Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a traffic management system, particularly to a traffic management system for an emergency vehicle.
Description of Related Art
[002] Emergency vehicles play a critical role in saving lives and property by swiftly responding to emergencies such as medical crises, fires, and accidents. However, navigating through traffic congestion poses significant challenges, delaying their arrival at the scene and potentially jeopardizing the outcome.
[003] Existing traffic management systems rely on visual and audible signals, such as sirens and flashing lights, to alert drivers and pedestrians to yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles. While effective to some extent, these methods have limitations, including extra congestion of traffic, ill-ability of traffic police to earn path clearance, stubborn drivers obstructing pathways, low visibility in adverse weather conditions, driver distraction, and the inability to reliably communicate with vehicles equipped with soundproofing or high levels of ambient noise.
[004] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced traffic management system for an emergency vehicle that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[005] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a traffic management system for an emergency vehicle. The system comprising: a three-axis magnetic field sensor, installed in the emergency vehicle, adapted to sense a direction of travel of the emergency vehicle. The system further comprising: a radio frequency transmitter adapted to transmit a data packet to a radio frequency receiver arranged on an upcoming traffic light. The data packet comprises: a distress signal generated by a user in the emergency vehicle, and the sensed direction of the emergency vehicle to an upcoming traffic light. The system further comprising: a processor in communication with the radio frequency receiver. The processor is configured to: decode the data packet received by the radio frequency receiver; determine the direction of the emergency vehicle; and enable a signaling of the upcoming traffic light to clear a lane to enable the emergency vehicle to move without obstruction.
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for navigation for an emergency vehicle using a traffic management system. The method comprising steps of: receiving a direction of travel of the emergency vehicle; measuring a distance between the emergency vehicle and an upcoming traffic light; and transmitting a data packet, from a radio frequency transmitter to a radio frequency receiver when the measured distance is less than a close-range distance; decoding the data packet received by the radio frequency receiver; determining the direction of the emergency vehicle; and enabling a signaling of the upcoming traffic light to clear a lane to enable the emergency vehicle to move without obstruction.
[007] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a traffic management system for an emergency vehicle.
[008] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a traffic management system for an emergency vehicle that integrates advanced sensor technology, dynamic address modulation, and a comprehensive response mechanism.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a traffic management system for an emergency vehicle that offers a more responsive, secure, and safety-conscious approach to addressing the emergency vehicle delays in traffic.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a traffic management system for an emergency vehicle that alerts pedestrians and motorists to the emergency situation.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a traffic management system for an emergency vehicle that adjusts traffic signals based on real-time data and contributes to a comprehensive and immediate response.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a traffic management system for an emergency vehicle that ensures a more responsive and adaptive system that can swiftly adjust to changing traffic conditions.
[0013] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0014] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a traffic management system for an emergency vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a processor of the traffic management system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0018] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for navigation for the emergency vehicle using the traffic management system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, 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). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0021] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0022] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a traffic management system 100 (hereafter referred to as the system 100) for an emergency vehicle 102, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may be adapted to provide a clear lane for the emergency vehicle 102 by partitioning existing traffic on roads. The system 100 may clear the lane by converting an upcoming traffic light to green and audibly alerting other motorists and drivers on the road to clear the lane and make way for the emergency vehicle 102, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] According to embodiments of the present invention, the system 100 may comprise the emergency vehicle 102 and the traffic light 104 (hereinafter interchangeably used as ‘the traffic light 104’ or ‘the upcoming traffic light 104’). The emergency vehicle 102 may comprise a three-axis magnetic field sensor 106, an encoder 108, and a radio frequency transmitter 110. The traffic light 104 may comprise a processor 112, a radio frequency receiver 114, a decoder 116, and a buzzer 118.
[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, the emergency vehicle 102 may be adapted to provide emergency services. The emergency vehicle 102 may be adapted to generate a distress signal, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the distress signal may be generated by a user in the emergency vehicle 102, and may dignify an emergency situation that may need an earliest attention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the emergency vehicle 102 may be, but not limited to, an ambulance, a fire truck, a police car, a military caravan, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the emergency vehicle 102 that may be adapted for attending emergency situations, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. The emergency vehicle 102 may comprise the three-axis magnetic field sensor 106, the encoder 108, and the radio frequency transmitter 110.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may comprise the traffic light 104. In another embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may comprise ‘n’ numbers of the traffic light 104. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any number of the traffic light 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the three-axis magnetic field sensor 106 may be installed in the emergency vehicle 102. The three-axis magnetic field sensor 106 may be adapted to sense a direction of travel of the emergency vehicle 102, in an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the three-axis magnetic field sensor 106 may further be adapted to interpolate a geographical location of the emergency vehicle 102.
[0028] According to embodiments of the present invention, the three-axis magnetic field sensor 106 may be, but not limited to, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an oscilloscope, a magnetometer, a magnetron, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the three-axis magnetic field sensor 106 may be an HMC5883L sensor. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the three-axis magnetic field sensor 106, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the encoder 108 may be adapted to encode the distress signal and the sensed direction of the emergency vehicle 102 into a data packet. The encoder 108 may further encode the geographical location of the emergency vehicle 102 into the data packet, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] According to embodiments of the present invention, the encoder 108 may be, but not limited to, a priority encoder, an octal encoder, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the encoder 108 may be an HT12E RF encoder. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the encoder 108 may, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the radio frequency transmitter 110 may be adapted to transmit the data packet to the radio frequency receiver 114 arranged in the upcoming traffic light 104. The radio frequency transmitter 110 may be adapted to transmit the data packet in a close-range, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the close-range may be in a range of 140 meters (m) to 160 meters (m). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the close-range may be 150 meters (m). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any close-range for transmission of the data packet.
[0032] According to embodiments of the present invention, the radio frequency transmitter 110 may be adapted to transmit the data packet on a radio frequency in a range from 400 MegaHertz (MHz) to 500 MegaHertz (MHz). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the radio frequency transmitter 110 may transmit the data packet on the radio frequency of 433 MegaHertz (MHz). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any radio frequency for transmission of the data packet.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the traffic light 104 may be adapted to regulate a flow of traffic on the road. The traffic light 104 may comprise a red light indicating a blockage of the flow of the traffic, and a green light indicating a passage of the flow of the traffic, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the traffic light 104 may be installed at locations on the road such as, but not limited to, an intersection, a roundabout, a T-point, a Y-point, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any locations on the road for installation of the traffic light 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the processor 112 may be situated at the traffic light 104. In another embodiment of the present invention, the processor 112 may be situated at a remote location. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the processor 112 may be situated at a cloud server (not shown). In an embodiment of the present invention, the processor 112 may be adapted to be in communication with the radio frequency receiver 114. The processor 112 may further be configured to execute computer-executable instructions to generate an output relating to the system 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the processor 112 may be, but not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) unit, a microprocessor, a development board, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the processor 112 may be an Arduino. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the processor 112 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, the processor 112 may further be explained in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the radio frequency receiver 114 may be arranged on the traffic light 104. In an embodiment of the present invention, the radio frequency receiver 114 may be adapted to receive the data packet transmitted by the radio frequency transmitter 110. The received data packet may further be forwarded to the decoder 116, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the decoder 116 may be adapted to receive the data packet from the radio frequency receiver 114. The decoder 116 may be adapted to decode the data packet received from the radio frequency receiver 114, in an embodiment of the present invention. Further, upon decoding the data packet, the direction of the emergency vehicle 102 may be revealed, and the direction of the emergency vehicle 102 may further be transmitted to the processor 112 to manipulate the upcoming traffic light 104 to clear a lane to enable the emergency vehicle 102 to move without obstruction.
[0037] According to embodiments of the present invention, the decoder 116 may be, but not limited to, an octal decoder, a priority decoder, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the decoder 116 may be an HT12C RF decoder. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the decoder 116 may, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, the buzzer 118 may be installed in the traffic light 104 and may be adapted to alert other drivers on the road of the approaching emergency vehicle 102. Further, the buzzer 118 may be adapted to deactivate after the passage of the emergency vehicle 102 from the corresponding traffic light 104, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the processor 112 of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The processor 112 may comprise the computer-executable instructions in form of programming modules such as a data receiving module 200, a data decoding module 202, and a signal actuation module 204.
[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, the data receiving module 200 may be configured to enable the radio frequency receiver 114 to receive the data packet from the radio frequency transmitter 110. Further, after receipt of the data packet, the data receiving module 200 data packet to the data decoding module 202.
[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, the data decoding module 202 may be activated upon receipt of the data packet from the data receiving module 200. The data decoding module 202 module may be configured to decode the data packet received by the data receiving module 200, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the data packet decoded by the data decoding module 202 may determine the direction of the emergency vehicle 102. The determined direction of the emergency vehicle 102 may further be transmitted to the signal actuation module 204, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, the signal actuation module 204 may be activated upon receipt of the determined direction of the emergency vehicle 102 from the data decoding module 202. The signal actuation module 204 may be configured to enable the signaling of the upcoming traffic light 104 to clear the lane to enable the emergency vehicle 102 to move without obstruction. The signaling of the upcoming traffic light 104 may be manipulated in such a manner that the lane in which the emergency vehicle 102 may be moving may have traffic light 104 as green (passage of the flow of the traffic), and the other lanes and roads may have traffic light 104 as red (blockage of the flow of the traffic).
[0043] In another embodiment of the present invention, the signal actuation module 204 may further be configured to actuate the buzzer 118 to alert other drivers of the approaching emergency vehicle 102.
[0044] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the signal actuation module 204 may further be configured to deactivate the buzzer 118 and reset the traffic light 104, after passage of the emergency vehicle 102.
[0045] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 for navigation for the emergency vehicle 102 using the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] At step 302, the system 100 may receive the direction of travel of the emergency vehicle 102.
[0047] At step 304, the system 100 may measure a distance between the emergency vehicle 102 and the traffic light 104.
[0048] At step 306, the system 100 may compare the measured distance with the close-range distance. If the measured distance is less than or equal to the close-range distance, then the method 300 may proceed to the step 308. Otherwise, the method 300 may revert to the step 304.
[0049] At step 308, the system 100 may enable the radio frequency transmitter 110 to transmit the data packet to the radio frequency receiver 114 arranged on the upcoming traffic light 104.
[0050] At step 310, the system 100 may enable the decoder 116 installed on the upcoming traffic light 104 to decode the received data packet.
[0051] At step 312, the system 100 may determine the direction of the emergency vehicle 102.
[0052] At step 314, the system 100 may enable the signaling of the upcoming traffic light 104 to clear the lane to enable the emergency vehicle 102 to move without obstruction.
[0053] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0054] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
We Claim:
1. A traffic management system (100) for an emergency vehicle (102), the system (100) comprising:
a three-axis magnetic field sensor (106), installed in the emergency vehicle (102), adapted to sense a direction of travel of the emergency vehicle (102);
a radio frequency transmitter (110) adapted to transmit a data packet to a radio frequency receiver (114) arranged on an upcoming traffic light (104), wherein the data packet comprises:
a distress signal generated by a user in the emergency vehicle (102), and
the sensed direction of the emergency vehicle (102) to an upcoming traffic light (104); and
a processor (112) in communication with the radio frequency receiver (114), characterized in that the processor (112) is configured to:
decode the data packet received by the radio frequency receiver (114);
determine the direction of the emergency vehicle (102); and
enable a signaling of the upcoming traffic light (104) to clear a lane to enable the emergency vehicle (102) to move without obstruction.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a buzzer (118) adapted to alert other drivers for the approaching emergency vehicle (102).
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the radio frequency transmitter (110) transmits the data packet to the radio frequency receiver (114) when the upcoming traffic light (104) is in the close-range of 150 meters (m).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a buzzer (118) is installed in the traffic light (104) and adapted to alert drivers for the approaching emergency vehicle (102).
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the three-axis magnetic field sensor (106) is an HMC5883L sensor.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the data packet is encoded by an encoder (108), such that the encoder (108) is an HT12E RF encoder.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the radio frequency receiver (114) transmits the data packet to a decoder (116) installed in the upcoming traffic light (104), such that the decoder (116) is an HT12C RF decoder.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the radio frequency transmitter (110) transmits the data packet on a radio frequency in a range from 400 MegaHertz (MHz) to 500 MegaHertz (MHz).
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor (112) is an Arduino.
10. A method (300) for navigation for an emergency vehicle (102) using a traffic management system (100), the method (300) characterised by steps of:
receiving a direction of travel of the emergency vehicle (102);
measuring a distance between the emergency vehicle (102) and an upcoming traffic light (104);
transmitting a data packet, from a radio frequency transmitter (110) to a radio frequency receiver (114) when the measured distance is less than a close-range distance;
decoding the data packet received by the radio frequency receiver (114);
determining the direction of the emergency vehicle (102); and
enabling a signaling of the upcoming traffic light (104) to clear a lane to enable the emergency vehicle (102) to move without obstruction.
Date: May 14, 2024
Place: Noida

Dr. Keerti Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-1529)