Patent Publication Number: US-2023135624-A1

Title: Device and system for vehicle proximity alert

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/273,107 filed on Oct. 28, 2021. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure. 
    
    
     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&#39;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. 
     Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout. 
         FIG.  1    shows a wiring diagram of an embodiment of the proximity alert system. 
         FIG.  2    shows a wiring diagram of an embodiment of the device for proximity alert system. 
         FIG.  3    shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the device for proximity detection. 
         FIG.  4    shows a side view of an embodiment of a vehicle with at least one proximity device installed thereon. 
         FIG.  5 A  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the proximity detection device and the field of detection. 
         FIG.  5 B  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the proximity detection device and the field of detection. 
         FIG.  5 C  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the proximity detection device and the field of detection. 
         FIG.  6    shows a flow chart of one embodiment of how the proximity detection device may function within the system. 
     
    
    
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the drawings. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 100 
                 proximity alert system 
               
               
                 101 
                 detection device 
               
               
                 102 
                 power source 
               
               
                 103 
                 transceiver 
               
               
                 104 
                 third party 
               
               
                 105 
                 alarm 
               
               
                 106 
                 computing device 
               
               
                  106a 
                 CPU 
               
               
                  106b 
                 memory 
               
               
                  106c 
                 storage device 
               
               
                  106d 
                 display 
               
               
                 107 
                 GPS 
               
               
                 108 
                 at least one light 
               
               
                 109 
                 at least one speaker 
               
               
                 200 
                 detection device 
               
               
                 201 
                 CPU 
               
               
                 202 
                 first sensor 
               
               
                 203 
                 at least one additional sensor 
               
               
                 204 
                 secondary power source 
               
               
                 205 
                 connection element 
               
               
                 301 
                 housing 
               
               
                  301a 
                 interior volume 
               
               
                 302 
                 attachment points 
               
               
                 303 
                 mounting plate 
               
               
                 601 
                 system activated 
               
               
                 602 
                 sensors engaged 
               
               
                 603 
                 first proximity detection 
               
               
                 604 
                 alarm triggered 
               
               
                 605 
                 second proximity detection 
               
               
                 606 
                 second alarm triggered 
               
               
                 607 
                 notify third party of alarm 
               
               
                 608 
                 method stops 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     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 to  FIG.  1   , there is shown a wiring diagram of an embodiment of the proximity alert system. The proximity alert system  100  includes at first detection device  101 . The detection device  101  is more fully described the description of  FIG.  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 in  FIG.  2   ). 
     The detection device  101  is operably coupled to a power source  102 . In one embodiment the power source  102  may be a vehicle battery. In another embodiment the power source  102  may be a separate additional power source for the sole purpose of operating the proximity alert system  100 . In yet further embodiments multiple power sources may be used. 
     In one embodiment the there is a transceiver  103  operably coupled to the detection device  101 . In one embodiment the transceiver  103  is a wireless transceiver. In one embodiment the transceiver  103  may be a specific transceiver allocated specifically to the proximity detection system. In another embodiment the transceiver  103  is already incorporated into a vehicle&#39;s existing systems. In several embodiments as discussed throughout the transceiver  103  will be used to notify a third party  104  of the proximity warnings. In various embodiments the transceiver  103  will also be used to transmit vehicle information to a third party  104 . For purposes of this disclosure a third party  103  is defined as anyone not directly located within the vehicle. 
     On one embodiment the detection device  101  is operably coupled to an alarm  105 . In one embodiment the alarm  105  is a standalone component. In this embodiment the alarm  105  is capable of notification of a proximity detection. Further, in one version of this embodiment the alarm  105  is capable of triggering other notification devices. In other embodiments the alarm  105  is a computing device  106 . 
     The computing device  106  is comprised of a CPU  106   a  operably coupled to a memory  106   b  and a storage device  106   c . In a further embodiment the computing device  106  is further comprised of a display  106   d . In one embodiment the computing device  106  is operably coupled to a GPS  107 . The GPS  107  will calculate the location of the vehicle. The computing device  106  is further operably coupled to notification systems. In one embedment a notification system is at least one light  108 . In another embodiment a notification system is at least one speaker  109 . 
     In one embodiment a software is stored within the storage device  106   c . The software is operated by the CPU  106   a . In these embodiments the software via the computing device  106  will trigger various notification systems. The software will receive data from the at least one detection device  101 . 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 devices  106  display  106   d . In yet a further embodiment the software will trigger the computing device  106  to send the vehicles location to a third party. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2   , there is shown a wiring diagram of an embodiment of the device for proximity alert system. In one embodiment the detection device  200  is comprised of a CPU  201 . The CPU  201  is operably coupled to at least a first sensor  202 . In one embodiment the first sensor  202  is one selected from the group: sonar, radar, or infrared (night-vision), a motion detector, and a visual spectrum camera. In various embodiments the CPU  201  is operably coupled to at least a second sensor  203 . In one embodiment the second sensor  202  is 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 device  200 . 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 device  101  has more than one type of detection. 
     In one embodiment the CPU  201  and the sensor(s)  202 ,  203  are each operably coupled to a secondary power source  204 . The secondary power source  204  is additional to the power source of  FIG.  1   . The secondary power source  204  will enable the detection to still operate in the event of a failure by the first power source of  FIG.  1   . In one embodiment the CPU  201  includes at least one connection element  205 . The connection element  205  will allow the detection device  101  to be coupled with the rest of the proximity detection system  100 . In one embodiment the connection element  205  is a wired element. In another embodiment the connection element  205  is a wireless element. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3   , there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the device for proximity detection. In one embodiment the detection device  200 , in addition to the components of  FIG.  2   , includes a housing  301 . In one embodiment the housing  301  is a dome shape. In another embodiment the housing  301  is of another shape which will hold the necessary components. In one embodiment the housing  301  is made from a shatter resistant material. This will prevent breaking or tampering with the device. 
     The housing  301  has an interior volume  301   a . The interior volume  301   a  will allow for the various components of the proximity detection device  100  to be stored therein. In some embodiments the interior volume  301   a  is sectioned. This will allow for the separation of components. 
     In one embodiment the housing  301  is an integral part of the vehicle. Meaning that the proximity detection device  200  is built as part of the vehicle. In another embodiment the proximity detection device  100  is 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 of  FIG.  4    for a discussion of the possible mounting locations for the proximity device  100 . 
     In the latter embodiments the housing  301  has attachment points  302 . These attachment points  302  will allow for fasteners to secure the proximity detection device  200  to the vehicle. In one embodiment the attachment points  302  of the housing  301  are used to secure the housing  301  to a mounting plate  303 . The mounting plate  303  may be affixed to the vehicle prior to the proximity detection device  200  being mounted to the mounting plate  303 . In one embodiment the mounting plate  303  is permanently affixed to the vehicle. In another embodiment the mounting plate  303  is removably affixed to the vehicle. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  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 device  201  is shown location in three places. In one embodiment a proximity detection device  201  is only located in one location. In another embodiment multiple devices  201  are place in various locations and will work together to give a more accurate reading. In one embodiment the multiple devices  201  may be used as a redundancy. The placement of the devices  201  are 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 device  201  is 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 device  201  to each have the working space required. 
     Another proximity detection device  201  is 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 device  201  is 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 to  FIG.  5 A - FIG.  5 C , 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 device  200  is 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. 
     In  FIG.  5 A , 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 device  200  is located in the center of the field of detection A. 
     In  FIG.  5 B , 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 device  201 . 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. 
     In  FIG.  5 C , 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 to  FIG.  6   , there is shown a flow chart of one embodiment of how the proximity detection device  201  may function within the system. The method begins when the detection system is activated  601 . In one embodiment the detection system is activated  601  when the vehicle is turned on. In another embodiment the system is activated when a specific activation action is taken. Once the detection system is activated  601 , the sensors are engaged  602 . 
     A sensor will then detect motion at a first proximity  603 . At this time an alarm will be triggered  604 . In one embodiment this alarm is a minor alarm. After the alarm is triggered  604 , in one embodiment the method will end  608 . In another embodiment notice is sent to a third party that an alarm has been triggered  607 . In yet a third embodiment motion may then be detected at a second proximity  605 . In one embodiment the second proximity  605  is closer to the vehicle than the first proximity  603 . 
     After motion is detected at a second proximity  605  another alarm is triggered  606 . 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 stops  608 . In another embodiment after the second alarm is triggered  606 , a third party is notified that the alarm was triggered. After this the method will stop  608 . 
     It is therefore submitted that the invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.