Rear light arrangement for a vehicle

Abstract

Rear light assembly (14) comprising: a lighting arrangement (30) which includes: a base plate (34) which provides a mounting surface (36); a large number of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (20) arranged on the mounting surface (36); a control board (40) which is electrically connected to each of the LEDs (20), wherein the control board (40) can be operated to: an activation signal (S 22 ) to be received from a device (22); a lighting signal (S 62 ) to each LED (20) of a first group (66) of the plurality of LEDs (20) in order to illuminate the first group (66) of the LEDs (20), wherein the illumination of the LEDs (20) occurs instantaneously; wherein the illumination of the first group (66) of the LEDs (20) meets a diffuser illumination area requirement and / or a photometric requirement; a lighting signal (S 62 ) to each LED (20) of a second group (68) from the plurality of LEDs (20) in order to illuminate the second group (68) of LEDs (20); and a termination signal (S 64 ) to send to at least one of the LEDs (20) of the first group (66) of the LEDs (20) following the illumination of the second group (68) of the LEDs (20) in order to switch off the at least one LED (20) from the first group (66) of the LEDs (20) so that remaining illuminated LEDs (20) continue to meet the diffuser illumination area requirement and / or the photometric requirement, wherein the LEDs (20) are slowly dimmed or defrosted until they are switched off.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a taillight assembly for a vehicle. background

[0002] Vehicles contain exterior lights that include taillights, turn signals, rear fog lights, a center high-mounted brake light (CHMSL), and the like. These exterior lights are designed to illuminate the vehicle to make it visible.

[0003] DE 698 18 108 T2 discloses a display system for motor vehicles in which the brake lights of a motor vehicle are switched on / off depending on the vehicle speed and the distance to a following vehicle. The number of illuminated lights depends on a selected warning level.

[0004] Document EP 0 326 668 B1 discloses a combined rear light arrangement for vehicles comprising a matrix of LEDs that can be used to display different lighting patterns, such as an illuminated area whose size changes depending on brake pedal pressure or a sequential indicator pattern that moves in the direction of the indicator.

[0005] The document DE 10 2011 119 230 A1 discloses a flashing light for motor vehicles which consists of LEDs, whereby the LEDs are continuously dimmed when switched on, but are switched off immediately.

[0006] EP 2 263 915 A1 discloses a motor vehicle taillight unit that uses a plurality of LEDs to display predefined patterns. The patterns can be selected by a user, and the intensity / brightness of the patterns can be controlled.

[0007] US 2002 / 0 048 174 A1 discloses a warning light for motor vehicles with two LED rails arranged at a height offset from one another, each having a controller and capable of displaying a variety of patterns. The controllers control the illumination and brightness of the LEDs to display the patterns or pattern sequences.

[0008] The document US 2007 / 0 183 152 A1 discloses an animated light source which is constructed from a plurality of LEDs, wherein the LEDs are switched on in various combinations and with different intensities in order to generate an animated light beam. Summary

[0009] One possible aspect of the disclosure, a taillight assembly, includes a lighting assembly and a control board. The lighting assembly includes a base plate and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to be selectively illuminated and deactivated to simulate the motion of a wave propagating across the base plate.

[0010] The base plate provides a mounting surface. The LEDs are arranged on the mounting surface. The control board is electrically connected to each of the LEDs. The control board is operable to receive an activation signal from a device and then send an illumination signal to each LED of a first group of the plurality of LEDs, thereby illuminating the first group of LEDs, wherein the illumination of the LEDs occurs instantaneously. Illumination of the first group of LEDs satisfies a diffused area requirement and / or a photometric requirement. The control board then sends an illumination signal to each LED of a second group of the plurality of LEDs, thereby illuminating the second group of LEDs.The control board is configured to, following the illumination of the second group of LEDs, next send a termination signal to at least one of the LEDs of the first group of LEDs, wherein the LEDs are slowly dimmed or dimmed until they are turned off. Consequently, at least one of the LEDs of the first group of LEDs is turned off, and the remaining illuminated LEDs continue to meet the lens luminous area requirement and / or the photometric requirement.

[0011] In another aspect of the disclosure, a method for illuminating a plurality of LEDs is provided. The method includes receiving an activation signal from a device and then sending an illumination signal to each LED of a first group of the plurality of LEDs to thereby illuminate the first group of LEDs, wherein the illuminating the LEDs occurs instantaneously. Illuminating the first group of LEDs satisfies a lens illumination area requirement and / or a photometric requirement. Next, sending an illumination signal to each LED of a second group of the plurality of LEDs to thereby illuminate the second group of LEDs. Then, following the illuminating the second group of LEDs, sending a termination signal to at least one of the LEDs of the first group of LEDs.Consequently, at least one of the LEDs of the first group of LEDs is turned off, the LEDs are slowly dimmed or dimmed until they are turned off, and remaining illuminated LEDs continue to meet the lens luminous area requirement and / or the photometric requirement.

[0012] The foregoing features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present teachings will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the present teachings when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 is an illustration in a schematic perspective view of an exemplary vehicle having a taillight assembly as described herein. Fig. 2 is an illustration of a schematic exploded view of the Fig. 1 shown rear light arrangement. Fig. 3-8 are schematic illustrative rear views of a sequence for illuminating a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) of a lighting assembly of the tail lamp assembly. Fig. 9 is a schematic illustrative rear view of another embodiment of a base plate of the illumination assembly of the taillight assembly, wherein the base plate represents an amorphous shape. Fig. 10 is a schematic illustration of a controller for the lighting arrangement of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the lighting assembly of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 describes. Detailed description

[0013] With reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like or similar components throughout the several figures and Fig. 1, an exemplary vehicle 10 includes a body 15 and a plurality of vehicle exterior lighting assemblies 30, each positioned on the body 15. The lighting assemblies 30 include a set of taillight assemblies 14. One or more additional taillight assemblies 14A may be positioned at the rear of the vehicle 10 for enhanced visibility, for example, above or below a rear window 13 or adjacent to a trunk lid 17, the latter example being Fig. 1 is shown.

[0014] The vehicle 10 may include a controller 50 (see Fig. 10) that may be programmed to control the illumination of each of a plurality of individually addressable light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 20 in each of the taillight assemblies 14 in a sequence to simulate movement, such as propagating wave movement, and / or to control the brightness level in the taillight assemblies 14. As in Fig. 3-8, this movement may be simulated by programmed and / or customized lighting sequences that may be executed using the taillight assemblies 14. The one or more lighting sequences are controlled in response to actuation of a device 22, such as a turn signal switch, a brake pedal switch, and the like. A method 100 for using the presently disclosed taillight assemblies 14 is described below with reference to Fig. 11 disclosed.

[0015] With reference to Fig. 2, each taillight assembly 14 may include a housing 24, an outer lens 26, a bezel 28, an illumination assembly 30, and a control carrier 32. The housing 24 is constructed of a suitable material, such as plastic or metal. The outer lens 26 is typically constructed of a colored transparent or translucent plastic, typically red. However, it should be appreciated that the outer lens 26 may be constructed of materials having other colors and / or materials.

[0016] The outer lens 26 may be configured to cover the housing 24 such that the housing 24 and the outer lens 26 encapsulate, i.e., completely surround and enclose, major components of the lighting, which may comprise the lighting assembly 30. The lighting assembly 30 includes a base plate 34 and a plurality of LEDs 20. The LEDs 20 may be configured with or without a phosphor coating to emit white light, and they may be mounted and arranged on the base plate 34 in two dimensions.

[0017] The base plate 34 includes a mounting surface 36 and the LEDs 20 are arranged on the mounting surface 36. The shape and size of each base plate 34 may vary depending on the specific construction of the taillight assembly 14, which may be horizontally oriented, as shown in Fig. 2-8, or may be oriented so that it is approximately equal in both the vertical and horizontal directions, and the like. Alternatively, the base plate 34 may be oriented with reference to Fig. 9 may have a continuous, non-linear perimeter 38 that undulates to form an amorphous shape, ie, an amoeba shape. It should be noted that the base plate 34 may also have other shapes.

[0018] The base plate 34 of Fig. 6-8 is oriented horizontally, with the LEDs 20 arranged on the mounting surface 36 in an amorphous pattern. With reference to Fig. 9, the base plate 34 has an amoeba shape, with the LEDs 20 arranged on the mounting surface 36 in an amorphous pattern. However, it should be appreciated that the LEDs 20 may be arranged on the base plate 34 to provide any desired pattern of LEDs 20 on the mounting surface 36.

[0019] The LEDs 20 on each base plate 34 can be controlled by a control board 40 which is Fig. 2 and Fig. 10, be individually addressable. The control board 40 may include a processor 42 and instructions 44. In response to receiving an activation signal (arrow S 22 ) from the controller 50, the control board 40 can execute the instructions 44 using the processor 42 to cause the control board 40 to individually address the LEDs 20. This allows the lighting assembly 30 to selectively display a desired dynamic lighting sequence visible through the outer lens 26. The activation signal (arrow S 22 ) may be sent in response to activation of a direction change signal switch, activation of a brake switch, and the like.

[0020] With reference to Fig. 2, the lighting assembly 30 is positioned between the outer lens 26 and the housing 24, wherein the bezel 28 may support the outer lens 26. All internal components of the taillight assembly 14 may be housed within the bezel 28 and / or the housing 24, wherein the bezel 28 is constructed of a plastic or other suitable material. The brake light assembly 30 should be oriented so that during braking, driving, signaling direction changes, and the like, all LEDs 20 are fully visible and can be illuminated with a required light intensity, i.e., a lens light area requirement (LLAR) and / or a photometric requirement. With continued reference to Fig. 2, the taillight assembly 14 is shown in an exploded view for additional detail. The outer lens 26 and the housing 24 contain the various components therein, with the aperture 28 positioned adjacent the outer lens 26.

[0021] The control substrate 32 may be constructed of a molded plastic or any suitable material. The control substrate 32 may be received by the bezel 28 of the housing 24. The control substrate 32, in turn, supports the control board 40 for the lighting assembly 30. A wiring matrix 46 electrically connects the LEDs 20 to the control board 40. The wiring matrix 46 includes a plurality of wires 48, each wire soldered or otherwise operatively connected to the control board 40 and led to the lighting assembly 30. Each LED 20 in the lighting assembly 30 is individually addressable by the control board 40 through the transmission of signals over one or more of the wires 48 to command the desired lighting sequence. This feature may enable a wide variety of unique lighting displays to be executed by the controller 50.

[0022] With reference to Fig. 10, the controller 50 can be used to control a lighting sequence of the LEDs 20 of the taillight assembly 14 of the vehicle 10 from Fig. 1. The control functions may be preprogrammed by the manufacturer. In an embodiment utilizing the controller 50, a processor 42, a tangible, non-transitory memory 54, and a transceiver 57 may be located on a printed circuit board or otherwise appropriately housed. Instructions 44 embodying the method 100 for using the taillight assembly 14 described above may be stored in the memory 54 and executed using the processor 42 to provide the functionality described herein. Alternatively, the method 100 may be stored in a memory 54 located on the control board 40.

[0023] Memory 54 may include read-only memory (ROM), optical memory, flash memory 54, and the like. Temporary memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) may be included as needed, along with other required circuitry 55, including, but not limited to, a high-speed clock (not shown), analog / digital (A / D) circuitry 55, digital / analog (D / A) circuitry 55, a digital signal processor 42, and any required input / output (I / O) devices 22 and other signal conditioning and / or buffer circuitry 55. Controller 50 may communicate with device 22, a main controller illumination sensor 75, and an overwrite sensor 58.

[0024] In one possible scenario, a user of the vehicle 10 can Fig. 1 activate the device 22, for example, the switch for direction change signals. Activating the device 22 by means of an actuation by the user or, alternatively, a passive actuation of the device 22 by the controller 50 can result in the transmission of the activation signal (arrow S 22 ). Receiving the activation signal (arrow S 22 ) by the transmitter / receiver 57 can command the processor 42 to initiate a previously recorded lighting sequence, either for a calibrated period of time or until the switch is deactivated.

[0025] The main controller illumination sensor 75 may be any sensor used during normal operation of the main lighting assembly 30 in use. For example, sticking with the example of the taillight assembly 14, the main controller illumination sensor 75 may be either a brake pedal force or travel sensor, a turn signal position sensor, or both. The main controller illumination sensor 75 is configured to provide an output signal (arrow S 75 ) to the controller 50 or directly to the control board 40, wherein at least one of the LEDs 20 is illuminated in response to the received output signal (arrow S 75 ) is illuminated.

[0026] In all these possible embodiments, the control board 40 remains in communication with each of the LEDs 20. The controller 50, in turn, can send a sequence signal (arrow 11) to the control board 40 so that the control board 40 can selectively output lighting signals (arrow S 62 ) and / or termination signals (arrow S 64 ) to the LEDs 20.

[0027] As a non-limiting example, a portion of an exemplary illumination sequence of the LEDs 20 is shown in Fig. 3-8. With special reference to Fig. 3, the lighting sequence can be initiated when the activation signal (arrow S 22 ) is received by the control board 40, wherein the control board 40 generates an initial illumination signal (arrow S 62) to each of the LEDs 20 of a first group 66 of LEDs 20. In response to receiving the initial illumination signal (arrow S 62 ), each of the LEDs 20 of the first group 66 is illuminated. The number of initially illuminated LEDs 20 may be sufficient to meet the lens illuminated area requirements and / or the photometric requirements. The lens illuminated area requirements (LLAR) may be an area of ​​an orthogonal projection of an effective light-emitting surface of the illuminated LEDs 20 on a plane that is perpendicular to a defined direction relative to a reference axis. The direction may coincide with the reference axis. The effective light-emitting surface may include a portion of the illuminated LEDs 20 that direct light onto a photometric test pattern. As a non-limiting example, the LLAR may be between 1,250 and 1,230 square millimeters (mm 2). Preferably, the LLAR can be between 2,200 and 7,500 mm 2 Even more preferably, the LLAR can be about 5,000 mm 2 However, it should be noted that the LLAR may also be any other suitable range. Consequently, after illuminating the first group 66 of LEDs 20, the LLAR of the taillight assembly 14 is reached instantly.

[0028] It should be noted that the photometric requirements may include, but are not limited to, a photometric intensity of the illuminated LEDs 20. The photometric intensity of the illuminated LEDs 20 may be a measure of the wavelength-weighted power emitted by the illuminated LEDs 20 in a direction per unit fixed angle, based on the luminosity function, which is a standardized model of the sensitivity of the human eye. The photometric intensity is a measure of the luminance or luminosity of the light source, i.e., the illuminated LEDs 20, when viewed from any specific direction.

[0029] With reference now to Fig. 4, the sequence can continue after a predefined period of time, with the control board 40 sending a subsequent lighting signal (arrow S 62) to each of the LEDs 20 of a second group 68 of LEDs 20. In response to receiving the subsequent illumination signal (arrow S 62 ), each of the LEDs 20 of the second group 68 is illuminated. At least one LED 20 in the second group 68 is arranged in an adjacent relationship to at least one of the LEDs 20 in the first group 66. The first group 66 and the second group 68 may be illuminated simultaneously for a predefined period of time. In one embodiment, the illumination of the second group 68 may also be sufficient to satisfy the LLAR and / or the photometric requirement. Consequently, once the second group 68 is illuminated, subsequent LEDs 20 may be illuminated in response to the control board 40 issuing a termination signal (arrow S 64 ) to the respective lighting signals (arrow S 62), up to and including all illuminated LEDs 20 in the first group 66 may be turned off, while the illumination of the second group 68 continues to satisfy the LLAR and / or the photometric requirement. Alternatively, the second group 68 may be insufficient to satisfy the LLAR and / or the photometric requirement. As a non-limiting example, the second group 68 of LEDs 20 is a single LED 20 or a number that is less than a number of LEDs 20 needed to satisfy the LLAR and / or the photometric requirement. In this scenario, once the second group 68 is illuminated, no more than a corresponding number of the illuminated LEDs 20 in the first group 66 of LEDs 20 may be turned off in response to the control board 40 sending a termination signal (arrow S 64 ) to the LEDs 20 as shown in Fig. 5. This ensures that the LLAR and / or photometric requirement is consistently maintained throughout the progression of the illumination sequence.

[0030] With reference now to Fig. 5, the lighting sequence proceeds after a further predefined period of time, with the control board 40 sending a further subsequent lighting signal (arrow S 62) to each of the LEDs 20 of a third group 72 of LEDs 20. At least one LED 20 in the third group 72 of LEDs 20 is in an adjacent relationship to at least one LED 20 of the second group 68 of LEDs 20. The LEDs 20 of the first and / or second group 68 of LEDs 20 and the third group 72 of LEDs 20 may be simultaneously illuminated for a predefined period of time. In one embodiment, the number of LEDs 20 illuminated in the third group 72 of LEDs 20 may also be sufficient to satisfy the LLAR and / or photometric requirement. Consequently, once the third group 72 is illuminated, up to and including all of the illuminated LEDs 20 in the first and / or second group 68 may subsequently be turned off in response to the control board 40 sending a plurality of termination signals (arrow S 64) while still satisfying the LLAR and / or photometric requirement. However, if the number of LEDs 20 illuminated in the third group 72 is insufficient to satisfy the LLAR and / or photometric requirement, only up to a corresponding number of illuminated LEDs 20 in the first and / or second group 66, 68 may be turned off in response to the control board 40 sending a plurality of termination signals (arrow S 64 ) to ensure that the LLAR and / or the photometric requirement are constantly met, as defined in Fig. 6 is illustrated.

[0031] With reference to Fig. 7, the lighting sequence can proceed after a further predefined period of time, with the control board 40 sending a further subsequent lighting signal (arrow S 62) to each of the LEDs 20 of a fourth group 74 of LEDs 20. In response to receiving the subsequent illumination signal (arrow S 62), each of the LEDs 20 of the fourth group 74 is illuminated. At least one LED 20 in the fourth group 74 is arranged in adjacent relationship to at least one LED 20 of the third group 72. The LEDs 20 of the first, second, and / or third groups 66, 68, 72 and the LEDs 20 of the fourth group 74 may be simultaneously illuminated for a predefined period of time. In one embodiment, the number of LEDs 20 illuminated in the fourth group 74 of LEDs 20 may also be sufficient to satisfy the LLAR and / or photometric requirement. Therefore, once the fourth group 74 of LEDs 20 is illuminated, up to and including all of the illuminated LEDs 20 in the first, second, and / or third groups 66, 68, 72 may be turned off while still satisfying the LLAR and / or photometric requirement.However, if the number of LEDs 20 illuminated in the fourth group 74 is insufficient to meet the LLAR and / or the photometric requirement, only up to a corresponding number of illuminated LEDs 20 in the first, second and / or third group 66, 68, 72 may be switched off to ensure that the LLAR and / or the photometric requirement is constantly met.

[0032] With reference to Fig. 8, the illumination sequence may proceed after yet another predefined period of time by illuminating a fifth group 76 of LEDs 20. Illumination of a fifth group 76 of LEDs 20 will occur following illumination of the fourth group 74 and also following deactivation of a plurality of the LEDs 20 from the first, second, third, and / or fourth group 74. Consequently, the number of LEDs 20 remaining illuminated is sufficient to ensure that the LLAR and / or photometric requirement is constantly met. It should be noted that there may be any desired number of groups of illuminated LEDs 20.

[0033] Although Fig. 3-8 illustrate only six “partial images” of the lighting sequence with five groups of LEDs 20, it should also be noted that the lighting sequence may consist of more or fewer partial images and / or more or fewer groups of LEDs 20 to simulate the desired movement. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3-8, illuminating and then turning off the various LEDs 20 simulates a wave that oscillates and propagates from one area of ​​the base plate 34 to another area. It should be noted that the illumination sequence may include additional sub-images in which the wave continues and completes its propagation across the base plate 34. Furthermore, it should be noted that other movements and / or the propagation of differently shaped waves may also be simulated. These movements may be configured to move non-linearly, i.e., not as a single straight line.

[0034] As the sequence of LEDs 20 of Fig. 3-8, the LEDs 20 are illuminated and turned off to simulate movement proceeding from one side to an opposite side of the base plate 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the movement may proceed across the base plate 34 in a direction in which the vehicle 10 wishes to move. It should be appreciated that the illumination sequence may be configured such that the movement may begin in any area of ​​the base plate 34 and may simulate movement in any desired direction(s).

[0035] Once the last group of LEDs 20 is illuminated, the LEDs 20 of the last group may remain illuminated for a predefined period of time. In one embodiment, once the predefined period of time is reached, the first group 66 of LEDs 20 may then be illuminated such that the first group 66 of LEDs 20 and the last group of LEDs 20 are simultaneously illuminated in a spaced-apart relationship for another predefined period of time. Alternatively, in another embodiment, once the predefined period of time is reached, the last group of LEDs 20 is turned off such that none of the LEDs 20 in the taillight assembly 14 are illuminated, and the illumination sequence may be initiated again such that the first group 66 is illuminated again.

[0036] Although the illumination of the LEDs 20 should be instantaneous, the LEDs 20 may also be turned off more slowly. In particular, the LEDs 20 may be slowly dimmed or dimmered until they are turned off, as shown in Fig. 6 is illustrated at 78.

[0037] With reference to Fig. 11 shows an exemplary method 100 for using a lighting assembly 30 described above. For consistency of illustration, the rear light assembly 14 of Fig. 2 as the exemplary lighting assembly 30. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the same or a similar approach may be employed in other vehicle lighting assemblies 30 and the like.

[0038] The method 100 begins with step 102, in which at least one predetermined illumination sequence is typically stored in the memory 54 of the Fig. 10 shown controller 50. It should be noted that the predetermined lighting sequence can also be stored directly in a chip of the memory 54 of the control board 40 shown in Fig. 2. Once one or more illumination sequences have been recorded, the method 100 proceeds to step 104.

[0039] Step 104 may include the activation signal (arrow S 22 ) from Fig. 10 is received using the transmitter / receiver 57. Once this has occurred, the method 100 proceeds to step 106.

[0040] Step 106 may include initiating a lighting sequence from memory 54. Once the lighting sequence is initiated, the method 100 proceeds to step 107.

[0041] Step 107 may include sending a sequence signal (arrow 11) from the controller 50 to the control board 40. Once the sequence signal (arrow 11) has been sent, the method proceeds to step 108.

[0042] Step 108 may include individually addressing the first group 66 with the control board 40. In particular, an initial illumination signal (arrow S 62 ) is sent to each LED 20 of the first group 66 of LEDs 20. In response, each LED 20 of the first group 66 is illuminated, wherein the illumination of the LEDs 20 of the first group 66 satisfies the LLAR and / or the photometric requirement. Once the LEDs 20 of the first group 66 are illuminated, the method 100 proceeds to step 110.

[0043] Step 110 may include determining whether the sequence signal (arrow 11) is still being received by the control board 40. If the activation signal (arrow S 22) is no longer still received, then the method proceeds to step 112.

[0044] Step 112 may include generating a termination signal (arrow S 64 ) is sent to each of the LEDs 20 so that the LEDs 20 are all turned off. Once the LEDs 20 are turned off, the method returns to step 102 and continues as disclosed above.

[0045] Referring again to step 110, the method proceeds to step 114 if it is determined that the activation signal (arrow S 22 ) is still received by the control board 40. Step 114 may include the control board 40 sending a subsequent illumination signal (arrow S 62 ) to each LED 20 of the second group 68. In response, each of the LEDs 20 of the second group 68 is illuminated. Once the LEDs 20 of the second group 68 are illuminated, the method proceeds to step 116.

[0046] Step 116 may include determining whether the activation signal (arrow S 22 ) is still received by the control board 40. If the activation signal (arrow S 22 ) is not received from the control board 40, the method proceeds to step 112 and continues as described above. If the activation signal (arrow S 22 ) is still received by the control board 40, the method proceeds to step 118.

[0047] Step 118 may include generating a termination signal (arrow S 64 ) is sent to one or more of the above LEDs 20 based on the illumination sequence previously recorded in the memory 54. In response to the termination signal (arrow S 64), the corresponding LEDs 20 are turned off. After the above LEDs 20 are turned off, the LEDs 20 that remain illuminated provide sufficient brightness to continue satisfying the LLAR and / or the photometric requirement. After step 118, the method returns to step 110, where the method is repeated as described above, following the sequence previously recorded in the memory 54. The on / off patterns of all LEDs 20 that are in Fig. 3-8 together provide a dynamic animation.

[0048] The various embodiments described above relate to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Instead of the taillight assemblies 14, other lighting assemblies 30 may be used.

[0049] Although the best modes for carrying out the many aspects of the present teachings have been described in detail, those skilled in the art to which these teachings pertain will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing the present teachings that are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

[1] Rear light assembly (14) comprising: a lighting arrangement (30) comprising: a base plate (34) providing a mounting surface (36); a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (20) arranged on the mounting surface (36); a control board (40) electrically connected to each of the LEDs (20), the control board (40) being operable to: an activation signal (S 22 ) from a device (22); a lighting signal (S 62 ) to each LED (20) of a first group (66) of the plurality of LEDs (20) to thereby illuminate the first group (66) of LEDs (20), wherein the illumination of the LEDs (20) occurs instantaneously; wherein the illumination of the first group (66) of LEDs (20) satisfies a lens illumination range requirement and / or a photometric requirement; a lighting signal (S 62 ) to each LED (20) of a second group (68) of the plurality of LEDs (20) to thereby illuminate the second group (68) of LEDs (20); and a termination signal (S 64 ) to at least one of the LEDs (20) of the first group (66) of LEDs (20) following the illumination of the second group (68) of LEDs (20), to thereby turn off the at least one LED (20) from the first group (66) of LEDs (20) such that remaining illuminated LEDs (20) continue to meet the lens luminous area requirement and / or the photometric requirement, wherein the LEDs (20) are slowly dimmed or dimmed until they are turned off. [2] The taillight assembly (14) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of LEDs (20) are arranged on the mounting surface (36) of the base plate (34) to present an amorphous pattern. [3] The taillight assembly (14) of claim 1, wherein the base plate (34) includes a perimeter (38) that is non-linear and undulating to form an amorphous shape. [4] The taillight assembly (14) of claim 1, wherein at least one LED (20) of the second group (68) of LEDs (20) is illuminated in adjacent relationship to at least one LED (20) of the first group (66) of LEDs (20). [5] The taillight assembly (14) of claim 4, wherein the combination of the illuminated first group (66) and second group (68) of LEDs (20) provides a shape that is non-linear. [6] The taillight assembly (14) of claim 4, wherein the control board (40) is further defined to be operable to: a lighting signal (S 62 ) to each LED (20) of a third group (72) of the plurality of LEDs (20) to thereby illuminate the third group (72) of LEDs (20); and a termination signal (S 64 ) to at least one of the LEDs (20) of the first group (66) and / or the second group (68) following the illumination of the third group (72), thereby turning off the at least one of the LEDs (20) of the first group (66) and / or the second group (68) such that the remaining illuminated LEDs (20) continue to meet the lens illumination area requirement and / or the photometric requirement. [7] The taillight assembly (14) of claim 6, wherein at least one LED (20) of the third group (72) of LEDs (20) is illuminated in adjacent relationship to at least one LED (20) of the second group (68) of LEDs (20). [8] Rear light arrangement (14) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one LED (20) of the first group (66) is dimmed until the at least one LED (20) of the first group (66) is turned off; and wherein the at least one LED (20) of the first group (66) and / or the second group (68) is dimmed until the at least one LED (20) of the first group (66) and / or the second group (68) is switched off. [9] The taillight assembly (14) of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of wires (48) electrically connecting each of the LEDs (20) to the control board (40). [10] A method (100) for illuminating a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (20) in a taillight assembly (14) to simulate movement, the method (100) comprising: an activation signal (S 22 ) is received by a device (22); a lighting signal (S 62 ) is sent to each LED (20) of a first group (66) of the plurality of LEDs (20) to thereby illuminate the first group (66) of LEDs (20); wherein the illumination of the LEDs (20) occurs instantaneously; wherein illuminating the first group (66) of LEDs (20) satisfies a lens illumination area requirement and / or a photometric requirement; a lighting signal (S 62 ) is sent to each LED (20) of a second group (68) of the plurality of LEDs (20) to thereby illuminate the second group (68) of LEDs (20); and a termination signal (S 64 ) is sent to at least one of the LEDs (20) of the first group (66) of LEDs (20) following the illumination of the second group (68) of LEDs (20), thereby turning off the at least one of the LEDs (20) of the first group (66) of LEDs (20) so that remaining illuminated LEDs (20) continuously meet the lens illumination area requirement and / or the photometric requirement, whereby the LEDs (20) are slowly dimmed or muted until they are switched off.

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