U.S. patent application number 16/285725 was filed with the patent office on 2019-06-27 for vehicle spotlight with tracking feature.
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, Jeffrey Paul Duncan, Chad Hoover, Christopher Charles Hunt, Douglas Miller, Matthew Cramer Mullen, Doug H. Randlett, Stuart C. Salter.
Application Number | 20190193625 16/285725 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64279408 |
Filed Date | 2019-06-27 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190193625 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Duncan; Jeffrey Paul ; et
al. |
June 27, 2019 |
VEHICLE SPOTLIGHT WITH TRACKING FEATURE
Abstract
A vehicle lighting system is provided herein. A spotlight is
coupled to a vehicle and is configured to project light in a target
direction. A controller is configured to wirelessly send command
signals to the spotlight. A user-input device is in communication
with the controller and is provided on a steering wheel of the
vehicle. The command signals are based on user-input and control at
least one of an aim direction and a light activation of the
spotlight.
Inventors: |
Duncan; Jeffrey Paul;
(Brighton, MI) ; Randlett; Doug H.; (Metamora,
MI) ; Dellock; Paul Kenneth; (Northville, MI)
; Miller; Douglas; (Redford, MI) ; Hunt;
Christopher Charles; (Livonia, MI) ; Salter; Stuart
C.; (White Lake, MI) ; Hoover; Chad;
(Washington, MI) ; Mullen; Matthew Cramer; (New
Hudson, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ford Global Technologies,
LLC
Dearborn
MI
|
Family ID: |
64279408 |
Appl. No.: |
16/285725 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15700627 |
Sep 11, 2017 |
|
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16285725 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V 21/30 20130101;
F21V 5/04 20130101; B60Q 1/0082 20130101; B60Q 1/0023 20130101;
F21V 21/15 20130101; B60Q 2900/30 20130101; B60Q 1/245 20130101;
F21V 15/01 20130101; B62D 1/046 20130101; B60Q 2400/00
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60Q 1/24 20060101
B60Q001/24; B60Q 1/00 20060101 B60Q001/00; F21V 5/04 20060101
F21V005/04; F21V 21/30 20060101 F21V021/30; F21V 21/15 20060101
F21V021/15; F21V 15/01 20060101 F21V015/01; B62D 1/04 20060101
B62D001/04 |
Claims
1. A vehicle lighting system comprising: a spotlight coupled to a
vehicle and configured to project light in a target direction; a
controller configured to wirelessly send command signals to the
spotlight; and a user-input device in communication with the
controller and provided on a steering wheel of the vehicle, wherein
the command signals are based on user-input and control at least
one of an aim direction and a light activation of the
spotlight.
2. The vehicle lighting system of claim 1, wherein light projected
from the spotlight comprises at least one of a light beam, a search
beam, and a laser beam.
3. The vehicle lighting system of claim 2, wherein the light beam
and laser beam are visible, and the search beam is invisible.
4. The vehicle lighting system of claim 2, wherein the laser beam
coincides with a beam axis of the search beam and highlights a
centerpoint of the search beam.
5. The vehicle lighting system of claim 2, wherein the light beam
and the search beam have a common beam axis and a variable beam
angle.
6. The vehicle lighting system of claim 1, wherein the spotlight
comprises a lens secured to a lamp head and the lamp head is
configured to rotate so as to shield a lens of the spotlight from
oncoming debris.
7. The vehicle lighting system of claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of wireless communication transceivers configured to
communicate with one or more remote devices external to the
vehicle.
8. The vehicle lighting system of claim 7, wherein the command
signals are based on input from the wireless communication
transceivers and prompt the spotlight to track one of the remote
devices and to project light toward the one of the remote
devices.
9. The vehicle lighting system of claim 7, wherein the command
signals are based on input from the wireless communication
transceivers and prompt the spotlight to track whichever remote
device is located inside the search beam and is closest to the
vehicle, and to project light toward the remote device.
10. The vehicle lighting system of claim 1, wherein the light
projected from the spotlight comprises a search beam and a laser
beam, wherein the laser beam coincides with a beam axis of the
search beam, wherein the laser beam is activated to assist in
aiming the search beam.
11. The vehicle lighting system of claim 1, wherein the light
projected from the spotlight comprises a light beam and a laser
beam that coincides with a beam axis of the light beam to assist in
aiming the light beam.
12. A vehicle lighting system comprising: a spotlight coupled to a
vehicle and configured to project light in a target direction; a
controller configured to wirelessly send command signals to the
spotlight; and a user-input device in communication with the
controller and provided on a steering wheel of the vehicle, wherein
the command signals are based on user-input and control at least
one of an aim direction and a light activation of the spotlight,
wherein the light projected from the spotlight comprises at least
one of a search beam and a light beam, and further comprises a
laser beam that coincides with a beam axis of the at least one of
the search beam and the light beam to assist in aiming the at least
one of the search beam and the light beam.
13. The vehicle lighting system of claim 12, wherein the spotlight
comprises a lens secured to a lamp head and the lamp head is
configured to rotate so as to shield a lens of the spotlight from
oncoming debris.
14. The vehicle lighting system of claim 12, further comprising a
plurality of wireless communication transceivers configured to
communicate with one or more remote devices external to the
vehicle.
15. The vehicle lighting system of claim 14, wherein the command
signals are based on input from the wireless communication
transceivers and prompt the spotlight to track one of the remote
devices and to project light toward the one of the remote
devices.
16. The vehicle lighting system of claim 14, wherein the command
signals are based on input from the wireless communication
transceivers and prompt the spotlight to track whichever remote
device is located inside the search beam and is closest to the
vehicle, and to project light toward the remote device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of and claims priority to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/700,627, filed on Sep. 11,
2017, entitled "VEHICLE SPOTLIGHT WITH TRACKING FEATURE," the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to lighting systems
of a vehicle, and more particularly, to vehicle lighting systems
having a spotlight.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Vehicle spotlights, such as those employed by law
enforcement are typically mounted to an A-pillar of a vehicle. To
allow the spotlight to be aimed, a user-operated handle is
connected thereto and is fed into a passenger compartment of the
vehicle by drilling a hole into the A-pillar. Undesirably, in
situations where the operator is driving the vehicle and needs to
aim the spotlight, the operator must take his or her hand off the
steering wheel in order to manipulate the handle. As such, there is
a need for a vehicle lighting system that is capable of
automatically controlling a spotlight while also offering manual
control without requiring a user to give up control of the steering
wheel. The present disclosure is intended to satisfy this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a
vehicle lighting system is provided. A spotlight is coupled to a
vehicle and is configured to selectively project a light beam, a
search beam, and a laser beam in a target direction. A plurality of
wireless communication transceivers are configured to communicate
with one or more remote devices external to the vehicle. A
controller is configured to wirelessly send command signals to the
spotlight based on input from the wireless communication
transceivers.
[0005] Embodiments of the first aspect can include any one or a
combination of the following features: [0006] the light beam and
the laser beam are visible, and the search beam is invisible;
[0007] the laser beam coincides with a beam axis of the search beam
and highlights a centerpoint of the search beam; [0008] the
spotlight includes a lens secured to a lamp head and the lamp head
is configured to rotate so as to shield a lens of the spotlight
from oncoming debris; [0009] the command signals prompt the
spotlight to track one of the remote devices and to project at
least one of the light beam, the search beam, and the laser beam
toward the one of the remote devices; and [0010] the command
signals prompt the spotlight to track whichever remote device is
located inside the search beam and is closest to the vehicle, and
to project at least one of the light beam, the search beam, and the
laser beam toward the remote device.
[0011] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a
vehicle lighting system is provided. A spotlight is coupled to a
vehicle and is configured to project an invisible search beam in a
target direction. A plurality of wireless communication
transceivers are configured to communicate with one or more remote
devices external to the vehicle. A controller is in communication
with the wireless communication transceivers and is configured to
wirelessly control the spotlight to track one of the remote
devices.
[0012] Embodiments of the first aspect can include any one or a
combination of the following features: [0013] the spotlight is
further configured to project a visible laser beam that coincides
with a beam axis of the search beam and highlights a centerpoint of
the search beam; [0014] the spotlight is further configured to
project a visible light beam, the light beam and the search beam
having a common beam axis and a variable beam angle; [0015] the one
of the remote devices corresponds to a remote device located inside
the search beam and closest to the vehicle; and [0016] the
spotlight includes a lens secured to a lamp head and the lamp head
is configured to rotate so as to shield a lens of the spotlight
from oncoming debris.
[0017] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a
vehicle lighting system is provided. A spotlight is coupled to a
vehicle and is configured to project light in a target direction. A
controller is configured to wirelessly send command signals to the
spotlight. A user-input device is in communication with the
controller and is provided on a steering wheel of the vehicle. The
command signals are based on user-input and control at least one of
an aim direction and a light activation of the spotlight.
[0018] Embodiments of the first aspect can include any one or a
combination of the following features: [0019] the light projected
from the spotlight includes at least one of a light beam, a search
beam, and a laser beam; [0020] the light beam and laser beam are
visible, and the search beam is invisible; [0021] the laser beam
coincides with a beam axis of the search beam and highlights a
centerpoint of the search beam; [0022] the light beam and the
search beam have a common beam axis and a variable beam angle;
[0023] the spotlight includes a lens secured to a lamp head and the
lamp head is configured to rotate so as to shield a lens of the
spotlight from oncoming debris; [0024] further comprising a
plurality of wireless communication transceivers configured to
communicate with one or more remote devices external to the
vehicle; [0025] the command signals are based on input from the
wireless communication transceivers and prompt the spotlight to
track one of the remote devices and to project light toward the one
of the remote devices; and [0026] the command signals are based on
input from the wireless communication transceivers and prompt the
spotlight to track whichever remote device is located inside the
search beam and is closest to the vehicle, and to project light
toward the remote device.
[0027] 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
[0028] In the drawings:
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle lighting system having a
spotlight provided on a vehicle shown as a police vehicle;
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the spotlight shown in
FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the vehicle lighting system;
and
[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a user-input device for
controlling the spotlight.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention 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
invention.
[0034] 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.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle lighting system 10 is shown.
The vehicle lighting system 10 includes a spotlight 12 mounted
externally to a vehicle 14 exemplarily shown as a police vehicle.
With respect to the depicted embodiment, the spotlight 12 is
mounted to a driver side A-pillar 16 of the vehicle 14. The
spotlight 12 is configured to project a light beam 18 in a target
direction generally pointing away from the vehicle 14. Depending on
the placement of the spotlight 12, the target direction may be
forward, to the side, or rearward of the vehicle 14. The light beam
18 is visible and has a variable beam angle .theta..sub.1
corresponding to the angle between beam extents 22 and 24. Beam
extents 22 and 24 are opposite one another with respect to a beam
axis 26 corresponding to a centerline of the light beam 18. In
operation, the light beam 18 typically serves to illuminate one or
more objects of interest in the target direction. For example, in
the depicted embodiment, the spotlight 12 is aimed such that the
light beam 18 illuminates a person 27 of interest who may be in
need of assistance, is suspected of committing a crime, etc.
[0036] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the spotlight 12 is also
configured to project a search beam 28 in the target direction. The
search beam 28 is invisible and has a variable beam angle
.theta..sub.2 corresponding to the angle between beam extents 30
and 32, which are opposite one another with respect to a beam axis
34 of the search beam 28. The beam axis 34 corresponds to a
centerline of the search beam 28 and coincides with the beam axis
26 of the light beam 18. Thus, in some embodiments, the light beam
18 and the search beam 28 share a common beam axis. In some
embodiments, the spotlight 12 is further configured to project a
narrow laser beam 36 that coincides with the beam axis 26 of the
light beam 18 and the beam axis 34 of the search beam 28. The laser
beam 36 is visible and is intended to highlight a centerpoint 38 of
the light beam 18 and the search beam 28. As shown, the centerpoint
38 lies on the beam axis 26, 34 of the light beam 18 and the search
beam 28, respectively. Additionally, the centerpoint 38 is
generally equidistant from the beam extents 22, 24 of the light
beam 18 and the beam extents 30, 32 of the search beam 28.
Typically, the laser beam 36 and the light beam 18 are expressed in
different colors to enable visual differentiation therebetween. In
embodiments where the search beam 28 is invisible and/or narrow,
the provision of the laser beam 36 enables a user to more
accurately aim the search beam 28 in a desired direction. While the
light beam 18, search beam 28, and laser beam 36 are shown to
project at different ranges from the spotlight 12, it will be
understood that they may alternatively project at similar
ranges.
[0037] Optionally, an additional spotlight 12' may be mounted to a
passenger side A-pillar 16' if desired. In alternative embodiments,
either of the spotlights 12, 12' may be mounted to a roof structure
40 or other external structure of the vehicle 14.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 2, the spotlight 12 includes a lamp head
41 having a bezel 42 that holds a lens 43 in place. The lamp head
41 extends vertically from an arm 44 that is connected to an
attachment member 45 that is directly affixed to the driver side
A-pillar 16 via one or more mechanical fasteners such as screws 46.
The lamp head 41 may be configured to rotate about one or more
axes. For example, in the depicted embodiment the lamp head 41 is
configured for biaxial rotation about an x-axis and a y-axis.
Rotation of the lamp head 41 enables light outputted from the
spotlight 12 to be aimed in different directions. When the
spotlight 12 is not in use, the lamp head may be rotated (e.g., 180
degrees) so as to shield the lens 43 from oncoming debris. As will
be described in greater detail herein, operation of the spotlight
12, including the aim direction of the spotlight 12 and the
projection of the light beam 18, the search beam 28, and/or the
laser beam 36, may be controlled automatically or manually.
[0039] Referring back to FIG. 1, the vehicle lighting system 10
includes one or more wireless communication transceivers 47
configured to communicate with a remote device 48 located on the
person 27 of interest. The wireless communication transceivers 47
are variously located on the vehicle 14 and may communicate with
the remote device 48 over a wireless signal (e.g., radio
frequency). In a specific example, the wireless communication
transceivers 47 may be a Bluetooth.RTM. RN4020 module or an RN4020
Bluetooth.RTM. low energy PICtail board configured to communicate
with the remote device 48 using Bluetooth.RTM. low energy (BLE)
signals. The wireless communication transceivers 47 may include a
transmitter and a receiver to transmit and receive wireless signals
(e.g., Bluetooth.RTM. signals) to and from the remote device 48. It
will be appreciated that the wireless communication transceivers 47
may utilize other forms of wireless communication with the remote
device 48 such as, but not limited to, Wi-Fi.RTM..
[0040] In operation, the wireless communication transceivers 47 are
capable of communicating with the remote device 48 such that the
location of the remote device 48 may be determined. For example,
the location of the remote device 48, and by extension, the person
27 of interest, may be triangulated based on signal strength and/or
return time of signals between the wireless communication
transceivers 47 and the remote device 48. In response, the
spotlight 12 may be automatically operated to track the remote
device 48 based on ongoing communications between the wireless
communication transceivers 47 and the remote device 48. As defined
herein, the term "tracking" refers to rotating the lamp head 41
such that any light outputted from the spotlight 12 is projected
toward an intended target. It will be understood that in tracking
the remote device 48, the spotlight 12 may be operated to project
the search beam 28, the light beam 18, the laser beam 36, or any
combination thereof.
[0041] Additionally or alternatively, the spotlight 12 may be
automatically operated based on signals provided by one or more
proximity sensors 50 variously located on the vehicle 14. It will
be understood that the location of the wireless communication
transceivers 47 and the proximity sensors 50 are exemplary in
nature. The proximity sensors 50 may be configured as ultrasonic
sensors, radar, LIDAR, or other known sensor and are intended to
detect objects (e.g., person 27 of interest) proximate the vehicle
14. In response to object detection, the spotlight 12 may be
operated to track the detected object and project the light beam
18, the search beam 28, and/or the laser beam 36 toward the
detected object.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 3, the vehicle lighting system 10 further
includes a controller 52 in communication with the wireless
communication transceivers 47 and the proximity sensors 50. For
example, the controller 52 may be provided onboard the vehicle 14
and is configured to communicate with the wireless communication
transceivers 47 and the proximity sensors 50 over a vehicle network
such as a CAN bus or a LIN bus. The controller 52 is also
configured to wirelessly communicate with the spotlight 12. For
example, the controller 52 may wirelessly send command signals 54
to the spotlight 12. The command signals 54 may be in the form of
Bluetooth.RTM. signals, Bluetooth.RTM. low energy signals,
Wi-Fi.RTM. signals, or other type of wireless signal.
[0043] The spotlight 12 may include control circuitry 56 configured
to receive the command signals 54 and operate the spotlight 12
accordingly. The control circuitry 56 may be provided on a printed
circuit board (PCB) 58 housed inside the lamp head 41. As a space
saving measure, a plurality of light sources 60 may also be
provided on the PCB 58. The light sources 60 may include an array
of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other light types known to a
skilled artisan. The light sources 60 are optically coupled to the
lens 43 and are configured to generate light resulting in the light
beam 18, the search beam 28, and the laser beam 36. To impart
rotation to the lamp head 41, the spotlight 12 additionally
includes one or more motors 62 configured to rotate the lamp head
41 and operably coupled to the control circuitry 56. Based on the
command signals 54 received from the controller 52, the control
circuitry 56 may operate the motors 62 to adjust the position of
the lamp head 41 in order to change the target direction of any
light outputted by the spotlight 12. Additionally or alternatively,
the command signals 54 may prompt the control circuitry 56 to
operate the light sources 60 to selectively project the light beam
18, the search beam 28, and/or the laser beam 36.
[0044] Additionally or alternatively, the command signals 54 may be
based on input provided by one or more equipment 66 onboard the
vehicle 14. For example, the input may include information relating
to a gear position of the vehicle 14, that is, whether the vehicle
14 is in park, drive, reverse, neutral, etc. In one specific
embodiment, the spotlight 12 is operated in a traffic stop mode,
whereby the spotlight 12 is aimed at a rear window of a stopped
vehicle at a relatively high intensity (e.g., triple intensity) for
a period of time (e.g., 1 minute) to cause glare onto the
passenger(s) of the stopped vehicle. In instances where the vehicle
14 is approaching the stopped vehicle at a predetermined speed
(e.g., 20 miles per hour or less), the command signals 54 may
include positional information provided by the proximity sensors 50
to allow the spotlight 12 to remain aimed at the stopped vehicle
despite the vehicle 14 moving in relation to the stopped
vehicle.
[0045] In another specific scenario, the command signals 54 may
prompt the spotlight 12 to project light toward an object
approaching the vehicle 14. This feature is helpful in situations
where the vehicle 14 is parked and its occupant(s) is not paying
attention to the vehicle surroundings. For example, the spotlight
12 may be prompted to project light toward an object detected at a
default or predetermined distance from the vehicle 14. In another
specific scenario, the command signals 54 may prompt the spotlight
12 to operate as a cornering lamp based on steering input supplied
from a steering angle sensor. In yet another specific scenario, the
command signals 54 may prompt the spotlight 12 to operate as an
auxiliary backup lamp based on the gear position indicating that
the vehicle 14 is in reverse.
[0046] To enable manual intervention, the vehicle lighting system
10 includes a user-input device 68 located inside the vehicle 14
and operably coupled to the controller 52 such that the command
signals 54 sent to the spotlight 12 are based on user-specified
input. The user-input device 68 may be variously provided inside
the vehicle 14 and is typically provided within arm's reach of the
driver. In operation, for example, the user-input device 68 enables
a user to aim the spotlight 12, specify an operational mode of the
spotlight 12, and/or control operational states of the light beam
18 the search beam 28, and/or the laser beam 36. For example, such
operational states may include light activation (e.g., ON/OFF
status), intensity, beam range, beam spread, and any other light
characteristics associated with beams of light.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 4, the user-input device 68 is shown
coupled to a steering wheel 70 of the vehicle 14. As depicted, the
user-input device 68 is provided on a face 72 of the steering wheel
60 and includes one or more user-input mechanisms 74 in the form of
buttons. In alternative embodiments, the user-input mechanisms may
include capacitive switches, dials, sliders, and/or any other known
mechanisms for interfacing a human with a machine. By providing the
spotlight on the steering wheel 70, a driver of the vehicle 14 may
manually control the spotlight 12 without taking his or her hands
off the steering wheel 70.
[0048] In one specific scenario, the user-input device 68 is used
to manually aim the search beam 28 in a target direction. To assist
in the aiming of the search beam 28, the laser beam 36 may be
activated if desired. Next, the user may specify a target lock
feature using the user-input device 68, and in response, the
controller 52 detects one or more remote devices within the search
beam 28 based on information received from the wireless
communication transceivers 47. Additionally or alternatively,
objects in the search beam 28 may be detected based on information
received from the proximity sensors 50. In some embodiments, the
user may relinquish manual control of the spotlight 12 and the
controller 52 may automatically operate the spotlight 12 to track a
detected object. For example, the controller 52 may send command
signals 54 to the spotlight 12 to track the remote device detected
inside the search beam 28 and located nearest to the vehicle 14. As
the remote device is tracked by the spotlight 12, the light beam 18
may be selectively activated through automatic or manual means.
[0049] 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.
* * * * *