Traffic information warning systems and methods

• US 8,581,744 B2
• Filed: 12/01/2010
• Issued: 11/12/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 04/13/2010
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lamar University (Texas State University System)
• Original Assignee: Lamar University (Texas State University System)
• Inventors: Myler, Harley Ross
• Primary Examiner(s): HUNNINGS, TRAVIS R
• Application Number:
  US12/958,197
• Publication Number:
  US 20110248843A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,077 Days
• Field of Search: 340/901, 340/902, 340/905, 340/995.13, 340/438, 340/425.5
• US Class Current: 340/902
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/0965 responding to signals from another vehicle, e.g. emergency vehicle

Abstract

A driver alert apparatus and related systems. The driver alert apparatus includes a controller and a wireless receiver connected to the controller and configured to receive data from a transmitter. The driver alert apparatus includes an at least partially transparent packaging containing the controller and receiver. The driver alert apparatus includes a speaker and visual indicator connected to be controlled by the controller, such that the speaker and visual indicator are controllably activated by the controller based on the received data.

Claims

1. A driver alert apparatus, comprising:

a controller;

a wireless receiver connected to the controller and configured to receive data from a transmitter;

an at least partially transparent packaging containing the controller and receiver, wherein the packaging is attached to a state-issued vehicle sticker;

a speaker connected to be controlled by the controller; and

a visual indicator connected to be controlled by the controller,

wherein the speaker and visual indicator are controllably activated by the controller based on the received data.

2. The driver alert apparatus of claim 1, wherein the data is a coded signal that indicates whether the speaker, visual indicator, or both should be activated.

3. The driver alert apparatus of claim 1, wherein the data includes a pre-recorded audible message that is broadcast by the speaker.

4. The driver alert apparatus of claim 1, wherein the data includes an encoded audio signal to be broadcast by the speaker.

5. The driver alert apparatus of claim 1, wherein the data indicates one of a plurality of pre-recorded audible messages stored in the driver alert apparatus to be broadcast by the speaker.

6. The driver alert apparatus of claim 1, wherein the data includes a flasher array pattern sequence that defines how the visual indicator should activated.

7. The driver alert apparatus of claim 1, wherein the visual indicator is a plurality of light-emitting diodes.

8. The driver alert apparatus of claim 1, wherein the visual indicator is a plurality of individually-controllable light-emitting diodes.

9. The driver alert apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one solar cell that is visible through a transparent portion of the packaging.

10. The driver alert apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a rechargeable battery connected to power the controller and to be charged by the at least one solar cell.

11. The driver alert apparatus of claim 1, wherein the driver alert apparatus is configured to be mounted on a window of a vehicle such that the visual indicator is visible to a driver of the vehicle.

12. The driver alert apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one solar cell that is visible through a transparent portion of the packaging, and wherein the driver alert apparatus is configured to be mounted on a window of a vehicle such that the solar cell is exposed to light through the window.

13. The driver alert apparatus of claim 1, wherein the visual indicator is mounted on the surface of the packaging.

14. The driver alert apparatus of claim 1, wherein the visual indicator is visible to a driver through a transparent portion of the packaging.

15. A driver alert system, comprising:

a driver alert apparatus mounted in a vehicle and having a controller, a wireless receiver connected to the controller, an at least partially transparent packaging containing the controller and receiver, a speaker connected to be controlled by the controller, and a visual indicator connected to be controlled by the controller, wherein the driver alert apparatus is affixed to a state-issued vehicle sticker and mounted on a windshield of the vehicle; and

a transmitter apparatus configured to transmit data to the driver alert apparatus to alert the driver of the vehicle,

wherein the wireless received is configured to receive the data, and the speaker and visual indicator are controllably activated by the controller based on the received data.

16. The driver alert system of claim 15, wherein the transmitter apparatus is mounted on an emergency vehicle.

17. The driver alert system of claim 15, wherein the transmitter apparatus is stationary.

18. The driver alert system of claim 15, wherein the data includes an encoded audio signal to be broadcast by the speaker.