VISUAL SIGNALING SYSTEM

Abstract

A visual signaling system includes intelligent signage with a set of three or more lights visible from a single direction. The activation of the lights in a first pattern indicates danger and that people should move away from the sign. The activation of the lights in a second pattern indicates safety and that people should move toward the sign. The activation of the lights in a third pattern indicates the need for caution and that people should refrain from approaching the sign. The visual signaling system may include multiple intelligent signs that display different patterns on different signs depending on the location of each sign relative to the hazard, thus guiding people away from the danger.

Description

VISUAL SIGNALING SYSTEM. CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority over the Provisional Application of the United States No. 62 / 978,486, filed on February 19, 2020, incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] A visual signaling system includes intelligent signage with a set of three or more lights visible from a single direction. Activation of the lights in a first pattern indicates a threat and that people should move away from the sign. Activation of the lights in a second pattern indicates safety and that people should move toward the sign. Activation of the lights in a third pattern indicates the need for caution and that people should refrain from approaching the sign. The visual signaling system may include a plurality of intelligent signs that display different patterns on different signs depending on the location of each sign relative to the threat, thus guiding individuals away from the threat. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Traditional security and emergency evacuation systems include general visual and audible alarms. However, these alarms typically provide only a general warning that occupants should leave a building or other area. Threats such as fire or active shooters may be located in a specific threat area, and a general evacuation warning could inadvertently result in occupants entering the threat area. Typical security and emergency evacuation systems do not provide the type and depth of information that occupants may need to identify and avoid a threat area, which would be more effective in minimizing exposure to the threat.

[0004] An intelligent emergency evacuation system is disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2019 / 0295207, incorporated herein by reference. This system includes intelligent signage to direct occupants away from a threat area. However, a significant portion of the population has some degree of color blindness, so systems that rely solely on color to indicate safe or threatening areas (e.g., green lights versus red lights) will not serve all occupants. Therefore, there is a need to provide advancements in the field of security and emergency evacuation systems to offer clear instructions to occupants within public and private buildings or other public areas when a threat is detected and preferred exit routes from the building are desired, and to do so in a manner suitable for color-blind individuals.Ideally, the systems would not rely on sound to be accessible to people with hearing disabilities.

[0005] The inventors of the present description realized that improvements in safety systems and emergency evacuation systems are needed to address the needs of color-blind individuals. Certain preferred features of the present description address these and other needs and provide other important advantages. SUMMARY

[0006] This description relates to a visual signaling system comprising intelligent signage that includes three independently controllable lights arranged in a triangular pattern. The lights can be independently activated to display different colors and in different patterns. In preferred embodiments, the intelligent signage includes at least one set of three lights arranged in a triangular pattern, each set located on the sign housing, such that only one set of lights is visible to a stationary individual. Different light activation patterns are used to indicate safe and unsafe conditions. Activation of a set of lights in a first pattern indicates a threat and that people should move away from the sign. Activation of a set of lights in a second pattern indicates safety and that people should move toward the sign.The activation of a set of lights in a third, optional pattern indicates caution and advises people to refrain from approaching the sign. In some embodiments, the visual signaling system is used in conjunction with an intelligent emergency evacuation system, such as the system disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2019 / 0295207, which provides electronic instructions to each intelligent sign to initiate specific light activation patterns based on the sign's relative location to a detected hazard or other threat. Different light activation patterns can be displayed on different sides or corners of the sign, depending on the sign's relative location to a hazard, instructing people to move toward or away from the sign as appropriate to guide them away from the hazard.

[0007] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of the concepts that are described in more detail in the detailed description and drawings contained herein. This summary is not intended to identify any primary or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Some or all of the features described may be present in the corresponding independent or dependent claims, but they should not be construed as a limitation unless expressly stated in a particular claim. Each embodiment described herein is not necessarily intended to address all the objects described herein, and each embodiment does not necessarily include every feature described.Other forms, embodiments, objects, advantages, benefits, features, and aspects of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art from the detailed description and drawings contained herein. Furthermore, the various apparatus and methods described in this summary section, as well as elsewhere in this application, can be expressed as a large number of different combinations and subcombinations. All such useful, novel, and inventive combinations and subcombinations are contemplated herein, it being recognized that the explicit expression of each of these combinations is unnecessary. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] A better understanding of the present invention will be obtained by referring to the following description together with the accompanying drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1A is a bottom perspective view of a first embodiment of a visual signaling system with lighting that indicates a threat.

[0010] FIG. 1B is a bottom perspective view of the first embodiment of a visual signaling system with lighting indicating caution. zzcn ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ

[0011] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the first embodiment of a visual signaling system with lighting that indicates a safe direction.

[0012] FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a visual signaling system with lighting that indicates a threat.

[0013] FIG. 2B is a front perspective view of the second embodiment of a visual signaling system with lighting indicating caution.

[0014] FIG. 2C is a front perspective view of the second embodiment of a visual signaling system with lighting that indicates a safe direction.

[0015] FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of a visual signaling system with lighting that indicates a threat.

[0016] FIG. 3B is a front perspective view of the third embodiment of a visual signaling system with lighting indicating caution.

[0017] FIG. 30 is a front perspective view of the third embodiment of a visual signaling system with lighting indicating a safe direction zzcn ίη / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ. zzcn ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ

[0018] FIG. 4A is an exemplary floor plan of a building equipped with a visual signaling system, where a threat is detected at the location indicated by the letter T.

[0019] Fig. 4B is the exemplary floor plan of Fig. 4A, where a threat is detected in a different location indicated by the letter T. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] In order to promote understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to selected embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe them. It is understood, however, that no limitation of the scope of the invention is intended; all further alterations and modifications of the described or illustrated embodiments, and any other application of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, as would normally occur to a person skilled in the art to which the invention relates, are contemplated. At least one embodiment of the invention is shown in great detail, although it will be evident to those skilled in the relevant art that some features or combinations of features may be omitted for the sake of clarity. zzcn ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ

[0021] Any reference to an invention herein is a reference to one embodiment of a family of inventions, with no single embodiment necessarily including features that are included in all embodiments, unless otherwise stated. Furthermore, although there may be references to advantages provided by some embodiments of the present invention, other embodiments may not include those same advantages, or may include different advantages. The advantages described herein should not be construed as limiting any of the claims.

[0022] Specific quantities (spatial dimensions, dimensionless parameters, etc.) may be used explicitly or implicitly in this document. Such specific quantities are presented only as examples and are approximate values ​​unless otherwise stated. Discussions regarding specific compositions of matter, if present, are presented only as examples and do not limit the applicability of other compositions of matter, especially other compositions of matter with similar properties, unless otherwise stated. The terms "up" and "down" used in this document refer to the orientation of the signage shown in the drawings. It should be understood that a sign may be mounted on a ceiling, wall, or other structure in various orientations, so that the top may face sideways, be angled, or be upside down.

[0023] Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 10, a first embodiment of a visual signaling system is an emergency evacuation sign 10 for use at corridor intersections. The sign 10 includes a rectangular or square housing 12 having four sides 14, an upper 16 and a lower 18 opposite the upper 16. The sides 14 extend between the upper 16 and the lower 18, forming four corners 20 at the intersection of each pair of sides 14. In some embodiments, the top 16 is configured to be attached to a ceiling (fixing mechanisms not shown, but typical of those known in the art). The sign 10 is preferably mounted such that each corner 20 of the sign 10 is aligned along each corridor (assuming an intersection of two perpendicularly arranged corridors). Each corner 20 of sign 10 includes a corner light 22 aligned to illuminate in the direction of that corner 20.Each side 14 includes two side lights 24, with one of the side lights 24 aligned to illuminate each of the corners 20 adjacent to that side 14. As shown in FIG. 1A, 1B, and 1C, an individual in a corridor viewing sign 10 would have one corner light 22 and one side light 24 from each of the two sides 14 aligned in that individual's direction. The corner light 22 is positioned closer to the top 16 than to the bottom 18, and the side lights 24 are positioned closer to the bottom 18 than to the top 16, so that the three lights facing each corner 20 form a triangular pattern. In some embodiments, lights 22, 24 are partially enclosed within a cover 26 to direct their illumination in the direction of the respective corner 20 and limit their visibility from the direction of the sides 14 adjacent to that corner.For each side light 24, the respective cover 26 extends from side 14 in a non-perpendicular direction aligned with the respective corner 20 to direct the illumination of that side light 22 in the direction of that corner 20. In other embodiments (not shown), the lights 22, 24 may be recessed within the housing 12 to achieve the same purpose. By aligning the illumination of the lights 22, 24 in a single direction (i.e., the direction of corner 20, which is aligned with the corridor) and restricting the visibility of the lights 22, 24 from the sides 14, an individual standing in a corridor can see only a single set of three lights 22, 24 and will therefore not receive conflicting guidance, as lights pointing in different directions may display different illumination patterns.

[0024] The lower portion 18 includes four directional arrows 28 capable of being illuminated in a plurality of colors, such as red, green, and yellow. Each directional arrow 28 points in a different, non-identical direction defined by the plane of the lower portion 18 (i.e., a first directional arrow pointing in a first direction, a second directional arrow pointing in a second direction, a third directional arrow pointing in a third direction, and a fourth directional arrow pointing in a fourth direction). In the depicted embodiment, each directional arrow 28 points in the direction of a different corner 20, such that each directional arrow 28 points in a direction opposite to another directional arrow 28 and perpendicular to two other directional arrows 28.

[0025] In use, a controller, such as a microprocessor, in electronic communication with the sign 10 activates one or more directional arrows 28 and lights 22, 24 on the appropriate sides 14 and corner(s) 20 to facilitate safe evacuation. The controller, whether located within the sign or in electronic communication with the sign, is configured to independently illuminate or dim (alternatively referred to as turn on or turn off) each directional arrow 28 and light 22, 24 on the sign 10. In some embodiments, the controller is in communication with a security system or an intelligent emergency evacuation system, such as, for example, the system disclosed in U.S. Publication No.2019 / 0295207, and receives electronic instructions via wired or wireless transmission, causing the controller to activate or deactivate directional arrows 28 and lights 22, 24 in specific patterns based on the sign's relative position with respect to a detected threat (e.g., an active shooter, a fire, a tornado, etc.). zzcn ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ

[0026] In a first example shown in FIG. 1A, a threat can be detected in the vicinity of sign 10. In this example, the controller activates all directional arrows 28 and all lights 22, 24 using red illumination (activated arrows and lights are indicated by gray shading, regardless of the actual color of the illumination). The red directional arrows 28 at the bottom 18 of sign 10 are visible to people below or near the sign and indicate that individuals should take any route to escape the vicinity of the sign or shelter on site if escape is not feasible, regardless of whether individuals can discern the color of the arrows 28.The red lights 22 and 24 at the corners 20 and sides 14 of sign 10 are visible to people farther away from the sign and indicate that people are in the immediate area of ​​the hazard and should avoid the hazard by moving away from the sign or taking shelter in place if escape is not feasible. The two side lights 24 and the corner light 22 of sign 10 collectively form a triangular pattern, similar to a traditional triangular danger sign. This indicates to colorblind people that they are close to the hazard and should avoid the hazard or take shelter in place if escape is not feasible, even if they cannot discern the color of lights 22 and 24.

[0027] In a second example shown in FIG. 1B, a threat can be detected at a location remote from sign 10. In this example, the threat is detected from a direction relative to the sign indicated by the reference letter X, so that sign 10 is between the viewer and the threat area. The controller activates one, two, or three directional arrows 28 that point away from the threatened area using green illumination. The green directional arrows 28 at the bottom 18 of sign 10 are visible to people below or near the sign and indicate that people should proceed along the aisles aligned with those arrows to move away from the threat area, regardless of whether people can discern the color of the arrows 28. The controller further activates the corner lights 22 and the side lights 24 aligned with the activated arrows 28 using yellow illumination.People farther away from sign 10 can see the triangular pattern, similar to a traditional triangular danger sign, and understand that they should not proceed toward sign 10 even if they cannot distinguish the color of the lights. Lights 22 and 24, which form the triangular pattern, can be activated by constant illumination, various flashing or blinking patterns, or they can be activated and deactivated sequentially clockwise or counterclockwise. In some embodiments, lights 22 and 24 can be activated in a triangular pattern that rotates clockwise or counterclockwise depending on the location of the threat relative to sign 10. In further embodiments, lights 22 and 24 and / or directional arrows 28 can be activated in different colors depending on the location of the threat relative to sign 10. zzcn ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ

[0028] In a third example shown in FIG. 1C, a threat can be detected in a different location away from sign 10. In this example, the threat is detected from a direction relative to the sign indicated by the reference letter Y, so that the observer is located between the threat area and the sign. The controller activates two directional arrows 28 that point away from the threat area using green illumination. The green directional arrows 28 at the bottom 18 of sign 10 are visible to people below or near the sign and indicate that individuals should proceed along the aisles aligned with those illuminated directional arrows 28 to move away from the threat area, regardless of whether individuals can discern the color of the illuminated arrows 28. The controller further activates the side lights 24 aligned with the unactivated directional arrows 28 using green illumination.Because corner light 22 is not activated, no triangle pattern is formed. As such, people farther from sign 10 understand that they should proceed toward sign 10 to move away from the hazard area and follow the illuminated arrows 28 to proceed to a safe area, even if they cannot discern the color of the lights.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2A, 2B, and 2C, a second embodiment of a visual signaling system is an emergency evacuation sign 110. Sign 110 includes a housing 112 having opposite sides 114, an upper 116, a lower 118 opposite the upper 116, a front 119, and a rear 120 opposite the front 119. The front 119 includes three lights arranged in a triangular pattern, including an upper light 122 positioned closer to the upper 116 than the lower 118 and two side lights 124 positioned closer to the lower 118 than to the upper 116. In some embodiments, lights 122, 124 are recessed within housing 112 to direct their illumination in the direction of the front 119 and limit their visibility from the directions of the sides 114. In other embodiments (not shown), lights 122, 124 may be partially enclosed within a cover to achieve the same purpose.The front panel 119 also includes two directional arrows 128 capable of illuminating a plurality of colors, such as red, green, and yellow. Each directional arrow 128 points in a different, non-identical direction defined by the plane of the front panel 119 (i.e., a first directional arrow pointing in a first direction and a second directional arrow pointing in a second direction). In the depicted embodiment, the two directional arrows 128 point in opposite directions, each pointing to a different side 114.

[0030] In some embodiments, the rear 120 is configured to be attached to a wall (fixing mechanisms not shown, but typical of those known in the art). In this embodiment, the sign 110 is mounted such that each side 114 of the sign 110 is aligned along a corridor or above a door to indicate the appropriate evacuation direction. In other embodiments (not shown), the rear 120, the top zzcn ίη / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ 116 or 114 side are configured to be attached to the side, top, or bottom of a standard output sign as commonly known in the art. In embodiments configured to be attached to the side of a standard output sign, the orientation of the directional arrows may be rotated ninety degrees in opposite directions, so that the arrows point left and right instead of up and down.

[0031] In operation, a controller in electronic communication with sign 110 activates one or more directional arrows 128 and lights 122, 124 to facilitate safe evacuation. In a first example shown in FIG. 2A, a threat may be detected in the vicinity of sign 110. In this example, the controller activates all directional arrows 128 and all lights 122, 124 using red illumination. The red directional arrows 128 indicate that individuals should take any route to escape from the vicinity of the sign or shelter-in-place, as appropriate, regardless of whether individuals can discern the color of the arrows 128. The red lights 122, 124 indicate that people are in the immediate area of ​​the threat and should avoid the threat by moving away from the sign or shelter-in-place if escape is not feasible.In particular, the two lower lights 124 and the upper light 122 form a triangular pattern, similar to a traditional triangular hazard sign. This indicates to colorblind people that they are near a hazard and should avoid it or take shelter, as appropriate, even if they cannot discern the color of lights 122 and 124.

[0032] In a second example shown in FIG. 2B, a threat can be detected at a location some distance from sign 110. In this example, the threat is detected from a direction behind the sign, as seen in FIG. 2B, so that sign 210 is between the viewer and the threat area. The controller deactivates both directional arrows 128 and activates lights 122 and 124 using yellow illumination. People viewing sign 110 can see the triangular pattern, similar to a traditional triangular danger sign, and understand that they should not proceed toward sign 110. As noted in connection with the first example, lights 122 and 124 can be activated using steady illumination, various flashing or blinking patterns, or they can be activated and deactivated sequentially clockwise or counterclockwise, which can be used to indicate the location of the threat relative to sign 110.

[0033] In a third example shown in FIG. 2C, a threat can be detected at a distance from sign 110. In this example, the threat is detected from a direction indicated by the reference letter Z, so that, from the perspective of people viewing the sign as shown in FIG. 2B, the threat area is to the left. The controller activates directional arrow 128, pointing away from the threat area using green illumination. This illuminated directional arrow 128 indicates that individuals should proceed in that direction to move away from the threat area, regardless of whether they can discern the color of arrow 128. The directional arrow pointing in the direction of the threat area remains deactivated. The controller further activates the lower lights 124 using green illumination. Since the top light 122 is not activated, no triangle pattern is formed.As such, people farther from sign 110 understand that they can move toward sign 110 and proceed in the direction of arrow 128 to move away from the threat area and proceed to a safe area, even if the individuals cannot discern the color of the lights.

[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, a third embodiment of a visual signaling system is an exit sign 210. The sign 210 includes a housing 212 having opposite sides 214, an upper part 216, a lower part 218 facing the upper part 216, a front part 219, and a rear part 220 facing the front part 219. The front part 219 includes three lights arranged in a triangular pattern, including an upper light 222 positioned closer to the upper part 216 than the lower part 218, and two side lights 224 positioned closer to the lower part 218 than to the upper part 216. In some embodiments, the lights 222 and 224 are recessed within the housing 212 to direct their illumination in the direction of the front part 219 and limit their visibility from the road. ίη / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ directions of the sides 214. In other embodiments (not shown), lights 222, 224 may be partially enclosed within a cover to achieve the same purpose.The front panel 219 also includes two directional arrows 228 capable of illuminating a plurality of colors, such as red, green, and yellow. Each directional arrow 228 points in a different, non-identical direction defined by the plane of the front panel 219 (i.e., a first directional arrow pointing in a first direction and a second directional arrow pointing in a second direction). In the embodiment shown, the two directional arrows 228 point in opposite directions, each pointing to a different side 214.

[0035] The front 219 further includes an illuminated exit sign 230. The exit sign may be the actual word EXIT, as shown in FIG. 3A-3C, or it may be a word or words conveying similar information in English or other languages ​​(e.g., EXIT or SORTIE) or a logo or design that is not a word conveying similar information (e.g., an image of a person running), as required by the applicable language, law, statute, or regulation. In some embodiments, the rear 220 is configured to be attached to a wall (fixing mechanisms not shown). In other embodiments (not shown), the top portion is configured to be attached to a ceiling, and the rear portion is substantially identical to the front portion, with lights 222, 224, arrows 228, and EXIT sign 230.Signal 210 is preferably used in locations where standard exit signals are typically used to indicate exit in accordance with fire codes or other logical locations, such as, for example, inside a building above a door leading out of the building.

[0036] In use, a controller in electronic communication with sign 210 activates one or more directional arrows 228, lights 222, 224, and the EXIT sign 230 to facilitate safe evacuation. In a first example shown in FIG. 3A, a threat may be detected in the vicinity of sign 210. The controller activates directional arrows 228, lights 222, 224, and the EXIT sign 230 using red illumination (if the EXIT sign 230 was already illuminated in green, the color changes to red). The red directional arrows 228 indicate that individuals should avoid the threat by moving away from the sign or shelter in place if escape is not feasible, regardless of whether individuals can discern the color of the arrows 228. The red EXIT nomenclature and the red lights 222, 224 indicate that people are in the immediate area of ​​the threat and should avoid the threat or shelter in place, as appropriate.Specifically, the two lower lights 224 and the upper light 222 form a triangular pattern, similar to a traditional triangular hazard sign. This indicates to colorblind individuals that they are near a hazard and should avoid it or take shelter, as appropriate, even if they cannot discern the color of lights 222 and 224. zzcn ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ zzcn ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ

[0037] In a second example shown in FIG. 3B, a threat can be detected at a distance from sign 210. In this example, the threat is detected from a direction behind the sign, as seen in FIG. 3B, so that sign 210 is between the viewer and the threat area. The controller deactivates directional arrows 228 and EXIT sign 230. The controller activates lights 222 and 224 using yellow illumination. People who see sign 210 can see the triangular pattern, similar to a traditional triangular danger sign, and understand that they should not proceed toward sign 210.

[0038] In a third example shown in FIG. 3C, a threat can be detected at a location some distance from sign 210. In this example, the threat is detected from a direction relative to the sign indicated by the reference letter W, so that, from the perspective of people viewing the sign as shown in FIG. 3C, the threat area is to the left. The controller activates directional arrow 228, pointing away from the threat area using green illumination. This illuminated arrow 228 indicates that individuals should proceed along the corridor to the right to move away from the threat area, regardless of whether they can discern the color of the illuminated arrow 228. The directional arrow 228 pointing in the direction of the threat area remains deactivated. The controller further activates the lower lights 224 using green illumination. Since the upper light 222 is not activated, no triangle pattern is formed.As such, individuals farther from sign 210 understand that they can move toward sign 210 and proceed in the direction of the illuminated arrow 228 to move away from the threat area and toward a safe area, even if they cannot discern the color of the lights. The EXIT 230 sign remains activated with green illumination.

[0039] Figures 4A and 4B represent an exemplary floor plan of a building equipped with a visual signaling system and explain the coordinated use of multiple signs 10, 110, and 210. For the purpose of these figures, north is the direction toward the top of the page, south is the direction toward the bottom of the page, and east and west are the directions to the right and left of the page, respectively. This exemplary building includes a corridor X extending north to south and two corridors Y and Z extending east to west, where corridors X and Y intersect and corridors X and Z intersect. Signs 10 are attached to the ceiling at the intersections of corridors X and Y and at the intersection of corridors X and Z. Signs 110 are located inside rooms, placed above the doors leading from the rooms to the corridors.Exit signs 210 are placed above doors leading to the outside of the building. zzcn ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ

[0040] In Fig. 4A, an emergency evacuation system detects a threat at location T. The various signs 10, 110, 210 receive electronic instructions from the emergency evacuation system to activate their various lights as shown in the figure, where I represents the activation of a first pattern of lights indicating a hazard (the words hazard and threat are used interchangeably in this document to refer to a source of actual or potential danger), S represents the activation of a second pattern of lights indicating a safe direction (e.g., the two lower lights 24, 124, 224 visible from one direction are activated with green illumination), and C represents the activation of a third pattern of lights indicating caution (e.g., the three lights 22, 24, 122, 124, 222, 224 visible from one direction are activated with yellow illumination).For aisle 10 intersection signs, four letters are displayed at the corners of the signs, indicating the light pattern visible from each corner. The directional arrows pointing in the directions of the second light pattern (S) are activated, while the arrows pointing in the directions of the first light pattern (H) and the third light pattern (C) are deactivated. The activated arrows guide bystanders near or below the sign in safe directions. For example, a person located in aisle Y at the location of the letter Y would see sign 10, the sign located east at the intersection of aisles X and Y, displaying a first light pattern indicating a hazard.The individual would then understand to move in the opposite direction, toward the nearby exit and the associated exit sign 210, which displays the second light pattern indicating a safe westward direction. For a second example, a person located in aisle X at the location of the letter X would see the 10 North sign at the intersection of aisles X and Y displaying a first light pattern indicating danger and would see the 10 South sign at the intersection of aisles X and Z displaying a second light pattern indicating safety, and would understand to move south, thus away from the threat “T”. For a third example, a person located in aisle Z at the location of the letter Z would see the 10 East sign at the intersection of aisles X and Z displaying a third light pattern indicating caution.

[0041] For signs 110, the letter S is placed near one side of each sign 110. The position of the S indicates that the second light pattern is accompanied by a directional arrow pointing in the direction indicated by the letter. As such, observers located in each room of the building can see their respective sign 110 and leave the room in the direction indicated by the directional arrow to move away from threat T. For example, an individual located in the room in the northeast corner of the building would see the sign 110 illuminated in the second pattern and illuminating a directional arrow pointing north (i.e., the lighting pattern shown in FIG. 2C). The individual would then understand to leave the room and move north, then exit the building through the north exit with exit sign 210 displaying the second pattern.

[0042] In FIG. 4B, an emergency evacuation system detects a hazard at location T outside the building. Compared to FIG. 4A, the light activation pattern differs as the location of the hazard differs. A person located in corridor Z at the location indicated by the letter Z would see the nearby corridor 10 intersection sign displaying the first light pattern, indicating a hazard. The individual might also see exit sign 210 at the east end of corridor Z displaying the first light pattern (i.e., the lighting pattern shown in FIG. 3A). Based on these visual cues, the individual would move west and then exit the building through the western exit marked with exit sign 210 displaying the second pattern.

[0043] In some embodiments, lights 22, 24, 122, 124, 222, 224 are strobe lights. In further embodiments, a triangular pattern of lights 22, 24, 122, 124, 222, 224 may be activated in a specific timing pattern to produce a clockwise or counterclockwise, top-to-bottom, bottom-to-top, side-to-side, or other lighting pattern. In the embodiments described above, a first lighting pattern is used, namely, the activation of two lower lights 124, 224 or side lights 24 and the activation of one upper light 122. A second lighting pattern, namely the activation of two lower lights 124, 224, or side lights 24 and the deactivation of one upper light 122, 222, or corner light 22, is used to indicate a safe direction and to instruct onlookers to move toward the sign and continue in the direction indicated by one or more illuminated directional arrows. In some embodiments, the invention uses a third lighting pattern, namely the activation of two lower lights 124, 224, or side lights 24 and the activation of one upper light 122, 222, or corner light 22 to form a triangle of activated lights, to indicate caution and a dangerous area and to instruct onlookers to refrain from approaching the sign.The first and third patterns are distinguished by the timing of the illumination. For example, the first pattern might activate all three lights in a clockwise rotating pattern, while the third pattern might activate them in a counterclockwise rotating pattern. The patterns can also be distinguished by color: the first pattern illuminates in red, the second in green, and the third in yellow. However, the first, second, and third patterns are distinguishable regardless of color, and the visual signaling system does not require an audible component, making it accessible to people who are colorblind or hard of hearing. zzcn ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ zzcn ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ

[0044] It should be understood that the triangular pattern of lights shown in the drawings is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting. In other embodiments, the center-located corner lights 22 and the top lights 122, 222 may be located below the adjacent side lights 24 and the bottom lights 124, 224 so that the triangular pattern may be reversed compared to the pattern shown in the drawings. In other embodiments, visual signaling systems may include three or more lights arranged in other patterns, such as having two vertically arranged corner lights or top lights so that the various lights form a diamond pattern rather than a triangle. In further embodiments, the lights may be arranged in squares, pentagons, or other geometric or non-geometric patterns.It should be understood that different lighting patterns can be used, with first and second lighting patterns using different light configurations. For example, in implementations with a diamond light pattern, a first pattern of activation of all four lights indicates a threat area, and a second pattern of activation of only the two corner or top lights aligned vertically indicates a safe direction.

[0045] In some embodiments, the sign 10, 110, 210 includes a sound emitter, such as a loudspeaker (not visible), internal to the housing 12, 112, 212 and the housing 12, 112, 212 includes slots, grooves, or other openings 32, 132, 232 for transmitting sound from the sound emitter outside the housing 12, 112, 212. The sound emitter can be used to audibly alert people to actual or potential threats by emitting alarms, sirens, spoken warnings, messages, or other sound alerts. In further embodiments, the housing 12, 112, 212 includes one or more removable openings 34, 134, 234 to allow the incorporation of output devices, such as additional lights, sound emitters (e.g., loudspeakers), or other output devices as known in the art, or input devices, such as sound detectors (e.g., microphones), temperature detectors (e.g., thermometers), or other input devices known in the art, into the housing 12, 112, 212.In certain embodiments, the activation of lights 22, 24, 122, 124, 222, 224 and directional arrows 28, 128, 228 are controlled by an internal controller in electronic communication with a remote master controller in electronic communication with one or more sensors capable of detecting a threatened area, as described in U.S. Publication No. 2019 / 0295207. In some embodiments, the input devices are microphones, the audio data obtained by the microphones is transmitted by the internal controller to the master controller, and the master controller uses the audio data from the microphones in multiple signals 10, 110, 210 to triangulate the location of a threat (i.e., an active shooter, detected by the sound of a gunshot).In other embodiments, the input devices are thermometers, the temperature data from the thermometers are transmitted by the internal controller to the master controller, and the master controller uses the temperature data from multiple signals 10, 110, 210 to triangulate the location of a threat (i.e., a fire, detected by elevated temperature).

[0046] Signs 10, 110, 210 may include internal components for power conversion and network communication. For example, components within the housing 12, 112, 212 of sign 10, 110, 210 may include a power converter, a circuit board, a wired communication port, a wireless communication port, wired power for receiving electrical energy, a battery backup source, and other components as commonly known in the art.

[0047] Although signs 10, 110, and 210 are described as rectangular or square, it should be understood that other shapes are contemplated. For example, a corridor intersection sign designed for use at a T-intersection, where one corridor terminates along another, may be a triangular intersection sign with three sides. In other embodiments, a corridor intersection sign may be cylindrical or disc-shaped, with one side, and may include lights spaced around the circumference of the sign in triangular patterns aligned with each corridor at the intersection. Furthermore, disclosed signs 10, 110, and 210 need not necessarily be located at corridor intersections or along corridors, but could also be placed in large open halls with multiple exits or other locations where their use would be logical.

[0048] Several aspects of the different realizations of the present description are expressed in paragraphs X1, X2 and X3 as follows:

[0049] X1. An embodiment of the present description includes a smart sign comprising a housing including a top, a bottom and at least one side extending between the top and bottom; a plurality of independently illuminated directional arrows located in the housing; each of the plurality of independently illuminated directional arrows pointing in different directions; a set of at least three independently illuminated lights located in the housing; and a controller internal to the housing, the controller configured to independently turn on or off each directional arrow and each light.

[0050] X2. Another embodiment of the present description includes a visual signaling system accessible to colorblind and hearing impaired persons, the system comprising a master controller; and a plurality of intelligent signs according to claim 1, each of said intelligent signs being in electronic communication with said master controller.

[0051] X3. Another embodiment of the present description includes a method for providing visual signaling within a facility during a hazardous event, comprising the reception, by a master controller, of electronic information from an input device concerning the location of a hazard; communicating, by the master controller, to a plurality of smart signs according to claim 1, said smart signs located in or within the facility, instructions to activate lights and directional arrows on said plurality of smart signs to direct people away from the location of the hazard.

[0052] However, other embodiments include the features described in any of the preceding paragraphs X1, X2 or X3 combined with one of the following aspects:

[0053] Means for electronic communication between the smart sign and a remotely located master controller.

[0054] Means of fixing the smart sign to a ceiling. zzcn ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ

[0055] Means of attaching the smart sign to a wall. zzcn ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ

[0056] Means of attaching the intelligent signal to a pre-existing output signal.

[0057] Where the controller is configured to receive electronic instructions from the master controller to activate or deactivate each directional arrow and each light.

[0058] Where the set of at least three lights is actuatable in a first pattern or a second pattern, the first pattern and the second pattern are not identical.

[0059] Wherein the set of at least three lights is actuatable in a third pattern, the third pattern being not identical to the first pattern and the second pattern.

[0060] Where the set of at least three lights are three lights arranged in a triangular pattern.

[0061] Where the at least three lights are arranged on the housing so that they are visible from only one direction.

[0062] Wherein the plurality of directional arrows includes at least two directional arrows pointing in opposite directions.

[0063] At least one input device and one output device.

[0064] Wherein at least one input device includes a sound detector and where at least one output device includes a sound emitter.

[0065] Where the plurality of directional arrows is located on the bottom of the housing.

[0066] Where each of the pluralities of directional arrows point in different directions in a plane defined by the bottom of the housing.

[0067] Where at least one side is a plurality of adjacent sides.

[0068] Where two of the plurality of adjacent sides form a corner. zzcn ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ

[0069] Wherein the set of at least three lights includes a corner light located at the corner and a side light on each of the two sides adjacent to the corner. zzcn ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ

[0070] Wherein the corner light and the side light on each side adjacent to the corner are aligned to illuminate in one direction from the corner.

[0071] Wherein the corner light and the side light on each side adjacent to the corner are arranged in a triangular pattern visible from the direction of the corner.

[0072] Where at least one of the corner lights and side lights is partially enclosed within a cover that reduces the visibility of said corner light and said side lights from directions other than the direction of the corner.

[0073] Whereas the set of at least three lights located in the housing is two sets of at least three lights, each of the sets being spaced about 180 degrees apart from each other around the housing.

[0074] Whereas the set of at least three lights located in the housing is four sets of at least three lights, each of the sets being spaced about 90 degrees apart from each other around the housing.

[0075] Where the plurality of directional arrows includes a first directional arrow pointing in a first direction and a second directional arrow pointing in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.

[0076] Wherein the casing includes two opposite sides extending between the top and bottom, a front extending between the top, bottom and the two sides, and a back extending between the top, bottom and the two sides.

[0077] Where the at least three lights are three lights arranged in a triangular pattern on the front of the sign.

[0078] An independently illuminable output nomenclature.

[0079] Where the three lights are recessed in the housing, they are effective in reducing the visibility of the lights from the sides.

[0080] Where the plurality of directional arrows is located on the front of the housing.

[0081] Wherein each of the pluralities of directional arrows point in different directions in a plane defined by the front of the zzcn ίη / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ housing.

[0082] The reference systems that may be used in this document can generally refer to various directions (e.g., up, down, left, right, front and back, north, south, east, and west), which are offered simply to assist the reader in understanding the various embodiments of the description and should not be interpreted as limiting. It should be understood that the disclosed signage may be mounted in different locations and orientations with respect to different corridors, walls, ceilings, rooms, or other locations. Other reference systems may be used to describe various embodiments.

[0083] Although the examples, one or more representative embodiments, and specific forms of description have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and description above, they should be considered illustrative and not restrictive or limiting. The description of particular features in one embodiment does not imply that those particular features are necessarily limited to that embodiment. Some or all of the features of one embodiment may be used in combination with some or all of the features of other embodiments as one of ordinary skill in the art would understand, whether explicitly described as such or not. One or more exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, and it is desired to protect all changes and modifications that fall within the spirit of the description.

Claims

1. An intelligent sign comprising: a housing including a top, a bottom and at least one side extending between the top and bottom; a plurality of independently illuminated directional arrows located in the housing; each of the plurality of independently illuminated directional arrows pointing in different directions; a set of at least three independently illuminated lights located in the housing; and a controller internal to the housing, the controller configured to independently activate or deactivate each directional arrow and each light.

2. The intelligent sign of claim 1, further comprising the electronic communication means between the intelligent sign and a remotely located master controller.

3. The intelligent sign of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to receive electronic instructions from the master controller to activate or deactivate each directional arrow and each light.

4. The intelligent sign of claim 1, wherein the set of at least three lights is activatable in a first pattern or a second pattern, the first pattern and the second pattern not being identical. zzcn ίη / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ 5. The intelligent sign of claim 4, wherein the set of at least three lights is activatable in a third pattern, the third pattern not being identical to the first pattern and the second pattern.

6. The intelligent sign of claim 1, wherein the set of at least three lights are three lights arranged in a triangular pattern.

7. The intelligent sign of claim 1, wherein the at least three lights are arranged in the housing so that they are visible from only one direction.

8. The intelligent sign of claim 1, wherein the plurality of directional arrows includes at least two directional arrows pointing in opposite directions.

9. The intelligent sign of claim 1, further comprising at least one input device and one output device.

10. The smart sign of claim 1, wherein at least one input device includes a sound detector and wherein at least one output device includes a sound emitter.

11. The intelligent sign of claim 1, wherein the plurality of directional arrows is located on the underside of the housing; and wherein each of the plurality of directional arrows points in different directions in a plane defined by the underside of the housing.

12. The intelligent sign of claim 1, wherein at least one side is a plurality of adjacent sides; wherein two of the plurality of adjacent sides form a corner; and wherein the assembly of at least three lights includes a corner light located at the corner and a side light on each of the two sides adjacent to the corner; wherein the corner light and the side light on each side adjacent to the corner are aligned to illuminate in the direction of the corner; and wherein the corner light and the side light on each side adjacent to the corner are arranged in a triangular pattern visible from the direction of the corner.

13. The smart sign of claim 12, wherein at least one of the corner lights and side lights is partially enclosed within a cover that reduces the visibility of said corner light and side lights from directions other than the corner direction.

14. The intelligent sign of claim 1, wherein the set of at least three lights located in the housing consists of two sets of at least three lights, each set being separated by approximately 180 degrees from each other around the housing.

15. The intelligent sign of claim 1, wherein the set of at least three lights located in the housing consists of four sets of at least three lights, each set being separated by approximately 90 degrees from each other around the housing.

16. The intelligent sign of claim 1, wherein the plurality of directional arrows includes a first directional arrow pointing in a first direction and a second directional arrow pointing in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.

17. The smart sign of claim 1, wherein the housing includes two opposite sides extending between the top and bottom, a front extending between the top, bottom and the two sides, and a back extending between the top, bottom and the two sides.

18. The smart sign of claim 17, wherein the at least three lights are three lights arranged in a triangular pattern on the front of the sign.

19. The intelligent sign of claim 18, further comprising an independently illuminable output nomenclature.

20. The intelligent sign of claim 18, wherein the three lights are recessed into the housing to reduce the visibility of the lights from the sides.

21. The intelligent sign of claim 17, wherein the plurality of directional arrows are located on the front of the housing; and wherein each of the plurality of directional arrows points in different directions in a plane defined by the front of the housing.

22. A visual signaling system accessible to colorblind and hearing impaired persons, the system comprising: a master controller; and a plurality of intelligent signs according to claim 1, each of said intelligent signs being in electronic communication with said master controller.

23. The visual signaling system of claim 22, wherein the plurality of intelligent signs includes at least one intelligent sign according to claim 11 and at least one intelligent sign according to claim 21.

24. A method for providing visual signaling within a facility during a hazardous event, comprising: receiving, by a master controller, electronic information from an input device concerning the location of a hazard; communicating, by the master controller, to a plurality of smart signs according to claim 1, said smart signs located in or within the facility, instructions to activate lights and directional arrows on said plurality of smart signs to direct people away from the location of the hazard.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the plurality of smart signs includes at least one smart sign according to claim 11; wherein the installation includes at least two intersecting corridors forming a corridor intersection; and wherein at least one smart sign according to claim 11 is installed at the corridor intersection.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the plurality of intelligent signs further includes at least one intelligent sign according to claim 21 attached to an existing output signal located in or within the installation.

27. The method of claim 24, wherein said communication includes the communication of instructions to activate lights in one of the 5 pluralities of intelligent signs in a first pattern.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein said communication includes the communication of instructions to activate lights in one of the plurality of intelligent signs in a second pattern, the first pattern and the second pattern being non-identical.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein said communication includes the communication of instructions to activate lights in one of the plurality of intelligent signs in a third pattern, the third pattern being non-identical to the first pattern and the second pattern.

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