Warning systems

A warning system for warning a user of an approaching vehicle, wherein the approaching vehicle activates a signal transmitter. The system comprising at least one transmitter and at least one receiver. The transmitter includes a member for receiving the signal from a signal transmitter; and a member associated with the receiving means for transmitting at least one signal component. The receiver is positioned remotely from the transmitter and includes a member for receiving the at least one signal component, a member associated with the receiving means for processing the at least one signal component and a member associated with the processing means for alerting a user as to an approaching vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
 1. Field of the Invention
 The present invention is directed to warning systems, and more
 particularly, to a warning system that, for example, may be used by
 railroad personnel to warn of oncoming traffic. The invention is not
 limited, however, to use by railroad personnel. Indeed, the present
 invention, as will be described herein has broader applications. For
 example, the invention may likewise be utilized by aviation personnel to
 direct air traffic to the appropriate gates, or, to warn of oncoming or
 approaching air traffic. In sum, the invention may be utilized by
 individuals which require or benefit from the receipt of information in
 remote locations for warning or other use.
 2. Background Art
 Railroad warning systems have long been known in the art. One conventional
 warning system comprises a combination flashing light and crossing gates.
 These lights and gates are placed along the intersection of the railroad
 and either a roadway or a pedestrian walkway. Thus, such systems warn
 oncoming traffic on the roadway and pedestrians in close proximity to the
 walkway, through light and audio signals, as well as by way of a physical
 blockade.
 While such systems are generally effective for traffic and pedestrians near
 such roadways and walkways, they are not very useful away from such
 crossings. Indeed, railroad workers often perform maintenance and repair
 work away from and, in turn, outside the range of conventional railroad
 warning systems. Accordingly, the railroad workers must rely on a separate
 railroad worker who performs a look-out function by watching the tracks,
 and signaling to the other railroad workers of oncoming trains.
 While a warning system based on a railroad worker watching the tracks may
 be operational, such a system does have several drawbacks. In part, it is
 possible that the worker that is performing the lookout function becomes
 distracted and fails to recognize an oncoming train. In addition, the
 worker performing the lookout function, may use his judgement as to when
 to warn the workers, and the improper exercise of judgement can expose the
 remaining workers to an increased risk of danger. Lastly, in noisy and
 busy areas, the lookout worker may not be able to get the attention of
 railroad workers to warn them. Thus, in many instances the lookout worker
 still exposes the other railroad workers to unacceptably high dangers.
 In addition, it is often necessary to transmit to the railroad worker
 certain information when in the field. Currently, the information is
 relayed via a two way radio or via a portable telephone, which activate
 with a ring or other loud noise. While such systems are at times
 successful in relaying information to the worker in the field, it is often
 difficult for the worker to receive the information, or to even
 acknowledge that information is being sent to him. Indeed, often due to
 loud conditions and increased commotion and traffic, the worker may never
 hear the activation signal, and may never know that someone is trying to
 reach the worker by telephone or by two way radio. Thus, it may become
 necessary to send another worker to the remote site with the necessary
 information, which may cause time delays and which may expose the
 additional worker to injury at the remote site.
 In other settings, such as in an airport setting, it is necessary not only
 to warn ground traffic control workers on the airport tarmac, but it may
 also be necessary to send information to such ground traffic control
 workers. Conventionally, the workers receive instructions by way of
 two-way radios, telephones or visual signaling from the control tower.
 Such instructions may comprise, for example, gate assignments or aircraft
 taxi directions for particular aircraft. Often, however, it is difficult
 for such workers to receive the warnings or the information due to the
 excessive noise, and excessively distracting conditions. As such, the user
 is often unable to receive the information when the information is needed.
 By not receiving the information in a timely manner, the overall safety
 and operation of the airport can be compromised.
 Thus, it is an object of the invention to warn workers in remote sites of
 oncoming danger, such as, oncoming railroad traffic.
 It is a further object of the invention to signal workers at remote sites
 and to transmit information to such workers.
 Further objects of the invention will become apparent in light of the
 present disclosure and claims.
 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
 The invention comprises a warning system for warning a user of an
 approaching vehicle, wherein the approaching vehicle activates a signal
 transmitter. In particular, the system comprises at least one transmitter
 and at least one receiver positioned remotely from the transmitter. The
 receiver includes means for receiving the signal from a signal transmitter
 and means associated with the receiving means for transmitting at least
 one signal component. The receiver comprises means for receiving the at
 least one signal component, means associated with the receiving means for
 processing the at least one signal component and means associated with the
 processing means for alerting a user as to an approaching vehicle.
 In a preferred embodiment, the transmitter is associated with the
 approaching vehicle. In another such embodiment, the at least one signal
 component transmitted by the transmitter comprises at least three signal
 components. The first of the at least three signal components comprising a
 warning signal to indicate an approaching vehicle. The second of the at
 least three signal components comprising an informational signal having
 information pertaining to at least one of the following:
 direction of the vehicle, speed of the vehicle, and approach speed of the
 vehicle. The third of the at least three signal components comprising a
 ping signal, which ping signal serves to verify communication between the
 receiver and the transmitter.
 In a preferred embodiment, the alerting means comprises at least one of a
 visual, an audio or a tactile alert.
 In another preferred embodiment, the receiver comprises a receiver box
 positioned remotely from the transmitter, a pager receiver positioned
 remotely from the transmitter or a safety receiver system positioned
 remotely from the transmitter. In an embodiment, the safety receiver
 system further comprises at least one of a vest and a helmet. In such an
 embodiment, the tactile alert comprises a vibrating member positionable
 against a user, the visual alert comprises an alphanumeric display unit
 associated with the vest and the audio alert comprises means for playing a
 stored voice message and at least one headphone associated with the
 playing means and positioned within the helmet.
 In another preferred embodiment, system further includes means for
 coordinating the transmitter and the receiver to minimize the instances of
 false signals.
 The coordinating means comprises unique identifier associated with the at
 least one receiver, means associated with the transmitting means for
 processing the signal component to include the unique identifier of the at
 least one receiver prior to transmission thereof and means associated with
 the processing means of the receiver for analyzing the received at least
 one signal component to determine if the received at least one signal
 component was directed to the receiver. In turn, the analyzing means
 determines as to whether to process the at least one signal component. In
 such a preferred embodiment, the system further includes means for
 resetting the processing means of the transmitter.
 In another such embodiment, the system further includes means for storing
 the desired unique identifier for each of the at least one receiver
 associated with the transmitting means. In such an embodiment, the storing
 means comprises an input device and a storage medium associated with the
 processing means and with the input device.
 The invention further comprises a method for warning of an oncoming
 vehicle, wherein the oncoming vehicle triggers a sensor which activates a
 vehicle signal transmitter. The method comprises the steps of: (a)
 receiving the signal by a transmitter associated with the vehicle; (b)
 transmitting at least one signal component; (c) receiving the at least one
 signal component by a receiver positioned remotely from the transmitter;
 (d) processing the at least one signal component; and (e) alarming a user
 as to the oncoming vehicle, pursuant to the processed at least one signal
 component.
 In a preferred embodiment, the step of transmitting further includes the
 step of transmitting at least one unique identifier along with the at
 least one signal component.
 In such an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of analyzing
 the at least one unique identifier, to in turn, determine that the
 received at least one signal component should be processed. In another
 such embodiment, the step of transmitting further comprises the step of
 transmitting at least three signal components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
 While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms,
 there is shown herein in the drawings and will be described in detail
 several specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present
 disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of
 the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the
 embodiments illustrated.
 Warning system 20 is shown in FIG. 1 as comprising transmitter 24 at least
 one receiver 26 and means for coordinating the transmitter and the
 receiver. Generally, transmitter 24 is associated with the track (such as
 with a railroad signal bungalow) or with a vehicle, and receiver 26 is
 associated with a individual and/or a worker working near or in the path
 of the vehicle. The vehicle generally travels along a substantially
 predetermined path and is capable of triggering a sensor which actuates a
 vehicle signal transmitter. Such a sensor may comprise a sensor which
 likewise activates crossing gates. The transmitter can comprise any number
 of convention RF or IR transmitter, among others. The system will be
 described in the environment of a train warning system, with the
 understanding that the system is equally applicable in other environments
 and not limited to such an environment.
 Transmitter 24 is shown in FIG. 1 as comprising means 35 for receiving a
 signal from the vehicle signal transmitter, means 45 for transmitting the
 signal, means 50 for powering the transmitter, and means 60 for testing
 the transmitter. The transmitter, as explained above, is positioned on the
 tracks in a signal bungalow or in the vehicle itself, such as in one of
 the locomotives or on another car of train. While not required, it is
 advantageous to position the transmitter where it is easily accessible by
 engineers and other train personnel, so that it can be selectively
 activated, deactivated and maintained as needed.
 Signal receiving means 35 is shown in FIG. 1 as a structure for receiving
 the signal from the vehicle signal transmitter. Inasmuch as the vehicle
 signal transmitter may transmit an RF and an IR signal, among others, the
 receiving means comprises suitable circuitry, as will be understood by one
 of skill in the art, so as to receive any such signal that is sent by the
 vehicle signal transmitter. It will be understood that the range of the
 signal receiving means is such that the receiving means can readily
 receive a suitably strong signal from the signal transmitter. Of course,
 certain boosters and additional powered antennas can be used to expand the
 range of the receiver. In addition, the signal receiving means may be
 hardwired to the vehicle signal transmitter (such an arrangement in
 preferable wherein the signal receiving means is positioned outside of the
 vehicle, i.e. in a signal bungalo).
 Transmitting means 45 of the transmitter 24 is shown in FIG. 1 as
 comprising a suitable transmitter capable of transmitting at least one RF
 signal or other type of signal over a desired range. Of course, depending
 on the type of signal, the transmitting means may be required to transmit
 over greater or shorter distances. In the case of RF signals, the
 transmitter may be associated with an antenna. While many different signal
 ranges are contemplated, it is preferable that the transmitting means have
 a range that is at least two miles. It is contemplated that the range of
 the transmitter can be adjusted for particular applications or for
 particular conditions. While the transmitter can be placed in any number
 of locations, it is desirable to position the transmitting means within or
 on the vehicle so as to minimize interference and so as to maximize the
 range of transmission. For example, when the signal being transmitted
 comprises an RF signal, an antenna may be placed on top of the signal
 bungalo away from potential interference. Where the transmitter is in the
 vehicle, the antenna may be placed on top of the locomotive or the train.
 Testing means 60 is shown in FIG. 1 as comprising a circuitry which is
 capable of disconnecting the receiving means and instead forcing a signal
 directly to the transmitting means for the transmission of same to the
 receivers. As will be explained, by sending such a test signal, the
 operators can determine if the transmitter, and in turn, the entire system
 is operating properly.
 Transmitter 24 is powered by electrical powering means 50. Powering means,
 as shown in FIG. 1, comprises primary supply 32, back-up supply 33 and
 switch 34. Primary supply 32 generally comprises a 12 volt DC source which
 may be generated by the vehicle, or may comprise a suitable battery.
 Back-up supply 33 may comprise a suitable auxiliary source, such as an
 additional battery. In operation, with the appropriate circuitry, the
 back-up supply 33 is only activated if and when an interruption occurs in
 the primary supply. At other times, the back-up supply does not provide
 power to the transmitter. Moreover, it is preferable that the primary
 supply provide power, on a selective basis, to the back-up supply so as to
 maintain the back-up supply in a fully charged condition. Thus, if needed,
 the back-up supply will be ready to power the transmitter. Of course,
 other supplies, including supplies of greater or lesser voltage in either
 AC or DC supply are likewise considered for use.
 The power from the primary and back-up supplies to the transmitter is
 controlled by switch 34 which can be directed into either one of an on and
 an off position. While other configurations are contemplated, the switch
 comprises a keyed lock switch. Such a keyed lock switch serves to prevent
 the inadvertent turning off of the system by an operator. Indeed, to turn
 the system on or off, the operator will require the appropriate key. Of
 course, other types of switches are likewise contemplated, including
 switches which may or may not have additional safeguards to prevent
 inadvertent turning off of the system.
 The at least one receiver 26 comprises any one of a number of different
 receivers, such as receiver box 72 (FIG. 1), pager receiver 74 (FIG. 1)
 and safety receiver system 70 (FIG. 2). Of course, any quantity of and
 combination of these systems may be utilized. For example, several workers
 may utilize pager receivers, such as pager receiver 74 whereas other may
 utilize safety receiver systems, such as safety receiver system 70.
 Receiver box 72, as shown in FIG. 1, includes means 76 for receiving the
 transmission from the transmitting means of transmitter 24, means 78 for
 electrically powering the receiver box, means 80 for processing the signal
 that is received by the receiving means and means 84 for alerting the
 user. The receiver box may comprise a device which is sized so as to be
 portable, and easily carried by user. The physical dimensions of the
 device are only limited by the individual size of the various components.
 The receiving means comprises receiver 90 which is capable of receiving the
 signal transmitted by the transmitting means of transmitter 24. The
 receiver may include various antenna structures so as to extend the range
 at which the receiver can receive signals. Processing means 82 may
 comprise a microprocessor which is capable of receiving information from
 receiving means 76. Once received, the information is processed and a
 suitable output is sent to the signaling means so as to alert the user.
 The processing means further includes means for resetting the processing
 means should the processing means freeze or become hung.
 User alerting means 84 may comprise any one of a variety of alerting
 members. For example, user alerting means 84 may comprise a visual signal
 or an audio signal, among other type of alerting means. In particular, in
 the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 (and as will be explained in more detail
 with respect to the operation of the device) the alerting means may
 comprise multiple different audio and visual signals to identify different
 alarm conditions. For example, a white light may signal loss of contact
 with the transmitter, whereas yellow light may signal an alarm condition.
 In addition a horn, or other audible means, may include different tones or
 patterns to identify a different alarm condition.
 Electrical powering means 78 may comprise outside power source 92, internal
 power source 94 and monitor 96. Outside power source 92 may comprise a 12
 volt charger or 12 volt DC input. Internal power source 94 may comprise an
 optional internal battery which is capable of providing power to the
 receiver box. Battery monitor 96 is associated with each of the outside
 power source 94 and internal power source 94 and identifies the condition
 of the power source. For example, battery monitor 96 may indicate a "low
 battery" or "charging" condition, as well as which of the internal or
 outside power sources are currently supplying power to the receiver box.
 As with the transmitter, various power sources, including AC & DC sources
 operating at varying voltages and cycles (for AC) are contemplated for
 use.
 Another receiver 26 comprises pager receiver 74 which is shown in FIG. 1 as
 comprising similar means as receiver box 72. In particular, pager 74
 likewise includes means 76 for receiving the signal from the transmitting
 means of transmitter 24, means 78 for electrically powering the pager,
 means 80 for processing the signal and means 84 for alerting the user. In
 such an embodiment, the receiving means may comprise an appropriate
 circuitry, which will be understood to one of skill in the art. In one
 embodiment, this may comprise conventional pager circuitry. The electric
 power means may comprise batteries such as, for example, suitable AA or
 AAA type batteries. Of course, other sources are likewise contemplated for
 use. The processing means may comprise a suitable microprocessor capable
 of receiving the signal and processing the signal so as to appropriately
 direct the alerting means. For example, the alerting means may comprise an
 alphanumeric LCD screen, or other visual indicators. In addition, the
 pager receiver alerting means may include audible alerting signal.
 Moreover, the pager receiver may additionally include a vibrating or other
 tactile alerting means, as well. In addition, a combination of all three
 alerting means may be used in certain embodiments.
 Another receiver 26 comprises safety system 70 includes vest 100 and helmet
 110, as shown in FIG. 4. At least one of helmet 110 and vest 100 includes
 means 76 for receiving the transmitted signal, means 78 for electrically
 powering vest 100 and helmet 110, means 80 for processing the signal and
 means 84 for alerting the user. As with other receivers 26, receiving
 means 76 comprises appropriate circuitry which is capable of receiving the
 signal sent by the receiving means. Similarly, electrical power means 78
 comprises a suitable DC source, such as one or more rechargeable or
 replaceable battery packs in one or each of the helmet and vest. Such a
 battery may deliver between 1.5 and 12 v, however, other voltages are
 likewise contemplated. Processing means 80 comprises a suitable
 microprocessor which receives the signals from the receiving means and
 processes the information to provide an output to the alerting means.
 Helmet 110, as shown in FIG. 1, includes various alerting means 84, and
 means 123 for communicating with vest 100. In such an embodiment, only a
 portion of the alerting means and means for powering the helmet are
 included in the helmet. The remaining structures that perform the
 above-identified functions are positioned and associated with vest 100.
 The vest and the helmet can communicate through communicating means 123,
 and the vest includes control panel 111 to control the operation of the
 vest and helmet.
 Thus, with respect to helmet 100, through communicating means 123,
 processor means 80 of vest 100 directs the alerting means to alert the
 user when the appropriate signal is received by the receiving means. The
 various signaling means may comprise visual warnings, such as LED's or
 lights on the brim of the helmet, as well as certain audio warnings. In
 one embodiment, the helmet may include headset 126 which is associated
 with means 128 for storing prerecorded audio messages. In particular,
 storage means may comprise a voice playback IC, a minidisc, a CD-rom or
 other type of device capable of storing audio messages. As will be
 explained with respect to the operation, when directed by the processing
 means, storage means 128 will playback a predetermined audio message to
 the user through the headphones. As such, the user will hear an audio
 message which corresponds to a desired warning message.
 With respect to vest 100, the alerting means may comprise any number of
 audio, visual and tactile signals to warn the user. As explained with
 respect to other embodiments, the processing means directs the appropriate
 alerting means so that the proper signal is sent to the user as to the
 impending danger.
 The operation of the vehicle warning system will be discussed with respect
 to its operation in a railroad environment with the understanding that the
 invention has utility and applicability in other environments as well,
 such as an airport, for example. Certain of these environments will
 likewise be identified below.
 In a railroad environment, rail yard workers often repair tracks at a
 distance away from the nearest crossing gate or conventional warning
 device. With the above-identified system, the rail yard worker is
 nevertheless warned of oncoming train traffic in time to clear a safe
 distance from the train track to allow the train to pass.
 In such an environment, the signal bungalo, or in come embodiments, a train
 (locomotive or other car), is equipped with transmitter 24. As the train
 passes a sensor along the rails a vehicle signal transmitter associated
 with the sensor is triggered. Once triggered the signal transmitter begins
 to transmit a unique signal or set of signals. The sensor and the vehicle
 signal transmitter can be incorporated into the warning structures which
 are associated with conventional crossing gates. Additionally, the sensor
 may comprise any number of radio, IR, optical, mechanical, electrical or
 other devices which can be triggered or activated by the passing of a
 train along the tracks.
 The signal that processing means directs to the transmitting means may
 comprise a first signal component which indicates that a train is
 approaching, a second signal component which may indicate the direction,
 track, speed, other parameters of the train or other information regarding
 the train, and a third signal component which is a signal that allows the
 user to know that the device is operational. The third signal component
 may comprise a pinging signal which, at predetermined intervals emits a
 ping. The ping signal at the predetermined intervals, as will be explained
 below, indicates to the receivers that the receiver is within range and
 capable of receiving the information. Presently, information which the
 processing means would utilize to generate the second signal component, is
 not generally available, however the system is prepared to handle and
 process such information for use in signal processing when the generation
 and receipt of such information is utilized. In addition, inasmuch as the
 system includes inputs which indicate the condition of the crossover, the
 transmitting means may include a signal component that indicates the
 condition of the crossovers.
 The signal transmitted by the signal transmitter is received by receiving
 means 35 of transmitter 24. The receiving means is configured so as to be
 capable of receiving a multitude of signal components from various signal
 transmitters. In addition, multiple receiving means 35 may be utilized so
 as to be capable of receiving virtually any number of signals from a
 multitude of signal transmitters.
 The receiving means 35 receives the information and passes the information
 to one of transmitting means 45. Indeed, in one embodiment, the receiving
 means and the transmitting means may comprise a single integrated unit.
 The transmitting means then transmits the received signal to receivers.
 The signal transmission to the receivers may be accomplished by the use of
 frequency modulated radio signals (RF) or other signals such as IR to the
 receiving means. In one embodiment, conventional paging process (POCSAG)
 over RF can be utilized to transmit signals to receivers 26.
 Prior to the transmission of signals, transmitting means 45 verifies that
 no other signals are being transmitted on the desired frequency (in the
 case of a frequency modulated signal). If other signals are being
 transmitted, then the transmitting means 45 will wait until the desired
 frequency is clear of other transmissions. By doing so, the system can
 minimize false alarms and further insure that the signals are safely
 transmitted to the receivers. Of course, in some systems, a multitude of
 frequencies can be available for use by both the transmitting means and
 the receivers, and the transmitting means can scan these frequencies until
 a desired open frequency is found.
 Receivers 26 constantly monitor the airwaves for signals. Thus, once
 transmitted, receivers 26 are capable of receiving the transmitted
 signals. In the embodiment wherein the receiver box is used, the receiving
 means of the receiver box receives the signal and sends the signal to
 processing means 78. In turn, based on the signal received, the alerting
 means is directed to alert the railroad worker. For example, the receipt
 of the first signal component by the receiving means triggers the alerting
 means to actuate a yellow light. The yellow light indicates to the
 railroad worker using the receiver box that a train is approaching and has
 triggered the sensor. In addition, where a second signal component is
 likewise received by the receiver box, the alerting means is triggered to
 emit an audible set of tones which indicate to the worker the speed, track
 and distance, for example, of the oncoming train. For example, wherein the
 first signal component is received for an extended period of time (which
 indicates a slow moving or stopped train proximate the sensor) the
 alerting means may provide an indication of such a condition by activating
 a special series of audio, visual and/or tactile signals. As such, the
 user is alerted to such a condition. Of course, other conditions can
 likewise prompt the alerting means to trigger different audible, visual
 and tactile signals. As a result, and depending on the number of signal
 components, the user may be alerted as to an oncoming train, and may be
 provided additional informational parameters of the oncoming train. In
 addition, it will be understood that the alerting means may comprise any
 number of visual, audible and tactile signals.
 As explained above, receiver 26 likewise receives the third signal
 component, such as the ping signal. The ping signal merely confirms that
 signals are being received from transmitter 24 and that the system is
 operational. Such a ping can be transmitted at a predetermined rate, such
 as a ping every 30 seconds, for example. Thus, in the event that the ping
 signal is not received by the receiver at the 30 second intervals,
 alerting means is directed by the processing means to, for example,
 activate a blue strobe light and an audible warning signal (as well as any
 other audio, visual or tactile signal), alerting the user that the
 communication between the receiver box and the transmitter has been lost.
 Once communication is restored, and the ping signal is again received, the
 alerting means will respond appropriately by deactivating the blue strobe
 light and the audible signal. It is contemplated that the suer may be able
 to manually turn off the audible sound, while the blue strobe will
 continue to function until the ping signal is restored.
 Pager receiver 74 may likewise receive various signal components from
 transmitter 24. The pager receiver may provide various alerting means to
 the user, depending on the signal that is received. For example, a
 vibrating signal can be activated by the alerting means. When the user
 feels the vibration, he is alerted as to the oncoming train. In addition,
 an alphanumeric display can provide a message confirming the approach of a
 train.
 The pager receiver likewise receives the third signal which confirms that
 the system is operational and that the pager receiver is within range.
 Wherein the third signal is not received by the pager, the alerting means
 is directed to signal to the worker that communication with the
 transmitter has been lost. In such a situation, the alerting means may
 trigger a vibrating mode, activate certain lights and provide a particular
 alphanumeric message to alert the worker that the communication has been
 lost. Once restored, the alerting means will alert the user that the
 communication with the transmitter has once again been restored, by
 ceasing to vibrate and by displaying an appropriate message on the
 alphanumeric display.
 Safety receiving system 70 likewise includes means associated with vest 100
 for receiving signals from transmitter 24. For example, once the first
 signal component and/or the second signal component is received, the
 processing means processes the signal and directs the alerting means to
 provide one or more of the tactile, visual and audio signals to alert the
 user of the oncoming train. As an example, vest 100 may include vibrating
 portions, which when activated by the alerting means, vibrate against the
 user. In addition, the vest may include speakers or horns which are
 likewise activated by the alerting means once a predetermined signal
 component is received from transmitter 24. In addition, the vest may
 include an alphanumeric display which can display various messages to the
 user. The particular messages that are displayed at any time will depend
 on the condition and the contents of the received signal component. As
 will be understood, user is prompted to look at the display by the other
 audio, tactile and visual signaling means.
 Further, vest 100, through the communication means 123 likewise activates
 the alerting means of helmet 110. In particular, the bill section of
 helmet 110 includes visual alerting structures such as LED's or other
 lights which alert the worker. In addition, helmet 110 further includes
 means which can playback a prerecorded message through headphones 126
 associated with the helmet. As such, the user, in addition to the various
 other audio, visual and tactile signals, also receives a separate audio
 signal in the form of a prerecorded message. Indeed, based on the types of
 signal components received, the processing means can select from a
 multitude of prerecorded messages from storage means of the helmet 110.
 Vest 100 includes control panel which facilitates the user's control of the
 vest and the helmet. In addition, it is contemplated that the vest can be
 used without the helmet described above, but rather with a conventional
 helmet. In addition, the helmet may comprise a self-contained unit which
 includes means for receiving the transmitted signal and means for
 processing the signal. Thus, in such an embodiment, the helmet can be used
 independently of the vest.
 All three types of receivers include means for alerting the user of a loss
 of power.
 For example, the alerting means likewise includes provisions to alert the
 worker of a "low battery" or "loss of power" signal. Thus, the user will
 be able to replace the batteries, or provide an alternate powering means
 for the receiver. As such, this system minimizes the possibility that the
 user will be incorrectly relying on a receiver that is not operational.
 In certain embodiments, the system further includes means 21 for
 coordinating the transmitter with the particular receivers that are
 utilized. Thus, the transmitters of the system can send signals wherein
 the receivers can determine as to whether the signal is intended for that
 particular receiver. In particular, the coordinating means may further
 include means 117 for storing the unique identifiers. The storing means
 may comprise means 141 for inputting the unique identifiers and storage
 medium 143 in which to store the input identifiers for later use by
 processing means 119 of transmitter 24. The processing means further
 includes means for resetting the processor should the processor freeze or
 become hung. In operation, in such an embodiment, the processing means of
 the transmitter receives the signal from the track signal transmitter and
 the coordinating means appends to the signal a unique identifier of each
 of the receivers that are in use. The unique identifiers of each of the
 receivers can be input into the transmitter by way of input means 1141
 which may comprise any one of a bar code scanner, an OCR scanner, a
 keyboard, tablet, mouse, touch screen, or other conventionally used input
 device. Subsequently, this entire signal is sent. The receivers receive
 the signal, and, through processing means determine if the unique
 identifier of the signal corresponds to the pagers unique identifier. The
 unique identifier of the receiver may be maintained in memory associated
 with the processor. Such memory may comprise either RAM or ROM. If the
 unique identifiers correspond, then the remainder of the signal is
 processed. If however, the signals do not correspond that the remainder of
 the signal is ignored. In this manner, only those signals that are
 directed to the particular receiver are processed by that receiver. This
 minimizes the chances for the receiver to receive incorrect or
 inappropriate messages.
 Again, as stated above, the system is equally applicable in other
 environments, such as at an airport. Moreover, the uses of the system to
 properly warn and to properly send information to workers and users at
 remote locations are quite broad, and may be utilized in varying
 environments.
 The foregoing description and drawings merely explain and illustrate the
 invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the
 appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the
 disclosure before them will be able to make modifications and variations
 therein without departing from the scope of the invention.