AU2014200226A1 - A traffic sign - Google Patents

Abstract

A TRAFFIC SIGN A traffic sign including a display, one or more light sources mounted 5 to the display, and a controller in communication with the one or more light sources. When triggered, the controller gradually changes an intensity of light produced by the one or more light sources from a first intensity to a second intensity. ,'-1/6 ( k C)CN cle) CN (NN C~ o o( C o dN o( o 7 .. L o2 C C

Description

1 TITLE A TRAFFIC SIGN FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 This invention relates generally to a traffic sign, and in particular to a portable illuminated traffic sign. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Portable traffic signs are commonly used by traffic controllers to 10 direct traffic. One such design, frequently referred to as a "lollipop" design, includes a pole and a planar display surface mounted at an upper end of the pole. Commonly, a first side of the display surface includes a STOP symbol, and an opposite side of the display surface includes a SLOW symbol. The traffic sign may be rotated to display either the STOP symbol 15 or the SLOW symbol to oncoming traffic. A problem with this type of design is that the symbols are difficult to see at night, and at times of low visibility. In order to overcome this problem, signs have been developed that have a reflective or luminous display surface, so that headlights of an approaching vehicle make the 20 sign more visible. However, in order to be visible, the vehicle needs to be relatively close. Thus a driver of the vehicle may not see the sign until the vehicle is dangerously close, putting the traffic controller at risk. In order to overcome this problem, signs have been developed to include light sources such as Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), which are 25 easily visible at night. Although such signs are often easily seen from a safe distance, the light sources can be too intense such that the vision of drivers of vehicles close to the sign is adversely affected. Thus there is a need for an improved traffic sign. The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should 30 not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

2 OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object, of some embodiments of the present invention, to provide consumers with improvements and advantages over the above described prior art, and/or overcome and alleviate one or more of the 5 above described disadvantages of the prior art, and/or provide a useful commercial choice. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one form, although not necessarily the only or broadest form, the 10 invention resides in a traffic sign including: a display; one or more light sources mounted to the display; and a controller in communication with the one or more light sources; wherein: 15 when triggered, the controller gradually changes an intensity of light produced by the one or more light sources from a first intensity to a second intensity. The intensity of light produced by the light source may taper or decrease from the first intensity to the second intensity. Alternatively, the 20 intensity of light produced by the light source may gradually increase from the first intensity to the second intensity. Optionally, the display includes a first display surface and a second display surface. A first symbol may be applied to the first display surface, and a second symbol may be applied to a second display surface. The 25 first display surface may be opposite to the second display surface. The first display surface and/or the second display surface may include a lip. Each lip may extend around a circumference of each display surface. In addition, each lip may protrude substantially perpendicularly from a respective display surface. 30 Preferably, the light source is a plurality of LEDs, and the plurality of LEDs is arranged into a symbol. The symbol may be a traffic control symbol such as STOP, and SLOW. Alternatively, the light source is a 3 neon light arranged into a symbol. In another embodiment, the light source is a video display unit, such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display, or an LED backlit LCD, controlled by the controller. 5 Preferably, the trigger is received from a switch. Alternatively, the trigger is received from a speed monitor such as a radar, or a laser speed monitor. Preferably, the controller is mounted to an inside of the display. Preferably, the display is mounted to the support. 10 Preferably, the controller is powered by a power source. The power source may be one or more batteries housed in the support. The traffic sign may be remotely configured using a computing device in wired or wireless communication with the traffic sign. Optionally, a second traffic sign is in wired or wireless 15 communication with a first traffic sign. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, preferred 20 embodiments of the invention are described below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG 1 shows a side view of a traffic sign according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG 2 shows a front view of the traffic sign of FIG 1; 25 FIG 3 shows a rear view of the traffic sign of FIGs 1 and 2; FIG 4 shows a detailed view of a first display surface of the traffic sign of FIG 2; FIG 5 shows a detailed view of a second display surface of the traffic sign of FIG 3; 30 FIG 6 shows a perspective view of the traffic sign according to another embodiment of the present invention; FIG 7 shows a block diagram of part of the traffic sign of FIGs 1-6; 4 FIG 8 shows a graph of intensity of light output from a display of a traffic sign; and FIG 9 shows a diagram of two traffic signs according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Elements of the invention are illustrated in concise outline form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary to understanding the embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to 10 clutter the disclosure with excessive detail that will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present description. In this patent specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, front and back, top and bottom, etc., are used solely to define one element from another element without necessarily requiring a specific 15 relative position or sequence that is described by the adjectives. Words such as "comprises" or "includes" are not used to define an exclusive set of elements or method steps. Rather, such words merely define a minimum set of elements or method steps included in a particular embodiment of the present invention. It will be appreciated that the 20 invention may be implemented in a variety of ways, and that this description is given by way of example only. FIG 1 shows a side view of a traffic sign 10, FIG 2 shows a front view of the traffic sign 10 of FIG 1, and FIG 3 shows a rear view of the traffic sign 10 of FIGs 1 and 2 according to an embodiment of the present 25 invention. Referring to FIGs 1-3, the traffic sign 10 includes a display 20 mounted to a support 30. The support 30 may be a pole with a hollow interior. The support 30 may be telescopic, and may be made from metal or any other suitable material such as plastic in order to reduce a weight of the traffic sign 10. A 30 proximal end of the support 30 includes a foot 31 to cushion the traffic sign 10 when placed on the ground. In addition, the proximal end of the support 5 30 may be releasably attached to a stand (not shown) so that the traffic sign 10 does not need to be held by an operator. A distal end of the support 30 is mounted to the display 20 using suitable fixings, such as bracket with a nut and bolt, or welding for 5 example. In one embodiment, the display 20 is cylindrical in shape. However it should be appreciated that the display 20 may be any suitable shape such as a cube, a cuboid, a prism or a pyramid or any other suitable shape. The display 20 may be made from any metal or lightweight 10 materials such as plastic, and composite materials. The display 20 includes a first display surface 21 and a second display surface 22. Each display surface 21, 22 includes a symbol, for example a traffic control symbol. In one embodiment, a first symbol on the first display surface 21 is a STOP symbol and a second symbol on the second display surface 22 15 is a SLOW symbol. However it should be appreciated that the symbol may be any suitable text or graphic. Each symbol is marked, for example by painting or printing, onto a respective display surface 21, 22. FIG 4 shows a detailed view of the first display surface 21 and FIG 5 shows a detailed view of the second display surface 22 of the traffic sign 20 10. Referring to FIGs 4 and 5, each display surface 21, 22 also includes a light source. In one embodiment, the light source is a plurality of LEDs 23, 24 that are arranged to form an outline of the symbol. Each LED 23, 24 may protrude through a hole in a respective display surface 21, 22. However it should be appreciated that each LED 23, 24 may be formed on 25 the display surface 21, 22, using surface mount LEDs, or in the display surface 21, 22, for example each LED 23, 24 may be moulded into the display surface 21, 22. Alternatively, it should be appreciated that the LEDs 23, 24 may populate an entire display surface 21, 22 to form a visual display unit, such that the background and the symbol are formed 30 from the LEDs 23, 24. It should also be appreciated that the light source may be any other suitable light source such as a neon light source or a fibre optic light source.

6 Although each symbol is shown as being on opposite sides of the display 20, it should be appreciated that both symbols may be formed on a same display surface 21, 22, for example by selecting specific LEDs 23, 24 to form a desired symbol. Alternatively, the light source and the display 5 surface 21, 22 may be any suitable video display unit such as an LCD, LED, or fibre optic display. The LEDs 23 on the first surface 21 may be arranged to form a STOP symbol (a circle of LEDs 23 surrounding LEDs 23 to form the word STOP) as shown in FIG 4. On the second surface 22, the LEDs 24 may 10 be arranged to form a SLOW symbol (a circle of LEDs 24 surrounding LEDs 24 to form the word SLOW), as shown in FIG 5. The LEDs 23, 24 may be various colours, or multi-coloured LEDs, depending on a type of symbol. For example white LEDs 23 may be used for the STOP symbol, and amber LEDs 24 for the SLOW symbol. 15 FIG 6 shows a perspective view of the traffic sign 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, each display surface 21, 22 may include a lip 25, which extends around a circumference of each display surface 21, 22. The lip shields the operator from light emitted from the light source, and being blinded by the light. In 20 one embodiment, each lip 25 protrudes substantially perpendicularly from a respective display surface 21, 22. The light source is connected to, and controlled by a controller 40. FIG 7 shows a block diagram of the part of the traffic sign 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the 25 controller 40 is connected to a switch 41, a power source 42 and the light source, such as the LEDs 23, 24. The controller 40 may be a processor, micro-controller or any other suitable processor. The controller 40 may be a single package or include separate Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), 30 and storage media such as a hard disk drive, a solid state drive or a Secure Digital (SD) card. In addition, the controller 40 may include inputs and outputs. The inputs and outputs may be separate devices or 7 integrated into the processor or micro-controller. In addition, the controller 40 may include wired or wireless communications, such as IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.11 and Bluetooth@ communications. The controller 40 is configured to automatically change an intensity 5 of light output from the light source from a first intensity to a second intensity when a trigger is received. The first intensity may be higher than the second intensity, i.e. the intensity tapers or decreases from the first intensity to the second intensity or the symbols gets dimmer as shown in FIG 8. Alternatively, the intensity may gradually increase from the first 10 intensity to the second intensity. i.e. the symbol gets brighter. Although FIG 8 shows a linear change in intensity, it should be appreciated that the change in intensity may be non-linear or stepped. A rate of change in intensity may be adjusted to suit particular road conditions. The rate may be controlled using hardware, or the rate may be controlled using 15 software. In the case of the LEDs 23, 24, the controller 40 may reduce an intensity of each LED 23, 24, or the controller 40 may selectively power off some LEDs 23, 24 in order to reduce the intensity of the light output. In one embodiment, the intensity of the light output by the light 20 source is tapered when a trigger from the switch 41 is received. The switch 41 may be a rocker type switch. When the switch 41 is depressed in a first position, the intensity of the STOP symbol in the first display surface 21 is changed, and when the switch 41 is depressed in a second position, the intensity of the SLOW symbol is changed. It should also be 25 appreciated the intensity of the light may be manually controlled. The controller 40 is powered by a power source 42, such as batteries. In one embodiment, the batteries are housed inside the hollow interior of the support 30. The power source 42 may include a charger to charge the batteries when the traffic sign 10 is not in use. The charger 30 may connect to a mains power supply, or a solar power source. In another embodiment, the controller 40 may be connected to a speed monitor, such as a radar or a laser speed monitor. The speed 8 monitor may be used detect a vehicle as a trigger for the change in intensity of the light source. In another embodiment, the controller 40 may flash the symbol when the speed is over a certain threshold, for example a speeding vehicle. In some circumstances, the flash function may be 5 manually controlled by an operator, and the display 20 may show a speed of an oncoming vehicle or show a speed limit. In a further embodiment, the traffic sign 10 may be used in a "buddy" arrangement. FIG 9 shows a diagram of two traffic signs 1 GA, 1GB used in a buddy arrangement, according to an embodiment of the present 10 invention. In this arrangement, a second traffic sign 10B is positioned closer to oncoming traffic, upstream of a first traffic sign 10A. The second traffic sign 10B may be identical to the first traffic sign 10A, and may communicate with the first traffic sign 10A using the wired or wireless communications. The second traffic sign 10B may include a speed 15 monitor, and provide the tapering intensity capability, whilst the first traffic sign 10A shows a static symbol. However it should be appreciated that each traffic sign 10A, 10B may be configured in many different ways. In addition, the first traffic sign 10A may include an audible alert to warn workers of an oncoming vehicle. 20 The controller 40 may also include a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit, and store positional and usage data of each traffic sign 10A, 1GB. The positional data may be used to detail an exact position the traffic sign 10A, 1GB was being used (subject to GPS accuracy). The traffic sign 10 may collect additional data such as a number of vehicles and a speed 25 of each vehicle. The data may be downloaded to a central server or web server when the traffic sign 1 GA, 1GB is not being used, for example when being charged. A user may connect to the web server in order to view the data. In addition, firmware of the traffic sign 1 GA, 1GB may be uploaded or downloaded from/to the central server. The connection to the server may 30 be made using any suitable wired or wireless broadband connection, or using cellular communications.

9 In some embodiments, the traffic sign 10 may be remotely controlled and configured, for example, using a personal computer, laptop, tablet computer, smartphone or any other suitable computing device or via the web server. In one embodiment, the traffic sign 10 may be remotely or 5 automatically rotated to orient either the first display surface 21, or the second display surface 22 towards oncoming traffic. In addition, a user of the computing device may trigger the change of intensity of the light output from the light source. In use, the traffic sign 10 is held in a vertical position with a chosen 10 display surface 21, 22 facing a direction of the traffic. As a vehicle approaches, the operator activates the traffic sign 10 by pressing the button 41, and the intensity of the light output is reduced to a pre determined level. An advantage is that vehicles near to a front of a queue are not unduly blinded by the intensity of the light. Another advantage is 15 that accidents at worksites may be reduced as the traffic sign 10 is easier to see. The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention 20 to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of 25 ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this patent specification is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

Claims (20)

1. A traffic sign including: a display; 5 one or more light sources mounted to the display; and a controller in communication with the one or more light sources; wherein: when triggered, the controller gradually changes an intensity of light produced by the one or more light sources from a first 10 intensity to a second intensity.

2. The traffic sign of claim 1 wherein the intensity of light produced by the light source tapers from the first intensity to the second intensity. 15

3. The traffic sign of claim 1 wherein the intensity of light produced by the light source gradually increases from the first intensity to the second intensity.

4. The traffic sign of claim 1 wherein the display includes a first 20 display surface and a second display surface.

5. The traffic sign of claim 4 wherein a first symbol is applied to the first display surface 25

6. The traffic sign of claim 4 wherein a second symbol is applied to a second display surface.

7. The traffic sign of claim 5 wherein the first display surface includes a lip. 30

8. The traffic sign of claim 5 wherein the second display surface includes a lip. 11

9. The traffic sign of claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the lip extends around a circumference of the first display surface and the second display surface. 5

10. The traffic sign of any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein each lip protrudes substantially perpendicularly from a respective display surface.

11. The traffic sign of claim 1 wherein the one or more light sources is a 10 plurality of LEDs.

12. The traffic sign of claim 11 wherein the plurality of LEDs are arranged into a symbol. 15

13. The traffic sign of claim 12 wherein the symbol is a traffic control symbol.

14. The traffic sign of claim 13 wherein the traffic control symbol is a STOP sign. 20 14. The traffic sign of claim 13 wherein the traffic control symbol is a SLOW sign.

15. The traffic sign of claim 1 wherein the trigger is received from a 25 switch.

16. The traffic sign of claim 1 wherein the the trigger is received from a speed monitor. 30

17. The traffic sign of claim 1 wherein the display is mounted to a support. 12

18. The traffic sign of claim 1 wherein the controller is powered by a power source.

19. The traffic sign of claim 18 wherein the power source may be one 5 or more batteries.

20. The traffic sign of claim 19 wherein the one or more batteries are housed in a support for the traffic sign.