BLIND SPOT WARNING SYSTEM OF A MOTOR VEHICLE

Abstract

Blind spot warning system of a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle has a longitudinal axis and a steering shaft which rotates the motor vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis, wherein the blind spot warning system comprises: a steering angle sensor coupled to the steering shaft to generate a steering signal in response to the steering shaft rotation, which is assigned to a wheel angle; a computer with at least one processor and a non-transient, computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions, so that the at least one processor is programmed to: 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 from a driver's line of sight and has an actual size and location based on the wheel angle, and wherein the blind spot area has a front boundary angularly spaced from the longitudinal axis by a first angle and a rear boundary angularly spaced from the front boundary by a second angle; and Generating an actuation signal that is associated with the blind spot area; and at least one light projector coupled to the at least one processor, which, in response to the light projector receiving the actuation signal from the at least one processor, projects a light onto a roadway adjacent to the motor vehicle, the light indicating the current size and location of the blind spot area relative to the motor vehicle.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to blind spot warning systems of motor vehicles and in particular to a blind spot warning system that warns pedestrians, cyclists and drivers of other motor vehicles of the current location and size of a blind spot when a motor vehicle is turning.

[0002] Modern vehicles can be equipped with blind spot monitoring systems, whose sensors are mounted on external structures on both sides of the vehicle. Each sensor is directed at a single, fixed area, such as a static blind spot that is not visible through the rearview or side mirrors, and detects whether another vehicle is present in that static blind spot. These systems may also include one or more alerting devices that warn the driver when third-party vehicles are in the static blind spot. The alerting devices can provide a visual, audible, or tactile warning that the driver can perceive.While these systems alert the driver of the host vehicle that another vehicle is in the static blind spot, they do not detect the dynamic blind spot, which can increase or decrease depending on the wheel angle and is not visible when the driver is focused on turning the vehicle. Furthermore, although existing systems warn the driver of the host vehicle that another vehicle is in the blind spot, they do not warn third parties, such as pedestrians, cyclists, or drivers of other vehicles, that these third parties are approaching or are in the blind spot. Current systems do not even determine whether pedestrians and cyclists are in the vehicle's static blind spot.Because the sensors are attached to the vehicle's exterior structures and face outwards, they can be obscured by dirt, ice and snow, which in turn can limit functionality and prevent the systems from detecting vehicles.

[0003] While current blind spot monitoring systems fulfill their purpose, there is a need for a new and improved blind spot warning system that addresses these problems. DESCRIPTION

[0004] According to several aspects, a blind spot warning system is provided for a motor vehicle that has a longitudinal axis and a steering shaft that rotates the vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis. The system includes a steering angle sensor (SAS) coupled to the steering shaft to generate a steering signal associated with a wheel angle in response to the steering shaft's rotation. The system further includes a computer with one or more processors and a non-transient, computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions. The processor is programmed to determine a blind spot area extending from a side mirror of the vehicle in response to the steering signal received from the SAS. The blind spot area is spaced from the driver's line of sight and has a real-time size and location based on the wheel angle.The blind spot area has a front boundary, set back from the longitudinal axis by a first angle, and a rear boundary, set back from the front boundary by a second angle. The processor is further programmed to generate an activation signal associated with the blind spot area. The system also includes one or more light projectors connected to the processor, which project light onto a roadway adjacent to the vehicle when the light projector receives the activation signal from the processor. The light indicates the current location and size of the blind spot relative to the vehicle.

[0005] In one aspect, the light projector is configured to project the light onto a part of the roadway, so that the light has a leading edge that is positioned at the first angle relative to the longitudinal axis and overlaps the leading edge of the blind spot area when the light projector receives the actuation signal from the processor.

[0006] In another aspect, the light projector is configured to project the light onto the part of the roadway such that the light has a trailing edge that is positioned at the second angle relative to the leading edge of the light and overlaps the rear boundary of the blind spot area when the light projector receives the actuation signal from the processor.

[0007] 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 3 degrees.

[0008] In another aspect, the processor is also 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 also 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 also 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 also 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 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.

[0013] In another aspect, the system also includes an acoustic device that is connected to the processor and configured to generate at least one tone or message in response to receiving the activation signal from the processor.

[0014] According to several aspects, a computer is provided for a motor vehicle's blind spot warning system. The motor vehicle comprises a longitudinal axis and a steering shaft that rotates the motor vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis. The motor vehicle further comprises a steering angle sensor (SAS) coupled to the steering shaft to generate a steering signal associated with a wheel angle in response to the steering shaft's rotation. The system further comprises one or more light projectors and a computer with one or more processors that can be electrically connected to the SAS and the light projector. The computer also includes a non-transient, computer-readable memory medium (CRM) that stores instructions. The processor is programmed to determine a blind spot area extending from a side mirror of the motor vehicle in response to the steering signal received from the SAS.The blind spot area is positioned at a distance from the driver's line of sight and has a current size and location based on the wheel angle. The blind spot area comprises a front boundary, set back from the longitudinal axis by a first angle, and a rear boundary, set back from the front boundary by a second angle. The processor is further programmed to generate an actuation signal associated with the blind spot area, which is received by the light projector to project a light onto the road surface to indicate the current size and location of the blind spot area.

[0015] In one case, 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 3 degrees.

[0016] In another aspect, the processor is also 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 also 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 also 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 also 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] A method for operating a blind spot warning system of a motor vehicle is provided according to several aspects. The motor vehicle has a longitudinal axis and a steering shaft that rotates the motor vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis. The system vehicle includes a steering angle sensor (SAS) coupled to the steering shaft. The SAS generates a steering signal associated with a wheel angle in response to the steering shaft rotation. The system further includes one or more light projectors and a computer with one or more processors and a non-transient, computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions. The method includes rotating the steering shaft using a steering wheel attached to the steering shaft.

[0022] The method further comprises generating a steering signal using the SAS in response to the rotation of the steering shaft. The method further comprises 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 from a driver's line of sight and has an actual size and location based on the wheel angle. The blind spot area comprises a front boundary spaced at a first angle from the longitudinal axis and a rear boundary spaced at a second angle from the front boundary. The method further comprises generating an actuation signal associated with the blind spot area using the processor.The method further includes projecting a light onto a roadway adjacent to the motor vehicle using the light projector to indicate a current size and location of the blind spot area in response to the light projector receiving the actuation signal from the processor.

[0023] In one aspect, the method further comprises projecting the light onto a part of the roadway using the light projector, such that the light has a leading edge which is arranged at the first angle relative to the longitudinal axis and overlaps the leading edge of the blind spot area, the light projector receiving the actuation signal from the at least one processor.

[0024] In another aspect, the method further includes projecting the light onto the part of the roadway using the light projector, such that the light has a trailing edge which is arranged at the second angle relative to the leading edge of the light and overlaps the rear boundary of the blind spot area when the light projector receives the actuation signal from the at least one processor.

[0025] Further areas of application will become apparent from the present description. It should be understood that the description and specific examples serve only for illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic view of an example of a motor vehicle with a blind spot warning system, wherein the vehicle is turning left and the system projects a light onto a part of the roadway to the left of the vehicle, the light indicating an actual size and location of a blind spot associated with a wheel angle for the left turn. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic view of the motor vehicle. Fig. 1, which shows how the vehicle makes a right turn and the system projects a light onto a part of the roadway to the right of the vehicle, with the light indicating an actual size and location of a blind spot associated with a wheel angle for the right turn. Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart of an example process for operating the system of Fig. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application or uses.

[0027] With reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 is a general example of a motor vehicle 100 with a blind spot warning system 102 for displaying the current size and location of a blind spot area 104, based on a wheel angle αW. More specifically, the motor vehicle 100 further comprises a steering wheel 106, operated by a driver, and a steering shaft 108, connected to the steering wheel 106 and rotating in response to the driver's action on the steering wheel 106. The motor vehicle 100 also has a plurality of wheels 110, including a pair of front wheels 112, which are coupled to the steering shaft 108 via several steering mechanisms (not shown). The front wheels 112 can be angularly deflected by the wheel angle αW relative to a longitudinal axis 114 of the motor vehicle 100 when the steering wheel 106 is turned. The motor vehicle 100 further comprises a rearview mirror 116, a left side mirror 118, which is attached to a left side 120 of the motor vehicle 100, e.g.The blind spot 104 is generally a part of the roadway that is not visible to the driver in their direct line of sight or in the rearview mirror and in the left and right side mirrors 118, 122. Since the driver maintains a line of sight in the direction in which the vehicle 100 is turning, the blind spot 104 is also dynamic, changing its size and location as the driver operates the steering wheel 106 to steer the vehicle 100.While the non-restrictive examples of System 102 described below determine the blind spot area 104 based on the wheel angle αW, it is considered that other non-restrictive examples of the System could determine the blind spot area based on any suitable parameter, such as the wheel angle of the front and / or rear wheels, the positions of the associated side and rearview mirrors on the vehicle, and / or the inclination of the associated side and rearview mirrors. It is also conceivable that other examples of the System could warn pedestrians of a static or constant blind spot area that has a constant size and location and is based on any suitable parameter. As described in detail below, System 102 also includes one or more notification devices, e.g.,One or more light projectors 126 and one or more acoustic devices 128 to warn pedestrians or cyclists of the current size and location of the dynamic blind spot 104 when the motor vehicle turns. Other examples of the system may include any suitable notification device that warns pedestrians and cyclists of the dynamic blind spot at any time, e.g., a certain time before the vehicle turns to announce an upcoming turn.

[0028] System 102 comprises a steering angle sensor 130 (SAS) coupled to the steering shaft 108, which generates a steering signal related to the wheel angle αW in response to the rotation of the steering shaft 108. In one non-restrictive example, the SAS 130 generates the steering signal in response to the driver turning the steering wheel 106, which in turn rotates the steering shaft 108. In other non-restrictive examples, the SAS 130 generates the steering signal in response to an autonomous driving system (not shown) rotating the steering shaft 108.

[0029] The system 102 further comprises a computer 132 with one or more processors 134 and a non-transient computer-readable memory medium 136 (CRM) for storing instructions. The processor 134 is programmed to determine the blind spot area 104 extending from the side mirrors 118, 122 on the side of the motor vehicle 100 toward which the motor vehicle 100 is being steered, in response to the processor 134 receiving the steering signal from the SAS 130. The blind spot area 104 is spaced from the driver's line of sight and has an actual size and location based on the wheel angle αW. The blind spot area 104 has a front boundary 138, which is spaced from the longitudinal axis 114 by a first angle α1, and a rear boundary 140, which is spaced from the front boundary by a second angle α2.In other, non-restrictive examples, it is conceivable that the processor generates the activation signal in response to the driver activating a turn signal and / or an autonomous driving system determining that the vehicle will turn within a certain distance.

[0030] In this non-restrictive example of the system, the blind spot area 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 when the processor 134 determines 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 when the processor 134 determines 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 when the processor 134 determines 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 when the processor 134 determines 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 when the processor 134 determines 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 conceivable that the processor could determine, via a reference lookup table or algorithm, that the dimensions of the blind angle can be determined by other angles based on any suitable parameters, such as... B.The wheel angle, wheelbase, mirror position and / or mirror tilt can be defined.

[0031] The processor 134 is further programmed to generate an actuation signal associated with the blind spot area 104. The system 102 also includes one or more light projectors 126 connected to the processor 134. The light projectors 126 may be lasers, LEDs, or other suitable lighting devices that project light with a beam angle or beam width onto a portion of the roadway to indicate the current size and location of the blind spot area 104, in response to the light projector 126 receiving the actuation signal from the processor 134. In this non-restrictive example, the light projector 126 projects light onto the entire blind spot area 104.More precisely, the light projector 126 projects light onto the roadway such that the light has a leading edge 142, which is spaced from the longitudinal axis 114 by the first angle α1 and overlaps the leading boundary 138 of the blind spot area 104, when the light projector 126 receives the actuation signal from the processor 134. The light projector 126 projects light onto the roadway such that the light has a trailing edge 144, which is spaced from the leading edge 142 by the second angle α2 and overlaps the trailing boundary 140 of the blind spot area 104, when the light projector 126 receives the actuation signal from the processor 134. In this non-restrictive example, the light projector 126 projects light only onto the part of the roadway onto which the vehicle is turning.More precisely, the light projector 126 is configured to project light onto a part of the roadway adjacent to the left side 120 of the vehicle 100 when the wheel angle αW steers the vehicle to the left (. Fig. 1) and onto a part of the roadway adjacent to the right side 124 of the vehicle 100, if the wheel angle αW steers the vehicle 100 to the right ( Fig. 2) It is considered that other examples of the system could include light projectors that illuminate part of the blind spot and / or simultaneously illuminate blind spots on both sides of the vehicle. It is also conceivable that other, non-restrictive examples of the processor could be programmed to activate several light projectors sequentially to generate an animated light image that moves between the leading edge 142 and the trailing edge 144 on the road surface, and / or that it adjusts the intensity of the light projectors and the speed at which the animated image changes depending on the wheel angle αW.

[0032] In this non-restrictive example, the system 102 also includes an acoustic device 128 connected to the processor 134. The acoustic device is configured to produce a tone and / or message to warn nearby pedestrians and cyclists that the motor vehicle is turning when the acoustic device 128 receives the actuation signal from the processor 134. A non-restrictive example of the tone produced by the acoustic device could be a loudspeaker emitting a continuous tone, an intermittent tone, a gong, and / or a warning message or announcement, such as "turn left" or "turn right".

[0033] In Fig. 3 is a procedure 200 for the operation of system 102 of the Fig. 1 and Fig.Figure 2 shows that process 200 begins in block 202 with a driver operating the steering wheel 106 to rotate the steering shaft 108 and steer the vehicle 100. However, it is considered that an autonomous driving system (not shown) can rotate the steering shaft 108 to turn the vehicle 100 around.

[0034] In block 204, the SAS 130 generates a steering signal in response to the rotation of the steering shaft 108. Continuing the previous example, the SAS 130 can generate the steering signal in response to the driver turning the steering wheel or an autonomous driving system rotating the steering shaft. The steering signal is associated with the wheel angle αW and the direction in which the driver steers the vehicle.

[0035] In block 206, processor 134 determines the blind spot area 104, which extends from the side mirror on that side in the direction the driver is steering the vehicle, in response to processor 134 receiving the steering signal from SAS 130. The blind spot area 104 is spaced from the driver's line of sight and has a current size and location based on the wheel angle αW. In a non-restrictive example, the size and location of the blind spot 104 can be determined from a reference lookup table based on the wheel angle αW and stored in CRM 136. The blind spot area 104 includes the front boundary 138, spaced from the longitudinal axis 114 by the first angle α1, and a rear boundary 140, spaced from the front boundary 138 by a second angle α2.

[0036] In block 208, processor 134 generates the actuation signal, which is assigned to the blind spot area 104 and is based on the wheel angle αW. In other examples, processor 134 can generate the actuation signal in response to the driver activating a turn signal.

[0037] In block 210, the light projector 126 sends or projects the light onto the roadway next to the motor vehicle 100 after the light projector 126 receives the actuation signal from the processor 134. In this non-restrictive example, the light covers the entire area of ​​the blind spot 104 to indicate the location and size of the blind spot 104 on the side of the motor vehicle toward which the vehicle is turning. More precisely, the light projector 126 projects the light such that the leading edge 138 is spaced from the longitudinal axis 114 by the first angle α1 and overlaps the leading edge 138 of the blind spot area 104 when the light projector 126 receives the actuation signal from the processor 134.Furthermore, when the light projector 126 receives the activation signal from the processor 134, the light projector 126 projects the light such that the trailing edge 144 is spaced from the leading edge 142 by the second angle α2 and overlaps the rear boundary 140 of the blind spot area 104. It is considered that other examples of the system could include light projectors that illuminate part of the blind spot area and / or simultaneously illuminate blind spot areas on both sides of the vehicle. It is also conceivable that other, non-restrictive examples of the processor could be programmed to activate several light projectors sequentially to produce an animated illuminated image that moves on the road surface between the leading edge 142 and the trailing edge 144, and / or to adjust the intensity of the light projectors and the speed at which the animated image changes based on the wheel angle αW.

[0038] In general, the computer systems and / or devices described can use any number of computer operating systems, including, but by no means limited to, versions and / or variants of the ANDROID AUTOMOTIVE OS developed by GOOGLE INC., the MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system, the UNIX operating system (e.g., the SOLARIS operating system distributed by ORACLE Corporation in Redwood Shores, California), the UNIX AIX operating system distributed by INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES in Armonk, New York, the LINUX operating system, the MAC OSX and iOS operating systems distributed by APPLE INC. in Cupertino, California, the BLACKBERRY operating system distributed by BLACKBERRY LTD. in Waterloo, Canada, and the OPEN HANDSET ALLIANCE or the QNX CAR Platform for Infotainment offered by QNX Software Systems.Examples of data processing equipment include an on-board computer in a vehicle, a computer workstation, a server, a desktop, notebook, laptop or handheld computer, or any other computer system and / or device.

[0039] Computers and computer devices generally contain computer-executable instructions, which can be executed by one or more computer devices, such as those mentioned above. Computer-executable instructions can be compiled or interpreted from computer programs created using a variety of programming languages ​​and / or technologies, including, but not limited to, and either alone or in combination, Java, C, C++, MATLAB, Simulink, Stateflow, Visual Basic, Java Script, Perl, HTML, TensorFlow, Pytorch, Keras, etc. Some of these applications can be compiled and executed on a virtual machine, such as the Java Virtual Machine, the Dalvik Virtual Machine, or similar. Generally, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions, for example, from memory, a computer-readable medium, etc., and executes these instructions, thereby running one or more processes, including one or more of the processes described here. Such instructions and other data can be stored and transmitted using a variety of computer-readable media. A file in a data processing system is generally a collection of data stored on a computer-readable medium, such as a storage medium, random-access memory, etc.

[0040] The CRM involved in providing data (e.g., instructions) can be read by a computer (e.g., a computer's processor) and can take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile and volatile media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic hard disks and other permanent storage devices. Volatile media can include, for example, dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), which is typically main memory. Such instructions can be transmitted over one or more transmission media, including coaxial cable, copper wire, and fiber optic cable, including the wires that form a system bus connected to a processor in a control unit (ECU).Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, a DVD, any other optical medium, punched cards, a paper tape, any other physical medium with hole patterns, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH EEPROM, any other memory chip, or a cassette, or any other medium that a computer can read from.

[0041] Databases, data repositories, or other data storage devices described here can encompass various mechanisms for storing, accessing, and querying different types of data, including a hierarchical database, a set of files in a file system, an application database in a proprietary format, a relational database management system (RDBMS), and so on. Each of these data storage devices is typically contained within a computer device that uses a computer operating system such as one of those mentioned above, and access is via a network in one or more of the most varied ways. A file system can be accessed from a computer operating system and can contain files stored in various formats.An RDBMS generally uses the Structured Query Language (SQL) in addition to a language for creating, storing, editing and executing stored procedures, such as the PL / SQL language mentioned above.

[0042] In some examples, system elements can be implemented as computer-readable instructions (e.g., software) on one or more computer devices (e.g., servers, personal computers, etc.) stored on associated computer-readable media (e.g., floppy disks, memory, etc.). A computer program product can contain such instructions stored on computer-readable media to perform the functions described here.

[0043] With regard to the media, processes, systems, procedures, heuristics, etc., described herein, it should be understood that although the steps of such processes, etc., are described as proceeding in a specific, ordered sequence, such processes with the described steps can be carried out in a different sequence than that described here. Furthermore, certain steps can be performed simultaneously, other steps can be added, or certain steps described herein can be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of procedures contained herein serve to illustrate certain embodiments and are in no way to be interpreted as limiting the claims.

[0044] Accordingly, the above description is intended for illustrative purposes only and is not limiting. Many other embodiments and applications than those given would occur to a person skilled in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should not be determined by reference to the above description, but instead by reference to the appended claims, together with the full scope of the equivalents to which those claims relate. It is expected and intended that future developments will take place in the fields discussed herein and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In summary, it should be understood that the invention is modifiable and variable and is limited only by the following claims.

[0045] All terms used in the claims have their simple and ordinary meanings as understood by those skilled in the art, unless expressly stated otherwise. In particular, the use of singular articles such as "one", "the", "said", etc., should be understood to denote one or more of the specified elements, unless a claim contains an express limitation to the contrary.

[0046] The description of the present revelation is merely exemplary, and variations that do not deviate from the core of the present revelation are to fall within its scope. Such variations are not to be considered a deviation from the core ideas and scope of the present revelation.

[0047] Embodiments of the disclosure can be described with reference to the following numbered paragraphs, the specific features of which are set forth in the dependent paragraphs: I. Computer for a blind spot warning system of a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle has a longitudinal axis, a steering shaft which rotates the motor vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis, a steering angle sensor coupled to the steering shaft for generating a steering signal associated with a wheel angle as a function of the rotation of the steering shaft, and at least one light projector, wherein the computer comprises: at least one processor designed for electrical connection with the steering angle sensor and the at least one light projector; and a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions, such that at least one processor is programmed to: 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 from a driver's line of sight and has an actual size and location based on the wheel angle, and wherein the blind spot area has a front boundary angularly spaced from the longitudinal axis by a first angle and a rear boundary angularly spaced from the front boundary by a second angle; and Generating an actuation signal associated with the blind spot area, wherein the actuation signal is received by the light projector to project a light onto a roadway to indicate the current size and location of the blind spot area. II. Computer according to paragraph I., 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. III. Computer according to paragraph II, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed to determine, in response to the determination by the at least one processor that the wheel angle is 4.5 degrees, that the first angle is 80 degrees and the second angle is 75 degrees. IV. Computer according to paragraph III, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed to determine, in response to the determination by the at least one processor that the wheel angle is 9 degrees, that the first angle is 70 degrees and the second angle is 85 degrees. V. Computer according to paragraph IV, 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. VI. Computer according to paragraph 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. VII. Computer according to paragraph 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. VIII. Method for operating a blind spot warning system of a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle has a longitudinal axis, a steering shaft which rotates the motor vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis, a steering angle sensor coupled to the steering shaft for generating a steering signal associated with a wheel angle in response to the steering shaft rotation, at least one light projector and a computer with at least one processor and a non-transient, computer-readable storage medium which stores instructions, wherein the method comprises: Rotating a steering shaft using a steering wheel attached to the steering shaft; Generating a steering signal using the steering angle sensor in response to the rotation of the steering shaft; Determine, using the at least one processor, 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 from a driver's line of sight and has an actual size and location based on the wheel angle, and wherein the blind spot area has a front boundary spaced from the longitudinal axis by a first angle and a rear boundary spaced from the front boundary by a second angle; Generating an actuation signal associated with the blind spot area using at least one processor; and Projecting a light onto a roadway adjacent to the motor vehicle using the light projector, in response to the light projector receiving the actuation signal from the at least one processor, wherein the light indicates the current size and current location of the blind spot area relative to the motor vehicle. IX. Method according to paragraph VIII, further comprising projecting, using the light projector, the light onto a part of the roadway, such that the light has a leading edge arranged at the first angle relative to the longitudinal axis and overlapping the leading edge of the blind spot area, in response to the light projector receiving the actuation signal from the at least one processor. X. Method according to paragraph IX, further comprising projecting, using the light projector, the light onto the part of the roadway such that the light has a trailing edge which is arranged at the second angle relative to the leading edge of the light and overlaps the rear boundary of the blind spot area, in response to the light projector receiving the actuation signal from the at least one processor.

Claims

[1] Blind spot warning system of a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle has a longitudinal axis and a steering shaft which rotates the motor vehicle relative to the longitudinal axis, wherein the blind spot warning system comprises: a steering angle sensor coupled to the steering shaft to generate a steering signal in response to the steering shaft rotation, which is assigned to a wheel angle; a computer with at least one processor and a non-transient, computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions, so that the at least one processor is programmed to: 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 from a driver's line of sight and has an actual size and location based on the wheel angle, and wherein the blind spot area has a front boundary angularly spaced from the longitudinal axis by a first angle and a rear boundary angularly spaced from the front boundary by a second angle; and Generating an actuation signal that is associated with the blind spot area; and at least one light projector coupled to the at least one processor, which, in response to the light projector receiving the actuation signal from the at least one processor, projects a light onto a roadway adjacent to the motor vehicle, the light indicating the current size and location of the blind spot area relative to the motor vehicle. [2] Blind spot warning system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one light projector is configured to project the light onto a part of the roadway such that the light has a leading edge which is arranged at the first angle relative to the longitudinal axis and overlaps the front boundary of the blind spot area in response to the light projector receiving the actuation signal from the at least one processor. [3] Blind spot warning system according to claim 2, wherein the at least one light projector is configured to project the light onto the part of the roadway such that the light has a trailing edge which is arranged at the second angle relative to the leading edge of the light and overlaps the rear boundary of the blind spot area in response to the light projector receiving the actuation signal from the at least one processor. [4] Blind spot warning system according to claim 3, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed to detect that the first angle is 90 degrees and the second angle is 60 degrees, in response to the at least one processor detecting that the wheel angle is 3 degrees. [5] Blind spot warning system according to claim 4, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed to detect that the first angle is 80 degrees and the second angle is 75 degrees, in response to the at least one processor detecting that the wheel angle is 4.5 degrees. [6] Blind spot warning system according to claim 5, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed to detect that the first angle is 70 degrees and the second angle is 85 degrees, in response to the at least one processor detecting that the wheel angle is 9 degrees. [7] Blind spot warning system according to claim 6, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed to detect that the first angle is 70 degrees and the second angle is 85 degrees, in response to the at least one processor detecting that the wheel angle is 13.5 degrees. [8] Blind spot warning system according to claim 7, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed to detect that the first angle is 80 degrees and the second angle is 75 degrees, in response to the at least one processor detecting that the wheel angle is 18 degrees. [9] Blind spot warning system according to claim 8, wherein the at least one processor is further programmed to detect that the first angle is 90 degrees and the second angle is 60 degrees, in response to the at least one processor detecting that the wheel angle is 22.5 degrees. [10] Blind spot warning system according to claim 3, further comprising an acoustic device coupled to the at least one processor and configured to generate at least one tone or message in response to the reception of the actuation signal from the at least one processor by the acoustic device.

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