Patent attributes
Embodiments for use of an apparatus and method for alerting an occupant within a vehicle are provided. An apparatus may include a lidar unit configured to detect an oncoming intruder approaching a stationary vehicle. The lidar unit is mounted to an external surface of the stationary vehicle or coupled to an emergency vehicle warning device. An alarm is sounded or warning lights are triggered when the oncoming intruder approaches within a zone surrounding the vehicle. A method may include providing a controller unit and a lidar unit configured to detect the motion of any oncoming person, animal, or object approaching a stationary vehicle. The lidar unit rotates to scan the region surrounding the stationary vehicle and provides detection data. Upon detecting an oncoming intruder, the detection data is transmitted to the controller unit within the vehicle, and an alarm may be sounded to warn an occupant located within the vehicle.
