Advanced law enforcement and response technology

• US 6,411,874 B2
• Filed: 01/18/2001
• Issued: 06/25/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 08/18/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Texas A&M University System
• Original Assignee: Texas A&M University System
• Inventors: Morgan, Joseph, Witz, John, Hausman, Johnny R., Wright, George B., Hubenak, Greg, Kappler, David, Chilek, Shawn
• Primary Examiner(s): Beaulieu, Yonel
• Application Number:
  US09/764,924
• Publication Number:
  US 20010034573A1
• Time in Patent Office: 523 Days
• Field of Search: 701/36, 701/35, 348/118, 348/148, 348/149, 340/902, 340/937, 340/468, 340/472, 340/474, 340/384.4
• US Class Current: 701/36
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2611 Indicating devices mounted on the roof of the vehicle

Abstract

A central control system is described that affords intuitive and easy control of numerous subsystems associated with a police car or other emergency vehicle and reduces the cockpit clutter associated with present control systems. A single user interface device is associated with a central controller capable of receiving input commands and outputting device control commands to a plurality of controlled devices or subsystems. Preferably, the central controller comprises a programmable digital computer. An emergency response system is also described which rapidly coordinates and controls operation of a plurality of emergency subsystems associated with the vehicle in accordance with a predetermined scheme of operation for the devices. In one preferred embodiment, the controller receives a single input command and, in response, provides specific device control commands to several individual controlled devices on a relatively simultaneous basis. A hierarchical device command structure is also taught which permits individual control of features among each of the controlled subsystems.

Claims

1. A data processing system to be utilized in an emergency-response vehicle, said data processing system comprising:

a processor;

a controller coupled to said processor;

a plurality of communication links coupled to said controller, wherein said plurality of communication links are configured to interface with various peripheral devices intended for said emergency-response vehicle; and

a touch-sensitive display device, coupled to said controller, to allow a user to activate more than one of said peripheral devices that are coupled to said plurality of communication links by pressing a graphical icon on a graphical user interface displayed on said touch-sensitive display device.

2. The data processing system according to claim 1, wherein said touch-sensitive display device allows a user to simultaneously activate more than one of said peripheral devices that are coupled to said plurality of communication links via a single touch on a graphical icon displayed on said touch-sensitive display device.

3. The data processing system according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of peripheral devices includes an overhead light bar and a siren.

4. The data processing system according to claim 3, wherein said plurality of peripheral devices further includes a global positioning system unit for locating position information of said emergency-response vehicle and a transmitter for transmitting said position information.

5. The data processing system according to claim 3, wherein said plurality of peripheral devices includes a video capturing system.

6. The data processing system according to claim 3, wherein said plurality of peripheral devices includes an audio announcement system.

7. A method for controlling a plurality of peripheral devices installed in an emergency-response vehicle, said method comprising:

connecting said plurality of peripheral devices to a central controller; and

simultaneously activating more than one of said plurality of peripheral devices via a single touch on a graphical icon displayed on a touch-sensitive screen that is coupled to said central controller.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein said plurality of peripheral devices includes an overhead light bar and a siren.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein said plurality of peripheral devices further includes a global positioning system unit for locating position information of said emergency-response vehicle and a transmitter for transmitting said position information.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein said plurality of peripheral devices includes a video capturing system.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein said plurality of peripheral devices includes an audio announcement system.

12. A computer program product for controlling a plurality of peripheral devices installed in an emergency-response vehicle, wherein said plurality of peripheral devices are connected to a central controller, said computer program product comprising:

program codes means for providing communications between said plurality of peripheral devices and a central controller; and

program code means for simultaneously activating more than one of said plurality of peripheral devices via a single touch on a graphical icon displayed on a touch-sensitive screen that is coupled to said central controller.

13. The computer program product according to claim 12, wherein said plurality of peripheral devices includes an overhead light bar and a siren.

14. The computer program product according to claim 12, wherein said plurality of peripheral devices further includes a global positioning system unit for locating position information of said emergency-response vehicle and a transmitter for transmitting said position information.

15. The computer program product according to claim 12, wherein said plurality of peripheral devices includes a video capturing system.

16. The computer program product according to claim 12, wherein said plurality of peripheral devices includes an audio announcement system.