Blind Spot Warning System for Motor Vehicles

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a blind spot warning system for a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle having a longitudinal axis and a steering axle. The system includes a steering angle sensor (SAS) that is coupled to the steering axle and generates a steering signal associated with a wheel angle in response to rotation of the steering axle. The system further includes a computer having one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions. The processor is programmed to determine a blind spot area extending from a side mirror of the motor vehicle based on the wheel angle. The processor is further programmed to generate an actuation signal associated with the blind spot area. The system further includes one or more projectors that project light onto a road adjacent to the motor vehicle to indicate a current size and a current position of the blind spot area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a blind spot warning system for a motor vehicle, and more particularly to a blind spot warning system that warns pedestrians, cyclists, and operators of other motor vehicles of the current position and current size of the blind spot when the motor vehicle is turning. Background Art

[0002] Modern vehicles can be equipped with blind spot monitoring systems, the sensors of which are mounted on the external structure on both sides of the vehicle. Each sensor points to a single fixed area, such as a static blind spot that cannot be seen through the rearview mirror or side mirror, and detects whether a third-party vehicle is in the static blind spot. These systems can also include one or more notification devices that warn the driver when a third-party vehicle is in the static blind spot. The notification device is capable of providing a visual alarm, an audible alarm, or a tactile alarm that can be perceived by the driver. Although these systems warn the driver of the host vehicle that there is a third-party vehicle in the static blind spot, the system cannot determine the dynamic blind spot, which increases or decreases according to the wheel angle and cannot be seen when the driver's attention is focused on vehicle turning. In addition, although the existing systems warn the driver of the host vehicle that a third-party vehicle is currently in the blind spot, these systems cannot warn the third party (such as a pedestrian, a cyclist, or the driver of a third-party vehicle) that it is approaching or currently in the blind spot. In fact, the current system cannot even determine whether pedestrians and cyclists are in the static blind spot of the host vehicle. Since the sensors are mounted on the external structure of the vehicle and point outward, the sensors may be covered with dust, ice, and snow, which may in turn reduce functionality and prevent the system from detecting the vehicle.

[0003] Therefore, although the current blind spot monitoring system achieves its intended purpose, there is still a need for a new and improved blind spot warning system to solve these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In several aspects, the present disclosure provides a blind spot warning system for a motor vehicle having a longitudinal axis and a steering axis for steering the motor vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis. The system includes a steering angle sensor (SAS) coupled to the steering axis to generate a steering signal associated with a wheel angle in response to rotation of the steering axis. The system also includes a computer having one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions. The processor is programmed to determine a blind spot region extending from a side mirror of the motor vehicle in response to the processor receiving the steering signal from the SAS. The blind spot region is spaced apart from the driver's line of sight and has a current size and a current position based on the wheel angle. The blind spot region has a front boundary angularly spaced apart from the longitudinal axis by a first angle and a rear boundary angularly spaced apart from the front boundary by a second angle. The processor is further programmed to generate an actuation signal associated with the blind spot region. The system also includes one or more projectors coupled to the processor and configured to project light onto a road adjacent to the motor vehicle in response to the projectors receiving the actuation signal from the processor. The light indicates the current position and the current size of the blind spot region relative to the motor vehicle.

[0005] In one aspect, the projector is configured to project light onto a portion of the road such that a leading edge of the light is disposed at a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis and overlaps with the front boundary of the blind spot region in response to the projector receiving the actuation signal from the processor.

[0006] In another aspect, the projector is configured to project light onto the portion of the road such that a trailing edge of the light is disposed at a second angle relative to the leading edge thereof and overlaps with the rear boundary of the blind spot region in response to the projector receiving the actuation signal from the processor.

[0007] In another aspect, the processor is further programmed to determine that the first angle is 90 degrees and the second angle is 60 degrees in response to the processor determining that the wheel angle is 3 degrees.

[0008] In another aspect, the processor is further programmed to determine that the first angle is 80 degrees and the second angle is 75 degrees in response to the processor determining that the wheel angle is 4.5 degrees.

[0009] In another aspect, the processor is further programmed to determine that the first angle is 70 degrees and the second angle is 85 degrees in response to the processor determining that the wheel angle is 9 degrees.

[0010] In another aspect, the processor is further programmed to determine that the first angle is 70 degrees and the second angle is 85 degrees in response to the processor determining that the wheel angle is 13.5 degrees.

[0011] In another aspect, the processor is further programmed to determine that the first angle is 80 degrees and the second angle is 75 degrees in response to the processor determining that the wheel angle is 18 degrees.

[0012] In another aspect, the processor is further programmed to determine that the first angle is 90 degrees and the second angle is 60 degrees in response to the processor determining that the wheel angle is 22.5 degrees.

[0013] In another aspect, the system further includes an acoustic device coupled to the processor and configured to generate at least one of a sound and a message in response to the acoustic device receiving an actuation signal from the processor.

[0014] In several aspects, the present disclosure provides a computer for a blind spot warning system of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has a longitudinal axis and a steering axis for steering the motor vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis. The motor vehicle further includes a steering angle sensor (SAS) coupled to the steering axis to generate a steering signal associated with a wheel angle in response to rotation of the steering axis. The system further includes one or more projectors and a computer having one or more processors adapted to be electrically connected to the SAS and the projectors. The computer further includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (CRM) storing instructions. The processor is programmed to: determine a blind spot area extending from a side mirror of the motor vehicle in response to the processor receiving the steering signal from the SAS. The blind spot area is spaced apart from the driver's line of sight and has a current size and a current position based on the wheel angle. The blind spot area has a front boundary angled at a first angle from the longitudinal axis and a rear boundary angled at a second angle from the front boundary. The processor is further programmed to generate an actuation signal associated with the blind spot area, wherein the projector receives the actuation signal and projects light onto the road to indicate the current size and the current position of the blind spot area.

[0015] In one aspect, the processor is further programmed to determine that the first angle is 90 degrees and the second angle is 60 degrees in response to the processor determining that the wheel angle is 3 degrees.

[0016] In another aspect, the processor is further programmed to determine that the first angle is 80 degrees and the second angle is 75 degrees in response to the processor determining that the wheel angle is 4.5 degrees.

[0017] In another aspect, the processor is further programmed to determine that the first angle is 70 degrees and the second angle is 85 degrees in response to the processor determining that the wheel angle is 9 degrees.

[0018] In another aspect, the processor is further programmed to determine that the first angle is 70 degrees and the second angle is 85 degrees in response to the processor determining that the wheel angle is 13.5 degrees.

[0019] In another aspect, the processor is further programmed to determine that the first angle is 80 degrees and the second angle is 75 degrees in response to the processor determining that the wheel angle is 18 degrees.

[0020] In another aspect, the processor is also programmed to determine that the first angle is 90 degrees and the second angle is 60 degrees in response to the processor determining that the wheel angle is 22.5 degrees.

[0021] In several aspects, the present disclosure provides a method for operating a blind spot warning system of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has a longitudinal axis and a steering axle that steers the motor vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis. The system vehicle includes a steering angle sensor (SAS) coupled to the steering axle. The SAS generates a steering signal related to the wheel angle in response to the rotation of the steering axle. The system also includes one or more projectors and a computer having one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions. The method includes: rotating the steering axle using a steering wheel attached to the steering axle. The method also includes: generating a steering signal using the SAS in response to the rotation of the steering axle. The method also includes: determining, using the processor, a blind spot area extending from a side mirror of the motor vehicle in response to the processor receiving the steering signal from the SAS. The blind spot area is spaced apart from the driver's line of sight and has a current size and current position based on the wheel angle. The blind spot area has a front boundary angled from the longitudinal axis by a first angle and a rear boundary angled from the front boundary by a second angle. The method also includes: generating, using the processor, an actuation signal associated with the blind spot area. The method also includes: projecting, using the projector, light onto a road adjacent to the motor vehicle to indicate the current size and current position of the blind spot area in response to the projector receiving the actuation signal from the processor.

[0022] In one aspect, the method further includes: projecting, using the projector, light onto a portion of the road such that a leading edge of the light is set at a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis and overlaps with the front boundary of the blind spot area in response to the projector receiving the actuation signal from at least one processor.

[0023] In another aspect, the method further includes: projecting, using the projector, light onto the portion of the road such that a trailing edge of the light is set at a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis and overlaps with the rear boundary of the blind spot area in response to the projector receiving the actuation signal from at least one processor.

[0024] Based on the description provided herein, other application areas will become apparent. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an example of a motor vehicle having a blind spot warning system, showing the vehicle turning left and the system projecting light onto a portion of the road located on the left side of the vehicle, where the light indicates the current size and current position of the blind spot area associated with the wheel angle of the left turn.

[0026] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic view of a motor vehicle showing a right turn of the vehicle and the system projecting light onto a portion of the road located on the right side of the vehicle, where the light indicates the current size and current position of the blind spot area associated with the wheel angle of the right turn.

[0027] Figure 3 is a flowchart of an example of a method for operating Figure 1 the system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

[0029] Refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2, generally shows an example of a motor vehicle 100 having a blind spot warning system 102 for indicating the current size and current position of a blind spot area 104 based on the wheel angle αW. More specifically, the motor vehicle 100 also includes a steering wheel 106 operable by a driver and a steering shaft 108 that is connected to the steering wheel 106 and rotates in response to the driver operating the steering wheel 106. The motor vehicle 100 also has a plurality of wheels 110, including a pair of front wheels 112 coupled to the steering shaft 108 by a plurality of steering mechanisms (not shown). In response to rotation of the steering wheel 106, the front wheels 112 can be angularly deflected by a wheel angle αW relative to the longitudinal axis 114 of the motor vehicle 100. The motor vehicle 100 also includes a rearview mirror 116, a left side mirror 118 attached to the left side 120 of the motor vehicle 100 (e.g., the driver's side A-pillar or the driver's side front door), and a right side mirror 122 attached to the right side 124 of the motor vehicle 100 (e.g., the passenger's side A-pillar or the passenger's side front door). The blind spot area 104 is generally a portion of the road that the driver cannot see when looking straight ahead or in the rearview mirror and the left and right side mirrors 118, 122. Additionally, since the driver's line of sight is in the direction the vehicle 100 is turning, the blind spot area 104 is dynamic and its size and position change when the driver operates the steering wheel 106 to turn the motor vehicle 100. Although the non-limiting example of the system 102 described below determines the blind spot area 104 based on the wheel angle αW, it is contemplated that other non-limiting examples of the system can determine the blind spot area based on any suitable parameter, such as the wheel angles of the front and / or rear wheels, the position of the associated side mirrors and rearview mirror on the vehicle, and / or the tilt of the associated side mirrors and rearview mirror, etc. It is also contemplated that other examples of the system can warn pedestrians of a static or constant blind spot area of a fixed size and position based on any suitable parameter. As described in detail below, the system 102 also includes one or more notification devices, such as one or more light projectors 126 and one or more acoustic devices 128, for warning pedestrians or cyclists of the current size and current position of the dynamic blind spot area 104 when the motor vehicle is turning. It is contemplated that other examples of the system can include any suitable notification device that can warn pedestrians and cyclists of the dynamic blind spot area at any time (e.g., a predetermined time before the vehicle turns) to provide advance notice when about to turn.

[0030] System 102 includes a steering angle sensor 130 (SAS) that is coupled to steering shaft 108 and generates a steering signal associated with wheel angle αW in response to rotation of steering shaft 108. In one non-limiting example, SAS 130 generates a steering signal in response to a driver operating steering wheel 106, which in turn rotates steering shaft 108. In other non-limiting examples, SAS 130 generates a steering signal in response to an autonomous driving system (not shown) rotating steering shaft 108.

[0031] System 102 also includes a computer 132 that includes one or more processors 134 and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 136 (CRM) storing instructions. The processor 134 is programmed to determine a blind spot region 104 in response to the processor 134 receiving the steering signal from the SAS, the blind spot region 104 extending from side mirrors 118, 122 located on the side of the motor vehicle 100 that is being steered. The blind spot region 104 is spaced apart from the driver's line of sight and has a current size and current position based on the wheel angle αW. The blind spot region 104 has a front boundary 138 that is angularly spaced apart from the longitudinal axis 114 by a first angle α1 and a rear boundary 140 that is angularly spaced apart from the front boundary by a second angle α2. In other non-limiting examples, it is contemplated that the processor may generate an actuation signal in response to the driver activating a turn signal indicator and / or the autonomous driving system determining that the vehicle will turn within a threshold distance.

[0032] In this non-limiting example of the system, the blind spot region 104 is based on the wheel angle αW to account for the driver's attention to the direction in which the vehicle is turning. Specifically, the processor 134 is further programmed to determine that the first angle α1 is 90 degrees and the second angle α2 is 60 degrees in response to the processor 134 determining that the wheel angle αW is 3 degrees. The processor 134 is further programmed to determine that the first angle α1 is 80 degrees and the second angle α2 is 75 degrees in response to the processor 134 determining that the wheel angle αW is 4.5 degrees. The processor 134 is further programmed to determine that the first angle α1 is 70 degrees and the second angle α2 is 85 degrees in response to the processor 134 determining that the wheel angle αW is 9 degrees. The processor 134 is further programmed to determine that the first angle α1 is 70 degrees and the second angle α2 is 85 degrees in response to the processor 134 determining that the wheel angle αW is 13.5 degrees. The processor 134 is further programmed to determine that the first angle α1 is 80 degrees and the second angle is 75 degrees in response to the processor 134 determining that the wheel angle αW is 18 degrees. The processor 134 is further programmed to determine that the first angle α1 is 90 degrees and the second angle is 60 degrees in response to the processor 134 determining that the wheel angle αW is 22.5 degrees. It is contemplated that the processor may determine the size of the blind spot region by referring to a look-up table or algorithm and may be defined from other angles based on any suitable parameters, such as the wheel angle, the wheelbase, the position of the side mirror, and / or the tilt of the side mirror, etc.

[0033] The processor 134 is further programmed to generate an actuation signal associated with the blind spot region 104. The system 102 further includes one or more projectors 126 coupled to the processor 134. The projector 126 may be a laser, an LED, or other suitable lighting device that projects light having a beam angle or beam spread onto a portion of the road in response to receiving the actuation signal from the processor 134 to indicate the current size and current position of the blind spot region 104. In this non-limiting example, the projector 126 projects light over the entire blind spot region 104. More specifically, the projector 126 projects light onto the road in response to receiving the actuation signal from the processor 134 such that the leading edge 142 of the light is angularly spaced from the longitudinal axis 114 by the first angle α1 and overlaps the front boundary 138 of the blind spot region 104. The projector 126 projects light onto the road in response to receiving the actuation signal from the processor 134 such that the trailing edge 144 of the light is angularly spaced from the leading edge 142 by the second angle α2 and overlaps the rear boundary 140 of the blind spot region 104. Additionally, in this non-limiting example, the projector 126 projects light only onto the portion of the road in which the vehicle is turning. More specifically, the projector 126 is configured such that when the wheel angle αW causes the vehicle to turn left ( Figure 1) project light onto a portion of the road adjacent to the left side 120 of the vehicle 100; when the wheel angle αW causes the vehicle 100 to turn right, project light onto a portion of the road adjacent to the right side 124 of the vehicle 100. It is contemplated that other examples of the system may include projectors that illuminate a portion of the blind spot area and / or simultaneously illuminate the blind spot areas on both sides of the vehicle. It is also contemplated that other non-limiting examples of the processor may be programmed to sequentially activate multiple projectors to generate an animated illuminated image traveling between the leading edge 142 and the trailing edge 144 on the road and / or adjust the intensity of the projector and the speed of the animated image change based on the wheel angle αW.

[0034] In this non-limiting example, the system 102 further includes an acoustic device 128 coupled to the processor 134. The acoustic device is configured to generate a sound and / or a message in response to receiving an actuation signal from the processor 134 by the acoustic device 128 to warn nearby pedestrians and cyclists that the motor vehicle is turning. One non-limiting example of the sound of the acoustic device may include a speaker that emits a constant tone, an intermittent tone, a beep, and / or an alarm message or notification (e.g., "turn left" or "turn right").

[0035] Reference Figure 3 , a method 200 for operating Figure 1 and Figure 2 system 102 is provided. The method 200 begins at block 202, where the driver operates the steering wheel 106 to turn the steering shaft 108 and steer the vehicle 100. However, it is contemplated that an autonomous driving system (not shown) may turn the steering shaft 108 to steer the vehicle 100.

[0036] At block 204, the SAS 130 generates a steering signal in response to the rotation of the steering shaft 108. Continuing with the previous example, the SAS 130 may generate a steering signal in response to the driver operating the steering wheel or the autonomous driving system turning the steering shaft. The steering signal is associated with the wheel angle αW and the direction in which the driver is steering the vehicle.

[0037] At block 206, the processor 134 determines the blind spot area 104 in response to the processor 134 receiving the steering signal from the SAS 130. The blind spot area 104 extends from the side mirror on the side in the direction in which the driver is steering the vehicle. The blind spot area 104 is spaced apart from the driver's line of sight and has a current size and current position based on the wheel angle αW. In one non-limiting example, the size and position of the blind spot area 104 may be determined according to a reference look-up table based on the wheel angle αW and stored in the CRM 136. The blind spot area 104 includes a front boundary 138 that is angularly spaced apart from the longitudinal axis 114 by a first angle α1 and a rear boundary 140 that is angularly spaced apart from the front boundary by a second angle α2.

[0038] At block 208, the processor 134 generates an actuation signal that is associated with the blind spot region 104 and is based on the wheel angle αW. In other examples, the processor 134 may generate the actuation signal in response to the driver activating the turn signal indicator.

[0039] At block 210, the projector 126 emits or projects light onto the road adjacent to the motor vehicle 100 in response to receiving the actuation signal from the processor 134. In this non-limiting example, the light covers the entire blind spot region 104 to indicate the location and size of the blind spot region 104 on the side of the motor vehicle that is turning. More specifically, the projector 126 projects light in response to the projector 126 receiving the actuation signal from the processor 134 such that the leading edge 138 of the light is angularly spaced a first angle α1 from the longitudinal axis 114 and overlaps the front boundary 138 of the blind spot region 104. Additionally, the projector 126 projects light in response to the projector 126 receiving the actuation signal from the processor 134 such that the trailing edge 144 of the light is angularly spaced a second angle α2 from the leading edge 142 and overlaps the rear boundary 140 of the blind spot region 104. It is contemplated that other examples of the system may include projectors that illuminate a portion of the blind spot region and / or projectors that illuminate the blind spot regions on both sides of the vehicle simultaneously. It is also contemplated that other non-limiting examples of the processor may be programmed to sequentially activate multiple projectors to generate an animated illuminated image that travels between the leading edge 142 and the trailing edge 144 on the road and / or adjust the intensity of the projector and the speed of the animated image change based on the wheel angle αW.

[0040] In general, the described computing systems and / or devices can employ any of a variety of computer operating systems, including but not limited to: versions and / or variants of the ANDROID AUTOMOTIVE operating system developed by GOOGLE, the MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system, the UNIX operating system (e.g., the SOLARIS operating system distributed by ORACLE Corporation of Redwood Shores, California), the AIX UNIX operating system distributed by INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES of Armonk, New York, the LINUX operating system, the MAC OSX and iOS operating systems distributed by APPLE Inc. of Cupertino, California, the BLACKBERRY operating system distributed by BLACKBERRY Limited of Waterloo, Canada, and the QNX CAR Platform for Infotainment provided by the OPEN HANDSET ALLIANCE or QNX Software Systems Limited. Examples of computing devices include but are not limited to: in-vehicle computers, computer workstations, servers, desktops, notebooks, laptops, or handheld computers, or some other computing systems and / or devices.

[0041] Computers and computing devices typically include computer-executable instructions, where the instructions can be executed by one or more computing devices (such as those listed above). The computer-executable instructions can be compiled or interpreted according to computer programs created using a variety of programming languages and / or technologies, including but not limited to: JAVA, C, C++, MATLAB, SIMULINK, STATEFLOW, VISUAL BASIC, JAVA SCRIPT, PERL, HTML, TENSORFLOW, PYTORCH, KERAS, etc., used alone or in combination. Some of these applications can be compiled and executed on virtual machines such as the JAVA virtual machine, the DALVIK virtual machine, etc. Generally, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions from, for example, a memory, a computer-readable medium, etc., and executes these instructions, thereby performing one or more processes, including one or more of the processes described herein. A variety of computer-readable media can be used to store and transmit such instructions and other data. Files in a computing device are typically a collection of data stored on a computer-readable medium (such as a storage medium, random access memory, etc.).

[0042] A CRM that participates in providing data (such as instructions) can be read by a computer (e.g., by a processor of the computer) and can take various forms, including but not limited to non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media can include, for example, optical discs or magnetic disks and other permanent memories. Volatile media can include, for example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes the main memory. Such instructions can be transmitted through one or more transmission media, including coaxial cables, copper wires, and optical fibers, including the wires of a system bus coupled to the processor of the ECU. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, any other magnetic media, CD ROMs, DVDs, any other optical media, punch cards, paper tapes, any other physical media with a pattern of holes, random access memory (RAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), any other memory chips or cartridges, or any other media that can be read by a computer.

[0043] The databases, data repositories, or other data stores described herein can include various mechanisms for storing, accessing, and retrieving various data, including hierarchical databases, a set of files in a file system, application databases in proprietary formats, relational database management systems (RDBMSs), etc. Each such data store is typically included within a computing device that employs a computer operating system such as one of those described above and is accessed via a network in any one or more of a variety of ways. The file system can be accessed from the computer operating system and can include files stored in various formats. In addition to the languages (such as the PL / SQL language described above) for creating, storing, editing, and executing the stored programs, an RDBMS typically also uses structured query language (SQL).

[0044] In some examples, system components can be implemented as computer-readable instructions (such as software, etc.) on one or more computing devices (such as servers, personal computers, etc.) and stored on a computer-readable medium associated therewith (such as a disk, memory, etc.). A computer program product can include such instructions stored on a computer-readable medium for performing the functions described herein.

[0045] Regarding the media, processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described herein, it should be understood that although the steps of such processes, etc. are described as occurring in a certain ordered sequence, such processes can also be practiced by performing the described steps in an order different from the order described herein. It should also be understood that certain steps can be performed simultaneously, other steps can be added, or certain steps described herein can be omitted. In other words, the process descriptions herein are for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments and should in no way be construed as limiting the claims.

[0046] Accordingly, it should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. After reading the above description, many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The scope of the present invention should not be determined with reference to the above description, but rather should be determined with reference to the appended claims and the full scope of the equivalents given by those claims. Future developments are contemplated and expected in the technologies discussed herein, and the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In summary, it should be understood that the present invention is capable of modification and variation and is limited only by the following claims.

[0047] Unless expressly indicated to the contrary herein, all terms used in the claims are intended to be given their plain and ordinary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. In particular, unless the claims state a clear limitation to the contrary, the use of singular articles such as "a", "the", "said", etc. should be understood to state one or more of the indicated elements.

[0048] The description of the present disclosure is exemplary in nature and variations that do not depart from the general meaning of the present disclosure are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations should not be regarded as departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0049] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be described with reference to the following numbered clauses, with specific features listed in the dependent clauses:

[0050] I. A computer for a blind spot warning system of a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle has a longitudinal axis, a steering axis for steering the motor vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis, a steering angle sensor coupled to the steering axis to generate a steering signal related to a wheel angle in response to rotation of the steering axis, and at least one projector; the computer includes:

[0051] At least one processor, adapted to be electrically connected to the steering angle sensor and the at least one projector; and

[0052] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that program the at least one processor to:

[0053] Determining a blind spot area extending from a side mirror of the motor vehicle in response to the at least one processor receiving the steering signal from the steering angle sensor, wherein the blind spot area is spaced apart from the driver's line of sight and has a current size and current position based on the wheel angle; the blind spot area has a front boundary angularly spaced apart from the longitudinal axis by a first angle and a rear boundary angularly spaced apart from the front boundary by a second angle; and

[0054] Generating an actuation signal associated with the blind spot area, wherein the projector receives the actuation signal to project light onto the road to indicate the current size and current position of the blind spot area.

[0055] II. The computer according to clause 1, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed to determine that the first angle is 90 degrees and the second angle is 60 degrees in response to the at least one processor determining that the wheel angle is 3 degrees.

[0056] III. The computer according to clause II, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed to determine that the first angle is 80 degrees and the second angle is 75 degrees in response to the at least one processor determining that the wheel angle is 4.5 degrees.

[0057] IV. The computer according to clause III, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed to determine that the first angle is 70 degrees and the second angle is 85 degrees in response to the at least one processor determining that the wheel angle is 9 degrees.

[0058] V. The computer according to clause 1V, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed to determine that the first angle is 70 degrees and the second angle is 85 degrees in response to the at least one processor determining that the wheel angle is 13.5 degrees.

[0059] VI. The computer according to clause V, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed to determine that the first angle is 80 degrees and the second angle is 75 degrees in response to the at least one processor determining that the wheel angle is 18 degrees.

[0060] VII. The computer according to clause VI, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed to determine that the first angle is 90 degrees and the second angle is 60 degrees in response to the at least one processor determining that the wheel angle is 22.5 degrees.

[0061] VIII. A method for operating a blind spot warning system of a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle has a longitudinal axis, a steering axle for steering the motor vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis, a steering angle sensor coupled to the steering axle to generate a steering signal related to the wheel angle in response to the rotation of the steering axle, at least one projector, and a computer including at least one processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions; the method includes:

[0062] Rotating the steering axle by using a steering wheel attached to the steering axle;

[0063] Generating a steering signal by using the steering angle sensor in response to the rotation of the steering axle;

[0064] In response to the at least one processor receiving the steering signal from the steering angle sensor, using the at least one processor to determine a blind spot area extending from a side mirror of the motor vehicle, wherein the blind spot area is spaced apart from the driver's line of sight and has a current size and current position based on the wheel angle; the blind spot area has a front boundary angularly spaced apart from the longitudinal axis by a first angle and a rear boundary angularly spaced apart from the front boundary by a second angle;

[0065] Generating an actuation signal associated with the blind spot area by using the at least one processor; and

[0066] In response to the projector receiving the actuation signal from the at least one processor, using the projector to project light onto a road adjacent to the motor vehicle, wherein the light indicates the current size and current position of the blind spot area relative to the motor vehicle.

[0067] IX. The method according to clause VIII, further including: in response to the projector receiving the actuation signal from the at least one processor, using the projector to project light onto a part of the road such that a leading edge of the light is set at a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis and overlaps with the front boundary of the blind spot area.

[0068] X. The method according to clause IX, further including: in response to the projector receiving the actuation signal from the at least one processor, using the projector to project light onto the part of the road such that a trailing edge of the light is set at a second angle relative to the leading edge and overlaps with the rear boundary of the blind spot area.

Claims

1. A blind spot warning system for a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle having a longitudinal axis and a steering axle for steering the motor vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis, the blind spot warning system comprising: A steering angle sensor coupled to the steering axle to generate a steering signal associated with a wheel angle in response to rotation of the steering axle; A computer including at least one processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions such that the at least one processor is programmed to: Determine a blind spot area extending from a side mirror of the motor vehicle in response to the at least one processor receiving the steering signal from the steering angle sensor, wherein the blind spot area has a preset area distributed from a driver's line of sight and is based on the wheel angle, and the blind spot area has a front boundary angularly spaced apart from the longitudinal axis by a first angle and a rear boundary angularly spaced apart from the front boundary by a second angle; And Generate an actuation signal associated with the blind spot area; And At least one projector coupled to the at least one processor and responsive to the projector receiving the actuation signal from the at least one processor to project light onto a road adjacent to the motor vehicle, wherein the light indicates the current size and current position of the blind spot area relative to the motor vehicle.

2. The blind spot warning system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one projector is configured to project the light onto a portion of the road in response to the projector receiving the actuation signal from the at least one processor such that a leading edge of the light is set at the first angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

3. The blind spot warning system according to claim 2, wherein the at least one projector is configured to project the light onto the portion of the road in response to the projector receiving the actuation signal from the at least one processor such that a trailing edge of the light is set at the second angle relative to the leading edge of the light.

4. The blind spot warning system according to claim 3, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed to determine that the first angle is 90 degrees and the second angle is 60 degrees in response to the at least one processor determining that the wheel angle is 30 degrees.

5. The blind spot warning system according to claim 4, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed to determine that the first angle is 80 degrees and the second angle is 75 degrees in response to the at least one processor determining that the wheel angle is 45 degrees.

6. The blind spot warning system according to claim 5, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed to: determine that the first angle is 70 degrees and the second angle is 85 degrees in response to the at least one processor determining that the wheel angle is 90 degrees.

7. The blind spot warning system according to claim 6, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed to determine that the first angle is 70 degrees and the second angle is 85 degrees in response to the at least one processor determining that the wheel angle is 135 degrees.

8. The blind spot warning system according to claim 7, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed to determine that the first angle is 80 degrees and the second angle is 75 degrees in response to the at least one processor determining that the wheel angle is 180 degrees.

9. The blind spot warning system according to claim 8, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed to determine that the first angle is 90 degrees and the second angle is 60 degrees in response to the at least one processor determining that the wheel angle is 225 degrees.

10. The blind spot warning system according to claim 3, further comprising an acoustic device, the acoustic device being coupled to the at least one processor and configured to generate at least one of a sound and a message in response to the acoustic device receiving an actuation signal from the at least one processor.

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