Patent Document

CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. §119 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/358,896, entitled “Deceleration rate indicator system,” filed on Jun. 26, 2010, and hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field 
         [0003]    The present disclosure relates to an indicator apparatus that flashes at a frequency correlating to the rate of deceleration, thereby quantitatively signaling a deceleration rate to a driver of a following vehicle. This apparatus is designed to be used in addition to conventional brake lights. The disclosure exploits the awareness of the accepted meaning of flashing lights as well as improved visibility to provide a safer signaling system. 
         [0004]    This relates to braking lights, specifically to a vehicle application that informs a following vehicle of a deceleration rate of the user&#39;s vehicle. This apparatus is especially beneficial for motorcycle riders and bicyclists who are especially vulnerable and tend to be less visible. Motorcycle brake lights tend to be small and lower to the ground. In addition, motorcyclists use engine braking more than drivers of other types of vehicles. In one embodiment of the disclosure, a motorcycle jacket includes a deceleration rate indicator apparatus having a lighting mechanism that serves as a running light as well as deceleration indicator. The embodiment provides added advantage such that it will be higher up than a light mounted on a motorcycle. This added visual cue improves the visibility of the riders. The deceleration rate indicator apparatus may take on any appropriate shape or configuration, such that users may proudly display their favorite logo, emblems, or advertisement while making them more visible. 
         [0005]    Braking indication by measuring deceleration rate complements the monitoring application of brakes, as the apparatus measures actual deceleration instead of application of brakes. This provides user the ability to inform the following vehicle of the degree of danger involved. This provides extra time for following drivers to react as braking is usually preceded by releasing throttle or shifting down in many cases. The specification of this apparatus centers around the application of motorcycle jacket but its application can also be extended to the vehicle itself or other apparel and or accessories. 
         [0006]    2. Description of Prior Art 
         [0007]    The following table some prior art that appears relevant: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Pat. No. 
                 Title 
                 Issue Date 
                 Patentee 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 U.S. Pat. No. 2,474,610 
                 Quantitative deceleration indicator 
                 Jun. 28, 1949 
                 Elton P Wunsch 
               
               
                 U.S. Pat. No. 6,925,654 
                 Safety Signal Jacket for riders of 
                 Aug. 09, 2005 
                 Shelton Gamini De Silva 
               
               
                   
                 non-enclosed vehicles. 
               
               
                 U.S. Pat. No. 6,679,615 
                 Lighted signaling system for user 
                 Jan. 20, 2004 
                 Raliegh A. Spearing 
               
               
                   
                 of vehicle 
               
               
                 US2007/0063831 
                 Signaling safety system 
                 Mar. 22, 2007 
                 Barry Perkinds, Joseph 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Cordina 
               
               
                 U.S. Pat. No. 6,525,652 
                 Downshifting warning system 
                 Feb. 25, 2003 
                 Clayton S. Smith 
               
               
                 U.S. Pat. No. 6,943,677 
                 Modulated Intensity Flasher for 
                 Sep. 13, 2005 
                 Clyde H Boyer, Edward J. 
               
               
                   
                 Vehicle Brake Light with Lockout 
                   
                 Stropkay, Robert C. Morris 
               
               
                 U.S. Pat. No. 4,918,424 
                 Two-stage brake light system 
                 Apr. 17, 1990 
                 R Douglas Sykora 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Description of Prior Arts Relating to Signal Jacket 
       [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,925,654 discloses a safety signal jacket for riders of non-enclosed vehicles. The apparatus is to be activated by the way of electrical communication. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,679,615 discloses a lighted signaling system for the user of a vehicle that contains light sources that illuminate in a pattern selected from the group consisting of advertisements, logos, names, and trade names. 
         [0010]    U.S. Publ. No. US2007/0063831 discloses an indication mechanism that is attached to a garment of the rider. The indication mechanism has two banks of LED arrays and a wireless radio receiver. The wireless system is linked to the wiring system of the motorcycle light system. When the signal interface detects a signal sent through the wiring system of the motorcycle the signal interface sends a signal via the transmitter to the receiver of the indication mechanism. Alternately, rather than utilizing a signal interface, the indication mechanism may include an accelerometer to detect deceleration of the bicycle. 
       Description of Prior Art Relating to Brake Lights 
       [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,525,652 describes a system which will automatically activate the conventional vehicle brake system under conditions of downshifting causing deceleration. In this respect, the deceleration rate indicator system departs from conventional system and in doing so informs driver of following vehicle the rate of deceleration. This system uses an accelerometer with tachometer to provide rate of deceleration. It requires communication with the vehicle. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,943,677 describes a two region brake light. One region is the conventional braking and another is modulated to increase perception. It uses a time-out to avoid irritating flashing in stop and go traffic i.e. it is disabled in stop and go traffic. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,918,424 is a two stage brake light system. One is a braking light and the other is stopping light. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0014]    Aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure provide an improved method to signal deceleration and braking. Deceleration typically precedes braking as driver downshifts and closes the throttle of the vehicle. An apparatus that indicates the rate of deceleration and warns of stoppage for users of non-enclosed vehicles, keeps the user safer while braking on the road and warns a following driver when the user is stopped. (e.g., at a stop sign, traffic light). The system is self contained and does not require any connection or modifications to the vehicle. The only maintenance required is to keep the removable battery charged. 
         [0015]    These, as well as other components, steps, features, benefits and advantages of the present disclosure, will now become clear from a review of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The drawings disclose illustrative embodiments. They do not set forth all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead. Details that may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted to save space or for more effective illustration. Conversely, some embodiments may be practiced without all of the details that are disclosed. When the same numeral appears in different drawings, it refers to the same or like components or steps. 
           [0017]    Aspects of the disclosure may be more fully understood from the following description when read together with the accompanying drawings, which are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as limiting. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed on the principles of the disclosure. 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a back view of one embodiment of the disclosure, application on a motorcycle jacket. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the disclosure, application on a backpack. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the disclosure, application on a motorcycle trunk. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is an embodiment of the disclosure, mounted on a helmet. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the disclosure, application on a motorcycle. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the apparatus illustrating one configuration of a lighting mechanism. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is an accelerometer axis diagram of the apparatus. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a top level electrical block diagram of the apparatus. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a processor level electrical block diagram of the apparatus. 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a flow chart of an initialization sequence of the apparatus. 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is a flow chart of an operation sequence of the apparatus. 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is a flow chart of a city mode sequence of the apparatus. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    Illustrative embodiments are now discussed. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead. Details that may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted to save space or for a more effective presentation. Conversely, some embodiments may be practiced without all of the details that are disclosed. 
         [0031]    This disclosure seeks to exploit the awareness that drivers already make with flashing light as it grabs attention. An extension to that idea is drivers associate increased urgency with increased rate of flashing light. 
         [0032]      FIG. 1  shows one embodiment of the disclosure. A motorcycle jacket  10  may be provided with a deceleration rate indicator apparatus  11  on a back panel thereof. As will be described in greater detail below, the apparatus  11  includes a visible lighting mechanism  12  having one or more lights. The apparatus  11  may be mounted anywhere on the back of the motorcycle jacket  10  and is shown in the present embodiment on an upper, center portion of the back panel. In one embodiment the motorcycle jacket  10  may be manufactured with the apparatus  11  already integrated in the jacket. Alternatively, the apparatus  11  may be manufactured and sold separate from the motorcycle jacket  10  and attached afterward. 
         [0033]      FIG. 6  illustrates one configuration of the apparatus  11 . Here, the apparatus  11  is shown having a circular configuration, however, the apparatus  11  may be adapted to other shapes and sizes. The lighting mechanism  12  may include one or more lights to improve the visibility of the apparatus  11 . For example, the lighting mechanism  12  may include a first section  13  having a plurality of lights  25  and a second section  14  having a plurality of lights  26 . The first section  13  may be concentric with the second section  14 . The lights  25  and  26  of first and second sections  13  and  14 , respectively, may be designed in any shape with any sizes and number of lights. In addition, there may be additional sections of lights. It is preferably that the arrangement of the sections of lights has a combined area of at least 113 cm 2  and up to 300 cm 2  for users of non-enclosed vehicles, such as motorcycles, jet skis or snowmobiles to meet regulatory requirements. The lights  25  and  26  may have high luminance red-amber automotive grade surface mount light emitting diodes (LEDs) meeting SAE/ECE/JIS automotive color requirements. These LEDS are mounted on a PCB board. The indicators could be mounted on the visible part of the apparatus  11  and the supporting electronics are on the reverse side. The number of LEDs may be determined by luminous output requirements, power available, and physical size. Other aspects of the lighting mechanism can be varied for different driving situations or to meet different market, regulatory requirements and applications. The color, flash rate, size and brightness of the lighting mechanism may be varied to meet these different requirements. 
         [0034]      FIG. 9  illustrates the electrical components of the deceleration rate indicator apparatus  11 . Supporting electronics include a voltage regulator  51 , a 3-axis Microelectromechanical (MEMS) sensor  52 , a microprocessor  53 , a first section LED driver  54 , and a second section LED driver  55 . The voltage regulator  51  regulates the supply voltage with a range of voltage 3V to 14V to the 3.5 Vdc for the MEMS  52  and the microprocessor  53  and 42 Vdc for the first section  54  and second section LED string driver  55 . It may also be designed to be protected from over-voltage and resettable over-current protection. The supporting electronics communicates with a user interface  60 . The user interface  60  includes an ON/OFF switch  56  and a mode switch  57 . Both the ON/OFF switch  56  and the mode switch  57  are designed to be large membrane type switches that may be provided on the left chest or left shoulder area of the user. The large switch is designed to operate while the user is wearing gloves and lights up to confirm to the user that the system is activated. 
         [0035]    As discussed earlier, the first section lights  25  and second section lights  26  are preferably LEDs designed for automotive application. A flexible printed circuit board (PCB) is utilized to maintain the flexibility of a traditional jacket, although a conventional PCB could also be used. A first section (visible) of the apparatus  11  is populated with lights  25  and  26 , while a second section (not shown) holds the control circuit, LED driver circuits and connector. The first and second section may be located separate from each other or together. The first section lights  25  may include LEDs that are designed to be brighter and visible from at least 150 meters. The first section  13  of lights  25 , with ultra bright LEDs, emits more heat and activates when the user is decelerating or stopped, and is therefore designed for lower duty cycle. The second section  14  of lights  26  may include LEDs that are designed to run at higher duty cycle. The main purpose of the second section  14  of lights  26  is to serve as running lights to improve visibility of the user. The second section  14  of lights  26  complements the first section  13  of lights  25  by increasing the intensity of the LEDs with increased deceleration. 
         [0036]      FIG. 7  shows an axis and orientation of an accelerometer of the apparatus  11 . The MEMS sensor  52  ( FIG. 9 ) of apparatus  11  is a common type of an accelerometer. The accelerometer may be a low g, low power inertial sensor. A 3-axis digital accelerometer is utilized in this embodiment, but an analog 2-axis accelerometer could also be used.  FIG. 7  shows how the axis of the MEMS sensor  52  relates to the user. The orientation axis is calibrated during the initialization sequence, which will be explained in greater detail below. 
         [0037]      FIG. 9  is a top level diagram that shows how information data flows in the apparatus  11 . The ON/OFF switch  56  and the mode switch  57  allow the user to turn the apparatus  11  on and off, as well as adjust the different modes of operation available to the user. Since the mode of operation is programmed on the microprocessor  53 , it could be updated with improved algorithm for different applications. 
         [0038]    The deceleration rate indicator apparatus  11  need not be limited to a motorcycle jacket  10 .  FIGS. 2-5  show alternative implementations of the apparatus  11 . In  FIG. 2 , the apparatus  11  is mounted on the front panel of a bag, such as a backpack  15 . In  FIG. 3  the apparatus  11  is mounted on a motorcycle trunk  19 . In this embodiment, the apparatus  11  could be wired to the existing motorcycle wiring or as battery powered standalone. In  FIG. 4 , the apparatus  11  is shown mounted on a helmet  30 . The apparatus  11  could be marketed as an after-market part or designed as original equipment. In  FIG. 5 , the apparatus is shown mounted on a motorcycle  41 . Apparatus  11  is housed in housing  41 . 
       Operation 
     Initialization Sequence 
       [0039]    The apparatus  11  requires initialization or calibration before it is used for the first time.  FIG. 10  is a flow diagram illustration an initialization sequence  100  for the apparatus  11 . At step  102 , the user begins initialization of the apparatus. The user is instructed to enter the initialization sequence the first time the apparatus  11  is used on a particular vehicle. Initialization is performed on a flat surface with the user maintaining the vehicle upright on a flat surface at step  104 . The first step is for the apparatus  11  to sample deceleration rate in the x, y, and z axis when the vehicle is stationary with the engine on. The accelerometer  52  samples up to 100 samples on each axis and provide the data to the microprocessor  53 . The apparatus  11  signals to the user that it is ready for the step  110  in step  108  by flashing LED  58  twice in quick succession. At step  110 , user accelerates to a determined speed up to 50 km/h and maintains speed for up to 5 seconds. The accelerometer  52  samples up to 100 samples on each axis and provides the data to the microprocessor  53 . At step  112 , the user decelerates to a stop in a safe manner. The accelerometer  52  samples up to 100 samples on each axis and provides the data to the microprocessor  53 . The data is stored in the digital microprocessor  53  memory or an external memory can be used. The data serves as spatial orientation to the front of the vehicle. 
       Normal Operation 
       [0040]      FIG. 11  is a flow diagram illustration an operating sequence  200  for the apparatus  11 . The apparatus  11  is activated when user plugs in the cable battery and presses the membrane switch  56  in step  202 . In step  204 , the apparatus  11  starts sampling deceleration rate in x, y, and z axes. In step  206 , the data is filtered with the offset and gain based on data that was collected in the initialization sequence  100 . In step  208  the microprocessor  53  determines vector gravity and calculates a range of moving vectors that are 45° wide and at least 60° to the gravity vector. In step  210 , the microprocessor determine the deceleration rate of the in the moving direction of the motorcycle, or other vehicle. In step  212  the processor  53  then compares the resulting moving axes against a look up table values to determine the flash rate of the light. If deceleration rate exceeds the threshold the next step is  218  and the microprocessor flashes the lights at the rate based on the stored look up table. If deceleration rate does not exceed the threshold, the microprocessor makes a determination if the motorcycle is stopped or moving constantly by comparing deceleration rate to data acquired during the initialization sequence  100 . The apparatus  11  determines the motorcycle is stopped if there are no deceleration in any axes except for the gravity vector. If the motorcycle is determined to be stopped instead of moving at constant speed the light the next step is step  220  where the light flashes for 2 seconds before resetting itself. A status table is simplified below. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Second section 
               
               
                 Action 
                 First section Region Lights 
                 Region Lights 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Stopped 
                 Flash at constant rate 
                 On 
               
               
                 Moving in 
                 Off 
                 On 
               
               
                 constant speed 
               
               
                 Accelerating 
                 Off 
                 On 
               
               
                 Decelerating 
                 Flash at rate proportional to 
                 Increased brightness 
               
               
                   
                 deceleration rate 
                 proportional to deceleration 
               
               
                   
                   
                 rate 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Automatic Mode Switch 
       [0041]    User can select the different modes for the apparatus. The apparatus  11  can also be set to automatically switch between City Mode and Highway Mode.  FIG. 12  is an interrupt sequence  300  for the apparatus  11 . The apparatus  11  sets the counter to 0 during power up in step  302 . If the deceleration exceeds the set threshold in step  304  an interrupt service routine is called and the counter is increased by 1 in step  306 . In step  308  the counter overflow is reviewed. The counter overflow indicates that apparatus deceleration count has exceeded and the user is likely riding in stop and go traffic in a city. If the counter overflowed the apparatus  11  is set to City Mode in step  312  and the counter is set back to 0 in step  302 . If the counter does not overflow then the City Mode reset time is reviewed. If the user has not decelerated exceeding the set threshold this indicates that the user is likely moving on a highway and the apparatus  11  remains in the default mode which is the Highway mode and sets the counter back to 0 in step  302 . The sensitivity of the mode can be software adjusted as City Mode overflow counter value and City Mode reset time can be modified. 
       City Mode 
       [0042]    In city mode the LED brightness is set to low and the brake lights only functions when stopped (flash at 1-2 Hz) and when decelerating at a rate greater than 5 m/ŝ2 (flash at 10 Hz). The user may select the city mode or when set to automatic mode the apparatus switches mode when the deceleration counter exceeds the threshold set. 
       Highway Mode 
       [0043]    In highway mode the LED brightness is set to high (200-500 millicandela) and the full deceleration rate table is utilized. 
       Third Brake Mode 
       [0044]    When integrated as on OEM in Motorcycle or automotive brake lights power conservation is less of an issue but the system receives two inputs from the vehicle. Running lights and traditional brake lights. Both LED brightness are software adjusted to be brighter. The user may also set this mode when concerns for additional visibility exceed concerns for battery conservation such as in bad weather condition. 
         [0045]    Minimum threshold deceleration rate is 2 m/ŝ2 for a minimum of 0.25 seconds. (i.e. the moving average minimum). Once the minimum threshold is reached the light will flash based on the look up table below for 2-5 seconds. Minimum threshold deceleration rate is software adjustable. Flash rate ranges from 1-15 Hz. Table below shows flash rate and its corresponding deceleration rate. All values in the look up table below are software adjustable. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Flash 
                   
               
               
                 Deceleration Rate 
                 rate 
                 Typical event 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 0, stopped 
                   1 Hz 
                 Stopped at light 
               
               
                 2 m/s {circumflex over ( )}2, slowing down/ 
                   2 Hz 
                 Engine Braking 
               
               
                 5 m/s{circumflex over ( )}2 to 9 m/s{circumflex over ( )}2 deceleration 
                 5-9 Hz 
                 Driver applies controlled 
               
               
                 rate, active braking 
                   
                 pressure to brake smoothly 
               
               
                 Greater than 9 m/s{circumflex over ( )}2, 
                  15 Hz 
                 Driver is braking to avoid 
               
               
                 Emergency Braking 
                   
                 collision 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0046]    The table below shows software adjustable values. Different manufacturers of apparel may wish to customize how the apparatus behaves to suit the need and preference of their customers. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Item 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Flash time 
                 Period of flash time when minimum 
               
               
                   
                 deceleration threshold reached 
               
               
                 Min Deceleration rate 
                 Minimum deceleration threshold 
               
               
                 Flash rate (stopped) 
                 Flash rate when stopped 
               
               
                 Flash rate (slowing down) 
                 Flash rate when slowing 
               
               
                 Flash rate (active braking) 
                 Flash rate when active braking 
               
               
                 Flash rate (Emergency braking) 
                 Flash rate when emergency braking 
               
               
                 Highway mode running light 
                 Set duty cycle of the running light in 
               
               
                 Brightness 
                 highway mode 
               
               
                 Highway mode brake/running light 
                 Default value is 2.5 to 1. Brake light 
               
               
                 intensity ratio 
                 duty cycle is a multiply of the 
               
               
                   
                 running light brightness. 
               
               
                 City mode running light Brightness 
                 Set duty cycle of the running light in 
               
               
                   
                 city mode 
               
               
                 City mode brake/running light 
                 Default value is 2.5 to 1. Brake light 
               
               
                 intensity ratio 
                 duty cycle is a multiply of the 
               
               
                   
                 running light brightness 
               
               
                 City Mode overflow counter value 
                 Set number of deceleration 
               
               
                   
                 occurrence before apparatus switches 
               
               
                   
                 to city mode 
               
               
                 City Mode reset time 
                 Set time before overflow counter 
               
               
                   
                 is reset to 0 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0047]    Advantages of the apparatus  11  include a simple standalone unit that can easily be integrated into apparel or other accessories to provide more perceptible indication to a following vehicle that the user has begun a deceleration event. Drivers following a user with the present apparatus receive indication of the user&#39;s deceleration and the rate of deceleration and may, therefore, make better driving decisions. Since the apparatus  11  detects deceleration by using an electro-mechanical sensor, the apparatus  11  warns following vehicles of deceleration when the user releases throttle or uses engine braking. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation encourages motorcyclists to constantly flash their brake lights when stopped to increase visibility, however, many fail to do so because of the effort required. 
         [0048]    The apparatus  11  can be adapted for safety apparel and accessories or incorporated into conventional automotive brake lights. The only modification required when integrating in an existing brake light is to provide a low voltage dc source and this modification is not needed if an auxiliary battery power is used. Since the apparatus  11  is a standalone unit, the apparatus  11  can be marketed in the aftermarket industry or original equipment manufacturer. Bicyclist, snowmobile riders, jet-ski riders all can benefit from deceleration indicator. Thus several advantages of one or more aspects are to provide improved decelerating indication, improved visibility and increased time for drivers to react as deceleration by releasing throttle or downshifting typically precedes actual braking. 
         [0049]    While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but as exemplifications of various embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the various embodiments, for example, the apparatus could be applied for sports such as skiing, bicycling, etc. Thus the scope should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given. 
         [0050]    The above descriptions are the embodiments to exemplify the present disclosure to enable the person skilled in the art to understand, make and use embodiments of the present disclosure. This description, however, is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Any equivalent modification and variation according to the spirit of the present disclosure is to be also included within the scope of the claims stated below. 
         [0051]    The components, steps, features, benefits and advantages that have been discussed are merely illustrative. None of them, nor the discussions relating to them, are intended to limit the scope of protection in any way. Numerous other embodiments are also contemplated. These include embodiments that have fewer, additional, and/or different components, steps, features, benefits and advantages. These also include embodiments in which the components and/or steps are arranged and/or ordered differently. 
         [0052]    Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain. The scope of protection is limited solely by the claims. That scope is intended and should be interpreted to be as broad as is consistent with the ordinary meaning of the language that is used in the claims when interpreted in light of this specification and the prosecution history that follows and to encompass all structural and functional equivalents.

Technology Category: g