Lighting assembly and lighting method for a vehicle

Abstract

Lighting assembly (18), comprising: a first light-emitting device (26a) on an inside of a window (38) of a vehicle (10); and a second light-emitting device (26b) on the inside, wherein the first and the second light-emitting device (26a, 26b) are configured to selectively illuminate corresponding areas through a perimeter region (74) of the window (38) in response to a change in the orientation of the vehicle (10), characterized by a third light-emitting device (26b), wherein the first light-emitting device (26a) is mounted horizontally between the second light-emitting device (26b) on a passenger side of the vehicle (10) and the third light-emitting device (26c) on a driver side of the vehicle (10), the first light-emitting device (26a) is configured to illuminate the area when the vehicle (10) rotates towards the passenger side or the driver's side, the second light-emitting device (26b) is configured to illuminate the area when the vehicle (10) rotates towards the passenger side, but not when the vehicle (10) rotates towards the driver's side, and the third light-emitting device (26c) is configured to illuminate the area when the vehicle (10) rotates towards the driver's side, but not when the vehicle (10) rotates towards the passenger's side.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to vehicle lighting units. In particular, this disclosure relates to an auxiliary lighting unit positioned on the inside of a vehicle window within a peripheral region of the vehicle window. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Many vehicles contain auxiliary lighting assemblies that supplement the light provided, for example, by the vehicle's headlights. Such an auxiliary lighting assembly is often referred to as a light bar.

[0003] The typical light bar is mounted on the outside of the vehicle above the windshield. The light bar is used to illuminate areas in front of the vehicle, which can help the driver navigate.

[0004] Off-road vehicles often include light bars. When driving along a trail off-road, the operator activates the light bar to illuminate the path, helping them navigate and avoid obstacles. Light bars mounted externally on the vehicle can be difficult to clean and may make maneuvering under obstacles more challenging.

[0005] German patent application DE 10 2015 109 382 A1 discloses a vehicle windshield with lighting components integrated into a circumferential edge region of the windshield. German patent applications DE 201 12 037 U1 and US 7 477 140 B1 relate to a display device with multiple light-emitting diodes for displaying information. German patent applications DE 10 2012 018 001 A1 and DE 10 2008 033 617 A1 disclose a transparent windshield for a motor vehicle with a heated coating that includes an opaque area. German patent application DE 94 16 479 U1 relates to vertically and horizontally steerable headlights for a road vehicle. Further exemplary lighting components for a vehicle windshield are known from US 7 036 965 B2 and US 7 106 185 B. SUMMARY

[0006] A lighting assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first light-emitting device on the inner side of a vehicle window and a second light-emitting device on the inner side. The first and the second light-emitting devices are configured to selectively illuminate corresponding areas through a periphery region of the window in response to a detected change in the orientation of the vehicle.

[0007] The relevant areas are located on the outside of the window.

[0008] Another embodiment of any of the preceding assemblies according to claim 6 includes a coating in the edge region of the window. The first and second light-emitting devices illuminate the corresponding areas through holes in the coating.

[0009] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the coating is opaque.

[0010] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the coating defines a daylight opening through the window. The hole in the coating is located outside an outer edge of the daylight opening.

[0011] The first light-emitting device is positioned further away from a lateral side of the vehicle than the second light-emitting device. The second light-emitting device is configured to illuminate the corresponding areas in response to the vehicle rotating towards its lateral side.

[0012] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the first and second light-emitting devices are configured to illuminate the corresponding areas in response to the vehicle driving up or down a slope.

[0013] In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the assembly includes a third light-emitting device. The first light-emitting device is mounted horizontally between the second light-emitting device on a passenger side of the vehicle and the third light-emitting device on a driver's side of the vehicle. The first light-emitting device is configured to illuminate the area when the vehicle rotates toward the passenger side or the driver's side. The second light-emitting device is configured to illuminate the area when the vehicle rotates toward the passenger side, but not when the vehicle rotates toward the driver's side.The third light-emitting device is configured to illuminate the area when the vehicle turns towards the driver's side, but not when the vehicle turns towards the passenger's side.

[0014] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any of the foregoing assemblies, the first and the second light-emitting device each comprise at least one light-emitting diode.

[0015] A lighting assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a vehicle window. The window has an edge region. A coating covers at least a portion of the edge region. A light-emitting device is located on the inside of the window. The coating provides at least one opening to allow light from the light-emitting device to pass through the edge region.

[0016] In another non-restrictive embodiment of the above assembly, the coating defines a daylight opening through the window. The hole in the coating is located outside an outer edge of the daylight opening.

[0017] In another non-restrictive embodiment of the above assembly, the coating is opaque.

[0018] A method for illuminating an area outside a vehicle, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, includes, among other things, transmitting light from a light-emitting device on the inside of a window through a hole in a coating covering a section of the window. The light unit illuminates an area on the outside of the window.

[0019] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of the foregoing method, the light-emitting device is a first light-emitting device. The method further comprises the selective transmission of light from a second light-emitting device on the inside through the window in response to a change in the orientation of the vehicle.

[0020] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the second light-emitting device is located closer to a lateral side of the vehicle than the first light-emitting device. The second light-emitting device is switched on in response to the vehicle rotating towards its lateral side, in order to allow light to pass through the window.

[0021] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the second light-emitting device is switched on in response to the vehicle driving up or down a slope, in order to allow light to pass through the window.

[0022] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the first light-emitting device includes at least one light-emitting diode.

[0023] In another non-restrictive embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the hole is a hole in a frit.

[0024] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the coating defines a daylight opening through the window. The hole in the coating is located outside an outer edge of the daylight opening.

[0025] In a further non-restrictive embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the coating is opaque.

[0026] The invention is based on the objective of providing lighting means that are positioned on the inside of a vehicle window within a peripheral region of the vehicle window and illuminate areas in front of the vehicle to assist the vehicle operator in navigation. In particular, the lighting means of the present invention can be selectively switched on in response to a detected change in the orientation of the vehicle in order to illuminate the areas relevant to the driver, e.g., in a curve.

[0027] According to the invention, the problem is solved by a light assembly according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 10.

[0028] Another aspect of the invention is based on the objective of making the lighting means on an inside of the vehicle window invisible from the outside by means of a coating in an edge region of the vehicle window.

[0029] This further problem is solved by the features of claim 6.

[0030] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0031] The various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to a person skilled in the art from the detailed description. The figures accompanying the detailed description can be briefly described as follows: Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle containing a lighting assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 illustrates the vehicle's lighting assembly. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the lighting assembly and a window of the vehicle. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view along the plane of line 4-4 in Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 5 illustrates a close-up view of area 5 in the windshield. Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 6 illustrates a top view of a section of the vehicle. Fig. 1, when the lighting assembly illuminates an area. Fig. Figure 7 illustrates the top view from Fig. 5, if the vehicle's orientation has changed and the lighting assembly is illuminating a different area. Fig. Figure 8 illustrates the vehicle from Fig. 5, if the vehicle's orientation has changed and the lighting assembly is illuminating a different area. Fig. Figure 9 illustrates a front view of a light assembly and a window according to another exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 10 illustrates the process of an exemplary lighting procedure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] This disclosure relates to a lighting assembly that is covered by a window of the vehicle. Light passes through an edge region of the window to illuminate areas outside the vehicle. The lighting assembly is essentially concealed from an observer outside the vehicle. In some examples, the lighting assembly can be used in place of an externally mounted light bar on the vehicle.

[0033] Now, with reference to the Fig. Figures 1 to 3 include an exemplary vehicle 10, headlights 14, and a lighting assembly 18. The lighting assembly 18 can supplement the light from the headlights 14 to provide an auxiliary light source. The headlights 14 and the lighting assembly 18 are used to illuminate areas outside the interior of the vehicle 10. In this example, the areas are essentially located in front of the vehicle 10.

[0034] The lighting assembly 18 includes a variety of light-emitting devices 22. The light-emitting devices 22 illuminate when switched on to provide light from the lighting assembly 18.

[0035] In an exemplary, non-restrictive embodiment, the headlights 14 are used while the vehicle 10 is operating on the road, and the lighting assembly 18 remains switched off. When the vehicle 10 switches to off-road operation, an operator of the vehicle 10 activates a switch to turn on the lighting assembly 18. Alternatively, the lighting assembly 18 could turn on automatically. When switched on, the lighting assembly 18 supplements the light from the headlights 14 during off-road operation. Of course, the lighting assembly 18 could also be used for illumination during on-road operation, if desired. Furthermore, the light-emitting devices 22 can be used when the headlights 14 are switched off or not illuminated for any other reason. The lighting assembly 18 can also be used when the vehicle 10 is stationary or moving.

[0036] The light-emitting devices 22 of the light assembly 18 are divided in this example into a first group 26a, a second group 26b, and a third group 26c. Group 26a contains four individual light-emitting devices 22, as do the second group 26b and the third group 26c. In other examples, groups 26a, 26b, and 26c may contain fewer than four light-emitting devices 22, such as one. In other examples, groups 26a, 26b, and 26c may contain more than four light-emitting devices 22, such as eight. The number of light-emitting devices 22 in the respective groups 26a, 26b, and 26c may differ. For example, groups 26b and 26c could each contain two light-emitting devices 22, while group 26a could contain ten light-emitting devices.

[0037] In this example, the first group 26a extends along a longitudinal center line of the vehicle 10, the second group 26b is located on the passenger side of the first group 26a, and the third group 26c is located on the driver's side. The second group 26b and the third group 26c are therefore closer to the lateral sides of the vehicle 10 than the first group 26a.

[0038] The light-emitting devices 22 in this example are light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on a common carrier 30. In some examples, high-power LEDs are used. A high-power LED can emit 1200 lumens at 1 ampere in some examples. The high-power LED can comprise four individual LEDs arranged in series within a single unit. The high-power LEDs can resemble the LEDs used in the headlights 14 to reduce heat energy emissions and to match the light beams of the headlights 14. A low-power LED, in comparison to high-power LEDs, can emit 40 lumens at 0.1 ampere. Low-power LEDs can be used, for example, in interior map reading lights.

[0039] The light assembly 18 extends along a vertical upper edge of a window 38 of the vehicle 10. In this example, window 38 is a windshield. In other examples, window 38 is a rear window or a side window.

[0040] In this exemplary embodiment, the exemplary light-emitting devices 22 are essentially vertically aligned with one another. In other embodiments, the light-emitting devices 22 of the light assembly 18 or another light assembly are positioned along the lateral outer edges of the window 38.

[0041] Now, referring to the cross-sectional view in Fig. 4 and furthermore with reference to the Fig. In Figures 1-3, the light assembly 18 is positioned on an inner surface 34 of a window 38 of the vehicle 10. A bracket 42 holds the light assembly 18 relative to a frame structure 46 of the window 38. The frame structure 46 can, for example, be a reinforced steel element. In some examples, the frame structure 46 provides a heat dissipation device for the light assembly 18. Dissipating heat to the frame structure 46 can, in some examples, extend the service life of the light-emitting devices 22 by effectively distributing heat energy. The frame structure 46 can be part of the roof of the vehicle 10 or a separate, additional structure.

[0042] The window 38 is attached to the frame structure 46 by an adhesive seal 48. The adhesive seal 48 prevents contaminants and moisture from entering the interior 34 through the gap between the window 38 and the frame structure 46.

[0043] In this example, the carrier 30 is a thermally conductive printed circuit board with an aluminum core. An adhesive 50 can be used to bond the carrier 30 to the holder 42. The adhesive 50 can be a conformal thermally conductive adhesive.

[0044] A housing 54 encloses at least part of the lighting assembly 18. The housing 54 includes a gap 58 to allow light L from the light-emitting devices 22 to pass towards the window 38. The light L from the light-emitting devices 22 passes through the window 38 to illuminate areas on an outer surface 62 of the window 38 that are located outside the vehicle 10. The housing 54 protects against and controls the emission of light from the light-emitting devices 22 into the interior 34.

[0045] The light from the light-emitting device 22 can be partially controlled by a driver and control circuit 66, which is also mounted on the support 30. A light control 70 is operatively connected to the control circuit 66. The light control 70 can switch on the light-emitting devices 22 of the first group 26a, the second group 26b, the third group 26c, or combinations thereof. The intensity of the light from the light-emitting devices 22 can be controlled by the light control 70. In some examples, lenses are used to widen or narrow the beams of light L from one or more of the light-emitting devices 22. The lens can be positioned within the support 42 between the light-emitting device 22 and the window 38.

[0046] Now, with reference to Fig. 5 and further with reference to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The window 38 includes a perimeter region 74 that extends circumferentially around an outer edge area of ​​the window 38. The perimeter region 74 is at least partially covered with a coating 78. In some examples, the coating 78 is a screen print on the perimeter region 74 of the window 38. The coating 78 is referred to as a frit in some examples. The coating 78 may comprise a ceramic material. In some examples, the coating 78 is applied to the window 38 by screen printing.

[0047] In this exemplary embodiment, the coating 78 is opaque and extends circumferentially around the window 38 to define an outer edge of a daylight opening 82 through the window 38. In this exemplary non-restrictive embodiment, the coating 78 includes a continuous section 86 that transitions into a dotted section 90, which defines the outer edge region of the daylight opening 82. In this example, the dotted section 90 includes a plurality of dots 94. The diameter of the dots 94 gradually decreases in an inward direction from the continuous section 86 to the daylight opening 82.

[0048] The light assembly 18 is positioned adjacent to the edge region 74 and the light L from the light-emitting devices 22 passes through the edge region 74 to illuminate the outer surface 62.

[0049] The coating 78 includes a plurality of holes 96 to allow the light L to pass through the edge region 74 without being blocked by the coating 78. The holes 96 are generally aligned with one of the light-emitting devices 22. Since the light assembly 18 in this example includes twelve individual light-emitting devices 22, the coating 78 includes twelve corresponding holes 96 to allow illumination of the outer surface 62 by means of the light-emitting devices 22.

[0050] The holes 96 have a perimeter that, in this example, lies entirely within the coating 78 and thus outside the daylight opening 82. Specifically, the exemplary holes 96 are located entirely within the dotted section 90. In other examples, the holes 96 could be positioned within the continuous section 86 or any combination of the continuous section 86 and the dotted section 90.

[0051] When viewed from the outside 62, the light assembly 18 is essentially concealed by the coating 78. Therefore, the light assembly 18 does not detract from the overall aesthetic integrity of the vehicle.

[0052] Now, with reference to the Fig. 6 to 8 and further with reference to the Fig. 1 to 3, groups 26a, 26b, and 26c of light-emitting devices 22 can be selectively switched on in response to a change in the orientation of the vehicle 10. In an exemplary, non-restrictive embodiment, group 26a is switched on when the vehicle moves forward, as shown in Fig. Figure 6 shows that switching on group 26a, but not groups 26b and 26c, provides four beams of light L from the lighting assembly 18. One beam is emitted by each of the light-emitting devices 22 in group 26a.

[0053] In response to a detected change in the orientation of the vehicle 10, such as a rotation towards the passenger side of the vehicle 10, the second group 26b of light-emitting devices 22 can be switched on in addition to the first group 26a. This illuminates, as shown in Fig. Figure 7 shows areas on the passenger side of vehicle 10 that are traversed as vehicle 10 rotates towards the passenger side. Switching on groups 26a and 26b, but not group 26c, provides eight beams of light L from lighting assembly 18.

[0054] The light-emitting devices 22 in group 26b can be angled outwards from the centerline of the vehicle 10 to direct the light rays from group 26b outwards towards the passenger side. Furthermore, the curvature of the window 38 from the centerline of the vehicle towards the passenger side can facilitate the direction of the light rays L from group 26b towards the passenger side.

[0055] In response to the detected change, the light control unit 70 can automatically switch on the second group 26b. The light control unit 70 can receive information that allows it to assess whether or not to switch on the second group 26b. For example, the light control unit 70 could receive an input indicating that the driver has turned the steering wheel clockwise. The light control unit 70 interprets this as a detected change in the orientation of the vehicle 10. The light control unit 70 could also receive information from sensors on the vehicle 10 indicating that the vehicle 10 is rotating towards the passenger side. Additionally, information from a global positioning system could be used by the light control unit 70 to indicate that the vehicle 10 is rotating.

[0056] In response to a detected change in the orientation of the vehicle 10, such as a rotation towards the driver's side of the vehicle 10, the third group 26c of light-emitting devices 22 can be switched on in addition to the first group 26a to illuminate areas on the driver's side of the vehicle 10. This illuminates, as shown in Fig. Figure 8 shows areas on the driver's side of vehicle 10 that are traversed as vehicle 10 rotates towards the driver's side. In response to the detected change, the light control unit 70 can automatically switch on the third group 26c.

[0057] The light-emitting devices 22 in group 26c can be angled outwards from the centerline of the vehicle 10 to direct the light rays from group 26c outwards towards the driver's side. Furthermore, the curvature of the window 38 from the centerline of the vehicle towards the driver's side can facilitate the direction of the light rays L from group 26c towards the driver's side.

[0058] The light-emitting devices 22 can be switched on and off in response to a command from the light control 70. The input to the light control 70 can be automatic or manual, for example, via a controller programmable using a touchscreen. In some examples, a manual input can override an automatic input.

[0059] In a non-restrictive exemplary embodiment, the controller 70, in response to an input of information from a global positioning system indicating that the vehicle 10 is traveling on a road and therefore not off-road, switches off at least some of the light-emitting devices 22. The input can prevent the light-emitting devices 22 from being switched on when the vehicle 10 is not off-road. In such an example, the light-emitting devices 22 can only be switched on if a warning message is sent to an operator of the vehicle and an input is received from the operator that overrides the automatic switch-off. If the light-emitting devices 22 are switched on and the vehicle 10 is not off-road, a warning message, such as a visual or audible warning, could be sent to the operator.The light-emitting devices 22 can then be switched off after a threshold period has elapsed.

[0060] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the light control 70 switches on at least some of the light-emitting devices 22 when it is located in a parking garage to improve visibility and safety. For example, the light control 70 could switch on at least some of the light-emitting devices 22 in response to information from an ultrasonic parking sensor system indicating a free parking space whose width is below a threshold, such as 30 feet, and in response to information from a speed sensor system indicating that the vehicle's speed 10 is below a threshold speed, such as 5 miles per hour. In response to these inputs, the light control 70 can switch on at least some of the light-emitting devices 22 at a medium intensity to illuminate the area that could be a potential parking space.

[0061] If the light control unit 70 subsequently receives an input from the ultrasonic sensor system indicating that the distance between the vehicle 10 and surrounding structures on two or more sides of the vehicle 10 and in front of or behind the vehicle 10 is less than, for example, 1.5 feet, and the light control unit 70 further receives an input from the speed sensor system indicating that the vehicle 10 has not moved for more than, for example, 5 seconds, the light control unit 70 automatically switches off the light-emitting devices 22. The light control unit 70 interprets these inputs as indicating that the vehicle 10 has been parked and no further light is required from the light-emitting devices 22.

[0062] In an exemplary, non-restrictive embodiment, the light control 70 automatically increases the light intensity of at least some of the light-emitting devices 22 when the speed of the vehicle 10 increases. Similarly, the light control 70 can decrease the light intensity of at least some of the light-emitting devices 22 when the speed of the vehicle 10 decreases. The light control 70 can adjust the intensity by changing the current to the light-emitting devices 22.

[0063] The lighting control unit 70 can include a processor, memory, and one or more input and / or output (I / O) device interface(s) communicatively coupled via a local interface. The local interface can include, for example, one or more buses and / or other wired or wireless connections. For simplicity, the local interface may include additional elements such as controllers, caches, drivers, amplifiers, and receivers to enable communication. Furthermore, the local interface can include address, control, and / or data connections to facilitate appropriate communication between the aforementioned components.

[0064] The Light Control 70 can be a hardware device for executing software, in particular software stored in memory, which may contain one or more separate programs, each containing an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. The Light Control 70 can include a custom-made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors connected to the computing device, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), or generally any device for executing software instructions. The memory can include any type or combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., random-access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, VRAM, etc.)) and / or non-volatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard disk, tape, CD-ROM, etc.).

[0065] In a non-restrictive exemplary embodiment, an operator of the vehicle 10 can communicate with the light control unit 70 to switch the light-emitting devices 22 on or off in one or more of the groups 26a, 26b and 26c. The operator can communicate with the light control unit 70 by interacting with a user interface.

[0066] The user interface can be, for example, a touchscreen in the vehicle 10, through which information can be communicated to the driver / operator or through which the driver can communicate with the light control 70; or the user interface can be a wireless communication interface, which includes, for example, a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, or an internet browser. Additionally, the user interface can also include a wireless communication interface through which the user can communicate with the light control 70, for example, via a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, or an internet browser.

[0067] The user can interact with the user interface to, for example, cause the light control to turn on the light-emitting devices 22 in all of groups 26a, 26b, and 26c, even when the vehicle 10 is stationary or moving along a straight path. The user can turn on the light-emitting devices 22 in all of groups 26a, 26b, and 26c to maximize the area illuminated by the light-emitting devices 22. In such an example, the light-emitting devices 22 can provide a searchlight function, which could be particularly useful for police vehicles. The searchlight function could use one or more of the light-emitting devices 22 at a high intensity. The searchlight can be "directed" by turning on different light-emitting devices 22.For example, some of the light-emitting devices 22 could be directed upwards, and these light-emitting devices 22 are switched on to direct the searchlight upwards. The direction and intensity of the searchlight can be controlled by an operator, for example, via a touchscreen.

[0068] The user can also interact, for example, with a slider on a touchscreen interface inside the vehicle 10 to switch individual light-emitting devices 22 on or off. The user can effectively direct or wobble the light from the lighting assembly 18 by switching individual light-emitting devices 22 on and off as desired.

[0069] As mentioned above, the light assembly 18 can optionally include lenses assigned to one or more of the light-emitting devices. The lenses can be activated in response to a command from the light control 70, for example to widen or narrow the beam from one of the light-emitting devices 22.

[0070] Now, with reference to Fig. Figure 9 shows a light assembly 118 in another exemplary embodiment positioned such that it illuminates areas through a perimeter region 174 of a window 138. The light assembly 118 comprises groups 126a, 126b, and 126c of light-emitting devices 122 along a vertical upper edge of the window 138. The light assembly 118 further comprises groups 126d and 126e of light-emitting devices 122. Groups 126d and 126e are vertically offset from each other and from groups 126a, 126b, and 126c.

[0071] In response to a vehicle equipped with light assembly 118 traveling uphill, groups 126a-126e can be selectively switched on to illuminate areas that are vertically higher than the areas illuminated by light assembly 118 when the vehicle is moving along level ground.

[0072] When the vehicle, which has a light assembly 118, travels down a slope, the groups 126a-126e can be selectively switched on to selectively illuminate areas that are vertically lower than the areas illuminated by the light assembly 118 when the vehicle is moving along a level ground.

[0073] Although a vertical displacement is used to direct the light from the light-emitting devices 122 higher or lower, other examples could direct the light higher by activating light-emitting devices 122 that are directed upwards, and direct the light downwards by activating light-emitting devices 122 that are directed downwards. In such an example, the light-emitting devices 122 could be in the same vertical position, but their orientations could be adjusted relative to each other to project light upwards or downwards.

[0074] Now, with reference to Fig.Document 10 includes an exemplary method 200 for illuminating areas outside a vehicle, comprising a step 204 of transmitting light from a light-emitting device on the inside of a window through a hole in a coating on the window. In a step 208, the method 200 responds to a detected change in the orientation of the vehicle by transmitting light from a second light-emitting device on the inside through the window. The detected change can be an input from a driver, such as an adjustment of a steering wheel, or an actual change in the path the vehicle is traveling, such as detecting that the vehicle is turning a curve.

[0075] Features of this disclosure include light-emitting devices capable of illuminating areas outside a vehicle. The light-emitting devices are covered by a window to integrate seamlessly into the vehicle's design contour, thus avoiding the "add-on" appearance of known auxiliary lighting systems. The light-emitting device may be located adjacent to an edge region of the window that is covered by a coating. The coating conceals the light-emitting devices from observers outside the vehicle.

[0076] The foregoing description is more illustrative than restrictive. A person skilled in the art may deduce variations and modifications of the disclosed examples that do not necessarily deviate from the core of this disclosure. Therefore, the legal scope of protection afforded by this disclosure can only be determined by reading the following patent claims.

Claims

[1] Lighting assembly (18), comprising: a first light-emitting device (26a) on an inside of a window (38) of a vehicle (10); and a second light-emitting device (26b) on the inside, wherein the first and the second light-emitting device (26a, 26b) are configured to selectively illuminate corresponding areas through a perimeter region (74) of the window (38) in response to a change in the orientation of the vehicle (10), characterized by a third light-emitting device (26b), wherein the first light-emitting device (26a) is mounted horizontally between the second light-emitting device (26b) on a passenger side of the vehicle (10) and the third light-emitting device (26c) on a driver side of the vehicle (10), the first light-emitting device (26a) is configured to illuminate the area when the vehicle (10) rotates towards the passenger side or the driver's side, the second light-emitting device (26b) is configured to illuminate the area when the vehicle (10) rotates towards the passenger side, but not when the vehicle (10) rotates towards the driver's side, and the third light-emitting device (26c) is configured to illuminate the area when the vehicle (10) rotates towards the driver's side, but not when the vehicle (10) rotates towards the passenger's side. [2] Light assembly (18) according to claim 1, wherein the corresponding areas are located on an outer side (62) of the window (38). [3] Light assembly (18) according to claim 1, wherein the first light-emitting device (26a) is positioned further away from a lateral side of the vehicle (10) than the second light-emitting device (26b) and the second light-emitting device (26b) is configured to illuminate the corresponding area in response to the vehicle (10) rotating in the direction of the lateral side. [4] Light assembly (18) according to claim 1, wherein the first and second light-emitting devices (26a, 26b) are configured to illuminate the corresponding areas in response to the vehicle (10) driving up or down a slope. [5] Light assembly (18) according to claim 1, wherein the first, second and third light-emitting device (26a, 26b, 26c) each comprise at least one light-emitting diode (22). [6] Lighting assembly (18), comprising: a window (38) of a vehicle (10), wherein the window (38) has a border region (74); a coating (78) covering at least a section of the boundary region (38); and a light-emitting device (26a, 26b, 26c) on an inside of the window (38), characterized by , that the coating (78) is applied to the inside of the window (38) between the window (38) and the light-emitting device (26a, 26b, 26c) and provides at least one hole (96) to allow light from the light-emitting device (26a, 26b, 26c) to pass through the edge region (74), wherein the window (38) is a front window of the vehicle (10) and the light-emitting device (26a, 26b, 26c) is attached to an upper inside surface of the window (38) to illuminate an area in front of the vehicle (10). [7] Light assembly (18) according to claim 6, wherein the coating (78) defines a daylight opening (82) through the window (38) and the hole (96) in the coating (78) is located outside an outer edge of the daylight opening (82). [8] Light assembly (18) according to claim 6, wherein the hole (96) is a hole in a frit (78). [9] Light assembly (18) according to claim 6, wherein the coating (78) is opaque. [10] Method for illuminating an area outside a vehicle (10), comprising: Transmitting light from a first light-emitting device (26a) on an inside of a front window (10) of the vehicle (10) through a hole (96) in a coating (78) covering at least a section of the window (38), wherein the light illuminates an area on the outside (62) of the window (38) in front of the vehicle (10), characterized by the selective transmission of light from a second light-emitting device (26b) on the inside of a passenger side of the vehicle (10) through the window (38) in response to a detected change in the orientation of the vehicle (10) towards the passenger side, and the selective transmission of light from a third light-emitting device (26c) on the inside of a driver's side of the vehicle (10) through the window (38) in response to a detected change in the orientation of the vehicle (10) towards the driver's side, wherein the first light-emitting device (26a) is mounted horizontally between the second light-emitting device (26b) on the passenger side of the vehicle (10) and the third light-emitting device (26c) on the driver side of the vehicle (10). [11] Method according to claim 10, wherein the second light-emitting device (26b) is switched on in response to the vehicle (10) driving up or down a slope to allow light to pass through the window (38).

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