WO2007078270A2

WO2007078270A2 - Apparatus for monitoring and displaying vehicular operational status

Info

Publication number: WO2007078270A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/045639
Authority: WO
Inventors: Duc T. Doan
Original assignee: Doan Duc T
Priority date: 2005-12-19
Filing date: 2005-12-19
Publication date: 2007-07-12
Also published as: WO2007078270A3

Abstract

An information assembly for monitoring vehicular operational parameters that contributes to dangerous vehicular operation. The driver of the vehicle may also be monitored. The assembly includes a microprocessor for data analysis to determine driver and vehicular operational anomalies. An information display area is installed interior of the vehicle to be viewable by the driver, and at least one display unit installed to be viewable exterior of the vehicle. The display viewable by exterior observers can be installed on the vehicle or at some other convenient location. Wireless transmission capabilities are included for exterior display of the processed information.

Description

APPARATUS FOR MONITORING AND DISPLAYING VEHICULAR

OPERATIONAL STATUS

Technical Field

The invention relates to monitoring and display of vehicle operational status conditions, and more particularly to apparatus for communication of such displayed status conditions to observers exterior of the vehicle, including wireless transmission of such conditions to receivers exterior of the vehicle.

Background Art

Conventional vehicles typically provide certain displayed information to the driver relative to operational status of the vehicle, these displays normally in the instrument panel directly in front of the driver. However, for various reasons the driver may not notice a critical warning display relating to occupant safety or vehicle operation. In recognition of information display viewing problems, vehicle manufacturers have in some instances placed information displays in consoles attached to the headliner of the vehicle above the front windshield, however, even this is often not adequate either in that critical warnings are not noticed or that not enough operational or safety parameters are monitored and displayed.

Further, drivers often do not engage in proper driving habits, having a propensity to ignore safe driving procedures, and as well to become inattentive of the operational condition of their vehicle. Common vehicle operational problems include bad brakes, low brake fluid, low tire pressure, low oil pressure and excess radiator temperature, whereas driver inattentiveness often includes such oversights as unfastened seatbelts and inadequate gasoline. In recognition that prior art safeguards do not include exterior display or other communication of a vehicle's operational status, and especially of the driver's inattention to such status, the present invention provides for display units to be mounted such that selected data are displayed both interior of the vehicle and exterior of the vehicle so as to be readable by observers exterior of the vehicle. Such displays provide important information to the driver as well as simultaneously to outside observers that can include law enforcement, to thus providing a valuable aid in maintaining safer traffic conditions. It is thus an aspect of the invention to provide monitoring and display apparatus having provision for displaying operational conditions of a vehicle, as well certain driver oversights, to the driver, and to others positioned exterior of the vehicle, the ability including wireless transmission of the data. The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent from a reading of the specification when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements in the several views.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention provides means for monitoring the status of vehicular operational conditions and when they become a problem according to preset guidelines, providing an alert signal that can be displayed or otherwise communicated as desired interior and/or exterior of the vehicle. Examples of such operational conditions are low brake fluid, low tire pressure, excess radiator temperature, low oil pressure, low fuel, unfastened seatbelt, air brakes for trucks, excess speed, etc. Conditions not generally monitored, but desirable to be monitored, may be made with installation of additional monitoring equipment. Unsafe driver situations may also be monitored/displayed or otherwise communicated as desired. In addition to conventional visual signal displays, audible signals may also be used to alert the driver. The invention provides for automatic and manual monitoring of vehicle operational parameters at pre-ignition, at ignition, and during operation of the vehicle. In addition to override or interruption of signal representations, aberrational signals may be used to prevent ignition of the vehicle. Vehicle pre-trip inspection status can be displayed interior of the vehicle and continuously updated/displayed for driver inspection during trip operation of the vehicle. Information may be visibly displayed exterior of the vehicle. For instance, when an "alert" signal is sent from a monitor to an interior display, this signal can also be sent to a display unit suitably mounted to be visible to one outside of the vehicle. Provision is also made for wireless communication of selected vehicle and driver information to receivers located exterior of the vehicle. Thus, following motorists can be noticed of vehicle/driver operational problems and exercise caution accordingly. Gas station attendants can notice and advise the driver of problems, and law enforcement officers can be made aware of problems having propensity to cause accidents.

In new vehicles the interior displays would likely be included in the dashboard with necessary electronics and wiring for interior/exterior displays concealed. For after-market installation the interior/exterior displays and associated electronics/wiring are preferably located to provide adequate visibility by the driver while housed to minimize obstructions and maximize appearance.

Brief Description of Drawings

Figure 1 is a plan view of an interior display in accordance with the invention providing driver visibility of monitored operational parameters; Figure 2 is a plan view indicative of vehicular operational status as may be displayed for observer visibility exterior of the vehicle;

80 Figure 3 illustrates an example of positioning of built-in displays for visibility of vehicular operational status by observers exterior of the vehicle;

Figure 4 is a plan view of an example of positioning of exterior displays for visibility of vehicular operational status by the driver of a following vehicle;

Figure 5 is a plan view of another example of exterior positioning of displays 85 for visibility of vehicular operational status to observers exterior of the vehicle;

Figure 6 is a plan view of another example of built-in positioning of displays for visibility of vehicular operational status to observers exterior of the vehicle;

Figure 7 is a functional block diagram depicting the various functions of the electronic circuitry of the apparatus of the invention;

90 Figure 8 is a side elevational view of a truck cargo compartment externally displaying information received by wireless transmission from the cab of the truck. Figure 9 is a block diagram depicting functions of the electronic circuitry of the invention and illustrates wireless transmission of operational status; and

Figure 10 is a block diagram further depicting functions of the electronic 95 circuitry of the invention and illustrating wireless reception of operational status.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

Referring to the drawings in general there is illustrated apparatus for monitoring of vehicular operational conditions and driver status, and providing this 100 information for communication to the vehicle driver and/or to observers exterior of the vehicle. Means for such communication include interior/exterior display units as well as wireless transmission to receivers exterior of the vehicle, such receivers in turn having means of communication to desired recipients. Although other designs may be used in accordance with the invention, the apparatus shown and described

105 comprises in general, monitoring devices, data processing electronics, wireless transmission capabilities, and display units. Video monitoring and audio alert means may also be included.

In Figure 1 there is shown an interior information display, generally designated 10, positioned conventionally on the dashboard of a vehicle and

110 providing driver visibility of monitored vehicular operational conditions. The display 10 can be a panel of conventional light emitting characteristics such that information is displayed as illuminated indicia, the display 10 typically including a variety of vehicle operational gauges and/or indicator lights. In accordance with the invention, such a display unit and its associated electronics are modified to include

115 additional monitoring and display units for viewing by observers exterior of the vehicle.

Figure 2 illustrates display unit 20 which indicates vehicular operational status as may be displayed for observer visibility exterior of the vehicle, Figure 2 being merely indicative of after-market installation of display 20 on the exterior of a

120 vehicle with Figures 3-6 more appropriately indicating preferred installations.

Information as provided to the driver by interior display 10, as well as other selected information, can be provided to the remote display 20.

Exterior display unit 20 is configured to include luminescent panels, such as . panels 22-28, which have at least partially luminescent indicia, such as miniature

125 light sources, which are interconnected to the wiring of the vehicle. Display unit 20 may be formed as a molded member of a sufficiently strong and resilient material with the display portion formed of a light transmissive material, the combination sealed from the elements. The luminescent source includes means for receiving individual indicia, such as a letter, numeral, words, or other indicia, for enabling

130 customization of the message thereon. Thus, each luminescent source when lit will display the message of its respective indicia, for instance "BRAKE". Each luminescent source is connected to a particular desired operational parameter to be monitored and will light up when this parameter reaches an operational status that is to be displayed. Otherwise the luminescent source is not lit.

135 The light source provided to the driver viewed interior display 10 by the electrical system of the vehicle may also be provided to the remote display 20. The displays 10 and 20 may include indicia thereon which are not visible until backlit by the light source. A typical light source includes light emitting diodes; however, passive display elements such as liquid crystal displays may be used. Alternately,

140 panels 22-28 may comprise a passive display where indicia are imprinted on a contrasting background without backlighting or other illumination. It is to be understood that even though example display unit 20 has been above described, it may take any appropriate configuration and be of any suitable material, the housing and lighting means determined as appropriate by the state of the art.

145 Additional vehicular operational status, as well as monitored driver information may be monitored and displayed. For instance, video monitors may be included to monitor the driver to detect potentially dangerous conditions such as head droop, or the like, to determine whether the driver is alert, and then to activate a warning to the driver, as well as provide a warning to outside observers, such as

150 drivers of following vehicles. Likewise, seat occupancy detectors may be used for adjustment and deployment of safety airbags, with information displayed and/or communicated as desired. Figure 3 illustrates an example of positioning of built-in displays for presenting vehicular operational status for visibility by observers exterior of the

155 vehicle. As seen, a built-in display unit 30 may be mounted inside of a vehicle to be observed through the rear view window, and/or a built-in unit 31 may be positioned exterior of the vehicle, such as between the tail lights.

Figure 4 is a plan view of an example of positioning of exterior after-market displays for presenting vehicular operational status of a vehicle 40 to the driver of a

160 following vehicle 41. As seen, an exterior display such as display 20 is mounted atop the vehicle 40, and/or unit 20 may be modified (designated 20a) and mounted onto the exterior of the vehicle 40, such as between the tail lights. Vehicle 41 is shown similarly equipped as vehicle 40.

Figure 5 is a plan view of another example of after-market positioning of

165 displays for viewing of vehicular operational status exterior of the vehicle. As shown, a unit such as display 20 is mounted atop the vehicle 50 and a modified unit such as display 20a is mounted onto the rear of vehicle 50.

Figure 6 is a plan view of another example of built-in positioning of display units for viewing of status exterior of a sport utility vehicle 60 (SUV). As shown, a

170 modified unit 20b can built into the vehicle above the rear window, and/or a modified unit 20c built into the rear of the vehicle, such as between the tail lights.

Figure 7 is a functional block diagram depicting typical functions of the monitoring apparatus of the invention. A microprocessor or controller 70 receives signals from sensors 71-77 that monitor selected vehicular operational parameters,

175 such as is displayed in panels 22-28 of Figure 2, and as well driver alert status. A power supply 78 is switch operated, such as by ignition key 79. As known in the art, such microprocessors 70 include electronics for controlling multiple functions. The microprocessor 70 receives inputs from the sensors 71-77 and responds to transmit appropriate signals to the associated display units. Provision can be made

180 in the circuitry for password access, information resetting, and detection of tampering or disablement of the invention circuitry.

Microprocessor 70 can be designed so that sensing of signal anomalies will override status representations, such as when there is a variation from a selected signal range or when the rate of change from normal representations is undesirable.

185 Examples include engine coolant temperature, oil pressure, tire pressure, fuel status, voltage, tire pressure, engine temperature and driver drowsiness. When such anomalies are present, the vehicle operator can be alerted during a pre-ignition test, at ignition, or during operation of the vehicle. Critical signal anomalies may be electronically processed to prevent initial ignition of the vehicle electrical system.

190 In addition to electronic override of signal representations, audible signals may be used to alert or communicate with the operator of the vehicle. With visual or audio means a pre-trip inspection may be included whereby the driver is queried according to a pre-selected check list including such items as medicine, money, cell phone, trip documents, etc., with the driver having means for verification of

195 recognition of the reminder items. The controller device may also include a storage medium for storing processed information with associated means to selectively access such stored information.

Figure 8 is a side elevational view of a truck comprising a cab 80 and cargo compartment 85, the cab 80 having wireless transmitter 82 for transmitting selected

200 operational parameters to a wireless receiver 86 in cargo compartment 85. As indicated, cargo compartment 85 has exterior display 87 for exhibiting vehicle operational parameters as well as driver status as may be received by receiver 86. Display 87 may be positioned on cargo compartment 85 as desired, such as on the sides as indicated or on the rear. It is understood that cargo compartment 85 could as

205 well represent a trailer or trailers.

Figure 9 is a functional block diagram further depicting various functions of the electrical circuitry of the monitor apparatus of the invention, including the use of wireless transmission of operational parameters. Shown is a key pad 90 for entering information into microprocessor 70 (Figure 7) such as initiation of manual tests,

210 reset of operational parameter guidelines such as maximum value or variation range, or initiation of wireless transmission of selected parameters to be transmitted by transmitter 82. Coding section 91 is included for coding and controlling of selected operational status features to be transmitted by wireless. Also shown are power supply 92, on-off switch 93 and power on-off indicator 94.

215 Figure 10 is a functional block diagram further depicting functions of the circuitry of the monitor apparatus of the invention. Shown is wireless receiver 86 for reception from transmitter 82 of transmission of status information to be displayed by a unit such as display 87. Decoding micro-processor 91a, which may be combined with receiver 86 as one unit, is included for selecting and/or decoding

220 as necessary the status features transmitted by transmitter 82. Also shown are power supply 92a, on-off switch 93 a and power on-off indicator 94a.

Although not shown wireless receivers such as receiver 86 may be mounted in other vehicles, such as law enforcement vehicles for monitoring safety regulations or legal infractions, the transmitter 82 having adequate range and

225 predetermined coding to facilitate identification of the transmitter 82 and thus of the sending vehicle. This would require receiver 86, or the like, as well as special electronics, to be mounted in the law enforcement vehicle. With inclusion of a global positioning system the transmitter 82 can be modified to broadcast information for easy location of the transmitter 82.

230 Commercial vehicles are operated subject to certain legal restrictions imposed on the vehicle as well as the driver. Conformance with these restrictions can be monitored, displayed and transmitted by radio in accordance with the invention, thus alerting law enforcement as well as other vehicle drivers to any nonconformance. Examples of interest could include discrepancies in the pre-

235 ignition vehicle checkout, condition of the brake system, use of the seat belt, etc.

There has thus been disclosed means for monitoring the status of vehicular operational conditions, including certain driver alert status, and when anomalies appear according to preset guidelines, providing means for displaying or otherwise communicating such status as desired either interior and/or for assessment exterior

240 of a vehicle. The invention provides for automatic and manual monitoring of vehicle operational parameters at pre-ignition, at ignition, and during operation of the vehicle. In addition to override or interruption of normal signal representations, audible signals may be used to alert the operator of the vehicle. Provision is made for wireless communication of selected information to receivers that are exterior of

245 the vehicle.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with an example embodiment thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that additions, deletions, substitutions, and other modifications not specifically described herein may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

250 Having thus described the invention, I claim:

Claims

1. Apparatus for monitoring, processing and dissemination of vehicular 255 operational parameters, comprising: means for monitoring selected vehicular operational parameters; and a controller having means for processing said parameters for conformance with pre-selected standards and transmitting anomalies thereof to display devices for alerting the driver of the vehicle. 260

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said controller further includes means for transmitting said anomalies to alerting devices for cognizance of observers exterior of the vehicle.

265 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said controller includes means for providing real-time alerting of operational anomalies.

4. The apparatus of claims 1 or 3 wherein said controller includes means for conducting a pre-ignition inspection of said vehicle and upon detection of selected

270 aberrations of said anomalies provide alerts to said driver and accordingly prevent ignition of said vehicle.

5. The apparatus of claim 2 further including means for wireless transmission of said anomalies to observers exterior of said vehicle.

275

6. Apparatus for monitoring, processing and presenting vehicle operational conditions, comprising: means for monitoring and processing a plurality of selected vehicle 280 operational conditions for conformance to pre-selected values and to changes thereof to determine objectionable variations; and means for presenting said processed operational conditions for real-time alerting of the driver of said vehicle.

285

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said means for monitoring and processing vehicle operational conditions includes means for conducting a pre-ignition inspection of said conditions and means for alerting said driver and preventing vehicle ignition until selected anomalies of said conditions are rectified. 290

8. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said means for alerting said driver include audio or visual warnings or a combination thereof.

9. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said means for processing said operational 295 conditions includes means for presenting said conditions for cognizance exterior of said vehicle.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said means for presenting said processed operational conditions for observer cognizance exterior of said vehicle includes

300 wireless transmission of said conditions.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said microcontroller includes a keypad for programming said microcontroller, an accessible storage medium for storing processed information, and means for detecting and recording of tampering of said

305 apparatus.

12. Apparatus for monitoring, analysis and dissemination of vehicular information, comprising: monitoring device means for monitoring vehicular operational information;

310 a controller for processing said vehicular operational information for conformance with pre-selected standards and transmitting anomalies thereof to dissemination devices wherein at least one of said dissemination devices provides driver cognizance of said anomalies and at least one provides for cognizance of said anomalies to observers exterior of said vehicle; and

315 wherein said at least one dissemination device for presenting said operational information for observer cognizance exterior of said vehicle includes wireless transmission of said operational information.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said controller includes means for coding 320 said operational information prior to wireless transmission and said apparatus includes wireless receiver means for decoding said operational information.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said controller device includes means for conducting a pre-ignition inspection of said processed operational information and means for providing real-time audio warning of operational anomalies and pre-trip

325 inspection reminders to said driver and further having means for preventing vehicle ignition until selected anomalies are rectified.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 further including a real-time video recording device located interior of said vehicle.