Illuminated vehicle compartment

A vehicle is provided herein that includes a pickup box defining a storage compartment therein. A liner is disposed on an exterior surface of the pickup box. A first luminescent structure is disposed within the liner and is configured to luminesce in response to receiving excitation light from a first light source.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to vehicle lighting systems, and more particularly, to vehicle lighting systems employing one or more luminescent structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Illumination arising from the use of luminescent structures offers a unique and attractive viewing experience. It is therefore desired to implement such structures in automotive vehicles for various lighting applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is disclosed that includes a pickup box defining a storage compartment therein. A liner is disposed on an exterior surface of the pickup box. A first luminescent structure is disposed within the liner and is configured to luminesce in response to receiving excitation light from a first light source.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is disclosed that includes a storage compartment. A first light source is configured to emit light within the storage compartment. First and second luminescent structures are disposed within the storage compartment. The first and second luminescent structures independently luminesce based on a wavelength of an excitation light received from the light source.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is disclosed that includes a pickup box defining a storage compartment therein. A light source is configured to direct excitation light into the storage compartment. A liner is disposed within the storage compartment. A luminescent structure is disposed on an upwardly extending surface of the storage compartment. The luminescent structure luminesces in response to receiving excitation light from the light source.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following disclosure describes an illuminated compartment, which may be configured as a truck box. The compartment may advantageously employ one or more phosphorescent and/or luminescent structures to illuminate in response to predefined events. The one or more luminescent structures may be configured to convert excitation light received from an associated light source and re-emit the light at a different wavelength typically found in the visible spectrum.

Referring toFIGS. 1A-1C, various exemplary embodiments of luminescent structures10are shown, each capable of being coupled to a substrate12, which may correspond to a vehicle fixture or vehicle related piece of equipment. InFIG. 1A, the luminescent structure10is generally shown rendered as a coating (e.g., a film) that may be applied to a surface of the substrate12. InFIG. 1B, the luminescent structure10is generally shown as a discrete particle capable of being integrated with a substrate12. InFIG. 1C, the luminescent structure10is generally shown as a plurality of discrete particles that may be incorporated into a support medium14(e.g., a film) that may then be applied (as shown) or integrated with the substrate12.

At the most basic level, a given luminescent structure10includes an energy conversion layer16that may include one or more sublayers, which are exemplarily shown through broken lines inFIGS. 1A and 1B. Each sublayer of the energy conversion layer16may include one or more luminescent materials18having energy converting elements with phosphorescent or fluorescent properties. Each luminescent material18may become excited upon receiving an excitation light24of a specific wavelength, thereby causing the light to undergo a conversion process. Under the principle of down conversion, the excitation light24is converted into a longer wavelength, converted light26that is outputted from the luminescent structure10. Conversely, under the principle of up conversion, the excitation light24is converted into a shorter wavelength light that is outputted from the luminescent structure10. When multiple distinct wavelengths of light are outputted from the luminescent structure10at the same time, the wavelengths of light may mix together and be expressed as a multicolor light.

Light emitted by a light source72(FIG. 3) is referred to herein as excitation light24and is illustrated herein as solid arrows. In contrast, light emitted from the luminescent structure10is referred to herein as luminescence by the luminescent structure10, or converted light26, and is illustrated herein as broken arrows. The mixture of excitation light24and converted light26that may be emitted simultaneously is referred to herein as emitted light.

The energy conversion layer16may be prepared by dispersing the luminescent material18in a polymer matrix to form a homogenous mixture using a variety of methods. Such methods may include preparing the energy conversion layer16from a formulation in a liquid carrier support medium14and coating the energy conversion layer16to a desired substrate12. The energy conversion layer16may be applied to a substrate12by painting, screen-printing, spraying, slot coating, dip coating, roller coating, and bar coating. Alternatively, the energy conversion layer16may be prepared by methods that do not use a liquid carrier support medium14. For example, the energy conversion layer16may be rendered by dispersing the luminescent material18into a solid-state solution (homogenous mixture in a dry state) that may be incorporated in a polymer matrix, which may be formed by extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, calendaring, thermoforming, etc. The energy conversion layer16may then be integrated into a substrate12using any methods known to those skilled in the art. When the energy conversion layer16includes sublayers, each sublayer may be sequentially coated to form the energy conversion layer16. Alternatively, the sublayers can be separately prepared and later laminated or embossed together to form the energy conversion layer16. Alternatively still, the energy conversion layer16may be formed by coextruding the sublayers.

In some embodiments, the converted light26that has been down converted or up converted may be used to excite other luminescent material(s)18found in the energy conversion layer16. The process of using the converted light26outputted from one luminescent material18to excite another, and so on, is generally known as an energy cascade and may serve as an alternative for achieving various color expressions. With respect to either conversion principle, the difference in wavelength between the excitation light24and the converted light26is known as the Stokes shift and serves as the principle driving mechanism for an energy conversion process corresponding to a change in wavelength of light. In the various embodiments discussed herein, each of the luminescent structures10may operate under either conversion principle.

Referring back toFIGS. 1A and 1B, the luminescent structure10may optionally include at least one stability layer20to protect the luminescent material18contained within the energy conversion layer16from photolytic and thermal degradation. The stability layer20may be configured as a separate layer optically coupled and adhered to the energy conversion layer16. Alternatively, the stability layer20may be integrated with the energy conversion layer16. The luminescent structure10may also optionally include a protective layer22optically coupled and adhered to the stability layer20or other layer (e.g., the conversion layer16in the absence of the stability layer20) to protect the luminescent structure10from physical and chemical damage arising from environmental exposure. The stability layer20and/or the protective layer22may be combined with the energy conversion layer16through sequential coating or printing of each layer, sequential lamination or embossing, or any other suitable means.

Additional information regarding the construction of luminescent structures10is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,232,533 to Kingsley et al., the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. For additional information regarding fabrication and utilization of luminescent materials to achieve various light emissions, refer to U.S. Pat. No. 8,207,511 to Bortz et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,247,761 to Agrawal et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,519,359 to Kingsley et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,664,624 to Kingsley et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0183677 to Agrawal et al., U.S. Pat. No. 9,057,021 to Kingsley et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 8,846,184 to Agrawal et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

According to one embodiment, the luminescent material18may include organic or inorganic fluorescent dyes including rylenes, xanthenes, porphyrins, and phthalocyanines. Additionally, or alternatively, the luminescent material18may include phosphors from the group of Ce-doped garnets such as YAG:Ce and may be a short-persistence luminescent material18. For example, an emission by Ce3+is based on an electronic energy transition from 4D1to 4f1as a parity allowed transition. As a result of this, a difference in energy between the light absorption and the light emission by Ce3+is small, and the luminescent level of Ce3+has an ultra-short lifespan, or decay time, of 10−8to 10−7seconds (10 to 100 nanoseconds). The decay time may be defined as the time between the end of excitation from the excitation light24and the moment when the light intensity of the converted light26emitted from the luminescent structure10drops below a minimum visibility of 0.32 mcd/m2. A visibility of 0.32 mcd/m2is roughly 100 times the sensitivity of the dark-adapted human eye, which corresponds to a base level of illumination commonly used by persons of ordinary skill in the art.

According to one embodiment, a Ce3+garnet may be utilized, which has a peak excitation spectrum that may reside in a shorter wavelength range than that of conventional YAG:Ce-type phosphors. Accordingly, Ce3+has short-persistence characteristics such that its decay time may be 100 milliseconds or less. Therefore, in some embodiments, the rare earth aluminum garnet type Ce phosphor may serve as the luminescent material18with ultra-short-persistence characteristics, which can emit the converted light26by absorbing purple to blue excitation light24emitted from a light source72. According to one embodiment, a ZnS:Ag phosphor may be used to create a blue converted light26. A ZnS:Cu phosphor may be utilized to create a yellowish-green converted light26. A Y2O2S:Eu phosphor may be used to create red converted light26. Moreover, the aforementioned phosphorescent materials may be combined to form a wide range of colors, including white light. It will be understood that any short-persistence luminescent material18known in the art may be utilized without departing from the teachings provided herein. Additional information regarding the production of short-persistence luminescent materials is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,163,201 to Kingsley et al. the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Additionally, or alternatively, the luminescent material18, according to one embodiment, disposed within the luminescent structure10may include a long-persistence luminescent material18that emits the converted light26, once charged by the excitation light24. The excitation light24may be emitted from any excitation source (e.g., any natural light source, such as the sun, and/or any artificial light source72). The long-persistence luminescent material18may be defined as having a long decay time due to its ability to store the excitation light24and release the converted light26gradually, for a period of several minutes or hours, once the excitation light24is no longer present.

The long-persistence luminescent material18, according to one embodiment, may be operable to emit light at or above an intensity of 0.32 mcd/m2after a period of 10 minutes. Additionally, the long-persistence luminescent material18may be operable to emit light above or at an intensity of 0.32 mcd/m2after a period of 30 minutes and, in some embodiments, for a period substantially longer than 60 minutes (e.g., the period may extend 24 hours or longer, and in some instances, the period may extend 48 hours). Accordingly, the long-persistence luminescent material18may continually illuminate in response to excitation from any light source72that emits the excitation light24, including, but not limited to, natural light sources (e.g., the sun) and/or any artificial light source72. The periodic absorption of the excitation light24from any excitation source may provide for a substantially sustained charge of the long-persistence luminescent material18to provide for consistent passive illumination. In some embodiments, a light sensor may monitor the illumination intensity of the luminescent structure10and actuate an excitation source when the illumination intensity falls below 0.32 mcd/m2, or any other predefined intensity level.

The long-persistence luminescent material18may correspond to alkaline earth aluminates and silicates, for example doped di-silicates, or any other compound that is capable of emitting light for a period of time once the excitation light24is no longer present. The long-persistence luminescent material18may be doped with one or more ions, which may correspond to rare earth elements, for example, Eu2+, Tb3+and/or Dy3. According to one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the luminescent structure10includes a phosphorescent material in the range of about 30% to about 55%, a liquid carrier medium in the range of about 25% to about 55%, a polymeric resin in the range of about 15% to about 35%, a stabilizing additive in the range of about 0.25% to about 20%, and performance-enhancing additives in the range of about 0% to about 5%, each based on the weight of the formulation.

The luminescent structure10, according to one embodiment, may be a translucent white color, and in some instances reflective, when unilluminated. Once the luminescent structure10receives the excitation light24of a particular wavelength, the luminescent structure10may emit any color light (e.g., blue or red) therefrom at any desired brightness. According to one embodiment, a blue emitting phosphorescent material may have the structure Li2ZnGeO4and may be prepared by a high temperature solid-state reaction method or through any other practicable method and/or process. The afterglow may last for a duration of 2-8 hours and may originate from the excitation light24and d-d transitions of Mn2+ions.

According to an alternate non-limiting exemplary embodiment, 100 parts of a commercial solvent-borne polyurethane, such as Mace resin107-268, having 50% solids polyurethane in toluene/isopropanol, 125 parts of a blue green long-persistence phosphor, such as Performance Indicator PI-BG20, and 12.5 parts of a dye solution containing 0.1% Lumogen Yellow F083 in dioxolane may be blended to yield a low rare earth mineral luminescent structure10. It will be understood that the compositions provided herein are non-limiting examples. Thus, any phosphor known in the art may be utilized within the luminescent structure10without departing from the teachings provided herein. Moreover, it is contemplated that any long-persistence phosphor known in the art may also be utilized without departing from the teachings provided herein.

Additional information regarding the production of long-persistence luminescent materials is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,163,201 to Agrawal et al., the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. For additional information regarding long-persistence phosphorescent structures, refer to U.S. Pat. No. 6,953,536 to Yen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,117,362 to Yen et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 8,952,341 to Kingsley et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Referring toFIG. 2, a vehicle28in the form of a pickup truck is generally shown having a cab30and a pickup box32, according to one embodiment. The pickup box32is generally positioned behind the cab30and includes a bed34surrounded by upstanding sidewalls36on two opposing sides. The bed34may include a substantially planar portion38and two opposing wheel well portions40. A rear portion42of the cab30may form a front wall44of the box32. In alternate embodiments, the box32may include a front wall44in close proximity to the cab30.

A tailgate46, which is operable between an open position, as illustrated inFIG. 2, and a closed position, is positioned at a rear end of the pickup box32. The bed34, the box sidewalls36, the front wall44, and the tailgate46define an illuminated storage compartment48that is configured to haul and/or stow a variety of cargo items.

A light assembly50, such as a center high mount stop light (CHMSL)52, is positioned on an upper portion of the cab30. The CHMSL52is configured to be activated and emit light under a variety of circumstances. For example, the center high mount stop light may emit light during braking of the vehicle28, as a running light, as a hazard notification. The CHMSL52may emit visible light (e.g., red) and/or non-visible light.

A truck bed liner54includes a liner bottom section56, which is adapted to fit on and substantially cover the full width of the bed34and two opposing wheel well sections64, a pair of sidewall sections58, a front section60, and a tailgate section62. As shown inFIG. 2, the liner54may contain a plurality of corrugations128. The liner54is used to protect the bed34or cargo compartment48of the vehicle28from detrimental physical impacts, surface abrasion, and/or corrosion due to reactive chemicals. The liner54may be used in the beds34of pickup trucks, SUV or van cargo compartments, cabinets (such as for the storage compartments48of a fire engine or a boat), and/or any other desired location.

The liner54may be configured as a “spray-in” and/or “drop-in” liner. Drop-in liners54are a preformed component prior to attachment to the vehicle28, which may be formed from a rigid plastic material that form-fits the bed34to be protected. Spray-in liners54are formed by spraying a liquid carrier medium, or coating (e.g., polymer), into the truck bed34or vehicle cargo compartment48and then curing the coating. The sections of the liner54may also be provided with an integral anti-slip, frictional material. Such material having a high coefficient of friction will inhibit movement of material placed upon an upper surface of the liner54during use of the vehicle28. The material may be provided by laminating the material to the upper surface of the liner54prior to vacuum forming a drop-in liner54, or coupled to a spray-in liner54through any method known in the art. Suitable materials capable of being bonded to the liner54and providing such an anti-slip surface include, but are not limited to, a variety of ethylene ethyl acetate (EEA), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoplastic rubber (TPR), Saranex, etc.

One or more luminescent structures10a,10b,10cmay be integrally disposed within the liner54, or sections thereof. For example, a first luminescent structure10amay be disposed on the front section60of the liner54, a second luminescent structure10bmay be disposed on one or more of the wheel well sections64, and/or a third luminescent structure10cmay be disposed on a top surface of the tailgate section62of the liner54and/or the tailgate46. Accordingly, when the tailgate46is in an open position, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the open box32and the tailgate46are visible to vehicles disposed rearwardly of the box32. The luminescent structures10a,10b,10cmay luminesce in any color to notify rearwardly disposed vehicles of the position of the vehicle28, and open condition of the box32. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the luminescent structures10a,10b,10cmay luminesce in a red color to match a rearwardly facing nighttime running light, which may be disposed in a rear taillight assembly65of the vehicle28. Any section of the liner54may include additional luminescent structures10therein that may luminesce in any color to provide any desired notification, indicia, and/or decorative effect to the liner54.

The luminescent structures10a,10b,10cwithin the liner54may luminesce in response to receiving excitation light24from any artificial light source72, such as the CHMSL52, and/or excitation light24emitted from the sun. In some embodiments, the luminescent structures10a,10b,10cmay include a long-persistence luminescent material18, as described above, such that the luminescent structures10a,10b,10cmay luminesce for extended durations, such as a period of several minutes or hours, once a night-like lighting condition occurs.

Referring toFIG. 3, one or more box lights66may additionally, and/or alternatively, be disposed within the pickup box32and emit excitation light24towards at least one luminescent structure10a,10b,10c. For example, the box lights66inFIG. 3are illustrated on a rear portion of the box sidewalls36. The CHMSL52and/or the box lights66may emit excitation light24toward a rear portion42of the vehicle28, into the pickup box32, and/or to the sides of the vehicle28when activated causing distinct luminescent structures10a,10b,10cwithin the box32to luminesce. In some embodiments, the box lights66may illuminate in conjunction with lights disposed within the taillight assembly65. For example, the box lights66may illuminate while a vehicle running light is initiated and/or when a vehicle brake light is illuminated.

In some embodiments, a rear window68may include a light filter to prevent excitation light24from entering the cab30. Moreover, the rear window68may additionally, or alternatively, include an additional luminescent structure70(FIG. 2) thereon that luminesces in response to receiving excitation light24.

The light assembly50and/or the box lights66may each include at least one light source72therein that is configured to emit non-visible light, such as blue light, ultraviolet (UV) light, infrared light (IR), and/or violet light and may include any form of light source. For example fluorescent lighting, light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), polymer LEDs (PLEDs), solid state lighting, or any other form of lighting configured to emit excitation light24may be utilized. In response to receiving excitation light24, the luminescent structures10a,10b,10cmay be configured to luminesce in the visible spectrum. According to one embodiment, the light assembly50may emit a first wavelength of excitation light24that causes the first luminescent structure10ato luminesce. Similarly, the box lights66may emit excitation light24of a second wavelength that only excites the second luminescent structure10b. In other embodiments, any, and/or all, light sources72(natural or artificial) may excite any and/or all luminescent structures10a,10b,10cwithin and/or on the vehicle28.

In some embodiments, the first, second, and/or third luminescent structures10a,10b,10ceach have substantially different (e.g., non-overlapping and/or offset) absorbance and/or luminesce wavelength spectrums such that different luminescent structures10a,10b,10cmay be independently illuminated. That is, the luminescent structures10a,10b,10cmay be formulated to have non-overlapping absorption spectrums and Stoke shifts that yield different emission spectrums. Also, in formulating the luminescent structures10a,10b,10c, care should be taken in choosing the associated Stoke shifts such that the converted light26emitted from one of the luminescent structures10a,10b,10cdoes not excite the other, unless so desired. The intensities of the excitation light24emitted from the light assembly50and/or box lights66may also be proportionally varied to one another such that additional colors may be obtained. For energy conversion layers16containing more than two distinct luminescent materials18, a greater diversity of colors may be achieved. Contemplated colors include red, green, blue, and combinations thereof, including white, all of which may be achieved by selecting the appropriate luminescent materials18and correctly manipulating the corresponding light sources72. In some embodiments, the first luminescent structure10amay be a phosphor material while the second luminescent structure10bmay be a dye. It will be appreciated that the box32may include any number of luminescent structures10a,10b,10cand/or light sources72without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

According to one embodiment, the luminescent structures10a,10b,10cwithin the liner54include a long-persistence luminescent material18. The luminescent structures10a,10b,10cmay luminesce in response to receiving natural and/or artificial excitation light24. Thus, according to one embodiment, the luminescent structures10a,10b,10cmay be activated by UV light. The box lights66may also include a light source72that emits UV light. Accordingly, the luminescent structures10a,10b,10cmay actively (i.e., excited by the light source(s)72) and/or passively (excited by the sun) luminesce. In some embodiments, non-visible excitation light24is emitted from the light sources72such that the excitation light24is not visible to occupants of proximately disposed vehicles.

Referring toFIGS. 4A and 4B, a cross-sectional view of the light source72capable of use with an external luminescent structure10is shown according to one embodiment taken along the line IV-IV ofFIG. 3. As illustrated inFIG. 4A, the light source72has a stacked arrangement that includes a light-producing assembly74, a decorative layer76, and an overmold material80. It will be appreciated that some embodiments may not include all components shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B.

The light-producing assembly74may correspond to a thin-film or printed light emitting diode (LED) assembly and includes a substrate82as its lowermost layer. The substrate82may include a polycarbonate, poly-methyl methacrylate (PMMA), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material on the order of 0.005 to 0.060 inches thick and is arranged over the intended vehicle substrate on which the light source72is to be received (e.g., a portion of the box32and/or a section of the liner54, etc.). Alternatively, as a cost saving measure, the substrate82may directly correspond to a preexisting structure (e.g., a portion of the box32and/or a section of the liner54, etc.).

The light-producing assembly74includes a positive electrode84arranged over the substrate82. The positive electrode84includes a conductive epoxy such as, but not limited to, a silver-containing or copper-containing epoxy. The positive electrode84is electrically connected to at least a portion of a plurality of LED sources86arranged within a semiconductor ink88and applied over the positive electrode84. Likewise, a negative electrode90is also electrically connected to at least a portion of the LED sources86. The negative electrode90is arranged over the semiconductor ink88and includes a transparent or translucent conductive material such as, but not limited to, indium tin oxide. Additionally, each of the positive and negative electrodes84,90are electrically connected to a controller92and the power source94via a corresponding bus bar96,98and conductive leads100. The bus bars96,98may be printed along opposite edges of the positive and negative electrodes84,90and the points of connection between the bus bars96,98and the conductive leads100may be at opposite corners of each bus bar96,98to promote uniform current distribution along the bus bars96,98. It should be appreciated that in alternate embodiments, the orientation of components within the light-producing assembly74may be altered without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure. For example, the negative electrode90may be disposed below the semiconductor ink88and the positive electrode84may be arranged over the aforementioned semiconductor ink88. Likewise, additional components, such as the bus bars96,98may also be placed in any orientation such that the light-producing assembly74may emit converted light26towards a desired location.

The LED sources86may be dispersed in a random or controlled fashion within the semiconductor ink88and may be configured to emit focused or non-focused excitation light24. The LED sources86may correspond to micro-LEDs of gallium nitride elements on the order of about 5 to about 400 microns in size and the semiconductor ink88may include various binders and dielectric material including, but not limited to, one or more of gallium, indium, silicon carbide, phosphorous, and/or translucent polymeric binders.

The semiconductor ink88can be applied through various printing processes, including ink jet and silk screen processes to selected portion(s) of the positive electrode84. More specifically, it is envisioned that the LED sources86are dispersed within the semiconductor ink88, and shaped and sized such that a substantial quantity of the LED sources86(e.g., over 50%) align with the positive and negative electrodes84,90during deposition of the semiconductor ink88. The portion of the LED sources86that ultimately are electrically connected to the positive and negative electrodes84,90may be illuminated by a combination of the bus bars96,98, controller92, power source94, and conductive leads100. Additional information regarding the construction of light-producing assemblies is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,299,887 to Lowenthal et al., the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, a decorative layer76may be disposed above the light-producing assembly74. The decorative layer76may include a polymeric material or any other suitable material and is configured to control or modify an appearance of the light source72. For example, the decorative layer76may be configured to confer a metallic appearance to the light source72. The metallic appearance can be disposed within the light source72through any method known in the art, including, but not limited to, sputter deposition, vacuum deposition (vacuum evaporation coating), electroplating, or directly printing onto a component of the light source72. The metallic appearance may be chosen from a wide range of reflective materials and/or colors, including, but not limited to, silver, chrome, copper, bronze, gold, or any other metallic surface. Additionally, an imitator of any metallic material may also be utilized without departing from the teachings provided herein.

Referring toFIG. 4B, the light-producing assembly74may also include optics78that are configured to direct excitation light24emitted from the LED sources86towards pre-defined locations. For example, excitation light24emitted from the LED sources86may be directed and/or focused towards the wheel well sections64of the liner54, the front section60of the liner54, the tailgate section62of the liner54, and/or any other location proximate to the box32.

Referring toFIG. 5, a light-producing assembly74, according to one embodiment, is illustrated from a top view having varying types and concentrations of LED sources86a,86btransversely along the light-producing assembly74. As illustrated, a first portion102of the light-producing assembly74includes LED sources86athat are configured to emit an excitation light24having a first emission wavelength. Likewise, a second portion104of the light-producing assembly74includes LED sources86bthat are configured to emit an excitation light24having a second emission wavelength. The first and second portions102,104of the light-producing assembly74may be separated by insulative, or non-conductive, barriers106from proximately disposed portions through any means known in the art such that each portion102,104may be illuminated independently of any other portion102,104. The insulative barriers106may also prevent a substantial amount of excitation light24emitted from proximately illuminated LED sources86a,86bfrom crossing through the insulative barrier106. Further, each portion102,104disposed within the light-producing assembly74may include a respective bus bar96,98,108,110,112,114coupled to the controller92and configured to illuminate each respective portion102,104.

The semiconductor ink88may also contain various concentrations of LED sources86a,86bsuch that the concentration of the LED sources86a,86b, or number of LED sources86a,86bper unit area, may be adjusted for various lighting applications. In some embodiments, the concentration of LED sources86a,86bmay vary across the length of the light-producing assembly74. For example, a first portion102of the light-producing assembly74may have a greater concentration of LED sources86than alternate portions104, or vice versa. In such embodiments, the light source72and/or the indicia may appear brighter or have a greater luminance in order to preferentially illuminate pre-defined locations. In other embodiments, the concentration of LED sources86a,86bmay increase or decrease with increasing distance from a preselected point.

Referring toFIG. 6, a block diagram of the vehicle28is shown in which the illuminated truck box32is disposed within the vehicle28. The power source94is connected to the truck box32to provide power to the light source72.

The vehicle28may also be equipped with one or more sensors116for initiating the light source72. The one or more vehicle sensors116may communicate with the truck box32through a multiplex communication bus118. The multiplex communication bus118may be disposed within the truck box32and/or the vehicle28. According to one embodiment, the vehicle28may include a light-detecting device120, a motion sensor122, and/or any other sensor that may be disposed within the vehicle28.

The light-detecting device120may be utilized for varying the intensity of excitation light24emitted from the light source72. The light-detecting device120senses the environmental lighting conditions, such as whether the vehicle28is in day-like conditions (i.e., higher light level conditions) and/or whether the vehicle28is in night-like conditions (i.e., lower light level conditions). The light-detecting device120can be of any suitable type, and can detect the day-like and night-like conditions in any suitable fashion. For instance, in one embodiment, the light-detecting device120includes a light sensor that detects the amount of light (e.g., solar radiation) affecting the vehicle28for determining whether day-like or night-like conditions exist. According to one embodiment, a lower initial intensity of excitation light24may be emitted by the light source72when the light-detecting device120senses night-like conditions. A higher initial intensity of excitation light24may be emitted when the light-detecting device120senses day-like conditions.

The motion sensor122may be configured as ultrasonic sensors or imaging sensors that may be disposed around the exterior of the vehicle28and determine approaching occupants of the vehicle28. The controller92may illuminate the light source72if approaching occupants are detected.

In operation, the light source72may be activated using a variety of means. For example, the vehicle28may include a user interface124. In some instances, the user interface124may be part of a human machine interface (HMI)126disposed within the vehicle28, or the user interface124may work in conjunction with the HMI126. The user interface124may be configured such that a user may control the wavelength of excitation light24that is emitted by the light source72and/or the wavelength of light emitted by the light source72. Additionally, or alternatively, the user interface124may be used to switch the light source72through a plurality of modes and/or functions. The user interface124may use any type of control known in the art for controlling the light source72, such as, but not limited to, switches (e.g., proximity sensors, push-type buttons) and may be disposed in any practicable location.

The vehicle28may further include one or more of the wireless communication transceivers132that may be configured to interact with an electronic device134. The wireless communication transceivers132may communicate with the electronic device134over a wireless signal (e.g., radio frequency). The electronic device134may include a cellphone, a tablet, a key fob, wearable device (e.g., fitness band, watch, glasses, jewelry, wallet), apparel (e.g., a tee shirt, gloves, shoes or other accessories), personal digital assistant, headphones and/or other devices capable of wireless transmission (e.g., radio frequency, Bluetooth, ultrasonic).

In one non-limiting example, the wireless communication transceivers132may be a Bluetooth™ RN4020 module, or an RN4020 Bluetooth™ low energy PICtail board configured to communicate with the electronic device134using Bluetooth™ low energy signals. The wireless communication transceivers132may include a transmitter and a receiver to transmit and receive wireless signals (e.g., Bluetooth™ signals) to and from the electronic device134. It will be appreciated that the wireless communication transceivers132may utilize other forms of wireless communication between with the electronic device134and other wireless communication transceivers132, such as Wi-Fi™.

The wireless communication transceivers132may be positioned on or within the controller92. The controller92may be a dedicated controller or may be a shared controller (e.g., for multiple light assemblies or light assemblies for other body features). The controller92may include a processor and a memory136for executing stored routines or for storing information (e.g., related to the operation of the light source72and/or the electronic device134). The wireless communication transceiver132is configured to communicate with the processor such that one or more of the routines138,140stored in the memory136is activated.

The electronic device134may include one or more routines138,140, which control the communication between the wireless communication transceiver132and the electronic device134. For example, in cellphone embodiments of the electronic device134, the cellphone may include one or more applications142configured to communicate with the wireless communication transceivers132. In the depicted embodiment, the memory136of the controller92includes a light control routine138and a location sensing routine140. In various embodiments, the wireless communication transceiver132is a standalone device that is not in communication with body control modules, electronic control modules, engine control modules and/or other features of the vehicle28. For example, the wireless communication transceivers132may only be capable of communication with the light source72and the electronic device134. In other embodiments, the wireless communication transceivers132may communicate with the body controller and/or other onboard controllers.

The vehicle28may include a plurality of wireless communication transceivers132, similar to that described in connection with the light source72, positioned around the vehicle28(e.g., rear, sides, or front of the vehicle28). The wireless communication transceivers132may be in communication with one another or may mutually communicate with a master controller or module (e.g., body control module). The wireless communication transceivers132may be disposed within other accessories of the vehicle28, or may be stand alone units. The electronic device134may communicate with all, some, or none of the wireless communication transceivers132as the electronic device134enters and exits the communication range of the transceivers132. Each of the wireless communication transceivers132may be aware of its location within the vehicle28and capable of sharing its location with the electronic device134.

In various embodiments, the wireless communication transceivers132are capable of communicating with the electronic device134such that the location of the electronic device134may be determined therefrom (e.g., based on signal strength and/or return time of the signal) or vice versa. According to one embodiment, the location sensing routine140in the memory136of the controller92may utilize the signal strength and time to return of the signals between the plurality of wireless communication transceivers132and the electronic device134to triangulate the position of the electronic device134as the occupant moves around and inside and/or outside of the vehicle28. In embodiments where the wireless communication transceivers132communicate with a master module, the location of the electronic device134may be calculated in the master module. The location of the electronic device134may have sufficient resolution to determine which door of the vehicle28the occupant is approaching. The electronic device134may then share its determined location with the wireless communication transceivers132such that appropriate features (e.g., illumination of the cargo compartment48) may be activated by the appropriate transceivers132. It will be understood that the location sensing routine140may be located on the electronic device134and that any location determinations may be made by the electronic device134and shared with the wireless communication transceivers132without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

The light control routine138may process signals from the wireless communication transceiver132(e.g., the location of the electronic device134) to activate the light source72. Depending on the signals received from the wireless communication transceiver132and/or the vehicle sensors116, the light control routine138may be activated. The light control routine138may store a predetermined illumination sequence for the light source72based on detected properties of the electronic device134(e.g., known or unknown device, location, and user specific data). For example, the light control routine138may control the light source72to follow the electronic device134by activating an illumination sequence based on the position of the electronic devices134. The electronic device134may store user specific data and preferences relating to the light source72(e.g., color, intensity, pattern, activation distance, etc.) and/or the memory136(e.g., the light control routine138) may store this data.

Choosing which electronic devices134should be trusted, and, therefore, given access to command of the controller92and/or the wireless communication transceiver132(e.g., the light source72) may be determined based on whether the electronic device134has been inside of the vehicle28before. The memory of the wireless communication transceivers132may store identifying information relating to electronic devices134which were detected within the vehicle28(e.g., using the location sensing routine140) and which may therefore be generally regarded as “friendly” and/or as the owner of the vehicle28.

In an exemplary method of determining that an unknown electronic device134is friendly, the wireless communication transceivers132detect the presence of an unknown electronic device134, detect a characteristic signal shift (e.g., attenuation or increase in signal at corresponding wireless communication transceivers132) indicative of the unknown electronic device134entering or being within the vehicle28across multiple wireless communication transceivers132, and store characteristic information about the electronic device134for future identification. It will be understood that a determination of the location of the electronic device134to be within the vehicle28may also prompt a storing of the characteristic information about the electronic device134for future identification. Utilizing the past and/or present location of the electronic device134as a security feature to determine if it is allowed access to the controller92may be particularly advantageous as the replication of signal shifting indicative of the electronic device134entering the vehicle28and the location of the electronic device134is particularly difficult to fake. Further, it will be understood that more conventional methods of connecting electronic devices134, such as pairing and manually connecting, may also be utilized to designate friendly devices134.

Integration of vehicle sensors116and/or detection of the electronic devices134by the wireless communication transceivers132may allow for a variety of lighting controls to be affected and illumination sequences to be activated. As described herein, the electronic devices134may be used for determining a location of the occupant. Accordingly, the light source72may illuminate as an occupant approaches the vehicle28and/or uses the cargo compartment48.

Detection of location of the electronic device134relative to the vehicle28also permits the wireless communication transceivers132to determine if an unrecognized electronic device134is proximate the vehicle28. Such an unrecognized electronic device134may be owned or carried by a potential burglar or threat to the vehicle28.

In events where an unrecognized electronic device134is detected proximate the vehicle28for greater than a predetermined time, the wireless communication transceivers132may activate one or more countermeasures. Countermeasures may include a strobe light from the light source72or directing light from the electronic device134. In some embodiments, any available identifying information about the electronic device134may be stored for later retrieval if the owner of the vehicle's electronic device134is not detected proximate the vehicle28at the same time. The wireless communication transceivers132may store greater than fifty electronic devices134that may have been a threat.

In operation, each luminescent structure10a,10b,10cmay exhibit a constant unicolor or multicolor illumination. For example, the controller92may prompt the light source72to emit only a first wavelength of excitation light24to cause the first luminescent structure10ato luminesce in the first color (e.g., red). Alternatively, the controller92may prompt the light source72to emit only a second wavelength of excitation light24to cause the second luminescent structure10to luminesce in the second color (e.g., blue). Alternatively still, the controller92may prompt the light source72to emit only a third wavelength of excitation light24to cause the third luminescent structure10cto luminesce in the third color (e.g., green). Alternatively still, the controller92may prompt the light source72to simultaneously emit the first, second, and/or third wavelengths of excitation light24in any combination to cause the luminescent structures10a,10b,10cto luminesce in a fourth color defined by an additive light mixture of the first, second, and/or third colors. Moreover, additional luminescent structures10may be added to the truck box32that convert the excitation light24emitted from the light source72to a different wavelength. The controller92may prompt the light source72to periodically emit the first and/or second wavelengths of excitation light24at a regular time interval and/or an irregular time interval.

With respect to the above examples, the controller92may modify the intensity of the emitted first, second, and third wavelengths of excitation light24by pulse-width modulation or current control. In some embodiments, the controller92may be configured to adjust a color of the converted light26by sending control signals to adjust an intensity or energy output level of the light source72. For example, if the light source72is configured to output the excitation light24at a low level, substantially all of the excitation light24may be converted to the outputted, visible converted light26. If the light source72is configured to emit excitation light24at a high level, only a portion of the excitation light24may be converted to the converted light26by the luminescent structures10a,10b,10c. In this configuration, a color of light corresponding to mixture of the excitation light24and the converted light26may be output as the outputted light. In this way, each of the controllers92may control an output color of the outputted light.

Though a low level and a high level of intensity are discussed in reference to the excitation light24, it shall be understood that the intensity of the excitation light24may be varied among a variety of intensity levels to adjust a hue of the color corresponding to the emitted excitation and/or converted light24,26from the light source72. As described herein, the color of the converted light26may be significantly dependent on the particular luminescent material18utilized in the luminescent structure10a,10b,10c. Additionally, a conversion capacity of the luminescent structure10a,10b,10cmay be significantly dependent on a concentration of the luminescent material18utilized in the luminescent structure10a,10b,10c. By adjusting the range of intensities that may be emitted from the light source72, the concentration and proportions of the luminescent materials18in the luminescent structure10a,10b,10cand the types of luminescent materials18utilized in the luminescent structure10a,10b,10cdiscussed herein may be operable to generate a range of color hues of outputted light by blending the excitation light24with the converted light26. It is also contemplated that the intensity of each light source72may be varied simultaneously, or independently, from any number of other light sources72.

A variety of advantages may be derived from the use of the present disclosure. For example, use of the disclosed truck box may allow for consistent lighting of the truck bed of the vehicle for notification and aesthetic purposes. Further, use of the wireless communication transceivers allows for the light source to be activated as a person approaches. Further, due to the low package space requirements of the light source, the light source may be adhesively bonded within any interior portion of the truck box. Finally, use of the wireless communication transceivers allows for a low consumption of power from the vehicle while the vehicle is not in use.