LIFEFORM TRANSMISSION SYSTEM FOR COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Abstract

A lifeform transmission system is used to locate a lifeform wanting to be identified as a lifeform for collision avoidance. The lifeform transmission system comprises a lifeform vitals detector, a GPS transmitter and various other electrical circuits. The lifeform transmitter is worn on a limb or neck of the lifeform. If the lifeform does not wear a transmitter no signal is emitted. The collision avoidance system is housed inside the vehicle and receives communication from invention. If any lifeform is positioned in the path or approaching the path that the ground vehicle is traveling, the vehicle's collision avoidance system is advised to avoid the collision to enhance the accuracy of the collision avoidance system. This invention complements the existing collision avoidance system and enhances the accuracy of vehicle systems by providing an input from the lifeform, making detection easier.

Claims

1. A lifeform transmission system for locating a lifeform, said lifeform transmission system comprising: a lifeform transmitter having a transmitter processor, said transmission processor being electrically compatible with a global positioning satellite tracking unit, said lifeform transmitter including a transmitter housing, said transmitter housing having a physical size and shape that can be worn by a human or pet; and a lifeform detector being electrically compatible with a global positioning satellite, said lifeform detector having a detector processor, said detector processor being electrically compatible with said transmitter processor, said lifeform detector being positioned relative to a vehicle, said lifeform detector using at least one of lidar, ladar, radar, Wi-Fi, laser, sonar, ultrasound, and radio-frequency technology to locate a lifeform within a pre-selected area; wherein said vehicle is deployed to search within coordinates of said pre-selected area.

2. The lifeform transmission system of claim 1, wherein said lifeform detector emitter is in communication with a collision avoidance system for said vehicle and enhances said collision avoidance system relative to any human or pet wearing said lifeform detector.

3. The lifeform transmission system of claim 1, wherein said lifeform detector is capable of transmitting information using at least one of WiFi, Bluetooth, radio waves, light waves, and sound waves.

4. The lifeform transmission system of claim 1, further comprising said detector processor including a sensor to measure at least one vital sign of said human or pet.

5. The lifeform transmission system of claim 1, further comprising said detector emitter having an antenna, said antenna being configured to operate in an AM or FM band.

6. A lifeform transmission system for locating a lifeform, said lifeform transmission system comprising: a lifeform transmitter having a transmitter processor, said transmission processor being electrically compatible with a global positioning satellite tracking unit, said lifeform transmitter including a transmitter housing, said transmitter housing having a physical size and shape that can be worn by a human or pet; and a lifeform detector being electrically compatible with a global positioning satellite, said lifeform detector having a detector processor, said detector processor being electrically compatible with said transmitter processor, said lifeform detector being positioned relative to a ground vehicle, said lifeform detector using at least one of lidar, ladar, radar, Wi-Fi, laser, sonar, ultrasound, and radio-frequency technology to locate a lifeform within a pre-selected area; wherein said ground vehicle is deployed to search within coordinates in said selected area where said lifeform is believed to be.

7. The lifeform transmission system of claim 6, wherein said lifeform detector emitter is in communication with a collision avoidance system for said ground vehicle and enhances said collision avoidance system relative to any lifeform wearing said lifeform detector.

8. The lifeform transmission system of claim 6, wherein said lifeform detector is capable of transmitting information using at least one of WiFi, Bluetooth, radio waves, light waves, and sound waves.

9. The lifeform transmission system of claim 6, further comprising said detector processor including a sensor to measure at least one vital sign of said human or pet.

10. The lifeform transmission system of claim 6, further comprising said detector emitter having an antenna, said antenna being configured to operate in an AM or FM band.

11. A lifeform transmission system for locating a lifeform, said lifeform transmission system comprising: a lifeform transmitter having a transmitter processor, said transmission processor being electrically compatible with a global positioning satellite tracking unit, said lifeform transmitter including a transmitter housing, said transmitter housing having a physical size and shape that can be worn by a human or pet; and a lifeform detector being electrically compatible with a global positioning satellite, said lifeform detector having a detector processor, said detector processor being electrically compatible with said transmitter processor, said lifeform detector being positioned relative to an watercraft, said lifeform detector using at least one of lidar, ladar, radar, Wi-Fi, laser, sonar, ultrasound, and radio-frequency technology to locate a lifeform within a pre-selected area; wherein said watercraft is deployed to search within coordinates in said selected area where said lifeform is believed to be.

12. The lifeform transmission system of claim 11, wherein said lifeform detector emitter is in communication with a collision avoidance system for said watercraft and enhances said collision avoidance system relative to any lifeform wearing said lifeform detector.

13. The lifeform transmission system of claim 11, wherein said lifeform detector is capable of transmitting information using at least one of WiFi, Bluetooth, radio waves, light waves, and sound waves.

14. The lifeform transmission system of claim 11, further comprising said detector processor including a sensor to measure at least one vital sign of said human or pet.

15. The lifeform transmission system of claim 11, further comprising said detector emitter having an antenna, said antenna being configured to operate in an AM or FM band.

16. A lifeform transmission system for locating a lifeform, said lifeform transmission system comprising: a lifeform transmitter having a transmitter processor, said transmission processor being electrically compatible with a global positioning satellite tracking unit, said lifeform transmitter including a transmitter housing, said transmitter housing having a physical size and shape that can be worn by a human or pet; and a lifeform detector being electrically compatible with a global positioning satellite, said lifeform detector having a detector processor, said detector processor being electrically compatible with said transmitter processor, said lifeform detector being positioned relative to an aircraft, said lifeform detector using at least one of lidar, ladar, radar, Wi-Fi, laser, sonar, ultrasound, and radio-frequency technology to locate a lifeform within a pre-selected area; wherein said aircraft is deployed to search within coordinates in said selected area where said lifeform is believed to be.

17. The lifeform transmission system of claim 16, wherein said lifeform detector emitter is in communication with a collision avoidance system for said aircraft and enhances said collision avoidance system relative to any lifeform wearing said lifeform detector.

18. The lifeform transmission system of claim 16, wherein said lifeform detector is capable of transmitting information using at least one of WiFi, Bluetooth, radio waves, light waves, and sound waves.

19. The lifeform transmission system of claim 16, further comprising said detector processor including a sensor to measure at least one vital sign of said human or pet.

20. The lifeform transmission system of claim 16, further comprising said detector emitter having an antenna, said antenna being configured to operate in an AM or FM band.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] FIG. 1 depicts a first preferred embodiment of a schematic representation of the lifeform transmission system of the present invention with a lifeform detector/receiver being mounted atop a ground vehicle, the lifeform detector/receiver being in one way communication with a global positioning satellite, also depicting a lifeform transmitter/signal emitter for a human lifeform (wearable wrist, collar, backpack etc. device), the lifeform transmission system being in electronic transmit communication with a [30] receiver/detector (can also be collision avoidance system disposed in the ground vehicle.

[0035] FIG. 2 depicts an environmental representation of the lifeform transmission system represented in FIG. 1, showing a detector/receiver mounted atop a ground vehicle also depicting a lifeform transmitter worn by a human, another lifeform, and an oncoming vehicle, the lifeform detection system being in electronic transmit communication with a collision avoidance system disposed in the ground vehicle.

[0036] FIG. 3 depicts a simplified exploded view of a lifeform transmitter to be worn on the wrist of a human or app installed on cell phone for the lifeform detection system of FIG. 1.

[0037] FIG. 4A depicts a simplified exploded view of a lifeform transmitter for the lifeform transmission system of FIG. 1 to be worn around the neck of a pet, and FIG. 4B depicts a dog wearing the lifeform transmitter apparatus of FIG. 4A.

[0038] FIG. 5A depicts a simplified view of a second preferred embodiment of the lifeform transmission system of the present invention, whereby an aircraft (a helicopter) with an receiver scans quadrant coordinates in an area where the lifeform is or the in the path of the aircraft during landing or in flight. The helicopter detects the lifeform emitter/transmitter signal thereby focusing on this area.

[0039] FIG. 5B depicts a simplified view of a third preferred embodiment of the lifeform transmission system of the present invention, whereby a watercraft with a receiver scans quadrant coordinates in an area where lifeform maybe or is along coastline. The watercraft communicates any findings to ground vehicle within the area. The watercraft recognizes the lifeform and can use watercraft controls to avoid collision.

[0040] FIG. 5C depicts a simplified view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the lifeform transmission system of the present invention, whereby an aircraft with a receiver scans quadrant coordinates in an area, where lifeform is in the water, in 2 way communication with a watercraft. Watercraft has the detector for lifeform.

[0041] FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C depict preferred configurations for lifeform transmitter worn by lifeforms for the lifeform transmission system of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 1, 5A, 5B, and 5C.

[0042] FIG. 7 depicts a simplified exploded view of the preferred embodiment of a receiver for use in the detection of a of FIGS. 1, 5A, 5B, and 5C.

[0043] FIG. 8A depicts a simplified flowchart showing the first preferred embodiment of the lifeform transmission system of the present invention, a ground vehicle to search within quadrant coordinates where lifeform is while continuously alerting the collision avoidance system of any lifeform transmitters proximate to the ground vehicle travel path. This is only a demonstration into how the invention can help in this typical situation.

[0044] FIG. 8B depicts a simplified flowchart showing the second preferred embodiment of the lifeform transmission system of the present invention, an aircraft to search within quadrant coordinates where the lifeform is while continuously alerting the collision avoidance system of the aircraft of any lifeform transmitters proximate to the aircraft travel path, the aircraft coordinating with one or more ground vehicles. This is only a demonstration into how the invention can help in this typical situation.

[0045] FIG. 8C depicts a simplified flowchart showing the third preferred embodiment of the lifeform transmission system of the present invention, a watercraft to search within quadrant coordinates where the lifeform is while continuously alerting the collision avoidance system of the watercraft of any lifeform transmitters proximate to the watercraft travel path, the watercraft coordinating with one or more ground vehicles. This is only a demonstration into how the invention can help in this typical situation.

[0046] FIG. 8D depicts a simplified flowchart showing the fourth preferred embodiment of the lifeform transmission system of the present invention, an aircraft to search within quadrant coordinates where the lifeform is while continuously alerting the collision avoidance system of the aircraft of any lifeform detectors proximate to the aircraft travel path, the aircraft coordinating with one or more watercraft. This is only a demonstration into how the invention can help in this typical situation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a first preferred embodiment of a schematic diagram of the lifeform transmission system [10] of the present invention, showing a receiver [30] able to receive electrical signals (or equivalent) from a lifeform transmitter worn by a human [50], and another lifeform detector worn by a nonhuman lifeform [60].

[0048] FIG. 2 depicts an environmental view of the lifeform transmission system of FIG. 1, with the system [10] transmitting the position of a dog in the street wearing a transmitter device [60], an approaching vehicle [46], a pedestrian with a backpack crossing the street [45] wearing transmitter device [50], and a running youth [48] wearing a transmitter device [50].

[0049] FIG. 3 depicts a simplified exploded view of a transmitter device [50] to be worn on the wrist or ankle of a human of FIG. 1. For purposes of example only, the lifeform transmitter of choice is a Fitbit, a registered trademark of Fitbit, Inc. The device is a multifunctional electronic device for displaying, measuring, and uploading to the Internet information including time, date, heart rate, global positioning, direction, distance, altitude, speed, steps taken, calories burned, navigational information, changes in heart rate, activity level, hours slept, quality of sleep, and silent wake alarm; computer software for wireless data communication for receiving, processing, transmitting and displaying information relating to fitness, body fat, body mass index; computer software for managing information regarding tracking, compliance and motivation with a health and fitness program. The lifeform transmitter [50 and 60] will each preferably require a power source, a power source charger, software, over the air programming, a physical enclosure, charging ports, and means to attach to a limb or neck to the lifeform or means of physical connectioni.e. touching of the skin to engage the lifeform recognition-sensor functions. This is not physically shown but implied

[0050] FIG. 4A depicts a simplified exploded view of a lifeform transmitter [60] for the lifeform detection for the collision avoidance system of FIG. 1 to be worn around the neck of a pet, and FIG. 4B depicts a nonhuman (a dog) wearing the lifeform transmitter apparatus [60] of FIG. 4A. The collar of choice is made by Link AKC Smart Collar.

[0051] FIG. 5A depicts a simplified view of a second preferred embodiment of the lifeform transmission system [110] of the present invention. An aircraft [22] (a helicopter) with a-detector/receiver [30] scans quadrant coordinates in an area [26] where the lifeform is. The aircraft communicates any findings to a ground vehicle [20] proximate to the area [26]. The receiver [30] in the ground vehicle [20] then transmits what is learned to the existing vehicular collision avoidance system and can locate the lifeform.

[0052] FIG. 5B depicts a simplified view of a third preferred embodiment of the lifeform transmission system [210] of the present invention. A watercraft [24] with a receiver [30] scans quadrant coordinates in an area [26] where the lifeform is along a coastline [28]. The watercraft communicates any findings to a ground vehicle [20] with the area [26]. The receiver [30] in the ground vehicle [20] then transmits what is learned to the existing vehicular collision avoidance system. The watercraft recognizes the lifeform and can use watercraft controls to avoid collision.

[0053] FIG. 5C depicts a simplified view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the lifeform transmission system [310] of the present invention. An aircraft [26] with a receiver [30] scans quadrant coordinates in an area [26] where the lifeform is in the water, in a 2-way communication with a watercraft [24]. Watercraft [24] has the detector [30] to locate lifeform [50].

[0054] FIG. 6A depicts a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of an emitter, including emitter software for the vital-signs sensor. The wearable transmitter [50] transmits a locating signal (GPS) using Bluetooth low power signal or other signal type/function. Moving vehicles use this signal to know that a lifeform wearing a detector is in proximity, updating the collision avoidance system of the vehicle, preventing a collision with the lifeform. In one preferred embodiment, the signal is only transmitted when the device senses lifeform vitals. A stationary device cannot generate this signal preventing misuse. In a second preferred embodiment, the signal continues to transmit, even absent lifeform vitals or motion, however the receiver receives a signal and recognizes the object as a non-lifeform.

[0055] FIG. 6C depicts a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the transmitter [50] for the lifeform transmission system of the present invention, including the low power Bluetooth function or AM band, the software, technology to interact with vital sign sensors on a lifeform, a transmitter and a receiver for the low power Bluetooth or AM band, and an enclosure so that the product may be worn.

[0056] FIG. 7 depicts a simplified exploded view of the preferred embodiment of a lifeform emergency emitter [30] for use in the lifeform transmission system of the present invention. The lifeform emergency emitter [30] includes an emitter antennae [32} for emitting signals remotely, an emitter power supply [37] and emitter on-off buttons [38] for shutting the lifeform emergency emitter [30] down and starting the lifeform emergency emitter [30] up.

[0057] FIG. 8A depicts a simplified flowchart showing the first preferred embodiment of the lifeform transmission system [10] of the present invention, deploying a ground vehicle to search within quadrant coordinates where the lifeform is while continuously alerting the collision avoidance system of any lifeform emitters proximate to the ground vehicle travel path.

[0058] FIG. 8B depicts a simplified flowchart showing the second preferred embodiment of the lifeform transmission system [110] of the present invention, deploying an aircraft to search within quadrant coordinates where the lifeform is while continuously alerting the collision avoidance system of the aircraft of any lifeform emitters proximate to the aircraft travel path, the aircraft coordinating with one or more ground vehicles [20].

[0059] FIG. 8C depicts a simplified flowchart showing the third preferred embodiment of the lifeform transmission system [210] of the present invention, deploying a watercraft [24] to search within quadrant coordinates where the lifeform is while continuously alerting the collision avoidance system of the watercraft of any lifeform emitters proximate to the watercraft [24] travel path, the watercraft coordinating with one or more ground vehicles [20].

[0060] FIG. 8D depicts a simplified flowchart showing the fourth preferred embodiment of the lifeform transmission system [310] of the present invention, deploying an aircraft [22] to search within quadrant coordinates where the lifeform is while continuously alerting the collision avoidance system of the aircraft of any lifeform emitters proximate to the aircraft travel path, the aircraft [22] coordinating with one or more watercraft [24].

[0061] While the drawings represent a typical example where the lifeform transmission system of the present invention can be used, the lifeform transmission system is also fully compatible with a self-driving vehicle, a robot car, an autonomous car, or a driverless car.

[0062] The emitters/transmitters are preferably a Bluetooth transceiver that operates on Bluetooth protocols. As used herein, Bluetooth includes Bluetooth, ULP Bluetooth (Ultra Low Power Bluetooth), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), and other standards sets by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. In another exemplification, radio transceiver operates on RF protocols.

[0063] The external sensor may have a wireless communication function attained by Bluetooth and other equivalent technologies. Pre-existing radio equipment can be utilized to detect user activity. Modern automobiles are often equipped with Bluetooth technology. The sensor device enabled with Bluetooth senses the lifeform device transmitter through Bluetooth communication protocol. Once the emitter and vehicle are paired to each other, the system can be readily paired with the existing collision avoidance system of the vehicle.

[0064] The primary novel features a schematic diagram of the lifeform detection for collision avoidance system of the present invention are as follows: [0065] Worn, attached, or carried by various lifeforms such as, but not limited to, infants, children, adults, dogs, cats, other pets, and livestock. [0066] Vitals sensor used to identify the wearer as a lifeform (using temperature, pulse, motion, electrical stimuli, and the like.) [0067] Provides the communication loop between pedestrian and autonomous vehicle for increased certainty of collision avoidance. [0068] Augmenting autonomous (self-driving and autonomous) vehicles systems to make informed directional, path, and speed adjustments for recognized lifeforms using the device. [0069] May include lifeforms receiving information through the device acknowledging proximity or proximity of approaching vehicle.

[0070] Throughout this application, various Patents and Applications are referenced by number and inventor. The disclosures of these documents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties into this specification in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains.

[0071] It is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations of the lifeform detection for collision avoidance system of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the disclosure herein. For example, the system can be used for personal use as well as by personal trainers and those with ailments, such as cerebral palsy, to aid them in improving their coordination. It is intended that the metes and bounds of the present invention be determined by the appended claims rather than by the language of the above specification, and that all such alternatives, modifications, and variations which form a conjointly cooperative equivalent are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of these claims.

PARTS LISTS

[0072] 10 Lifeform transmission system1.sup.st preferred embodiment [0073] 20 Ground vehicle [0074] 22 Aircraft [0075] 24 Watercraft [0076] 26 Area being searched [0077] 28 Coastline [0078] 30 Lifeform emergency emitter [0079] 35 Emitter antennae [0080] 37 Emitter power supply [0081] 38 Emitter on-off buttons [0082] 40 GPS tracking unit [0083] 42 GPS tag [0084] 43 Pulse detector [0085] 45 Pedestrian with backpack [0086] 46 Approaching vehicle [0087] 48 Running youth [0088] 50 Lifeform detector worn by a human [0089] 60 Lifeform detector worn by nonhuman lifeform [0090] 110 Lifeform transmission system2.sup.nd preferred embodiment [0091] 210 Lifeform transmission system3.sup.rd preferred embodiment [0092] 310 Lifeform transmission system4.sup.th preferred embodiment