Patent Publication Number: US-9889795-B1

Title: System for controlling multiple warning devices mounted on a vehicle to provide warning signals

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a system (and method) for controlling multiple warning devices mounted on a vehicle to provide warning signals, and particular to, a system for controlling multiple warning devices which provide visual and/or audible warning signals, which can override normal operation of such warning devices responsive to occurrence of one or more vehicle events. Overriding the normal operation of warning devices mounted to a vehicle enhances safety by improving perception of vehicle events, such as braking, turning, hazards, plow up/down, or backing up, thereby reducing the risk of accidents by pedestrians and motorists with such vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Visual warning devices in the form of flashing lamps or rotating beacons, are often mounted in and along exterior of vehicles, typically trucks, so as to provide warning signals in a single color or multiple colors to other motorists on the road. These visual warning devices modify vehicles for use in particular applications, such as construction, emergency services, roadway maintenance, and the like, and are in addition to those typical manufacturer installed (or pre-existing) visual indicator lamps, such as tail lights indicating brake activation, turn signals, and reverse signals. Visual warning devices may be of same or different types, and are typically installed along the exterior body of the vehicle so that motorists are provided with adequate warning along different viewing angles. For example, common locations for mounting visual warning lights are along back, right and left sides of a vehicle, with one or more rotating beacons along the top of the vehicle. 
     It has also been found that operation of the visual warning devices can interfere with perception by other motorists of typical visual indicator lamps of vehicle operation, such as tail lights when indicating braking or turn signals, causing potential safety risk. For example, an accident can happen when a driver of a car behind a vehicle with such multiple flashing visual warning devices along the rear thereof fails to realize until too late such illumination of tail lights indicating braking due to the driver&#39;s mental focus on the flashing visual warning devices. Further, drivers of nearby cars can fail to realize until too late the activation of the turn signals of such vehicle when shifting traffic lanes due to confusion with flashing visual warning devices. Accordingly, it would be desirable to operate such visual warning devices in a manner that enhances perception by others of vehicle events associated with operation of typical visual indicator lamps when activated as well as any other vehicle events to enhance safety in vehicle operation. 
     Additionally, a trained installer or technician is currently needed to change the operation of visual warning devices mounted on a vehicle. Thus, it would further be desirable to provide a user interface that allows the user of the vehicle to easily select one of different patterns of operation, synchronization, or even output color in the case visual warning devices that having alternative colors or color patterns. Further, it would be desirable if installed visual warning devices enabled high and lower power operation as would be useful for day and night time operation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system for controlling multiple warning devices mounted on a vehicle to provide visual and/or audible warning signals which overrides normal operation of such warning devices responsive to occurrence of one or more vehicle events. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a system for controlling multiple warning devices mounted on a vehicle to provide visual and/or audible warning signals which overrides normal operation of one or more of the warning devices responsive to occurrence of a vehicle event in order to operate such one or more warning devices in a manner that supplements activation of pre-existing vehicular light indicators of the vehicle event, while one or more other warning devices may be disabled to avoid confusion with such vehicular light indicators. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for controlling multiple warning devices mounted on a vehicle where each of the warning devices has a cable extending to a connector for mating with one of multiple output ports to facilitate connection to a controller that controls operation of such warning devices in the system. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a system for controlling multiple warning devices mounted on a vehicle having a user interface to a controller of such warning devices that allows a user or installer to control the operation of warning devices, such as selection of the normal mode of each warning device, e.g., flash pattern, rate, and output color (if the warning device has multiple output colors), and synchronization between two or more warning devices, in the case of visual warning devices, and tone selection or mode in the case of audible warning devices, and also override mode operation (or disablement) of one or more warning devices in response to one or more vehicle events. 
     A still further object of the present invention is to provide a system for controlling multiple warning devices mounted on a vehicle to provide visual warning signals having high and lower power operation that can be selected manually or automatically for day (high ambient light) and night (low ambient light) operation. 
     Briefly described, a system is provided for controlling warning devices each mounted on a vehicle for providing warning signals directed external of the vehicle, and a controller for controlling operation of each of the warning devices, in which the controller receives one or more vehicle event signals each indicative of occurrence of a different vehicle event. The controller responsive to receiving each of the vehicle event signals overrides operation of one or more of the warning devices from a normal operating mode into an override operating mode in accordance with the vehicle event associated with the vehicle event signal being received. 
     The override mode for at least one vehicle event operates one or more warning devices to supplement activation of pre-existing vehicular light indicators associated with the vehicle event, and/or disable one or more warning devices to avoid confusion with such pre-existing vehicular light indicators associated with the vehicle event, where such pre-existing vehicular light indicators operate independent of the system. In such an override mode, the controller selectably operates one or more warning devices in a particular flash or non-flash (steady burn) mode for use as auxiliary light(s) which supplement pre-existing vehicular light indicators of a vehicle event. For example, such pre-existing vehicular light indicators of vehicle events may represent a typical tail light indicating vehicle brake activation, or right and/or left turn signal activation. The particular warning device(s) whose normal operation is overridden may depend on the position of the warning device with respect to such pre-existing light indicators on the vehicle. Other warning device(s) may operate unchanged during occurrence of the vehicle event detected by the controller as their position unlikely interferes with perception of pre-existing vehicular light indicators associated with the vehicle event. 
     The controller sends signals to warning devices to control their operation via a plurality of output ports. Each output port is connected via a connector and cable to each of the warning devices in the system. Such cable for each warning device has control lines, and also power and ground, avoiding the need for separate power and ground connections to be installed directly to each warning device. Control lines are used by the controller to program warning device operation (mode selection and synchronization), and also to start and stop warning device operation in such selected mode and synchronization. Also, input connectors are provided to input lines enabling the controller to receive one or more of the vehicle event signals, where actuation of each of the vehicle event signals occurs independent of operation of the warning devices. 
     Multiple warning devices in the system provide visual warning signals, where each has one or more light sources for outputting selectable patterns of illumination therefrom in a single color or multiple colors. In addition to such visual warning devices, one or more of the warning devices may provide audible warning signals in selectable tones. 
     One of the vehicle events may represent up or down status of a plow of the vehicle (if such vehicle has a plow). When such vehicle event is detected, the controller operates one or more warning devices that have dual color visual warning signals in an override mode associated with the vehicle event representing up or down state of a plow. For example such warning devices may provide visual warning signals of blue color when the plow is down in a plow down override mode, rather than amber color when the plow is up. 
     An optional light sensor may be mounted on the vehicle to provide the controller signals representative of ambient illumination measurement. The controller responsive to the signal(s) from the light sensor may automatically operate the warning devices providing visual warning signals in modes providing one of high or low power states for day (high ambient light) and night (low ambient light) operation, respectively. 
     A user interface to the controller may be provided enabling a user or installer to select for each warning device: mode of operation (e.g., pattern, rate, color if multiple colors are available, low or high power state, for warning devices providing visual signals, or tone frequency/pattern for warning devices providing audible signals), and synchronization phase of the warning devices providing visual signals with other such warning devices. The user interface may further enable selection of override mode operation of warning devices in response to one or more of the vehicle events. For example, such user interface may be a touch screen within the vehicle (or a computer or other programmable device interfaced with the controller), and/or switches or buttons accessible via, or upon, a housing containing the controller of the system. 
     A method is also provided for controlling warning devices mounted on a vehicle comprising the steps of: mounting a plurality of warning devices along a vehicle for providing warning signals directed external of the vehicle; controlling operation of each of the plurality of warning devices; receiving one or more vehicle event signals each indicative of occurrence of one of a plurality of different vehicle events; and overriding operation of one or more of the warning devices responsive to receiving each of the vehicle event signals from a normal operating mode into an override operating mode in accordance with the vehicle event associated with the vehicle event signal being received. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from a reading of the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of the system of the present invention for controlling multiple warning devices mounted on a vehicle to provide warning signals; 
         FIG. 2  is an example of a vehicle incorporating the system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an example of a printed circuit board having the controller of  FIG. 1  and other components of the system; and 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  is a connected flow chart showing the operation of the system of  FIG. 1  where connection between  FIGS. 4A and 4B  are denoted by circled letters. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a block diagram of the system  10  of the present invention is shown having a controller  12  for controlling the operation of multiple warning devices  14  each providing visual or audible warning signals. The controller  12  receives electrical signals along input lines  16  representative of different vehicle events  18  from a vehicle having such warning devices  14 . Controller  12  is a programmable device, such as a microcontroller or microprocessor, and operates system  10  in accordance with a program (or software) stored in memory of the controller  12 , such as non-volatile memory, or stored in optional memory  13  accessible to the controller. Warning devices  14  are linked to controller  12  via output ports  20 , where each warning device  14  has a cable  21  which extends to a connector (or plug)  28  configured to mate with one of output ports  20 . Signals along input lines  16  representative of different vehicle events  18  are received by controller  12  via input connectors  29 . The controller  12  is preferably in a housing  11  mounted on a printed circuit board along with other components, where housing  11  has opening(s) through which output ports  20  and input connectors  29  extend or are accessible for coupling with connectors  28  and lines  16 , respectively. Such printed circuit board  34  is shown for example in  FIG. 3 . Although preferably multiple input connectors  29  are provided, the system may have a single input connector  29  using a single line  16  associated with one of vehicle events  18  as desired. 
     Warning devices  14  providing visual warning signals (“visual warning devices”) have light(s) or lamp(s) with one or multiple sources, such as LEDs or bulbs, and different selectable modes of operation in terms of flash illumination and flash rates. One of such modes can optionally include non-flashing on state (e.g., steady burn). Depending on the particular visual warning device, output illumination color may be monocolor or selectable between modes of different colors of output illumination. Typical colors of illumination, are red, white, amber, green, or blue. For example, visual warning devices with multiple colors may have different color light sources. Further additional modes are optionally provided enabling each visual warning device to have high power and low power states for selectable day and night (or low ambient light) time operation, respectively. 
     Warning devices  14  providing audible warning signals (“audible warning devices”) have a speaker providing a sound alarm which has different selectable modes of operation in terms of tone frequency, pattern and/or rate. For example, an audible warning device may be a backup alarm mounted along the rear of a vehicle which is activated when a vehicle is backing up or traveling in reverse gear. Optionally, an audible warning device may also incorporate a visual warning device such as described above. Other types of audible warning device may be provided for warning device  14   g , or an additional audible warning device, such as a siren mounted on the vehicle. 
     For purposes of illustrating system  10 , an example of six visual warning devices  14   a ,  14   b ,  14   c ,  14   d ,  14   e , and  14   f , and one audible warning device  14   g  are shown in  FIG. 1  coupled to controller  12 , and in  FIG. 2  mounted on a vehicle  22 . Visual warning devices  14   a - e  represent LED lamps in round and oval configurations as depicted, and visual warning device  14   f  is a beacon type light with rotating or flashing output illumination. System  10  can have visual and audible warning devices of the same or different models or types installed along a vehicle as desired, and are not limited to those shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . While vehicle  22  is shown as a truck, other types of trucks or vehicles may have mounted warning devices  14  for use with system  10  with lights or lamps  19   a - e  of different type and/or location on the vehicle than shown in  FIG. 2 . Further, system  10  may include visual warning devices without any audible warning devices, and vice versa. 
     In the  FIG. 2  example, warning devices  14   a - c  are mounted along the rear  23  of the body  27  of vehicle  22 , and warning devices  14   d  and  14   e  are mounted along the left and right sides  24  and  25 , respectively, of body  27  of vehicle  22 . Other typical manner of mounting may be used than on-surface mounting of visual warning devices shown in  FIG. 2 , such as inset mounting with a ring or grommet in an opening cut in body  27 . Warning device  14   f  is shown in  FIG. 2  mounted on the roof  26  of vehicle  22 , such as by a magnet, suction, or bolts, and audible warning device  14   g  represents a backup alarm as typically mounted along the rear  23  of vehicle  22 , such as along its rear frame. Other configurations, number, and types of warning devices  14 , and mounting locations may be used than shown. The number of warning devices controllable by controller  12  depends on the number of output ports  20  available. Each warning device  14   a - f  is installed with respect to body  27  of vehicle  22  with drilled/cut opening(s) in accordance with manufacturer&#39;s specification for the warning device, so that a cable  21  extends from the warning device within body  27 , such as in spaces or cavities which may already be used with other vehicle wiring, to connect to connectors  28  mated with output ports  20  along housing  11 . Such housing  11  may be mounted by screws or other mounting mechanism under the dashboard in vehicle  22 , or other area along vehicle  22 , such as a storage or truck compartment, as desired. Cables  21  are of such length to enable connection at one end to their respective mounted warning devices  14  and at their other end to output ports  20 , via connectors  28 . 
     Other warning devices  14  than shown that may be used, include, but not limited to a light bar mounted on the roof  26 , or a visual warning device within a vehicle mounted for sending illumination through a vehicle window. Also, one or more warning devices  14  may be mounted along the front of the vehicle  22 . In this manner, controller  12  can be connected to different warning devices  14  as desired to be installed along any vehicle. 
     In the example of warning devices  14  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , warning devices  14   a - g  depicted are manufactured by Star Headlight and Lantern, Inc. of Avon, N.Y., where warning devices  14   a - 14   e  are LED lamps models DLXTHR and DLHTHR in round, and DLXTHU and DLHTHU in oval, configurations, warning device  14   f  is a single or dual color Star Halo beacon, and warning device  14   g  is a Star Spectrum backup alarm. Each of the warning devices  14   a - 14   e  has multiple selectable flash pattern modes including steady burn, and programmable Star S-Link synchronization with each other. Warning devices  14  by other manufacturers may also be used which can similarly link to controller  12 . 
     A user interface  30  to controller  12  is provided for enabling selection of mode of operation of each of warning device  14  and warning devices  14  synchronization. User interface  30  is along housing  11 , or accessible by removal of a top cover of such housing  11 , and has jumpers, switches, pins, keys, and/or buttons enabling an installer for each output port  20  ( 1  to N, e.g., N=7 in  FIG. 1 ) to input a numeric code (or other identifier) associated with the particular warning device  14  connected to such port, select a mode of operation of the warning device, and select desired phase of synchronization of the particular warning device  14  to operate (e.g., flash) in unison (same phase as another device  14 ) or alternate (opposite phase as another device  14 ), or to disable/enable the warning device. Memory of controller  12  or accessible memory  13  stores a database or list of codes or other identifier of each warning device  14  that can be utilized in system  10  to lookup warning device information, such as programming modes, and protocols for programming the electronics of each warning device  14  in terms of signals on control line(s) present in cable  21  to the warning device. For example, the selectable mode for a particular device  14  may be associated with a number ( 1  to M) entered via user interface  30 , where different models or types of device  14  will have different number M of modes available. An example of user interface  30  is described later in connection with  FIG. 3 . 
     Another user interface  31  is preferably provided with the same programming functionality as user interface  30 , but is a touch screen display with a graphical user interface provided by controller  12  software with one or more screens enabling user interaction. Such user interface  31  also may be provided by application software operating on a computer or other programmable device  31   a , such as a personal computer, tablet, laptop, smart phone, or handheld programmable device, which interfaces with controller  12  via a cable to an optional wired (e.g., USB) and/or wireless (e.g., RF or Bluetooth) interface  31   b  in  FIG. 1 . For example, the user interface  31  may have a setup mode enabling a user to input the particular warning device (such as via a pull down menu) associated with each port  20 , and then for each warning device so selected displays the available modes of its operation, e.g., flash, rate, color, audible tone frequency, and/or sync phase, depending on each warning device&#39;s functionality and manufacturer specification. The controller  12  stores in its memory or memory  13  the warning device information inputted for each of ports  20 , including at least the code or identifier associated with the warning device, the mode selected (if no mode is selected then a default mode is used), and synchronization selected (if any). Such is used by the controller  12  to reset the system  10  if needed, or to display current settings for system  10  on user interface  31 . Alternatively, only one of user interface  30  and  31  need be provided in system  10 . Further, user interface  30  and  31  may enable a testing mode during setup of one or more of warning devices  14  during or after programming is completed to assure each operate as desired, until desired setup is completed. User interface  31  in the case of a touch screen is preferably located near the driver of the vehicle, such as mounted onto or within a dashboard of vehicle  22 , as typical of display console mountable screens in vehicles. 
     After setup is complete, user interface  31  enables the user to view current settings for warning devices  14  in system  10  and edit such settings in one or more screens, and thereby setup or change operation of the warning devices  14 . For example, for each warning device  14  in system  10 , the user via user interface  31  can enable or disable operation of the warning device, select mode of operation each of the warning devices, as described earlier, synchronization, and enable high power or low power operation if manually settable. Preferably, the user interface  31  does not allow the user to turn off function of audible warning device  14   g  that serves as a backup alarm, as such is always active as a safety precaution, but such may be disabled via user interface  30  if desired. The controller  12  is programmed to operate responsive to instructions received via the user interface  31  as typical of a graphical user interface. Although a touch screen is preferred for user interface  31 , other types of user interfaces may be provided with LED/LCD screen, switches, touch pad, and/or buttons to enable same functionality. 
     Preferably, each warning device  14  has electronics responsive to two control lines (wires), which are connected to controller  12  via cable  21 , connector  28 , and output port  20 . However, other number of control lines may be utilized as desired to interface controller  12  with warning devices  14 . Control lines are used by controller  12  to program warning device operation (mode selection and synchronization, if any), and also to start and stop warning device operation in such selected mode and synchronization. The protocol or signals used by controller  12  for programming and starting and stopping operation along control lines depends on the manufacturer specification for device, as controller  12  is designed to work with different types of warning devices mountable along vehicle  22 . If any of warning devices  14  used lack programmable mode selectability, controller  12  may then send start and stop signals to provide desired warning signal output from the warning device in accordance with stored timing patterns in memory of the controller  12  or memory  13 , which may be selected by the user via user interface  30  and/or  31 . 
     In addition to control lines, a ground line (wire) and power line (wire) is provided in cable  21  to each warning device  14  via output port  20  and connector  28 . Power line may be 12 volts DC as provided from a power  32  connection to the battery of vehicle  22 . Controller  12  and other electronics in housing  11  upon printed circuit board  34  ( FIG. 3 ) are also connected to ground and power, where power  32  is converted into a usage level for the controller and such electronics. A programming interface connector  17  is accessible via an opening in housing  11 . Programming interface connector  17  enables an external computer system (not shown) to communicate via a cable with a connector which mates to controller  12 , so as to download or update the program in memory of controller  12  (and/or optional memory  13 ) as needed during manufacture or version updates, as typical with programmable logic devices, such as microcontrollers or microprocessors. 
     Optionally, controller  12  also receives signal(s) from a light sensor  33 , such as photocell, mounted along the vehicle  22 , such as shown for example in  FIG. 2 , providing the controller  12  a measurement or level of the amount of ambient light. For example, such photocell may be a Vactec model VT80F144, but other photocell or light sensor may be used. The controller  12  may operate responsive to signal(s) from the light sensor  33 , such that if a received ambient light level is below a minimum ambient light threshold stored in memory of the controller  12  or memory  13 , controller  12  operates warning lights  14   a - f  which provide visual signals at their respective modes in low power to facilitate night (or low ambient light condition), and otherwise at high power so as to facilitate day (or high ambient light condition). Controller  12  may switch modes of visual warning devices  14   a - f  automatically between low and high power states responsive to signal(s) from light sensor  33  when visual warning devices  14   a - f  are active. User interface  30  and/or  31  may provide at least one screen, button, or switch, which can enable or disable such automatic low and high power switching. 
     The controller  12  is connected to receive along input lines (or wires)  16  the following vehicle event signals  18 : brake activation  18   a , right turn signal activation  18   b , left turn signal activation  18   c , reverse gear shift  18   d , park gear shift  18   e , and door open activation  18   f . This is achieved by coupling each input line  16 , such as by splicing, into the existing wire in the vehicle  22  that supplies power to a pre-existing vehicle lamp activated by the event, where such input line  16  then connects to a controller  12  input port via connector  29 . Circuitry  16   a  may be provided along each input line  16  for conditioning a received signal for use by controller  12 . Such circuitry  16   a  may convert received signal(s) into a voltage level detectable at one of the digital input ports of controller  12  when the signal is present indicative of the detected vehicle event, such by passing the signal through a voltage divider circuit, and/or other analog to digital conversion circuitry. For brake activation  18   a , its input line  16  is connected to the power supply wire of one of the vehicle tail light  19   a  ( FIG. 2 ) that brighten when the brake of vehicle  22  is pressed. For right and left turn signal activations  18   b  and  18   c , each has an input line  16  connected to the power supply line to one of the right and left turn signal lamps  19   b  and  19   c  ( FIG. 2 ), respectively. For reverse gear shift  18   d , an input line  16  is connected to the power supply wire of one of the reverse lights  19   d  ( FIG. 2 ). For park gear shift  18   e , an input line  16  is connected to the power supply wire of one of the park lights  19   e  ( FIG. 2 ). For door open  18   f , an input line  16  is connected to the power supply wire of an interior dome light  15  ( FIG. 2 ). Thus, when the vehicle supplies power to the light associated with one of vehicle event signals  18   a - f , the input line  16  from the lamp associated with such event provides a vehicle event signal along such input line to the controller  12  via their respective input connectors  29 . Accordingly, actuation vehicle event signals along input line  16  occurs independent of operation of the warning devices  14 . 
     Other vehicle events may similar be received by the controller  12 , such as plow down  18   g  state, in the case of vehicle  22  having a plow  35  ( FIG. 2 ) movable between up and down positions as indicated by arrow  35   a . The input line  16  for plow down  18   g  state may be provided by an input line  16  coupled to the power line of a status indicator light of plow position in the vehicle typically present near the driver, in the same manner as other input lines  16 . Alternatively, the input line  16  for plow down  18   g  may be connected to a button/switch in the vehicle, which the driver presses or switches when his plow is down, to send a vehicle event signal of plow down  18   g  to controller  12 . Other vehicle event signals may similarly be generated, where the number of vehicle event signals receivable by controller  12  depends on the number of input connectors  29  available. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , an example of a printed circuit board  34  is shown with controller  12 , output ports  20  to warning devices  14 , connectors  29  without input lines  16 , programming interface connector  17 , and user interface  30 . For purposes of illustration, only one connector  28  is shown in  FIG. 3  without its associated cable  21 , and wiring along printed circuit board  34  is not shown. Each connector  28  has a releasable latch member  28   a  to a catch  20   a  along each port  20  so as to retain four prongs of connector  28  mated with four individual ports of each port  20  in an electrical connecting relationship (e.g., for power, ground, and two control signal lines). Other mechanism for releasable latching connectors  29  to ports  20  and their mating configuration may be used than shown. In the example of user interface  30  to controller  12 , jumper or switches  30   a  are provided to select which of the warning devices  14  are to be programmed (1 to N, e.g., N=7 in  FIG. 1 ), and push button  30   b  so that button is pressed equal to the number assigned to the desired mode (1 to M) as per the specification for that selected warning device  14 . In the case of a visual warning light devices  14   a - f , modes can differ from each other in terms of flash illumination and flash rates, output color when having different color or color patterns, and high power and low power states if provided. In the case of audible warning devices or combined audible visual warning devices, modes can differ from each other in terms of tone frequency and/or rate as per the specification for the particular warning device  14 . If no mode is selected, a default mode is used by the electronics of warning device  14  also in accordance with manufacturer specification for each particular warning device  14 . 
     As identification of each warning device to controller  12  is not provided in the example of user interface  30  of  FIG. 3 , the code or identifier of the warning devices  14  connected to such port is manually entered using interface  31  as described earlier. However, rather than manual entry, one or more of the control lines to warning device  14  may optionally have input and output functionality, enabling the electronics of each warning device  14 , in response to a controller  12  sent query or handshake signal or message, respond with information or data along such line(s) representing a code or identifier associated with warning device  14  by which controller  12  can associate with in a look-up table in memory of the controller or memory  13  to determine the warning devices  14  coupled to each of the ports  20 , and hence its modes and programming protocol for mode and synch selection. When only user interface  30  is provided in system  10 , user interface  31  may represents a button or switch to turn on and off operation of system  10 . 
     Push button  30   c  enables synchronous mode selection of the selected warning device  14 , so that button is pressed equal to a synch phase number in accordance with the specification of the particular warning device  14 , such as operate (e.g., flash) in unison (same phase as another device  14 ) or alternate (opposite phase as another device  14 ). In operation, preferably one of the control lines to the warning devices  14  changes state (high to low, or low to high) to indicate when to start (on) and stop (off) warning light operation in its desired mode. In this manner, the controller  12  by sending a start signal at the same time to two or more devices that are set to modes sharing a common rate of flash or audible operation will operate in unison (same phase). While alternating start and stop signals between two warning devices  14 , alternate operation of such devices (opposite phase from one another). Further, maintaining such start and stop operation of a control line in a stop (off) state, the controller  12  can disable a warning device  14  from operating. Optionally, maintaining such start and stop operation of a control line in a start (on) state may have the warning device  14  illumination in steady burn mode. 
     Once the warning devices  14  are programmed to their respective mode and optional synchronization, they operate in such mode whenever enabled by controller  12 , referred herein as normal operating mode. Responsive to detection of any one of vehicle events  18 , controller  12  exits normal operating mode and operates one or more of warning devices  14  in an override mode in accordance with such vehicle event detected, as will be described below. In order to properly operate warning devices  14  in override modes, the controller  12  has positional information associating warning devices  14  within their respective location of mounting on vehicle  22 . In one embodiment, particular ones of ports  20  are connected to warning devices  14  mounted at particular locations along the vehicle  22 , thereby providing such positional information. For example, warning device  14   a  is connected to a first output port  20  associated with rear left vehicle location, warning device  14   b  is connected to a second output port  20  associated with rear center vehicle location, warning device  14   c  is connected to a third output port  20  associated with rear right vehicle location, and so forth. In another embodiment, the user can associate ports  20  with locations of warning devices  14  in one or more screens along user interface  31 , so as to obtain positional information associating visual warning light devices  14  with their vehicle location. 
     The override modes are stored in memory of controller  12  or in memory  13  as part of the program operating system  10 . However, a user or installer via one or more screens on user interface  31  may optionally configure a particular response by controller  12  in terms of override mode operation of one or more warning devices  14  and disabling other one or more warning devices  14  to any one of the vehicle events  18  detected by controller  12 , as well an override mode responsive to two or more vehicle events being detected at the same time. The setting of a user or installer configured operating mode are stored in memory of controller  12  or memory  13 , and will supersede those stored previously for responding to the same vehicle event(s)  18 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the operation of system  10  is shown. If system  10  is not already on, system  10  turns on at step  40 , such as in response to supplied power. At step  41 , controller  12  reads stored settings from memory of controller  12  (or in memory  13 ) of any stored override mode(s) which may have been entered via user interface  31 . Controller  12  then reads from its memory and/or memory  13  its program for operating system  10  (step  43 ). The output ports  20  are associated with particular warning devices  14  using positional information as described earlier, so that controller  12  can send control signals to proper visual warning devices  14   a - f  and also to audible warning device  14   g  in normal mode and in override modes. Controller  12  checks at step  45  whether the user has activated or turned on visual warning devices  14   a - f  of system  10  (step  45 ), such as by pressing a switch, button, or screen icon on a touch screen of user interface  31 . If no user interface  31  is present in form of a touch screen or the like, a button or switch placed within the vehicle  22  may serve as user interface  31  for purpose of turning on and off normal mode operation of visual warning devices  14   a - f  of system  10 . If the user has turned on the visual warning devices  14   a - f , controller  12  responds by operating visual warning devices  14   a - f  in their normal operating mode (step  46 ) by sending on their control line(s) such signal(s) to operate with desired synchronization setting, if any. As stated earlier, actuation of the vehicle event signals occur independent of operation of the warning devices, thus vehicle event signals to controller  12  (i.e., as described below in steps  47 - 52  and  54 - 60  resulting in override modes) are independent of visual warning devices  14   a - f  operation responsive to user actuation steps  45 - 46 . 
     The controller  12  checks at step  47  for a vehicle event signal from input line  16  for brake activation  18   a . If received, controller  12  then exits normal mode and enters brake override mode in which preselected ones of visual warning devices  14   a - f  providing visual warnings are turned off by the controller  12  while the input line  16  for brake activation signal  18   a  is being received, while other visual warning devices enter a steady on state (steps  48 - 49 ). In the example of  FIG. 2  for brake override mode, warning devices  14   d  and  14   e  are turned off (step  48 ), while warning devices  14   a ,  14   b , and  14   c  are programmed by controller  12  to their steady on mode (step  49 ). For example, warning devices  14   a ,  14   b , and  14   c  may be readily reprogrammed to their steady on mode, or a signal may be sent to each of warning devices  14   a - c  along their control lines for start and stop signals, which instead of high (1) or low (0) voltage signals, floats at a voltage level there between which when detected by electronics of each warning devices  14   a - c , automatically enters the warning device into a steady on state mode. Thus, warning devices  14   a - c  serve as auxiliary or supplemental brake visual signals increasing the perception to other motorists on the road that braking of vehicle  22  is occurring. When the brake actuation  18   a  signal along input line  16  is no longer detected by controller  12 , brake override mode of steps  48 - 49  exits and controller  12  resumes operation of warning devices  14  in normal mode if activated at steps  45 - 46  (step  53 ) and then returns to step  45 . Note that regardless of whether visual warning light devices  14   a - f  have been activated at steps  45 - 46 , controller  12  may operate warning devices  14   a - c  as auxiliary or supplemental brakes lights while vehicle actual tail light  19   a  is illuminated to indicate braking of vehicle  22 . 
     If at step  46 , the vehicle event signal from input line  16  for brake activation  18   a  was not detected by controller  12 , then at step  50  the controller  12  checks if the vehicle event signal(s) from input line(s)  16  has been detected for right turn signal activation  18   b  and/or left turn signal activation  18   c . If so, controller  12  exits normal mode and enters right turn signal override mode if the input line  16  for right turn signal activation  18   b  is activated, or left turn signal override mode for left turn signal activation  18   c  is activated, or hazard override mode if both right and left turn signal  18   b  and  18   c  are activated (steps  51 - 52 ). As the input line  16  to the right or left turn signal lamps  19   b  and  19   c  will be periodic when active as such turn signals commonly flash, controller  12  detects this when entering the right or left turn signal override modes. 
     In right turn signal override mode, such visual warning devices turned off when right turn signal activation  18   b  is detected include warning devices  14   a , 14   b , and  14   d  (step  51 ), while warning devices  14   c  and  14   e  are turned on when a signal is being received along the right turn activation  18   b  input line  16  (step  52 ). Thus, warning devices  14   c  and  14   e  will flash in synch as the right turn signal lamp  19   b  flashes, enabling warning devices  14   c  and  14   e  to serve as auxiliary or supplemental right turn signals enhancing perception by drivers of other vehicles of the vehicle  22  imminent right turn or lane change. 
     In left turn signal override mode, such visual warning devices turned off when left turn signal activation  18   c  is detected include warning devices  14   c ,  14   b , and  14   e  (step  51 ), while warning devices  14   a  and  14   d  are turned on when an input signal is being received along the left turn activation  18   c  input line  16  (step  52 ). Thus, warning devices  14   a  and  14   d  will operate in synch as the left turn signal lamp flashes, enabling warning devices  14   a  and  14   d  to serve as auxiliary or supplemental left turn signals enhancing perception by drivers of other vehicles of the vehicle  22  imminent left turn or lane change. 
     In hazard override mode, no visual warning devices are turned off at step  51 , and visual warning devices  14   a ,  14   b ,  14   c ,  14   d , and  14   e  are turned on when an input signal is being received along inputs lines  16  for left and right turn activation  18   c  and  18   b  (step  52 ). Thus visual warning devices  14   a ,  14   b ,  14   c ,  14   d , and  14   e  are operated in synch as lamps  19   b  and  19   c  flash, enabling warning devices  14   a ,  14   b ,  14   c ,  14   d , and  14   e  to serve as auxiliary or supplemental hazard signals. 
     When the periodic input signal  16  for right turn signal activation  18   b  or left turn signal activation  18   c  is no longer detected after a period of time indicating such turn signal lamps  19   b  or  19   c , respectively, are no longer active, such as 5 seconds, the override mode is exited and controller  12  resumes operation of warning devices  14  in normal mode (step  53 ) if warning lights were activated at steps  45 - 46 . Note that regardless of whether warning lights have been activated at step  45 - 46 , controller  12  operates selected warning devices as auxiliary or supplemental right or left turn signals while such turn signals  19   b  and  19   c , respectively, are active. Less preferably, override modes at steps  48 - 49  and  51 - 52  are not activated until visual warning devices  14   a - f  are turned on at steps  45 - 46 . 
     If at step  50 , no vehicle event signal along input lines  16  for right or left turn signal activation  18   b  and  18   c  were detected by controller  12 , then at step  54  the controller  12  checks if a vehicle event signal from input line  16  has been detected for reverse activation  18   d . If received, controller  12  then exits normal mode and enters reverse override mode in which preselected one(s) of visual warning devices  14   a - f  providing two color operation are switched by controller  12  to operate from first color mode to their second color mode, such as in clear steady burn mode (step  55 ), and controller  12  activates audible warning device  14   g  (step  56 ) (as well as any visual warning device which may be incorporated in device  14   g ) to provide backup warning signals, while the input line  16  for reverse activation  18   d  is being received. When the input signal along input line  16  for reverse actuation  18   d  is no longer detected indicating such reverse signal lamps  19   d  are no longer active, audible warning device  14   g  is turned off by controller  12  and controller  12  exits the override mode and resumes operation of warning devices  14  in normal mode (step  53 ) if warning lights were activated at steps  45 - 46 . 
     If at step  54 , no vehicle event signal along input line  16  for reverse activation  18   d  was detected by controller  12 , then at step  58  the controller  12  checks if a vehicle event signal from input line  16  has been detected for plow down signal activation  18   g  if vehicle  22  has a plow  35  movable between up and down positions. If so, controller  12  maintains normal mode but in a plow down override state in which one or more of visual warning devices having two color operation are switched by controller  12  to operate in a second color mode, such as blue (step  58 ), indicating that the plow  35  is down, rather than their first color mode, such as amber, indicating that the plow  35  is up. After step  59 , controller  12  returns to step  53  in which visual warning devices  14   a - f  are in normal mode operation with such dual color visual warning devices at that plow down color. When the plow down signal activation  18   g  is no longer detected at step  58 , the normal mode exits plow down override mode and returns to the plow up state and such one or more visual warning devices which had been switched by controller  12  to the second color are switched back by the controller to their first color (step  60 ). After step  60 , controller  12  returns to step  53 . If no plow is present on vehicle  22 , then steps  58 - 60  are skipped. 
     Controller  12  similarly can enter override modes responsive vehicle event signal for input line  16  to park activation actuation  18   e  or door open activation  18   f , and enter an override mode to change operation of visual warning devices  14   a - f  and/or audible warning device  14   g , as desired. For example, where audible warning device  14   g  is a siren which has been activated by controller  12 , when a door open activation  18   f  is detected by controller  12  the entered door open override mode disables audible warning device  14   g  to protect operator&#39;s ears when exiting the vehicle. The override mode with respect to warning device  14   g  continues until the operator re-enters the vehicle and selects via user interface  31  to resume normal operation of all warning devices  14  or warning device  14   g , as desired. 
     The vehicle events  18  should not be limited to those described herein, other vehicle events may similarly be detected by controller  12  as desired by the installer or user of system  10  to temporarily override normal operation of one or more of warning devices  14  as desired. Further less than all of the above described vehicle events  18  may be provided to controller  12  in system  10 . For example, some vehicles such as used in construction may not have park lights  19   e  and/or reverse lights  19   d , and if so, their respective vehicle events  18   e  and/or  18   d  would not be part of system  10 . 
     From the foregoing description it will be apparent and has been provided an improved system and method for controlling multiple warning devices mounted on a vehicle to provide warning signals. Variations and modifications in the herein described system and method will undoubtedly suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. Accordingly the foregoing description should be taken as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.