Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a digital ambulance alert system,
particularly a tool designed to notify drivers and nearby road users about the
approach of an ambulance in congested traffic conditions. The system aims to clear
5 a path for emergency vehicles and ensure timely access to the intended destination
for saving lives.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in
understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the
10 information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed
invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] In urban areas around the world, heavy traffic congestion has become a
common and pressing issue that affects the efficiency and response time of
emergency services, particularly ambulances. When faced with congested roads,
15 ambulances often struggle to navigate through the traffic, leading to significant
delays in reaching critical patients. These delays can have life-threatening
consequences, as timely medical attention is crucial in emergencies.
[0004] The conventional approach of using sirens and flashing lights on
ambulances to alert other drivers about their presence has limitations, especially in
20 highly congested areas where loud noises and bright lights may not be effective.
Moreover, with the increasing number of vehicles on the roads, traffic conditions
have worsened, making it even more challenging for emergency vehicles to pass
through.
[0005] To address this critical issue and ensure that ambulances can reach their
25 destinations swiftly, there is a growing need for innovative solutions that leverage
modern technologies and improve communication between emergency vehicles and
other road users. This background will introduce the Digital Ambulance Alert
System, a groundbreaking invention designed to provide real-time alerts to drivers
and nearby road users about the approach of an ambulance, allowing them to clear3
a path and expedite the ambulance's passage through congested traffic.
[0006] Traffic congestion not only hinders the response time of emergency
services but also increases the risk of accidents and exacerbates air pollution. The
impact of traffic jams on urban life is profound, leading to lost productivity,
5 economic costs, and compromised public safety. As cities continue to grow and
urbanization rates rise, it becomes imperative to find sustainable and
technologically advanced solutions to improve traffic flow and enable emergency
services to function optimally.
[0007] The Digital Ambulance Alert System seeks to bridge the gap between
10 emergency vehicles and the general public by leveraging the widespread adoption
of smart devices and infotainment systems in modern vehicles. The system's core
objective is to promptly alert drivers and road users about the presence of an
approaching ambulance and encourage them to make way for its unobstructed
passage.
15 [0008] Various initiatives and projects have been undertaken by governments
and organizations to tackle traffic congestion and enhance emergency services'
effectiveness. However, the proposed Digital Ambulance Alert System offers a
unique and comprehensive approach to the problem. Unlike traditional methods that
rely solely on sirens and lights, this system integrates modern technology to deliver
20 real-time SOS alerts directly to the infotainment systems of nearby vehicles and
smartphones of pedestrians and cyclists.
[0009] The system's ability to reach a wide range of road users promptly
increases the likelihood of creating a clear pathway for ambulances, even in densely
populated and congested areas. By alerting drivers in advance and notifying
25 pedestrians, the Digital Ambulance Alert System aims to foster a collective sense
of responsibility and cooperation among road users in ensuring the timely passage
of emergency vehicles.
[0010] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent4
as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and
individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of
a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of
that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and
5 the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the
disadvantages of the prior art.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a digital ambulance
10 alert system.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to integrates modern
technology to deliver real-time SOS alerts directly to the infotainment systems of
nearby vehicles and smartphones of pedestrians and cyclists.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to foster a collective sense of
15 responsibility and cooperation among road users in ensuring the timely passage of
emergency vehicles.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an elegant, reliable
and precise approach towards the digital ambulance alert system.
[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a process of
20 improving functionalities of the digital ambulance alert system.
SUMMARY
[0017] The present invention relates to a digital ambulance alert system,
particularly a tool designed to notify drivers and nearby road users about the
approach of an ambulance in congested traffic conditions. The system aims to clear
25 a path for emergency vehicles and ensure timely access to the intended destination
for saving lives.5
[0018] The digital ambulance alert system for enhancing emergency vehicle
passage through congested traffic, includes a central control unit connected to a
network of emergency vehicles, wherein said central control unit receives real-time
location data of said emergency vehicles, a communication module integrated with
5 said central control unit for transmitting SOS alerts to nearby vehicles and
pedestrians, an infotainment interface integrated with said communication module
for displaying said SOS alerts on infotainment systems of nearby vehicles, and a
mobile application compatible with smartphones of pedestrians and cyclists,
wherein said mobile application receives said SOS alerts and displays them to said
10 users.
[0019] According to an aspect, the communication module utilizes radio
frequency signals, Bluetooth, or any other wireless communication technology for
transmitting said SOS alerts. The central control unit further comprises a database
storing the locations of hospitals, medical facilities, and critical points of interest,
15 and wherein said SOS alerts include information about the nearest medical
assistance points. The central control unit is capable of determining the most
optimal route for emergency vehicles based on real-time traffic data, and said SOS
alerts include information about alternative routes for other road users to avoid
congestion.
20 [0020] According to an aspect, the infotainment interface utilizes GPS or
location-based technology to display the real-time distance between the
approaching ambulance and the nearby vehicles. The mobile application allows
users to acknowledge receipt of SOS alerts and provides a feedback mechanism for
assessing the effectiveness of emergency vehicle passage.
25 [0021] A method for improving emergency vehicle passage through congested
traffic, includes transmitting real-time location data of emergency vehicles to a
central control unit, receiving said real-time location data at the central control unit
and determining the presence of congestion or traffic jams in the path of said
emergency vehicles, generating SOS alerts at the central control unit and6
transmitting said SOS alerts to nearby vehicles and pedestrians, displaying said
SOS alerts on infotainment systems of nearby vehicles through a communication
module integrated with said central control unit, and displaying said SOS alerts to
pedestrians and cyclists through a mobile application compatible with smartphones.
5 [0022] According to an aspect, the step of updating a database with the
locations of hospitals, medical facilities, and critical points of interest, and
including information about the nearest medical assistance points in said SOS
alerts.
[0023] The method further comprising the step of analyzing real-time traffic
10 data to determine the most optimal route for emergency vehicles and providing
information about alternative routes in said SOS alerts to help other road users avoid
congestion. The communication module utilizes radio frequency signals, Bluetooth,
or any other wireless communication technology for transmitting said SOS alerts.
[0024] These and other features will become apparent from the following
15 detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in
connection with the accompanying drawings. While the invention has been
described and shown with reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent
that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present
invention.
20 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0025] So that the manner in which the above-recited features of the present
invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention,
briefly summarized above, may have been referred by embodiments, some of which
are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the
25 appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are
therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to
other equally effective embodiments.
[0026] These and other features, benefits, and advantages of the present7
invention will become apparent by reference to the following text figure, with like
reference numbers referring to like structures across the views, wherein: Figures
attached: N.A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
5 [0027] While the present invention is described herein by way of example
using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize
that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings
described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components.
Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be
10 illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit
the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings
and the detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the
particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all
modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present
15 invention as defined by the appended claim.
[0028] As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a
permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory
sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one” and
the word “plurality” means “one or more” unless otherwise mentioned.
20 Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein are solely used for
descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language
such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and
variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed
thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended
25 to exclude other additives, components, integers, or steps. Likewise, the term
"comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing"
for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents acts, materials, devices,
articles, and the like are included in the specification solely for the purpose of
providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that
30 any or all these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general8
knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.
[0029] In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of
elements is preceded with the transitional phrase “comprising”, it is understood that
we also contemplate the same composition, element, or group of elements with
5 transitional phrases “consisting of”, “consisting”, “selected from the group of
consisting of, “including”, or “is” preceding the recitation of the composition,
element or group of elements and vice versa.
[0030] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments
with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein reference numerals used in
10 the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the
description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms
and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather,
the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete
and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the
15 following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various
aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated
as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition,
several materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations.
[0031] The present invention relates to a digital ambulance alert system,
20 particularly a tool designed to notify drivers and nearby road users about the
approach of an ambulance in congested traffic conditions. The system aims to clear
a path for emergency vehicles and ensure timely access to the intended destination
for saving lives.
[0032] The digital ambulance alert system for enhancing emergency vehicle
25 passage through congested traffic, includes a central control unit connected to a
network of emergency vehicles, wherein said central control unit receives real-time
location data of said emergency vehicles, a communication module integrated with
said central control unit for transmitting SOS alerts to nearby vehicles and
pedestrians, an infotainment interface integrated with said communication module9
for displaying said SOS alerts on infotainment systems of nearby vehicles, and a
mobile application compatible with smartphones of pedestrians and cyclists,
wherein said mobile application receives said SOS alerts and displays them to said
users.
5 [0033] According to an aspect, the communication module utilizes radio
frequency signals, Bluetooth, or any other wireless communication technology for
transmitting said SOS alerts. The central control unit further comprises a database
storing the locations of hospitals, medical facilities, and critical points of interest,
and wherein said SOS alerts include information about the nearest medical
10 assistance points. The central control unit is capable of determining the most
optimal route for emergency vehicles based on real-time traffic data, and said SOS
alerts include information about alternative routes for other road users to avoid
congestion.
[0034] According to an aspect, the infotainment interface utilizes GPS or
15 location-based technology to display the real-time distance between the
approaching ambulance and the nearby vehicles. The mobile application allows
users to acknowledge receipt of SOS alerts and provides a feedback mechanism for
assessing the effectiveness of emergency vehicle passage.
[0035] A method for improving emergency vehicle passage through congested
20 traffic, includes transmitting real-time location data of emergency vehicles to a
central control unit, receiving said real-time location data at the central control unit
and determining the presence of congestion or traffic jams in the path of said
emergency vehicles, generating SOS alerts at the central control unit and
transmitting said SOS alerts to nearby vehicles and pedestrians, displaying said
25 SOS alerts on infotainment systems of nearby vehicles through a communication
module integrated with said central control unit, and displaying said SOS alerts to
pedestrians and cyclists through a mobile application compatible with smartphones.
[0036] According to an aspect, the step of updating a database with the
locations of hospitals, medical facilities, and critical points of interest, and10
including information about the nearest medical assistance points in said SOS
alerts.
[0037] The method further comprising the step of analyzing real-time traffic
data to determine the most optimal route for emergency vehicles and providing
5 information about alternative routes in said SOS alerts to help other road users avoid
congestion. The communication module utilizes radio frequency signals, Bluetooth,
or any other wireless communication technology for transmitting said SOS alerts.
[0038] The uniqueness and distinctive features of the Digital Ambulance Alert
System lie in its ability to create a coordinated network that leverages real-time data
10 from emergency vehicles and disseminates critical information to other road users
promptly. Unlike conventional methods that rely solely on the siren and lights of
an ambulance, this system ensures that all nearby vehicles and pedestrians are aware
of the emergency, facilitating a smoother and faster passage for the ambulance
through congested traffic.
15 [0039] Additionally, the system goes beyond just alerting about the presence
of an ambulance. It can be enhanced with additional features, such as a database
storing the locations of hospitals and medical facilities, enabling SOS alerts to
include information about the nearest medical assistance points. Moreover, the
central control unit's ability to analyze real-time traffic data allows it to suggest the
20 most optimal route for the emergency vehicle, including information about
alternative routes for other road users to avoid congestion.
[0040] By providing a comprehensive solution for improving emergency
vehicle passage, the Digital Ambulance Alert System aims to save precious time
during critical situations, potentially saving lives and reducing the impact of traffic
25 congestion on emergency response. The invention's focus on social responsibility
and the broader role of society in facilitating emergency vehicle passage sets it apart
from conventional approaches, making it a valuable addition to road safety and
emergency response efforts.11
[0041] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention,
other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing
from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims
that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or
5 examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to
make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge
available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
[0042] Thus, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended
claims and includes both combinations and sub-combinations of the various
10 features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof,
which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing
description. , Claims:/We Claim:
1. A digital ambulance alert system for enhancing emergency vehicle passage
through congested traffic, comprising:
5 a central control unit connected to a network of emergency vehicles, wherein
said central control unit receives real-time location data of said emergency
vehicles;
a communication module integrated with said central control unit for
transmitting SOS alerts to nearby vehicles and pedestrians;
10 an infotainment interface integrated with said communication module for
displaying said SOS alerts on infotainment systems of nearby vehicles; and
a mobile application compatible with smartphones of pedestrians and cyclists,
wherein said mobile application receives said SOS alerts and displays them to
said users.
15 2. The digital ambulance alert system of claim 1, wherein said communication
module utilizes radio frequency signals, Bluetooth, or any other wireless
communication technology for transmitting said SOS alerts.
3. The digital ambulance alert system of claim 1, wherein said central control unit
further comprises a database storing the locations of hospitals, medical
20 facilities, and critical points of interest, and wherein said SOS alerts include
information about the nearest medical assistance points.
4. The digital ambulance alert system of claim 1, wherein said central control unit
is capable of determining the most optimal route for emergency vehicles based
on real-time traffic data, and said SOS alerts include information about
25 alternative routes for other road users to avoid congestion.
5. The digital ambulance alert system of claim 1, wherein said infotainment
interface utilizes GPS or location-based technology to display the real-time
distance between the approaching ambulance and the nearby vehicles.13
6. The digital ambulance alert system of claim 1, wherein said mobile application
allows users to acknowledge receipt of SOS alerts and provides a feedback
mechanism for assessing the effectiveness of emergency vehicle passage.
7. A method for improving emergency vehicle passage through congested traffic,
5 comprising the steps of:
transmitting real-time location data of emergency vehicles to a central control
unit;
receiving said real-time location data at the central control unit and determining
the presence of congestion or traffic jams in the path of said emergency
10 vehicles;
generating SOS alerts at the central control unit and transmitting said SOS alerts
to nearby vehicles and pedestrians;
displaying said SOS alerts on infotainment systems of nearby vehicles through
a communication module integrated with said central control unit; and
15 displaying said SOS alerts to pedestrians and cyclists through a mobile
application compatible with smartphones.
8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of updating a database with
the locations of hospitals, medical facilities, and critical points of interest, and
including information about the nearest medical assistance points in said SOS
20 alerts.
9. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of analyzing real-time traffic
data to determine the most optimal route for emergency vehicles and providing
information about alternative routes in said SOS alerts to help other road users
avoid congestion.
25 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the communication module utilizes radio
frequency signals, Bluetooth, or any other wireless communication technology
for transmitting said SOS alerts.