System and method for illuminating ground surface around periphery of vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (200) and a method (500) for illuminating a ground surface surrounding a periphery of a vehicle (100). The system (200) includes one or more light modules (400) mounted on the vehicle (100). The one or more light modules (400) are configured to illuminate at least a region of a ground surface surrounding a perimeter of the vehicle (100). The control unit (300) is mounted on the vehicle (100) and is in communication with the one or more light modules (400). The control unit (300) is configured to activate the one or more light modules (400) for a predefined time interval when one or more predefined conditions are satisfied.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle and more particularly to a system and method for illuminating at least an area of ​​a ground surface surrounding a perimeter of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, there is no capability for illuminating the ground surface surrounding the perimeter of the vehicle. In dark areas or dimly lit areas, when a rider disembarks from the vehicle, the rider has zero or limited view of the ground surface surrounding the perimeter of the vehicle, which may cause the rider to step on uneven surfaces, puddles, pits, rocks, etc., thereby losing balance and causing a fall, which may be fatal. Similarly, when a vehicle is parked in a dark area or dimly lit area, it is difficult to locate / identify the vehicle and to discern features of the ground surface surrounding the perimeter of the vehicle. This may cause unnecessary anxiety to the rider, as well as cause the rider to fall if the vehicle is surrounded by uneven surfaces, puddles, pits, rocks, etc.

[0003] Further, the prior art does not disclose a simple and economical way to project a name, logo, image or customized text onto a ground surface around the perimeter of a vehicle to increase the aesthetics and marketing appeal of the vehicle.

[0004] In view of the above circumstances, it is necessary to at least overcome the above shortcomings of the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0005] In one aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a system for illuminating at least one area of ​​a surface of a ground surface surrounding a vehicle. The system comprises one or more light modules and a control unit. The one or more light modules are mounted on the vehicle. The control unit is also mounted on the vehicle. When one or more predefined conditions are met, the control unit activates the one or more light modules for a predefined time interval to illuminate at least one area of ​​a surface of a ground surface surrounding the vehicle.

[0006] In an embodiment, the vehicle is a saddle-type vehicle having a handlebar extending between a first end and a second end. One or more light modules are mounted on one or both ends of the handlebar. One or more light modules can be used to illuminate the entire area or a portion of the ground surface around the perimeter of the vehicle. Thus, one or more light modules can be mounted at various locations on the rear portion, side portion and / or front portion of the saddle-type vehicle.

[0007] In an embodiment, the vehicle is a passenger vehicle, and one or more light modules may be mounted on one or more frame members proximate to a ground surface of the passenger vehicle. One or more light modules may be used to illuminate the entire area or a portion of the ground surface surrounding the perimeter of the passenger vehicle. Thus, one or more light modules may be mounted at different locations on the rear portion, side portion, and / or front portion of the passenger vehicle.

[0008] In an embodiment, the predefined interval is 60 seconds.This embodiment should not be construed as limiting, and the predefined interval may be any value set by the manufacturer and / or input by the rider of the vehicle.

[0009] In an embodiment, the one or more predefined conditions include any one or a combination of the following conditions: (i) input from a keyless remote control for unlocking the vehicle, (ii) input from a rider's personal digital assistant for unlocking the vehicle, (iii) insertion of a key for locking or unlocking the vehicle, (iv) removal of a key from an ignition lock of the vehicle, (v) shutdown of the vehicle's internal combustion engine, (vi) shutdown of one or more traction motors of the vehicle, (vii) shutdown of the vehicle's internal combustion engine and traction motors, (viii) ignition start-stop (ISS) mode of the vehicle and shutdown of the internal combustion engine, (ix) detection of activation of the vehicle's side standing foot from a side standing foot stowed state to a side standing foot lowered state, and (x) shutdown of the internal combustion engine when the ISS stop condition is met.

[0010] In an embodiment, one or more light modules project a brand name, a logo, one or more predefined images and / or one or more predefined texts onto at least an area of ​​a ground surface surrounding a perimeter of the vehicle.

[0011] In an embodiment, each letter of the brand name and the predefined text is displayed in a sequential manner.

[0012] In an embodiment, one or more light modules are operated at a predefined frequency within a predefined time interval.

[0013] In an embodiment, one or more control buttons are provided on the vehicle to change the intensity of light from one or more light modules. The one or more buttons are positioned so that they can be easily accessed and operated by a rider of the vehicle.

[0014] In another aspect of the invention, the invention includes a method for illuminating at least one area on a ground surface surrounding a vehicle. The method includes the step of determining whether one or more predefined conditions are met. The determining step is performed by a control unit mounted on the vehicle. The method further includes the step of transmitting an instruction to activate one or more light modules. The step of transmitting an instruction to activate one or more light modules is performed by the control unit. The method further includes illuminating at least one area of ​​a ground surface surrounding the vehicle for a predefined time interval. The illuminating step is performed by one or more light modules. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Reference will be made to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which may be shown in the accompanying drawings. These drawings are intended to be illustrative, rather than restrictive. Although the present invention has been generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to these specific embodiments.

[0016] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system for illuminating a ground surface around a perimeter of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 1 is a perspective view of a handlebar of a saddle-type vehicle 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a left side portion of a handlebar according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the right side portion of a handlebar according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method for illuminating surrounding ground surfaces around a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Various features and embodiments of the invention herein will be discerned from the following further description thereof set forth below.

[0022] Figure 11 is a block diagram of a system 200 for illuminating at least one area on a ground surface around a perimeter of a vehicle 100. As shown, the system 200 includes a control unit 300 and one or more light modules 400. The control unit 300 communicates with the one or more light modules 400. The control unit 300 is configured to determine whether one or more predefined conditions have been met. The one or more predefined conditions are usually preconfigured in the control unit by the manufacturer. When the one or more predefined conditions are met, the control unit 300 is further configured to activate the one or more light modules 400. Upon receiving an activation instruction from the control unit 300, the one or more light modules 400 are turned on to illuminate at least one area on a ground surface around a perimeter of the vehicle 100. The one or more light modules 400 may include a receiving unit for receiving instructions from the control unit 300. The one or more light modules 400 are activated for a predefined duration. This duration may be set by the manufacturer of the vehicle 100 or by the rider of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the predefined interval is 60 seconds.

[0023] The present invention can be implemented in saddle-type vehicles as well as passenger vehicles. Saddle-type vehicles include two-wheeled vehicles, three-wheeled vehicles, and four-wheeled vehicles, such as bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, etc. The present invention can also be implemented in passenger vehicles such as automobiles, rickshaws, trucks, vans, etc. Both saddle-type vehicles and passenger vehicles can be conventional types of internal combustion engine vehicles, hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, or other vehicles now known or later developed.

[0024] In an embodiment, in a saddle-type vehicle, the handlebar 102 (reference Figure 2 ) at the first end 102a (reference Figure 2 ) and the second end 102b (reference Figure 2) extend between the handlebar 102 and the vehicle 100. One or more light modules 400 are mounted on either or both ends 102a, 102b of the handlebar 102. In another embodiment, in the passenger vehicle 100, the one or more light modules 400 are mounted on a frame member or on a component on a frame member close to the ground surface. However, the above-mentioned position of the one or more light modules 400 on the saddle-type vehicle or passenger vehicle should not be interpreted as limiting, and the one or more light modules 400 can be installed or arranged on the front portion, rear portion, or side portion of the saddle-type vehicle or passenger vehicle, depending on the area of ​​the ground around the periphery of the vehicle 100 that needs to be illuminated. In one non-limiting example, the one or more light modules 400 are mounted on the vehicle 100 so as to illuminate the area around the side foot of the vehicle 100. In another non-limiting example, the one or more light modules 400 are mounted on the vehicle 100 so as to illuminate the area of ​​the ground surface in front of the vehicle 100, so as to have better visibility when the rider approaches the vehicle 100. In another non-limiting example, one or more light modules 400 are mounted on the vehicle 100 so as to illuminate an area of ​​the ground surface behind the vehicle 100 so that fellow riders can see that the vehicle 100 is in an ignition start-stop (ISS) off mode.

[0025] In an embodiment, the one or more predefined conditions include any one or a combination of the following conditions: (i) input from a keyless remote control for unlocking the vehicle 100, (ii) input from a personal digital assistant (such as a rider's mobile phone) for unlocking the vehicle 100, (iii) insertion of a key for locking or unlocking the vehicle 100, (iv) removal of a key from an ignition lock of the vehicle 100, (v) shutting down the internal combustion engine of the vehicle 100, (vi) shutting down one or more traction motors of the vehicle 100, (vii) shutting down the internal combustion engine and traction motors of the vehicle 100, (viii) ignition start-stop (ISS) mode of the vehicle 100 and shutting down the internal combustion engine, (ix) detection of activation of a side standing foot of the vehicle 100 from a side standing foot stowed state to a side standing foot lowered state, and (x) shutting down the internal combustion engine of the vehicle 100 when the ISS stop condition is met.

[0026] Keyless entry remotes are generally known in the art and include a short-range radio transmitter and operate over a short distance. When a button is pressed, it sends a coded signal to the vehicle 100 via radio waves, thereby locking or unlocking the vehicle 100. The keyless entry remote locks and unlocks the vehicle by some discrete combination of flashing lights or unique sounds.

[0027] In an embodiment, one or more light modules 400 can project a brand name, logo, one or more predefined images and / or one or more predefined texts to increase the aesthetics of the vehicle 100. One or more brand names, logos, predefined images and / or predefined texts can be projected in a sequential manner. In addition, each letter in the one or more predefined texts can be displayed in a sequential manner. In addition, options for selecting one or more colors, font sizes, font styles, visual effects can also be provided. Such options can be available to the user via a mobile application that can be downloaded to a personal digital assistant (such as a mobile phone of a rider of the vehicle 100). Such performance generally increases the aesthetics and market appeal of the vehicle 100.

[0028] In an embodiment, one or more light modules 400 operate at a predefined frequency within a predefined time interval. In a non-limiting example, the light module flashes once every 5 seconds within a duration of 60 seconds.

[0029] In an embodiment, the vehicle 100 may also be provided with one or more control buttons (not shown) to change the intensity of light from one or more light modules 400. Such buttons are typically located on the vehicle 100 so that they are easily accessible and operable by a rider of the vehicle 100.

[0030] Figure 2 1 is a perspective view of a handlebar 102 of a saddle-type vehicle 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a perspective view of a left side portion of a handlebar 102 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the right side portion of the handlebar 102 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] As shown, in the saddle-type vehicle 100, the handlebar 102 extends between a first end 102a and a second end 102b. One or more light modules 400 may be mounted on one or both ends 102a, 102b of the handlebar 102. In a non-limiting example, the one or more light modules 400 are mounted such that the projection lens of the one or more light modules 400 faces the ground, which provides visibility of the ground surface even in dark or dimly lit conditions and ensures a stylish appearance of the vehicle 100 and a significantly unique exterior appearance.

[0032] Figure 5 is an exploded view of a light module 400 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] As shown, each light module 400 includes a cover 401, a lens 402, one or more light sources 403, a light source cover 404, a printed circuit board 405, and a heat sink 406. As shown, the cover 401 can be divided into a first part 401a and a second part 401b, and is suitable for enclosing the lens 402, the light source 403, the light source cover 404, the printed circuit board 405, and the heat sink 406. The printed circuit board 405 is used to support and power one or more light sources 403 (such as light emitting diodes) and the heat sink 406. The light emitting diode 403 is a semiconductor diode that emits light when a voltage is applied or when a current flows through it. The light emitting diode 403 is usually covered with a protective cover 404 and communicated with the heat sink 406 to dissipate the heat generated during the operation of the one or more light modules 400. The lens 402 is used to project a brand name, a logo, one or more predefined images, and one or more predefined texts on the surface of the ground. The construction of the light module 400 should not be interpreted as limiting, and may include light modules now known or developed later.

[0034] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method 500 for illuminating a ground surface around a perimeter of a vehicle 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] As shown in the figure, at step 501, the method includes determining whether one or more predefined conditions are met. The determination step is performed by the control unit 300. The one or more predefined conditions are preconfigured in the control unit 300 of the vehicle 100.

[0036] At step 502, the method includes transmitting instructions to activate one or more light modules 400. The transmitting step is performed by the control unit 300, and such instructions may be received by a receiving unit provided in one or more light modules 400.

[0037] At step 503 , the method includes illuminating at least one area of ​​a ground surface around the perimeter of the vehicle 100 for a predefined time interval. The illuminating step is performed by one or more light modules 400 .

[0038] In an embodiment, the one or more predefined conditions include any one or a combination of the following conditions: input from a keyless remote control for unlocking the vehicle 100, (ii) input from a rider's personal digital assistant for unlocking the vehicle 100, (iii) insertion of a key for locking or unlocking the vehicle 100, (iv) removal of a key from an ignition lock of the vehicle 100, (v) shutting down the internal combustion engine of the vehicle 100, (vi) shutting down one or more traction motors of the vehicle 100, (vii) shutting down the internal combustion engine and traction motors of the vehicle 100, (viii) ignition start-stop (ISS) mode of the vehicle 100 and shutting down the internal combustion engine, (ix) detection of activation of a side standing foot of the vehicle 100 from a side standing foot stowed state to a side standing foot lowered state, and (x) shutting down the internal combustion engine when the ISS stop condition is met.

[0039] In an embodiment, one or more light modules 400 can project a brand name, a logo, one or more predefined images, and one or more predefined texts to increase the aesthetics of the vehicle 100. The one or more predefined images and / or the one or more predefined texts can be projected in a sequential manner. In addition, each letter in the one or more predefined texts can be displayed in a sequential manner. In addition, options for selecting one or more colors, font sizes, font styles, visual effects can also be provided. Such options can be available to the user via a mobile application that can be downloaded to a personal digital assistant (such as a mobile phone of a rider of the vehicle 100). Such performance generally increases the aesthetics and market appeal of the vehicle 100.

[0040] In an embodiment, one or more light modules 400 operate at a predefined frequency within a predefined time interval. In a non-limiting example, one or more light modules 400 flash once every 5 seconds within a duration of 60 seconds.

[0041] It should be understood that a typical hardware configuration of the control unit 300 may include a set of instructions that can be executed to enable the control unit 300 to perform the method disclosed above.

[0042] The control unit 300 may include a processor, which may be a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both. The processor may be one or more general purpose processors, digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, servers, networks, digital circuits, analog circuits, combinations thereof, or other now known or later developed devices for analyzing and processing data. The processor may implement a software program, such as manually generated code, i.e., programmed code.

[0043] The control unit 300 may include a memory. The memory may be a main memory, a static memory, or a dynamic memory. The memory may include, but is not limited to, computer-readable storage media such as various types of volatile and non-volatile storage media, including but not limited to random access memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable read-only memory, flash memory, magnetic tape or disk, optical media, etc. The memory is operable to store instructions executable by a processor. The functions, actions, or tasks shown or described in the figure may be performed by a programmed processor that executes instructions stored in the memory.

[0044] The control unit 300 may further include a display unit, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flat panel display, a solid state display, a cathode ray tube, or other display devices now known or later developed for outputting the determined information. The display may serve as an interface for a user to view the functions of the processor, or specifically as an interface with software stored in the memory.

[0045] Additionally, the control unit 300 may include an input device configured to allow a user to interact with any component of the control unit 300. The input device may be a numeric keypad, a keyboard, or a cursor control device such as a mouse or joystick, a touch screen display, a remote control, or any other device operable to interact with the control unit 300.

[0046] The control unit 300 may also include a disk drive unit or an optical drive unit. The disk drive unit may include a computer-readable medium in which one or more instruction sets (e.g., software) may be embedded. In addition, the instructions may embody one or more methods or logics in the methods or logics described. In a specific example, during execution by the control unit 300, the instructions may reside completely or at least partially in the memory or in the processor. The memory and the processor may also include a computer-readable medium as described above. The present invention contemplates a computer-readable medium that includes instructions or receives and executes instructions in response to a propagation signal so that a device connected to a network can transmit data through the network. In addition, instructions can be sent or received through the network. The network may include a wired network, a wireless network, an Ethernet AVB network, or a combination thereof. The wireless network may be a cellular telephone network. In addition, the network may be a public network such as the Internet, a private network such as an intranet, or a combination thereof, and may utilize various networking protocols that are now available or developed later.

[0047] The claimed features / method steps of the present invention as discussed above are not routine, conventional or well understood in the art because the claimed steps enable the following solutions to problems existing in conventional technologies. Specifically, the present invention solves the technical problem of zero or limited visibility of ground surfaces around the perimeter of the vehicle 100 in dark or dimly lit areas.

[0048] The present invention illuminates at least an area of ​​the ground surface surrounding the perimeter of the vehicle 100 in a dark or dimly lit area. This assists the rider when the rider is disembarking from the vehicle 100 in a dark or dimly lit area, and also assists the rider when the rider is approaching a vehicle 100 parked in a dark or dimly lit area. The system also assists in easily identifying the vehicle 100 in a dark or dimly lit area. Such illumination may also assist fellow riders in recognizing that an ISS stop condition is activated in the vehicle at a traffic light or during a traffic jam.

[0049] The present invention also increases the market appeal of the vehicle 100 because the projection of the brand name, logo, predefined image and predefined text increases the aesthetics of the vehicle 100 .

[0050] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A system (200) for illuminating a ground surface surrounding a perimeter of a vehicle (100), the system (200) comprising: - one or more light modules (400) mounted on the vehicle (100), the one or more light modules (400) being configured to illuminate at least an area of ​​the ground surface surrounding a perimeter of the vehicle (100); as well as - a control unit (300) mounted on the vehicle (100) and in communication with the one or more light modules (400), the control unit (300) being configured to activate the one or more light modules (400) for a predefined time interval when one or more predefined conditions are met.

2. The system (200) according to claim 1, wherein: The vehicle (100) is a saddle-type vehicle, comprising a handlebar (102) extending between a first end (102a) and a second end (102b), wherein the one or more light modules (400) are mounted on at least one of the first end (102a) and the second end (102b) of the handlebar (102).

3. The system (200) of claim 1, wherein: The vehicle (100) is a passenger vehicle, and the one or more light modules (400) are mounted on one or more frame members close to the ground surface of the vehicle (100).

4. The system (200) of claim 1, wherein: The predefined time interval is 60 seconds.

5. The system (200) of claim 1, wherein: The one or more predefined conditions include at least one of the following: - input from a keyless remote control for unlocking the vehicle (100); - input from the rider's personal digital assistant for unlocking the vehicle (100); - insertion of a key for locking or unlocking the vehicle (100); - Removal of the key from the ignition lock of the vehicle (100); - shutting down of the internal combustion engine of the vehicle (100); - deactivation of one or more traction motors of the vehicle (100); - shutting down the internal combustion engine and the traction motor of the vehicle (100); - shutting down of the internal combustion engine of the vehicle (100) when an ignition start-stop (ISS) stop condition is met; - Ignition start-stop (ISS) mode of the vehicle (100) and shutting down of the internal combustion engine; as well as - Detection of activation of a side standing foot of the vehicle (100) from a side standing foot retracted state to a side standing foot lowered state.

6. The system (200) of claim 1, wherein: The one or more light modules (400) project at least one of the following onto at least the area of ​​the ground surface surrounding the perimeter of the vehicle (100): a brand name, a logo, one or more predefined images, and one or more predefined texts.

7. The system (200) of claim 6, wherein: Each letter of the brand name and the predefined text is displayed in a sequential manner.

8. The system (200) of claim 1, wherein: The one or more light modules (400) operate at a predefined frequency within the predefined time interval.

9. The system (200) of claim 1, wherein: One or more control buttons are provided on the vehicle (100) to vary the intensity of light from the one or more light modules (400), the one or more buttons being operable by a rider of the vehicle (100).

10. A method (500) for illuminating a ground surface around a perimeter of a vehicle (100), the method (500) comprising: - determining (501) by a control unit (300) installed on the vehicle (100) whether one or more predefined conditions are met; - transmitting (502) a command by the control unit (300) to activate one or more light modules (400); - At least one area of ​​the ground surface around the perimeter of the vehicle (100) is illuminated (503) by the one or more light modules (400) for a predefined time interval.

11. The method (500) of claim 10, wherein: The one or more predefined conditions include at least one of the following: - input from a keyless remote control for unlocking the vehicle (100); - input from the rider's personal digital assistant for unlocking the vehicle (100); - Insertion of a mechanical key for locking or unlocking the vehicle (100); - Removal of the key from the ignition lock of the vehicle (100); - shutting down of the internal combustion engine of the vehicle (100); - deactivation of one or more traction motors of the vehicle (100); - shutting down the internal combustion engine and the traction motor of the vehicle (100); - shutting down of the internal combustion engine of the vehicle (100) when an ignition start-stop (ISS) stop condition is met; - Ignition start-stop (ISS) mode of the vehicle (100) and shutting down of the internal combustion engine; as well as - Detection of activation of a side standing foot of the vehicle (100) from a side standing foot retracted state to a side standing foot lowered state.

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