Importance

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Abstract

The driver, in trying to manage the directional control of his vehicle, is often seen rotating his head or torso beyond 90 degrees (past perpendicular) in an effort to gain intelligence about what competing vehicles are flanking his 'blindsides.' Such a competing vehicle may occupy that area in the 'blindside' (left, right or both sides past perpendicular) not directly observable through the rear view mirror. The requirement to make an extraordinary inspection of the vehicle 'blindside' is often exacerbated by the poor design utility of the vehicle itself. Those who are physically unable to check the 'blindspot' (such as the elderly) knowingly risk collision. The instant invention is the first high-technology effort to address a solution to this problem. A sequentially operating dual sensor technology is used. The first sensor effort takes place as a photonic event. An infrared light emitting diode (IRLED) is coupled to an infrared sensitive phototransistor (PT) or photo-darlington (PD) through the reflectance of incident light energy from the target vehicle. Once detected, a preset time delayed switch is made which activates operation of the second sensor. The second sensor is ultrasonic. The vehicle operator is actually given the distance (in feet) between his vehicle and the threat obstacle.

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First Claim