Led traffic light

• US 20060038702A1
• Filed: 08/26/2005
• Published: 02/23/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/27/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Teddy Yeung Man Lo
• Original Assignee: Teddy Yeung Man Lo
• Inventors: Lo, Teddy Yeung Man
• Granted Patent: US 7,375,650 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/907
• CPC Class Codes: E01F 9/608 for guiding, warning or controlling traffic, e.g. delineator posts or milestones
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/095 Traffic lights
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096 provided with indicators in which a mark progresses showing the time elapsed, e.g. of green phase
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 13/0472 Traffic signs
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 15/005 for orientation or public information
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 15/0075 Pillars
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 9/33 being semiconductor devices, e.g. diodes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode

Abstract

The present invention provides traffic lights comprising an LED panel for directing motor traffic, an LED panel for directing pedestrian traffic, an LED street sign, an LED panel for displaying an animated advertisement or important message, such as traffic conditions ahead, and a personal device interface providing two-way communication of information between the traffic light and at least one local user with a personal portable electronic device. The present invention also provides LED traffic lights that are capable of communicating approximately how much time remains before the traffic light changes from a signal directing motorists to proceed to a signal directing motorists to stop, and a personal device interface providing two-way communication of information between the traffic light and at least one local user with a personal portable electronic device.

Claims

1. A traffic light apparatus comprising:

a primary traffic panel including a first matrix of multicolored LEDs for directing motor traffic by displaying a plurality of images;

a message panel including a second matrix of multicolored LEDs for displaying information unrelated to the directing of traffic; and

a personal device interface providing two-way communication of information between the traffic light apparatus and at least one local user with a personal portable electronic device.

2. The traffic light apparatus of claim 1, wherein said primary traffic panel directs motor traffic by displaying images that communicate information relating to how much time remains before said primary traffic panel changes from a signal directing motorists to proceed to a signal directing motorists to stop.

3. The traffic light apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pedestrian traffic panel including a third matrix of multi-colored LEDs for directing pedestrian traffic by displaying a plurality of images.

4. The traffic light apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for causing said message panel to display messages provided over a computer communication network.

5. The traffic light apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for modifying a display scheme according to a special motif.

6. The traffic light apparatus of claim 1, wherein said message panel includes means for displaying animated advertisements.

7. The traffic light apparatus of claim 6, wherein said advertisements are provided over a computer communication network.

8. The traffic light apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for use as an information terminal.

9. The traffic light apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for use as a point-of-sales station.

10. The traffic light apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a street sign.

11. The traffic light apparatus of claim 10, wherein said street sign comprises an LED panel.

13. The traffic light apparatus of claim 11, wherein said time remaining is conveyed using a count-down timer.

14. The traffic light apparatus of claim 11, wherein said time remaining is conveyed using a shrinking stripe.

15. The traffic light apparatus of claim 11, wherein said time remaining is conveyed using a gradient horizontal strip.

16. The traffic light apparatus of claim 11, further comprising means for use as a point-of-sales station.

17. The traffic light apparatus of claim 11, further comprising means for use as a communications station.

18. The traffic light of claim 17, wherein said communications station provides a direct link to emergency services.

19. The traffic light of claim 17, wherein said communications station provides cellular phone transmission.

20. The traffic light of claim 17, wherein said communications station provides wireless internet access.

12. A traffic light apparatus comprising:

a matrix of multi-colored LEDs for directing motor traffic by displaying a plurality of images, including means for communicating information relating to how much time remains before said traffic light changes from a signal directing motorists to proceed to a signal directing motorists to stop; and

a personal device interface providing two way communication of information between the traffic light apparatus and at least one local user with a personal portable electronic device.