Selectively visible user interface

A user interface for a vehicle is disclosed. The user interface comprises a vehicle panel having a proximity sensor, a first photoluminescent portion and a second photoluminescent portion. The user interface further includes a first light source configured to selectively activate the first photoluminescent portion and a second light source configured to selectively activate the second photoluminescent portion. The second photoluminescent portion is configured to reveal a symbol in a backlit configuration in response to the activation of the second light source.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a user interface for a vehicle and more particularly relates to a user interface that is selectively visible.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Illumination arising from photoluminescent structures offers a unique and attractive viewing experience. It is therefore desired to incorporate such photoluminescent structures in vehicle lighting systems to provide ambient and task lighting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a user interface for a vehicle is disclosed. The user interface comprises a first light guide, a second light guide, and at least one proximity sensor. The first light guide is disposed proximate an exterior surface and the second light guide is disposed proximate the first light guide. The proximity sensor is disposed proximate the first light guide and the second light guide. At least one symbol is disposed between the first light guide and the second light guide, wherein, a symbol is selectively illuminated in a backlit configuration.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a selectively visible user interface is disclosed. The user interface comprises a controller in communication with at least one light source and a proximity sensor. The user interface is disposed in a vehicle panel configured to conceal the proximity sensor. The controller is configured to identify a first signal from the proximity sensor corresponding to a detection of an object at a first proximity. In response to the detection, the controller is configured to activate the light source to reveal a symbol demonstrating a user input to the proximity sensor.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a user interface for a vehicle is disclosed. The user interface comprises a vehicle panel having a proximity sensor, a first photoluminescent portion and a second photoluminescent portion. The user interface further includes a first light source configured to selectively activate the first photoluminescent portion and a second light source configured to selectively activate the second photoluminescent portion. The second photoluminescent portion is configured to reveal a symbol in a backlit configuration in response to the activation of the second light source.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIG. 1, a passenger cabin8of a vehicle10is shown comprising a user interface12in the form of at least one hidden sensor14. The user interface12is configured to reveal the hidden sensor14in response to a detection of an object15at a first proximity to the hidden sensor14. The user interface12may be configured to operate in at least two states. In a first state, the user interface12may be configured to provide ambient lighting to illuminate at least a portion of a vehicle panel18and/or trim portion. In a second state, the user interface12may be configured to selectively illuminate the hidden sensor14to reveal or display at least one symbol16and/or icon in response to the object15within the first proximity of the hidden sensor14. When the symbol16is revealed, the location and function of the hidden sensor14is made visible to provide for a sensor that is selectively revealed in response to a detection of the object at first proximity.

The user interface12comprising the at least one hidden sensor14is in communication with a controller20. The controller20is configured to control various lighting functions of the user interface12as well as receive signals corresponding to a user input to the hidden sensor14. In response to a user input, the controller20is operable to output a control signal configured to control devices and/or systems of the vehicle10. In this way, the controller20may control a variety of devices and/or systems of the vehicle10via the at least one hidden sensor14. For example, devices and/or systems of the vehicle10may include door locks, windows, heat/cooling, defrost, hazard lighting, utility lighting, infotainment, radio, navigation functions, etc.

In the first state, the controller20is configured to control the light source to output the ambient lighting. The ambient lighting may be generated by a first photoluminescent portion that is selectively illuminated by a first light source configured to transmit a first emission of light through a first light guide. In response to the detection of the object15at the first proximity or predetermined distance, the controller20is configured to control the user interface12to change to the second state. In the second state, the controller20is configured to reveal the one or more symbols16by illuminating a second photoluminescent portion. The second photoluminescent portion may be selectively illuminated by a second light source configured to transmit a second emission of light through a second light guide. In the second state, the first light source may or may not further be deactivated.

As discussed herein, the one or more symbols16may comprise any form of identifier that may demonstrate at least a location of the hidden sensor14. For example, the symbols may be a character, design, figure, shape, and/or pattern configured to identify a location and a function of the hidden sensor14. The vehicle panel18and/or trim portion may include any interior or exterior portion of the vehicle10. For example, the vehicle panel18may correspond to a panel trim portion of a center console22, door panel24, headliner26, visor28, dashboard30, an interior or exterior door handle trim portion and/or any other vehicle panel. The user interface12may provide for controls corresponding to various devices and/or systems of the vehicle10to be distributed in various locations in the vehicle10while maintaining a simple and attractive appearance in the passenger cabin8.

Referring toFIGS. 2A-2C, a photoluminescent structure42is generally shown rendered as a coating (e.g. a film) capable of being applied to a vehicle fixture, a discrete particle capable of being implanted in a vehicle fixture, and a plurality of discrete particles incorporated into a separate structure capable of being applied to a vehicle fixture, respectively. The photoluminescent structure42may correspond to the photoluminescent portions as discussed herein, for example the first photoluminescent portion and the second photoluminescent portion. At the most basic level, the photoluminescent structure42includes an energy conversion layer44that may be provided as a single layer or a multilayer structure, as shown through broken lines inFIGS. 2A and 2B.

The energy conversion layer44may include one or more photoluminescent materials having energy converting elements selected from a phosphorescent or a fluorescent material. The photoluminescent material may be formulated to convert an inputted electromagnetic radiation into an outputted electromagnetic radiation generally having a longer wavelength and expressing a color that is not characteristic of the inputted electromagnetic radiation. The difference in wavelength between the inputted and outputted electromagnetic radiations is referred to as a Stokes shift and serves as the principle driving mechanism for an energy conversion process corresponding to a change in wavelength of light, often referred to as down conversion. In the various implementations discussed herein, each of the wavelengths of light (e.g. the first wavelength, etc.) corresponds to electromagnetic radiation utilized in the conversion process.

Each of the photoluminescent portions may comprise at least one photoluminescent structure42comprising an energy conversion layer (e.g. conversion layer44). The energy conversion layer44may be prepared by dispersing the photoluminescent material in a polymer matrix50to form a homogenous mixture using a variety of methods. Such methods may include preparing the energy conversion layer44from a formulation in a liquid carrier medium and coating the energy conversion layer44to a desired planar and/or non-planar substrate of a vehicle fixture. The energy conversion layer44coating may be deposited on a vehicle fixture by painting, screen printing, spraying, slot coating, dip coating, roller coating, bar coating, etc. Additionally, the energy conversion layer44may be prepared by methods that do not use a liquid carrier medium.

For example, a solid state solution (homogenous mixture in a dry state) of one or more photoluminescent materials may be incorporated in a polymer matrix50to provide the energy conversion layer44. The polymer matrix50may be formed by extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, calendaring, thermoforming, etc. In instances where one or more energy conversion layers44are rendered as particles, the single or multi-layered energy conversion layers44may be implanted into a vehicle fixture or panel. When the energy conversion layer44includes a multilayer formulation, each layer may be sequentially coated. Additionally, the layers can be separately prepared and later laminated or embossed together to form an integral layer. The layers may also be co-extruded to prepare an integrated multi-layered energy conversion structure.

Referring back toFIGS. 2A and 2B, the photoluminescent structure42may optionally include at least one stability layer46to protect the photoluminescent material contained within the energy conversion layer44from photolytic and thermal degradation. The stability layer46may be configured as a separate layer optically coupled and adhered to the energy conversion layer44. The stability layer46may also be integrated with the energy conversion layer44. The photoluminescent structure42may also optionally include a protection layer48optically coupled and adhered to the stability layer46or any layer or coating to protect the photoluminescent structure42from physical and chemical damage arising from environmental exposure.

The stability layer46and/or the protective layer48may be combined with the energy conversion layer44to form an integrated photoluminescent structure42through sequential coating or printing of each layer, or by sequential lamination or embossing. Alternatively, several layers may be combined by sequential coating, lamination, or embossing to form a substructure. The substructure may then be laminated or embossed to form the integrated photoluminescent structure42. Once formed, the photoluminescent structure42may be applied to a chosen vehicle fixture and/or panel.

In some implementations, the photoluminescent structure42may be incorporated into a vehicle fixture as one or more discrete multilayered particles as shown inFIG. 2C. The photoluminescent structure42may also be provided as one or more discrete multilayered particles dispersed in a polymer formulation that is subsequently applied to a vehicle fixture or panel as a contiguous structure. Additional information regarding the construction of photoluminescent structures that may be utilized in at least one photoluminescent portion of a vehicle is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,232,533 to Kingsley et al., entitled “PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION,” filed Nov. 8, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Referring toFIG. 3, a diagram of the user interface12is shown demonstrating a conversion process of at least one photoluminescent portion. For clarity,FIG. 3is described in reference to the first light source52as discussed herein, though similar conversion processes may correspond to additional light sources discussed herein. The first light source52is configured to output the first emission54. The first emission54is transmitted via the first light guide56along the energy conversion layer44to evenly distribute the first emission54along a first photoluminescent portion58. The energy conversion layer44is configured to convert the first emission54to a second emission60at a converted different wavelength.

The first emission54comprises a first wavelength λ1of light, and the second emission60comprises a second wavelength λ2of light. The light guide60may include the photoluminescent structure42rendered as a coating and applied to a panel18of the vehicle10to form a photoluminescent portion (e.g. the first photoluminescent portion58or the second photoluminescent portion). In some implementations, the photoluminescent structure42may also be dispersed and incorporated within at least a portion of the light guide56. The photoluminescent structure42includes the energy conversion layer44, and in some implementations may include the stability layer46and/or the protective layer48.

In response to the first light source52being activated, the first emission54is converted from the first wavelength λ1to the second emission60having the second wavelength λ2. The second emission60and other emissions generated by photoluminescent structures, as discussed herein, may include one or more wavelengths having spectral characteristics defining a variety of colors and combinations thereof. The specific designations of the wavelengths (e.g. λ2, λ4) are provided for clarity and should not be considered to limit combinations of wavelengths corresponding to one or more spectral frequencies of light in the emissions as discussed herein.

In various implementations, the user interface12comprises at least one energy conversion layer44configured to convert the first emission54at the first wavelength λ1to the second emission60having at least the second wavelength λ2. In order to generate the plurality of wavelengths, which may correspond to the second wavelength λ2and the fourth wavelength λ4, the energy conversion layer44may comprise a red-emitting photoluminescent material, a green-emitting photoluminescent material, and a blue-emitting photoluminescent material. The energy conversion layer44may further comprise one or more photoluminescent materials configured to emit combinations of wavelengths corresponding to combinations of red, green, and blue light dispersed in the polymer matrix50. For example, a red, green, and blue-emitting photoluminescent material may be utilized to generate the significantly white light for the second emission60.

Each of the photoluminescent materials utilized to generate the various emissions may vary in output intensity, output wavelength, and peak absorption wavelengths based on a particular photochemical structure and combinations of photochemical structures utilized in the energy conversion layer44. As an example, the output intensity of the second emission60may be changed by adjusting the wavelength of the first emission λ1to activate the photoluminescent materials of the first photoluminescent portion58at different intensities. In addition to, or alternatively to the red, green, and blue-emitting photoluminescent materials, other photoluminescent materials may be utilized alone and in various combinations to generate the second emission60and other emissions generated by photoluminescent portions as described herein in a wide variety of colors. In this way, the user interface12may be configured for a variety of applications to provide a desired lighting color and effect for the vehicle10.

Each of the light sources (e.g. the first light source52, the second light source74) may also be referred to as excitation sources operable to emit at least one emission of light configured to excite a photoluminescent material utilized in the energy conversion layer of a photoluminescent portion. The light sources may comprise any form of light source, for example halogen lighting, fluorescent lighting, light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), polymer LEDs (PLEDs), solid state lighting or any other form of lighting configured to output the emission utilized as excitation sources for the photoluminescent portions.

In an exemplary implementation, the first emission54from the first light source52may be configured such that the first wavelength λ1corresponds to at least one absorption wavelength of the one or more photoluminescent materials of the energy conversion layer44in the first photoluminescent portion58. In response to receiving the light at the first wavelength λ1, the energy conversion layer44may be excited and output the second emission60having the second wavelength λ2. The first emission54provides an excitation source for the energy conversion layer44by targeting absorption wavelengths of the various photoluminescent materials utilized therein. As such, the user interface12is configured to output the second emission60to generate a desired light intensity and color.

Referring toFIGS. 4A and 4B, cross-sectional views of the user interface12are shown.FIG. 4Acorresponds to the user interface12configured in the first state70such that the controller20is configured to supply a signal to the first light source52to generate ambient lighting.FIG. 4Bcorresponds to the user interface12configured in the second state72such that the controller20is configured to supply a signal to the second light source74to reveal the symbols16. The controller20is operable to control the state of the user interface12upon receiving a detection signal corresponding to the object15being within a first proximity of the at least one hidden sensor14. As demonstrated inFIGS. 4A and 4B, the at least one hidden sensor14corresponds to a plurality of sensors76as demonstrated inFIGS. 5A-5B. For clarity, some reference numerals are omitted in the figures referred to herein.

In the first state70, the first light source52is activated by the controller20to emit the first emission54into the first light guide56. The first light guide56may incorporate the energy conversion layer44dispersed proximate an exterior surface78of the first light guide56to form the first photoluminescent portion58. In some implementations, the energy conversion layer44may also be incorporated as a separate layer on the exterior surface78. In response to receiving the first emission54, the first photoluminescent portion58is configured to convert the first wavelength λ1of the first emission54to the second wavelength λ2of the second emission60. The second emission60may be output from the user interface12through an exterior surface80to generate the ambient lighting from the panel18of the vehicle10.

In the second state72, the first light source52may be deactivated. Additionally, the second light source74may be activated by the controller20to emit a third emission82having a third wavelength λ3. The third emission82is emitted into the second light guide84. The second light guide84may be formed similar to the first light guide56by incorporating the energy conversion layer44dispersed proximate an exterior surface86of the second light guide84to form the second photoluminescent portion88. The third emission82is dispersed by the second light guide84such that the third emission82impinges substantially upon the extents of the second photoluminescent portion88.

In response to receiving the third emission82, the second photoluminescent portion88is configured to convert the third wavelength λ3of the third emission82to a fourth emission90having a fourth wavelength λ4. The fourth emission90is transmitted through the plurality of sensors76and a plurality of symbols92corresponding to the at least one symbol16. The plurality of sensors76may correspond to the transparent sensors94and the plurality of symbols92may be formed of an opaque material configured to limit the transmission of the fourth emission90therethrough. As such, the fourth emission90transmitted from the second photoluminescent portion88passes through the transparent sensors94, the first photoluminescent portion58, and the exterior surface80generating a backlit projection of the plurality of symbols92.

The backlit projection of the plurality of symbols92may correspond to an outline projected through the exterior surface80to reveal the location of at least one of the transparent sensors94. In some implementations, the plurality of symbols92may also form a mask such that the shapes form an outline of the symbols92and are transmitted through a mask layer96. In some configurations, the symbol itself may form the proximity sensor14. In this configuration, the fourth emission90is emitted through the exterior surface80to illuminate each of the shapes formed by the symbols92on the exterior surface80. Various techniques may be utilized to project the shapes of the symbols92through the exterior surface80without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.

In some implementations, the first photoluminescent portion58is configured to convert substantially all of the first emission54having the first wavelength λ1to the second emission60having the second wavelength λ2. Similarly, the second photoluminescent portion88may be configured to convert substantially all of the third emission82having a third wavelength λ3to the fourth emission90having a fourth wavelength λ4. In this configuration, as the fourth emission90is transmitted through the first photoluminescent portion58and output from the exterior surface80, the fourth wavelength λ4is outside a first absorption range of the first photoluminescent portion58. As such, the spectral characteristics of the fourth wavelength λ4may be maintained because the fourth emission90is configured to pass through the first photoluminescent portion58without exciting the energy conversion layer44. In this configuration, the second emission60and the fourth emission90may be activated simultaneously or independently to provide the ambient lighting and reveal the one or more symbols16.

In some implementations, the first emission54from the first light source52may be configured such that the first wavelength λ1corresponds to a first absorption range of the first photoluminescent portion58. The third emission82from the second light source76may further be configured such that the third wavelength λ3corresponds to a second absorption range of the second photoluminescent portion88. The first absorption range may correspond to a light absorption range that is substantially different than the second absorption range. In this configuration, the first light source52may selectively activate the first photoluminescent portion58with the first emission54in the first absorption range and the second light source74may selectively activate the second photoluminescent portion88with the third emission82in the second absorption range. In this configuration, the energy conversion ranges (e.g. the first absorption range and the second absorption range) form substantially different ranges of wavelength that may be converted by the photoluminescent portions58and88. This configuration may also provide for simultaneous or independent activation of the second emission60and the fourth emission90.

The term absorption range, as used herein, defines a range of wavelengths that excite a photoluminescent portion or structure and cause a photoluminescent material to become excited. In response to the excitation, the photoluminescent portion emits an emission having at least one wavelength of light which may be at least partially outside the absorption range. The absorption ranges of the photoluminescent materials as discussed herein may vary based on desired activation wavelengths and output wavelengths to excite the photoluminescent portions to generate various lighting colors and combinations. Additionally, the emission of light from a photoluminescent portion may be selected based on the material properties of the photoluminescent structures discussed herein.

The first absorption range may correspond to a range of wavelengths in blue and/or near UV range of light having wavelengths of approximately 390-450 nm. The second absorption range94may correspond to a substantially non-overlapping range of wavelengths in the UV and/or blue range of light having wavelengths of approximately 250-410 nm. The first emission16may be approximately 470 nm configured to cause the first photoluminescent portion24to output the second emission20of approximately 525 nm. The third emission82may be approximately 350 nm configured to cause the second photoluminescent portion30to output the fourth emission32of approximately 645 nm. In this way, the second emission20and the fourth emission32may be selectively excited by the light sources. In an exemplary implementation, the second and fourth emissions may correspond to a substantially green colored light and a substantially orange-red colored light, respectively.

In some implementations, the first photoluminescent portion30may comprise an organic fluorescent dye configured to convert the first emission16to the second emission20. For example, the first photoluminescent material may comprise a photoluminescent structure of rylenes, xanthenes, porphyrins, phthalocyanines, or other materials suited to a particular Stoke shift defined by an absorption range and emission fluorescence. The first photoluminescent portion30and corresponding material may be configured to have a shorter Stoke shift less than the second photoluminescent portion in terms of wavelength. In this way, each of the photoluminescent portions24and30may be independently illuminated by the light sources22and26to output different colors of light.

The second photoluminescent portion30may comprise a photoluminescent structure42configured to generate a longer stoke shift than the first photoluminescent portion30. The second photoluminescent portion may comprise an organic or inorganic material configured to have the second absorption range and a desired output wavelength or color. In an exemplary embodiment, the photoluminescent structure42of the second photoluminescent portion30may be of at least one inorganic luminescent material selected from the group of phosphors. The inorganic luminescent material may more particularly be from the group of Ce-doped garnets, such as YAG:Ce. This configuration may provide for a second stoke shift of the second photoluminescent portion58to be longer than a first stoke shift of the first photoluminescent portion30.

To achieve the various colors and combinations of photoluminescent materials described herein, the user interface12may utilize any form of photoluminescent materials, for example phospholuminescent materials, organic and inorganic dyes, etc. For additional information regarding fabrication and utilization of photoluminescent materials to achieve various emissions, refer to U.S. Pat. No. 8,207,511 to Bortz et al., entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT FIBERS, COMPOSITIONS AND FABRICS MADE THEREFROM,” filed Jun. 5, 2009; U.S. Pat. No. 8,247,761 to Agrawal et al., entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT MARKINGS WITH FUNCTIONAL OVERLAYERS,” filed Oct. 19, 2011; U.S. Pat. No. 8,519,359 B2 to Kingsley et al., entitled “PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION,” filed Mar. 4, 2013; U.S. Pat. No. 8,664,624 B2 to Kingsley et al., entitled “ILLUMINATION DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR GENERATING SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION,” filed Nov. 14, 2012; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0183677 to Agrawal et al., entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND NOVEL USES,” filed Mar. 29, 2012; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0065442 A1 to Kingsley et al., entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT OBJECTS,” filed Oct. 23, 2012; and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0103258 A1 to Agrawal et al., entitled “CHROMIC LUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS AND TEXTILES,” filed Dec. 10, 2013, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Referring toFIGS. 5A to 5B, top assembly views of the user interface12demonstrate the configuration of the photoluminescent portions58and88, the transparent sensors94, and the plurality of symbols92. Referring toFIG. 5A, the second photoluminescent portion88is shown having the plurality of transparent sensors94disposed on the exterior surface86of the second photoluminescent portion88. As discussed herein, the second photoluminescent portion88may comprise a layer of and/or be dispersed in at least a portion of the second light guide84. The second light guide comprises the energy conversion layer44configured to emit white light as the fourth emission90in response to receiving the third emission82.

The transparent sensors94may comprise capacitive pads printed in conductive ink and disposed on the exterior surface86. Each of the sensors94is in communication with an input/output (I/O) interface100of the controller20via printed silver conductive ink102having a low resistance. Further details of the controller20and the I/O interface100are discussed in reference toFIG. 8. In operation, the sensors94are operable to detect the object15at a first proximity and send a signal to the controller20identifying the presence of the object15at the first proximity. In response to receiving the signal from at least one of the sensors94, the controller20is configured to deactivate the first light source52and activate the second light source74to illuminate the second photoluminescent portion88.

Referring toFIG. 5B, a mask104is shown including the plurality of symbols92. The mask104may be formed of an opaque material, for example a black ink disposed over the transparent sensors94. In this configuration, when the object15is detected at the first proximity, the fourth emission90activated by the controller20via the second light source74. The fourth emission90may pass through the mask104, the first light guide56, and the first photoluminescent portion58causing each of the symbols92to become visible through the exterior surface80. When the second photoluminescent portion88is activated to emit the fourth emission90, the user interface is configured in the second state72.

The user interface12is demonstrated in the first state70inFIG. 6Aand in the second state72inFIG. 6B. Referring toFIGS. 4A-4B and 6A-6B, an exemplary description of the operation of the user interface12is discussed. In the first state70, as demonstrated inFIGS. 4Aand6A, the first light source52is controlled by the controller20to emit the first emission54. In response to receiving the first emission54the first photoluminescent portion58is illuminated to generate the second emission60. The second emission60is output through the exterior surface80such that the vehicle panel18is illuminated by ambient light at the second wavelength λ2. The controller20may be configured to control the user interface12to operate in the first state70in response to determining that the signal from the sensors94does not correspond to the object15being within the first proximity. InFIG. 6Aa plurality of outlines106are shown as a reference to demonstrate the location of each of the sensors94. In actual embodiments of the user interface12, the outlines106may not be visible in the first state70.

In response to receiving the signal from the sensors94corresponding to the object15being detected within the first proximity, the controller20is configured to control the user interface12to change from the first state70to the second state72. In the second state72, as demonstrated inFIGS. 4B and 6B, the controller20may be configured to deactivate the first light source52and activate the second light source74to emit the third emission82. In response to receiving the third emission82, the second photoluminescent portion88may become excited and emit the fourth emission90at the fourth wavelength λ4. The fourth emission90may pass through the transparent sensors94, the symbols92corresponding to transparent portions108of the mask104, and the first photoluminescent portion58. The fourth emission90is then output through the exterior surface80such that the transparent portions108of the mask104, forming the symbols92, are illuminated to demonstrate both the location of and the function controlled by the sensors94.

Each of the symbols92and their respective functions may be described by characters and/or shapes that may be illuminated by the fourth emission90in the second state72. The functions of the sensors94demonstrated on the symbols92may be configured to control a variety of accessories and systems in the vehicle10. The symbols92illustrated herein may correspond to a door locking operation, a defrost operation, and a hazard light operation. Though these specific examples are demonstrated, the sensors94may be configured to control a variety of vehicle systems, for example heat, air conditioning, windshield wipers, interior lighting, various inputs and controls for an audio system and any other system of the vehicle10.

Referring now toFIGS. 7A and 7B, the user interface12is respectively shown in the first state70and a second state72. The first state70may be controlled by the controller20in response to the object15being undetected at the first proximity112. In response to receiving a signal from at least one of the transparent sensors94corresponding to a detection of the object15within the first proximity112, the controller20is configured to control the user interface12to change from the first state70to the second state72. In the second state72each of the symbols92may become visible such that a location and function of each of the sensors94is identified. As discussed herein, the first and second photoluminescent portions58,88may be activated alone or in combination in the second state72.

In order to control the functions of each of the sensors94, the controller20is further configured to identify a signal from each of the sensors94corresponding to a detection of the object15at a second proximity114. The signal at the first proximity112may differ from the signal of the second proximity114in that the second proximity114may correspond to a higher signal level than the signal at the first proximity112. The controller20may be operable to determine the difference between a signal corresponding to the object15at the first threshold112and a signal corresponding to the object15at the second threshold114by comparing the signals from each of the sensors94to a first predetermined value and a second predetermined value, respectively. For additional information regarding proximity sensors, refer to U.S. Patent Publication No. US2012/0313648 A1 to Salter, et al., entitled “PROXIMITY SWITCH HAVING SENSITIVITY CONTROL AND METHOD THEREFOR,” filed Jun. 9, 2011 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Upon receiving a signal from at least one of the sensors94exceeding the first predetermined value, the controller20is configured to control the user interface12to change from the first state70to the second state72. As the signal from the sensor94changes due to the object15approaching the sensor94, the controller20may detect that the signal exceeds the second predetermined value. In response to receiving the signal corresponding to a sensor signal exceeding the second predetermined value, the controller20is configured to output a control output to control the function of the selected sensor. In this way, the controller20is configured to reveal the location and function of each of the sensors94and further control at least one control output of a plurality of devices controlled by each of the sensors94.

Referring now toFIG. 8, a block diagram of the controller20in communication with the first light source52and the second light source74is shown. The controller20is in communication with the I/O interface100and configured to communicate with and control the user interface12to change from the first state70wherein the first light source52is activated to the second state72wherein the second light source74is activated. In some implementations, the first and second light sources52,74may be activated in the second state72. In this configuration, the controller20is operable to identify a signal corresponding to the object15at the first proximity112to activate the second state72. Further, the controller20is operable to identify a signal corresponding to the object15at the second proximity114(e.g. a user input) to control at least one function of a system and/or accessory of the vehicle10that may be output via at least one control output120.

The controller20may comprise one or more circuits configured to receive the signals from the I/O interface100. The controller20may comprise at least one processor122and memory124operable to receive the at least one signal from one of the sensors94to control the state of the user interface12(e.g. states70and72) and communicate at least one user input configured to control a system and/or accessory of the vehicle10via the control output120. The controller20is further in communication with an ambient light sensor126. The ambient light sensor126may be operable to communicate a light condition proximate the user interface12, for example a level brightness or intensity of the ambient light proximate the vehicle10. In response to the level of the ambient light, the controller20may be configured to adjust an output intensity of the emissions from each of the light sources52and74. The intensity of the light output from the light source may be adjusted by controlling a duty cycle, current, or voltage supplied to the light source to optimize the visibility of the user interface, including the ambient lighting and the symbols, based on the ambient lighting conditions.

The various implementations of the disclosure provide for a selectively hidden user interface that provides attractive ambient lighting as well as at least one input operable to control a variety of vehicle systems and accessories. For the purposes of describing and defining the present teachings, it is noted that the terms “substantially” and “approximately” are utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The term “substantially” and “approximately” are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.