U.S. patent application number 15/686629 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-28 for rotatable reverse light for vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to Valeo North America, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Valeo North America, Inc.. Invention is credited to Cameron Crisp, Tung Ho, Nathan Montgomery, John Orisich, Gavin Warner.
Application Number | 20190061606 15/686629 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65410603 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-28 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190061606 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Warner; Gavin ; et
al. |
February 28, 2019 |
ROTATABLE REVERSE LIGHT FOR VEHICLE
Abstract
Described herein are a rotatable reverse light, and a taillight.
The rotatable reverse light includes a reverse light, a shaft
connected to the reverse light and configured to rotate the reverse
light, a motor connected to the shaft to rotate the reverse light
about a longitudinal axis of the shaft to orient the reverse light
to a desired position, and a reverse light controller. The
controller is configured to receive a driving mode of a vehicle, in
response to a parking mode of the vehicle, receive a rotation input
related to the desired position, generate a rotation signal based
on the rotation input, and transmit the rotation signal to the
motor to orient, the reverse light to the desired position.
Inventors: |
Warner; Gavin; (Troy,
MI) ; Crisp; Cameron; (Troy, MI) ; Ho;
Tung; (Troy, MI) ; Montgomery; Nathan; (Troy,
MI) ; Orisich; John; (Troy, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Valeo North America, Inc. |
Troy |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Valeo North America, Inc.
Troy
MI
|
Family ID: |
65410603 |
Appl. No.: |
15/686629 |
Filed: |
August 25, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60Q 1/30 20130101; B60Q
1/2657 20130101; F21S 43/00 20180101; B60Q 1/44 20130101; B60Q
1/0035 20130101; B60Q 1/22 20130101; B60Q 1/245 20130101; F21V
14/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60Q 1/22 20060101
B60Q001/22; B60Q 1/30 20060101 B60Q001/30; B60Q 1/26 20060101
B60Q001/26; F21S 8/10 20060101 F21S008/10; F21V 14/02 20060101
F21V014/02 |
Claims
1. A rotatable reverse light of a vehicle comprising: a reverse
light; a shaft connected to the reverse light and configured to
rotate the reverse light; a motor connected to the shall to rotate
the reverse light about a longitudinal axis of the shaft to orient
the reverse light to a desired position; and a reverse light
controller configured to receive a driving mode of a vehicle. in
response to a parking mode of the vehicle, receive a rotation input
related to the desired position. generate a rotation signal based
on the rotation input, and transmit the rotation signal to tire
motor to orient the reverse light to the desired position.
2. The reverse light according to claim 1, wherein the shaft is a
spring loaded to facilitate replacement of the reverse light.
3. The reverse light according to claim 2, wherein the spring
loaded shaft is telescopic.
4. The reverse light according to claim 1, wherein the rotation
input includes an amount of rotation and a direction of
rotation.
5. The reverse light according to claim 1, wherein the controller
is further configured to detect a change of driving mode from the
parking mode, in response to the mode change, determine an amount
of rotation and a direction of rotation based on a current position
of the motor, and orient the reverse light to a normal position
based on the amount and the direction of rotation determined.
6. The reverse light according to claim 1, wherein the controller
is further configured to control an intensity of the reverse
light.
7. A rotatable reverse light of a vehicle comprising: a reverse
light; a shaft connected to the reverse light and configured to
rotate the reverse light; a position sensor configured to measure a
position of the reverse light; a motor connected to the shaft to
rotate the reverse light about a longitudinal axis of the shaft to
orient the reverse light to a desired position; and a reverse light
controller configured to receive a driving mode including a parking
mode of a vehicle, in response to the parking mode of the vehicle,
receive a rotation input related to the desired position and the
position of the reverse light, generate a rotation signal based on
the rotation input and the position of the reverse light, and
transmit the rotation signal to the motor to orient the reverse
light to the desired position.
8. The reverse light according to claim 7, wherein the shaft is a
spring loaded to facilitate replacement of the reverse light.
9. The reverse light according to claim 8, wherein the spring
loaded shaft is telescopic.
10. The reverse light according to claim 7, wherein the rotation
input includes an amount of rotation and a direction of
rotation.
11. The reverse light according to claim 7, wherein the controller
is further configured to detect a change of driving mode from the
parking mode, in response to the mode change, determine an amount
of rotation and a direction of rotation based on a current position
of the motor, and orient the reverse light to a normal position
based on the amount and the direction of rotation determined.
12.The reverse light according to claim 7, wherein the controller
is further configured to control an intensity of the reverse
light.
13. A taillight of a vehicle comprising: a reverse light; a brake
light surrounding the reverse light; a shall to rotate the reverse
light and the brake light configured to rotate the reverse light
relative to the brake light; a motor connected to the shaft to
rotate the reverse light in a desired position; and a reverse light
controller configured to receive a driving mode of a vehicle. in
response to a parking mode, receive rotation input; generate
rotation signal; and transmit the rotation signal to the motor to
orient the reverse light to the desired position.
14. The taillight according to claim 13, wherein the shaft is a
spring loaded to facilitate replacement of the reverse light.
15. The taillight according to claim 14, wherein the spring loaded
shaft is telescopic.
16. The taillight according to claim 13, wherein the rotation input
includes an amount of rotation and a direction of rotation.
17. The taillight according to claim 13, wherein the controller is
further configured to detect a change of driving mode from the
parking mode, in response to the mode change, determine an amount
of rotation and a direction of rotation based on a current position
of the motor, and orient the reverse light to a normal position
based on the amount and the direction of rotation determined.
18. The taillight according to claim 13, wherein the controller is
further configured to control an intensity of the reverse light
Description
BACKGROUND
Field of the Disclosure
[0001] This disclosure relates generally to improvements to a
reverse light of a vehicle. More particularly the present
disclosure relates to a rotating reverse light that operate when
the vehicle is parked.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] Typically, reverse lights (also called backup lights) are a
fixed part of a typical taillight that is turned on when the
vehicle is in a reverse gear (also called a reverse mode) or in a
parking mode. Reverse lights functions include warning other
vehicles or people around that the vehicle is about to move
backward, and provide illumination when the vehicle is hacking
up.
SUMMARY
[0003] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there
is provided a rotatable reverse light. The rotatable reverse light
includes a reverse light, a shaft connected to the reverse light
and configured to rotate the reverse light, a motor connected to
the shaft to rotate the reverse light about a longitudinal axis of
the shaft to orient the reverse light to a desired position, and a
reverse light controller. The controller is configured to receive a
driving mode of a vehicle, in response to a parking mode of the
vehicle, receive a rotation input related to the desired position,
generate a rotation signal based on the rotation input, and
transmit the rotation signal to the motor to orient the reverse
light to the desired position.
[0004] The shaft is a spring loaded to facilitate replacement of
the reverse light. Furthermore, the spring loaded shalt is
telescopic that makes tail lamps compact.
[0005] The rotation input includes an amount of rotation and a
direction of rotation.
[0006] The controller is further configured to detect a change of
driving mode from the parking mode, in response to the mode change,
determine an amount of rotation and a direction of rotation based
on a current position of the motor, and orient the reverse light to
a normal position based on the amount and the direction of rotation
determined. The controller is further configured to control an
intensity of the reverse light.
[0007] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure, there is a rotatable reverse light of a vehicle. The
rotatable reverse light includes a reverse light, a shaft connected
to the reverse light and configured to rotate the reverse light, a
position sensor configured to measure a position of the reverse
light, a motor connected to the shaft to rotate the reverse light
about a longitudinal axis of the shaft to orient the reverse light
to a desired position, and a reverse light controller. The
controller is configured to receive a driving mode including a
parking mode of a vehicle, in response to the parking mode of the
vehicle, receive a rotation input related to the desired position
and the position of the reverse light, generate a rotation signal
based on the rotation input and the position of the reverse light,
and transmit the rotation signal to the motor to orient the reverse
light to the desired position.
[0008] The shaft is a spring loaded to facilitate replacement of
the reverse light. Furthermore, the spring loaded shaft is
telescopic that makes tail lamps compact.
[0009] The rotation input includes an amount of rotation and a
direction of rotation.
[0010] The controller is further configured to detect a change of
driving mode from the parking mode, in response to the mode change,
determine an amount of rotation and a direction of rotation based
on a current position of the motor and orient the reverse light to
a normal position based on the amount and the direction of rotation
determined. The controller is further configured to control an
intensity of the reverse light.
[0011] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure, there is provided a taillight of a vehicle The
taillight includes a reverse light, a brake light surrounding the
reverse light, a shaft to rotate the reverse light and the brake
light configured to rotate the reverse light relative to the brake
light, a motor connected to the shaft to rotate the reverse light
in a desired position, and a reverse light controller. The
controller is configured to receive a driving mode of a vehicle, in
response to a parking mode, receive rotation input, generate
rotation signal, and transmit the rotation signal to the motor to
orient the reverse light to the desired position.
[0012] The shaft is a spring loaded to facilitate replacement of
the reverse light. Furthermore, the spring loaded shaft is
telescopic that makes tail lamps compact.
[0013] The rotation input includes an amount of rotation and a
direction of rotation.
[0014] The controller is further configured to detect a change of
driving mode from the parking mode, in response to the mode change
determine an amount of rotation and a direction of rotation based
on a current position of the motor, and orient the reverse light to
a normal position based on the amount and the direction of rotation
determined. The controller is further configured to control an
intensity of the reverse light.
[0015] The forgoing general description of the illustrative
implementations and the following detailed description thereof are
merely exemplary aspects of the teachings of this disclosure, and
are not restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate one or more
embodiments and, together with the description, explain these
embodiments. The accompanying drawings have not necessarily been
drawn to scale. Any values dimensions illustrated in the
accompanying graphs and figures are for illustration purposes only
and may or may not represent actual or preferred values or
dimensions. Where applicable, some or all features may not be
illustrated to assist in the description of underlying features. In
the drawings:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle with a rotatable reverse light
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a mechanism of the rotatable reverse
light according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 3A illustrates the rotatable reverse light in a first
(or normal) orientation according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 3B illustrates the rotatable reverse light in different
orientations according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 3C illustrates two rotatable reverse light orientated
towards each other according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 3D illustrates two rotatable reverse light orientated
away from each other according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a flow chart for a reverse light controller that
controls the rotatable reverse light according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure, and
[0024] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the reverse fight
controller according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The description set forth below in connection with the
appended drawings is intended as a description of various
embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not necessarily
intended to represent the only embodiment(s). In certain instances,
the description includes specific details for the purpose of
providing an understanding of the disclosed embodiment(s). However,
it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed
embodiment(s) may be practiced without those specific details. In
some instances, well-known structures and components may be shown
in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of
the disclosed subject matter.
[0026] It is to be understood that terms such as "front," "rear,"
and the like that may be used herein merely describe points of
reference and do not necessarily limit embodiments of the present
disclosure to any particular orientation or configuration.
Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," "third," etc., merely
identify one of a number of portions, components, and/or points of
reference as disclosed herein, and likewise do not necessarily
limit embodiments of the present disclosure to any particular
configuration or orientation.
[0027] Furthermore, the terms "approximately," "proximate,"
"minor," and similar terms generally refer to ranges that include
tire identified value within a margin of 20%, 10% or preferably 5%
in certain embodiments, and any values therebetween.
[0028] Often times, several activities such as unloading things at
night, selling up a camp, replacing flat tire, etc., are performed
around a vehicle, when in parked mode. While performing activities
around the vehicle, illumination or lighting of a surrounding area
of the vehicle may be desirable for better visibility. To
illuminate multiple areas around the rear of the vehicle (e.g.,
around a back end of a truck) multiple lights sources positioned in
different parts of the vehicle (e.g., along a side and or die bed
of the vehicle) are used. However, each additional light source
adds extra cost and parts which is undesirable.
[0029] According to the present disclosure, a modified reverse
light to illuminate multiple areas around the rear end of a vehicle
is provided. The modified reverse light provides assistive task
lighting feature without addition of light sources, thus no
additional light source/module are used.
[0030] Typically, reverse lights (also called backup lights) are a
fixed part of a typical taillight that is turned on when the
vehicle is in reverse mode or in parking mode. Reverse lights
functions include warning other vehicles or people around that the
vehicle is about to move backward, and provide illumination when
the vehicle is backing up. According to standards, reverse lights
on a vehicle must be white an color, and these come standard on all
vehicles. The typical reverse lights are not configured to provide
assistive task lighting (ATL). ATL is a feature of a lighting
apparatus, where the lighting apparatus can be used to provide a
user when performing an activity or task around the vehicle. ATL
function can include illuminating a bed of a trunk, sides of a rear
end of the vehicle, etc. A rotatable reverse light of a vehicle,
according to the present disclosure, incorporates multiple
functions including warning and illumination when backing up, and
ATL without addition of extra lamps or lighting apparatus.
[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle 100 with taillights 110 and 120
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The
vehicle 100 can be a truck, a sports utility vehicle (SUV), a sedan
or other vehicle type having reverse light. The taillight 110 (or
120) includes a rotatable reverse light 112 that rotate about a
vertical axis relative to a fixed adjacent lamp 114. The adjacent
lamp 114 can, be a brake light, indicator, lamp, or other lamps
typically included in the taillight 110. The rotatable reverse,
light 112 provides a combination of warning and illumination when
backing up and ATL functions such as illuminating areas surrounding
a rear end and sides of the vehicle 100 including a bed 102 and a
tailgate 105. The ATL feature can help a user at night while
working in the bed 102 of the vehicle 100 (e,g., unloading a cargo
from the bed of the truck), or around the vehicle 100 such as
setting up a tent, campfire, changing flat tire, etc.
[0032] The structure of the rotatable reverse light 112 that
enables the rotatable reverse light 112 to perform multiple
functions is illustrated in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, a taillight 200,
which is an implementation of the taillight 110, includes a
rotatable reverse light 212. The rotatable reverse light 212, which
is an implementation of the rotatable reverse light 112, is
interchangeably used to refer to the rotatable reverse light 112.
The taillight 200 can be a left taillight or a right taillight.
[0033] The rotatable reverse light 212 includes a reverse light
212L mounted on a rotating axis of shafts 215a and 215b
(collectively referred as shaft 215) to direct white light from the
reverse light 212L in predetermined direction or in a desired
direction. The reverse light 212L is connected to shaft 215 such
that there is no relative motion between the reverse light 212L and
the shaft 215. The shaft 215 is further configured to rotate about
a longitudinal axis 216 (i.e., a vertical axis) of the shaft 215 to
allow relative rotation of the reverse light 212L with respect to
an adjacent lamp 214. The adjacent lamp 214 is an implementation of
the adjacent lamps 114.
[0034] In some implementations, the shaft 215 can be removably
connected to the adjacent lamps 214 to allow replacement of the
reverse light 212L. For example, the shaft 215 can be spring loaded
telescopic shaft 215 that reduces in length when a vertical force
is applied, and can be removed by sliding the reverse light 212L
out of the taillight 200. In some implementations, the reverse
light 212L can be rotated by hand, or automatically via a motor 220
and the controller 500.
[0035] The rotatable reverse light 212 can be operably connected to
the motor 220 and the reverse light controller 500. The motor 220
can drive the shaft 215b to rotate and orient the reverse light
212L to a predetermined or a desired position. Optionally, a sensor
230 such as a position sensor can be included to measure a position
of the reverse light 212L or the motor 220.
[0036] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate different positions of the rotatable
reverse lights 312 and 322, which are an implementation of the
rotatable reverse light 212. In FIGS. 3A-3D. the rotatable reverse
light 312 is part of a left taillight and the rotatable reverse
light 322 is part of a right taillight. A position of the rotatable
reverse light 312 (or 322) can be defined with respect to a
horizontal axis 301 (or 301'), defined along a length of a vehicle
and passing through the rotatable reverse light 312 (or 322).
[0037] In FIG. 3A, the rotatable reverse light 312 is in the normal
position directing the light in a direction along the horizontal
axis 301 creating a light cone C00. The light cone C00 refers to an
illuminated area at a rear end of the vehicle, for example, to warn
and illuminate when backing up. In some implementations, the normal
position can be one of the predetermined positions. Other
predetermined position or desired position can be an inward
position, an outward position, or a combination thereof.
[0038] An inward position refers to a position af the rotatable
reverse light 312 (or 322) when rotated towards the bed of the
vehicle. For example, in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the rotatable reverse
light 312 can be rotated in a counterclockwise direction, while the
rotatable reverse light 322 can be rotated in a clockwise
direction. In some implementation, one or both of the rotatable
reverse light 312 and 322 can be rotated. As shown in FIG. 3B. in
the inward position, the rotatable reverse light 312 creates a
light cone C02 or C03, depending on an angle of rotation, which
illuminates a region within or around a bed 302 of the vehicle 300.
A similar inward position of two reverse lights generates light
cones C04 and C05, as shown in FIG. 3C. In FIG. 3C the rotatable
reverse light 312 is rotated counterclockwise at an angle .theta.1
with respect to the horizontal axis 301, while the rotatable
reverse light 322 is rotated clockwise at an angle .theta.2 with
respect to the horizontal axis 301'. In some implementations, the
angles .theta.1 and .theta.2 may be similar or different depending
on the intended use. The inward position can be used, for example,
to load/unload things from the bed 302 of the vehicle 300.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 3B and 3D, an outward position refers to
a position of the rotatable reverse light 312 (or 322) rotated
towards the bed of the vehicle. For example, the rotatable reverse
light 312 can be rotated clockwise, while the rotatable reverse
light 322 can be rotated counterclockwise. In some implementation,
one or both of the rotatable reverse light 312 and 322 can be
rotated. As shown in FIG. 3B, in the outward position, the
rotatable reverse light 312 creates a light cone C01 which
illuminates a region along a side of the vehicle 300. A similar
outward position of two reverse lights generates light cones C06
and C07 as shown in FIG. 3D. In FIG. 3D, the rotatable reverse
light 312 is rotated clockwise at an angle .theta.3 with respect to
the horizontal axis 301, while the rotatable reverse light 322 is
rotated counterclockwise at an angle .theta.4 with respect to the
horizontal axis 301'. In some implementations, the angles .theta.3
and .theta.4 may be similar or different depending on the intended
use. The outward position can be used, for example, to change flat
tire, or set up a camp.
[0040] Referring back to FIG. 2, in some implementations, the
rotation signal is generated by the controller 500. The controller
500 further transmits the rotation signal to the motor 220, which
rotates the reverse light 212L to the desired position. The
controller 500 can generate rotation signal based on a driving mode
of the vehicle (e.g., parking mode, a reverse mode, or other
driving modes), and a current position of the reverse light 212L.
The current position of the reverse light 212L can be provided by a
position sensor, an amount of rotation and a direction of rotation
of the motor 220 or a combination thereof. The amount of rotation
and the direction can cast be predetermined by the user input or
the vehicle's programming for the ATL module. For example, to
determine the amount and direction of rotation of the motor 220,
the controller 500 can include a rotation monitoring circuitry
configured to monitor and store rotation information (e.g., degree
of rotation, direction of rotation, etc.) of the motor 220 and use
a current position information to determine an orientation of the
reverse light 212L. For example, the current position can be that
the motor 220 was instructed to rotated the reverse light 212L in
counterclockwise by 10.degree.. The controller 500 can use the
current position information, when the vehicle is removed from the
park mode, to generate an another rotation signal (opposite to that
of the current position or relative to the normal position) to the
motor 220 so that the reverse light 212L rotates in for example,
clockwise direction by 10.degree., to return the reverse light 212L
to the normal position.
[0041] In some implementations, the controller 500 can be
configured to allow rotation of the reverse light 212L when the
vehicle 100 (300) is in parked mode, and resume to normal (or
standard) operation during other driving, modes. If the vehicle 100
is taken out of parking mode, the reverse lights returns to the
normal position to satisfy the reverse regulatory requirement.
Furthermore, in some implementations, the controller 500 can also
be configured to rotate the rotatable reverse lights in conjunction
with a rear backup camera system (not illustrated), commonly found
in a vehicle. For example, the rotatable reverse lights can be
rotated to follow curve guidelines typically seen in the backup
camera system.
[0042] In some implementations, the controller 500 can generate the
rotation signal based on a user input (not illustrated) transmitted
via a user device such as a keyfob or a smart phone. The user
device can include processing circuitry configured to the receive
user inputs to rotate the rotatable reverse light X112 clockwise by
10.degree. and the rotatable reverse light 322 counterclockwise by
10.degree..
[0043] FIG. 4 is a flow chart for the reverse light controller 500
(also referred as controller 500) to control the rotatable reverse
light 212 (or 312 and 322) according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present disclosure. The process starts whets rotatable reverse
light 212 (also be referred as an ATL module) is activated. The ATL
module can be activated when the vehicle is ON or OFF.
[0044] In step S401, the controller 500 can receive the driving
mode (e.g., a forward drive mode, a reverse mode, a neutral mode,
or a parking mode) of the vehicle. The driving mode can be
transmitted, for example, by an electronic controller unit (ECU) of
the vehicle.
[0045] In step S403, the controller 500 determines whether the
vehicle 100 is in the parking mode (or reverse mode). If the
vehicle 100 is not in the parking mode (or reverse mode), the
reverse light 212L should not be rotated, thus the controller 500
returns for step S401 and till the driving mode is changed to the
parking mode.
[0046] When the vehicle 100 is in the parking mode, in step S405,
the controller 500 can receive a rotation input related to a
desired position The rotation input can be provided by a user via
as keyfob (not illustrated) or other user device (not illustrated)
configured to transmit a position signal such as amount of
rotation, direction of rotation or other position related
parameters. For example, the keyfob can include a "+" and "-". The
"+" button can be used to rotate the reverse light 212L in
clockwise direction and each push can increase the amount of
rotation by, for example, 10.degree.. Thus, if the reverse light
212L is to be rotated by 30.degree. away from the bed of the
vehicle, the user can push "+" button on the keyfob three times. In
some implementations, the amount of rotation, direction of the
rotation and reverse light (left/right) can be entered numerically
via an software interface such an app on a smartphone. In some
implementations, the rotation inputs can be generated by an ECU of
the vehicle 100 based on guidelines generated by the backup camera
circuitry, or other appropriate circuitry within the vehicle
100.
[0047] In step S407, the controller 500 generates a rotation signal
based on the rotation input. Further, the controller 500 transmits
the rotation s to the motor 220 to orient the reverse light 212L to
the desired position, in step S409.
[0048] In step S411, the controller 500 determines whether the
driving mode of the vehicle has changed from the parking mode (or
reverse mode) to a forward drive mode or neutral the driving mode
remains the me, the controller 500 keeps detecting for a change in
the driving mode.
[0049] When the driving mode of the vehicle charges, in step S413,
the controller 500 determines a rotated position of the reverse
light (i.e., an amount of rotation and a direction of rotation) of
the reverse light and generates a rotation signal to return the
reverse light 212L to the normal position. In step S415, the
controller 500 orients the reverse light to the normal position,
via the motor 220.
[0050] Each of the functions of the described embodiments may be
implemented by one or more processing circuits. A processing
circuit includes a programmed processor (for example, a CPU 501),
as a processor includes circuitry. A processing circuit may also
include devices such as an application specific integrated circuit
(ASIC) and conventional circuit components arranged to perform the
recited functions.
[0051] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the reverse light
controller 500 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure. In FIG. 5, the reverse light controller 500 includes a
CPU 501 which can be configured to receive inputs from one or more
sensors 230, and/or the user device 600, process the data received
to transmit a rotation signal to the rotatable reverse light 212.
The CPU 501 can be further configured to send a current position of
the rotatable reverse light 212 to a display 530 of a vehicle
console or a user device 600 connected to the controller 500. The
process data and instructions may be stored in the memory 502.
Furthermore, the controller 500 can be configured to receive input
(e.g., guidelines) from a backup camera system 700 of the vehicle
to determine an angle of rotation of the rotatable reverse light
212. The user device 600 can be a keyfob, a smart phone, or other
relevant electronic unit configured to provide rotation imputs and
communicate with the controller 500.
[0052] The hardware elements, in order to achieve the reverse fight
controller 500, may be realized by various circuitry elements,
known to those skilled in the art. For example, CPU 501 may be a
XENON or Core processor from INTEL of America or an Opteron
processor from AMD of America, or may be other processor types that
would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.
Alternatively, the CPU 501 may be implemented on an FPGA, ASIC, PLD
or using discrete logic circuits, as one of ordinary skill in the
art would recognize. Further, CPU 501 may be implemented as
multiple processors cooperatively working in parallel to perform
the instructions of the processes described above with respect to
FIG. 4.
[0053] The CPU 501 which performs the processes described in the
present disclosure. The process data and instructions may be stored
in a memory 502. These processes and instructions (discussed with
respect to FIG. 4) may also be stored on a storage medium disk 504
such as a hard drive (HDD) or portable storage medium or may be
stored remotely.
[0054] The reverse light controller 500 further includes a display
controller 508, such as a NVIDIA GeForce GTX or Quadro graphics
adaptor from NVIDIA Corporation of America for interfacing with
display 530. A touch screen panel 516 may be on or separate from
display 530.
[0055] The reverse light controller 500 also includes a network
controller 506 for interfacing with a network 520. Such network
based interfacing can be useful to send commands, sensor data, or
rotation signal to an external device such as the display 530, user
device 600, the keyfob, the backup camera system 700, etc.
[0056] An I/O interface 512 interfaces with one or more sensor 230,
user device 600, and the touch screen 516 of the display 530, etc,
to send and receive inputs or to send rotation signals to the
rotatable reverse light 212 (or 312, or 322),
[0057] The storage controller 524 connects the memory 502 with
communication bus 526, which may be an ISA, EISA, VESA, PCI, or
similar device, for interconnecting all of the components of the
reverse light controller 500. A description of the general features
and functionality of the storage controller 524. the display
controller 508, network controller 506, and the I/O interface 512
is omitted herein for brevity as these features are known.
[0058] The rotatable reverse light 110 (and 120. 200, etc.) is
rotatable and provide several advantages over a typical reverse
light. The rotatable reverse light 100 can perform multiple
functions including warning and illumination when backing up, and
ATL without addition of extra lamps or lighting apparatus. The ATL
can help a user at night while working in the bed 102 of the truck
(ex: unloading cargo from the bed of the truck), setting up a tent,
campfire, changing flat tire, etc.
[0059] While certain embodiments have been described, these
embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not
intended to limit the scope of the present disclosures. Indeed, the
novel apparatuses and systems described herein can be embodied in a
variety of other forms: furthermore, various omissions,
substitutions and changes in the form of the apparatuses and
systems described herein can be made without departing from the
spirit of the present disclosures. The accompanying claims and
their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications
as would fall within the scope and spirit of the present
disclosures.
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