Illumination control system for mitigating external vehicle lamp faults

Abstract

The lighting system includes at least two indicating lamps, each indicating lamp supporting primary and secondary lighting functions. The at least two indicating lamps are selected from the group consisting of a turn signal lamp, a brake lamp and a backup lamp. The diagnostic module determines when a first indicator light of the at least two indicator lights is not operating. The lighting control module is configured to control a second indicator light of the at least two indicator lights to support the main lighting function when a first indicator light of the at least two indicator lights is operating and commands the main lighting function, and adjust operation of a second indicator light of the at least two indicator lights to support a secondary lighting function corresponding to the first indicator light of the at least two indicator lights when the first indicator light of the at least two indicator lights is not operating.

Description

[0001] introduce

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of this disclosure. The work of the inventors listed herein (to the extent described in this section) and aspects of the description that might not have been prior art at the time of filing are neither expressly nor impliedly acknowledged as prior art to this disclosure.

[0003] This disclosure relates to a lighting control system for vehicles, and more specifically to a lighting control system for mitigating malfunctions of vehicle exterior lights.

[0004] The vehicle includes front and rear lighting systems, including headlights, fog lights, turn signals, brake lights, and reversing lights. Headlights include low beam headlights and high beam headlights. Turn signals, brake lights, and reversing lights provide other drivers with visual indications of the vehicle braking, reversing, or turning, thereby improving driving safety. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A lighting system for a vehicle includes at least two indicator lights, each supporting a primary lighting function and a secondary lighting function. The at least two indicator lights are selected from a group consisting of turn signals, brake lights, and reversing lights. A diagnostic module is configured to determine when a first indicator light among the at least two indicator lights is inactive. A lighting control module is configured to: control a second indicator light among the at least two indicator lights to support the primary lighting function when the first indicator light among the at least two indicator lights is active and the primary lighting function is commanded; and adjust the operation of the second indicator light among the at least two indicator lights to support a secondary lighting function corresponding to the first indicator light among the at least two indicator lights when the first indicator light among the at least two indicator lights is inactive.

[0006] Among other features, when the primary lighting function is commanded and the first indicator light of the at least two indicator lights is inactive, the lighting control module is configured to control the second indicator light of the at least two indicator lights to support both the primary and secondary lighting functions. The at least two indicator lights include red, green, and blue (RGB) light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The lighting control module is configured to change the color of the second indicator light of the at least two indicator lights when supporting the secondary lighting function. The lighting control module is also configured to adjust the second color of the second indicator light of the at least two indicator lights to match the first color of the first indicator light of the at least two indicator lights when supporting the secondary lighting function.

[0007] Among other features, the lighting control module is configured to adjust the animation of the second indicator light among the at least two indicator lights when supporting secondary lighting functions. The lighting control module is also configured to adjust the animation of the second indicator light among the at least two indicator lights to match the animation of the first indicator light among the at least two indicator lights when supporting secondary lighting functions. When the diagnostic module determines that the second indicator light among the at least two indicator lights is also inactive, the lighting control module adjusts the operation of a third indicator light among the turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights to support the secondary lighting function of the first indicator light among the at least two indicator lights.

[0008] Among other features, the second indicator of the at least two indicator lights comprises an array of light-emitting diodes, a first portion of which is configured to support a primary lighting function, and a second portion of which is configured to support one of the following: a primary lighting function when the first indicator of the at least two indicator lights is operating, and a secondary lighting function when the first indicator of the at least two indicator lights is not operating.

[0009] Among other features, the second part of the light-emitting diode includes red, green, and blue (RGB) light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and the first and second parts of the light-emitting diode are separated by a light-separating component.

[0010] Among other features, the high beam headlights are positioned on one of the driver's and passenger's sides of the vehicle. The low beam headlights are also positioned on one of the driver's and passenger's sides. The diagnostic module is configured to determine when the high beam headlights are not in operation. The lighting control module is configured to adjust at least one of the intensity and height of one of the low beam headlights when the high beam headlights are not in operation.

[0011] Among other features, fog lights are positioned on either the driver's side or the passenger side of the vehicle. The lighting control module is configured to illuminate the fog lights when the low beam headlights and high beam headlights are not in operation.

[0012] A lighting system for a vehicle includes a turn signal light on one of the driver's side and a passenger side of the vehicle, a brake light on one of the driver's side and a passenger side of the vehicle, and a reversing light on one of the driver's side and a passenger side of the vehicle. A diagnostic module is configured to determine when at least a first light among the turn signal light and the brake light is not in operation. A lighting control module is configured to: control the brake light to support turn signal illumination when the turn signal light is not in operation; control the turn signal light to support brake signal illumination when the brake light is not in operation; control the reversing light to support brake signal illumination when both the turn signal light and the brake light are not in operation; and control the reversing light to support turn signal illumination when both the turn signal light and the brake light are not in operation.

[0013] Among other features, when the primary lighting functions of the turn signals, brake lights, and reversing lights are required while the turn signals, brake lights, and reversing lights are supporting secondary lighting functions, the lighting control module is configured to support both the primary and secondary lighting functions of the turn signals, brake lights, and reversing lights.

[0014] Among other features, the turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights include red, green, and blue (RGB) light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The lighting control module is configured to change the color of one of the turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights when supporting secondary lighting functions. The lighting control module is also configured to adjust the animation of one of the turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights when supporting secondary lighting functions.

[0015] Among other features, at least one of the turn signal lights, brake lights, and reversing lights includes an array of light-emitting diodes, a first portion of which is configured to support a primary lighting function, and a second portion of which is configured to support either a primary or secondary lighting function.

[0016] A front lighting system for a vehicle includes a first high beam headlight on the driver's side, a second high beam headlight on the passenger's side, a first low beam headlight on the driver's side, and a second low beam headlight on the passenger's side. A diagnostic module is configured to determine when at least one of the first high beam headlight and the second high beam headlight is not in operation. A lighting control module is configured to adjust at least one of the intensity and beam height of one of the first low beam headlight and the second low beam headlight, wherein one of the first low beam headlight and the second low beam headlight is located on the same side of the vehicle as at least one of the inoperable first high beam headlight and the second high beam headlight.

[0017] Among other features, the vehicle includes a first fog light on the driver's side and a second fog light on the passenger side. When one of the first low beam headlights and the second low beam headlights is not in operation, the lighting control module is configured to illuminate at least one of the first fog light and the second fog light, which is located on the same side of the vehicle as at least one of the first high beam headlights and the second high beam headlight.

[0018] This disclosure provides the following examples:

[0019] Example 1. A lighting system for a vehicle, comprising:

[0020] At least two indicator lights, each supporting both primary and secondary lighting functions.

[0021] The at least two indicator lights are selected from the group consisting of turn signals, brake lights and reversing lights;

[0022] The diagnostic module is configured to determine when the first indicator light of the at least two indicator lights is inactive; and

[0023] The lighting control module is configured as follows:

[0024] When the first indicator light of the at least two indicator lights is operating and the main lighting function is commanded, control the second indicator light of the at least two indicator lights to support the main lighting function; and

[0025] When the first indicator light of the at least two indicator lights is not in operation, the operation of the second indicator light of the at least two indicator lights is adjusted to support the secondary lighting function corresponding to the first indicator light of the at least two indicator lights.

[0026] Example 2. The lighting system according to Example 1, wherein when the primary lighting function is commanded and the first indicator of the at least two indicator lights is not operating, the lighting control module is configured to control the second indicator of the at least two indicator lights to support the primary lighting function and the secondary lighting function.

[0027] Example 3. The lighting system according to Example 1, wherein the at least two indicator lights comprise red, green and blue (RGB) light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0028] Example 4. The lighting system according to Example 3, wherein the lighting control module is configured to change the color of the second indicator light among the at least two indicator lights when supporting secondary lighting functions.

[0029] Example 5. The lighting system according to Example 3, wherein the lighting control module is configured to adjust the second color of the second indicator of the at least two indicator lights to match the first color of the first indicator light when supporting secondary lighting functions.

[0030] Example 6. The lighting system according to Example 1, wherein the lighting control module is configured to adjust the animation of the second indicator of the at least two indicator lights when supporting secondary lighting functions.

[0031] Example 7. The lighting system according to Example 1, wherein the lighting control module is configured to adjust the animation of the second indicator of the at least two indicator lights to match the animation of the first indicator light of the at least two indicator lights when supporting secondary lighting functions.

[0032] Example 8. The lighting system according to Example 1, wherein when the diagnostic module determines that the second indicator light among the at least two indicator lights is also not operating, the lighting control module adjusts the operation of the third indicator light among the turn signal, brake light and reversing light to support the secondary lighting function of the first indicator light among the at least two indicator lights.

[0033] Example 9. The lighting system according to Example 1, wherein:

[0034] The second indicator light of the at least two indicator lights comprises an array of light-emitting diodes.

[0035] The first part of the light-emitting diode is configured to support the main lighting function, and

[0036] The second part of the light-emitting diode is configured to support one of the following two: a primary lighting function when the first indicator of the at least two indicator lights is operating and a secondary lighting function when the first indicator of the at least two indicator lights is not operating.

[0037] Example 10. The lighting system according to Example 9, wherein:

[0038] The second part of the light-emitting diode includes red, green, and blue (RGB) light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and

[0039] The first and second parts of the light-emitting diode are separated by a light-separating component.

[0040] Example 11. The lighting system according to Example 1 further includes:

[0041] High beam headlights on one of the driver's side and passenger side of the vehicle;

[0042] The low beam headlights on one of the driver's and passenger's sides of the vehicle; and

[0043] The diagnostic module is configured to determine when the high beam headlights are not in operation.

[0044] The lighting control module is configured to adjust at least one of the intensity and height of one of the low beam headlights when the high beam headlights are not in operation.

[0045] Example 12. The lighting system according to Example 11 further includes:

[0046] Fog lights on one of the driver's or passenger's sides of the vehicle.

[0047] The lighting control module is configured to illuminate the fog lights when the low beam headlights and high beam headlights are not in operation.

[0048] Example 13. A lighting system for a vehicle, comprising:

[0049] Turn signals on one of the driver's side and the passenger side of the vehicle;

[0050] Brake lights on one of the driver's side and passenger side of the vehicle;

[0051] Reversing lights on one of the driver's side and the passenger side of the vehicle;

[0052] The diagnostic module is configured to determine when at least the first of the turn signals and brake lights is not in operation; and

[0053] The lighting control module is configured as follows:

[0054] When the turn signals are not in operation, control the brake lights to support the turn signal illumination function;

[0055] When the brake lights are not in operation, the turn signals can be controlled to support brake signal illumination.

[0056] When the turn signals and brake lights are not in operation, the reverse lights can be controlled to support brake signal illumination; and

[0057] When the turn signals and brake lights are not in operation, the reversing lights can be controlled to support the turn signal illumination function.

[0058] Example 14. The lighting system according to Example 13, wherein when the primary lighting function of the turn signals, brake lights and reversing lights is required while the turn signals, brake lights and reversing lights are supporting secondary lighting functions, the lighting control module is configured to support both the primary and secondary lighting functions of the turn signals, brake lights and reversing lights.

[0059] Example 15. The lighting system according to Example 13, wherein the turn signal lights, brake lights and reversing lights include red, green and blue (RGB) light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0060] Example 16. The lighting system according to Example 15, wherein the lighting control module is configured to change the color of one of the turn signal lights, brake lights and reversing lights while supporting secondary lighting functions.

[0061] Example 17. The lighting system according to Example 13, wherein the lighting control module is configured to adjust the animation of one of the turn signals, brake lights and reverse lights while supporting secondary lighting functions.

[0062] Example 18. The lighting system according to Example 13, wherein:

[0063] At least one of the turn signals, brake lights, and reversing lights includes an array of light-emitting diodes.

[0064] The first part of the light-emitting diode is configured to support the main lighting function, and

[0065] The second part of the light-emitting diode is configured to support either primary or secondary lighting functions.

[0066] Example 19. A front lighting system for a vehicle, comprising:

[0067] The first high beam headlight on the driver's side of the vehicle;

[0068] The second high beam headlight on the passenger side of the vehicle;

[0069] The first low beam headlight on the driver's side of the vehicle;

[0070] The second low beam headlight on the passenger side of the vehicle;

[0071] The diagnostic module is configured to determine when at least one of the first high beam headlight and the second high beam headlight is not in operation; and

[0072] The lighting control module is configured to adjust at least one of the intensity and beam height of a first low beam headlight and a second low beam headlight, wherein the first low beam headlight and the second low beam headlight are located on the same side of the vehicle as at least one of a non-operating first high beam headlight and the second high beam headlight.

[0073] Example 20. The front lighting system according to Example 19 further includes:

[0074] The driver's side first fog light of the vehicle; and

[0075] The second fog light on the passenger side of the vehicle.

[0076] When one of the first low beam headlights and the second low beam headlights is not in operation, the lighting control module is configured to illuminate at least one of the first fog lights and the second fog lights, wherein at least one of the first fog lights and the second fog lights is located on the same side of the vehicle as at least one of the first high beam headlights and the second high beam headlights.

[0077] Other areas of application of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0078] This disclosure will be more fully understood based on the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0079] Figure 1 This is a side view of an example vehicle including a front lighting system and a rear lighting system according to this disclosure;

[0080] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 A functional block diagram of an example front lighting system;

[0081] Figure 2B yes Figure 1 A functional block diagram of an example rear lighting system;

[0082] Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram of an example controller according to the present disclosure, including a lighting control module for controlling a front lighting system and / or a rear lighting system;

[0083] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling a front lighting system and / or a rear lighting system according to this disclosure;

[0084] Figures 5A to 5C An example of the operation of a rear lighting system in response to a turn signal failure, according to this disclosure, is illustrated.

[0085] Figures 6A to 6C An example of the operation of a rear lighting system in response to a brake light malfunction according to this disclosure is illustrated;

[0086] Figures 7A to 7C An example of the operation of a headlight system in response to a high beam failure according to this disclosure is illustrated; and

[0087] Figure 8A and 8B An example of one of the lamps that supports primary and secondary lighting functions according to this disclosure is illustrated.

[0088] In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals may be used repeatedly to identify similar and / or identical elements. Detailed Implementation

[0089] Vehicles typically include a diagnostic system that diagnoses when one or more of the headlights, fog lights, turn signals, brake lights, and / or reversing lights are not operating. When the diagnostic system detects a first light malfunction, the lighting control system according to this disclosure adapts a second or third light to support the secondary lighting function corresponding to the malfunctioning first light. For example, when a brake light or turn signal malfunctions, the turn signal or brake light can be used to support the malfunctioning light, respectively. Other fault modes and mitigation actions are further described below.

[0090] Now for reference Figure 1The vehicle 10 includes a front lighting system 12 arranged adjacent to or integrated with the front surface 14 of the vehicle 10. The front lighting system 12 typically includes headlights and / or fog lights for illuminating the vehicle's path forward. The vehicle 10 also includes a rear lighting system 16 arranged adjacent to or integrated with the rear surface 18 of the vehicle 10. The rear lighting system 16 typically includes turn signals, brake lights, and / or reversing lights.

[0091] Now for reference Figure 2A and 2B Examples of the front lighting system 12 and the rear lighting system 16 are shown respectively. Figure 2A In this vehicle 10, the front lighting system 12 includes low beam headlights 48, turn signals 40, fog lights 44, and / or high beam headlights 46 on the driver's (-D) side and passenger's (-P) side. In some examples, the low beam headlights 48 have adjustable intensity and / or height.

[0092] exist Figure 2B In the vehicle 10, the rear lighting system 16 includes reversing lights 54, turn signals 56, and / or brake lights 58 on the driver's (-D) side and passenger's (-P) side. As will be understood, some vehicles may use a single light to combine two or more functions. For example, brake and turn signals may be combined. In some examples, each of the reversing lights 54, turn signals 56, and / or brake lights 58 includes a lens 82 for separating different colors of light and a lens 84 for focusing the light.

[0093] Now for reference Figure 3 The controller 70 includes a diagnostic module 74 configured to diagnose faults in the vehicle's exterior lights. For example, the diagnostic module 74 may include a sensor 75 for sensing parameters of the corresponding light, such as voltage, current, or resistance sensors. The diagnostic module 74 uses these parameters to diagnose lighting faults. When a problem is diagnosed, the diagnostic module 74 sets a diagnostic code and / or warns the driver. The controller 70 also includes a lighting control module 76 configured to change the operation of one or more other lights in the front or rear lighting system when one of the lights in the current or rear lighting system is not working.

[0094] Now for reference Figure 4The method for operating the lighting system is illustrated. At 110, the method determines whether to request operation of the first lamp. If 110 is true, the method at 114 determines whether the first lamp has a lighting malfunction. If not, the method at 118 continues normal operation. If 114 is true, the lighting control module 76 at 122 determines whether the second lamp, assigned to perform secondary lighting functions, has a lighting malfunction. If 122 is false, the method at 126 uses the second lamp to perform secondary lighting functions, notifies the driver, and / or changes the control of the second lamp (e.g., brightness, animation, etc.). If 122 is true, the lighting control module 76 at 130 determines whether the third lamp, assigned to perform secondary lighting functions, has a lighting malfunction. If 130 is false, the method at 134 uses the third lamp to perform secondary lighting functions, notifies the driver, and / or changes the control of the third lamp (e.g., brightness, animation, etc.). If 130 is true, the method reverts to the default fault mode.

[0095] Now for reference Figures 5A to 5C This illustrates the operation of the lighting control module in response to a turn signal light malfunction. Figure 5A In the diagram, turn signal 56-P is underlined to indicate that the turn signal is in operation (e.g., flashing at a predetermined rate). Figure 5B In this example, the turn signal light 56-P is not activated (as shown in the crossshading), and the lighting control module 76 adjusts its operation to use the brake light 54-P to issue a turn signal. In this example, the lighting control module 76 flashes the brake light 54-P at a predetermined rate (which may be the same as or different from the turn signal light 56-P). If the brake light 54-P includes red, green, and blue (RGB) LEDs, the color of the brake light 54-P can change to yellow when issuing a turn signal.

[0096] In addition, the lighting control module 76 may take one or more additional actions, such as notifying the user (in the vehicle and / or using a telematics system). Other examples of additional actions that may be taken include adjusting the pulse width modulation (PWM) of the brake light 54-P to match the brightness of the turn signal light 56-P. In some examples, the lighting control module 76 changes the animation when the brake light 54-P is used as a turn signal.

[0097] exist Figure 5CIn this example, the turn signal light 56-P and brake light 54-P are not activated, and the lighting control module 76 adjusts its operation to use the reverse light 58-P. In this example, the lighting control module 76 flashes the reverse light 58-P at a predetermined rate (which may be the same as or different from the turn signal light 56-P). If the reverse light 58-P includes RGB LEDs, its color may change to yellow when a turn signal is given. Furthermore, the lighting control module 76 may take one or more additional actions, such as notifying the user (in the vehicle and / or using a telematics system). Additional actions may be taken, such as adjusting the PWM of the brake light 54-P to match the brightness of the turn signal light 56-P. In some examples, the lighting control module 76 changes its animation when the reverse light 58-P is used as a turn signal.

[0098] if Figure 5B and 5C If none of the above methods are feasible, the lighting control module 76 may optionally revert to a standard fault mode, such as notifying the user and / or doubling the turn signal activation frequency.

[0099] When supporting secondary lighting functions, the vehicle may also need to signal the primary function of the lights. In other words, the turn signals are not operational, while the brake lights are used to support the secondary lighting function to indicate turn signals. The vehicle then needs to operate the brake lights simultaneously (e.g., for the primary lighting function). In some examples, the lighting control module 76 cycles between brake and turn signal operation. In some examples, if the brake lights include RGB LEDs, the brake lights can use different colors, such as yellow for turn signals and red for braking (and / or animations for braking (solid) and turn signals (blinking)). If the brake lights are not RGB LEDs, the operation of the brake lights is the same as in vehicles where both brake lights and turn signals perform two functions.

[0100] Now for reference Figures 6A to 6C This illustrates the operation of the lighting control module in response to a brake light malfunction. Figure 6A In the image, brake lights 58-D and 58-P are underlined to indicate that the brake lights are in operation. Figure 6B In the middle, brake light 58-P is not operational (as shown by the crossshading). The lighting control module 76 adjusts the operation to use brake light 58-D and turn signal lights 56-D and 56-P to issue a braking signal. The asymmetrical response of brake light 58-D and turn signal lights 56-D and 56-P indicates the intended function.

[0101] In addition, the lighting control module 76 can take one or more additional actions, such as notifying the user (in the vehicle and / or using a telematics system). Other examples of actions that can be taken include adjusting the pulse width modulation (PWM) of the turn signals 56-D and 56-P to match the brightness of the brake light 58-P. In some examples, the lighting control module 76 adjusts the animation used for backup functions.

[0102] exist Figure 6C In the image, brake lights 58-P and turn signal lights 56-D and 56-E are not activated (as shown in the crossshading). The lighting control module 76 adjusts the operation to use brake lights 58-D and reverse lights 54-P and 54-D to signal braking. The asymmetrical response of brake lights 58-D and reverse lights 54-P and 54-D indicates the intended function.

[0103] In addition, the lighting control module 76 can take one or more additional actions, such as notifying the user (in the vehicle and / or using a telematics system). Other actions that can be taken include adjusting the pulse width modulation (PWM) of the reversing lights 54-P and 54-D to match the brightness of the brake lights 58-P. In some examples, the lighting control module 76 uses different animations for secondary functions.

[0104] Now for reference Figures 7A to 7C This shows how to operate the high beam headlights. When the high beam headlights are selected, both the high beam and low beam headlights are turned on, as shown below. Figure 7A As shown. If the high beam 48-P is not activated, the lighting control module 76 increases the intensity and / or adjusts the height of the low beam 46-P, as shown. Figure 7B As shown, this is to compensate for a failure in the low beam headlights to illuminate. In some examples, the lighting control module 76 notifies the driver using an onboard system and / or a telematics system.

[0105] exist Figure 7C If the high beam 48-P and low beam 46-P are not activated, the lighting control module 76 illuminates the fog lights 44-P to compensate for the low beam headlight malfunction. In some examples, the lighting control module 76 notifies the driver using an onboard system and / or a telematics system.

[0106] Now for reference Figure 8A and 8B Additional examples of vehicle indicator lights 200 are shown, such as brake, reverse, and / or turn signals. Figure 8AIn this lamp, the lampshade 204 includes an array 210 comprising LEDs 210-11 to 210-NM that support primary functions until secondary functions are required. The LEDs 210-11 to 210-NM can include monochrome or RGB LEDs, where N and M are integers greater than 1. In some examples, array 210 includes monochrome LEDs, RGB LEDs, or combinations thereof.

[0107] In some examples, when the vehicle indicator light 200 needs to support a secondary function, the array 210 (e.g., 210-11 to 210-XM) can be time-multiplexed between the primary and secondary functions. In other examples, when the vehicle indicator light 200 needs to support a secondary function, a portion of the array 210 (e.g., 210-11 to 210-XM) continues to be assigned to the primary function, while the remainder of the array 210 is assigned to the secondary function (or switches between primary and secondary functions). In some examples, the portion of the array 210 that continues to support the primary function may be a monochrome LED, while the remainder of the array supporting both primary and secondary functions may be RGB LEDs. In some examples, the primary function may be animated differently from the secondary function. Although the array 210 is horizontally segmented in this example, it may also be vertically segmented or otherwise segmented. Furthermore, portions of the array 210 may be illuminated simultaneously or time-multiplexed.

[0108] exist Figure 8B In this configuration, the lampshade 204 and array 210 can be separated by a light-separating member 230. During normal operation, all LEDs in array 210 support the primary function. When the lamp needs to support a secondary function, the LEDs in the array on one side of the light-separating member 230 have a primary color and support the primary function, while the LEDs in array 210 on the other side of the light-separating member 230 support either the primary or secondary function. Separating the area within the lampshade 204 allows for the simultaneous use of lamps of different colors. In some examples, the number of LEDs on both sides of the light-separating member 230 is the same to provide the same illuminance level while supporting the primary function.

[0109] The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. The broad teachings of this disclosure can be implemented in many forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes specific examples, its true scope should not be so limited, as other modifications will become apparent upon examination of the drawings, specification, and appended claims. It should be understood that one or more steps within a method may be performed in a different order (or simultaneously) without altering the principles of this disclosure. Furthermore, while each embodiment is described above as having specific features, any one or more of those features described with respect to any embodiment of this disclosure may be implemented in any other embodiment and / or combined with features of any other embodiment, even if such combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and the arrangement of one or more embodiments with respect to each other remains within the scope of this disclosure.

[0110] Spatial and functional relationships between components (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, including “connection,” “joint,” “coupled,” “proximity,” “adjacent,” “on top of,” “above,” “below,” and “set.” Unless explicitly stated as “direct,” the relationship between the first and second components described in the above disclosure can be a direct relationship, where no other intermediate components exist between the first and second components, but it can also be an indirect relationship, where one or more intermediate components exist (spatially or functionally) between the first and second components. As used herein, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” should be interpreted as meaning logically (A or B or C) using the non-exclusive logical “OR,” and should not be interpreted as meaning “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.”

[0111] In the accompanying drawings, the direction of the arrows, as indicated by the arrows, typically illustrates the flow of information (e.g., data or instructions) of interest to the illustration. For example, when components A and B exchange various types of information, but the information transmitted from component A to component B is relevant to the illustration, the arrow can point from component A to component B. This unidirectional arrow does not imply that no other information is transmitted from component B to component A. Furthermore, for information sent from component A to component B, component B can send a request for or confirmation of receipt of that information to component A.

[0112] In this application, including the following definitions, the term "module" or "controller" may be replaced by the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include the following: application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital discrete circuit; digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital integrated circuit; combinational logic circuit; field-programmable gate array (FPGA); processor circuitry (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that executes code; memory circuitry (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that stores code executed by the processor circuitry; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or combinations of some or all of the foregoing, such as in a system-on-a-chip.

[0113] This module may include one or more interface circuits. In some examples, the interface circuits may include wired or wireless interfaces connected to a local area network (LAN), the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), or a combination thereof. The functionality of any given module of this disclosure can be distributed among multiple modules connected via the interface circuits. For example, multiple modules can allow for load balancing. In a further example, a server (also referred to as a remote or cloud) module may perform some functions on behalf of a client module.

[0114] The term "code" as used above can include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and can refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, data structures, and / or objects. The term "shared processor circuit" covers a single processor circuit that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group processor circuit" covers a processor circuit that, in conjunction with additional processor circuitry, executes some or all of the code from one or more modules. References to multiple processor circuits cover multiple processor circuits on discrete dies, multiple processor circuits on a single die, multiple cores of a single processor circuit, multiple threads of a single processor circuit, or a combination of the above. The term "shared memory circuit" covers a single memory circuit that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group memory circuit" covers a memory circuit that, in conjunction with additional memory, stores some or all of the code from one or more modules.

[0115] The term "memory circuit" is a subset of the term "computer-readable medium." As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium" does not cover transient electrical or electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium (such as on a carrier wave); therefore, the term "computer-readable medium" can be considered tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory, tangible computer-readable media are non-volatile memory circuits (such as flash memory circuits, erasable programmable read-only memory circuits, or mask read-only memory circuits), volatile memory circuits (such as static random access memory circuits or dynamic random access memory circuits), magnetic storage media (such as analog or digital magnetic tape or hard disk drives), and optical storage media (such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs).

[0116] The apparatus and methods described in this application can be implemented, in part or in whole, by a special-purpose computer created by configuring a general-purpose computer to execute one or more specific functions embodied in a computer program. The aforementioned function blocks, flowchart components, and other elements serve as a software specification that can be routinely translated into a computer program by a skilled technician or programmer.

[0117] A computer program includes processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium. A computer program may also include or depend on stored data. A computer program may encompass a basic input / output system (BIOS) that interacts with the hardware of a special-purpose computer, device drivers that interact with specific devices of the special-purpose computer, one or more operating systems, user applications, background services, background applications, etc.

[0118] Computer programs may include: (i) descriptive text to be parsed, such as HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), XML (Extensible Markup Language), or JSON (JavaScript Object Notation); (ii) assembly code; (iii) object code generated from source code by a compiler; (iv) source code for execution by an interpreter; (v) source code for compilation and execution by a just-in-time (JIT) compiler; and so on. As an example only, source code can be written using syntax from languages ​​including: C, C++, C#, Objective-C, Swift, Haskell, Go, SQL, R, Lisp, etc. Fortran, Perl, Pascal, Curl, OCaml, HTML5 (Hypertext Markup Language 5th Edition), Ada, ASP (Active Server Pages), PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor), Scala, Eiffel, Smalltalk, Erlang, Ruby, Lua, MATLAB, SIMULINK and

Claims

1. A lighting system for a vehicle, comprising: At least two indicator lights, each supporting both primary and secondary lighting functions. The at least two indicator lights are selected from the group consisting of turn signals, brake lights and reversing lights; The diagnostic module is configured to determine when the first indicator light of the at least two indicator lights is inactive; and The lighting control module is configured as follows: When the first indicator light of the at least two indicator lights is operating and the main lighting function is commanded, control the second indicator light of the at least two indicator lights to support the main lighting function; and When the first indicator light of the at least two indicator lights is not in operation, the operation of the second indicator light of the at least two indicator lights is adjusted to support the secondary lighting function corresponding to the first indicator light of the at least two indicator lights.

2. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein, When the primary lighting function is commanded and the first indicator of the at least two indicator lights is not in operation, the lighting control module is configured to control the second indicator of the at least two indicator lights to support the primary lighting function and the secondary lighting function.

3. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least two indicator lights include red, green, and blue (RGB) light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

4. The lighting system according to claim 3, wherein, The lighting control module is configured to change the color of the second indicator light among the at least two indicator lights when supporting secondary lighting functions.

5. The lighting system according to claim 3, wherein, The lighting control module is configured to adjust the second color of the second indicator of the at least two indicator lights to match the first color of the first indicator light when supporting secondary lighting functions.

6. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein, The lighting control module is configured to adjust the animation of the second indicator light among the at least two indicator lights when supporting secondary lighting functions.

7. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein the lighting control module is configured to adjust the animation of the second indicator light among the at least two indicator lights to match the animation of the first indicator light among the at least two indicator lights when supporting secondary lighting functions.

8. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein when the diagnostic module determines that the second indicator light among the at least two indicator lights is also not operating, the lighting control module adjusts the operation of the third indicator light among the turn signal, brake light and reversing light to support the secondary lighting function of the first indicator light among the at least two indicator lights.

9. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein: The second indicator light of the at least two indicator lights comprises an array of light-emitting diodes. The first part of the light-emitting diode is configured to support the main lighting function, and The second part of the light-emitting diode is configured to support one of the following two: a primary lighting function when the first indicator of the at least two indicator lights is operating and a secondary lighting function when the first indicator of the at least two indicator lights is not operating.

10. The lighting system according to claim 9, wherein: The second part of the light-emitting diode includes red, green, and blue (RGB) light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and The first and second parts of the light-emitting diode are separated by a light-separating component.

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