Abstract:
An airbag deployment alert system comprises an alert triggering system at least partially disposed in electrical communication with an airbag triggering system of the vehicle configured to broadcast an alert message concurrent to activation of said airbag triggering system. Upon sensing a collision, the accelerometer assembly of the airbag triggering system generates and electrical signal which is used to inflate the airbag. The same signal may also be utilized to activate the airbag deployment alert system and broadcast an alert message to other vehicles so equipped.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Claim of Priority 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation application of previously filed, now pending application having Ser. No. 14/922,178 filed on Oct. 25, 2015, the entirety of which is explicitly incorporated herein by reference. 
       Field of the Invention 
       [0002]    The present invention is directed to systems and methods for broadcasting a general warning signal or message to drivers and authorities located in the vicinity of an airbag deployment event. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0003]    The airbags referred to herein may be similar to the ordinary type currently in use by vehicles, however fitted, according to the description herein presented, with means to actuate when required as an airbag deployment alert system which, transmits an alert or warning to other vehicles in the vicinity and/or traveling along the same route where an accident involving one or more vehicles occurred and which led to an airbag deployment event. 
         [0004]    The related art fundamentally differs in at least two points when compared to the airbag deployment alert system of the present invention. First, the operational routine of previous attempts comprises the use of a central intermediary point or entity that collects data directly from existing information sources and transmits data to final recipients, including, for example, other drivers. 
         [0005]    Second, previous attempts utilize preselected and prerecorded recipients instead of a universal system which can be directly and instantly accessible by all drivers whose vehicles are fitted with the system of the present invention. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, there is a need felt in the art for a system which is capable of making all drivers located in the vicinity of an airbag deployment event aware that an airbag of one of those vehicles has been deployed and can thus undertake whatever actions are necessary or desired in encountering an accident scene. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Airbags are generally described as a safety equipment to be instantly activated through an automatic responsive system whenever the vehicle in which they are installed receives a relatively intense shock in its structure but strong enough to be instantly perceived by an accelerometer sensor also present, due to the sudden deceleration of that vehicle. 
         [0008]    Airbags are basically formed by three distinct parts, a bag, an accelerometer assembly, and an inflation system. The bag is usually made of thin nylon fabric and is folded into a housing, such as within the steering wheel or the dash board. 
         [0009]    The accelerometer assembly generally includes a transducer to sense or detect acceleration of the vehicle and create an output signal in response thereto, generally as an electrical or optical signal for accomplishment of some tasks ahead in a given system to which it belongs, such as a signal sufficient to initiate the inflation system. The inflation system generally utilizes an igniter and correspondent chemical reaction to produce a large pulse of hot nitrogen gas inside the empty airbag. 
         [0010]    As such, the large volume of gas inflates the bag. The bag then literally bursts from its housing at up to 200 mph. The bag, however, generally includes small holes for deflation of the bag, allowing occupants to exit the vehicle. 
         [0011]    Based upon the airbag&#39;s example as above described, the signal generated by the accelerometer assembly upon sensing the acceleration due to impact may also be utilized to initiate the airbag deployment alert system of the present invention. 
         [0012]    By utilizing the existing airbag systems, as so far exemplified, a general warning signal will be simultaneously triggered by the existing accelerometer assembly that causes the airbag system to react. In this example, the airbag&#39;s sensor will be also connected and serving to a second electronic system that is the airbag deployment alert system of the present invention. 
         [0013]    In one of the various possible embodiments, the airbag deployment alert system becomes operative with the support of electric power supplied either by the vehicle&#39;s central battery or even by a dedicated battery. 
         [0014]    After having been captured and processed by the accelerometer assembly, all positive data that may suggest damage to the vehicle, or a collision, will be then passed on, wired or wirelessly, to the airbag deployment alert system. 
         [0015]    As described herein, a relay is a device that responds to small current or voltage change by activating switches or similar devices, whether mechanical or digital, in a closed electric circuit. When activated by the relay, a transmitter or transceiver of the present invention is allowed to instantly broadcasting an alert, which may include a predetermined message, signal, alert, or warning, which may be combined with the 2D position (latitude and longitude) of the occurrence ascertained by a GPS device, for example, to all other vehicles, drivers, and authorities in the vicinity that are so equipped with a receiver or transceiver in accordance with the present invention. 
         [0016]    The exchange of an alert from one point to another, as described above, may be performed by a transceiver which is a device comprising both a transmitter and a receiver combined and sharing common circuitry or any other suitable equipment such as transponders, transverters, and repeaters, by way of non-limiting examples of similar devices. 
         [0017]    Likewise, the alert may be broadcasted through any adequate or available means such as electromagnetic waves or any other viable media such as Infrared, Microwaves in the ISM band, FM, similar to Radio Data System (RDS), Data Radio Channel (DARC) or Radio Waves. 
         [0018]    Upon receiving the broadcasted alert, the drivers in the vicinity whose vehicles are equipped with the airbag deployment alert system of the present invention will be provided an alert which may comprise an audible component, a visual component, or both, to provide the driver enough time to take the necessary precautions before approaching the accident scene. 
         [0019]    In another embodiment, a manual activation mechanism may be provided in order to manually trigger an alert as described above, for example, in the scenario that a driver of a vehicle so equipped with the system of the present invention passes an accident involving vehicle(s) not so equipped, and therefore no alert was automatically broadcasted by the deployment of those airbags. Additionally, the manual activation mechanism may have a cancellation function, in the event that, for example, the manual activation mechanism is inadvertently activated. 
         [0020]    These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  is a schematic depicting operative elements of an airbag deployment alert system according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a schematic depicting operative elements of an airbag deployment alert system according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a schematic depicting operative elements of an airbag deployment alert system according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is depiction of a vehicle cabin equipped with the airbag deployment alert system according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a depiction of an accident scene in which the airbag deployment alert system may be utilized according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a schematic depicting operative elements of an airbag deployment alert system according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0028]    Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0029]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , the airbag deployment alert system is depicted in three blocks delimited by dashed lines, for better explanation of its functionalities when an impact ( 3 ) from the outside is detected by the accelerometer sensor. 
         [0030]    Thus, Block “A” ( 1 ) comprises the primary stage of the airbag deployment alert system, from now referred to as ADAS ( 2 ), depicting the accelerometer sensor ( 2   a ) responsible for the activation of the two joint triggering systems, namely, the Airbag Triggering System ( 2   a   1 ), and the Alert Triggering System ( 2   a   2 ), along with the Airbag Relay ( 2   b   1 ) aimed to serve the inflation process of the airbag, and the Alert Relay ( 2   b   2 ) that is exclusively connected to the alert broadcasting set of the present invention. 
         [0031]    Block “B” ( 4 ) depicts the inflation process of the empty airbag ( 5 ) upon receiving a command or signal from the relay ( 2   b   1 ) causing the airbag&#39;s inflation unit ( 6 ) to inflate the airbag ( 5 ) until fully inflated ( 5   a ). 
         [0032]    Block “C” ( 7 ) discloses how the relay ( 2   b   2 ) activates the transceiver ( 2   c ) to broadcast an alert, such as a warning message or audible alert such as “ATTENTION—AIRBAG DEPLOYED NEARBY,” which will be received by all vehicles that are fitted with ADAS ( 2 ) and located within a certain distance from the accident. 
         [0033]    Accordingly, when the “VEHICLE  0 ” ( 8 ) that is fitted with ADAS ( 2 ) and that supposedly has entered in an emergence situation, as exemplified in  FIG. 5 , the alert ( 15 ) generated will be received by all recipient vehicles ( 9 ) that are also equipped with ADAS ( 2 ). 
         [0034]    Recipient vehicles ( 9 ) in the present illustration are represented by “VEHICLE  1 ” up to “VEHICLE N” which located in the vicinity of the accident involving “VEHICLE  0 ” ( 8 ) and that, as they are also fitted with ADAS ( 2 ), will consequently capture the message or signal sent by the transceiver ( 2   c ) existing in “VEHICLE  0 ” ( 8 ). Recipient vehicles ( 9 ) may also be outside a vicinity of the accident, but nevertheless traveling on a route that will pass the accident scene. 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  depicts the broadcasting stage of ADAS ( 2 ) in two possible situations. In the present embodiment, the broadcasting function of ADAS ( 2 ) is subdivided in two blocks to illustrate how it moves from the idle phase shown in Block “C 1 ” ( 10 ), to the actuating phase shown in Block “C 2 ” ( 11 ). p On Block “C 1 ” ( 10 ) that illustrates the idle phase of the system when there is no accident to be reported by “VEHICLE  0 ” ( 8 ), all the electric circuits ( 12 ) through which the electricity from the vehicle&#39;s battery ( 13 ) is transferred up to the switch ( 14 ) are open ( 12   a ), causing the switch ( 14 ) to stay motionless, without any actuation of its lever ( 14   a ) over the transceiver ( 2   c ). 
         [0036]    The alternative scenario however is depicted by Block “C 2 ” ( 11 ) in which the complete broadcasting routine for spreading an alert message is accomplished due to the perception by the accelerometer sensor ( 2   a ) of collision ( 3 ) with “VEHICLE  0 ” ( 8 ). 
         [0037]    In this case it is noted that all electric circuits ( 12 ) were closed ( 12   a ) due to the passage of an electric pulse sent by the accelerometer sensor ( 2   a ) up to the switch ( 14 ) that has also reacted by closing its electric connection with the transceiver ( 2   a ) through the lever ( 14   a ) which caused the broadcasting og the alert  15 . 
         [0038]    It will be noted that the switches and relays depicted herein are depicted as mechanical devices for purposes of ease of disclosure, but that suitable digital equivalents may also be utilized. 
         [0039]    As such, a comprehensive view of the actuation routine of the airbag deployment alert system is disclosed on Block “C 2 ” of  FIG. 2 , since the moment of a collision to a given vehicle up to the announcement of this accident to all drivers in the vicinity. 
         [0040]    Thus, the first step for triggering the whole system starts when a collision occurs of sufficient intensity to deploy the airbags of a given vehicle, in this example represented by “VEHICLE  0  ( 8 )”, either due to a collision between one or more vehicles, objects or animals, or even when a rollover of a vehicle occurs, provided that at least one of those vehicles involved in the accident is fitted with the ADAS ( 2 ). 
         [0041]    From one side, there will be the stimulation of the airbag system which will cause the airbags to be instantly inflated, aiming to protect the vehicle&#39;s occupants from grave injuries. 
         [0042]    And from the other side, the operational routine conceived for broadcasting instant alerts aimed to notify drivers in advance will start whenever a potential risk to them at any point of the route is detected, being the above mentioned routine commonly triggered by the airbag triggering system. 
         [0043]    Once the airbag deployment alert system was set in motion as from the accelerator sensor ( 2 a) with electric power supplied by the vehicle&#39;s battery ( 13 ) or even by an independent dedicated battery, the related relay is immediately activated aiming to change from “OFF” to “ON” the lever ( 14   a ) position of the switch command ( 14 ) conjugated to the transceiver ( 2   c ), causing the alert to be instantly transmitted to all nearby drivers, remotely and wirelessly in the format of an audible or visual component. 
         [0044]    In the Block “C 2 ” of the flowchart shown on  FIG. 2  therefore, the emitting VEHICLE  0 ” ( 8 ) is fitted with ADAS ( 2 ), an antenna ( 16 ) and uses the assistance of the vehicle&#39;s battery ( 13 ) to broadcast warning messages to all nearby recipient vehicles ( 9 ). 
         [0045]    Block “C 2 ” discloses, therefore, the steps to be followed by ADAS ( 2 ) to broadcast wireless alerts ( 15 ) through the antenna ( 16 ), right after an accident has happened to the emitting “VEHICLE  0 ” ( 8 ). 
         [0046]    In this case, all electric elements of ADAS ( 2 ) are instantly activated when the accelerometer sensor ( 2   a ) perceives an impact ( 3 ) to the vehicle&#39;s structure forcing the electric circuit ( 12 ) existing between the sensor and the relay to close ( 12   b ) and permit the passage of an electric signal addressed to the broadcasting relay ( 2   b   2 ) and to the switch ( 14 ) in order to move its lever ( 14   a ) from “OFF” to the “ON” position, triggering therefore the broadcasting of the alert message to all recipient vehicles ( 9 ). 
         [0047]    In accordance with the fundamentals of the present invention, the routine described above is performed simultaneously to the triggering process of the airbag for the protection of the passengers on “VEHICLE  0 ” ( 8 ) meaning that there will be a common and simultaneous reaction in both systems. 
         [0048]    Through the algorithm outlined in  FIG. 3 , an overview of the principles by which the system is operative is described. 
         [0049]    According to the step ( 17 ) a vehicle experiencing a sufficient collision will lead to an enquiry whether a the vehicle is equipped with an Airbag Automatic Deployment System, on step ( 18 ) or the Airbag deployment alert system—ADAS ( 2 ), on step ( 19 ). 
         [0050]    If the answer for both systems is “NO”, then they go to an end and are halted, as in step ( 20 ). 
         [0051]    If otherwise the answer is “YES” which means that the vehicle is fitted with Airbag Automatic Deployment System and with the Airbag deployment alert system—ADAS ( 2 ), the accelerometer sensor ( 2   a ) is instantly activated to capture the shock perceived and simultaneously pass it on ahead in the format of computable data as follows: 
         [0052]    To the airbag&#39;s relay, as on step ( 21 ), which will cause the airbag to be instantly deployed and filled in to protect the vehicle&#39;s occupants from injuries, when this routine is considered fully accomplished or simultaneous to this routine; 
         [0053]    To the broadcasting relay, as on step ( 22 ), and then to the switch on step ( 23 ), will turn on the transceiver ( 2   c ) that will broadcast an alert to all recipient vehicles ( 9 ) fitted with ADAS. 
         [0054]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , a frontal view of the vehicle&#39;s panel ( 25 ) is given, in which the operational interface between the vehicle&#39;s occupants and the ADAS ( 2 ) is represented, including firstly a screen ( 26 ) in which the alert messages sent in writing and orally ratified will appear and that preferably should be located in an easy visual position for the driver, such as “ATTENTION—AIRBAG DEPLOYED NEARBY”. 
         [0055]    That message might also include the vehicle&#39;s position where the accident happened, plotted by GPS technology, pre-recorded information such as identification of the driver or the vehicle or any other desired information. 
         [0056]    Secondly, a speaker ( 27 ) that can be commonly shared with the vehicle&#39;s own sound system and capable to reproduce the audible component of the alert. 
         [0057]    And thirdly a button ( 280 , preferably disposed in proximity to the driver&#39;s hands, through which the driver can either interfere and cancel an unintentional alert message wrongly broadcasted when actually he has not suffered any accident, or even manually replicate an alert warning coming from injured drivers and that was sent via the ADAS ( 2 ), in the event that he has not been involved in a crash but is momentarily passing by the accident scene. 
         [0058]    Upon receiving the broadcasted alert, the drivers in the vicinity whose vehicles are equipped with ADAS ( 2 ) will be given an immediate notification which may be in the form of a blinking light, a voice message, or any other sort of advice that will be displayed in their vehicle&#39;s panel ( 25 ) for example, as better explained in  FIG. 4 , in such a way that those drivers will be given notice to take the necessary precautions before arriving at the accident scene. 
         [0059]    To be transmitted remotely and wirelessly, the signal must be sent from the transmission point to the receiving point via the proper carrier type. 
         [0060]    Wireless communication generally refers to the transfer of information between various transmitting and receiving remote points not connected by cables and is usually made via radio waves, reaching distances that may vary from meters to kilometers and encompasses many types of fixed, mobile and portable devices including wireless networking. 
         [0061]    Radio waves will be used here just as an exemplary tool for better explanation of the present invention&#39;s operation, without any limitation for the use of any other plausible method. 
         [0062]    Thus, any other technologies that might be available by the state of the art such as but not limited to electromagnetic wireless communication or any other wireless services performed by wireless equipment that might include, for example infrared and ultrasonic devices, LMR—Land Mobile Radio, cellular and pagers which provide connectivity for portable and mobile applications, Global Positioning System (GPS) which is a position detecting circuit that allows drivers of all kind of vehicles to ascertain their location anywhere on earth are also included in the scope of the present patent under submission. 
         [0063]    One of the best-known examples of wireless technology is the mobile phone that is ubiquitous, and that uses radio waves to enable their users to make phone calls from many locations worldwide, which is better elaborated in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0064]    Turning to  FIG. 5 , a general view of a roadway in an accident situation is given, or an accident scene, wherein “VEHICLE  0 ” ( 8 ) suffered a rollover and subsequently has been hit by “VEHICLE  1 ” ( 8   a ) and “VEHICLE  2 ” ( 8   b ), consequently closing both ways of the road for the traffic, exposing therefore VEHICLE  3 ” ( 8   c ) and “VEHICLE  4 ” ( 8   d ) of being involuntarily involved in a possible chain-reaction crash that could be possibly avoided if they had received beforehand an alert from “VEHICLE  0 ” ( 8 ) according the system of the present invention. 
         [0065]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , similarly to the alert warning process already disclosed above by the present patent, the ADAS ( 2 ) can be used in combination with the mobile telephone ( 28 ) and within the range reached by them aiming to send urgent alert messages or signals, whenever a risk situation is faced by one of said drivers. 
         [0066]    Cellular data service offers coverage within a range of 10-15 miles from the nearest cell site and may be used when ADAS ( 2 ) is not available in a nearby recipient vehicle. 
         [0067]    If however the driver of “VEHICLE  0 ” shown on  FIG. 6  is carrying the “cell phone  0 ” ( 28 ) fitted with, for example, Bluetooth ( 30 ) technology, and if “VEHICLE  0 ” is also fitted with the same facility, then it will be possible to exchange data between ADAS ( 2 ) and the “cell phone  0 ” ( 28 ) which will relay the received data to all cell phones in the vicinity, depicted in  FIG. 6  as “CELL PHONE  1 ” ( 29   b ), “CELL PHONE  2 ” ( 29   c ), through “CELL PHONE N” ( 29   d ). 
         [0068]    In this case, a dedicated software application to properly process the alerts should be loaded to the mobile phones ( 28 ) being used by the drivers. In the moment of an accident, the alert will be relayed by the mobile phones ( 28 ). 
         [0069]    It may also be noted that the airbag deployment alert system can also exist independently of an airbag deployment system, to accomplish the same objectives described herein, but in the event that a vehicle is not equipped with an airbag deployment system. 
         [0070]    Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 
         [0071]    Now that the invention has been described,