Patent ID: 6388580
Filing Date: 2002-05-14
Classification: B60K,G01S,G08G

Abstract:
An automobile unsafe following distance warning system, installed within an installed vehicle, for assessing whether the installed vehicle is at a safe following distance behind a front vehicle, consisting of:a sensor unit, for determining the actual following distance between the front vehicle and the installed vehicle, and for determining the current speed of the installed vehicle; a warning unit, located within the automobile, for determining a threshold following distance based upon the current speed of the vehicle; an initial warning light located on the warning unit, for illuminating to notify the driver that he is traveling at a following distance that is less than the threshold following distance; a severe warning light, for notifying the driver when the actual following distance is much less than the threshold following distance and that a dangerous situation exists; a buzzer which is activated when the sever warning light is activated to alert the driver of the dangerous situation; and a vibration device, located inside the automobile proximal to the driver, for aiding the sever warning light and buzzer in alerting the driver of the dangerous situation wherein the severe warning light is much greater in illumination intensity than the initial warning light.