Vehicle proximity warning system

Abstract

Vehicle Proximity Warning System The warning system comprises: - several signaling devices (10) mounted longitudinally on a side face (4) of the vehicle (1), each signaling device (10) having a visual signal emitter and an audible signal emitter; - a detection device (25) mounted on the vehicle (1), configured to detect the presence of a person (21) in a risk zone (20) and to determine the position of said person within said risk zone; - a control unit connected to the detection device and to each of the signaling devices, said control unit being configured to receive position data for said person provided by the detection device and to trigger, in response, the activation of the audible signal emitter of the signaling device (10a) located closest to said person. Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Warning system for a person located near a vehicle

[0001] The invention relates to a warning system for installation on a vehicle to warn a person located in a lateral area adjacent to the vehicle, referred to as a risk zone. The invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with such a warning system. Finally, the invention relates to a method for warning a person located in a lateral area adjacent to a vehicle.

[0002] The invention is particularly applicable to long vehicles, such as trucks or buses. Indeed, when a vehicle of this type turns, it requires a significant amount of space, and may even have to shift its position on the road. Moreover, in the case of an articulated vehicle, such as a semi-trailer truck, the rotation of the rear section of the vehicle does not follow the same trajectory as the front section. This poses a danger to anyone standing to the side of the vehicle, especially vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists, particularly since these people are difficult or impossible to see by the vehicle's driver.

[0003] The invention aims to improve the safety of persons located in a lateral area adjacent to a vehicle.

[0004] To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a warning system intended to be installed on a vehicle, in particular a vehicle for transporting goods or people, such as a truck or a bus, the system being intended to warn a person located in a lateral area adjacent to the vehicle, referred to as a risk zone. The warning system comprises: - a plurality of signaling devices intended to be mounted on a side face of the vehicle, spaced longitudinally apart, each signaling device comprising a light signal emitter and a sound signal emitter; - a detection device intended to be mounted on the vehicle, configured to detect the presence of a person in the risk zone and to determine the position of said person in said risk zone; - a control unit connected to the detection device and to each of the signaling devices, said control unit being configured to receive position data of said person provided by the detection device and to trigger in response the activation of the audible signal emitter of the signaling device located closest to said person.

[0005] Emitting an audible signal near the person to be alerted allows, on the one hand, for a very effective warning of that person and, on the other hand, limits noise pollution. Indeed, the system preferably provides for the targeted activation of an audible signal emitter from a single signaling device, namely the one located closest to the person to be alerted.

[0006] According to one possible embodiment, each signaling device includes a side marker light. Such a light makes it possible to visualize the outline of the vehicle, and therefore its dimensions, in particular its length. Since regulations require the presence of such lights on certain vehicles, the invention makes it possible to take advantage of the existing electrical / electronic mounting and connection system for such lights already present on the vehicle. Implementing the invention therefore only involves replacing signaling devices equipped solely with a light emitter with signaling devices also equipped with an audible signal emitter.

[0007] According to one possible embodiment, the control unit is configured to receive a change-of-direction signal from a vehicle device and to activate the audible signal emitter only in response to receiving said change-of-direction signal. This change-of-direction signal corresponds to an actual change of direction or an indication of a change of direction. Such an arrangement makes it possible to limit the emission of an audible signal to situations that are most dangerous for a person.

[0008] For example, each signaling device includes a flashing repeater light.

[0009] According to one possible embodiment, the detection device includes at least one of the following devices: a camera, a radar, a LIDAR device, an ultrasonic sensor, a thermal camera, a time of flight (TOF) camera.

[0010] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a vehicle for transporting goods or persons, such as a truck or a bus, which includes a warning system as previously described. The control unit of the warning system is, for example, the vehicle's electronic control unit.

[0011] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for warning a person located in a lateral area adjacent to a vehicle, referred to as a risk zone, particularly for a vehicle for transporting goods or people, such as a truck or bus. The vehicle comprises a plurality of signaling devices mounted longitudinally on one side of the vehicle, each signaling device having a light signal emitter and an audible signal emitter. The warning method comprises the steps of:

[0012] - monitor the risk area;

[0013] - if the presence of a person is detected in the risk area, determine the position of said person in said risk zone;

[0014] - activate the audible signal emitter of the signaling device located nearest to said person.

[0015] Furthermore, if the detected position of said person in said risk zone moves from a first position, of which the nearest signaling device is a first signaling device, to a second position, of which the nearest signaling device is a second signaling device, the warning method includes activating the audible signal emitter of the second signaling device and deactivating the audible signal emitter of the first signaling device.

[0016] According to one possible embodiment, said sound signal emitter is activated only if it is determined that the vehicle is changing direction or emitting an indicative signal of a change of direction.

[0017] The method may use the warning system as previously described.

[0018] A possible embodiment of is now described by way of non-limiting example The invention, with reference to the attached figures:

[0019] [Fig.1] is a side view of a vehicle equipped with a warning system according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0020] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a signaling device belonging to the warning system;

[0021] [Fig.3] illustrates the implementation of the warning system.

[0022] Fig. 1 represents a vehicle 1. This is a truck comprising a cab 2 and a semi-trailer 3.

[0023] The invention is not, however, limited to this type of vehicle. It can, in particular, be implemented on any other goods transport vehicle such as a rigid truck, that is to say, a truck having the cab and cargo space on the same chassis. The invention can also be applied to passenger transport vehicles, such as buses (articulated or not), coaches, etc.

[0024] The vehicle 1 has side faces 4 and a rear face 5. It is equipped with rear signal lights 6 typically including, among other things, a direction change indicator 7.

[0025] The vehicle 1 comprises a plurality of signaling devices 10 which are mounted on each of the side faces 4, for example in the lower part.

[0026] The signaling devices 10 are arranged with longitudinal spacing, for example, regularly spaced longitudinally. They can be arranged over at least 50% or even at least 70% of the total length of the vehicle 1. In the example represented, the signaling devices 10 are arranged over virtually the entire length of the semi-trailer 3.

[0027] An example of a signaling device 10 is illustrated in [Fig. 2]. The signaling device 10 comprises a base 11 and a glass panel 12 mounted on the base to define an enclosed housing. The signaling device 10 includes a light signal emitter 13 and an audible signal emitter 14.

[0028] In concrete terms, according to one embodiment, an electronic board housed in the casing carries one or more light sources and a loudspeaker (these components not being visible). In addition, the glazed wall 12 may include an optical zone 15 opposite the light source(s), to direct the emitted beams appropriately to the desired function, and an acoustic output opening 16 for the loudspeaker.

[0029] Furthermore, the glazed wall 12 may include a retroreflective surface 17 or catadioptric surface, forming a passive signaling.

[0030] Each signaling device 10 may include a side position light, which allows the outline of the vehicle to be seen.

[0031] For example, each signaling device 10 includes a flashing repeater light, that is to say a light which is activated when the change of direction indicator 7 is activated, so as to provide the same information as the change of direction indicator 7, but essentially laterally rather than essentially rearward.

[0032] As shown in [Fig. 3], a lateral zone adjacent to vehicle 1, designated as a risk zone 20, is defined on each side of vehicle 1. This zone is located in a person 21, particularly a vulnerable road user such as a pedestrian or cyclist. In the example shown, for a semi-trailer truck 3, the risk zone 20 can extend over substantially the entire length of the semi-trailer 3 and over a width of approximately 2 to 3 m.

[0033] A detection device 25 is mounted on the vehicle 1, on each side, so as to be able to detect the presence of a person 21 in the corresponding risk zone 20 and to be able to determine the position of this person 21 in the risk zone 20. The detection device 25 includes, for example, a camera, preferably mounted on the cab 2 and whose field of vision encompasses the risk zone 20.

[0034] The vehicle 1 further includes a control unit 26 connected to the detection device 25 and to each of the signaling devices 10. This may be the electronic control unit of the vehicle or a separate control unit for the implementation of the invention, and possible other systems.

[0035] The invention aims to improve the safety of a person 21 located in the risk zone 20, by warning them of the potential danger, by means of a system warning 30 which includes the plurality of signaling devices 10, the detection device 25 and the control unit 26.

[0036] For this purpose, the risk zone 20 is monitored. Typically, the detection device 25 captures information, for example images in the case of a camera, continuously or intermittently. If the presence of a person 21 is detected in the risk zone 20, the warning system 30 – and more specifically the detection device 25, for example – determines the position of this person 21 within the risk zone 20.

[0037] The position data of said person 21 is provided by the detection device 25 to the control unit 26. In response, the control unit 26 triggers the activation of the audible signal emitter 14 of the signaling device 10a located closest to said person 21, as schematically illustrated in [Fig. 3]. Thus, even if the visual signal emitter 13 of the set of signaling devices 10 is active, only the audible signal emitter 14 of the relevant signaling device 10a is active.

[0038] The emitted sound signal may include a voice message, a short sound (such as a beep), a long sound, a series of repeated sounds, etc. The speaker can be adapted so that the emitted sound corresponds to the wishes of a user, in particular the driver of vehicle 1. For example, the speaker can be chosen according to its frequency response, so that a voice message is produced with a higher or lower pitch.

[0039] The activation of the relevant audible signal emitter 14 may be conditional upon it being determined that the vehicle 1 is changing direction or about to change direction. This is because such a situation could seriously endanger the safety of the person 21, whereas the danger is much lower when the vehicle 1 is traveling in a straight line. Therefore, it may be stipulated that no audible signal is emitted when the vehicle is traveling in a straight line, or following a gentle curve, in order to minimize noise pollution.

[0040] Direction change data can be provided by a sensor located on or connected to the vehicle's steering column or to one of the steering wheels, the sensor being capable of determining an angle relative to a neutral position. If the determined angle exceeds a predefined threshold value, it means that the vehicle is actually changing direction.

[0041] Alternatively or in addition, a change of direction data may correspond to a change of direction indication, when the driver of vehicle 1 activates one of the change of direction indicators 7.

[0042] In either of these situations, the change of direction data is provided to the control unit 26 which, in the presence of a person 21 detected in the risk zone 20, causes the activation of the audible signal emitter 14 of the signaling device 10a which is located closest to said person 21.

[0043] Furthermore, the position of person 21 in relation to vehicle 1 may change over time, due to the movement of the person and / or the vehicle.

[0044] In the event that the detected position of the person 21 in the risk zone 20 passes from a first position, of which the nearest signaling device 10 is a first signaling device, to a second position, of which the nearest signaling device 10 is a second signaling device, the audible signal emitter 14 of the second signaling device 10 is activated, and the audible signal emitter 14 of the first signaling device 10 is deactivated.

[0045] Thus, it is ensured that the audible warning is emitted as close as possible to person 21, who can therefore perceive it well, even during his movement and that of the vehicle 1. In addition, the audible warning, intended particularly for this person 21, can have a lower intensity and thus be less perceptible and therefore less disturbing for other people, not subject to the risk.

[0046] Thus, the invention provides a decisive improvement over the prior art, in particular by providing a vehicle-mounted warning system comprising a signaling device which is: - both luminous, typically to fulfill usual or even regulatory functions for the vehicle, - and sound, to broadcast a danger message as close as possible to the person in the risk zone.

[0047] In addition, combining these two functions into a single product offers advantages in terms of compactness and assembly time.

[0048] It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above by way of example but includes all technical equivalents and variants of the means described as well as their combinations.

Claims

Demands

1. A warning system (30) intended to be fitted to a vehicle (1), in particular a vehicle for the transport of goods or persons, such as a truck or a bus, the warning system (30) being intended to warn a person (21) located in a lateral area adjacent to the vehicle (1), referred to as the risk zone (20), the warning system (30) comprising: - a plurality of signaling devices (10) intended to be mounted on a side face (4) of the vehicle (1), spaced longitudinally apart, each signaling device (10) having a light signal emitter (13) and an audible signal emitter (14); - a detection device (25) intended to be fitted to the vehicle (1), configured to detect the presence of a person (21) in the risk zone (20) and to determine the position of said person (21) in said risk zone (20);- a control unit (26) connected to the detection device (25) and to each of the signaling devices (10), said control unit (26) being configured to receive position data of said person (21) provided by the detection device (25) and to trigger in response the targeted activation of the audible signal emitter (14) of a single signaling device (10a), namely the one located closest to said person (21).

2. Warning system according to claim 1, characterized in that said control unit (26) is configured to receive a change of direction data provided by a device of the vehicle (1), said change of direction data corresponding to an actual change of direction or an indication of a change of direction, and to cause the activation of said audible signal emitter (14) only in response to the reception of said change of direction data.

3. Warning system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each signaling device (10) comprises a side position light.

4. Warning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each signaling device (10) comprises a flashing repeater light.

5. Warning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the detection device (25) comprises at least one of the following devices: a camera, a radar, a LIDAR device, an ultrasonic sensor, a thermal camera, a time of flight (TOF) camera.

6. Vehicle (1), in particular a vehicle for the transport of goods or persons, such as a truck or a bus, characterized in that it includes a warning system (30) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A method for warning a person (21) located in a lateral area adjacent to a vehicle (1), referred to as a risk zone (20), in particular for a vehicle for the transport of goods or persons, such as a truck or a bus, the vehicle (1) comprising a plurality of signaling devices (10) mounted on a lateral face (4) of the vehicle (1), spaced longitudinally apart, each signaling device (10) comprising a light signal emitter (13) and an audible signal emitter (14), the warning method comprising the steps of: - monitoring the risk zone (20); - if the presence of a person (21) is detected in the risk zone (20), determining the position of said person (21) in said risk zone (20); - activating in a targeted manner the audible signal emitter (14) of a single signaling device (10a), namely the one located closest to said person (21).

8. A warning method according to claim 7, characterized in that, if the detected position of said person (21) in said risk zone (20) moves from a first position, of which the nearest signaling device (10) is a first signaling device, to a second position, of which the nearest signaling device (10) is a second signaling device, the warning method comprises activating the audible signal emitter (14) of the second signaling device and deactivating the audible signal emitter (14) of the first signaling device.

9. A warning method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that said audible signal emitter (14) is activated only if it is determined that the vehicle (1) changes direction or emits an indicative signal of change of direction.

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