This invention relates to a cyclist warning system, in particular a warning system for the nearside of heavy goods vehicles such as trucks and buses.

Cyclists are frequently injured or killed by a vehicle turning to the nearside, that is to say the pavement side. Typically a cyclist is on the nearside of a vehicle when travelling across a road junction, and is hit by the vehicle as it turns to the nearside. The reasons for such collisions are many and various, and include inattention by the cyclist and/or the vehicle driver, failure by the vehicle driver to indicate a turn, a broken or malfunctioning vehicle indicator, and the vehicle rear view mirror(s) having a blind spot in which the cyclist is situated.

It would be desirable to reduce the incidence of such collisions in a simple and inexpensive manner.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a warning system for the nearside of a vehicle, and comprising a controller for a vehicle cab, and one or more warning devices responsive to said controller for providing a visual and/or audible warning at the nearside of said vehicle, said controller being triggered by operation of a vehicle nearside turn indicator to operate said one or more warning devices.

In one embodiment the warning device comprises an illuminated sign adapted for attachment to the vehicle. In one embodiment the audible warning is one of speech and a warning sound. The one or more warning devices may provide both a visual and an audible warning, and a single warning device may provide both a visual and an audible warning. Typically an illuminated sign exceeds 100mm in a transverse dimension, and may be circular. In one embodiment a circular warning sign is provided having a diameter of 140mm.

The invention has the advantage of giving additional warning to a cyclist at the nearside of a vehicle of the intention of the driver of the vehicle to turn to the nearside. An embodiment of the invention includes two or more warning signs for attachment at different longitudinal locations on the vehicle, for example at the front and back of a vehicle load bed, or on the tractor and trailer of an articulated vehicle. In an embodiment, the warning device comprises an enclosure containing a printed circuit board on which are provided a plurality of light emitting diodes in a warning pattern. In use the light emitting diodes are illuminated on operation of the nearside turn indicator, and in one embodiment the light emitting diodes may flash in any desired manner.

The light emitting diodes may be arranged in a circular pattern with an oblique slash, in the manner of a conventional warning sign, and may further show a somewhat schematic bicycle consisting of frame and wheels. The schematic bicycle may be in a different colour. Furthermore the schematic bicycle may flash within a non-flashing circular pattern of light emitting diodes, or may flash at a different rate from the circular pattern.

The enclosure of the warning sign is preferably hermetically sealed and may include a lens or cover through which the warning is illuminated. The enclosure may include fixings for attachment to a vehicle, and such fixings may be adapted to screws, rivets, tie wraps or any other convenient fixing device. In one embodiment the enclosure comprises a circular moulding of plastics material, such as ABS.

The controller is typically in the form of a box-like casing within which is housed electronic components for providing power and control of the illuminated sign(s). Typically the controller and illuminated sign(s) are connected by a wiring harness, and one harness may be provided for each illuminated sign. The audible warning device of the invention may also be connected to the controller via a wiring harness, and more than one such audible warning device may be provided. The controller is typically arranged for installation on the vehicle dashboard within sight and reach of the vehicle driver. The controller includes certain inputs, namely a power supply and a control lead connected to a vehicle nearside turn indicator.

The power supply is preferably from the vehicle, and the controller may be arranged to receive a range of voltages, for example 9-32v, so as to be adaptable to a wide range of vehicles. The turn indicator signals may be from a vehicle CAN-BUS or the like, but in one embodiment is a single wire coupled to the nearside output of the turn signal switch.

In one embodiment the controller provides visual and/or audible warning whilst the turn indicator is operating. In another embodiment the controller provides visual and/or audible warning for a pre-determined period after commencement of operation of the turn indicator. The controller may continue to provide visual and/or audible warning for a pre-determined period after operation of the turn indicator has ceased.

The invention may further include an inhibit for low ambient light conditions. Such an arrangement obviates warnings at night time when warning signals may be both unnecessary and an annoyance. Such an inhibit may stop audible warnings whilst permitting visual warnings.

The ambient light inhibit may be automatic, by virtue of an ambient light sensor, and/or may be associated with a vehicle function such as a lighting switch. Thus an ambient light inhibit may be enabled upon the vehicle driver turning on the vehicle lights. Automatic inhibit may be enabled by an ambient light sensor incorporated within the warning device, and communicating with the controller via the wiring harness thereof. Inhibit associated with a vehicle lighting switch may be by way of a single wire signal from the lighting switch to the controller, and may be associated with side lights or headlights. Ambient light inhibit may also be effected by means of a time clock, for example via a clock of the controller, or via a clock of the vehicle or CAN-BUS. Such a clock may incorporate a daylight time program to adjust inhibition to suit the variation in sunrise and sunset. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a driver warning system for a vehicle comprising a controller for a vehicle cab, a device responsive to said controller for providing a warning in said cab and a plurality of proximity sensors for sensing a cyclist at the nearside of the vehicle, said plurality of sensors communicating with said controller via signals, and said controller being adapted to discriminate said signals to activate said warning device upon detection of a cyclist relative to the vehicle.

In one embodiment the controller is automatically triggered by operation of a vehicle nearside turn indicator, but it is envisaged that in this embodiment the system will also be enabled notwithstanding that a nearside turn indicator is not triggered.

The invention has the advantage of giving the driver of a vehicle warning as to the presence of a body which has approached the nearside of the vehicle. This could typically occur at junctions where the vehicle is forced to slow or stop and in slow moving traffic.

The invention may further comprise an inhibit associated with a high road speed, for example above 30mph (48kph). The controller may have a further input, for example a single wire input, indicative of vehicle speed or comprising an output triggered by a vehicle speed above or below a pre-determined value. Such an input may be provided via a vehicle CAN-BUS signal, or from road speed sensor, such as that associated with a pulse sensor of a tachograph or of a transmission element. Other means of sensing road speed are possible, including for example Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) signals, and on-board vehicle radar. A GPS receiver may be incorporated in the enclosure of the warning device.

The advantage of inhibition according to road speed is that unnecessary warning signals are not produced. It is acknowledged that above a minimum road speed the risk of collision or accident is very low and accordingly inhibition of the invention is appropriate. The road speed at which inhibition occurs may be settable according to any appropriate parameter, such as territory, terrain or location, for example according to geographical GPS data.

Either aspect of the invention may further include a mute function to avoid unnecessary warning signals when not appropriate, for example during normal sleeping hours. Such a mute function may be automatic, and for example derived from a clock signal of the vehicle transmitted to the controller, or from an internal clock of the controller as previously described. Optionally, or additionally, a manual mute function may be provided, for example via a switch on the controller.

In order to avoid a vehicle driver switching on the mute function so as to leave the system permanently muted, the controller may cause the mute to be disabled each time the vehicle ignition is switched on or enabled, or according to a time function. Vehicle ignition may for example be sensed by the presence or absence of power to the controller. Alternatively muting may be disabled each time the vehicle engine is started, thus requiring manual re-enablement by the vehicle driver, if required.

In an enhancement, the warning system of the first aspect of the invention may include a proximity device to detect the presence of a cyclist alongside the vehicle, and an alert device for the vehicle driver. Typically the proximity device will be incorporated within the warning device, and the alert device will be incorporated within the controller, so that the system is self-contained. The alert device may for example be a sounder, for example a piezo-sounder. Many different kinds of proximity device may be suitable, and several such devices may provide signals from which an intelligent output may be derived.

In one example the or each proximity device is a proximity sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor. Such a sensor may use the Doppler effect to help distinguish moving objects from stationary objects, or several such sensors may be combined to determine the relative direction and speed of an object to the nearside of the vehicle, thereby to eliminate objects which are not considered to be cyclists. Suitable programming and logic may be incorporated in the controller, for example in the form of a programmable computer chip and memory, for example to eliminate objects moving at less than a low relative threshold speed, for example less than 0.2 m/sec.

A plurality of proximity devices may be arranged alongside the nearside of the vehicle. The plurality of proximity sensors may be installed on a bar which is then itself fitted to the nearside of the vehicle. Such an arrangement facilitates retro-fitting of the sensors to a vehicle by the simple expedient of screws or rivets.

The proximity device may comprise a heat sensor able to detect heat emitted from a human body, in particular heat emitted at head height. Such a proximity device may be directed at head height of a cyclist, which typically lies within a narrow height band above other heat sources such as vehicle engines and exhaust tail pipes. A heat sensor may be combined with a movement sensor in order to better distinguish a cyclist.

The proximity device may comprise one or more cameras. In one embodiment the camera or cameras are infrared cameras adapted to identify a thermal image. In another embodiment one or more conventional still or video cameras are used to identify a cyclist in conjunction with an image recognition system. Thermal and conventional cameras may be used in combination. Image recognition may for example detect features of a cycle (for example the wheels) in order to distinguish a cyclist from other objects and street furniture.

In a further refinement, outputs from a plurality of infrared and/or conventional cameras may be used to identify relative movement of a cycle with respect to the vehicle, as described above in relation to proximity sensors.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cyclist warning system and the driver warning system are combined.

Other features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of several preferred embodiments shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which:- Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 is an elevation of a warning device of the invention.

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the invention.

With reference to Fig. 1 a warning system 10 of the invention comprises a controller 11, two visual warning devices 12 and an audible warning device 13 having a sound generator 14. The respective sizes of the elements of Fig. 1 are not representative. Typically the warning devices will be around 140mm in diameter and no more than 25mm thick. The controller may be a small rectangular box having a maximum dimension of 100mm, and the sound generator may be incorporated in the controller 11 or in the audible warning device 13, and may be as small as is practicable to generate the required audible warning. In the alternative the audible warning device 13 may be incorporated in one or both of the visual warning devices 12.

The controller 11 contains electronic circuitry for controlling and operating the warning devices 12, 13, and has inputs providing a supply voltage 15, a nearside turn indicator signal 16, a road speed signal 17, an ambient light sensor signal 18 and a mute signal 19. The road speed, ambient light and mute signals are optional, as will be described.

In use the controller is mounted in the vehicle cab in a location convenient for operation by the vehicle driver, and adjacent the input signal sources, in particular the turn indicator switch. Mounting may for example be by adhesive pad or screw fasteners. The controller responds to a nearside turn signal to illuminate the visual warning devices 12, and to sound the audible warning device 13. The warnings may be activated whilst the turn signal is enabled, and/or may be timed.

Fig. 2 illustrates in detail an embodiment of the visual warning device 12, and comprises a substrate 21, typically in the form of a printed circuit board to which is attached an array of individual light emitting diodes 22 which are illuminated in use. The LEDs, in this embodiment, are connected in several groups, namely the warning element comprising the outer circle 23 and oblique slash 24, the bicycle wheels 25 and the bicycle frame 26 (including handlebar and seat). These three elements are capable of individual operation in any desired sequence. Moreover the individual LEDs of each element may be illuminated successively or intermittently to better attract the attention of a cyclist. For example the wheels of the bicycle may appear to rotate, and the warning element 23,24 may flash. The LEDs may be of the same colour, or a different colour in order to better attract attention. Typically the LEDs are red, signifying danger. 1 12 LEDs are illustrated in the example of Fig. 2.

The audible warning device 13 may be programmed to give a warning sound or white noise, or may issue a spoken message such as 'WARNING, THIS VEHICLE IS TURNING' . The sound or message may be pre-programmed in a memory of the controller 11, and a selector may be provided on the controller to permit selection of one of several alternative warnings. In a refinement the controller 11 may permit uploading or recording of a particular message or sound, for example in the form of an electronic sound file.

The visual warning device 12 is typically incorporated in a hermetically sealed circular housing adapted for attachment to the body or chassis of a vehicle, at a suitable nearside location and rear facing, and typically at a height appropriate to the head of a cyclist so as to be within the normal field of vision. Each device 12 may be operated successively or in unison.

Fig. 3 illustrates a refinement of the invention, in which the controller has additional inputs 31-33 associated with proximity sensors at the vehicle nearside, and a warning device 37 for the vehicle driver, which may be audible and/or visual. The driver warning system (not shown) of the present invention comprises a controller 11 arranged in the vehicle cab with the additional inputs 31-33 associated with proximity sensors at the vehicle nearside, like the warning system of Fig. 3. However unlike the invention of Figs. 1-3 the visual warning device 12 and audible warning device 13 having sound generator 14, of the driver warning system are all located in the vehicle cab, since they are provided for the purpose of attracting the attention of the driver.

Thus the warning device may, depending on configuration, be directed to the cyclist, the driver or both.

Figs. 4-5 show schematically an articulated truck 40 adapted to the invention. Locations for visual warning devices 12 and an audible warning device 13 are illustrated, by way of example only. The audible warning device 13 may be incorporated in a visual warning device 12. Three visual warning devices 12 are illustrated in this example.

Each warning device may include an ultrasonic sensor having a narrow spread and range, somewhat similar to a vehicle parking sensor.

Fig. 5 illustrates the truck 40 in plan, with an indication of the projection of each ultrasonic sensor 34-36. Each sensor comprises a transmitter/detector of conventional kind, and recognises objects within the field of view, generally between the truck 40 and a nearside kerb 41.

The sensors 34-36 provide signals to the controller 11, which includes discrimination software for analyzing the inputs 31-33. Such software may use Doppler techniques to recognize a moving cyclist, or may detect relative forward movement of a cyclist by detecting successive inputs form the rearmost sensor 36 to the front most sensor 34. In any event stationary objects, such as street furniture, may be eliminated by having a relative speed threshold of, for example, 0.2m/sec. The driver warning system relies logic within the controller 1 1 to interpret the signals received from the sensors 34-36.

The logic looks at the sequence of the signals from the sensors 34-36. This allows the controller 11 to detect relative movement of a cyclist and the truck 40.

A cyclist approaching the near nearside of the truck 40 which has stopped at a junction (for example), has his presence detected sequentially, first by sensor 36, then sensor 33 and then sensor 34 as the cyclist moves alongside the truck 40. In contrast, an item of street furniture will have no relative movement with respect to the stationary truck 40.

In another example, a cyclist approaching the near nearside of the truck 40 which is moving in slow moving traffic, has his presence detected sequentially, first by sensor 36, then sensor 33 and then sensor 34 as the cyclist passes alongside the truck 40.

Items of street furniture will have a relative velocity equal and opposite to the velocity of the truck 40, and therefore will not be erroneously identified as cyclists by the driver's warning system.

A variety of discrimination techniques is possible depending on the orientation and power of each sensor, and the sophistication of the software in the controller 11. Such techniques are within the ability of a suitably skilled person. In a refinement or alternative, a heat sensor may detect body heat of the cyclist, and is for example aimed at cyclist head height. Upon detection of body heat within a height band of e.g. 1-1.8m, the controller may cause an alarm to sound. A body heat signal may be combined with a movement detector in order to eliminate pedestrians within the range of the detectors, in particular pedestrians who are stationary or walking at less than the relative speed threshold.

In the event that a threat is indicated, a sounder 37 of the controller issues an alarm to the vehicle driver. Additional sensors may be provided, for example at the front and rear vehicle bumpers. It is envisaged that the controller will include a selector to permit operation of the warning devices and sensors both individually and together. Thus a driver may choose to activate the sensors 34-36 at all times, or only whilst driving in an urban environment. Such activation may also be automatic, for example by reference to geographical GPS data and for vehicle speed. A GPS sensor may be located in the device so as to provide location and speed information without reference to vehicle systems.

Modifications and alternatives to the invention are envisaged within the scope of the claims appended hereto.