Patent Application
20140085106
In the mining industry, such as open pit mines, large haul trucks are used to carry product from the point of digging to another location for transport or processing of the mined materials. Haul trucks are typically significantly larger than pickup trucks and other vehicles commonly used in and around a mine. In some haul trucks, the driver sits at a position 15 ft. to 20 ft. above ground, and the tires of the truck may range in size from 10 ft. to 14 ft. in height. It is not uncommon for haul trucks to run over smaller vehicles because of the limited view of the driver of the haul truck of objects that are in close proximity to the haul truck.
Government standards have been enacted in an effort to reduce the number of accidents involving haul trucks and smaller vehicles. One such standard is that small vehicles used in proximity to haul trucks must carry a whip or lighting system, which provide increased visibility for the smaller vehicles. A whip is an elongate flexible rod that extends vertically upward from the vehicle. The lighting may include a strobe light. The lighting may be positioned at any location on the vehicle, and may even be carried at a free end of the whip.
Another regulation is that all haul trucks and vehicles in use around haul trucks must carry a two-way radio so that the vehicle drivers can readily communicate with each other.
However, even with these extra precautions, it is sometimes difficult if not impossible for the driver of a haul truck to see a smaller vehicle that is in close proximity to the haul truck. Thus, opportunities exist for providing improved identification of smaller vehicles in proximity to haul trucks.
As will be described in greater detail below, the instant disclosure generally relates to a vehicle proximity warning system. The system includes a first device carried by a first vehicle and comprising a first transceiver and a first warning device. The system also includes a second device carried by a second vehicle and comprising a second transceiver and a second warning device. The first device determines proximity of the first vehicle relative to the second vehicle and generates a warning signal with the first warning device when the proximity is within a first predetermined distance. The second device determines proximity of the second vehicle relative to the first vehicle and generates a warning signal with the second warning device when the proximity is within a second predetermined distance.
The first and second warning signals may be one of a light, an audible noise, and a text or symbol on a display screen. The second transceiver may be positioned in a whip carried by the second vehicle. The first predetermined distance may be in the range of about 50 ft. to about 100 ft. The first and second transceivers may generate and receive one of a global position system (GPS) signal and a radio signal. A signal generated by the first and second transceivers may include identification information about the first and second vehicles, respectively. The first device may determine a proximity of the first vehicle relative to the second vehicle when the second vehicle is located out of view of a driver of the first vehicle.
Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a vehicle proximity warning system that includes first and second devices. The first device is configured to be carried by a first vehicle and comprises at least a receiver, a microcontroller, and a warning device. The second device is configured to be carried by a second vehicle and comprises at least a transmitter configured to transmit a signal unique to the second vehicle. The receiver is configured to receive the signal, the microcontroller is configured to determine whether the second vehicle is within a predetermined distance relative to the first vehicle based on the signal, and the warning device generates a warning signal when the second vehicle is determined to be within the predetermined distance.
The warning signal may include identification information about the second vehicle. The second device may be configured to be carried by a whip, which is mounted to the second vehicle. The signal may be a radio signal. The signal may be a global position system (GPS) signal and the first device plots a position of the second vehicle on a display. The first device may include a display, the display showing information about proximity of the second vehicle to the first vehicle. The first device may include a transmitter configured to transmit a signal to the second device. The second device may be configured to be carried by a light fixture, which is mounted to the second vehicle.
A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of determining proximity between at least first and second vehicles. The method includes providing a first device having at least a receiver, a microcontroller, and a warning device, and a second device having at least a transmitter, generating a first signal with the second device and transmitting the first signal, receiving the first signal with the receiver, determining a proximity of the second vehicle to the first vehicle with the microcontroller, and operating the warning device to generate a warning signal when proximity of the second vehicle is within a predetermined distance relative to the first vehicle.
The first signal may be unique to the second vehicle. The warning signal may be at least one of a light, an audible noise, and a text or symbol shown on a display. The first device may include a transmitter, the second device may include a receiver, a microcontroller and a warning device, and the method further includes generating a second signal with the first device and t ransmitting the second signal, receiving the second signal with the receiver of the second device, determining a proximity of the first vehicle to the second vehicle with the microcontroller of the second device, and operating the warning device of the second device to generate a warning signal when the first vehicle is within a predetermined distance relative to the second vehicle.
The second signal may be unique to the first vehicle. The method may include positioning the transmitter in a whip, which is carried by the second vehicle. The method may include transmitting the first signal as a radio signal.
Features from any of the above-mentioned embodiments may be used in combination with one another in accordance with the general principles described herein. These and other embodiments, features and advantages will be more fully understood upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.
The accompanying drawings illustrate a number of exemplary embodiments and are a part of the specification. Together with the following description, these drawings demonstrate and explain various principles of the instant disclosure.
Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and descriptions indicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. While the exemplary embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, one of skill in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope defined by the appended claims.
As will be described in greater detail below, the present disclosure relates generally to communication between vehicles, and more particularly relates to determining proximity between vehicles based on communication signals between the vehicles. One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a vehicle proximity warning system that provides a warning to the driver of a first vehicle when at least one other vehicle comes within a predetermined distance of the first vehicle. In one example, the vehicle proximity warning system includes a receiver associated with the first vehicle and a transmitter associated with the two or more other vehicles, and the receiver of the first vehicle receives signals generated by the transmitters of the other vehicles. The system uses the received signal to determine a proximity of the first vehicle relative to the other vehicles. The system may generate a warning to the driver of at least one of the vehicles when any of the other vehicles moves within a predetermined distance of the first vehicle. The warning may include at least one of a light, an audible noise, and text or symbols displayed for viewing by the driver. The driver may then have the option of changing the course of the first vehicle or communicating with the drivers of the other vehicles to request a change of course of the other vehicles.
In another embodiment, the vehicle proximity warning system provides a separate device in each vehicle, wherein each device includes at least a transceiver, a microprocessor, and a warning device. Each of the devices sends and receives signals and determines, using the microprocessor, a proximity of the other vehicles relative to the vehicle carrying that device. The warning device may then provide a warning to the driver when one of the other vehicles moves within a predetermined distance of the vehicle in which the driver is driving. The driver may then have the option of changing the course of the vehicle being driven, or communicate with the drivers of the other vehicles (e.g., via a two-way radio) to request a change of course of the other vehicles.
The signals generated by the vehicle proximity warning system may encode identification information about the vehicle from which the signal originates. In some examples, the signal is a radio signal and the vehicle proximity warning system utilizes a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) pin commonly found in most industry manufactured transceivers. The strength of the RSSI pin supplies an analog voltage proportional to the received signal strength, which is entered into a microcontroller for determining the approaching vehicle's relative location. Determining an approaching vehicle's relative position may be determined continuously to provide real-time indications of relative proximity of multiple vehicles.
In another example, the signal is a GPS-related signal, and the location of a plurality of vehicles is plotted on a display screen. The position of the vehicles on the display screen may be updated continuously to show the driver not only the position of other vehicles, but the direction of movement of the other vehicles relative to each other.
Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a master control center in which a position of a plurality of vehicles is monitored at a remote location from the vehicles (e.g., at a stationary control center). An operator of the system at the control center may monitor the proximity of multiple vehicles (e.g., a fleet of haul trucks), relative to other vehicles and provide warnings to drivers as needed when the vehicles come into relatively close proximity to each other (e.g., within a predetermined distance).
Other scenarios are possible including one in which three or more vehicles each carry a separate device of the vehicle proximity warning system 10.
The devices 12, 14, 16 may be carried by vehicles 20, 22, 24, respectively, at any desired location on the vehicle. In at least one example, the vehicle 22 includes a whip 62, and the device 14 is mounted to the whip 62. In some examples, the whip 62 includes a light fixture at a distal end thereof. The device 14 may be mounted to, within, or adjacent to the light fixture carried by whip 62. Device 14 may draw power from a power source that powers the light fixture carried by whip 62. The device 16 may be mounted to, within, or adjacent to a light 64 of the vehicle 24. The light 64 may be positioned in any desired location such as, for example, on a roof of the vehicle 24. The light 64 may include, for example, a strobe light. The device 16 may draw power from the same power source used to operate light 64.
Alternatively, the devices 12, 14, 16 may be positioned within a cab or at another location inside or outside of the vehicles 20, 22, 24. In some arrangements, portions of the devices 12, 14, 16 are positioned internally within the vehicle (e.g., a display screen or warning device) and other portions of the devices 12, 14, 16 are positioned external the cab of the vehicle (e.g., on a whip or an externally mounted light fixture).
The transceiver 32 may include one or both of receiver 42 and transmitter 44 depending on whether the vehicle proximity warning system 10 is set up as a one-way or two-way communication system with other devices. The signals sent by transmitter 44 may include, for example, identification information about the vehicle that carries device 12 or a GPS signal. The signals may also include warning information and proximity information.
The warning device 36 may provide communication with the driver concerning proximity of other vehicles. The warning device 36 may generate or operate, for example, a light, an audible noise, or the display of text or symbols on a monitor or other display 38. The warning generated by warning device 36 may include identification information about the vehicle that is in close proximity such as, for example, an identification code, a driver name, a vehicle type, or contact information for reaching the driver via, for example, a radio, cell phone, or other communications device.
In another example, the device 14 includes additional components such as the same or similar components as the device 12.
The vehicle proximity warning system 10 may include any combination of the features of device 14 shown in
An example method in accordance with the present disclosure includes providing a communication signal between two vehicles, determining proximity of the vehicles relative to each other based on the communication signal, and generating a warning signal for the driver of at least one of the vehicles when proximity of the vehicles is within a predetermined distance. At least one of the vehicles may be a haul truck used in the mining industry. At least one of the vehicles may be a vehicle that is smaller than a haul truck and must yield a right of way to haul trucks.
Another example method in accordance with the present disclosure includes sending a radio signal from one vehicle to another, automatically determining a distance between the vehicles based on the radio signal, and generating a warning signal to the driver of at least one of the vehicles when a minimum distance between vehicles is exceeded.
Other steps of the method 100 may include providing the first signal as a unique signal for the second vehicle. The method may include providing the warning signal as at least one of a light, an inaudible noise, and a text or symbol shown on a display. The method may include providing the first device with a transmitter and the second device with a receiver, microcontroller and a warning device. The method may include generating a second signal with the first device and transmitting the second signal, receiving the second signal with the receiver of the second device, determining a proximity of the first vehicle to the second vehicle with the microcontroller of the second device, and operating the warning device of the second device to generate a warning signal when proximity of the first vehicle is within a predetermined distance relative to the second vehicle. The second signal may be unique to the vehicle. The method may include positioning the transmitter in a whip, which is carried by the second vehicle. The method may include transmitting the first signal as a radio signal.
Referring to
The predetermined distance may vary depending on a number of factors. In one example, the predetermined distance is less than 200 ft., and more preferably less than about 100 ft. The predetermined distance may change depending on, for example, the speed of at least one of the vehicles. For example, when the speed of a first vehicle is relatively slow, the predetermined distance may be smaller (e.g., under 100 ft.). When the first vehicle is moving faster, the predetermined distance may increase (e.g., less than about 200 ft.). The predetermined distance may also vary depending on the direction in which the vehicles are moving. For example, if the first vehicle is moving in a rearward direction, the driver has even a smaller field of view than when driving forward, so the predetermined distance may be greater than when the first vehicle is moving forward. The proximity module may be programmed to take into account the many different variables that may be a factor for a given application of the vehicle proximity warning system 10.
Bus 312 allows data communication between central processor 314 and system memory 317, which may include read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory (neither shown), and random access memory (RAM) (not shown), as previously noted. The RAM is generally the main memory into which the operating system and application programs are loaded. The ROM or flash memory can contain, among other code, the Basic Input-Output system (BIOS) which controls basic hardware operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices. For example, a proximity module 30 or other functional component of proximity warning system 10 may be used to implement the present systems and methods may be stored within the system memory 317. Applications resident with computer system 310 are generally stored on and accessed via a computer readable medium, such as a hard disk drive (e.g., fixed disk 344), an optical drive (e.g., optical disk drive 340), a floppy disk drive 337, or other storage medium. Additionally, applications can be in the form of electronic signals modulated in accordance with the application and data communication technology when accessed via network modem 347 or interface 348.
Storage interface 334, as with the other storage interfaces of computer system 310, can connect to a standard computer readable medium for storage and/or retrieval of information, such as a fixed disk drive 344. Fixed disk drive 344 may be a part of computer system 310 or may be separate and accessed through other interface systems. Modem 347 may provide a direct connection to a remote server via a telephone link or to the Internet via an internet service provider (ISP). Network interface 348 may provide a direct connection to a remote server via a direct network link to the Internet via a POP (point of presence). Network interface 348 may provide such connection using wireless techniques, including digital cellular telephone connection, Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) connection, digital satellite data connection or the like.
Many other devices or subsystems (not shown) may be connected in a similar manner (e.g., document scanners, digital cameras and so on). Conversely, all of the devices shown in
Moreover, regarding the signals described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that a signal can be directly transmitted from a first block to a second block, or a signal can be modified (e.g., amplified, attenuated, delayed, latched, buffered, inverted, filtered, or otherwise modified) between the blocks. Although the signals of the above described embodiment are characterized as transmitted from one block to the next, other embodiments of the present disclosure may include modified signals in place of such directly transmitted signals as long as the informational and/or functional aspect of the signal is transmitted between blocks. To some extent, a signal input at a second block can be conceptualized as a second signal derived from a first signal output from a first block due to physical limitations of the circuitry involved (e.g., there will inevitably be some attenuation and delay). Therefore, as used herein, a second signal derived from a first signal includes the first signal or any modifications to the first signal, whether due to circuit limitations or due to passage through other circuit elements which do not change the informational and/or final functional aspect of the first signal.
With reference to computer system 310, modem 347, network interface 348 or some other method can be used to provide connectivity from each of client computer systems 410, 420 and 430 to network 450. Client systems 410, 420 and 430 are able to access information on storage server 440A or 440B using, for example, a web browser or other client software (not shown). Such a client allows client systems 410, 420 and 430 to access data hosted by storage server 440A or 440B or one of storage devices 460A(1)-(N), 460B(1)-(N), 480(1)-(N) or intelligent storage array 490.
While the foregoing disclosure sets forth various embodiments using specific block diagrams, flowcharts, and examples, each block diagram component, flowchart step, operation, and/or component described and/or illustrated herein may be implemented, individually and/or collectively, using a wide range of hardware, software, or firmware (or any combination thereof) configurations. In addition, any disclosure of components contained within other components should be considered exemplary in nature since many other architectures can be implemented to achieve the same functionality.
The process parameters and sequence of steps described and/or illustrated herein are given by way of example only and can be varied as desired. For example, while the steps illustrated and/or described herein may be shown or discussed in a particular order, these steps do not necessarily need to be performed in the order illustrated or discussed. The various exemplary methods described and/or illustrated herein may also omit one or more of the steps described or illustrated herein or include additional steps in addition to those disclosed.
Furthermore, while various embodiments have been described and/or illustrated herein in the context of fully functional computing systems, one or more of these exemplary embodiments may be distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, regardless of the particular type of computer-readable media used to actually carry out the distribution. The embodiments disclosed herein may also be implemented using software modules that perform certain tasks. These software modules may include script, batch, or other executable files that may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium or in a computing system. In some embodiments, these software modules may configure a computing system to perform one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.
The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present systems and methods and their practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present systems and methods and various embodiments with various modifications as may be suited to the particular use contemplated.
Unless otherwise noted, the terms “a” or “an,” as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as meaning “at least one of.” In addition, for ease of use, the words “including” and “having,” as used in the specification and claims, are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word “comprising.”
This claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/704,263, filed on 21 Sep. 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61704263 | Sep 2012 | US |
