Patent ID: 6630891
Filing Date: 2003-10-07
Classification: G08G

Abstract:
A receiver-decoder-alert subsystem for alerting a driver of a receiving vehicle carrying the subsystem to warning information carried by an encoded warning signal, the subsystem comprisinga receiver-decoder for receiving and decoding said encoded warning signal to produce a decoded warning signal, said receiver-decoder comprising an antenna; closing velocity estimating means connected to said receiver-decoder for producing a closing velocity signal; at least first and second alert modalities for representing, when activated, warning information in said decoded warning signal and said closing velocity signal to said vehicle driver; an alert system interrupter/controller connected to said decoded warning signal and said closing velocity signal to produce at least first and second alert modality activating signals for activating said at least first and second alert modalities respectively; a driver alert sensor, activation of which produces an alert sensor signal that indicates acknowledgement by said vehicle driver of activation of at least one alert modality; and a delay timer connected to said alert sensor signal and said alert system interrupter/controller for delaying application of at least said first alert modality activating signal to said first alert modality for a delay period after said alert sensor signal indicates a driver's acknowledgement of at least one alert modality.