VEHICLE BEACON MODE

Organization Name

Inventor(s)

Russell A. Patenaude of Macomb Township MI (US)

Michael A. Gutierrez of Dearborn Heights MI (US)

VEHICLE BEACON MODE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17970685 titled 'VEHICLE BEACON MODE

Abstract: Method of using a vehicle to alert to potential risks includes determining that a user of the vehicle will be absent; determining an estimated absence time; and sending an alert to authorities, via a control system, if the user does not return within the estimated absence time. The method may include receiving the estimated absence time from the user, or the control system of the vehicle determines the absence and the estimated absence time. The user may define the absence and input the estimated absence time through a centralized location, such that the alert is sent from the centralized location. Following expiration of the estimated absence time, detecting a pedestrian near the vehicle, and then playing a pre-recorded emergency message through speakers, such that the pedestrian is made aware of the pre-recorded emergency message. Vehicle lights/horn may operate to guide the user, possibly in decaying fashion.

Key Features and Innovation:

Method to alert authorities if a user of a vehicle does not return within an estimated absence time.
User-defined absence and estimated absence time input through a centralized location.
Pre-recorded emergency message played to pedestrians near the vehicle in case of prolonged absence.
Vehicle lights/horn used to guide the user back to the vehicle.

Potential Applications: - Vehicle safety and security systems - Emergency response systems for absent vehicle users - Pedestrian safety awareness near parked vehicles

Problems Solved: - Addressing potential risks when a vehicle user does not return within an estimated time - Enhancing safety measures for pedestrians near parked vehicles - Providing a method for authorities to be alerted in case of prolonged absence

Benefits: - Improved safety and security for vehicle users - Enhanced communication with authorities in emergency situations - Increased awareness for pedestrians near parked vehicles

Commercial Applications: Title: Vehicle Safety Alert System for Absent Users This technology can be utilized in various industries such as transportation, security, and emergency services to enhance safety measures for vehicle users and pedestrians. The market implications include increased demand for advanced vehicle safety systems and emergency response solutions.

Prior Art: There are existing systems for vehicle tracking and emergency alerts, but this specific method of alerting authorities based on user absence and playing pre-recorded messages to pedestrians near the vehicle is a novel innovation.

Frequently Updated Research: Currently, there is ongoing research in the field of vehicle safety systems and emergency response technologies that could further enhance the capabilities of this method.

Questions about Vehicle Safety Alert System for Absent Users: Question 1: How does this technology differentiate from existing vehicle safety alert systems? Answer: This technology focuses on alerting authorities based on user absence and playing pre-recorded messages to pedestrians near the vehicle, which is a unique feature not commonly found in traditional vehicle safety systems.

Question 2: What are the potential implications of this technology for emergency response services? Answer: This technology could significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response services by providing timely alerts and communication in case of prolonged user absence from a vehicle.

Original Abstract Submitted

Method of using a vehicle to alert to potential risks includes determining that a user of the vehicle will be absent; determining an estimated absence time; and sending an alert to authorities, via a control system, if the user does not return within the estimated absence time. The method may include receiving the estimated absence time from the user, or the control system of the vehicle determines the absence and the estimated absence time. The user may define the absence and input the estimated absence time through a centralized location, such that the alert is sent from the centralized location. Following expiration of the estimated absence time, detecting a pedestrian near the vehicle, and then playing a pre-recorded emergency message through speakers, such that the pedestrian is made aware of the pre-recorded emergency message. Vehicle lights/horn may operate to guide the user, possibly in decaying fashion.