Emergency vehicle warning system and method

Abstract

A system and method for altering a driver of a motor vehicle of the approach of an emergency vehicle in an emergency state, comprising a transmitter in the emergency vehicle which produces and transmits a radio frequency signal having a unique audio encoded data signature modulated thereon when the emergency vehicle is in an emergency status, a receiver in motor vehicle which receives the radio frequency signal, demodulates and decodes the radio frequency signal and produces a voltage output when the data signature is present; and an alarm producing device which produces an alarm in response to the voltage output warning the driver of the motor vehicle of the approach of the emergency vehicle.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to an emergency vehicle warning system and method and, more particularly, to an emergency vehicle warning system and method utilizing a radio frequency communication link.[0002]Emergency vehicles, such as police patrol cars, ambulances and fire engines, when in an emergency state, travel at a high rate of speed and usually, do so through crowded streets and roadways. The law requires that other motor vehicles immediately give the right-of-way to the emergency vehicle. The driver of the motor vehicle, then, must be aware of the approach of the emergency vehicle within a suitable time to safely allow this right-of-way. In order to alert drivers of motor vehicles the approach of an emergency vehicle in an emergency status, the emergency vehicle relies on sight and sound; eg. flashing lights, sirens and horns.[0003]These methods for alerting drivers to the approach of an emergency vehicle are becoming less effectiv...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

These methods for alerting drivers to the approach of an emergency vehicle are becoming less effective.

Without an effective way of communicating the approach of an emergency vehicle in an emergency state there is a heightened risk of collisions and therefore, the safety of the emergency vehicle and its occupants along with other motor vehicles and their occupants is jeopardized.

These patents, while generally teaching a system for locating a vehicle or avoiding a collision between vehicles and accidents involving people, do not address or resolve the problem of adequately advising a driver of a motor vehicle of the approach of an emergency vehicle when it is an emergency state to allow the driver to give it the right-of-way and, thereby, assuring its safe and expedient passage while, at the same time, assuring the safety of other motor vehicles in or crossing the emergency vehicle's path.

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