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AssigneeSun Microsystems, Inc.
InventorBruce Tognazzini
Estimating the term…
Proximity radar mounted in a vehicle determines the location of other vehicles. Other vehicles detect their own positions and broadcast those positions to all surrounding vehicles. Vehicle position data is plotted on a moving map so the driver can see the location of other vehicles, in some cases with an icon color which matches vehicle color(s). A driver can open a communication link with drivers who are projected to constitute a collision threat. A fixed radar unit can be positioned at blind intersections and broadcast vehicle location information for vehicles not equipped with the ability to track their own locations.
Apparatus mounted in a vehicle for avoiding collisions, comprising:
Apparatus mounted in a vehicle for avoiding collisions, comprising:
A system for avoiding collisions, comprising:
A method of avoiding collisions, comprising the steps of:
A computer program product, comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.
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From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.
Anti-collision systems: for active traffic, e.g. moving vehicles, pedestrians, bikes
Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor: services making use of location information
Related to ambient conditions: traffic conditions
For anti-collision purposes: of land vehicles
Term ended 30 May 2016 (estimated)
USPTO file history isn’t available for this patent, so only indexed dates are shown.
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the field of collision avoidance systems, and, more particularly, to collision avoidance systems utilizing proximity radar on a vehicle and vehicle location radar located at blind intersections to prevent collisions.
2. Description of Related Art
The objects, features and advantages of the system of the present invention will be apparent from the following description is which:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus suitable for carrying out that portion of the invention that resides within a vehicle.
FIG. 2 is an illustration of the vehicle in which the apparatus of FIG. 1 has been mounted in an exemplary installation.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus suitable for carrying out that portion of the invention that resides within a vehicle. It has a bus 105 and a CPU 100 which does all processing associated with information used in accordance with the invention. GPS receiver 110, connected to the bus by receiver interface 109, detects the current location of the GPS receiver antenna. When the invention is built into a vehicle, this is the same as the location of vehicle. When used in a vehicle environment, CPU 100 may serve as a controlling CPU for all vehicle functions.
Proximity radar 115 and radar interface 114 are also connected to the bus. The use of radar is optional but has capabilities that are useful in various circumstances as described more hereinafter.
Radio transceiver or radio telephone 120 are connected via radio interface 119 to the bus. For some embodiments, radio would be preferred whereas in others, radio telephone would be preferred. Which would preferred in a particular is apparent from the context.