Precision measuring collision avoidance system

Abstract

A collision avoidance system including a control module, a first transmitting device connected to the control module, wherein the first transmitting device transmits a signal, a first receiving device connected to the control module, wherein the first receiving device receives a return of the signal transmitted from the first transmitting device and transmits a first return signal representative of the return to the control device, a second transmitting device connected to the control module, wherein the second transmitting device transmits a signal, and a second receiving device connected to the control module device, wherein the second receiving device receives a return of the signal transmitted from the second transmitting device and transmits a second return signal representative of the return to the control device, wherein the control module includes measurement circuitry used to measure the first and second return signals and display means for displaying a transverse location of an object as a function of said first and second return signals.

1 . A collision avoidance system, comprising: 
 a control module;    a plurality of transmitting devices connected to the control module, wherein the plurality of transmitting devices includes a first and a second transmitting device, wherein the first and second transmitting devices transmit a first signal and a second signal, respectively;    a plurality of receiving devices connected to the control module, wherein the plurality of receiving devices includes a first and a second receiving device, wherein the first receiving device receives a return representative of the signal transmitted from the first transmitting device and transmits to the control device a first return signal representative of the first return and wherein the second receiving device receives a return of the signal transmitted from the second transmitting device and transmits to the control device a second return signal representative of the return; and    wherein the control module includes measurement circuitry used to measure the first and second return signals and display means for displaying a transverse location of an object as a function of said first and second return signals.    
   
   
       2 . The collision avoidance system of  claim 1 , wherein the first transmitting device and the first receiving device are cooperatively integrated into a single transceiver.  
   
   
       3 . The collision avoidance system of  claim 1 , wherein the second transmitting device and the second receiving device are cooperatively integrated into a single transceiver.  
   
   
       4 . The collision avoidance system of  claim 1 , wherein the control module logs the transverse location of the object.  
   
   
       5 . In a collision avoidance system having a plurality of sensors, including a first and a second sensor, a method of displaying a transverse location, comprising the steps of: 
 placing the system proximate an object;    transmitting a signal from the first sensor to said object;    sensing a return from the object of the signal transmitted from the first sensor and generating a first return signal as a function of the sensed return of the signal transmitted from the first sensor;    transmitting a signal from the second sensor to said object;    sensing the a return from the object of the signal transmitted from the second sensor and generating a second return signal as a function of the sensed return of the signal transmitted from the second sensor;    calculating a transverse location as a function of the first and second return signals; and    displaying an indication of the calculated transverse location.    
   
   
       6 . The system according to  claim 5 , wherein the step of displaying an indication includes the steps of creating a display showing an area behind the vehicle and showing the object at a location within the display corresponding to the transverse location.  
   
   
       7 . The system according to  claim 5 , wherein the step of displaying an indication includes the steps of: 
 dividing a line into a plurality of zones; and    selecting a zone from the plurality of zones; and    placing an indication within the selected zone.    
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the step of placing an indication includes the step of lighting a light-emitting diode representative of the selected zone.  
   
   
       9 . For a vehicle having a collision avoidance system with a plurality of sensors, including a first and a second sensor, a method of calculating the distance from a rear-most portion of the vehicle to an object, comprising the steps of: 
 transmitting a signal from the first sensor to the object;    sensing a return from the object of the signal transmitted from the first sensor and generating a first return signal as a function of the sensed return of the signal transmitted by the first sensor;    transmitting a signal from the second sensor to said object;    sensing a return from the object of the signal transmitted from the second sensor and generating a second return signal as a function of the sensed return of the signal transmitted by the second sensor;    determining spacing between the first and second sensors;    determining a perpendicular distance from the sensors to the rear-most portion of the vehicle; and    calculating the distance from the rear-most portion of the vehicle to the object as a function of the spacing, the perpendicular distance, and the first and second return signals.    
   
   
       10 . For a vehicle having a collision avoidance system with a plurality of sensors, including a first and a second sensor, a method of calculating a distance from a rear-most portion of the vehicle to a loading dock impact plank, wherein the loading dock impact plane lies within a plane, the method comprising the steps of: 
 transmitting a signal from the first sensor to the loading dock impact plank;    sensing a return from the plank of the signal transmitted from the first sensor and generating a first return signal as a function of the sensed return of the signal transmitted by the first sensor;    transmitting a signal from the second sensor to said plank;    sensing a return from the plank of the signal transmitted from the second sensor and generating a second return signal as a function of the sensed return of the signal transmitted by the second sensor;    determining a distance between the plane and the first and second sensors; and    compensating the distance measurement when the first and second sensors are mounted in excess of a minimum distance below an impact point of the vehicle and the plane of the loading dock impact plank.    
   
   
       11 . A collision avoidance system, comprising: 
 a control module;    a first transmitting device connected to the control module, wherein the first transmitting device transmits a signal;    a first receiving device connected to the control module, wherein the first receiving device receives a return of the signal transmitted from the first transmitting device and transmits a first return signal representative of the return to the control device;    a second transmitting device connected to the control module, wherein the second transmitting device transmits a signal; and    a second receiving device connected to the control module, wherein the second receiving device receives a return of the signal transmitted from the second transmitting device and transmits a second return signal representative of the return to the control device;    wherein the control module includes measurement circuitry used to measure the first and second return signals and temperature compensation means for adjusting calculated distance readings for variations in the speed of ultrasonic sound through air due to differences in the temperature of the air.    
   
   
       12 . A collision avoidance system, comprising: 
 a control module;    a first transmitting device connected to the control module, wherein the first transmitting device transmits a signal;    a first receiving device connected to the control module, wherein the first receiving device receives a return of the signal transmitted from the first transmitting device and transmits a first return signal representative of the return to the control device;    a second transmitting device connected to the control module, wherein the second transmitting device transmits a signal; and    a second receiving device connected to the control module and the second transmitting device, wherein the second receiving device receives a return of the signal transmitted from the second transmitting device and transmits a second return signal representative of the return to the control device,    wherein the control module includes measurement circuitry used to measure the first and second return signals and automatic sensitivity control used to adjust the energy of the transmitted signal or a sensitivity of the first and second receiving device.    
   
   
       13 . A collision avoidance system, comprising: 
 a control module;    a first transmitting device connected to the control module, wherein the first transmitting device transmits a signal;    a first receiving device connected to the control module, wherein the first receiving device receives a return of the signal transmitted from the first transmitting device and transmits a first return signal representative of the return to the control device;    a second transmitting device connected to the control module, wherein the second transmitting device transmits a signal; and    a second receiving device connected to the control module, wherein the second receiving device receives a return of the signal transmitted from the second transmitting device and transmits a second return signal representative of the return to the control device,    wherein the control module includes measurement circuitry used to measure the first and second return signals and automatic scan rate control used to increase a rate of updating a distance measurement when a distance to the nearest object drops below 10 feet.    
   
   
       14 . A collision avoidance system, comprising: 
 a control module;    a first transmitting device connected to the control module, wherein the first transmitting device transmits a signal;    a first receiving device connected to the control module, wherein the first receiving device receives a return of the signal transmitted from the first transmitting device and transmits a first return signal representative of the return to the control device;    a second transmitting device connected to the control module, wherein the second transmitting device transmits a signal; and    a second receiving device connected to the control module, wherein the second receiving device receives a return of the signal transmitted from the second transmitting device and transmits a second return signal representative of the return to the control device,    wherein the control module includes measurement circuitry used to measure the first and second return signals and a backup warning system which distinguishes between emergency, hazardous, and alert conditions as a function of the measurement of the first and second return signals.    
   
   
       15 . A collision avoidance system, comprising: 
 a control module;    a first transmitting device connected to the control module, wherein the first transmitting device transmits a signal;    a first receiving device connected to the control module, wherein the first receiving device receives a return of the signal transmitted from the first transmitting device and transmits a first return signal representative of the return to the control device;    a second transmitting device connected to the control module, wherein the second transmitting device transmits a signal; and    a second receiving device connected to the control module, wherein the second receiving device receives a return of the signal transmitted from the second transmitting device and transmits a second return signal representative of the return to the control device,    wherein the control module includes measurement circuitry used to measure the first and second return signals and programmable memory which can be programmed with an external programmer to define system configuration parameters which are used to control system operation.    
   
   
       16 . The collision avoidance system of  claim 15 , wherein the control module is programmed to log the measurement of the first and second return signals.  
   
   
       17 . A collision avoidance system, comprising: 
 a control module;    a first transmitting device connected to the control module and mounted toward the top of the back of a vehicle, wherein the first transmitting device transmits a signal;    a first receiving device connected to the control module and the first transmitting device, wherein the first receiving device receives a return of the signal transmitted from the first transmitting device and transmits a first return signal representative of the return to the control device;    a second transmitting device connected to the control module and mounted toward the bottom of the back of a vehicle, wherein the second transmitting device transmits a signal; and    a second receiving device connected to the control module and the second transmitting device, wherein the second receiving device receives a return of the signal transmitted from the second transmitting device and transmits a second return signal representative of the return to the control device;    wherein the control module includes measurement circuitry used to measure the first and second return signals, a distance measurement display and a high and a low indicator, wherein when an object is near a top of the vehicle, the high indicator illuminates and the distance measurement displays a perpendicular distance from the top of the vehicle to the object, and further wherein when an object is near a bottom of the vehicle, the low indicator illuminates and the distance measurement displays a perpendicular distance from the bottom of the vehicle to the object.    
   
   
       18 . A collision avoidance system, comprising: 
 a control module;    a first transmitting device connected to the control module and mounted toward the top of the back of a vehicle, wherein the first transmitting device transmits a signal;    a first receiving device connected to the control module, wherein the first receiving device receives a return of the signal transmitted from the first transmitting device and transmits a first return signal representative of the return to the control device;    a second transmitting device connected to the control module and mounted toward the bottom of the back of a vehicle, wherein the second transmitting device transmits a signal; and    a second receiving device connected to the control module, wherein the second receiving device receives a return of the signal transmitted from the second transmitting device and transmits a second return signal representative of the return to the control device,    wherein the control module includes measurement circuitry used to measure the first and second return signals, a distance measurement display and a vertical clearance indicator.    
   
   
       19 . A collision avoidance system for a vehicle, comprising: 
 a control module;    a first transmitting device connected to the control module, wherein the first transmitting device transmits a signal;    a first receiving device connected to the control module, wherein the first receiving device receives a return of the signal transmitted from the first transmitting device and transmits a first return signal representative of the return to the control device;    a second transmitting device connected to the control module, wherein the second transmitting device transmits a signal; and    a second receiving device connected to the control module, wherein the second receiving device receives a return of the signal transmitted from the second transmitting device and transmits a second return signal representative of the return to the control device,    wherein the control module activates a guidance system when the vehicle is operated in reverse.    
   
   
       20 . The collision avoidance system of  claim 19 , wherein the guidance system includes a bar graph display and the audible feedback.  
   
   
       21 . The collision avoidance system of  claim 19 , wherein the guidance system includes a first indicator that is energized when the vehicle is right of a target, a second indicator that is energized when the vehicle is left of the target and a third indicator that is energized when the vehicle is centered on the target.  
   
   
       22 . The collision avoidance system of  claim 21 , wherein the control module logs a location of the vehicle relative to the target.  
   
   
       23 . A collision avoidance system, comprising: 
 a control module;    a first transmitting device connected to the control module, wherein the first transmitting device transmits a signal;    a first receiving device connected to the control module, wherein the first receiving device receives a return of the signal transmitted from the first transmitting device and transmits a first return signal representative of the return to the control device;    a second transmitting device connected to the control module, wherein the second transmitting device transmits a signal;    a second receiving device connected to the control module, wherein the second receiving device receives a return of the signal transmitted from the second transmitting device and transmits a second return signal representative of the return to the control device; and    a security monitor/alarm system coupled to the control module for detecting an intruder in the cab, wherein the security monitor/alarm system includes a key switch, a transmit transducer, a receive transducer and an alarm.    
   
   
       24 . A collision avoidance system, comprising: 
 a control module;    a first transmitting device connected to the control module, wherein the first transmitting device transmits a signal;    a first receiving device connected to the control module, wherein the first receiving device receives a return of the signal transmitted from the first transmitting device and transmits a first return signal representative of the return to the control device;    a second transmitting device connected to the control module, wherein the second transmitting device transmits a signal; and    a second receiving device connected to the control module, wherein the second receiving device receives a return of the signal transmitted from the second transmitting device and transmits a second return signal representative of the return to the control device,    wherein the control module includes measurement circuitry used to measure the first and second return signals and an interface between the control module and an on-board computer information system.    
   
   
       25 . A method of testing a collision avoidance system, comprising the steps of: 
 flashing indicators for each of a plurality of transducers;    transmitting signals looking for object in each transducer's field of view;    walking around the vehicle on a path in which each transducer will be activated; and    turning off each indicator as its corresponding transducer reports detection of an object.    
   
   
       26 . A wireless portable transducer system, comprising: 
 a control module;    first and second transmitting devices removably connected to the control module and to the back of the vehicle, wherein each transmitting devices transmit a corresponding signal; and    a wireless communicator connected to one of the transmitting devices and in wireless communication with the control module.    
   
   
       27 . A collision avoidance system for a vehicle comprising: 
 a control module;    a sensing device connected to the control module;    a shield mounted to the vehicle proximate to the sensing device; and    an activation mechanism coupled between the control module and the shield for moving the shield between a first position and a second position.    
   
   
       28 . The collision avoidance system of  claim 27 , wherein the control module commands the activation mechanism to move the shield from the first position to the second position when the vehicle is engaged for movement, thereby exposing the sensing device.  
   
   
       29 . The collision avoidance system of  claim 27 , wherein the control module commands the activation mechanism to move the shield from the second position to the first position when the vehicle is moving, thereby covering the sensing device.  
   
   
       30 . A collision avoidance system for a vehicle comprising: 
 a control module;    a first transceiver connected to the control module; and    a second transceiver connected to the control module,    wherein the control module senses an object in front of the vehicle as a function of an angular relationship of the first and second transceivers.    
   
   
       31 . The system according to  claim 30 , wherein the control module reduces false alarms as a function of the angular relationship of the first and second transceivers.  
   
   
       32 . The system according to  claim 30 , wherein the control module fuses data from the first and second transceivers.  
   
   
       33 . A collision avoidance system for a vehicle comprising: 
 a control module; and    a plurality of sensors connected to the control module,    wherein the control module, uses N out of M tracking to detect objects proximate to the vehicle.    
   
   
       34 . The system of  claim 33 , wherein the control module fuses data received from the plurality of sensors to detect objects within a 360° view surrounding the vehicle.  
   
   
       35 . A collision avoidance system for a vehicle comprising: 
 a control module;    a first transceiver connected to the control module; and    a second transceiver connected to the control module,    wherein the control module uses successive range rates and signal strength data from the first transceiver to calculate an actual range to the object.    
   
   
       36 . A collision avoidance system for a vehicle comprising: 
 a control module;    a plurality of transmitting devices coupled to the control module;    a plurality of receiving devices coupled to the control module,    wherein two or more of the transmitting devices are sequentially commanded to transmit a signal, and further wherein a plurality of returns from the transmitted signals are received by the receiving devices and sequentially sent to the control module.    
   
   
       37 . The collision avoidance system of  claim 36 , wherein the control module includes a display module, and further wherein the display module indicates a status as a function of the returns received the plurality of receiving devices.  
   
   
       38 . The collision avoidance system of  claim 37 , wherein the returns are received from objects within a vicinity of the vehicle.  
   
   
       39 . The collision avoidance system of  claim 38 , wherein the returns are received from reflections from a road surface.