WO1994023403A1

WO1994023403A1 - Shape and color in traffic lights

Info

Publication number: WO1994023403A1
Application number: PCT/BR1993/000018
Authority: WO
Inventors: João Martins RIBEIRO; Moacyr Berman
Original assignee: Ribeiro Joao Martins; Moacyr Berman
Priority date: 1993-03-29
Filing date: 1993-05-12
Publication date: 1994-10-13
Also published as: BR9301346A

Abstract

The means employed to associate shape and color in traffic lights consists in introducing 'lenses' in geometric shapes (square, equilateral triangle, circle), combined with the colors presently in use and standardized worldwide (red, yellow and green, respectively), so as to offer greater normality to traffic, given that the messages (Stop, Attention, Proceed) that will be issued by the traffic lights by way of the two elements, shape and color, will always be interpreted, quickly and with no uncertainty, in one single manner, whether or not the viewer (motorist or pedestrian) belong to the group of those who confuse, do not distinguish, or momentarily do not distinguish colors - principally red and green - thus offering an opportunity, today totally non-existent, for the color blind to participate in Traffic, in total safety, as motorists (obtaining driving licenses) or as pedestrians who must deal with vehicular movement when crossing roads and avenues, without however changing in any way the comprehension that exists today, on the part of the public, of basic, familiar Traffic rules.

Description

Descriptive report of patent for the Invention resulting from the combination of "SHAPE AND COLOR IN TRAFFIC LIGHTS" so as to make each color (red, yellow, green) emitted by a set of traffic lights take a different geometric shape (square, triangle, circle), so that the color blind may be licensed to drive motor vehicles and, also, so that no motorist or pedestrian ever be liable to confuse the message (Stop, Attention, Proceed) that traffic lights issue to direct Traffic.

The means employed to achieve this purpose consist in replacing the circular lenses corresponding to the signals for Stop (red) and Attention (yellow) with "lenses" in the shape of a square and an equilateral triangle, respectively (as in Figure 1).

The dimensions of the "lenses" in the shape of a square and an equilateral triangle would correspond to that of the remaining (green) circle in such a way that the area illuminated would remain constant, so as not to alter the area of color viewed.

This would ensure proper traffic light signaling to command the flow of vehicles, without modifying the characteristics of the traffic light currently in use, since only the frontal portion ("lenses" and appropriate minor adaptations) would be altered. It is to be stressed that there would be no need to introduce any change in the control apparatus, dimensions, electrical and electronic system, structure, materials of manufacture, nor in the manner of sealing the light sources to prevent the entry of water or dirt Neither would it be necessary to modify in any way the fixing support structure, projecting arms or columns. Moreover, each of the "lenses" would continue to be illuminated independently.

Claims

CLAIM

1.- The means employed for associating "SHAPE AND COLOR IN TRAFFIC LIGHTS" consists in having traffic light "lenses" take the shape of a square, an equilateral triangle and a circle in the colors red, yellow and green, respectively, BO that, in this way, all persons -- including those with sight deficiencies affecting their ability to distinguish colors - will interpret traffic light messages (Stop, Attention and Proceed) in only one fashion.