GB2540967A - Variable display road signs - Google Patents
Variable display road signs Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2540967A GB2540967A GB1513598.1A GB201513598A GB2540967A GB 2540967 A GB2540967 A GB 2540967A GB 201513598 A GB201513598 A GB 201513598A GB 2540967 A GB2540967 A GB 2540967A
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- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- speed
- vehicle
- information
- displayed
- display
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/01—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled
- G08G1/0104—Measuring and analyzing of parameters relative to traffic conditions
- G08G1/0108—Measuring and analyzing of parameters relative to traffic conditions based on the source of data
- G08G1/0116—Measuring and analyzing of parameters relative to traffic conditions based on the source of data from roadside infrastructure, e.g. beacons
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
- G01S13/02—Systems using reflection of radio waves, e.g. primary radar systems; Analogous systems
- G01S13/50—Systems of measurement based on relative movement of target
- G01S13/58—Velocity or trajectory determination systems; Sense-of-movement determination systems
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06V—IMAGE OR VIDEO RECOGNITION OR UNDERSTANDING
- G06V20/00—Scenes; Scene-specific elements
- G06V20/50—Context or environment of the image
- G06V20/52—Surveillance or monitoring of activities, e.g. for recognising suspicious objects
- G06V20/54—Surveillance or monitoring of activities, e.g. for recognising suspicious objects of traffic, e.g. cars on the road, trains or boats
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- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/01—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled
- G08G1/0104—Measuring and analyzing of parameters relative to traffic conditions
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/01—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled
- G08G1/0104—Measuring and analyzing of parameters relative to traffic conditions
- G08G1/0125—Traffic data processing
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/01—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled
- G08G1/0104—Measuring and analyzing of parameters relative to traffic conditions
- G08G1/0125—Traffic data processing
- G08G1/0133—Traffic data processing for classifying traffic situation
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/01—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled
- G08G1/0104—Measuring and analyzing of parameters relative to traffic conditions
- G08G1/0137—Measuring and analyzing of parameters relative to traffic conditions for specific applications
- G08G1/0145—Measuring and analyzing of parameters relative to traffic conditions for specific applications for active traffic flow control
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- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/01—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled
- G08G1/04—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled using optical or ultrasonic detectors
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- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/01—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled
- G08G1/052—Detecting movement of traffic to be counted or controlled with provision for determining speed or overspeed
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- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08G—TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS
- G08G1/00—Traffic control systems for road vehicles
- G08G1/07—Controlling traffic signals
- G08G1/08—Controlling traffic signals according to detected number or speed of vehicles
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- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B5/00—Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied
- G08B5/22—Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission
- G08B5/36—Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission using visible light sources
Abstract
A road sign 10 for displaying variable quantities of information comprising; a speed detector 11 for detecting the speed of one or more vehicles 13 approaching the road sign 10 and a display 12 for displaying information to the or each vehicle 13 approaching the road sign 10. A processor is operable to determine, depending on the detected speed of the or each vehicle 13, the quantity of information to be displayed to the or each vehicle by the display 12. The amount of information displayed is increased incrementally as the speed of the or each vehicle 13 decreases, and vice versa. The detector 11 may optionally be configured to detect the speed of numerous vehicles 13 within a predetermined time frame and trigger, via the processor, display variations in response to a percentage of vehicles 13 travelling above or below a threshold.
Description
Variable Display Road Signs
Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to road signs and has particular relevance in the field of road signs having changeable displays.
Background to the Invention
The closest prior art known to the Applicant are road signs for displaying changeable information to drivers. However, the amount of information that can be displayed on existing road signs is limited and very often regulated, with the character height and number of characters or words to be displayed restricted for the safety of drivers and pedestrians.
In particular, there are regulations (including the ‘Traffic Signs Regulations & General Directions (TSRGD)' and ‘Traffic Advisory Leaflet') which restrict the content of a road sign on a road having a designated speed limit of between 30mph and 70mph. Information must also typically be static and not scrolling, pulsing or shown on multiple pages which limits the amount of information that can be shown. In an attempt to overcome this issue, many signs which require more information, which can't be displayed on a convention road sign, are in the form of a large portable sign which is placed on a pavement near the road. However, this causes a nuisance to pedestrians, and wheelchair users in particular, and can also become a safety issue for cyclists or for drivers if the sign is pushed off a kerb into the road.
On many roads, particularly roads close to or in cities, it is not uncommon for traffic to be traveling consistently below 30mph. Currently, even where traffic is at a near stand-still, further information is not provided to drivers. Given that it is beneficial to keep drivers as informed as possible about road and traffic situations, particularly when there is an accident which should be avoided, there is a real need to improve the quality and quantity of information provided to drivers whilst conserving road safety standards.
Embodiments of the invention seek to improve the quality, quantity and delivery of road and traffic information whilst maintaining road safety standards.
Summary of the Invention
In a first broad independent aspect, the invention provides a road sign for displaying variable quantities of information, the road sign comprising a speed detector for detecting the speed of one or more vehicles approaching the road sign, a processor, and a display for displaying information to the or each vehicle approaching the road sign; wherein said processor determines, depending on the detected speed of the or each vehicle, the quantity of information to be displayed to the or each vehicle by the display; wherein the amount of information displayed increases incrementally as the speed of the or each vehicle decreases, and vice versa.
This configuration is particularly advantageous because it provides a road sign capable of displaying differing amounts and compositions of information depending on the speed of one or more detected vehicles. This allows the sign to be as informative as possible whilst displaying a safe amount of information to a driver for the speed at which they are travelling. If traffic slows, the road sign will detect the slower speed of one or more vehicles and will display more information to better inform oncoming drivers, because it is safer to do so. However, if the speed of the traffic increases, the amount of information displayed is reduced because it is no longer safe for a driver to read a larger amount of information whilst driving. The road sign automatically adapts to the speed of the detected vehicle(s). This configuration is particularly useful where traffic on a road or section of road is often travelling at a slow speed, where communicating more detailed road or traffic information to the drivers is safe.
Preferably, the processor comprises one or more speed thresholds, below and above which messages comprising differing quantities of information are triggered to be displayed, whereby when the or each vehicle is travelling above a first threshold a first message is displayed, and when the or each vehicle is travelling below said first threshold a second message is displayed. Providing one or more speed thresholds allows a primary message to be displayed to drivers when travelling at a faster speed, say above 30mph, and a secondary message, comprising more detailed information, to be displayed when the speed of the detected vehicle(s) slows, i.e. below 30mph.
Preferably, the processor comprises a plurality of speed thresholds and a plurality of messages may be displayed dependent on the speed of the or each vehicle. A plurality of speed thresholds and a plurality of messages allows tertiary, quaternary or even further messages to be displayed when the detected vehicle(s) are travelling at a speed above or below predetermined speed thresholds.
Preferably, the detector is configured to detect the speed of more than one vehicle within a predetermined time frame, and the change in display of a first message to the display of a second message is triggered when a predetermined percentage of the detected vehicles is above or below a given speed threshold. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the sign to change the display message when a predetermined percentage of vehicles approaching the sign are above or below a particular speed threshold. This way not all detected vehicles must be above or below a speed threshold for the displayed message to be changed.
Preferably, the required percentage of vehicles travelling above or below said given speed threshold is at least 85%. The "85th Percentile" relates to the speed at which 85% of vehicles are travelling or not exceeding (it is generally accepted that the safest group of vehicles is travelling at or below the “85th Percentile"). A similar calculation allows the message displayed on the sign to be changed when 85% of the detected vehicles are travelling above or below a given speed threshold. The message shown is therefore considered to be the most informative message at the speed of at least 85% of the detected vehicles.
Preferably, the amount of information displayed is increased when the or each vehicle is travelling below 30mph. Above 30mph a primary message with the fewest number of characters and largest character size is likely to be the most appropriate message to display. Under 30mph, more detailed messages may be displayed whilst maintaining safe standards.
Preferably, said detector detects the speed of the or each vehicle via radar. Radar provides an unobtrusive and accurate manner in which to detect the speed of the one or more vehicles.
Preferably, the increase or decrease in quantity of information displayed is facilitated by the increase or decrease in the size of the characters forming said information. Increasing or decreasing the height and/or width of the characters in the displayed information provides a straightforward means for being able to display a larger or small amount of information depending on the detected speed of the or each vehicle.
Preferably, the sign is a single unit. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it minimises the footprint of the road sign.
Preferably, the sign is wirelessly connected to a remote control means for changing the content of the information to be displayed. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows an operator to change the overall information to be displayed on the sign without having to physically contact the sign.
In a second broad independent aspect, the invention provides a method of displaying a variable quantity of information to one or more vehicles, the method comprising the steps of: • providing a road sign comprising a speed detector, a processor, and a display; • detecting the speed of one or more vehicles; • determining, using the detected speed of the or each vehicle, a quantity of information to be displayed to the or each vehicle; and • displaying the determined information to the or each vehicle; wherein the amount of information displayed is dependent on the speed of the or each vehicle, whereby the amount of information increases incrementally as the speed of the or each vehicle decreases, and vice versa.
This method is particularly advantageous because it provides a method of displaying differing amounts and compositions of information depending on the speed of one or more detected vehicles. This makes the display more informative whilst displaying a safe amount of information to a driver for the speed at which they are travelling. If traffic slows, detection of the slower speed allows the display of more information, because it is safer to do so. However, if the speed of the traffic increases, detection of the slower speed allows the amount of information displayed to be reduced because it is no longer safe for a driver to read a larger amount of information.
Preferably, the method comprises the further steps of: • providing a processor comprising a number of speed thresholds below and above which messages comprising differing quantities of information are triggered to be displayed; • determining whether to display a first message or a second message depending on whether the speed of the or each vehicle is below or above said speed threshold.
Providing these steps allows a primary message to be displayed to drivers when travelling at a faster speed, say above 30mph, and a secondary message, comprising more detailed information, to be displayed when the speed of the detected vehicle(s) slows, i.e. below 30mph.
Preferably, the method comprises the further steps of • providing a detector configured to detect the speed of more than one vehicle within a predetermined time frame; and • triggering the change of display from a first message to a second message when a predetermined percentage of the detected vehicles is above or below a given speed threshold.
Providing these steps allows the switching of the display message when a predetermined percentage of detected vehicles are above or below a particular speed threshold. In other words, not all detected vehicles must be above or below a speed threshold for the displayed message to be changed.
Preferably, the step of triggering the change of display requires the percentage of vehicles travelling above or below said given speed threshold to be at least 85%. This allows the message displayed to be changed when 85% of the detected vehicles are travelling above or below a given speed threshold. The message shown is therefore considered to be the most informative message at the speed of at least 85% of the detected vehicles, whilst still being safe.
In a third broad independent aspect, the invention provides a computer software configured to operate the method of any of the appropriate preceding aspects.
In a fourth broad independent aspect, the invention provides a road information display system, the system comprising: • one or more speed detectors for detecting the speed of one or more vehicles; • a processing means for processing the detected speed of the or each vehicle; • one or more displays for displaying information to the or each vehicle; wherein said processing means determines, depending on the detected speed of the or each vehicle, the quantity of information to be displayed to the or each vehicle by the or each display; wherein the amount of information displayed increases incrementally as the speed of the or each vehicle decreases, and vice versa.
This system is particularly advantageous because it provides a display system capable of displaying differing amounts and compositions of information depending on the speed of one or more detected vehicles. The quality of information displayed to drivers is thereby improved without jeopardising the safety of drivers and pedestrians.
Preferably, the system further comprises communication means for a number of the detectors and/or processing means and/or displays to communicate with one another. Communication between a number of the detectors and/or processing means and/or displays allows information obtained by the detectors to be shared with the processors in order for the processors to trigger the one or more displays to display the most appropriate information for the speed at which the one or more vehicles are travelling. It also allows communication between multiple road signs so that a first sign located ahead of a second sign can trigger the second sign to display a particular message depending on the speed of a vehicle detected by the first sign.
Preferably, said communication means are wireless. This prevents the need to place wired communication means between components of the road information display system.
Brief Description of the Drawings In the drawings:
Figure 1A shows a side on view of a vehicle approaching a road sign, at a speed equal to or above 30mph, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 1B shows a side on view of a vehicle approaching a road sign, at a speed below 30mph, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 shows a flow diagram of another embodiment of the invention.
Detailed Description of the Embodiments
An embodiment of a variable display road sign is shown in Figure 1A and is referenced generally as 10. The road sign 10 comprises a detector 11, a processor (not shown) and a display 12. The detector 11 is configured to detect the speed of one or more vehicles approaching the road sign 10. In Figures 1A and 1B, a single vehicle 13 is detected as it approaches the sign 10, but a plurality of vehicles may alternatively be detected at any one time or over a given time frame.
In the embodiment of Figure 1, the shape of the sign 10 resembles that of a typical road sign, with a display head 14 mounted on a support 15. Optionally, the sign 10 is formed as a single, standalone unit although, in an alternative embodiment, the components of the sign 10 may be separated. For example, the detector 11 may be formed as a separate standalone unit which is located ahead of the display 12 on a road to allow vehicles to be detected well before they reach the display 12. Where the sign 10 is split into separate components, each of the components is preferably wirelessly linked so that information can be wirelessly communicated between the detector, processor and display. In a preferred embodiment, the sign 10 is provided without a support and will be fixable to an existing street light column or similar.
The sign 11 is preferably of a height suitable to allow the detector 11 to detect a number of vehicles at least 100 meters away without obstruction. For this same reason, it is preferred that the detector 11 is positioned towards the top end 16 of the display head 14. The sign 10 may optionally be powered by one or more solar panels (not shown) and may also incorporate a number of batteries for storing energy for use during periods of low or no sunlight. Alternatively, the sign may be connected to a mains electricity supply.
Preferably, the detector 11 detects the vehicle(s) via radar, although any other means known to the skilled person may be used. Radar is preferable because it provides an accurate and unobtrusive means for measuring the speed of a vehicle.
In use, the processor determines, using the detected speed of the vehicle 13, the quantity of information to be displayed to the driver of the vehicle 13 by the display 12.
Specifically, the processor increases the amount of information to be displayed if the speed of the vehicle 13 is below a predetermined speed, and similarly decreases the amount of information to be displayed if the speed of the vehicle 13 is at or above the predetermined speed. In order to occupy the entire display 12 at any given time, the height and width of characters used in a message are preferably increased when displaying a smaller amount of information and decreased when displaying a larger amount of information. Alternatively, or in combination with the increase/decrease in character size, more or fewer lines of text may be displayed depending on the speed of the or each vehicle detected.
In a preferred embodiment, the processor comprises one or more speed thresholds, below and above which messages comprising differing quantities of information are triggered to be displayed by the processor. In the example shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the processor comprises a single speed threshold, the threshold being 30mph, and two messages which confer similar information to the vehicle's driver depending on the speed at which the vehicle 13 is travelling, e.g. that an accident has occurred on the road ahead. The first message, shown in Figure 1 A, which consists of the wording “SLOW. ACCIDENT AHEAD." is triggered to be displayed if it is detected by the speed detector 11 that the vehicle 13 is travelling at a speed equal to or above 30mph. If the speed detector 11 detects that the vehicle 13 is travelling below the 30mph threshold a second message is triggered to be displayed. In this example, shown in Figure 1B, the second message contains similar information to the first message, but is more detailed in that it says “ACCIDENT AHEAD. REDUCE YOUR SPEED AND USE LANE 1 ONLY". More information is displayed when the vehicle 13 is travelling below the speed threshold because it is safer for the driver of the vehicle 13 to read more information. In this example, the second message contains instructions as to what action the driver should take, in an effort to alleviate the congestion in the vicinity of the accident. The increase in information for the second message may be facilitated by the addition of more lines of text, or a decrease in the size of the text characters, or a combination thereof.
In an alternative embodiment, the processor comprises more than one speed threshold so that third, fourth, fifth etc. messages can be shown as well as first and second, depending on the speed of the detected vehicle(s).
Where the speed of more than one vehicle is detected by the detector 11, a predetermined timeframe may be set in which a plurality of vehicles are detected. The processor then determines, using the speed of each vehicle, the most appropriate message to display to all of the detected vehicles. In order to determine the most appropriate message the display, an average speed of the detected vehicles may be calculated and if the average speed is above a particular speed threshold a first message is displayed, and if the average speed is below the speed threshold a second message is displayed.
Preferably, the change in display of a first message to the display of a second message is triggered when a predetermined percentage of the detected vehicles is above or below a predetermined speed threshold. Even more preferably, the required percentage of vehicles travelling above or below the predetermined speed threshold is at least 85%. This is preferable because under a well-known rule, named the “85% Percentile" it is assumed that the speed at which 85% or above of drivers are travelling is a safe speed. Therefore, by calculating when at least 85% of vehicles are travelling at a speed above or below a predetermined speed threshold, the most appropriate message can be triggered to be displayed by the processor. In alternative embodiments, the required percentage of vehicles travelling above or below a given speed threshold may be less or more than 85%.
In a preferred embodiment, the amount of information to be displayed is increased when the detected vehicle(s) are travelling at a speed below 30mph. Above 30mph a standard message, in line with traffic and road rules and regulations, is displayed. This is because above 30mph, it is unlikely that an increase in information displayed to the driver is safe. However, depending on the circumstances and type of road, triggering of a more detailed display message may occur at a speed higher than 30pmh. A first flow chart is shown in Figure 2, which illustrates the process of detecting the speed of a first vehicle and then each following vehicle, determining the most appropriate information to display to each vehicle depending on its' individual speed, and displaying an associated appropriate message.
When no vehicles are detected, it is preferred that the display 12 displays a primary message which confers a message with minimal information. The primary message is also the message which is displayed when a vehicle is travelling at a speed above the highest speed threshold of the processor. Alternatively, the display 12 may be inactive and will only become active when a vehicle is detected.
The detector 11 detects the speed of vehicle V as it is approaching the sign 10. The processor then determines whether the speed of vehicle V is below a first speed threshold of 30mph. If vehicle 7?' is travelling above 30mph the processor instructs the display 12 to continue displaying the primary message (or if the display 12 has been inactive, to trigger display of the primary message). If the speed of vehicle 7?’ is below 30mph, the processor determines whether the speed of vehicle 7?' is below a second speed threshold of 15mph.
If vehicle V is travelling above 15mph but below 30mph the processor instructs the display 12 to display a secondary message, containing more detailed information than the primary message. If vehicle V is travelling below 15mph the processor instructs the display 12 to display a tertiary message, which contains more detailed information than both the primary and secondary messages. After a set period of time, or when the detector detects a second vehicle, the speed of the second vehicle is determined and the process restarts. The process then restarts when further vehicles are detected.
In another embodiment, shown in Figure 3, the speed of a group of vehicles is detected in order to determine an appropriate message to be displayed to the group, rather than basing the display on the speed of a single vehicle. In this embodiment, the display 12 also preferably displays a primary message when no vehicles are detected. Although, as in the embodiment discussed with regard to Figure 2, the display 12 may be inactive until a vehicle is detected.
In this embodiment, rather than detect the speed of a single vehicle and determine the most appropriate message for the speed at which that vehicle is travelling, the speed of a group of vehicles is detected over a predetermined period of time, e.g. 10 seconds. Once the 10 second period has elapsed, the processor determines, using the speed of each vehicle which has been detected in the period, the most appropriate message to be displayed to the group. Specifically, in this embodiment, the processor calculates whether the speed of at least 85% of the detected vehicles is below 30mph. If not, the processor instructs the display 12 to continue displaying the primary message, because more detailed information would not be safe to display. If at least 85% of the detected vehicles are travelling below 30mph, the processor determines whether at least 85% of the detected vehicles are travelling below 15mph. If not, the processor instructs the display 12 to display a secondary message, which contains more information than the primary message. If at least 85% of the vehicles are travelling below 15mph, the processor instructs the display 12 to display a tertiary message, which contains more information than both the primary and secondary messages.
It is preferred that a ‘new’ 10 second period begins each second, so that the sign 10 automatically changes dependent on the dynamic speed of traffic. The period of detection may also be shorter or longer than 10 seconds.
In an alternative embodiment, an average (mean) speed is determined from the group of vehicles detected within the time period, and if the average speed is above or below a given speed threshold, a suitable message is triggered to be displayed.
Each of the messages confer similar information (e.g. that the road ahead is congested), with the secondary message providing more detailed information than the primary message (e.g. that the road ahead is congested because of an accident), and the tertiary message providing more detailed information than the secondary message (e.g. that the road ahead is congested because of an accident involving two vehicles). Any of the messages may also incorporate instructions so that drivers can take appropriate action.
In alternative embodiments, the one or more speed thresholds are set at different speeds to those shown in the figures. However, it is preferred that a speed threshold is set at 30mph because existing Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions limit the character size and number of characters to be displayed between 30mph and 70mph.
When such regulations apply, it is envisaged that a primary message will adhere to these regulations between 30mph and 70mph, but that when the speed limit of a road is below 30mph, or in situations where it is likely traffic will consistently travel at a speed lower than 30mph, more detailed messages can be displayed dependent on the speed of the vehicle(s).
In a further embodiment, computer software is provided to carry out or facilitate one or more of the detection of the speed of the or each vehicle, processing of the detected speed for the determination of an appropriate amount of information to display, and display of information to the or each vehicle.
Claims (21)
1. A road sign for displaying variable quantities of information, the road sign comprising a speed detector for detecting the speed of one or more vehicles approaching the road sign, a processor, and a display for displaying information to the or each vehicle approaching the road sign; wherein said processor determines, depending on the detected speed of the or each vehicle, the quantity of information to be displayed to the or each vehicle by the display; wherein the amount of information displayed increases incrementally as the speed of the or each vehicle decreases, and vice versa.
2. A sign according to claim 1, wherein the processor comprises one or more speed thresholds, below and above which messages comprising differing quantities of information are triggered to be displayed, whereby when the or each vehicle is travelling above a first threshold a first message is displayed, and when the or each vehicle is travelling below said first threshold a second message is displayed.
3. A sign according to claim 2, wherein the processor comprises a plurality of speed thresholds and a plurality of messages may be displayed dependent on the speed of the or each vehicle.
4. A road sign according to either claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the detector is configured to detect the speed of more than one vehicle within a predetermined time frame, and the change in display of a first message to the display of a second message is triggered when a predetermined percentage of the detected vehicles is above or below a given speed threshold.
5. A road sign according to claim 4, wherein the required percentage of vehicles travelling above or below said given speed threshold is at least 85%.
6. A road sign according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of information displayed is increased when the or each vehicle is travelling below 30mph.
7. A road sign according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said detector detects the speed of the or each vehicle via radar.
8. A road sign according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the increase or decrease in quantity of information displayed is facilitated by the increase or decrease in the size of the characters forming said information.
9. A road sign according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sign is a single unit.
10. A road sign according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sign is wirelessly connected to a remote control means for changing the content of the information to be displayed.
11. A road sign substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
12. A method of displaying a variable quantity of information to one or more vehicles, the method comprising the steps of: • providing a road sign comprising a speed detector, a processor, and a display; • detecting the speed of one or more vehicles; • determining, using the detected speed of the or each vehicle, a quantity of information to be displayed to the or each vehicle; and • displaying the determined information to the or each vehicle; wherein the amount of information displayed is dependent on the speed of the or each vehicle, whereby the amount of information increases incrementally as the speed of the or each vehicle decreases, and vice versa.
13. A method according to claim 12, comprising the further steps of: • providing a processor comprising a number of speed thresholds below and above which messages comprising differing quantities of information are triggered to be displayed; • determining whether to display a first message or a second message depending on whether the speed of the or each vehicle is below or above said speed threshold.
14. A method according to either claim 12 or claim 13, comprising the further steps of • providing a detector configured to detect the speed of more than one vehicle within a predetermined time frame; and • triggering the change of display from a first message to a second message when a predetermined percentage of the detected vehicles is above or below a given speed threshold.
15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the step of triggering the change of display requires the percentage of vehicles travelling above or below said given speed threshold to be at least 85%.
16. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompany drawings.
17. A computer software configured to operate the method of any of claims 12 to 15.
18. A road information display system, the system comprising: • one or more speed detectors for detecting the speed of one or more vehicles; • a processing means for processing the detected speed of the or each vehicle; • one or more displays for displaying information to the or each vehicle; wherein said processing means determines, depending on the detected speed of the or each vehicle, the quantity of information to be displayed to the or each vehicle by the or each display; wherein the amount of information displayed increases incrementally as the speed of the or each vehicle decreases, and vice versa.
19. A system according to claim 17, further comprising communication means for a number of the detectors and/or processing means and/or displays to communicate with one another.
20. A system according to claim 18, wherein said communication means are wireless.
21. A system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
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GB1513598.1A GB2540967B (en) | 2015-07-31 | 2015-07-31 | Variable display road signs |
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GB1513598.1A GB2540967B (en) | 2015-07-31 | 2015-07-31 | Variable display road signs |
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GB2540967A true GB2540967A (en) | 2017-02-08 |
GB2540967B GB2540967B (en) | 2019-04-24 |
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Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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JPH10105876A (en) * | 1996-09-27 | 1998-04-24 | Koito Ind Ltd | Information display |
JP2000293787A (en) * | 1999-04-01 | 2000-10-20 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Traffic information displaying system |
US20060229939A1 (en) * | 2005-04-12 | 2006-10-12 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method, apparatus and computer program product for dynamic display of billboard information |
EP2224421A1 (en) * | 2009-02-27 | 2010-09-01 | Research In Motion Limited | Adaptive roadside billboard system and related methods |
US20140070963A1 (en) * | 2012-09-12 | 2014-03-13 | Jack Z. DeLorean | Traffic controlled display |
JP2015114851A (en) * | 2013-12-11 | 2015-06-22 | 株式会社キクテック | Traffic safety support device, and traffic safety support system |
-
2015
- 2015-07-31 GB GB1513598.1A patent/GB2540967B/en active Active
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH10105876A (en) * | 1996-09-27 | 1998-04-24 | Koito Ind Ltd | Information display |
JP2000293787A (en) * | 1999-04-01 | 2000-10-20 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Traffic information displaying system |
US20060229939A1 (en) * | 2005-04-12 | 2006-10-12 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method, apparatus and computer program product for dynamic display of billboard information |
EP2224421A1 (en) * | 2009-02-27 | 2010-09-01 | Research In Motion Limited | Adaptive roadside billboard system and related methods |
US20140070963A1 (en) * | 2012-09-12 | 2014-03-13 | Jack Z. DeLorean | Traffic controlled display |
JP2015114851A (en) * | 2013-12-11 | 2015-06-22 | 株式会社キクテック | Traffic safety support device, and traffic safety support system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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GB2540967B (en) | 2019-04-24 |
GB201513598D0 (en) | 2015-09-16 |
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