GB2300996A - Emergency communications system for use in a vehicle - Google Patents

Emergency communications system for use in a vehicle Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2300996A
GB2300996A GB9509890A GB9509890A GB2300996A GB 2300996 A GB2300996 A GB 2300996A GB 9509890 A GB9509890 A GB 9509890A GB 9509890 A GB9509890 A GB 9509890A GB 2300996 A GB2300996 A GB 2300996A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
emergency
occupant protection
protection device
vehicle
emergency system
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB9509890A
Other versions
GB9509890D0 (en
Inventor
Wanja Alexandrowa
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.)
Motorola Solutions Germany GmbH
Original Assignee
Motorola GmbH
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 Motorola GmbH filed Critical Motorola GmbH
Priority to GB9509890A priority Critical patent/GB2300996A/en
Publication of GB9509890D0 publication Critical patent/GB9509890D0/en
Publication of GB2300996A publication Critical patent/GB2300996A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/50—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
    • B60Q1/52—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking for indicating emergencies
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/01—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/90—Services for handling of emergency or hazardous situations, e.g. earthquake and tsunami warning systems [ETWS]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W76/00—Connection management
    • H04W76/50—Connection management for emergency connections

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Alarm Systems (AREA)
  • Emergency Alarm Devices (AREA)

Abstract

A mobile radio 50 is caused to enter an emergency mode in response to an occupant protection device 30 assuming a protective state. The device 30 may be an airbag, a collapsible steering column, an impact activated seat belt tensioner, or a crumple zone. A horn 60 and hazard warning lights may also be operated when the device 30 assumes its protective state. In emergency mode, the radio 50 may alert a fleet dispatcher, or may notify a base station of the mobile's identity and may request a priority channel to send an emergency signal. The radio 50 may automatically dial a predetermined number for emergency services or an automobile recovery service, and may transmit a prerecorded voice message describing the nature of the emergency. Vehicle position data obtained from a GPS receiver may also be transmitted. The radio 50 may be arranged to operate in a hands-free state in the emergency mode.

Description

EMERGENCY SYSTEM Field of the Invention This invention relates to emergency systems and particularly but not exclusively to emergency systems for use in vehicles.
Background of the Invention The average number of road users continues to increase on a daily basis and obviously coupled with this is a continued increase in the number of road traffic accidents (RTAs). While many RTAs occur on motorways and in built up areas, a significant proportion take place at remote or uninhabited areas, where it may take some time for the RTA to be discovered and reported. This problem is particularly acute on seldom used roads and in particular when a vehicle involved in an RTA has left the road, coming to a halt in a ditch or a field. In such cases, discovery of the vehicle may not take place for several hours, since the vehicle is not easily visible from the road (and in many cases completely hidden from view).
It is particularly important that the emergency services arrive at the scene, eliminate further danger and administer first aid as soon as possible. Even after notification and approximate location of an RTA, it is sometimes difficult to locate vehicles, particularly in poor visibility and at night.
If a vehicle involved in an RTA has a mobile radio or telephone unit, it may be possible for an occupant to use the mobile unit to alert the emergency services. However, if the occupant is unconscious, paralysed or in any other way unable to operate the mobile unit, this will not be possible.
This invention seeks to provide an emergency system which mitigates the above mentioned problems.
Summarv of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided an emergency system for use in a vehicle, the system comprising: an occupant protection device having pre-protective and protective states; sensing means arranged to sense transition of the occupant protection device to the protective state and to produce an output signal in response thereto; and a communications device coupled to receive the output signal from the sensing means, for providing emergency communication in response thereto, wherein activation of the occupant protection device causes the communications device to commence emergency communication.
The occupant protection device is preferably an active device, arranged to activate the protective state upon impact. Preferably, the occupant protection device is an airbag, a collapsible steering column or an impact activated seat belt tensioner.
Alternatively, the occupant protection device is a crumple zone and the sensing means is a sensor arranged to detect crumpling of the crumple zone.
Preferably the communication device is a mobile radio arranged to enter an emergency operating mode on reception of the output signal from the occupant protection device. The emergency operating mode of the mobile radio preferably includes a pre-programmed emergency procedure.
Alternatively, the communication device is a mobile telephone arranged to place a call to a predetermined telephone number on reception of the output signal from the occupant protection device. Preferably, the mobile telephone is further arranged to operate in a hands-free mode on reception of the output signal from the occupant protection device.
The emergency system preferably further comprising a vehicle conspicuity device coupled to receive the output signal from the sensing means and arranged to send audible and/or visible signals from the vehicle in response to the received output signal. The vehicle conspicuity device is preferably a vehicle alarm or a set of hazard warning lights attached to the vehicle.
In this way notification of an RTA and location of a vehicle is improved, regardless of whether the occupant is unconscious or paralysed.
Brief Description of the Drawings An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawing of FIG. 1 which shows a preferred embodiment of an emergency system in accordance with the present invention.
Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an emergency system 10, incorporated in a vehicle 20. An airbag 30 which may be housed in a steering wheel or a dashboard of the vehicle 20, is typically arranged to activate when a rapid deceleration of the vehicle occurs, such as in an impact.
A sensor 40 is coupled to the airbag, for sensing activation of the airbag and for providing an output signal in response to the activation. A mobile radio 50 and a vehicle alarm horn 60 are coupled to receive the output signal from the sensor 40.
In normal operation, the mobile radio 50 is used for two-way voice and/or data communication with a base station. The mobile radio 50 is arranged to enter an emergency operating mode upon receipt of the output signal. The emergency operating mode may include notification to a base station of the identity of the mobile radio requesting the emergency mode, requesting of a priority channel for communication and sending of an emergency signal. The vehicle alarm horn 60 is arranged to activate (emit an audible tone) upon receipt of the output signal.
In operation, any rapid acceleration or deceleration force, such as that produced by the impact of the vehicle 20 with another vehicle or a solid object will trigger the airbag 30. The sensor 40 senses activation of the airbag and provides the output signal to the mobile radio 50 and the vehicle alarm horn 60. Thus the mobile radio 50 enters the emergency mode and the vehicle alarm horn 60 is activated.
In the case of a fleet of vehicles equipped with mobile radios and a dispatcher having a base station, a mobile radio entering emergency mode will alert the dispatcher to the fact that the vehicle equipped with that mobile radio has a problem. Therefore if the dispatcher knows the route assigned to the vehicle in question, the emergency services can be alerted to the approximate location of the vehicle. Furthermore, triangulation of an emergency signal is possible by a number of base stations and the location of the vehicle may be ascertained in this way. Alternatively a global positioning system (GPS) receiver can be used to provide location information which can be transmitted to the base station in the emergency mode of operation.
Additionally emergency vehicles equipped with tracking devices arranged to detect and 'home in' on the emergency signal can be envisaged.
The vehicle alarm horn 60 serves to make the vehicle conspicuous, aiding in the location of the vehicle by a passing pedestrian, other vehicle or the emergency services.
It will be appreciated that alternative embodiments to the one described above are possible. For example, the airbag 30 could be replaced by any active protection device such as an impact triggered seatbelt tensioner or collapsing steering wheel, or by a passive protection device, such as a crumple zone. In the latter case, a crumple sensor would be employed to detect crumpling of the crumple zone.
Furthermore, the mobile radio 50 could be replaced by a mobile radiotelephone, GPS transponder or any similar communications device. In the case of a radiotelephone, the radiotelephone is arranged to dial a predetermined number (for the emergency services or a pre-selected automobile recovery service) and to transmit a pre-recorded voice message describing the nature of the emergency. Voice storage techniques can be used to convey other information such as the vehicle location.
The vehicle alarm horn 60 could be replaced by any other means for rendering the vehicle 20 conspicuous, such as hazard warning lights, headlights and the vehicle horn.

Claims (14)

Claims
1. An emergency system for use in a vehicle, the system comprising: an occupant protection device having pre-protective and protective states; sensing means arranged to sense transition of the occupant protection device to the protective state and to produce an output signal in response thereto; and a communications device coupled to receive the output signal from the sensing means, for providing emergency communication in response thereto, wherein activation of the occupant protection device causes the communications device to commence emergency communication.
2. The emergency system of claim 1 wherein the occupant protection device is an active device, arranged to activate the protective state upon impact.
3. The emergency system of claim 2 wherein the occupant protection device is an airbag.
4. The emergency system of claim 2 wherein the occupant protection device is a collapsible steering column.
5. The emergency system of claim 2 wherein the occupant protection device is an impact activated seat belt tensioner.
6. The emergency system of claim 1 wherein the occupant protection device is a crumple zone and the sensing means is a sensor arranged to detect crumpling of the crumple zone.
7. The emergency system of any preceding claim wherein the communication device is a mobile radio arranged to enter an emergency operating mode on reception of the output signal from the occupant protection device.
8. The emergency system of claim 7 wherein the emergency operating mode of the mobile radio includes a pre-programmed emergency procedure.
9. The emergency system of any of the claims 1 to 6 inclusive wherein the communication device is a mobile telephone arranged to place a call to a predetermined telephone number on reception of the output signal from the occupant protection device.
10. The emergency system of claim 9 wherein the mobile telephone is further arranged to operate in a hands free mode on reception of the output signal from the occupant protection device.
11. The emergency system of any preceding claim further comprising a vehicle conspicuity device coupled to receive the output signal from the sensing means and arranged to send audible and/or visible signals from the vehicle in response to the received output signal.
12. The emergency system of claim 11 wherein the vehicle conspicuity device is a vehicle alarm.
13. The emergency system of claim 11 wherein the vehicle conspicuity device is a set of hazard warning lights attached to the vehicle.
14. An emergency system substantially as herein before described with reference to the drawing.
GB9509890A 1995-05-16 1995-05-16 Emergency communications system for use in a vehicle Withdrawn GB2300996A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9509890A GB2300996A (en) 1995-05-16 1995-05-16 Emergency communications system for use in a vehicle

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9509890A GB2300996A (en) 1995-05-16 1995-05-16 Emergency communications system for use in a vehicle

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9509890D0 GB9509890D0 (en) 1995-07-12
GB2300996A true GB2300996A (en) 1996-11-20

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB9509890A Withdrawn GB2300996A (en) 1995-05-16 1995-05-16 Emergency communications system for use in a vehicle

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2300996A (en)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0915443A2 (en) * 1997-11-06 1999-05-12 GRUNDIG Aktiengesellschaft Device for transmitting emergency signals from a motor vehicle
EP0936794A2 (en) * 1998-02-13 1999-08-18 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd. Radio communications device with emergency services
EP0955219A2 (en) * 1998-05-08 1999-11-10 E-Tronic-Handelsges.m.b.H. Device for remote transmission of condition data of an object
EP0966833A1 (en) * 1997-10-30 1999-12-29 Motorola, Inc. Portable-mobile radiotelephone architecture and method for mobile personal security systems
WO2000019749A1 (en) * 1998-09-30 2000-04-06 Cloverbank Trust Data network
EP0991286A3 (en) * 1998-09-14 2001-04-11 Nec Corporation Portable telephone and automobile system
WO2001031603A1 (en) * 1999-10-28 2001-05-03 Qualcomm Incorporated System and method for handset-integrated emergency audible beacon
GB2390208A (en) * 2002-06-28 2003-12-31 Ford Global Tech Llc Automatic crash notification system for vehicles
US7466218B2 (en) * 2005-02-25 2008-12-16 General Motors Corporation System and method of controlling vehicle communications during emergency conditions
CH705648B1 (en) * 2007-10-03 2013-04-30 Gest Union S A Method for measuring and recording different physical parameters e.g. date related to accident, on car, involves storing parameters for predetermined period preceding detected event and for another predetermined period after detected event

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1477232A (en) * 1973-10-23 1977-06-22 Thomson Csf Automatic devices for transmitting distress signals
JPS60125300A (en) * 1983-12-09 1985-07-04 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Methane fermentation apparatus
WO1990003899A1 (en) * 1988-10-06 1990-04-19 Robert Bosch Gmbh Emergency call system for vehicles
WO1995000860A1 (en) * 1993-06-21 1995-01-05 Elke Van Buren System for summoning help for vehicle occupants or other people carrying a mobile telephone

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1477232A (en) * 1973-10-23 1977-06-22 Thomson Csf Automatic devices for transmitting distress signals
JPS60125300A (en) * 1983-12-09 1985-07-04 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Methane fermentation apparatus
WO1990003899A1 (en) * 1988-10-06 1990-04-19 Robert Bosch Gmbh Emergency call system for vehicles
WO1995000860A1 (en) * 1993-06-21 1995-01-05 Elke Van Buren System for summoning help for vehicle occupants or other people carrying a mobile telephone

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Research Disclosure, July 1992, No.339, pgs 540-541,"VehicleDistress System" *

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0966833A4 (en) * 1997-10-30 2003-01-08 Motorola Inc Portable-mobile radiotelephone architecture and method for mobile personal security systems
EP0966833A1 (en) * 1997-10-30 1999-12-29 Motorola, Inc. Portable-mobile radiotelephone architecture and method for mobile personal security systems
EP0915443A3 (en) * 1997-11-06 1999-12-08 GRUNDIG Aktiengesellschaft Device for transmitting emergency signals from a motor vehicle
EP0915443A2 (en) * 1997-11-06 1999-05-12 GRUNDIG Aktiengesellschaft Device for transmitting emergency signals from a motor vehicle
EP0936794A2 (en) * 1998-02-13 1999-08-18 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd. Radio communications device with emergency services
EP0936794A3 (en) * 1998-02-13 2003-05-07 Nokia Corporation Radio communications device with emergency services
EP0955219A2 (en) * 1998-05-08 1999-11-10 E-Tronic-Handelsges.m.b.H. Device for remote transmission of condition data of an object
EP0955219A3 (en) * 1998-05-08 2000-06-28 E-Tronic-Handelsges.m.b.H. Device for remote transmission of condition data of an object
US6570689B1 (en) 1998-09-14 2003-05-27 Nec Corporation Portable telephone and automobile system
EP0991286A3 (en) * 1998-09-14 2001-04-11 Nec Corporation Portable telephone and automobile system
WO2000019749A1 (en) * 1998-09-30 2000-04-06 Cloverbank Trust Data network
US6363247B1 (en) 1999-10-28 2002-03-26 Qualcomm Incorporated System and method for a handset-based emergency audible beacon
WO2001031603A1 (en) * 1999-10-28 2001-05-03 Qualcomm Incorporated System and method for handset-integrated emergency audible beacon
GB2390208A (en) * 2002-06-28 2003-12-31 Ford Global Tech Llc Automatic crash notification system for vehicles
US7158016B2 (en) 2002-06-28 2007-01-02 Ford Global Technology, Llc Crash notification system for an automotive vehicle
US7466218B2 (en) * 2005-02-25 2008-12-16 General Motors Corporation System and method of controlling vehicle communications during emergency conditions
CH705648B1 (en) * 2007-10-03 2013-04-30 Gest Union S A Method for measuring and recording different physical parameters e.g. date related to accident, on car, involves storing parameters for predetermined period preceding detected event and for another predetermined period after detected event

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9509890D0 (en) 1995-07-12

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WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)