GB2512125A

GB2512125A - A Remotely Controlled Sign

Info

Publication number: GB2512125A
Application number: GB1305232.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Philip David Hayton
Original assignee: Westcotec Ltd
Current assignee: Westcotec Ltd
Priority date: 2013-03-21
Filing date: 2013-03-21
Publication date: 2014-09-24
Anticipated expiration: 2033-03-21
Also published as: GB201305232D0; GB2512125B

Abstract

A remotely controlled sign 1 comprising a communication interface with an antenna and a modem for receiving a signal where the communication interface incorporates a detector for detection of a control signal. The sign 1 further comprises a processor for processing said signal and for switching the sign ON/OFF for defined time periods where said processor incorporates a programmable calendar dependent on said signal and whereby the sign is selectively switched ON/OFF dependent on the programmable calendar for defined time periods. Propagation of the signal may be initiated via the internet and the communication interface may have an encryption module since the signal may be encrypted. The sign may have a universal serial bus (USB) and/or RS232 port and the sign may also have one or more field effect transistors (FETs). A method of communication between a remotely controlled sign and an internet user comprises the steps of initiating the propagation of a signal via the internet and detecting a web-based signal at the sign and then programming a calendar dependent upon the detected signal and processing a signal containing ON/OFF information and then selectively switching ON/OFF a sign dependent upon said programmable calendar for defined time periods.

Description

A Remotely Controlled Sign

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to controllable road signs, communication interfaces and methods of communication.

BackRround to the Invention The closest prior art known to the applicant are road signs which alert drivers or other passers-by to certain hazards, such as children crossing roads before arriving at or after leaving school. These types of sign may also be used to alert drivers of adverse driving conditions, such as icy roads. Signs like these may only need to be activated at particular times and for varying time periods.

The selective activation of known signs is carried out manually using a control module on the sign incorporating a display panel, buttons and ports. The disadvantage of these signs is that an operator must go to the location of the sign in order to activate or deactivate it.

This is time consuming and requires the employment of an operator to change the activation status of the sign.

It is thus the object of the current invention to provide a sign which seeks to alleviate this problem.

Summary of the Invention

In a first broad independent aspect the invention provides a remotely controlled sign comprising a communication interface with an antenna and a modem for receiving a signal; said communication interface incorporating a detector for detection of a control signal; and a processor for processing said signal and for switching said sign ON/OFF for defined time periods; said processor incorporating a programmable calendar dependent on said signal; whereby said sign is selectively switched ON/OFF dependent on said programmable calendar for defined time periods.

This configuration provides the advantage of programming a calendar from a remote location which can then selectively activate the sign at particular times and for varying time periods. As a result, there is no need for an operator to go to the exact location of the sign in order to program its activation. Additionally, as it can be programmed remotely, the sign andlor its control system can exist as a closedlsealed unit. It might even avoid moisture from entering the sign during manual programing. This would potentially ftirthcr reduce corrosion.

Preferably, the propagation of said signal is initiated via the Internet. This configuration provides the advantage of allowing any chosen person to operate the activation of the sign. For example, if the sign relates to a school sign warning drivers of children crossing a road, access to the control of the sign may be assigned to a teacher or caretaker within that school. As a result, the sign can be easily programmed independent of a third party operator, taking into account the individual school's needs. The current invention is not limited to this example.

Preferably, said signal is encrypted; and said communication interface incorporates an encryption module. This configuration provides the advantage of converting the data contained in the signal into a particular form, or language, so that the signal cannot be interfered with by another body.

Preferably, said sign incorporates a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port and/or an R5232 port. This configuration provides the sign with a means for updating the software of the sign, so that efficient control of the sign can be optimised in the future.

Preferably, said sign incorporates one or more Field-effect Transistors (FETs). This configuration provides a quiet unipolar transistor incorporating contacts with a high mean time between failure rate. The transistor will therefore have a long life span.

Preferably, said processor is powered by a 12V external power supply. This configuration provides the advantage of an efficient power supply to the sign to ensure it performs effectively.

In a second broad independent aspect the invention provides a remotely controlled sign according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a control circuit board consisting of a solid state micro-processor, an ON/OFF switch, and one or more Field-effect Transistors. This configuration may allow a sign to be selectively activated using a programmable calendar incorporated in said micro-processor.

Preferably, said control circuit board is enclosed in a resin or is conformally coated. This provides the control circuit with a water proof configuration, which prevents corrosion due to moisture that may collect around the circuit board.

Preferably, said processor is embedded in a waterproof coating. This configuration also provides the processor with a water proof configuration, which may also serve to prevent corrosion due to moisture that may collect around the processor.

In a third broad independent aspect the invention provides a remotely controlled sign according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said communication interface incorporates neither buttons nor a display screen. This configuration allows the sign to be a closed unit, preventing any corrosion due to moisture that would normally enter the control unit/sign. As the sign is remotely programmable, there is no requirement for buttons or a display screen that would be required for manual programming.

In a fourth broad independent aspect the invention provides a method of communication between a remotely controlled sign and an internet user, comprising the steps of: * initiating the propagation of a signal via the Internet; * detecting a web-based signal at said sign; * programming a calendar dependent on said detected signal; * processing a signal containing ON/OFF information; and * selectively switching ON/OFF a sign dependent upon said programmable calendar for defined time periods.

This configuration provides the advantage of programming a calendar from a remote location which can then selectively activate the sign at particular times and for varying time periods. As a result, there is no need for an operator to go to the exact location of the sign in order to program its activation status. Additionally, as it can be programmed remotely, the sign can exist as a closed unit. This prevents any moisture from entering that would enter if the sign was programmed manually, therefore avoiding corrosion.

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the communication interface of the remotely controlled sign.

Detailed Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a remotely controlled sign I comprising a communication interface with an antenna and modem for receiving a signal. In one embodiment, both the antenna and modem sit outside of the main unit of the sign. This configuration allows the optimal detection of a signal. The communication interface also incorporates a control circuit board 2 consisting of a solid state micro-processor, an ON/OFF switch, one or more Field-effect Transistors (FETs), and an encryption module.

These remaining components of the communication interface reside inside a container to be safeguarded from moisture and tampering.

When an operator initiates the propagation of a signal from a device with access to the internet, the signal is sent via the internet to the remotely controlled sign 1. This signal is detected by the antenna of the sign. The modem subsequently modulates the data contained in the propagated signal into a signal that is compatible with the solid state micro-processor of the sign 1. The processor incorporates a calendar which is programmable dependent on the received signal. The calendar determines the ON/OFF status of a switch depending on time period information.

The initial signal will contain information relating to the time the sign I is required to be ON, and the duration for which the sign I must remain ON, before turning OFF.

The communication interface also incorporates an encryption module. The encryption module converts the data contained in the signal into a particular form, or language, so that the signal cannot be interfered with by another body.

The remotely controlled sign 1 additionally incorporates a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port and/or an RS232 port. When an update of the software of the sign is needed, the Universal Serial Bus (USB) port or RS232 port is present to allow a device with a similar USB connection to apply the update.

The remotely controlled sign I also incorporates a 12V external power supply. This external power supply is provided to ensure that the communication interface of the sign 1 performs effectively.

In order to prevent corrosion of the control circuit board 2 through moisture, the control circuit board 2 is enclosed in resin or eonformally coated. The resin or conformal coating provides a water-tight seal around the circuit board 2 to protect it from moisture that may enter the sign 1. However, as the sign 1 can be remotely controlled, the opportunity for moisture to enter the sign 1 will be further reduced as an operator will less frequently need to engage with the body of the sign 1. Additionally, the solid state micro-processor is embedded in waterproof coating. This is provided to further protect the processor from moisture induced corrosion which is present in most signs.

In one embodiment the sign is a school sign placed adjacent to a road, outside of a school, to alert drivers to the possibility of children crossing a road. The sign is switched ON at times when children are likely to be crossing the mad where such a sign is located. When switched ON, the sign incorporates flashing LED lights which may be coloured or shaped to warn a driver. The sign will be required to be OFF during periods where children are not anticipated to be crossing the mad where the sign is located. Therefore, up-to-date programming of the sign is required to provide fbr changes in school schedule and thus the periods where children will be crossing. Moreover, a remotely programmable sign can be easily switched ON for additional periods of time where children are likely to be crossing, aside from typical times when they arrive or leave school, such as a weekend flit.

In one embodiment, the sign body stands on top of; otis attached to, a post. This places thc sign at an optimum height in order fbr drivers to sce thc sign as thcy approach thc area.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A remotely controlled sign comprising a communication interface with an antenna and a modem for receiving a signal; said communication interface incorporating a detector for detection of a control signaL; and a processor for processing said signaL and for switching said sign ON/OFF for defined time periods; said processor incorporating a programmable calendar dependent on said signaL; whereby said sign is selectively switched ON/OFF dependent on said programmabLe caLendar for defined time periods.
2. A remotely controlled sign according to claim 1, wherein the propagation of said signal is initiated via the Internet.
3. A remotely controlled sign according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said signal is encrypted; and said communication interface incorporates an encryption module.
4. A remotely controlled sign according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said sign incorporates a UniversaL Serial Bus (USB) port and/or an RS232 port.
5. A remotely controlled sign according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said sign incorporates one or more FieLd-effect Transistors (FET5).
6. A remotely controlled sign according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said processor is powered by a 1 2V external power supply.
7. A remotely controlled sign according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a control circuit board consisting of a solid state micro-processor, an ON/OFF switch,and one or more FieLd-effect Transistors.
8. A remotely controlled sign according to claim 7, wherein said control circuit board is enclosed in a resin or conformally coated.
9. A remotely controlled sign according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said processor is embedded in a waterproof coating.
10. A remoteLy controLLed sign according to any of the preceding cLaims, wherein said communication interface incorporates neither buttons nor a display screen.
11. A method of communication between a remoteLy controlLed sign and an internet user, comprising the steps of: * initiating the propagation of a signaL via the Internet; * detecting a web-based signaL at said sign; * programming a caLendar dependent on said detected signaL; * processing a signaL containing ON/OFF information; and * seLectiveLy switching ON/OFF a sign dependent upon said programmabLe caLendar for defined time periods.
12. A remoteLy controLLed sign substantiaLLy as hereinbefore described and/or iLLustrated in any appropriate combination of the accompanying text and/or figure 1.Amendments to the claims have been made as follows:CLAIMS1. A remotely controfted sign comprising a communication interface with an antenna and a modem for receiving a signaL; said communication interface incorporating a detector for detection of said signal1 and a processor for processing said signaL and for switching said sign ON/OFF for defined time periods; said processor incorporating a programmabLe caLendar dependent on said signaL; whereby said sign is selectively switched ON/OFF dependent on said programmable caLendar for defined time periods; and wherein said sign incorporates a controL circuit board which is endosed in a resin or conformally coated.2. A remotely controLled sign according to daim 1, wherein propagation of said signaL is initiated via the Internet.3. A remoteLy controLLed sign according to cLaim 1 or cLaim 2, wherein said signaL is encrypted; and said communication interface incorporates an encryption moduLe.(0 4. A remotely controLled sign according to any of the preceding daims, wherein said sign incorporates a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port and/or an R5232 port.5. A remotely controLLed sign according to any of the preceding daims, wherein said sign incorporates one or more Field-effect Transistors (FET5).6. A remotely controLLed sign according to any of the preceding daims, wherein said processor is powered by a 1 2V external power suppLy.7. A remotely controLLed sign according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said controL circuit board consists of a soLid state processor) an ON/OFF switch, and oneor more FieLd-effect Transistors.8. A remotely controLLed sign according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said processor is embedded in a waterproof coating.9. A remotely controlled sign according to any of the preceding daims, wherein said communication interface incorporates neither buttons nor a display screen.10. A method of communication between a remotely controlled sign in accordance with any of the preceding cLaims and an internet user) comprising the steps of: a. initiating the propagation of a signaL via the Internet; b. detecting a signaL initiated via the internet, at said sign; c. programming a caLendar dependent on said detected signaL; d. processing said signaL containing ON/OFF information; and e. selectively switching ON/OFF said sign dependent upon said programmabLe calendar for defined time periods.11. A remoteLy controLLed sign substantiaLLy as hereinbefore described and/or Is ilLustrated in any appropriate combination of the accompanying text and/or figure