초록 ▼

A vehicle collision warning system converts collision threat messages from a predictive collision sensor into intuitive sounds which are perceived by the occupant to be directed from the direction of the potential collision. The type and volume of the sounds are dependent upon the estimated likeliho

A vehicle collision warning system converts collision threat messages from a predictive collision sensor into intuitive sounds which are perceived by the occupant to be directed from the direction of the potential collision. The type and volume of the sounds are dependent upon the estimated likelihood, severity, and commencement time of the collision. The types of sound are chosen to evoke the proper corrective action by the driver as necessary to avoid the collision or mitigate the effects thereof. Examples of the sounds include a horn, screeching tires, a siren, sounds of various types of vehicles and object, and voice commands. The sounds are stored monaurally and are converted to directional sounds using known techniques.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A vehicular collision warning system for warning an occupant of a collision, comprising:a. a predictive collision sensing system for generating a signal estimating the direction relative to the vehicle of a potential collision, and for generating at least one signal selected from t

[ We claim:] [1.] A vehicular collision warning system for warning an occupant of a collision, comprising:a. a predictive collision sensing system for generating a signal estimating the direction relative to the vehicle of a potential collision, and for generating at least one signal selected from the group consisting of the estimated likelihood of said potential collisions the estimated severity of said potential collision the estimated commencement time of said potential collision, an estimated type of collision object, the distance to the collision object, and the relative velocity of the collision object with respect to the vehicle;b. a memory for storing a plurality of sound signals, wherein each sound of said plurality of sound signals is selected from the group consisting of the sound of a potential collision object, the sound of a potential collision related event, and a siren sound;c. a signal processor wherein said signal processor selects a sound signal from said plurality of sound signals responsive to at least one of said signals estimating the likelihood of said potential collision, the severity of said potential collision, the commencement time of said potential collision, the estimated type of collision object; and said signal processor adapts the amplitude of said sound signal responsive to at least one of said signals estimating the likelihood of said potential collision, the severity of said potential collision, the commencement time of said potential collision, the type of the collision object;d. a plurality of speakers disposed within the vehicle; ande. a means incorporated within said signal processor for transforming said selected sound signal into a plurality of speaker signals, each said speaker signal operatively coupled to a respective one of said plurality of speakers, said plurality of speaker signals disposed so that the sound field generated by said plurality of speakers is perceived by the occupant to emanate from the estimated direction of a potential collision.