Wireless safety system for trains, buses and trucks

• US 20090066491A1
• Filed: 09/26/2008
• Published: 03/12/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 04/05/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Demetrius Thompson
• Original Assignee: Demetrius Thompson
• Inventors: Thompson, Demetrius
• Application Number:
  US12/286,036
• Publication Number:
  US 20090066491A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/435
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096716 where the received information does not generate an automatic action on the vehicle control
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096741 where the source of the transmitted information selects which information to transmit to each vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096775 where the origin of the information is a central station
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/52 specially adapted for the location of the user terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/027 using movement velocity, acceleration information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/20 Services signaling; Auxiliary data signalling, i.e. transmitting data via a non-traffic channel

Abstract

A method for improving safety in a moving vehicle comprising a train, bus or truck having a wireless device not in active voice mode and capable of receiving a signal indicative of a nearby traffic light. The following steps are exercised by means of a computer program operating within the vehicle: (a) determining if the location of the vehicle is within a predetermined distance from the traffic light; (b) determining if the vehicle is moving; and (d) issuing an audible alarm whereby a driver in the vehicle is warned of proximity to the traffic light. In particular embodiments, the program determines if the traffic light is a red light or is calculated to be red by the time the vehicle reaches the intersection. In a preferred embodiment, the wireless device is capable of receiving a GPS signal and uses the signal to provide position specific information.

Claims

1. A method for improving safety in a moving vehicle comprising a train, bus or truck having a wireless device not in active voice mode capable of receiving a signal indicative of a nearby traffic light, comprising exercising the following steps by means of a computer program operating within the vehicle:

(a) determining if the location of the vehicle is within a predetermined distance from the traffic light;

(b) determining if the vehicle is moving; and

(d) issuing an audible alarm whereby a driver in the vehicle is warned of proximity to the traffic light.

2. The method of claim 1 including the step of determining if the traffic light is a red light or is calculated to be red by the time the vehicle reaches the intersection.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the wireless device is capable of receiving a GPS signal and uses the signal to provide position specific information.

4. The method of claim 1 in which the vehicle is a train.