Emergency vehicle traffic signal preemption system
First Claim
1. An emergency vehicle traffic signal preemption system;
- an intersection communications controller at each intersection for preemption;
a traffic light controller receiving inputs from said communications controller to control the operation of traffic lights and pedestrian lights at an intersection;
a transceiver for receiving information from an emergency vehicle and transmitting information about the status of an intersection;
a real-time status monitor for monitoring status at a selected intersection and verifying preemption of the intersection, said status monitor relaying said status information at said intersection to said communications controller;
a transponder in each emergency vehicle receiving said status information being transmitted by said intersection transceiver, said transponder including a transceiver for transmitting emergency vehicle data to said intersection communications controller;
a display in said emergency vehicle displaying the status of said intersection and other emergency vehicles responding to an emergency;
whereby said emergency vehicle traffic signal preemption system operates autonomously by transmissions to and from said emergency vehicle and intersection.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An emergency vehicle traffic light preemption system for preemption of traffic lights at an intersection to allow safe passage of emergency vehicles. The system includes a real-time status monitor of an intersection which is relayed to a communications controller for transmission to emergency vehicles as well as to a central dispatch office. The system also provides for audio warnings at an intersection to protect pedestrians who may not be in a position to see visual warnings or for various reasons cannot hear the approach of emergency vehicles. A transponder mounted on an emergency vehicle provides autonomous control so the vehicle operator can attend to getting to an emergency and not be concerned with the operation of the system. Activation of a Code 3 situation provides communications with each intersection being approached by an emergency vehicle and indicates whether the intersection is preempted or if there is any conflict with other approaching emergency vehicles. On-board diagnostics handle various information including heading, speed, and acceleration sent to a communications controller which is transmitted to an intersection and which also simultaneously receives information regarding the status of an intersection.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. An emergency vehicle traffic signal preemption system;
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an intersection communications controller at each intersection for preemption; a traffic light controller receiving inputs from said communications controller to control the operation of traffic lights and pedestrian lights at an intersection; a transceiver for receiving information from an emergency vehicle and transmitting information about the status of an intersection; a real-time status monitor for monitoring status at a selected intersection and verifying preemption of the intersection, said status monitor relaying said status information at said intersection to said communications controller; a transponder in each emergency vehicle receiving said status information being transmitted by said intersection transceiver, said transponder including a transceiver for transmitting emergency vehicle data to said intersection communications controller; a display in said emergency vehicle displaying the status of said intersection and other emergency vehicles responding to an emergency; whereby said emergency vehicle traffic signal preemption system operates autonomously by transmissions to and from said emergency vehicle and intersection. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An emergency vehicle traffic signal preemption and control method comprising;
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receiving emergency vehicle critical data at an intersection transceiver; processing said emergency vehicle critical data in an intersection digital communication controller; activating a traffic light controller by an output from said communications controller; activating all traffic and pedestrian lights at an intersection to stop all vehicle and pedestrian traffic at said intersection; monitoring the status of said traffic light controller, traffic lights and pedestrian lights at said intersection; verifying preemption of the intersection; transmitting said status information monitored to said emergency vehicle; displaying the status of said intersection and other emergency vehicles in said emergency vehicle; whereby said emergency vehicle traffic light preemption method operates to control the flow of vehicle and pedestrian traffic at an intersection autonomously to allow safe passage of emergency vehicles. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification