Patent ID: 6720871
Filing Date: 2004-04-13
Classification: B60Q

Abstract:
A control system for modulating a brake light region of an automobile for enhanced display indication of braking of the automobile comprising:an integral modulation unit sized to be disposed within a casing of the brake light and interposed between a lamp of the brake light and an energy supply; wherein the modulation unit includes means for sequentially adjusting power from the energy supply to the lamp for a first predetermined time interval concurrent with the braking of the automobile for generating a desired brightening and dimming of the lamp, and continuously supplying a constant power to the lamp after expiration of the first predetermined time interval during continued braking; and, a lockout timer for precluding the sequential adjusting by the modulation unit for a second predetermined time interval after release of the braking for avoiding repetitive flashing in stop and go traffic wherein the modulation unit and lockout timer cooperate to time the braking and a period between brakings for the modulating of the brake light based on the timing of the braking and the period between the brakings.