EP3379513B1 - System consisting of a rescue vehicle and at least one warning device, method for providing information to traffic participants about a rescue vehicle nearing the area and warning device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a system comprising an emergency vehicle and at least one warning device and a warning device, in particular for emergency vehicles. Emergency motor vehicles mean land-based vehicles that are moved to a location—usually via roads or other routes. Emergency vehicles, in particular in the form of ambulances (KTW), rescue vehicles (RTW), emergency vehicles (NEF), police vehicles, fire engines, etc., are known from practice.

Out of DE 10 2016 007 568 A1 a method for microscopic traffic observation for learning a driving mode for a driver assistance system and/or autonomous driving of a vehicle is known. In connection with this method, reference is also made to a system with an air surveillance unit, with which a traffic situation on the ground is to be monitored. With regard to the design of the air surveillance unit, reference is made in particular to a quadrocopter. On emergency vehicles, in DE 10 2016 007 568 A1 not referenced.

Most of the emergency vehicles mentioned above have an optical warning device in the form of a blue light or other flashing light and an acoustic warning device in the form of what is known as a siren. Despite such acoustic and optical warning devices, traffic accidents occur again and again, particularly at traffic intersections when an emergency vehicle enters such a traffic intersection happens and a careless road user disregards the priority of the emergency vehicle.

Out of DE102015008768 A1 a system according to the preamble of claim 1 is known.

Out of DE 10 2010 014751 A1 a method for optically warning a road user of a dangerous situation emanating from a vehicle is known, according to which an optical warning signal is output by means of a warning device of the vehicle. When a dangerous situation is detected, the warning device should automatically project an optical warning signal into the road user's field of vision and/or a balloon containing the optical warning signal should be automatically filled and automatically deployed from the vehicle.

The object of the invention is to provide a system consisting of an emergency vehicle and at least one warning device and a warning device - for use with emergency vehicles - by means of which other road users can be warned of an approaching emergency vehicle at an early stage, even independently of a traffic light system can be informed.

The object is achieved according to the invention with the independent claims. Further embodiments and advantages of the invention are described in connection with the dependent claims.

A system according to the invention comprises at least one emergency vehicle with a vehicle communication interface and at least one warning device, the warning device having an optical and/or acoustic warning signal transmission unit and a warning device communication interface. The warning device is designed to emit at least one acoustic and/or one visual warning signal with the warning signal transmission unit, if required, at least for a limited period of time after an activation command has been sent by the vehicle communication interface - directly or indirectly - and this activation command has been received by the warning device -Communication Point has been received. A system according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in the area of dangerous spots in road traffic, in particular those where - for example from statistical evaluations - it is known that approaching emergency vehicles have been overlooked by other road users, overheard and/or at their speed were underestimated and accidents or near-accidents occurred. The system according to the invention makes it possible to send an activation command manually or automatically with the help of an emergency vehicle approaching a danger point in order to cause the emission of additional optical and/or acoustic warning signals by means of the warning device and thus alert other road users to the approaching emergency vehicle at an early stage inform. In particular, other road users can be informed optically and/or acoustically by means of the warning device about the approaching emergency vehicle, in particular before a siren of the emergency vehicle itself can be heard at the danger point and/or a blue light or other warning light of the emergency vehicle is visible . This has the advantage that a hazardous area to be passed by an emergency vehicle is already clearly visible is secured before the arrival of the emergency vehicle and approaching road users are informed about an approaching emergency vehicle. The risk of other motor vehicles or road users colliding with an emergency motor vehicle can thus be significantly reduced.

In a system according to the invention, a flying object is provided as the warning device, in particular a flying object in the form of an unmanned drone. In this respect, it is a mobile, independently movable warning device. Such a flying object has the advantage that it can be moved freely and can therefore be used in a mobile manner. It can be used for a variety of hazardous areas and can also be carried by emergency vehicles. Furthermore, it can accompany an emergency motor vehicle completely or in sections on the way from an operations center to an operation site or on other operational routes.

1. a) an einem bestimmten Ort positioniert akustische und/oder optische Warnsignale auszusenden, bis das Einsatz-Kraftfahrzeug diesen Ort erreicht oder passiert hat oder
2. b) in einem bestimmten - gleichmäßigen oder variierenden - Abstand vor dem Einsatz-Kraftfahrzeug zu fliegen und dabei akustische und/oder optische Warnsignale auszusenden, um in einem kontinuierlichen Wegbereitungsmodus diejenigen Verkehrsteilnehmer über das nahende Einsatz-Kraftfahrzeug zu informieren, welche dem Einsatz-Kraftfahrzeug in Kürze begegnen werden.

The flying object is designed to do this after receiving an activation command

1. a) to emit acoustic and/or visual warning signals positioned at a specific location until the emergency vehicle has reached or passed this location or
2. b) to fly at a certain - constant or varying - distance in front of the emergency vehicle and thereby emit acoustic and/or visual warning signals in order to inform those road users about the approaching emergency vehicle in a continuous path-preparation mode who are in contact with the emergency vehicle in will encounter shortly.

With the acoustic or optical warning signals mentioned above and below, in particular already known signals such as blue lights, Blinking lights or siren noises meant. Also included is the display of texts by means of appropriate display devices or the use of other warning signal devices. This also includes loudspeakers that can be controlled by means of a corresponding activation command from the vehicle communication interface, also in order to be able to output individual announcements from the emergency vehicle.

With regard to the variant of an emergency vehicle covered by the invention, in which activation commands are only sent indirectly, reference is made in particular to the possibility that the direct initiation of the sending of the activation command itself takes place from a separate stationary or mobile unit, for example from a central emergency control center or from a mobile device, but the implementation of the command is linked to the emergency vehicle at least to the extent that the current location of the emergency vehicle is queried with the help of a monitoring module and the implementation of the command depends on the emergency vehicle actually being there approaching a certain danger point. In order to query the coordinates of the emergency vehicle, it can in particular be equipped with a GPS module or other suitable technology. Thus, when activation commands are sent indirectly, it can be ensured that the warning signal transmission unit does not intervene in road traffic unintentionally and/or for an unnecessarily long period of time. As a result, the acceptance of a system according to the invention can be increased, in particular by warning signals for the announcement of emergency vehicles are only sent in the shortest possible, but still sufficiently large time window before reaching a danger point to ensure safe passage of the danger point and the road traffic affect as little as possible.

In a system which does not fall within the scope of the claims, the warning device is one in the area of a road junction or Street crossing installed, stationary device provided. The term “in the area of a road junction” or “in the area of a road junction” means in particular that the warning device is arranged in such a way that road users who are in the immediate vicinity of the road junction or road junction (e.g. at a maximum distance of 100 meters away) can see and/or hear the device. For this purpose, the device is preferably arranged centrally above a road junction or road crossing so high that motor vehicles of all types can see it well. If the device is not arranged on a separate, non-traveled island within the road junction or road junction, it is preferably arranged so high that motor vehicles of all kinds can drive under it. For this purpose, the device can be installed, for example, hanging in the middle above a street junction or street crossing. Such a stationary device has the advantage that it is permanently present and, if necessary, only has to be switched on or activated by means of an activation command.

In a system not falling within the scope of the claims, a motor-driven movable member installed in the vicinity of a road is provided as a warning device. This can in particular be a movable element installed above a street junction or street crossing. Warning devices that can be moved into an activation position by pivoting movements and/or translational movements are referred to as examples only in order to bring about visual and/or acoustic perceptibility or better such perceptibility. Such an element can be, for example, a letter that can be pivoted from a hidden position in a housing, such as a capital "E" for an emergency vehicle, which is only moved into a visible position when a visual warning signal is to be emitted.

Such an element is preferably illuminated so that it can be easily recognized even in the dark without active illumination. Such elements are preferably installed in the area of a street junction or street crossing in such a way that they can be clearly seen from all directions of travel.

The accompaniment by a warning device in the form of a flying object can take place in particular in a discontinuous passing mode in such a way that the flying object, which is not land-bound and therefore not road-bound, rushes ahead of the emergency vehicle in each case to avoid a hazardous area to be passed, in particular a road junction or road junction, secured before the emergency vehicle has reached this danger point. As soon as the danger zone has been passed, the flying object can, for example, fly over the emergency vehicle in order to secure the next danger zone in the same way.

The accompaniment by a warning device can take place in another, continuous path-preparation mode such that the flying object permanently hurries ahead of the emergency vehicle in order to act as a kind of harbinger to inform those road users about the approaching emergency vehicle who will soon encounter the emergency vehicle . This preparation mode is particularly suitable for multi-lane roads in one direction, in which emergency lanes must be formed for emergency vehicles so that they can pass. Through the use of a system according to the invention, the formation of a rescue lane can be brought forward in time, in that road users are already informed of the need to form a rescue lane by means of the warning device operated in preparation mode before the siren of an emergency vehicle can be heard and/or a visual warning signal ( Blue light or similar) is visible. Emergency vehicles can use a system according to the invention therefore get to an operation site more quickly in the preparation mode, especially when they have to pass through a traffic jam.

In a further practical embodiment, the emergency vehicle has a coupling device for mechanically and/or electrically coupling the flying object to the emergency vehicle. In this case, the flying object can easily be carried along with the emergency vehicle on routes that have only a low risk of collision for the emergency vehicle, in particular on motorway sections or road sections without traffic jams and with no or only harmless intersections or junctions. Additional costs for driving and operating the mobile warning device then do not arise. If necessary, the warning device can be decoupled from the emergency vehicle in good time before a hazardous area is reached, in order to be used, for example, in the modes described above or in some other way to inform other road users about the approaching emergency vehicle.

In connection with a coupling device, it is particularly advantageous if the coupling device is arranged in the area of the outer skin of the emergency vehicle, in particular on the roof or in another body opening of the emergency vehicle. This has the advantage that the flying object can also be coupled to or decoupled from the emergency vehicle while the emergency vehicle is driving, without the emergency journey having to be interrupted for this purpose. If the opening is large enough for the warning device to be placed in it without increasing the transverse frame area of the emergency vehicle, this has the further advantage that the drag coefficient of the emergency vehicle does not increase when the warning device is coupled. Apart from the effects of a slight additional weight, taking it with you does not lead to an increase in the fuel or energy consumption of the emergency vehicle.

In a further practical embodiment of a system according to the invention, the warning device includes a display which can be used to display the direction from which the emergency vehicle is approaching the current location of the warning device and/or which can be used to display known traffic signs. For example, the device can display a "no entry" sign in all directions when a road junction or intersection is to be kept completely clear of traffic. In this case, it is also obvious to foreign-speaking road users that the road junction area or road junction area should not be driven on at the moment. Such a display is particularly suitable for use in the area of road crossings and road junctions, where road users approach a hazard from different directions.

The display can also indicate in plain text or by simply displaying a time indication how much time is likely to remain before the emergency vehicle will likely reach the warning device and accordingly pass the danger zone. In this way, other road users can be actively shown how long the road junction or road junction will probably have to be kept free until traffic can flow normally again. Such a specification can significantly increase the acceptance of a system according to the invention in road traffic.

In a further practical embodiment of a system according to the invention, the vehicle communication interface has a controller which can be actuated manually and/or is functionally coupled to a navigation device of the emergency vehicle. Such a control can, for example, be designed in such a way that by activating a warning mode in the navigation device by simply tapping on a specific position on a map displayed by the navigation device an activation command is sent from the vehicle communication interface to a corresponding warning device communication interface. It is thus possible for the warning device to emit an acoustic and/or visual warning signal at the selected point at least for a limited period of time.

If the warning device is a flying object, activation can also cause the flying object to initially move autonomously or semi-autonomously to the location selected with the help of the navigation device (e.g. a danger zone) and emit an acoustic and/or visual warning signal there.

The controller can also have different control programs, which can be selected manually, especially for manual operation. For example, a control program can be provided for different path preparation modes. Only as an example is reference made to a preparation mode 300 and a preparation mode 500, with the figures relating to the distance (in meters) of a warning device designed as a flying object, i.e. in preparation mode 300 the warning device would automatically be at a distance of 300 meters in front of the Move the emergency vehicle on a route specified in the navigation device by 500 meters in the preparation mode 500. Based on a route entered in the navigation device, the warning device can always fly ahead of the emergency vehicle at a predetermined, uniform distance in order to inform road users themselves about the approaching emergency vehicle before they perceive the optical or acoustic signal from the emergency vehicle. for example, to bring forward the formation of a rescue lane.

In a further practical embodiment, the controller is functionally coupled to the navigation device in such a way that, in an automatic operating mode, stored routes based on a currently entered route Danger points are automatically read and corresponding activation commands are sent from the vehicle communication interface to the warning device communication interface. In this mode, the warning device can be activated and operated fully autonomously by simply activating the automatic operating mode, without the driver or another person traveling in the emergency vehicle having to be busy operating the system according to the invention. In this case, the risk of a collision during an emergency trip can be significantly reduced without requiring additional attention from the driver or other people traveling in the emergency vehicle.

It is preferred if the warning device has an optical and/or acoustic 360° warning signal transmission unit. This means optical and/or acoustic transmission units that can be perceived optically and/or acoustically from all directions around the warning device. The 360° effect can either be caused by a rotating movement of an optical and/or acoustic transmitter (circumferential) or by distributing several acoustic and/or optical transmitter units around the circumference so that from each position around the warning device one proper visual and/or acoustic perception of the warning device is effected.

If the warning device also has at least one camera and/or at least one headlight system, the warning device can also be used for search and rescue work at an accident site. To this end, it is advantageous if a warning device in the form of a flying object can also be controlled via a mobile device communication interface independently of the vehicle communication interface. Such a mobile device communication interface can in particular be a mobile phone, a tablet computer or any other electronic device that has a corresponding wireless Possibility of communication via WLAN, Bluetooth or another wireless standard.

The invention also enables a method for informing road users about an approaching emergency vehicle by means of a system as described above. According to such a method, an activation command is sent to the warning device communication interface using the vehicle communication interface. This activation command is then received by the warning device communication interface, and after receipt of the activation command by the warning signal transmission unit, at least one acoustic and/or one visual warning signal is transmitted at least for a limited period of time. Reference is hereby once again made to the advantages already described above in connection with the system.

1. a) sendet das Flugobjekt nach Erhalt eines Aktivierungsbefehls an einem bestimmten Ort positioniert akustische und/oder optische Warnsignale aus, bis das Einsatz-Kraftfahrzeug diesen Ort erreicht oder passiert hat oder
2. b) fliegt das Flugobjekt nach Erhalt eines Aktivierungsbefehls in einem bestimmten - gleichmäßigen oder variierenden - Abstand vor dem Einsatz-Kraftfahrzeug und sendet dabei akustische und/oder optische Warnsignale aus.

In the method according to the invention

1. a) after receiving an activation command, the flying object emits acoustic and/or visual warning signals positioned at a specific location until the emergency vehicle has reached or passed this location or
2. b) After receiving an activation command, the flying object flies at a specific--constant or varying--distance in front of the emergency vehicle and emits acoustic and/or visual warning signals.

Variant a) involves the discontinuous passing mode already explained above. Variant b) is the continuous path preparation mode.

In connection with variant b), it is particularly preferred if the distance between the warning device and the emergency vehicle is changed automatically or manually as a function of parameters determined by means of a camera installed on the warning device. For example, to monitor the formation of a rescue lane, the flight speed of a warning device designed as a drone can be reduced if the camera (through automated computer monitoring or observation by a person) determines that there is not yet a sufficiently wide rescue lane at certain locations is. In such cases, a loudspeaker announcement can also be used to explicitly request the formation of a rescue lane or certain other actions. This can also be done individually--for example by a passenger in the emergency vehicle--or automatically.

The invention also relates to a warning device in the form of a flying object, in particular in the form of an unmanned drone, or in the form of a display device that can be moved out of a housing if necessary, for interaction with a system as described above. Such a warning device can have any of the features described above in connection with a warning device according to the system or also any of the features described below individually or in combination with other features.

A warning device according to the invention has an optical and/or acoustic warning signal transmission unit and a warning device communication point, the warning device being designed to transmit at least one acoustic and/or one optical signal to the warning signal transmission unit, if necessary after receiving control commands via the warning device communication interface Send out a warning signal for at least a limited period of time. The warning device includes a display, by means of which the direction from which the emergency vehicle is approaching the current location of the warning device can be displayed approaches. Optionally, known traffic signs can also be displayed using the display. The transmission of such warning signals should take place in particular in the area of a dangerous spot in road traffic. Such a use of a warning device according to the invention is explicitly referred to at this point. Furthermore, reference is made to the advantages that have already been explained above in connection with a system according to the invention.

Particular advantages result in particular when the warning device is designed as a flying object in the manner of an unmanned drone. Such a drone is only small in size and weight and can be moved through the air independently of the course of a road, in particular to secure dangerous road junctions or road crossings before an emergency vehicle approaches such a location. Furthermore, as described above, it can be designed to be coupled to an emergency motor vehicle as required.

In another example of a warning device not covered by the claims, this is designed as a device that can be at least partially moved out of a housing if necessary. Such a design has the advantage that the warning device in the deactivated state is practically not noticed or ignored and the fact that it is pulled out draws particular attention to road users approaching the warning device according to the invention.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Systems mit einem Einsatz-Kraftfahrzeug und einer Warnvorrichtung in Form einer Drohne im gekoppelten Zustand der Drohne,

Fig. 2

das erfindungsgemäße System aus Fig. 2 im entkoppelten Zustand der Drohne,

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung einer Anwendungssituation des erfindungsgemäßen Systems,

Fig. 4

die Warnvorrichtung aus den Fig. 1 - 3 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung von schräg oben,

Fig. 5

die Warnvorrichtung aus den Fig. 1 - 4 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung von schräg unten,

Fig. 6

die Warnvorrichtung aus den Fig. 1 - 5 in einer Seitenansicht und

Fig. 7

eine schematische Darstellung eines Systems, das nicht in den Schutzbereich der Ansprüche fällt.

Further practical embodiments and advantages of the invention are described below in connection with the drawings. Show it:

1

a perspective view of a system according to the invention with an emergency vehicle and a warning device in the form of a drone in the coupled state of the drone,

2

the system according to the invention 2 in the decoupled state of the drone,

3

a schematic representation of an application situation of the system according to the invention,

4

the warning device from the Figures 1 - 3 in a perspective view diagonally from above,

figure 5

the warning device from the Figures 1 - 4 in a perspective representation from diagonally below,

6

the warning device from the Figures 1 - 5 in a side view and

Figure 7

a schematic representation of a system not falling within the scope of the claims.

1 shows an inventive system 10 from an emergency vehicle 12 and a warning device 14 in the form of an unmanned drone 16. In 1 the drone 16 is shown in a state fixed on the roof 18 of the emergency vehicle 12 .

The emergency motor vehicle 12 has a number of optical signaling devices 20 in the form of blue lights and an acoustic signaling device 22 (shown only schematically) in the form of a siren.

2 shows the system according to the invention with the drone 16 in a state decoupled from the emergency vehicle 12 .

Further details of the drone 16 are now initially in connection with the Figures 4 to 6 explained. Like in particular 4 As can be seen, the drone 16 includes a base body 24, which in the exemplary embodiment shown has a round (approximately circular) basic shape. Four arm sections 26 extend radially outwards from the base body 24 . Two-bladed propellers 28 are rotatably arranged on the outside of the arm sections 26 .

In the area of the annular outer wall 44 of the base body 24, which extends over the entire circumference, acoustic warning signal transmission units 30 are arranged evenly distributed over the circumference, ie at a distance of 90° from one another. With these warning signal transmission units 30, acoustic warning signals can be transmitted in the form of warning tones, in particular warning tones in the manner of a siren.

Optionally, individual and pre-stored announcement texts can also be output via the warning signal transmission units 30, for example announcement texts that are spoken by a person from the emergency vehicle 12 into a microphone (not shown) installed there. For this purpose, a corresponding wireless data transmission takes place from the emergency vehicle 12 to the warning device 14.

The annular outer wall 44 of the base body 24, which extends over the entire circumference, is optionally also part of an optical warning signal transmission unit 32. In this case, the outer wall 44 can be illuminated over the entire circumference by means of a blue light or another flashing or flashing light.

Like in particular figure 5 As can be seen, several further optical warning signal transmission units 32 are arranged in the area of the underside of the base body 24 . These optical warning signal transmission units 32 are also designed as searchlights 42 in order to be able to illuminate an area below the drone 16 for search and analysis purposes during a rescue or recovery operation.

Compared to the underside of the base body 24 of the drone 16, two skid-like brackets 34 protrude downwards, which can be used to land the drone 16 on the ground without touching the underside of the base body 24 or the elements arranged on it comes into contact.

On the other hand, the brackets 34 are intended to secure the drone 16 with in 2 recognizable holding structures 36, which are arranged in the region of an opening 38 of the roof 18 of the emergency motor vehicle 12 to latch. In this way, the drone 16 can be permanently connected to the emergency vehicle 12 . For this purpose, the holding structures 36 can have mechanically and/or electrically actuated, movable claws (not shown) or other securing elements in order to prevent the drone 16 from being unintentionally decoupled while driving.

In figure 5 It can also be seen that a camera 40 is arranged approximately centrally in the area of the underside of the base body 24 of the drone 16 and can also be used for search and rescue purposes.

In the figure 5 and 6 It can also be seen that in the outer area of the arm sections 26 on the underside of each another optical warning signal transmission unit 32 in the form of flashing lights is arranged.

Based on the schematic representation in 3 is now the functioning of a system according to the invention, as in the Figures 1 - 2 and Figures 4 - 6 is illustrated in a discontinuous pass mode.

In 3 an emergency vehicle 12 approaching a hazardous area in the form of a street crossing 46 is shown. The emergency motor vehicle 12 is on the way to an emergency location (not shown) and has to cross the street crossing 46 from left to right. To do this, it must pass the intersecting four-lane road 48.

In front of the emergency motor vehicle 12 are three other road users 50 who are moving in the same direction and have to be passed by the emergency motor vehicle 12 so that it can reach the intersection 46 as quickly as possible. Other road users 50 are on the crossing four-lane road 48. So far, they have been unable to hear or see the emergency vehicle 12.

In 3 It can also be seen that in the area of the street crossing 46 several traffic lights 52 are arranged for all directions of travel.

In order to reduce the risk of an emergency vehicle 12 colliding with the other road users 50, an activation command can be sent to a warning device communication interface, also not shown, via a vehicle communication interface not shown in the figures. As soon as the warning device 14, which is embodied here in the form of the drone 16, has received the activation command, the drone 16 decouples, as in 2 shown, from the emergency motor vehicle 12 and flies according to the in 3 Schematically illustrated arrows early from the emergency vehicle 12 to the intersection 46, which is a known or defined as such a hazard. The coordinates of the street crossing 46 are transmitted to the drone 16 with the activation command.

The activation command is preferably transmitted from the emergency motor vehicle 12 to the warning device 14 early enough for the warning device 14 to reach the intersection 46 before the emergency motor vehicle 12 can be heard with its siren or its blue lights can be seen. Road users 50 who intend to enter the intersection 46 can be warned in good time and prevented from entering by activating the optical warning signal transmitter unit 32 and/or the acoustic warning signal transmitter unit 30 of the warning device 14 while the drone 16 is in a Field of view above intersection 46 is hovering.

At the same time, those traveling in the same direction as the emergency motor vehicle 12 are informed while the drone 12 is flying over that an emergency motor vehicle 12 is approaching from behind. If necessary, these road users 50 could therefore form an emergency lane in accordance with the Road Traffic Act or other local regulations or at least clear the passage for the emergency vehicle 12 by keeping to the right or clearing the lane for the emergency vehicle 12 in another suitable way make. The emergency motor vehicle 12 can thus get to the place of action more quickly with the aid of the system according to the invention, and the risk of a collision with the emergency motor vehicle 12 is significantly reduced.

The main advantage of a system 10 according to the invention according to this exemplary embodiment is that—independent of a vehicle moving on land-based road traffic—advance information can be given to other road users 50, and thus other road users 50 are not surprised by an emergency motor vehicle 12 that follows shortly thereafter become.

7 Figure 1 shows an example of a system 10 which does not fall within the scope of the claims. In this system, a fixed element 54 installed in the area of the road crossing 46 is provided as the warning device 14 . This element 54 is a cuboid display device 56. The display device 56 is suspended in the middle in the area of the road crossing 46 between two traffic lights 52, here by means of wire cables shown schematically. Alternatively, it can also be arranged in any other way in the center of the area or above a street crossing 46 . In particular, such a display device can be set up by means of a support (not shown) arranged on an island area that cannot be driven on.

In the 7 The display device 56 shown comprises four flat display surfaces 58 serving as warning signal transmission units 32, each of which is aligned perpendicular to the direction of travel of the streets 48 leading to the intersection 46.

In the lower area of the element 54 there is also an acoustic warning signal transmission unit 30 in the manner of a siren. This acoustic warning signal transmitter unit 30 is designed to emit a siren sound all around in all directions from the element 54 .

The activation of the optical warning signal transmission unit 32 and the acoustic warning signal transmission unit 30 takes place - analogous to that in connection with the Figures 1 - 6 described embodiment - by an activation command, which from the vehicle communication interface (not shown) of the emergency vehicle 12 is sent.

Reference List

10

system according to the invention

12

emergency vehicle

14

warning device

16

drone

18

Roof

20

optical signaling device

22

acoustic signaling device

24

body

26

arm section

28

two-bladed propeller

30

acoustic warning signal transmitter unit

32

optical warning signal transmitter unit

34

hanger

36

holding structure

38

opening

40

camera

42

headlight

44

ring-shaped outer wall (of the base body)

46

road crossing

48

Street

50

road users

52

Traffic light

54

element

56

display device

58

display area

Claims (9)

1. A system of at least one emergency vehicle (12) comprising a vehicle communication interface and at least one warning device (14) with an optical and/or acoustic warning signal transmitter unit (30,32) and with a warning device communication interface, wherein the warning device (14) is configured to emit at least one acoustic and/or optical warning signal by the warning signal transmitter unit (30,32) as required at least for a limited period of time after an activation command has been sent by the vehicle communication interface and received by the warning device communication interface,
   wherein
   a flying object is provided as the warning device (14), characterised in that the flying object, after receiving an activation command, is configured to

   a) when located at a specific location, emit acoustic and/or optical warning signals until the emergency vehicle (12) reaches or passes this location or

   b) fly at a constant or varying specific distance ahead of the emergency vehicle (12) while emitting acoustic and/or optical warning signals for informing those traffic participants that will meet the emergency vehicle within a short time about the emergency vehicle nearing the area in a continuous path preparation mode.
2. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the emergency vehicle (12) comprises a coupling device for the mechanical and/or electrical coupling of the flying object.
3. The system according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the coupling device is located in the outer skin area of the emergency vehicle (12).
4. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the warning device (14) comprises a display that allows to indicate the direction from which the emergency vehicle (12) is approaching the actual location of the warning device (14) and/or that allows to display known traffic signs.
5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the vehicle communication interface comprises a control that is manually operable and/or operably coupled to a navigation device of the emergency vehicle (12).
6. The system according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the control is operably coupled to the navigation device such that in an automatic operation mode potential hazard areas relating to a currently entered route are automatically recognised and corresponding activation commands can be transmitted from the vehicle communication interface to the warning device communication interface.
7. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the warning device (14) comprises an optical and/or acoustic 360-degree warning signal transmitter unit (30,32).
8. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the warning device (14) comprises at least one camera (40) and/or at least one spotlight system.
9. A warning device (14) in the form of a flying object for cooperating with an emergency vehicle (12) of a system according to any one of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the warning device (14) comprises an acoustic and/or optical warning signal transmitter unit (30,32) and a warning device communication interface, wherein the warning device (14) is configured to emit at least one acoustic and/or optical warning signal by the warning signal transmitter unit (30,32) at least for a limited period of time as required after receiving control commands via the warning device communication interface, wherein the warning device (14) comprises a display that allows to indicate the direction from which the emergency vehicle (12) is approaching the actual location of the warning device (14).

Images