Signalling system

Abstract

A retrofit trailer board system for vehicles is disclosed, including a trailer board carrying a plurality of signalling lights on a surface thereof, and a relaying control unit which is connected between the trailer board and a plurality of optical sensors. Each optical sensor is arranged for removable connection to the exterior surface of respective vehicle lights, each sensor being configured to issue a signal responsive to operation of a vehicle light.

1 . A signalling system for vehicles, comprising one or more optical sensors for removable attachment to a respective vehicle light, which sensors are configured to generate a signal responsive to detecting emitted light from the vehicle light to which it is attached, the system being arranged responsive to receiving a signal from the one or more optical sensors to output a signal to an external signalling unit to cause a corresponding light on said external signalling unit to operate and the system further comprising one or more proximity sensors adapted for retrofitting to a vehicular trailer board, and means for relaying signals produced by the parking sensors to an audible or visual unit which may be carried within the vehicle. 
     
     
         2 . The signalling system of  claim 1 , wherein plural optical sensors are provided, each connected to a control unit by means of respective lengthwise conductors, the control unit comprising circuitry for relaying the sensor signals to corresponding lights of an external signalling unit. 
     
     
         3 . The signalling system of  claim 1 , further comprising a trailer board for removable mounting to the rear of a vehicle, the trailer board carrying on a rear surface a plurality of signalling lights, and wherein the control unit is configured to relay sensor signals received from the sensors to a corresponding signalling light on the trailer board. 
     
     
         4 . The signalling system of  claim 1 , wherein the or each optical sensor comprises a light detector surrounded by a wall having an end surface adapted for removable attachment to a vehicle light. 
     
     
         5 . The signalling system of  claim 4 , wherein the surrounding wall is formed of a deformable material with a substantially planar end surface which, in use, is removably attached to a vehicle light by suction. 
     
     
         6 . The signalling system of  claim 4 , wherein the surrounding wall has one or more adhesive parts provided on the end surface for removable attachment to a vehicle light. 
     
     
         7 . The signalling system of  claim 1 , wherein the system comprises a conductor for receiving electrical power from a vehicle, the conductor being terminated by a plug adapted to connect to an existing power outlet of a vehicle, e.g. a cigarette lighter outlet. 
     
     
         8 . The signalling system of  claim 1 , wherein the system comprises an external connector plug or socket adapted to connect to an existing socket or plug of a vehicular trailer board. 
     
     
         9 . The signalling system of  claim 1 , wherein the system is arranged responsive to receiving the signal from the one or more optical sensors, to determine the strength or intensity of light detected by said sensor, and to output the signal to the external signalling unit only if said strength or intensity is above a predetermined threshold. 
     
     
         10 . The signalling system of  claim 9 , wherein the system comprises a microcontroller with an on-chip analog to digital converter configured to sample an input signal indicative of the strength or intensity of light detected by said sensor(s), and to determine if the digital representation of said sampled input signal(s) is or are above the predetermined threshold stored in on-chip memory. 
     
     
         11 . A retrofit trailer board system for vehicles, comprising:
 a trailer board carrying a plurality of signalling lights on a surface thereof;   a plurality of optical sensors for removable connection to the exterior surface of respective vehicle lights, each sensor being configured to issue a signal responsive to operation of a vehicle light; and   an electronic control unit in signal communication with each of the optical sensors and arranged in use to relay signals received from respective optical sensors to a corresponding signalling light of the trailer board.