GB2339951A

GB2339951A - External electronic vehicle display unit

Info

Publication number: GB2339951A
Application number: GB9816078A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Marshall
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-07-24
Filing date: 1998-07-24
Publication date: 2000-02-09
Also published as: GB9816078D0

Description

1 2339951 EXTERNAL ELECTRONIC VEHICLE DISPLAY UNIT This invention relates

to an external electronic vehicle display unit.

Vehicle registration and advisory plates are known to be made from plastic or metal alloy with a reflective coloured background upon which various sized alpha numerical symbols make up the vehicle index number, advisory message or informative message such as "LONG VEHICLE".

Vehicle registration and advisory plates are required by law to be of a specified colour, size and displayed in the correct place upon the vehicle. Presently there are no uniform practices in existence of text type used or in reflective properties of plates. Most plates rely upon an external light to illuminate them, such as number plate lights or lights from another vehicle. In addition to this vehicle numberplate can be made up by any individual. Therefore the possibility of manipulating spacing and fixings lead to the index number being miss read, although this is usually picked up by the police it is common practice as more and more personalised number plates are sought. Accordingly the standard vehicle number plate has no security value other than it should relate to the vehicle upon which it is being displayed. In the majority of cases they are easy to remove and/or replace which can lead to inappropriate practices being undertaken.

The objective of this invention is to bring about a standard uniformity in registration, advisory and informative vehicle plates. The plates comprise of a liquid crystal display and/or light emitting display, mounted on to an uniformed coloured background, behind which is the illumination, circuit board and keypad. The whole unit is then sealed in a weather proof/security mount that incorporates captive fastenings extending to the rear of the unit for the purpose of fixing to the vehicle. The liquid crystal display is of an uniformed font size and typeface in accordance with the laws of each individual country. The unit is accessed by means of entering a security pin number designated by the owner at which point the vehicle index number can be entered, this will be the only entry allowed access to by an individual and is only accessible by the security pin number. All other messages will be preprogrammed into the system at the time of manufacture. The vehicle registration plate will incorporate a security system in that should the vehicle be taken without deactivating the system the plate will intermittently flash the word "STOLEN", or other such message, alternatively if the unit is disconnected then no number will be displayed thereby breaking the law. Activation of the system will be in the form of key code, remote sensor, switch or other means of switching the system on. Likewise the advisory plates on vehicles as well as stating that it is a "LONG VEHICLE" and/or other advisory message will be wired to the vehicles electronic systems, thereby giving a clear message to other road uses of their intentions by example "MOVING RIGHT" or"BRAKINq,". ThP L4n,ping internally lit means that there is a consistent degree of illuminelfign- 2 FIGURE 1 Shows the EEVDU in situ on the vehicle used in its application as an index numberplate.

FIGURE 2 Shows the EEVDU in situ on the vehicle used in its application as an advisory plate.

FI GU RE 3 shows the cross sectional view of the EEVIDU.

Referring to the drawing (Figure 3) the EEVIDU 1 comprises of an outer secure weatherproof casing 2 in which the polarised glass/plastic screen 3 is situated in front of the LCD/LED screen 4, behind which is situated the glass/plastic coloured reflective plate 5. Behind this plate is the illumination (not Shown) and the remaining components are a printed circuit board 6 and the alphanumeric keypad 7. The keypad and circuit board may also be positioned within another part of the vehicle structure for easier access. The EEVDU is wired 8 and powered by the vehicle electrical warning, advisory and security systems. The whole unit may then be fastened by means of captive fastenings (not shown) to the vehicle body, by way of example shown in figure 1 and figure 2.

3

Claims

1. An External Electronic Vehicle Display Unit ( EEVDU) comprising a sealed box, Preferably the unit will made of either plastics or soft alloys material, but may also be an integral part of the vehicle panel, or from a combination of these materials. A means for securing the unit to the body of vehicles, the unit being adapted for use on all types and makes of vehicles. Situated to the rear1front of the vehicle when mounted on the body.

2. A External Electronic Vehicle Display Unit ( EEVDU) as in claim I - the Unit comprises of a polarised front panel, Liquid crystal display and/or light emitting display, illuminated coloured reflective backing material, integral printed circuit board, an alpha numeric function keypad. These are sandwiched together and enclosed in a secure weatherproof casing with captive fixings to the rear for attachment to a vehicle body.

3. An External Electronic Vehicle Display Unit ( EEVDU) as in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the Unit being activated ( Part 1) becomes a vehicle index display.

4. A External Electronic Vehicle Display Unit ( EEVDU) as in Claim 1 or Claim 2 and Claim 3 wherein the Unit being activated ( Part 2) becomes a visual Vehicle security system.

5. A External Electronic Vehicle Display.Unit ( EEVDU) as in Claim 1 or Claim 2 or Claim 3 and Claim 4 wherein being activated ( Part 3) the Unit will display advisory messages to other road user.

6. A External Electronic vehicle Display Unit ( EEVDU) as in. Claim 1 or Claim 2 or Claim 3 or Claim 4 and Claim 5 wherein security pin coded and keypad is adapted to prevent the Unit from being tampered or accessed by unauthorised persons.

7. A External Electronic Vehicle Display Unit (EEVDU) as in Claim 6 wherein an audible and/or visual light and/or key operation will activate and/or deactivate the security system.

8. A External Electronic Vehicle Display Unit ( EEVDU) as is Claimed in any preceding Claims, wherein the Unit is adapted for use as an secondary unit for trailers, Caravans or other towable units.

9. An External Electronic Vehicle Display Unit (EEVDU) substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 - 7 of the accompanying drawings.