Importance

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Abstract

A proximity sensing and indicating system for use in automobiles for instance to provide a warning signal to both the car driver and possibly other drivers that the car so equipped is approaching an obstacle at an unsafe speed and/or is getting too close thereto. The system operation is autonomous and is not monitored by the driver once the system is turned on, it responds only to the presence of an obstacle located ahead of the vehicle. The system detects the differential velocity between the car and the obstacle and determines the distance separating the car from the obstacle which may be fixed or moving in a general direction substantially oriented in the same direction as that followed by the system-equipped vehicle. A signal is generated whenever the combination of differential velocity and separation distance reaches an unsafe level. This signal may be processed so as to emit various types of signals that can be seen, heard and/or be used for taking emergency action such as causing the vehicle brakes to be applied automatically if the driver does not heed the passive signals already emitted. Provisions are built-in to prevent the driver from turning off the system after the emission of a signal has been initiated.

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First Claim