Emergency vehicle light bar with message display
First Claim
1. A light bar and display system for an emergency vehicle comprising:
- a lighting subsystem which integrates into a single display field one or more warning signal lights and a message display configured to display a programmable text message, wherein the lighting subsystem includes a first set of LEDs configured to function as the warning signal lights and a second set of LEDs configured to function as the message display, wherein the first set of LEDs and the second set of LEDs are interleaved in a single matrix of LEDs; and
a light bar structure upon which the lighting subsystem is mounted;
wherein the lighting subsystem is movable between a first position in which the lighting subsystem has a first visual profile and a second position in which the lighting subsystem has a second visual profile which is greater than the first visual profile.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A lighting subsystem and a light bar structure upon which the lighting subsystem is mounted. The lighting subsystem has a display that incorporates both warning signal lights and a programmable message display and is configured to enable the positioning of the lighting subsystem in multiple positions, including a low-profile position and a higher profile position. In one embodiment, the lighting subsystem utilizes an LED matrix display which includes interleaved message-display LEDs and warning-signal LEDs. The system may be positioned at an aerodynamic pursuit angle, and the LEDs may be oriented to maximize forward intensity of the emitted light in the pursuit position. In the low-profile position, the lighting subsystem may be retracted into a recessed compartment in the roof of an emergency vehicle. The message display may be configured to display preprogrammed messages or user-programmed messages, and may be operable by a user outside the vehicle using a remote control.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A light bar and display system for an emergency vehicle comprising:
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a lighting subsystem which integrates into a single display field one or more warning signal lights and a message display configured to display a programmable text message, wherein the lighting subsystem includes a first set of LEDs configured to function as the warning signal lights and a second set of LEDs configured to function as the message display, wherein the first set of LEDs and the second set of LEDs are interleaved in a single matrix of LEDs; and a light bar structure upon which the lighting subsystem is mounted; wherein the lighting subsystem is movable between a first position in which the lighting subsystem has a first visual profile and a second position in which the lighting subsystem has a second visual profile which is greater than the first visual profile. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11)
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9. A light bar and display system for an emergency vehicle comprising:
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a lighting subsystem which integrates into a single display field one or more warning signal lights and a message display configured to display a programmable text message; and a light bar structure upon which the lighting subsystem is mounted; wherein the lighting subsystem is movable between a first position in which the lighting subsystem has a first visual profile and a second position in which the lighting subsystem has a second visual profile which is greater than the first visual profile, wherein the system is mounted on a roof of an emergency vehicle and wherein in the first position the lighting subsystem is substantially horizontal, and wherein in the first position, the warning signal lights are visible.
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12. A light bar and display system for an emergency vehicle comprising:
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a lighting subsystem which integrates into a single display field one or more warning signal lights and a message display configured to display a programmable text message; and a light bar structure upon which the lighting subsystem is mounted; wherein the lighting subsystem is movable between a first position in which the lighting subsystem has a first visual profile and a second position in which the lighting subsystem has a second visual profile which is greater than the first visual profile, wherein the light bar structure is movable to an intermediate position between the first position and the second position, wherein in the intermediate position, the aerodynamic drag of the system is less than the aerodynamic drag of the system in the second position, wherein the message display comprises a matrix of LEDs and wherein a first direction in which a highest intensity of light is emitted from the LEDs is angled away from a second direction which is perpendicular to a face of the lighting subsystem. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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Specification