Abstract:
A comprehensive and intelligent system for managing traffic and emergency services, which includes a plurality of 3D cameras positioned throughout a city, specifically at traffic intersections, which are capable of determining traffic conditions throughout the city&#39;s roads and transmitting it to emergency service providers so that better emergency response routes may be planned, and live video from an emergency scene may be transmitted to the emergency service providers, a plurality of 3D cameras positioned on vehicles driving on the city&#39;s roads, which are operative to alert drivers to an imminent accident so that drivers may respond accordingly and avoid the accident, and a plurality of location determination means positioned on or near traffic signals and vehicles, which are used to determine the relative speed and position of vehicles from traffic signals, and inform drivers as to whether or not they should proceed through an intersection given the time until a traffic signal turns red and the position and speed of a vehicle.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    The present application is a non-provisional patent cooperation treaty patent application based on U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61,478,380, titled “An Intelligent Transportation Management System,” filed on Apr. 22, 2012, by Isaac S. Daniel, to which the present application claims priority and which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully stated herein. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to electronic systems and methods, and particularly to systems and methods for the management of ground traffic and emergency services. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Traffic is a common problem shared by cities all over the world. This problem is getting progressively worse with the ever increasing number vehicles on the road, as well as the growing number of distractions to drivers, perhaps the most dangerous one being cell phones. This is a problem that results in a significant number of deaths, injuries and monetary loss, often to completely innocent people. It also involves a significant cost to the municipalities responding to these incidents. 
         [0004]    One of the factors that contribute to traffic is the management of traffic signals, and how cars respond to traffic signals. Traditionally, drivers are alerted as to the status of the traffic signals via different color lights, namely, red to stop, yellow to clear the intersection, and green to go. Because the time it takes a traffic signal to change from yellow to red varies according to municipality and state, it is often difficult for drivers to determine whether they should speed up to clear the intersection or slow down to stop. This hesitation, and subsequent action, causes many accidents, which often times cause more traffic and prevent emergency services from reaching not only a scene of a particular accident, but also from helping out in unrelated emergency situations, such as fires, and the like. Furthermore, drivers consume more fuel and cause brake wear when they mistakenly believe they can pass through a yellow light by speeding up, only to thereafter have to come to an abrupt stop because of their miscalculation. 
         [0005]    Another deleterious effect traffic has is on emergency services, particularly when the difference between life and death can be a matter of minutes. There is no accurate way for emergency service providers to assess situations on the road, including a scene of emergency they are responding to. Municipalities sometime overestimate the severity of traffic accidents and incur unnecessary expenses by sending too many resources or emergency responders to the scene of an accident. On the other hand, sometimes municipalities underestimate the severity of traffic accidents and do not provide enough resources or emergency responders, which can ultimately lead to further injury or death to the accident victims. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The various embodiments of systems disclosed herein result from the realization that traffic may be improved, traffic accidents may be prevented, and the provision of emergency services may be improved by providing a comprehensive and intelligent system for managing traffic and emergency services, which includes a plurality of 3D cameras positioned throughout a city, specifically at traffic intersections, which are capable of determining traffic conditions throughout the city&#39;s roads and transmitting it to emergency service providers so that better emergency response routes may be planned, and live video from an emergency scene may be transmitted to the emergency service providers, a plurality of 3D cameras positioned on vehicles driving on the city&#39;s roads, which are operative to alert drivers to an imminent accident so that drivers may respond accordingly and avoid the accident, and a plurality of location determination means positioned on or near traffic signals and vehicles, which are used to determine the relative speed and position of vehicles from traffic signals, and inform drivers as to whether or not they should proceed through an intersection given the time until a traffic signal turns red and the position and speed of a vehicle. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1A  shows a system in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0008]      FIG. 1B  shows a system in accordance with another embodiment; 
           [0009]      FIG. 1C  shows a system in accordance with yet another embodiment; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2A  shows a system in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2B  shows a system in accordance with another embodiment; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3A  shows a system in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3B  shows a system in accordance with another embodiment; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  shows a block diagram depicting an article or apparatus in accordance with one embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0015]      FIGS. 1A through 1C  show a comprehensive and intelligent traffic and emergency services management system  100 , in accordance with one embodiment, comprising at least one processor  102 , a first location determination means  104  electronically connected to the processor  102 , positioned on or near a traffic signal  106  at an intersection  108 , and operative to determine the location of the traffic signal  106 , a second location determination means  110  electronically connected to the processor  102 , positioned on a first vehicle  112 , and operative to determine a location and velocity of the first vehicle  112 , a first 3D camera  114  electronically connected to the processor  102  and positioned on or near the traffic signal  106 , wherein the first 3D camera  114 &#39;s field of view (not shown) encompasses all or part of the intersection  108 , and wherein the first 3D camera  114  is operative to capture an image or video  132  of the intersection  108  and detect the presence of a vehicle (such as vehicle  112 ) or pedestrian near the intersection  108 , a second 3D camera  116  electronically connected to the processor  102 , and positioned on the first vehicle  112 , wherein the second 3D camera  116  is operative to detect the presence and position of an object  118  in front of the first vehicle  112 , a first display means  120  electronically connected to the processor  102 , and positioned within the first vehicle  112 , wherein the first display means  120  is visible to a driver (not shown) of the first vehicle  112 , a second display means  122  electronically connected to the processor  102 , and positioned within an emergency services vehicle  123 , wherein the second display means  122  is visible to a driver (not shown) of the emergency services vehicle  123 , a means  124  to control the first 3D camera  114  electronically connected to the processor  102 , wherein the means  124  to control the first 3D camera is positioned within the emergency services vehicle  123 , computer executable instructions  126  readable by the processor  102  and operative to use the first location determination means  104  and the second location determination means  110  to determine how long it will take the first vehicle  112  to reach the intersection  108 , display a count-down  128  until the traffic signal  106  shows a red light, wherein the count-down  128  is displayed on the first display means  120 , determine whether the first vehicle  112  will pass through the intersection  108  before the traffic signal  106  shows a red light based on the locations of the first vehicle  112  and the traffic signal  106  and the first vehicle  112 ′s velocity, use the first display means  120  to alert the driver of the first vehicle  112  to stop at the intersection  108  if it is determined that the first  112  vehicle will not pass through the intersection  108  before the traffic signal  106  shows a red light, or to pass through the intersection  108  if it is determined that the first vehicle  112  will pass through the intersection  108  before the traffic signal  106  shows a red light, use the second 3D camera  116  to determine whether the first vehicle  112  will collide with the object  118  in front of the first vehicle  112  based on the position and velocity of the first vehicle  112  and the position and velocity of the object  118  in front of the first vehicle  112 , use the first display means  120  to alert  130  the driver of the first vehicle  112  to stop if it is determined that the first vehicle  112  will collide with the object  118  in front of the first vehicle  112 , use the second display  122  means to display the video or image  132  captured by the first 3D sensor  114 , allow a driver or passenger (not shown) of the emergency services vehicle  123  to use the means  124  to control the first 3D camera  114  to control the first 3D camera  114 , use the first 3D camera  114  to determine a traffic condition at the intersection  108 , and display the determination  134  on the second display means  122 , based on the traffic condition at the intersection  108  determine a best route  136  for the emergency services vehicle  123  to take to an emergency (not shown), and use the second display means  122  to display the best route  136 . 
         [0016]    In some embodiments, at least one processor  102  may be any type of processor, including, but not limited to, a single core processor, a multi-core processor, a computer processor, a server processor, and the like. In another embodiment, at least one processor  102  may be a part of a traffic management system, which includes a network of computers to execute the various operations of computer executable instructions  126 , wherein the various computers of the network may comprise various processors  102 . In other embodiments, at least one processor  102  may comprise a plurality of processors that are part of the various components of system  100 , including the first and second 3D cameras  114 ,  116 , the first and second location determinations means  104 ,  110 , the first and second display means,  120 ,  122 , the traffic signal  106 , the means  124  to control the first 3D camera  114 , and the like (collectively called “system components”), wherein said processors may be interconnection through various wired or wireless electronic connections to enable electronic communication between the various system components. 
         [0017]    The terms “connected,” “electronically connected,” “communication,” “communicate,” “electronic communication,” and the like, when used in the context of electronic systems and components, may refer to any type of electronic connection or communication, such as a wired electronic connection or communication, such as those enabled by wires or an electronic circuit board, a wireless electronic connection or communication, such as those enabled by wireless networks or wireless communications modules, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth™, Zigbee™, and the like, or a combination thereof. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments, system  100  may comprise of a plurality of processors  102 , first location determination means  104 , second location determination means  110 , first 3D cameras  114 , second 3D cameras  116 , first display means  120 , second display means  122 , means  124  to control first 3D cameras  114 , and computer executable instructions  126  positioned throughout a plurality of vehicles (which may be similar to first vehicle  112 ), emergency service vehicles (which may be similar to emergency service vehicle  123 ), traffic signals (which may be similar to traffic signal  106 ), and intersections (which may be similar to intersection  108  in a city (not shown). This may allow for a vast, city-wide system comprising of network of interconnected 3D cameras, location determination means, and other system components positioned throughout the city&#39;s intersections, within vehicles traveling in the city, and within emergency service vehicles traveling in the city, wherein the city-wide system may be operative to improve traffic conditions, avoid collisions between vehicles, provide best-route alternative to emergency service vehicles, and allow emergency service providers to determine conditions at intersections or scenes of an accident so that they may respond in a more effective manner. 
         [0019]    In some embodiments, first and second location determination means  104 ,  110  may each comprise a global positioning system (“GPS”) receiver, a GPS module, and the like, which may be operative to receive location determination signals from GPS satellites or antennae to determine a location of means  104 ,  110 , or whatever they are physically connected to, such as first vehicle  112  or traffic signal  106 . 
         [0020]    The various system components may be powered by any means, such as a traditional wired power means, which includes being connected to a city-wide power grid. In alternate embodiments, the various system components may be solar powered. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, the first and second 3D cameras  114 ,  116  may each comprise a structured light camera. The term “3D camera,” as used herein, may refer to any type of camera or sensor that is capable of capture three dimensional images or video, such as a time-of-flight sensor, a obstructed light sensor, a structured light sensor, or any other type of 3D sensor, such as those developed and/or produced by companies such as Canesta Cameras (U.S.), Primesense (Israel), Microsoft (U.S.), PMD Technologies (Germany), Optrima (Belgium), and the like. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, the computer executable instructions  126  may include object recognition software and/or firmware, which may be used to identify objects, such as vehicles or pedestrians. Such object recognition software may include image recognition software, which may, in turn, include facial recognition software, or may simply include general visual object recognition software. In yet a further embodiment, the object recognition software may use a plurality of 3D cameras to determine to identify objects. 
         [0023]    The terms “object recognition software,” and “image recognition software,” as used throughout the present disclosure, may refer to the various embodiments of object recognition software known in the art, including, but not limited to, those embodiments described in the following publications:  Reliable Face Recognition Methods: System Design, Implementation, and Evaluation,  by Harry Wechsler, Copyright 2007, Published by Springer, ISBN-13: 978-0-387-22372-8;  Biometric Technologies and Verification Systems,  by John Vacca, Copyright 2007, Elsevier, Inc., Published by Butterworth-Heinemann, ISBN-13: 978-0-7506-7967-1; and  Image Analysis and Recognition,  edited by Aurelio Campilho and Mohamed Kamel, Copyright 2008, Published by Springer, ISBN-13: 978-3-540-69811-1,  Eye Tracking Methodology: Theory and Practice,  by Andrew T. Duchowski, Copyright 2007, Published by Springer, ISBN 978-1-84628-608-7, all of which are herein incorporated by reference. In one embodiment, the object recognition software may comprise object or gesture recognition and/or control software, such as those various embodiments produced and developed by Softkinetic S. A., 24 Avenue L. Mommaerts, Brussels, B-1140, Belgium; Microsoft Corp., One Microsoft Way, Redmond, Wash., USA; and Omek Interactive, 2 Hahar Street, Industrial Zone Har Tuv A , Ganir Center Beith Shemesh 99067, Israel. The computer executable instructions  126 , including the object recognition software, may be programmed to identify the shapes of people and vehicles. 
         [0024]    In some embodiments, computer executable instructions  126  may comprise computer language or other means for embodying computer executable instructions, such as C, C++, C#, Java, Flash, HTML, HTML 5, and the like. Computer executable instructions  126  may be stored on any digital storage means, such as a computer readable medium, which may include a hard drive, flash storage, a CD-ROM, a DVD, and the like. Computer executable instructions  126  may be accessed by processor  102  via a local connection, such as by being directly connected to a computer readable medium in which computer executable instructions  126  are stored, or via a remote connection, such as via a computer network connection. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, system  100  may further comprise a plurality of wireless communications means, wherein the processor  102 , the first and second location determination means  104 ,  110 , the first and second 3D cameras  114 ,  116 , and the first and second display means  120 ,  122 , and the means  124  for controlling the first 3D camera  114  are each connected to one of the plurality of wireless communications means, and wherein the wireless communications means are operative to facilitate electronic inter-communication between the processor  102 , the first and second location determination means  104 ,  110 , the first and second 3D cameras  114 ,  116 , and the first and second display means  120 ,  122 , and the means  124  for controlling the first 3D camera. 
         [0026]    In some embodiments, the wireless communications means may comprise a wireless communications module, such as, but not limited to, a wireless communications transceiver, such as, but not limited to, a Wi-Fi, GSM, Bluetooth™, or Zigbee™ transceiver. 
         [0027]    Display means  120 ,  122  may comprise any type of display means, such as, but not limited to, a LCD screen, a LED screen, and the like. 
         [0028]    In other embodiments, means  124  for controlling first 3D camera  114  comprises any type of electronic means for receiving user input, such as a joystick, a keypad, a touch screen, and the like. Means  124  may be operative to remotely control first 3D camera  114 , such as through a wireless communications means or network. In some embodiments, allowing a driver or passenger of the emergency services vehicle  123  comprises allowing a driver or passenger of emergency services vehicle  123  to use means  124  to zoom the first 3D camera  114  (either digitally or mechanically via lenses), change the position of the first 3D camera  114  (such as by moving along a track or suspended cables), or change the direction in which the first 3D camera  114  is pointing (such as by turning, panning, rotating, or pivoting a camera). 
         [0029]    In some embodiments, determining the location, speed or velocity of a vehicle or intersection comprises using the location determination means to calculate a location at one point in time, compare it to the location at another point in time, and determine the speed and direction therefrom. Any of the calculations known in the art for using a location determination means to determine location, speed, and direction of travel may be used. 
         [0030]    In some embodiments, using a 3D camera comprises using object recognition software to analyze an image or video captured by the 3D camera and determine whether any objects captured by the 3D camera correspond to pre-programmed objects, such as vehicles, pedestrians, and the like. Any method known in the art for using object recognition software to analyze imagery or video may be used. 
         [0031]    In some embodiments, using first 3D camera  114  to determine whether an accident has occurred at intersection  108  or to determine a traffic condition at intersection  108  comprises using object recognition software to analyze an image or video  132  captured by 3D camera  114  and determine whether any vehicles are irregularly positioned in intersection  108 , such as not along designated paths of travel, or facing awkward directions, or whether a collision between two objects, such as two vehicles, or a vehicle and a pedestrian has occurred. 
         [0032]    In other embodiments, using first 3D camera  114  to determine a traffic condition at intersection  108  comprises using object recognition software to analyze an image or video  132  captured by first 3D camera  114  and determine the sped and number of vehicles passing through the intersection  108 . Accordingly, for example, a low number of vehicles passing at a low speed may lead to a determination that a congested traffic condition exists, while a high number of vehicles passing at a high speed may indicate a non-congested traffic condition exists. The term “traffic condition” may be used to describe any type of traffic condition, including whether any accidents have occurred, traffic congestion, and the like. Any systems and methods known in the art for using 3D camera and object recognition software for identifying and counting objects, such as vehicles, and their speed, may be employed, such as the various embodiments of object recognition software disclosed above. 
         [0033]    In some embodiments, determining a best route  136  may comprise of analyzing data collected from a plurality of 3D sensors present at a plurality of intersections to determine traffic conditions at various intersections, and calculating the best route based on the distance of the route and the traffic conditions along the route, wherein the best route may comprise the route that will take the emergency services vehicle the shortest amount of time to complete, wherein the time is calculated based on traffic conditions and distance. Many algorithms for calculating best routes are known in the art, including those employed by Google™ Maps, Garmin™ GPS devices, Tom Tom™ GPS devices, and the like. 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , a comprehensive and intelligent traffic and emergency services management system  200  is shown in accordance with one embodiment, comprising at least one processor  202 , a first location determination means  204  electronically connected to the processor  202 , positioned on or near a traffic signal  206  at an intersection  208 , and operative to determine the location of the traffic signal  206 , a second location determination means  210  electronically connected to the processor  202 , positioned on a vehicle  212 , and operative to determine a location and velocity of the vehicle  212 , a 3D camera  214  electronically connected to the processor  102 , and positioned on first vehicle  212 , wherein the 3D camera  214  is operative to detect the presence and position of an object  216  in front of the vehicle  212 , a display means  218  electronically connected to the processor  202 , and positioned within the vehicle  212 , wherein the display means is visible to a driver of the vehicle  212 , and computer executable instructions  220  readable by the processor  202  and operative to use the first location determination means  204  and the second location determination means  210  to determine how long it will take the vehicle  212  to reach the intersection  208 , display a count-down  222  until the traffic signal  206  shows a red light, wherein the count-down  222  is displayed on the display means  218 , determine whether the vehicle  212  will pass through the intersection  208  before the traffic signal  206  shows a red light based on the locations of the vehicle  212  and the traffic signal  206  and the vehicle  212 ′s velocity, use the display means  218  to alert  224  the driver of the vehicle  212  to stop at the intersection  208  if it is determined that the vehicle  212  will not pass through the intersection  208  before the traffic signal  206  shows a red light, or to pass through the intersection  208  if it is determined that the vehicle  212  will pass through the intersection  208  before the traffic signal  206  shows a red light, use the 3D camera  214  to determine whether the vehicle  212  will collide with the object  216  in front of the vehicle  212  based on the position and velocity of the vehicle  212  and the position and velocity of the object  216  in front of the vehicle  212  and use the display means  218  to alert the driver of the vehicle  212  to stop if it is determined that the vehicle  212  will collide with the object  216  in front of the vehicle  212 . 
         [0035]    In some embodiments, at least one processor  202  may be any type of processor, including, but not limited to, a single core processor, a multi-core processor, a computer processor, a server processor, and the like. In another embodiment, at least one processor  202  may be a part of a traffic management system, which includes a network of computers to execute the various operations of computer executable instructions  220 , wherein the various computers of the network may comprise various processors  202 . In other embodiments, at least one processor  202  may comprise a plurality of processors that are part of the various components of system  200 , including the 3D camera  214  the first and second location determinations means  204 ,  210 , the display means  218  the traffic signal  206 , and the like (collectively called “system components”), wherein said processors may be interconnection through various wired or wireless electronic connections to enable electronic communication between the various system components. 
         [0036]    The terms “connected,” “electronically connected,” “communication,” “communicate,” “electronic communication,” and the like, when used in the context of electronic systems and components, may refer to any type of electronic connection or communication, such as a wired electronic connection or communication, such as those enabled by wires or an electronic circuit board, a wireless electronic connection or communication, such as those enabled by wireless networks or wireless communications modules, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth™, Zigbee™, and the like, or a combination thereof. 
         [0037]    In some embodiments, system  200  may comprise of a plurality of processors  202 , first location determination means  204 , second location determination means  210 , 3D cameras  214 , display means  218 , and computer executable instructions  220  positioned throughout a plurality of vehicles (which may be similar to first vehicle  212 ), traffic signals (which may be similar to traffic signal  206 ), and intersections (which may be similar to intersection  208  in a city (not shown)). This may allow for a vast, city-wide system comprising of network of interconnected 3D cameras, location determination means, and other system components positioned throughout the city&#39;s intersections, within vehicles traveling in the city, wherein the city-wide system may be operative to improve traffic conditions, avoid collisions between vehicles. 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, first and second location determination means  204 ,  210  may each comprise a global positioning system (“GPS”) receiver, a GPS module, and the like, which may be operative to receive location determination signals from GPS satellites or antennae to determine a location of means  204 ,  210 , or whatever they are physically connected to, such as first vehicle  212  or traffic signal  206 . 
         [0039]    The various system components may be powered by any means, such as a traditional wired power means, which includes being connected to a city-wide power grid. In alternate embodiments, the various system components may be solar powered. 
         [0040]    In some embodiments, the 3D camera  214  may comprise a structured light camera. The term “3D camera,” as used herein, may refer to any type of camera or sensor that is capable of capture three dimensional images or video, such as a time-of-flight sensor, a obstructed light sensor, a structured light sensor, or any other type of 3D sensor, such as those developed and/or produced by companies such as Canesta Cameras (U.S.), Primesense (Israel), Microsoft (U.S.), PMD Technologies (Germany), Optrima (Belgium), and the like. 
         [0041]    In one embodiment, the computer executable instructions  220  may include object recognition software and/or firmware, which may be used to identify objects, such as vehicles or pedestrians. Such object recognition software may include image recognition software, which may, in turn, include facial recognition software, or may simply include general visual object recognition software. In yet a further embodiment, the object recognition software may use a plurality of 3D cameras to determine to identify objects. 
         [0042]    The terms “object recognition software,” and “image recognition software,” as used throughout the present disclosure, may refer to the various embodiments of object recognition software known in the art, including, but not limited to, those embodiments described in the following publications:  Reliable Face Recognition Methods: System Design, Implementation, and Evaluation,  by Harry Wechsler, Copyright 2007, Published by Springer, ISBN-13: 978-0-387-22372-8;  Biometric Technologies and Verification Systems,  by John Vacca, Copyright 2007, Elsevier, Inc., Published by Butterworth-Heinemann, ISBN-13: 978-0-7506-7967-1; and  Image Analysis and Recognition,  edited by Aurelio Campilho and Mohamed Kamel, Copyright 2008, Published by Springer, ISBN-13: 978-3-540-69811-1,  Eye Tracking Methodology: Theory and Practice,  by Andrew T. Duchowski, Copyright 2007, Published by Springer, ISBN 978-1-84628-608-7, all of which are herein incorporated by reference. In one embodiment, the object recognition software may comprise object or gesture recognition and/or control software, such as those various embodiments produced and developed by Softkinetic S. A., 24 Avenue L. Mommaerts, Brussels, B-1140, Belgium; Microsoft Corp., One Microsoft Way, Redmond, Wash., USA; and Omek Interactive, 2 Hahar Street, Industrial Zone Har Tuv A, Ganir Center Beith Shemesh 99067, Israel. The computer executable instructions  126 , including the object recognition software, may be programmed to identify the shapes of people and vehicles. 
         [0043]    In some embodiments, computer executable instructions  220  may comprise computer language or other means for embodying computer executable instructions, such as C, C++, C#, Java, Flash, HTML, HTML 5, and the like. Computer executable instructions  220  may be stored on any digital storage means, such as a computer readable medium, which may include a hard drive, flash storage, a CD-ROM, a DVD, and the like. Computer executable instructions  220  may be accessed by processor  220  via a local connection, such as by being directly connected to a computer readable medium in which computer executable instructions  220  are stored, or via a remote connection, such as via a computer network connection. 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, system  200  may further comprise a plurality of wireless communications means, wherein the processor  202 , the first and second location determination means  204 ,  210 , the 3D camera  214 , and the display means  218  are each connected to one of the plurality of wireless communications means, and wherein the wireless communications means are operative to facilitate electronic inter-communication between the processor  202 , the first and second location determination means  204 ,  210 , 3D camera  214 , and display means  218  are each connected to one of the plurality of wireless communications means. 
         [0045]    In some embodiments, the wireless communications means may comprise a wireless communications module, such as, but not limited to, a wireless communications transceiver, such as, but not limited to, a Wi-Fi, GSM, Bluetooth™, or Zigbee™ transceiver. 
         [0046]    Display means  218  may comprise any type of display means, such as, but not limited to, a LCD screen, a LED screen, and the like. 
         [0047]    In some embodiments, determining the location, speed or velocity of a vehicle or intersection comprises using the location determination means to calculate a location at one point in time, compare it to the location at another point in time, and determine the speed and direction therefrom. Any of the calculations known in the art for using a location determination means to determine location, speed, and direction of travel may be used. 
         [0048]    In some embodiments, using a 3D camera comprises using object recognition software to analyze an image or video captured by the 3D camera and determine whether any objects captured by the 3D camera correspond to pre-programmed objects, such as vehicles, pedestrians, and the like. Any method known in the art for using object recognition software to analyze imagery or video may be used. 
         [0049]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , a comprehensive and intelligent traffic and emergency services management system  300  is shown, in accordance with one embodiment, comprising at least one processor  302 , a 3D camera  304  electronically connected to the processor  302  and positioned on or near the traffic signal  306 , wherein the 3D camera&#39;s field of view encompasses a part of or an entire intersection  308  associated with traffic signal  306 , and wherein the 3D camera  304  is operative to capture an image or video  310  of the intersection  308  and detect the presence of a vehicle or pedestrian  311  near the intersection  308 , a display means  312  electronically connected to the processor  302 , and positioned within an emergency services vehicle  314 , wherein the display means is visible to a driver (not shown) of the emergency services vehicle  314 , a means  316  to control the 3D camera  304  electronically connected to the processor  302 , wherein the means  316  to control the 3D camera  304  is positioned within the emergency services vehicle  314 , and computer executable instructions readable by the processor  302  and operative to use the display means  312  to display the video or image  310  captured by the first 3D sensor  304 , allow a driver or passenger of the emergency services vehicle  314  to use the means  316  to control the 3D camera  314  to control the 3D camera  314 , use the 3D camera  314  to determine whether an accident has occurred at the intersection  308 , and display the determination  320  on the display means  312 , and use the 3D camera  314  to determine a traffic condition at the intersection  308 , based on the traffic condition at the intersection  308  determine a best route  322  for the emergency services vehicle  314  to take to an emergency, and use the display means  312  to display the best route  322 . 
         [0050]    In some embodiments, at least one processor  302  may be any type of processor, including, but not limited to, a single core processor, a multi-core processor, a computer processor, a server processor, and the like. In another embodiment, at least one processor  302  may be a part of a traffic management system, which includes a network of computers to execute the various operations of computer executable instructions  318 , wherein the various computers of the network may comprise various processors  302 . In other embodiments, at least one processor  302  may comprise a plurality of processors that are part of the various components of system  300 , including the 3D cameras  304 , the display means  312 , the traffic signal  306 , the means  316  to control the 3D camera  304 , and the like (collectively called “system components”), wherein said processors may be interconnection through various wired or wireless electronic connections to enable electronic communication between the various system components. 
         [0051]    The terms “connected,” “electronically connected,” “communication,” “communicate,” “electronic communication,” and the like, when used in the context of electronic systems and components, may refer to any type of electronic connection or communication, such as a wired electronic connection or communication, such as those enabled by wires or an electronic circuit board, a wireless electronic connection or communication, such as those enabled by wireless networks or wireless communications modules, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth™, Zigbee™, and the like, or a combination thereof. 
         [0052]    In some embodiments, system  300  may comprise of a plurality of processors  302 , 3D cameras  304 , display means  312 , means  316  to control 3D cameras  304 , and computer executable instructions  318  positioned throughout a plurality of emergency service vehicles (which may be similar to emergency service vehicle  314 ), traffic signals (which may be similar to traffic signal  306 ), and intersections (which may be similar to intersection  308  in a city (not shown). This may allow for a vast, city-wide system comprising of network of interconnected 3D cameras, and other system components positioned throughout the city&#39;s intersections, within vehicles traveling in the city, and within emergency service vehicles traveling in the city, wherein the city-wide system may be operative to improve traffic conditions, avoid collisions between vehicles, provide best-route alternative to emergency service vehicles, and allow emergency service providers to determine conditions at intersections or scenes of an accident so that they may respond in a more effective manner. 
         [0053]    The various system components may be powered by any means, such as a traditional wired power means, which includes being connected to a city-wide power grid. In alternate embodiments, the various system components may be solar powered. 
         [0054]    In some embodiments, the 3D cameras  304  may comprise a structured light camera. The term “3D camera,” as used herein, may refer to any type of camera or sensor that is capable of capture three dimensional images or video, such as a time-of-flight sensor, a obstructed light sensor, a structured light sensor, or any other type of 3D sensor, such as those developed and/or produced by companies such as Canesta Cameras (U.S.), Primesense (Israel), Microsoft (U.S.), PMD Technologies (Germany), Optrima (Belgium), and the like. 
         [0055]    In one embodiment, the computer executable instructions  318  may include object recognition software and/or firmware, which may be used to identify objects, such as vehicles or pedestrians. Such object recognition software may include image recognition software, which may, in turn, include facial recognition software, or may simply include general visual object recognition software. In yet a further embodiment, the object recognition software may use a plurality of 3D cameras to determine to identify objects. 
         [0056]    The terms “object recognition software,” and “image recognition software,” as used throughout the present disclosure, may refer to the various embodiments of object recognition software known in the art, including, but not limited to, those embodiments described in the following publications:  Reliable Face Recognition Methods: System Design, Implementation, and Evaluation,  by Harry Wechsler, Copyright 2007, Published by Springer, ISBN-13: 978-0-387-22372-8;  Biometric Technologies and Verification Systems,  by John Vacca, Copyright 2007, Elsevier, Inc., Published by Butterworth-Heinemann, ISBN-13: 978-0-7506-7967-1; and  Image Analysis and Recognition,  edited by Aurelio Campilho and Mohamed Kamel, Copyright 2008, Published by Springer, ISBN-13: 978-3-540-69811-1,  Eye Tracking Methodology: Theory and Practice,  by Andrew T. Duchowski, Copyright 2007, Published by Springer, ISBN 978-1-84628-608-7, all of which are herein incorporated by reference. In one embodiment, the object recognition software may comprise object or gesture recognition and/or control software, such as those various embodiments produced and developed by Softkinetic S. A., 24 Avenue L. Mommaerts, Brussels, B-1140, Belgium; Microsoft Corp., One Microsoft Way, Redmond, Wash., USA; and Omek Interactive, 2 Hahar Street, Industrial Zone Har Tuv A, Ganir Center Beith Shemesh 99067, Israel. The computer executable instructions  126 , including the object recognition software, may be programmed to identify the shapes of people and vehicles. 
         [0057]    In some embodiments, computer executable instructions  318  may comprise computer language or other means for embodying computer executable instructions, such as C, C++, C#, Java, Flash, HTML, HTML 5, and the like. Computer executable instructions  318  may be stored on any digital storage means, such as a computer readable medium, which may include a hard drive, flash storage, a CD-ROM, a DVD, and the like. Computer executable instructions  318  may be accessed by processor  302  via a local connection, such as by being directly connected to a computer readable medium in which computer executable instructions  318  are stored, or via a remote connection, such as via a computer network connection. 
         [0058]    In some embodiments, system  300  may further comprise a plurality of wireless communications means, wherein the processor  302 , 3D camera  304 , and the display means  312 , and the means  316  for controlling the 3D camera  304  are each connected to one of the plurality of wireless communications means, and wherein the wireless communications means are operative to facilitate electronic inter-communication between the processor  302 , the 3D camera  304 , the display means  312 , and the means  316  for controlling the 3D camera  304 . 
         [0059]    In some embodiments, the wireless communications means may comprise a wireless communications module, such as, but not limited to, a wireless communications transceiver, such as, but not limited to, a Wi-Fi, GSM, Bluetooth™, or Zigbee™ transceiver. 
         [0060]    Display means  312  may comprise any type of display means, such as, but not limited to, a LCD screen, a LED screen, and the like. 
         [0061]    In other embodiments, means  316  for controlling 3D camera  304  comprises any type of electronic means for receiving user input, such as a joystick, a keypad, a touch screen, and the like. Means  316  may be operative to remotely control 3D camera  304 , such as through a wireless communications means or network. In some embodiments, allowing a driver or passenger of the emergency services vehicle  314  comprises allowing a driver or passenger of emergency services vehicle  314  to use means  316  to zoom the 3D camera  304  (either digitally or mechanically via lenses), change the position of the 3D camera  304  (such as by moving along a track or suspended cables), or change the direction in which the 3D camera  304  is pointing (such as by turning, panning, rotating, or pivoting a camera). 
         [0062]    In some embodiments, using a 3D camera comprises using object recognition software to analyze an image or video captured by the 3D camera and determine whether any objects captured by the 3D camera correspond to pre-programmed objects, such as vehicles, pedestrians, and the like. Any method known in the art for using object recognition software to analyze imagery or video may be used. 
         [0063]    In some embodiments, using 3D camera  304  to determine whether an accident has occurred at intersection  308  or to determine a traffic condition at intersection  308  comprises using object recognition software to analyze an image or video  310  captured by 3D camera  304  and determine whether any vehicles are irregularly positioned in intersection  308 , such as not along designated paths of travel, or facing awkward directions, or whether a collision between two objects, such as two vehicles, or a vehicle and a pedestrian has occurred. 
         [0064]    In other embodiments, using 3D camera  304  to determine a traffic condition at intersection  308  comprises using object recognition software to analyze an image or video  310  captured by 3D camera  304  and determine the sped and number of vehicles passing through the intersection  308 . Accordingly, for example, a low number of vehicles passing at a low speed may lead to a determination that a congested traffic condition exists, while a high number of vehicles passing at a high speed may indicate a non-congested traffic condition exists. The term “traffic condition” may be used to describe any type of traffic condition, including whether any accidents have occurred, traffic congestion, and the like. Any systems and methods known in the art for using 3D camera and object recognition software for identifying and counting objects, such as vehicles, and their speed, may be employed, such as the various embodiments of object recognition software disclosed above. 
         [0065]    In some embodiments, determining a best route  322  may comprise of analyzing data collected from a plurality of 3D sensors present at a plurality of intersections to determine traffic conditions at various intersections, and calculating the best route based on the distance of the route and the traffic conditions along the route, wherein the best route may comprise the route that will take the emergency services vehicle the shortest amount of time to complete, wherein the time is calculated based on traffic conditions and distance. Many algorithms for calculating best routes are known in the art, including those employed by Google™ Maps, Garmin™ GPS devices, Tom Tom™ GPS devices, and the like. 
       Hardware and Operating Environment 
       [0066]    This section provides an overview of example hardware and the operating environments in conjunction with which embodiments of the inventive subject matter can be implemented. 
         [0067]    A software program may be launched from a computer readable medium in a computer-based system to execute the functions defined in the software program. Various programming languages may be employed to create software programs designed to implement the systems  100 ,  200 , and  300  disclosed herein. The programs may be structured in an object-orientated format using an object-oriented language such as Java or C++. Alternatively the programs may be structured in a procedure-oriented format using a procedural language, such as assembly or C. The software components may communicate using a number of mechanisms, such as application program interfaces, or inter-process communication techniques, including remote procedure calls. The teachings of various embodiments are not limited to any particular programming language or environment. Thus, other embodiments may be realized, as discussed regarding  FIG. 4  below. 
         [0068]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram representing an apparatus  400  according to various embodiments. Such embodiments may comprise a computer, a memory system, a magnetic or optical disk, some other storage device, or any type of electronic device or system. The apparatus  400  may include one or more processor(s)  404  coupled to a machine-accessible medium such as a memory  402  (e.g., a memory including electrical, optical, or electromagnetic elements). The medium may contain associated information  406  (e.g., computer program instructions, data, or both) which, when accessed, results in a machine (e.g., the processor(s)  404 ) performing the activities previously described herein. 
         [0069]    The principles of the present disclosure may be applied to all types of computers, systems, and the like, include desktop computers, servers, notebook computers, personal digital assistants, microcomputers, and the like. However, the present disclosure may not be limited to the personal computer. 
         [0070]    While the principles of the disclosure have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.