DirAlert

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method for visually indicating the direction of an approaching emergency service vehicle using wireless signal detection. The system comprises a vehicle-mounted receiver, a signal processing unit, and a visual display interface. Upon detecting a directional signal transmitted by an emergency vehicle, the system determines the signal's origin relative to the host vehicle and provides real-time visual indicators to the driver. Directional cues may be presented through LEDs, dashboard displays, heads-up displays, or integrated accessories. The system enhances driver awareness and road safety, especially in high-traffic or low- visibility conditions, and is compatible with both conventional and autonomous vehicles. The invention may also include optional audio or haptic alerts and can be retrofitted or integrated into existing vehicle infrastructure. 20 25 20 27 44 17 A pr 2 02 5 A B S T R A C T 2 0 2 5 2 0 2 7 4 4 1 7 A p r 2 0 2 5 Drawings 1 / 2 Figure 1. This drawing illustrates the forward transmission of a directional signal from the emergency service vehicle and its reception by a nearby motor vehicle. Page 6 Drawings 1 / 2 Figure 1. This drawing illustrates the forward transmission of a directional signal from the emergency service vehicle and its reception by a nearby motor vehicle. 1 2 3 Figure 1 Page 6 20 25 20 27 44 17 A pr 2 02 5 2 0 2 5 2 0 2 7 4 4 1 7 A p r 2 0 2 5 D O 3 2 3

Description

2025202744   17 Apr 2025 TECHNICAL FIELD A vehicle-mounted system detects directional emergency signals and activates visual alerts to guide the driver in real time. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In modern traffic environments, drivers often rely on the sound of sirens to become aware of approaching emergency service vehicles. However, due to soundproofing, music, air conditioning, and road noise, the effectiveness of audible warnings inside a vehicle cabin is significantly reduced. Even when the siren is heard, drivers typically cannot determine the precise direction from which the sound is coming. This lack of directional awareness creates confusion and delays in yielding to emergency vehicles, especially in congested areas or multi-lane roads. Traditional methods—such as lights and sirens—depend on the driver’s line of sight and hearing, which are often limited by the design of the vehicle or surrounding traffic. The current absence of in-vehicle systems that provide clear directional information compromises road safety and slows emergency response times. This invention addresses this gap by offering real-time, in-cabin directional alerts based on wireless signal detection, improving driver response and overall traffic efficiency. Summary of the Invention 2025202744   17 Apr 2025 The present invention provides a vehicular system for receiving directional wireless signals transmitted by emergency service vehicles and visually indicating their relative direction to the driver. The system comprises a signal receiver mounted within the vehicle, a signal processing unit, and a directional visual indicator interface. Upon detecting a signal transmitted by an emergency vehicle—such as one operating on a reserved RF, UHF, or infrared channel—the receiver communicates with the processing unit, which determines the direction from which the signal is originating. The system then activates one or more directional indicators inside the vehicle (e.g., arrows or graphical elements on a screen) to visually guide the driver to the source of the signal. The system may be integrated into existing vehicle infrastructure, including the instrument cluster, infotainment system, or heads-up display (HUD). Additionally, it may be incorporated into auxiliary devices such as GPS units, dash cameras, or mobile devices. It is adaptable to both manually operated and autonomous vehicles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 2025202744   17 Apr 2025 Figure 1. This drawing illustrates the forward transmission of a directional signal from the emergency service vehicle and its reception by a nearby motor vehicle. Figure 2. This drawing displays an in-vehicle view showing the DirAlert system integrated into the vehicle’s instrument cluster, indicating the direction of an approaching signal transmitted by an emergency service vehicle. 2025202744   17 Apr 2025 The invention comprises the following components: 1. Signal Receiver A vehicle-mounted receiver capable of detecting modulated wireless signals transmitted by emergency vehicles. The receiver may operate across multiple protocols, including RF, UHF, Bluetooth, infrared, or other short-range dedicated communication channels. 2. Signal Processing Unit The processing unit analyses the incoming signal to determine its direction relative to the vehicle's current position. Techniques such as signal strength differentiation, angle of arrival (AOA), or time-difference-of-arrival (TDOA) may be used to ascertain directional data. The unit outputs a direction vector to be used by the display system. 3. Directional Visual Indicator Interface The user interface displays the direction of the emergency vehicle relative to the driver’s vehicle using illuminated arrows, LED clusters, on-screen prompts, HUD overlays, or dashboard icons. The display may also present accompanying text (e.g., “Emergency Vehicle Approaching from Left”). 4. Communication Protocol The system supports bidirectional or unidirectional communication (depending on implementation) using robust wireless protocols designed to ensure low latency and minimal interference. The use of reserved or licensed frequency bands is preferred to minimise false alerts. 5. Alert Mechanism (Optional) In addition to the visual interface, the system may include supplementary alerts such as audio tones, voice guidance, haptic feedback, or light pulsing to further enhance driver awareness without causing distraction. Conclusion 2025202744   17 Apr 2025 The invention offers a novel and practical method for providing drivers with directional awareness of approaching emergency vehicles via wireless signal detection and in-vehicle visual cues. By enhancing driver responsiveness and integrating seamlessly with existing vehicle systems, the invention contributes significantly to road safety, traffic management efficiency, and the broader development of intelligent transportation infrastructure.

Claims

1. A vehicle-based alert system, comprising:a receiver configured to detect wireless signals transmitted by an emergency service vehicle;a processing unit configured to determine the direction of the emergency vehicle relative to the receiving vehicle based on the detected signal; anda visual display module integrated into the vehicle's dashboard or instrument cluster, configured to indicate the direction of the approaching emergency vehicle to the driver in real-time.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless signals are transmitted using radio frequency (RF), ultra-high frequency (UHF), infrared, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other short-range communication protocols.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the visual display module comprises directional indicators selected from arrows, lights, icons, or heads-up display elements.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the processing unit determines the direction of the signal using one or more of: signal strength comparison, time-difference-of-arrival (TDOA), or angle-of-arrival (AOA) techniques.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising an audible or haptic alert to accompany the visual indication.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the receiver is integrated into an existing vehicle component, including but not limited to the dashboard, infotainment system, GPS unit, or rearview mirror.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured to be retrofitted into existing vehicles or installed as an aftermarket accessory.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured for use in both human-driven and autonomous vehicles.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the system processes and displays directional alerts in real-time to enhance driver awareness and facilitate timely responses to approaching emergency vehicles.10.The system of claim 1, wherein the emergency vehicle transmits a forward-directed signal during active emergency response, allowing vehicles ahead to detect and respond accordingly.

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