WO2017068392A1

WO2017068392A1 - (harp) the method and apparatus of (isolated) wireless honking and reducing urban noise pollution.

Info

Publication number: WO2017068392A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/058081
Authority: WO
Inventors: Davood TAVAKOLI
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-10-20
Filing date: 2015-10-20
Publication date: 2017-04-27
Anticipated expiration: 2018-04-20

Abstract

This invention is related to an electronic device and a method of using it. It comprises of sending and receiving units and notification techniques that enables the method of wirelessly alerting nearby vehicles as an alternative to vehicle's (traditional) honk, Horn and Siren. The said device, where it is made present inside vehicles, functions in collaboration with other such device/s to enable drivers communicating silent honking (signals) between two or more vehicles. Said device transmits (alert/honking) signals to be received by other such device/s inside vehicles in its range. Signals are then translated to isolated honking notifications heard only inside vehicles replacing traditional honking noise. As part of this invention, interaction strategies enable a more specific target and range for alerting nearby vehicles. Furthermore a formatting module is employed to allow the receiving vehicle/s recognise some aspects of the identity of alerting vehicle in which such device is made present. The method of using this device can reduce or eliminate noise pollution generated by vehicle's traditional honks and Sirens. This method spares the population and residents from hearing the sound of honking Horns and Sirens that are not meant to hear them and results in cities and roads without the noise of honking.

Description

Title:

(HARP) The method and apparatus of (isolated) wireless honking and reducing urban noise pollution.

DESCRIPTION

{VOCABULARY}:

IR: refers to Infra Red.

RF: refers to Radio Frequency

LED: refers to Light Emitting Diode

NOISE POLLUTION: Refers to the sound generated by man-made equipment or activity that is of no interest to a certain population or unwanted and above 30 Decibels.

{1 } DECIBEL/ dB: Refers to a unit used to measure the intensity of a sound or a degree of loudness.

{2} TRADITIONAL HONK/ING: refers to the sound of a car horn to alert other vehicles. {3} VEHICLE/S: mean/s vehicle, Automobiles/ Private vehicles, Buses, Mini-buses, Motorcycles, Bicycles, Emergency vehicles, Police cars, Ambulances, Fire-fighting vehicles, Vans, Lorries, Trucks, Electric cars, Driverless cars, Public transport and any form of transportation that is capable of speeding between 5 km/h to 700 km/h. {4} INSIDE VEHICLE: Any placement covered by a vehicle's volume and belongings. VEHICLE/ DRIVER: If the functionality of this invented apparatus is discussed then it is further assumed that all vehicles or drivers have this invented apparatus present or installed inside the vehicle.

NOTIFICATION: refers to audio/ visual indication or alerts to attract attention or bring to attention.

{5} ALERT/ HONK(ING): refers to the sound or beep produced or transmitted by this device in order to warn or alarm nearby vehicles.

INSTALL(ED): means (partially or entirely) made present in or at. Means set up at to make available for.

{6} HARP/ H.A.R.P./ Device: refers to this invented apparatus and/or the unique setup and method of using this apparatus.

{7} RANGE: If this invented device is discussed the RANGE refers to an area or radius around this invented device (or a vehicle in which this device is made available for) that the said device's transmitted signal is accessible/ receivable by other such device. If Traditional Honking is discussed, RANGE refers to the area covered by the radius around vehicle that sound of traditional honks are audible. BACKGROUND:

[0001 ]

Field of this invention; This invention is related to method of reducing urban noise pollution which can substitute traditional honking of vehicles and is made possible by this apparatus that comprises of sending and receiving and notification units, formatting modules and interaction strategy between two or more of said devices enabling wireless honking for vehicles sound of which is isolated to inside the said vehicles.

[0002]

Background; An earlier electro-mechanical device is known as vehicle honk or Horn that is used as a loud noise-making unit to vaguely alert/ warn nearby cars/ vehicles to attract their driver's attention for warning purpose. These traditional known techniques have an ambiguous and unnecessary wide audience while creating redundant and annoying noise pollution for public as a source of great anxiety and distraction and stress.

SOLUTION TO A PROBLEM:

THE PROBLEM:

[0003]

Honking is a primitive yet popular method of communicating between more than a billion vehicles worldwide and alerting nearby drivers. It is an ambiguous language of uncertainty, rage and bewilderment. Despite many rules and regulations, the noise pollution caused by honking is nearly out of control in today's world and affects well-being of people especially in urban and crowded areas where a single honking of a Horn can be heard by thousands of residents, public, by-passers and people and drivers who are not meant to be alerted/warned and in some cases entirely out of range of the alerting driver's interest.

[0004]

The purpose of honking a vehicle's Horn is alerting nearby drivers and any other traditional usage of honking causes unnecessary noise pollution which is either illegal or unethical. Honking solves less problem than it causes unless it is used to expect a reaction on the road and not in the nearby residences. There are more than a billion vehicles worldwide some of which honk many times a day. In most crowded cities such noises have become a background noise pollution at all times which continue to be heard by billions of people everyday over and over again who don't wish or need to hear them.

[0005]

In addition, the traditional honk device is larger, more expensive and consumes about 500 times more power than this invented apparatus.

THE SOLUTION:

[0006] [FIGURE J / assumes all vehicles have this invented apparatus present in their vehicles. This device and method of using it is designed and programmed that uses a wireless messaging technique based on Pulse Code Modulation and additionally Infra-red transmitters and receivers that makes audible alerting sound only inside the vehicles in specific range and is not heard outside the vehicles.

[0007]

By replacing the traditional electro-mechanical Horn device of vehicles with this invented apparatus, or simply adding that to vehicles, the drivers are enabled to alarm nearby vehicles without disturbing the public. This device wirelessly sends a signal (as an example range of 0 to 70 metres) around it [F!G. 01, 1] and received by vehicles in this range that have this same invented device installed in their vehicle. The signal is translated to beeping or honking alert sounds that are equivalent to sound of honking a traditional Horn but only inside the vehicles in range [FIG. 03.4]. By isolating the sound to be only heard inside the nearby vehicles, the noise pollution caused by honking the traditional vehicles' Horns is reduced to a fraction and is not heard outside vehicles. The residents and population around such (honking) vehicle that uses this invented apparatus are spared from the unwanted noise [FIG. 03.2 to 03,3]. This device also advantageously ensures the drivers hear the alarm/sound of this device even if they're listening to loud music or have a hearing condition.

[0008]

This invention in general broad terms enables communicating between drivers of vehicles near each other (in a simple and specific manner). It can reduce noise pollution as the result of such communication. The following are further comparison and advantages:

[0009]

Primary advantageous effects of this device and method, if compared to traditional electro-mechanical Horn of vehicle, are based on the following functions:

^• Alert sounds are only heard inside vehicles [FIG. 03,4] and barely heard or entirely not heard outside the vehicles. [FIG. 03,3] and [FIG. 03,6] Hence reducing noise pollution for public.

^• Furthermore providing a more specific range that could be of the driver's interest [FIG. 03.5] and not outside of such range. [FIG. 03. 1]

[0010]

Secondary advantageous effects or additional functions of this invention are based on the following functions:

^• Providing a more specific target through dual communication module. For example the volume of alert sounds are set to be higher in the case that alerting/ transmitting vehicle is close enough to be in direct proximity of receiving vehicle/s. [FIG. 05. 1]

^• This device also enables drivers with hearing conditions and drivers in loud ambience of vehicle be notified primarily via the sound generated by the device inside the vehicle near the driver and additionally, the optional feature of this invention that comprises of series of LED or digital lights that can allow visual alerts. [FIGURE 12] ^• The attribute of the transmitted signals from one HARP device is specifically coded using Pulse Code Modulation [FIGURE 61 Such coding results in transmitting (secure and) unique signals and eventually enables the device function/ alert/ sound differently considering what type of vehicle is attempting to warn nearby vehicles being an Ambulance or bicycle or any other vehicle which can be translated to different alert sounds. [F!GURE 47 and [FIGURE 12].

^• The same apparatus and strategy of this invention can be used by Traffic Authorities for alerting vehicles in danger via pre-installed devices on specific sites. F/6U¾E 14]

^• The range of send-and-receive is easily amendable.

[0011 ]

[FIGURE 4] shows increased range of 100 metres to 300 metres for Emergency vehicles using the same device according to this literature paragraph [0007]. The received signal from such device is heard in nearby vehicles with unique siren (alert) sound that differentiates it from standard vehicles and cars. [FIG, 04, 1 and 04,2]

[0012]

To ensure functionality of the alarming system the current alphabets of traditional honking, volume and sequence, are maintained. Sequence; The alarm will sound inside nearby vehicles as soon as and only as long as a driver presses the switch (or traditional honk switch on the steering wheel). Therefore drivers may choose to transmit a (for example) long beep or multiple beeps. Also an additional supportive communication method of Infra-red send-and-receive function allows the devices to detect if the vehicle, that is to attempt to transmit the alert signal, is in very close or direct proximity of theirs. Such additional signal received will result to a louder alert sound inside the nearby cars /F/G. 05. 11 than the one received by the RF signal [FIG, 05.2] which could be from a device on another side of the street or 50 metres far away.

[0013]

[FIGURE 2] demonstrates example installation and usage of vehicle's electricity as its 12 Volt power source /F/G. 02.4/.

This invention and device may make traditional honk devices redundant and inappropriate. Same buttons/ switch functions and wiring can be used /F/G. 02. 1 to 02.3]. It isconsiderably smaller [FIG. 13.2 and 13.4] than traditional vehicle's electro-mechanical Horn (and can be optionally connected to existing cables and use the same space with minor additional modifications).

TECHNICAL DETAILS OF INVENTION:

[0014]

[FIGURE 6] shows the messaging protocol. Device's circuits comprises of two modules of Transmitter and Receiver circuits and is capable of transmitting and receiving within 0-100 metres range (or more) without interruption or error. Parts of the circuit are globally available technology and are not expensive. 3 channels from the total 4 channels of the IC is used for this device. The transmitted and received signals are in legal range and frequency of 433 MHz.

[0015]

In order to avoid disruption of transmitted frequencies, the transmitter is using an available international protocol as shown in /F/GL . E 6 based on PCM standards. Such protocol is set with the main purpose to enable the transmitting activity along with reliability in error detection and use of broadband and other conditions and limitations which are already set by the international protocol and made accessible and free of charge for the public. Also a globally and commercially available IC is used made by many integrated circuits IC companies, in this case IC number 87LPC768 [FIG. 03.2] made by PHILIPS^® company.

[0016]

In order to maintain the known alphabets of traditional honking, as long as the alerting driver is pressing the devices switch Receivers (inside nearby vehicles) stay activated and alert sound is heard.

Standard vehicles use 12 Volt battery. Therefore both modules work with 12 Volt battery of all types of vehicles. [FIG. 03.3] and [FIG. 10,4]

[0017]

F GL f?£ / is the technical Block Diagram of the Transmitter which is shown in general form and individual switches are used while showing 2 modules of transmission both IR and RF. The transmitting signal is produced and formatted by a Microcontroller F/G. 07.3/ using an appropriate, standard, legal and secure frequency of 433 MHz. It is transmitted wirelessly through Radio Frequency [FiG. 07. i] (and additionally Infra-red [FIG.. 07.2]). The coded signal is transmitted by TX or IR module after creation. The transmitter uses 12 Volt battery of the vehicle that is perfectly functional in the range of 6V to 30V.

[0018]

The Microcontroller used is vastly programmable. The additional frequency is transmitted after being formatted through Pulse Code Modulation on 36 Kilo Hertz frequency [FIG.07.2] which allows high security and low power consumption. The total electricity consumption of the device is related to the instance of pressing the switch only. Such consumption is nearly 500 times lower than of electricity consumed by vehicle's traditional honk/ Horn.

[0019]

[FIGURE B]\s the Transmitter Circuit Diagram. The R5 Resistance limits the Amperage of IR Transmitter's Diod (IR LED TSUS5201 ) which transmits the 950 nanometres Infra-red light with 230 Ml. Watt with half angel of ±15 degrees. Therefore for this invention more number of LED lights provide a wider angle. Three switches are used from four possible switches /F/G. OS. //that are eventually routed to the main switch which is installed inside the vehicle (or connected to traditional Horn (Honking) button on the steering wheel of vehicles or such switch wherever it was installed for honking purpose prior to this invention). [0020]

[FIGURE 9] is the Receiver Block Diagram. The RF is also designed for 433 MHz. The type of RX2 is Radiometrix and with TX2. RX2 consuming about 13 Ml. A and is very light and small. The advantage of such setup is that the range can be increased for an additional 300 metres by a 5 cm to 15 cm antenna [FIG. 09, 11 The Superheterodyne Receiver is used with 107 DBM and 3V to 6V and 14 Ml. A. that will immediately function in the instance that power is conveyed to its Receiver Module. Silence (no function) is parked in the absence of transmission.

[0021 ]

[FIGURE 10] is the Receiver Circuit Diagram comprising 2 modules of Radio Frequency and Infra Red. Hence the dual communication as the Infra-red is an additional function to this invention. Relay /F/G. 70, / is used in this invented apparatus to eventually activate the beeping/ notification function and optionally to activate additional LED lights. /F/G,

[0022]

The central Microcontroller [FIG. 10,2] is programmed to control the digital input and in due course activate the Receiver Relays /F/G. 10.. 1]. Dual communication is enabled by the additional IR Receiver Circuit /F/G. 70.3/ that enables a secondary function of higher volume of alert for IR signals received from transmitting device of vehicles that are in very close range or direct proximity of IR Transmitter of such device. Such difference equips driver to recognise the immediate warnings from those in a further range that could be of less importance.

[0023]

[FIGURE 11 / demonstrates the result of an instance where two nearby (HARP) devices begin transmitting simultaneously. In such condition all vehicles with this invented apparatus installed in their vehicles that are in the collective range of both devices' main RF signals receive and hear the alert inside the vehicle [FIG 11, 1 to FIG, 11,6]. The transmitted signal of the device that started transmitting RF earlier is prioritised. The transmitted signal of Emergency vehicles overrides both earlier signals.

[0024]

Additionally, the vehicles (with this invented apparatus) that are in very close and direct proximity of both transmitting (alerting) vehicles (devices) I.e. [FIG, 11,2] and [FIG, 11,4] and [FIG. ? 7.5/ receive an additional IR signal from dual transmitter of those two vehicles /F/G. 11.1] and [FIG, 11.3/ and hear a louder alert inside their vehicles compared to those that are only in range of transmitted Radio Frequency 11.6]. Such dual signals are not overridden by each-other's priority as the result of louder alerts remain the same.

[0025]

This invented apparatus produces similar alert sound inside the transmitting vehicle that initiated the signal as well, as soon as it begins transmitting. Such sounds are similar to the sound produced by other devices in range from such transmitted signal. [0026]

This device is designed to function and to be understood by all types of urban vehicles including but not limited to Automobiles/ Private vehicles, Buses, Mini-buses, Motorcycles, Bicycles, Emergency vehicles, Police cars, Ambulances, Fire-fighting vehicles, Vans, Lorries, Trucks, Electric and Driverless cars and Public Transport .

[0027]

As an additional and secondary function, a set of LED lights are added to this invented apparatus to add visual alert in addition to the audio alert. The sounds and colours of light are unique for Emergency vehicles (such as Ambulances, Fire-fighting vehicles, Police) and motorcycles to enable a more specific warning [FIG, 12, 1 to 12,3].

[0028]

[FIGURE 12] demonstrates the response of unique signals. Such differentiation according to this literature paragraph [0008] and [0018] is demonstrated in [FIGURE 121. In this demonstration one HARP device, capable of sending and receiving, is installed on each of the three dummy miniature vehicles. The response of devices in vehicles to transmission of each transmitter is different if the transmission is recognised as different type of vehicle. As tested via alert sound and colour of LEDs that determine the identity or type of transmitting signal. For example the transmitted signal from 'Yellow' vehicle in this case representing a standard vehicle is received by other devices and identified as 'Yellow' vehicle in all vehicles [FIG, 12.2]. Therefore appropriate colour (in this example yellow) LED light turns on and the 'Yellow' vehicle's specifically designated alert sounds. Red colour LED light appears when the white car (representing Emergency vehicle in this test) transmits alert signals F G. 12. //. LED lights are additional functions for visual alert and function via both RF and IR Receivers. They can be replaced with more specific digital notification.

[0029]

According to an additional advantage of this invention, Transport and Traffic Authorities can use the same technique and device to provide statistics and information to enhance traffic.

[0030]

F/Gl/HE 14] demonstrates that according to an additional advantage of this invention, Transport and Traffic Authorities can use same method and apparatus [FIG.. 14.1] to send certain notifications to certain vehicles in specific checkpoints or locations on/by the roads [FIG, 14. // to notify them about significant hazards and warnings of attention- worthy driving conditions [FIG. 14.3] in pre-installed locations [FIG. 14. II. A landslide on the road or a closed bridge is an example case in point.

[0031 ] Additionally a stationery unit similar to [FIGURE 10] can be installed at Traffic Lights or Pedestrian Lines or similar locations on the road which enables a similar placement to [FIGURE 14] but instead of transmitting function it primarily receives honk signals from vehicles nearby. Such unit can comprise of receiving circuits of RF and/or IR mentioned in this patent literature and sounds an alert for attention of pedestrians (that for example are crossing the road) in a case that vehicles honk alert may be of any interest to pedestrians.

COMMERCIAL ASPECTS OF INVENTION:

[0032]

There are more than a billion vehicles worldwide and their Horns have been a standard part of those vehicles. By replacing the traditional honks with this invention (or adding it) to vehicles the population of the earth has a chance to experience an urban area free from annoying and unethical noise pollution created by traditional honks making a happier generation. The sounds created by those honks have been always criticised as they cause disturbance and imply ethical and health issues for human. Authorities can be advised on enforcing cities to equip all vehicles with such device. Vehicle manufacturers can also simply implement such technology to significantly reduce urban noise pollution. This device is produced with minimal costs, less than of traditional honks'.

[0033]

[FIGURE 13] is the tested prototype of this invented apparatus created by the inventor of this invention.

Wires are exiting the box of the device [FIG. 13.4]. These wires can be simply attached to any vehicle's 12 Volt battery and the Honk switch inside vehicle and the device will begin functioning on stand-by when the vehicle is switched on. The dimensions of the device can be smaller than 9 cm to 5 cm [FIG. 13.3 and 13.4] which allows effortless installation that requires no modification or setup. Nearly 100 million vehicles are currently produced every year. So such simple installation allows vehicle manufacturers, individual manufacturers and/ or Road and Transport Authorities all across the planet to implement, use and promote this device very easily.

[0034]

The packaged exterior box for this device is perfectly isolated and packed that may protect it from impact, dust and water. Produced devices are easily coded for each type of vehicle i.e. cars or motorcycles and bicycle or Emergency vehicles (with advantageously additional range) to be recognised as such by other devices. The cost-effectiveness of this device compared to its prior art (Horn) and easy setup (of 'plug and play') makes it accessible.

[0035]

The signal transmitted by each device is unique so this invented apparatus can be used to recognise the identity of the transmitting device (vehicle). Such recognition is crucial when distinguishing different types of vehicle such as Police car from bicycles that result to unique alert sound.

[0036]

All aspects of this invention will at-least result in quieter and safer roads and urban areas without noise of traditional honking and significantly reduced noise pollution. Advantageously, the power consumption is about 500 times lower than of other Horns and Honks. The secure and unique Pulse Codes transmitting module can be additionally used in possible future enhancement of this invention to provide more specific alerting versions that enable drivers to recognise certain attributes of the alerter.

[0037]

According to an additional advantage of this invention, this invented apparatus can enable drivers to interact with and alert Driverless (self-driving) cars. Considering the same technology according to this literature paragraph 0022 and 0017, any automatic or Driverless car or vehicle known as self-driving vehicle that does not have a living driver may receive such transmitted signals from other HARP devices of other vehicles in their close-range that are with or without drivers using this invented apparatus. Furthermore such vehicle instead of producing an alert sound inside the receiving vehicle uses and adopts such protocol for further necessary actions as per their own technology. Harp routes such warning signals to vehicle's own analysing systems that may analyse their driving behaviour to configure any corrective actions based on their surroundings entirely based on their own available technology.

[0038]

/F/Gl BE ^: : demonstrate an estimated technical value of effectiveness of this method and apparatus on noise pollution reduction shown in a theoretical case study. Residents and public entirely remain unaffected from the noise of honking alerts as they do not poses receivers to translate those signals to sound. Furthermore the radius of driving audience (range) are controlled and reduced. Additionally the intensity of noise of the alert made by this apparatus is considerably lower than standard Horns and Sirens as the honking^{5} sounds are generated next to the driver and need not be too loud as shown in Decibel units^<1> in [FIGURE 151.

HARP alert sound Decibel shown is an example for standard vehicle. [0039]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:

[FIGURE 1]

is an illustration of example send-and-receive range in a case that all vehicles have this invented apparatus present in the vehicle. (It is assumed that all vehicles in all diagrams and figures have this invented apparatus)

[FIGURE 2]

is placement and installation of this invention inside vehicles and attachments to existing power source and switches. [FIGURE 3]

Shows the silent zones and where the possibility of noise pollution is eliminated. Honking signal produced by one car is received by the vehicles inside the range and sound of its alert heard only inside those vehicles. Other vehicles are out of range. Public and residents are unaffected too as they don't carry a receiving device.

[FIGURE 4]

is a demonstration of this invented apparatus enabling Emergency vehicles an extended transmitting range of 100 metres to 300 metres. Such devices' transmitted signal sounds differently and louder inside other vehicles.

[FIGURE 5]

is illustration of an example demonstration of functionality of additional Infra-red send- receive module that enables louder alert sound inside vehicles (devices) in direct proximity (range) of transmitting device.

[FIGURE 6]

is a diagram of messaging protocol used in the legal frequency. [FIGURE 7]

is the block diagram of Transmitter part of this invented apparatus. [FIGURE 8]

is the detailed circuit diagram of Transmitter part of this invented apparatus. [FIGURE 9]

is the block diagram of Receiver part of this invented apparatus. [FIGURE 10]

is the detailed circuit diagram of Receiver part of this invented apparatus.

In this diagram both Radio Frequency circuit and additional Infra-red circuit are shown. RF receiver module enables longer range signals to be received and the (Gray) upper circuit shows the IR receiver that additionally allows the device to detect if the alerter is in close or direct range.

[FIGURE 11 ]

is the demonstration of result of more than one devices transmitting simultaneously inside each other's range. In such case all vehicles (devices) in range will receive and sound the alert. The priority remains for the device that started transmitting earlier. Additionally, the vehicles (devices) in direct proximity of both transmitting devices' Infra-red signals sound louder for those in close proximity of transmitters.

[FIGURE 12]

is the testing of the fact that signals are unique and demonstrates 3 devices response on prototype created by the inventor. Each device can transmit a unique signal and results in different colour of LED lights and different alert sound. This enables identifying types of alerting vehicles and more.

[FIGURE 13]

is the view of this invented apparatus produced by the inventor for demonstration purpose (PrototypeOne).

[FIGURE 14]

is an example case for additional usage of this invented apparatus for pre-installed warning transmitter by Traffic and Transportation authorities.

[FIGURE 15]

is an example demonstration of efficiency of this invention estimated on reducing urban noise pollution which is generated by honking Horns.

EXAMPLE EFFICIENCY STUDY:

[0040]

[FIGURE 15] is an estimated calculation of efficiency of this invention on reducing urban noise pollution. The formulas, case study and examples are merely for estimating possible positive effects of this invention on reducing noise pollution. The contents of [FIGURE 15] are not related to any claims made by this invention. This visualisation is solely to showcase the point of view of inventor of this invention on such positive effects.

[0041 ]

[FIGURE 15] consists of two charts and one formula. [FiG. 15.1] demonstrates one aspect of this calculation which is based on the difference between intensity of traditional honks made by cars [FIG, 15,2] with estimated intensity of alert sound made by this invented device F/G. ?5.3/ (shown in Decibel (dB) ^{{ }} measurement unit) wherein the 20 Decibels difference in such intensity [FIG, 15,4] is used in the formula to estimate the overall efficiency of the method [FIG. 15, 7] by this device to reduce the noise heard by unwanted audience. Other intensities of noise created by man-made equipment shown in the this figure, i.e. [FIG. 15,5] are for comparison purpose.

[0042]

F G. 15,61 brings to attention the trend of calculating "Highly Annoyed Public" (HA) introduced by World Heath Organization^®, Denmark Office and published as "Burden of Disease from environmental Noise" further described in below formula: (this formula is not related to any claims made by this patent literature and is not invented by the inventor of this invention)

HA [%] = 0.5118 · (L. - 42} -1.436 · 10-2 · (L -42)² + 9.868. 1 G^'4■ (L - 42f [0043]

/F/G. 15.8/ is the primary aspect of efficiency of this method on reduction of noise pollution generated by vehicles traditional honks. This chart is an example case study wherein example number of vehicles and residents are proposed in one honking instance and the reduction of the said noise pollution is calculated (estimated) in percentage unit for demonstration purpose.

As a good case in point /F/G, 75.9/ shows the (drivers) of vehicles in which the alert of this invented device is heard if an alerter honks using this method in the centre of shown radius. [FIG, 75. 70/ shows the unaffected public and nearby residents that do not hear the said alerts whereas in the case of traditional honking sounds of honking Horns could be heard in the total radius /F/G. 15. 11] by drivers and population.

[0044]

/F/G. 75.7/ is the ultimate end of the equation as the efficiency of this method in reducing urban noise pollution (generated by traditional honking) demonstrated in percentage unit /F/G. 15. 14]. The total reduction efficiency [FIG. 15 , 7] shown as 98.7% is calculated by adding primary efficiency aspect of this method being eliminating the unwanted audience /F/G 75 12] and minor aspect of enabling reducing the intensity of the required alerts [FIG. 15.4], where the alert is heard by vehicles in range /F/G. 75. 13], from the average intensity of traditional honk [FiG. 75. 12].

Example noise pollution reduction <s

# peopdwho _{F-- M-}_ UADP # people

_{i hearatert Car Hom^ - HARP_dj) ^ h^r ert )]} _{, ι ηπ} total # people _m total people

in range ^1W in range

* 98.7%

Thisformula and calculation is suggested by the inventor of this invention for demonstration purpose and is not related to any claims made by this patent literature.

Claims

1. A method by an electronic device for communicating alerts and/or honks^<5> wirelessly between vehicles^<3> that comprises of

- a signal transmitter and signal receiver that enables sending and receiving signals for warning or alerting or honking purpose and/or sending signals receivable by other vehicles^<3> within a range provided by such devices.

- a unit that provides audio or visual or vibration notification/alerts based on received signals and related to transmitted signals that are sent to such units to be used for specific notifications or reactions inside such vehicle/s^<4>.

- A strategy of communicating from or to at-least one vehicle from another transmitter being part of another vehicle or in a pre-installed location capable of generating signals receivable and used by vehicle/s.

2. The method of claim (1 ) wherein the alerts are sent or received or activated within a limited range^<7> made possible by apparatus explained in any of the following claims.

3. The apparatus of claim (1 ) comprising a sending - receiving unit capable of transmitting or receiving Radio Frequency signals for the purpose of same signal being received by similar said unit/s inside other vehicle/s.

4. The apparatus of claim (3) wherein an additional send and receive module enables transmitting or receiving Infra-red signals.

5. A method according to apparatus of claim (4) wherein the Infra-red signals can be transmitted and received to other nearby said apparatus that enables differentiating range or proximity of device inside vehicle that is attempting to transmit such signals.

6. An audio and/or visual notification unit that utilises any of the methods and apparatus of claim (1 ) to (5) that enables some type of notification inside vehicle/s.

7. A method of notifying driver of a vehicle according to claim (6) wherein the notification indicates alerting/ warning/ honking that is transmitted from other apparatus according to any of the claims (1 ) to (5) in a range near the said driver (vehicle).

8. The method of coding the transmitted signals according to any apparatus of claim (3) to (5) that further enables the receivers of the said apparatus to differentiate certain types of vehicles (in other words the transmitters inside the said vehicles).

9. The apparatus of coding and decoding the send and received signals according to claim (8) that can further comprises of Pulse Code Modulation technique to code and decode transmitted signals from different vehicles into a recognisable format for the purpose of generating unique audio and/or visual notification/ alerts.

10. The method of identifying the received alerts and providing relevant notification for a driver of a vehicle according to claim (9) wherein the said notifications enable the driver to identify certain attributes or type of the vehicle in which this present invention is made available (that is attempting to communicate with nearby vehicles). I.e. enabling driver via type of notifications to be notified if the honking alert^{5} is transmitted by an Ambulance or a motorcycle, etc.

11. A method made possible according to any of claims (1 ) to (10) that enables or results to isolated and/ or range-specific honking.

12. A method according to claims (11 ) enabling or resulting to reduction or elimination of noise pollution that is generated by traditional honking^{2}of vehicles Horn.

13. The wireless honking unit according to any of claims (1 ) to (12) wherein the said unit can be installed inside (or made available for) a vehicle that comprises of an activation switch of which can be used by the driver to send honks wirelessly to other nearby vehicle/s within an amendable range of 0 metre to 300 metre radius from the said unit.

14. The wireless honking unit of claim (13) that is made available to more than one vehicle enabling the said units to send and receive honking alerts to one another where such units are available.

15. The apparatus of claim (14) and the method of claim (1 ) further comprising the method of providing audio or visual notification according to claim (5) and (6) using digital notification or small lights or vibration that enables driver to be notified of other vehicle/s alert signals.

16. The apparatus of claim (15) further comprising different type of the said notifications to enable driver/s to identity certain types of vehicles that are honking (attempting to alert others).

17. The apparatus of claim (15) additionally comprising LED lights for notification purpose.

18. An additional stationery wireless transmitter unit similar to claim (3) or (4) that is in a fixed location near the roads that can alert vehicles nearby by activating the notification unit of claim (6) or (7) that is inside a vehicle^{4} in order to send such vehicle/s any specific notification including but not limited to conditions of the road or to regulate traffic.

19. An additional stationery wireless receiver unit similar to claim (3) or (4) that are in a fixed location near the roads or traffic signals or pedestrian lines that can receive honking signals of nearby vehicles according to claim (1 ) in order to make audio and/or visual notifications for the nearby pedestrians, public warning and alerting the public based on such honking ^{5} alert of a nearby vehicle.

20. An additional wireless receiver unit according to any of claim (3) or (4) for personal/ individual/ pedestrian or out of vehicle use that provides individuals that carry such unit of alerts according to claim (1 ) made by a vehicle attempting to honk.

21. A wireless send-receive unit according to claim (1 ) that communicates between at- least one Driverless or Self-driving vehicle and another vehicle (being self-driving or not) that is used to transmit or receive alerting signals from or to apparatus described in claim (3) or claim (4) and enables communication between such vehicles in order to provide warning, alert or notification.

22. A target-specific alerting unit according to claim (1 ) that reduces the possibility of alerting certain vehicles or public and maintains or increases possibility of alerting specific vehicles nearby based on type of transmitted signals as long as those signals are received and used in any way to notify/alert a vehicle/ driver.

23. The setting up, manufacturing, assembling or fabricating any of the collective or claimed technology of this invention that is described in claims (1 ) to (22) and can be in anyway related to commercial interests of this invention.