Patent ID: 8031062
Filing Date: 2011-10-04
Classification: G08G

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for improving vehicle situational awareness at intersections, comprising: an imaging device comprising one or more of an optical and infra red imaging device for identifying a change in a traffic signal comprising a plurality of traffic lights based upon spatial imaging of relative positioning of the plurality of traffic lights: a vehicle route guidance system and geographical database for determining whether a vehicle is at an intersection having a traffic signal; a forward-looking radar for determining whether a vehicle is at the front of a line of cars at an intersection; and means for alerting a driver of the vehicle of a change in the traffic signal, wherein when the forward-looking radar determines the vehicle is not at the front of a line of cars at an intersection, the imaging device identifies when a brake light of a vehicle ahead is illuminated and extinguished, and the means for alerting alerts the driver when one or more of a traffic light change is detected and the car in front has performed brake release.