Advanced law enforcement and response technology

US6411874B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM · US

Inventors

• Joseph Morgan · College Station, US
• Johnny R. Hausman · College Station, US
• Shawn Chilek · Bryan, US
• Greg Hubenak · Vanderbilt, US
• David Kappler · Bryan, US
• John Witz · College Station, US
• George B. Wright · College Station, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 18, 2001
• Grant date: Jun 25, 2002
• Expiry date: Jan 18, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60Q1/2611
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A central control system is described that affords intuitive and easy control of numerous subsystems associated with a police car or other emergency vehicle and reduces the cockpit clutter associated with present control systems. A single user interface device is associated with a central controller capable of receiving input commands and outputting device control commands to a plurality of controlled devices or subsystems. Preferably, the central controller comprises a programmable digital computer. An emergency response system is also described which rapidly coordinates and controls operation of a plurality of emergency subsystems associated with the vehicle in accordance with a predetermined scheme of operation for the devices. In one preferred embodiment, the controller receives a single input command and, in response, provides specific device control commands to several individual controlled devices on a relatively simultaneous basis. A hierarchical device command structure is also taught which permits individual control of features among each of the controlled subsystems.