WO2012139168A1

WO2012139168A1 - A device, base station, system, on-board vehicle system, computer implemented method and computer readable storage medium for generating a vehicle proximity warning and a transmitter for transmitting a proximity warning signal

Info

Publication number: WO2012139168A1
Application number: PCT/AU2012/000381
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Peter CORBETT
Original assignee: Corbett Daniel Peter
Priority date: 2011-04-13
Filing date: 2012-04-13
Publication date: 2012-10-18

Abstract

There is provided a device (315), base station (310), system (300), on-board vehicle system (205), computer implemented method and computer readable storage medium for generating a vehicle proximity warning and a transmitter (210) for transmitting a proximity warning signal

Description

A DEVICE, BASE STATION, SYSTEM, ON-BOARD VEHICLE SYSTEM, COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED METHOD AND COMPUTER READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM FOR GENERATING A VEHICLE PROXIMITY WARNING AND A TRANSMITTER FOR TRANSMITTING A PROXIMITY WARNING SIGNAL

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates particularly to a device, base station, system, on-board vehicle system, computer implemented method and computer readable storage medium for generating a vehicle proximity warning and a transmitter for transmitting a proximity warning signal. The invention has been developed primarily for use in the automotive industry and in particular for use by emergency vehicles and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background

Emergency vehicles comprise a number of warning devices to warn motorists of the proximity of an emergency vehicle. For example, ambulances are typically provided with one or more sirens or flashing lights such that motorists may see or hear the approaching ambulance and be able to take evasive action so that the ambulance may pass. Police cars too may employ a combination of sirens and flashing lights.

However, emergency vehicles are not always noticed by motorists in time, resulting in emergency vehicles being unnecessarily delayed or worse, collisions occurring. Specifically a motorist may be hearing impaired, or have the radio on loud so as to be unable to hear the approaching emergency vehicle. Modern cars having road noise insulation may exacerbate the problem. Furthermore, motorists do not often check their rear view mirrors frequency enough to be able to see the flashing lights of an oncoming emergency vehicle. Road conditions such as blind corners worsen the situation.

Furthermore, having a siren emitting a loud noise may not always be desirable. In residential neighborhoods there may be noise restrictions in place. Furthermore, a policeman may not wish to employ a siren when rushing to the scene of a crime so not to alert any criminals yet in the vicinity.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary

The claimed invention seeks to provide a device, base station, system, on-board vehicle system, computer implemented method and computer readable storage medium for generating a vehicle proximity warning and a transmitter for transmitting a proximity warning signal which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

According to one aspect, there is provided a device for generating a proximity warning, the device comprising:

a processor for processing digital data; a memory device for storing digital data including computer program code and being coupled to the processor;

location sensing means for sensing a location of the device and being coupled to the processor; and

a proximity warning generator for generating a proximity warning and being coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to:

determine, from the location sensing means, first location data representing a location of the device, and

generate, using the proximity warning generator, a proximity warning in accordance with the first location data.

Advantageously, the device leverages of existing base station and emergency vehicle communication and data network infrastructure to allow the implementation of an emergency vehicle warning system with minimal investment in hardware and its associated costs. In one manner, for example, the device may be implemented as an application update to an existing 'smart phone' which, with appropriate modification to the base station software, requires no hardware investment.

Preferably, the device further comprises a data interface for receiving data and being coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to: receive, via the data interface, proximity data; and

generate, using the proximity warning generator, the proximity warning further in accordance with the proximity data.

Advantageously, the device is adapted to receive location data from a base station or an emergency vehicle device.

Preferably, the proximity data comprises second location data, and wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to:

compute a proximity in accordance with the first location and the second location data; and

determine that the proximity is less than a threshold.

Advantageously, the device is adapted to receive the location of the emergency vehicle so as to be able to compute the proximity to the emergency vehicle.

Preferably, the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to:

determine, from the location sensing means, a speed of the device; and

compute the threshold in accordance with the speed.

Advantageously, the device is adapted to increase the threshold at greater speeds.

Preferably, the data interface is further adapted for sending data, and wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to:

send, via the data interface, the first location data, and wherein the proximity data comprises a proximity warning.

Advantageously, the device is adapted to send the location of the device to the base station or emergency vehicle device, wherein the base station or emergency vehicle device is able to compute the proximity and send the warning back to the device Preferably, the data interface is a satellite data interface.

Preferably, the data interface is a terrestrial data interface.

Preferably, the terrestrial data interface is a cellular data interface.

Preferably, the terrestrial data interface is a FM data channel data interface.

Preferably, the device is a cellular telephone device.

Preferably, the device is a GPS navigation unit.

Preferably, the proximity warning is an audible warning.

According to another aspect, there is provided a base station for generating a proximity warning, the base station comprising:

a processor for processing digital data;

a memory device for storing digital data including computer program code and being coupled to the processor; and

a data interface for sending and receiving data and being coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to:

receive, via the data interface, first location data representing the location of a proximity warning device;

receive, via the data interface, second location data representing the location of an emergency vehicle device; and

determine a proximity warning event in accordance with the first location data and the second location data.

Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to send, via the data interface, proximity warning data to the proximity warning device.

Preferably, the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to calculate a route of the emergency vehicle device.

Advantageously, the base station is able to predict a proximity event using route intersection techniques.

Preferably, the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to determine the proximity warning event further in accordance with the route of the emergency vehicle device.

Preferably, the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to calculate a route of the proximity warning device.

determine the proximity warning event further in accordance with the route of the proximity warning device.

Preferably, the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to calculate a speed of the proximity warning device.

Preferably, the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to calculate a speed of the emergency vehicle device.

Preferably, the data interface is a satellite data interface.

Preferably, the data interface is a terrestrial data interface. Preferably, the terrestrial data interface is a cellular data interface.

Preferably, the terrestrial data interface is a FM data channel data interface.

a processor for processing digital data;

a data interface for sending and receiving data and being coupled to the processor wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to:

receive, via the data interface, first location data representing the location of an emergency vehicle; and

send, via the data interface, the first location data to the proximity warning device.

Advantageously, the base station is adapted to send the location of the emergency vehicle to the proximity warning device such that the proximity warning device is able to compute the proximity warning.

According to another aspect, there is provided a system for generating a proximity warning, the system comprising:

a base station;

at least one emergency vehicle device in communication with the base station, the least one emergency vehicle device comprising location sensing means for determining a location of the emergency vehicle device; and

at least one proximity warning device in communication with the base station, the least one proximity warning device comprising location sensing means for determining a location of the proximity warning device, wherein the base station is adapted to:

receive, from the at least one emergency vehicle device, first location data representing the location of the emergency vehicle device;

receive, from the at least one proximity warning device, second location data representing the location of the proximity warning device; and

a base station;

receive, from the at least one emergency vehicle device, first location data representing the location of the emergency vehicle device; send, to the at least one proximity warning device, the first location data.

According to another aspect, there is provided a computer readable storage medium for generating a vehicle proximity warning data having computer program code instructions recorded thereon, the computer program code instructions being executable by a computer and comprising:

instructions for determining, first location data representing a location of a device; and instructions for generating a proximity warning in accordance with the first location data.

Advantageously, the techniques embodied herein may be implemented as software, where, for example, existing 'smart phones' are able to download an application from an application store so as to be able to generate proximity warnings.

Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises:

instructions for receiving proximity data; and

instructions for generating proximity warning further in accordance with the second location data.

Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises:

instructions for computing a proximity in accordance with the first location and the second location data; and

instructions for determining that the proximity is less than a threshold.

Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises:

instructions for determine, from the location sensing means, a speed of the device; and instructions for compute the threshold in accordance with the speed.

Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises:

instructions for sending the first location data, and wherein the proximity data comprises a proximity warning.

instructions for receiving first location data representing the location of a proximity warning device;

instructions for receiving second location data representing the location of a emergency vehicle device; and

instructions for determining a proximity warning event in accordance with the first location data and the second location data.

Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises instructions for sending proximity warning data to the proximity warning device.

Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises instructions for calculating a route of the emergency vehicle device. Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises instructions for determining the proximity warning event further in accordance with the route of the emergency vehicle device.

Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises instructions for calculating a route of the proximity warning device.

Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises instructions for determining the proximity warning event further in accordance with the route of the proximity warning device.

Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises instructions for calculating a speed of the proximity warning device.

Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises instructions for calculating a speed of the emergency vehicle device.

instructions for receiving first location data representing the location of a proximity warning device; and

instructions for sending the first location data to the proximity warning device.

According to another aspect, there is provided an on-board vehicle system for generating a vehicle proximity warning, the on-board vehicle system comprising:

a receiver module adapted for receiving a signal indicative of another vehicle being in the proximity of the vehicle;

a proximity warning generator module coupled to the receiver module and adapted for generating the vehicle proximity warning in accordance with the signal.

Advantageously, the on-board vehicle system is applicable to warn drivers of the proximity of other vehicles, especially emergency vehicles. For example, drivers do not always notice the sirens or the flashing lights of emergency vehicles, resulting in the emergency vehicles being unnecessarily delayed or worse, collisions occurring. Further advantageously, the on-board vehicle system removes the need for a siren based warning such that emergency vehicles such as police vehicles may approach the scene of a crime silently so as not to alert any criminals that may still be present.

Preferably, the receiver module is a line-of-sight communication receiver module.

Advantageously, line-of-sight communication, being a directional communication, advantageously minimizes cross talk or interference from other electromagnetic sources. Furthermore, line-of-sight communication is a simple and effective means for triggering the generation of the vehicle proximity warning in that, generally, only when an emergency is in sight would it be necessary to play out a vehicle proximity warning.

Preferably, the receiver module is adapted to receive electromagnetic radiation selected from the set of electromagnetic radiation comprising microwave, infrared, visible and ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation.

Advantageously, the type of electromagnetic radiation may be chosen according to the propagation properties of the radiation, such a, for example, fog or dust penetration properties. Preferably, the receiver module is rearwardly facing.

Advantageously, the receiver module may be adapted to receive only line-of-sight communication from an emergency vehicle approaching from behind. Such directional reception reduces the likelihood of cross talk or interference such that the driver of the vehicle may be reasonable certain that in the event of a vehicle proximity warning, the vehicle in proximity is approaching from the rear.

Preferably, the receiver module is a non-line-of-sight communication receiver module.

Advantageously, non-line-of-sight communication receiver may be advantageously employed in situations where line-of-sight communication is not feasible. Such situations may include situations having thick fog or roads having blind corners or blind rises. In this manner, the receiver module is adapted to receive radio electromagnetic radiation to overcome these limitations. In certain embodiments, the receiver module may be provided with receiver circuitry to receive both line-of-sight communication and non-line-of-sight communication so as to provide communication redundancy depending on the situation.

Preferably, the receiver module is adapted to receive radio electromagnetic radiation.

Advantageously, the receiver module is adapted to receive radio electromagnetic radiation such that the vehicle proximity warning may be generated when the receiver module is within the reception range of the source of the radio electromagnetic radiation. Further advantageously, the reception sensitivity of the receiver module may be tuned so as to adjust the distance at which vehicle proximity warning are generated.

Preferably, the on-board vehicle system further comprises a velocity estimator module adapted to measure the frequency of the signal and calculate a velocity estimation of the receiver module relative to the source of the signal in accordance with the frequency, and wherein the velocity estimator module is coupled to the proximity warning generator module such that the proximity warning generator module conveys the vehicle proximity warning in accordance with the velocity estimation.

Advantageously, the Doppler frequency shift phenomenon is used as a simple and effective manner in which the velocity of the emergency vehicle may be estimated. Furthermore, the vehicle proximity warning may be conveyed depending on the velocity estimation. For example, a red light could be used to convey the vehicle proximity warning where the velocity estimation is high. Conversely, a green light could be used to convey the vehicle proximity warning where the velocity estimation is low.

Preferably, the proximity warning generator module conveys the velocity estimation.

Advantageously, the proximity warning generator module may be able to convey the actual velocity estimation. For example, the proximity warning generator module may be coupled to the vehicle stereo system such that the vehicle stereo system plays out the message "warning: an ambulance is approaching at 130km/h".

Preferably, the on-board vehicle system further comprises an information decoder module adapted to decode information encoded in the signal and wherein the information decoder module is coupled to the proximity warning generator module such that the vehicle proximity warning generator module conveys the information. Preferably, the information comprises information selected from the set of information comprising:

i) vehicle type;

ii) vehicle velocity; iii) lane of travel; and

iv) instructional information.

Advantageously, the decoder module is used to ascertain information other than the mere proximity of the vehicle. For example, instructional voice commands from the operator of an emergency vehicle may be encoded in the signal such that the voice commands may be played out using the vehicle stereo system.

Preferably, the vehicle proximity warning is selected from the set of warnings comprising visual, tactile and audible warnings.

Advantageously, differing types of warnings may be used individually or in combination depending on the application. Visual warnings are typically noticed by a driver faster than audible or tactile warnings. Tactile warnings, such as, for example the vibration of a seat may be best suited where there is too much background noise. An audible warning may be played out using the vehicle stereo system so as not to unduly distract the driver.

Preferably, the on-board vehicle system is coupled to a vehicle audio system such that the vehicle proximity warning is played out using the vehicle audio system.

Advantageously, the vehicle proximity warning is played out in a manner readily comprehensible to a user. For example, in an emergency situation, a driver having a new car may not know the meaning of a red light flashing on the dashboard of the vehicle.

Preferably, the on-board vehicle system further comprises an acknowledgement input means coupled to the proximity warning generator module such that the proximity warning generator is adapted to generate the proximity warning until the acknowledgement input means is actuated.

Advantageously, the acknowledgement input means is used to ensure that the driver of the vehicle is aware of the vehicle proximity warning.

According to another aspect, there is provided a transmitter for transmitting a proximity warning signal adapted for communication with the on-board vehicle system as described above.

Advantageously, emergency vehicles may be provided with transmitters adapted to communicate with on-board vehicle systems so as to warn drivers of the proximity of the emergency vehicles.

According to another aspect, there is provided a computer implemented method for generating vehicle proximity warning data, the computer implemented comprising the steps of:

receiving signal data indicative of another vehicle being in the proximity of the vehicle; and

generating the vehicle proximity warning data in accordance with the signal data.

Preferably, the computer implemented method further comprises the steps of:

determining frequency data representing the frequency of the signal in accordance with the signal data; and

calculating velocity estimation data representing a velocity estimation relative to the source of the signal in accordance with the frequency data, and wherein the step of generating the vehicle proximity warning data in accordance with the signal data comprises the step of generating the vehicle proximity warning data in accordance with the velocity estimation data. Preferably, the step of generating the vehicle proximity warning data in accordance with the velocity estimation data comprises the step of generating the vehicle proximity warning data comprising the velocity estimation data.

Preferably, the step of decoding information data encoded in the signal data and wherein the step of generating the vehicle proximity warning data in accordance with the signal data comprises the step of generating the vehicle proximity warning data comprising the information data.

Preferably, the information data comprises information data selected from the set of information data comprising:

i) vehicle type;

ii) vehicle velocity;

iii) lane of travel; and

iv) instructional information data.

Preferably, the vehicle proximity warning data is selected from the set of data comprising video and audio data.

Preferably, the computer implemented method further comprises receiving acknowledgement input data and wherein the step of generating the vehicle proximity warning data in accordance with the signal data comprises the step of generating the vehicle proximity warning data in accordance with the acknowledgement input data.

instructions for receiving signal data indicative of another vehicle being in the proximity of the vehicle; and

instructions for generating the vehicle proximity warning data in accordance with the signal data.

Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises:

instructions for determining frequency data representing the frequency of the signal in accordance with the signal data; and

instructions for calculating velocity estimation data representing a velocity estimation relative to the source of the signal in accordance with the frequency data, and wherein instructions for generating the vehicle proximity warning data in accordance with the signal data comprises instructions for generating the vehicle proximity warning data in accordance with the velocity estimation data.

Preferably, the instructions for generating the vehicle proximity warning data in accordance with the velocity estimation data comprises instructions for generating the vehicle proximity warning data comprising the velocity estimation data.

Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises instructions for decoding information data encoded in the signal data and wherein instructions for generating the vehicle proximity warning data in accordance with the signal data comprises instructions for generating the vehicle proximity warning data comprising the information data. Preferably, the information data comprises information data selected from the set of information data comprising:

i) vehicle type;

ii) vehicle velocity;

iii) lane of travel; and

iv) instructional information data.

Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises instructions for receiving acknowledgement input data and wherein instructions for generating the vehicle proximity warning data in accordance with the signal data comprises instructions for generating the vehicle proximity warning data in accordance with the acknowledgement input data.

It should be noted that the computer implemented method and the computer readable storage medium provide the same or similar advantages as the advantages provided by the corresponding the on-board vehicle system, some of which are described herein. Additionally, the computer implemented method and computer readable storage medium are suited for vehicles having existing on-board control systems. In this manner, these existing on-board control systems may be configured to perform the steps of the method or provided with the computer program code instructions so as to generate a vehicle proximity warning.

Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 shows a general purpose embedded controller on which the various embodiments described herein may be implemented; and

Fig. 2 shows an on-board vehicle system in communication with a transmitter in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments

It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

Fig. 1 shows a computing device 100 on which the various embodiments described herein may be implemented. The computing device 100 comprises memory 110 which may comprise volatile memory (RAM) and/or non-volatile memory (ROM). Typically the memory 110 comprises a combination of volatile and non-volatile memory, such that the non-volatile memory stores the computing device 100 firmware and the volatile memory stores one or more temporary results of the fetch-decode-execute cycle, as described below.

The computing device 100 comprises a computer program code storage medium reader 130 for reading data from a computer program code storage medium 120. The storage medium 120 may be optical media such as CD-ROM disks, magnetic media such as floppy disks and tape cassettes or flash media such as USB memory sticks. The I/O interface 140 communicates with the storage medium reader 130 and may take the form of a SCSI, USB or similar interface. The I/O interface 140 may also communicate with one or more human input devices (HID) 160 such as a keyboard or pointing devices. The I/O interface 140 may also communicate with one or more personal computer (PC) devices 190, using a suitable interface such as an RS-232 interface. The I/O interface may also communicate audio signals to one or more audio devices 1050, such as a speaker or a buzzer.

The computing device 100 also comprises a network interface 170 for communicating with one or more computer networks 180. Network 180 may be a wired network, such as a wired Ethernet™ network or a wireless network, such as a Bluetooth™ network or IEEE 802.11 network. The network 180 may be a local area, such as a home or office computer network, or a wide area network, such as the Internet.

Typically computer program code is preloaded into the memory 100. However, computer program code instructions may be loaded into the memory 110 from the storage medium 120 using the storage medium reader 130 or from the network 180.

The computing device 100 comprises an arithmetic logic unit or processor 1000 for performing computer program code instructions. The processor 1000 is typically a low-power microprocessor suited to low power embedded controller applications. During the bootstrap phase, an operating system and one or more software applications are loaded the memory 110. During the fetch-decode-execute cycle, the processor 1000 fetches computer program code instructions from memory 110, decodes the instructions into machine code, executes the instructions and stores the results in the memory 110.

The computing device 100 also comprises a video interface 1010 for conveying video signals to a display device 1020, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), cathode-ray tube (CRT) or similar display device. The display device 1020 may be embedded in the computing device 100, or located at a remotely.

The computing device 100 further comprises transducer 1040 for converting signals from one form into another. In the exampled provided below, the transducer 1040 may take the form of a transmitter module for sending a signal or a receiver module for receiving the signal, the signal being indicative of the proximity of a vehicle.

The computing device 100 further comprises an analog to digital (A/D) converter 1030 for converting analog signals from transducer 1040 into a digital format. In other embodiments, the transmitter may output digital data such that no A/D converter is necessary.

The computing device 100 further comprises location sending means 1050, such as a GPS module for determining the location of the computing device.

The computing device 100 also comprises a communication bus 150 for interconnecting the various devices described above.

First embodiment

Fig. 2 shows an on-board vehicle system 205 in communication with a transmitter 210. The on-board vehicle system 205 is adapted for generating a vehicle proximity warning. The on- board vehicle system 205 comprises a receiver module 220 adapted for receiving a signal indicative of another vehicle, such as an emergency vehicle, being in the proximity of the vehicle. The on-board vehicle system 205 further comprises a proximity warning generator module 225 coupled to the receiver module 220 and adapted for generating the vehicle proximity warning in accordance with the signal.

The transmitter 210 comprises a transmitter module 215 adapted for transmitting the signal. According to one application, an emergency vehicle such as an ambulance or police car may be provided with the transmitter 210. Other vehicles may be provided with the on-board vehicle system 205 adapted for receiving the signal and generating a warning when the emergency vehicle is within proximity of the vehicle. In this manner, motorists may be warned of the proximity of the emergency vehicle so as to be able to take evasive action to allow the emergency vehicle to pass without hindrance.

In certain embodiments, the on-board vehicle system 205 is adapted to control certain functions of the vehicle. For example, the on-board vehicle system 205, upon detecting the proximity of the emergency vehicle may be adapted to turn down the volume of the car stereo system such that the driver of the vehicle is able to hear the siren of the approaching.

In one embodiment, the transmitter 210 comprise an embedded computing device 100 adapted to transmit a signal for receipt by the on-board vehicle system 205. The on-board vehicle system 205 may further comprise an embedded computing device 100 adapted for receiving the signal and generating a vehicle proximity warning in accordance with the signal.

In certain embodiments, the on-board vehicle system 205 is provided as a standalone car accessory. In one version, the on-board vehicle system 205 comprises a suction cup such that the on-board vehicle system 205 may be attached to the rear window of a vehicle so as to be able to property receive the signal from the transmitter 210. Such a standalone car accessory may be adapted to play out the vehicle proximity warning in the form of an audible beep, or transmit a frequency modulation signal so as to take over the audio playout of a car stereo system.

In further embodiments, the on-board vehicle system 205 may be an existing vehicle control system adapted for receiving the signal. For example, an existing vehicle control system may be provided with computer program code instructions executable by the vehicle control system to generate the vehicle proximity warning. In this manner the existing vehicle control system may be interfaced with a suitable receiver module, if necessary.

It should be noted that in certain embodiments, the transmitter 210 or the on-board vehicle system 205 may be relatively inexpensive analogue systems. For example, the transmitter 210 may comprise an oscillator coupled to an ultraviolet transmitter so as to generate a signal at a known frequency, such as 100 kHz. The on-board vehicle system 205 may comprise an ultraviolet photo-detector adapted to receive the ultraviolet signal and an analogue band pass filter adapted to discern the frequency of the signal of 100 kHz. In this manner, the on-board vehicle system 205, upon detecting a 100 kHz signal, may generate a proximity warning in the form of an audible sound. Furthermore, different types of emergency vehicles may have transmitters 210 transmitting signals at different frequencies such that the on-board vehicle system 205 may comprise one or more band-pass filers for discerning the type of emergency vehicle. For example, police cars may transmit a signal at 100 kHz while ambulances may transmit a signal at 120 kHz.

In certain embodiments, the receiver module 220 is a line-of-sight communication receiver module 220. Typically, the receiver module 220 is readwardly facing so as to be able to properly receive the signal transmitted by the forwardly facing transmitter module 210. Line- of-sight communication, being a directional communication, advantageously minimizes cross talk or interference from other electromagnetic sources. Furthermore, line-of-sight communication is a simple and effective means for triggering the generation of the vehicle proximity warning in that, generally, only when an emergency is in sight would it be necessary to play out a vehicle proximity warning.

As such, the line-of-sight communication receiver module 220 may be adapted to receive electromagnetic radiation such as microwave, infrared, visible and ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation. In certain embodiments, the transmitter module 215 is adapted to transmit at a certain frequency and the line-of-sight communication receiver module 220 provided with circuitry such as a phase-locked loop to discern the electromagnetic radiation from other sources of electromagnetic radiation.

In certain embodiments, the receiver module 220 is a non-line-of-sight communication receiver module. Such a non-line-of-sight communication receiver module 220 may be advantageously employed in situations where line-of-sight communication is not feasible. Such situations may include situations having thick fog or roads having blind corners or blind rises. In this manner, the receiver module 220 is adapted to receive radio electromagnetic radiation to overcome these limitations. In certain embodiments, the receiver module 220 may be adapted with receiver circuitry to receive both line-of-sight communication and non-line- of-sight communication so as to provide communication redundancy depending on the situation.

In certain embodiments the receiver module 220 and the transmitter module 215 communicate using data networks such as GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), satellite networks and the like. Furthermore, the receiver module 220 and the transmitter module 215 may be coupled to respective GPS (Global Positioning System) receivers for determining the location of the vehicle or the emergency vehicle. In this manner, the transmitter 215 may transmit the location of the emergency vehicle a data network for receipt by the receiver module 220. As such, the receiver module 220 is adapted to determine the location of the vehicle using the respective GPS receiver, calculate the distance between the emergency vehicle and the vehicle and generate the vehicle proximity warning accordingly.

In certain embodiments, the on-board vehicle system 205 further comprises a velocity estimator module 230 to estimate the velocity of an approaching emergency.

In one embodiment, the on-board vehicle system 205 may take advantage of the phenomenon of the Doppler shift to estimate the velocity. For example, if the velocity estimator module 230 knows the transmission frequency of the transmitted signal, the velocity estimator module 230 may be adapted to measure the frequency shift of the received signal to determine estimate the velocity. Specifically, the velocity estimator module 230 is adapted to measure the frequency of the signal and calculate a velocity estimation of the receiver module 220 relative to the source of the signal in accordance with the frequency. As such, the velocity estimator module 230 is coupled to the proximity warning generator module 225 such that the proximity warning generator module 225 conveys the vehicle proximity warning in accordance with the velocity estimation. For example, if the velocity estimator module 230 estimates that an emergency vehicle is approaching at a high velocity, the proximity warning generator module 225 may be adapted to light a red light on the dashboard of the vehicle. Conversely, if the velocity estimator module 230 estimates that an emergency vehicle is approaching at a low velocity, the proximity warning generator module 225 may be adapted to light a green light on the dashboard of the vehicle.

In other embodiments, the velocity estimator module 230 is coupled to the proximity warning generator module 225 such that the proximity warning generator module 225 conveys the velocity estimation. For example, the proximity warning generator module 225 may be coupled to the vehicle stereo system such that the vehicle stereo system plays out the message "warning: an ambulance is approaching at 130km/h".

In further embodiments, the on-board vehicle system 205 further comprises an information decoder module 235 adapted to decode information encoded in the signal. For example, the signal may be transmitted having a frequency, amplitude or phase modulation scheme so as to convey digital or analogue information. For example, an emergency vehicle may be provided with a microphone such that an emergency vehicle operator may direct the vehicle. For example, the emergency vehicle operator may issue directions, such as "pull over into the left lane", into the microphone and wherein the information decoder module 235 is coupled to the proximity warning generator module 225 such that the vehicle proximity warning generator module 225 conveys the directions, such as playing the directions out over the vehicle stereo system.

In various embodiments, the information may be suited depending on the application. For example, the information may indicate the type of the emergency vehicle, the velocity of the emergency vehicle as ascertained from the emergency vehicle speedometer, the lane of travel of the emergency vehicle or instructional information, whether automated instructional information or instructional information obtained from the emergency vehicle operator.

The vehicle proximity warning may be conveyed in a number of ways. In one embodiment, the vehicle proximity warning is a visual warning, such as the illumination of a light on the dashboard or a heads-up projection onto the front screen of the vehicle, for example.

In another embodiment, the vehicle proximity warning is a tactile warning, such as the driver's seat of the vehicle being adapted to vibrate to convey the vehicle proximity warning. Such a tactile warning is advantageous, where an audible warning would not be heard due to significant background noise, such as where the driver of the vehicle has the vehicle stereo system on loud.

In another embodiment, the vehicle proximity warning is an audible warning. For example, the proximity warning generator module 225 may be coupled to the vehicle car stereo system, and suppress the audio playback of the car stereo system when a vehicle proximity warning announcement is being made.

In a further embodiment, in order to make certain that the driver of the vehicle is aware of the vehicle proximity warning, the on-board vehicle system 205 further comprises an acknowledgement input means 240 coupled to the proximity warning generator module 225 such that the proximity warning generator module 225 is adapted to generate the vehicle proximity warning until the acknowledgement input means 240 is actuated. The acknowledgement input means 240 may take the form of a button on the dashboard of the vehicle that is operable by the driver of the vehicle to cease the playout of the vehicle proximity warning, for example. In another example, the acknowledgement input means 240 may be coupled to the hazard lights of the vehicle, such that when the driver of the vehicle actuates the hazard lights of the vehicle, the playout of the vehicle proximity warning is ceased. The actuation of the hazard lights of the vehicle may be advantageous in that the operator of the emergency vehicle may be given a visual indication that the driver of the vehicle is aware of the vehicle proximity warning.

Second embodiment

Turning now to Fig. 3, there is shown a system 300 for generating a proximity warning in accordance with a further embodiment. The system comprises a base station 205, at least one emergency vehicle device 305 in communication with the base station 310 and at least one proximity warning device 315 also communication with the base station. The term emergency vehicle should be construed broadly as being any moving object, but is described herein as an emergency vehicle so as to accord with the preferred implementation. The emergency vehicle device 305 (typically being transported by the emergency vehicle) may substantially take the form of a computing device 100 as described with reference to Fig. 1. The base station 310 is in communication with the one or more emergency vehicles to as to control dispatch and the like. The base station 310 communicates with the emergency vehicle device 305 to ascertain the location of the emergency vehicle, such as by way of location techniques such as cellular triangulation, GPS, locator transceiver proximity and the like. The base station may also be adapted to calculate the route of the emergency vehicle in certain instances. In other embodiments, the emergency vehicle device 305 may perform route calculation, and relay the selected route back to the base station.

The emergency vehicle device 305, base station 310 and proximity warning device 315 may be in communication by several means, such as by way of satellite, terrestrial (including cellular and FM) and the like.

The proximity warning device 315 is a device used to generate a warning when the emergency vehicle is proximate. The proximity warning device 315 may be utilized by motorists and the like in receiving advance warning of the presence of the emergency vehicle. For example, if an emergency vehicle is approaching, the proximity warning device 315 may emit an audible alarm so as to warn the driver to take appropriate action. The proximity warning device 315 may be implemented as a computing device 100 substantially shown in Fig. 1. In certain embodiments, the proximity warning device 315 preferably takes the form of a 'smart phone' already having GPS and data network functionality wherein the smart phone is loaded with a software application for the purposes of generating the proximity warning as described herein. In an alternative embodiment, the proximity warning device 315 may take the form of a GPS unit having the appropriate software or firmware upgrade, and having an appropriate data interface, such as the GPS differential data data interface or the like.

As will become apparent from the below description, the system 300 advantageously leverages of existing base station infrastructure allowing the implementation of the embodiment with minimal investment in hardware and its associated costs. Specifically, the system 300 utilises existing emergency vehicle 305 and base station 310 communication systems in compliment with a data network in communicating with the proximity warning device 315.

Referring specifically now to the proximity warning device 315, the proximity warning device 315 comprises a processor 1000 for processing digital data, a memory device 110 for storing digital data including computer program code and being coupled to the processor 100; location sensing means 1050 for sensing a location of the device 315 and being coupled to the processor; and a proximity warning generator (e.g. 1050 in one embodiment) for generating a proximity warning and being coupled to the processor 1000. In this manner, the processor 1000 is controlled by the computer program code to determine, from the location sensing means 1050, first location data representing a location of the device and generate, using the proximity warning generator, a proximity warning in accordance with the first location data.

In one embodiment, the proximity warning device 315 further comprises a data interface 170 for receiving data and being coupled to the processor 1000. In this manner, the processor 1000 is further controlled by the computer program code to receive, via the data interface 170, proximity data and generate, using the proximity warning generator, the proximity warning further in accordance with the proximity data. In this manner, the proximity warning device 315 is able to receive the location of an emergency vehicle from the base station 310, and in certain embodiments, directly from the emergency vehicle device 305.

There are a number of embodiments by which the proximity warning device 315 may generate the proximity warning. In one embodiment, the proximity data comprises second location data (e.g. representing the location of the emergency vehicle), and wherein the processor 1000 is further controlled by the computer program code to compute a proximity in accordance with the first location and the second location data. The proximity warning device 315 typically determines that the proximity is less than a threshold before generating the warning.

For example, the proximity warning device 315 may take the form of a 'smart phone' having GPS and data (e.g. 3G or 4G cellular data capabilities). In this manner, the base station sends the location of the emergency vehicle to the proximity warning device 315. The proximity warning device 315, knowing the location of the proximity warning device 315 and the emergency vehicle device 305 is able to compute the distance between the proximity warning device 315 and the emergency vehicle device 305. If the proximity warning device 315 computes that the proximity warning device 315 and the emergency vehicle device 305 are within a certain distance, such as less than 100m, the proximity warning device 315 may generate the proximity warning. In certain embodiments, the proximity data also comprises the direction of the emergency vehicle, such that the proximity warning device 315 will not generate the proximity warning when the emergency vehicle is headed away from the motorist.

In one embodiment, the processor 100 is further controlled by the computer program code to determine, from the location sensing means 1050, a speed of the device 315 and compute the threshold in accordance with the speed.

For example, if the motorist is travelling at lOOkm/h, the proximity warning would need to be triggered earlier as opposed to if the motorist is travelling at, say, 10 km an hour.

In another embodiment, the proximity warning device 315 may be adapted to send a location of the proximity warning device 315 to the base station 310, such that the base station 310 can compute the occurrence of a proximity warning event. Specifically, the data interface 170 is further adapted for sending data, and wherein the processor 100 is further controlled by the computer program code to send, via the data interface 170, the first location data (representing the location of the proximity warning device 315), and such that the base station is able to send the proximity warning to the proximity warning device 315 (in one embodiment the proximity data comprises the proximity warning).

Referring specifically now to the base station 310, the base station comprises a processor 1000 for processing digital data; a memory device 110 for storing digital data including computer program code and being coupled to the processor 1000; and a data interface 170 for receiving data and being coupled to the processor 1000.

In one embodiment, the base station is adapted to receive location data from various vehicles and calculate when any of the vehicles are in proximity. In this manner, the base station 310 is adapted to receive, via the data interface 170, first location data representing the location of the proximity warning device 315; receive, via the data interface 170, second location data representing the location of a emergency vehicle device 305; and determine a proximity warning event in accordance with the first location data and the second location data.

Should the base station determine the occurrence of a proximity warning event, the base station 310 may in one embodiment be adapted to send, via the data interface 170, proximity warning data to the proximity warning device 315 such that the proximity warning device 315 may play out a proximity warning.

In one embodiment, the base station is adapted to calculate the intended routes of the vehicles so as to determine whether it is likely that any two vehicles will be in proximity along their intended routes at any time in the future. Specifically, the base station 310 may be adapted to calculate a route of the emergency vehicle device 305 and determine the proximity warning event further in accordance with the route of the emergency vehicle device 305. Furthermore, the base station 310 may be adapted to calculate a route of the proximity warning device 315 and determine the proximity warning event further in accordance with the route of the proximity warning device 315.

The base station 310 may further be adapted to take into account the respective speeds of each vehicle in order to determine whether their being proximate is likely. Herein the base station 310 is adapted to calculate a speed of the proximity warning device 315 and calculate a speed of the emergency vehicle device 305.

In another embodiment, the base station may be adapted to send the route of the emergency vehicle device 305 to the proximity warning device 315, such that the proximity warning device 315 may perform the route intersection calculation. Furthermore, the route of the emergency vehicle device 305 may be received from the emergency vehicle device 305 or calculated by the BD 310 in various embodiments.

In another embodiment, the base station 305 may be adapted to receive the location of the emergency vehicle from the emergency vehicle device 305 and forward the location of the emergency vehicle to the proximity warning device 315 such that the proximity warning device 315 is able to calculate the occurrence of the proximity event.

Interpretation

In accordance with

As described herein, 'in accordance with' may also mean 'as a function of .

Wireless:

The invention may be embodied using devices conforming to other network standards and for other applications, including, for example other WLAN standards and other wireless standards. Applications that can be accommodated include IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs and links, and wireless Ethernet.

In the context of this document, the term "wireless" and its derivatives may be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods, techniques, communications channels, etc., that may communicate data through the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation through a non-solid medium. The term does not imply that the associated devices do not contain any wires, although in some embodiments they might not. In the context of this document, the term "wired" and its derivatives may be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods, techniques, communications channels, etc., that may communicate data through the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation through a solid medium. The term does not imply that the associated devices are coupled by electrically conductive wires.

Processes:

Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as "processing", "computing", "calculating", "determining", "analysing" or the like, refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities into other data similarly represented as physical quantities.

Processor:

In a similar manner, the term "processor" may refer to any device or portion of a device that processes electronic data, e.g., from registers and/or memory to transform that electronic data into other electronic data that, e.g., may be stored in registers and/or memory. A "computer" or a "computing device" or a "computing machine" or a "computing platform" may include one or more processors.

The methodologies described herein are, in one embodiment, performable by one or more processors that accept computer-readable (also called machine-readable) code containing a set of instructions that when executed by one or more of the processors carry out at least one of the methods described herein. Any processor capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken are included. Thus, one example is a typical processing system that includes one or more processors. The processing system further may include a memory subsystem including main RAM and/or a static RAM, and/or ROM.

Computer-Readable Medium:

Furthermore, a computer-readable carrier medium may form, or be included in a computer program product. A computer program product can be stored on a computer usable carrier medium, the computer program product comprising a computer readable program means for causing a processor to perform a method as described herein.

Networked or Multiple Processors:

In alternative embodiments, the one or more processors operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g., networked to other processor(s), in a networked deployment, the one or more processors may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer or distributed network environment. The one or more processors may form a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine.

Note that while some diagram(s) only show(s) a single processor and a single memory that carries the computer-readable code, those in the art will understand that many of the components described above are included, but not explicitly shown or described in order not to obscure the inventive aspect. For example, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine" shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

Additional Embodiments:

Thus, one embodiment of each of the methods described herein is in the form of a computer- readable carrier medium carrying a set of instructions, e.g., a computer program that are for execution on one or more processors. Thus, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, embodiments of the present invention may be embodied as a method, an apparatus such as a special purpose apparatus, an apparatus such as a data processing system, or a computer- readable carrier medium. The computer-readable carrier medium carries computer readable code including a set of instructions that when executed on one or more processors cause a processor or processors to implement a method. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a method, an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of carrier medium (e.g., a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium) carrying computer-readable program code embodied in the medium.

Carrier Medium:

The software may further be transmitted or received over a network via a network interface device. While the carrier medium is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term "carrier medium" should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term "carrier medium" shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by one or more of the processors and that cause the one or more processors to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present invention. A carrier medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media.

Implementation:

It will be understood that the steps of methods discussed are performed in one embodiment by an appropriate processor (or processors) of a processing (i.e., computer) system executing instructions (computer-readable code) stored in storage. It will also be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular implementation or programming technique and that the invention may be implemented using any appropriate techniques for implementing the functionality described herein. The invention is not limited to any particular programming language or operating system.

Means For Carrying out a Method or Function

Furthermore, some of the embodiments are described herein as a method or combination of elements of a method that can be implemented by a processor of a processor device, computer system, or by other means of carrying out the function. Thus, a processor with the necessary instructions for carrying out such a method or element of a method forms a means for carrying out the method or element of a method. Furthermore, an element described herein of an apparatus embodiment is an example of a means for carrying out the function performed by the element for the purpose of carrying out the invention.

Connected

Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term connected, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to direct connections only. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A connected to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Connected" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

Embodiments:

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Specific Details

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Different Instances of Objects

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Comprising and Including

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability

It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the automotive industries.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A device for generating a proximity warning, the device comprising:

a processor for processing digital data;

a memory device for storing digital data including computer program code and being coupled to the processor;

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a data interface for receiving data and being coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to:

receive, via the data interface, proximity data; and

3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the proximity data comprises second location data, and wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to:

determine that the proximity is less than a threshold.

4. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to:

determine, from the location sensing means, a speed of the device; and

compute the threshold in accordance with the speed.

5. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the data interface is further adapted for sending data, and wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to:

6. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the data interface is a satellite data interface.

7. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the data interface is a terrestrial data interface.

8. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the terrestrial data interface is a cellular data interface.

9. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the terrestrial data interface is a FM data channel data interface.

10. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device is a cellular telephone device.

11. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device is a GPS navigation unit.

12. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the proximity warning is an audible warning.

13. A base station for generating a proximity warning, the base station comprising:

a processor for processing digital data;

14. A base station as claimed in claim 13, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to send, via the data interface, proximity warning data to the proximity warning device.

15. A base station as claimed in claim 13, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to calculate a route of the emergency vehicle device.

16. A base station as claimed in claim 15, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to determine the proximity warning event further in accordance with the route of the emergency vehicle device.

17. A base station as claimed in claim 13, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to calculate a route of the proximity warning device.

19. A base station as claimed in claim 17, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to:

20. A base station as claimed in claim 13, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to calculate a speed of the proximity warning device.

21. A base station as claimed in claim 13, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to calculate a speed of the emergency vehicle device.

22. A base station as claimed in claim 13, wherein the data interface is a satellite data interface.

23. A base station as claimed in claim 13, wherein the data interface is a terrestrial data interface.

24. A base station as claimed in claim 13, wherein the terrestrial data interface is a cellular data interface.

25. A base station as claimed in claim 13, wherein the terrestrial data interface is a FM data channel data interface.

26. A base station for generating a proximity warning, the base station comprising:

a processor for processing digital data;

27. A system for generating a proximity warning, the system comprising:

a base station;

receive, from the at least one proximity warning device, second location data representing the location of the proximity warning device; and determine a proximity warning event in accordance with the first location data and the second location data.

28. A system for generating a proximity warning, the system comprising:

a base station;

send, to the at least one proximity warning device, the first location data.

29. A computer readable storage medium for generating a vehicle proximity warning data having computer program code instructions recorded thereon, the computer program code instructions being executable by a computer and comprising:

30. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 29, further comprising:

instructions for receiving proximity data; and

31. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 30, further comprising:

instructions for determining that the proximity is less than a threshold.

32. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 31, further comprising:

33. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 30, further comprising:

34. A computer readable storage medium for generating a vehicle proximity warning data having computer program code instructions recorded thereon, the computer program code instructions being executable by a computer and comprising:

35. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 13, further comprising instructions for sending proximity warning data to the proximity warning device.

36. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 13, further comprising instructions for calculating a route of the emergency vehicle device.

37. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 15, further comprising instructions for determining the proximity warning event further in accordance with the route of the emergency vehicle device.

38. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 13, further comprising instructions for calculating a route of the proximity warning device.

39. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 17, further comprising instructions for determining the proximity warning event further in accordance with the route of the proximity warning device.

40. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 13, further comprising instructions for calculating a speed of the proximity warning device.

41. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 13, further comprising instructions for calculating a speed of the emergency vehicle device.

42. A computer readable storage medium for generating a vehicle proximity warning data having computer program code instructions recorded thereon, the computer program code instructions being executable by a computer and comprising:

43. An on-board vehicle system for generating a vehicle proximity warning, the on-board vehicle system comprising: a receiver module adapted for receiving a signal indicative of another vehicle being in the proximity of the vehicle;

44. An on-board vehicle system as claimed in claim 43, wherein the receiver module is a line-of-sight communication receiver module.

45. An on-board vehicle system as claimed in claim 44, wherein the receiver module is adapted to receive electromagnetic radiation selected from the set of electromagnetic radiation comprising microwave, infrared, visible and ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation.

46. An on-board vehicle system as claimed in claim 44, wherein the receiver module is rearwardly facing.

47. An on-board vehicle system as claimed in claim 43, wherein the receiver module is a non-line-of-sight communication receiver module.

48. An on-board vehicle system as claimed in claim 47, wherein the receiver module is adapted to receive radio electromagnetic radiation.

49. An on-board vehicle system as claimed in claim 43, further comprising a velocity estimator module adapted to:

measure the frequency of the signal; and

calculate a velocity estimation of the receiver module relative to the source of the signal in accordance with the frequency, and wherein:

the velocity estimator module is coupled to the proximity warning generator module such that the proximity warning generator module conveys the vehicle proximity warning in accordance with the velocity estimation.

50. An on-board vehicle system as claimed in claim 49, wherein the proximity warning generator module conveys the velocity estimation.

51. An on-board vehicle system as claimed in claim 43, further comprising an information decoder module adapted to decode information encoded in the signal and wherein the information decoder module is coupled to the proximity warning generator module such that the vehicle proximity warning generator module conveys the information.

52. An on-board vehicle system as claimed in claim 51, wherein the information comprises information selected from the set of information comprising:

i) vehicle type;

ii) vehicle velocity;

iii) lane of travel; and iv) instructional information.

53. An on-board vehicle system as claimed in claim 43, wherein the vehicle proximity warning is selected from the set of warnings comprising visual, tactile and audible warnings.

54. An on-board vehicle system as claimed in claim 43, wherein the on-board vehicle system is coupled to a vehicle audio system such that the vehicle proximity warning is played out using the vehicle audio system.

55. An on-board vehicle system as claimed in claim 43, further comprising an acknowledgement input means coupled to the proximity warning generator module such that the proximity warning generator is adapted to generate the proximity warning until the acknowledgement input means is actuated.

56. A transmitter for transmitting a proximity warning signal adapted for communication with the on-board vehicle system as claimed in any one of claims 43 to 55.

57. A computer implemented method for generating vehicle proximity warning data, the computer implemented method comprising the steps of:

58. A computer implemented method as claimed in claim 57, further comprising the steps of:

calculating velocity estimation data representing a velocity estimation relative to the source of the signal in accordance with the frequency data, and wherein the step of generating the vehicle proximity warning data in accordance with the signal data comprises the step of generating the vehicle proximity warning data in accordance with the velocity estimation data.

59. A computer implemented method as claimed in claim 58, wherein the step of generating the vehicle proximity warning data in accordance with the velocity estimation data comprises the step of generating the vehicle proximity warning data comprising the velocity estimation data.

60. A computer implemented method as claimed in claim 57, further comprising the step of decoding information data encoded in the signal data and wherein the step of generating the vehicle proximity warning data in accordance with the signal data comprises the step of generating the vehicle proximity warning data comprising the information data.

61. A computer implemented method as claimed in claim 60, wherein the information data comprises information data selected from the set of information data comprising:

i) vehicle type;

ii) vehicle velocity;

iii) lane of travel; and

iv) instructional information data.

62. A computer implemented method as claimed in claim 57, wherein the vehicle proximity warning data is selected from the set of data comprising video and audio data.

63. A computer implemented method as claimed in claim 57, further comprising receiving acknowledgement input data and wherein the step of generating the vehicle proximity warning data in accordance with the signal data comprises the step of generating the vehicle proximity warning data in accordance with the acknowledgement input data.

64. A computer readable storage medium for generating a vehicle proximity warning data having computer program code instructions recorded thereon, the computer program code instructions being executable by a computer and comprising:

65. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 64, further comprising:

66. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 23, wherein the instructions for generating the vehicle proximity warning data in accordance with the velocity estimation data comprises instructions for generating the vehicle proximity warning data comprising the velocity estimation data.

67. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 64, further comprising instructions for decoding information data encoded in the signal data and wherein instructions for generating the vehicle proximity warning data in accordance with the signal data comprises instructions for generating the vehicle proximity warning data comprising the information data.

68. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 67, wherein the information data comprises information data selected from the set of information data comprising:

i) vehicle type;

ii) vehicle velocity;

iii) lane of travel; and

iv) instructional information data.

69. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 64, wherein the vehicle proximity warning data is selected from the set of data comprising video and audio data.

70. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 64, further comprising instructions for receiving acknowledgement input data and wherein instructions for generating the vehicle proximity warning data in accordance with the signal data comprises instructions for generating the vehicle proximity warning data in accordance with the acknowledgement input data.