GB2289564A

GB2289564A - Highway user hazard warning system

Info

Publication number: GB2289564A
Application number: GB9510099A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ian Charles Abel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-05-21
Filing date: 1995-05-16
Publication date: 1995-11-22
Also published as: GB9410231D0; GB9510099D0

Abstract

A hazard warning device 21 comprises means for receiving a signal(s) from a transmitter(s) 31 said signal(s) providing information relating to road conditions in the vicinity of the device and means for communicating said information to a person(s) near said device. Said hazard warning device may be located within/upon a vehicle, such that said information is communicated to an occupant(s) of said vehicle. Said transmitter(s) may be mounted upon other vehicles or fixed roadside structures, or carried by pedestrians or other roadside entities. Preferably the device further comprises means for transmitting so as to allow the vehicle occupant(s) to broadcast information to other road users. <IMAGE>

Description

Highway User Hazard Warning System Field This invention relates to a hazard warning and an assistance seeking system for use primarily, though not exclusively, by road users.

Background There exist in this field a number of systems and devices intended to assist road users both before and during their journeys. These systems and devices range in complexity from various road calming/speed control measures to complex information relay systems such as roadside warning apparatus and radio station announcements. There further exist systems and devices intended for summoning assistance to a stranded or disabled road user and/or protect the road users property. Examples of these systems/devices include cellular phones which incorporate a direct dial facility to road side recovery groups, and systems such as "Tracker" which allow the position of a stolen car to be monitored.

However even with existing systems and devices there are certain hazards which are not known to a road user until they are directly encountered, examples of such hazards include stationary vehicles, road accidents, slow moving objects etc, and under normal circumstances each successive road user must encounter the hazard for themselves. The position of the hazard upon the highway may mean that once it is discovered there may be very little time left for the road user making the discovery to react and take appropriate action. Furthermore road users who require to obtain assistance and/or protection for their vehicle must summon help as most protection systems require them to do so to a greater or lesser extent.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least some of the aforementioned disadvantages.

Statements of Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a hazard warning device comprising means for receiving a signal(s) from a transmitter(s) said signal(s) providing information relating to road conditions in the vicinity of the device and means for communicating said information to a person(s) near said device.

Said hazard warning device may be located within/upon a vehicle, such that said information is communicated to an occupant(s) of said vehicle.

Said transmitter(s) may be mounted upon other vehicles or fixed roadside structures, or carried by pedestrians or other roadside entities.

Said signal(s) received from said transmitters may warn the occupants of a vehicle of hazardous or unexpected weather or road conditions, the presence of slow moving obstacles such as animals or farm machinery, impending roadworks and/or traffic congestion, the presence of an accident or vehicle breakdown, or of any other matter likely to influence the occupants and/or the progress of the vehicle.

Preferably the device further comprises means for transmitting so as to allow the vehicle occupant(s) to broadcast information to other road users.

Preferably also the device may be portable thus enabling it to be removed from the vehicle in order, for example, to transfer it to another vehicle or for security reasons.

The device may preferably be connected to the vehicle's electrical system such that it is enabled automatically when the vehicle is started.

The communication means may be configured such that information supplied from a transmitter may be displayed visually, audibly or in any other manner communicable to the vehicle occupant(s).

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a hazard warning device comprising means for transmitting a signal(s) to a receiver(s) said signal(s) providing information relating to road conditions near said device.

Said device may further comprise means for receiving a signal(s) from a transmitter(s) said signal(s) providing information relating to road conditions in the vicinity of the device and means for communicating said information to a person(s) near said device.

Said device may be, to give but a few examples, mounted upon a vehicle or fixed roadside structure, carried by a pedestrian, or attached to any other nonvehicular entity.

Information supplied by the transmitting means may warn the occupant(s) of a vehicle fitted with an appropriate hazard warning device according to the first aspect of the invention of hazardous or unexpected weather or road conditions, the presence of slow moving obstacles such as animals or farm machinery, impending roadworks and/or traffic congestion, the presence of an accident or vehicle breakdown, or of any other matter likely to influence the occupant(s) and/or the progress of the vehicle.

Signal(s) may be transmitted by the transmitter means continually, when prompted to do so by the occupant(s) of a vehicle carrying a transmitter, in the event of an accident, under the influence of external weather conditions or by any event which requires information to be conveyed to road users.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a warning system for road vehicles comprising a receiver mounted on a vehicle, a display device visible to an occupant of the vehicle and coupled to the receiver, and a network of transmitters, the transmitters transmitting signals to the receiver, the signals containing information relating to a hazard situation in the vicinity of the vehicle, and the receiver displaying the information relating to the hazard on the display device to inform the occupant of the hazard situation.

Preferably, the system includes a transmitter and an input device mounted on the vehicle to permit an occupant of the vehicle to transmit information relating to hazard situations to a receiving station. Typically, the receiving station is coupled to at least one of the transmitters and transmits the information received from the transmitter on the vehicle to other users of the system in the vicinity of the hazard situation.

Typically, the receiver and the transmitter, if present on a vehicle may be switched on automatically by movement of the vehicle or by the vehicle ignition switch. Alternatively, the system may be switched on by a manual switch operated by the occupant of the vehicle.

Preferably, the system also includes an audible alarm device that warns a vehicle occupant of a hazard situation when a signal is received from the transmitter.

Preferably, the system may also include mobile transmitter(s) which transmit(s) a warning signal to a receiving station coupled to the transmitter(s) when the mobile transmitters is/are activated. Typically, the mobile transmitter(s) may be carried by slow moving users of the road system, such as horses, cyclists, tractors, pedestrians and wide loads, or any other users which may represent a hazard to themselves or others.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawing in which is shown: Figure 1. a schematic representation of equipment embodying the present invention and an indication of an instance in which it may prove beneficial.

Description A first facet of the present invention particularly relates to Normal Speed Highway users. This may be taken to encompass vehicles able to achieve and maintain speeds in excess of 30 mph.

The hazard warning system of the first facet comprises a limited range radio type (or similar) set frequency transmitter and receiver that is carried by the vehicle user or is integral with the vehicle being used.

A typical integral unit 21 comprising part of the system is shown in figure 1.

The system when switched on, either automatically by the vehicle's speed, 'ignition' system or the like via a cable (22) or manually by the user operating a switch, is able to receive a distinct coded signal from a like transmitter in the near vicinity (ie within range) via an antenna (24) and cable (25) or the like.

Receipt of the coded signal triggers the receiving system in the vehicle to provide an appropriate audible warning via speakers (26) and visible warning via an illuminated display (27) or the like to the vehicle user.

The user thus alerted, has time to modify their driving to lessen the risk of an accident or inconvenience to themselves.

To aid hazard avoidance, the receiver may also indicate the approximate distance to, and the general direction of the hazard relative to the receiver on the display (27). Alternatively, such information may be communicated audibly via speaker (26).

The system may also comprise a transmitter. In such case the vehicle user can initiate the transmission of an appropriate warning signal via switch (28) when a hazard is encountered e.g. breakdown obstruction, slow vehicle, accident, poor visibility etc.

The signal may also be 'coded' to indicate general or specific types of hazard via a selected switch (23), with also the facility to pre-program the transmission duration to suit the type of hazard and the transmission vehicle's speed.

The signal may also be automatically initiated when the user switches on their hazard flashing lights or when the user's vehicle is involved in an accident via input cable (22) and manually selected when poor visibility in encountered, a breakdown occurs or the like via the transmit switch (28).

It is expected that this system may be an integral part of a vehicle's radio and electronic systems including the radio receiver unit and the mobile telephone, but can equally remain a separate system that is either fully portable by the user or is a permanent feature of the vehicle.

A second facet of the present invention relates particularly to slow speed highway users. This may be taken to mean cyclist, pedestrians, horses, farm animals, tractors, etc.

The hazard warning system comprises a limited range radio type (or similar) fixed frequency transmitter (31) carried by the slow speed highway user either as a portable self-powered unit or as an integral unit within the systems of the vehicle (e.g. tractor).

The slow speed highway user would typically switch on the transmitter at the commencement of their journey by switch (32), or as they believed their situation represented a hazard to themselves or others, or it maybe switched on automatically when the vehicle is started etc. and will constantly transmit the appropriate warning signal selected by switch (33) relating to the hazard with audible visual 'on' indication (34) being provided to the user.

This system may be used by such as:- tractors, slow wide loads, horse riders (as Figure 1), pedal cyclists, pedestrians etc., in circumstances where other normal speed highway users may not have sufficient indication of the hazard to have time to avoid an accident. Typical situations would include narrow hedge lined country lanes and poor visibility conditions such as fog or other low light conditions.

Normal speed highway users with the transmitter/receiver system as described earlier, will be alerted to the existence of a hazard and can thus modify their driving to reduce the risk of an accident.

A third facet of the present invention related to its ability to act as a Security and Assistance System.

With the principle established that many or all normal speed highway users have a suitable receiver/transmitter system (21), it becomes practical to utilise the transmitter feature of this system in connection with property protection and for calling for personal assistance.

The transmitter in this instance would be similar to that of the slow speed highway user (31) except that the coded signal emitted would be specific to the security and assistance situation and may include specific information such as name and address etc, which may be shown on the illuminated display (27) of the receiver.

Once a transmitter has been activated and the appropriate signal received by normal speed highway users (or anyone with a receiver) in the vicinity, general assistance can be offered as appropriate.

In this instance, the basic transmitter system would also include local audio and visual attraction features which in addition to direction indication from the receiver, will assist anyone offering assistance to readily locate where it is required.

In common with the other variations on this system, the means of activation may be automatic or manual, it may transmit a specific or general signal to assist the normal speed highway user in taking the correct action, it may integral with other systems and either self (35) or externally powered (29).

Normal Highway Speed Users with a receiver can receive early warning of the existence of an unseen hazard in the near vicinity with dependent on the model of receiver in use, further information on the approximate position, distance and nature of the hazard also being provided.

By being pre-warned as to the existence of a hazard near-by in this manner, the Normal Speed Highway User can be prepared, to an extent not previously possible, to avoid an accident.

An added benefit of Normal Speed Highway Users possessing such receivers, is the multiple response potential that it gives to property and personal Security and Assistance systems which employ a compatible transmitter system.

Not only is a high level of response likely to any assistance seeking transmission, it will also be provided by virtually any one in the area, thus providing a level of security not currently readily obtained.

Slow Speed Highway Users who are at risk because of the presence of the Normal Speed Highway User can, with a suitable transmitter, now provide early warning of their presence to those Normal Speed Highway Users who possess a suitable receiver. Thus warned, the Normal Speed Highway User has time to modify their driving to reduce the possibility of an accident between the two to an extent not previously possible.

In a similar manner, compatible remotely operated transmitter can, when placed by the side of highways, provide continuous information to the highway user on general conditions and hazards on the route ahead, to an extent not currently possible. By being better informed, the highway user will be able to exercise greater care thus reducing further the risk of accident.

Claims

1. A hazard warning device comprising means for receiving a signal(s) from a transmitter(s) said signal(s) providing information relating to road conditions in the vicinity of the device and means for communicating said information to a person(s) near said device.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hazard warning device is located within/upon a vehicle, such that said information is communicated to an occupant(s) of said vehicle.

3. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said transmitter(s) is mounted upon other vehicle(s) or fixed roadside structure(s), or carried by pedestrian(s) or other roadside entitie(s).

4. A device as claimed in any of claims 2 or 3 when dependent on claim 2, wherein said signal(s) received from said transmitter(s) warn the occupant(s) of the vehicle of hazardous or unexpected weather or road conditions, the presence of slow moving obstacles such as animals or farm machinery, impending roadworks and/or traffic congestion, the presence of an accident or vehicle breakdown, or of any other matter likely to influence the occupant(s) and/or the progress of the vehicle.

5. A device as claimed in claim 2 or claims 3 or 4 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the device further comprises means for transmitting so as to allow the vehicle occupant(s) to broadcast information to other road users.

6. A device as claimed in claim 2 or any of claims 3 to 5 when dependent on claim 2, wherein also the device is portable thus enabling it to be removed from the vehicle in order, for example, to transfer it to another vehicle or for security reasons.

7. A device as claimed in claim 2 or any of claims 3 to 6 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the device is connected to the vehicle's electrical system such that it is enabled automatically when the vehicle is started.

8. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the communication means are configured such that information supplied from a transmitter is displayed visually, audibly or in any other manner communicable to the vehicle occupant(s).

9. A hazard warning device comprising means for transmitting a signal(s) to a receiver(s) said signal(s) providing information relating to road conditions near said device.

10. A device as claimed in claim 9, wherein said device further comprises means for receiving a signal(s) from a transmitter(s) said signal(s) providing information relating to road conditions in the vicinity of the device and means for communicating said information to a person(s) near said device.

11. A device as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein said device is mounted upon a vehicle or fixed roadside structure, carried by a pedestrian, or attached to any other non-vehicular entity.

12. A device as claimed in any of claims 9 to 11, wherein information supplied by the transmitting means warns the occupant(s) of a vehicle fitted with an appropriate hazard warning device according to claim 1 of hazardous or unexpected weather or road conditions, the presence of slow moving obstacles such as animals or farm machinery, impending roadworks and/or traffic congestion, the presence of an accident or vehicle breakdown, or of any other matter likely to influence the occupant(s) and/or the progress of the vehicle.

13. A device as claimed in any of claims 9 to 12, wherein signal(s) may be transmitted by the transmitter means continually, when prompted to do so by the occupant(s) of a vehicle carrying a transmitter, in the event of an accident, under the influence of external weather conditions or by any event which requires information to be conveyed to road users.

14. A warning system for road vehicles comprising a receiver mounted on a vehicle, a display device visible to an occupant of the vehicle and coupled to the receiver, and a network of transmitters, the transmitters transmitting signals to the receiver, the signals containing information relating to a hazard situation in the vicinity of the vehicle, and the receiver displaying the information relating to the hazard on the display device to inform the occupant of the hazard situation.

15. A system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the system includes a transmitter and an input device mounted on the vehicle to permit an occupant of the vehicle to transmit information relating to hazard situations to a receiving station.

16. A system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the receiving station is coupled to at least one of the transmitters and transmits the information received from the transmitter on the vehicle to other users of the system in the vicinity of the hazard situation.

17. A system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the receiver is switched on automatically by movement of the vehicle or by the vehicle ignition switch.

18. A system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the receiver is alternatively, the system is switched on by a manual switch operated by the occupant of the vehicle.

19. A system as claimed in any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the system also includes an audible alarm device that warns a vehicle occupant of a hazard situation when a signal is received from the transmitter.

20. A system as claimed in any of claims 14 to 18, wherein the system also includes mobile transmitter(s) which transmit(s) a warning signal to a receiving station coupled to the transmitter(s) when the mobile transmitters is/are activated. Typically, the mobile transmitter(s) may be carried by slow moving users of the road system, such as horses, cyclists, tractors, pedestrians and wide loads, or any other users which may represent a hazard to themselves or others.

21. A hazard warning device as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

22. A hazard warning system as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.