Driver control display system for a vehicle

• US 6,029,102 A
• Filed: 07/01/1998
• Issued: 02/22/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 07/01/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: James L. Elsman
• Original Assignee: James L. Elsman
• Inventors: Elsman, James L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Zanelli, Michael J.
• Application Number:
  US09/108,356
• Time in Patent Office: 601 Days
• Field of Search: 701/1, 701/36, 340/468, 340/425.5, 340/426, 340/466, 340/465, 340/576, 307/9.1, 307/10.1, 307/10.3, 307/10.5, 180/272, 40/592
• US Class Current: 701/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/104 characterised by the type of theft warning signal, e.g. visual or audible signals with special characteristics

Abstract

A driver control display system for a vehicle includes a driver identifier, a display and a controller. The display is supported by the vehicle and selectively displays a message that can be viewed from the outside of the vehicle. The controller is in communication with the driver identifier and with the display and includes the restriction checker. The restriction checker determines if the driver of the vehicle is violating a restriction and, if so, causes the display to display the message. The driver identifier may be a keycard receiver that accepts keycards containing driver identifying information.

Claims

1. A driver control display system for a vehicle, said system comprising:

a means for identifying a driver of the vehicle;

a display supported by said vehicle for selectively displaying a message that is viewable from outside the vehicle; and

a controller in communication with said driver identifying means and said display, said controller including means for determining if the identified driver is violating a restriction, said controller causing said display to display the message when the identified driver is violating the restriction.

2. The driver control display system of claim 1 wherein the controller comprises means for storing information relating to restrictions for specified drivers and the system further includes means for entering information into the controller.

3. The driver control display system of claim 2 wherein the information stored in the storing means includes end dates of restrictions and the system includes a calendar clock providing signals for the controller to allow the controller to determine whether the restriction is in force at any particular time.

4. The driver control display system of claim 1 wherein the display supported by the vehicle is supported on the roof of the vehicle.

5. The driver control display system of claim 1 wherein the message viewable from outside of the vehicle relates to whether the vehicle is being driven by a driver who is violating restrictions.