or invisible infrared signal to a receiver, which is mounted on or near the traffic signal. When the receiver
detects a recognized signal, the notified (a floodlight mounted on or near the traffic signal) is activated as
the traffic signals change to allow priority access as requested.
Generally, Opticom systems can be installed to simply recognize any confirmed preemption signal. or
they can be further customized and linked to computer-aided dispatch systems that are capable of
identifying which emergency vehicle pre-empted the signal, as well as the time and direction of travel
when the signal was pre-empted. Using this identifying capability, Opticom systems can even be used to
determine preemption priority when two signals are received at the same time. For example, some regions
(Seattle, for example) also use Opticom systems with public transportation, to ensure buses remain on
time, and the priority capability would allow a police car or fire truck to “trump” a bus for the green light.
