GB2227590A

GB2227590A - Vehicle message display system

Info

Publication number: GB2227590A
Application number: GB8824503A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Timothy Charles Dodd
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-10-19
Filing date: 1988-10-19
Publication date: 1990-08-01
Anticipated expiration: 2008-10-19
Also published as: GB2227590B; GB8824503D0

Abstract

A vehicle message display system comprises a rear window message panel having a horizontal row of LED alpha- numeric display units, a microprocessor control (18) including a memory for storing messages which can be input prior to sale from a detachable input device (20), and a driver accessible keypad (24) for causing display of a selected message. <IMAGE>

Description

Vehicle Message Display System This invention relates to a message display system for a road vehicle, more especially a motor car.

According to the invention there is provided a vehicle message display system comprising a panel for location adjacent the rear window of the vehicle, the panel bearing a plurality of alpha-numeric digital display elements, and a microprocessor control for the display elements, the microprocessor including a memory means, a keypad for driver operation to select from the memory means a message to be displayed by the display elements, and means for connection of an input device by which messages can be input to the microprocessor for storage in the memory means.

Preferably the digital display elements are LED elements for displaying characters in red.

The microprocessor preferably includes a clock means whereby messages are displayed for a set period, say of about 8 to 10 seconds, following a momentary depression of a key on the keypad.

The invention also relates to the combination of the aforedescribed system with the input device, which is connected to the microprocessor to program the memory means prior to sale and is then removable to prevent reprogramming by the user.

An over-ride switch means may be provided whereby a constant display of certain messages, such as "BREAKDOWN" or "DISABLED can be obtained until the message is switched off at said over-ride switch means.

t is also possible to provide an automatic over-ride actuated when a vehicle control such as the brake pedal is operated, e.g. to display the message "BRAKING", or possibly a row of Xs, thereby to create a high level brake light.

It may also sometimes be desirable to pre-programme the microprocessor memory with the vehicle owner's name.

About six messages may be selectable, such as "CAUTION'", "CHILD IN CAR", "PULL BACK", "THANK YOU", "LIGHTS", 'BREAKDOWET" and as a programmable option "DISABLED", but the input means will enable any chosen text to be inserted into the memory means, in any of a variety of languages.

The message panel may be locatable against the rear window by means of adhesive pads, or by means of brackets in the case of a steeply inclined rear window, in any case so that the panel is not too steeply inclined tothe vertical to prevent clear viewing thereof.

A convenient panel may be some 36 to 44 cm long (across the vehicle window) and some 6 to 7 cm wide (down the window) so as not materially to obscure the driver's rear vision via the interior rear view mirror.

A practical embodiment of vehicle message system in accordance with the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a view of the front face of a message panel; Figure 2 is an edge view thereof; and Figure 3 is a block circuit diagram.

Referring to the drawings, a message panel 10 comprises a black plastics moulding which may include mounting feet and has a message face defined by a plurality of, say twelve, LED alpha-numeric display units 12. Behind the display units the moulding incorporates a control circuit primarily provided on printed circuit boards 14.

The control circuit shown in Figure 3 includes drivers 16 for the display units 12, and a microprocessor 18 providing data (message) and clock inputs to the display drivers.

The microprocessor 18 includes a memory for the storage of data (messages) which are input by an input device 20 which connects to a programme input port 22 on the microprocessor. The input device is removed prior to sale, as it is not intended that re-programming should be possible by the user.

The microprocessor 18 also connects with a keypad 24 by which the driver can select a message to be displayed.

This keypad may include an over-ride on/off key whereby one or more specific messages may be permanently displayed, whilst the remaining messages are timed to last for 8 to 10 seconds following momentary depression of an appropriate key. The keys are preferably symbolically marked to aid message selection.

A power supply 26 for the control circuit is tapped from the vehicle 12V battery power circuit.

The above-described system may be supplied as a kit for fixing in position by the vehicle owner or by a garage, and for this purpose will include full wiring and fixing instructions. Accordingly, the message panel may be provided with adhesive pads and/or with parcel shelf and/or high level brackets, so that the panel can be mounted on or adjacent the rear vehicle window in a near vertical orientation, even in the case of a vehicle having a markedly sloped rear window.

Various modifications of the above-described and illustrated system are possible within the scope of the invention hereinbefore defined.

Claims

1. A vehicle message display system comprising a panel for location adjacent the rear window of the vehicle, the panel bearing a plurality of alpha-numeric digital display elements, and a microprocessor control for the display elements, the microprocessor including a memory means, a keypad for driver operation to select from the memory means a message to be displayed by the display elements, and means for connection of an input device by which messages can be input to the microprocessor for storage in the memory means.

2. A display sister as claimed in claim 1, wherein the digital display elements are LED elements.

3. A display syster according to flair 1 or claim 2, wherein the microprocessor includes a clock means whereby messages are displayed for a set period following depression a key on the keypad.

4. A d dislay sister according to claim 1 or flair 2 c claim 3, including an over-ride switch means whereby 2 constant message display, at least of certain messages, can be obtained.

5. A display system as claimed in any of claims 1 et 4, including an automatis over-ride ectueted when 2 vehicle control is operated, thereby to oase automatic message display.

6. A display ay system according to any of olairs 1 to 5, wherein the message panel is locatable against the rear window by means of adhesive pads, or by means of brackets in- the case of a steeply inclined rear window, in any case so that the panel is not too steeply inclined to the vertical to prevent clear viewing thereof.

7. A display system according to claim 6, wherein the panel is approximately 36 to 44 cm long (across the vehicle window) and some 6 to 7 cm wide (down the window) so as not materially to obscure the driver's rear vision via the interior rear view mirror.

8. A display system according to any of claims 1 tc 7, in combination with an input device, which is connected to the microprocessor to program the memory means prick te sale and is then removable to prevent reprograrring by the user.

9. A display system according to claim 8, having a minimum capacity for about six messages of up to twelve digits input via the input device.

10. A vehicle message display system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompany drawings.

11. A vehicle message display system as cleimed in any cc te 10, in the form of a kit of parts.