The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 27, 1996
Filed:
Aug. 16, 1993
James Kick, Ellisville, MO (US);
William D McConnell, Garland, TX (US);
C.A.P.S., Inc., Fenton, MO (US);
Abstract
An early warning system (10) for visually informing the hearing impaired driver (D) of an automotive vehicle (A) of the proximity of an emergency vehicle by detecting a siren being sounded by the emergency vehicle. A microphone unit (12) receives an audible frequency signal transmitted by the siren. This signal is in one of a band of audible frequencies. In addition to the siren, the microphone unit receives other audible frequency signals as well. A signal processor (22) processes all received audible frequency signals. The processor includes an analog-digital converter (30) for converting received signals to a digital signal. The processor further includes a correlator microprocessor (32) for comparing the resulting processed signal to known siren signal characteristics each of which identifies a different type of siren. A light indicator (D1) provides a visible signal to the driver of the proximity of an emergency vehicle and an audible warning is also provided. These warnings allow the driver time to take appropriate action to avoid the emergency vehicle. The indicator is illuminated when a correlation is found indicating a received signal corresponds with the sound made by an emergency vehicle siren.