WO2010032000A1

WO2010032000A1 - Low-object warning apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: WO2010032000A1
Application number: PCT/GB2009/002207
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alex Wilcox
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-09-22
Filing date: 2009-09-16
Publication date: 2010-03-25
Anticipated expiration: 2011-03-22

Abstract

A method for preventing or reducing low object impact by a high-sided vehicle (58), the method comprising the steps of : a) providing a receiver (14) and at least one of : a removable electronic data storage device (50) having data corresponding to a specific maximum height of the high-sided vehicle (58) on or in the said high-sided vehicle (58), and an electronic height sensing device (68) on or in the said high-sided vehicle (58) for sensing in real-time a specific maximum height of the high-sided vehicle (58); b) providing a transmission device (12) for outputting height-specific data corresponding to a height of a low object (60), the receiver (14) outputting a warning signal on receiving the height-specific data from the transmission device (12) if the receiver (14), based on the specific maximum height data provided by the removable data storage device (50) and/or the height sensing device (68), determines that the high-sided vehicle (58) is equal to or greater than the height of the low object (60); and c) providing an impact monitoring device (13) on at least one of the low object (60) and the high-sided vehicle (58), the impact monitoring device (13) outputting a strike notification signal to a third party on impact of the low object (60). Low-object warning apparatus (10) for such a method and a height sensing device (68) are also provided.

Description

Low-Object Warning Apparatus And Method

The present invention relates to a method for preventing or reducing low-object impact by a high-sided vehicle, and to low-object warning apparatus for use in such a method. More particularly, but not necessarily, the low-object is a bridge or canopy.

Bridge and canopy impacts by high-sided vehicles, particularly being lorries with tall trailers, are frequent. In the United Kingdom alone, more than one thousand five hundred low-object impacts are recorded annually. This results in more than fifty million pounds in damage every year. More than twenty million pounds of this is paid out by rail operators, thus increasing travel costs to the rail user.

Furthermore, it is difficult to actual determine a specific maximum height of a vehicle in order to determine whether adequate clearance is available.

The present invention seeks to provide solutions to these problems. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for preventing or reducing low object impact by a high-sided vehicle, the method comprising the steps of : a) providing a receiver and at least one of : a removable electronic data storage device having data corresponding to a specific maximum height of the high-sided vehicle on or in the said high-sided vehicle, and an electronic height sensing device on or in the said high-sided vehicle for sensing in real-time a specific maximum height of the high-sided vehicle; b) providing a transmission device for outputting height-specific data corresponding to a height of a low object, the receiver outputting a warning signal on receiving the height-specific data from the transmission device if the receiver, based on the specific maximum height data provided by the removable data storage device and/or the height sensing device, determines that the high-sided vehicle is equal to or greater than the height of the low object; and c) providing an impact monitoring device on at least one of the low object and the said high-sided vehicle, the impact monitoring device outputting a strike notification signal to a third party on impact of the low object. Preferable and/or optional features of the first aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 2 to 19, inclusive.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided low-object warning apparatus for a method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the apparatus comprising a transmission device for outputting a height-specific signal which corresponds to a height of the low-object, a receiver for location on or within a high- sided vehicle, and an impact monitoring device for outputting a strike notification signal to a third party on impact of the low object, the receiver including at least one of a removable electronic data storage device having data corresponding to a specific maximum height of the high-sided vehicle, and an electronic height sensing device for sensing in real-time a specific maximum height of the high-sided vehicle, comparator circuitry for determining, based on a signal received from the transmission device and on the specific maximum height data provided by the removable data storage device and/or the height sensing device, whether a height of the high-sided vehicle is less than the height of the object, and a warning device for outputting a warning signal when the comparator circuitry determines that the height of the vehicle is equal to or greater than the height of the object.

Preferable and/or optional features of the first aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 21 to 33, inclusive.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a height sensing device for a high-sided vehicle and for use with apparatus in accordance with the second aspect of the invention, the height sensing device comprising a sensor housing mountable on the high-sided vehicle, a sensor housed in the sensor housing for outputting a sensing beam directed towards part of the vehicle, and a circuit for outputting data from the sensor to a receiver on or in the vehicle.

The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which : Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a receiver of one embodiment of low- object warning apparatus, in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the receiver;

Figures 3a to 3f show the receiver and a transmitter device in use; and Figure 4 is a diagrammatic elevational view of a high-sided vehicle having an electronic height-sensing device, in accordance with the invention.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings, there is shown low-object warning apparatus 10 which comprises a transmitter device 12, impact monitoring device 13, and a receiver 14. The transmitter device 12, in this embodiment, is a dedicated independent wireless transmitter which includes a weatherproof housing 16, programmable short-range transmitter circuitry 18 for transmitting a height-specific signal corresponding to the height of a low-object in near proximity, and a fastening device 20, such as a strap or jubilee clamp, for fastening the housing 16 to a support. Preferably, the transmitter circuitry 18 uses the Bluetooth RTM wireless protocol utilizing short-range communications technology facilitating data transmission over short distances. Encrypted access to a data storage device forming part of the transmitter circuitry 18 can then be undertaken wirelessly via an installer to set a height of the nearby low-object.

The impact monitoring device 13 preferably includes an accelerometer 21 or an equivalent severe motion detector provided on a low object adjacent or in relatively close proximity to the transmitter device 12, and transmitter circuitry for outputting a strike notification signal to a third party, such as a local train station, rail management system, back office, headquarters and/or local authority, on impact of the low object. The transmitter circuitry may output the strike notification signal wirelessly and/or via a landline.

The receiver 14 includes a receiver housing 22 comprising a base plate 24 and a front casing 26. Receiver circuitry 28 is mounted within the housing 16. Preferably, the receiver circuitry 28 also includes Bluetooth RTM for receiving the height-specific signal from the transmitter 12.

A, preferably LED, light cluster 30 is supported by the front casing 26 of the receiver housing 22, a detail strip 32 surrounds the light cluster 30, and a light transmissible cover 34 covers the light cluster 30. A push button 36 with a further detail strip 38 is provided generally centrally so as to be surrounded by the light cluster 30 and cover 34. One or more, preferably miniature or micro, speakers 40 are also supported by the receiver housing 22.

The receiver 14 also includes an angularly adjustable mounting bracket 42, which in this embodiment includes a ball joint 44.

A removable data storage connector 46 is provided via a slot 48 in a side of the receiver housing 22, and electrical contacts are provided on the receiver circuitry 28 for communication with a removable electronic data storage device 50.

The removable data storage device 50 can conveniently be in the form of a small flash memory card, such as an SD card or micro-SD card, or other suitable data storage medium. In this embodiment, each data storage device 50 is associated with a known specific maximum height of a fixed-height vehicle, such as a bus, fixed or rigid truck or lorry, or a van, such as a Luton van. Each data storage device 50 thus includes specific data thereon which relates to the specific height of the vehicle. Consequently, for example, at the point of installation of the receiver 14, the appropriate data storage device 50 can be selected with the correct known height of the vehicle pre-programmed thereon, and connected to the connector 46.

It is also possible that the known height can be programmed onto the data storage device following installation of the data storage device 50 in the receiver 14. This is feasible, for example, by connecting a computer to the receiver 14 either via a port or wirelessly. The receiver circuitry 28 is electrically connected to the or each speaker 40 and the light cluster 30, which are incorporated as part of a warning circuit 52 within the receiver circuitry 28. The warning circuit 52 has a language data module 54 for outputting a specific spoken warning. Preferably, the language data module 54 includes the spoken warning in more than one language which can be selected by a user, typically via the push button 36. On activation of the warning circuit 52 by the receiver circuitry 28, the spoken warning is outputted and the light cluster 30 is energised. In this way an audible warning and a visual warning are both outputtable.

Preferably, the receiver 14 is connectable to a vehicle's sound system, such as in-cabin speakers, via the vehicle's amplifier and the receiver circuitry 28 overrides an existing signal being output by the amplifier, such as music, if a warning needs to be sounded.

Although both audible and visual warnings are suggested, one or other may be dispensed with.

The receiver 14 is preferably powered by a vehicle's battery. However, alternatively or additionally, may include a rechargeable battery, which may be recharged by the vehicle or by, for example, solar energy.

In use, the receiver 14 is mounted to a window or dashboard 56 of a vehicle 58, for example, in the cab of a lorry. Once a trailer is hitched, an appropriate removable data storage device 50 which corresponds to a known constant maximum height of the vehicle, such as lorry and trailer, is inserted into the removable data storage connector 46 of the receiver housing 22. The receiver circuitry 28 reads height data of the vehicle 58 from the data storage device 50, and a user language can be selected based on the driver's preference.

The transmission device 12 is positioned at or near to a low-object 60, which will typically be a low bridge or a petrol station canopy, for example. Preferably, the transmission device 12 is located just prior to a final junction 62 before the low-object 60, thus providing an opportunity for the vehicle 58 to turn off or turn around.

The transmission device 12 is beneficially powered by a mains power supply, and/or may be powered by a renewable energy source, such as solar. Conveniently, if the transmission device 12 is positioned on a lamp post 64, it may be powered by the power supply for the light.

It is also preferable to locate the transmission device 12 at or near to the height of the low-object 60, so that it is out of the reach of possible vandalism.

The height-specific signal of the transmitter of the transmission device 12 is set by the installer via wireless access. For example, if the low-object 60 is 3.5 metres in height, then the transmitter circuitry is set to emit a signal corresponding to 3.5 m. Once the height of the low-object 60 is uploaded to the transmission device 12, the transmission device 12 broadcasts the corresponding height-specific signal continuously. When the receiver 14 within the high-sided vehicle 58 is within the range of the transmitter's signal, a comparator circuit 66 of the receiver circuitry 28 compares the height-specific signal received from the transmission device 12 with the height data read from the removable data storage device 50. If the maximum height of the vehicle 58 is found to be equal to or greater than the height of the low-object 60, the warning circuit 52 is activated and an audible and visual warning is output from the receiver 14. The audible and visual warning continues until halted by the driver pushing the button 36 on the receiver 14. The receiver 14 also preferably transmits vehicle identification details, such as registration number, chassis number and/or VIN number, which is stored by the transmission device 12. The vehicle identification data may be provided on the data storage device 50 or on fixed memory permanently within the receiver 14. A period of storage of the vehicle identification data on the transmission device 12 may be finite, for example, being over-writeable after two weeks. The impact monitoring device 13 is mounted on the low object 60, again, preferably out of the reach of potential vandalism. If the warning is ignored and the low object 60 is struck, the strike notification signal is outputted, and a date and time record is made. This can then be correlated with vehicle identification data stored in the transmission device 12 of a closely similar date and time, and appropriate legal and/or safety action can be undertaken.

As an option, the output of the vehicle identification data may also be to the impact monitoring device 13, so that the strike notifications signal can include this data in real time. Alternatively, the impact monitoring device 13 may automatically interrogate the transmission device 12 for the vehicle identification data on determination of a strike for inclusion with the strike notification signal.

In a second embodiment, the removable data storage device includes a set of pre- programmed electronic data storage cards, each having a different specific vehicle height thereon. A range of different known constant heights is thus provided for, and, for example, once a trailer is hitched or a load is loaded, the appropriate data card is inserted into the receiver by the responsible person.

Preferably, the set of data cards is kept with the vehicle so that, if the trailer or load is changed to another one with a known constant height, a new data card can be selected and inserted into the receiver 14.

Referring to Figure 4, a third embodiment of low-object warning apparatus 10 is diagrammatically shown. In this case, an electronic height-sensing device 68 is provided for determining in real time the maximum height of the vehicle 58. The transmitter 12, impact monitoring device 13 and receiver 14 are as described above. The removable data storage device, such as one or more data flash cards or SD cards, may optionally be dispensed with, and as such the connector on or in the receiver housing may optionally be dispensed with. The height-sensing device 68 includes a sensor housing 70 having a laser or ultrasonic sensor therein oriented to face a highest part of the vehicle, typically being a leading edge of a trailer 72 or load on a trailer. Conveniently, therefore, the sensor housing 70 can be attached to a rear exterior facing part of a cab 74. A beam 76 outputted by the laser or ultrasonic sensor enables circuitry within the sensor housing 70 to output a signal corresponding to the determined height to the receiver 14. The receiver 14 then stores this height data either on its fixed internal memory or, if provided, on a removable data storage device.

The beam 72 may be operational all the time the vehicle engine is on, thereby providing a continuous real time height data stream to the receiver 14. This is beneficial where a load or trailer may vary in height during transit, for example, due to shifting load.

Furthermore, due to the real time monitoring, if a load does shift in height beyond a predetermined parameter, then the receiver 14 can output a specific warning signal to alert the driver and/or operator.

Although the mounting bracket is angularly adjustable, it may be fixed.

Furthermore, a single light rather than a light cluster may be utilised in the receiver.

Bluetooth RTM is suggested above. However, other wireless protocols may be used. Furthermore, although wireless communication is suggested for the installer to programme the transmitter, other means of communication may be envisaged, such as a wired connection. In this case, a wired plug-in connector may be provided on the transmitter housing, either alternatively or in addition to the wireless option.

Although a removable data storage device is suggested above, a non-removable programmable data storage device may be provided permanently within the receiver. In this case, the receiver would include a user interface to enable vehicle height input. The receiver is described above as being a separate standalone unit. However, the receiver may be incorporated within a vehicle's GPS system, navigation system, or ICE system.

Although the impact monitoring device is preferably mounted on the low object, it may alternatively or additionally be provided in or on the high-sided vehicle.

It is also feasible that the transmission device is part of a vehicle's navigation system. In this case, height-specific data corresponding to a particular low-object is provided on a data storage device, which may be removable or fixed, such as a navigation system's DVD containing map data, or downloadable to the navigation system via an internet connection. The data reader, being the transmission device, of the navigation system then reads and transmits this information to the wired-connected receiver, which in this case includes the map viewer screen of the navigation system. The vehicle height can be pre-entered via the viewer screen, if touch-sensitive, by the driver, or via a removable data storage device as described above, for example. Comparator circuitry compares the height of the low-object transmitted from the data reader with the vehicle height inputted to the receiver, and emits a warning if necessary.

It is thus possible to provide a method and apparatus for preventing or reducing low object impact by a high-sided vehicle. The apparatus is cost-effective to produce and quick to install. The receiver may be portable, allowing location in different vehicles. By use of a removable data storage device or other input means to the receiver, the receiver is not vehicle specific and a specific height of a vehicle can be pre-programmed into the receiver prior to driving.

Claims

1. A method for preventing or reducing low object impact by a high-sided vehicle (58), the method comprising the steps of : a) providing a receiver (14) and at least one of : a removable electronic data storage device (50) having data corresponding to a specific maximum height of the high-sided vehicle (58) on or in the said high-sided vehicle (58), and an electronic height sensing device (68) on or in the said high-sided vehicle (58) for sensing in real-time a specific maximum height of the high-sided vehicle (58); b) providing a transmission device (12) for outputting height-specific data corresponding to a height of a low object (60), the receiver (14) outputting a warning signal on receiving the height-specific data from the transmission device (12) if the receiver (14), based on the specific maximum height data provided by the removable data storage device (50) and/or the height sensing device (68), determines that the high- sided vehicle (58) is equal to or greater than the height of the low object (60); and c) providing an impact monitoring device (13) on at least one of the low object (60) and the said high-sided vehicle (58), the impact monitoring device (13) outputting a strike notification signal to a third party on impact of the low object (60).

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when the vehicle (58) is of a single fixed maximum height, a single removable data storage device (50) having data corresponding to the said fixed maximum height being provided.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when the vehicle (58) has a plurality of known maximum heights, a plurality of said removable data storage devices (50) is provided, each removable data storage device (50) having specific data corresponding to a different one of the known maximum heights.

4. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when the vehicle (58) has an unknown or variable maximum height, the height sensing device (68) is provided.

5. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the height sensing device (68) automatically periodically or continuously monitors the maximum height of the vehicle (58) whilst the vehicle (58) is in use.

6. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1, 4 and 5, wherein the height sensing device (68) includes a height sensor which is provided at or adjacent to a back of a cab of the vehicle (58).

7. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the removable data storage device (50) is mountable on the receiver (14).

8. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission device (12) is a dedicated transmitter which is located at or near to the low object (60).

9. A method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the transmitter is provided prior to a road-junction before the low object (60).

10. A method as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the transmitter is mounted off the ground at or near to the height of the low object (60).

11. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the transmission device (12) is a data reading and outputting device.

12. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 or claim 11, wherein the transmission device (12) is part of a vehicle navigation system.

13. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiver (14) is mountable on a dashboard (56) and/or windscreen of the vehicle (58).

14. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiver (14) includes an angularly adjustable bracket (42).

15. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a housing (22) of the receiver (14) includes a data storage connector (46) for connecting the removable electronic data storage device (50).

16. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiver (14) is part of a vehicle navigation system.

17. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the warning signal is visual and/or audible.

18. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the warning signal is audible and settable to output in a language of the vehicle (58) driver.

19. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the low-object (60) is one of a bridge and a petrol-station canopy.

20. Low-object warning apparatus (10) for a method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the apparatus (10) comprising a transmission device (12) for outputting a height-specific signal which corresponds to a height of the low-object (60), a receiver (14) for location on or within a high-sided vehicle (58), and an impact monitoring device (13) for outputting a strike notification signal to a third party on impact of the low object (60), the receiver (14) including at least one of a removable electronic data storage device (50) having data corresponding to a specific maximum height of the high-sided vehicle (58), and an electronic height sensing device (68) for sensing in real-time a specific maximum height of the high-sided vehicle (58), comparator circuitry (66) for determining, based on a signal received from the transmission device (12) and on the specific maximum height data provided by the removable data storage device (50) and/or the height sensing device (68), whether a height of the high-sided vehicle (58) is less than the height of the object, and a warning device (52) for outputting a warning signal when the comparator circuitry (66) determines that the height of the vehicle (58) is equal to or greater than the height of the object.

21. Low-object warning apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 20, wherein the transmission device (12) is able to only transmit a short-range wireless data signal.

22. Low-object warning apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the transmission device (12) includes a housing (16) and at least one fastener (20) for attachment of the housing (16) to a post.

23. Low-object warning apparatus (10) as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the receiver (14) includes an angularly adjustable bracket (42) for mounting to a surface.

24. Low-object warning apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 23, wherein the bracket (42) includes a ball-joint.

25. Low-object warning apparatus (10) as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the receiver (14) includes at least one of a visual warning device and an audible warning device.

26. Low-object warning apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 25, wherein the visual warning device includes a cluster of LEDs.

27. Low-object warning apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the visual warning device includes a light-transmissible surround through which light is transmissible.

28. Low-object warning apparatus (10) as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the audible warning device (52) includes a language data unit (54) for outputting a spoken warning in a language of the vehicle driver.

29. Low-object warning apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 28, wherein the language data unit (54) includes a plurality of selectable languages.

30. Low-object warning apparatus (10) as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 29, wherein the receiver (14) includes a removable data storage connector (46) for releasably connecting the removable data storage device (50).

31. Low-object warning apparatus (10) as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 30, wherein the transmission device (12) and the receiver (14) form parts of a vehicle navigation system.

32. Low-object warning apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 31, wherein the transmission device (12) and the receiver (14) are in wired communication with each other.

33. Low-object warning apparatus (10) as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 32, wherein the impact monitoring device includes an accelerometer.

34. Low-object warning apparatus (10) substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

35. A height sensing device (68) for a high-sided vehicle (58) and for use with apparatus (10) as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 33, the height sensing device (68) comprising a sensor housing (70) mountable on the high-sided vehicle (58), a sensor housed in the sensor housing (70) for outputting a sensing beam (72) directed towards part of the vehicle (58), and a circuit for outputting data from the sensor to a receiver (14) on or in the vehicle (58).