EP4673929A1 - Optimized device for signaling road emergencies - Google Patents

Optimized device for signaling road emergencies

Info

Publication number
EP4673929A1
EP4673929A1 EP24714021.3A EP24714021A EP4673929A1 EP 4673929 A1 EP4673929 A1 EP 4673929A1 EP 24714021 A EP24714021 A EP 24714021A EP 4673929 A1 EP4673929 A1 EP 4673929A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
vehicle
emergency
signal
distance
road
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP24714021.3A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Salvatore Carbone
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP4673929A1 publication Critical patent/EP4673929A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/16—Anti-collision systems
    • G08G1/161—Decentralised systems, e.g. inter-vehicle communication
    • G08G1/162—Decentralised systems, e.g. inter-vehicle communication event-triggered
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q9/00—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling
    • B60Q9/008—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling for anti-collision purposes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING SYSTEMS, e.g. PERSONAL CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B25/00—Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems
    • G08B25/01—Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium
    • G08B25/016—Personal emergency signalling and security systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/09—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
    • G08G1/095—Traffic lights
    • G08G1/0955—Traffic lights transportable
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/09—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions
    • G08G1/0962—Arrangements for giving variable traffic instructions having an indicator mounted inside the vehicle, e.g. giving voice messages
    • G08G1/0967—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits
    • G08G1/096766—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where the system is characterised by the origin of the information transmission
    • G08G1/096791—Systems involving transmission of highway information, e.g. weather, speed limits where the system is characterised by the origin of the information transmission where the origin of the information is another vehicle
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
    • G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
    • G08G1/20—Monitoring the location of vehicles belonging to a group, e.g. fleet of vehicles, countable or determined number of vehicles
    • G08G1/205—Indicating the location of the monitored vehicles as destination, e.g. accidents, stolen, rental

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an optimi zed device for signaling road emergencies .
  • the present invention relates to an optimi zed device for signaling road emergencies able to be used to generate and send at a distance danger signals regarding land vehicles such as cars , motorcycles and bicycles .
  • a device for generating a danger signal (i.e., a virtual triangle, described by the Italian patent 102016000073534, granted to the Applicant himself) is also known.
  • Such a device solves the problem of signaling at a distance an accident, or a road emergency, but does not allow an automatic modulation of the distance at which the aforementioned signal is transmitted.
  • the purpose of the present invention is to provide a road emergency warning optimized device suitable for land vehicles, which allows signaling an emergency situation related to a vehicle, both in transmission and in reception, in an area and at a distance optimized with respect to the event itself, or customizable by a user, having therefore characteristics such as to overcome the limits that still af fect the systems previously described, with reference to the state of the art .
  • a further purpose of the present invention is to provide a road emergency warning optimi zed device that allows to immediately issue and receive an emergency signal , with an optimi zed range of action and in all directions .
  • a road emergency warning optimi zed device is provided, as defined in claim 1 .
  • figure 1 shows a schematic view representing a road emergency warning optimi zed device , according to the invention
  • figure 2 shows an operating diagram of the road emergency warning optimi zed device , according to the invention .
  • a road emergency warning optimi zed device is shown, according to the invention .
  • a device 200 instal led on at least one first vehicle involved in an emergency situation is referred to as a device 200 '
  • a similar device installed on at least one second vehicle is referred to as a device 200 ' ’
  • the devices 200 ' and 200" are similar and have the same functions and components , having to manage a signal in transmission or reception, depending on whether the vehicle on which the device 200 is installed is af fected by an emergency or arrives to the location where the emergency has occurred .
  • the road emergency warning optimi zed device 200 , 200 ' , 200 ' ' comprises :
  • At least one shock sensors and detectors unit 206 configured to detect the speed with which a first vehicle undergoes a collision or impact and to issue emergency signals following the detection of said collision or impact ; at least one transmitter-receiver assembly 207 configured to transmit/receive emergency signals detected by the shock sensors and detectors unit 206 or detected by means of a manual and/or vocal activation performed by a user ; and
  • At least one dashboard 201 comprising at least one manually operated button 202 of the transmitter-receiver unit 207 for sending a first emergency signal or virtual "triangle" 202T and at least one manually operated button 203 of the transmitter-receiver unit 207 for sending second signals 203E, ... , 203N related to an emergency type to be reported .
  • the road emergency warning optimized device 200, 200', 200' ' is always active in reception and can be activated in transmission manually, using the buttons 202, 203, and/or vocally, and/or automatically by detecting a collision or a malfunction of the first vehicle by means of the shock sensors and detectors unit 206.
  • the transmitter-receiver unit 207 is configured to send an emergency signal from a first device 200', installed on a first vehicle in which a collision, an accident, a fault or an emergency occurs, to at least one second device 200" installed on a second vehicle present or transiting at a distance less than or equal to a distance D from the first vehicle.
  • the road emergency warning optimized device 200, 200', 200' ' comprises :
  • a shock sensors and detectors unit 206 - a shock sensors and detectors unit 206; - a transmitter-receiver unit 207, connected to the shock sensors and detectors unit 206 and configured to transmit/receive emergency signals detected by the shock sensors and detectors unit 206; a dashboard 201 comprising at least one first manually operated button 202 able to activate the transmitter-receiver unit 207 for sending an emergency signal of the "triangle" type, referred to with the reference 202T, and at least one second manually operated button 203 able to activate the transmitter-receiver unit 207 for sending signals 203E....203N concerning the type of emergency being reported;
  • connection unit 208 a connection unit 208; and a battery 209 able to supply the road emergency warning optimized device 200.
  • the road emergency warning optimized device 200 is configured to generate an emergency signal, or virtual "triangle", such as to replace the "triangle" currently positioned by the driver of a vehicle in an emergency situation in proximity of the vehicle itself.
  • the device 200 and in particular the transmitterreceiver unit 207, is configured to send an emergency signal from a first device 200', installed on a first vehicle in which an accident or fault occurs, to at least one second device 200" installed on a second vehicle that is present or in transit at a di stance less than or equal to a distance D from the emergency location .
  • the shock sensors and detectors unit 206 is configured to detect the speed with which the first vehicle suf fers a collision or impact , on a speci f ic time , and to activate the transmitter-receiver unit 207 .
  • the distance D within which the transmitter-receiver unit 207 transmits the emergency signal is correlated to the speed with which the first vehicle suf fers the impact that generates the emergency, detected by the shock sensors and detectors unit 206 .
  • the distance D is proportional to the impact speed of the first vehicle .
  • the distance D is able to be set by the user, in particular by the driver of the first vehicle .
  • the distance D is able to be set by the user in a series of speci fic values , preferably comprised between 50 m, 150 m and 1 km from the place of transmission, i . e . , the emergency location .
  • the maximum distance D between a first vehicle in emergency and on which a first device 200 ' , issuing a danger signal , is installed, and a second vehicle on which a second device 200 ' ' which receives the signal is installed is a function of the average or punctual speed of the first vehicle .
  • the average speed of the first vehicle is evaluated over a time interval t occurring before the impact or blocking of the first vehicle .
  • the distance D is evaluated based on the punctual speed of the first vehicle at the time of the impact or emergency situation .
  • the maximum distance D between a first vehicle in emergency on which a first device 200', which emits a danger signal, is installed, and a second vehicle on which a second device 200' ', which receives the signal, is installed is a function of the average or punctual speed of the second vehicle.
  • the speed of the second vehicle is detected by the 200' ' device through GPS or by means of a direct connection between the 200' ' device and the second vehicle.
  • sending and receiving an emergency signal at a distance D related to the parameters of the impact or to the direct setting of a user allows the emergency to be reported only to users potentially affected by the event, avoiding that the device 200 sends or receives irrelevant reports.
  • the device 200 is optimized in both reception and transmission of an emergency signal.
  • the dashboard 201 is integrated into a reversible structure that opens automatically when the device 200, 200', 200' ' detects a collision, impact, fault or emergency and/or receives an emergency signal from a first vehicle.
  • the device 200, 200', 200' ' comprises a structure which can be removably fixed to a vehicle or to a passenger compartment of the vehicle itself, where such a structure comprises a base and a cover hinged together so that in an open position, the dashboard 201 is visible to a user, while in a closed position, in which the cover overlaps the base, the same dashboard 201 is protected and hidden.
  • the device 200, 200', 200' ' comprises at least one system for projecting a light signal, with this signal having the shape of an emergency triangle, and projected from a first vehicle in which the device 200, 200', 200' ' detects an emergency, in a vertical direction above the first vehicle, and/or in a front direction with respect to the first vehicle, and/or in a rear direction with respect to the first vehicle.
  • the device 200, 200', 200' ' comprises at least one system for projecting a light signal consisting of a hologram, with such a system being activated manually or automatically following the detection of an emergency and/or the reception of an emergency signal.
  • the signal projected into the passenger compartment of the second vehicle, or hologram, appears to flash when the second vehicle is at a distance between D and Dmax from the first vehicle, while it becomes fixed when the second vehicle is at a distance between Dmax and 0 from the first vehicle on which the device 200' is installed.
  • the device 200, 200', 200' ' comprises a projection system which is activated automatically by the shock sensor and detectors unit 206 and/or by means of a manual activation.
  • the device 200, 200', 200' ' includes a projection system configured to project a light signal at a distance X, variable depending on the speed of the impact detected by the shock sensor and detectors unit 206.
  • buttons 202T and 203E are able to be illuminated when the device 200', present on a first vehicle, is activated, while the emergency acoustic beacon 204 on a second vehicle equipped with another device 200" in a passive configuration, i.e., a receiving configuration, is configured so that it can emit a sound or a vocal announcement whose tone sound increases as the distance of the first vehicle from the second vehicle decreases .
  • each device 200 , 200 ' , 200 ' ' includes vocal operation means 205 configured to activate vocally the device 200 , 20o ' , 200 ' ' when active in transmission and installed on a first vehicle ; a plurality of buttons that can be activated manually by a user to signal the type of emergency occurred to the first vehicle .
  • the plurality of buttons is configured to light up according to the type of emergency signaled by the first device 200 ' .
  • Each device also comprises at least one emergency acoustic beacon 204 configured to emit a sound signal with an increasing volume inversely proportional to the distance D .
  • the emergency acoustic beacon 204 is further configured to emit a vocal announcement which speci fies the type of emergency signaled by the first device 200 ' , for example a mechanical fault of the vehicle or an electronic fault of the vehicle or a health emergency or an accident or a nth cause of emergency warning .
  • the emission of the signal from the first device 200 ' can therefore be activated automatically through the sensors , manually through buttons or vocally .
  • the emergency signal received by the device 200 ' ' installed on a second vehicle , is an illumination of an emergency button, and/or the illumination of a button related to the type of emergency, and/or the emission of a sound signal , and/or the emission of a vocal message speci fying the type of emergency .
  • the driver can report the emergency situation vocally and can be warned more carefully by the increasing pitch of the acoustic signal received .
  • the road emergency warning optimi zed device 200 may be activated vocally by means of the vocal operation means 205 , although in some embodiments an automatic activation or a manually activation performed by the user using buttons 202 , 203 may be provided .
  • the second button 203 can include a plurality of buttons , each used to signal an emergency of a di f ferent type : for example , 203E to signal a mechanical fault of the vehicle ; 203F to report an electronic fault in the vehicle ; 203G to report an accident... ; health emergency 203H; .... 203N to report a nth cause of emergency signal .
  • the road emergency warning optimi zed device 200 is interfaced with the unit 207 so that , after being activated, it can transmit radio , GSM, GPS and Wi-Fi signals .
  • the driver can decide to use only the button 202 or the button 202 together with one or more buttons that activate the signals 203E . . . 203N .
  • This type of activation is useful when the vehicle is already stationary and the driver is able to use his hands to press the buttons available to him .
  • the device 200 is connected to the shock sensors and detectors unit 206 that is connected to the bumpers , doors , body, dashboard and electrical system so that impacts of a certain intensity and mal functions of the vehicle on which the device 200 is installed can be automatically detected .
  • the device 200 for land vehicles is automatically activated through the shock sensors and detectors unit 206 when these sensors detect a collision or a mal function of the vehicle .
  • the device 200 ' of a first vehicle is automatically activated through the unit 206 , both the emergency triangle signal 202T and the signals 203E . . .203N which indicate the specific emergency signal are transmitted. This type of activation is useful when the vehicle is still moving and suffers a collision and does not require the driver to use his hands as the vehicle is moving .
  • the device 200 is always functioning in a passive condition, i.e., as a receiver.
  • the device 200 transmits, by means of the transmitter-receiver unit 207, the emergency signal 202T and 203E...203N related to the emergency type, so that these last are able to be received by other devices 200.
  • the signals transmitted by the unit 207 of the device 200 with which a first vehicle can be equipped have different identification codes depending on the type of information to be sent to a second vehicle also equipped with the device 200: warning triangle or type of emergency or both.
  • the emergency acoustic beacon 204 emits a specific sound or vocal announcement, while the corresponding buttons 202, 203 light up on both the vehicles.
  • a virtual triangle which prevents the driver from having to get out of the car to report the emergency, is generated.
  • the type of emergency that is occurring can also be indicated: mechanical failure, electrical failure, accident, etc.
  • the device 200 is equipped with a connection unit 208 configured to be able to be connected to the electrical system of the vehicle .
  • the device 200 can be connected to the on-board instrumentation.
  • the device 200, 200', 200' ' comprises a connection with the braking system of the vehicle, such that, when the device 200, 200', 200' ' is installed on the second vehicle and receives a danger signal from the first vehicle, the initial speed of the second vehicle, if it exceeds a safety value Vmin, is automatically and gradually reduced to Vmin, and such that, once the passing of the point of impact of the first vehicle has been detected by a localization system, the speed of the second vehicle is brought back to the initial speed .
  • the device 200 is equipped with its own power supply battery 209 , is transportable and can also be applied to other vehicles such as , for example , bicycles .
  • Figure 2 shows an operating diagram of the road emergency warning optimi zed device 200 for land vehicles , according to the invention .
  • the signals 202T and 203E . . . 203N are such as to be received at a distance D, to be considered as the radius of the signal transmission area, from the transceiver control unit .
  • the road emergency warning optimi zed device comprises a supplying dynamo .
  • the road emergency warning optimi zed device comprises a battery and/or a supplying power module .
  • the optimi zed device for signaling road emergencies allows alarm and/or emergency signals to be sent in an optimi zed manner, at a distance related to the parameters of an impact or set by the user, speci fying the type of emergency and avoiding the driver having to get out of the vehicle to report the danger .
  • Another advantage of the optimi zed device for signaling road emergencies according to the invention consists in the possibility of emitting such danger signals even in road and weather conditions characteri zed by reduced safety or visibility for the driver of the vehicle and for surrounding motorists .
  • the optimi zed device for signaling road emergencies allows to facilitate the perception of danger signals by drivers while driving even in potential situation of distraction .
  • the fact that the danger signal emitted by the optimi zed device is transmitted at a distance D variable based on the impact speed allows the emergency to be reported in a timely and ef fective manner to oncoming vehicles which could be af fected not only upon direct impact with the first vehicle , but also with any fragments or obstructions present in the roadway .
  • the distance at which fragments are proj ected is in fact proportional to the speed of impact .

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Atmospheric Sciences (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Traffic Control Systems (AREA)

Abstract

Road emergency warning device (200, 200', 200'') able to be installed on at least one first vehicle and one second vehicle, comprising: - at least one shock sensors and detectors unit (206); - at least one transmitter-receiver unit (207) configured to transmit/receive emergency signals detected by the at least one shock sensors and detectors unit (206) or detected by means of a manual and/or vocal activation performed by a user; and - at least one dashboard (201) comprising at least one button (202) for sending an emergency signal or virtual "triangle" (202T) and at least one button (203) for sending signals (203E,..., 203N) related to an emergency type to be reported. The device (200, 200', 200'') is always active in reception and is able to be activated in transmission manually, by means of the buttons (202, 203), and/or vocally, and/or automatically by detecting a collision or a malfunction of a first vehicle. The transmitter-receiver unit (207), is configured to send an emergency signal from a first device (200'), to at least one second device (200'') installed on a second vehicle present or transiting at a distance less than or equal to a distance D from the first vehicle.

Description

DESCRI PTION
Optimi zed device for signaling road emergencies
The present invention relates to an optimi zed device for signaling road emergencies .
In particular, the present invention relates to an optimi zed device for signaling road emergencies able to be used to generate and send at a distance danger signals regarding land vehicles such as cars , motorcycles and bicycles .
As is known, land vehicles are equipped with accessories and devices able to signal a di f ficult situation in which the vehicle and/or the driver of the vehicle may find themselves . These accessories and devices may be a classic warning triangle which can be positioned manually by the driver on the road at a suitable distance , and the parking l ights which can be activated by the driver by pressing a button depicting a triangle (hazard) normally present on the dashboard of a vehicle , the type shown in figure 1 which shows a system 100 of buttons which activate di f ferent functions of the car, including the function of activating the parking lights through the button 101 . Therefore , in any case of a dangerous situation that the driver wishes to report , he is forced to first perform the operation of activating the flashing parking lights , then the operation of stopping the vehicle , and finally, once out of the car, must ensure that the triangle is positioned on the road in such a way that it can be visible to all vehicles arriving in the lane .
These steps represent both a risk for the driver , because he is exposed to moving vehicles , and a source of danger for motorists who often risk running over the pedestrian without being able to slow down appropriately . A situation, the latter, which can also be ampli fied by particular environmental and road conditions , such as fog, rain and blind curves .
Furthermore , it i s currently particularly di f ficult to remotely report from vehicles that have suf fered road accidents or driver illness , or even vehicles that have broken down or are subj ect to an accident where the driver is unable to get out of the vehicle , for example , due to a physical handicap . Finally, vehicles such as bicycles or motorbikes do not have a warning triangle and cannot therefore remotely report any accidents or situations in which the vehicle has broken down . The known systems allow to signal a danger only in one direction, for example on the same roadway traveled by the vehicle , not allowing to alert vehicles arriving in the opposite direction which could still be af fected by the ef fects of the emergency .
Finally, current signaling systems require implementation times which are not negligible and which cause additional dangers in vehicles that are in proximity of the vehicle af fected by the emergency .
A solution to such a problem is described by the patent application EP1262935 , granted to Siemens AG, which describes a method for transmitting data packets on preset times , through direct radio connections , between a first transmitting user terminal and a second receiving user terminal , on intervals lasting at least one second . User terminals that receive at least part of the status information are updated in each user terminal until the next transmission time . In this way, emergency information such as the position or speed of a vehicle , or traf fic information, can be exchanged . The receiving user terminal communicates with the vehicle in order to determine its reaction, for example an automatic speed reduction, or an activation of the brakes , or an activation of an alarm signal. These communications occur automatically, through a radio connection.
A device for generating a danger signal (i.e., a virtual triangle, described by the Italian patent 102016000073534, granted to the Applicant himself) is also known. Such a device solves the problem of signaling at a distance an accident, or a road emergency, but does not allow an automatic modulation of the distance at which the aforementioned signal is transmitted.
Although advantageous in several respects, these solutions are affected by the limitation of not allowing to send an alarm signal only to vehicles present in an area actually involved in a dangerous or emergency event that has occurred. Therefore, the distance at which the emergency signal is transmitted, in known systems, is not optimized based on parameters concerning the event, or on a user customization.
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a road emergency warning optimized device suitable for land vehicles, which allows signaling an emergency situation related to a vehicle, both in transmission and in reception, in an area and at a distance optimized with respect to the event itself, or customizable by a user, having therefore characteristics such as to overcome the limits that still af fect the systems previously described, with reference to the state of the art .
A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a road emergency warning optimi zed device that allows to immediately issue and receive an emergency signal , with an optimi zed range of action and in all directions .
According to the present invention, a road emergency warning optimi zed device is provided, as defined in claim 1 .
For a better understanding of the present invention, a preferred embodiment is now described, purely by way of non-limiting example , with re ference to the attached drawings , in which :
- figure 1 shows a schematic view representing a road emergency warning optimi zed device , according to the invention; figure 2 shows an operating diagram of the road emergency warning optimi zed device , according to the invention .
With reference to these figures and, in particular, to figure 1 , a road emergency warning optimi zed device is shown, according to the invention . Hereafter, a device 200 instal led on at least one first vehicle involved in an emergency situation is referred to as a device 200 ' , and a similar device installed on at least one second vehicle is referred to as a device 200 ' ’ . The devices 200 ' and 200" are similar and have the same functions and components , having to manage a signal in transmission or reception, depending on whether the vehicle on which the device 200 is installed is af fected by an emergency or arrives to the location where the emergency has occurred .
In more detail , the road emergency warning optimi zed device 200 , 200 ' , 200 ' ' comprises :
- at least one shock sensors and detectors unit 206 , configured to detect the speed with which a first vehicle undergoes a collision or impact and to issue emergency signals following the detection of said collision or impact ; at least one transmitter-receiver assembly 207 configured to transmit/receive emergency signals detected by the shock sensors and detectors unit 206 or detected by means of a manual and/or vocal activation performed by a user ; and
- at least one dashboard 201 comprising at least one manually operated button 202 of the transmitter-receiver unit 207 for sending a first emergency signal or virtual "triangle" 202T and at least one manually operated button 203 of the transmitter-receiver unit 207 for sending second signals 203E, ... , 203N related to an emergency type to be reported .
The road emergency warning optimized device 200, 200', 200' ' is always active in reception and can be activated in transmission manually, using the buttons 202, 203, and/or vocally, and/or automatically by detecting a collision or a malfunction of the first vehicle by means of the shock sensors and detectors unit 206.
The transmitter-receiver unit 207 is configured to send an emergency signal from a first device 200', installed on a first vehicle in which a collision, an accident, a fault or an emergency occurs, to at least one second device 200" installed on a second vehicle present or transiting at a distance less than or equal to a distance D from the first vehicle.
According to one aspect of the invention, the road emergency warning optimized device 200, 200', 200' ' comprises :
- an emergency acoustic beacon 204;
- vocal operation means 205;
- a shock sensors and detectors unit 206; - a transmitter-receiver unit 207, connected to the shock sensors and detectors unit 206 and configured to transmit/receive emergency signals detected by the shock sensors and detectors unit 206; a dashboard 201 comprising at least one first manually operated button 202 able to activate the transmitter-receiver unit 207 for sending an emergency signal of the "triangle" type, referred to with the reference 202T, and at least one second manually operated button 203 able to activate the transmitter-receiver unit 207 for sending signals 203E....203N concerning the type of emergency being reported;
- a connection unit 208; and a battery 209 able to supply the road emergency warning optimized device 200.
The road emergency warning optimized device 200 is configured to generate an emergency signal, or virtual "triangle", such as to replace the "triangle" currently positioned by the driver of a vehicle in an emergency situation in proximity of the vehicle itself.
The device 200, and in particular the transmitterreceiver unit 207, is configured to send an emergency signal from a first device 200', installed on a first vehicle in which an accident or fault occurs, to at least one second device 200" installed on a second vehicle that is present or in transit at a di stance less than or equal to a distance D from the emergency location .
The shock sensors and detectors unit 206 is configured to detect the speed with which the first vehicle suf fers a collision or impact , on a speci f ic time , and to activate the transmitter-receiver unit 207 .
According to one aspect of the invention, the distance D within which the transmitter-receiver unit 207 transmits the emergency signal is correlated to the speed with which the first vehicle suf fers the impact that generates the emergency, detected by the shock sensors and detectors unit 206 .
According to one aspect of the invention, the distance D is proportional to the impact speed of the first vehicle .
According to one aspect of the invention, the distance D is able to be set by the user, in particular by the driver of the first vehicle .
According to one aspect of the invention, the distance D is able to be set by the user in a series of speci fic values , preferably comprised between 50 m, 150 m and 1 km from the place of transmission, i . e . , the emergency location . According to one aspect of the invention, the maximum distance D between a first vehicle in emergency and on which a first device 200 ' , issuing a danger signal , is installed, and a second vehicle on which a second device 200 ' ' which receives the signal is installed, is a function of the average or punctual speed of the first vehicle .
According to one aspect of the invention, the average speed of the first vehicle is evaluated over a time interval t occurring before the impact or blocking of the first vehicle . Alternatively, the distance D is evaluated based on the punctual speed of the first vehicle at the time of the impact or emergency situation .
According to one aspect of the invention, the distance D is comprised between :
- 50 m and 150 m in case of an average or punctual speed of the first vehicle comprised between 0 km/h and 60 km/h;
- 150 m and 500 m in case of an average or punctual speed of the first vehicle comprised between 60 km/h and 120 km/h;
- 500 m and 1 km in case of an average or punctual speed of the first vehicle greater than 120 km/h .
According to one aspect of the invention, the maximum distance D between a first vehicle in emergency on which a first device 200', which emits a danger signal, is installed, and a second vehicle on which a second device 200' ', which receives the signal, is installed, is a function of the average or punctual speed of the second vehicle. The speed of the second vehicle is detected by the 200' ' device through GPS or by means of a direct connection between the 200' ' device and the second vehicle.
Advantageously, sending and receiving an emergency signal at a distance D related to the parameters of the impact or to the direct setting of a user, allows the emergency to be reported only to users potentially affected by the event, avoiding that the device 200 sends or receives irrelevant reports.
Advantageously, therefore, the device 200 is optimized in both reception and transmission of an emergency signal.
According to one aspect of the invention in the road emergency warning optimized device 200, 200', 200' ' the dashboard 201 is integrated into a reversible structure that opens automatically when the device 200, 200', 200' ' detects a collision, impact, fault or emergency and/or receives an emergency signal from a first vehicle.
According to one aspect of the invention the device 200, 200', 200' ' comprises a structure which can be removably fixed to a vehicle or to a passenger compartment of the vehicle itself, where such a structure comprises a base and a cover hinged together so that in an open position, the dashboard 201 is visible to a user, while in a closed position, in which the cover overlaps the base, the same dashboard 201 is protected and hidden.
According to one aspect of the invention, the device 200, 200', 200' ' comprises at least one system for projecting a light signal, with this signal having the shape of an emergency triangle, and projected from a first vehicle in which the device 200, 200', 200' ' detects an emergency, in a vertical direction above the first vehicle, and/or in a front direction with respect to the first vehicle, and/or in a rear direction with respect to the first vehicle.
According to one aspect of the invention, the device 200, 200', 200' ' comprises at least one system for projecting a light signal consisting of a hologram, with such a system being activated manually or automatically following the detection of an emergency and/or the reception of an emergency signal.
According to one aspect of the invention, the device 200, 200', 200' ' comprises one element for projecting a hologram comprising a light source, laser or LED, able to project an emergency signal into the passenger compartment of a second vehicle when the device 200 receives an emergency signal issued by at least one device 200' installed on a first vehicle.
The signal projected into the passenger compartment of the second vehicle, or hologram, appears to flash when the second vehicle is at a distance between D and Dmax from the first vehicle, while it becomes fixed when the second vehicle is at a distance between Dmax and 0 from the first vehicle on which the device 200' is installed.
According to one aspect of the invention, the device 200, 200', 200' ' comprises a projection system which is activated automatically by the shock sensor and detectors unit 206 and/or by means of a manual activation.
According to one aspect of the invention, the device 200, 200', 200' ' includes a projection system configured to project a light signal at a distance X, variable depending on the speed of the impact detected by the shock sensor and detectors unit 206.
According to one aspect of the invention, the buttons 202T and 203E are able to be illuminated when the device 200', present on a first vehicle, is activated, while the emergency acoustic beacon 204 on a second vehicle equipped with another device 200" in a passive configuration, i.e., a receiving configuration, is configured so that it can emit a sound or a vocal announcement whose tone sound increases as the distance of the first vehicle from the second vehicle decreases .
In other words , each device 200 , 200 ' , 200 ' ' includes vocal operation means 205 configured to activate vocally the device 200 , 20o ' , 200 ' ' when active in transmission and installed on a first vehicle ; a plurality of buttons that can be activated manually by a user to signal the type of emergency occurred to the first vehicle . When the device operates in reception the plurality of buttons is configured to light up according to the type of emergency signaled by the first device 200 ' . Each device also comprises at least one emergency acoustic beacon 204 configured to emit a sound signal with an increasing volume inversely proportional to the distance D . The emergency acoustic beacon 204 is further configured to emit a vocal announcement which speci fies the type of emergency signaled by the first device 200 ' , for example a mechanical fault of the vehicle or an electronic fault of the vehicle or a health emergency or an accident or a nth cause of emergency warning .
The emission of the signal from the first device 200 ' can therefore be activated automatically through the sensors , manually through buttons or vocally . The emergency signal received by the device 200 ' ' , installed on a second vehicle , is an illumination of an emergency button, and/or the illumination of a button related to the type of emergency, and/or the emission of a sound signal , and/or the emission of a vocal message speci fying the type of emergency .
Advantageously according to the invention, in this way the driver can report the emergency situation vocally and can be warned more carefully by the increasing pitch of the acoustic signal received .
Therefore , the road emergency warning optimi zed device 200 may be activated vocally by means of the vocal operation means 205 , although in some embodiments an automatic activation or a manually activation performed by the user using buttons 202 , 203 may be provided .
Furthermore , the second button 203 can include a plurality of buttons , each used to signal an emergency of a di f ferent type : for example , 203E to signal a mechanical fault of the vehicle ; 203F to report an electronic fault in the vehicle ; 203G to report an accident... ; health emergency 203H; .... 203N to report a nth cause of emergency signal . As highlighted in figure 1 , the road emergency warning optimi zed device 200 is interfaced with the unit 207 so that , after being activated, it can transmit radio , GSM, GPS and Wi-Fi signals .
In fact , in case the device 200 is positioned on a first vehicle and is activated manually, the driver can decide to use only the button 202 or the button 202 together with one or more buttons that activate the signals 203E . . . 203N . This type of activation is useful when the vehicle is already stationary and the driver is able to use his hands to press the buttons available to him .
Instead, i f the driver cannot or does not want to use his hands , he can use voice command to issue the emergency signal .
According to another aspect of the invention, the device 200 is connected to the shock sensors and detectors unit 206 that is connected to the bumpers , doors , body, dashboard and electrical system so that impacts of a certain intensity and mal functions of the vehicle on which the device 200 is installed can be automatically detected . In fact , the device 200 for land vehicles is automatically activated through the shock sensors and detectors unit 206 when these sensors detect a collision or a mal function of the vehicle . In fact, i f the device 200 ' of a first vehicle is automatically activated through the unit 206 , both the emergency triangle signal 202T and the signals 203E . . .203N which indicate the specific emergency signal are transmitted. This type of activation is useful when the vehicle is still moving and suffers a collision and does not require the driver to use his hands as the vehicle is moving .
Advantageously according to the invention, the device 200 is always functioning in a passive condition, i.e., as a receiver.
Advantageously according to the invention, following the activation, the device 200 transmits, by means of the transmitter-receiver unit 207, the emergency signal 202T and 203E...203N related to the emergency type, so that these last are able to be received by other devices 200.
Furthermore, the signals transmitted by the unit 207 of the device 200 with which a first vehicle can be equipped have different identification codes depending on the type of information to be sent to a second vehicle also equipped with the device 200: warning triangle or type of emergency or both. In this way, if the device 200, installed on a second receiving vehicle, intercepts the signals 202T and 203E...203N, the emergency acoustic beacon 204 emits a specific sound or vocal announcement, while the corresponding buttons 202, 203 light up on both the vehicles. In this way, a virtual triangle which prevents the driver from having to get out of the car to report the emergency, is generated. Furthermore, the type of emergency that is occurring can also be indicated: mechanical failure, electrical failure, accident, etc.
According to one aspect of the invention, the device 200 is equipped with a connection unit 208 configured to be able to be connected to the electrical system of the vehicle .
Advantageously according to the invention, the device 200 can be connected to the on-board instrumentation.
According to one aspect of the invention, the device 200, 200', 200' ' comprises a connection with the braking system of the vehicle, such that, when the device 200, 200', 200' ' is installed on the second vehicle and receives a danger signal from the first vehicle, the initial speed of the second vehicle, if it exceeds a safety value Vmin, is automatically and gradually reduced to Vmin, and such that, once the passing of the point of impact of the first vehicle has been detected by a localization system, the speed of the second vehicle is brought back to the initial speed .
According to one aspect of the invention, the device (200, 200', 200' ' ) comprises a localization system able to detect and transmit the position of the first vehicle when the shock sensors and detectors unit 206 detects an impact or when the device 200 , 200 ' , 200 ' ' is activated manually .
Advantageously according to the invention, the device 200 is equipped with its own power supply battery 209 , is transportable and can also be applied to other vehicles such as , for example , bicycles .
Figure 2 shows an operating diagram of the road emergency warning optimi zed device 200 for land vehicles , according to the invention .
According to one aspect of the invention, the signals 202T and 203E . . . 203N are such as to be received at a distance D, to be considered as the radius of the signal transmission area, from the transceiver control unit .
According to one aspect of the invention, when the first vehicle is a bicycle or a scooter, the road emergency warning optimi zed device comprises a supplying dynamo .
According to one aspect of the invention, the road emergency warning optimi zed device comprises a battery and/or a supplying power module .
Therefore , the optimi zed device for signaling road emergencies according to the invention allows alarm and/or emergency signals to be sent in an optimi zed manner, at a distance related to the parameters of an impact or set by the user, speci fying the type of emergency and avoiding the driver having to get out of the vehicle to report the danger .
Another advantage of the optimi zed device for signaling road emergencies according to the invention consists in the possibility of emitting such danger signals even in road and weather conditions characteri zed by reduced safety or visibility for the driver of the vehicle and for surrounding motorists .
Eventually, the optimi zed device for signaling road emergencies according to the invention allows to facilitate the perception of danger signals by drivers while driving even in potential situation of distraction .
Advantageously according to the invention, the fact that the danger signal emitted by the optimi zed device is transmitted at a distance D variable based on the impact speed allows the emergency to be reported in a timely and ef fective manner to oncoming vehicles which could be af fected not only upon direct impact with the first vehicle , but also with any fragments or obstructions present in the roadway . The distance at which fragments are proj ected is in fact proportional to the speed of impact .
Furthermore , the possibility of considering a warning through the proj ection of a hologram in the shape of an emergency triangle provides a further remote warning that is convenient and easy to perceive for oncoming vehicles and beyond .
It is finally clear that the optimi zed device for signaling road emergencies , described and illustrated herein, may be subj ect to modi fications and variations without departing from the protective scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims .

Claims

1. Road emergency warning optimized device (200, 200' , 200' ’ ) able to be installed on at least one first vehicle and one second vehicle, comprising:
- at least one shock sensors and detectors unit (206) configured to detect the speed with which a first vehicle undergoes a collision or impact and to issue emergency signals following the detection of said collision or impact; at least one transmitter-receiver unit (207) configured to transmit/receive emergency signals detected by the at least one shock sensors and detectors unit (206) or detected by means of a manual and/or vocal activation performed by a user; and
- at least one dashboard (201) comprising at least one manually operated button (202) of the transmitter-receiver unit (207) for sending a first emergency signal or virtual "triangle" (202T) and at least one manually operated button (203) of the transmitter-receiver unit (207) for sending second signals (203E, ..., 203N) related to an emergency type to be reported; said road emergency warning optimized device (200, 200' , 200' ’ ) being always active in reception and able to activated in transmission manually, by means of the buttons (202, 203) , and/or vocally, and/or automatically by detecting a collision or a malfunction of the first vehicle by means of the at least one shock sensors and detectors unit (206) , and said transmitter-receiver unit (207) being configured to send an emergency signal from a first device (200' ) , installed on a first vehicle in which a collision, an accident, a fault or an emergency occurs, to at least one second device ( 200 ’ ’ ) installed on a second vehicle present or transiting at a distance less than or equal to a distance D from the first vehicle, wherein the distance D is proportional to the speed of collision or impact suffered by the first vehicle, detected by the at least one shock sensors and detectors unit (206) ;
- the distance D can be set and customized manually by a user; or
- the distance D between a first vehicle in emergency, on which the first device (200' ) which emits a signal is installed, and the second vehicle on which the second device (200' ' ) which receives the signal is installed, is a function of the average or punctual speed of the first vehicle, calculated depending on a time interval t occurred before the collision or impact or before the manual or vocal reporting of an emergency.
2. Road emergency warning optimized device (200, 200' , 200' ’ ) according to claim 1, characterized in that said dashboard is integrated in a reversible structure able to be automatically opened when said road emergency warning optimized device (200, 200', 200' ' ) detects a collision, impact, fault or emergency and/or receives an emergency signal from a first vehicle, said structure being attachable to a vehicle or to a passenger compartment of said vehicle and comprising a base and a cover hinged together and such that in an open position the dashboard (201) is visible to a user, while in a closed position, in which the cover overlaps the base, the dashboard (201) is protected and hidden .
3. Road emergency warning optimized device (200, 200' , 200' ’ ) according to claim 1, characterized in comprising at least one system for projecting a light signal, such signal having the shape of an emergency triangle, and being projected from a first vehicle in which the device (200, 200', 200' ' ) detects an emergency, in a vertical direction above the first vehicle, and/or in a front direction with respect to the first vehicle, and/or in a rear direction with respect to the first vehicle and/or from the device (200' ' ) receiving an emergency signal, in the passenger compartment of a second vehicle.
4. Road emergency warning optimized device (200, 200' , 200' ’ ) according to claim 1, characterized in comprising at least one projection system of a light signal consisting of a hologram, said projection system being able to be activated manually or automatically following the detection of an emergency and/or the receiving of an emergency signal and/or automatically from the shock sensors and detectors unit (206) and/or by a manual activation.
5. Road emergency warning optimized device (200, 200' , 200' ’ ) according to claim 4, characterized in that said projection system is configured to project a light signal at a variable distance X, said distance being variable depending on the speed of the impact detected by the shock sensors and detectors unit (206) .
6. Road emergency warning optimized device (200, 200' , 200' ’ ) according to claim 1, characterized in comprising vocal operation means (205) configured to activate vocally a first device (200' ) installed on a first vehicle to activate the transmission of an emergency signal, and a plurality of buttons (202, 203) able to be illuminated when a device (200' ) installed on the second vehicle receives an emergency signal, each button corresponding to types of signals (202T, 203E, ....203N) issued by a first device (200') installed on a first vehicle, and in comprising also at least one emergency acoustic beacon (204) configured to emit a sound having an increasing tone sound as the distance of the first vehicle from the second vehicle decreases and/or a vocal announcement configured to specify the type of emergency signal emitted by the first device (200' ) .
7. Road emergency warning optimized device (200, 200' , 200' ’ ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the emergency signals transmitted by a first emitting vehicle on which the device (200' ) is installed by means of the transmitter-receiver unit (207) are configured to be identified through different codes corresponding to the signals (202T, 203E...203N) transmitted to a second receiving vehicle .
8. Road emergency warning optimized device (200, 200' , 200' ’ ) according to claim 1, characterized in comprising a connection with the braking system of the vehicle, such that, when the device (200, 200', 200' ' ) is installed on the second vehicle and receives a danger signal from the first vehicle, the initial speed of the second vehicle, if exceeding a safety value Vmin, is automatically and gradually reduced to Vmin, and such that, once the passing of the point of impact of the first vehicle has been detected by a localization system, the speed of the second vehicle is brought back to the initial speed.
9. Road emergency warning optimized device (200, 200' , 200' ’ ) according to claim 1, characterized in comprising a localization system able to detect and transmit the position of the first vehicle when the shock sensors and detectors unit (206) detects an impact or when the device (200, 200', 200' ' ) is activated manually.
10. Road emergency warning optimized device (200, 200' , 200' ’ ) according to claiml 1, characterized in that said distance D is comprised between:
- 50 m and 150 m in case of an average or punctual speed of the first vehicle comprised between 0 km/h and 60 km/h;
- 150 m and 500 m in case of an average or punctual speed of the first vehicle comprised between 60 km/h and 120 km/h;
- 500 m and 1 km in case of an average or punctual speed of the first vehicle greater than 120 km/h.
11. Road emergency warning optimized device (200, 200' , 200' ’ ) according to claim 3, characterized in that said signal projected into the passenger compartment of the second vehicle, or hologram, flashes when the second vehicle is at a distance comprised between D and Dmax from the first vehicle while said signal becomes fixed when the second vehicle is at a distance comprised between Dmax and 0 from the first vehicle on which the device (200' ) is installed.
EP24714021.3A 2023-03-01 2024-02-29 Optimized device for signaling road emergencies Pending EP4673929A1 (en)

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IT102023000003702A IT202300003702A1 (en) 2023-03-01 2023-03-01 ROAD EMERGENCY SIGNALLING DEVICE
PCT/IB2024/051968 WO2024180513A1 (en) 2023-03-01 2024-02-29 Optimized device for signaling road emergencies

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KR (1) KR20250154466A (en)
CN (1) CN120917500A (en)
AU (1) AU2024228171A1 (en)
CL (1) CL2025002625A1 (en)
IT (1) IT202300003702A1 (en)
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ES2257357T3 (en) 2001-05-31 2006-08-01 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft PROCEDURE FOR THE EXCHANGE OF STATE INFORMATION ON DIRECT RADIO LINKS BETWEEN TERMINAL APPLICATION DEVICES.
US8941510B2 (en) * 2010-11-24 2015-01-27 Bcs Business Consulting Services Pte Ltd Hazard warning system for vehicles
DE102012016255A1 (en) * 2012-08-16 2014-02-20 GM Global Technology Operations, LLC (n.d. Ges. d. Staates Delaware) A method of warning a subsequent motor vehicle
US10134280B1 (en) * 2016-02-23 2018-11-20 Taehyun You Vehicular notifications
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PE20252616A1 (en) 2025-11-11
CN120917500A (en) 2025-11-07
AU2024228171A1 (en) 2025-09-25
CL2025002625A1 (en) 2025-12-05
KR20250154466A (en) 2025-10-28
WO2024180513A1 (en) 2024-09-06
IT202300003702A1 (en) 2024-09-01

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