Light intensity indicator for windshield wiper

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a light intensity indicator for a windshield wiper. A vehicle is disclosed that includes a windshield, a wiper, a light emitting diode (LED) array, and an activation mechanism. The wiper blade may be configured to wipe water on the windshield when the wiper blade may be activated. The LED array may be configured to indicate a real-time wiper speed associated with the wiper. The activation mechanism may be configured to stepwise light a plurality of LEDs to indicate the real-time wiper speed based on the real-time wiper speed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to windshield wipers, and more specifically to a light intensity indicator for windshield wipers. Background Technology

[0002] The vehicle is equipped with windshield wipers ("wipers") that wipe and clean the windshield when rain, snow, or other substances fall on it. The wipers are configured to operate at different speeds, which can be selected by the vehicle driver. Sometimes, the driver may not know the real-time operating speed of the wipers or whether they are on or off, which can cause uncertainty and inconvenience, thus affecting their ability to effectively adjust the wiper settings. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure describes a vehicle having an indicator mechanism configured to instruct / display windshield wiper settings to the vehicle driver on a user interface. For example, the indicator mechanism can indicate whether the windshield wipers are on or off. Additionally, the indicator mechanism can instruct the vehicle driver on the windshield wiper speed.

[0004] In some aspects, the indicating mechanism may include a horizontal array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), wherein multiple LEDs may be positioned side-by-side along a single horizontal line. In some aspects, the LED array may be disposed within a vehicle instrument cluster (or vehicle infotainment system). In an exemplary aspect, the LED array may be disposed above a speedometer in the vehicle instrument cluster, which may provide the vehicle driver with a clear visual indication of the real-time windshield wiper speed when the vehicle driver may be driving the vehicle or sitting in an interior part of the vehicle.

[0005] In another aspect, the LED array can be communicatively coupled to a windshield wiper speed selector or wiper switch configured to control wiper operation. In an exemplary aspect, the wiper switch can be used to activate or deactivate the wipers and control the wiper speed (e.g., to operate the wipers at a speed desired by the vehicle driver). In some aspects, the vehicle driver can operate / adjust the wiper switch to activate / deactivate the wipers and control the wiper speed. The wiper switch can be configured to move between multiple positions to control the wiper speed. The vehicle driver can set the wiper switch at a desired position from the multiple positions to operate the wipers at a desired speed.

[0006] The LED array can be configured to illuminate progressively based on the wiper switch position selected / adjusted by the vehicle driver. For example, when the wipers are off, all the LEDs can be deactivated. When the wiper switch is set to a first position by the vehicle driver, a first LED in the LED array can be illuminated to indicate the first position to the vehicle driver; and when the wiper switch is set to a second position, the first and second LEDs in the LED array can be illuminated to indicate the second position to the vehicle driver, and so on.

[0007] In some aspects, the vehicle may also include an activation mechanism to illuminate the LED array based on the real-time wiper switch position (or based on the real-time wiper speed). In some aspects, the activation mechanism may include a plurality of transistors configured to activate the LEDs to accurately indicate the real-time wiper speed. The transistors may progressively illuminate the LEDs to indicate the wiper setting / speed to the vehicle driver. In some aspects, the LEDs may be arranged in parallel with a plurality of parallel lines. Furthermore, each transistor may be arranged in series with an LED and a resistor. The transistors may connect the parallel lines (from the plurality of parallel lines) to previous parallel lines, thereby progressively illuminating the LEDs in parallel in the manner described above (e.g., illuminating both the first and second LEDs to indicate the second position; illuminating the first, second, and third LEDs to indicate the third position of the wiper switch, etc.).

[0008] This disclosure discloses a vehicle having a light intensity indicator (in the form of an LED array) that enhances the driver's visibility of windshield wiper settings (e.g., in low light or inclement weather conditions). Clear visual feedback regarding the wiper speed allows the vehicle driver to more easily, quickly, and accurately adjust the wiper settings. This disclosure facilitates the vehicle driver maintaining focus on the road while the vehicle is likely in motion. This disclosure provides a relatively uncomplicated mechanism for displaying the wiper settings / speed to the vehicle driver and requires minimal resources.

[0009] These and other advantages of this disclosure are provided in detail herein. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Specific embodiments are illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals may be used to indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and / or components other than those shown in the drawings, and some elements and / or components may not be present in various embodiments. Elements and / or components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, singular and plural terms may be used interchangeably depending on the context.

[0011] Figure 1 An example vehicle is depicted in which the technologies and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed herein can be implemented.

[0012] Figure 2 Several example states associated with a light-emitting diode (LED) array according to this disclosure are depicted.

[0013] Figure 3 An example electrical diagram for controlling an LED array is depicted according to this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 4 A flowchart depicts an example method for controlling an LED array according to this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown, and which are not intended to be limiting.

[0016] Figure 1 An example vehicle 100 is depicted in which the technologies and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed herein can be implemented. (This will be combined with...) Figure 2 and Figure 3 To explain Figure 1 .

[0017] Vehicle 100 can take the form of any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as an automobile, work vehicle, crossover, truck, van, minivan, taxi, bus, etc. Vehicle 100 can be manually driven or can be configured to operate in a partially / fully autonomous mode. Furthermore, vehicle 100 can include any powertrain system, such as a gasoline engine, one or more electric actuators, a hybrid system, etc.

[0018] Vehicle 100 may include a front windshield 102 (or a windshield 102) and a rear windshield (not shown). The windshield 102 and the rear windshield allow a vehicle operator / driver (not shown) seated inside the vehicle 100 to easily view areas outside the vehicle 100 (e.g., roads, oncoming vehicles, buildings, etc.). Vehicle 100 may also include windshield wipers 104a, 104b (collectively referred to as wipers 104) configured to wipe and clean the windshield 102 when rain, snow, ice, dust, etc., may be present on it. In an exemplary aspect, the first wiper 104a (when viewed from inside the vehicle 100) may be a right wiper and the second wiper 104b may be a left wiper. The first wiper and the second wiper may be configured to wipe water off the windshield 102 when the first wiper 104a and the second wiper 104b may be activated by the vehicle 100 or a vehicle user (e.g., when rain may fall on the windshield 102).

[0019] In some respects, vehicle 100 may also include a windshield wiper speed selector or wiper switch 202 that can be configured to control wiper operation. Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram). For example, wiper switch 202 can be used to activate or deactivate wiper 104 (e.g., turn wiper 104 on or off). Additionally, wiper switch 202 can be used to control wiper speed.

[0020] In some aspects, the wiper switch 202 can be used by the vehicle user / driver to operate the wipers 104 at a desired speed. The vehicle driver can operate the wiper switch 202 to activate / deactivate the wipers 104 and similarly control the wiper speed (e.g., operate the wipers 104 at a desired speed). For example, by using the wiper switch 202, the vehicle driver can operate the wipers 104 at a low speed when the rain speed may be less than a predefined threshold, and can operate the wipers 104 at a high speed when the rain speed may be greater than the predefined threshold. In an exemplary aspect, the wipers 104 are then activated by using the wiper switch 202, and an electric motor (not shown) is actuated. The electric motor powers a mechanical linkage that moves the wipers 104 across the windshield 102, thereby enabling the wipers 104 to clean water from the windshield 102.

[0021] In some aspects, the wiper switch 202 may be a lever that can be mounted on the steering column. The vehicle driver can push, pull, or twist / adjust the lever to activate / operate different wiper functions (e.g., to turn the wipers on, off, or change the wiper speed). In some aspects, the distal end 202a of the wiper switch 202 / lever can be axially rotated / twisted clockwise or counterclockwise to activate / operate the wipers 104. For example, the vehicle driver can rotate the distal end 202a 15 to 20 degrees to turn on the wipers 104 at a low speed, rotate it another 15 to 20 degrees to increase the wiper speed, rotate it another 15 to 20 degrees to further increase the wiper speed, and so on. The vehicle driver can similarly rotate the distal end 202a back (or in the opposite direction) to decrease the wiper speed. In other aspects, the wiper switch 202 may be a tuning knob or knob that can be used to adjust the wiper speed.

[0022] In some aspects, the wiper switch 202 can be configured to be positioned at a desired location among a plurality of different positions to control wiper operation. For example, the wiper switch 202 can (e.g., in the 15 to 20 degree step described above) rotate / twist a predefined angle to move and position it at a desired location between a predefined position 0 and a predefined position N to control wiper speed. Each position of the wiper switch 202 may result in different rates of continuous wiper movement.

[0023] In one exemplary aspect, the wiper switch 202 can be positioned in seven different positions. The different positions (or "wiper switch states") are... Figure 2 As shown in views 204a, 204b...204n. At position 0, wiper 104 may be off (or deactivated, in which case the wiper speed is zero). At positions 1 and 2 (or at the “start” position of wiper switch 202), the wiper speed may be low; at positions 3 and 4 (or at the “middle” position), the wiper speed may be medium; and at positions 5 and 6 (or at the “last” position), the wiper speed may be high. In some aspects, at a first wiper switch position (e.g., at position 1), wiper 104 may move at a first wiper speed, and at a second wiper switch position (e.g., at position 2), wiper 104 may move at a second wiper speed. In an exemplary aspect, the second wiper speed may be greater than the first wiper speed. Similarly, in the third wiper switch position (e.g., at position 3), wiper 104 can move at a third wiper speed that may be greater than the second wiper speed, and so on. In some aspects, as described above, the vehicle driver can set the wiper switch 202 to a desired position (e.g., from position 0 to position N). When the vehicle driver selects the desired position, the wiper speed corresponding to the selected position can be adjusted.

[0024] Vehicle 100 may also include a light-emitting diode (LED) array 106 configured to indicate the real-time speed of a first windshield wiper 104a and a second windshield wiper 104b. The LED array 106 may be a horizontal LED array (i.e., aligned parallel to the surface of the vehicle's cargo bed or the ground surface), with multiple LEDs positioned side-by-side along a single horizontal line. In some aspects, the LED array 106 may be disposed within a vehicle instrument cluster 108 (or a vehicle infotainment system). In an exemplary aspect, the LED array 106 may be disposed above a speedometer 110 in the vehicle instrument cluster 108, which can provide the vehicle driver with a clear visual indication associated with the real-time wiper speed when the vehicle driver may be driving vehicle 100 or sitting in front of the vehicle instrument cluster 108.

[0025] In some aspects, the count of LEDs in LED array 106 can be based on the count of wiper switch positions (e.g., the count of different positions from position 0 to position N, or based on the number "N"). In an exemplary aspect, when there are seven wiper switch positions for controlling wiper speed (e.g., positions 0 to 6, where wiper 104 is off at position 0), there can be six LEDs that can be positioned in a single horizontal line in LED array 106. This is because an LED alone may not be needed to indicate position 0. When wiper 104 is deactivated, all LEDs can remain inactive. Therefore, it can be understood that the count of LEDs in LED array 106 can be equal to the count of wiper switch positions minus one.

[0026] LEDs can be illuminated progressively (and selectively) in parallel to indicate real-time wiper speed. In other words, LEDs can be illuminated according to a desired position selected by the vehicle driver. For example, when wiper switch 202 is in position 0 (where wipers 104 are off), all LEDs are off or remain deactivated, as shown in view 206a. When wiper switch 202 is in position 1, LED 1 (e.g., the first LED from the left in the horizontal LED array 106) can be activated or illuminated, and other LEDs (e.g., LEDs 2 through 6) can remain deactivated, as shown in view 206b, to indicate that wiper switch 202 is in position 1. When wiper switch 202 is in position 2, LEDs 1 and 2 (which may be positioned adjacent to LED 1 on the right side of LED array 106) can be activated or illuminated, and other LEDs can remain deactivated, as shown in view 206c, to indicate that wiper switch 202 is in position 2. In this way, when LED 2 is lit, the previous LED (e.g., LED 1) also remains lit or is lit.

[0027] Similarly, when the wiper switch 202 is in position 3, LEDs 1 through 3 can be illuminated, as shown in view 206d, to indicate that the wiper switch 202 is in position 3. In other words, when LED 3 is illuminated, the previous LEDs (e.g., LEDs 1 through 2) also remain illuminated or are illuminated. In a similar manner, when the wiper switch 202 is in position 6, all LEDs 1 through 6 are illuminated, as shown in view 206n, to indicate that the wiper switch 202 is in position 6.

[0028] The illumination of the LEDs indicates the real-time wiper speed. For example, when LED 1 or LEDs 1 through 2 are illuminated, LED array 106 can indicate that wiper 104 may be operating at a low speed. When LEDs 1 through 3 or LEDs 1 through 4 are illuminated, LED array 106 can indicate that wiper 104 may be operating at a medium speed. When LEDs 1 through 5 or LEDs 1 through 6 are illuminated, LED array 106 can indicate that wiper 104 may be operating at a high speed.

[0029] Vehicle 100 may additionally include an activation mechanism configured to progressively illuminate LED array 106 based on real-time wiper speed, thereby enabling LED array 106 to indicate the real-time wiper speed to the vehicle driver. The activation mechanism may be configured to activate LED array 106 based on the real-time position of wiper switch 202 (e.g., progressively illuminating LEDs as described above). For example, when wiper switch 202 can be set to position 0 (or when wipers 104 are off or have zero wiper speed), the activation mechanism may deactivate all LEDs. The activation mechanism may progressively illuminate LED array 106 based on real-time wiper speed. For example, the activation mechanism may activate LED 1 when wiper switch 202 is likely in position 1, activate LEDs 1 through 2 when wiper switch 202 is likely in position 2, activate LEDs 1 through 3 when wiper switch 202 is likely in position 3, and so on.

[0030] In some respects, the activation mechanism may include Figure 3 The analog circuit shown. Specifically, Figure 3 An electrical diagram 300 is depicted in association with analog circuitry. In some aspects, the wiper switch 202 may be part of an analog circuit / activation mechanism. In an exemplary aspect, the activation mechanism may also include multiple transistors (e.g., transistors Q1 to Q5), such as Figure 3As shown, this can be used to perform switching (e.g., activation or deactivation) of LEDs (e.g., LEDs 1 to 6) in LED array 106 based on real-time wiper speed or the real-time position of wiper switch 202. In some aspects, the transistors can be bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) (e.g., NPN or PNP transistors), each having an emitter, base, and collector. The transistors can be active when the base-emitter junction can be forward biased (e.g., allowing current to flow) and inactive when the base-emitter junction can be reverse biased (e.g., preventing current flow). In other aspects, the transistors can be field-effect transistors (FETs) (e.g., N-channel and P-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor FETs (MOSFETs)).

[0031] A transistor may be connected to wiper switch 202 and arranged in series with LEDs 1 through 6 to perform LED switching based on real-time wiper speed or real-time wiper switch position, as shown in electrical diagram 300. Electrical diagram 300 may include wiper switch 202, which may be connected to a power source 302 (e.g., a battery), which may be configured to selectively supply current to LEDs 1 through 6 via wiper switch 202. Electrical diagram 300 may include LEDs 1 through 6 that may be connected in parallel (e.g., via parallel lines 304a, 304b, ..., 304n, collectively referred to as parallel lines 304). The count of parallel lines 304 may be based on a count of wiper switch positions (e.g., positions 0 through N), as described above. Specifically, the count of parallel lines 304 may be equal to the count of wiper switch positions.

[0032] Each parallel line may include one LED (except for the parallel line corresponding to position 0 of wiper switch 202). For example, parallel line 304a may be associated with position 0 and may not include any LED. Parallel line 304g may be associated with position 1 and may include LED 1, as shown in electrical diagram 300. Parallel line 304f may be associated with position 2 and may include LED 2. Parallel line 304e may be associated with position 3 and may include LED 3. Parallel line 304d may be associated with position 4 and may include LED 4. Parallel line 304c may be associated with position 5 and may include LED 5. Furthermore, parallel line 304b may be associated with position 6 and may include LED 6.

[0033] The wiper switch 202 can be selectively connected to parallel line 304 based on the wiper switch position selected by the vehicle driver. For example, when the wiper switch 202 is in position 0 (e.g., when the wiper 104 is off), the wiper switch 202 can be connected to parallel line 304a. Similarly, when the wiper switch 202 is in position 1, the wiper switch 202 can be connected to parallel line 304g. When the wiper switch 202 is in position 2, the wiper switch 202 can be connected to parallel line 304f, and so on.

[0034] Transistors Q1 through Q5 can be connected between wiper switch 202 and LEDs 1 through 6 to control the LED switching based on the wiper switch position (or based on real-time wiper speed). Transistors Q1 through Q5 can be connected in series with the corresponding LEDs. In some aspects, the LEDs can be powered by emitter current. Each LED can include a positive or anode (+) terminal and a negative or cathode (-) terminal. The emitter associated with the transistor can be connected to the anode terminal to power the LED.

[0035] In some respects, each transistor can connect a parallel line to a previous parallel line and control the progressive illumination of LEDs in parallel based on real-time wiper speed / real-time wiper switch position. For example, transistor Q1 is connected to parallel lines 304g and 304f, transistor Q2 is connected to parallel lines 304f and 304e, transistor Q3 is connected to parallel lines 304e and 304d, transistor Q4 is connected to parallel lines 304d and 304c, and transistor Q5 is connected to parallel lines 304c and 304b.

[0036] In another aspect, electrical diagram 300 may include multiple resistors (e.g., resistors R1 to R7) that can be connected in series with corresponding LEDs. Each parallel line 304 may include one resistor. For example, resistor R1 may be located in parallel line 304g, resistor R2 may be located in parallel line 304f, resistor R3 may be located in parallel line 304e, and so on. In another aspect, each resistor may be located between the corresponding transistor and the LED, such as... Figure 3 As shown in the diagram. Each transistor can be connected in series with a corresponding resistor. Each resistor can have any resistance. For example, each resistor can have a resistance of 330 ohms.

[0037] In operation, when the wiper switch 202 can be positioned at position 0 (or when the wipers 104 can be turned off or the wiper speed is zero), the wiper switch 202 can be connected to parallel line 304a. When the wiper switch 202 is connected to parallel line 304a, current can flow through parallel line 304a. Since parallel line 304a does not include any LEDs, no LEDs in LED array 106 can be lit. When the vehicle driver twists / adjusts the wiper switch 202 to position 1, the wiper switch 202 can be connected to parallel line 304g and current can flow through parallel line 304g. In this configuration, current can pass directly through LED 1 (lighting LED 1), and transistor Q1 can be in an inactive mode. Therefore, in position 1, only one LED (i.e., LED 1) can be lit.

[0038] When the vehicle driver further turns the wiper switch 202 to position 2, the wiper switch 202 can be connected to parallel line 304f and current can flow through parallel line 304f (and can be disconnected from parallel line 304g). In this configuration, current can pass directly through LED 2 (which lights LED 2) and can also pass through LED 1 via transistor Q1 (because transistor Q1 can switch to active mode when wiper switch 202 is connected to parallel line 304f). Since transistor Q1 is connected to parallel lines 304f and 304g, when current flows through parallel line 304f, current can enter transistor Q1 and forward bias the base-emitter junction, which can light LED 1 via the emitter current associated with transistor Q1. Therefore, in position 2, both LED 1 and LED 2 can be lit. In other words, when LED 2 is lit, the previous LED (e.g., LED 1) can also be lit.

[0039] Similarly, when the vehicle driver further turns the wiper switch 202 to position 3, the wiper switch 202 can be connected to parallel line 304e and current can flow through parallel line 304e (and can be disconnected from parallel line 304f). In this configuration, for the reasons described herein, current can pass directly through LED 3 (which illuminates LED 3) and can also pass through LED 1 and LED 2 via transistors Q1 and Q2 (because transistors Q1 and Q2 can be in active mode when the wiper switch 202 can be connected to parallel line 304e). Therefore, in position 3, LEDs 1 through 3 can be illuminated. In other words, when LED 3 can be illuminated, the previous LEDs (e.g., LEDs 1 through 2) can also be illuminated. Similarly, when the wiper switch 202 is positioned at position 4, LEDs 1 to 4 can be illuminated; when the wiper switch 202 is positioned at position 5, LEDs 1 to 5 can be illuminated; and when the wiper switch 202 is positioned at position 6, LEDs 1 to 6 can be illuminated.

[0040] Although this disclosure describes the activation mechanism as having transistors, such description should not be construed as limiting. Alternatively (not shown), the activation mechanism may include a speed sensor and a processor communicatively coupled to the speed sensor. The speed sensor may be configured to detect real-time wiper speed. In some aspects, the speed sensor may detect the real-time wiper speed by detecting the real-time wiper switch position. The processor may be configured (e.g., when wiper 104 can be activated) to receive input from the speed sensor and determine the real-time wiper speed based on the input. In response to determining the real-time wiper speed, the processor may progressively illuminate the LED array 106 in the same manner as described above.

[0041] Vehicle 100 performs and / or executes operations as described herein in accordance with the owner's manual and safety guidelines. Additionally, any actions taken by the vehicle operator / driver based on notifications / recommendations provided by Vehicle 100 shall comply with all rules specific to the location and operation of Vehicle 100 (e.g., federal, state, national, city, etc.). Notifications / recommendations provided by Vehicle 100 shall be considered recommendations and shall be followed only in accordance with any rules specific to the location and operation of Vehicle 100.

[0042] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating an example method 400 for controlling an LED array 106 according to this disclosure is provided. Further description can be made with reference to the preceding figures. Figure 4The following process is exemplary and is not limited to the steps described below. Furthermore, alternative embodiments may include more or fewer steps than shown or described herein, and may include these steps in a different order than that described in the following example embodiments.

[0043] Method 400 begins at step 402. At step 404, method 400 may include: toggling / adjusting a windshield wiper speed selector (or wiper switch 202) to a desired position to control the wiper speed. In some aspects, the vehicle driver may toggle the wiper switch 202 to a desired position (e.g., a desired position from position 0 to N, as described above). At step 406, method 400 may include: activating LED array 106 via an activation mechanism (including transistors Q1 to Q5 as described above) to indicate the real-time wiper speed to the vehicle driver. The activation mechanism may be configured to progressively illuminate LED array 106 based on the real-time wiper speed, as described above.

[0044] The method can stop at step 408.

[0045] In the foregoing disclosure, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the foregoing disclosure, illustrating specific implementations in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It should be understood that other embodiments and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References to "an embodiment," "embodiment," "example embodiment," etc., in this specification indicate that the described embodiment may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but each embodiment may not necessarily include said specific features, structures, or characteristics. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when features, structures, or characteristics are described in connection with embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize such features, structures, or characteristics in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not.

[0046] Furthermore, where appropriate, the functions described herein may be performed by one or more of the following: hardware, software, firmware, digital components, or analog components. For example, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) may be programmed to perform one or more of the systems and programs described herein. Certain terms are used throughout the specification and claims to refer to specific system components. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, components may be referred to by different names. This document is not intended to distinguish between components with different names but identical functions.

[0047] It should also be understood that the term "example" as used herein is intended to be non-exclusive and non-restrictive in nature. More specifically, the term "example" as used herein refers to one of several examples, and it should be understood that there is no undue emphasis or preference on the particular example described.

[0048] Computer-readable media (also known as processor-readable media) include any non-transitory (e.g., tangible) medium that contributes to providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by the computer's processor). Such media can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile and volatile media. Computing devices may include computer-executable instructions, which may be executable by one or more computing devices (such as those listed above) and stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0049] Regarding the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc., described herein, it should be understood that although the steps of such processes, etc., are described as occurring in a certain ordered order, such processes can be practiced by performing the described steps in a different order than that described herein. It should also be understood that some steps may be performed simultaneously, other steps may be added, or some steps described herein may be omitted. In other words, the description of processes herein is provided for the purpose of illustrating various embodiments and should in no way be construed as limiting the claims.

[0050] Therefore, it should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Many embodiments and applications beyond the examples provided will become apparent upon reading the above description. The scope should not be determined by reference to the above description, but rather by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents. It is anticipated and expected that the techniques discussed herein will evolve in the future, and the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In conclusion, it should be understood that modifications and changes are possible with this application.

[0051] Unless explicitly indicated otherwise herein, all terms used in the claims are intended to be given their ordinary meaning as understood by one skilled in the art as described herein. Specifically, unless the claims explicitly limit the recitation to the contrary, the use of singular articles such as “a,” “the,” or “the” should be interpreted as one or more of the elements indicated by the recitation. Unless otherwise specifically stated or otherwise understood in the context of use, conditional language such as, in particular, “can,” “may,” “may,” or “may” is generally intended to express that some embodiments may include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments may not include certain features, elements, and / or steps. Therefore, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that one or more embodiments require each feature, element, and / or step in any way.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the LED array is positioned above the speedometer in the vehicle's instrument cluster.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the LED array is a horizontal LED array, wherein the plurality of LEDs are positioned side by side along a single horizontal line.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the count of the plurality of LEDs is based on the count of the plurality of locations.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the plurality of LEDs are connected in parallel via a plurality of parallel lines.

[0056] According to the present invention, a method includes: adjusting a windshield wiper speed selector to a desired position to control a wiper speed associated with a wiper, wherein the wiper is configured to wipe water off the windshield of a vehicle when the wiper is activated; and activating a light-emitting diode (LED) array via an activation mechanism to indicate the real-time wiper speed of the wiper, wherein the activation mechanism is configured to progressively illuminate a plurality of LEDs in the LED array based on the real-time wiper speed to indicate the real-time wiper speed.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: windshield; A windshield wiper configured to wipe water off the windshield when the wiper is activated; A light-emitting diode (LED) array, the LED array including a plurality of LEDs configured to indicate a real-time wiper speed associated with the wiper; as well as An activation mechanism is configured to gradually illuminate the plurality of LEDs based on the real-time wiper speed to indicate the real-time wiper speed.

2. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the LED array is disposed in the vehicle instrument cluster.

3. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the LED array is disposed above the speedometer in the vehicle instrument cluster.

4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the LED array is a horizontal LED array, wherein the plurality of LEDs are positioned side by side along a single horizontal line.

5. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: A windshield wiper speed selector, the windshield wiper speed selector being configured to control the real-time wiper speed associated with the wiper, and wherein the windshield wiper speed selector is configured to be located at multiple positions to control the real-time wiper speed.

6. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein the counting of the plurality of LEDs is based on the counting of the plurality of locations.

7. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein the activation mechanism is configured to activate the LED array based on the real-time position of the plurality of positions from the windshield wiper speed selector.

8. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the activation mechanism comprises a plurality of transistors, and wherein the windshield wiper speed selector is selectively connected to one or more of the plurality of transistors based on the real-time position.

9. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the plurality of LEDs are connected in parallel via a plurality of parallel lines.

10. The vehicle of claim 9, further comprising: Multiple resistors, wherein each resistor is connected in series with a corresponding LED among the multiple LEDs.

11. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of transistors is connected in series with a corresponding LED of the plurality of LEDs.

12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein each transistor connects one of the plurality of parallel lines to a previous parallel line.

13. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the plurality of transistors are configured to progressively activate the plurality of LEDs based on the real-time wiper speed.

14. A vehicle comprising: windshield; A windshield wiper configured to wipe water off the windshield when the wiper is activated; A light-emitting diode (LED) array, the LED array including a plurality of LEDs configured to indicate a real-time wiper speed associated with the wiper; A windshield wiper speed selector, the windshield wiper speed selector being configured to control the real-time wiper speed associated with the wiper, and wherein the windshield wiper speed selector is configured to be located at multiple positions to control the real-time wiper speed. as well as An activation mechanism is configured to gradually illuminate the plurality of LEDs based on the real-time wiper speed to indicate the real-time wiper speed. The activation mechanism includes a plurality of transistors, and the windshield wiper speed selector is selectively connected to one or more of the plurality of transistors based on real-time position from the plurality of locations.

15. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein the LED array is disposed in the vehicle instrument cluster.

Images