PCT
`INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PC'D
`WO 96102853
`
`WORLD INTELLECI11AL PROPERTY ORGANJZA TION
`International Bureau
`
`(51) International Patent Classification 6 :
`GOlS 13193
`
`(11) International Publication Number:
`
`A2
`
`(43) International PubHcation Date:
`
`1 February 1996 (01.02.96)
`
`(21) International AppUc:ation Number:
`
`PCT/GB95/01670
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`
`14 July 1995 (14.07.95)
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`9414393.0
`
`15 July 1994 (15.07.94)
`
`GB
`
`(81) Designated States: AM, AT, AU, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH,
`CN, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GE, HU, JP, KE, KG,
`KP, KR, KZ, LK, LR, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MN, MW,
`MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, Sl, SK, TJ, TI,
`UA, US, UZ, VN, European patent (AT, BE, CH, DE, DK,
`ES, FR. GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OAPI
`patent (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, ML, MR, NE,
`SN, TD, TG), ARIPO patent (KE, MW, SD, SZ. UG).
`
`(71) AppUc:ant (for all designated States except US): DESIGN
`TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION LTD. [GB/GB]; The Published
`Without international search report and to be republished
`Bam, Ripe Lane, Ripe, Lewes, Sussex BN8 6AP (GB).
`upon receipt of that report.
`
`(72) Inventor; and
`(75) Inventor/Applicant (for US only): TONKIN, Mark [GB/GB];
`The Bam, Ripe Lane, Ripe, Lewes, Sussex BN8 6AP (GB).
`
`(74) Agent: HEPWORTH LAWRENCE BRYER & BIZLEY; Mer(cid:173)
`lin House, Falconry Court, Baker's Lane, Epping, Essex
`CM16 5DQ (GB).
`
`(54) Title: SAFETY SYSTEM FOR VEHICLES
`
`(57) Abstract
`
`compnsmg
`system
`The
`a controller fitted
`to a subject
`vehicle (16) and sensor means
`(20) operable to sense a distance
`of separation and relative velocity
`of a trailing vehicle (18). Also
`input
`to
`the controller
`is a
`velocity
`signal derived
`from
`a velocity sensing means (97)
`determining
`the ground speed
`of
`the subject vehicle using
`a doppler radar system.
`The
`controller calculates a
`safety
`envelope and activates a visible
`warning device attached to the
`rear of the subject vehicle if the trailing vehicle penetrates the safety envelope. An enhanced safety envelope determined by adverse road
`conditions is also established, any incursion into the enhanced envelope resulting generally in the visible warning being at a less prominent
`level. If however the closing speed of the trailing vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold, penetration of the enhanced envelope results
`immediately in the full warning being displayed with full prominence to the driver of the trailing vehicle. The system has application to
`improving the safety of road vehicles.
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1009
`
`

`
`FOR THE PURPOSES OF INFORMATION ONLY
`
`Codes used to identify States party to the PCf on the front pages of pamphlets publishing international
`applications under the Per.
`
`AT
`AU
`BB
`BE
`BF
`BG
`BJ
`BR
`BY
`CA
`CF
`CG
`CH
`Cl
`CM
`CN
`cs
`cz
`DE
`OK
`ES
`Fl
`FR
`GA
`
`Austria
`Australia
`Barbados
`Belgium
`BurkinaFuo
`Bulguia
`Benin
`Brazil
`Belarus
`Canada
`Central African Republic
`Congo
`Switzerland
`COte d'lvoire
`Cameroon
`China
`Czechoslovakia
`Czech Republic
`Germany
`Denmartc
`Spain
`Finlllld
`France
`Gabon
`
`GB
`GE
`GN
`GR
`HU
`IE
`IT
`JP
`KE
`KG
`KP
`
`KR
`KZ
`Ll
`LK
`LU
`LV
`MC
`MD
`MG
`ML
`MN
`
`United Kingdom
`Georgia
`Guinea
`Greece
`Hungary
`Ireland
`Italy
`Japan
`Kenya
`KYTJ}'stan
`Democralic People's Republic
`of Korea
`Republic of Korea
`Kazakhstan
`Liechtenslein
`Sri Lanka
`Luxembourg
`Larvia
`Monaco
`Republic of Moldova
`Mad~&ascar
`Mali
`Mongolia
`
`MR
`MW
`NE
`NL
`NO
`NZ
`PL
`PT
`RO
`RU
`so
`SE
`Sl
`SK
`SN
`TO
`TG
`TJ
`TT
`UA
`us
`uz
`VN
`
`Mauritania
`Malawi
`Niger
`Netherlands
`Norway
`New Zealand
`Poland
`Porrugal
`Romania
`Russian Federarion
`Sudan
`Sweden
`Slovenia
`Slovakia
`Senegal
`Chad
`Togo
`Tajikistan
`Trinidad and Tobago
`Ukraine
`United Swes of America
`Uzbekistan
`VietNam
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1009
`
`

`
`W096/02853
`
`PCT/GB95/01670
`
`1
`
`SAFETY SYSTEM FOR VEHICLES
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`The invention relates to vehicle safety systems including
`warning means which provide safety information for example
`to drivers of following vehicles.
`
`A known warning means compr1s1ng a vehicle display system
`is described in W093/15931 which provides a display system
`which
`indicates discrete
`ranges of deceleration of
`a
`vehicle and which can also provide a display to indicate
`that the vehicle is stationary. All the features of that
`display system are
`incorporated
`in
`this specification
`especially when referring to a progressive brake warning
`(PBW) or vehicle stationary indicator
`(VSI) display.
`A
`known ground
`speed measuring device
`is disclosed
`in
`W092/01951 which uses a double horned radar device, again
`the
`teachings of
`that specification are
`incorporated
`herein.
`
`20
`
`The invention seeks, inter alia, to improve known vehicle
`display systems and ground speed measuring systems.
`
`According to one aspect of the invention there is provided
`a safety system for vehicles comprising a controller fitted
`in use to a subject vehicle, sensor means fitted to the
`subject vehicle in use and operable to sense a distance of
`separation and/or a relative velocity of a trailing vehicle
`and operable to input data signals representative thereof
`to the controller, velocity sensing means operable to sense
`the velocity of the subject vehicle relative to the ground
`and
`to
`input
`to
`the controller
`a velocity
`signal
`representative thereof, wherein the controller is operable
`to processes the received velocity signal and data signals
`to determine the existence of an unsafe condition, and the
`safety system further comprising warning means controlled
`
`2 5
`
`30
`
`35
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1009
`
`

`
`W096/02853
`
`PCI'/GB95101670
`
`2
`
`by the controller and operable to warn a driver of the
`trailing vehicle of the existence of the unsafe condition.
`
`the
`the controller is operable to determine
`Preferably
`existence of the unsafe condition by determining a safe
`distance corresponding to a safety envelope to the rear of
`the subject vehicle within which any
`incursion by
`the
`trailing vehicle constitutes the existence of an unsafe
`condition.
`
`This provides the advantage of assisting the driver of the
`trailing vehicle to more accurately determine
`the safe
`distance, drivers typically tending to underestinate the
`safe distance in the absence of any such warning system.
`
`The safe distance may be determined to be substantially the
`safe stopping distance of a vehicle travelling at the
`velocity of the trailing vehicle.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`The safe stopping distance may be determined
`proportional to the velocity of the subject vehicle.
`
`to be
`
`Preferably the warning is terminated after the measured
`value reaches a safe value. The warning can be provided by
`a display operably carried by
`the subject vehicle and
`positioned for viewing by
`the driver of
`the trailing
`vehicle, and the display can comprise a row of lights.
`
`The system may comprise means for warning that the subject
`vehicle is stationary.
`The system can further comprise
`means
`for providing warning of different
`levels of
`deceleration of the subject vehicle. The warning means can
`comprise an orange light display for the relative speed
`and/or relative separation conditions and a
`red
`light
`display
`for
`the vehicle stationary andjor
`levels of
`
`25
`
`3 0
`
`35
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1009
`
`

`
`W096/0l853
`
`PCf/GB95/01670
`
`3
`
`The relative separation and/or
`deceleration conditions.
`relative speed warning may be overridden by the level of
`deceleration warning.
`
`The system in a preferred embodiment has a radar device
`having
`two
`receiver
`antenna which
`device
`operably
`communicates with a controller which is able thereby to
`determine
`the direction of motion of
`the vehicle, and
`warning means which
`is automatically actuated by
`the
`controller to provide a warning when the vehicle moves.
`
`A further warning means can be automatically activated when
`the vehicle reverses and may comprise an array of lights
`and/or means for generating sound.
`
`The controller may be operable to determine an enhanced
`safe distance corresponding to an enlarged safety envelope
`and the warning means may be further operable to indicate a
`first level of warning corresponding to incursion by the
`trailing vehicle into the enlarged safety envelope and a
`second level of warning which is more prominently presented
`to
`the driver
`than
`the first
`level of warning
`and
`corresponds to any incursion into the safety envelope.
`
`The size of the enhanced safe distance and enlarged safety
`envelope will generally
`be predetermined
`so
`as
`to
`correspond to typical parameters appropriate for driving
`under adverse road conditions.
`These parameters may for
`example be stored
`in a
`look up
`table allowing
`the
`parameters to be determined from the signals received by
`the controller together with the parameters defining the
`normal safety envelope.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`2 0
`
`25
`
`3 0
`
`condition
`ground
`comprise
`system may
`safety
`The
`communication means operable to input to the controller a
`
`35
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1009
`
`

`
`W096/028S3
`
`PCI'/GB9S/01670
`
`4
`
`signal representative of the condition of the ground and or
`other driving conditions and wherein
`the controller is
`operable
`to
`determine
`the
`enhanced
`safe
`distance
`corresponding to the enlarged safety envelope according to
`the extent to which
`the ground condition communication
`means indicates adverse ground conditions likely to affect
`traction between the subject vehicle and the ground.
`
`The enhanced safety distance and enlarged safety envelope
`may thereby be made adaptable to the prevailing driving
`conditions and
`the ground condition communication means
`would preferably function automatically to input data such
`as whether rain,
`ice or snow was presenting
`a driving
`hazard,
`the source of
`the data being either
`on board
`sensors or telemetric links to an external system providing
`relevant data.
`
`Preferably the sensor means is operable to sense both the
`distance of separation and the relative velocity of the
`the controller
`is operable
`trailing vehicle
`and
`to
`determine whether the relative velocity of the trailing
`vehicle relative to the subject vehicle when entering the
`enlarged safety envelope is greater than a threshold value
`of relative velocity and, if so, is operable to actuate the
`warning means to indicate the second level of warning.
`
`This has the advantage of delivering a warning with full
`prominence to the driver of the trailing vehicle before the
`trailing vehicle has reached the main safety envelope in
`order to give the maximum available warning to the driver
`that his closing speed to the subject vehicle is excessive.
`
`condition
`ground
`the
`embodiment
`preferred
`a
`In
`communication means comprises means fitted to the subject
`vehicle for sensing at least one of rain, snow and ice and
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1009
`
`

`
`W096/0l853
`
`PCf/GB95/01670
`
`5
`
`communicating
`controller.
`
`a
`
`signal
`
`representative
`
`thereof
`
`to
`
`the
`
`The sensor means for sensing the distance and velocity of
`the
`trailing vehicle may
`comprise
`a
`radar
`system
`transmitting
`and
`receiving
`radar pulses,
`from which
`received pulses
`information
`is derived sufficient
`to
`determine both the proximity and relative speed of the
`trailing vehicle.
`
`The safety system may comprise communication means operable
`between the controller of the subject vehicle and a warning
`device fitted in use to the trailing vehicle, whereby the
`warning means is operable to indicate a warning to the
`driver of the trailing vehicle via the warning device.
`
`The velocity sensing means may comprise a conventional
`speed sensing device fitted to the vehicle 1 s
`transmission
`train and may for example include a hall effect sensor.
`
`The velocity sensing means may alternatively comprise a
`sensor mounted on
`the subject vehicle and
`responsive
`independently of
`elements of
`the
`subject vehicle 1 s
`transmission train to movement of the ground relative to
`the subject vehicle.
`
`the velocity sensing means
`In a preferred embodiment
`comprises a sensor constituted by a doppler shift radar
`device.
`
`of such sensing means is that it is free from
`An advantage
`in determining velocity via
`the
`inherent
`the errors
`from variation
`train which arise
`in
`tyre
`transmission
`to varying inflation pressure, tyre wear or
`diameter due
`other factors.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1009
`
`

`
`W096/028SJ
`
`PCI'/GB9S/01670
`
`6
`
`The controller may also be operable to actuate an impact
`absorbing device deployed internally or externally of the
`subject vehicle.
`
`impact absorbing device may comprise an air bag
`The
`inflatable so as to be deployed externally of the subject
`vehicle and/ or bumpers extensible by means of hydraulic
`rams operable to absorb energy upon impact.
`
`The effects of impact may thereby be attenuated prior to
`the point of collision between the subject vehicle and an
`object which may be a trailing vehicle for example.
`
`system for
`invention provides a
`the
`Another aspect of
`for determining
`the magnitude of
`vehicles having means
`acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle and output
`means
`enabling
`the magnitude
`of
`acceleration
`and
`deceleration to be interpreted by a third party remote from
`the vehicle.
`The output means can comprise a visible
`display having
`a
`first
`form of
`representation
`for
`a
`acceleration and
`second
`form of
`representation
`for
`deceleration. The display can comprise an array of lights
`mountable on the side of a vehicle. A first coloured array
`can represent acceleration and a second coloured array can
`represent deceleration and preferably the number andjor
`intensity of actuated lights of a given colour represents
`the magnitude of the acceleration or deceleration.
`
`This aspect of the invention has application for example to
`racing cars and motorcycles where a visible display mounted
`on either or both sides of the vehicles enable spectators
`and cameras
`to perceive
`the rate of acceleration or
`deceleration of the vehicle thereby adding interest and
`enjoyment.
`Such displays would not be visible necessarily
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1009
`
`

`
`W096/02853
`
`PCI'/GB95/01670
`
`7
`
`to the leading or trailing drivers so as to cause minimal
`interference with the conduct of racing.
`
`Also disclosed herein is a management system for a vehicle
`comprising
`a
`ground
`speed
`sensor having means
`for
`determining the true speed and direction of travel of the
`vehicle and means for communicating the speed and direction
`of travel of the vehicle to a controller which operably
`controls a second vehicle device in response to the speed
`or direction information.
`
`Preferably the system is adapted to perform any one, or any
`combination of the following functions: active sensing for
`cruise control, or comparison with actual wheel speeds for
`anti-lock braking systems and/or active traction control,
`provision of any one of the following: driving speed over
`ground display, distance covered, fuel economy measurement,
`elapsed
`journey time and estimating time of arrival at
`destination, average fuel economy over journey; automatic
`triggering of airbags; change gear in electronic automatic
`transmission vehicles.
`
`Such a system can also include the features of all the
`other aspects of the invention.
`
`According to a further aspect of the invention there is
`disclosed a safety system for vehicles comprising an anti(cid:173)
`lock braking system fitted
`to a
`subject vehicle and
`operable to regulate operation of the subject vehicle's
`brakes in response to a signal generated by a speed sensor
`and representative of the speed of the subject vehicle
`relative to the ground, characterised in that the speed
`sensor is a
`radar system operable to direct radiation
`towards the ground and to determine the speed by receiving
`and analysing radiation reflected from the ground.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1009
`
`

`
`W096/02853
`
`PCf/GB95/01670
`
`8
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`The radar system may be operable to determine speed by
`measurement of a doppler shift in the frequency of the
`reflected radiation.
`
`According to a further aspect of the invention, there is
`disclosed a safety system for vehicles comprising at least
`one
`impact energy absorbing device fitted to a subject
`vehicle, sensor means fitted to the subject vehicle and
`operable to detect the proximity and closing speed of an
`object external to the subject vehicle, determining means
`responsive
`to output signals of
`the sensor means
`for
`determining whether the object is about to impact 'i.vith the
`subject vehicle and actuating means
`responsive
`to
`the
`determining means to actuate the at least one impact energy
`absorbing device so as
`to be deployed at a position
`externally of the subject vehicle so as to be between the
`object and the subject vehicle.
`
`The impact energy absorbing device may be an inflatable bag
`device comprising two or more inflatable bags deployed when
`inflated so as to constitute successive layers including an
`inner bag proximate the subject vehicle and an outer bag
`distal to the subject vehicle.
`
`The safety system preferably comprises deflation means
`operable to deflate one or more of the bags in response to
`pressure within
`the
`respective
`bag
`exceeding
`a
`predetermined pressure level.
`
`The deflation means may be operable to deflate bags in
`successive
`layers at pressure
`levels which decrease
`progressively from the inner bag to the outer bag whereby
`in use the outer bag is deflated prior to deflation of the
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1009
`
`

`
`W096/02853
`
`PCf/GB9S/01670
`
`9
`
`inner bag in response to impact between the object and the
`subject vehicle.
`
`rupturable nembranes
`The deflation means may comprise
`forming parts of side walls of respective bags and arranged
`to rupture at respective predetermined pressure levels.
`
`In a preferred embodiment the air bag device comprises
`three inflatable bags.
`
`(The preferred comprising a plurality of air bag devices
`located so as to be deployed at the front, rear, left side
`and right side respectively of the subject vehicle
`
`Alternatively the impact energy absorbing device comprises
`at least one bumper extensible by means of hydraulic ram
`means capable of absorbing energy when the bumper receives
`an impact.
`
`A yet further aspect of the invention provides a safety
`system for vehicles comprising a ground speed neasuring
`device andjor
`input detection means and
`a controller
`operable to activate a spraying device to release safety
`chemicals such as foams when an accident is likely.
`
`radar system
`Another aspect provides an antenna for a
`comprising means for coupling the antenna to a radar system
`to enable electromagnetic radiation from the radar to be
`transmitted through the antenna and for reflected radiation
`to be passed back to the radar through the antenna, said
`antenna further comprising a body portion which is wedge(cid:173)
`shaped.
`The wedge can taper to a tip of less than 1rnrn
`thickness.
`Preferably
`the antenna
`is made at
`least
`partially of PTFE.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`3 0
`
`35
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1009
`
`

`
`W096/02853
`
`PCI'/GB95101670
`
`10
`
`Yet another aspect of the invention provides a housing for
`a
`radar
`system
`having
`means
`for
`communicating
`electromagnetic radiation into a waveguide which directs
`the radiation along two paths in two separate directions
`each leading to an output, the housing being adapted to
`accommodate receiving antennas
`in each of the radiation
`paths, the housing further comprising wedge-shaped antenna
`at the outputs for transmitting and collecting reflected
`radiation.
`The receiving antenna accommodation can be
`separated by half a wavelength of the radiation.
`
`Another aspect of the invention provides a housing for a
`radar system having an inlet for electromagnetic radiation
`which
`leads to a waveguide which directs the radiation
`along two paths to two separate outlet/inlet horns wherein
`the horns
`taper along
`their
`length
`in one
`transverse
`dimension relative to their longitudinal axis.
`
`The horns can taper outwardly.
`The horns can be turned
`emitted
`from one horn
`is
`inwardly such that radiation
`directed to intersect with the radiation from the other.
`Preferably
`the housing
`is adapted
`to accommodate
`two
`receiving dipoles equidistantly spaced from a point where
`the two paths meet.
`
`Embodiments of the inventions will now be described, by way
`of
`example only, with
`reference
`to
`the
`accompanying
`drawings, in which:-
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`FIGURE 1 is a schematic front elevational view of vehicle
`display systems according to the invention;
`
`FIGURE 2a is a schematic plan view of two vehicles fitted
`with a vehicle display according to the invention;
`
`35
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1009
`
`

`
`W096/02853
`
`PCf/GB95/01670
`
`11
`
`FIGURE 2B shows a second embodiment of the display shown in
`Figure 1 in an active state;
`
`FIGURE 3 shows a front elevational view of part of the
`radar system according to the invention;
`
`5
`
`FIGURE 4 is a plan view from below of the radar part shown
`in Figure 3;
`
`10
`
`FIGURE 5 is a rear elevational view of the radar device
`shown in Figures 3 and 4; whilst
`
`FIGURE 6 is a sectional view taken along 6-6 of Figure 5;
`
`15
`
`(A to E) of a wedge device
`FIGURE 7 provides five views
`suitable for use
`in a
`radar system according
`to
`the
`invention;
`
`FIGURE 8 provides three views of a second embodiment of a
`wedge according to the invention;
`
`20
`
`FIGURE 9 is a sectional side view of a second radar system
`according to the invention;
`
`25
`
`FIGURE 10 is a plan view of a vehicle having an airbag
`system according to the invention; and
`
`FIGURE 11 provides two sectional side elevation views of a
`door panel having airbags according to the invention.
`
`30
`
`35
`
`Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a display system 10
`according to the
`invention comprising a safety display
`constituted by a first light array 12 for providing warning
`signals relating to relative parameters between a subject
`vehicle 16 and trailing vehicle 18 as shown in Figure 2a.
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1009
`
`

`
`W096/01853
`
`PCI'/GB95/01670
`
`12
`
`A display comprising a second light array 14 can provide
`information relating to the level of deceleration of the
`subject vehicle andjor whether the vehicle is stationary or
`not.
`Thus the second light array 14 is similar to that
`described in W093/15931 and can be operated in the same
`manner as described
`therein or alternatively using
`the
`system to be described here.
`The second light array 14
`comprises a central lamp 15a and four pairs of lamps 15b,
`15c, 15d and 15e. Central lamp 15a can be a central high
`mount stop lamp (CHMSL) which is triggered by a switch on
`the brake pedals of a vehicle and not used under PBW or VSI
`conditions. Pairs of lamps 15b to 15e can then act in the
`same manner as lamps 10 to 17 described in W093/15931 for
`example.
`
`a
`(VSI)
`indicator
`When acting as a vehicle stationary
`preferred from of display is to illuminate all lamps 15 in
`the second light array 14 at a starting point in a cyclic
`variation in the number of lamps illuminated.
`The second
`stage is to deactivate central lamp 15a, then to illuminate
`all lamps, followed by deactivating both lamps 15b and then
`lighting all lamps. This is followed by deactivating both
`lamps 15c momentarily and then activate all lamps and so on
`until all pairs of
`lamps have been deactivated
`in
`succession and the cycle begins again.
`For example,
`the
`time period for each step could be less than 1 second and
`preferably in the order of 0.1 second.
`
`As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2b, the individual lamps
`15 are preferably distinguishable from one another.
`The
`width of separating sections 11 between lamps 15 can be as
`much as the width of the lamps for example.
`In another
`form, section 11 can have a variable width to ensure that
`the lamps remain distinguishable when a trailing vehicle 18
`is some distance behind. A proximity sensor, if used only
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1009
`
`

`
`WO 96/028S3
`
`PCf/GB95101670
`
`13
`
`function of determining separation need only
`the
`for
`comprise a one horn version of the radar described later.
`
`Thus the stationary indication signal is found to be very
`effective since a clear array of lamps, such as red lamps,
`is displayed at the rear of the subject vehicle 16 which is
`apparently expanding due to the outward motion of
`the
`deactivated pairs of lamps. With regard to use of second
`light array 14 as progressive brake warning display (PBWD)
`it is found that the initial levels at which the pairs of
`lamps 15 are illuminated are optimally for deceleration in
`the ranges o. 05-0 .1g and o. 1-0. 25g, say. Advantageously,
`by using a
`ranging device, or proximity sensor,
`these
`ranges can be varied depending on
`the proximity and/or
`closing speed of the trailing vehicle 18. For example the
`initial level of PBW could be illuminated for deceleration
`in the range 0.025 to o.05g; the second level becoming 0.05
`to 0.1g, for example, and so on. Thus, of course, the PBW
`signal could be illuminated at the same time as the first
`light array 12 to provide an enhanced danger warning to a
`driver of a trailing vehicle, or other forms of display as
`described later could be provided.
`
`In an improved system over that described in W093/15931, a
`radar system similar to that described in W092/01951, or as
`described later herein, can be used to provide information
`regarding subject vehicle velocity and direction of travel.
`By sampling ground speed measurements rapidly and using a
`time reference a microprocessor control system can for
`example provide accurate
`information about a vehicle's
`acceleration
`or
`deceleration
`at
`any
`given
`time.
`Accordingly, such a system can suitably be used to control
`the display shown on the second light array 14.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1009
`
`

`
`W096/02853
`
`PCf/GB95/01670
`
`14
`
`to such a
`linked
`such a microprocessor control system
`ground speed sensor can be used to provide a velocity
`readout to the driver of
`the subject vehicle 16, also
`information regarding
`the distance covered
`in a given
`journey can be relayed to the driver or otherwise logged.
`A key feature is that the speed sensor can very accurately
`measure actual, true or absolute, speed over the ground, or
`changes therein.
`It is not dependent for example on the
`diameter of tyres as is a system which counts the rate of
`rotation of a vehicles' tyres.
`Such known systems are
`prone to large errors in the order of 5% of the actual
`speed and critically this error increases with use of the
`tyres due to wear (and a reduction of tyre diameter) and
`also critically with increasing speed of vehicle.
`
`inputting information to the microprocessor regarding
`By
`the fuel consumption of an engine, fuel economy can be
`calculated and for example information can be provided to
`the driver regarding
`the most appropriate gear
`to be
`regarding
`acceleration
`selected.
`Information
`or
`deceleration can be provided to the driver. Additionally,
`in a preferred
`form,
`an acceleration and deceleration
`display is provided by an array of
`lamps comprising
`two
`rows, one to indicate the level of acceleration for example
`in green and a
`second
`row
`to
`indicate
`the
`level of
`deceleration
`in red.
`Such an array of
`lamps can be
`attached to the side of a racing car for example such as a
`formula one vehicle in order to provide spectators with an
`indication of the changing speed of the racing car.
`Of
`course, alternative displays on the vehicle might be used
`instead of rows of lamps.
`
`By providing a keypad or other communication means for a
`driver
`to
`input
`information
`to
`the microprocessor,
`a
`sophisticated vehicle management system can be provided.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1009
`
`

`
`W096/02853
`
`PCI'/GB95/01670
`
`15
`
`the driver could inform the system of his
`For example,
`present location and destination such that the system can
`calculate the distance of
`journey
`from
`a database of
`journey distances.
`The driver can then be provided with
`distance
`remaining
`information and estimated
`times of
`arrival, as well as average fuel economy over
`journey.
`Alternatively, the information might be stored rather than
`displayed to the driver and extracted for example when
`servicing
`the vehicle
`in order
`to observe
`if
`any
`significant change in performance of the vehicle has taken
`place.
`
`The ground speed sensing system of W092/01951 as adapted
`herein, can also be used
`in active sensing for cruise
`control applications. Additionally, comparison of ground
`speed with wheel speed can be used in anti-lock braking
`systems and traction control systems for either two or four
`wheel vehicles for example.
`Thus, accurate ground speed
`measurement can be used to control the optimum rate of
`pumping of brakes in an ABS system.
`In particular, an
`intelligent ABS
`system can be provided which when
`the
`vehicle is travelling at low speeds, overrides the anti(cid:173)
`lock braking system in order to allow wheel locking v:hich
`can be useful in certain conditions such as in snmv or
`similar conditions. Similarly, the accurate ground speed
`measurements can be used to compare the speed of revolution
`of tyres, or other traction means such as trail wheels or
`tank treads for example, of a vehicle in order to enhance
`traction control systems.
`In known systems an independent
`vehicle speed measurement is not made and thus the present
`system can be used to accurately predict the required tyre
`revolution rate for a given speed.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`The display constituted by the first light array 12 shown
`in Figure 1 comprises an array of seven lamps 13 which are
`
`35
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1009
`
`

`
`W096/02853
`
`PCI'/GB95/01670
`
`16
`
`5
`
`operated using a microprocessor control system not shown.
`The control system is designed to activate display 12 to
`provide a warning signal to a driver of
`the trailing
`vehicle 18 when the trailing vehicle is closing too rapidly
`on the subject vehicle 16 for example, alternatively a
`warning signal is displayed when the trailing vehicle 18 is
`too close to the subject vehicle 16.
`Even if they are
`travelling at the same speed for example, there are known
`safe stopping distances such as those published by the
`10 Minister of Transport,
`in which a vehicle will stop when
`the brakes are applied.
`Accordingly, by knowing
`the
`velocity of the subject vehicle 16 for example preferably
`using the radar ground sensing system described herein,
`which provides therefore a
`true ground speed, or other
`means in communication with a microprocessor control system
`and by using a proximity sensor 20
`to determine
`the
`separation of the subject vehicle 16
`from the trailing
`vehicle 18 a safety envelope can be created behind the
`subject vehicle 16.
`Intrusion in the envelope by
`the
`trailing vehicle 18 causes an initial level of lamps 13 in
`array 12 to be lit.
`
`15
`
`20
`
`illuminated.
`be
`could
`13
`lamps
`all
`example,
`For
`Alternatively, only lamps 13a and 13b might be illuminated
`in the first instance when the safe distance is broken by
`the trailing vehicle 18 and pair 13c might be illuminated
`if
`the
`trailing vehicle
`then
`encroaches
`a
`further
`predetermined distance and similarly 13d could be activated
`upon
`a
`further encroachment.
`For example,
`the safe
`separation distance
`(or stopping distance) of vehicles
`travelling at 30mph is 25 metres such that in an example
`lamp 13a might be illuminated if the trailing vehicle 18
`encroaches more than 25 metres behind the subject vehicle
`16,
`lamp 13b could be illuminated in addition to lamp 13a
`if the trailing vehicle gets closer than 20 metres.
`Lamp
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1009
`
`

`
`W096/02853
`
`PCI'/GB95/01670
`
`17
`
`illuminated if the trailing vehicle comes
`13c could be
`closer than 15 metres and 13d could be illuminated when the
`trailing vehicle reaches 10 metres from the subject vehicle
`16.
`In a further example, all the lamps may be turned on
`and off if the trailing vehicle gets still closer.
`
`Thus a warning system has been described using a ground
`speed sensor
`for
`a
`subject vehicle 16 coupled by
`a
`microprocessor with a proximity sensor 20.
`In a more
`sophisticate version, pro