Methods and systems utilizing a programmable sign display located in proximity to a traffic light

• US 7,538,689 B2
• Filed: 12/12/2006
• Issued: 05/26/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 04/15/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Original Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Inventors: Haase, Michael A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pope; Daryl C
• Application Number:
  US11/609,364
• Publication Number:
  US 20070118395A1
• Time in Patent Office: 896 Days
• Field of Search: 340/909, 340/905, 340/906, 340/910, 340/914, 340/917, 340/908.1, 340/929, 404/53
• US Class Current: 340/909
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0265 Vehicular advertisement
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0267 Wireless devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0273 Determination of fees for advertising
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/087 Override of traffic control, e.g. by signal transmitted by an emergency vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/095 Traffic lights
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/0965 responding to signals from another vehicle, e.g. emergency vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096716 where the received information does not generate an automatic action on the vehicle control
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096758 where no selection takes place on the transmitted or the received information
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096783 where the origin of the information is a roadside individual element

Abstract

Methods and systems use a programmable sign display located in proximity to a traffic light to provide information to motorists upon the motorists directing their attention toward the traffic light. The programmable sign display may receive programming for content to be displayed in various ways, such as through an interface to a telephone network accessible by a cell phone that sends programming information to the sign. The programmable sign may be used to inform motorists of a radio frequency upon which relevant information such as advertising or traffic reports is being broadcast. The programmable sign may be used to provide textual or graphical information, such as an instruction to motorists that relates to avoiding an approaching emergency vehicle. Additionally, management of the sign is provided to coordinate programming and control of the content being displayed. The display of content on the programmable sign display may be coordinated with the states of the traffic light to avoid distracting motorists.

Claims

1. A method of providing visual information to motorists on a programmable sign display placed in proximity to a traffic light having the ability to signal a plurality of colors, one of which is red, comprising:

receiving, by a managing entity, advertising content to be displayed on the programmable sign display from one or more customers;

sending, by the managing entity, programming to the programmable sign display, the programming corresponding to the content provided by the plurality of customers, and the programmable sign display'"'"'s location requiring authorization from a government entity; and

displaying the advertising content on the programmable sign display in response to the programming received by the programmable sign display and in coordination with the color signaled by the traffic light, for viewing by motorists as they direct their attention toward the traffic light, wherein the display of advertising content on the programmable sign display occurs as a result of a first bartered exchange between the managing entity and the customers, and a second bartered exchange between the managing entity and the government entity.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the color signaled by the traffic light is the color red.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more customers comprise government customers and advertising customers.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending, by the programmable sign display, a notice of power loss upon occurrence of a loss of power.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising authenticating, by the programmable sign display, an incoming message from the managing entity.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending, by the programmable sign display, a message that is indicative of a malfunction upon the malfunction of the programmable sign display occurring.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein advertising content is animated content.