Vehicle perimeter lighting system

Abstract

A vehicle perimeter lighting system designed to enhance safety and visibility around a vehicle includes a plurality of lamps mounted around the exterior perimeter of the vehicle, each lamp equipped with an optical system that includes a reflector and lens to direct light for uniform ground illumination. A control unit is operatively connected to the lamps, configured to activate them based on predetermined conditions such as vehicle entry, exit, or low ambient light levels. This arrangement ensures comprehensive illumination coverage around the vehicle, improving safety for occupants and pedestrians while maintaining aesthetic integration with the vehicle's design.

Description

VEHICLE PERIMETER LIGHTING SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to US provisional application no.63 / 779,949, filed on March 28, 2025, which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to automotive lighting systems, including vehicle perimeter lighting systems.BACKGROUND

[0003] Vehicle perimeter lighting systems are important components in modern automotive design, providing illumination around the vehicle's exterior. These systems typically consist of strategically placed lamps that emit light to enhance visibility and safety for both the vehicle occupants and pedestrians. The primary applications of vehicle perimeter lighting include illuminating the ground around the vehicle to prevent accidents, assisting in vehicle entry and exit, and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of an example arrangement of lamps in a vehicle perimeter lighting system for ground illumination coverage.

[0005] FIG. 2 is a side diagrammatic view of an example placement of perimeter lamps on a vehicle for ground illumination.

[0006] FIG. 3 is a front diagrammatic view of the example vehicle perimeter lighting system's integration on a truck model.

[0007] FIG. 4 is a side diagrammatic view illustrating a portion of an example vehicle equipped with a perimeter lighting system.

[0008] FIG. 5 is a side diagrammatic view illustrating a portion of an example vehicle equipped with a perimeter lighting system.

[0009] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view illustrating example coverage of the vehicle perimeter lighting system.

[0010] FIGS. 7A and 7B are front and side views, respectively, of an example lamp for use in the vehicle perimeter lighting system of FIGS. 1-6.

[0011] FIG. 8 is a perspective diagrammatic view of the example lamp of FIGS. 7 A and 7B.

[0012] FIG. 9 is a perspective diagrammatic view of a portion of the lamp of FIGS. 7A-8.

[0013] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view illustrating an example optical design for the lamp of FIGS. 7A-9.

[0014] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view illustrating an example light distribution pattern from the lamp of FIGS. 7A-10.

[0015] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example vehicle perimeter lighting system.

[0016] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an example lamp for use in a vehicle perimeter lighting system.

[0017] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a portion of the lamp of FIG. 13.

[0018] FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a portion of the lamp of FIG. 13.

[0019] FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of a portion of the lamp of FIG. 13.

[0020] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a reflector of the lamp of FIG. 13.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] In the automotive industry, perimeter lighting systems are used to provide comprehensive illumination around the vehicle. This involves creating a uniform light distribution that covers the entire perimeter of the vehicle, thereby enhancing safety and convenience. Such systems aim to prevent accidents by illuminating potential hazards on the ground, assist drivers and passengers during vehicle entry and exit, and improve the overall visibility of the vehicle in low-light conditions. Additionally, these systems can be integrated into existing vehicle lighting assemblies, offering a seamless and aesthetically pleasing solution.

[0022] Achieving complete and uniform illumination around a vehicle presents several challenges. Traditional lighting systems often fail to provide adequate coverage, leaving certain areas around the vehicle insufficiently lit. This can result in safety hazards, as obstacles or uneven surfaces may go unnoticed. Furthermore, integrating additional lightingcomponents into existing vehicle designs without compromising aesthetics or functionality can be difficult. The need for compact, efficient, and effective lighting solutions that can be easily incorporated into various vehicle models remains a significant obstacle in the field.

[0023] The instant disclosure improves upon existing perimeter lighting systems by providing a plurality of miniature lamps disposed on an exterior of the vehicle to provide illumination around the complete front and sides of the vehicle and, in embodiments, also the rear of the vehicle. The miniature lamps may be disposed in or in conjunction with existing lighting and reflective components so as to be usable without substantial changes to the design or aesthetics of the vehicle. The optics of the lamps can be particular to the location at which the lamp will be disposed on the vehicle to create a relatively uniform light output in a continuous perimeter around the vehicle, in contrast to existing systems that have gaps in light output.

[0024] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the same or similar features in the various views, FIGS. 1-6 illustrate an example vehicle perimeter lighting system 100 deployed on a semi truck. The system 100 may include a plurality of lamps 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, 102e, 102f, 102g (which may be referred to individually as a lamp 102 or collectively as the lamps 102) disposed on an exterior of the vehicle. For example, a first lamp 102a may be disposed in a lit logo on or proximate the front grille of the vehicle, second and third lamps 102b, 102c may be disposed above the passenger- side and driver-side doors, respectively, of the vehicle, fourth and fifth lamps 102d, 102e disposed forward of the rear wheel on the passenger and driver sides, respectively, and sixth and seventh lamps 102f, 102g disposed rearward of the rear wheel on the passenger and driver sides, respectively.

[0025] As illustrated, the lamps 102 may be disposed on a lateral exterior of the vehicle. For example, the lamps 102 may be disposed in or on the front grille, lateral reflectors and light structures, lateral running boards, lateral body panels, etc., instead of on the roof and / or under the vehicle. Placement of the lamps on lateral surfaces may provide unobstructed output of light from the lamps to the ground around the vehicle, in contrast to lights disposed under the vehicle, which may be obstructed by the tires.

[0026] Each lamp 102 in the system 100 may include an optical system, and the particular optical system arrangement for a lamp 102 may be based on the location of the lamp 102 on the vehicle. For example, one or more lamps 102 may include an optical system with an LED and a reflector, as will be described below. The reflector may be configured to direct the light emitted from the lamps, optimizing the distribution pattern to achievecomprehensive illumination around the vehicle. The lamp optical systems may ensure that the light coverage of the system is substantially uniform, thereby enhancing visibility and safety for both vehicle occupants and pedestrians.

[0027] The lamps 102 may be positioned to utilize existing light and reflector locations on the vehicle, as well as to achieve a substantially uniform light distribution around the vehicle perimeter. For example, the first lamp 102a may be disposed in a lit logo component on the front of the vehicle, the second and third lamps 102b, 102c may be integrated into or placed next to outline markers above the doors of the vehicle, and the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh lamps 102d, 102e, 102f, 102g may be integrated into or placed next to side turn indicators or side marker units of the vehicle.

[0028] In some embodiments, one or more of (e.g., a plurality of) the lamps 102 in the system 100 may be disposed 500 mm or less above the ground. Low placement of the lamps 102 may enable lower-power LEDs to create a desired lux output level relative to higher-placed lamps. In combination, one or more lamps may be disposed higher, such as 2.7 to 3 meters above the ground (e.g., above a passenger door).

[0029] In some embodiments, the light output of the system 100 may be configured for ambient lighting and safety while the vehicle is stationary. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6, the system may generate a relatively low-lux output on the ground around the vehicle. For example, the output may be in the range of 10-100 lux. In some embodiments, the output may be approximately 20 lux.

[0030] In some embodiments, one or more lamps 102 may include a motion sensor, a light sensor, and / or one or more other sensors to determine one or more predetermined conditions, such as an approaching pedestrian during low light conditions. In response to the one or more predetermined conditions, the lamp 102 may activate. Thus, in some embodiments, one or more of the lamps 102 (e.g., each lamp 102 or a subset of the lamps 102) may be configured for independent automatic activation. In other embodiments, the lamps may be centrally controlled, as discussed below in connection with FIG. 12.

[0031] FIG. 7A-9 illustrate an example reflector-based lamp 700 (where certain components are removed for clarity of illustration in FIG. 9). The lamp 700 may include a light-emitting diode (FED) 702 affixed to a printed circuit board (PCB) 704 disposed within a housing 706. The lamp 700 may further include a reflector 708 configured to reflect and disperse the light output of the FED 702 in a desired pattern, a shade 710 arranged proximate to the FED 702 configured to prevent light output at an angle where not desired, and an outer lens 712 that, along with the housing 706, defines an enclosure for the PCB 704, FED 702,reflector 708, and shade 710.

[0032] The LED 702 may output light in the range of 200-400 lumens. In some embodiments, the LED 702 may output light at approximately 300 lumens. The LED 702 may output white light, or light of another desired color. In some embodiments, the LED 702 may include multiple different LEDs of different colors, and may have a selectable color output. For example, in some embodiments, the LED 702 may include three LEDs, which may be a turquoise LED, an amber LED, and a white LED. Each LED may be associated with its own respective reflector 708. The brightness output of the LED 702 may also be selectable, in some embodiments.

[0033] The reflector 708 may be sized, shaped, and arranged so as to direct and control the light emitted by the LED 702 to generate a desired output light pattern. In some embodiments, the reflector 708 may be a freeform concave shape. In some embodiments, the reflector 708 may be a parabolic shape. The specific size, shape, and arrangement of a reflector 708 included in a lamp 700 disposed above a vehicle door may be different from a reflector 708 included in a lamp 700 disposed proximate to a wheel. The reflector 708 may be metallized and may reflect 85% or more of the light that strikes it.

[0034] The shade 710 may be sized, shaped, and arranged to block or prevent light from being emitted at certain angles from the lamp 700 where it is not desired. The shade 710 may help focus the light output in specific directions, enhancing the efficiency of the lamp 700. The shade 710 may also reduce glare from the lamp 700 by controlling the angles at which light is emitted. Like the reflector 708, the specific size, shape, and arrangement of the shade 710 may depend on the location of its deployment, and a shade 710 included in a lamp 700 disposed above a vehicle door may be different from a shade 710 included in a lamp 700 disposed proximate to a wheel.

[0035] The housing 706 may be black and made of a light-absorbing material, in some embodiments. Similarly, the shade 710 may be black and be made of a light-absorbing material.

[0036] Each lamp 700 may be relatively small so as to fit into or proximate existing lighting assemblies. For example, the lamp of FIGS. 7A-9 may be 100 mm or less in width and depth, and 75 mm or less in height.

[0037] As shown, the reflector 708 and the shade 710 may be manufactured as different components and assembled together in the lamp, in some embodiments. For example, the shade 710 may be coupled directly to the housing (e.g., with screws or other fasteners, and / or by being seated in a defined receiving portion of the housing), and the reflector 708 may becoupled to the shade 710 and / or to the housing 706, again via screws or other fasteners, and / or being seated in or otherwise coupled to a receiving portion or formation of the housing 706 and / or shade 710.

[0038] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the reflector 708 and the shade 710 may be made from a monolithic body of material, and both the reflector 708 and the shade 710 may be metallized. Although a metallized shade may result in a larger amount of light emission around the shade (relative to a non-metallized black shade), that differential may be relatively low, and the single-body construction may enable simplified manufacturing and assembly.

[0039] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate an example light dispersion of the lamp 700. As shown, light from the LED 702 is reflected by the reflector 708 and partially blocked by the shield 710 to create a wide dispersion pattern.

[0040] In some embodiments, a lamp may include a micro-lens array to create a desired shape or image output. For example, a lamp may include a first LED arranged with a reflector and shade, as disclosed above, and a second LED arranged with a micro-lens array. The micro-lens array may be disposed in the housing and arranged so as to create a desired shape or shapes on the ground next to the vehicle. For example, the micro-lens array may be arranged so as to define an arrow pointing to a flat tire, text, or other useful information.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1-11, in some embodiments, each lamp 102 may be a reflector-based lamp, such as the lamp 700. In some embodiments, one or more lamps 102 may, instead of being reflector-based, be a projector-based lamp. Such a projector-based lamp may include an LED 702 and one or more (e.g., a plurality of) lenses configured to direct light from the LED 702 in a desired pattern. Still further, other types of lamps may find use in the system 100, such as total internal reflection optics (e.g., light pipes, light blades), optically diffusing materials and etchings, laser lamps, halogen lamps, high-intensity discharge lamps, plasma lamps, and the like.

[0042] In some embodiments, one or more of the lamps 102 may include total internal reflection optics instead of, or in addition to, a reflector-based or projector-based optical arrangement. For example, a lamp 102 may include a light pipe or a light blade optically coupled to one or more LEDs and configured to receive light emitted by the one or more LEDs and guide, redirect, distribute, or shape the light into a desired output pattern. The light pipe or light blade may be configured to provide a relatively elongated illuminated region, a laterally distributed light output, and / or a defined perimeter lighting pattern on the ground adjacent the vehicle. In some embodiments, the particular size, shape, curvature, surface treatment, and output geometry of the light pipe or light blade may vary depending on themounting location of the lamp 102 on the vehicle and the desired illumination pattern for that location.

[0043] In some embodiments, the various optical approaches of this disclosure may be mixed within a single vehicle, for example reflector-based lamps at some mounting locations and projector-based or total-intemal-reflection optics at others.

[0044] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the control architecture of the vehicle perimeter lighting system 100. The system 100 includes a controller 1200 that may serve as a central processing unit for managing the operation of the perimeter lighting system.Accordingly, the controller 1200 may be in communication with a plurality of lamps of the system, such as lamp 102a, lamp 102b, lamp 102c, . . . lamp 102n. The controller 1200 may transmit control signals to the lamps 102 to control the output of the lamps 102. For example, the controller may control the on / off state, brightness, and / or color of each lamp 102.

[0045] The controller 1200 may be connected to a vehicle data bus 1202, such as a CAN bus, from which the controller 1200 retrieves vehicle state data that it may use to control the plurality of lamps 102 of the system. For example, the controller 1200 may retrieve a door state 1204 (e.g., open or closed state of one or more doors), a lock state 1206 (e.g., locked or unlocked), an ignition state 1208 (e.g., ON, OFF, or ACCESSORY), and / or an ambient light level 1210 as determined by appropriate sensors and systems on the vehicle.

[0046] Still further, the controller 1200 may be coupled (e.g., electrically coupled) with a user input mechanism 1212, such as a switch in the cabin, setting in an electronic interface accessible to the user in the cabin, a switch on the exterior of the vehicle, etc. In some embodiments, the user input 1212 may be output to, and retrieved by the controller 1200 from, the vehicle data bus 1202.

[0047] Each lamp 102 may include or otherwise be associated with a respective proximity sensor 1214, with each proximity sensor providing data to the data bus 1202. The proximity sensors 1214a, 1214b, 1214c, . . . 1214n may detect the presence of a driver or other person to the exterior of the vehicle and output data indicative of such a presence to the data bus 1202.

[0048] In some embodiments, the controller 1200 may be configured to activate, deactivate, and otherwise control the lamps 102 based on the door state 1204, the lock state 1206, the ignition state 1208, the ambient light level 1210, and / or the user input 1212. For example, the controller 1200 may automatically activate the lamps 102 when the lock state 1206 transitions from locked to unlocked and the vehicle state is off, which may indicate thatthe driver is approaching the vehicle. In another example, the controller 1200 may automatically activate the lamps 102 when the door state 1204 transitions from closed to open and the ignition state 1208 is off, which may indicate that the driver is exiting the vehicle. In another example, the controller may automatically activate the lamps when the ignition state 1208 transitions from on to off, and / or when the ignition state 1208 is in accessory mode, combined with the ambient light level being below a threshold, indicating that the driver has turned off the vehicle and may be exiting in dark conditions soon. In yet another example, the user input may act as an override to any automated control of the perimeter lighting system. That is, the controller may activate the perimeter lamps when the user input selects an ON state, and / or deactivate the perimeter lamps when the user selects an OFF state.

[0049] In other embodiments, the controller 1200 may retrieve emergency state information from the vehicle data bus 1202, such as messages indicative of a flat tire, a runaway condition, a collision, etc., and automatically activate the lamps 102 in response to such an emergency condition. Still further, the controller 1200 may determine based on data from the vehicle data bus 1202 that an intruder is approaching the vehicle and, in response, automatically activate the lamps 102. For example, the controller 1200 may determine that an ignition state 1208 is indicative of a passenger being present in the vehicle and sleeping, and may detect an approaching individual via external motion sensor (e.g., radar, camera, LIDAR, etc.), data from which may be retrieved by the controller 1200 from the vehicle data bus 1202.

[0050] In yet another example, the controller 1200 may determine that a driver or passenger is approaching the vehicle via external motion sensor in combination with the vehicle lock state recently having changed from locked to unlocked, and / or in combination with a vehicle key being near the vehicle, as determined by the controller 1200 with data retrieved from the vehicle data bus 1202.

[0051] In embodiments, the controller 1200 may select a particular light output color and / or brightness based on the condition (or conditions) when activation of the lamps 102 is triggered. For example, the controller may select a particular output color and / or brightness based on an ambient light level, with the controller causing output of a first color and / or brightness at a low ambient light level (e.g., corresponding to dusk or dawn) and a second color and / or brightness at a lower ambient light level (e.g., corresponding to night). In another example, the controller 1200 may select an output color and / or brightness based on the likely identity of detected motion, with the controller 1200 causing a first color and / or brightness to be output when motion is likely to be a driver, and a second color and / orbrightness when motion is likely to be an intruder (as described above). In yet another example, the controller 1200 may select an output color and / or brightness based on the ignition state of the vehicle (e.g., to inform the driver that the vehicle is or is not running). Further, the controller 1200 may select an output color and / or brightness based on a user-selected preferred color, input via the vehicle main control interface, for example.

[0052] The controller 1200 may control lamps 102 individually or in groups. For example, lamps 102 may be grouped into front, driver-side, passenger-side, and rear zones, and the controller 1200 may control individual zones based on where motion is detected, which door or doors are open, etc.

[0053] FIGS. 13-17 illustrate an example reflector-based lamp 1300 and its components. The lamp 1300 is illustrated and described as a front fog lamp, but its features (particularly its perimeter lighting features) are applicable to lamps placed anywhere on the vehicle. The lamp 1300, or aspects of the lamp 1300, may serve as a lamp 102.

[0054] The lamp 1300 includes a housing 1302, a light- transmissive front cover 1304, a bezel 1306, a fog light assembly 1308, and a perimeter light assembly 1310.

[0055] The fog light assembly 1308 includes a plurality of first LEDs 1312 on a first printed circuit board (PCB) 1314 and a first reflector 1316. The first LEDs 1312 generate light that exits through a middle aperture 1317 in the bezel 1306 and through the front cover 1304. The first LEDs 1312 are provided on a forward-facing (relative to the direction of the lamp) PCB 1314, and the PCB 1314 is disposed on a heat sink 1320.

[0056] The perimeter light assembly 1310 includes a plurality of second LEDs 1330 (three such second LEDs 1330 are shown) on a second PCB 1332 and a second reflector 1334. The second LEDs 1330 generate light that is reflected and dispersed by the second reflector 1334, which light exits through an upper aperture 1336 in the bezel 1306 and through the front cover 1304. The second LEDs 1330 are provided on an upward-facing PCB 1332, and the second PCB 1332 is disposed on the heat sink 1320. Accordingly, the orientation of the second LEDs 1330 is substantially perpendicular to the first LEDs 1312.

[0057] Each of the second LEDs 1330 may output white light, or light of another desired color. In some embodiments, each second LED 1330 may include multiple different LEDs of different colors, and may have a selectable color output. For example, in some embodiments, each second LED 1330 may include three LEDs, which may be a turquoise LED, an amber LED, and a white LED.

[0058] Each second LED 1330 may emit light in a field with a center that is substantially perpendicular to the second PCB 1332, with the center of the light distribution shown as lineC in FIG. 16.

[0059] The second reflector 1334 may include a monolithic assembly with separate respective sets of reflecting surfaces for each second LED 1330, where each set of reflecting surfaces may be considered a reflector for the associated second LED 1330. A set of reflecting surfaces may include a vertical, forward-facing surface 1340, an angled upper surface 1342, and a concave dome 1344 defined in the angled upper surface, where the concave dome 1344 acts as a primary reflecting surface for light from the second LED 1330 (e.g., reflects the majority of the light from the second LED 1330). The angled upper surface 1342 may be disposed on a plane that intersects the center C of the second LED 1330 light distribution at an angle appropriate to reflect the light downward towards the ground next to the vehicle. For example, in the example shown, the upper surface 1342 plane intersects the center C of the second LED 1330 light distribution at an angle of between 60 degrees and 75 degrees. The vertical surface 1340 may be substantially parallel to the center C of the second LED light distribution, and may be substantially forward-facing, e.g., perpendicular to the center of a light output field by the first LEDs 1312.

[0060] The concave dome 1344 may have curvature that disperses light in a defined pattern on the ground next to the vehicle. Each concave dome 1344 may have curvature such that the light from one concave dome 1344 overlaps and intersects with the light from one or more other concave domes 1344, creating a uniform perimeter light field from the lamp 1300.

[0061] The second reflector 1334 may further include a divider 1346 between adjacent sets of reflecting surfaces, which divider 1346 may include a triangular, vertically-extending projection that projects forward from the vertical surface 1340.

[0062] The fog light assembly 1308 may include a third set of LEDs on a third PCB, provided on an underside 1338 of the heat sink 1320, that outputs light downward that is reflected and dispersed by the first reflector 1316, which light exits through the lower aperture 1318 and through the front cover 1304. The third set of LEDs may be identical to the first set of LEDs 1312, in some embodiments, or may otherwise have one or more features described above with respect to the first LEDs 1312.

[0063] The lamp 1300 may further include a light sensor 1350 that detects an ambient light level 1210, for example. The light sensor 1350 may be disposed behind an ambient light aperture 1352 in the bezel 1306, in some embodiments.

[0064] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle perimeter lighting system is provided. The vehicle perimeter lighting system includes a plurality of lamps configured to be mounted around the exterior perimeter of a vehicle, each lamp designed to emit light toilluminate the ground surrounding the vehicle; an optical system associated with each lamp, the optical system including a reflector and lens configured to direct light emitted from the lamp to achieve uniform illumination coverage around the vehicle; and a control unit operatively connected to the lamps, the control unit configured to activate the lamps based on a predetermined condition.

[0065] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the predetermined condition is one or more of vehicle entry, vehicle exit, a user input, a change in vehicle ignition, an emergency condition, or a low ambient light level.

[0066] In an embodiment of the first aspect, at least one lamp of the plurality of lamps includes an LED and a reflector configured to disperse light from the LED in a desired pattern.

[0067] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the reflector includes a freeform concave shape.

[0068] In an embodiment of the first aspect, at least one lamp of the plurality of lamps includes a projector-based structure including an LED and one or more lenses configured to direct light from the LED in a desired pattern.

[0069] In an embodiment of the first aspect, two or more of the plurality of lamps are disposed 500 mm or less above the ground.

[0070] In an embodiment of the first aspect, at least one lamp of the plurality of lamps includes a fog lamp assembly including a first set of LEDs and a first reflector configured to direct light from the first set of LEDs forward from the vehicle, and a perimeter light assembly including a second set of LEDs and a second reflector configured to direct light from the second set of LEDs downward from the vehicle.

[0071] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one lamp further includes a bezel, the bezel defining a first aperture for the passage of light from the first reflector and a second aperture for the passage of light from the second reflector, wherein the second aperture is above the first aperture.

[0072] In an embodiment of the first aspect, at least one lamp of the plurality of lamps includes a plurality of selectable light output colors.

[0073] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle perimeter lighting system is provided. The vehicle perimeter lighting system includes a plurality of lamps configured to be mounted on lateral exterior portions of a vehicle and to illuminate ground adjacent the vehicle, wherein at least two lamps are configured to be positioned 500 mm or less above the ground; a plurality of optical systems respectively associated with the plurality of lamps, eachoptical system being configured according to a mounting location of the associated lamp to contribute to a substantially continuous perimeter light pattern around at least a front portion and side portions of the vehicle; and a controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of lamps and configured to activate at least a subset of the plurality of lamps while the vehicle is stationary in response to vehicle-state data or ambient light data.

[0074] In an embodiment of the second aspect, the controller is configured to retrieve the vehicle-state data from a vehicle data bus.

[0075] In an embodiment of the second aspect, the vehicle-state data includes a door state, a lock state, or an ignition state.

[0076] In an embodiment of the second aspect, the at least a subset of the plurality of lamps is configured to generate an illuminance on the ground in a range of 10 lux to 100 lux.

[0077] In an embodiment of the second aspect, at least one lamp of the plurality of lamps is integrated into or positioned next to an existing vehicle lighting component or reflective component.

[0078] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle perimeter lighting system is provided. The vehicle perimeter lighting system includes a lamp assembly configured to be mounted to a vehicle, the lamp assembly including a housing, a light- transmissive front cover, a fog light assembly having a first set of LEDs on a first printed circuit board and a first reflector configured to direct light forward from the vehicle, and a perimeter light assembly having a second set of LEDs on a second printed circuit board and a second reflector configured to direct light downward toward ground adjacent the vehicle, the second printed circuit board being oriented substantially perpendicular to the first printed circuit board; a plurality of additional lamps configured to be mounted around an exterior perimeter of the vehicle such that light emitted by the lamp assembly and the plurality of additional lamps provides perimeter illumination adjacent the vehicle; and a controller configured to control at least the perimeter light assembly and the plurality of additional lamps based on at least one vehicle condition.

[0079] In an embodiment of the third aspect, the second reflector includes a monolithic assembly with separate sets of reflecting surfaces respectively associated with second LEDs of the second set of LEDs.

[0080] In an embodiment of the third aspect, each set of reflecting surfaces includes a vertical forward-facing surface, an angled upper surface, and a concave dome defined in the angled upper surface.

[0081] In an embodiment of the third aspect, the angled upper surface intersects a centerof a light distribution emitted by a corresponding second LED at an angle between 60 degrees and 75 degrees.

[0082] In an embodiment of the third aspect, the second reflector further includes a divider between adjacent sets of reflecting surfaces.

[0083] In an embodiment of the third aspect, each second LED of the second set of LEDs includes multiple LEDs of different colors to provide selectable color output.

[0084] While this disclosure has described certain embodiments, it will be understood that the claims are not intended to be limited to these embodiments except as explicitly recited in the claims. On the contrary, the instant disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, in the detailed description of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that systems and methods consistent with this disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0085] Some portions of the detailed descriptions of this disclosure have been presented in terms of procedures, logic blocks, processing, and other symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer or digital system memory. These descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. A procedure, logic block, process, etc., is herein, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps or instructions leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these physical manipulations take the form of electrical or magnetic data capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in a computer system or similar electronic computing device. For reasons of convenience, and with reference to common usage, such data is referred to as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like, with reference to various presently disclosed embodiments.

[0086] It should be borne in mind, however, that these terms are to be interpreted as referencing physical manipulations and quantities and are merely convenient labels that should be interpreted further in view of terms commonly used in the art. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the discussion herein, it is understood that throughout discussions of the present embodiment, discussions utilizing terms such as “determining” or“outputting” or “transmitting” or “recording” or “locating” or “storing” or “displaying” or “receiving” or “recognizing” or “utilizing” or “generating” or “providing” or “accessing” or “checking” or “notifying” or “delivering” or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data. The data is represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system’s registers and memories and is transformed into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers, or other such information storage, transmission, or display devices as described herein or otherwise understood to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A vehicle perimeter lighting system comprising:a plurality of lamps configured to be mounted around the exterior perimeter of a vehicle, each lamp designed to emit light to illuminate the ground surrounding the vehicle;an optical system associated with each lamp, the optical system including a reflector and lens configured to direct light emitted from the lamp to achieve uniform illumination coverage around the vehicle; anda control unit operatively connected to the lamps, the control unit configured to activate the lamps based on a predetermined condition.

2. The vehicle perimeter lighting system of claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is one or more of:vehicle entry;vehicle exit;a user input;a change in vehicle ignition;an emergency condition; ora low ambient light level.

3. The vehicle perimeter lighting system of claim 1, wherein at least one lamp of the plurality of lamps comprises:an LED; anda reflector configured to disperse light from the LED in a desired pattern.

4. The vehicle perimeter lighting system of claim 3, wherein the reflector comprises a freeform concave shape.

5. The vehicle perimeter lighting system of claim 1, wherein at least one lamp of the plurality of lamps comprises a projector-based structure comprising an LED and one ormore lenses configured to direct light from the LED in a desired pattern.

6. The vehicle perimeter lighting system of claim 1, wherein two or more of the plurality of lamps are disposed 500 mm or less above the ground.

7. The vehicle perimeter lighting system of claim 1, wherein at least one lamp of the plurality of lamps comprises:a fog lamp assembly comprising a first set of LEDs and a first reflector configured to direct light from the first set of LEDs forward from the vehicle; anda perimeter light assembly comprising a second set of LEDs and a second reflector configured to direct light from the second set of LEDs downward from the vehicle.

8. The vehicle perimeter lighting system of claim 7, wherein the at least one lamp further comprises a bezel, the bezel defining a first aperture for the passage of light from the first reflector and a second aperture for the passage of light from the second reflector, wherein the second aperture is above the first aperture.

9. The vehicle perimeter lighting system of claim 1, wherein at least one lamp of the plurality of lamps comprises a plurality of selectable light output colors.

10. A vehicle perimeter lighting system comprising:a plurality of lamps configured to be mounted on lateral exterior portions of a vehicle and to illuminate ground adjacent the vehicle, wherein at least two lamps are configured to be positioned 500 mm or less above the ground;a plurality of optical systems respectively associated with the plurality of lamps, each optical system being configured according to a mounting location of the associated lamp to contribute to a substantially continuous perimeter light pattern around at least a front portion and side portions of the vehicle; anda controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of lamps and configured to activate at least a subset of the plurality of lamps while the vehicle is stationary in response to vehicle- state data or ambient light data.

11. The vehicle perimeter lighting system of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to retrieve the vehicle- state data from a vehicle data bus.

12. The vehicle perimeter lighting system of claim 11, wherein the vehicle-state data comprises a door state, a lock state, or an ignition state.

13. The vehicle perimeter lighting system of claim 10, wherein the at least a subset of the plurality of lamps is configured to generate an illuminance on the ground in a range of 10 lux to 100 lux.

14. The vehicle perimeter lighting system of claim 10, wherein at least one lamp of the plurality of lamps is integrated into or positioned next to an existing vehicle lighting component or reflective component.

15. A vehicle perimeter lighting system comprising:a lamp assembly configured to be mounted to a vehicle, the lamp assembly including a housing, a light- transmissive front cover, a fog light assembly having a first set of LEDs on a first printed circuit board and a first reflector configured to direct light forward from the vehicle, and a perimeter light assembly having a second set of LEDs on a second printed circuit board and a second reflector configured to direct light downward toward ground adjacent the vehicle, the second printed circuit board being oriented substantially perpendicular to the first printed circuit board;a plurality of additional lamps configured to be mounted around an exterior perimeter of the vehicle such that light emitted by the lamp assembly and the plurality of additional lamps provides perimeter illumination adjacent the vehicle; and a controller configured to control at least the perimeter light assembly and the plurality of additional lamps based on at least one vehicle condition.

16. The vehicle perimeter lighting system of claim 15, wherein the second reflector comprises a monolithic assembly with separate sets of reflecting surfaces respectively associated with second LEDs of the second set of LEDs.

17. The vehicle perimeter lighting system of claim 16, wherein each set of reflecting surfaces includes a vertical forward-facing surface, an angled upper surface, and a concave dome defined in the angled upper surface.

18. The vehicle perimeter lighting system of claim 17, wherein the angled upper surfaceintersects a center of a light distribution emitted by a corresponding second LED at an angle between 60 degrees and 75 degrees.

19. The vehicle perimeter lighting system of claim 16, wherein the second reflector further comprises a divider between adjacent sets of reflecting surfaces.

20. The vehicle perimeter lighting system of claim 15, wherein each second LED of the second set of LEDs comprises multiple LEDs of different colors to provide selectable color output.

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