WO2020208410A1

WO2020208410A1 - A warning system

Info

Publication number: WO2020208410A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/057343
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gavin William KRUGER
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-04-08
Filing date: 2019-08-30
Publication date: 2020-10-15
Anticipated expiration: 2021-10-08
Also published as: ZA201902173B

Abstract

A warning system comprising a processor which controls the function of the warning system, a frequency transmitter module and a communications module for the parts of the warning system to remain in communication with each other and to allow for the broadcasting of an audible alert.

Description

A WARNING SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a warning system, specifically a warning system which warns drivers of approaching emergency vehicles and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Emergency vehicles are often restricted when driving through traffic heavy areas, and cannot reach their destination without running the risk of being caught in traffic.

The number one cause of this restricted access is that drivers in other vehicles are not provided sufficient time to make a way for the emergency vehicle to pass, this being for a number of reasons including that the drivers cannot hear the sirens over the noise made by the radios in their vehicles.

The problem faced is that there are no further means, besides the siren on the ambulance, to alert third party drivers to make way for an emergency vehicle. This may have a detrimental effect on the passengers that require care by those emergency vehicles.

The inventor believes that there is a need for a solution to assist in preventing the above problem by alerting a driver and providing sufficient time to make way for an emergency vehicle to have an undisturbed path through traffic.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a warning system comprising a processor which controls the function of the warning system, a frequency transmitter module and a communications module for the parts of the warning system to remain in communication with each other and to allow for the broadcasting of an audible alert.

The warning system may be fitted to an emergency vehicle and a signal may generally be emitted when an emergency vehicle is in an emergency situation.

The signal may be emitted to alert vehicles that are in a close proximity of an approaching emergency vehicle. The processor may include a micro-processor which assists in running a software program to control the additional devices of the warning system, thereby assisting in their integrated function and the running of the warning system as a whole.

The processor may include a 32 bit ARM micro processor.

The processor may include a USB interface which may be utilised to upload information into the processor, thereby configuring the warning system during manufacturing and before installation.

The warning system may include a power supply unit and protection circuit which assists in generating the correct working voltages of all parts of the circuit, thereby assisting in ensuring that the damage to the warning system and the parts thereof is prevented.

The Power supply unit and protection circuit may assist in maintaining the supply voltage between 12V and 24V.

The power supply and protection circuit assists in preventing damage provided by noise and spikes generated on the supply voltage by further components in a vehicle.

The power supply and protection circuit may assist in controlling a trigger signal which control the broadcast intervals.

The warning system includes at least one transmitter module, namely a frequency modulation (FM) transmitter module. Typically, the warning system may include 6 FM transmitter modules which may broadcast on FM radio frequencies from 87Mhz to 108Mhz.

The 6 transmitter modules may provide for the broadcast of a signal on up to 6 FM radio frequencies simultaneously. The broadcast may be repeated between every 7 and 30 seconds, or at any interval which may be required. The broadcast may be audible through the radios of vehicles surrounding the emergency vehicle.

During the broadcast intervals, the broadcast messages may be reconfigured to be broadcast on 6 new frequencies.

The transmitter module may transmit a signal up to 2mW output power. The transmitter module is controlled by the processor and may include a stereo audio input for the tone or sound it is required to broadcast. The transmitter module may include an audio and storage unit, in the form of a chip. The transmitter module may further include a digital control interface which may control the playback, recording and volume of the tone / sound to be broadcast.

The transmitter module may be configured via two separate digital interfaces, namely i2C and / or Serial peripheral interface (SPI).

The communications module may comprise a GSM / GPS module to provide for communication to the user.

The GSM module may be configured to allow for a user to remotely configure the settings on the product and communicate information to the user. Communication to this module may occur by various means, including sms, containing new configuration data.

The GSM module may be configured to receive a sim card to allow for connection to a GSM network.

The GPS module may be configured to locate parts of the warning system, and may resolve its position within a 10 meter accuracy.

The position determined by the GPS module is communicated via the GSM module in the form of latitude and longitude coordinates.

The warning system may be mounted on the roof of the emergency vehicle and enclosed within a waterproof enclosure.

At least one antenna is utilised to facilitate the functioning of the warning system. Antennas may be utilised for the transmitter module and additional antennas may be used for GSM / GPS modules included in the warning system.

One antenna may be used to communicate to at least one transmitter module. Each transmitter module may be allocated a single antenna.

An antenna may be required for the GPS module to resolve its position. This antenna may be a ceramic patch antenna and may be fitted to a printed circuit board. An antenna may be required for the GSM module to connect to a GSM network. This antenna may be a whip antenna which may be constructed from enamel copper wire and fitted to the printed circuit board.

Antennas may be mounted on the roof of an emergency vehicle.

FM antenna/s may be mounted outside the waterproof enclosure, on the roof of the emergency vehicle.

In use, the signal from the warning system mounted on the roof of the emergency vehicle may transmit, via the transmitter module, a signal for a distance suitable to allow for broadcast of the signal on a FM frequency radio of a vehicle in the path of an emergency vehicle.

The transmitter module typically transmits a signal which reaches a distance ranging between 5m - 250m.

The signal may be emitted over FM frequencies and signal through the FM radios of vehicles within that distance range, alerting them to the approach of an emergency vehicle. This will alert nearby drivers to the approach of the emergency vehicle, thereby allowing them sufficient time to make way for the emergency vehicle to pass through, unobstructed.

The warning system may be powered from the emergency vehicles battery.

The warning system may have 2 power inputs from the vehicle, namely from the ignition signal and siren signal. The warning system may use these signals to manage the FM transmissions, the GPS positioning messages and to manage the power the system use.

The siren signal indicates that the siren is on, thereby initiating the warning system configuring the 6 FM transmitter modules to the predefined frequencies and the transmission of the warning tone, at the predefined intervals, for as long as the sirens are on.

The GPS positioning may be sent to the user when the ignition of the emergency vehicle is on and the ignition signal indicate that the ignition is on. When the ignition signal indicates that the ignition is off, the warning system will switch to a low power mode so to not drain the vehicles battery.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a warning system comprising a processor which controls the function of the warning system, a frequency transmitter module and a communications module for the parts of the warning system to remain in communication with each other and to allow for the broadcasting of an audible alert.

The warning system is powered by the vehicle battery, mounted to the roof of an emergency vehicle, in a waterproof enclosure, the warning system emitting a signal when an emergency vehicle is in an emergency situation. The signal is emitted to alert vehicles that are in a close proximity of the emergency vehicle, allowing them to clear an unobstructed path for the emergency vehicle.

The processor of the warning system is a micro-processor, typically a 32 bit ARM micro processor, which assists in running a software program to control the devices included in the warning system, thereby allowing for the parts of the warning system to function integrally and as a whole. The micro processor also includes a USB interface which allows for the uploading of information into the processor, thereby allowing for configuration of the warning system.

The warning system further includes a power supply unit and protection circuit which maintains the correct working voltages, namely between 12V and 24V, of all parts of the circuit and ensuring that the damage to the warning system and the parts thereof is prevented. The power supply and protection circuit also controls a trigger signal which, indirectly controls the broadcast intervals.

The warning system includes 6 frequency modulation (FM) transmitter module which broadcast on FM radio frequencies from 87Mhz to 108Mhz, the broadcast repeating between every 7 and 30 seconds or at any other interval, as required. In an embodiment of the invention, and during the broadcast intervals, the broadcast messages are reconfigured to be broadcast on 6 new frequencies. The transmitter module is configured via two separate digital interfaces, namely i2C and / or serial peripheral interface (SPI), and controlled by the processor, transmits a signal of up to 2mW power and includes a stereo audio input for the tone or sound it is required to broadcast. The transmitter module includes an audio and storage unit, in the form of a chip, and a further digital control interface which controls the playback, recording and volume of the tone / sound to be broadcast.

The communications module of the warning system comprises a GSM / GPS module to provide for communication to the user, the GSM module configured to allow for a user to remotely configure the settings on the warning system and the GPS module configured to locate parts of the warning system, resolving its position within a 10 meter accuracy.

The GSM module is configured to receive a sim card to allow for connection to a GSM network and the position determined by the GPS module is communicated, via the GSM module, in the form of longitude and latitude coordinates.

Antennas for both transmitter modules and the GSM/GPS modules, are mounted to the roof of the emergency vehicle to facilitate the functioning of the warning system. Typically, the antenna is a ceramic patch antenna which is fitted to a printed circuit board. Or a whip antenna, constructed from enamel copper wire and fitted to a printed circuit board.

When in use, the signal from the warning system mounted on the roof of the emergency vehicle transmits, via the transmitter module, a signal for a distance which typically ranges from 5m - 250m over FM frequencies and signal through the FM radios of vehicles within that distance range, alerting them to the approach of an emergency vehicle. This will alert nearby drivers to the approach of the emergency vehicle, thereby allowing them sufficient time to make way for the emergency vehicle to pass through, unobstructed.

The warning system may have 2 power inputs from the vehicle, namely from the ignition signal and sirens on signal.

Typically, the warning system is powered by the siren of the emergency vehicle which configures the 6 FM transmitter modules to the predefined frequencies and the transmission of the warning tone, at the predefined intervals, for as long as the sirens are on. The GPS positioning is powered when the ignition of the emergency vehicle is on., and when the ignition is turned off, the warning system will switch to low power mode so to preserve the battery power of the emergency vehicle.

It will be appreciated that the above embodiment is given by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Modifications thereof are possible without departing from the essence of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A warning system comprising a processor which controls the function of the warning system, a frequency transmitter module and a communications module for the parts of the warning system to remain in communication with each other and to allow for the broadcasting of an audible alert.

2. The warning system, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor includes a micro processor which assists in running a software program to control the additional devices of the warning system, thereby assisting in their integrated function and the running of the warning system as a whole.

3. The warning system, as claimed in claim 2, wherein the micro-processor is a 32 bit ARM micro processor which includes a USB interface which facilitates the uploading of information into the processor for configuration thereof.

4. The warning system, as claimed in claims 2 to 3, wherein the warning system includes at least one transmitter module, transmitting a signal up to 2mW output power.

5. The warning system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the warning system includes 6 FM transmitter modules, namely a frequency modulation (FM) transmitter module.

6. The warning system as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the warning system includes 6 FM transmitter modules which broadcast on FM radio frequencies from 87Mhz to 108Mhz.

7. The warning system as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the 6 FM transmitter modules provide for the broadcast on up to 6 FM radio frequencies simultaneously, and repeated between every 7 and 30 seconds.

8. The warning system as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the broadcast messages are configured to be broadcast on 6 new frequencies.

9. The warning system as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the transmitter module is controlled by the micro processor and includes a stereo audio input for the tone or sound it is required to broadcast, the transmitter module including an audio and storage unit, in the form of a chip and a digital control interface which controls the playback, recording and volume of the tone / sound to be broadcast.

10. The warning system, as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the transmitter module is configured via two separate digital interfaces, namely i2C and / or Serial peripheral interface (SPI).

11. The warning system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the communications module comprises a GSM and GPS module to provide for communication to the user.

12. The warning system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the GSM module is configured to allow for a user to remotely configure the settings on the warning system and communicate information to the user.

13. The warning system as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein communication to the communication module occurs by various means, including sms, containing new configuration data, typically in the form of a sim card.

14. The warning system as claims in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the GSM module is configured to receive a sim card to allow for connection to a GSM network.

15. The warning system as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the GPS module is configured to locate parts of the warning system, and resolves its position within a 10 meter accuracy.

16. The warning system as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the position determined by the GPS module is communicated via the GSM module in the form of latitude and longitude coordinates.

17. The warning system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the warning system includes a power supply unit and protection circuit which assists in generating the correct working voltages of all parts of the circuit, thereby assisting in ensuring that the damage to the warning system and the parts thereof is prevented.

18. The warning system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the Power supply unit and protection circuit assists in maintaining the supply voltage between 12V and 24V.

19. The warning system as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein the power supply and protection circuit assists in preventing damage provided by noise and spikes generated on the supply voltage by further components in a vehicle.

20. The warning system as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the power supply and protection circuit assists in controlling a trigger signal which control the broadcast intervals.

21. The warning system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one antenna is utilised to facilitate the functioning and communication of the warning system.

22. The warning system as claimed in claim 21, wherein antennas are utilised for the transmitter module and additional antennas are used for GSM / GPS modules included in the warning system.

23. The warning system as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 22, wherein one antenna is used to communicate to at least one transmitter module, and typically each transmitter module is allocated a single antenna.

24. The warning system as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein an antenna is required for the GPS module to resolve its position, this antenna being a ceramic patch antenna and fitted to a printed circuit board.

25. The warning system as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein an antenna is required for the GSM module to connect to a GSM network, the antenna being a whip antenna which is constructed from enamel copper wire and fitted to the printed circuit board.

26. The warning system as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the antennas are mounted on the roof of an emergency vehicle, FM antennas being mounted outside a waterproof enclosure housing the warning system, on the roof of the emergency vehicle.

27. The warning system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the warning system is powered by the emergency vehicles battery.

28. The warning system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the warning system has 2 power inputs from the vehicle, namely from the ignition signal and sirens on signal, the warning system using these signals to manage the FM transmissions, the GPS positioning messages and to manage the power the system use.

29. The warning system as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 28, wherein the siren signal indicates that the siren is on, thereby initiating the warning system configuring the 6 FM transmitter modules to the predefined frequencies and the transmission of the warning tone, at the predefined intervals, for as long as the sirens are on.

30. The warning system as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the GPS positioning is sent to the user when the ignition of the emergency vehicle is on, the ignition signal indicating that the ignition is on.

31. The warning system as claimed in claim 30, wherein when the ignition signal indicates that the ignition is off, the warning system will switch to a low power mode so to not drain the vehicles battery.

32. The warning system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the warning system is fitted to an emergency vehicle and a signal is emitted when an emergency vehicle is in an emergency situation, to alert vehicles that are in a close proximity of an approaching emergency vehicle.

33. The warning system as claimed in claim 32, wherein when in use, the signal from the warning system mounted on the roof of the emergency vehicle is transmitted, via the transmitter module, a distance suitable to allow for broadcast of the signal on a FM frequency radio of a vehicle in the path of an emergency vehicle.

34. The warning system as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 33, wherein when in use, the signal from the warning system mounted on the roof of the emergency vehicle is transmitted, via the transmitter module, for a distance ranging between 5m - 250m.

35. The warning system as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the emitted signal is emitted over FM frequencies and signal through the FM radios of vehicles within the distance range, alerting them to the approach of an emergency vehicle, and providing them sufficient time to make way for the emergency vehicle to pass through, unobstructed.

36. A warning system as claimed in claim 1, substantially as herein described and exemplified.