Sequential vehicle signaling system and method

[0001] Not applicable.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to illumination systems, and more particularly pertains to illumination systems and methods for providing a sequential turn signal with a unique lighting sequence.

[0003] Sequential turn signals are not only designed to function as illumination sources for a motor vehicle, but also as an aesthetic design feature of the motor vehicle. For example, U.S. Patent Pub. Nos. 2006/013313 (Muhlbaier), 2009/0051522 (Perkins), 2007/0194903 (Walasik), 2003/0007362 (Robison), 2003/0107863 (Kelwaski) as well as U.S. Pat. No. 6,573,830 (Cohen), U.S. Pat. No. 5,136,483 (Schoeniger), U.S. Pat. No. 3,618,010 (Suzuki), U.S. Pat. No. 6,998,970 (Conte), and U.S. Pat. No. 3,484,743 (Stancil) are all generally directed to sequential turn signals. It is known in prior art turn signals that the illumination sequence begins with the illumination of a single light source; thereafter, additional light sources in the turn signals are sequentially turned on.

[0004] As may be appreciated, however, a turn signal must comply with various regulatory guidelines in order to be used on automobiles. These regulatory guidelines require, among other things, that the turn signal must pass certain photometric requirements upon activation. One disadvantage of the above turn signals is that the first light source must comply with all of the various regulatory guidelines in order to be used on an automobile. Accordingly, the first light source must be large enough to provide sufficient photometric properties to pass the photometric requirements upon activation without the aid of the additional light sources. Moreover, the additional light sources must also be designed to provide similar photometric properties so that (a) the turn signal has a similar appearance to the first light source as the additional light sources are illuminated in the illumination pattern, and (b) commonality of parts on an assembly line or as replacement parts is ensured but with the disadvantageous result of excess light output and the resulting expensive inefficiency. As a result, the turn signal is very complex and expensive to manufacture and the additional light generated by the subsequently illuminated light sources in the turn signal is, in a sense, wasted because it does not aid in complying with the regulatory requirements.

[0012] By way of an overview, one aspect consistent with the present disclosure may feature one or more illumination systems (e.g., a turn signal system) for use with a motor vehicle. The illumination system includes a controller and a lighting system having at least three light engines. The controller is configured to simultaneously illuminate at least two of the light engines while simultaneously not illuminating at least one of the light engines upon activation of the illumination system. The controller is further configured to alternate which of the light engines is not illuminated to generate an illumination pattern (e.g., an illumination pattern simulating a sequentially moving light source). Because at least two light engines are illuminated upon activation of the illumination system, each light engine may be selected to have photometric properties which are lower than the applicable regulatory requirements for the illumination system as long as the combination of illuminated light engines meets and/or exceeds the applicable regulatory requirements. Accordingly, smaller, cheaper, and/or more efficient light engines may be used thereby reducing the cost and complexity of the illumination system, while still ensuring that the illumination system will pass the applicable regulatory requirements (for example, but not limited to, as described in 49 C.F.R. §571, also known as the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), and more specifically 49 C.F.R. §571.108) as well as provide an aesthetically pleasing design feature in the desired regions where the lamp is to be used, e.g., the United States of America or Europe. The surprising visual effect, in contrast to the prior art, is to implement an attention-grabbing visual display whereby the visual cue to observers that appears to move as a signal across the face of the lamp assembly is a dark, unlit region contrasting against an apparently lit background, see, for example, the unlit region progressing from right to left of the lamp assembly depicted in the sequence of figures in FIGS. 4-6 hereinbelow implementing a rear turn signal to indicate a left turn. For ease of explanation, an illuminated light engine 18 is illustrated with crosshatching whereas a non-illuminated light engine 18 is illustrated without crosshatching.

[0013] Turning now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a vehicle 10 including one or more illumination systems 12(1)-(n) consistent with the present disclosure are generally illustrated. The vehicle 10 may include, but is not limited to, a car, truck, or the like. While the illumination systems 12(1)-(n) are illustrated mounted to the rear of the vehicle 10, this is just for illustrative purposes and one or more illumination systems 12(1)-(n) may be mounted to the front and/or sides of the vehicle. The illumination systems 12(1)-(n) may include, but are not limited to, a turn signal system, brake light system, emergency warning light system, or the like. For ease of explanation, the illumination systems 12(1)-(n) will be generally referred to hereinafter as “turn signal system 12,” though this is not a limitation of the present disclosure unless specifically claimed as such.

[0014] One embodiment of a turn signal system 12 is generally illustrated in FIG. 2. The turn signal system 12 includes a lighting system 14 and a controller 16. The lighting system 14 includes at least three light engines 18(1)-(n) which are configured to be selectively illuminated. The light engines 18(1)-(n) may include any known light source configuration such as one or more incandescent light source (such as, but not limited to, a halogen lamp), LEDs (with or without a remote phosphor element), a gas discharge light source such as a fluorescent tube (e.g., in a compact fluorescent (CFL) lamp), and/or a high-intensity discharge (HID) light source. One or more of the light engines 18(1)-(n) may include a single light source (e.g., a single LED). In certain embodiments, each of all the light engines 18(1)-(n) consists of a single light source such as a single LED. Alternatively (or in addition), one or more of the light engines 18(1)-(n) may include multiple light sources depending on the application. For example, a light engine 18 may include multiple LEDs mounted on one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) 21 configured to be simultaneously illuminated upon receipt of an illumination signal 22. The light engines 18(1)-(n) may all be the same or one or more of the light engines 18(1)-(n) may be different (e.g., different photometric properties).

[0015] Optionally, the light engines 18(1)-(n) may be at least partially disposed within one or more housings 20(1)-(n). While the light engines 18(1)-(n) have been illustrated arranged in a line, the turn signal system 12 consistent with the present disclosure may include light engines 18(1)-(n) arranged in a curved line, circle, oval, triangle, or the like. The housings 20(1)-(n) may include a plurality of individual lens 23(1)-(n) each associated with one of the light engine 18(1)-(n)). Alternatively, the light engines 18(1)-(n) may be disposed within a single housing 20 which may include one or more lenses 23(1)-(n) covering a plurality of the light engines 18(1)-(n) (e.g., a single lens 23 covering the plurality of light engines 18(1)-(n). The plurality of light engines 18(1)-(n) may optionally each include an associated reflector 25(1)-(n). The reflectors 25(1)-(n) (and optionally the lenses 23(1)-(n)) may be configured to focus the light emitted from the light engines 18(1)-(n) into one or more desired light patterns L(1)-(n).

[0016] The controller 16 is configured is configured to generate one or more illumination signals 22(1)-(n) for selectively illuminating the light engines 18(1)-(n) of the lighting system 14 in the desired illumination sequence/pattern. The controller 16 may generate the illumination signals 22(1)-(n) upon receiving one or more input signals 24. The input signals 24 may be generated by an operator of the vehicle 10 (FIG. 1) and/or by a part of the engine control unit (ECU) (or a related subcontroller) associated with the vehicle 10 (not shown). The illumination signals 22(1)-(n) may each be configured to selectively illuminate an associated one of the light engines 18(1)-(n). Alternatively, the illumination signals 22(1)-(n) may represent different combinations of illuminated light engines 18(1)-(n). For example, a single illumination signal 22 may be configured to cause multiple light engines 18(1)-(n) to illuminate.

[0017] While the exact illumination sequence/pattern will depend upon the number of light engines 18(1)-(n) in the turn signal system 12 as well as a desired aesthetic feature, the controller 16 is configured to generate illumination signals 22(1)-(n) upon initiation of the illumination sequence/pattern to simultaneously illuminate at least two of the light engines (e.g., light engines 18(1) and 18(2)) while not illuminating at least one of the light engines (e.g., light engine 18(n)). The controller 16 is further configured to alternate which light engine 18(1)-(n) is not illuminated and which two (or more) light engines 18(1)-(n) are simultaneously illuminated. As such, at least two of the light engines 18(1)-(n) are always illuminated during the illumination sequence. The illumination sequence may be predefined (i.e., set during the manufacturing or installation of the turn signal system 12 in an automobile) and/or user selectable (i.e., selected by an operator of the automobile).

[0018] As discussed above, the novel illumination sequence/pattern allows the turn signal system 12 to comply with applicable regulatory requirements based on the desired regions where the turn signal system 12 is to be used. One such applicable regulation is described in 49 C.F.R. §571, also known as the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). More specifically FIG. 1B in 49 C.F.R. §571.108 describes the minimum and maximum allowable candlepower values for original and replacement lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment, a copy of which is reproduced in TABLE 1 below.

[0019]

	TABLE 1
	Lighted sections
	Lamp	1	2	3
	Stop	80/300	95/360	110/420
	Tail1	2/18	3.5/20	5.0/25
	Parking2	4.0/125
	Red turn signal	80/300	95/360	110/420
	Yellow turn signal rear	130/750	150/900	175/1050
	Yellow turn signal front	200/—	240—	275/—
	Yellow turn signal front3	500/—	600/—	685/—
	1Maximum at H or above.
	2The maximum candlepower value of 125 applies to all test points at H or above. The maximum allowable candlepower value below H is 250.
	3Values apply when the optical axis (filament center) of the front turn signal is at a spacing less than 4 in. (10 cm.) from the lighted edge of the headlamp unit providing the lower beam, or from the lighted edge of any additional lamp installed as original equipment and which supplements the lower beam.

[0020] As may be appreciated, the minimum value increase as the number of lighted sections increase. As discussed above, this increase in the minimum value is problematic for the known sequential lighting systems which initially illuminate a single light source. In particular, the single light source, e.g. an incandescent bulb, which is initially illuminated is generally large and expensive in order to satisfy the minimum requirement. Moreover, the known sequential lighting systems may be inefficient. In particular, because the single light source which is initially illuminated must satisfy the minimum requirement upon initiation of the illumination sequence, the additional light sources (when illuminated) produce light in excess of the minimum requirements. Furthermore, the known sequential lighting systems may be difficult/complex to design because the total light output of the system (i.e., when all of the light sources are illuminated) must not exceed the maximum value (e.g., as described in TABLE 1 above). For aesthetic reasons or for reasons of commonality and interchangeability of replacement parts so as to avoid stocking additional part numbers or “SKUs” (stock keeping units), however, there may be a desire that all of the light sources produce the same amount of light when illuminated. As such, the known sequential lighting systems may require a complex controller which effectively reduces the light output of each light as an additional light is illuminated in the sequence such that each light produces the same amount of light as an additional light is illuminated, while not exceeding the maximum value under the regulations. Additionally, the known sequential lighting systems may use a plurality of different light sources.

[0021] In contrast, the novel illumination sequence/pattern of the present disclosure allows the turn signal system 12 to comply with applicable regulatory requirements, while also allowing the turn signal system 12 to use smaller, cheaper, and/or more efficient light engines 18(1)-(n), thereby reducing the cost and complexity of the turn signal system 12. This unexpected result may be achieved by simultaneously illuminating at least two light engines at all times while alternating which one (or more) of the light engines is not illuminated. Moreover, the turn signal system 12 consistent with the present disclosure may be less complex and less expensive to manufacture compared to the known sequential lighting systems. For example, in contrast to the known sequential lighting systems discussed above, all of the light engines 18(1)-(n) of the turn signal system 12 consistent with the present disclosure may be the same. Moreover, the turn signal system 12 consistent with the present disclosure may feature a less complex controller 16. For example, the controller 16 does not need to reduce the power to each light engine 18(1)-(n) as the sequence progresses because the same number of light engines 18(1)-(n) may always be illuminated, and therefore the total light output may always be the same. The surprising visual effect, which differs from the prior art, therefore provides an attention-grabbing visual display whereby the visual cue to bystanders appears to move as a signal from right to left (see, for example, the sequence in FIGS. 4-6 herein below) as a dark, unlit region contrasting against an apparently lit background, in contrast to the prior art.

[0022] Turning now to FIG. 3, a controller 16a consistent with one embodiment of the present disclosure is generally illustrated. It should be understood that controller 16a is merely one example, and that numerous other embodiments of a controller consistent with the present disclosure are possible. The controller 16a includes a microprocessor 26 configured to be coupled to the power rails (e.g., Vss and Vdd), memory 28, and a switch network 30. The microprocessor 26 is configured to generate one or more switching signals 32(1)-(n) based on one or more input signals 24, instructions stored on the memory 28, and a clock signal (CLK) or the like. For example, the microprocessor 26 may execute the instructions stored in memory 28 upon receiving the input signal 24 to generate switching signals 32(1)-(n). The rate/timing of the switching signals 32(1)-(n) may be based on the clock signal CLK. The switch signals 32(1)-(n) are configured to control the operation of the switch network 30, thereby selectively illuminating the light engines 18(1)-(n) of the lighting system 14 (FIG. 2) to create the illumination pattern.

[0023] The switch network 30 includes a plurality of switches 34(1)-(n), for example, wherein the switches 34(1)-(n) each correspond to an associated one of the light engines 18(1)-(n). Each switch 34(1)-(n) may be configured to selectively electrically connect an associated light engine 18(1)-(n) with a power source Vs. The switches 34(1)-(n) may be responsive to the switch signals 32(1)-(n) to control the operational state (i.e., open or closed) of the switches 34(1)-(n). The switches 34(1)-(n) may therefore generate illumination signals 22(1)-(n) configured to selectively energize the plurality of light engines 18(1)-(n).

[0024] With reference to FIGS. 4-6, one embodiment of an illumination sequence consistent with the present disclosure is generally illustrated for a turn signal system 12a including three light engines 18(1), 18(2), and 18(3). For ease of explanation, an illuminated light engine 18 is illustrated with crosshatching whereas a non-illuminated light engine 18 is illustrated without crosshatching. Additionally, the controller associated with the turn signal system 12a is not shown for simplicity.

[0025] Upon receipt of an input signal, the controller is configured to initially cause two light engines (e.g., light engines 18(1) and 18(2)) to illuminate while the third light engine 18(3) is not illuminated as generally illustrated in FIG. 4. After some determined amount of time T₁ (which may be set by the operator of the vehicle 10 and/or by the manufacturer of the turn signal system 12), the controller is configured to cause a different combination of two light engines (e.g., light engines 18(1) and 18(3)) to illuminate while turning off one of the light engines (e.g., light engine 18(2)) which was illuminated in the previous combination as generally illustrated in FIG. 5. Again, after another determined amount of time T₂ (which may be the same or different than T₁), the controller is configured to cause a different combination of two light engines (e.g., light engines 18(2) and 18(3)) to illuminate while turning off one of the light engines (e.g., light engine 18(1)) which was illuminated in the previous combination as generally illustrated in FIG. 6. The illumination sequence may start over again at FIG. 4. Alternatively, the sequence may subsequently illuminate all of the light engines 18(1)-(3) and/or subsequently turn off all of the light engines 18(1)-(3).

[0026] Turning now to FIGS. 7-10, another embodiment of an illumination sequence consistent with the present disclosure is generally illustrated for a turn signal system 12b including four light engines 18(1)-(4). For ease of explanation, an illuminated light engine 18 is illustrated with crosshatching whereas a non-illuminated light engine 18 is illustrated without crosshatching. Additionally, the controller associated with the turn signal system 12b is not shown for simplicity. Again, it should be appreciated that the following illumination sequence is provide for illustrative purposes, and the present disclosure is not limited to this illumination sequence unless specifically claimed as such. The sequence illustrated in FIGS. 7-10 could be realized in a lamp located at the left rear of an automobile in signaling a left turn.

[0027] The illumination sequence may begin at FIG. 7. In particular, the controller may initially illuminate three light engines (e.g., light engines 18(1), 18(2), and 18(3)) upon receiving an input signal. The controller may subsequently illuminate other combinations of the light engines 18 while not illuminating at least one light engine 18 as generally illustrated in FIGS. 8-10. As may be seen, the non-illuminated light engine 18 may move from one end (e.g., the right end as illustrated) of the turn signal system 12b to the other end (e.g., the left end as illustrated) of the turn signal system 12b as the illumination pattern progresses. While the light engines 18(1)-(4) have been illustrated arranged in a line, the turn signal system 12b consistent with the present disclosure may be arranged in a curved line, circle, oval, or the like. Additionally, while only one light engine 18 is shown not illuminated during the illumination sequence, it should be understood that any number of light engines 18 may not be illuminated depending on the total number of light engines 18 in the turn signal system 12b, provided that at least two light engines 18 are simultaneously illuminated at all time during the illumination sequence.

[0028] While all of the light engines 18 in FIGS. 7-10 are illuminated except one (which moves), it should be understood that this is not a limitation of the present disclosure unless specifically claimed as such. The turn signal system 12b should always have at least two light engines 18 that are simultaneously illuminated after receiving the input signal and one (or more) light engines 18 which is not illuminated. As such, the light engines 18 may be selected such that the combination of illuminated light engines 18 meets or exceeds the photometric requirements of any application regulation even though the photometric properties of each individual light engine 18 is less than the photometric requirements of any application regulation. Accordingly, each of the light engines 18 of the turn signal system 12b may be smaller and/or less expensive compared to other sequential turn signal designs, while still meeting and/or exceeding the photometric requirements of the applicable vehicle regulation(s) and still providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Because each of the light engines 18 may have a lower luminosity compared to other sequential turn signal designs, the turn signal system 12b may produce less heat. As such, the design and manufacture of a turn signal system 12b consistent with the present disclosure may be easier and less expensive to manufacturer. Additionally, a turn signal system 12b consistent with the present disclosure may fit into a wider range of vehicle applications compared to other sequential turn signal designs because the overall size of the turn signal system 12b may be reduced due to the smaller light engines 18 and the lower amount of heat generated.

[0029] With reference to FIG. 11, a flowchart of operations 1100 for a method for illuminating an illumination system having at least three light engines based on an illumination sequence consistent with embodiment of the present disclosure is generally illustrated. The method includes receiving an input signal (operation 1102). The input signal is configured to initiate the illumination sequence of the illumination system. The method also includes simultaneously illuminating at least two of the light engines while not illuminating at least one of the light engines upon initiation of the illumination sequence (operation 1104). The method further includes alternating which of the light engines are not illuminated and which of the light engines are simultaneously illuminated based upon the illumination sequence such that at least two of the light engines are always illuminated during the entire illumination sequence (operation 1106).

[0030] While FIG. 11 illustrates a method of operations according various embodiments, it is to be understood that in any embodiment not all of these operations are necessary. Indeed, it is fully contemplated herein that in other embodiments of the present disclosure, the operations depicted in FIGS. 1-10 may be combined in a manner not specifically shown in any of the drawings, but still fully consistent with the present disclosure. Thus, claims directed to features and/or operations that are not exactly shown in one drawing are deemed within the scope and content of the present disclosure.

[0031] According to one aspect, the present disclosure features a method of illuminating an illumination system (12) having at least three light engines (18). The method includes receiving an input signal (24), the input signal (24) configured to initiate an illumination sequence of the illumination system (12); upon initiation of the illumination sequence, simultaneously illuminating at least two of the light engines (18) while not illuminating at least one of the light engines (18); and alternating which of the light engines (18) are not illuminated and which of the light engines (18) are simultaneously illuminated, wherein at least two light engines (18) are simultaneously illuminated during the entire illumination sequence.

[0032] According to another aspect, the present disclosure features an illumination system (12). The illumination system includes a lighting system (14) comprising at least three light engines (18) and a controller (16). The controller (16) is configured to simultaneously illuminate at least two of the light engines (18) while simultaneously not illuminating at least one of the light engines (18) upon activation of an illumination sequence of the illumination system (12). The controller (16) is further configured to alternate which of the light engines (18) are illuminated and which of the light engines (18) are not illuminated, wherein at least two light engines (18) are simultaneously illuminated during the entire illumination sequence.

[0033] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. In addition, “circuitry” or “circuit”, as used in any embodiment herein, may comprise, for example, singly or in any combination, hardwired circuitry, programmable circuitry, state machine circuitry, and/or circuitry that is included in a larger system, for example, elements that may be included in an integrated circuit.

[0034] As used in any embodiment herein, the term “module” refers to software, firmware and/or circuitry configured to perform the stated operations. The software may be embodied as a software package, code and/or instruction set or instructions, and “circuitry”, as used in any embodiment herein, may comprise, for example, singly or in any combination, hardwired circuitry, programmable circuitry, state machine circuitry, and/or firmware that stores instructions executed by programmable circuitry. The modules may, collectively or individually, be embodied as circuitry that forms part of a larger system, for example, an integrated circuit (IC), system on-chip (SoC), etc.

[0035] Certain embodiments described herein may be provided as a tangible machine-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, if executed by the computer, cause the computer to perform the methods and/or operations described herein. The tangible computer-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, compact disk read-only memories (CD-ROMs), compact disk rewritables (CD-RWs), and magneto-optical disks, semiconductor devices such as read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs) such as dynamic and static RAMs, erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), flash memories, magnetic or optical cards, or any type of tangible media suitable for storing electronic instructions. The computer may include any suitable processing platform, device or system, computing platform, device or system and may be implemented using any suitable combination of hardware and/or software. The instructions may include any suitable type of code and may be implemented using any suitable programming language.

[0036] The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described (or portions thereof), and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all such equivalents. Various features, aspects, and embodiments have been described herein. The features, aspects, and embodiments are susceptible to combination with one another as well as to variation and modification, as will be understood by those having skill in the art. The present disclosure should, therefore, be considered to encompass such combinations, variations, and modifications.

[0037] The following is a list of reference numeral used in the specification:

• • [0038] 10 vehicle
  • [0039] 12, 12(1), 12(b) illumination system (generally referred to as illumination system 12)
  • [0040] 14 lighting system
  • [0041] 16, 16a controller (generally referred to as controller 16)
  • [0042] 18(1)-(n) light engines (generally referred to as light engines 18)
  • [0043] 20(1)-(n) housing (generally referred to as housing 20)
  • [0044] 21(1)-(n) printed circuit board (generally referred to as printed circuit board 21)
  • [0045] 22(1)-(n) illumination signals (generally referred to as illumination signals 22)
  • [0046] 23(1)-(n) lenses (generally referred to as lenses 23)
  • [0047] 24 input signal
  • [0048] 25(1)-(n) reflectors (generally referred to as reflectors 25)
  • [0049] 26 microprocessor
  • [0050] 28 memory
  • [0051] 30 switch network;
  • [0052] 32(1)-(n) switching signals (generally referred to as switching signals 32)
  • [0053] 34(1)-(n) switches (generally referred to as switches 34)
  • [0054] L(1)-(n) light pattern
  • [0055] Vss negative supply ground
  • [0056] Vdd positive supply voltage
  • [0057] CLK clock signal.