Multifunctional lighting module and its use

Abstract

To provide a lighting system for use in automotive applications, including a lighting system used for illuminating the characteristics of the interior of an automobile with various lighting effects.SOLUTION: An integrated lighting insert is provided for multi-functional vehicle lighting for automobiles, which has a minimum spatial requirement and provides various lighting functions in a single device that includes an electronic control module capable of being easily connected to electronic equipment in a vehicle via an interface. The insert includes: a housing and a plurality of light transmitting parts; and a plurality of light sources which are integrated into the housing, and which are configured for various predetermined functions associated with the specific applications, conditions, or stages of the automobile, respectively. An electric circuit is used together with a communication bus and individual controller circuits for controlling the lighting functions, the controller circuits being associated with the light sources, respectively.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This non - provisional patent application is related to, claims the benefit of, and incorporates by reference in its entirety, the filing date and disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 034,121, filed on June 3, 2020.

Background Art

[0002] [Field of the Invention] The present invention relates to a lighting system for automotive use, including a lighting system used to illuminate features inside an automobile with various lighting effects.

[0003] [Description of Related Art] Interior lighting in automobiles has become a desirable feature provided in many transportation vehicles, including passenger cars. The lighting system is often integrated into existing vehicle components such as doors, pillars, roofs, windows, seats, floors, storage, and / or instrument panels.

[0004] Many of the lighting systems provided in today's automobiles provide a single function, such as illuminating a specific area inside the vehicle cabin, providing ambient light for mood and comfort, decorating a part of the vehicle using various colors of light, conveying warning or safety information, and especially identifying the location of switches, buttons, and surfaces.

[0005] Designers have added these types of lighting systems to provide various specific or multiple features and functions, but at the same time, they are facing space, electrical, material, decoration, and other constraints and limitations. Furthermore, multiple lighting devices and systems scattered throughout the vehicle cabin each have their own on / off / dimming switches, electronic control modules, and individual wiring harnesses, which can complicate the already complex electrical system of the vehicle.

[0006] Due to their proximity to the driver, typical car door trims are equipped with lighting systems and devices for driver use, including integrated ambient lighting. An example is a separate safety lamp that indicates to a distant observer that the driver's door (or passenger's door) is open. Others use static, two-dimensional lighting effects. Often, door-specific lighting devices relate to various control modules or systems that require integration with other lighting systems (which may be third-party) integrated into other parts of the vehicle. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] An integrated lighting insert is needed to provide multi-functional automotive vehicle lighting that offers various lighting functions in a single device with minimal space requirements and an electronically controlled module that can be easily interfaced with the vehicle's electronics. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one embodiment, a decorative two-dimensional lighting insert is provided, intended to be incorporated into the interior door trim panel of an automobile, wherein the lighting insert has at least six sets of lighting functions that satisfy at least safety, functionality, and decorative needs.

[0009] In another embodiment, the lighting insert provides comprehensive, coordinated lighting control and system operation in a complete module or package.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, the lighting insert combines the common functions required for individual lighting components, resulting in lower overall unit and vehicle costs.

[0011] In another embodiment, the lighting insert features a decorative insert including (1) blind spot indicator lights for indicating the presence of (blind spot) traffic in adjacent lanes, (2) door open status lights (such as strobes), (3) ambient lights suitable for reading, (4) ground lighting lights (paddle lamps), (5) dynamic multi-zone two-dimensional ambient lights or dynamic multi-zone two-dimensional lights, and (6) map pocket lighting ambient / ambient lights.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, the lighting insert is adapted to control specific lighting functions, such as the use of integrated capacitive or other touch-sensitive areas incorporated into the backlit fabric area of ​​the device or other hard surfaces of the lighting insert.

[0013] Applications for lighting inserts include transport vehicles such as passenger cars, trains, trucks, recreational vehicles (RVs), buses, and aircraft.

[0014] Other applications of the lighting inserts described herein include household or office fixtures (such as smart desks, smart chairs, and smart beds), as well as electrical appliances (such as refrigerators). [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is an isometric view of a lighting insert 100 according to a part of the above embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an isometric view showing a lighting insert 100 of the type shown in Figure 1, mounted on a vehicle door panel 200. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the lighting insert shown in Figure 1, which is mounted on the door panel. [Figure 4] This block diagram shows various electrical, circuit, and component parts of a lighting insert. [Figure 5A] This is a schematic block diagram showing various components of an embodiment of a touch device for a lighting insert. [Figure 5B]This is a schematic block diagram showing various components of an embodiment of a touch device for a lighting insert. [Figure 6] This is a block wire diagram of some of the electrical components of a lighting insert. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Some preferred embodiments of the present invention are described for illustrative purposes, and it will be understood that the present invention may be embodied in other forms not specifically described below and / or shown in the drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a lighting insert 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The lighting insert 100 can take the general shape shown in the figure, or it can be molded to fit decorative, angular, and / or arcuate shapes and surfaces of a component or panel into which the lighting insert 100 is mounted, embedded, or otherwise integrated, such as surface shapes popular in automotive interior design. In one embodiment, the lighting insert 100 is designed to be integrated inside a vehicle door panel.

[0018] The lighting insert 100 includes a housing portion 102 which may be elongated as shown or have any other shape. The housing 102 may include a back side (not shown) configured to be adjacent to at least a portion of another device or surface, and a front side (shown) opposite the back side which has a surface facing the interior of the vehicle compartment. The housing 102 may also include left and right sides (left side shown) at both ends of the housing 102.

[0019] The front side of the housing 102 can include one or more decorative surfaces, including but not limited to surfaces with relief patterns provided by machining, engraving, or etching on the surface, or formed by a molded form. Further, the front side of the housing 102 can include a fabric or material layer on one side of the substrate. The fabric or material can match or be coordinated with the fabric or material of the door panel to which the lighting insert 100 is attached. For example, the fabric or material can be a polymer material, or a naturally derived material such as wood or leather commonly found in the interior of an automobile.

[0020] The substrate to which the fabric or material is attached can be any suitable metal, alloy, carbon fiber, polymer substance, or combination of those materials that meets specific requirements including but not limited to requirements for rigidity, vibration, flexibility, stiffness, acoustic properties, heat resistance, and weight. In particular, assuming that multiple lighting functions are concentrated in a single lighting insert, the substrate should be composed of materials and structures that conduct excess thermal energy to a heat sink (which can be a vehicle component and the environment outside the vehicle) while avoiding overheating on the surface that a vehicle passenger may contact. By selecting an appropriate material as the substrate of the housing 102, temperature monitoring can be avoided.

[0021] The housing 102 can optionally include an internal cavity portion 104 for receiving another component or device therein. The internal cavity portion 104 can be an elongated notch, groove, or slot as shown, or the internal cavity portion 104 can have some other shape. The surface of the cavity portion 104 can include one or more decorative surfaces, including but not limited to surfaces with relief patterns provided by machining, engraving, or etching on the surface, or formed by a molded form, similar to the rest of the housing 102. Alternatively, the surface of the cavity portion 104 can include a fabric or material layer that overlays the substrate.

[0022] The housing 102 can include one or more light generation and transmission devices, including a backlit fabric area light 106, a safety flasher light 108, a blind spot presence indicator light 110, a reading lamp 112, a floor illumination lamp 114, and a map pocket ambient illumination lamp 116. Each of the individual lighting devices can have a unique function or can perform multiple functions, as described below.

[0023] The backlit fabric area light 106 can include a light source that covers the aforementioned fabric or material. The particular weave density of the fabric and / or material is such that a portion of the light generated by the light source can be diffused towards the side visible to an observer inside the vehicle. In one embodiment, the light source can be one or more LEDs linearly arranged along the length of the backlit area 106 (or a portion of the backlit area). In another embodiment, the light source can include one or more LEDs optically coupled to one or more linear or curved light bars extending along the length of the backlit area 106 (or a portion of the backlit area). In yet another embodiment, the light source can be a single light source or multiple light sources disposed in front of a reflector of a suitable shape extending along the length of the backlit area 106 (or a portion of the backlit area). Other means for backlighting the fabric or material to provide diffused light are also contemplated.

[0024] The safety flasher light 108 may be positioned at the end of a housing 102 corresponding to the free edge (without hinges) of a car door panel to provide illumination to warn others that the door is open. In one embodiment, the flasher 108 may include multiple (e.g., three) LEDs (each an RGB LED) that light up at the start of a flashing sequence and turn off at the end of the period to provide a strobe light effect that is very visible to distant observers such as nearby vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. The LEDs may be designed to output a specific desired color. In another embodiment, a lens may be used so that the primary visible color transmitted to the observer is a desired color such as red, and may be made from a specific material and molded.

[0025] A blind spot indicator light 110 may be positioned along the top of the housing 102 to indicate to the vehicle driver the presence of (blind spot) traffic in an adjacent lane. In one embodiment, the blind spot indicator light and lens 110 may be associated with one or more blind spot sensors around the vehicle and may be automatically illuminated at the start of a sequence and turned off at the end of a period to provide a stationary or flashing light effect that is at least sufficiently visible in the driver's peripheral vision. In one embodiment, the light source may include multiple (e.g., three) LEDs (each an RGB LED). The LEDs may be designed to output a specific desired color, for example, orange. In another embodiment, a lens may be used so that the primary visible color transmitted to the observer is a desired color, and may be made from a specific material and molded.

[0026] The reading lamp 112 may be positioned along the top of the housing 102 below the blind spot presence indicator light and lens 110 to provide light with sufficient brightness and color for reading. In one embodiment, the light turns on when the position of a switch connected to the light is manually changed from the power off position to the power on position, and the light may remain powered on for a period of time or when some new state is triggered (e.g., a door is opened or the vehicle is turned off). In one embodiment, the light may include multiple (e.g., three) LEDs (each an RGB LED). The LEDs may be designed to output a specific desired color. In another embodiment, the lens may be made from a specific material and molded so that the primary visible color transmitted to the observer is a desired color.

[0027] Ground lighting lamps 114 (also known as paddle lamps) may be positioned along the bottom of the housing 102 to project light of sufficient brightness and color downward onto the ground when the vehicle doors are opened for passengers to enter or exit the vehicle, or when passengers approach the vehicle doors from the outside. While intended for passenger safety and comfort, these lights may also provide visual indication to others or display letters or shapes, such as logos, on the ground. In one embodiment, the lights may remain illuminated as long as a sensor outputs a signal indicating that the door is in the open position or detects the presence of an electronic device such as a key fob, mobile phone, or token generator. In one embodiment, the light may include multiple (e.g., three) LEDs (each an RGB LED). The LEDs may be designed to output a specific desired color. In another embodiment, a lens may be used, made from a specific material and molded, so that the primary visible color transmitted to the ground is a desired color.

[0028] The map pocket ambient lighting lamp 116 may be positioned along the bottom of the housing 102 to project light with sufficient brightness and color downwards into the map pocket, typically located at the bottom of the inner vehicle door panel if a map pocket is provided. If a map pocket is not provided, the light provides general ambient / ambient lighting around the bottom of the door and the peripheral portions of the vehicle's door sill and floor. In one embodiment, the light may remain lit as long as power is supplied to it, and may remain lit after a certain period of time or be switched off. In one embodiment, the light may include multiple (e.g., three) LEDs (each an RGB LED). The LEDs may be designed to output a specific desired color. In another embodiment, a lens may be used so that the primary visible color transmitted to the map pocket or floor is a desired color, and may be made from a specific material and molded.

[0029] In other embodiments, some of the lights described above can serve multiple purposes and illuminate multiple areas or zones of the vehicle. For example, the map pocket ambient lighting lamp 116 can also function as a ground lighting lamp 114, and vice versa.

[0030] Now, turning to Figure 2, we see a cross-sectional view of the lighting insert 100 from the left side of the lighting insert 100 in Figure 1. In addition to the elements described above, this figure illustrates an opening, gap, or through-hole 202 that passes through the cavity 104 from the front side of the cavity 104 to the back side of the housing 102. The opening 202 may be a single through-hole (circular, square, or any other shape), or it may be a groove or slot-shaped opening that extends laterally along all or part of the length of the cavity 104. The opening 202 may allow for the mounting of an armrest or provide additional lighting, as best shown in Figure 3.

[0031] Now, looking at Figure 3, we see an isometric view of a lighting insert 100 mounted on a vehicle door panel 300. In the embodiment shown, the door panel includes a map pocket or storage cavity 302 and an armrest 304. The armrest 304 is inserted into the cavity portion 104 of the housing 102 and extends away from the door panel 300.

[0032] In one embodiment, light rays “beams” from various light sources are shown projected from each individual light source as a single point of light or as a single LED (or a group of LEDs arranged in close proximity to each other). In another embodiment, light rays emitted from a portion of the light sources can be continuously distributed along the length of the lighting insert 100. This can be achieved by using one or more elongated light pipes or light covers having a shape sufficient to diffuse light from a single light source and make it appear as if the light is coming from multiple light sources. If light pipes are used, the light pipes can be optically coupled to the LEDs to distribute the light from the LEDs along the entire length of the pipe.

[0033] Light directionality can be achieved by using one or more optical lenses and / or light pipes, and / or top-fire and side-fire LEDs, and / or flexible PCBs. Any suitable lens or reflector can be used to direct and project light from the light source. In one embodiment, one or more surfaces of the light pipe or light cover / lens can be coated with a reflective or opaque material, or otherwise positioned, bent, faceted, or molded, so that light is transmitted in one or more desired predetermined directions and one or more predetermined divergence angles.

[0034] For example, in one embodiment, when powered on, the blind spot indicator light 110 can transmit light that is projected through a spatial area inside the vehicle, partially defined by a flat surface 310, which is a spatial area that is presumed to be best visible to the driver when seated in a typical driving position.

[0035] In another example, when the reading lamp 112 is powered on, it can transmit light that projects through a spatial area partially defined by a flat surface 312, which may include the lower seat cushion and center console area of ​​the vehicle. As shown, the direction of light from the reading lamp 112 is mainly set at a different angle from the direction of light from the blind spot presence indicator light 110, and furthermore, the flat surfaces 310 and 312 do not have to be parallel to each other.

[0036] In yet another example, when powered on, the ground lighting lamp 114 can transmit light that is projected through a spatial area partially defined by a flat surface 314, which may be a specific area on the ground outside the vehicle.

[0037] The directionality and spread of light can be manually altered by reorienting various light sources, lenses, or light pipes from one configuration to a second, different configuration. Alternatively, the directionality and spread of light can be altered by switching from one type of light source that is powered on to another type of light source that is configured differently.

[0038] Turning to Figure 4, we see a cross-sectional view of the lighting insert 100 and door panel 300 from Figure 3. In one embodiment, one or more mechanical fasteners 402 (only one is shown) may be used to connect the door armrest 304 to the vehicle door panel 300 (or a part thereof). The mechanical fasteners 402 may be one or a combination of different types of fasteners, such as bolts or screws. Access to each of the mechanical fasteners 402 may be achieved by a corresponding through-hole 404 (only one is shown).

[0039] In each of Figures 1 to 4, the housing 102 may include a touch control area 118 for sensing the presence of a human finger as an input for controlling various lighting functions of the lighting insert 100. The touch control area 118 is part of a touch control system 500, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, which includes one or more touch sensors 502, a controller 504 for receiving input from the touch sensors 502, and one or more output drivers 506a for receiving output from the controller 504, or a LIN transceiver 506b for receiving output from the controller 504. The touch control system 500 may also include a power regulator 508 for receiving power or input from a power supply and for supplying power to the controller 504. The touch control system 500 can provide direct outputs to individual controllers of various lighting functions via the output drivers 506a, or provide outputs to a vehicle local interconnect network (LIN) bus via the LIN transceiver 506b (as shown in Figure 6). The touch controller 504 can be combined with a lighting controller. Output from the touch controller or touch subsystem of the multipurpose controller passes through either the output driver or LIN. Other automotive networks such as CAN, Automotive Ethernet, and FlexRay may be used instead of LIN.

[0040] The touch sensor 502 may be one or more capacitive sensors, field-effect sensors, or other forms of sensor electrodes. The touch sensor 502 may include a touchpad beneath the fabric or material of the touch control area 118 (or the touchpad may be directly visible without the fabric or material overlaying it). The touchpad comprises sensing electrodes of one or more touch sensors 502. The sensing electrodes may receive input from or provide input to the controller 504. The touch sensor 502 may be embedded within the backlit fabric area 106 of the housing 102, or otherwise located within the backlit fabric area 106, as shown in Figure 1. The backlit fabric area light 106 may illuminate the touch control area 118 for visual visibility.

[0041] In one embodiment, there may be a plurality of touch control areas 118 spaced apart along a backlit fabric area 106, one of which may be selected by the user based on personal preference for use in controlling various lighting functions. For example, the user may want the touch control area 118 to be positioned closer to the front of the vehicle. Then, the unselected touch control areas are disabled and not illuminated in a way that is noticeable to the user (only the selected touch control area 118 is illuminated).

[0042] In other embodiments, the touch sensor 502 may be embedded in another part of the vehicle, or otherwise located within or on another part of the vehicle, for example, within or on different parts of the housing 102.

[0043] The controller 504 may be, for example, a microcontroller. The controller 504 may consist of various hardware and software components that can provide sufficient drive or excitation signals to the touch sensor 502, receive signals from the touch sensor 502, and / or determine whether the touch sensor 502 accepts a valid touch as a function of one or more of the aforementioned signals. The controller 504 may also be configured to receive signals from other sensors (e.g., a temperature sensor) as needed, and determine whether the touch sensor 502 accepts a valid touch as a function of signals received from such other sensors.

[0044] In one embodiment, the controller 504 may be configured to provide one or more signals to one or more output drivers 506. These signals can place each output driver 506 into one or more specific states. For example, an output driver 506 may be configured to change one of the aforementioned light sources based on the vehicle's stage or state (e.g., the door is open).

[0045] Now, looking at Figure 6, we see a block diagram 600 depicting the various electrical, circuitry, and components of the lighting insert 100. The circuitry shown includes five LED array controller nodes 602, 604, 606, 608, and 610 on the LIN bus, with the first node 602 being the master LED array controller node. The other nodes are connected in series with the first (master) node 602.

[0046] Each controller may be powered by a local power supply 614 that receives power from the vehicle's power supply 612 (battery). A power bus 616 provides separate power to each controller node.

[0047] Each controller node on the LIN bus may be controlled by a multiplexer 626 that provides true time-division multiplexing to operate all lighting functions simultaneously. In one embodiment, the multiplexer may include simple "bank switching" so that certain lighting functions are mutually exclusive (e.g., blind spot LEDs and paddle lamp LEDs).

[0048] Input from the aforementioned touch control system 500 provides a multi-zone RGB LED controller for each of the light sources. For example, a multi-zone controller for the backlit fabric area lights 106 may be used to provide pattern animations for occupant entertainment and other functions. The patterns may be random shifts in color and brightness intensity along a portion of the backlit fabric area, or emulations of specific natural phenomena such as aurora, wind-blown grass, ripples in water, fire, or other visual effects.

[0049] In yet another embodiment, an additional multizone controller may be used with a blind spot presence indicator light 110 to provide a visual indication of the direction of adjacent traffic, which can be communicated, for example, by emitting light along a light pipe from rear to front in a strobe manner as a vehicle approaches and then passes. Another multizone controller may be used with a reading lamp 112 to provide a lighting area that can be adjusted by the user.

[0050] Common, interconnected control of integrated lighting functions can be provided to create various operating modes. For example, the controller can automatically dim the backlit fabric area light 106 and / or reading lamp 112 when the blind spot presence indicator light 110 is enabled.

[0051] As shown, a common communication circuit and software module (bus) may be provided to interface with the vehicle platform. For example, the module could be a single wire LIN, which would provide economic benefits by reducing the number of wires passing from the vehicle body to the door. The single wire could communicate signals to control all the lighting functions of the lighting insert 100. Alternatively, the communication bus could be CAN or Ethernet, or they could be utilized. Other communication protocols that could be used include SAE (e.g., J1939), ISO (e.g., 14229), UDS, and wireless.

[0052] While certain currently preferred embodiments of the disclosed invention are specifically described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications of the various embodiments shown and described herein can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is intended to be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims and applicable laws and regulations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 100 Lighting Inserts 102 Housing 104 Cavity section 106 Backlit Fabric Area 108 Safety flasher lights 110 Blind Spot Presence Indicator Light 112 Reading Lamp 114 Ground lighting lamps 116 Map Pocket Ambient Lighting Lamp 118 Touch control area 200 Vehicle Door Panel 202 Opening / Through Hole 300 Door Panel 302 Map pocket or storage cavity 304 Armrest 310 flat surface 312 Flat surface 314 Flat surface 402 Mechanical fasteners 404 Through hole 500 Touch Control System 502 Touch Sensor 504 Touch Controller 506 Output Driver 506a Output Driver 506b Transceiver 508 Power regulator 600 Block Diagram 602 First (Master) Node / LED Array Controller Node 604 LED Array Controller Node 606 LED Array Controller Node 608 LED Array Controller Node 610 LED Array Controller Nodes 612 Vehicle power supply 614 Local power supply 616 Electric Bus 626 Multiplexer

Claims

1. A multipurpose lighting assembly for integration into the interior panels of an automobile, A rear side configured to be adjacent to at least a portion of the panel, a front side opposite the rear side having a surface facing the interior space of the automobile, and an elongated housing having a plurality of light-transmitting portions, A plurality of light sources integrated into the housing, each of which light sources is associated with each of the plurality of light-transmitting parts for outputting light, and each of the plurality of light sources is configured for various predetermined functions associated with a particular use, state, or stage of the automobile, The system comprises a communication bus and an electrical circuit having a plurality of individual controller circuits associated with the light-transmitting portion of each of the plurality of light sources for controlling the predetermined functions of the light sources, The interior panel of the automobile adjacent to the housing of the lighting assembly is a door panel insert. The housing is configured to receive all or part of an armrest in a cavity therein, and is a lighting assembly.

2. The lighting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the use of the vehicle includes a driving use, the state of the vehicle includes a stopped state, and the stage of the vehicle includes a door open state.

3. The electrical circuit further comprises at least one touch control device for receiving user input, wherein the touch control device is electrically connected to the aforementioned electrical circuit. One or more touch sensors; A controller for receiving input from the aforementioned touch sensor, One or more output drivers for receiving output from the controller, The lighting assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a power regulator for receiving power or input from a power supply and for supplying power to the controller.

4. The lighting assembly according to claim 3, further comprising a plurality of touch control devices spaced apart along a backlit fabric region, each of the plurality of touch control devices being selectable by a user for use in controlling the plurality of light sources, and being illuminated when selected by the user and disabled without illumination when not selected by the user.

5. The lighting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light sources include two or more light sources selected from the group consisting of blind spot indicator lights for indicating the presence of an object approaching the vehicle, door open lights for indicating the open state of a door, ambient reading lights, ground lighting lights for projecting words, shapes, or symbols onto the ground outside the vehicle, dynamic multi-zone two-dimensional ambient lighting, and map pocket lighting lights.

6. The lighting assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a mounting device for attaching the housing to the panel, wherein the mounting device is a clip, fastener, or adhesive.

7. The lighting assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a wire harness for carrying wires from each of the plurality of light sources to a connector, wherein the connector is configured for connection to the electrical system of the vehicle.

8. The lighting assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of light sources integrated into the housing is adapted to transmit light from there in one or more predetermined directions and divergence angles.

9. The lighting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of individual controllers include a multizone LED controller that produces a visual pattern animation or other lighting effect by using the plurality of light sources simultaneously.

10. The lighting assembly according to claim 1, wherein a blind spot indicator light and a reading ambient light for indicating the presence of an object approaching the vehicle are positioned above the armrest, and a ground lighting light and a map pocket lighting light for projecting words, shapes, or symbols onto the ground outside the vehicle are positioned below the armrest.

11. The lighting assembly according to claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of light sources includes an elongated backlit fabric region light source for displaying a pattern animation.

12. The lighting assembly according to claim 11, further comprising a multizone controller for backlit fabric area lights to control a plurality of individual lights and to produce the pattern animation, wherein the pattern animation comprises one or more of random color and brightness intensities shifting along a portion of the backlit fabric area and emulations of natural phenomena.

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