RU2709373C2 - Door illumination and warning system - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: lighting.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to vehicle illumination systems. Illumination device for a vehicle comprises a light source and a controller. Light source is located close to the guard carcass edge outside the guard seal so that light emission from the light source is projected through the gap between the enclosure carcass and body in response to arrangement of guard frame in partially closed arrangement forming gap. Partially closed arrangement corresponds to the enclosure frame partially contacting with the vehicle body. Controller is in communication with the light source and is configured to adjust one of the intensity and frequency of the light emitted from the light source in response to the key fob distance exceeding the threshold value.

EFFECT: possibility of notifying a vehicle driver on the state of a vehicle, such as a slightly open door state.

19 cl, 8 dwg

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a partial continuation of the application for the grant of US patent No. 14 / 086,442, filed November 21, 2013 and entitled "VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE". The aforementioned related application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to vehicle lighting systems, and more particularly, to vehicle lighting systems having thin profiles that can be operable to adapt to non-planar surfaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vehicle lighting has traditionally been used to provide illumination for reading, vehicle entry and operation. However, lighting can also be used to improve vehicle features and systems to ensure that passengers, operators and vehicle observers have an improved impression. Such improvements may come from improvements in safety, visibility, aesthetics and / or features. The disclosure provides a lighting system operable to illuminate a portion of the vehicle, and, in some embodiments, may notify the driver of the vehicle of the state of the vehicle, such as the ajar state of the door.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a backlight device for a vehicle is disclosed. The device comprises a fence frame made with the possibility of contacting with an opening formed by the vehicle body. The light source is located close to the edge of the enclosure so that light from the light source is projected through the gap between the enclosure and the body. The radiation is projected through the gap in response to the placement of the fencing frame in the ajar position.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a backlight device for a vehicle is disclosed. The device comprises a door configured to contact an opening formed by the vehicle body. The light source is located close to the door edge so that light emission from the light source is projected through the gap between the door and at least one panel of the vehicle. Radiation is projected through the gap in response to placing the door in the ajar position.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a backlight device for a vehicle is disclosed. The device comprises a door configured to contact an opening formed by the vehicle body. The light source is located close to the edge of the door. The light source is configured such that light emission from the light source is projected through a gap between the door and at least one panel of the vehicle.

These and other aspects, objectives and features of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art to study the following description of the invention, claims, and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

ON THE DRAWINGS:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a front passenger compartment of an automobile vehicle having various fixed parts with backlight;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rear passenger compartment of an automobile vehicle having various fixed parts with backlight;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an outer region of an automobile vehicle having various illuminated features;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fence of a vehicle placed in an open orientation containing a lighting device;

FIG. 5 is a detailed side view of a light generating unit comprising a photoluminescent layer;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a light generating unit showing a photoluminescent layer configured to convert a wavelength of light;

FIG. 7 is a detailed perspective view of a fence showing an ajar state of a door; and

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a lighting device configured to control the illumination of a light generating unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As necessary, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of disclosure, which may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily intended for detailed design, and some diagrams may be exaggerated or understated to show a general idea of the purpose. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed in the materials of this application should not be interpreted as limiting, but only as representing the basis for studying by a person skilled in the art for various applications of the present disclosure.

As used in the materials of this application, the term "and / or" when used in a list of two or more elements, means that any one of the listed elements can be used on its own, or any combination of two or more of the listed elements can be applied. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B and / or C, the composition may contain only A; exclusively B; exclusively C; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B and C in combination.

The following disclosure describes a backlight device in which a fixed vehicle part is configured to receive a light generating unit. The light generating unit may correspond to a thin flexible lighting unit that can be used in a variety of applications. For the purposes of this disclosure, a fixed part may refer to any internal or external part of the vehicle equipment or part thereof suitable for receiving the photoluminescent structure described in the materials of this application. Despite the fact that the implementation of the backlight device described in the materials of this application is mainly aimed at the use of a motor vehicle, it should be taken into account that the device or system can also be implemented in other types of vehicles designed to transport one or more passengers, such as, but not limited to, ships, trains, and aircraft.

With reference to FIG. 1 and 2, the passenger compartment 10 of the automobile vehicle 12 is generally shown having a variety of exemplary secured vehicle parts 14a-14g located at the front and rear of the passenger compartment 10. The secured parts 14a-14g generally correspond to the headliner 14a, the mat 14b on the floor, the trim panel 14c and various seat parts, including the seat base 14d, the back support 14e, the head restraint 14f and the backrest 14g, respectively. For purposes of illustration, and not limitation, each fastened part 14a-14g may be configured to receive a light generating unit, as further described herein. The light generating unit may be located in a selected area 16a-16g of each fastened part 14a-14g. Vehicle 12 may comprise a plurality of light generating units that can be used independently or in combination to provide functional and / or decorative lighting for vehicle 12.

As for the backlight device described in the materials of this application, it should be taken into account that the selected area 16a-16g is not limited to any particular shape or size and may include parts of the fixed part having a flat and / or non-planar configuration. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the light generating assembly may have a thin profile and have flexible materials such that the assembly adapts to non-planar surfaces. Although some fixed parts 14a-14g were given as an example, it should be appreciated that other fixed parts can be used in accordance with the vehicle lighting system described in the materials of this application. Such fixed parts may include dashboards and components thereon, interactive mechanisms (e.g. push buttons, switches, dials, and the like), indicating devices (e.g., speedometer, tachometer, etc.), printed surfaces and various internal and / or external parts of the vehicle 12, which may be of metal, polymer or a variety of materials.

With reference to FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the outer region of the vehicle 12. In addition to the inner fastened parts, light generating units, as described herein, can be used to emphasize, complement and / or replace various external fastened parts 18a-18h. Examples of exterior features 18a-18h may include, but are not limited to, door release buttons 18a, emblems 18b, direction indicators 18c, side dimensions 18d, fog lights 18e, sidelight lights 18f, side rail lights, trim lights 18g , taillights 18h, etc. Each of the exterior features 18a-18h may provide various functions that may contribute to the safe operation and / or improved aesthetics of the vehicle and may also reduce associated costs you are on production. Thus, the disclosure provides for various lighting systems and lighting devices that can be located throughout the vehicle 12.

One or more of the light generating units described herein may be in communication with a controller. In some implementations, the controller may additionally be in communication with a vehicle control module. The vehicle control module can provide signals to the controller in response to various user inputs, vehicle operation information, vehicle status information, etc. In response to one or more signals received from the vehicle control module, the backlight device is operable to control one or more light generating units to provide various lighting functions for the vehicle 12. Further Details of the Touch but the control unit controller and a vehicle are described, referring to FIG. 8. Although the light generating units described herein are described as being in communication with a controller, one or more nodes may be controlled by various forms of switches and / or analog and / or digital circuits.

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the guardrail 22 of the vehicle 12 is shown in the open position. As described in the materials of this application, the fence 22 may refer to any barrier or shield made with the ability to protect or close various openings of the vehicle. For example, the guard may correspond to a hood of the engine compartment, an opening of an inclined tailgate or tailgate, a fuel filler flap and other openings that may be formed by at least a portion of the body 24 of the vehicle 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the light generating unit 26 (also indicated by reference as the light unit 26) may be located on the inner surface 28 of the door frame 30. In this configuration, the light assembly 26 is operable to emit light output 32 that can notify observers that the fence 22 is in the open position. The output light emission 32 is shown by dashed lines extending from the light assembly 26.

As shown in FIG. 4, the light assembly 26 is configured to emit output radiation 32 when the guard 22 is placed in an open position. As further described, referring to FIG. 7, the light assembly 26 may further be configured to illuminate a gap formed between the door frame 30 and the adjoining panel 34 of the vehicle 12 when the guard 22 is placed in an ajar position. Additionally, the light unit 26 may be configured to fit between the door pillar 36 and the door frame 30 when the guard 22 is placed in the closed position. Thus, the disclosure provides a useful lighting device that can be used in various vehicles and locations to improve safe operation, as well as the decorative appearance of the vehicle enclosure.

In an exemplary embodiment, the light unit 26 is in communication with the controller 40 through conductive conductors 42, which can be wired through the door frame 30. Conductors 42 may be connected to the light assembly 26 via terminals configured to form a circuit in connection with the electrodes of the light assembly 26. In this configuration, the controller 40 may be operable to control the light assembly 26 to emit light output 32 in response to various conditions vehicle, operating conditions or vehicle-related actions. Although the controller 40 is shown located in the portion of the enclosure 22, the controller 40 may be located in various places of the vehicle 12 and in communication with the light unit 26 through various electronic connections. Further details regarding the controller 40 are described with reference to FIG. 8.

In some embodiments, conductors 42 may be routed by wires behind the seal 46 close to the edge portion 44 of the guard 22. In this configuration, the light assembly may be located close to the edge portion 44 and outside the seal 46 when the guard 22 is placed in an ajar position. In response to an ajar state as detected by one or more vehicle systems, including, but not limited to, a controller 40, a vehicle control module and / or various peripherals in communication therewith, the controller 40 is operable to activate a light an assembly 26 for illuminating a gap formed between the edge portion 44 and the adjacent panel 34. As such, the disclosure may further include a visual notification system operable to output a visual warning preemption in response to the fence priotkryvanie 22 of the vehicle 12.

With reference to FIG. 5, the light generating unit 26 may correspond to a thin film or printing unit using light emitting diodes (LEDs). The light generating unit 26 may comprise a substrate 52. The substrate 52 may be opaque, transparent or translucent, and may be thin. The light generating unit 26 can be used in a variety of applications that may require a thin overall thickness. The substrate 52 may be of a polymer, for example, polycarbonate, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc. In some embodiments, the implementation of the substrate 52 may be released from the roll to allow integration in the assembly operation for the light-generating unit 26, and may be from about 0.005 to 0.060 inches in thickness.

The first electrode 54 or the conductive layer may be located on the substrate 52. The first electrode 54 and / or the various electrodes or conductive layers described herein may contain a conductive epoxy compound, such as silver or copper-containing epoxy compound. The first electrode 54 is conductively connected to the first conductive bus 56. The first conductive bus 56 and other conductive buses or wires described herein may be made of metal and / or conductive materials that can be screen printed on the electrodes or conductive layers. . The conductive busbars can be used in the light generating unit 26 to conductively connect a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) sources 58 to a power source. Thus, the first conductive bus 56 and other conductive buses used in the light generating unit can be configured to evenly transmit current through and / or through the surface of the light generating unit 26.

The LED sources 58 may be printed, dispersed, or otherwise deposited onto the first electrode 54 using a semiconductor paste 60. The LED sources 58 may be arbitrarily or controllably dispersed within the semiconductor paste 60. The LED sources 58 may correspond to micro-LEDs from elements on gallium nitride, which may be from about 5 microns to 400 microns in width, substantially aligned with the surface of the first electrode. Semiconductor paste 60 may include various binders and dielectric materials, including, but not limited to, one or more of gallium, indium, silicon carbide, phosphorus, and / or translucent polymer binders. In this configuration, the semiconductor paste 60 may contain various concentrations of LED sources 58 so that the surface density of the LED sources 58 can be adjusted for various applications.

In some embodiments, LED sources 58 and semiconductor paste 60 can be supplied from Nth Degree Technologies Worldwide. The semiconductor paste 60 can be applied, thanks to various printing processes, including processes with ink nozzles and silk stencils, to a selected portion (s) of the substrate 52. More specifically, it is contemplated that LED sources 58 are dispersed in the semiconductor paste 60 and endowed shape and size so that a substantial number of them are preferably aligned with the first electrode 54 and the second electrode 64 during coating of the semiconductor paste 60. Some of the sources 58 are on LEDs, which ultimately connected to the electrodes 54, 64, can be illuminated by a voltage source applied in parallel to the first electrode 54 and the second electrode 64. In some embodiments, a power source operating from 12 to 16 volts DC from the vehicle’s power source can be used in as a power source for supplying current to the sources 58 on the LED. Further information regarding the construction of the light-generating assembly, similar to the light-generating assembly 26, is disclosed in US Patent Publication No. 2014-0264396 A1 to Lowvental and others, entitled “Ultra-thin printed led layer removed” from substrate "), filed March 12, 2014, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

At least one dielectric layer 66 may be printed on top of the LED sources 58 to encapsulate and / or secure the sources 58 on the LEDs in place. At least one dielectric layer 66 may correspond to a first dielectric layer 66a and a second dielectric layer 66b, which may be of a transparent material. The second electrode 64 may correspond to a top layer of a transparent conductor printed over the dielectric layer 66 to electrically connect the electrodes 54, 64. The second electrode 64 is conductively connected to the second conductive bus 68. The conductive buses 56, 68 can be used in the light generating unit 26 for the conductive connecting multiple sources 58 of light emitting diodes (LEDs) to a power source.

In some embodiments, the first electrode 54 and the second electrode 64 may correspond to the cathode electrode and the anode electrode, respectively. Although described as the cathode and anode of the light generating unit 26, the first electrode 54 and the second electrode 64 can be arranged so that the second electrode 64 (anode) is located on the substrate, and the first electrode 54 (cathode) is located on at least one dielectric layer 66. The busbars 56, 68 may be printed along opposite edges of the electrodes 54, 64 and terminated electrically at the terminals of the anode and cathode. The connection points between the conductive busbars 56, 68 and the power supply can be located at opposite corners of each conductive bus 56, 68 to evenly distribute the current across each bus.

Still referring to FIG. 5, a photoluminescent layer 70 may be deposited on the second electrode 64. The photoluminescent layer may be applied as a coating, layer, film and / or photoluminescent substrate. The photoluminescent layer 70 may be applied by screen printing, flexography, and / or otherwise attached to the second electrode 64. In various implementations, the LED sources 58 may be configured to emit excitation radiation containing a first wavelength corresponding to blue light. LED sources 58 may be configured to emit excitation radiation to the photoluminescent layer 70 so that the photoluminescent material becomes excited. In response to receiving the excitation radiation, the photoluminescent material converts the excitation radiation from the first wavelength into the output radiation containing at least a second wavelength greater than the first wavelength. Additionally, one or more coatings 71 or sealing layers may be applied to the outer surface of the light generating unit 26 to protect the photoluminescent layer 70 and various other parts of the unit 26 from damage and wear.

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, a detailed view of the photoluminescent layer 70 of the light generating unit 26 is shown. The light generating unit 26 is configured like the light generating unit 26 shown in FIG. 5 with similarly numbered elements having identical or comparable function and construction. Although not shown in FIG. 6, LED sources 58 are in electrical communication with electrodes 54, 64 and a power source so that excitation radiation can be output from LED sources 58.

In an exemplary implementation, the excitation radiation 72 may correspond to the excitation radiation having a first wavelength corresponding to a blue, violet and / or ultraviolet spectral color range. The blue spectral color range contains a wavelength range generally expressed as blue light (~ 440-500 nm). In some implementations, the first wavelength λ1 may comprise a wavelength in the ultraviolet or near the ultraviolet color range (~ 100-450 nm). In an exemplary implementation, the first wavelength may be approximately equal to 470 nm. Although specific wavelengths and wavelength ranges are described with respect to the first wavelength, the first wavelength can generally be configured to excite any photoluminescent material.

In action, the excitation radiation 72 is transmitted into the at least partially translucent material of the photoluminescent layer 70. The excitation radiation is emitted from the LED sources 58 and can be configured so that the first wavelength corresponds to at least one absorption wavelength of one or more photoluminescent materials, located in the photoluminescent layer 70. For example, the photoluminescent layer 70 may include an energy conversion layer 74 configured to convert radiation 72 of the excitation land at the first wavelength into output radiation 32 having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. The output radiation 32 may contain one or more wavelengths, one of which may be greater than the first wavelength. The conversion of the excitation radiation 72 to the output radiation 32 by the energy conversion layer 74 is referred to as a Stokes shift.

In some embodiments, implementation, output radiation 32 may correspond to multiple wavelengths. Each of the many wavelengths can correspond to substantially different spectral color ranges. For example, at least a second wavelength of the output radiation 32 may correspond to a plurality of wavelengths (e.g., second, third, etc.). In some implementations, multiple wavelengths can be combined in the output radiation 32 to appear as essentially white light. A plurality of wavelengths may be formed by emitting red radiation by a photoluminescent material having a wavelength of approximately 620-750 nm, emitting green radiation by a photoluminescent material having a wavelength of approximately 526-606 nm, and emitting blue or blue-green radiation by a photoluminescent material having a wavelength, greater than the first wavelength λ1, and approximately 430-525 nm. Multiple wavelengths can be used to form a wide variety of light colors from each of the photoluminescent parts converted from the first wavelength. Although specific colors of red, green, and blue are mentioned in the materials of this application, various photoluminescent materials can be used to form a wide variety of colors and combinations to control the appearance of the output radiation 32.

The photoluminescent materials corresponding to the photoluminescent layer 70 or the energy conversion layer 74 may contain organic and inorganic fluorescent dyes configured to convert the excitation radiation 72 to the output radiation 32. For example, the photoluminescent layer 70 may contain a photoluminescent structure of rylene, xanthenes, porphyrinins, phthalocyanines other materials suitable for a specific Stokes shift, determined by the range of adsorption and emission fluorescence. In some embodiments, implementation, the photoluminescent layer 70 may have at least one inorganic luminescent material selected from the group of phosphors. Inorganic luminescent material can more specifically be formed from a group of cerium-activated garnets, such as YAG: Ce. Essentially, each of the photoluminescent parts can be selectively activated by a wide range of wavelengths received from excitation radiation 72 configured to excite one or more photoluminescent materials to emit output radiation having a desired color.

Still referring to FIG. 6, the light generating unit 26 may further include a coating 71 as at least one stability layer 78 configured to protect the photoluminescent material contained in the energy conversion layer 74 from photolytic and / or thermal degradation. The stability layer 78 may be configured as a separate layer optically coupled and spliced with the energy conversion layer 74. The stability layer 78 may also be combined with the energy conversion layer 74. The photoluminescent layer 70 may also optionally include a protective layer 80 optically bonded and spliced with a stability layer 78 or some layer or coating to protect the photoluminescent layer 70 from physical and chemical damage resulting from environmental factors.

The stability layer 78 and / or the protective layer 80 can be combined with the energy conversion layer 74 to form a single photoluminescent structure 82 by sequentially coating or printing each layer, or by sequential layering or embossing. Additionally, several layers can be combined by sequential coating, layering or embossing to form a substructure. The substructure can then be layered or embossed to form a single photoluminescent structure 82. Once formed, the photoluminescent structure 82 can be deposited on at least one of the electrodes 54, 64 so that the excitation radiation 72 is received from the LED sources 58 and converted to the output radiation 32. Further information regarding the structure of the photoluminescent structures to be used in at least one photoluminescent part of the vehicle is disclosed. in U.S. Patent № 8,232,533 on Kingsley and the other entitled "Sustainable photolytic AND IN RELATION TO THE ENVIRONMENT multilayer structure for high-conversion efficiency of electromagnetic energy and duration of the emission of secondary radiation» ( «PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION "), filed July 31, 2012, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, the coating 71 may further comprise a colored layer applied to the light unit 26 and configured to control or customize the appearance of the light unit 26 in an unlit state. As shown in FIG. 6, the colored layer may correspond to reference numbers 78 and / or 80. The colored layer may contain at least partially translucent polymer layer or coating that can be applied to the outer surface of the light unit 26. The colored layer may be tinted with any color to match the desired the appearance of the light unit 26. In an exemplary embodiment, the photoluminescent material of the energy conversion layer may correspond to a red emitting Rilean dye. Such a colorant may cause the photoluminescent layer 70 to have an orange appearance to some extent. In such embodiments, the colored layer can be used to illuminate the light unit 26 in red, similar to the color of the output radiation 32 from the photoluminescent layer 70, when excited. Thus, the light unit may have a single color appearance when the LED sources 58 are both active and inactive.

Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the light assembly 26 is shown in an ajar position. In the ajar position, the guard 22 can be partially closed so that a gap 92 is formed between the door frame 30 and the adjacent panel 34 of the vehicle 12. In the ajar position, the light assembly 26 can be placed between the door pillar 36 and the door frame 30. The fine structure of the light assembly may provide that the light assembly 26 is used in a small space located between the door pillar 36 and the door frame 30, as well as various other places throughout the vehicle 12. Thus, the disclosure provides a useful lighting device that can be used in various places to improve safe operation, as well as the decorative appearance of the vehicle 12.

In some embodiments, a reflective material, such as a paint or coating, configured to reflect light, may be located on a door pillar 36. The reflective material may be configured to reflect the output radiation 32 from the light generating unit 26 located on the inner surface 28 of the door frame 30. The output radiation 32 may be reflected from the door pillar 36 using reflective material. The reflective material may correspond to the light color of the paint, the reflective material deposited on the door pillar 36, or any form of material or coating configured to improve the reflection of the output radiation 36 from the door pillar 36.

In some embodiments, the first part of the output radiation 32 may be reflected outwardly between the edge portion 44 of the guard 22. Additionally, the second part of the output radiation 32 may be reflected inwardly so that the output radiation 32 is also configured to illuminate part of the passenger cabin of the vehicle 12. For example , in response to the guard 22 located in the ajar position, the second part of the output radiation 32 can illuminate at least a part of the passenger cabin close to the gap formed the body 24 and the guard 22. In this configuration, the backlight device is configured to generate a visual warning to notify the passenger or driver of the vehicle 12 of the ajar state of the door, highlighting at least part of the passenger compartment with output radiation 32.

Next, with reference to FIG. 7 and 8, in an exemplary embodiment, the controller 40 may be in communication with a distance sensor 96 operable to detect an approximate range and / or presence of a key fob 98, a smart key, or the like. In order to detect the presence of the key fob 98, the distance sensor 96 may use one or more antennas 100 to identify the presence or distance of the key fob 98. In such embodiments, the controller 40 may control the light assembly 26 in response to detecting a distance to the key fob 98. The following example may illustrate the implementation of the distance sensor 96 as an input control signal for the controller 40.

Upon opening the guard 22 (for example, the passenger door), the controller 40 may be configured to receive a signal from the door or switch opening sensor corresponding to the detection that the guard 22 is in the open position and activate the light assembly 26. Essentially, the light assembly can emit red light to warn nearby vehicles that the fence 22 is open and thus not closed. After the first time duration (e.g., 1 minute), the controller 40 may be configured to cause the light unit to light up and go out with a reduced relative on-time (e.g., 50%) and a first increased intensity approximately two times greater than the intensity of the output radiation 32. Additionally, the controller 40 may detect that the key fob 98 has crossed the boundary of the first distance threshold value (eg, 3 m), and begin to light and extinguish with a reduced relative duration switching on (for example, 20%) and the second increased intensity, approximately five times greater than the intensity of the output radiation 32. In this configuration, the controller 40 can identify that the operator of the vehicle 12 leaves the area closest to the vehicle 12, at that time as the fence 22 is ajar, and tries to notify the driver by illuminating the light unit 26 with increased intensity. As described herein, the intensity of the output radiation 32 may increase in response to at least one of the time period for which the guard 22 has been opened or the distance of the key fob 98 from the vehicle 12.

With reference to FIG. 8 is a structural diagram of a lighting device 102 or lighting system comprising a light unit 26. The controller 40 is in communication with the light unit through electrode terminals. The controller 40 may be in communication with the vehicle control module 104 via the vehicle communication bus 106. Communication bus 106 may be configured to deliver signals to a controller 40 identifying various vehicle conditions. For example, the communication bus 106 may be configured to inform the controller 40 of the vehicle’s gear selection, ignition status, open or ajar state of the door, remote activation of the light assembly 26, or any other information or control signals that can be used to activate or adjust the output radiation 32. Although the controller 40 is described herein, in some embodiments, the light assembly 26 may be activated in response to an electrical or electrical Mechanical Protection switch in response to the position of the fence 22.

The controller 40 may include a processor 108 comprising one or more circuits configured to receive signals from the communication bus 106 and output signals to control the light assembly 26 to emit the output radiation 32. The processor 108 may be in communication with a memory 110 configured to store commands for controlling the activation of the light unit 26. The controller 40 may further be in communication with the stray light sensor 112. The scattered light sensor 112 may be operative to report a light mode, for example, a brightness level or a scattered light intensity closer to the vehicle 12. In response to the scattered light level, the controller 40 may be configured to adjust the light intensity output from the light unit 26. The intensity of the light outputted from the light unit 26 can be adjusted by controlling the relative on-time, current or voltage supplied to the light unit 26.

For the purpose of describing and defining these doctrines, it is noted that the terms “substantially” and “approximately” are used in the materials of this application to represent the necessarily inherent degree of uncertainty that can be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement or other representation. The terms “substantially” and “approximately” are also used in the materials of this application to represent the extent to which the quantitative representation may deviate from the established reference value without leading to a change in the main function of the subject matter of the invention.

It should be understood that changes and modifications can be made to the above construction without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and it should also be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims, unless the claims expressly state otherwise in their own language. .

Claims (27)

1. A backlight device for a vehicle, comprising: a light source located close to the edge of the enclosure frame outside the enclosure seal so that light emission from the light source is projected through a gap between the enclosure frame and the body in response to placing the enclosure frame in a partially closed arrangement forming a gap, the partially enclosed arrangement corresponding to the enclosure barriers at least partially in contact with the vehicle body; and a controller in communication with the light source, wherein the controller is configured to adjust at least one of an intensity and frequency of light emitted from the light source in response to a key fob distance exceeding a threshold value. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to control the light source, wherein the controller selectively activates the light source to illuminate the gap, in response to the ajar state of the door. 3. The device according to claim 2, in which the controller is configured to adjust the radiation intensity in response to a vehicle key fob that exceeds a threshold distance value during an ajar state of the door. 4. The device according to claim 2, wherein the controller is further operable to activate a light source in response to at least one of a user input, a turn signal, and an emergency light activation signal. 5. The device according to claim 1, in which the frame of the fence corresponds to at least one of the passenger door, the hood of the engine compartment, the tilted rear door and the trunk lid of the vehicle. 6. The device according to claim 1, in which the gap formed between the frame of the fence and the body corresponds to the door pillar. 7. The device according to claim 6, in which the light source is located on the frame of the fence outside the seal of the fence located on the inner surface of the frame of the fence. 8. A backlight device for a vehicle, comprising: a light source located close to the edge of the door so that light from the light source is projected through a gap between the door and at least one panel of the vehicle, the door being configured to contact an opening formed by the vehicle body; and a controller configured to: activate the light source in response to placing the door in the ajar position; and adjust at least the intensity and frequency of the light emitted from the light source in response to a key fob distance exceeding at least one threshold value. 9. The device according to claim 8, in which the controller is further configured to control the light source, wherein the controller selectively activates the light source to illuminate the gap, in response to the ajar state of the door. 10. The device according to claim 8, in which the controller is configured to increase the light intensity in response to the distance of the key fob exceeding the first threshold value. 11. The device according to p. 10, in which the controller is configured to adjust the intermittent frequency of the light emitted from the light source, in response to the distance of the key fob exceeding the second threshold value. 12. The device according to claim 8, in which the ajar position corresponds to a door located so that a narrow gap is formed between the door and at least one panel of the vehicle. 13. A backlight device for a vehicle, comprising: a light source located close to the door post outside the door seal so that light from the light source is projected through the gap between the door and at least one vehicle panel in response to placing the door partially closed to form a gap, wherein the door is configured to contact with an opening formed by the vehicle body; and a controller in communication with the light source, wherein the controller is configured to adjust at least one of an intensity and frequency of light emitted from the light source in response to a key fob distance exceeding a threshold value. 14. The device according to p. 13, in which the controller is further configured to activate the light source in response to placing the door in an ajar position. 15. The device according to p. 13, in which the light source is located on the inner surface of the door outside the door seal located on the inner surface of the door frame. 16. The device of claim 13, wherein the light source corresponds to a substantially flat LED assembly located on the inner surface of the door frame. 17. The device according to p. 13, in which the light source contains a photoluminescent layer, configured to convert the first radiation from at least one emitter of the light source into the second radiation. 18. The device according to p. 17, in which the first radiation corresponds to the first color, and the second radiation corresponds to the second color, other than the first color. 19. The device according to p. 13, in which the photoluminescent layer contains an organic photoluminescent dye.

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