MESSAGE DISPLAY FOR VEHICLES FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 The present invention relates to a message display for vehicles. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Road rage is becoming increasingly prevalent as traffic density in cities across the world 10 increases. Simple errors in driving, such as accidentally cutting off another driver, can lead to aggressive displays of anger and even physical attack. Furthermore, discourteous and aggressive driving behaviour is increasing. For example, motorists who wish to merge into a lane of moving traffic or to change lanes often find that other drivers are not willing to create space to allow the merge or lane change to happen. 15 Psychologists have postulated that part of the reason for aggressive behaviour on the roads and increases in road rage arises from drivers effectively being "cocooned" inside their vehicle and, as a result, there is no or a significantly reduced ability for drivers to communicate with each other. Visual communication indicators, such as facial 20 expressions and body language, of a driver are hidden from other drivers. It is also obviously not possible (in most circumstances) for drivers to verbally communicate with each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 25 In a first aspect, the present invention provides a message display system for a vehicle comprising a message panel for mounting in or on vehicle at a position where the message panel can be seen by other drivers, the message panel displaying one or more messages, and control means for controlling the one or more messages being displayed 30 on the message panel, said control means being responsive to voice commands from a driver or passenger in the vehicle.
2 In some embodiments, the control means is located remotely from the message panel. The message panel may comprise a digital message panel. The digital message panel may 5 comprise an LED panel or a LCD panel. Other digital panels that utilise new or emerging visual display technologies may also be used. The message panel may comprise a stand-alone panel. Alternatively, the message panel may be integrated into a rear window or other window or windscreen of the vehicle. 10 In some embodiments, the message panel comprises a housing containing a display screen. In some embodiments, the message panel includes mounting means for mounting in or on 15 a vehicle at a position where the message panel can be seen by other drivers. The mounting means may comprise mounting means for directly mounting the message panel to a window, such as a rear window, of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the mounting means may comprise, for example, suction cups or adhesive tabs, tapes or strips. If an adhesive is used, a release layer is suitably positioned over the adhesive prior to fixing 20 the message panel to a rear window (or indeed, any other window or windscreen) of the vehicle. In a further embodiment, the mounting means comprises a hook and loop type faster (such as Velcro®), with one element of the hook and loop type faster than being attached to the message panel and the other element being attached to a window of the vehicle (for example, by tape or adhesive). 25 In other embodiments, the mounting means may mount the message panel to another part of the vehicle such that the message panel can be viewed by other drivers. For example, the mounting means may comprise a mounting bracket that mounts the message panel to a rear parcel shelf of vehicle, with the bracket orienting the message panel such that it is 30 easily viewable through the rear window of the vehicle.
3 The message panel may be provided with a memory means for storing a plurality of messages for display on the message panel. The memory means may comprise a non volatile memory means. The memory means may comprise flash memory. Alternatively, the memory means may form part of a small hard disk drive. A number of other computer 5 memories or digital memory systems known to be suitable to a person skilled in the art could also be used. In some embodiments of the present invention, the memory means is pre-programmed with a plurality of messages. The memory means may be arranged such that it is not 10 programmable by the user. In this way, the memory means can be preloaded with non aggressive display messages and it cannot be programmed so that an individual can display aggressive or insulting messages. The message panel may include a power source. In one embodiment, the message panel 15 includes one or more solar panels for generating electric current to power the message panel or to recharge rechargeable batteries that power the message panel. In another embodiment, the message panel is powered by batteries. The message panel may include a "low power" indicator that can be seen by the driver in the event that the batteries are low in power and either need to be recharged or replaced. 20 The control means controls the messages that are being displayed on the message panel. The control means is suitably positioned remotely from the message panel. The control means desirably communicates wirelessly with the message panel. The control means may wirelessly communicate with the message panel using Bluetooth@, infrared, 25 microwave communication or indeed any other suitable communication. Bluetooth wireless communication may be preferred. The control means suitably comprises a voice activated control means. In this manner, simple verbal commands given by a driver or passenger in the vehicle can result in the 30 appropriate message being displayed on the message panel. In some embodiments, in order to activate the control means, it may be necessary to first press an actuation button, 4 followed by giving a verbal command for the voice recognition control message to be sent. In this manner, normal conversation within the vehicle is unlikely to change the message being displayed. In this embodiment, the actuation button may comprise a single actuation button formed on a control panel. 5 The control means is suitably housed in a body adapted to be mounted to the vehicle at a location close to the driver and accessible to the driver. For example, the control means may be mounted to the steering wheel, the dashboard, the centre console or the driver's door of the vehicle. The control means may be provided with appropriate mounting 10 means to enable the control means to be mounted to the vehicle. The mounting means may comprise, for example, suction cups or adhesive tabs, tapes or strips. If an adhesive is used, a release layer is suitably positioned over the adhesive prior to fixing the message panel to a rear window (or indeed, any other window or windscreen) of the vehicle. In a further embodiment, the mounting means comprises a hook and loop type faster (such as 15 Velcro@), with one element of the hook and loop type faster than being attached to the message panel and the other element being attached to the vehicle. The body of the control means may be of a size such that it can be discreetly mounted within the vehicle. For example, the body of the control means may be sized similar to a 20 credit card. Alternatively, the body of the control means may be sized similar to an ice hockey puck. It will be appreciated that the present invention encompasses control means of any size. In some embodiments, the control means includes an actuation button, a small 25 microphone to receive voice activation commands, software to process the voice activation commands and wireless communication technology to transmit the commands to the message panel. The control means may include a power source, such as one more batteries. Alternatively, 30 the control means may be powered from the vehicle. For example, the control means may include a cord for plugging into a cigarette lighter or a power outlet of the vehicle.
5 The message display system of the present invention is intended to reduce road rage and to encourage courteous driving habits. The message display system may be provided with a limited number, such as six or seven, non-aggressive display messages. Suitable 5 messages may include: * MAY I MERGE PLEASE " THANK YOU " SORRY 10 e LEARNER DRIVER * PERFORMING U - TURN e HELP REQUIRED * ENGINE PROBLEM 15 The message display system, in some embodiments, is not able to be programmed by the user. In this manner, the user cannot reprogram the message display system to display aggressive or insulting messages. The message display system includes a voice activated control that enables the driver or passenger of the vehicle to change messages displayed on the message panel without having to avert attention from the road. The voice activated 20 control may require pressing of an actuation button followed by giving of the voice control, so that the message being displayed will not be caused to be changed by normal conversation within the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 25 Figure I shows a front view of a message display panel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a cross sectional view, from above, of the message display panel shown 30 in figure 1; 6 Figure 3 shows a cross sectional view, from the side, of the message display panel shown in figure 1; Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the components of the message display panel shown 5 in figure 1; Figure 5 shows a front view of a control panel for use in an embodiment of the present invention; 10 Figure 6 shows a rear view of the control panel shown in figure 5; and Figure 7 shows a pictorial view of a message display panel in accordance with embodiment of the present invention. 15 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drawings have been provided for the purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, it will be understood that the present invention should not be considered to be limited solely to 20 the features as shown in the attached drawings. The message system of the present invention comprises a message display panel and a controller. A message display panel suitable for use in the message system of the present invention is shown in figures 1 to 4. The message display panel 10 comprises a panel 25 body 12. A front cover 14 is attached to the panel body 12. The front cover 14 includes a clear window 16. A display screen 18 is positioned behind the clear window 16 such that a message displayed on the display screen 18 can be seen through the clear window 16. The display screen 18 suitably comprises an LED display screen. However, other display 30 screens, such as an LCD display screen, could also be used. In the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 4, the display screen 18 is a digital display screen.
7 The front panel 14 includes a second window 20. A solar panel 22 is positioned behind the second window 20. In this manner, any light that this incident upon the second window 20 is converted into electricity by the solar panel 22. 5 In order to power the display screen 18, the message display panel 10 is also provided with rechargeable batteries 24 positioned within a battery compartment 26. A battery cover 28 is used to selectively open and close the battery compartment 26. The rechargeable batteries 24 can be recharged by the solar screen 22. 10 The message display panel 10 is also provided with a control board 30. Control board 30 may be a printed circuit court. Control board 30 contains programming or memory that determines the message that is displayed on the display screen 18. The person skilled in the art will readily understand how such programming or memory operates and therefore 15 it need not be described further. The control board 30 is operatively connected to the display screen 18 by wire or cable 32. As best shown in figure 2, rechargeable batteries 24 are connected to the control board 30 by wire or cable 34. Similarly, the solar panel 22 is electrically connected to the control 20 board 30 by wire 36. This, in turn, allows electricity generated by the solar panel 22 to be used to recharge the rechargeable batteries 24. The electricity generated by solar panel 22 may also be used to directly power the display screen 18. The display panel 10 is also provided with a low-power warning light 38. Low power 25 warning light 38 lights up when the batteries 24 are at a low-power state. This will alert the driver of the vehicle that it is necessary to either change the batteries or to recharge the batteries. As can be seen from figure 3, low power warning light 38 is positioned at a location that is easily seen by the driver of the vehicle. 30 In order to mount the message display panel 10, spaces 40, 42 are provided at either end of the front cover 14. Spaces 40, 42 are large enough to have part of a Velcro attachment 8 attached thereto (for example, the Velcro may be stuck on to the spaces 40, 42 using an appropriate adhesive). The complementary part of the Velcro may be attached to a rear windscreen of the vehicle (again, by using an appropriate adhesive) and the message display panel 10 can then be attached to the rear windscreen of the vehicle using the 5 Velcro attachments. The message display panel 10 eight include a rear cover 44. The message display panel 10 is capable of displaying one or more messages. The control 10 board 30 is suitably preprogrammed with a limited number of courtesy messages. These may include, for example,: * MAY I MERGE PLEASE " THANK YOU 15 0 SORRY * LEARNER DRIVER * PERFORMING U - TURN * HELP REQUIRED * ENGINE PROBLEM 20 The control board 30 is suitably arranged so that the user cannot reprogram any other messages into the control board. This mitigates against the possibility of a user reprogramming the control board such that insulting or rude messages are displayed on the message display panel 10. 25 The message display panel 10 is suitably arranged such that it displays only a single message at a time. The message that is displayed on the display screen 18 is selected by the user. To enable the user to select the message, a controller 50 is provided (see figures 5 and 6). The controller 50 includes a controller body 52. The controller 50 wirelessly 30 communicates with the control board 30 of the message display unit 10. The controller body 52 houses appropriate wireless communications technology to enable the controller 9 50 to wirelessly communicate with the control board 30. Suitably, the wireless communication technology comprises Bluetooth technology. The person skilled in the art will readily understand that there are a number of different wireless communications technology that will enable the control 52 wirelessly communicate with the control board 5 30 and the present invention encompasses all such technologies. The controller 50 is a voice activated controller. In order to enable the controller 50 to send appropriate control signals to the control board 30, an actuation button 54 is provided on the controller 50. In order to control the message that is displayed on the 10 message display panel 10, a user, typically the driver of the vehicle, presses the actuation button 54. This activates the voice actuation technology inside the controller 50. The user then speaks a spoken command that is picked up by microphone 56 on the controller 50. The voice signals received from the microphone are then subject to the appropriate voice recognition or voice processing software to convert the spoken command into a control 15 command that is wirelessly sent to the control board 30. The voice commands that are required may simply be a verbal repeat of the message that the driver or user wishes to display. Alternatively, shortcut commands may be used. For example, the following voice commands may display the appropriate selected message: 20 * "merge" - MAY I MERGE PLEASE * "thanks" - THANK YOU * "sorry" - SORRY * "learner" - LEARNER DRIVER 25 e "U turn" - PERFORMING U - TURN * "help" - HELP REQUIRED " "engine" - ENGINE PROBLEM. It will be understood that the voice recognition or voice processing software can be set up 30 so that appropriate spoken commands will result in display of the appropriate message on the message display panel 10.
10 The controller 50 is desirably mounted in the front part of the passenger compartment of the vehicle, most desirably near the driver. For example, the controller 50 may be mounted to the steering wheel or, even more suitably, to the dashboard or the centre 5 console near the driver. In order to mount the controller 50 to the dashboard or centre console, the rear surface of the controller body 52 can be provided with two Velcro strips 58, 60. The Velcro strips 58, 60 may be mounted to the rear surface of the controller body 52 using an appropriate adhesive. The complementary Velcro strips are mounted to the dashboard or the centre console, again suitably using an appropriate adhesive. The Velcro 10 strips can then be used to mount the controller 50 to the dashboard or centre console vehicle. In order to use the message display system of the present invention, the user, such as the driver of the vehicle, presses the actuation button 54 on the controller 50. The user then 15 speaks the appropriate voice command. This causes the controller to send a wireless control signal to the control board 30 of the message display panel 10. This then results in the appropriate message being selected by the control board 30 and that message is displayed on the display screen 18. 20 The display screen 18 may light up upon receipt of a command from the control board 30 to display a message. The control board 30 might also control the display screen 18 such that the duration of display of the message depends upon the particular message being displayed. For example, the messages "sorry", "thank you" or "May I merge please" may display for a predetermined period of time, such as between 30 seconds and one minute. 25 It will be realised that these messages are likely to be required for display only for relatively short timeframes and therefore controlling the duration of display of those messages will conserve battery power. However, messages such as "learner driver", "help" or "engine problems" are likely to be required to be displayed for an extended period. Accordingly, the control board 30 may keep the display screen 18 lit for an 30 extended period of time when these messages are selected by the user.
1 The user may also have the option of sending an "off' command via the controller 50 in order to turn off the message display panel 10. Figure 7 is a pictorial view of the display panel 10 displaying the message "thank you". 5 Figure 7 shows how the display panel would be viewed by other drivers positioned outside the vehicle to which the display panel mounted. The message display system of the present invention is designed to be easily fitted into existing vehicles without requiring any special tools or skills. The message display 10 system enables a user to select appropriate messages for display on the display panel. The messages are polite and courteous messages that are intended to reduce the incidence of road rage and aggressive driving behaviour. Voice activated control of the message to be selected on the display panel is provided in order to cause minimal distraction to the driver or user of the system. 15 Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It will be understood that the present invention encompasses all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope. 20