Vehicle light system with worklight feature and method of use thereof
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CA3263173
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CA · CA
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-21
Abstract
Description
1 5 VEHICLE LIGHT SYSTEM WITH WORKLIGHT FEATURE AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicle accessories, and more particularly to vehicle 10 lighting accessories. BACKGROUND
[0002] After-market lights and lighting accessories for use with vehicles using public roads are often required to meet certain regulatory requirements for public road use, thereby 15 imposing limitations on their configuration, such as their dimensions, size, colour, brightness, etc. As such, these limitations can restrict certain functionalities that may be offered by these lights and lighting accessories.
[0003] It would be advantageous to develop certain lighting devices for use with vehicles that can offer additional functionalities for vehicle operators while still meeting regulatory 20 requirements for public road use. SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] The present disclosure relates to lighting devices to provide requisite signaling to the drivers of other vehicles by meeting certain regulations for road use with respect to vehicle 25 lights and requisite signaling while also having the ability to function as work light or provide other lighting functionality.
[0005] The lighting device defines a lighting surface with two sections, a first section and a second section. The second section occupies a portion of the lighting surface and comprises a concentrated area on the lighting surface and can be actuated, following receipt of an input, to 30 function at two different luminosity levels: at a lower luminosity level to signal a state of the vehicle (e.g. a reverse light when the vehicle is reversing) and then at an upper luminosity 2 5 level that is greater than the lower luminosity level, as a work light (e.g. for permitting an operator to work adjacent to the lighting device under low light conditions (for example at night)) or other lighting functionality. In turn, the first section, taking up the rest of the lighting surface, has dimensions that may be sufficiently large to meet regulatory requirements for providing adequate signaling when the vehicle is in certain states (e.g. an operating state, a 10 moving state, a braking state, a turning state, a reversing state, etc.) corresponding to actions taken by the driver of the vehicle.
[0006] One aspect provides a lighting device adapted for fastening to a vehicle, comprising a housing; an LED lighting system contained at least partially within the housing defining a lighting surface for generating light, wherein the lighting surface includes a first section and a 15 second section in a concentrated area adjacent to the first section, the LED lighting system comprising: a first LED array adapted to emit light from the first section; and a second LED array adapted to emit light from the second section at a lower luminosity level and an upper luminosity level, wherein the upper luminosity level is greater than the lower luminosity level; and an input interface adapted to receive inputs to selectivity cause: an emission of light from 20 the first LED array to signal a first state of the vehicle; an emission of light at the lower luminosity level from the second LED array to signal a second state of the vehicle; and an emission of light at the upper luminosity level from the second LED array.
[0007] In some embodiments, the lighting device may further comprise a heat sink adapted to dissipate heat generated by at least the second LED array, including embodiments wherein 25 the heat sink may be positioned on a back surface of the housing.
[0008] In other embodiments, the first state of the vehicle may be any one of an operating state, a moving state, a braking state, a turning state, and a reversing state; and the second state of the vehicle may be any one of an operating state, a moving state, a braking state, a turning state, and a reversing state that is different from the first state; and the upper luminosity level 30 of the second LED array may be to provide a work lamp function. For example, the upper luminosity level of the second LED array may be equal to or greater than 800 lumens. 3 5
[0009] In further embodiments, the first LED array may be adapted to emit light at a lower luminosity level and an upper luminosity level, wherein the upper luminosity level is greater than the lower luminosity level; and the input interface may be adapted to receive inputs to selectively cause an emission of light at the lower luminosity level from the first LED array to signal the first state of the vehicle; an emission of light at the upper luminosity level from the 10 first LED array to signal a third state of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the first state of the vehicle may be an operating state or a moving state; and the third state of the vehicle may be either a braking state or a turning state. In other embodiments, the third state of the vehicle may be a turning state; and light may be emitted at the upper luminosity level from the first LED array intermittently. 15
[0010] In another aspect, the light emitted from the first section may be a first colour and the light emitted from the second section may be a second colour different from the first colour. In some aspects, the first colour may be red and the second colour may be white.
[0011] In yet further embodiments, the lighting device further comprising a controller that may be configured to receive the inputs to selectively cause an emission of light from the first 20 LED array to signal the first state of the vehicle; an emission of light at the lower luminosity level from the second LED array to signal the second state of the vehicle; and an emission of light at the upper luminosity level from the second LED array. In some embodiments, the controller that is configured to receive the inputs to selectively cause an emission of light at the lower luminosity level from the first LED array to signal the first state of the vehicle; an 25 emission of light at the upper luminosity level from the first LED array to signal the third state of the vehicle; an emission of light at the lower luminosity level from the second LED array to signal the second state of the vehicle; and an emission of light at the upper luminosity level from the second LED array. In one aspect, the controller may comprise an electrical circuit. In another aspect, the controller may comprise a microprocessor. 30
[0012] In other aspects, the second section of the LED lighting system may be defined between a portion of an edge of the lighting surface and a boundary line that runs from a first 4 5 point of the edge to a second point of the edge, the boundary line separating the first section of LED lighting system from the second section of LED lighting system.
[0013] In some aspects, the input interface may receive power from the vehicle for powering the LED lighting system; In other aspects, the lighting device may further comprise a battery for supplying power to the LED lighting system. 10
[0014] In yet further embodiments, the lighting device may be fastened to a rear of the vehicle. In some aspects, the vehicle may be a truck and the lighting device may be adapted to be fastened to a rear of the truck. In other aspects, the vehicle may be a trailer and the lighting device may be adapted to be fastened to a rear of the trailer. 15 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The invention will be better understood by way of the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
[0016] Figure 1A is a front view of an exemplary lighting device in accordance with the present teachings; 20
[0017] Figure 1B is a left-side view of the exemplary lighting device of Figure 1A;
[0018] Figure 1C is a right-side view of the exemplary lighting device of Figure 1A;
[0019] Figure 1D is a top-down view of the exemplary lighting device of Figure 1A;
[0020] Figure 1E is a bottom view of the exemplary lighting device of Figure 1A;
[0021] Figure 1F is an exploded back perspective view of the exemplary lighting device of 25 Figure 1A;
[0022] Figure 1G is a back view of the exemplary lighting device of Figure 1A;
[0023] Figure 1H is a front perspective view of the exemplary lighting device of Figure 1A with the lens removed; 5 5
[0024] Figure 2A is a front view of an exemplary lighting device in accordance with the present teachings;
[0025] Figure 2B is a back view of the exemplary lighting device of Figure 2A;
[0026] Figure 2C is a right-side view of the exemplary lighting device of Figure 2A;
[0027] Figure 2D is a left-side view of the exemplary lighting device of Figure 2A; 10
[0028] Figure 2E is a top-down view of the exemplary lighting device of Figure 2A;
[0029] Figure 2F is a bottom view of the exemplary lighting device of Figure 2A;
[0030] Figure 2G is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary lighting device of Figure 2A;
[0031] Figure 2H is a front perspective view of the exemplary lighting device of Figure 2A 15 with the lens removed;
[0032] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary lighting device in communication with an exemplary vehicle; and
[0033] Figure 4 is a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method of operating a lighting device for signaling other vehicles and for functioning as a work light. 20 DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] The present disclosure relates to a lighting device that is adapted to be installed on a vehicle (e.g. a rear of the vehicle) and to provide dual functionality of acting as a signal for other drivers of vehicles sharing a road with the vehicle with the lighting device, and to operate 25 as a work light or provide other functionality when needed.
[0035] The lighting device is connectable to the vehicle through an interface that permits the lighting device to receive input corresponding to states of the vehicle and other inputs that can trigger a configured lighting effect that is generated by the lighting device. Moreover, the position of the section of the lighting surface of the lighting device that provides the work light 30 or other functionality is in a concentrated area on the lighting surface which may reduce the 6 5 footprint taken by section of the lighting surface while emitting the required light distribution to operate as a work light or other functionality, thereby providing a greater remaining section of the lighting surface that is used to signal a state of the vehicle, this greater section having a size that may be sufficient to comply with regulatory requirements in given jurisdictions. The state of the vehicle may include an operating state (e.g. the vehicle is turned on or the light 10 system of the vehicle is turned on), a moving state (e.g. the vehicle is in motion), a braking state (e.g. the brakes are applied), a turning state (e.g. the turn signal has been activated), a reversing state (e.g. the vehicle is put into reverse), etc. The work light portion of the lighting surface may also be used at a lower luminosity level to provide a dual functionality of signaling a state of the vehicle. For example, when the vehicle is placed into reverse, the section of the 15 lighting surface that provides the work light or other functionality may also emit light at a luminosity level that is lower than a luminosity level of the light emitted when this section operates as a work light or other functionality.
[0036] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” 20 are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is as “including, but not limited to”.
[0037] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are 25 not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0038] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also 30 be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and / or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. 7 5
[0039] From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the teachings. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosed embodiments.
[0040] DEFINITIONS: 10
[0041] In the present disclosure, “vehicle” includes a motor vehicle (e.g. gas-powered, electric-powered, etc.) which may be used for transportation on land (e.g. roads, off-roading). Vehicles include a trailer or other device that may be towed by a motor vehicle. Exemplary vehicles include, but are not limited to, cars, trucks, trailers, four-by-fours, etc.
[0042] EXEMPLARY LIGHTNING DEVICE: 15
[0043] Reference is made to Figures 1A-1H an illustrating exemplary lighting device 100 in accordance with the present teachings.
[0044] The lighting device 100 includes a housing 103 and an LED lighting system 105 defining a lighting surface 107. The lighting surface 107 is divided into a first section 102 and a second section 101. The lighting device 100 includes an input interface 104 for connecting 20 to a vehicle (in some instances, the input interface 104 may also be configured to output information, acting as an input / output (I / O) interface, or as a power source) or other input source.
[0045] The LED lighting system 105 comprises a plurality of LEDs 110 (an array of LEDs) arranged across the lighting surface 107. The LEDs may be spaced apart or alternatively, may 25 be positioned adjacent to each other. The lighting device 100 may also include a heat sink 106.
[0046] In some embodiments, the LEDs 110 of the LED lighting system 105 corresponding to the first section 102 are configured to emit light at two distinct levels of luminosity namely a lower luminosity level and an upper luminosity level being greater than the lower luminosity 30 level. Similarly, in some embodiments, the LEDs 110 of the LED lighting system 105 corresponding to the second section 101 are configured to emit light at two distinct levels of 8 5 luminosity namely a lower luminosity level and an upper luminosity level being greater than the lower luminosity level. For example, the lower luminosity level may be 300 lumens, and the upper luminosity level may be 800 lumens or greater. It will be understood that the intensities at the lower luminosity level and / or the upper luminosity level for the first section 102 or the second section 101 may vary without departing from the present teachings, provided 10 that the upper luminosity level is greater than the lower luminosity level. In other embodiments, the LEDs 110 of the LED lighting system 105 corresponding to the first section 102 and / or the second section 101 may include a first set and a second set of LEDs, being provided and configured to alternate when switching from producing light at the lower luminosity level and from producing light at the upper luminosity level (e.g. the first set of 15 LEDs producing light at the lower luminosity level and the second set of LEDs producing light alone, or in combination with the first set of LEDs, at the upper luminosity level).
[0047] In some embodiments, some or all of the LEDs 110 of the LED lighting system 105 may be provided with a corresponding reflector 111 surrounding the LED to redirect the light of produced by the LED. The reflector 111 may have a conical or frustoconical shape, with 20 the LED 110 positioned at the center of the conical or frustoconical shape. One or more sides of the reflector 111 may be truncated where a reflector 111 intersects with an adjacent reflector 111 of an adjacent LED 110, as illustrated in Figures 1A and 1H. It will be understood that the shape of the reflector 111 may vary without departing from the present teachings, where the shape of the reflector 111 influences the direction of light being emitted by the LED 25 lighting system 105. In some instances, the design or specifications of each of the reflectors 111 of the LED lighting system 105 may be the same. In some instances, the design or specifications of some or all of the reflectors 111 of the LED lighting system 105 may be different from the design or specifications of the other reflectors 111 of the LED lighting system 105. 30
[0048] In some instances, the design or specifications of the reflectors 111 of the LEDs 110 corresponding to the first section 102 may be different from the design or specifications of the reflectors 111 of the LEDs 110 corresponding to the second section 101. In some instances, the design or specifications of the reflectors 111 of the LEDs 110 corresponding to the first 9 5 section 102 may be the same as the design or specifications of the reflectors 111 of the LEDs 110 corresponding to the second section 101.
[0049] In some instances, the LEDs 110 of the LED lighting system 105 corresponding to the first section 102 may be positioned with respect to one another, as illustrated in Figure 1A, to form concentric rings around an LED positioned in the center of the lighting surface 107. In 10 other instances, as illustrated in Figure 2A, the LEDs 110 of the LED lighting system 105 corresponding to the first section 102 are arranged in rows. It will be understood that other arrangements of the LEDs in the first section 102 may also be used.
[0050] The LEDs 110 of the LED lighting system 105 corresponding to the second section 101 may be arranged in a row, as illustrated in Figure 1A. In some instances, the LEDs 110 of 15 the LED lighting system 105 corresponding to the second section 101 may form more than one row, as illustrated in Figure 2A. It will be understood that other arrangements of the LEDs in the second section 101 may also be used.
[0051] The lighting device 100 may include a lens 112 positioned over a face of the LED lighting system 105 revealing the LEDs 110 (such as the face visible in the front view of the 20 lighting device 100 as illustrated in Figure 1F). For the first section 102, a first lens portion 114A of the lens 112 may include a surface pattern or shape that corresponds or follows the pattern of the reflectors 111 of the LED lighting system 105 to influence the direction, polarization or other properties of the light transmitted through the first lens portion. For instance, the first lens portion 114A may include a well or dome structure 113 for each 25 reflector 111 of the LED lighting system 105, where each well or dome structure 113 may align with the corresponding reflector 111 once the lens 112 is placed over the LED lighting system 105. The well or dome structure 113 may further influence the direction, polarization or other properties of light emitted by one or more LEDs 110 of the LED lighting system 105 (e.g. through refraction of the light) to provide a light distribution with desired characteristics. 30 For the second section 101, a second lens portion 114B that corresponds with the second section 101 may include a surface pattern or shape to influence the direction, polarization or other properties of light transmitted through the second lens portion. For instance, as illustrated 10 5 in Figure 1F, the pattern of the second lens portion 114B may include linear striations 115 to provide a light distribution with desired characteristics. The second lens portion 114B corresponding to the second section 101 may be removable, received within a compartment defined within the lens 112 (e.g. for replacement from the rest of the lens 112) and therefore is interchangeable with other lens portions for the second section 101 for generating different 10 light distributions from the second section 101.
[0052] The first section 102 of the lighting surface 107 may be configured to emit light at a first colour, while the second section 101 of the lighting surface 107 may be configured to emit light at a second colour. In one embodiment, the first colour may be red, and the second colour may be white. In another embodiment, the first colour may be yellow, and the second 15 colour may be white. In another embodiment, the first colour may be orange, and the second colour may be yellow. It will be understood that different combinations of first and second colours may be provided without departing from the present teachings, and colour combinations between the first and second colours may be dictated by regulatory requirements in certain jurisdictions and / or functionality of the different sections of the lighting surface 107. 20 For instance, the second section 101 may emit yellow light for operating as a fog light. In some embodiments, the colour of the light emitted by a section, such as the second section 101, may change, the light alternating between at least two colours (white and yellow), depending on the type of input received at the lighting device 100. For example, the light emitted at the first section 102 may alternate between red and orange depending on the type 25 of input received at the lighting device 100 (e.g. the receipt of input that the driver has put the vehicle into “all terrain mode” may cause the light of the first section 102 to switch from red to orange, and the receipt of input that the driver has removed the “all terrain mode” of the vehicle resulted in the light emitted by the first section 102 switching back from orange to red). 30
[0053] In some instances, the first colour and second colour may be achieved by having LEDs of the LED lighting system 105 facing the corresponding first section 102 and second section 101 emit light in the given colour. In some instances, the first color and the second colour may be achieved by having the lens 112 or corresponding first section or second section of the lens 11 5 112 being provided in the necessary colour (e.g. such that when white light passes through the material of the given colour, light of that given colour is emitted).
[0054] In one example, as shown in Figures 1A to 1H when the lighting surface 107 has a circular shape, the lighting surface 107 may have a diameter of approximately 4 inches. However, it will be understood that the dimensions of the lighting surface 107 may vary 10 without departing from the present teachings.
[0055] The second section 101 is located in a concentrated area on the lighting surface 107. The second section 101 may be an uninterrupted area of the lighting surface 107 that is adjacent to the first section 102 such that the light produced by the second section 101 is concentrated. 15
[0056] In some instances, the second section 101 may have a first portion 101a of its parameter that is adjacent to a portion of the edge of the lighting surface 107, where the first portion 101a has a shape that follows the shape of the portion of the edge of the lighting surface 107. A second portion 101b of the perimeter of the second section 101 may interconnect a first end of the first edge 101a and a second end of the first edge 101a thereby defining a boundary 20 line passing through the lighting surface 107. The second portion 101b defining the boundary line may be straight, curved or have a combination of one or more straight sections or one or more curved sections.
[0057] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1A, the second section 101 may have the shape of a segment or portion of a circle (e.g. when the lighting surface 107 has a circular 25 shape, the second section 101 being a minor segment of the circle). However, it will be understood that the second section 101 may take another shape (e.g. a circular shape, an oval shape, rectangular shape, etc.) and / or positioned elsewhere on the lighting surface 107 at a concentrated area without departing from the present teachings.
[0058] The first section 102 shares an edge with the second section 101 (second edge 101b) 30 along the boundary line. In some instances, the first section 102 may take up the remainder of the lighting surface 107 (e.g. being a major segment when the lighting surface 107 has a circular shape) or may encompass some or all of the periphery of second section 101. 12 5
[0059] In some instances (not shown), there may be additional second sections 101 in concentrated areas of the lighting surface 107 that can each operate as a work light. For example, when the lighting surface 107 has an ellipsoid shape, such as shown in Figure 2A, a second section 101 may be found at one end of the ellipsoid shape of the lighting surface 107 and a further second section 101 may be found at the opposite end of the ellipsoid shape of 10 the lighting surface 107.
[0060] The lighting device 100 may include a controller 108. As illustrated in Figure 3, the controller 108 may be configured to receive inputs from the vehicle 200 through the input interface 104, and cause the LED lighting system 105 to generate a lighting effect (e.g. turn on or turn off the LEDs 110 corresponding to the first section 102 or to the second section 101 15 or increase or decrease the luminosity of the light generated by the LEDs 110 corresponding to the first section 102 or to the second section 101). The controller 108 may be circuitry, a control board (a switchboard), a microprocessor, a processor combined with non-transitory memory, etc.
[0061] The input interface 104 enables exchange between the lighting device 100 and the 20 vehicle 200 or an external device. In some embodiments, the input interface 104 receives input from the vehicle 200 (e.g. a state of the vehicle such as an operating state, a moving state, a braking state, a turning state, a reversing state, etc.) or input from other external device configured to generate a lighting effect by the LED lighting system 105, can transmit input to the vehicle 200 or other device from the lighting device 100 or can receive power from the 25 vehicle 200 or other power source. The input interface 104 may be or include wiring, an adapter, a plug, male or female connectors, etc.
[0062] In some instances, as illustrated in the exemplary lighting device 100 of Figures 1A- 1H, the lighting device 100 may include more than one input interface 104. As shown in Figure 1B, the lighting device 100 may have a first input interface 104 that includes bullet plugs for 30 connecting to the vehicle and, e.g., where the bullet plugs receive input on if the vehicle is in a reverse state (e.g. the vehicle is put into reverse) and / or receive input related to causing the second section 101 to function as a work light (such as a press of a power switch), and 13 5 correspondingly receive power from the vehicle to cause the second section 101 to generate the intended lighting effect that corresponds to the input received. The lighting device 100 may also have a second input interface 104, e.g. a PL3 connector as shown in the example of Figure 1B, for receiving input from the vehicle regarding a state of the vehicle (e.g. an operating state, a moving state, a braking state, a turning state, a reversing state, etc.) and for 10 providing power to generate the corresponding lighting effect at the first section 102 corresponding to the input.
[0063] In some embodiments, when the input interface 104 is configured to relay all the necessary inputs and power to the relevant sections (first section 102 and second section 101) of the lighting device 100, the lighting device 100 may not include the controller 108, as the 15 input interface 104 designated for a given section of the lighting device 100 and for a given input type relays power to the relevant section of the lighting device 100 to cause the appropriate lighting effect to be generated when the corresponding input action is taken at the vehicle. For instance, when the vehicle is in an operating state, a first input interface 104 relays power to LEDs related to the first section 102 to cause the LEDs to emit light at a lower 20 luminosity level. When the vehicle is in a braking state or a turning state, a second input interface 104 relays power to LEDs related to the first section 102 to cause the LEDs to emit light at an upper luminosity level greater than the lower luminosity level. When the vehicle is in a reversing state, a third input interface 104 relays power to LEDs related to the second section 101 to cause the LEDs to emit light at a lower luminosity level. When a power switch 25 is activated, a fourth input interface 104 relays power to LEDs related to the second section 101 to cause the LEDs to emit light at an upper luminosity level greater than the lower luminosity level, thereby functioning as a work light or other functionality (for example a fog light).
[0064] In some instances, the lighting device 100 includes a battery 109 for supplying power 30 to the lighting device 100. The battery 109 may be rechargeable and may receive power from the vehicle 200 via the input interface 104 or another connector. In some instances, the lighting device 100 does not include a battery 109, instead receiving power directly from the electrical system of the vehicle 200. 14 5
[0065] The housing 103 contains and may protect different components of the lighting device 100, such as the LED lighting system 105, the controller 108 and / or the battery 109. The housing 103 may have a shape that matches the shape of the lighting surface 107 (e.g. a circular shape). The sides of the housing 103 may be adapted for insertion into a cavity on the vehicle 200, where the housing 103 may have a tight fit with the cavity on the vehicle 200 for receiving 10 the housing 103 (e.g. where a fastener or sealer may be used to secure the housing 103 into the cavity of the vehicle). For example, the housing 103 may be adapted to be used with a grommet mount or may be provided with a flange extending around some or all of the periphery adapted to engage with a fastener (for example screws) to secure the housing into the cavity of the vehicle. The housing 103 may be made from plastic, from metal, or other 15 suitable material.
[0066] In some instances, the lighting device 100 includes the heat sink 106 for dissipating heat generated by one or more of the LEDs 110 configured to emit light from the second section 101 and, in some instances, to dissipate the heat generated by the LEDs 110 configured to emit light from the first section 102. The heat sink 106 may be positioned at a rear of the 20 housing 103 of the lighting device 100, as shown in Figure 1G. In the example shown in Figure 1G, the heat sink 106 is a honeycomb or lattice structure for dispersing the heat. However, it will be understood that the heat sink 106 may take another form for dispersing heat, such as a series of fins connected to the back of the housing 103, without departing from the present teachings. 25
[0067] The controller 108 may configured to receive input via the input interface 104 (e.g. from the vehicle 200 or in some instances, from another input device), and cause a lighting effect that corresponds to the nature of the input that is received. Alternatively, the controller 108 may be positioned outside the lighting device 100 and be configured to be connected to input interface 104 and to receive inputs from the vehicle or other input device and cause a 30 lighting effect that corresponds to the nature of the input using the input interface 104.
[0068] The controller 108 may causes the LEDs 110 of the LED lighting system 105 corresponding to the first section 102 to turn on when a first input is received from the vehicle 15 5 200. The controller 108 may cause the LEDs 110 of the LED lighting system 105 corresponding to the first section 102 to turn off when the first input is no longer received, or when a new input is received. The first input may be continuous over a period of time. In some instances, the first input is indicating an operating state, thereby causing the LEDs of the LED lighting system 105 corresponding to the first section 102 to turn emit light. In some 10 embodiments, the first input may be indicating one or more of an operating state, a moving state, a braking state, a turning state or a reversing state of the vehicle 200.
[0069] In some embodiments, the controller 108 may cause the LEDs 110 of the LED lighting system 105 corresponding to the first section 102 to emit light at two luminosity levels. Light is emitted at a lower luminosity level upon receipt of a first input to indicate an operating state, 15 and light is emitted at an upper luminosity level greater than the lower luminosity level upon receipt of a further input when the vehicle is in one or more of a moving state, a braking state, a turning state or a reversing state.
[0070] The controller 108 many cause the LEDs 110 of the LED lighting system 105 corresponding to the second section 101 to turn on at a lower luminosity level, when a second 20 input is received from the vehicle 200. The controller 108 may cause the LEDs of the LED lighting system 105 corresponding to the second section 101 to turn off, when the second input is no longer received or when a new input is received (e.g. when a third input is received to increase the luminosity level produced by the LEDs of the LED lighting system 105 to an upper luminosity level that is greater than the lower luminosity level). The second input may 25 be continuous, received over a period of time. In some embodiments, the second input is a signal received from the vehicle 200 corresponding to the vehicle 200 being in a reversing state.
[0071] The controller 108 may further cause the LEDs 110 of the LED lighting system 105 corresponding to the second section 101 to turn on at an upper luminosity that is greater than 30 the lower luminosity, when a third input is received from the vehicle 200 or other input device (e.g. a switch). In some embodiment, the LEDs of the LED lighting system 105 corresponding to the second section 101 may already be turned on at the lower luminosity, where the receipt 16 5 of the third input by the controller 108 may cause the LEDs of the LED lighting system 105 corresponding to the second section 101 to increase luminosity from the lower luminosity level to the upper luminosity level. In some instances, the controller 108 may cause the LEDs of the LED lighting system 105 corresponding to the second section 101 to turn off when the third input is no longer received, or when a subsequent input is received by the controller 108 10 or other input device. In some embodiments, the controller 108 may cause the LEDs 110 of the LED lighting system 105 corresponding to the second section 101 to reduce a luminosity level from the upper luminosity level back to the lower luminosity level following receipt of the subsequent input. In some embodiments, the third input may correspond to input provided by a power switch used by the operator. In some instances, the subsequent input received to 15 turn off or reduce the luminosity level of the LEDs of the LED lighting system 105 corresponding to the second section 101 providing light at the upper luminosity level may also be provided by a power switch. In some instances, the power switch may be configured by the user (e.g. the input type received to turn on the power switch may be configured by the user). 20
[0072] In some embodiments, the controller 108 may upon receipt of a further input cause the LEDs 110 of the LED lighting system 105 corresponding to the second section 101 emit light at a luminosity level that is greater than each of the luminosity levels of the light produced at the first section 102. In other embodiments, the controller 108 may be configured to prevent light being produced in the second section 101 at the upper luminosity level during certain 25 states of the vehicle 200 (e.g. light cannot be produced in the second section 101 at the upper luminosity level when the vehicle is in a moving state).
[0073] It will be understood that, in some embodiments, the controller 108 may be configured, and the LEDs of the LED lighting system 105 corresponding to the second section 101 may be adapted to, provide for more than two luminosity levels, where a shift between luminosity 30 levels is performed in accordance with types of input received at the controller 108.
[0074] When the LED lighting system 105 is changing between luminosity levels for a given section of the LED lighting system 105 (i.e. an increase in luminosity level or a decrease in 17 5 luminosity level), exemplary implementations for performing this change in luminosity level may be achieved using the same LEDs of the LED lighting system 105 and / or by having the additional LEDs of the LED lighting system 105 of the given section turn on or off depending on the intended luminosity level for that section of the LED lighting system 105.
[0075] In some instances, the multiple inputs may arise as a result of a single vehicle state 10 (e.g. the brakes of the vehicle being applied causes the LEDs of the LED lighting system 105 corresponding to the first section 102 to switch from the lower intensity level to the upper intensity level on as well as cause the LEDs of the LED lighting system 105 corresponding to the second section 101 to turn on at the upper luminosity level).
[0076] In some embodiments, the controller 108 may receive input from another source aside 15 from the vehicle 200 (e.g. through the input interface 104 or through another input / output interface, such as a transceiver). For instance, in some instances, the controller 108 may receive input from a portable computing device (e.g. a smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, etc.) that communicates with the controller 108 through an I / O interface, where the portable computing device may be running a client application program for providing input to the 20 controller 108 (e.g. to cause the LEDs 110 of the LED lighting system 105 corresponding to the second section 101 to generate light at the upper luminosity). In some instances, the lighting device 100 may include an input device (e.g. a button), for causing an operator to provide input that causes the generating of a lighting effect via the controller 108 (such as to cause the LEDs of the LED lighting system 105 corresponding to the second section 101 to 25 generate light at the upper luminosity) when input is received at the input device.
[0077] As such, the lighting device 100 is configured to alternate between different lighting modes, to provide multiple functionalities for vehicle operators. The lighting device 100 generates a signal for other vehicles regarding a variety of states of the vehicle (e.g. an operating state, a moving state, a braking state, a turning state, a reversing state, etc.) and can 30 also function as a work light following receipt of given input (e.g. to assist illuminating an area adjacent to the lighting device when light levels are low, for example at night). 18 5
[0078] Figures 2A-2H illustrate a further exemplary lighting device 100 in accordance with the present teachings wherein corresponding elements to those set out above with respect to Figures 1A-1H have the same numbering. In this embodiment, the lighting device 100 has an ellipsoid shape and the second section 101 is positioned at one end thereof. It will be understood that the second section 101 could alternately be positioned at other locations on 10 the lighting surface 107. For example, the second section 101 could be in the shape of a segment of a circle and positioned in the middle along the lower straight edge of the lighting surface 107 such that the straight edge of the second section 101 is adjacent to a portion of the lower straight edge of the lighting surface 107.
[0079] EXEMPLARY METHOD OF OPERATING A LIGHTING DEVICE 15 CONFIGURED TO SIGNAL OTHER VEHICLES AND TO FUNCTION AS A WORKLIGHT:
[0080] Reference is now made to Figure 4, illustrating an exemplary method 500 of operating a lighting device that is configured to send out a signal to drivers of other vehicles and to function as a work light. The method 500 may be performed with lighting device 100. 20 However, it will be understood that method 500 may be performed using any other lighting device in accordance with the present teachings.
[0081] The lighting device is connected to the vehicle in order to receive input from the vehicle (e.g. through a wired connection).
[0082] A first input is received at step 501 corresponding to a state of the vehicle resulting 25 from an action performed by the driver. For instance, the first input may be the vehicle being in an operating state. In other instances, the first state may correspond to a moving state, a braking state, a turning state or a reversing state. It will be understood that more than one type of first inputs may be received at step 501.
[0083] Upon receiving the first input at step 501, a first lighting effect is generated in a first 30 colour in a first section of a lighting surface of the lighting device at step 502. For instance, the first section may be adapted to produce a red colour. In some embodiments, the light 19 5 produced at the first section may be intermittent (e.g. when the first lighting effect corresponds to a turning state).
[0084] The lighting device may stop generating the first lighting effect when the first input is no longer received (when the first input is received over a period of time, and that input stops, such as when the first lighting effect is maintained as long as the vehicle is braking). In some 10 instances, the first lighting effect ceases when further input is received at the lighting device.
[0085] In some instances, the first section may produce a lighting effect in a first colour and at a lower luminosity level when a first input is received (e.g. when the vehicle is in an operating state), and the first section may produce a lighting effect in the first colour at an upper luminosity level greater than the lower luminosity level when a further input is received 15 (e.g. the vehicle is in a braking state, or a turning state).
[0086] A second input may be received at step 503. The second input may be, for instance, resulting from the vehicle being in a reversing state.
[0087] Upon receiving the second input, a second lighting effect is generated, produced by a second section of the lighting surface of the lighting device at step 504. The second lighting 20 effect may be producing a white light at a lower luminosity (e.g. above 200 lumens; at 300 lumens, etc.). The second section may occupy a smaller portion of the lighting surface than the first section. The second lighting effect may be of a different colour than the first lighting effect. For example, the second lighting effect may be white in colour.
[0088] The lighting device may stop generating the second lighting effect when the second 25 input is no longer received (when the second input is received over a period of time, and that input subsequently stops, such as when the second lighting effect is maintained as long as the vehicle is in reverse). In some instances, the second lighting effect ceases when further input is received at the lighting device.
[0089] A third input is received at step 505. In some instances, the third input may be received 30 from the vehicle such as from a vehicle power switch. In some instances, the third input may be received from an external device, such as an external switch or other input device provided 20 5 on or with the lighting device, a portable computing device in communication with the lighting device, etc.
[0090] The receipt of the third input causes a generation of a third lighting effect at the second section of the lighting surface of the lighting device at step 506 (e.g. in a same colour as the second lighting effect of step 504). The third lighting effect is generated at an upper luminosity 10 level that is greater than the lower luminosity level of the second lighting effect at step 504. For instance, in some instances, the luminosity level of the second lighting effect may be equal to or greater than 800 lumens. As such, at step 506, the lighting device may function as a work light, producing light for an area adjacent to lighting device to perform tasks in the dark or in low light conditions. 15
[0091] The lighting device may stop generating the third lighting effect when the third input is no longer received (when the third input is received over a period of time, and that input stops, such as when the third lighting effect is maintained as long as the power switch is on). In some instances, the third lighting effect ceases when further input is received at the lighting device. 20
[0092] It will be understood that different combinations of steps 501 to 506 may be provided, depending on the input types received at the lighting device (e.g. depending on the actions performed by the driver of the vehicle).
[0093] It will be understood that, in some scenarios, the first section of the lighting surface and the second section of the lighting surface may be producing light simultaneously 25 (depending on the input received at the lighting device).
[0094] Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications may be resorted to as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and variations are to be considered within the purview and scope of the present invention. 30
[0095] Representative, non-limiting examples of the present invention were described above in detail with reference to the attached drawing. This detailed description is merely intended to teach a person of skill in the art further details for practicing preferred aspects of the present 21 5 teachings and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, each of the additional features and teachings disclosed above and below may be utilized separately or in conjunction with other features and teachings.
[0096] Moreover, combinations of features and steps disclosed in the above detailed description, as well as in the experimental examples, may not be necessary to practice the 10 invention in the broadest sense, and are instead taught merely to particularly describe representative examples of the invention. Furthermore, various features of the above- described representative examples, as well as the various independent and dependent claims below, may be combined in ways that are not specifically and explicitly enumerated in order to provide additional useful embodiments of the present teachings. 15
Claims
22 5 CLAIMS 1. A lighting device adapted for fastening to a vehicle, comprising: a housing; an LED lighting system contained at least partially within the housing defining a lighting surface for generating light, wherein the lighting surface includes a first section and a 10 second section in a concentrated area adjacent to the first section, the LED lighting system comprising: a first LED array adapted to emit light from the first section; and a second LED array adapted to emit light from the second section at a lower luminosity level and an upper luminosity level, wherein the upper luminosity level is 15 greater than the lower luminosity level; and an input interface adapted to receive inputs to selectivity cause: an emission of light from the first LED array to signal a first state of the vehicle; an emission of light at the lower luminosity level from the second LED array to signal a second state of the vehicle; and 20 an emission of light at the upper luminosity level from the second LED array.
2. The lighting device according to claim 1, further comprising a heat sink adapted to dissipate heat generated by at least the second LED array. 25 3. The lighting device according to claim 2, wherein the heat sink is positioned on a back surface of the housing.
4. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: the first state of the vehicle is any one of an operating state, a moving state, a braking 23 5 state, a turning state, and a reversing state; and the second state of the vehicle is any one of an operating state, a moving state, a braking state, a turning state, and a reversing state that is different from the first state; and the upper luminosity level of the second LED array is to provide a work lamp function. 10 5. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first LED array is adapted to emit light at a lower luminosity level and an upper luminosity level, wherein the upper luminosity level is greater than the lower luminosity level; and the input interface is adapted to receive inputs to selectively cause: 15 an emission of light at the lower luminosity level from the first LED array to signal the first state of the vehicle; and an emission of light at the upper luminosity level from the first LED array to signal a third state of the vehicle. 20 6. The lighting device according to claim 5, wherein: the first state of the vehicle is an operating state or a moving state; and the third state of the vehicle is either a braking state or a turning state.
7. The lighting device according to claim 6, wherein: 25 the third state of the vehicle is a turning state; and light is emitted at the upper luminosity level from the first LED array intermittently.
8. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the light emitted 24 5 from the first section is a first colour and the light emitted from the second section is a second colour different from the first colour.
9. The lighting device according to claim 8, wherein the first colour is red and the second colour is white. 10 10. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a controller that is configured to receive the inputs to selectively cause: an emission of light from the first LED array to signal the first state of the vehicle; an emission of light at the lower luminosity level from the second LED array to signal 15 the second state of the vehicle; and an emission of light at the upper luminosity level from the second LED array.
11. The lighting device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a controller that is configured to receive the inputs to selectively cause: 20 an emission of light at the lower luminosity level from the first LED array to signal the first state of the vehicle; an emission of light at the upper luminosity level from the first LED array to signal the third state of the vehicle; an emission of light at the lower luminosity level from the second LED array to signal 25 the second state of the vehicle; and an emission of light at the upper luminosity level from the second LED array.
12. The lighting device according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the controller comprises an electrical circuit. 25 5 13. The lighting device according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the controller comprises a microprocessor.
14. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the second section 10 of the LED lighting system is defined between a portion of an edge of the lighting surface and a boundary line that runs from a first point of the edge to a second point of the edge, the boundary line separating the first section of the LED lighting system from the second section of the LED lighting system. 15 15. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the upper luminosity level of the second LED array is equal to or greater than 800 lumens.
16. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the input interface receives power from the vehicle for powering the LED lighting system. 20 17. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a battery for supplying power to the LED lighting system.
18. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the vehicle is a 25 truck and the lighting device is adapted to be fastened to a rear of the truck.
19. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the vehicle comprises a trailer and the lighting device is adapted to be fastened to a rear of the trailer. 26 5 20. A vehicle comprising the lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the lighting device is fastened to a rear of the vehicle.