Vehicle proximity sensor

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In accordance with the present invention, a vehicle sensing system includes a data bus, a first microprocessor coupled to the bus and a plurality of sensor modules coupled to the bus, with each of such sensor modules capable of detecting the presence of objects within a first predetermined distance of the sensor module.
Each sensor module includes a transducer, a second microprocessor coupled between the transducer and the bus, for processing information received from the transducer, a light emitting diode coupled to the second microprocessor for providing a visual indication of when an object is within the first predetermined distance of the sensor module or when the sensor module is faulty.
The vehicle sensing system further includes a temperature sensing circuit coupled to the second microprocessor and a bus transceiver coupled between the second microprocessor and the bus for receiving information from the bus and for transmitting information to the bus.
With this particular arrangement, a vehicle sensing system for use on a motor vehicle, such as a truck for example, is provided.
The plurality of sensor modules may be disposed about a vehicle body and a driver alert module display may be coupled to the first microprocessor and disposed on the vehicle such that an operator of the vehicle may view the driver alert module display.
The light emitting diode (LED) may be disposed on a first surface of a housing in which the transducer is also disposed.
When an object is within the detection range of the sensor module the second microprocessor provides a signal to the LED which causes the LED to illuminate indicating that an object has been detected.
When inspecting the sensor module an object may be placed within the detection range of the sensor module.
If the sensor module is operating correctly the LED provides a visual indication that the sensor module has detected an object.
Thus, the LED provides a visual indication which may be viewed external to the sensor module during inspection and diagnostics of each sensor module of whether the sensor module is operating correctly