HK1143888A - Automatic crash notification using wimax - Google Patents

Description

Automated crash notification using WiMAX

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Priority of U.S. patent application serial No. 11/870,977 entitled "Automatic crasNotification Using WiMAX" filed on 11/10/2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

Automated accident notification

Background

An automated accident notification system and method may detect a vehicle accident and issue a request for assistance to a call center. The call center personnel may communicate with the vehicle personnel to confirm that the call requesting assistance has been received.

Standard mobile (cellular) telephone technology has been used to wirelessly communicate the required information. However, mobile phones have limited range and may not operate in areas away from base station towers (cellular towers). Moreover, mobile phone services provided by different operators are not always compatible. This may require that the system hardware be dedicated to services provided by only one operator. This may further limit the flexibility of the system, reduce the chances of bidding bids, and further reduce the area in which the system can be used.

Some systems may interface with a mobile phone provided by the vehicle personnel, as opposed to including their own mobile phone hardware. While this may increase the number of compatible operators, it may also introduce security and reliability issues. For example, a vehicle occupant may forget to carry a mobile phone, forget to charge the mobile phone before driving, or forget to turn on the mobile phone. The mobile phone itself may be unreliable or not have all the functionality necessary.

The use of mobile phones also requires paying the operator according to the amount of air time used or the amount of data transferred. This makes it difficult to enter into a fixed price contract for use with a particular carrier. This also makes it difficult to accurately determine the cost of using such a system when a purchase decision must be made.

Disclosure of Invention

An automated crash notification system may include: an accident detection system configured to detect a vehicle accident; a wireless communication system configured to wirelessly transmit messages to and receive messages from remote locations in accordance with the IEEE 802.16 standard; and a processing system configured to transmit an incident notification to a remote location via the wireless communication system in accordance with the IEEE 802.16 standard in response to detection of the incident by the incident detection system.

The wireless communication may be configured to wirelessly transmit and receive messages to and from a remote location using WiMAX.

The automated accident notification system may include a storage system containing a first prerecorded message including one or more words indicating that the remote location has received an accident notification and a user communication system configured to communicate the words to vehicle personnel. The processing system may be configured to cause the first prerecorded message to be transmitted via the user communication system in response to the wireless communication system receiving an acknowledgement/confirmation (acknowledgement) from a remote location that the remote location has received an incident notification, but the acknowledgement does not include the first prerecorded message.

The storage system may contain the first prerecorded message in a plurality of languages. The processing system may be configured to select a language in which to communicate based on user input.

The wireless system may be configured not to transmit or receive words via the wireless communication system.

The first prerecorded message may include one or more words that also indicate that the remote location has summoned assistance.

The vehicle may include an entertainment system, and the processing system may be configured to reduce sound from the entertainment system in response to detection of an accident by the accident detection system.

The automated accident notification system may include a GPS receiver configured to generate location information indicative of a location of the vehicle, and the processing system may be configured to cause the location information to be included in the accident notification transmitted to the remote location.

The automated crash notification system may include a user-actuated cancel controller, and the processing system may be configured to transmit a cancel notification to a remote location via the wireless communication system in response to actuation of the user-actuated cancel controller.

The storage system may contain a second canned message that includes one or more words indicating that the cancellation notification has been received by the remote location. The processing system may be configured to cause the second canned message to be transmitted via the user's wireless communication system in response to the wireless communication system receiving a receipt from a remote location that the remote location has received a cancellation notification, but the receipt does not include the second canned message.

The user communication system may include a sound system, and the processing system may be configured to cause the one or more words to be played on the sound system.

The user communication system may include a display, and the processing system may be configured to cause the one or more words to be displayed on the display.

An automated accident notification method may include automatically detecting a vehicle accident and automatically transmitting an accident notification from the vehicle to a remote location via a wireless communication system in accordance with the IEEE 802.16 standard in response to the automatically detected accident.

The transmission may use WiMAX.

The automated incident notification method may include: storing a first prerecorded message in a memory of the vehicle, the first prerecorded message including one or more words that indicate that the remote location has received the incident notification; receiving, on the vehicle, a response piece from the remote location that the remote location has received the notice of the accident, but the response piece does not include any words; and transmitting the first canned message via a consumer wireless communication system in response to receiving a receipt from a remote location that the remote location has received the incident notification.

The automated incident notification method may include selecting a language of the message to be transmitted.

Words may not be transmitted or received via the wireless communication system.

The first prerecorded message may include one or more words that also indicate that the remote location has summoned assistance.

The method may include reducing sound from an entertainment system in the vehicle in response to detection of the accident.

The method may include generating location information indicative of a location of the vehicle and transmitting the location information as part of the accident notification.

The method may include actuating a user-actuated cancel controller in the vehicle, and transmitting a cancel notification from the vehicle to a remote location in response to actuation of the user-actuated cancel controller.

The method can comprise the following steps: storing a second canned message comprising one or more words indicating that the remote location has received the cancellation notification; receiving, on the vehicle, a second response piece from the remote location that the remote location has received the cancellation notification, but that does not include a second canned message; and transmitting a second canned message stored in the vehicle via the user communication system in response to receiving the second response piece from the remote location.

The one or more words may be played on a sound system or displayed on a display.

These and other features, steps, features, objects, benefits and advantages will become apparent from a review of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, the accompanying drawings and the claims.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings disclose illustrative embodiments. They do not set forth all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used additionally or alternatively. It will be apparent that details which are not necessary may be omitted to save space or for more effective explanation. Rather, some embodiments may be practiced without all of the details disclosed. When the same number appears in different drawings, it is intended to refer to the same or like parts or steps.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an automated crash notification system utilizing canned messages.

Fig. 2 is a flow chart of an automated crash notification method utilizing the automated crash notification system shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3(a) and 3(b) together show a flow chart of a cancellation method for the automated accident notification method shown in fig. 2.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of another cancellation method for the automated crash notification method shown in FIG. 2.

Fig. 5 is a prerecorded message table that may be played as part of the automated crash notification methods shown in fig. 2, 3(a), and 3 (b).

Detailed Description

Illustrative embodiments are discussed below. Other embodiments may additionally or alternatively be used. For the purpose of economy of explanation or more effective explanation, obvious and unnecessary details may be omitted. Rather, some embodiments may be practiced without all of the details disclosed.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an automated crash notification system utilizing canned messages. As shown in fig. 1, processing system 101 may be configured to communicate with: an accident detection system 103, a two-way wireless communication system 105, a storage system 107 containing one or more messages 109, a location detection system 111, a user-actuated cancel controller 113, a status indicator 115, an entertainment system 117, and a sound system 119.

The accident detection system 103 may be any type of system configured to detect a vehicle accident. The system may include one or more accident sensors mounted at one or more strategic locations on the vehicle, such as on one or more bumpers and/or one or more sides of the vehicle. The accident detection system 103 may alternatively or additionally include one or more sensors configured to detect airbag deployment. The one or more sensors may be an existing component of the vehicle and may be used for other purposes. The accident detection system 103 may include a user-actuated control (e.g., a button on the dashboard) that may be actuated by the vehicle occupant after the accident as an alternative or additional accident detection device.

The accident detection system 103 may be configured to signal that an accident has occurred when the airbag sensor signals that the airbag has been deployed or when the tail sensor signals that a tail-end collision has occurred (such a collision typically does not trigger the airbag). The accident detection system 103 may be configured to ignore signals from the rear sensors that are below a predetermined threshold, assuming that such a collision has no reason to call for assistance.

The wireless communication system 105 may be configured to wirelessly transmit data, voice, and/or other information to and from a location remote from the vehicle, such as a call center. The wireless communication system 105 may be any type of wireless communication system. It may be a separate system dedicated to the function of the automated vehicle accident notification system, or it may provide other types of communication services. For example, the wireless communication system 105 may also be used to transmit and/or receive communications to and/or from a vehicle service center related to vehicle service needs.

The wireless communication system 105 may include or be comprised of any type of wireless transceiver that conforms to the IEEE 802.16 standard. When not used for automated incident notification, the transceiver may be used for other purposes, such as for telephony or data communications.

More specifically, the wireless communication system 105 may be configured to communicate its communications via WiMAX (meaning worldwide interoperability microwave access network, also known as WirelessMAN). This may be accomplished in accordance with WiMAX protocols, including a specific form of WiMAX (authorization), known as Mobile WiMAX. The communication system 105 may also be configured to communicate its communications via another type of wireless telecommunications network that conforms to the IEEE 802.16 standard. The wireless communication system 105 may be any combination of communication systems conforming to the IEEE 802.16 standard, as well as any other type of communication system, such as cellular and/or commercial mobile radio services.

The wireless communication system 105 may be configured to not transmit or not receive words. In alternative embodiments, the wireless communication system 105 may be configured to transmit words.

The storage system 107 may be any type of storage system, such as one or more ROMs, PROMs, eproms, memory cards, floppy disks, magnetic tapes, magnetic cards, CDs, DVDs, hard drives, and/or any other type of storage device. Storage system 107 may include one or more of such storage devices in a single location or in distributed locations.

Each message 109 stored in the storage system 107 may be prerecorded and include one or more words having a meaning, as will be described in more detail below. The one or more words in each message 109 may be an analog or digital recording of a real person's voice, text data that may be converted to audible words by a text-to-speech processor, data representing phonemes that may be converted to audible words by a phoneme-to-speech converter, data representing a set of words in a dictionary of stored words, and/or any other format that may be called again in an audible format and communicated to the vehicle occupant.

Each message 109 stored in the storage system 107 may be stored in various formats. For example, each message may be stored in a variety of languages, such as English, Spanish, French, and Italian. Also, each message may be stored in a different sound, such as a female sound and a male sound. Each message may also be stored in a different version, for example in a long version and a short version. The processing system 101 may accordingly be configured to select whether to use a particular format, such as a particular language, the gender of the sound, and whether to use a long version or a short version. This selection may be based on user input.

The location detection system 111 may be any type of device configured to detect and inform the location of the vehicle. The position detection system 111 may include a GPS receiver. Such a receiver may be separate from the wireless communication system 105 or be part of the wireless communication system 105.

The user-actuated cancel control 113 may be any type of control that may be actuated by a user. It may comprise, for example, a mechanical switch such as a red button. A touch pad or touch screen may alternatively or additionally be used. The user-actuated cancel control 113 may be located anywhere, for example on the vehicle dashboard or in a wireless remote control.

The status indicator 115 may be any type of indicator or indicators configured to communicate a message to the vehicle personnel regarding the status of the automated accident notification system. Status indicators 115 may include LEDs, displays, or any other type of indicating device. The status indicator 115 can be configured in conjunction with the processing system 101 to indicate various information regarding the status of the automated crash notification system. Examples of such states include that the system has been switched on and is running (is on and functioning), that there is an error in diagnostics, that a subscription to an emergency notification service has terminated/failed, that a notification of an accident has been transmitted, that the transmission of an accident notification has been acknowledged, that a cancellation of an accident notification has been transmitted and/or that a cancellation notification of a transmission has been received.

The entertainment system 117 may be one or more of any type of entertainment system in a vehicle. These systems may include one or more radios, CD players, DVD players, MPG players and video players, and televisions. These systems may be configured for operation from the front seat, rear seat, remote, and/or from the trunk of the vehicle.

Sound system 119 may be any type of device configured to audibly communicate words to vehicle occupants. The sound system 119 may include, for example, an amplifier and a speaker. Although shown in fig. 1 as being separate from the entertainment system 117, the sound system 119 may be part of the entertainment system 117. The sound system 119 may include a wired or wireless microphone on which the user may talk. When wireless, the bluetooth protocol may be used.

The processing system 101 may be any type of processing system. The processing system 101 may be configured to perform the various functions and operations described herein as well as other functions and operations. The processing system 101 may comprise a special purpose computer dedicated to performing the required functions and operations. It may additionally, or alternatively, include a programmed general-purpose computer for performing the functions and operations. The processing system 101 may have only a single processor or may have multiple processors working together.

The automated vehicle accident notification system shown in FIG. 1 may be connected to or mounted in any part of a vehicle. Its various components may be in one location or in different locations. One or more components of the system may be installed by the vehicle manufacturer, vendor, and/or retailer prior to sale of the vehicle, or may be installed after sale. One or more of its components may also be used as components of a vehicle computer network (CAN) system. For example, the functions of the processing system 101 and the storage system 107 may be performed by one of the processing systems and the memory in the vehicle computer network.

The automated vehicle accident notification system shown in fig. 1 may include a battery backup (not shown) for powering the system in the event of an accident that damages the normal battery in the vehicle.

One or more of the functions and operations performed by the incident detection system 103, the wireless communication system 105, the storage system 107, the location detection system 111, the user-actuated cancellation controller 113, the status indicator 115, the entertainment system 117, and the sound system 119 may be performed by the processing system 101, and/or vice versa.

Fig. 2 is a flow chart of an automated crash notification method utilizing the automated crash notification system shown in fig. 1. The method shown in fig. 2 may be performed by other automated crash notification systems, and the automated crash notification system shown in fig. 1 may be used to perform other methods.

The incident detection system 103 may detect an incident, as shown in an incident detection step 201. The processing system 101 may receive notification of this message from the accident detection system 103 and reduce the sound of the entertainment system 117 accordingly, as shown by the reduce entertainment system sound step 203. This may cause any sound emitted by the entertainment system 117 to temporarily stop. The processing system 101 may be configured to not disable any bluetooth non-manual functionality that may be present.

The processing system 101 may cause the sound system 119 to play any of the messages 109 stored in the storage system 107. For example, as shown in step 205 of playing a message that an incident was detected, the processing system 101 may cause a message to be played that includes one or more words indicating that an incident has been detected.

The processor 101 can cause the wireless communication system 105 to transmit an incident notification to a call center at a remote location, as shown by a transmit incident notification step 207. The nature of establishing a communication link with the call center may depend on the type of wireless communication system 105. For example, when wireless communication system 105 uses WiMax, the transmit incident notification step 207 may be accomplished by processing system 101 causing the WiMax transceiver to address its communications to a preprogrammed IP address or domain name of the call center. The processing system 101 may instead look for the address of the call center by having the communication system 105 access address information of an address database located outside the vehicle, such as on the internet. Communications from the WiMax transceiver may then be wirelessly transmitted to the WiMax base station towers and then transmitted over the internet to the call center.

The transmitting of the incident notification step 207 may include the transmission of various information related to the incident. For example, the transmit accident notification step 207 may transmit information relating to the nature of the accident, such as whether the accident is an impact accident, a rollover accident or a rear impact accident.

The transmitted information may include information about the location of the vehicle at the time of the accident. For convenience, the processing system 101 may obtain location information from the location detection system 111. The transmitted location information may include information about the longitude and latitude of the vehicle.

The transmit accident notification step 207 may include information about the vehicle associated with the accident, such as its year, make, model, color, and/or VIN number.

The transmit accident notification step 207 may include information regarding the severity of the accident, the time of the accident, and/or pre-accident information such as the vehicle speed prior to the accident.

The transmit accident notification step 207 may include information related to determining whether the airbag is deployed and, if deployed, whether the deployment is due to an accident or a malfunction.

As shown in step 209 of playing the message that the incident notification was transmitted, the processing system 101 may cause another message 109 to be played on the sound system 119, such as a message including one or more words indicating that the incident notification has been transmitted.

As shown in a decision 211 that an incident notification (or not) has been received, the processing system 101 may wait a predetermined period of time (e.g., approximately five seconds) for the wireless communication system 105 to transmit a notification to the processing system 101 that an incident notification has been received. During this time, the call center may receive the incident notification and transmit a notification back to the wireless communication system 105 that the incident notification has been received. Such transmissions may or may not include any words.

If the processing system 101 does not receive a notification within this time that the call center has received the incident notification, then the processing system 101 may cause the incident notification to be retransmitted as shown by returning the method to the transmit incident notification step 207. Method steps 207, 209 and 211 may be repeated. Such repetition can be useful when there is a temporary problem with the communication between the automated crash notification system and the call center.

Once the wireless communication system 105 receives a notification from a call center that the call center has received an incident notification, the processing system 101 may cause another message 109 to be played on the sound system 119, such as a message including one or more words indicating that the transmitted incident notification has been received by the call center, as shown in step 213 of playing the message that the incident notification was received.

As shown by the wait step 215, the processing system 101 may be configured to wait a predetermined period of time and then return to the step 213 of playing the message that the incident notification was received, thereby causing this message to be periodically communicated to the on-board personnel.

After receiving the accident notification, the call center may determine the location of the vehicle using information transmitted as part of the accident notification, such as vehicle location information. The call center may use this location information to identify emergency personnel in the area (location) of the vehicle. The call center may contact these emergency personnel and provide emergency information to these personnel, such as information about the characteristics and location of the vehicle. Emergency personnel may travel to the accident site and provide emergency assistance to the vehicle personnel.

Prior to communicating with emergency personnel, the call center may look up information in its own database related to the information it received in the transmission from the vehicle. For example, the call center may look up the name of the driver of the vehicle and the type of emergency service the driver has subscribed to. The call center may utilize such located information as part of the method of determining how to respond to the emergency transmission and/or may provide all or a portion of such located information to emergency personnel.

After the call center contacts the emergency personnel, provides the emergency personnel with the required information, and/or receives confirmation from the emergency personnel that they will arrive at the accident site and provide assistance, the call center may transmit back to the vehicle information indicating that it has called for assistance. Such transmissions may be received by the wireless communication system 105 and handed over to the processing system 101. The processing system 101 may then cause the sound system 119 to play another message 109, such as a message including one or more words indicating that the remote location has called for assistance. Such a message calling for assistance may be played in step 213 in addition to the message that the incident notification was received. In another embodiment, a message that assistance has been called may be played at step 213 without playing a message that an incident notification was received.

Fig. 3(a) and 3(b) together show a flow chart of a cancellation method for the automated accident notification method shown in fig. 2. The cancellation methods shown in fig. 3(a) and 3(b) may be used with other methods, and the automated accident notification method shown in fig. 2 may be used with other cancellation methods.

At any time, the onboard personnel (or any other personnel) may actuate the user-actuated controls 113. To cancel the automated incident notification method, the user-actuated controller 113 may be actuated, for example, when the incident is small and no assistance is needed. Such an actuation may be detected by the processing system 101 as shown in step 301 where a cancellation request is received.

As shown in step 303, which determines whether an incident is detected, the processing system 101 may check to determine whether an incident is detected. If not, the processing system may cause the sound system to play one of the messages 109 that includes one or more words indicating that no incident was detected, as shown in step 307 where a message that no incident was detected.

If an incident is detected before the user-actuated cancel control is actuated, the processing system 101 may cause the sound system 119 to play one of the messages 109 including one or more words indicating that the system recognizes that the user-actuated cancel control 113 has been activated, but requests confirmation before canceling the process, as shown in step 305 of playing a message requiring confirmation. This may help prevent accidental cancellation of automatic crash notifications.

As shown in the determination of whether a confirmation is received 309, the processing system 101 may wait a predetermined period of time (e.g., about 10 seconds) during which the processing system checks whether the in-vehicle personnel has confirmed the cancellation request, for example, by again actuating the user-actuated cancellation controller 113. If no acknowledgement of the cancellation is received within the predetermined time period, processing system 101 may directly ignore the request, as shown by ignore step 311.

On the other hand, if the acknowledgement is received within the predetermined period of time, the processing system 101 may test to determine if the incident notification has been transmitted, as shown in step 313 of determining if the incident notification was transmitted in FIG. 3 (b). If so, the processing system 101 may cause the wireless communication system 105 to transmit a request to the call center to cancel the request for emergency service, as shown in step 315 of transmitting a cancel request. The processing system 101 may wait a predetermined time for a message from the wireless communication system 105 indicating that the call center has received the cancellation request, as shown at step 317, where it is determined whether the cancellation request was received. If the receipt of the cancellation is not received within the predetermined time, the processing system 101 may return the method to the transmit cancellation request step 313, thus causing the cancellation request to be transmitted again until its receipt is confirmed.

Once the receipt of the cancel request has been received during step 317 or if the processing system determines that an incident notification has not been transmitted during step 313, the processing system 101 may cause the sound system 119 to play one of the messages 109 indicating that the automated incident notification method has been cancelled, as shown by step 319 which plays the cancelled message. As shown by not reduce entertainment system sound step 321, the processing system 101 may not reduce the sound of the entertainment system 117.

Step 301, in which a cancellation request is received, may serve as an interrupt to the method shown in fig. 2. The method shown in fig. 2 may be restarted after the interruption is complete, for example after step 307 of playing a message that no accident has been detected, after step 311 of ignoring and/or after step 321 of not reducing the sound of the entertainment system.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of another cancellation method for the automated crash notification method shown in FIG. 2. The method shown in fig. 4 may be used with other automated notification methods, and the automated notification method shown in fig. 2 may be used with other cancellation methods. The cancellation method shown in fig. 4 may be in addition to or instead of the cancellation method shown in fig. 3(a) and 3 (b).

As shown in fig. 4, the user may turn the ignition key off and on again, as shown in ignition key cycle step 401. The processing system 101 may detect this sequence, interpret it as a request to cancel the automated vehicle accident notification process, and cancel the process, as shown by cancel process step 403. As shown by the do not reduce entertainment system sound step 405, the processing system 101 may not reduce the sound of the entertainment system 117.

Fig. 5 is a listing of words that may be used for one or more canned messages that have been discussed above in connection with the above-described methods, some of which are shown in fig. 2 and fig. 3(a), 3 (b). These are merely illustrative. Shorter or longer versions, as well as versions with different words or different languages, may also be used in addition or instead.

The components, steps, features, objects, benefits and advantages that have been discussed above are merely illustrative. Neither are they intended, nor are the discussions related to them, to limit the scope of protection in any way. Numerous other embodiments may be implemented, including embodiments having fewer, additional, and/or different components, steps, features, objects, benefits, and advantages. The components and steps may also be arranged and ordered differently.

For example, the automated vehicle accident notification system and method may be used with other types of transportation systems, such as ships, trains, or airplanes, which may also experience accidents.

The call center may also provide other functions such as storing all communications the call center has made with the automated vehicle accident notification system.

Although messages have so far been described as being relayed only on a user communication system as a sound system, such messages may additionally or alternatively be relayed on a user communication system comprising display means such as a vehicle display. In this case, the messages 109 stored in the storage system 107 may additionally or alternatively be in text format.

The wireless communication system 105 may also be configured to facilitate verbal communication between the vehicle occupant and a remote location. The sound system 119 may include a microphone that may be used by the vehicle occupant to relay spoken messages. A keyboard or touch screen may additionally or alternatively be used to convey information provided by the vehicle occupant.

The wireless communication system 105 may also be configured to receive various system level communications that may be suitably processed by the processing system 101. For example, the status of any subscriptions that may be required by the services of the call center may be communicated from the call center to the wireless communication system 105. If the subscription is for a universal (current) payment, this may be indicated by the received communication and may be used by the processing system 101 to activate an appropriate status indicator 115. Conversely, if the subscription has expired, this may instead be indicated by the received communication and the processing system 101 may instead cause a different one of the status indicators 115 to be activated. The received system level communication with the wireless communication system 105 may also include communication of additional and/or modified one or more messages 109. They may also include software updates that modify the methods performed by the processing system 101.

The storage system for storing the prerecorded messages may be located at the call center rather than on the vehicle. In this embodiment, the prerecorded message may be sent from the call center to the vehicle for playback in the vehicle in response to a response from the call center.

In short, the scope of protection of the invention is exclusively defined by the appended claims. This scope is intended to be accorded the language used in the claims and to encompass all structural and functional equivalents. It is not intended to dedicate any element, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public regardless of whether it is recited in the claims.

The phrase "means for …" when used in a claim includes the corresponding structures and materials already described and equivalents thereof. Also, the term "step for …" when used in a claim includes the corresponding action already described and equivalents thereof. The absence of such phrases indicates that the claims are not limited to any corresponding structure, material, or acts.

Claims (25)

1. An automated crash notification system, comprising:

an accident detection system configured to detect a vehicle accident;

a wireless communication system configured to wirelessly transmit messages to and receive messages from a remote location in accordance with the IEEE 802.16 standard; and

a processing system configured to transmit an incident notification to the remote location via the wireless communication system in accordance with the IEEE 802.16 standard in response to detection of the incident by the incident detection system.

2. The automated crash notification system of claim 1 wherein the wireless communication system is configured to wirelessly transmit messages to and receive messages from the remote location using WiMAX.

3. The automated crash notification system of claim 1 further comprising:

a storage system containing a first prerecorded message that includes one or more words that indicate that the remote location has received an incident notification; and

a user communication system configured to communicate the words to an occupant of the vehicle,

wherein the processing system is configured to cause the first canned message to be transmitted via the user communication system in response to the wireless communication system receiving a receipt from the remote location that the incident notification has been received, but the receipt does not include the first canned message.

4. The automated crash notification system of claim 3 wherein the storage system contains the first prerecorded message in a plurality of languages and wherein the processing system is configured to select a language in which to communicate based on user input.

5. The automated crash notification system of claim 3 wherein the wireless communication system is configured to not transmit or receive words.

6. The automated crash notification system of claim 3 wherein the first prerecorded message includes one or more words that also indicate that the remote location has summoned assistance.

7. The automated accident notification system of claim 3, wherein the vehicle comprises an entertainment system, and wherein the processing system is configured to reduce sound from the entertainment system in response to detection of an accident by the accident detection system.

8. The automated accident notification system of claim 3, further comprising a GPS receiver configured to generate location information indicative of a location at which the vehicle is located, and wherein the processing system is configured to cause the location information to be included in the accident notification transmitted to the remote location.

9. The automated crash notification system of claim 3 further comprising a user-actuated cancellation controller, and wherein the processing system is configured to transmit a cancellation notification to the remote location via the wireless communication system in response to actuation of the user-actuated cancellation controller.

10. The automated crash notification system of claim 9 wherein the storage system contains a second canned message comprising one or more words indicating that a remote location has received a cancellation notification, and wherein the processing system is configured to cause the second canned message to be transmitted via the user wireless communication system in response to the wireless communication system receiving a receipt from the remote location that the remote location has received a cancellation notification, but the receipt does not include the second canned message.

11. The automated crash notification system of claim 3 wherein the user communication system includes a sound system and wherein the processing system is configured to cause the one or more words to be played on the sound system.

12. The automated crash notification system of claim 3 wherein the user communication system includes a display and wherein the processing system is configured to cause the one or more words to be displayed on the display.

13. An automated incident notification method, comprising:

automatically detecting a vehicle accident; and

in response to automatically detecting the incident, a notification of the incident is automatically transmitted from the vehicle to a remote location via a wireless communication system in accordance with the IEEE 802.16 standard.

14. The automated crash notification method of claim 13 wherein the transmission uses WiMAX.

15. The automated crash notification process of claim 13 further comprising:

storing a first prerecorded message in a memory of the vehicle, the first prerecorded message including one or more words that indicate that a remote location has received an incident notification;

receiving, on the vehicle, a response piece from the remote location that the accident notification has been received by the remote location, but the response piece does not include the first canned message; and

transmitting the first canned message via a consumer wireless communication system in response to receiving a receipt from the remote location that the remote location has received the incident notification.

16. The automated crash notification process of claim 15 wherein the process includes selecting the language of the message that is transmitted.

17. The automated crash notification process of claim 15 wherein no words are transmitted or received over the wireless communication system.

18. The automated crash notification process of claim 15 wherein the first prerecorded message includes one or more words that also indicate that the remote location has summoned assistance.

19. The automated accident notification method of claim 15, wherein the method includes reducing sound from an entertainment system in the vehicle in response to detection of the accident.

20. The automated accident notification method of claim 15, wherein the method includes generating location information indicative of a location of the vehicle and transmitting the location information as part of the accident notification.

21. The automated accident notification method of claim 15, wherein the method includes actuating a user-actuated cancellation controller in the vehicle and transmitting a cancellation notification from the vehicle to the remote location in response to actuation of the user-actuated cancellation controller.

22. The automated crash notification process of claim 21 wherein the process includes storing a second canned message including one or more words indicating that the remote location has received a cancellation notification; receiving, on the vehicle, a second response piece from the remote location that the remote location has received the cancellation notification, but the second response piece does not include the second canned message; and transmitting, via the user communication system, the second canned message stored in the vehicle in response to receiving the second response piece from the remote location.

23. The automated crash notification process of claim 15 wherein the one or more words are played on a sound system.

24. The automated crash notification process of claim 15 wherein the one or more words are displayed on a display.

25. An automated crash notification system, comprising:

means for detecting a vehicle accident;

means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving messages to and from a remote location in accordance with the IEEE 802.16 standard; and

means for transmitting an incident notification via the means for wirelessly transmitting to a remote location in accordance with the IEEE 802.16 standard in response to detection of an incident by the incident detection system.