Sonic Systems, Inc.

Unity Wireless Systems Corporation

Robert Allan Scragg

Peter Robert McConnell

A coded siren sound generator and a corresponding detector module are provided which allow uniquely coded tone patterns generated by the coded siren to be detected and processed such that only specific sirens will activate the detector module. In one embodiment, only a few codewords are sent by the transmitter. The receiver looks for the occurrence of one or more of these selected codewords and takes a predetermined action based on programming of the detector. The system may operate at audible or ultrasonic frequencies. In accordance with a further embodiment, audio (either audible or ultrasonic) 'packets' are sent by the transmitter These packets contain sufficient information to uniquely identify the vehicle sending the packet and allow the vehicle to send commands and data to the detector. The commands and data may be for purposes such as requesting emergency pre-emption for a left turn at an intersection, requesting straight ahead pre-emption, etc.

Control signal coding and detection in the audible and inaudible ranges

The present invention, generally speaking, provides an acoustic railway crossing detector. The present invention provides a means of not only detecting the presence of a train, but it can determine speed and direction of travel. This allows a more adaptive control of the railway crossing gates and may reduce the nuisance factor of having the gate close too far in advance of the train reaching the crossing. It is also much less susceptible to false activation by natural causes or acts of vandalism. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an acoustic railway crossing detector includes at least one acoustic emitter; at least one acoustic detector; multiple reflectors arranged to reflect acoustic energy produced by an acoustic emitter toward an acoustic detector, and control circuitry coupled to an acoustic detector for producing an indication of whether or not a train is present.

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Vancouver, Canada

Robert Allan Scragg