Vehicle Light Assembly Control for Custom Lighting Shapes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle light assemblies lack the ability to programmably assign light sources to specific lighting or signaling functions, limiting the freedom in creating customized lighting shapes.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to programmably assign light sources in a vehicle's light assembly using a user interface on a personal device, enabling customizable lighting shapes via a software application, and controlling the light sources to implement these shapes through a drive unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If light sources are arranged in predetermined fixed patterns for specific lighting functions, then the lighting function is reliable and standardized, but the freedom in creating customized lighting shapes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that allows the lighting function assignment to be changed over time. The control unit can reassign light sources to different lighting functions based on user input received via communication interface, enabling the lighting assembly to adapt its configuration dynamically rather than being fixed during manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the functional parameters of the light sources by allowing reassignment of lighting functions through software control. The control unit modifies which light sources perform which functions (tail lighting, brake signaling, turn signaling) based on received user input, changing the operational parameters without physical reconfiguration
2Adaptability or versatility
If light sources are assigned to specific lighting functions during manufacturing, then the production process is simple and standardized, but the ability to enhance possibilities for creating lighting shapes is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control of lighting functions from the physical light source arrangement. Each light source can be independently assigned to different functions through software control, allowing the manufacturing process to remain simple while enabling post-manufacturing customization of lighting shapes and functions
Solution Approach 2:
The light sources are designed to be multi-functional, capable of performing different lighting functions (tail lighting, brake signaling, turn signaling) based on software assignment rather than being dedicated to a single function. This universality allows enhanced possibilities for creating various lighting shapes without requiring different physical configurations
3Ease of operation
If a fixed array of light sources is used for each lighting function, then the system is simple to control, but user customization of lighting shapes is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication interface as an intermediary between the user and the control unit. This interface receives user input (such as images or descriptions of desired lighting shapes) and translates it into control signals that the processing unit can execute, enabling user customization without requiring direct complex programming by the user
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit processes user input and adjusts the lighting configuration accordingly. The ability to receive, process, and implement user preferences creates a feedback loop that enables continuous customization while maintaining systematic control
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables user-defined, aesthetically personalized lighting and signaling functions, adhering to regulatory standards, and allowing for shared customization experiences.
Implementation Method 1
The term 'light assembly' indicates without distinction either a headlight assembly or a taillight assembly, adapted to generate a light beam for lighting and/or signaling
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a light assembly of a vehicle is provided. The light assembly has an array of light sources adapted to perform at least one lighting or light-signaling function of the vehicle. The system has a user interface computer environment for light configuration of the light assembly arranged to acquire from a user a lighting shape of the array of light sources, associated with a predetermined lighting or light-signaling function of the light assembly, a processing and control system residing on board the vehicle, adapted to select a plurality of light sources of the array, the lighting of which implements or approximates implementation of the acquired lighting shape, and a drive unit for the array of light sources adapted to control activation of the plurality of light sources selected to perform the predetermined lighting or light-signaling function.