초록 ▼

The present invention includes a number of embodiments for improving vehicle situational awareness at intersections. A first embodiment may comprise a lens fitted at the top of the windshield or outside the vehicle, for refracting the light to the driver, so the driver may more easily see signals, s

The present invention includes a number of embodiments for improving vehicle situational awareness at intersections. A first embodiment may comprise a lens fitted at the top of the windshield or outside the vehicle, for refracting the light to the driver, so the driver may more easily see signals, signage and other features of an intersection, as well as other traffic. A second embodiment of the invention is used as an aid to prompt the driver that a light has changed. In a third embodiment, the light change sensor may be combined with other vehicle status information. As the car comes to a stop, the route guidance system may determine if the vehicle is at or in the vicinity of an intersection. Depending on the route guidance database, the system may also know whether or not there are traffic lights at the intersection. Using the vehicle's on board forward-looking radar sensor, the system may then determine if it is first in line at the intersection. In a fourth embodiment the system may be part of a portable after-market routing device. In a fifth embodiment the system, either portable or fixed, may be used to detect changes in the intensity of the brake lights of the vehicle ahead.

대표청구항 ▼

I claim: 1. An apparatus for improving vehicle situational awareness at intersections, comprising:an imaging device comprising one or more of an optical and infra red imaging device for identifying a change in a traffic signal comprising a plurality of traffic lights based upon spatial imaging of re

I claim: 1. An apparatus for improving vehicle situational awareness at intersections, comprising:an imaging device comprising one or more of an optical and infra red imaging device for identifying a change in a traffic signal comprising a plurality of traffic lights based upon spatial imaging of relative positioning of the plurality of traffic lights:a vehicle route guidance system and geographical database for determining whether a vehicle is at an intersection having a traffic signal;a forward-looking radar for determining whether a vehicle is at the front of a line of cars at an intersection; andmeans for alerting a driver of the vehicle of a change in the traffic signal,wherein when the forward-looking radar determines the vehicle is not at the front of a line of cars at an intersection, the imaging device identifies when a brake light of a vehicle ahead is illuminated and extinguished, and the means for alerting alerts the driver when one or more of a traffic light change is detected and the car in front has performed brake release.