Proximity indicating system
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorViktors Berstis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and implementing system is provided in which light beams are projected from a first object upon a second object, and the relationship of the images projected upon the second object is used to provide an indication of the distance between the two objects. In an example, two light beams are projected at a predetermined angle of convergence from a vehicle such that the beams intersect between the vehicle and an object located in the path in which the vehicle is moving, for example, behind the vehicle. The intersection of the beams is selectively adjustable by adjusting the angle of convergence of the projected beams to provide an indication when the vehicle has backed to a position which has been determined to be a safe distance from the object.
Claims27
A method for providing an indication of a distance between first and second objects, said method comprising:
- projecting a first light beam from said first object, said first light beam being projected at a first angle relative to a reference axis associated with said first object;
- projecting a second light beam from said first object, said second light beam being projected at a second angle relative to said reference axis;
- adjusting said first and second light beams at predetermined fixed angles relative to said reference axis to provide an intersection of said first and second light beams, said intersection being at a predetermined distance from said first object;
- and
- using said first and second light beams to provide an indication of distance between said first and second objects.
A method for providing an indication of a distance between first and second objects, said method comprising:
- providing a light source on said first object;
- positioning a lens device between said light source and said second object;
- and
- projecting first and second light beams through said lens device toward said second object, said first and second light beams being projected at predetermined fixed converging angles relative to a reference axis associated with said first object, said first and second light beams being arranged to intersect at a predetermined distance from said first object.
A distance indicating system for indicating a distance between first and second objects, said system comprising:
- a first light projection device mounted on said first object for projecting a first light beam from said first object, said first light beam being projected at a first angle relative to a reference axis associated with said first object;
- a second light projection device mounted on said first object for projecting a second light beam from said first object, said second light beam being projected at a second angle relative to said reference axis;
- means for adjusting said first and second light beams at predetermined fixed angles relative to said reference axis to create an intersection of said first and second beams, said intersection being at a predetermined distance from said first object;
- and
- means for detecting images projected upon said second object by said first and second light beams.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.