Coded text elements

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a "coded text element". A text element has a component having a front surface and a code (such as binary code) provided on the front surface of the component, the code comprising a plurality of code characters, each code character comprising a plurality of digits. The component can be used for a motor vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to visual elements that display messages, and more particularly, to text message elements that present coded messages on a component, such as on a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Articles such as motor vehicles and components thereof often include alphanumeric messaging, such as brand names and other messages. It may be desirable to provide other forms of messaging. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a text element comprises: a component having a front surface; and a code provided on the front surface of the component, the code comprising a plurality of code characters, each code character comprising a plurality of digits.

[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features:

[0005] - converting the plurality of code characters into a message;

[0006] - the message includes at least one of a product name and a logo;

[0007] - the plurality of digits are binary digits provided as a series of binary digits, each binary digit representing the number 1 (one) or the number 0 (zero);

[0008] - The number 1 (one) and the number 0 (zero) are represented by dark and light markings;

[0009] - the dark mark and the light mark are represented as rectangular boxes;

[0010] - The number 1 (one) and the number 0 (zero) are represented by an opaque mark and a transparent mark;

[0011] - a light illumination source operably coupled to the code for illuminating light through the transparent marking;

[0012] - the component is on a door on a vehicle, wherein the illuminated pattern is illuminated to the exterior of the vehicle; and

[0013] - The component is provided on an instrument panel or a trim panel of a vehicle.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the text element comprises: a substrate having a front surface; and a binary code provided on the front surface of the substrate, the binary code comprising a plurality of binary code characters, each binary code character comprising a plurality of binary digits.

[0015] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features:

[0016] - converting the plurality of binary code characters into a message;

[0017] - the message includes at least one of a product name and a logo;

[0018] - the plurality of binary digits is provided as a series of binary digits, each binary digit representing a digital 1 (one) or a digital 0 (zero);

[0019] - The number 1 (one) and the number 0 (zero) are represented by dark and light markings;

[0020] - the dark mark and the light mark are represented as rectangular boxes;

[0021] - The number 1 (one) and the number 0 (zero) are represented by an opaque mark and a transparent mark;

[0022] - a light illumination source operably coupled to the binary code for illuminating light through the transparent marking; and

[0023] - The substrate is one of a door of a vehicle, a dashboard or a trim panel of the vehicle.

[0024] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the text element of the vehicle comprises a component having a front surface and a binary code provided on the front surface of the component, the binary code comprising a plurality of binary code characters, each binary code character comprising a plurality of binary digits.

[0025] These and other features, advantages and objectives of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by referring to the following description, claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In the attached picture:

[0027] Figure 1 is a side view of a motor vehicle having a text element providing a coded message on an exterior side of a door having backlighting according to one embodiment;

[0028] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of a front portion of a cabin interior of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment, further illustrating text elements in the cabin interior;

[0029] Figure 3 is an example of a text element on an audio speaker having a binary code for displaying a coded message in a repeating manner according to one embodiment;

[0030] Figure 4 is an enlarged front view of a portion of a binary code on a text element for providing the coded message according to one example;

[0031] Figure 5 is a front view of a hexadecimal code for displaying a coded message on a text element according to another embodiment;

[0032] Figure 6 is a conversion table showing hexadecimal codes and conversion to binary codes;

[0033] Figure 7 is a schematic side view of a printing process for printing a binary code on a component or substrate of a text element according to one example;

[0034] Figure 8 is a schematic side view of a text element located on a windshield of a vehicle according to one example;

[0035] Fig. 9 is a side view of a text element having an illuminated binary code according to one example;

[0036] Fig.10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a layer of a text element on an instrument panel having backlighting; and

[0037] Fig.11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a capacitive switch with a binary code provided on a viewable surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. In the drawings, the depicted structural elements are not drawn to scale, and certain parts are enlarged relative to other parts for the purpose of emphasis and understanding.

[0039] As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure, which may be implemented in various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily detailed designs; some schematic diagrams may be enlarged or minimized to show functional overviews. Therefore, the specific structural details and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt the present disclosure in different ways.

[0040] For the purpose of description herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and their derivatives shall refer to the following: Figure 1 The concepts of orientation in the drawings are presented in detail. However, it should be understood that the concepts can assume various alternative orientations unless expressly indicated to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, unless the claims expressly state otherwise, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0041] The presently illustrated embodiments reside primarily in a combination of method steps and apparatus components associated with a text element having a code providing a coded message and a vehicle having the text element. Therefore, apparatus components and method steps have been represented by conventional symbols in the drawings where appropriate, and only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that would be readily apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. In addition, the same reference numerals in the specification and drawings represent the same elements.

[0042] As used herein, the term "and / or" when used with a list of two or more items means that any one of the listed items may be employed alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition may contain: A only; B only; C only; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0043] In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, etc. are used singly to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a series of elements may include not only those elements, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprising ..." does not, in the absence of further constraints, preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus comprising the element.

[0044] As used herein, the term "about" means that the amount, size, formula, parameter and other quantity and characteristics are not exact, nor need to be exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller as needed to reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, etc. and other factors known to those skilled in the art. When the term "about" is used to describe the endpoints of a value or range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or endpoint mentioned. Whether or not the endpoints of a numerical value or range in this specification are described as "about", the endpoints of the numerical value or range are intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "about" and one not modified by "about". It should also be understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0045] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "substantially," and variations thereof are intended to indicate that the described feature is equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to indicate a planar or approximately planar surface. Additionally, "substantially" is intended to mean that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may indicate that values ​​are within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0046] Unless expressly indicated to the contrary, as used herein, the terms "the," "a," or "an" mean "at least one" and should not be limited to "only one." Thus, for example, reference to "a component" includes embodiments having two or more such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0047] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a wheeled automobile or motor vehicle 10 is generally shown having a body 12 defining a cabin interior 14. The cabin interior 14 generally includes passenger seats 22 and other facilities for transporting one or more occupants. The motor vehicle 10 shown and described herein is a wheeled motor vehicle having a plurality of wheels and tire assemblies 16 mounted to the axles of the motor vehicle 10. The motor vehicle 10 has a plurality of side doors 18 on both lateral sides of the body 12 for accessing the cabin interior 14.

[0048] Inside the car 14 Figure 21 is shown with a passenger seat 22 next to a center console 28 located at the front of the vehicle interior 14. It should be understood that additional seats such as a driver's seat may be located in the front row on the side of the center console 28 opposite the passenger seat 22, and another seat may be provided in one or more rear seats. The vehicle interior 14 includes an interior decoration that includes a door trim panel 24 on the inner surface of the vehicle door 18. For example, the door trim panel 24 may include a cup holder 44 and other compartments, such as a door handle and a map compartment. In front of the seats at the front end of the vehicle interior 14 is the instrument panel 20, which is generally shown as being located in front of the passenger seat 22. The windshield 42 extends across a portion of the vehicle body 12 at the front end of the vehicle interior 14. The windshield 42 may include a glaze area generally along the perimeter, which may be used to present messages.

[0049] The motor vehicle 10 is equipped with one or more text elements 30, which include an underlying component or substrate, and the code forms a coded message provided on the front surface of the component or substrate to display the coded message. Figure 1 As shown in , one example of a text element 30 is shown as being located on the outside of the front lateral door 18. The text element 30 includes a component, which in this example is a door panel that is typically coated with paint. The component may include a molded piece, typically made of a polymer material or a tape (such as, a needle stamped tape). The text element 30 includes a coded pattern or message that may be visible from the outside of the motor vehicle 10. In addition, the text element 30 having the coded message shown on the outer surface of the door 18 can be illuminated with backlighting on the back side to illuminate a glowing pattern 40 on the outside of the motor vehicle 10, which can be directed onto the ground to form a door-controlled lighting that displays the glowing pattern 40, for example, on the ground near the motor vehicle 10.

[0050] refer to Figure 2 , a text element 30 is shown as being located in the vehicle cabin interior 14 in the instrument panel 20, generally in front of the passenger seat 22. In this example, the instrument panel 20 may be made of a vinyl or polymer material that may be used as a component or substrate, and may include a text element 30 having a coded pattern or message integrally formed therein or embossed or printed thereon. For example, the text element 30 may display a coded message indicating a trade name or logo.

[0051] Additionally, a text element 30 is shown in the cabin interior 14, which is located on the Class A surface of the door trim 24 on the inside of the door 18. In this example, the Class A surface of the door trim 24 can be used as a component or substrate. The coded message can be printed or embossed on the component. For example, the text element 30 provided in the door trim 24 can be illuminated with a light on the back side so that the illumination light is focused through the code and into the cup holder 44 below it.

[0052] Another text element 30 having a coded message is shown located in the glass frit area of ​​the windshield 42. The coded message may be printed on the inside or outside of the windshield 42 as part of or near the frit area, typically near the perimeter of the windshield 42.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the code may include a binary code. The text element 30 is provided with a component or substrate having a binary code on an external viewing surface to provide a series of binary codes, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the example of , the series of binary codes, when translated, represent alphanumeric characters. Binary codes 32A to 32D are configured to provide a binary coded message that can be converted to an alphanumeric message to include a name, trademark, trade name, logo, instruction, notice, or other message that can be identified by conversion from binary code to alphanumeric message. Figure 4 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the binary codes 32A through 32D provide a coded message that is converted into an alphanumeric message that reads “Ford”.

[0054] Each binary code (such as binary code 32A) includes a series of binary digits or bits 34A to 34H. Each binary code is provided in eight bits (also referred to as bytes), each bit providing a digital 1 (one) or a digital 0 (zero). According to one example, the digital 0 (zero) can be represented by a transparent or open space box without a shadow, and the digital 1 (one) can be represented by an opaque or dark shaded rectangular box, such as shown in bits 34B, 34F and 34G of the binary code 34A, or can be circular. According to another example, the bit representing the digital 0 (zero) can be light-shielding opaque, and the bit representing the digital 1 (one) can be light-transmissive, so that the digital 1 (one) can be illuminated with light to give a luminous binary code pattern. According to another example, the digital 1 (one) can be represented by a first color, and the digital 0 (zero) can be represented by a different second color. According to other examples, the representation of the digital 0 (zero) and 1 (one) can be switched. Light illumination can be generated using a light emitting diode (LED) (such as a red-green-blue LED) that generates a first color light and a second color light.

[0055] refer to Figure 3 , shows a component in the form of an audio speaker cover 45 according to one example, on which a repeating binary code pattern 30 is printed to provide a text element 30. The speaker cover 45 is a component that can be made of a sound-permeable material that covers the audio speaker. In this example, the binary code 32A to 32D is repeated over and over again on the same row or line and on subsequent rows or lines to provide the same repeating binary coded message. It should be understood that according to other examples, other binary coded messages can be provided alone or in combination with different binary coded messages on various components or substrates to provide a text element.

[0056] According to another embodiment, the code may be included in Figure 5 and Figure 6 The hexadecimal code is shown in Figure 5 As shown in , the diagram shows the hexadecimal digits of the conversion relative to the binary code. A total of 16 hexadecimal digits can be used to represent the coded message. Each digit can be converted into four bits of binary code. For this reason, the hexadecimal code can be used to provide the converted message as a binary code, which can also be converted into an alphanumeric message. The hexadecimal digits include the numbers 0 (zero) to 9 (nine) and the letters A to F corresponding to the 16 available digits.

[0057] Figure 6 An example of a hexadecimal coded message is shown in . Figure 6 The hexadecimal message provided in is converted to the alphanumeric word "FORD". The first hexadecimal code 132A, the second hexadecimal code 132B, the third hexadecimal code 132C and the fourth hexadecimal code 132D are included. The first hexadecimal code 132A includes the first digit 134A and the second digit 134B. The second hexadecimal code 132B includes the third digit 134C and the fourth digit 134D. The third hexadecimal code 132C includes the fifth digit 134E and the sixth digit 134F. The fortieth hexadecimal code 132D includes the seventh digit 134G and the eighth digit 134H. It should be understood that more or less hexadecimal codes can be included to provide a hexadecimal coded message that can be converted to a binary code and further converted to an alphanumeric message. For this reason, the hexadecimal code requires fewer digits than the binary code, which may be particularly advantageous when using illuminated digits.

[0058] refer to Figure 7, shows an example of a method of making a text element 30 using a printing assembly 50 for performing a printing process. The printing process can be implemented on a printer assembly 50, which includes a heated roller 52 operably connected to a foam roller 54. The heated roller 52 can include a printed pattern 56 that provides a coded pattern or message. The foam roller 54 can be in fluid communication with a supply source of liquid coating or ink and contact the heated roller 52 to apply the liquid coating to the heated roller. To this end, when the heated roller 52 rotates around a component or substrate 60, the component or substrate passes below it between a base 58 and the heated roller 52, and the front surface of the substrate 60 is printed with a patterned code and allowed to dry or cure. It should be understood that the patterned code can be printed, embossed or stamped into the visible front surface of the substrate in other ways.

[0059] refer to Figure 8 , an example of an illuminable text element 30 is shown. Figure 6 The text element 30 shown in FIG. 1 is formed on a windshield 42 providing a component or substrate. The inner surface 64 of the windshield 42 has a long afterglow phosphor paint 66 provided over an area and an enamel in the form of a black paint 68 applied over the long afterglow phosphor paint 66. The enamel formed with the black paint 68 can be patterned to include a binary code 32A to 32D or a hexadecimal code that provides a coded message. It should be appreciated that sunlight 70 from the sun 72 can impinge on the outer surface 62 of the windshield 42 and can illuminate the long afterglow phosphor paint 66, which in turn illuminates the binary coded message provided on the enamel with the black paint 68. It should be appreciated that the text element 30 can be formed along a peripheral edge of the windshield 42, such as a top or bottom portion of the windshield 42 or a side or corner portion of the windshield 42.

[0060] refer to Fig. 9 , shows a backlit text element 30 according to one example. In this example, a light source 76 is positioned between the first component 60 and an optical element 75 (such as a lens). A second substrate 78 is in operative communication with the optical element 75, the second substrate including binary codes 32A to 32D in one embodiment, or hexadecimal codes providing a coded message on a front visible surface in another embodiment. To this end, the light source 76 (which may include a plurality of light emitting dials for LED lights) can be illuminated to illuminate the coded message on the second substrate 78 with a beam of light via the optical device 75 to generate an illuminated beam of light 40, which can illuminate a surface such as the ground near the motor vehicle 10.

[0061] refer to Fig.10, the text element 30 is shown on a component 60 such as an instrument panel, wherein a plurality of light sources 76 are positioned behind the digit 1 (one) of the binary bits of the binary code 32A to 32D providing a binary coded message. To this end, the illuminated light sources 76 may illuminate the transparent area defining the digit 0 (zero) and may prevent light from penetrating the opaque area defining the digit 1 (one) in order to provide the coded message.

[0062] It should be appreciated that for embodiments including binary coded messages or embodiments including hexadecimal messages, backlighting may be provided to illuminate the coded messages. The backlighting may include a red-blue-green LED for providing a selected color for each of the binary codes of the binary code embodiment. For the hexadecimal code embodiment (RBG), the LED may provide a different color for each hexadecimal digit referred to as the numbers 0 (zero) to 9 (nine) and A to F, wherein each color is different from another color in representing a given digit. To this end, a color pattern may provide a coded message.

[0063] It should also be appreciated that the illuminated message can be controlled and changed to a new message using a controller and, for example, an input (such as a touch screen display or an audible input) for receiving a desired message. For example, the backlight color can be changed to provide a new illuminated coded message, such as a message announcing the vehicle's anniversary, birthday, holiday, special event, important event, etc. It should be appreciated that the coded message can include a personalized message and can allow a user to pick and choose a desired message and build a customized printed message for use on various components (such as those located on the vehicle).

[0064] According to another example, a proximity switch in the form of a capacitive switch 90 is Fig.11 3A is shown as a component having a binary code 32A provided on the visible front surface. The binary code 32A may be a coded identifier of a switch 90. The capacitive switch 90 includes a first electrode 80 and a second electrode 82. It should be appreciated that a series of proximity switches may be provided, each having a coded or hexadecimal coded pattern or message on the front visible surface.

[0065] It should be appreciated that the text element 30 may be located in any of several locations on a component including an article such as a motor vehicle or component thereof. It should also be appreciated that the text element may be located on functional items such as switches, such as proximity switches, door handles, steering wheels, consoles, rocker panels, bumpers, and other vehicle components. The text element advantageously provides a unique coded message.

[0066] It should be understood that changes and modifications may be made to the aforementioned structures without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and it should be further understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless the appended claims expressly state otherwise by their language.

[0067] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a text element having: a component having a front surface; and a code provided on the front surface of the component, the code comprising a plurality of code characters, each code character comprising a plurality of digits.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the plurality of code characters is converted into a message.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the message includes at least one of a product name and a logo.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the code comprises a binary code, and wherein the plurality of digits are binary digits provided as a series of binary digits, each binary digit representing a digital 1 (one) or a digital 0 (zero).

[0071] According to an embodiment, the number 1 (one) and the number 0 (zero) are represented by a dark mark and a light mark.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the dark mark and the light mark are represented as rectangular frames or circles.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the number 1 (one) and the number 0 (zero) are represented by an opaque mark and a transparent mark.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the invention also features a light illumination source operably coupled to the code for shining light through the transparent indicia.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the component is on a door on a vehicle, wherein the illuminated pattern is illuminated to the exterior of the vehicle.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the component is provided on an instrument panel or a trim panel of the vehicle.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the code comprises a hexadecimal code.

[0078] According to the present invention, there is provided a text element having: a substrate having a front surface; and a binary code provided on the front surface of the substrate, the binary code comprising a plurality of binary code characters, each binary code character comprising a plurality of binary digits.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the plurality of binary code characters is converted into a message.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the plurality of binary digits is provided as a series of binary digits, each binary digit representing a digital 1 (one) or a digital 0 (zero).

[0081] According to an embodiment, the number 1 (one) and the number 0 (zero) are represented by a dark mark and a light mark.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the dark mark and the light mark are represented as rectangular frames or circles.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the number 1 (one) and the number 0 (zero) are represented by an opaque mark and a transparent mark.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the invention also features a light illumination source operably coupled to the binary code for shining light through the transparent indicia.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the substrate is one of a door of a vehicle, a dashboard or a trim panel of the vehicle.

[0086] According to the present invention, a text element for a vehicle is provided, which has: a component having a front surface; and a binary code provided on the front surface of the component, the binary code comprising a plurality of binary code characters, each binary code character comprising a plurality of binary digits.

Claims

1. A text element, comprising: a component having a front surface; as well as A code is provided on the front surface of the component, the code comprising a plurality of code characters, each code character comprising a plurality of digits.

2. The text element of claim 1, wherein the plurality of code characters are converted to a message.

3. The text element of claim 2, wherein the message includes at least one of a product name and a logo.

4. A text element as described in claim 1, wherein the code comprises a binary code, and wherein the plurality of digits are binary digits provided as a series of binary digits, each binary digit representing the digital 1 (one) or the digital 0 (zero).

5. The text element of claim 4, wherein the number 1 (one) and the number 0 (zero) are represented by a dark mark and a light mark. The text element according to claim 5 , wherein the dark mark and the light mark are represented as rectangular frames or circles.

7. The text element of claim 4, wherein the number 1 (one) and the number 0 (zero) are represented by an opaque mark and a transparent mark.

8. The text element of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a light illumination source operably coupled to the code for shining light through the transparent indicia.

9. The text element of claim 8, wherein the component is on a door on a vehicle, wherein the illuminated pattern is illuminated to the exterior of the vehicle.

10. The text element of claim 1, wherein the component is provided on an instrument panel or trim panel of a vehicle.

11. The text element of claim 1, wherein the code comprises a hexadecimal code.

Images