Device and system for vehicle proximity alert

A proximity detection device for a vehicle is shown and described. The proximity detection device for a vehicle includes a housing. The housing is made up of a solid exterior and an interior volume. The housing encloses at least one sensor which is operably coupled to a CPU. The CPU is then operably coupled to an alarm. The proximity detection device may be incorporated into a vehicle. Further, multiple proximity detection devices may be incorporated into a vehicle for any number of reasons.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a sensor and proximity warning system. More particularly, the present invention provides at least one device which detects proximity to the device based on at least motion.

Vehicles are an extremely useful tool for many individuals. In fact, some people use vehicles as their office space. This is beneficial to many professions. One of these professions is law enforcement. Officers spend large amounts of time in vehicles. This time is in some cases spent on patrol. In other cases, the vehicles are stationary. In times when officers are sitting stationary the officers are susceptible to potential danger from outside threats.

Current statistics show that ambushes of law enforcement in stationary vehicles have increased by 90 percent in the last 24 months. The view from inside the vehicle of the area surrounding the vehicle is obstructed by the vehicle itself. In darkness, the problem is compounded by limited visibility even through the windows. Inability to see or know whether danger is approaching puts personnel in danger and also contributes to high levels of stress and anxiety on the job.

The same is true of military personnel, except for often times in even more hostile environments. Any time a convoy is stationary there is a risk of potential ambush. Even with the personnel on constant alert additional security could still be beneficial. It is possible that individuals may sneak up from behind an object blocking them from field of view.

There is currently not a system or device on the market which will allow for persons inside a vehicle to detect approaching threats. Consequently, there is a need for an improvement in the art of vehicle proximity detection. The present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art while at the same time solves a problem many people face when sitting in a vehicle. In this regard the present invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a system and device for alerting vehicle occupants to exterior threats wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when sitting in a vehicle and needing to be completely aware of one's surroundings. The proximity detection device for a vehicle includes a housing. The housing is made up of a solid exterior and an interior volume. The housing encloses at least one sensor which is operably coupled to a CPU. The CPU is then operably coupled to an alarm.

Another object of the proximity detection device for a vehicle is to include a first power source operably coupled to the at least one sensor and the CPU.

Another object of the proximity detection device is for it to be built within and to be part of a vehicle.

Another object of the proximity detection device for a vehicle is to include an alarm that is comprised of a speaker.

Another object of the proximity detection device for a vehicle is to include an alarm that is comprised of at least one light.

Another object of the proximity detection device for a vehicle is to include at least one sensor which is selected from the group consisting of: active sonar, radar, an infrared camera, a motion detector, and a visual spectrum camera.

Another object of the proximity detection device for a vehicle is to include a transceiver operably coupled to the CPU, wherein the CPU will send a notification via the transceiver to a third party.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the device and system for vehicle proximity alert. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, a preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for the device and system for vehicle proximity alert. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now toFIG.1, there is shown a wiring diagram of an embodiment of the proximity alert system. The proximity alert system100includes at first detection device101. The detection device101is more fully described the description ofFIG.2. In other embodiments there are multiple detection devices used. In one embodiment multiple detection devices are used as redundancies. In another embodiment additional detection devices are used to provide different sensors (as described inFIG.2).

The detection device101is operably coupled to a power source102. In one embodiment the power source102may be a vehicle battery. In another embodiment the power source102may be a separate additional power source for the sole purpose of operating the proximity alert system100. In yet further embodiments multiple power sources may be used.

In one embodiment the there is a transceiver103operably coupled to the detection device101. In one embodiment the transceiver103is a wireless transceiver. In one embodiment the transceiver103may be a specific transceiver allocated specifically to the proximity detection system. In another embodiment the transceiver103is already incorporated into a vehicle's existing systems. In several embodiments as discussed throughout the transceiver103will be used to notify a third party104of the proximity warnings. In various embodiments the transceiver103will also be used to transmit vehicle information to a third party104. For purposes of this disclosure a third party103is defined as anyone not directly located within the vehicle.

On one embodiment the detection device101is operably coupled to an alarm105. In one embodiment the alarm105is a standalone component. In this embodiment the alarm105is capable of notification of a proximity detection. Further, in one version of this embodiment the alarm105is capable of triggering other notification devices. In other embodiments the alarm105is a computing device106.

The computing device106is comprised of a CPU106aoperably coupled to a memory106band a storage device106c. In a further embodiment the computing device106is further comprised of a display106d. In one embodiment the computing device106is operably coupled to a GPS107. The GPS107will calculate the location of the vehicle. The computing device106is further operably coupled to notification systems. In one embedment a notification system is at least one light108. In another embodiment a notification system is at least one speaker109.

In one embodiment a software is stored within the storage device106c. The software is operated by the CPU106a. In these embodiments the software via the computing device106will trigger various notification systems. The software will receive data from the at least one detection device101. In various embodiments the software will trigger alarms via the notifications systems. In a further embodiment the software will display proximity warnings on the computing devices106display106d. In yet a further embodiment the software will trigger the computing device106to send the vehicles location to a third party.

Referring now toFIG.2, there is shown a wiring diagram of an embodiment of the device for proximity alert system. In one embodiment the detection device200is comprised of a CPU201. The CPU201is operably coupled to at least a first sensor202. In one embodiment the first sensor202is one selected from the group: sonar, radar, or infrared (night-vision), a motion detector, and a visual spectrum camera. In various embodiments the CPU201is operably coupled to at least a second sensor203. In one embodiment the second sensor202is one selected from the group: sonar, radar, or infrared (night-vision), a motion detector, and a visual spectrum camera. In further embodiments more than two sensors are included within the detection device200. The use of multiple sensors may be for redundancy within the detection device. In another embodiment each sensor may use a different type of sensor such that each detection device101has more than one type of detection.

In one embodiment the CPU201and the sensor(s)202,203are each operably coupled to a secondary power source204. The secondary power source204is additional to the power source ofFIG.1. The secondary power source204will enable the detection to still operate in the event of a failure by the first power source ofFIG.1. In one embodiment the CPU201includes at least one connection element205. The connection element205will allow the detection device101to be coupled with the rest of the proximity detection system100. In one embodiment the connection element205is a wired element. In another embodiment the connection element205is a wireless element.

Referring now toFIG.3, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the device for proximity detection. In one embodiment the detection device200, in addition to the components ofFIG.2, includes a housing301. In one embodiment the housing301is a dome shape. In another embodiment the housing301is of another shape which will hold the necessary components. In one embodiment the housing301is made from a shatter resistant material. This will prevent breaking or tampering with the device.

The housing301has an interior volume301a. The interior volume301awill allow for the various components of the proximity detection device100to be stored therein. In some embodiments the interior volume301ais sectioned. This will allow for the separation of components.

In one embodiment the housing301is an integral part of the vehicle. Meaning that the proximity detection device200is built as part of the vehicle. In another embodiment the proximity detection device100is mounted to and installed upon the vehicle as an after-market part. That is not to say it cannot be factory installed. See the description ofFIG.4for a discussion of the possible mounting locations for the proximity device100.

In the latter embodiments the housing301has attachment points302. These attachment points302will allow for fasteners to secure the proximity detection device200to the vehicle. In one embodiment the attachment points302of the housing301are used to secure the housing301to a mounting plate303. The mounting plate303may be affixed to the vehicle prior to the proximity detection device200being mounted to the mounting plate303. In one embodiment the mounting plate303is permanently affixed to the vehicle. In another embodiment the mounting plate303is removably affixed to the vehicle.

Referring now toFIG.4, there is shown a side view of an embodiment of a vehicle with at least one proximity device installed thereon. In the shown embodiment the sample vehicle is a police vehicle, specifically a car. However, this example is not to be limiting. It is contemplated that this device may be successfully employed on any motor vehicle. For example, but not limited to, a troop transport, a tank, a police SUV, or a mini-van.

In the shown embodiment the proximity detection device201is shown location in three places. In one embodiment a proximity detection device201is only located in one location. In another embodiment multiple devices201are place in various locations and will work together to give a more accurate reading. In one embodiment the multiple devices201may be used as a redundancy. The placement of the devices201are not to be read as limiting but merely examples of possible placements. Depending on the vehicle placements may vary. Further depending on the nature of use the amount of necessary devices may vary.

In the shown embodiment a proximity detection device201is shown at location A. Location A is the roof of the vehicle. In this example Location A is specifically at the rear of the roof. This will allow for the light bar and the proximity detection device201to each have the working space required.

Another proximity detection device201is shown at location B. Location B is location on the truck of the vehicle. In the shown embodiment location B is shown on the top of the trunk. However, location B could also be moved to the rear of the trunk area.

Yet a further proximity detection device201is shown at location C. Location C is location on the hood of the vehicle. In the shown embodiment location C is shown on the top of the hood. However, location C could also be moved to the front of the hood area or even to the grill of the vehicle.

Referring now toFIG.5A-FIG.5C, there is shown perspective views of embodiments of the proximity detection device and fields of detection. In different embodiments different fields of detection may be employed. In each embodiment the detection device200is shown in an example location relevant to the fields. The fields of detection may be the result of different sensors. Further, the different fields of detection may be the result of a specified choice. For example, limiting the detection to a certain perimeter and height due specific need, where this perimeter and height are not chosen because they are the maximums of the sensors.

InFIG.5A, field of detection A is a cylinder shape. A cylinder may be used in a situation where the area above the vehicle is more important that the perimeter. Further, field of detection A may be coupled with another field of detection to provide a maximum field of detection. In the shown embodiment the detection device200is located in the center of the field of detection A.

InFIG.5B, field of detection C is a trapezoid. In this embodiment a trapezoid will provide one of the greatest areas of detection. Further, a trapezoid will begin to limit the field of detection as the area moves away from the proximity detection device201. In one embodiment this will help to extend the range of detection. In another embodiment this will conserve energy. Here the detection device is shown in the center of the field C.

InFIG.5C, there are shown two fields of detection C and CC. Both fields of detection C and CC are trapezoids. In this embodiment field of detection C a smaller field than field CC. In one embodiment the different fields of detection are due to multiple detection devices being used. In another embodiment the different fields of detection are due to multiple sensors being used in a single detection device. In one embodiment multiple fields of detection will result from a combination of detection devices and sensors. In this example the detection device is shown located at the top of field C and just below the top of field CC.

In one embodiment the different fields of detection will result in different alarms being raised. For example, if motion is detected at field CC the headlights of the vehicle may be activated. Further, a notification may be shown to a vehicle occupant. In one embodiment if motion is detected at field of detection C a more advanced alarm will be activated. For example, a siren may sound or in the case of a police vehicle the strobe lights may be activated.

Referring now toFIG.6, there is shown a flow chart of one embodiment of how the proximity detection device201may function within the system. The method begins when the detection system is activated601. In one embodiment the detection system is activated601when the vehicle is turned on. In another embodiment the system is activated when a specific activation action is taken. Once the detection system is activated601, the sensors are engaged602.

A sensor will then detect motion at a first proximity603. At this time an alarm will be triggered604. In one embodiment this alarm is a minor alarm. After the alarm is triggered604, in one embodiment the method will end608. In another embodiment notice is sent to a third party that an alarm has been triggered607. In yet a third embodiment motion may then be detected at a second proximity605. In one embodiment the second proximity605is closer to the vehicle than the first proximity603.

After motion is detected at a second proximity605another alarm is triggered606. In one embodiment this alarm is a major alarm. This means that the alarm will activate additional notifications from the first alarm. In one embodiment after the second alarm is activated the method stops608. In another embodiment after the second alarm is triggered606, a third party is notified that the alarm was triggered. After this the method will stop608.