Patent ID: 7106068
Filing Date: 2006-09-12
Classification: B60Q,G01R

Abstract:
1. A vehicle lighting system comprising: a plurality of lamps mounted to be visible on the exterior of the vehicle; functional subsets of lamps within the plurality of lamps; an electrical system controller having a plurality of lamp energization output ports; an energization circuit for each functional subset of lamps, each energization circuit being connected to a different one of the lamp energization output ports; a first set of lamp activation switches for functional subsets of lamps, and service brake position and parking brake position switches, connected to the electrical system controller to provide status inputs to the electrical system controller; a gauge controller; a second set of lamp activation switches, including a lamp test switch, connected to provide status inputs to the gauge controller; an ignition switch position sensing element providing a control input to the gauge controller; a datalink between the gauge controller and the electrical system controller allowing indication of the state of status and control inputs received by the gauge controller to be communicated to the electrical system controller; the electrical system controller further including a programmable microcomputer for switching on and off each of the plurality of lamp energization output ports; and a test program executable on the programmable microcomputer and responsive to actuation of the lamp test switch for execution, the test program including program means for associating selected functional subsets of lamps into a plurality of exclusive groups, and providing further program means for allowing selection of at least a first exclusive group for sequential actuation and extinguishment of the lamps of each selected exclusive group undergoing testing by energization of the lamp energization output ports.