Method and apparatus for indicating conditions

A sign for conveying status of an environmental condition, the sign comprising:

• a plurality of sections that are segmented and spaced with respect to each other and that are permanently visible, each segmented and spaced section representing a level of status of the environmental condition;
• and
• a plurality of illuminated regions that are each operatively associated with a respective section, each illuminated region having a light source,
• whereby, in use, the light sources are controlled, in accordance with a received communications signal comprising prevailing environmental conditions, to be selectively illuminated only one illuminated region at any one time such that the illuminated regions and sections together convey a selected status level of the environmental condition and where each illuminated region in operative association with its respective section is adapted to be visible and distinguishable from each other illuminated region in operative association with its respective section by one or a combination of:
• each illuminated region comprising an array of high intensity light emitting elements;
• the light emitting elements having distinguishable colours for each section;
• the disposition of each illuminated region on the sign.

A warning sign for conveying status of an environmental condition, the sign comprising:

• a plurality of light sources whereby each of the plurality of light sources is operatively associated with one of a plurality of segments of a segmented condition rating scale physically disposed on a substrate for public display wherein in combination the light sources and their operatively associated segments are adapted for displaying a plurality of distinct status levels of the environmental condition;
• an electronic control system for controlling illumination of the light sources;
• and
• at least one sensor that detects an observable environmental condition, and which is in communication with the electronic control system;
• wherein the electronic control system automatically changes the status condition displayed by the light sources in response to a predetermined change in the environmental condition detected by the sensor and each of the plurality of segments are adapted to be visible and distinguishable from each other by one or a combination of:
• each of the plurality of light sources comprising an array of high intensity light emitting elements;
• the light emitting elements having distinguishable colours for each respective segment;
• the disposition of each segment on the sign.