuminated warning in response to detected changes in trajectory of the vehicle.

Claims

1-38. (canceled)

39. A warning system for a vehicle comprising: a) one or more lights positioned on a surface of the vehicle b) one or more detectors detects and/or monitoring any one or more of an acceleration of the vehicle, a deceleration of the vehicle, and cruising of the vehicle; and c) a processor configured to illuminate one or more of the lights when an acceleration of the vehicle, a deceleration of the vehicle, or cruising of the vehicle is detected.

40. The system according to claim 39 wherein one or more of the detectors detects and/or monitors a position of an accelerator pedal of the vehicle and/or an autonomous acceleration or deceleration or cruising of the vehicle and/or a communicably connected acceleration or deceleration or cruising of the vehicle.

41. The system according to claim 39 wherein one or more of the detectors detects and/or monitor a position of a foot brake of the vehicle and/or an autonomous braking of the vehicle and/or a communicably connected braking of the vehicle.

42. The system according to claim 39 comprising two or more lights, and a number of lights are illuminated by the processor in a predetermined temporal and/or spatial pattern as the deceleration progresses.

43. The system according to claim 42 wherein the number of lights illuminated by the processor increases as the deceleration progresses.

44. The system according to claim 42 wherein the predetermined pattern includes a color change of the illuminated lights as the deceleration progresses.

45. The system according to claim 42 wherein an intensity of illumination of one or more of the lights changes as the deceleration progresses.

46. The system according to claim 39 comprising two or more lights, and a number of lights are illuminated by the processor changes in a predetermined temporal or spatial pattern as the acceleration progresses.

47. The system according to claim 46 wherein the number of lights illuminated by the processor increases as the acceleration progresses.

48. The system according to claim 46 wherein the predetermined pattern includes a color change of the illuminated lights as the acceleration progresses.

49. The system according to claim 46 wherein an intensity of illumination of one or more of the lights changes as the acceleration progresses.

50. The system according to claim 39 wherein one or more of the detector monitors the speed of the vehicle and the processor is configured to calculate the acceleration and/or deceleration of the vehicle.

51. The system according to claim 39 wherein the vehicle is an autonomously driven vehicle.

52. The system according to claim 39 wherein the vehicle is configured to communicate to other vehicles that an acceleration, deceleration or cruising of the vehicle has been detected.

53. A warning system for a vehicle comprising: a) one or more lights positioned on a rear surface of the vehicle; b) one or more detectors detecting or monitoring when the vehicle is travelling in reverse by a human driver and/or by an autonomous system and/or by a communicably connected system; c) a processor configured to flash on and off one or more of the lights postponed on the rear surface of the vehicle when the vehicle is travelling in reverse.

54. The system according to claim 53 wherein the processor is configured to flash the lights on and off in a temporal and/or spatial pattern as the reverse travel of the vehicle progresses.

55. The system according to claim 54 wherein a frequency of the flashing of the lights changes as the reverse travel of the vehicle progresses.

56. The system according to claim 54 wherein a color of the illuminated lights changes as the reverse travel of the vehicle progresses.

57. The system according to claim 54 wherein an intensity of illumination of one or more of the lights changes as the reverse travel of the vehicle progresses.

58. The system according to claim 53 wherein the vehicle is an autonomously driven vehicle

59. The system according to claim 53 wherein the vehicle is configured to communicate to other vehicles that the vehicle is traveling in reverse.

60. A warning system for a vehicle comprising: a) one or more lights positioned on a side surface of the vehicle; b) one or more detectors detecting any one or more of: (i) an engine of the vehicle has is turned off, (ii) a parking brake of the vehicle is in an applied position, (iv) a steering wheel of the vehicle and/or an autonomously steering system of the vehicle and/or a communicably connected steering system of the vehicle is turned to the left or to the right, and (v) when a transmission of the vehicle is in park; c) a processor configured to illuminate one or more of the lights when one or more of the detectors has detected any one or more of: (i) an engine of the vehicle has is turned off, (ii) a parking brake of the vehicle is in an applied position, (iv) a steering wheel of the vehicle and/or an autonomously steering system of the vehicle and/or a communicably connected steering system of the vehicle is turned to the left or to the right, and (v) when a transmission of the vehicle is in park.

61. The system according to claim 60 wherein the processor is configured to flash the lights on and off in a temporal and/or spatial pattern.

62. The system according to claim 61 wherein a frequency of the flashing of the lights changes with time.

63. The system according to claim 61 wherein a color of the illuminated lights changes with time.

64. The system according to claim 61 wherein an intensity of illumination of one or more of the lights changes with time

65. The system according to claim 60 wherein the vehicle is an autonomously driven vehicle.

66. The system according to claim 60 wherein the vehicle is configured to communicate to other vehicles.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0055] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention; the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In particular, it will be appreciated that the schematic illustrations are not to scale, and the thickness of some very thin layers is exaggerated. In the accompanying drawings:

[0057] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the rear of a vehicle, specifically a family saloon car 2, showing possible positions for display screens in addition to the license plate and rear lights and turn indicators, where 10A and 10B are to the rear left and rear right of the vehicle on panels near the lid of the trunk;

[0058] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the rear of a sports car 4, such as a corvette showing possible positions for display screens in addition to the license plate and rear lights and turn indicators, where 10E and 10F are to the rear left and rear right of the vehicle on panels on the rear of the vehicle, and 10D is a display panel on the lid of the trunk;

[0059] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a hatchback 6 showing possible positions for display screens in addition to the license plate and rear lights and turn indicators, where 10E and 10F are to the rear left and rear right of the vehicle on panels built into or attached to the rear bumper, and 10G is a panel on the rear door of the vehicle, and 10D is a display panel on the lid of the trunk;

[0060] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a luxury car where 10H is a panel on the back of the lid of the trunk and 101 is a panel on the rear bumper;

[0061] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a display 20 having various data displayed thereupon.

[0062] FIG. 6 is a schematic bird's eye view of a vehicle showing sideways illumination of the ground alongside the vehicle, as an indication of veering of vehicle or of danger of a door opening from a parked car;

[0063] FIG. 7 is a schematic bird's eye view of a vehicle showing back illumination of the ground behind the vehicle, as an indication of the vehicle reversing, and

[0064] FIG. 8 is a schemicatic view of the front of a vehicle showing information thereon for viewing by pedestrians, such as if it is safe to cross in front of the vehicle.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0065] Many autonomous and smart vehicles monitor other road users and respond via complex algorithms to avoid collisions. Consequently, however, there is a big gap between the capability of such vehicles and that of other road users including drivers of older and simpler cars, motorcyclists, bicyclists, pedestrians and other road users.

[0066] There is massive concern worldwide in introducing cost-effective technologies to reduce the occurrence and severity of road accidents and to promote safer driving.

[0067] In general the response time of a driver is a combination of his perception time and his reaction time, and the ability of the vehicle to respond to his reaction. Due to its intertia, in general, the faster the vehicle is travelling, the longer the response time.

[0068] The human perception time is typically to a second, and the human reaction time, such as transferring the foot from the accelerator (gas pedal) to the brake pedal may vary from to seconds. The total human contribution to stopping the vehicle may be two seconds, but the effects of tiredness, and alcohol can slow this to 3-4 seconds.

[0069] A vehicle travelling at 110 km/hr travels between 28 to 100 meters during a human response time of 1 to 4 seconds, before the brakes are applied.

[0070] Leading and following vehicles generally travel with the traffic flow at the same pace. The brake lights of the leading vehicle only come on when the driver thereof has perceived and reacted to a hazard. Thus the following vehicle who is not keeping his distance from the vehicle in front (tailgating) may be unable to stop when the brake lights of the leading vehicle provide warning that the leading vehicle is slowing down or stopping. Such crashes are all too frequent. It is noted that (correctly), in absence of strong evidence to the contrary, insurance policies and the law assume that in the event of a collision, the driver of the following vehicle responsible. He is also most at risk. It will be appreciated that the following car that crashes into the rear of a leading car is itself often followed by a further car, and in such instances, the second car typically comes to an abrupt halt with minimum notice and it not infrequently happens that the third car crashes into the second, and a multiple vehicle collision may ensue. multiple vehicle collision is a road traffic accident involving many vehicles. Generally occurring on high-capacity and high-speed routes such as freeways, multiple vehicle collisions are one of the deadliest forms of traffic accidents. The most disastrous pile-ups have involved more than a hundred vehicles.

[0071] Thus any shortening of the following driver's perception+reaction time will reduce the time required for the stopping process and minimize crashes and may save lives, prevent accidents or minimize their severity.

[0072] Early warning to a following driver both provides earlier perception of a hazard and can trigger behavior such as the following driver easing his/her foot off the accelerator or covering the brakes, slowing the vehicle down before actually braking and responding earlier if necessary.

[0073] It will be appreciated that for many decades until very recently, car lamps have traditionally been filament bulbs which draw large currents and may dim over a measurable time. Leaving the headlamps on, or even leaving a dim inner light of a car on whilst parked can and does drain the accumulator.

[0074] In recent years there has been a revolution in illumination technologies, with flat screen full colour pixilated displays such as those based on solid state light emitting diodes LEDs being available in a range of colors at low cost. Early LEDs were made of aluminum gallium indium phosphide (AlGalnP) and are red, or of indium gallium nitride (InGaN) alloys and are green. Typically indicator LEDs draw very low currents, of milliamps, and so do not drain the leadacid accumulator (car battery) of power.

[0075] Nowadays, LEDs are available in a wide range of colours including orange and yellow (also AlGalnP) and blue or white (InGaN) but can be made in any shape or size, and can be used as pixels of an array to show create simple graphical images. Since the ON/OFF response of LEDs is very rapid, such simple graphical images can change dynamically. By mounting different LEDs in close proximity or by using LEDs with a plurality of band-gaps that can produce more than one color, it is possible to change the color of such images as well.

[0076] Indicator lights on vehicles are generally binary. They are either OFF or ON. Turn signal lights flash, but this is simply to draw attention to them, and no additional information is imparted, other than the driver intending to turn, apart from when both turn signal lights flash together in synchrony which is used as a hazard warning signal.

[0077] Whilst some brake lights have variable intensity, such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,481,243 this is not all that readily discernable to drivers of following vehicles and the like.

[0078] U.S. Pat. No. 6,268,792 to Newton describes a progressive brake light gauge that comprises a lamp assembly including a plurality of horizontally oriented, linearly aligned lamps with perhaps an illuminable peripheral lamp situated about a perimeter of the linear aligned lamps, the lamp assembly is mounted on a rear of the vehicle, each lamp of the lamp assembly is adapted to illuminate upon the actuation thereof. Also included is a mode selection switch for allowing a user to select the operation of the system in one of four modes including a first mode of operation, a second mode of operation, a third mode of operation, and a fourth mode of operation; a memory means for continuously monitoring the deceleration detected by the accelerometer and further storing the maximum deceleration detected, wherein the memory means is adapted to be reset; and control means connected between the accelerometer, lamp assembly, mode selection switch and memory means, the control means, in the first mode of operation, adapted to actuate the lamps from center lamps of the lamp assembly to end lamps as the detected deceleration increases wherein the peripheral lamp is illuminated only upon the detection of the maximum deceleration, the control means, in the second mode of operation, adapted to actuate the lamps from the end lamps to the center lamps as the detected deceleration increases wherein the peripheral lamp is illuminated upon the detection of any deceleration, the control means, in the third mode of operation, adapted to actuate the lamps from one set of the end lamps to another set of the end lamps as the detected deceleration increases wherein the peripheral lamp is illuminated only upon the detection of the maximum deceleration, the control means, in the fourth mode of operation, adapted to actuate the lamps from one set of the end lamps to another set of the end lamps as the detected deceleration increases wherein the peripheral lamp is illuminated upon the detection of any deceleration.

[0079] In a first embodiment, at least one display is provided on the rear of a vehicle, the display comprising a pixilated array such as an array of LEDs; the display being linked to the on board computer of the vehicle either directly or by monitoring signals to and from the computer or to the Controller Area Network (can-bus) which is a robust vehicle bus standard designed to allow microcontrollers and devices to communicate with each other in applications without a host computer. It is a message-based protocol, designed originally for multiplex electrical wiring within automobiles from various sensors and controls, that monitor changes in the trajectory of the leading vehicle, wherein said display provides a real-time non-binary illuminated warning of variable surface area in response to detected changes in trajectory.

[0080] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the rear of a vehicle 2, specifically a family saloon car, showing possible positions for display screens, with one display screen 10A being positioned to the rear left of the vehicle, and a second display screen 10B being displayed to the rear right of the vehicle 2 on panels near the lid of the trunk, in addition to the license plate and rear lights and turn indicators, and a further display screen 10C being positioned on the bumper which is a structure attached to or integrated with the front and rear ends of a motor vehicle, to absorb impact in a minor collision, ideally minimizing repair costs. Stiff metal bumpers appeared on automobiles as early as 1904 that had a mainly ornamental function. Numerous developments, improvements in materials and technologies, as well as greater focus on functionality for protecting vehicle components and improving safety have changed bumpers over the years. Bumpers ideally minimize height mismatches between vehicles and protect pedestrians from injury. Regulatory measures have been enacted to reduce vehicle repair costs, and more recently impact on pedestrians.

[0081] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the rear of a vehicle 4, specifically a sports car, such as a corvette showing possible positions for display screens on the rear of the vehicle, in addition to the license plate and rear lights and turn indicators, showing a rear left display screen 10E, a rear right display screen 10F and a central display panel 10D on the back facing panel of the lid of the trunk.

[0082] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a hatchback 6 showing possible positions for display screens in addition to the license plate and rear lights and turn indicators, where a rear left display screen 10E is fixed to the left of the bumper, and a rear right display screen 10F is fixed to the right of the bumper, and a large display screen 10G is fixed to the rear door of the vehicle. The display screen.

[0083] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a vehicle 8, specifically a luxury car having a display panel 10H on the back of the lid of the trunk and a further display panel 101 on the rear bumper.

[0084] The display panels 10X are preferably pixilated arrays and are most preferably arrays of light emitting diodes LEDs so may surround and include logos as shown with display screens 10G and 110H for example. Preferably the display screen has at least the colors red yellow and green. The display panels 10X are used to display additional information not usually shown by the standard braking, rear and turn lights of the vehicle. For example, where the vehicle has an automatic gear box, reduction in pressure on the accelerator is detected by the onboard computer or can-bus and a yellow indication is displayed on the display. In some embodiments the size of the yellow display is an indication of the rate of deceleration. In vehicles with manual gearboxes, this no such yellow indication is given as it may provide false indications of the vehicle's trajectory.

[0085] Where the leading vehicle 2 (4, 6, 8) has installed therein, a radar or video system with image analysis for detecting hazards in front of the leading vehicle, images corresponding to the hazards may be displayed on the display 10X on the rear of the leading vehicle 2 (4, 6, 8) to provide information to following road users.

[0086] Side displays 10A, 10B (10E, 10F) are usually provided in pairs, since the rear of a vehicle 2 (4) is typically symmetrical Where the onboard computer or can-bus or the radar, laser, satellite navigation system or video system detect that the vehicle 2 (4, 6, 8) is moving to the left or right, either via the steering wheel, or from changing proximity to lane markings detected by a laser based driver warning system, such as AWACS or Mobileye, detected information selected from that displayed to the driver of the system provided with the laser based driver warning system is displayed as a non-binary display on the rear display to the following driver, typically as a solid arrow to the left on a left side display 10A, 10E, 10H, and a solid arrow pointing to the right on a right side display 10B, 10F, 101, could indicate a veer to the right.

[0087] Where a central display is provided, it may show an arrow pointing in the desired direction.

[0088] In general, the displayed information is informative. Preferably it includes icons, signs or glyphs.

[0089] With reference to FIG. 5, a display 20 is shown having various data displayed thereupon. If the display 20 is attached to the rear of a leading vehicle, the driver of a following vehicle is able to see this data dispayed on the display of the leading vehicle and to take appropriate action.

[0090] Preferably the displayed information is intuitive. It may be symbolic. For example, internationally, a red octagon 14 indicates stop, and no other sign is this shape. A triangular symbol 16, particularly a triangle with a red border is a warning. Although in FIG. 5 the stop sign 14 itself is shown, with the word stop thereon, it will be appreciated that a red octagonal alone, or the word STOP alone has almost as much impact.

[0091] In some embodiments the information displayed is graphical. In others it is alpha-numeric, such as a number indicating speed, a letter such as L or R for left or right, or, indeed the word left or right, but in such cases the information consists of single short words and not sentences for ease of comprehension.

[0092] In some embodiments the color of the display is intuitive with red indicating a hazard, yellow providing advanced warning of likely change in trajectory and green indicating that the leading vehicle is likely to continue on its trajectory.

[0093] For example, the display may comprise a graded triangle 26 or a line or arrow 22, 24, the extent of which being indicative of the extent of that indicated, so a long arrow to the left 22 could indicate a sharp deviance to the left. Likewise a long arrow to the right 24 might indicate a sharp deviance to the right. This is different from flashing turn light since it does not indicate driver's intent to change lanes or to turn at a junction, but rather the movement of the host vehicle in relation to its forward trajectory, i.e. the host vehicle veering from the straight ahead direction, possibly together with the winding of the road itself, or, using information determined by a laser Doppler system (Ladar), a radar system, a satellite navigation system, an onboard camera with image analysis or similar, to the vehicle veering with respect to its lane.

[0094] Optionally the data displayed is alpha-numeric. Optionally the data displayed is graphical.

[0095] Optionally, the data displayed comprises a bar or triangle whose extend is indicative of the severity of the change in trajectory.

[0096] Thus a graded green forward triangle 26 could indicate acceleration of the host vehicle having the display 20 on its rear to drivers of following vehicles.

[0097] With the aid of Ladar, radar, a camera with image analysis and the like, pedestrians in from of a vehicle 2 may be detected and an indication of pedestrians may be displayed on the rear screen 20 showing the standard road signal graphic for pedestrians to give additional warning to following drivers.

[0098] The general purpose of embodiments of the invention is to create a better understanding between drivers by presenting the detected intention of a driver prior to it happening.

[0099] It will be appreciated that more information about the driving and expected trajectory of a leading vehicle and allowing the following vehicle to predict the intention of the leading driver may help to reduce the stress levels of the following driver.

[0100] In some embodiments, a visual indication of any significant turning of steering wheel by a driver of a leading vehicle is displayed on rear display for viewing by the driver of a following vehicle.

[0101] This displayed signal could be a constant illumination of side indicators that contrasts with the blinking signal indicating intention to turn.

[0102] With reference to FIG. 6 a schematic bird's eye view of a vehicle 30 is shown. Also shown are lane markings 32L and 32 R on the left and right of the vehicle. In some embodiments, side indication lamps 35L, 35R are attached to the sides of the vehicle 30 and projected on to the ground surface 34L, 34R to the left and right of the vehicle 30. These side indication lamps 35L, 35R provide advanced of warning of lane changes and turning.

[0103] In some embodiments, the invention is directed to providing sideways illumination of the road or sidewalk alongside a stationary vehicle 30 to a distance of about 1 meter, to indicate to passersby, particularly to motorcyclists or cyclists, that the vehicle 30 has recently parked, thereby warning of the danger of a door opening suddenly which is well-documented as being a major cause of accidents involving motorcyclists or cyclist.

[0104] In preferred embodiments, a vehicle 30 that just parked will indicate this fact by low level illumination to other road users. However, in a preferred embodiment, if the driver turns off the engine, or the driver or a passenger touches a door handle, this causes the illumination of the ground to the side of the vehicle to be increased in intensity and/or to flash and or to change from white or yellow to red, thereby warning other road users of a clear imminent danger. In some embodiments, this indication may be only on the side of the vehicle of the door whose handle was touched.

[0105] The standard signal indicating that a vehicle is reversing is the illumination of a white light on the rear of the vehicle. Sometimes, particularly with lorries, coaches and other vehicles where the driver has poor rear vision, sometimes this signal is augmented by a high pitched steady or beeping audible signal. With reference to FIG. 7, in an embodiment of the invention, a rear lamp 35B is provided that illuminates a beam on the road 34B behind the vehicle 30 ather like a weak dipped headlamp illuminates the road in front of a vehicle. This will more intuitively indicate that the vehicle 30 is reversing and thus the fact that the vehicle 30 is reversing will be detected more quickly by other road users. In some embodiments, the distance illuminated may provide an indication of the speed of reversal or the length of the reversing vehicle 30.

[0106] With reference to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, a forward facing display 10M may be provided on the front of the vehicle 40 to provide an indication of a driver's intent to road users in front of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the front display 10M may be coupled to a video camera with image analysis, radar or laser system. Thus if a crossing and a person waiting to cross is detected, when the vehicle slows down as it approaches or stops, a green walking man 42 may be displayed to indicate to persons waiting to cross that it is safe to do so. On the other hand, if the driver is going too fast to stop as a traffic light (robot) flashes amber, an image of a red man 44 standing could indicate this fact to pedestrians.

[0107] It will be appreciated that displays of the invention are applicable for manually controlled vehicles, for vehicles in a cruise control mode and for the autonomous vehicles that are being developed.

[0108] Providing an early indication to other road users of the likely trajectory of a vehicle, whether manually controlled or autonomous, will help these other road users make better and faster decisions, responding more promptly.

[0109] Thus persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and sub combinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

[0110] In the claims, the word comprise, and variations thereof such as comprises, comprising and the like indicate that the components listed are included, but not generally to the exclusion of other components.