Abstract: A method for enhancing situational awareness in a transportation vehicle includes strategically locating sensory communication devices on the vehicle. The sensory communication devices are operatively connecting to a user network. At least one of the sensory communication devices is activated upon a triggering event. A vehicle data signal including vehicle information is transmitted from the activated sensory communication device to the user network. Using a computing device, the user network is accessed to receive the vehicle information transmitted by the activated sensory communication device.

Abstract: A method for enhancing situational awareness in a transportation vehicle including combination tractor and a trailer. The method includes locating a plurality of cameras on the trailer of the vehicle. Each camera is equipped with a camera wash system including a wash nozzle, dryer, and defroster. The cameras are operatively connected to a local area user network via an onboard access point. The onboard access point communicates with a data bus of the vehicle. At vehicle start-up, the cameras are automatically paired with a computing device located inside the tractor. The computing device includes a display screen and graphical interface with icon tabs representing each of the connected cameras. Using the icon tabs rendered on the display screen of the computing device, a selected camera and associated camera wash system can be manually activated.

Abstract: A situation communication display enhances driver situational awareness in a transportation vehicle. The situation communication display includes a display member with a plurality of display surface areas. A first surface area displays a relatively focused driver field of view. Second and third surface areas each display wider driver fields of view. First, second, and third transition zones are located adjacent respective first, second, and third surface areas. The transition zones divide the first, second, and third surface areas and define a visual transition between the relatively focused driver field of view displayed by the first surface area and the wider driver fields of view displayed by the second and third surface areas.

Abstract: A system for enhancing driver situation awareness and environment perception around a transportation vehicle. The system incorporates a plurality of object detecting sensors. The sensors are arranged for monitoring at least one critical zone around the vehicle. A plurality of addressable light-emitting diodes are operatively associated with the object detecting sensors. The addressable light-emitting diodes are located on the vehicle for visual display to the driver. When a given sensor detects an object in the critical zone, a detection signal is transmitted to a LED controller. Upon receiving the detection signal, the LED controller transmits a control signal to selectively activate only those addressable light-emitting diodes which are associated with the given sensor, such that the activated light-emitting diodes visually communicate to the driver a location of the detected object in the critical zone.

Abstract: A situation communication mirror enhances driver situational awareness in a transportation vehicle. The situation communication mirror includes a rearward facing reflective member having a plurality of integrally-formed and arcuately distinct reflective surface areas. A first reflective surface area has a relatively slight curvature defining a relatively focused driver field of view. Second and third reflective surface areas each have an increased curvature as compared to the first surface area, and respectively define wider driver fields of view.

Abstract: A system for enhancing driver situation awareness and environment perception around a transportation vehicle. The system incorporates a plurality of object detecting sensors. The sensors are arranged for monitoring at least one critical zone around the vehicle. A plurality of addressable light-emitting diodes are operatively associated with the object detecting sensors. The addressable light-emitting diodes are located on the vehicle for visual display to the driver. When a given sensor detects an object in the critical zone, a detection signal is transmitted to a LED controller. Upon receiving the detection signal, the LED controller transmits a control signal to selectively activate only those addressable light-emitting diodes which are associated with the given sensor, such that the activated light-emitting diodes visually communicate to the driver a location of the detected object in the critical zone.

Abstract: A system for enhancing driver situation awareness and environment perception around a transportation vehicle. The system incorporates a plurality of object detecting sensors. The sensors are arranged for monitoring at least one critical zone around the vehicle. A plurality of addressable light-emitting diodes are operatively associated with the object detecting sensors. The addressable light-emitting diodes are located on the vehicle for visual display to the driver. When a given sensor detects an object in the critical zone, a detection signal is transmitted to a LED controller. Upon receiving the detection signal, the LED controller transmits a control signal to selectively activate only those addressable light-emitting diodes which are associated with the given sensor, such that the activated light-emitting diodes visually communicate to the driver a location of the detected object in the critical zone.

Abstract: A situation communication mirror is adapted for mounting to a transportation vehicle, such as a heavy duty tractor-trailer combination. The situation communication mirror comprises a rearward facing reflective member having at least three integrally-formed and arcuately distinct reflective surface areas. The first reflective surface area has a relatively slight curvature defining a relatively focused driver field of view. The second and third reflective surface areas each have an increased curvature as compared to the first surface area, and respectively define wider driver fields of view.