Patent ID: 6020814
Filing Date: 2000-02-01
Classification: B60Q

Abstract:
A warning system for use in an automobile, the warning system communicating a warning signal of variable blinking rate in response to specified deceleration rates experienced by the automobile, comprising:a sensor for gathering information related to the speed of the automobile;a warning signal light capable of displaying warning signals of varying blinking rates;a microprocessor coupled to said sensor and said warning signal light;a memory coupled to said microprocessor, said microprocessor memory containing instructions directing said microprocessor to repeatedly perform the steps of:retrieving, from said sensor, the information related to the speed of the automobile;utilizing the information related to the speed of the automobile over time to calculate a deceleration value representative of the rate of deceleration being experienced by the automobile;adjusting the deceleration value according to the speed of the automobile;comparing said adjusted deceleration value to at least one of a plurality of predetermined ranges of values; andactivating said warning signal light at one of a plurality of blinking rates if said adjusted deceleration value is within a corresponding predetermined range of values.