GB1229321A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1,229,321. Observation devices; train controlled by radio system. N. HEERING. 12 Dec., 1968 [1 Jan., 1968], No. 191/68. Headings B7J and B7N. [Also in Division G4] In a traffic information system for communicating information to vehicles within predetermined sections along roads or railway lines, a video transmitter 5, 6 is arranged near a section for the transmission of picture information corresponding to road or traffic signals and a video receiver for the information is mounted in a vehicle with a viewing screen within the driver's field of vision. Road signs or traffic signals 4 such as indicating speed limits, bends and intersections are positioned along the roadway 1 and are viewed by a television camera 5 and video signals are then transmitted via antenna 7 to be received by antenna 10 on the vehicle for display on a colour television screen (8) within the vehicle (Fig. 3, not shown). When viewing a traffic signal the combinations of lamps or positions of its semaphores will be seen. The camera 5 may be replaced by a monoscope 6 which generates video signals corresponding to a fixed traffic sign or signal (13, Fig. 2, not shown). The television transmitters 5, 6 may be controlled by replaceable video and sound tapes mounted in the transmitter. The receiver includes a loud-speaker (9) and the transmitter 5, 6 includes a sound channel so as to give audible messages confirming the television picture and for giving information on diversions, traffic jams, icecovered road, slogans and broadcasts advertising exhibitions and local festival arrangements. The receiver may be operated on starting of the vehicle and may emit acoustic cutting-in and cutting-out signals directly before and after receiving the information signals. The television transmitter 5, 6 may be directed by antenna 7 to transmit over a fixed limited area in the direct vicinity of a traffic sign or signal. This area may cover a number of parallel lanes 14, 15. The television transmitter 5, 6 may be started from a circuit 16, 17 of photo-cells which detect the passage of a vehicle. The circuits 16 and 17 may include a delaying circuit so that if a slowly passing road user such as a cyclist or pedestrian passes the circuit is excluded from operating. The receiver may operate so as to retain the image between the cutting-in and out signals. Also the transmitters 5, 6 for the sound channels in a number of sections may be periodically coupled so as to give the same acoustic message. The Specification states that it is known to transmit signals to a receiver so as to operate red or green lamps mounted on the instrument panel with a bell or sound signal directing the driver's attention to these lamps.