Vehicle interaction communication system

Abstract

The information available to a driver of a vehicle is greatly expanded using wireless communications (e.g., using Bluetooth wireless communication devices). In one embodiment, information regarding an adjacent vehicle such as a brake light, a turn light, speed, distance, direction, etc., is transmitted from one vehicle to a nearby or adjacent other vehicle. The received information is used in any appropriate manner, such as causing the receiving vehicle to change vehicle speed or brake, to turn to avoid a collision, etc. In a second embodiment, roadside wireless transceivers collect information regarding passing vehicles, and central database is compiled relating to a traffic conditions. The traffic condition information can be passed back to the passing vehicles for appropriate use, e.g., causing the driver to slow down, or even causing a navigation device in the receiving vehicle to manually prompt for or automatically recalculate a best route to an intended destination. In yet another embodiment, broadcast transmitters can be established at signs and other significant locations transmitting information to passing vehicles. The broadcast information may be as simple as indicating the existence of the sign, or depending upon the range of the particular wireless transmitter, the existence of a particular sign, bump in road, curve, etc., can be forewarned far in advance of when the driver will actually see the relevant object. Alternatively, the broadcast information may be quite detailed, e.g., containing a detailed itemization and directions to a large number of gas stations, restaurants, etc., reachable from a particular exit from a highway.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates generally to the improved safety of vehicles derived from wireless communications, either from vehicle to vehicle, and / or between a roadside device and a vehicle.[0003]2. Background of Related Art[0004]In today's vehicles, communications between automobiles is typically accomplished using visual confirmation of external signals (e.g., left turn signal light blinking, right turn signal light blinking, brake light illuminated, etc.) Imminent danger is often signaled by the use of an audible horn. While quite functional, the reception and accurate interpretation of visual and / or audible signals is dependent entirely on the awareness of the driver at the time that the signals are made. Unfortunately, the requirement for human interpretation and confirmation through visual (or audible) observation requires that a given separation be maintained between vehicles at any given speed to allow for a comforta...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, the requirement for human interpretation and confirmation through visual (or audible) observation requires that a given separation be maintained between vehicles at any given speed to allow for a comfortable reaction time of the driver.

Any level of inattention can cause accidents in the worst case, or cause traffic jams in a collective case.

For instance, there may be times when a particular driver is not fully perceptive of the external environment surrounding the vehicle, and may as a result either become dangerously close to other vehicles, and / or greatly increase the chances of their causing an accident.

As an example, a driver may not see or properly comprehend the intentions of a tailgating vehicle following too closely behind the driver's vehicle when the tailgating vehicle starts their left turn signal signaling their intention to pass in a left hand lane.

The driver may not quickly assess such a situation, e.g., perhaps because of the ambiguity inherent with whether the following vehicle is making a left turn or intends to pass, perhaps because the driver's rear view mirror is not properly adjusted for the driver's current seated position, or because the driver is not constantly monitoring their rearview mirror, etc.

In any event, the driver may in fact become startled by the appearance of the passing vehicle or worse yet unintentionally make a maneuver which interferes with the passing vehicle and causes an accident, increased separation between vehicles traveling on a common road to compensate for slower reaction time of the driver, and / or significant traffic problems particularly during work rush hours.

Images