WO1990009294A1 - Signalling and/or message display - Google Patents

Signalling and/or message display Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1990009294A1
WO1990009294A1 PCT/GB1990/000205 GB9000205W WO9009294A1 WO 1990009294 A1 WO1990009294 A1 WO 1990009294A1 GB 9000205 W GB9000205 W GB 9000205W WO 9009294 A1 WO9009294 A1 WO 9009294A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
message
signalling
signal
visual
vehicle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1990/000205
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Lee Rom
Original Assignee
Lee Rom
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Lee Rom filed Critical Lee Rom
Publication of WO1990009294A1 publication Critical patent/WO1990009294A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/50—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/50—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
    • B60Q1/503—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking using luminous text or symbol displays in or on the vehicle, e.g. static text
    • B60Q1/5035—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking using luminous text or symbol displays in or on the vehicle, e.g. static text electronic displays
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/50—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
    • B60Q1/52—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking for indicating emergencies

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a signalling and/or message display device for use internally and/or externally on vehicles of all types .
  • vehicles used herein refers to all means of carrying or transporting something or someone for example, by road , rail , air or sea .
  • I t is common practice for vehicles to use their lights in order to signal simple messages such as "overtake now” or “thank you for allowing me to overtake” .
  • vehicle lighting systems are designed for the p irpose of illuminating the road in front of the vehicle and providing warning of the presence of the vehicle . They are not particularly suited to sending signals . What is more there is no accepted signalling code so that a particular flashing of lights might be understood as meaning “overtake now” when, it was intended to convey the opposite meaning .
  • the present invention aims to deal with the aforementioned problems , inter alia .
  • the object of the present invention is to facilitate the addition of controlled message display devices to vehicles by using the vehicle wiring harness and thereby minimise installation costs .
  • a signalling and/or message display device for vehicles comprising visual signalling means or an audible alarm connectable to the electrical wiring system of the vehicle, said vehicle wiring system being adapted to convey first message signals , means for generating a plurality of second message signals , means for selecting one of the plurality of second message signals and for sending the selected second message signal via the vehicle wiring system to the visual signalling means or audible alarm , said visual signalling means including a transducer means for converting the selected second message signal into a discrete visually readable message or said audible alarm including means for converting the selected second message signal into an audible sound . .
  • a signalling and/or message display device for vehicles comprising visual signalling means or an audible alarm connectable to the electrical wiring system of the vehicle, the electrical wiring system being adapted to convey a plurality of message signals , for a certain purpose other than to operate the visual signalling means or audible alarm , means for selecting one of the plurality of message signals and for sending the selected message signal via the vehicle wiring system to the visual signalling means or audible alarm so as to operate the visual signalling means or audible alarm , said visual signalling means including a transducer means for converting the selected message signal into a discrete visually readable message , or the audible alarm including means for converting the selected message into an audible sound .
  • the power supply wiring is used to convey the second message signals of the first aspect of the invention .
  • This supplementary data may be of any description for example to activate alarms , indicator boards and so forth .
  • the message conveyed on the wiring system as defined in the second aspect of the invention is intended to be converted into a form capable of activating an advisory display , intended to warn others of the vehicles movements .
  • the audible sound may comprise an audible message.
  • the visual signal generating means comprises a display, such as a liquid crystal display, the display being capable of being controlled so as to show upon selection one of a plurality of readable messages .
  • the visual signal generating means is preferably fixed to the exterior and more preferably to the rear of the vehicle.
  • the message signal generating means including means for message selection is preferably provided adjacent the vehicle controls so as to be operable by the driver .
  • the visual signal generating means and the message generating means are connected together by utilising the electrical wiring system of the vehicle, preferably the lighting system .
  • the link between the message generating means and the visual signal generating means must be such that it does not interfere with the proper operation of the vehicle wiring circuit nor is itself in any way affected by the normal operation of ••the * vehicle wiring circuit.
  • the object of the present invention may be achieved by conveying control signals on an R . F . (radio frequency) carrier along such existing wiring without interfering with the original uses of that wiring .
  • the present invention is applicable so as to solve a variety of problems , such as the economic installation on existing vehicles of destination indicators remotely controlled by the driver of the vehicle via existing wiring .
  • the visual signalling means is fitted to the trailer and the means for generating a plurality of message signals is provided in the tractor cab , there being provided recognitiion signal generation means in the visual signalling means , recoginition signal receiving means in the means for generating a plurality of message signals and an alarm actuated by the recognition signal receiving means if said recognition signal receiving means does not recognise the signal from the visual signalling means .
  • the visual signal generating means also includes a signal generator for producing a unique recognition signal and the message generating means includes means for recognising the said unique signal .
  • a n alarm is also provided which is responsive to the message generating, means if , when the said message generating means is connected via the wiring system of the vehicle to the visual signal generating means , the recognition signal generated by the visual signal generating means is not the particular signal that recognising means is adapted to recognise.
  • the generation and reception of a recognition signal can be reversed , i . e. generated by the message generating means and recognised by the visual generating means so that the alarm would be operated if no recognition signal or the wrong recognition signal is fed to the visual signal genererating means . This is particularly useful for example, to prevent a trailer being hauled by the wrong tractor .
  • Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the constituent parts of one example of the means for generating a plurality of message signals of the invention ;
  • Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the constituent parts of one example of the visual signalling means of the invention ;
  • Figure 3 shows one example of the circuit of the power supply of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 4 shows one example of the circuit of the switches , encoder and transmitter of Figure 1 ;
  • F igure 5 shows one example of the circuit of the power supply and receiver of Figure 2;
  • Figure 6 shows one example of the circuit of the decoder and buffer of Figure 2 ;
  • Figure 7 shows one example of the circuit of the memory and display of Figure 2.
  • the message selector system comprises switches 1 , an encoder 2 , a transmitter 3 and a power supply 4. Examples of the circuits of the message selector system are shown in Figures 2 and 3 .
  • switches 1 are provided in the message selector .
  • the purpose of the switches 1 is to generate a code number .
  • the message display uses -.the code number to select a message , stored in the message display system , for display .
  • a first switch 1 is a two way switch , such as a toggle switch , which is used to select one of two alternative code numbers .
  • the actuation of the left-turn indicator selects the appropriate code.
  • the code on arrival at the display will cause the message stored in the display corresponding to the transmitted code to be displayed on the display .
  • actuation of the left-turn indicator of a vehicle may , by appropriate operation of the two way switch by the operator , select one of two alternative messages such as "pulling in” when the operator wishes to stop the vehicle or "turning left” otherwise .
  • the toggle switch could be dispensed with and the signal could be taken from the vehicle wiring or from the switch used for this function .
  • I ndication means may be provided in the vicinity of the switch so as to indicate to the operator which of the messages is being displayed . For example , a red light may be operated when one message such as "pulling in" is being displayed and a green light may be operated when a different message is being displayed .
  • the first switch may be, for example, a three way switch if three alternative messages are desired to be displayed ; and so forth .
  • a corresponding number of indication means could be provided if desired .
  • the second switch may be a rotary switch .
  • This second switch may be used to select variations in the sets of messages such as to select different languages for display. Any number of different languages may be made available for display .
  • the encoder 2 section of the circuit encodes the switch connections into serial data signals .
  • the encoding circuit which is used in this embodiment of the invention , is substantially the same as that used in remote control units for television .
  • the transmitter 3 converts a serial data stream into radio frequency signals .
  • the frequencies transmitted are preferably substantially in the range from 50 K Hz to 300 K Hz, for example 125 K Hz and only low power signals are generated which are preferably substantially less than 1 watt.
  • the signals are not radiated, and are substantially retained being transmitted only through the wiring into which they are fed . I n this way there is substantially no possibility of one vehicle which is fitted with this sytem detecting the signals which are transmitted through the wiring system of another .
  • the power supply 4 provides power for the encoder 2 and transmitter 3 .
  • the power supply 4 may draw its power from the same wiring circuit which is used to transmit the data .
  • the visual signalling means of the invention may comprise the following : a receiver 5 , a decoder 6 , a power supply 7 , a buffer 8 , a message memory 9 and a display 1 0.
  • Example of the component circuitry of the visual signalling means is shown in Figures 5 to 7.
  • the receiver 5 converts the radio signal from the vehicle wiring back to the same range as that produced in the encoder 2 of the message selector .
  • the decoder 6 converts the serial signal from the receiver 5 into a latched parallel data word .
  • This latched parallel data word is the same code number as that generated by the switches 1 of the message selector.
  • the power supply 7 of the visual signalling means provides power for the other parts of the visual signalling means .
  • the power supply may draw its power from the same wiring circuit as that which is used to transmit the data .
  • the buffer 8 reduces the potential difference levels , such as
  • the buffer 8 may also contain a detector for severe braking .
  • the detector may be used to generate a further message at the display 10 such as " Hazard" .
  • the code number which is fed from the decoder 6 selects a group of messages from the various groups of messages which are stored in the message memory 9 .
  • the appropriate message within the selected group is determined by the state of the various lamps of the vehicle as detected by the buffer 8.
  • the message memory 9 will select the most appropriate message for display . For example , if for display purposes , turning the vehicle is considered to have a higher priority than braking , then a message relating to this turning will be displayed for as long as the vehicle's indicator is in operation , even though brake lamps may be in operation .
  • the display 10 may be of any suitable type such as a liquid crystal display . Any number of alphanumeric characters may be displayed such as to up to twenty characters. The size of the alphanumeric characters which are to be displayed may be varied as required but preferably approximate to the size of the letters displayed -l i ⁇ on the vehicle's registration plate.
  • connection On installation , only two connections need to be made to the message selector .
  • One of these connections is to the vehicle earth and the other connection is to a circuit which is live whenever the message selector is to be used , such as a connection to a battery line, a lamp circuit which is actuated whenever the vehicle is in use, or more preferably the ignition circuit.
  • the first set of connections are the same as those required by the message selector ; that is an earth connection and a connection to a live circuit .
  • the live circuit connection should be the same as that to which the message selector is connected .
  • the other set of connections are to the lamp circuits of the vehicle . As all of the relevant lighting circuits are usually wired to the rear of the vehicle, there is no need for long wire runs . I nstead , the existing wiring looms may be tapped into at any suitable or convenient place or places .
  • the circuits which are to be wired are the indicator , brake and reversing circuits .
  • the rotary switch In use the rotary switch is set to the correct position such that the desired language is to be displayed at the display . The two way switch is then used to select the sets of messages such as

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)

Abstract

A signalling and/or message display device which converts the information present on a vehicle wiring harness into a form capable of actuating an advisory display intended to warn surrounding traffic of the movements of the vehicle. Alternatively the power supply of the vehicle wiring system is used to convey supplementary data of any description for example to activate alarms. This has particular application in operating information displays.

Description

S I G N ALL I N G A ND /OR MESSAGE D ISPLAY
This invention relates to a signalling and/or message display device for use internally and/or externally on vehicles of all types .
For the avoidance of doubt the term vehicles used herein refers to all means of carrying or transporting something or someone for example, by road , rail , air or sea .
I t is common practice for vehicles to use their lights in order to signal simple messages such as "overtake now" or "thank you for allowing me to overtake" . Of course vehicle lighting systems are designed for the p irpose of illuminating the road in front of the vehicle and providing warning of the presence of the vehicle . They are not particularly suited to sending signals . What is more there is no accepted signalling code so that a particular flashing of lights might be understood as meaning "overtake now" when, it was intended to convey the opposite meaning .
It is also quite common practice for the trailers of articulated vehicles to be detached from their tractors and left at some place or other for loading or unloading . During that time it is easy to steal the trailer by connecting it to any tractor and driving it away. o Short of immobilising the trailer by mechanical means the Applicants are not aware of any proposal for dealing with this problem .
The present invention aims to deal with the aforementioned problems , inter alia . The object of the present invention is to facilitate the addition of controlled message display devices to vehicles by using the vehicle wiring harness and thereby minimise installation costs .
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a signalling and/or message display device for vehicles comprising visual signalling means or an audible alarm connectable to the electrical wiring system of the vehicle, said vehicle wiring system being adapted to convey first message signals , means for generating a plurality of second message signals , means for selecting one of the plurality of second message signals and for sending the selected second message signal via the vehicle wiring system to the visual signalling means or audible alarm , said visual signalling means including a transducer means for converting the selected second message signal into a discrete visually readable message or said audible alarm including means for converting the selected second message signal into an audible sound . .
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a signalling and/or message display device for vehicles comprising visual signalling means or an audible alarm connectable to the electrical wiring system of the vehicle, the electrical wiring system being adapted to convey a plurality of message signals , for a certain purpose other than to operate the visual signalling means or audible alarm , means for selecting one of the plurality of message signals and for sending the selected message signal via the vehicle wiring system to the visual signalling means or audible alarm so as to operate the visual signalling means or audible alarm , said visual signalling means including a transducer means for converting the selected message signal into a discrete visually readable message , or the audible alarm including means for converting the selected message into an audible sound .
Preferably the power supply wiring is used to convey the second message signals of the first aspect of the invention . This supplementary data may be of any description for example to activate alarms , indicator boards and so forth .
The message conveyed on the wiring system as defined in the second aspect of the invention is intended to be converted into a form capable of activating an advisory display , intended to warn others of the vehicles movements .
The audible sound may comprise an audible message.
I n a preferred embodiment of the invention the visual signal generating means comprises a display, such as a liquid crystal display, the display being capable of being controlled so as to show upon selection one of a plurality of readable messages . The visual signal generating means is preferably fixed to the exterior and more preferably to the rear of the vehicle. The message signal generating means including means for message selection is preferably provided adjacent the vehicle controls so as to be operable by the driver . The visual signal generating means and the message generating means are connected together by utilising the electrical wiring system of the vehicle, preferably the lighting system . Clearly the link between the message generating means and the visual signal generating means must be such that it does not interfere with the proper operation of the vehicle wiring circuit nor is itself in any way affected by the normal operation of ••the * vehicle wiring circuit.
The object of the present invention may be achieved by conveying control signals on an R . F . (radio frequency) carrier along such existing wiring without interfering with the original uses of that wiring .
The present invention is applicable so as to solve a variety of problems , such as the economic installation on existing vehicles of destination indicators remotely controlled by the driver of the vehicle via existing wiring .
I n one application of the present invention , particularly applied to articulated vehicles , the visual signalling means is fitted to the trailer and the means for generating a plurality of message signals is provided in the tractor cab , there being provided recognitiion signal generation means in the visual signalling means , recoginition signal receiving means in the means for generating a plurality of message signals and an alarm actuated by the recognition signal receiving means if said recognition signal receiving means does not recognise the signal from the visual signalling means .
In this application of the present invention preferably the visual signal generating means also includes a signal generator for producing a unique recognition signal and the message generating means includes means for recognising the said unique signal . A n alarm is also provided which is responsive to the message generating, means if , when the said message generating means is connected via the wiring system of the vehicle to the visual signal generating means , the recognition signal generated by the visual signal generating means is not the particular signal that recognising means is adapted to recognise. Alternatively or in addition the generation and reception of a recognition signal can be reversed , i . e. generated by the message generating means and recognised by the visual generating means so that the alarm would be operated if no recognition signal or the wrong recognition signal is fed to the visual signal genererating means . This is particularly useful for example, to prevent a trailer being hauled by the wrong tractor .
••"> order that the invention may be more readily understood , a specific embodiment thereof will now be described by way of example in which : -
Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the constituent parts of one example of the means for generating a plurality of message signals of the invention ;
Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the constituent parts of one example of the visual signalling means of the invention ;
Figure 3 shows one example of the circuit of the power supply of Figure 1 ;
Figure 4 shows one example of the circuit of the switches , encoder and transmitter of Figure 1 ;
F igure 5 shows one example of the circuit of the power supply and receiver of Figure 2;
Figure 6 shows one example of the circuit of the decoder and buffer of Figure 2 ; and
Figure 7 shows one example of the circuit of the memory and display of Figure 2.
Referring now to Figure 1 there is shown one example of the means for generating a plurality of message signals of the invention which will henceforth be referred to as a message selector system for convenience. I n this embodiment of the invention the message selector system comprises switches 1 , an encoder 2 , a transmitter 3 and a power supply 4. Examples of the circuits of the message selector system are shown in Figures 2 and 3 . Two, for example, switches 1 are provided in the message selector . The purpose of the switches 1 is to generate a code number . The message display uses -.the code number to select a message , stored in the message display system , for display . I n this embodiment of the invention , a first switch 1 is a two way switch , such as a toggle switch , which is used to select one of two alternative code numbers . The actuation of the left-turn indicator selects the appropriate code. The code on arrival at the display will cause the message stored in the display corresponding to the transmitted code to be displayed on the display . For example , actuation of the left-turn indicator of a vehicle , may , by appropriate operation of the two way switch by the operator , select one of two alternative messages such as "pulling in" when the operator wishes to stop the vehicle or "turning left" otherwise .
If there is present in the vehicle another circuit which operates only when the vehicle stops, such as a courtesy light adjacent to the door of a coach , then the toggle switch could be dispensed with and the signal could be taken from the vehicle wiring or from the switch used for this function .
I ndication means may be provided in the vicinity of the switch so as to indicate to the operator which of the messages is being displayed . For example , a red light may be operated when one message such as "pulling in" is being displayed and a green light may be operated when a different message is being displayed .
It will be appreciated that the first switch may be, for example, a three way switch if three alternative messages are desired to be displayed ; and so forth . A corresponding number of indication means could be provided if desired .
The second switch may be a rotary switch . This second switch may be used to select variations in the sets of messages such as to select different languages for display. Any number of different languages may be made available for display .
The encoder 2 section of the circuit encodes the switch connections into serial data signals . The encoding circuit , which is used in this embodiment of the invention , is substantially the same as that used in remote control units for television .
The transmitter 3 converts a serial data stream into radio frequency signals . The frequencies transmitted are preferably substantially in the range from 50 K Hz to 300 K Hz, for example 125 K Hz and only low power signals are generated which are preferably substantially less than 1 watt. By use of this low power output and the specific frequency range which is transmitted , the signals are not radiated, and are substantially retained being transmitted only through the wiring into which they are fed . I n this way there is substantially no possibility of one vehicle which is fitted with this sytem detecting the signals which are transmitted through the wiring system of another .
The power supply 4 provides power for the encoder 2 and transmitter 3 . The power supply 4 may draw its power from the same wiring circuit which is used to transmit the data .
Referring now to Figure 2 , the visual signalling means of the invention may comprise the following : a receiver 5 , a decoder 6 , a power supply 7 , a buffer 8 , a message memory 9 and a display 1 0.
Example of the component circuitry of the visual signalling means is shown in Figures 5 to 7.
The receiver 5 converts the radio signal from the vehicle wiring back to the same range as that produced in the encoder 2 of the message selector .
The decoder 6 converts the serial signal from the receiver 5 into a latched parallel data word . This latched parallel data word is the same code number as that generated by the switches 1 of the message selector.
: The power supply 7 of the visual signalling means provides power for the other parts of the visual signalling means . The power supply may draw its power from the same wiring circuit as that which is used to transmit the data .
The buffer 8 reduces the potential difference levels , such as
24v , on the lamps to the lower potential difference required by the message memory 9. The buffer 8 may also contain a detector for severe braking . The detector may be used to generate a further message at the display 10 such as " Hazard" .
The code number which is fed from the decoder 6 selects a group of messages from the various groups of messages which are stored in the message memory 9 . The appropriate message within the selected group is determined by the state of the various lamps of the vehicle as detected by the buffer 8. When more than one lamp is actuated at any one time, the message memory 9 will select the most appropriate message for display . For example , if for display purposes , turning the vehicle is considered to have a higher priority than braking , then a message relating to this turning will be displayed for as long as the vehicle's indicator is in operation , even though brake lamps may be in operation .
The display 10 may be of any suitable type such as a liquid crystal display . Any number of alphanumeric characters may be displayed such as to up to twenty characters. The size of the alphanumeric characters which are to be displayed may be varied as required but preferably approximate to the size of the letters displayed -l i ¬ on the vehicle's registration plate.
On installation , only two connections need to be made to the message selector . One of these connections is to the vehicle earth and the other connection is to a circuit which is live whenever the message selector is to be used , such as a connection to a battery line, a lamp circuit which is actuated whenever the vehicle is in use, or more preferably the ignition circuit.
Two sets of connections must be made to the v isual signall ing means . The first set of connections are the same as those required by the message selector ; that is an earth connection and a connection to a live circuit . The live circuit connection should be the same as that to which the message selector is connected . The other set of connections are to the lamp circuits of the vehicle . As all of the relevant lighting circuits are usually wired to the rear of the vehicle, there is no need for long wire runs . I nstead , the existing wiring looms may be tapped into at any suitable or convenient place or places . The circuits which are to be wired are the indicator , brake and reversing circuits .
In use the rotary switch is set to the correct position such that the desired language is to be displayed at the display . The two way switch is then used to select the sets of messages such as
"stopping" messages or "moving" messages . The appropriate message will be displayed by way of the invention It is to be understood that the embodiment described above has been described by way of illustration only . Many variations and modifications are possible. For example as previously mentioned the invention can be applied to all kinds of vehicles which may travel by, for example, road, rail sea or air .

Claims

CLA I MS
1 . A signalling and/or message display device for vehicles comprising visual signalling means or an audible alarm , connectable to the electrical wiring system of the vehicle, said vehicle wiring system being adapted to convey a first message signal , means for generating a plurality of second message signals , means for selecting one of the plurality of second message signals and for sending the selected second message signal via the vehicle wiring system to the visual signalling means or audible alarm , said visual signalling means including a transducer means for converting the selected second message signal into a discrete visually readable message or said alarm including means for converting the selected second message signal into an audible sound .
2. A signalling and/or message display device for vehicles comprising visual signalling means or an audible alarm , connectable to the electrical wiring system of the vehicle, the electrical wiring system being adapted to convey a plurality of message signals for a certain purpose other than to operate the visual signalling means σr an audible alarm, means for selecting one of the plurality of message signals and for sending the selected message signal via the vehicle wiring system to the visual signalling means or audible alarm so as to operate the visual signalling means or audible alarm , said visual signalling means including a transducer means for converting the selected message signal into a discrete visually readable message or the audible alarm including means for converting the selected message signal into an audible sound .
3. A signalling and/or message display device for vehicles as claimed in claim 1 , characterised in that the power supply cabling of the electrical wiring system is used to convey said second message signal .
4. A signalling and/or message display device for vehicles as claimed in any preceding claim , characterised in that the message signals are conveyed on a radio frequency carrier along the existing wiring system of the vehicle substantially without interfering with the original uses of the wiring .
5 . A signalling and/or message display device as claimed in any preceding claim , characterised in that the visual signal generating means comprises a display capable "-of being controlled so as to show upon selection one of a plurality of readable messages .
6. A signalling and/or message display device as claimed in any preceding claim, characterised in that the visual signal generating means is secured to the exterior of the vehicle.
7. A signalling and/or message display device as claimed in any preceding claim , characterised in that at least one of the message signal generating means or the means for message selection is provided in the vicinity of the controls of the vehicle.
8. A signalling and/or message display device as claimed in any preceding claim , characterised in that the visual signal generating means and the message generating means are connected together by the vehicle wiring system .
9. A signalling and/or message display device as claimed in any preceding claim , characterised in that the visual signal generating means and the message generating means are connected together by the lighting system of the vehicle .
10 . A signalling and/or message display device as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the visual signalling means is fitted to the trailer of a vehicle and the means for generating a plurality of message signals is provided in the tractor unit of that vehicle , there being provided recognition signal generating means in the visual signalling means , recognition signal receiving means in the means for generating a plurality of message signals and an audible alarm actuated by the recognition signal receiving means , if said recognition signal receiving means does not recognise the signal from the visual signalling means.
11 . A signalling and/or message display device as claimed in claim 10, characterised in that the visual display signal generating means also includes a signal generator for producing a unique recognition signal and the message generating means includes means for recognising the said unique system.
1 2. A signalling and/or message display device as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 , characterised in that a recognition signal is generated by the message generating means and is recognised by the visual signal generating means so that the alarm would be operated if no recognition signal or the wrong recognition signal is fed to the visual generating means .
PCT/GB1990/000205 1989-02-10 1990-02-09 Signalling and/or message display WO1990009294A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8903079.5 1989-02-10
GB898903079A GB8903079D0 (en) 1989-02-10 1989-02-10 Signalling and/or security device

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WO1990009294A1 true WO1990009294A1 (en) 1990-08-23

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GB (1) GB8903079D0 (en)
WO (1) WO1990009294A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4431190A1 (en) * 1994-09-01 1996-03-07 Schmidt Andrea Constanze Device for visual on-the-road communication between automobiles, trucks etc

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3127941A1 (en) * 1981-07-15 1983-02-03 Fritz 7513 Stutensee Seeger Electro-optical illuminated panel
EP0214594A2 (en) * 1985-09-03 1987-03-18 Gerald Clinker Improved auxiliary vehicle warning system
EP0217762A2 (en) * 1985-10-01 1987-04-08 CAVIS CAVETTI ISOLATI S.p.A. Decoder for the electrical supply of a vehicle

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3127941A1 (en) * 1981-07-15 1983-02-03 Fritz 7513 Stutensee Seeger Electro-optical illuminated panel
EP0214594A2 (en) * 1985-09-03 1987-03-18 Gerald Clinker Improved auxiliary vehicle warning system
EP0217762A2 (en) * 1985-10-01 1987-04-08 CAVIS CAVETTI ISOLATI S.p.A. Decoder for the electrical supply of a vehicle

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4431190A1 (en) * 1994-09-01 1996-03-07 Schmidt Andrea Constanze Device for visual on-the-road communication between automobiles, trucks etc

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GB8903079D0 (en) 1989-03-30
AU5096890A (en) 1990-09-05

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