CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/427,473, filed November 29, 2016. The disclosures of the above application are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an active signaling system for pedestrian and hazard identification.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vehicle/Pedestrian collisions and the resulting injuries and deaths are an ongoing concern. There are 4,735 pedestrians killed in traffic crashes in United States. See National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Traffic Safety Facts 2013 Data - Pedestrians. Washington, DC: US Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; 2015. Publication no. DOT-HS-812-124. [cited 2015 Feb 17]. Available at http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/812124.pdf . Accessed February 17, 2016. There are more than 150,000 non-fatal pedestrian injuries from vehicles. Pedestrians are 1 .5 times more likely than vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash. Id. The problems have not been completely addressed with new technology developments.

There have been attempts to reduce or eliminate the vehicle to vehicle and vehicle to pedestrian collisions, such as road flares or warning signs to alert vehicle traffic of a hazard. Other attempts include autonomous vehicle sensors/decision algorithms.

The vehicle industry is seeking to integrate redundant sensors and sophisticated algorithms for making life or death decisions, e.g., autonomous features. There are significant doubts as to whether these systems will always work as designed and if these systems should be trusted. In addition, drivers may rely totally on these systems for hazard detection - and not use their own senses and awareness as they do today.

Accordingly, there remains a need for active signaling for identification of hazards and collision avoidance. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An alert system that is an active system for pedestrian and hazard identification, which connects a pedestrian/hazard radio transmitter to a vehicle's communication system for identification and crash avoidance with the pedestrian/hazard. The radio transmitter is a portable, rechargeable battery powered vehicle-to-vehicle and/or a vehicle-to-anything radio transmitter. The radio transmitter broadcasts a warning signal to connected vehicles and has a flashing light. Thus, not only is the radio transmitter visible to all vehicles, but the transmitter is additionally electronically detectable to connected vehicles/systems. The radio transmitter also functions even when the vehicle is completely disabled. The radio transmitter is also portable to use as desired.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a transmitter assembly in a warning state, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the transmitter assembly of Fig. 1 with a radio transmitter portion separated from a base, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a plurality of communication system radio transmitters depicted stowed, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a plurality of communication system radio transmitters depicted in an exemplary environment of use, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a communication system radio transmitters depicted in an exemplary environment of use, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary display with a hazard alert, according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

Referring to the figures generally, there is provided an active system for pedestrian and hazard identification, which connects a pedestrian/hazard radio transmitter to a vehicle's communication system for identification and crash avoidance with the pedestrian/hazard. The radio transmitter is a portable, rechargeable battery powered vehicle-to-vehicle and/or a vehicle-to-anything radio transmitter. The radio transmitter broadcasts a warning signal to connected vehicles and has a flashing light. Thus, not only is the radio transmitter visible to all vehicles, but the transmitter is additionally electronically detectable to connected vehicles/systems. The radio transmitter also functions even when the vehicle is completely disabled. The radio transmitter is also portable to use as desired, e.g., pedestrian can carry the transmitter to broadcast their presence, at least one transmitter can be placed near a road hazard, at least one transmitter can be placed near temporary traffic hazards, by or on utility or construction vehicles, by or on first responder vehicles, uniforms, equipment, etc., or integrated into smartphones, watches, jewelry, etc.

Referring now to Figures 1 -2, generally, an active communication and identification system for pedestrian and hazard identification is shown generally at 10, according to the present invention, including at least one transmitter device shown generally at 1 1 having at least one "beacon" or transmitter portion 12, e.g., radio transmitter portion, mountable to a base 14. The base 14 includes a depression or recess 16 or other suitable profile for holding the transmitter portion 12 substantially vertically. A bottom surface 15 of the beacon 12 is directly adjacent to, or abutting against, the bottom surface in the depression 16. The depression 16 preferably has a generally upstanding wall 17 of suitable height and diameter to retain the beacon 12 and help prevent tipping. Alternatively, the base 14 has an aperture to receive the beacon 12 without a depression having a bottom surface.

The depression 16 forms a suitably tight press fit for the beacon 12 to hold the beacon 12 in place by friction. It is understood that alternatively, or additionally, at least one fastener or mechanical fastener (e.g., releasable snap fit, web strap with snap, velcro or any other fastener(s), corresponding threads, rubber bottom, non-skid pad or insert, etc and combinations thereof) may be used on the base 14 or beacon 12 to further secure the beacon 12 within the depression 16 of the base 14, when desired. Optionally, such fastener or mechanical fastener is a quick release arrangement to allow simple and fast set up of the device 1 1 and storage of the base 14 separate from the beacon 12 or holding of the beacon 12 separate from the base 14.

At least one ON/OFF button 18 or switch is provided on at least the transmitter portion 12 to turn any feature of the device 1 1 on/off as desired.

The transmitter device 1 1 transmits a warning signal or other predetermined information to connected vehicles, indicated generally at 22, as will be explained in greater detail below. Another feature of the portable transmitter portion 12 is a flashlight feature shown generally at 20 in Figure 2. A beam of light is directed out of the end 24 of the transmitter portion 12 emitted from at least one lighting source 26, e.g., light emitting diode (LED). The ON/OFF button 18 can turn the flashlight feature on/off, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Yet another feature is that the transmitter device 1 1 includes at least one illumination portion, preferably, a plurality of illumination portions, e.g, located on the beacon 12 and base 14, to provide a visual warning to drivers/occupants of non-connected vehicles and connected vehicles or to users of any non-connected devices and connected devices or to pedestrians.

Referring to Figures 1 -6 generally, at least one illumination portion shown generally at 28 is provided on at least the transmitter portion 12 for providing a visual display to all vehicle drivers, including non-autonomous vehicle drivers, and to pedestrians. Typically, a plurality of illumination portions 28 are provided. Preferably, at least one illumination portion 28 is provided on both ends of the beacon 12, a first end 30 and a second end 32. Most preferably, the at least one illumination portion 28 provides flashing light at the first end 30 and/or second end 32 of the transmitter portion 12. The second end 32 is adjacent the base 14 in the installed position. When a bottom surface 14c of the base 14 is placed on a ground surface, such as a road way or sidewalk, the first end 30 is an upward end for enhanced visibility. It is understood that the at least one illumination portion 28 is adaptable to provide solid illumination, when desired, and, optionally, to individually set various illumination portions 28 to be solid or flashing, as desired, e.g., solid on the base 14 and flashing on the beacon 12, depending on the applications without departure from the scope of the present invention. Preferably, at least one illumination portion 28 is also provided on the base 14 of the illumination device 1 1 . Most preferably, the at least one illumination portion 28 that is on the base 14 is located on a first base portion 14a, which is preferably a portion including an upper surface toward the outer diameter of the base 14. Figures 1 and 4 illustrate a plurality of illumination portions 28 on the base 14 and on both ends 30 and 32 of the transmitter portion 12. One or more of these illumination portions 28 can be flashing when the device 1 1 is in use. A second base portion 14b, which is a portion of the base 14 having the depression 16, is preferably not illuminated. However, alternatively, the first base portion 14a is not illuminated and the second base portion 14b is illuminated, or both the first and second base portions 14a and 14b are illuminated.

Optionally, the flashlight feature 20 can be ON when the at least one illumination portion 28 is illuminated.

The transmitter device 1 1 has at least one lighting source, e.g., a light emitting diode (LED). The lighting source is white, color, alternating colors, constant illumination, flashing, combinations thereof or any other visible display suitable for visually warning others, even those driving non-connected vehicles. The transmitter device 1 1 also transmits a warning signal to connected vehicles 22.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of lighting sources, e.g., LEDs, are used. At least one lighting source 34, e.g., LED, lights the illumination portion 28 on the first end 30 of the beacon 12. At least one lighting source 36, e.g., LED, lights the illumination portion 28 on the second end 32 of the beacon 12. And at least one lighting source 38, e.g., LED, lights the illumination portion 28 on the first base portion 14a of the base 14. It is understood that more or less LEDs and LED locations are contemplated depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention.

While a generally disc like shaped base 14 is illustrated, it is understood that the base 14 can be any shape suitable to function as a base and hold the beacon 12, preferably, in an upward orientation, including, but not limited to, rectangular, square, or any other suitable shape depending on the application and combinations there, without departure from the scope of the present invention.

Preferably, the bottom surface 14c of the base 14 is integrally formed with the second base portion 14b. The first base portion 14a is integrally formed with the second base portion 14b or as separate pieces operably connected together, e.g., using adhesive, bonded, snap fit, mechanical interlock, mechanical fastening, etc. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second base portion 14b is a molded member or, alternatively, formed of metal and the first base portion 14a is at least one light strip or ring adhered to and/or fastened to the second base portion 14b, e.g., using adhesive, velcro, or any other suitable attachment). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first base portion 14a is incorporated with an integrated light guide to direct light from the at least one lighting source 38 along the diameter of the first base portion 14a.

One feature of the portable transmitter portion 12 is the flashlight feature shown generally at 20 in Figure 2. This is in addition to the flashing warning lights. It provides selective illumination to a pedestrian carrying the beacon 12, making the walk down a dark roadside safer.

Referring now to Figures 3-4, the transmitter device 1 1 is a portable, rechargeable battery powered transmitter, e.g., "vehicle to anything" radio transmitter and/or "vehicle to vehicle" transmitter). The transmitter device 1 1 can be easily stowed in the vehicle shown generally at 40, e.g., either as assembled or the transmitter portion 12 is disassembled from the base 14 and stowed. At least one charging dock 41 is provided to recharge the transmitter device 1 1 when not deployed. By way of example, a storage compartment 42 in the rear cargo area, trunk or anywhere else in the vehicle 40 is adapted with the at least one charging port 41 to recharge at least one battery 63 of the transmitter device 1 1 .

The transmitter device 1 1 includes at least one transmitter 61 electronics suitable to broadcast warning signals to connected vehicles, e.g., radio transmitter. The transmitter portion 12 broadcasts (e.g., indicated by exemplary concentric circles "B" in Fig. 4) a warning signal to connected vehicles. The broadcasted signal has a predetermined range. By way of example, at least one transmitter device 1 1 , preferably, a plurality of transmitter devices 1 1 , is/are placed on a ground surface such as a roadway shown generally at 44, median, shoulder, parking lot, or other ground surface near a disabled vehicle 40. The beacon 12 is electronically "visible" to connected vehicles/systems/ transmitter devices 1 1 , and the illuminated at least one illumination portion 28 of the transmitter device 1 1 is visible to non-autonomous vehicle drivers, pedestrians, etc. The transmitter device 1 1 is stowable in a vehicle until needed. The transmitter device 1 1 will broadcast a signal even if the vehicle is disabled. The transmitter device 1 1 broadcasts a warning signal to connected vehicles, and has flashing lights to warn non-connected vehicle drivers/occupants/pedestrians. The transmitter device 1 1 can be placed on the ground or any other surface or carried.

Referring now to Figure 5, the transmitter device 1 1 is illustrated with a pedestrian shown generally at 46 mounted on a bicycle while sharing the roadway 44 with vehicles indicated generally at 48. The pedestrian's transmitter portion 12 broadcasts a warning signal to connected vehicles, such as to alert others to the bicyclist's presence. It is understood that the transmitter device 1 1 is operable to be carried, e.g., in hand, backpack, etc, or mounted, e.g., with at least one mounting bracket, depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention.

Referring now to Figure 6, there is illustrated an exemplary in-vehicle display for displaying at least one hazard alert for a vehicle shown generally at 50. The in-vehicle display has at least one predetermined display panel 54 and/or 56 (e.g., navigation panel, multi-media panel, heads-up display, in dash display, cluster panel display, instrument panel display or any other electronic display of any kind). A predetermined alert message 56 is displayed on the first display panel 56 and/or a predetermined alert message 58 is displayed on the second display panel 54. The alert messages 54 and 56 can be the same or different. More or less displays and alert messages are contemplated depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. The beacon signal is recognized by an approaching vehicle. At least one alert/caution signal appears on the display panel. Autonomous systems are alerted to slow/avoid contact. The illumination of the beacon 1 1 that is transmitting the warning is also viewable to the autonomous vehicle and non-autonomous vehicle drivers/occupants and pedestrians.

The transmitter portion 12 signal 'B' (e.g., from a pedestrian's transmitting device 1 1 , or another vehicle's transmitting device 1 1 such as disabled vehicles 40 device 1 1 in Fig. 4) is recognized by an approaching vehicle. At least one alert/caution signal 54 and/or 56 appears on at least one display panel 52 and/or 58. Figure 6 illustrates a navigational display 52 with the location of the hazard indicated on the map as the hazard alert 56. Figure 6 also illustrates a "hazard alert" message displayed on the second display panel 54. It is understood that visual and/or audio hazard alerts are contemplated depending the application without departure from the scope of the present invention.

Figure 6 also illustrates communication of information between nearby vehicles 50 and 62, e.g., nearby vehicles moving along the same road. This is an exemplary vehicle to vehicle communication. As the vehicles 50 and 62 approach one another the information broadcasted from one vehicle's 62 transmitting device 1 1 is transmitted to the other vehicle 50, and vice versa, and any hazard alert(s) is/are displayed on the vehicle's 50 in-vehicle display 52/54, and vehicle's 62 in-vehicle display(s) 64. This provides an advantageous crash avoidance technology.

Figure 6 also illustrates communication of information between nearby 62 transmitting devices 1 1 , e.g., between a transmitting device 1 1 carried by a walking pedestrian or in a vehicle moving along a road and a transmitting device 1 1 deployed at a fixed hazard - such as a disabled vehicle, pothole, construction site, etc. As the vehicle 50 approaches a transmitting device 1 1 (e.g., such as, but not limited to, a transmitting device 1 1 carried by a pedestrian or placed near a disabled vehicle, as indicated at 66), the information broadcasted from the transmitter 68 is received by the vehicle 50 and any hazard alert(s) is/are displayed on the vehicle's 50 in-vehicle display 52/54. Similarly, the transmitting device of the nearby vehicle 50 broadcasts a signal, and any information broadcasted by the transmitting device of the nearby vehicle 50 can be operably displayed (e.g., visually and/or audibly). By way of non-limiting example, the nearby vehicle's 50 information that is broadcasted can be displayed on the disabled vehicle's in-vehicle display.

Figure 6 also illustrates communication of information between nearby vehicles 50 and any intelligent device 70, e.g., intelligent signs, infrastructure, stop lights, smart watch, smart phone, etc. This is an exemplary vehicle to anything communication. As the vehicle 50 approaches an intelligent device 70 the information broadcasted from the transmitter 72 is received by the vehicle 50 and any hazard alert(s) is/are displayed on the vehicle's 50 in-vehicle display 52/54.

The communication is a wireless communication with the vehicle's communication systems indicated generally at 74 for identification, display and crash avoidance. The system 10 preferably incorporates at least one radio transmitter 12 compatible with vehicle to vehicle and/or vehicle to anything communication protocols for transmitting a warning signal to connected vehicles.

Referring to Figures 1 -6, generally, preferably, the communication is a wireless communication actively connecting the pedestrian/hazard to the vehicle's communication systems for identification and crash avoidance. The system 10 provides active signally, rather than disadvantageous passive detection.

Vehicles are becoming more connected. "Vehicle to vehicle" communication is generally communication of information between nearby vehicles, and crash avoidance technology. "Vehicle to anything" communication generally enables vehicles to automatically receive messages, and vehicles receive signals from intelligent signs/infrastructure/stop lights.

The transmitter assembly 1 1 of the instant invention uses Vehicle to vehicle/ Vehicle to anything technology to create an active system for pedestrian, object and hazard identification. More particularly, the transmitter portion 12, e.g, radio transmitter portion, actively connects the pedestrian/hazard to a vehicle's communication systems (e.g., Vehicle-to-vehicle /Vehicle-to-everything or vehicle-to-anything) communication for identification and crash avoidance.

The driver of a disabled vehicle can carry the beacon 1 1 (alerts drivers of his/her presence). The beacon 1 1 can be deployed near a road hazard, e.g., fallen tree limb/power line, pothole. Small, lightweight beacons 1 1 can be carried by joggers, bicyclists, mounted in a baby stroller for city use, etc. Larger units with multiple beacons 1 1 can be used by utility or construction vehicles or any other vehicle for temporary traffic hazards. The beacon 1 1 is adaptable for suitability depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the base 14 could not be used depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention.

The predetermined broadcasting range depends on the application. Generally, at least 100 meters, typically, at least 200 meters, preferably, about 200-300 meters, most preferably, greater than or equal to 300 meters. In an embodiment of the present invention, the broadcasting range is beyond a 300 meter vehicle to vehicle horizon.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the alert identifies the hazard-type or in some other way provides more detailed alert information (e.g., different color alerts depending on the hazard type, flashing alerts, sized, etc). Assistance requests, including urgent requests, is also within the scope of the present invention. Other "smart" systems are contemplated without departure from the scope of the present invention.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the transmitter 12 is compact, smaller and/or more efficient (e.g., the transmitter is integrated into any mobile device -- smartphone, watch, jewelry, or whatever we have on our persons present and in the future. Even a miniaturized, implantable chip/device).

In another embodiment, the transmitter 12 includes at least one attachment mechanism for mounting to a vehicle or any structure, construction barrel, etc. In another embodiment, the transmitter portion 12 incorporates a positioning unit.

The LEDs in accordance with the present invention can be any predetermined color, e.g., white, red, etc, or a plurality of colors. Each illumination portion 28 has at least one LED that is at least one predetermined color. It is also contemplated that each illumination portion can include a plurality of LEDs that are a plurality of colors. It is further contemplated that different illumination portions 28 can have different LED colors.

The at least one illumination portion 28 can be clear, transparent, translucent, or tinted, e.g., tinted red. The plurality of illumination portions 28 can be the same color or different colors.

The predetermined material for the at least one illumination portion 28 of the transmitter portion 12 is suitable for visibility of the emitted light from the respective lighting source. The predetermined material for the at least one illumination portion 28 of the base is suitable for visibility of the emitted light from the respective lighting source. The transmitter portion 12 and base 14 are preferably plastic, e.g., lightweight molded material(s). Alternatively, the body of the transmitter portion 12, to which the at least one illumination portion 28 is/are connected, is formed of metal. Alternatively, the second base portion 14b, to which the at least one illumination portion 28 is/are connected, is formed of metal.

The term "illuminated" used herein is not intended to be limiting and includes, but is not limited to, flashing light, solid or constant light, alternating flashing and solid state illumination, or any other supply or projection of light depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention. "Vehicle to anything" used herein includes vehicle to anything communication, including, but not limited to, enables vehicles to automatically receive messages, vehicles receive signals from intelligent signs/infrastructure, vehicles receive signals from deployed beacons (e.g., near a disabled vehicle, fallen tree limb/power line, pothole, road hazard, construction, utility work hazard, traffic hazards, etc), vehicles receive signals from pedestrian carried beacons, vehicles receive signals from pedestrian wearable or implanted transmitters, and etc. "Vehicle to vehicle" used herein includes vehicle to vehicle communication, including, but not limited to, communication of information between nearby vehicles, crash avoidance technology, and etc. The term "vehicle" used herein includes, but is not limited to, passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, construction vehicles, utility vehicles, military vehicles, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, moped, electric bike, off road vehicles, UTVs, ATVs, watercraft, boats, ships, freighters, aircraft, trucks, buses, bicycles, trains, trams, or any other vehicle of any kind, etc.

The system 10 is adaptable for more specific alerts, e.g., identify the type of the hazard, assistance requests including urgent requests, automatic assistance requests, etc. Thus, the system 10 is smarter, with added capabilities.

It is contemplated that the communication system transmitter system 10 is adaptable to be smaller and more efficient depending on the application without departure from the scope of the present invention, including, but not limited to, including a transmitter portion integrated into any mobile device ~ smartphone, watch, jewelry, clothing or any other portable device or item.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.