Led traffic light

• US 20060202861A1
• Filed: 02/27/2004
• Published: 09/14/2006
• 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 7,443,315 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/929
• 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 9/33 being semiconductor devices, e.g. diodes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode

Abstract

A vertical by standing LED paneled traffic light that is 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. The traffic light having an LED panel for directing motor traffic, an LED panel for directing pedestrian traffic, an LED street sign and an LED panel for displaying an animated advertisement or important message, such as traffic conditions ahead.

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; and

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

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 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 network.

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

9. The traffic light apparatus of claim 8, wherein said street sign comprises an LED panel.

10. A traffic light apparatus comprising a matrix of multi-colored LEDs for direction 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.

11. The traffic light apparatus of claim 10, wherein said time remaining is conveyed using a count-down timer.

12. The traffic light apparatus of claim 10, which said time remaining is conveyed using a shrinking stripe.

13. The traffic light apparatus of claim 10, wherein said time remaining is conveyed using a gradient horizontal strip.

14. A traffic light apparatus of claim 10 further comprising means for use as a communications station.

15. The traffic light of claim 14, wherein said communications station provides a direct link to emergency services.

16. The traffic light of claim 14, wherein said communications station provides cellular phone transmission.

17. The traffic light of claim 14, wherein said communications station provides wireless internet access.