Abstract:
A guidance system for aligning a vehicle entering or leaving a structure, the structure having a front wall having an inner surface and an outer surface with an opening therein, the guidance system comprising a left photoelectric diffuse sensor operatively arranged to detect lateral movement of the vehicle, providing a left input signal, a right photoelectric diffuse sensor operatively arranged to detect movement of the vehicle, providing a right input signal, a left visual indicator operatively arranged to display an alert when the vehicle deviates from leftwardly alignment, a right visual indicator operatively arranged to display an alert when the vehicle deviates from rightwardly alignment and, a control center operatively arranged to receive the left and right input signals, calculate the leftwardly and rightwardly alignment, and cause the left and right visual indicators to display alerts when the vehicle deviates from leftwardly and/or rightwardly alignment by predetermined amounts.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/978,051, filed Apr. 10, 2014, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to a warning and guidance system, and, more specifically, to a warning and guidance system to assist in the parking of a vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Warning and guidance systems are used by individuals who require assistance parking vehicles to prevent damage from occurring to the vehicle or building, and to increase the safety of personnel around the area by using visual and audio aids. Since an operator may not be able to see every angle of their vehicle, safety of personnel can become compromised. To increase safety and operating performance of guiding vehicles, devices that output information to the operator can be positioned in certain configurations to provide the operator greater spatial awareness. 
     One way to provide such spatial awareness is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,177,479 (Cotton) which discloses a garage parking position indicator. The garage parking position indicator comprises a wave energy detector such as an infrared receiver mounted to one side of the garage access door at a point greater than the length of the vehicle. A wave energy source, such as an infrared transmitter, is mounted on the opposite side of the garage access door from the receiver. The transmitter constantly transmits and directs wave energy toward the receiving means so that the presence of any portion of the vehicle between the transmitter and the receiver will interrupt reception of the wave energy by the receiver. Cotton fails to disclose or teach a system that can detect lateral movement of the vehicle as it approaches the garage access door. Instead, Cotton teaches a system that can detect whether a vehicle is parked fully within the garage only after the vehicle had entered the garage. 
     Another example of providing such spatial awareness is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,493,925 (Brancale) which discloses a position indicating system where a magnetic proximity switch is mounted to one side of a garage with another magnetic proximity sensor mounted on the opposite side of the garage. The switch operates in response to the positioning of a vehicle at a minimum distance from the sensor. Brancale fails to disclose or teach a system that can detect a vehicle outside of the garage and also fails to disclose a method of detecting non-metallic parts, which are included within many modern day vehicles. 
     Yet another example of providing such spatial awareness is disclosed in United States Patent Application No. 2011/0316720 (Ghatak) which discloses a parking guidance system having a pair of photoelectric sensors, a pair of reflectors, and an indicator box having both left and right indicator arrows. The photoelectric sensors and reflectors are configured inside the garage to create a left light beam near the left interior wall of the garage and a right light beam near the right interior wall of the garage. The indicator box is positioned on the rear inside wall of the garage. The guidance system is activated by lifting the garage door and is deactivated by closing the garage door. Ghatak fails to disclose or teach a system that detects a vehicle outside of the garage or a system which can be activated the system remotely. 
     Yet another example of providing such spatial awareness is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,427,340 (Palmieri) which discloses a vehicle maneuver communication system includes a spotter which interacts with an exo-vehicle component and manipulates visual cues that are provided to the driver. Palmieri fails to disclose or teach a system that has photoelectric eyes which provide the input to the system. 
     Thus, a long felt need exists for a warning and guidance system which assists in the parking of vehicles that can detect the presence of a vehicle prior to entering the parking area. Additionally, there is a long-felt need for a warning system that is operated solely by the driver. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention broadly includes a guidance system for aligning a vehicle entering or leaving a structure, the structure having a front wall, the front wall having an opening therein, the opening bounded by a left front wall section and a right front wall section, the front wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, the guidance system comprising a left photoelectric diffuse sensor mounted on the left front wall section and operatively arranged to detect lateral movement of the vehicle, the left sensor providing a left input signal, a right photoelectric diffuse sensor mounted on the right front wall section and operatively arranged to detect lateral movement of the vehicle, the right sensor providing a right input signal, a left visual indicator mounted on the outer surface on the left front wall section, the left visual indicator operatively arranged to display an alert when the vehicle deviates from leftwardly alignment with respect to the opening by a first predetermined amount, a right visual indicator mounted on the outer surface on the right front wall section, the right visual indicator operatively arranged to display an alert when the vehicle deviates from rightwardly alignment with respect to the opening by a second predetermined amount and, a control center operatively arranged to receive the left and right input signals, to calculate the leftwardly and rightwardly alignment, and to cause the left and/or right visual indicators to display the alerts when the vehicle deviates from the leftwardly and/or rightwardly alignment by the first and/or second predetermined amounts. 
     The invention also includes a transmitter operatively arranged on the vehicle to output a signal to the control center wherein the signal activates the guidance system as the vehicle approaches the structure. 
     The invention also includes an indoor visual indicator mounted on the indoor surface of the front wall, the indoor visual indicator operatively arranged to display an alert when the vehicle deviates from leftwardly or rightwardly alignment with respect to the opening by a predetermined amount. 
     A general object of the invention is to provide a guidance system for vehicles leaving and entering a structure to prevent the vehicle from colliding with the structure. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide a warning system for nearby pedestrians of vehicles leaving or entering a structure. 
     These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon a reading and review of the following detailed description of the invention, in view of the appended drawings and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of a vehicle backing into a structure using an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an outdoor view of a vehicle backing into a structure using an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an indoor view of a vehicle backing into a structure using an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4A  is a front view of the light bars in caution mode; 
         FIG. 4B  is a front view of the light bars in safety mode; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the interior light bar and control center; 
         FIG. 6  is a view from the inside of the vehicle from the perspective of a driver; 
         FIG. 7  is an indoor view showing the truncated light bar and control center with the structure door closed; 
         FIG. 8  is a flow chart delineating when the caution modes are displayed on which light bars; 
         FIG. 9  is a flow chart delineating the priority interrupt service; 
         FIG. 10  is a fragmented schematic view of the internal electronics of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a fragmented schematic view of the internal electronics; 
         FIG. 12  is a fragmented schematic view of the internal electronics; 
         FIG. 13  is a fragmented schematic view of the internal electronics; 
         FIG. 14  is a fragmented schematic view of the internal electronics; 
         FIG. 15  is a fragmented schematic view of the internal electronics; 
         FIG. 16  is a fragmented schematic view of the internal electronics; 
         FIG. 17  is a fragmented schematic view of the internal electronics; 
         FIG. 18  is a fragmented schematic view of the internal electronics; 
         FIG. 19  is a fragmented schematic view of the internal electronics; and, 
         FIG. 20  is a fragmented schematic view of the internal electronics. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. It is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects. 
     Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention as claimed. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  is a top view of truck  250  backing up between wall  110  and  120  using guidance system  100 . Guidance system  100  comprises light bar  10 , light bar  20 , sensor  60 , sensor  65 , light strip  50 , interior light bar  30 , control center  40 , and transmitter  258  (shown in  FIG. 6 ). Wall  110  comprises exterior surface  112 , interior surface  116 , and side surface  114 . In addition, wall  120  comprises exterior surface  122 , interior surface  126 , and side surface  124 . Light bar  10  is arranged on exterior surface  112  and light bar  20  is arranged on exterior surface  122 . Light bars  10  and  20  are operatively arranged to help warn driver  150  of lateral movement as truck  250  reverses between side walls  110  and  120 . The reflection of light bar  10  can be seen by driver  150  in side mirror  130  of truck  250  along line VL and the reflection of light bar  20  can be seen by driver  150  in side mirror  140  of truck  250  along line VR. This arrangement allows driver  150  to center truck  250  between walls  110  and  120 . In an example embodiment, guidance system  100  further comprises another light bar and sensor (not shown) arranged in an area behind the reversing vehicle in order to determine when a vehicle has reversed sufficiently to be completely within the structure. This sensor and light bar would be of the same construction as sensor  60  and interior light bar  30 . 
     In order for light bars  10  and  20  to communicate a signal to the driver, surfaces  251  and  252  of truck  250  are sensed. As truck  250  reverses towards walls  110  and  120 , sensor  60  senses surface  251  and determines the distance between surface  251  and side surface  114 . Correspondingly, as truck  250  reverses towards walls  110  and  120 , sensor  65  senses surface  252  of truck  250  and measures the distance between surface  252  and side surface  124 . If either sensor  60  or sensor  65  senses a distance that is less than a predetermined length, the sensor sends a signal to control center  40  and then to the corresponding light bar, light bar  10  for sensor  60  and light bar  20  for sensor  65 . This signal causes a change in light bars  10 ,  20 , and  50 , which is discussed below. This change can be seen by driver  150  along lines VL and VR, indicating that there may be a problem and that driver  150  should halt truck  250 . In an example embodiment, sensors  60  and  65  are diffuse photoelectric sensors. Diffuse photoelectric sensors use a target, such as truck  250 , as the reflector so that detection occurs due to a reflection of light off truck  250  and back to sensors  60  or  65  as opposed to an interruption of a beam. Sensors  60  and  65  each send out a beam of light, most often it is a pulsed infrared, visible red, or laser beam, which reflects off truck  250  and diffuses back towards sensors  60  and  65 . Part of the reflected beam returns back to a receiver inside sensors  60  and  65 . Detection occurs when enough light is reflected back to the receiver. It should be appreciated, however, that other sensors and configurations are possible and considered to be within the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, sensors  60  and  65  could be ultrasonic sensors to determine the distance between truck  250  and walls  110  and  120 . 
     Interior light bar  30  and control center  40  are arranged on interior surface  126  of wall  120 . Interior light bar  30  signals to pedestrian  152  and others around the area that truck  250  is moving between wall  110  and wall  120 . Control center  40  is operatively arranged to communicate with both light bars  10  and  20 , interior light bar  30 , truck  250 , and light strip  50 . When truck  250  is close enough for control center  40  to receive a signal from transmitter  258  from within tuck  250 , guidance system  100  activates turning on light bars  10 ,  20 , and  50 , and interior light bar  30 . Also, an audible warning signal is activated when guidance system  100  senses a truck within proximity on control center  40 . This audible signal originates from speaker  290  (shown in  FIG. 20 ) arranged on interior surface  126  and communicates with control center  40  to determine when the signal should be activated or deactivated. 
       FIG. 2  is an outdoor view of truck  250  reversing between wall  110  and wall  120 . As seen in the figure, sensors  60  and  65  are arranged on interior surface  126  in order to prevent damage from occurring. Light bar  10  is connected to control center  40  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) via wire  11  which is fed through aperture  119  positioned on exterior surface  112 . Correspondingly, light bar  20  is connected to control center  40  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) via wire  21  which is fed through aperture  129  positioned on exterior surface  122 . Light strip  50  is positioned on the floor of a structure which truck  250  is parking within and is illuminated when transmitter  258  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) sends a signal to control center  40 . In a preferred embodiment light strip  50  communicates with control center  40  via wire  51  and includes a strip of multicolor LEDs which illuminate an amber color when the system is activated and switch to red if either sensor  60  or  65  is triggered or if pedestrian  152  uses remote  45  to warn the driver of truck  250  that there is an obstruction behind the truck which a driver may not see. 
     Guidance system  100  comprises several safety features as shown in  FIG. 3 . Switch  80  is operatively arranged to be triggered when surface  162  of door  160  fully engages switch  80  to indicate to guidance system  100  that door  160  is fully raised. Interior light bar  30  is connected to control center  40  via wire  31 . If a problem were to occur, pedestrian  152  could use remote  45  which is located on interior surface  126 . By using remote  45 , driver  150  is alerted to stop reversing truck  250  by changing the signal on light bars  10 ,  20 , and  50  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and interior light bar  30 . 
     Guidance system  100  has both a safety mode and a caution mode. The signal output of light bars  10 ,  20 , and  50  correspond to the safety and caution modes.  FIG. 4 a    is a front view of light bar  10  and light bar  20  in caution mode. Light bar  10  comprises front surface  13  which has a plurality of apertures filled by corresponding light banks  17   a ,  17   b ,  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c , and  12   d  (shown in  FIG. 4 b   ). When in caution mode, light bar  10  illuminates light bank  17   a  and  17   b  and blinks. Correspondingly, light bar  20  illuminates light bank  27   a  and  27   b  and blinks when in caution mode. Light bar  20  comprises a front surface  23  which has a plurality of apertures filled by corresponding light banks  27   a ,  27   b ,  22   a ,  22   b ,  22   c , and  22   d  (shown in  FIG. 4 b   ). Caution mode occurs due to factors including door  160  not being fully raised, truck  250  being too close to either wall  110  or wall  120 , or from remote  45  being pressed. In an example embodiment, light banks  17   a ,  17   b ,  27   a , and  27   b  each contain three rows of five red LEDs. It should be appreciated, however, that other light sources, colors, and configurations are possible and considered to be within the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, light banks  17   a ,  17   b ,  27   a , and  27   b  could comprise halogen lights which have a colored lens and arranged in a single row. 
     After guidance system  100  is activated and all necessary requirements have been met, guidance system  100  changes from caution mode to safety mode.  FIG. 4 b    is a front view of light bar  10  and light bar  20  while in safety mode. When in safety mode, light banks  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c , and  12   d  of light bar  10  illuminate and exhibit a cascading effect towards edge  18 . Also, light banks  22   a ,  22   b ,  22   c , and  22   d  of light bar  20  illuminate and exhibit a cascading effect towards edge  28 . In an example embodiment, light banks  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c ,  12   d ,  22   a ,  22   b ,  22   a , and  22   b  each contain three rows of five red LEDs. It should be appreciated, however, that other light sources, colors, and configurations are possible and considered to be within the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, light banks  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c ,  12   d ,  22   a ,  22   b ,  22   a , and  22   b  could comprise halogen lights which have a colored lens and arranged in a single row. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of interior light bar  30  and control center  40 . Interior light bar  30  comprises a front surface  35  which contains a plurality of apertures filled by light bank  32  and light bank  37 . Light bank  32  is activated when guidance system  100  is in safety mode and light bank  37  activates when guidance system  100  is in caution mode. Both light bank  32  and  37  have corresponding output signals with light bar  10  and light bar  20  (shown in  FIGS. 4 a  and 4 b   ). Control center  40  connects with interior light bar  30  via cable  31  in order for control center  40  to output a signal to interior light bar  30 . 
     As driver  150  reverses truck  250 , driver  150  sees reflection  10 ′ and reflection  20 ′ as seen in  FIG. 6 . Using mirrors  130  and  140 , driver  150  has a clear view of what mode guidance system  100  is in. In the figure, guidance system  100  is in safety mode so driver  150  is clear to reverse truck  150  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Transmitter  258  is arranged on surface  259  and directly related to the ignition of truck  250 . In other words, if truck  250  is in operation, transmitter  258  is outputting a signal to control center  40  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). In an example embodiment, transmitter  258  is located on surface  259 . It should be appreciated, however, that other locations for transmitter  258  are possible and considered to be within the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, transmitter  258  can be located on an outside surface of truck  250  in order for transmitter  258  to output a stronger signal to control center  40 . 
     When truck  250  is not within proximity of control center  40  or the ignition of truck  250  is turned off, guidance system  100  is in a standby mode (step  500 ). In standby mode, light strip  50  and interior light bar  30  are off, that is neither light bank  32  nor light bank  37  is illuminated. Correspondingly, light bar  10  and light bar  20  are also in a standby mode (not shown). When guidance system  100  is in standby mode, there is no present danger from truck  250  (not shown), therefore, pedestrian  152  can traverse around the area without fear of injury from truck  250 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . If truck  250  where to return to within proximity of control center  40  (step  502 ), then guidance system  100  would activate (step  504 ) and go into caution mode until door  160  is fully raised and triggers sensor  80  (step  506 ). This would alert pedestrian  152  that a truck is approaching and that the area behind wall  110  and wall  120  should be cleared. Guidance system  100  will stay in safety mode until inputs are received from sensors  60  and  65  or if truck  250  leaves proximity of guidance system  100  (step  508 ). As truck  250  reverses, truck  250  may become misaligned and trigger sensors  60  or  65 . If truck  250  moves with a predetermined distance from sensor  60  (step  510 ), light bar  10  will change from a safety mode to a caution mode alerting the driver of the close proximity to wall  112  (step  512 ). Similarly, if truck  250  moves with a predetermined distance from sensor  65  (step  514 ), light bar  20  will change from safety mode to caution mode alerting the driver of the close proximity to wall  122  (step  516 ). As truck  250  reverses between walls  112  and  122  and becomes fully enclosed within the structure, a rear sensor (not shown) similar to sensors  60  and  65  will detect the presence of truck  250  in relation to the back wall (step  518 ). If truck  250  becomes too close to the back wall (not shown), interior light bar  30  and light strip  50  will switch from safety mode to caution mode (step  520 ). Once truck  250  is parked within the structure or no input is received from sensors  60  and  65 , light bars  10 ,  20 , and  50  and interior light bar  30  will all return to a safety mode (step  522 ). If the ignition of truck  250  is shut off, transmitter  258  will cease sending a signal to control center  40  and guidance system  100  will deactivate (step  524 ). Guidance system  100  will wait a predetermined time with light bars  10 ,  20 , and  50  and interior light bar  30  in a safety mode (step  526 ) before shutting off light bars  10 ,  20 , and  50  and interior light bar  30  and returning to a standby mode (step  528 ). 
     In the case where driver  150  needs to be alerted of a potential obstruction which the driver may not be able to be see, pedestrian  152  can use remote  45  to change guidance system from a safety mode to a caution mode alerting driver  150  to stop reversing truck  250 . In a preferred embodiment, remote  45  includes a button (not shown) to switch guidance system from a safety mode to a caution mode. As truck  250  reverse towards walls  112  and  122 , guidance system  100  is in a safety mode (step  600 ). If pedestrian  152  activates remote  45  (step  602 ), guidance system switches from a safety mode to a caution mode. This change in modes causes light bars  10 ,  20 , and  50  and interior light bar  30  to change from amber to red in color (step  604 ). Once pedestrian  152  has deemed the area safe to continue reversing truck  250 , pedestrian  152  will activate remote  45  (step  606 ), returning guidance system  100  to a safety mode from a caution mode. This switch from a caution mode to a safety mode causes light bars  10 ,  20 , and  50  and interior light bar  30  to change from red to amber in color indicating to driver  150  that reversing operations can continue (step  608 ). Once truck  250  is fully parked within the structure, pedestrian  152  returns remote  45  to a holder within close proximity to control center  40  (step  610 ). 
     The apparatus of the present invention including the circuit board which is illustrated in  FIG. 10  through  FIG. 20  is commercially available from Aire-Deb Corporation, 1625 Lindan Avenue, Alden, N.Y. 14004. The apparatus is also commercially available from Digital Instruments Incorporated, 580 Ensminger Road, Tonawanda, N.Y. 14150. 
     Micro controller units  292 ,  302 , and  312  are MC9S08SH8 series micro controller units that support up to 17 general-purpose I/O pins and 1 output-only pin which are shared with on-chip peripheral functions such as timers, serial I/O, and ADC. When a port pin is configured as a general-purpose output or a peripheral uses the port pin as an output, software can select one of two drive strengths and enable or disable slew rate control. When a port pin is configured as a general-purpose input or a peripheral uses the port pin as an input, software can enable a pull-up device. Immediately after reset, all of these pins are configured as high-impedance general-purpose inputs with internal pull-up devices disabled. MC9S08SH8 series micro controller units are available for purchase from Freescale Semiconductor Inc. located at 6501 William Cannon Drive West, Austin, Tex. 
     Buffers  294 ,  304 , and  314  are 74HC541 3-STATE non-inverting buffers that possess high drive current outputs which enable high speed operation even when driving large bus capacitances. 74HC541 buffers are available for purchase from Futurlec located at 1133 Broadway, Suite 706, New York, N.Y. 
     Optocouplers  296  and  306  are H11L2 microprocessor compatible optocouplers that have a medium-to-high speed integrated circuit detector optically coupled to an infrared emitting diode. The output incorporates a Schmitt trigger, which provides hysteresis for noise immunity and pulse shaping. The detector circuit is optimized for simplicity of operation and utilizes an open collector output for maximum application flexibility. H11L2 microprocessor compatible optocouplers are available for purchase from Newark Element14 located at 300 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2200, Chicago, Ill. 
     Converters  298  and  310  are NFM20 isolated power converters that protect equipment at the power source and provide a physical separation between the electrical grounds of nearby circuits, preventing ground loops. NFM20 isolated power converters remove or reduce electrical issues that would otherwise be transmitted to the receiving circuit. NFM20 isolated power converters are commonly implemented with transformers, full-bridge rectifiers, power factor correction, and DC-DC converters, but may also use optocouplers and optical fiber to shift voltage levels, remove operators from dangerous supply voltages, and provide galvanic isolation. NFM20 isolated power converters are available for purchase from Mouser Electronics located at 1000 North Main Street, Mansfield, Tex. 
     Regulators  300 ,  308 , and  316  are 7805 regulators with three terminal regulators with several fixed output voltages making them useful in a wide range of applications. One of these is local on card regulation, eliminating the distribution problems associated with single point regulation. The voltages available allow these regulators to be used in logic systems, instrumentation, HiFi, and other solid state electronic equipment. Although designed primarily as fixed voltage regulators, these devices can be used with external components to obtain adjustable voltages and currents. 7805 regulators are available for purchase from Texas Instruments Inc. located at 12500 TI Boulevard, Dallas, Tex. 
     Transistors  295  and  305  are MMBT2222ALT1 general purpose transistors that are used for low-power amplifying or switching applications. It is designed for low to medium current, low power, medium voltage, and can operate at moderately high speeds. MMBT2222ALT1 general purpose transistors are available for purchase from Futurlec located at 1133 Broadway, Suite 706, New York, N.Y. 
     Photocouplers  302 ,  322 ,  324 ,  326 ,  330 ,  330 ,  332 ,  334 ,  336 ,  340 ,  342 ,  344 , and  346  are PS2501-2 high isolation voltage photocouplers containing a GaAs light emitting diode and an NPN silicon phototransistor. PS2501-2 high isolation voltage photocouplers are available for purchase from Futurlec located at 1133 Broadway, Suite 706, New York, N.Y. 
     It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims. 
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 
     
         
           10  light bar 
           10 ′ reflection 
           11  wire 
           12   a  light bank 
           12   b  light bank 
           12   c  light bank 
           12   d  light bank 
           13  surface 
           17   a  light bank 
           17   b  light bank 
           18  edge 
           20  light bar 
           20 ′ reflection 
           21  wire 
           22   a  light bank 
           22   b  light bank 
           22   c  light bank 
           22   d  light bank 
           23  surface 
           27   a  light bank 
           27   b  light bank 
           28  edge 
           30  interior light bar 
           31  wire 
           32  light bank 
           33  edge 
           35  front surface 
           37  light bank 
           40  control center 
           45  remote 
           50  light 
           51  wire 
           60  sensor 
           65  sensor 
           80  switch 
           100  guidance system 
           110  wall 
           112  exterior surface 
           114  side surface 
           116  interior surface 
           119  aperture 
           120  wall 
           122  exterior surface 
           124  side surface 
           126  interior surface 
           129  aperture 
           130  mirror 
           140  mirror 
           150  driver 
           152  pedestrian 
           160  door 
           162  surface 
           250  truck 
           251  surface 
           252  surface 
           258  transmitter 
           259  surface 
           280  plurality of LEDs 
           281  plurality of LEDs 
           282  plurality of LEDs 
           286  plurality of LEDs 
           287  plurality of LEDs 
           290  speaker 
           292  MC9S08SH8 micro controller unit 
           294  74HC541 buffer 
           295  MMBT2222ALT1 transistor 
           296  H11L2 optocoupler 
           298  NFM20 converter 
           300  7805 regulator 
           302  MC9S08SH8 micro controller unit 
           304  74HC51 buffer 
           305  MMBT2222ALT1 transistor 
           306  H11L2 optocoupler 
           308  7805 regulator 
           310  NFM20 converter 
           312  MC9S08SH8 micro controller unit 
           314  74HC541 buffer 
           316  7805 regulator 
           320  PS2501-4 photocoupler 
           322  PS2501-4 photocoupler 
           324  PS2501-4 photocoupler 
           326  PS2501-4 photocoupler 
           330  PS2501-4 photocoupler 
           332  PS2501-4 photocoupler 
           334  PS2501-4 photocoupler 
           336  PS2501-4 photocoupler 
           340  PS2501-4 photocoupler 
           342  PS2501-4 photocoupler 
           344  PS2501-4 photocoupler 
           346  PS2501-4 photocoupler 
           350  relay 
           352  relay 
           500  step 
           502  step 
           504  step 
           506  step 
           508  step 
           510  step 
           512  step 
           514  step 
           516  step 
           518  step 
           520  step 
           522  step 
           524  step 
           526  step 
           528  step 
           600  step 
           602  step 
           604  step 
           606  step 
           608  step 
           610  step 
         VL line 
         VR line