Method and apparatus for object recognition and warning system of a primary vehicle for nearby vehicles

Abstract

A vehicle to vehicle warning system comprises a transmitter associated with a primary vehicle alerting one or more secondary vehicles of its proximity through a receiver. The transmitter may emit a radio frequency signal which activates radio frequency receivers in surrounding vehicles. When in appropriate proximity, the signal is configured to initiate a warning at the secondary vehicle, such as light from a light-emitting device or sound from a sound-generating device. In another form, the primary vehicle includes a passive transmitter and the secondary vehicle includes a multi-frequency resonance tag/circuit having distinct frequencies for detection and discrimination. The passive transmitter creates electromagnetic waves which are generated as it passes by the secondary vehicle housing the multi-frequency resonance tag, setting off the secondary vehicle alarm system.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A vehicle information system comprising:
 a transmitter associated with a first vehicle, said transmitter configured to actively transmit a first signal;   a receiver associated with a merchant location, said receiver configured to receive said first signal when said first vehicle is within range of said second location;   a transmitter associated with said merchant location, said transmitter configured to transmit a second signal to said first vehicle upon receipt of said first signal; and   a receiver associated with said first vehicle, said receiver configured to receive said second signal and provide information at said first vehicle, said information comprising advertising regarding goods or services offered by said merchant.   
     
     
         2 . The system in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said merchant location is a building. 
     
     
         3 . The system in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said merchant location comprises a store. 
     
     
         4 . The system in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said information comprises pricing of goods or services of said merchant. 
     
     
         5 . The system in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said information is presented via the controller of the first vehicle into the audio or video system at said first vehicle. 
     
     
         6 . The system in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said first signal includes vehicle identification information. 
     
     
         7 . The system in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said first signal is encoded. 
     
     
         8 . The system in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said second signal is encoded for use solely by said receiver of said first vehicle. 
     
     
         9 . The system in accordance with  claim 1  further comprising means for detecting an operating condition of said transmitter and receiver of said first vehicle, said means configured to trigger an alarm or deactivation signal to said first vehicle if an inoperable condition is detected.