Patent Publication Number: US-2022221289-A1

Title: System and method for automated electronic guidance during emergencies

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for directing emergency responder vehicles in a restricted area and, more particularly, to systems and methods included automated electronic guidance systems for directing emergency responder vehicles in a restricted area. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Emergency response in restricted areas has attracted increasing attention. Restricted areas can include industrial facilities, residential neighborhoods, or the like. In an emergency, such as a fire, it may be important to direct emergency responders to the location of the emergency in a timely fashion. When an emergency arises in a restricted area, the pathway to the location may provide several different possible routes. In some traditional systems, flagman may be placed along routes to direct emergency responders. This may increase the risk of further emergencies and may result in human error. In other systems, emergency responder vehicles include Global Positioning System (“GPS”) devices and specialized communication devices. The driver of the first responder vehicles must interact with the devices to receive navigation instructions. 
     Thus, there is a need for improved systems for directing emergency responder vehicles in a restricted area. For instance, there is a need for an electronic emergency response guidance system that directs emergency responder vehicles through a restricted area. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     According to the subject matter of the present disclosure, described is an emergency responder guidance system for directing emergency responder vehicles in a restricted area. The system comprising a sensor device, an interface device, or both, disposed in the restricted area and operable to provide an indication of an emergency condition in the restricted area, a plurality of visual indicators each disposed at a plurality of different locations along pathway of the restricted area, and a response path generator communicatively coupled with the sensor device, the interface device, or both, and with the plurality of visual indicators. The response path generator is operable to identify at least one location of the emergency condition within the restricted area based on input data received from the sensor device, the interface device, or both, determine a target path through the pathway to the at least one location of the emergency condition, select output visual signals for the plurality of visual indicators, wherein the output visual signals indicate a desired direction of travel along the target path, instruct each of the plurality of visual indicators to display a directional signal that is specified by the output visual signals. In an example, the response path generator is further operable to identify at least one environmental factor at the restricted area, determine the target path through the pathway based on the at least one environmental factor and the probability of effecting or being effected by the emergency condition. The response path generator may be operable to identify the at least one environmental factor as a wind direction, and determine the target path through the pathway such that the target path is not downwind of location of the emergency condition. The system may include a wind direction sensor, wherein the response path generator may be further operable to identify the wind direction from input received from the wind direction sensor. In an example, the response path generator may be further operable to identify the at least one environmental factor as a flammable material stored at a storage location with the restricted area, and determine the target path through the pathway such that the target path maintains a distance from the storage location. In examples, the system may further comprise a programmable logic controller, wherein the programmable logic controller comprises logic that, when executed, comprises the response path generator. The programmable logic controller may be coupled to each of the plurality of visual indicators. The plurality of visual indicators may include a plurality of traffic light devices. The interface device may comprise a plurality of buttons, switches, or both, and the interface device may be coupled to the programmable logic controller. Each of the plurality of buttons, switches, or both may identify an individual location in the restricted area, and ay activate one of the plurality of buttons, switches, or both indicates the at least one location of the emergency condition. The sensor device may comprise a smoke detector device, a flame detector device, a gas detector device, or a combination thereof. 
     Also described is an emergency responder guidance system for directing emergency responder vehicles in a restricted area, the system including a sensor device, an interface device, or both, disposed in the restricted area and operable to provide an indication of an emergency condition in the restricted area, a plurality of visual indicators each disposed at a plurality of different locations along pathway of the restricted area, and a response path generator communicatively coupled with the sensor device, the interface device, or both, and with the plurality of visual indicators, the response path generator operable to identify at least one location of the emergency condition within the restricted area based on input data received from the sensor device, the interface device, or both, identify at least one environmental factor at the restricted area, determine a target path through the pathway to the at least one location of the emergency condition based on the at least one environmental factor and the probability of effecting or being effected by the emergency condition, select output visual signals for the plurality of visual indicators, wherein the output visual signals indicate a desired direction of travel along the target path, and instruct each of the plurality of visual indicators to display a directional signal that is specified by the output visual signals. The response path generator may be further operable to identify the at least one environmental factor as a wind direction, and determine the target path through the pathway such that the target path is not downwind of location of the emergency condition. The system may comprise a wind direction sensor, wherein the response path generator may be further operable to identify the wind direction from input received from the wind direction sensor. In an example, the response path generator may be further operable to identify the at least one environmental factor as a flammable material stored at a storage location with the restricted area, and determine the target path through the pathway such that the target path maintains a distance from the storage location. The sensor device may comprise a smoke detector device, a flame detector device, a gas detector device, or a combination thereof. 
     Further describes is a method for directing vehicles in a restricted area, the method comprising identify at least one location of an emergency condition within the restricted area based on input data received from a sensor device, an interface device, or both, identify at least one environmental factor at the restricted area, determining a target path through pathway of the restricted area based on the at least one location of the emergency condition and on the at least one environmental factor and the probability of effecting or being effected by the emergency condition, select output visual signals for the plurality of visual indicators, wherein the output visual signals indicate a desired direction of travel along the target path, and instructing each of the plurality of visual indicators to display a directional signal that is specified by the output visual signals. 
     Although the concepts of the present disclosure are described herein with primary reference to directing emergency vehicles in restricted areas, it is contemplated that the concepts will enjoy applicability to any directing any vehicles within a restricted area. For example, and not by way of limitation, it is contemplated that the concepts of the present disclosure will enjoy applicability to directing commerce vehicles, traffic in the event of evacuations, or the like. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present disclosure can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which: 
         FIG. 1  schematically depicts an emergency responder guidance system for directing emergency responder vehicles in a restricted area according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 2  schematically depicts an emergency responder guidance system for directing emergency responder vehicles in a restricted residential area with an emergency condition and an environmental factor according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 3  schematically depicts an emergency responder guidance system for directing emergency responder vehicles in a restricted industrial area with an emergency condition and an environmental wind factor blowing from north to south according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 4  schematically depicts an emergency responder guidance system for directing emergency responder vehicles in a restricted industrial area with an emergency condition and an environmental wind factor blowing from south to north according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 5  depicts an emergency responder guidance system for directing emergency responder vehicles in a restricted industrial area comprising four zonal locations with an emergency condition according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 6  schematically depicts an example input and output assignment table for the emergency responder guidance system of  FIG. 5  according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 7  depicts the emergency responder guidance system of  FIG. 5  for directing emergency responder vehicles in a restricted industrial area comprising four zonal locations with an emergency condition in Location A and an environmental factor of wind blowing from north to south according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 8  depicts the emergency responder guidance system of  FIG. 5  for directing emergency responder vehicles in a restricted industrial area comprising four zonal locations with an emergency condition in Location A and an environmental factor of wind blowing from south to north according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 9  depicts the emergency responder guidance system of  FIG. 5  for directing emergency responder vehicles in a restricted industrial area comprising four zonal locations with an emergency condition in Location B and an environmental factor of wind blowing from north to south according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 10  depicts the emergency responder guidance system of  FIG. 5  for directing emergency responder vehicles in a restricted industrial area comprising four zonal locations with an emergency condition in Location B and an environmental factor of wind blowing from south to north according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 11  depicts the emergency responder guidance system of  FIG. 5  for directing emergency responder vehicles in a restricted industrial area comprising four zonal locations with an emergency condition in Location C and an environmental factor of wind blowing from north to south according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 12  depicts the emergency responder guidance system of  FIG. 5  for directing emergency responder vehicles in a restricted industrial area comprising four zonal locations with an emergency condition in Location C and an environmental factor of wind blowing from south to north according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 13  depicts the emergency responder guidance system of  FIG. 5  for directing emergency responder vehicles in a restricted industrial area comprising four zonal locations with an emergency condition in Location D and an environmental factor of wind blowing from north to south according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 14  depicts the emergency responder guidance system of  FIG. 5  for directing emergency responder vehicles in a restricted industrial area comprising four zonal locations with an emergency condition in Location D and an environmental factor of wind blowing from south to north according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and 
         FIG. 15  depicts a flowchart of an example algorithm for directing emergency responder vehicles in a restricted area according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , there is an emergency responder guidance system  100  for directing emergency responder vehicles in a restricted area. The system  100  may comprise a control station  110 , a plurality of visual indicators  130 , a sensor devices  142 , an interface device  140 , and a wind direction sensor  144 . The control station  110  may receive input from the plurality of visual indicators  130 , the sensor devices  142 , the interface device  140 , the wind direction sensor  144 , or other devices. In another aspect, the control station  110  may generate output to control the plurality of visual indicators  130  based on received input. For example, the control station  110  may identify at least one location of an emergency condition within the restricted area based on input data received from the sensor devices  142 , the interface device  140 , or both. The control station  110  may determine a target path through the pathway to the at least one location of the emergency condition and may select an output visual signal for at least one of the plurality of visual indicators  130 , wherein the output visual signal indicates a desired direction of travel along the target path. The control station  110  may further instruct the at least one of the plurality of visual indicators  130  to generate the output visual signal. 
     The control station  110  may comprise a computing device, such as a personal computing device, server computing device, mobile computing device, smart phone, tablet computer, wearable device, set top box, or the like. Such computing devices may include various other devices that may comprise hardware and/or software (e.g., program threads, processes, computer processors, non-transitory memory devices, etc.). It is noted that such computing device may perform some or all functions described herein. Additionally, control station  110  may represent a plurality of computing devices communicatively coupled together. The control station  110  may comprise a non-transitory computer-readable medium and may communicate via networks embodied as hardware, software, and/or firmware, according to embodiments shown and described herein. In embodiments, the control station  110  may include hardware, software, and/or firmware. In at least some embodiments, the control station  110  may be configured as a special purpose computer designed specifically for performing the functionality described herein. 
     The control station  110  may include a controller  114  and a memory component  116 . The memory component  116  may include a data store. The memory component  116  may be configured as volatile and/or nonvolatile memory and, as such, may include random access memory (including SRAM, DRAM, and/or other types of random access memory), flash memory, registers, compact discs (CD), digital versatile discs (DVD), and/or other types of storage components. Additionally, the memory component may be configured to store operating logic  118  and a response path generator  120  (each of which may be embodied as a computer program (i.e., computer readable instructions), firmware, or hardware, as an example). 
     The controller  114  may include programmable logic controller, processing component, or the like that may be configured to receive and execute computer readable instructions (such as from memory component  116 ). It is noted that the controller  114  may include the memory component  116  as internal memory, external memory, or both. For instance, a programmable logic controller may include memory component  116  that may store operating logic  118  that may comprise the response path generator  120 . 
     As described herein, the control station  110  may communicate to other devices via a network, such as through network hardware that may include any wired or wireless networking hardware, such as a modem, LAN port, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) card, WiMax card, mobile communications hardware, and/or other hardware for communicating with other networks. For instance, the controller  114  may include one or more network interface devices that allow the controller  114  to communicate with the plurality of visual indicators  130 , the sensor devices  142 , the interface device  140 , and the wind direction sensor  144 , each of which may be communicatively coupled to the controller  114  via network interface devices. 
     In another aspect, the control station  110  may include input/output hardware  112 , which may include a monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, camera, microphone, speaker, and/or other device for receiving, sending, and/or presenting data. For example, the input/output hardware  112  may include the interface device  140 . The interface device  140  may be located at or within the control station  110 , at other locations within a restricted area, or the like. It is noted that the interface device may be coupled to the controller  114 . The interface device  140  may comprise a plurality of buttons, switches, or both. The interface device  140  may comprise an electronic display (e.g., touch screen), or the like, with a graphical user interface that may be configured to provide digital buttons or tokens in other forms (e.g., drop down lists, radio buttons, etc.). 
     According to examples, each button or switch of the interface device  140  may represent a location within a restricted area, where the restricted area may be divided into a plurality of zones or locations. The response path generator  120  may store in memory a location assignment for each button or switch of the interface device  140 . A user may activate a button or switch of the interface device  140  to indicate that the location associated with the activated button or switch currently has an emergency condition. For instance, a user may press a button, toggle a switch, interact with an electronic display, or the like. 
     The interface device  140  may be located at a central location, such as a control room. In the event of an emergency, an operator may access the control room and interact with the interface device  140  to identify the location of the emergency condition. It is noted that the interface device  140  may be disposed in other locations, distributed in a plurality of locations, distributed on a plurality of devices, or the like. For example, buttons or switches may be disposed at a plurality of locations throughout a restricted area. This may allow operators to interact with the interface device  140  when at various locations in a restricted area. In other examples, the interface device  140  may be comprised on wireless, handheld, or other devices. As an example, a handheld computing device (e.g., smart phone, remote controller, etc.) may include the interface device  140 . 
     In response to activation of one or more switches or buttons of the interface device  140 , the response path generator  120  may determine a location of an emergency condition. For example, the response path generator  120  may monitor the states of each switch or button of the interfaced device  140 . Upon activation of a switch or button assigned to a particular location in a restricted area, the response path generator  120  determines that the location is associated with an emergency condition. In at least some examples, the response path generator  120  may include a confirmation interface switch or button which may be activated by a user to confirm that an emergency condition has or is occurring at a particular location. The confirmation interface switch or button may reduce false or inadvertent activation. By way of an example, if a switch or button is activated by a user, the control station  110  may generate an alert that the switch or button has been activated, a user may be required to activate the confirmation interface switch or button to confirm that the emergency condition is present. Further, some embodiments may include a timer failsafe. The timer failsafe may provide a time period in which a user must confirm the emergency condition has or is occurring. If the user fails to confirm whether the emergency condition has or is occurring within the time period, the timer failsafe may default to confirm the emergency condition has or is occurring. 
     The plurality of visual indicators  130  may comprise lights, such as light emitting diodes (“LEDs”), traffic direction lights, display screens, or the like. It is further noted that the plurality of visual indicators  130  may include other devices such as mechanical traffic devices (e.g., gates, motorized signage, etc.). The plurality of visual indicators  130  may be communicatively coupled to the controller  114  to send, receive, or send and receive information to or from the controller  114 . As described herein, the control station  110  may send control signals to control the plurality of visual indicators  130 . The plurality of visual indicators  130  may direct emergency responder vehicles from an entry point of the restricted area to a location of an emergency condition within the restricted area. 
     The visual indicators  130  may each comprise one or more lights or groups of lights, such as light  132 , light  134 , and light  136 . It is noted that each traffic direction light of the visual indicators  130  may comprise other or different lights. Moreover, while embodiments described herein may reference a particular color light as examples, any color light, multi-color LEDs, or other lights may be utilized. 
     According to at least one embodiment, each traffic direction light of the visual indicators  130  may include light  132  comprising at least one red directional arrow, light  134  comprising at least one red no access signal, and light  136  comprising at least one green directional arrow. Each traffic direction light of the visual indicators  130  may receive control input signals from the controller  114  that may cause one or more of light  132 , light  134 , and light  136  to illuminate. The response path generator  120  may determine the state for each of light  132 , light  134 , and light  136  as described herein. 
     Directional arrows may include straight arrows, perpendicular right turn arrows, perpendicular left turn arrows, sharp right turn arrows, sharp left turn arrows, slight right turn arrows, slight left turn arrows, compound turn arrows, or the like. In some instances, the directional arrows may include shapes, symbols, or tokens other than arrows, such as solid red or green circles, lines, or the like. Embodiments may be adapted for local customs, languages, or the like. 
     The visual indicators  130  may be disposed along pathway of a restricted area. The pathway may include roads, walkways, bridges, tunnels, parking facilities, or the like. In at least some examples, the visual indicators  130  may be disposed at each intersection of a restricted area, at intervals (e.g., set distances, etc.), at high visibility locations, or other locations. Accordingly, the visual indicators  130  may identify target pathway to a location of an emergency condition for emergency responder vehicles as will be described in more detail below. 
     The sensor devices  142  may comprise one or more sensors disposed throughout a restricted area. It is noted that the sensor devices  142  may be associated with a particular location of the restricted area. For instance, the sensor devices  142  may be communicatively coupled to the controller  114 . The controller  114  may store in memory, such as in memory component  116 , location assignments for each of the sensor devices  142 . In some examples, the location of the sensor devices  142  may be determined based on the sensor devices  142  being wired to particular inputs, including identifiers, including position identifying devices (e.g., GPS devices, RFID devices, wireless tags, etc.), or the like. 
     The sensor devices  142  may include devices that detect one or more particular emergency conditions, such as smoke detector devices, a flame detector devices, thermal detector devices, gas detector devices, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the sensor devices  142  may include audio devices, optical devices (e.g., cameras, etc.), or the like. For instance, a camera may capture images or video of a location. The controller  114  or another controller may analyze the captured images or video to identify an emergency condition through image or pattern recognition, artificial intelligence algorithms, or the like. As an example, a camera may be disposed to capture images of a location within a restricted area. The images may be processed to identify flames, smoke, or other objects that may indicate the presence of an emergency condition. 
     According to at least one example, the sensor devices  142  may identify or measure environmental factors that may have a probability of effecting or being effected by the emergency condition. Such factors may include wind direction (which may be identified by a wind direction sensor  144 ), presence of potentially hazardous or flammable material, obstructions in pathway, or the like. In an example, the sensor devices  142  may include wireless devices, such as receivers, transceivers, or the like. The wireless devices may interact with wireless tags (e.g., RFID tags, NFC tags, etc.) to identify the location, presence, or absence of a wireless tag. The wireless tags may be attached to or included within objects, packaging, storage, equipment, or materials. 
     As an example, wireless tags may be attached to storage containers containing flammable material. The wireless devices may identify the presence of the storage containers and may provide the location to the controller  114 . As described in more detail herein, the response path generator  120  may utilize the location of the flammable material to determine a target path through the pathway to a location of an emergency condition based on the location of the flammable material. 
     In another example, wireless tags may be attached to equipment which may block or obstruct a pathway during operation. Should an emergency occur and while the equipment is in the pathway and cannot be moved for safety concerns or other reasons, the wireless device may identify the presence of the equipment and may provide the location to the controller  114 . As described in more detail herein, the response path generator  120  may utilize the location of the equipment to determine a target path through the pathway to a location of an emergency condition. 
     It is noted that environmental factors may be identified by other mechanisms, such as by user input, storing locations in memory, identifying locations during programing of the controller  114 , or the like. In some embodiments, environmental factors may be ignored, overridden, or the like. For instance, a user may provide input to the interface device  140  or input/output hardware  112  that causes the response path generator  120  to determine a target path regardless of the environmental factors. This may occur when risks associated with an emergency condition overrides risks imposed by environmental factors. 
     According to at least some examples, the response path generator  120  may be configured to operate in a manual mode or an automatic mode. For instance, in an automatic mode, the response path generator  120  may determine a target path in response to receiving input from sensor devices  142 , which may identify a location and/or type of emergency condition. The response path generator  120  may then instruct the plurality of visual indicators  130  to appropriately display directional arrows according to the target path without requiring any user interaction. In other examples, the response path generator  120  may operate in the manual mode that requires at least some user input, such as a user identifying a location or type of an emergency condition, confirming an emergency condition, or the like. 
     Moreover, embodiments may provide weights to environmental factors, probability of effecting the emergency condition, and estimated time for response vehicles due to the increase for avoiding the emergency condition. In some examples, response path generator  120  may utilize artificial intelligence, statistical models, or other processes and/or algorithms. In various embodiments, systems and methods may utilize other directed and undirected model classification approaches include, e.g., naïve Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neural networks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification models providing different patterns of independence. 
     As described herein, embodiments may eliminate or reduce human error during emergencies, reduce time for responders to arrive at a location, and generally improve emergency response to emergency conditions. For instance, embodiments may allow for configuration according to response plans prior to an emergency. In the event of an emergency, the response plan may be carried out without deviation. Moreover, embodiments may provide for comprehensive guidance for different scenarios to secure safe routes for the external emergency responders. In at least one aspect, described systems and methods may reduce or eliminate the need for humans to directed traffic at locations, such as with flags or the like. This may reduce the risk to those directing traffic as well as allow those individuals to assist in other tasks during emergencies. 
     It should be understood that the components illustrated in  FIG. 1  are examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. More specifically, while the components in  FIG. 1  are illustrated as residing within the control station  110 , this is a non-limiting example. In some embodiments, one or more of the components may reside external to the control station  110 . The control station  110  may include similar hardware, software, and/or firmware. Further aspects of the control station  110  will be described herein. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2  with reference to  FIG. 1 , the emergency responder guidance system  100  for directing emergency responder vehicles is illustrated within a restricted area  200  with an emergency condition  210  and an environmental factor  212 . Aspects of the emergency responder guidance system  100  of  FIG. 1  may be utilized to direct emergency responder vehicle  208  to the emergency condition  210  within the restricted area  200 . Additionally,  FIG. 2  illustrates the plurality of visual indicators  130  as including first visual indicator  230 , second visual indicator  232 , third visual indicator  234 , fourth visual indicator  236 , and fifth visual indicator  238 . While the restricted area  200  is depicted as a restricted residential area, the emergency responder guidance system  100  may be deployed in any other appropriate restricted area, such as in college campuses, industrial plants, airports, populated/restricted areas that may cause delay to rescuers during emergency, industrial facilities, or the like. 
     The control station  110  of  FIG. 1  may be disposed in a gateway  202 . The gateway  202  may comprise a controlled entry to a pathway  206 . In examples, an operator may monitor the gateway and selectively allow entry into the restricted area. The operator may further interact with aspects of the control station  110 , such as input/output hardware  112  and interface device  140 . 
     The restricted area  200  may be organized or otherwise divided into an appropriate number of zones of locations. For examples, the restricted area  200  may be divided into location A  250 , location B  252 , location C  254 , and location D  256 . It is noted that the other different zoned locations may be utilized and the locations are provided as examples. In examples, the division and assignment of the locations may be performed by an operator or technician. As described herein, interface device  140  may include a switch or button for each zone. Activation of a switch or button generates an emergency condition signal identifying that a location of an emergency condition  210  within the restricted area  200 . In some examples, sensor devices  142  may be utilized to identify the emergency condition  210 . In the illustrated example, the emergency condition  210  may comprise a fire. The location of the fire is illustrated in location B  252 . The operator may utilize interface device  140  to activate a button or switch assigned to location B  252 . In some examples, the interface device  140  may comprise an electronic display providing a graphical user interface, such as a computer monitor providing a map of the restricted area  200 . The operator may press the map at the location of the emergency condition  210 . 
     Moreover, in some embodiments, the response path generator  120  may identify a type of an emergency condition  210 , such as a medical emergency, a fire, a police/safety emergency, or the like. The response path generator  120  may identify the type based on input provided by the input/output hardware  112 , interface device  140 , sensor devices  242 , or the like. For example, an operator may activate a switch/button, select an emergency type on an electronic display, or the like. In another example, the sensor devices  242  may provide input to the response path generator  120  to indicate the type of emergency, such as a gas leak, fire, or the like. 
     The response path generator  120  may determine a target path  292  from the gateway  202  to the location of the emergency condition  210  through the pathway  206 . The pathway  206  may provide any number of roads, intersections, or the like in which the emergency responder vehicle  208  may travel. By identifying the target path  292 , the response path generator  120  may reduce time for the emergency responder vehicle  208  to arrive at the emergency condition  210  as well as reduce potential complications, such as avoiding the smoke (e.g., environmental factor  212 ) from a fire. 
     The response path generator  120  may determine the target path  292  through pathway  206  based on received input, such as the location of the emergency condition  210 , the environmental factor  212 , a type of the emergency condition  210 , input from sensor devices  142 , or the like. By way of example, the response path generator  120  may identify the target path  292  to avoid being downwind of the emergency condition  210  when the emergency condition  210  is identified as a fire. If the response path generator  120  identifies the emergency condition  210  as a condition that is not effected by wind condition (e.g., medical emergency), the response path generator  120  may determine the quickest path to the emergency condition  210  as the target path. It is noted that embodiments may utilize other criteria to select the target path  292 , such as number of turns, dimensions of the pathway  206 , dimensions of structures (e.g., bridges, tunnels, etc.), or the like. 
     In response to identifying the target path  292 , the response path generator  120  may select an output visual signal for each of first visual indicator  230 , second visual indicator  232 , third visual indicator  234 , fourth visual indicator  236 , and fifth visual indicator  238 . In examples, the response path generator  120  may identify the target path  292  as a plurality of output signals or control signals that define states of the plurality of visual indicators  130 . For example, the response path generator  120  may determine directional arrows to be illuminated in a color, directional arrows that are not to be illuminated, or other symbols to be illuminated. 
     In the illustrated example, the response path generator  120  determines to direct the emergency responder vehicle  208  in the target path  292  that is the fastest or most direct path that is not downwind of the emergency condition  210 . The response path generator  120  instructs the first visual indicator  230  to illuminate a south pointing (relative to the drawing of  FIG. 2 ) directional arrow to illuminate in a green color, and illuminate other directional arrows in the red color (e.g., east and west directional arrows). It is noted that the response path generator  120  may instruct directional arrows to be not illuminated rather than illuminated in red. It is further noted that operators may be provide input to customize settings. 
     Further to this example, the response path generator  120  may instruct the second visual indicator  232  to illuminate a south western pointing directional arrow in green, and an eastern pointing directional arrow in red. The response path generator  120  instructs the third visual indicator  234  to illuminate a north western pointing directional arrow in green and a western pointing arrow in red, and further instructs the fourth visual indicator  236  to illuminate an eastern pointing directional arrow in green and a northern pointing directional arrow in red. It is further noted that the response path generator  120  instructs the fifth visual indicator  238  to illuminate a “do not enter” symbol in red. Moreover, embodiments may include more, other, or different visual indicators disposed throughout the pathway  206 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3  with reference to  FIG. 1 , the emergency responder guidance system  100  for directing emergency responder vehicles is illustrated within a restricted industrial area  300  with an emergency condition  310  and an environmental factor  312 . Aspects of the emergency responder guidance system  100  of  FIG. 1  may be utilized to direct emergency responder vehicle  208  to the emergency condition  310  within the restricted industrial area  300 . Additionally,  FIG. 3  illustrates the plurality of visual indicators  130  as including first visual indicator  330 , second visual indicator  332 , and third visual indicator  334 . It is noted that the plurality of visual indicators  130  may include other visual indicators, such as visual indicators located at each intersection of a pathway  306 . Moreover, the restricted industrial area  300  is depicted as comprising zonal locations Location A  350 , Location B  352 , Location C  354 , and Location D  356 , Location E  358 . Additional or other zonal locations may be identified. 
     As illustrated, an environmental factor  312  of a wind direction may be measured by a wind direction sensor  144 . The wind direction sensor  144  may provide input to the response path generator  120 . The response path generator  120  may identify a location of an emergency condition  310  based on input from a user (e.g., via interface device  140 ), automatically from the sensor devices  142 , or the like. The response path generator  120  may determine a target path  392  to direct the emergency responder vehicle  208  to the emergency condition  310  based at least in the environmental factor  312  of wind blowing from north to south. This may allow emergency responders responding to a fire to avoid driving through smoke. For instance, the response path generator  120  may identify the location of the emergency condition as Location E  358  and a wind direction as north to south. Based on the wind direction and the location, the response path generator  120  may determine the target path  392  to avoid areas of potential smoke and may direct the emergency responder vehicle  208  to approach the emergency condition  310  from a northern path that is upwind of the emergency condition. 
     In the illustrated example, the first visual indicator  330 , second visual indicator  332 , and third visual indicator  334  each comprise entry lights (green circle) and no-entry lights (red no entry symbol). The response path generator  120  instructs each of the first visual indicator  330 , second visual indicator  332 , and third visual indicator  334  to illuminate appropriate entry lights and no-entry lights, such that the emergency responder vehicle  208  may be directed to the emergency condition  310  and may avoid the environmental factor  312 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the emergency responder guidance system  100  for directing emergency responder vehicles is illustrated within the restricted industrial area  300  with the emergency condition  310  and the environmental factor  312  of a wind direction blowing south to north. Additionally or alternatively, the restricted industrial area  300  includes an additional environmental factor of an obstacle  302  disposed in part of the pathway  306 . The restricted industrial area  300  may determine the target path  392  to the emergency condition to avoid the obstacle  302  and avoid being downwind of the emergency condition  310 . 
       FIG. 5  depicts the emergency responder guidance system  100  for directing emergency responder vehicles in a restricted area  500  comprising four zonal locations. In an aspect, the restricted area  500  may be divided into accessible zonal locations, such as Location A  550 , Location B  552 , Location C  554 , and Location D  556 . The locations may be labeled with any token (e.g., symbol, color, alpha-numerical characters, etc.) as appropriate. The restricted area  500  may include a pathway  506  that may allow an emergency responder vehicle (e.g., emergency responder vehicle  208  of  FIG. 2 ) to navigate to each of the locations. A plurality of visual indicators  130  may be disposed at intersections, entry points, or other positions along the pathway  506 . For instance, the plurality of visual indicators  130  may include visual indicators  530 ,  532 ,  534 ,  536 ,  538 ,  540 ,  542 ,  544 ,  546 , and  548 . As described herein, the response path generator  120  may control the plurality of visual indicators  130  as leading indicators to the location of an emergency condition. 
     In at least one embodiments the response path generator  120  may utilize a Karnaugh map (e.g., K-map) configuration as a model for determining target response paths. In a K-map configuration, possible inputs and outputs may determine the state of each of the plurality of visual indicators  130 , such that a particular combination of inputs may result in a predictable state for each of the plurality of visual indicators  130 , which may enable identification of a target path based on the states each of the plurality of visual indicators  130 . It is noted that other models, tables, or the like may be utilized by the response path generator  120 . 
     Referencing to  FIG. 6 , while referring to  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 6  schematically depicts an example input and output assignment table  620  for the emergency responder guidance system  100  including the visual indicators  530 ,  532 ,  534 ,  536 ,  538 ,  540 ,  542 ,  544 ,  546 , and  548  according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. The assignment table  620  may include light state  624  for the visual indicators  530 ,  532 ,  534 ,  536 ,  538 ,  540 ,  542 ,  544 ,  546 , and  548 . The light state may include a color for illumination, a directional arrow, a symbol, or the like. In the illustrated example, each of visual indicators  530 ,  532 ,  534 ,  536 ,  538 ,  540 ,  542 ,  544 ,  546 , and  548  includes a not illuminated state (e.g., both red and green off), a green illuminated state, and a red illuminated state. The response path generator  120  may receive an input defining a location of an emergency condition at  610 , such as via a button or switch activation. At  612  the response path generator  120  may receive input identifying a north to south wind, and at  614 , the response path generator  120  may receive input identifying a south to north wind. Based on the inputs, the response path generator  120  may identify a target path defined by green directional arrows. 
     It is noted that other inputs may be provided such as other wind directions (e.g., east to west, or combinations of cardinal directions), input to disregard wind direction, sensor device input, or the like. Moreover, the response path generator  120  may determine any number of appropriate states to assign to visual indicators  530 ,  532 ,  534 ,  536 ,  538 ,  540 ,  542 ,  544 ,  546 , and  548 . 
       FIGS. 7-14  depict various examples of differing locations of emergency conditions and differing environmental factors. In  FIG. 7 , the emergency condition  310  in Location A  550  and an environmental factor  312  of wind blowing from north to south. It is noted that the output assignment table  620  of  FIG. 6  illustrates the states of the visual indicators  530 ,  532 ,  534 ,  536 ,  538 ,  540 ,  542 ,  544 ,  546 , and  548  in  FIG. 7 .  FIG. 8  depicts the emergency condition  310  in location A  550  and an environmental factor  312  of wind blowing from south to north. As can be seen, the response path generator  120  may select the target path  592  to avoid potential smoke from the wind direction. 
     In  FIG. 9 , the emergency condition  310  in Location B  550  and an environmental factor  312  of wind blowing from north to south.  FIG. 10  depicts the emergency condition  310  in Location B  550  and an environmental factor  312  of wind blowing from south to north. As can be seen, the response path generator  120  may select the target path  592  to avoid potential smoke from the wind direction. 
     In  FIG. 11 , the emergency condition  310  in Location C  550  and an environmental factor  312  of wind blowing from north to south.  FIG. 12  depicts the emergency condition  310  in Location C  550  and an environmental factor  312  of wind blowing from south to north. As can be seen, the response path generator  120  may select the target path  592  to avoid potential smoke from the wind direction. 
     In  FIG. 13 , the emergency condition  310  in Location D  550  and an environmental factor  312  of wind blowing from north to south.  FIG. 14  depicts the emergency condition  310  in Location D  550  and an environmental factor  312  of wind blowing from south to north. As can be seen, the response path generator  120  may select the target path  592  to avoid potential smoke from the wind direction. 
     In view of the subject matter described herein, methods that may be related to various embodiments may be better appreciated with reference to the flowchart of  FIG. 15 . The flow chart of  FIG. 15  depicts a method  1500  for directing emergency responder vehicles in a restricted industrial area. While the methods are shown and described as a series of blocks, it is noted that associated methods or processes are not limited by the order of the blocks. It is further noted that some blocks and corresponding actions may occur in different orders or concurrently with other blocks. Moreover, different blocks or actions may be utilized to implement the methods described hereinafter. Various actions may be completed by one or more of users, mechanical machines, automated assembly machines (e.g., including one or more processors or computing devices), or the like. 
       FIG. 15  depicts a flowchart of non-limiting method  1500  associated with directing emergency responder vehicles in a restricted industrial area, according to various aspects of the subject disclosure. As an example, method  1500  may direct emergency responder vehicles in a restricted industrial area to respond to an emergency location at a zonal location. 
     At  1502 , a system, such as system  100  or  500 , may identify at least one location of an emergency condition within a restricted area based on input date received from a sensor device, an interface device, or both. Identifying the at least one location of the emergency condition may include receiving input from an interface device, a sensor device, or both. In examples, a controller may identify received input and determine a location based on an assignment stored in memory, an identifier received from the input, location information received from the input, or the like. 
     At  1504 , a system may, determine a target path through the pathway to the at least one location of the emergency condition. Determining the target path through the pathway may include determining the target path based on the location of an emergency condition. In some examples, the system may determine a target path based on environmental factors, user preferences (e.g., quickest time, fewest turns, avoidance of particular locations, etc.), input provided from a user (e.g., user override, etc.), a combination thereof, or the like. 
     At  1506 , a system may select an output visual signal for at least one of the plurality of visual indicators, wherein the output visual signal indicates a desired direction of travel along the target path. Selecting the output visual signal may include identifying the output visual signal from an output table or the like. 
     At  1508 , a system may instruct the at least one of the plurality of visual indicators to generate the output visual signal. In examples, the system may include a network and/or network interfaces that may allow a controller to communicate with the plurality of visual indicators. The controller may transmit the instruction to the plurality of visual indicators over the network. It is noted that the plurality of visual indicators may receive the instruction and illuminate one or more appropriate lights. 
     For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention, it is noted that reference herein to a variable being a “function” of a parameter or another variable is not intended to denote that the variable is exclusively a function of the listed parameter or variable. Rather, reference herein to a variable that is a “function” of a listed parameter is intended to be open ended such that the variable may be a function of a single parameter or a plurality of parameters. 
     It is also noted that recitations herein of “at least one” component, element, etc., should not be used to create an inference that the alternative use of the articles “a” or “an” should be limited to a single component, element, etc. 
     It is noted that recitations herein of a component of the present disclosure being “configured” or “programmed” in a particular way, to embody a particular property, or to function in a particular manner, are structural recitations, as opposed to recitations of intended use. More specifically, the references herein to the manner in which a component is “configured” or “programmed” denotes an existing physical condition of the component and, as such, is to be taken as a definite recitation of the structural characteristics of the component. 
     It is noted that terms like “preferably,” “commonly,” and “typically,” when utilized herein, are not utilized to limit the scope of the claimed invention or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the claimed invention. Rather, these terms are merely intended to identify particular aspects of an embodiment of the present disclosure or to emphasize alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention it is noted that the terms “substantially” and “approximately” are utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The terms “substantially” and “approximately” are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue. 
     Having described the subject matter of the present disclosure in detail and by reference to specific embodiments thereof, it is noted that the various details disclosed herein should not be taken to imply that these details relate to elements that are essential components of the various embodiments described herein, even in cases where a particular element is illustrated in each of the drawings that accompany the present description. Further, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, including, but not limited to, embodiments defined in the appended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of the present disclosure are identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these aspects. 
     It is noted that one or more of the following claims utilize the term “wherein” as a transitional phrase. For the purposes of defining the present invention, it is noted that this term is introduced in the claims as an open-ended transitional phrase that is used to introduce a recitation of a series of characteristics of the structure and should be interpreted in like manner as the more commonly used open-ended preamble term “comprising.”