In accordance with the present invention, a bumper sticker comprises an underlying magnetic substrate of an appropriate thickness together with magnetic indicia which, because of the thickness of the underlying magnetic substrate, are magnetically affixed to an object such as an automobile bumper or other vehicle portion. The present invention, the magnetic field lines of the magnetic indicia coupled to an object such as a vehicle bumper.

A method of displaying an electronic placard on a vehicle, the method including positioning an electronic display on a vehicle, providing a controller in communication with the display, selecting a placard from a library of placards using the controller, the placards pertaining to cargo carried by the vehicle, and displaying the selected placard on the display.

A digital display screen device for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has a rear window. The digital display screen device comprises a housing positionable in the rear window of the vehicle. An elongated screen is mounted on the housing and viewable through the rear window of the vehicle with the screen displaying information. A control mechanism communicates with the screen for controlling power to and information on the screen. Upon activation of the screen, the information displayed on the screen is a safety indicator or a need for roadside assistance in a critical situation.

A lighting unit (85) for use by a vulnerable road user such as a cyclist, the lighting unit being intended for use as a front light or a rear light, wherein the lighting unit displays a symbol or word that identifies the category of vulnerable road user. It may incorporate two distinct lights: one which is set to achieve light delivery comparable to current standard white front and red rear bike lights, whilst the other is the symbol or word display. The symbol or word display is designed to increase driver recognition, to improve driver reaction time, and to prime appropriate driving behaviour. For example the lighting unit (95) may be a rear light or a front light for a bicycle (10), arranged to display (80) the word BIKE or a symbol of a cyclist on a bicycle. The lighting unit (95) may also include a light source (103) with an external focusing lens.

An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The illumination apparatus comprises a surface comprising a first photoluminescent graphic comprising a first absorption range and a second photoluminescent graphic comprising a second absorption range. The illumination apparatus further comprises at least one light source configured to emit a first emission at a first wavelength. The first wavelength is substantially aligned with the first absorption range to generate a higher level of fluorescence from the photoluminescent first graphic than the second photoluminescent graphic. In this way, the illumination apparatus is operable to selectively illuminate the first photoluminescent graphic and the second photoluminescent graphic substantially independently.

An illuminated plate for motor vehicles includes: a base sheet; an electroluminescent sheet; a background sheet which is transparent, translucent, or reflective, and which has a cutout section constituted by openings shaped in characters for display; character inserts which are transparent or translucent and shaped in the characters, which character inserts are infixed in the corresponding openings of the characters in the cutout section; and a clear cover sheet.

A badge mounted on a vehicle is provided herein. The badge includes a housing having a viewable portion. A first and a second light source are disposed inside the housing and are each configured to direct light toward the viewable portion. The viewable portion is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by light emitted from the first light source. Light emitted from the second light source produces a sparkle on the viewable portion.

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a mobile messaging device that is battery powered with no hard wire connection to the vehicle's electrical system. Signage is backlit for visibility in both low and high ambient lighting conditions. To conserve battery power, the signage is lit after braking (deceleration) of the vehicle for a brief period of time. To further conserve battery power, the signage is backlit at different intensity levels which depend on ambient lighting conditions. Deceleration sensing is provided by a sensor fully incorporated within the mobile messaging device, which requires no external wiring to the vehicle's electrical system. The deceleration sensor is user adjustable to minimize false triggering. Messaging can be provided by user replaceable transparent placards or by backlit, user programmable liquid crystal display panels. In one configuration, the mobile messaging device is incorporated into a vehicle license tag frame.

A sign (100) displays moving, still, or blank images (130). In one aspect the sign is mounted over a roadways for viewing by occupants of vehicular traffic (105) and pedestrians. In another aspect the sign is mounted on a vehicle. An associated sensor (125, 220, 221, 222) senses the motion of traffic in the vicinity of the sign. When traffic moves at less than a predetermined speed, the sign displays moving or changing information. At greater speeds the display on the sign is either still or blank, so as to avoid distracting nearby drivers. An electronic system (135) provides various aspects that augment sign operation such as GPS, reception of signage information for use in particular locations, advertiser billing information based on sign usage, and collection and reporting of demographics that aid advertisers in maximizing their impact.

The present invention relates to a multifunctional panel assembly, and a vehicle, an electronic product and a building using the same, and more particularly to a multifunctional panel assembly that enables panels having various functions to be selectively mounted on all items or objects each having an inside or outside mounting surface and then allows the various functions to be performed concurrently. The multifunctional panel assembly includes one or more of the functions of: 1) protecting an inside or outside surface on which a panel has been mounted, 2) providing visibility, 3) improving an aesthetic effect, 4) generating power, 5) providing a large amount of image and sound information to an observer, 6) acquiring and displaying a large amount of image and sound data, 7) maximizing the ease of mounting, and 8) restoring overall functionality without replacement or repair of an overall device.