Patent ID: 6268794
Filing Date: 2001-07-31
Classification: B60R,B60W,B60Y,B62J

Abstract:
A system for a motorcycle having at least one turn signal lamp controlled by at least one turn signal switch and an engine, the system comprising:an accelerometer for sensing lateral forces acting on the motorcycle and producing output signals; anda processor coupled to the accelerometer so that it receives the output signals of the accelerometer and capable of being coupled to the at least one turn signal switch to receive an input signal from the at least one turn signal switch, the processor includinga turn signal controller operable to determine the beginning of a turn of the motorcycle based on a difference between a sensed lateral force and at least one output signal of the accelerometer when the motorcycle is moving in a straight direction for a predetermined amount of time and the end of the turn of the motorcycle based on a difference between a sensed bank angle and a current upright position of less than a predetermined amount for a predetermined period of time, and to turn off the at least one turn signal lamp a predefined period of time after the end of the turn.