초록 ▼

A system for monitoring operation and location of a moving first vehicle relative to a second vehicle. A minimum separation distance between the first and second vehicles is estimated, based on the first vehicle velocity, and optionally on the second vehicle velocity, using location determination (L

A system for monitoring operation and location of a moving first vehicle relative to a second vehicle. A minimum separation distance between the first and second vehicles is estimated, based on the first vehicle velocity, and optionally on the second vehicle velocity, using location determination (LD) signals received from satellite-based transmitters from GPS, GLONASS and LEO satellites, or from ground-based signal sources such as LORAN signal towers, and using ranging signals from SONAR, RADAR or a similar system. The minimum separation distance is compared with the actual separation distance at selected times, and a vehicle driver is advised if the actual separation distance is too small, if the separation distance is decreasing too quickly, or if the second vehicle velocity is decreasing too quickly. The second vehicle may travel in the same traffic lane, in an adjacent lane, or on a road that intersects the road used by the first vehicle. Where the first and second vehicles travel on separate roads that will intersect, the system estimates whether the second vehicle will stop, or will be able to stop, at the intersection. The second vehicle may be a railroad car, such as a locomotive, or a road vehicle, such as an automobile, bus or truck. A maximum vehicle clear-view velocity, consistent with vehicle stopping within a selected distance, is estimated. Road conditions are estimated and compensated for in estimating the minimum separation distance and/or the maximum vehicle clear-view velocity.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of monitoring operation of a first vehicle relative to a second vehicle on a road, the method comprising the steps of:estimating the location of a first vehicle and the location of a second vehicle, using location determination (LD) signals received from two or m

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of monitoring operation of a first vehicle relative to a second vehicle on a road, the method comprising the steps of:estimating the location of a first vehicle and the location of a second vehicle, using location determination (LD) signals received from two or more LD signal sources and ranging signals received from a ranging signal source that provides at least one of relative velocity and a distance between the first and second vehicles;estimating a first velocity component, denoted .DELTA.v.sub.x, of the second vehicle relative to the first vehicle with reference to a first selected direction, and estimating a second velocity component, denoted .DELTA.v.sub.y, of the second vehicle relative to the first vehicle in a second selected direction that differs from the first direction, using a range rate signal received from the ranging signal source;determining whether the value of the first velocity component lies in a first value range, in a second value range or a third value range for the first direction, where the first, second and third value ranges are selected so that substantially no overlap occurs between any two of these ranges;determining whether the value of the second velocity component lies in a first value range, in a second value range or a third value range for the second direction, where the first, second and third value ranges are selected so that substantially no overlap occurs between any two of these ranges; andadvising an operator of the first vehicle of a selected action to be taken by the first vehicle, if the first velocity component lies in a selected one of the first, second and third value ranges for the first direction, and the second velocity component lies in a selected one of the first, second and third value ranges for the second direction.