Emergency vehicle traffic signal preemption system
First Claim
1. An emergency vehicle traffic control system comprising:
- a processor; and
a memory operably coupled to the processor and having program instructions stored therein, the processor being operable to execute the program instructions, the program instructions including;
receiving navigation information of an emergency vehicle approaching an intersection equipped with one or more vehicular traffic lights;
estimating a time of arrival at the intersection based on the navigation information;
transmitting one or more preempt commands for controlling the vehicular traffic lights based on the estimated time of arrival and current light states of the vehicular traffic lights for providing right of way to the emergency vehicle;
verifying that the preempt commands have been executed; and
transmitting a signal to the emergency vehicle based on the verification for activating a visual display in the emergency vehicle indicative of whether the emergency vehicle has right of way through the intersection.
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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 control module 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 priority-code (i.e. 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 control module which is transmitted to an intersection and which also simultaneously receives information regarding the status of an intersection. Real-time communications and operations software allow central and remote monitoring, logging, and command of intersections and vehicles.
97 Citations
13 Claims
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1. An emergency vehicle traffic control system comprising:
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a processor; and a memory operably coupled to the processor and having program instructions stored therein, the processor being operable to execute the program instructions, the program instructions including; receiving navigation information of an emergency vehicle approaching an intersection equipped with one or more vehicular traffic lights; estimating a time of arrival at the intersection based on the navigation information; transmitting one or more preempt commands for controlling the vehicular traffic lights based on the estimated time of arrival and current light states of the vehicular traffic lights for providing right of way to the emergency vehicle; verifying that the preempt commands have been executed; and transmitting a signal to the emergency vehicle based on the verification for activating a visual display in the emergency vehicle indicative of whether the emergency vehicle has right of way through the intersection. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An emergency vehicle traffic control system comprising:
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a processor; and a memory operably coupled to the processor and having program instructions stored therein, the processor being operable to execute the program instructions, the program instructions including; receiving navigation information of an emergency vehicle approaching an intersection equipped with one or more vehicular traffic lights and one or more pedestrian traffic lights; estimating a time of arrival at the intersection based on the navigation information; controlling the vehicular traffic lights and the one or more pedestrian traffic lights based on the estimated time of arrival and current light states of the vehicular traffic lights and the pedestrian traffic lights for providing right of way to the emergency vehicle; and monitoring status of the vehicular traffic lights and the one or more pedestrian traffic lights for verifying preemption of the vehicular traffic lights and the one or more pedestrian traffic lights.
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13. An emergency vehicle traffic control system comprising:
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a processor; and a memory operably coupled to the processor and having program instructions stored therein, the processor being operable to execute the program instructions, the program instructions including; receiving navigation information of an emergency vehicle approaching an intersection equipped with one or more vehicular traffic lights and one or more pedestrian traffic lights; estimating a time of arrival at the intersection based on the navigation information; and controlling the vehicular traffic lights and the one or more pedestrian traffic lights based on the estimated time of arrival and current light states of the vehicular traffic lights and the pedestrian traffic lights for providing right of way to the emergency vehicle, wherein the controlling of the pedestrian traffic lights includes inhibiting a pedestrian clearance phase, and wherein inhibiting the pedestrian clearance phase includes disabling a pedestrian call button.
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Specification