U.S. patent application number 15/054324 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-31 for vehicle illumination system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ford Global Technologies, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Ford Global Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Paul Kenneth Dellock, David Brian Glickman, Michael Musleh, Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman.
Application Number | 20170246985 15/054324 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59678772 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170246985 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dellock; Paul Kenneth ; et
al. |
August 31, 2017 |
VEHICLE ILLUMINATION SYSTEM
Abstract
An illumination system for a vehicle is provided that includes a
vehicle having a rear spoiler, a light assembly located on an
underside of the spoiler, a sensor for sensing a location of a
person proximate to the spoiler, and a controller for controlling
the light assembly to illuminate an area proximate the rear of the
vehicle when a person is detected proximate to the spoiler.
Inventors: |
Dellock; Paul Kenneth;
(Northville, MI) ; Musleh; Michael; (Canton,
MI) ; Salter; Stuart C.; (White Lake, MI) ;
Glickman; David Brian; (Southfield, MI) ; Surman;
James J.; (Clinton Township, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ford Global Technologies,
LLC
|
Family ID: |
59678772 |
Appl. No.: |
15/054324 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60Q 2900/30 20130101;
B60Q 1/2696 20130101; B60Q 1/302 20130101; B60Q 1/24 20130101; B60Q
1/2619 20130101; F21S 43/14 20180101; B60Q 2400/40 20130101; B60Q
1/2661 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60Q 1/26 20060101
B60Q001/26 |
Claims
1. An illumination system for a vehicle, comprising: a vehicle
having a rear spoiler; a light assembly located on the spoiler; a
sensor for sensing a location of a person near the spoiler; and a
controller for controlling the light assembly to illuminate an area
proximate the rear of the vehicle when the person is detected
proximate to the spoiler, wherein the light assembly illuminates a
trailer hitch proximate a rear of the vehicle.
2. The illumination system of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises
one or more wireless communication transceivers for detecting an
electronic device in the possession of the person and determining a
location of the electronic device.
3. The illumination system of claim 2, wherein a controller
associated with the wireless communication transceiver is
configured to store information about the electronic device.
4. The illumination system of claim 1, wherein the light assembly
illuminates a ground below the vehicle.
5. (canceled)
6. The illumination system of claim 1, wherein the controller is
configured to increase an intensity of the light assembly after the
person is detected proximate the spoiler for a predetermined amount
of time.
7. The illumination system of claim 1, wherein the light assembly
is configured to illuminate different areas based on the location
of the person.
8. The illumination system of claim 1, further comprising: at least
one photoluminescent structure disposed on the spoiler.
9. An illumination system for a vehicle, comprising: a vehicle
having a body feature; a light assembly positioned on the body
feature; and one or more wireless communication transceivers
disposed within the light assembly for detecting an electronic
device proximate the body feature, wherein the one or more wireless
communication transceivers cooperate with other wireless
communication transceivers on the vehicle to detect a location of
the electronic device.
10. The illumination system of claim 9, further comprising: a
photoluminescent structure disposed on the body proximate the light
assembly.
11. The illumination system of claim 10, wherein the light assembly
is configured to emit light at a first wavelength and the
photoluminescent structure is configured to convert the first
wavelength to at least a second wavelength longer than the first
wavelength.
12. The illumination system of claim 9, wherein the one or more
wireless communication transceivers control activation of the light
assembly.
13. The illumination system of claim 9, wherein the one or more
wireless communication transceivers are standalone from other
vehicle modules.
14. (canceled)
15. A method of illuminating a vehicle comprising: arranging a
light assembly on a body feature of the vehicle; detecting an
electronic device proximate the light assembly; and activating the
light assembly to emit light based on a detected location of the
electronic device.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step: altering
an intensity of the light assembly after the electronic device is
detected proximate the vehicle for a predetermined period of
time.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the electronic device is a
mobile communication device.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein detection of the electronic
device is performed using a Bluetooth low energy detector disposed
within the light assembly.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step: altering a
direction of the light based on the location of the electronic
device.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the light assembly comprises a
printed light emitting diode.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to vehicle lighting
systems, and more particularly, to vehicle lighting systems
employing sensing structures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Illumination arising from photoluminescent materials offers
a unique and attractive viewing experience. It is therefore desired
to incorporate such photoluminescent materials in portions of
vehicles to provide accent lighting.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an
illumination system for a vehicle is provided that includes a
vehicle having a rear spoiler, a light assembly located on the
spoiler, a sensor for sensing a location of a person near the
spoiler, and a controller for controlling the light assembly to
illuminate an area proximate the rear of the vehicle when a person
is detected proximate to the spoiler.
[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an
illumination system for a vehicle is provided that includes a
vehicle having a body feature, a light assembly positioned on the
body feature, and one or more wireless communication transceivers
for detecting an electronic device proximate the body feature. The
wireless communication transceivers are disposed within the light
assembly.
[0005] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a
method of illuminating a vehicle is provided that includes
arranging a light assembly on a body feature of the vehicle,
detecting an electronic device proximate the light assembly, and
activating the light assembly to emit light based on a detected
location of the electronic device.
[0006] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the
present invention will be understood and appreciated by those
skilled in the art upon studying the following specification,
claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] In the drawings:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle equipped with
an illumination system, according to one embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of
FIG. 1 illustrating a light assembly according to one
embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of
FIG. 1 further illustrating the light assembly, according to one
embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of
FIG. 1 illustrating an alternate light assembly, according to one
embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of
FIG. 1 illustrating a light assembly having a luminescent structure
separated by light transmissive portions disposed on the light
source, according to another embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of
FIG. 1 illustrating an alternate light source having a luminescent
structure disposed on the light source configured to convert a
portion of light emitted from the light source from a first
wavelength to a second wavelength, according to one embodiment;
and
[0014] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the vehicle and the lighting
system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure
are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure that
may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are
not necessarily to a detailed design and some schematics may be
exaggerated or minimized to show function overview. Therefore,
specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not
to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis
for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present
disclosure.
[0016] As used herein, the term "and/or," when used in a list of
two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be
employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed
items, can be employed. For example, if a composition is described
as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can
contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C
in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in
combination.
[0017] The following disclosure describes an illumination system
for a vehicle configured to illuminate a portion of the vehicle as
well as a surface beneath or behind a vehicle. In some embodiments,
a light source may be utilized to illuminate both the surface
beneath the vehicle and the vehicle. The light source may be
configured to emit light at a first wavelength or primary emission
to excite a photoluminescent structure. The photoluminescent
structure may be disposed on a body feature of the vehicle and be
configured to convert the first wavelength of the light or the
primary emission into a second wavelength or secondary emission.
The first wavelength of the light may correspond to a first color
of light and the second wavelength may correspond to a second color
of light, different from the first color. While the various
embodiments of the illumination system described herein refer to
specific structures demonstrated in reference to at least one
automotive vehicle, it will be appreciated that the vehicle
illumination system may be utilized in a variety of
applications.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 generally shows a
vehicle 10 depicted as a cross-over or sport utility vehicle. The
vehicle 10 is shown having a plurality of body features including a
spoiler 14 disposed on (or optionally above) a lift gate 18 of the
vehicle 10 such that the spoiler 14 is located near the top rear
edge of the body of the vehicle 10. The lift gate 18 is configured
to rotate between substantially open and closed positions such that
a person may store and access an internal storage and/or cargo
space. The spoiler 14 is equipped with a light assembly 22 that is
configured to illuminate a rear portion of the vehicle 10 and at
least a portion of a surface located beneath and generally rearward
of the vehicle 10 (e.g., the ground, road, parking deck). In
various embodiments, the light assembly 22 may be divided into two
elongate portions 22A, 22B. The rear of the vehicle 10 generally
includes a bumper 28 and a trailer hitch 30 generally located below
the spoiler 14 near a bottom rear edge of the body of the vehicle
10. The elongate portions 22A, 22B of the light assembly 22 may
include one or more light sources and one or more optics such that
the light assembly 22 may direct and move light as well as vary an
intensity of the light emitted. In various embodiments, the light
assembly 22 is configured to detect an electronic device 32 (FIG.
3). The electronic device 32 may include a cellphone, a key FOB,
wearable device (e.g., fitness band, watch, glasses, jewelry,
wallet), apparel (e.g., a tee shirt, gloves, shoes or other
accessories), personal digital assistant, headphones and/or other
devices capable of wireless transmission (e.g., radio frequency,
Bluetooth, ultrasonic). As discussed in greater detail below, the
light assembly 22 may alter the direction of light emitted or the
intensity of the light based on movement and or the detected
location of the electronic device 32.
[0019] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2E, a cross-sectional view of the
light assembly 22 capable of use on the vehicle 10 of FIG. 1 with
an external photoluminescent structure 34 is shown, according to
various embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the light assembly
22 may have a stacked arrangement that includes a light-producing
assembly 60, the photoluminescent structure 34, a viewable portion
64, and an overmold material 66. It will be understood that the
viewable portion 64 and the overmold material 66 may be two
separate components, or may be integrally formed as a single
component.
[0020] The light-producing assembly 60 may correspond to a
thin-film or printed light emitting diode (LED) assembly and
includes a substrate 68 as its lowermost layer. The substrate 68
may include a polycarbonate, poly-methyl methacrylate (PMMA), or
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material on the order of 0.005 to
0.060 inches thick and is arranged over the intended vehicle
substrate 68 on which the light assembly 22 is to be received
(e.g., the body feature or spoiler 14 of FIG. 1). Alternatively, as
a cost saving measure, the substrate 68 may directly correspond to
a preexisting structure (e.g., a portion of the body feature or
spoiler 14).
[0021] The light-producing assembly 60 includes a positive
electrode 70 arranged over the substrate 68. The positive electrode
70 includes a conductive epoxy such as, but not limited to, a
silver-containing or copper-containing epoxy. The positive
electrode 70 is electrically connected to at least a portion of a
plurality of LED sources 72 arranged within a semiconductor ink 74
and applied over the positive electrode 70. Likewise, a negative
electrode 76 is also electrically connected to at least a portion
of the LED sources 72. The negative electrode 76 is arranged over
the semiconductor ink 74 and includes a transparent or translucent
conductive material such as, but not limited to, indium tin oxide.
Additionally, each of the positive and negative electrodes 70, 76
are electrically connected to a controller 78 and a power source 80
via a corresponding bus bar 82, 84 and conductive leads 86, 88. The
bus bars 82, 84 may be printed along opposite edges of the positive
and negative electrodes 70, 76 and the points of connection between
the bus bars 82, 84 and the conductive leads 86, 88 may be at
opposite corners of each bus bar 82, 84 to promote uniform current
distribution along the bus bars 82, 84. It should be appreciated
that in alternate embodiments, the orientation of components within
the light-producing assembly 60 may be altered without departing
from the concepts of the present disclosure. For example, the
negative electrode 76 may be disposed below the semiconductor ink
74 and the positive electrode 70 may be arranged over the
aforementioned semiconductor ink 74. Likewise, additional
components, such as the bus bars 82, 84, may also be placed in any
orientation such that the light-producing assembly 60 may emit
outputted light 102 (FIG. 2B) towards a desired location.
[0022] The LED sources 72 may be dispersed in a random or
controlled fashion within the semiconductor ink 74 and may be
configured to emit focused or non-focused light toward the
photoluminescent structure 34. The LED sources 72 may correspond to
micro-LEDs of gallium nitride elements on the order of about 5 to
about 400 microns in size and the semiconductor ink 74 may include
various binders and dielectric material including, but not limited
to, one or more of gallium, indium, silicon carbide, phosphorous,
and/or translucent polymeric binders.
[0023] The semiconductor ink 74 can be applied through various
printing processes, including ink jet and silk screen processes to
selected portion(s) of the positive electrode 70. More
specifically, it is envisioned that the LED sources 72 are
dispersed within the semiconductor ink 74, and shaped and sized
such that a substantial quantity of the LED sources 72 align with
the positive and negative electrodes 70, 76 during deposition of
the semiconductor ink 74. The portion of the LED sources 72 that
ultimately are electrically connected to the positive and negative
electrodes 70, 76 may be illuminated by a combination of the bus
bars 82, 84, controller 78, power source 80, and conductive leads
86, 88. According to one embodiment, the power source 80 may
correspond to a vehicular power source 80 operating at 12 to 16
VDC. Additional information regarding the construction of
light-producing assemblies 60 is disclosed in U.S. Patent
Publication No. 2014/0264396 Al to Lowenthal et al. entitled
"ULTRA-THIN PRINTED LED LAYER REMOVED FROM SUBSTRATE," filed Mar.
12, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0024] Referring still to FIG. 2A, the photoluminescent structure
34 is arranged over the negative electrode 76 as a coating, layer,
film or other suitable deposition. With respect to the presently
illustrated embodiment, the photoluminescent structure 34 may be
arranged as a multi-layered structure including an energy
conversion layer 38, optional stability layer 40, and optional
protective layer 42, as described above.
[0025] The viewable portion 64 is arranged over the
photoluminescent structure 34. In some embodiments, the viewable
portion 64 may include a plastic, silicon, or urethane material and
is molded over the photoluminescent structure 34 and
light-producing assembly 60. Preferably, the viewable portion 64
should be at least partially light transmissible. In this manner,
the viewable portion 64 will be illuminated by the photoluminescent
structure 34 whenever an energy conversion process is underway.
Additionally, by over-sealing the viewable portion 64, it may also
function to protect the photoluminescent structure 34 and the
light-producing assembly 60. The viewable portion 64 may be
arranged in a planar shape and/or an arcuate shape to enhance its
viewing potential. Like the photoluminescent structure 34 and the
light-producing assembly 60, the viewable portion 64 may also
benefit from a thin design, thereby helping to fit the light
assembly 22 into small package spaces of the vehicle 10.
[0026] In some embodiments, a decorative layer 98 may be disposed
between the viewable portion 64 and the photoluminescent structure
34. The decorative layer 98 may include a polymeric material or
other suitable material and is configured to control or modify an
appearance of the viewable portion 64 of the light assembly 22. For
example, the decorative layer 98 may be configured to confer an
appearance of a trim component (e.g., metallic) on the vehicle 10
(FIG. 1) to the viewable portion 64 when the viewable portion 64 is
in an unilluminated state. In other embodiments, the decorative
layer 98 may be tinted any color to complement the spoiler 14 of
the vehicle 10 in FIG. 1. In any event, the decorative layer 98
should be at least partially light transmissible such that the
photoluminescent structure 34 is not prevented from illuminating
the viewable portion 64 whenever an energy conversion process is
underway.
[0027] The overmold material 66 is disposed around the
light-producing assembly 60 and/or photoluminescent structure 34.
The overmold material 66 may protect the light-producing assembly
60 from physical and chemical damage arising from environmental
exposure. The overmold material 66 may have viscoelasticity (i.e.,
having both viscosity and elasticity), a low Young's modulus,
and/or a high failure strain compared with other materials, so that
the overmold material 66 may protect the light-producing assembly
60 when contact is made thereto. For example, the overmold material
66 may protect the light-producing assembly 60 from the
environmental containments, such as dirt and water, that may come
in contact with the spoiler 14 of the vehicle 10. It is also
contemplated that the viewable portion 64 may be formed by a
portion of the overmold material 66. According to one embodiment,
the overmold material 66 may be the portion of the spoiler 14 that
surrounds the light-producing assembly 60.
[0028] In some embodiments, the photoluminescent structure 34 may
be employed separate and away from the light-producing assembly 60.
For example, the photoluminescent structure 34 may be positioned on
the lift gate 18 (FIG. 1), another location of the spoiler 14 (FIG.
1), a roof of the vehicle 10 (FIG. 1) and/or any surface proximate,
but not in physical contact with, the light-producing assembly 60.
It should be understood that in embodiments where the
photoluminescent structure 34 is incorporated into distinct
components separated from the light assembly 22, the light assembly
22 might still have the same or similar structure to the light
assembly 22 described in reference to FIG. 2A.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 2B, an energy conversion process 104 for
producing single color luminescence is illustrated, according to
one embodiment. For purposes of illustration, the energy conversion
process 104 is described below using the light assembly 22 depicted
in FIG. 2A. In this embodiment, the energy conversion layer 38 of
the photoluminescent structure 34 includes a single
photoluminescent material 44, which is configured to convert
inputted light 100 received from LED sources 72 into an outputted
light 102 having a wavelength different than that associated with
the inputted light 100. More specifically, the photoluminescent
material 44 is formulated to have an absorption spectrum that
includes the emission wavelength of the inputted light 100 supplied
from the LED sources 72. The photoluminescent material 44 is also
formulated to have a Stokes shift resulting in the converted
visible light 102 having an emission spectrum expressed in a
desired color, which may vary per lighting application. The
converted visible light 102 is outputted from the light assembly 22
via the viewable portion 64, thereby causing the viewable portion
64 to illuminate in the desired color. The illumination provided by
the viewable portion 64 may offer a unique, substantially uniform,
and/or attractive viewing experience that may be difficult to
duplicate through non-photoluminescent means.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 2C, a second energy conversion process 106
for generating multiple colors of light is illustrated, according
to one embodiment. For consistency, the second energy conversion
process 106 is also described below using the light assembly 22
depicted in FIG. 2A. In this embodiment, the energy conversion
layer 38 includes the first and second photoluminescent materials
44, 108 that are interspersed within the energy conversion layer
38. Alternatively, the photoluminescent materials 44, 108 may be
isolated from each other, if desired. Also, it should be
appreciated that the energy conversion layer 38 may include more
than two different photoluminescent materials 44 and 108, in which
case, the teachings provided below similarly apply. In one
embodiment, the second energy conversion process 106 occurs by way
of down conversion using blue, violet, and/or UV light as the
source of excitation.
[0031] With respect to the presently illustrated embodiment, the
excitation of photoluminescent materials 44, 108 is mutually
exclusive. That is, photoluminescent materials 44, 108 are
formulated to have non-overlapping absorption spectrums and Stoke
shifts that yield different emission spectrums. Also, in
formulating the photoluminescent materials 44, 108, care should be
taken in choosing the associated Stoke shifts such that the
converted light 102 emitted from one of the photoluminescent
materials 44, 108, does not excite the other, unless so desired.
According to one exemplary embodiment, a first portion of the LED
sources 72, exemplarily shown as LED sources 72a, is configured to
emit an inputted light 100 having an emission wavelength that only
excites photoluminescent material 44 and results in the inputted
light 100 being converted into a visible light 102 of a first color
(e.g., white). Likewise, a second portion of the LED sources 72,
exemplarily shown as LED sources 72b, is configured to emit an
inputted light 100 having an emission wavelength that only excites
second photoluminescent material 108 and results in the inputted
light 100 being converted into a visible light 102 of a second
color (e.g., red). Preferably, the first and second colors are
visually distinguishable from one another. In this manner, LED
sources 72a and 72b may be selectively activated using the
controller 78 to cause the photoluminescent structure 34 to
luminesce in a variety of colors. For example, the controller 78
may activate only LED sources 72a to exclusively excite
photoluminescent material 44, resulting in the viewable portion 64
illuminating in the first color. Alternatively, the controller 78
may activate only LED sources 72b to exclusively excite the second
photoluminescent material 108, resulting in the viewable portion 64
illuminating in the second color.
[0032] Alternatively still, the controller 78 may activate LED
sources 72a and 72b in concert, which causes both of the
photoluminescent materials 44, 108 to become excited, resulting in
the viewable portion 64 illuminating in a third color, which is a
color mixture of the first and second colors (e.g., pinkish). The
intensities of the inputted light 100 emitted from each light
assembly 22 may also be proportionally varied to one another such
that additional colors may be obtained. For energy conversion
layers 38 containing more than two distinct photoluminescent
materials 44, a greater diversity of colors may be achieved.
Contemplated colors include red, green, blue, and combinations
thereof, including white, all of which may be achieved by selecting
the appropriate photoluminescent materials 44 and correctly
manipulating the corresponding LED sources 72.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 2D, a third energy conversion process 110
includes a light-producing assembly 60, such as the one described
in reference to FIG. 2A, and a photoluminescent structure 34
disposed thereon, according to an alternate embodiment. The
photoluminescent structure 34 is configured to convert inputted
light 100 received from LED sources 72 into a visible light 102
having a wavelength different than that associated with the
inputted light 100. More specifically, the photoluminescent
structure 34 is formulated to have an absorption spectrum that
includes the emission wavelength of the inputted light 100 supplied
from the LED sources 72. The photoluminescent material 44 is also
formulated to have a Stokes shift resulting in the converted
visible light 102 having an emission spectrum expressed in a
desired color, which may vary per lighting application.
[0034] The photoluminescent structure 34 may be applied to a
portion of the light-producing assembly 60, for example, in a
stripped manner. Between the photoluminescent structures 34 may be
light transmissive portions 112 that allow inputted light 100
emitted from the LED sources 72 to pass therethrough at the first
wavelength. The light transmissive portions 112 may be an open
space, or may be a transparent or translucent material. The light
100 emitted through the light transmissive portions 112 may be
directed from the light-producing assembly 60 towards a second
photoluminescent structure 34 disposed proximate to the
light-producing assembly 60. The second photoluminescent structure
34 may be configured to luminesce in response to the inputted light
100 that is directed through the light transmissive portions
112.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 2E, a fourth energy conversion process 114
for generating multiple colors of light utilizing the
light-producing assembly 60, such as the one described in reference
to FIG. 2A, and a photoluminescent structure 34 disposed thereon is
illustrated. In this embodiment, the photoluminescent structure 34
is disposed over a top portion of the light-producing assembly 60.
The excitation of photoluminescent material 44 is formulated such
that a portion of inputted light 100 emitted from LED sources 72c,
72d passes through the photoluminescent structure 34 at the first
wavelength (i.e., the inputted light 100 emitted from the light
assembly 22 is not converted by the photoluminescent structure 34).
The intensity of the emitted light (i.e., the combination of the
inputted light 100 and outputted light 102) may be modified by
pulse-width modulation or current control to vary the amount of
inputted light 100 emitted from the LED sources 72c, 72d that pass
through the photoluminescent structure 34 without converting to a
second, outputted 102 wavelength. For example, if the light
assembly 22 is configured to emit light 100 at a low level,
substantially, all of the light 100 may be converted to outputted
light 102. In this configuration, a color of light 102
corresponding to the photoluminescent structure 34 may be emitted
from the light-producing assembly 60. If the light assembly 22 is
configured to emit inputted light 100 at a high level, only a
portion of the first wavelength may be converted by the
photoluminescent structure 34. In this configuration, a first
portion of the emitted light may be converted by the
photoluminescent structure 34 and a second portion of the emitted
light may be emitted from the light-producing assembly 60 at the
first wavelength towards additional photoluminescent structures
disposed proximately to the light assembly 22. The additional
photoluminescent structures may luminesce in response to the light
100 emitted from the light assembly 22.
[0036] According to one exemplary embodiment, a first portion of
the LED sources 72, exemplarily shown as LED sources 72c, is
configured to emit an inputted light 100 having a wavelength that
excites the photoluminescent material 44 within the
photoluminescent structure 34 and results in the inputted light 100
being converted into a visible light 102 of a first color (e.g.,
white). Likewise, a second portion of the LED sources 72,
exemplarily shown as LED sources 72d, are configured to emit an
inputted light 100 having a wavelength that passes through the
photoluminescent structure 34 and excites additional
photoluminescent structures disposed proximately to the spoiler 14
or lift gate 18, thereby illuminating in a second color. The first
and second colors may be visually distinguishable from one another.
In this manner, LED sources 72c and 72d may be selectively
activated using the controller 78 to cause the spoiler 14 to
luminesce in a variety of colors.
[0037] The light-producing assembly 60 may also include optics 116
that are configured to direct light 100 emitted from the LED
sources 72c, 72d and the light 102 emitted from the
photoluminescent structure 34 towards pre-defined locations. For
example, emitted light 102 from the LED sources 72c, 72d and the
photoluminescent structure 34 may be directed and/or focused
towards a desired feature and/or location proximate to the light
assembly 22. In other embodiments, the focused emitted light 102
may be directed and focused to different distances behind the
vehicle 10 (FIG. 1).
[0038] Referring to FIG. 3, a block diagram of the vehicle 10 is
shown in which the light assembly 22 is positioned on the spoiler
14. As explained above, the power source 80 is connected to the
light assembly 22 to provide power to the LEDs 72 within the light
assembly 22. The light assembly 22, and vehicle 10, is also
equipped with one or more sensors for detecting if the person and
electronic device 32 are near. The sensors may include wireless
communication transceivers 150. The light assembly 22 may include
one or more of the wireless communication transceivers 150 and be
configured to interact with the electronic device 32. The wireless
communication transceivers 150 may communicate with the electronic
device 32 over a wireless signal (e.g., radio frequency). In a
specific example, the wireless communication transceivers 150 may
be a Bluetooth.TM. RN4020 module, or an RN4020 Bluetooth.TM. low
energy PICtail board configured to communicate with the electronic
device 32 using Bluetooth.TM. low energy signals. The wireless
communication transceivers 150 may include a transmitter and a
receiver to transmit and receive wireless signals (e.g.,
Bluetooth.TM. signals) to and from the electronic device 32. It
will be appreciated that the wireless communication transceivers
150 may utilize other forms of wireless communication between with
the electronic device 32 and other wireless communication
transceivers 150 such as Wi-Fi.TM.. The wireless communication
transceivers 150 may be positioned on or within a controller 154.
The controller 154 may be a dedicated controller 154 or may be a
shared controller 154 (e.g., for multiple light assemblies or light
assemblies for other body features). The controller 154 may include
a processor and a memory 158 for executing stored routines or for
storing information (e.g., related to the operation of the light
assembly 22 and/or the electronic device 32). The wireless
communication transceiver 150 is configured to communicate with the
microprocessor such that one or more of the routines stored in the
memory 158 is activated. The electronic device 32 may include one
or more routines which control the communication between the
wireless communication transceiver 150 and the electronic device
32. For example, in mobile smart phone embodiments of the
electronic device 32, the phone may include one or more
applications 162 configured to communicate with the wireless
communication transceivers 150. In the depicted embodiment, the
memory 158 of the controller 154 includes a light control routine
166 and a location sensing routine 172. In various embodiments, the
wireless communication transceivers 150 is a standalone device that
is not in communication with body control modules, electronic
control modules, engine control modules and/or other features of
the vehicle 10. For example, the wireless communication
transceivers 150 may only be capable of communication with the
light assembly 22 and the electronic device 32. In other
embodiments, the wireless communication transceivers 150 may
communicate with the body controller or other onboard
controllers.
[0039] The vehicle 10 may include a plurality of wireless
communication transceivers 150, similar to that described in
connection with the light assembly 22, positioned around the
vehicle 10 (e.g., a rear, sides, or front of the vehicle 10). The
wireless communication transceivers 150 may be in communication
with one another or may mutually communicate with a master
controller or module (e.g., body control module). The wireless
communication transceivers 150 may be disposed within other
accessories of the vehicle 10, or may be stand alone units. The
electronic device 32 may communicate with all, some, or none of the
wireless communication transceivers 150 as the electronic device 32
enters and exits the communication range of the transceivers 150.
Each of the wireless communication transceivers 150 may be aware of
its location within the vehicle 10 and capable of sharing its
location with the electronic device 32. In various embodiments, the
wireless communication transceivers 150 are capable of
communicating with the electronic device 32 such that the location
of the electronic device 32 may be determined therefrom (e.g.,
based on signal strength and/or return time of the signal) or vice
versa. According to one embodiment, the location sensing routine
172 in the memory 158 of the controller 1154 may utilize the signal
strength and time to return of the signals between the wireless
communication transceivers 150 and the electronic device 32 to
triangulate the position of the electronic device 32 as the person
moves around and inside of the vehicle 10. In embodiments where the
wireless communication transceivers 150 communicate with a master
module, the location of the electronic device 32 may be calculated
in the master module. The location of the electronic device 32 may
have sufficient resolution to determine which seat within the
vehicle 10 the user is approaching or sitting in. The electronic
device 32 may then share its determined location with the wireless
communication transceivers 150 such that appropriate features
(e.g., approach lighting) may be activated by the appropriate
transceivers 150. It will be understood that the location sensing
routine 172 may be located on the electronic device 32 and that any
location determinations may be made by the electronic device 32 and
shared with the wireless communication transceivers 150 without
departing from the spirit of this disclosure.
[0040] The light control routine 166 may process signals from the
wireless communication transceiver 150 (e.g., the location of the
electronic device 32) to activate the light assembly 22. Depending
on the signals received from the wireless communication transceiver
150, the light control routine 166 may be activated. The light
control routine 166 may store a predetermined pattern of
illumination for the light assembly 22 based on detected properties
of the electronic device 32 (e.g., known or unknown device,
location, and user specific data). For example, the light control
routine 166 may control the light assembly 22 to follow the
electronic device 32 by activating the first or second elongate
portions 22A, 22B. The electronic device 32 may store user specific
data and preferences relating to the lighting assembly (e.g.,
color, intensity, pattern, activation distance, etc.) and/or the
memory 158 (e.g., the light control routine 166) may store this
data.
[0041] Choosing which electronic devices 32 should be trusted, and,
therefore, given access to command of the controller 154 the
wireless communication transceiver 150 is located in (e.g., the
light assembly 22), may be determined based on whether the
electronic device 32 has been inside of the vehicle 10 before. The
memory of the wireless communication transceivers 150 may store
identifying information relating to electronic devices 32 which
were detected within the vehicle 10 (e.g., using the location
sensing routine 172) and which may therefore be generally regarded
as "friendly" and/or as the owner of the vehicle 10. In an
exemplary method of determining that an unknown electronic device
32 is friendly, the wireless communication transceivers 150 detect
the presence of an unknown electronic device 32, detect a
characteristic signal shift (e.g., attenuation or increase in
signal at corresponding wireless communication transceivers 150)
indicative of the unknown electronic device 32 entering or being
within the vehicle 10 across multiple wireless communication
transceivers 150, and store characteristic information about the
electronic device 32 for future identification. It will be
understood that a determination of the location of the electronic
device 32 to be within the vehicle 10 may also prompt a storing of
the characteristic information about the electronic device 32 for
future identification. Utilizing the past and/or present location
of the electronic device 32 as a security feature to determine if
it is allowed access to the controller 154 may be particularly
advantageous as the replication of signal shifting indicative of
the electronic device 32 entering the vehicle 10 and the location
of the electronic device 32 is particularly difficult to fake.
Further, it will be understood that more conventional methods of
connecting electronic devices 32, such as pairing and manually
connecting, may also be utilized to designate friendly devices
32.
[0042] Detection and location of the electronic devices 32 by the
wireless communication transceivers 150 may allow for a variety of
lighting controls to be affected. For example, if a known or
friendly electronic device 32 is detected near (e.g., within about
2 m) the rear of the vehicle 10 for a predetermined amount of time
(e.g., greater than about 5 seconds), the intensity of the light
emitted from the light assembly 22 may be increased (e.g., by
overdriving the light assembly 22). Increasing intensity of the
light may aid the person in possession of the electronic device 32
in operating the trailer hitch 30 (FIG. 1), or aid in the loading
or unloading of cargo from the vehicle 10. Additionally, detection
of the distance of the electronic device 32 from the spoiler 14 may
allow for the light assembly 22 to change where light is projected
to using the optics 116 (FIG. 2E) and/or by altering which of the
elongate portions 22A, 22B (FIG. 1) is activated. For example, as
the electronic device 32 is detected moving away or toward the
vehicle 10, the optics 116 may adjust the direction of the light
from the light assembly 22 to follow the electronic device 32. In
embodiments where the light assembly 22 is divided into the
elongate portions 22A, 22B, each of the elongate portions 22A, 22B
may have separate optics (e.g., optics 116) such that independent
activation of the elongate portions 22A, 22B may change the
direction or throw of the light.
[0043] Detection of location of the electronic device 32 relative
to the vehicle 10 also permits the wireless communication
transceivers 150 to determine if an unrecognized electronic device
32 is proximate the vehicle 10. Such an unrecognized electronic
device 32 may be owned or carried by a potential burglar or threat
to the vehicle 10. In events where an unrecognized electronic
device 32 is detected proximate the vehicle 10 for greater than a
predetermined time, the wireless communication transceivers 150 may
activate one or more counter measures. Countermeasures may include
a strobe light from the light assembly 22 or directing light from
the assembly 22 at the electronic device 32. In some embodiments,
any available identifying information about the electronic device
32 may be stored for later retrieval if the owner of the vehicle's
electronic device 32 is not detected proximate the vehicle 10 at
the same time. The wireless communication transceivers 150 may
store greater than fifty electronic devices 32 that may have been a
threat. Finally, the use of the light assembly 22 on the spoiler 14
of the vehicle 10 may allow for a plurality of lighting solutions
to be provided for the reversing or backing up of the vehicle 10.
For example, the shifting of the vehicle 10 into a reverse gear may
cause activation of the light assembly 22 to provide greater
illumination for the driver or for a backup camera of the vehicle
10.
[0044] A variety of advantages may be derived from the use of the
present disclosure. For example, use of the disclosed light
assembly 22 may allow for very consistent lighting of the rear of
the vehicle 10 (e.g., to drape light across the rear vehicle 10 in
a wash light manner) and the ground without hot spots. The even
lighting may be accomplished by the use of thousands of the LEDs
72. Additionally, use of the optics 116, and/or the elongate
portions 22a, 22b of the light assembly 22, may allow for light
from the light assembly 22 not only to cover a large area of ground
(e.g., greater than about 3 m wide and about 10 m deep), but,
additionally, may allow for the movement of light from one area on
the ground to another (e.g., from an area proximate the trailer
hitch 30 to a distance further behind the vehicle 10). Further, use
of the wireless communication transceivers 150 allows for the light
assembly 22 to be activated as a person approaches. Further, due to
the low package space requirements of the light assembly 22, the
light assembly 22 may be adhesively bonded within a depression on
the spoiler 14. Finally, use of the wireless communication
transceivers 150 allows for a low consumption of power from the
vehicle 10 while the driver or passengers are away from the vehicle
10.
[0045] For the purposes of describing and defining the present
teachings, it is noted that the terms "substantially" and
"approximately" are utilized herein to represent the inherent
degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative
comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The terms
"substantially" and "approximately" are also utilized herein to
represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may
vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the
basic function of the subject matter at issue.
[0046] It is to be understood that variations and modifications can
be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the
concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be
understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the
following claims unless these claims, by their language, expressly
state otherwise.
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