Patent · US10160380B1 · B1 · US

Enhanced informational vehicle puddle lamp assemblies

(11) Publication number

US10160380B1

(21) Application number

15/725,386

(22) Filing date

2017-10-05

(30) Priority date

2017-10-05

(43) Publication date

2018-12-25

(45) Date of grant

2018-12-25

(51) IPC

B60Q 1/26; B60Q 1/32; B60Q 1/50; F21V 23/04; H05B 37/02

(52) CPC

H05B Electric heating; electric light sources not otherwise provided for; circuit arrangements for electric light sources, in general: 47/115, 37/0227
B60Q Arrangement of signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor, for vehicles in general: 1/02, 1/247, 1/2665, 1/2696, 1/32, 1/323, 1/503, 1/507, 1/543, 2400/20, 2400/40, 2400/50, 9/00
F21V Functional features or details of lighting devices or systems thereof; structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for: 23/0435, 23/0471
F21Y Indexing scheme associated with subclasses F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, relating to the form or the kind of the light sources or of the colour of the light emitted: 2113/13, 2115/10
Y02B Climate change mitigation technologies related to buildings, e.g. housing, house appliances or related end-user applications: 20/40

(73) Assignee

Ford Global Technologies LLC

(72) Inventors

Stuart C. Salter; Paul Kenneth Dellock; James J. Surman; Ulrich Stuhec; Cornel Lewis Gardner

(54) Title

Enhanced informational vehicle puddle lamp assemblies

(57) Abstract

This disclosure details vehicle puddle lamp assemblies and methods for illuminating the puddle lamp assemblies in a manner that provides a visual indication of a vehicle interior temperature. An exemplary vehicle puddle lamp assembly includes a control module configured to control the puddle lamp assembly to selectively project an illuminated pattern onto a ground surface adjacent to the puddle lamp assembly. The illuminated pattern provides the visual indication of the vehicle interior temperature.

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Claims (20)

A vehicle lighting system for a vehicle, comprising: a puddle lamp assembly of the vehicle configured to project an illuminated pattern onto a ground surface adjacent to the puddle lamp assembly; and a control module configured to control the puddle lamp assembly to project the illuminated pattern in response to a received external command; wherein the illuminated pattern provides a visual indication of an interior temperature of the vehicle.
The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 1, wherein the illuminated pattern includes a logo, a symbol, a word, or any combination of logos, symbols, and words.
The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 1, wherein the puddle lamp assembly includes a housing, a light source, and an image filter.
The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 3, wherein the light source and the image filter are enclosed or supported within the housing.
The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 3, wherein the light source is configured for emitting light through the image filter.
The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 5, wherein the light source is a Red, Green, Blue (RGB) light emitting diode (LED) for producing the illuminated pattern.
The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 3, wherein the image filter includes a light transparent film having either a positive or a negative light transparent image.
The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 1, comprising a sensor system configured to sense the vehicle interior temperature and communicate a signal to the control module.
The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to receive a door unlock signal for determining whether to command the puddle lamp assembly to project the illuminated pattern.
The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to receive a distance to user signal for determining whether to command the puddle lamp assembly to project the illuminated pattern.
The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to receive a door unlatch signal for determining whether to command the puddle lamp assembly to project the illuminated pattern.
The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to receive a remote start signal for determining whether to command the puddle lamp assembly to project the illuminated pattern.
The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to command the puddle lamp assembly to project the illuminated pattern in a first color if the vehicle interior temperature is above a desired temperature.
The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 13 wherein the control module is configured to command the puddle lamp assembly to project the illuminated pattern in a second color if the vehicle interior temperature is below the desired temperature.
The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 14, wherein the control module is configured to command the puddle lamp assembly to project the illuminated pattern in a third color if the vehicle interior temperature is within a predefined range of the desired temperature.
A method, comprising: monitoring an interior temperature of a vehicle with a sensor system; and in response to receiving a door unlock signal, a distance to user signal, or a remote start signal, automatically illuminating a puddle lamp assembly of the vehicle to provide a visual indication of the interior temperature to a person located external to the vehicle.
The method as recited in claim 16, wherein illuminating the puddle lamp assembly includes providing the visual indication in a first color if the interior temperature is above a desired temperature.
The method as recited in claim 17, wherein illuminating the puddle lamp assembly includes providing the visual indication in a second color if the interior temperature is below the desired temperature.
The method as recited in claim 18, wherein illuminating the puddle lamp assembly includes providing the visual indication in a third color if the interior temperature is within a predefined range of the desired temperature.
A vehicle, comprising: a sensor system configured to sense an interior temperature; a puddle lamp assembly configured to selectively project an illuminated pattern that provides a visual indication of the interior temperature; and a control module configured to control the puddle lamp assembly to project the illuminated pattern in a first color if the interior temperature is above a desired temperature or a second color if the interior temperature is below the desired temperature.

Description

This disclosure relates to vehicle puddle lamp assemblies and associated methods for illuminating the puddle lamp assemblies in a manner that provides a visual indication of the vehicle interior temperature.

Vehicle lighting systems include a multitude of lighting and signaling devices for illuminating the vehicle and alerting others of the vehicle's presence and driving intentions. These lighting systems typically include various lighting devices positioned at the front, rear, sides, and interior of the vehicle. Some lighting devices employ puddle lamps for projecting a beam of light onto the ground surface in an area adjacent to a vehicle door when the door is likely to be opened. The puddle lamps provide illumination to a driver or passenger of the vehicle to observe the area for approaching or stepping out of the vehicle. It may be desirable to add more functionality to the puddle lumps.

A vehicle lighting system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a puddle lamp assembly and a control module configured to control the puddle lamp assembly to selectively project an illuminated pattern onto a ground surface adjacent to the puddle lamp assembly. The illuminated pattern provides a visual indication of a vehicle interior temperature.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing vehicle lighting system, the illuminated pattern includes a logo, a symbol, a word, or any combination of logos, symbols, and words.

Citations (9)

US4674454A
US6592255B1
US6914521B2
US20060232389A1
US8482430B2
US20140191859A1
US9178371B2
US20140320823A1
US9321395B2

Record as JSON

{
  "publication_number": "US10160380B1",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B1",
  "title": "Enhanced informational vehicle puddle lamp assemblies",
  "abstract": "This disclosure details vehicle puddle lamp assemblies and methods for illuminating the puddle lamp assemblies in a manner that provides a visual indication of a vehicle interior temperature. An exemplary vehicle puddle lamp assembly includes a control module configured to control the puddle lamp assembly to selectively project an illuminated pattern onto a ground surface adjacent to the puddle lamp assembly. The illuminated pattern provides the visual indication of the vehicle interior temperature.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A vehicle lighting system for a vehicle, comprising: a puddle lamp assembly of the vehicle configured to project an illuminated pattern onto a ground surface adjacent to the puddle lamp assembly; and a control module configured to control the puddle lamp assembly to project the illuminated pattern in response to a received external command; wherein the illuminated pattern provides a visual indication of an interior temperature of the vehicle.",
    "2. The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 1, wherein the illuminated pattern includes a logo, a symbol, a word, or any combination of logos, symbols, and words.",
    "3. The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 1, wherein the puddle lamp assembly includes a housing, a light source, and an image filter.",
    "4. The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 3, wherein the light source and the image filter are enclosed or supported within the housing.",
    "5. The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 3, wherein the light source is configured for emitting light through the image filter.",
    "6. The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 5, wherein the light source is a Red, Green, Blue (RGB) light emitting diode (LED) for producing the illuminated pattern.",
    "7. The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 3, wherein the image filter includes a light transparent film having either a positive or a negative light transparent image.",
    "8. The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 1, comprising a sensor system configured to sense the vehicle interior temperature and communicate a signal to the control module.",
    "9. The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to receive a door unlock signal for determining whether to command the puddle lamp assembly to project the illuminated pattern.",
    "10. The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to receive a distance to user signal for determining whether to command the puddle lamp assembly to project the illuminated pattern.",
    "11. The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to receive a door unlatch signal for determining whether to command the puddle lamp assembly to project the illuminated pattern.",
    "12. The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to receive a remote start signal for determining whether to command the puddle lamp assembly to project the illuminated pattern.",
    "13. The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to command the puddle lamp assembly to project the illuminated pattern in a first color if the vehicle interior temperature is above a desired temperature.",
    "14. The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 13 wherein the control module is configured to command the puddle lamp assembly to project the illuminated pattern in a second color if the vehicle interior temperature is below the desired temperature.",
    "15. The vehicle lighting system as recited in claim 14, wherein the control module is configured to command the puddle lamp assembly to project the illuminated pattern in a third color if the vehicle interior temperature is within a predefined range of the desired temperature.",
    "16. A method, comprising: monitoring an interior temperature of a vehicle with a sensor system; and in response to receiving a door unlock signal, a distance to user signal, or a remote start signal, automatically illuminating a puddle lamp assembly of the vehicle to provide a visual indication of the interior temperature to a person located external to the vehicle.",
    "17. The method as recited in claim 16, wherein illuminating the puddle lamp assembly includes providing the visual indication in a first color if the interior temperature is above a desired temperature.",
    "18. The method as recited in claim 17, wherein illuminating the puddle lamp assembly includes providing the visual indication in a second color if the interior temperature is below the desired temperature.",
    "19. The method as recited in claim 18, wherein illuminating the puddle lamp assembly includes providing the visual indication in a third color if the interior temperature is within a predefined range of the desired temperature.",
    "20. A vehicle, comprising: a sensor system configured to sense an interior temperature; a puddle lamp assembly configured to selectively project an illuminated pattern that provides a visual indication of the interior temperature; and a control module configured to control the puddle lamp assembly to project the illuminated pattern in a first color if the interior temperature is above a desired temperature or a second color if the interior temperature is below the desired temperature."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "This disclosure relates to vehicle puddle lamp assemblies and associated methods for illuminating the puddle lamp assemblies in a manner that provides a visual indication of the vehicle interior temperature.\n\nVehicle lighting systems include a multitude of lighting and signaling devices for illuminating the vehicle and alerting others of the vehicle's presence and driving intentions. These lighting systems typically include various lighting devices positioned at the front, rear, sides, and interior of the vehicle. Some lighting devices employ puddle lamps for projecting a beam of light onto the ground surface in an area adjacent to a vehicle door when the door is likely to be opened. The puddle lamps provide illumination to a driver or passenger of the vehicle to observe the area for approaching or stepping out of the vehicle. It may be desirable to add more functionality to the puddle lumps.\n\nA vehicle lighting system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a puddle lamp assembly and a control module configured to control the puddle lamp assembly to selectively project an illuminated pattern onto a ground surface adjacent to the puddle lamp assembly. The illuminated pattern provides a visual indication of a vehicle interior temperature.\n\nIn a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing vehicle lighting system, the illuminated pattern includes a logo, a symbol, a word, or any combination of logos, symbols, and words.",
  "cpc": [
    "H05B 47/115",
    "B60Q 1/02",
    "B60Q 1/247",
    "B60Q 1/2665",
    "B60Q 1/2696",
    "B60Q 1/32",
    "B60Q 1/323",
    "B60Q 1/503",
    "B60Q 1/507",
    "B60Q 1/543",
    "B60Q 2400/20",
    "B60Q 2400/40",
    "B60Q 2400/50",
    "B60Q 9/00",
    "F21V 23/0435",
    "F21V 23/0471",
    "F21Y 2113/13",
    "F21Y 2115/10",
    "H05B 37/0227",
    "Y02B 20/40"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "B60Q 1/26",
    "B60Q 1/32",
    "B60Q 1/50",
    "F21V 23/04",
    "H05B 37/02"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "Ford Global Technologies LLC"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Stuart C. Salter",
    "Paul Kenneth Dellock",
    "James J. Surman",
    "Ulrich Stuhec",
    "Cornel Lewis Gardner"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2017-10-05",
  "publication_date": "2018-12-25",
  "grant_date": "2018-12-25",
  "priority_date": "2017-10-05",
  "application_number": "US-201715725386-A",
  "family_id": "64717019",
  "cited_by_count": 13,
  "citations": [
    "US4674454A",
    "US6592255B1",
    "US6914521B2",
    "US20060232389A1",
    "US8482430B2",
    "US20140191859A1",
    "US9178371B2",
    "US20140320823A1",
    "US9321395B2"
  ]
}

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