Abstract:
A system controls an auxiliary light for a vehicle. The system includes a cockpit button to activate the auxiliary light, a Hall sensor operable to detect the installation and removal of a magnetized cover for the auxiliary light; a warning indicator; and a controller. The controller activates the warning indicator in response to the output of the sensor and the on/off state of the cockpit button.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/737,364, filed Apr. 19, 2007, which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a vehicle auxiliary light, and more particularly, to techniques for controlling the operation of the auxiliary light. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Automotive vehicles, such as light trucks and sport utility vehicles, commonly include various types of auxiliary lights, such as fog lights and off-road utility lights. Off-road lights are typically mounted to the front or roof of a vehicle, whereas fog lights are generally mounted to the lower front region of the vehicle. In addition to providing light, fog and off-road utility lights are considered decorative with respect to the vehicle. Auxiliary lights are available as an aftermarket accessory and as original equipment on certain model vehicles. 
         [0004]    Various regulations, such as California Vehicle Code §24499-24411 govern the use of off-road lights. Many states, for example, require auxiliary lights to be physically capped when the vehicle is operated on public streets. Regulations also require that auxiliary lights not be operated on public streets. 
         [0005]    Capping auxiliary lights when not in use is also desirable because it protects the light from being damaged by debris, such as stones, that can be kicked up from the road. However, it is desirable that auxiliary lights not be operated with the cap installed. Certain high powered lights, particularly off-road utility lights, can generate significant heat when operated. If the auxiliary light were operated with the cap installed, the heat could damage the cap. It has generally been left up to the user to ensure that the cap is removed prior to operating the auxiliary light. This creates a risk that the user will inadvertently fail to remove the cap prior to activating the auxiliary light. It has also generally been left up to the user to ensure that the cap is replaced prior to operating the vehicle on public roads. This creates a risk that the user will inadvertently fail to replace the cap and will operate the vehicle in a manner not fully complying with applicable regulations. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    A system is provided for controlling an auxiliary light for a vehicle. The system includes a user-operated actuator to activate the auxiliary light, the user-operated actuator having at least an “on” state and an “off” state; a first sensor operable to generate a signal indicating when a cover is installed on the auxiliary light; a warning indicator; and a controller adapted to activate the warning indicator in response to the signal generated by the first sensor. 
         [0007]    In some embodiments, a system is provided for controlling an auxiliary light for a vehicle. The system includes a user-operated actuator to activate the auxiliary light, the user-operated actuator having at least an “on” state and an “off” state; a switch adapted to couple and decouple the auxiliary light to a power source, based on the state of the user-operated actuator; a first sensor adapted to detect the existence of at least one predetermined vehicle condition other than the installation of a cover on the auxiliary light; and a controller responsive to the first sensor to disable activation of the auxiliary light when the predetermined vehicle condition exists. 
         [0008]    In other embodiments, a method is provided for operating an auxiliary light for a vehicle. The method includes detecting the whether the auxiliary light is in a cover-on condition or a cover-off condition; detecting the state of a user-operated auxiliary light switch; and activating a warning indicator in response to the detected state of the auxiliary light switch and the detected condition of the auxiliary light. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is fragmentary top perspective view of a vehicle showing a pair of auxiliary lights mounted to a roof of the vehicle; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  a schematic diagram of a first embodiment a vehicle lighting system; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a vehicle lighting system; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a state table illustrating the operation of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 ; and 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart further illustrating the operation of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0016]    Other applications of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following description of the best mode contemplated for practicing the invention is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The following description of the embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. 
         [0017]    To avoid damaging the caps that are used on auxiliary lights, it is desirable to develop a device that can disable the utility light to prevent it from being operated when the cap is installed on the light. It is also desirable to prevent drivers from operating vehicles on public roads when auxiliary lights are not capped. 
         [0018]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an auxiliary lighting system  10  is shown to have at least one auxiliary light  12  for generating a beam of visible light. Auxiliary light  12  can be mounted to a vehicle  14  at various locations depending on the lighting requirement of the particular application. Off-road utility lights, for example, can be mounted to a roof  16  of the vehicle, as shown in  FIG. 1 , for casting visible radiant light in a direction forward of the vehicle to illuminate objects in front of the vehicle. Auxiliary light  12  can alternatively be mounted on the vehicle another suitable location. For esthetic, as well as performance reasons, it can be desirable to integrate auxiliary light  12  with the vehicle&#39;s surrounding exterior structure. For example, the auxiliary light can be integrated with an air deflector  18  to produce a custom look to meet consumer styling preferences, while at the same time minimizing the turbulence and wind noise created by air flowing over the auxiliary light. 
         [0019]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , auxiliary light  12  can include a housing  20  for enclosing a lamp  22 . Applying an electric current to lamp  22  causes the lamp to generate a beam of visible radiant light. Lamp  22  can include various devices for producing visible radiant light, including but not limited to, an incandescent lamp, a xenon lamp, and a halogen lamp. 
         [0020]    Radiant visible light produced by lamp  22  can exit housing  20  through an aperture  24  defined in a forward end  26  of housing  20 . A lens  28  for focusing and directing the radiant light can be positioned within the aperture  24 . An outer circumference of lens  28  can be suitably attached to housing  20  to prevent water, dirt, and other environmental contaminants from entering the housing. 
         [0021]    Auxiliary light  12  can include a cap  30  that detachably engages front portion  26  of housing  20 . Cap  30  can protect the auxiliary light from damage caused by stones and other debris that can be kicked up form the road. Cap  30  can also be required to comply with various regulations requiring auxiliary lights, such as off-road utility lights, to be capped when operating the vehicle on a public road. Cap  30  overlays at least a portion of aperture  24 , and can be removed from housing  20  (the detached cap is shown in phantom in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) prior to activating lamp  22 . Although a simple, genetically configured cap  30  is depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , it shall nevertheless be appreciated that the cap can have a wide variety of other configurations depending on the stylistic and functional requirements of the particular application. 
         [0022]    Electric current for operating lamp  22  can be supplied by a power supply  32 , which can be electrically connected to lamp  22 . Power supply  32  can include, without limitation, an alternator, generator, battery, fuel cell, or any other similar device capable of generating electric current and can be controlled by the placing the vehicle key to the ING position for example. The flow of electrical current from power supply  32  to lamp  22  can be further controlled by a relay  34  electrically connected to power supply  32  by means of an electrical conductor  36 . Operation of relay  34  can be controlled by means of a cockpit switch  38  located within a passenger compartment of vehicle  14  and accessible to a vehicle operator. Cockpit switch  38  can be a lever, button or other suitable user-operated actuator that has at least an “on” state and an “off” state to control the operation of lamp  22 . A second conductor  40  can connect relay  34  to a switch  42 , which is responsive to a sensor (in this case a plunger  46  as described below) to break the electrical connection between power supply  32  and lamp  22  when cap  30  is attached to auxiliary light  12 . A third conductor  44  can electrically connect switch  42  to lamp  22 . 
         [0023]    Switch  42  can included any of a variety of mechanical and electronic switches operable to selectively open and close the electrical circuit between power supply  32  and lamp  22 . One non-limiting example of mechanical switch can include a plunger  46 , which extends from a switch housing  48 . As explained below, a plunger  46  operates as a sensor to detect the presence of cap  30  on housing  28 . 
         [0024]    Plunger  46  can be slid axially along its axis within housing  48 , between and extended position (depicted in phantom in  FIG. 2 ) and a depressed position, thereby functioning as a sensor for detecting the presence of cap  30  on housing  28 . Plunger  46  is preferably biased toward the extended position. Positioning plunger  46  in the extended position closes the electrical circuit between relay  34  and lamp  22 , thereby allowing electric current to flow from power supply  32  and lamp  22  when the auxiliary light is activated. Conversely, depressing plunger  46  opens the electrical circuit between relay  34  and lamp  22 , thereby preventing electric current from flowing between power supply  32  and lamp  22  when relay  34  is operated to activate the auxiliary light. 
         [0025]    An end  50  of plunger  46  engages cap  30  when the cap is attached to auxiliary light  12 . Attaching cap  30  to auxiliary light  12  depresses plunger  46  and opens the electrical circuit between power supply  32  and lamp  22 , thereby preventing electric current from flowing between the two components so that lamp  22  is not illuminated when the auxiliary light  12  is activated. Removing cap  30  from auxiliary light  12  releases plunger  46  and closes the electrical circuit between power supply  32  and lamp  22 , thereby allowing electric current to pass between the two components and thus illuminate lamp  22  when auxiliary light  12  is activated. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that this is merely one example of the wide variety of mechanical switches that can be employed with the present invention, and that various other types of mechanical and electronic switches can be satisfactorily employed. 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , auxiliary light system  10  can include a controller  52  for controlling operation of relay  34  in response to various input signals received by the controller. The operation of controller  52  as described below can be performed in one processor or if desired distributed among more than one processor. For ease of illustration, the disclosed embodiment shows the controller functions in a single processor. Although controller  52  and relay  34  are shown as separate components in  FIG. 3 , it is contemplated that the two devices can nevertheless be combined as a single device. 
         [0027]    Controller  52  can receive a signal from cockpit switch  38  signaling that the vehicle operator has actuated cockpit switch  38  to activate auxiliary lights  12 . Cockpit switch  38  can be located within the vehicle passenger compartment so as to be accessible by the vehicle operator. 
         [0028]    Controller  52  can be adapted to receive a signal from a sensor  54  operable for detecting whether cap  30  is attached or installed to auxiliary light  12  or is removed from auxiliary light  12 . A non-limiting example of one such sensor is a Hall effect sensor having a circuit that can vary its output voltage in response to changes in magnetic field density. A Hall effect sensor can be employed in the present invention by attaching a magnetic  56  to cap  30 . A circuit  58  capable of sensing the magnetic field density of magnet  56  can be located so as to be positioned adjacent the magnet  56  when the cap is attached to auxiliary light  12 . The output voltage of circuit  58  will vary depending on whether cap  30  is attached to auxiliary light  12  and this output voltage can be transmitted to controller  52  as an output signal of sensor  54  indicative of the presence of cap  30  on light  12 . Alternatively, cap  30  can include a different type of signal emitter, such as an RFID chip. 
         [0029]    Controller  52  will either enable of disable activation of lamp  22  depending on whether the output signal of sensor  54  indicates that cap  30  is attached to auxiliary light  12 . For example, in response to a signal received from cockpit switch  38  indicating that auxiliary lights  12  have been activated, if the output of sensor  54  indicates that cap  30  is not attached to auxiliary light  12 , then controller  52  can send a signal to relay  34  causing relay  34  to close the electrical circuit between power supply  32  and lamp  22  and thus power lamp  22 . If on the other hand, controller  52  determines from the output of sensor  54  that cap  30  is attached to auxiliary light  12 , then controller  52  causes relay  34  to remain open, and thus disable operation of lamp  22  by interrupting the supply of power to lamp  22 , even though the controller has received a signal from cockpit switch  38  to activate auxiliary light  12 . Thus, once the cockpit switch  38  is activated, controller  52  will allow auxiliary light  12  to be activated if receives a signal from sensor  54  indicating that the cap has been removed. It will be appreciated that controller  52  and relay  34  act in combination as a switch to control auxiliary light  12 . 
         [0030]    Controller  52  can also, if desired, enable and disable lamp  22  in response to a signal received from a vehicle sensor  62 . Vehicle sensor  62  detects a predetermined condition of the vehicle. Even in cap  30  is removed from auxiliary light  12  and even if the operator of the vehicle has actuated cockpit switch  38  to turn on auxiliary light, controller  52  can cause relay  34  to remain open to prevent power from reaching lamp  22  if the output of vehicle sensor  62  indicates the existence of one or more predetermined conditions. Examples of such conditions can include, the high beams lights are off, the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined threshold (such as 25-45 mph), the vehicle key is not in the ING position, whether the vehicle is operating in two-wheel drive, the vehicle is operating on a public road, oncoming headlights are detected, or the amount of ambient light outside the vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold. Each of these exemplary conditions is indicative of a circumstance in which auxiliary lights  12  should not be operated. Vehicle sensor  62  can detect one or more of these or other suitable conditions. It will be appreciated that although vehicle sensor  62  and sensor  54  are shown as separate components, the two sensors could be integrated into a single physical component, and references herein to “first” and “second” are hereby defined to cover this as well as the more typical deployment where the sensors  54  and  62  would be in separate components. 
         [0031]    For example, if the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined threshold (such as 25-45 mph) or if the vehicle is in two-wheel drive, the vehicle is probably not in an environment where off-road lighting is appropriate. If ambient light is detected above a predetermined level or if the light of oncoming vehicles is detected, the auxiliary lighting system can be disabled by opening relay  34  based on the assumption that the lights are not required or appropriate in daylight or if there are oncoming vehicles. 
         [0032]    Whether the vehicle is operating on a road can be detected by a number of methods. For example, sensor  62  can track the vehicle&#39;s location using a GPS unit (not shown), which in conjunction with a geographic database (not shown) determines if the vehicle is on a public road. Alternatively, a vision recognition system can be used to detect the markers of a road (such as curbs, lane dividers and the movement of oncoming traffic). Alternatively, a rate indicator can be used to detect the whether the vehicle in a straight line for a predetermined distance or on even terrain indicative of pavement. Each of these methods individually or in combination with others can be used to determine whether the vehicle is on a public road. For example, if it can be judged that a vehicle is on the public roads if it travels in a straight line for a predetermined distance (such as 100 to 200 yards) at a speed of over 25-45 mph. Other suitable criteria can be selected for establishing that the vehicle is on a public road. 
         [0033]    A cap warning indicator  60  for notifying the vehicle operator that cap  30  is attached to auxiliary light  12  can be provided. Warning indicator  60  can be suitably located within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Warning indicator  60  can be operably connected to controller  52  and configured to emit an audible or visual warning signal notifying the vehicle operator that cap  30  is attached to auxiliary light  12  in response to a signal received from controller  52 . In an alternative embodiment, controller  52  can activate warning indicator  60  when auxiliary light  12  is on and cap  30  is detected without disabling the operation of auxiliary light  12  (that is, without opening relay  34 ). 
         [0034]    In alternative embodiments, cap warning indicator  60  can have two warning modes, one mode indicating that the cap is on when auxiliary light  12  is in operation, and the second mode indicating that the cap is off when the vehicle is on public roads. Controller  52  can cause warning indicator  60  to indicate the first warning mode in response to sensor  54  indicating the presence of cap  30 . Controller  52  can cause warning indicator  60  to indicate the second warning mode in response to sensor  54  indicating the absence of cap  30  and vehicle sensor  62  indicating that the vehicle is operating on a public road (as described above). 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the operation of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  is illustrated. Control initiates at decision block  64 , where a controller  52  determines whether the signal received from cockpit switch  38  indicates that the vehicle operator has actuated cockpit switch  38  to turn on auxiliary lights  12 . If cockpit switch  38  has not been actuated, control moves to block  66  where controller  52  causes relay  34  to remain open (thus cutting off power to auxiliary lights  12 ). If cockpit switch  38  has been actuated, then control moves to block  68 , where controller  52  determines whether the signal received from sensors  54  is indicative of cap  30  being detected on either of lights  12 . If cap  30  is detected, then control moves to block  70 , where controller  52  causes indicator  60  to indicate that cap  30  is detected. Control then moves to block  64  where controller  52  causes relay  34  to remain open (thus cutting off power to auxiliary lights  12 ). If cap  30  is not detected, then control moves to block  72 . 
         [0036]    At block  72 , controller  52  determines whether the input signal received form vehicle sensor  62  is indicative of other vehicle conditions that require auxiliary light  12  to be disabled. If any of these other vehicle conditions are met, then control moves to block  64 , where controller  52  causes relay  34  to remain open (thus cutting off power to auxiliary lights  12 ). If other vehicle conditions are met, then control moves to block  74 , where controller  52  causes relay  34  to close, thus providing power to auxiliary lights  12 . Controller  52  can repeat the operations  FIG. 4  periodically. 
         [0037]    Another condition to permit activation of auxiliary lights  12  is the vehicle key being in the ING position. This can provides power to power supply  32  and sensor  54  so that no power is provided to auxiliary lights  12  if key is not in the ING position, regardless of whether the user actuates cockpit switch  38 . The state table of  FIG. 5  illustrates operation of auxiliary lights  12  in relation to the state of the key being in the ING position. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , controller  52  can also activate indictor  60  to alert the driver when one of caps  30  is removed from one of the auxiliary lights  12  while the vehicle is operating on a public road. Beginning at block  76 , controller  52  determines if the auxiliary lights  12  are on (that is, relay  34  is closed). If the auxiliary lights  12  are on, then processing occurs periodically as described in  FIG. 4 . If the auxiliary lights  12  are off, then control moves to a block  78 , where controller  54  determines whether the signal received form vehicle sensor  62  is indicative of the vehicle being on the public road. Techniques for making this determination are described above, and one or more criteria can be applied to judge that vehicle  14  is on a public road. If the signal received from sensor  62  indicates that vehicle  14  is not on a road, then processing terminates. Otherwise, if the signal received from sensor  62  indicates that vehicle  14  is on a public road, then control moves to block  80 , where controller  52  determines whether the signal received from sensors  54  is indicative of cap  30  being detected on either of auxiliary lights  12 . If caps  30  are detected on both auxiliary lights  12 , then processing terminates. If caps  30  are not detected on both auxiliary lights  12 , then control moves to a block  82 , where controller  52  activates indicator  82  to warn the operator that caps  30  are removed while vehicle is on a public road. Such warning may be audible or visual or both. 
         [0039]    While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.