Patent Publication Number: US-2005117364-A1

Title: Method and apparatus for projecting a turn signal indication

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
      This application claims priority to copending U.S. provisional application entitled, “Turn signal projector,” filed Oct. 27, 2003 and having Ser. No. 60/514,728, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      This disclosure generally relates to automobile turn signals and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for projecting a turn signal indicator.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      It is not uncommon for traffic accidents to occur when a vehicle attempts to make a turn, and such turn is not noticed or otherwise previously communicated to drivers in other vehicles. Due to conventional mirrors on vehicles, many vehicles have one or more blind spots on either side such that the driver may not see a nearby vehicle. Likewise, drivers in the blind spot of the nearby vehicle may not necessarily receive prior indication of the intent of the driver of another vehicle to make a right or left turn. As a result, vehicles oftentimes crash during turning maneuvers, especially when the turning vehicle is towing a large trailer that may otherwise obscure conventional light signal indicators.  
      As a nonlimiting example of this situation,  FIG. 1  is a diagram of a vehicle  12  towing a trailer  14  along a roadway. In this nonlimiting example, vehicle  15  is positioned nearby the rear of vehicle  12  but not behind the trailer  14  that is towed by vehicle  12 . In the instance wherein vehicle  12  prepares to make a left turn (in this nonlimiting example), the driver in vehicle  15  may not necessarily be able to see conventional signal lamp indicators  17 ,  24  on the rear of vehicle  12  or perhaps on the rear of trailer  14 , respectively. More specifically, indicator  17  on vehicle  12  may be obscured due to the forward corner of trailer  14 . Thus, the line of sight  21  of the driver of vehicle  15  may be blocked by the forward corner of trailer  14  such that indicator  17  is not visible to the driver of vehicle  15 . In similar fashion, turning signal indicator  24  may not be visible to the driver of vehicle  15  due to the forward position in respect to the indicator  24 . As a result, the driver of vehicle  15  may not receive indication that the driver of vehicle  12  intends to make a left turn such that if the driver attempts to turn, a collision may result.  
      While the scenario described above in regard to  FIG. 1  is a mere nonlimiting example, one of ordinary skill in the art would know that other similar situations commonly occur in traffic wherein the driver of one vehicle is not aware of the intent of a second driver to make a right or left turn. As a result, due to this failure to communicate the turning of one vehicle, a collision often results, thereby creating property damage and/or bodily injury.  
      The situation may be especially enhanced in situations wherein vehicle  12  is towing a trailer  14  that may be large or oversized due to the particular configuration of trailer  14 . If trailer  14  is especially wide, it increases the likelihood that a driver of vehicle  15  may not necessarily see the turn signal indicators  17 ,  24  on vehicle  12  or trailer  14 .  
      Thus, there is a heretofore unaddressed need to resolve the deficiencies and problems described above. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principals of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.  
       FIG. 1  is a diagram of a first vehicle wherein the driver is unable to see the turn signal indications from a second vehicle towing a trailer.  
       FIG. 2  is a diagram of the vehicles of  FIG. 1  such that the vehicle towing a trailer includes a turn signal projector to provide additional turn signal indication.  
       FIG. 3  is a diagram of the towing vehicle of  FIGS. 1 and 2  depicting the turn signal projections to indicate lane changes or impending turns.  
       FIG. 4  is a diagram of a portion of the vehicle of  FIGS. 1-3  depicting the turn signal projections on a road surface.  
       FIG. 5  is a diagram of the rearview mirror assembly of  FIG. 2  depicting an illuminated turn signal indicator in the rear view mirror and the turn signal projection beam.  
       FIG. 6  is a diagram of the rearview mirror assembly of  FIG. 8  depicting apertures for projected light.  
       FIG. 7  is a diagram of the bulb and lamp assembly of  FIG. 6  for creating the projected turn signal as light is dispersed.  
       FIGS. 8A, 8B , and  8 C is a diagram of multiple configurations of projections to provide various projected turn signal indications as depicted in  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 9  is a diagram of an alternative embodiment of the diagram of  FIG. 2  wherein the projected turn signal is placed at the rear of the trailer unit.  
       FIG. 10  is an alternative embodiment of the turn signal projector of  FIG. 2  depicting a receiver for detecting an obstacle within the turning path of the vehicle.  
       FIG. 11  is a diagram of a rear mirror similar to  FIG. 5  but including an indicator for indicating the presence of a detected vehicle, as shown in  FIG. 9 .  
       FIG. 12  is a diagram of a circuit schematic which, as a nonlimiting example, may accomplish turn signal projection, as discussed above.  
       FIG. 13  is a diagram of an alternative embodiment circuit schematic wherein the turn signal projector may be configured to flash in accordance with signal function for turning or emergency flashers.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      In addition to the drawings discussed above, this description describes one or more embodiments as illustrated in the above-referenced drawings. However, there is no intent to limit this disclosure to a single embodiment or embodiments that are disclosed herein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of this disclosure and as defined by the appended claims.  
      A vehicle turn signal projector for casting a predetermined image into an area adjacent to the vehicle is provided that comprises one or more light sources electrically coupled to a signal indication circuit associated with the vehicle, such as a left or right turn signal. The one or more light sources are configured to generate light energy within a predetermined space when the signal indication circuit is energized. The vehicle turn signal projector includes one or more apertures positioned beneath the one or more light sources, which are configured in a predetermined shape such that light energy passes though the one or more apertures from the one or more light sources. The light energy is cast into the area adjacent to the vehicle illuminating an image in accordance to the predetermined shape of the one or more apertures.  
       FIG. 2  is a diagram of the vehicles  12 ,  15  of  FIG. 1  with vehicle  12  having additional projected turn signal indication  25  to alert the driver of vehicle  15  of an impending left turn. In this nonlimiting example,  FIG. 1  illustrates a common occurrence wherein the driver of approaching vehicle  15  is unable to see the conventional turn signal indicators  17  and  24  mounted on vehicle  12  and turner  14 , respectively. As indicated above, the driver of vehicle  15  has no direct line of sight to turn signal indicators  17  and  24  as evidenced by the line of sight indicators  21  and  23 . More specifically, line of sight indicators  21  and  23  are broken by the corners of trailer  14 , thereby representing the fact that the driver of vehicle  15  is unable to see the conventional turn signal indicators  17  and  24 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 1 , if the driver of vehicle  12  attempts to make a left turn, the driver of vehicle  15  may not receive information regarding the impending turn such that the driver of vehicle  15  collides with either vehicle  12  or trailer  14  when the turn is attempted. In such an instance, damage may result to vehicles  12  and  15 , trailer  14 , and any of the passengers in either vehicle.  
      To increase the safety of turning and/or lane changing in such instances, an image corresponding to the turn signal may be projected from vehicle  12  to the adjacent road surface, as shown in  FIG. 2 . In this nonlimiting example, the projected turn signal image  25  is shown as originating from the rearview mirror  31  of vehicle  12 . However, one of ordinary skill in the art would know that the projected turn signal image  25  may originate from any point on vehicle  12  such that it is projected onto the adjacent road path, which may be in the path of vehicle  15 .  
      In the nonlimiting example shown in  FIG. 2 , the projected turn signal image  25  represents arrows indicating the intention of the driver of vehicle  12  to make a left hand turn. However, one of ordinary skill in the art would know that one or more other images may also be projected to indicate turning or other driving operations, such as braking, emergencies, or other events. Nevertheless, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the projected image from vehicle  12  being cast into the adjacent driving lane communicates to the driver of vehicle  15  that vehicle  12  is preparing to make a lane change or left turn. Line of sight  34  represents the vantage viewpoint of the driver of vehicle  15  to clearly see the projected turn signal image  25  ahead of vehicle  15 . Upon seeing the projected turn signal image  25 , the driver of vehicle  15  may take evasive action so as to avoid collision with vehicle  12  and/or trailer  14  as the lane change or attempted turn is initiated.  
       FIG. 3  is a diagram of vehicle  12  of  FIG. 2  showing the projected turn signal image  25  in the left adjacent lane and a projected turn signal image  26  in a right adjacent lane. In this nonlimiting example, each of rear view mirrors  31  and  32  includes a projector for casting a predetermined image into the adjacent driving lanes  38  and  39 .  
      The projected turn signal images  25  and  26  are represented in this nonlimiting example as displaced arrowheads into the respective driving lanes  38  and  39 . However, one of ordinary skill in the art would know that a multitude of projected images may be placed upon the driving lanes  38  and  39  so as to indicate an intended turning action by vehicle  12 . Consistent with any projected image is the notion that the projected turn signal images  25  and  26  should generally be configured such that approaching traffic in the adjacent driving lanes may otherwise detect and/or recognize the projected images as turning signal or emergency indications. Stated more specifically, the driver of vehicle  15  that may be positioned in driving lane  38  should recognize the projected turn signal image  25  as an indication that vehicle  12  is preparing to make a left turn or lane change. Similarly, a vehicle positioned in driving lane  39  should recognize the projected turn signal image  26  as an indication of an impending right turn by vehicle  12 .  
       FIG. 4  is a diagram of vehicle  12  with the projections shown in adjacent driving lane  38 , as depicted in  FIG. 3 . As discussed above, a nonlimiting example provides that the projected turn signal image  25  may be projected from a rearview mirror  31  such that a pattern of arrows or some other configuration is displayed upon the road surface in adjacent lane  38 . In this nonlimiting example of  FIG. 4 , the projected image  25  includes arrows  33 ,  35 , and  36 , which are projected in an arrayed fashion across the width of adjacent driving lane  38 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the shape of projected images  33 ,  35 , and  36 , if viewed as a top view, correspond to arrows  41 ,  42 , and  43 . In this nonlimiting example, the arrows  33 ,  35 , and  36  are displaced from each other so as to create a clear indication within driving lane  38  that the vehicle  12  is preparing to change lanes into driving lane  38  or otherwise make a left turn.  
      Vehicle  12  may also be configured such that if the emergency flashers are activated in vehicle  12 , a different image may be projected into driving lane  38 , as opposed to arrows  33 ,  35  and  36 . One of ordinary skill in the art would know that a variety of images could be projected to communicate one or more meanings related to driving maneuvers.  
      In the nonlimiting example of  FIG. 4 , the projector is positioned within a portion of rearview mirror  31  so as to create an origin for projecting the turn signal image  25  into driving lane  38 . In this nonlimiting example, the projected image is triggered or activated by the vehicle&#39;s left turn signal, which would otherwise activate front turn signal indicator  47 . Thus, when the driver initiates the left turn signal in the vehicle, front turn signal indicator  47  and the projector within rearview mirror  31  activate to indicate the intention for making the left turn.  
      The turn signal projector may be integrally fashioned as a part of the rear view mirror  31  or may be an additional component that may be coupled or otherwise attached to the rear view mirror  31  as, for example, an aftermarket product to an existing automobile. In either case, the electric components powering the turn signal projector, as described above, may be electrically coupled to the turn signal circuitry for activation when a left or right turn is made or is signaled by the driver.  
       FIG. 5  is a diagram of rearview mirror  31  configured with the turn signal projector as described above. In this nonlimiting example, the turn signal projector is integrally fashioned as a part of the interior portion of the rearview mirror  31 . However, one of ordinary skill in the art would also know that the turn signal projector may be configured as a separate component coupleable to the rearview mirror for projecting images onto adjacent driving lanes.  
      Yet, in this nonlimiting example of  FIG. 5 , the turn signal projector emits light or projected images, which are represented as image beam paths  56 ,  57 , and  58  for producing arrows  33 ,  35 , and  36 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . In this nonlimiting example, the rearview mirror  31  includes an additional signal indicator bar  54  which may be illuminated by the same source as turn signal image  25  of  FIG. 4 . In this nonlimiting example, by configuring the emission of the projected turn signal image  25  from rearview mirror  31  along a bottom portion of the rearview mirror, a hazard is avoided as high powered light is not otherwise directed into the eyes of the driver of vehicle  12  or any other adjacent or nearby vehicle, such as vehicle  15 .  
       FIG. 6  is a partial diagram of the rearview mirror  31  of  FIG. 5  depicting an interior portion of the rearview mirror that is configured for emitting the projected turn signal  25  of  FIG. 4 . In this nonlimiting example, one or more light sources  49  are configured to produce light energy  59  in one of the various patterns as described above. The bottom portion of rearview mirror  31  may be configured with one or more apertures  51  for allowing the emitted light  59  to exit through the rearview mirror  31  according to the desired pattern or mask, as described in more detail below. In this nonlimiting example, rearview mirror  31  includes the turn signal indicator bar  54 , which allows light to pass from light source  49  that is further diffused as a signal indication.  
      As discussed in more detail below, aperture  51  may be configured according to a desired shape for producing a desired projected image shape. Plus, aperture  51  may or may not constitute a nonsealed opening, as one or more lenses or other translucent components may be positioned in aperture  51 .  
      Incandescent, halogen, LED, laser, xenon lamps, or bulbs may be used as a light source  49  for the turn signal projector of this disclosure. Furthermore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to a specific or a particular type of lighting, as one of ordinary skill in the art may know. Additional types of illuminating devices may operate as the light source  49  for creating the projected turn signal  25  of this disclosure.  
       FIG. 7  is a diagram of the rearview mirror  31  with light source  49  displayed and a projection mask  62  that forms the projected turn signal image  25  on the adjacent driving lane  38 . In this nonlimiting example, light source  49  illuminates and casts light within the internal cavity of rearview mirror  31  as depicted in  FIG. 7 . (The illumination lines are actually shown beyond the boundary of rearview mirror  31 , but one of ordinary skill in the art would know that the light would be contained within the rearview mirror  31 . The light is shown outside of rearview mirror  31  to demonstrate that a single light source may illuminate the interior cavity of the rearview mirror  31  containing the turn signal projector.)  
      Mask  62 , in this nonlimiting example, is comprised of three arrows. As discussed in more detail below, light energy emitted from light source  49  passes through apertures  62  to create projected image  25 . The apertures  62  may be sized differently so that the images cast on the road surface  38  are similarly sized. One of ordinary skill would know that altering the size of apertures  62  would adjust the size of images  33 ,  35 , and  36 .  
       FIGS. 8A, 8B , and  8 C represent at least three lighting configurations for creating defined image patterns for projection onto the road surface of adjacent driving lane  38 . In the nonlimiting example of  FIG. 8A , light source  49  may be configured, as described above, within rearview mirror  31  or illuminate the interior cavity of rearview mirror  31  such that emitted light passes through mask  62  that is fashioned as three triangular arrows. The result is the projected turn signal image  25  which comprises arrows  41 ,  42 , and  43 , as described above. In this nonlimiting example, light source  49  illuminates the internal space of rearview mirror  31  such that light passes through the unmasked portions along the bottom side of rearview mirror  31  for creating the turn signal image  25 , which is fashioned as three arrows in this nonlimiting example, as shown in  FIG. 8A .  
      In  FIG. 8B , rearview mirror  31  is fashioned in this nonlimiting example with three light sources  65 ,  66 , and  67 . In this nonlimiting example, refracting lenses  72 ,  73 , and  74  are implemented so as to direct the emitted light from light sources  65 ,  66 , and  67  for creating the pattern as shown in  FIG. 8B . In this nonlimiting example, refracted lenses  72 ,  73 , and  74  create a combined image  77  which may be of a greater intensity than a nonrefracted image, as described above in  FIG. 8A . The projected image  77  is created in this nonlimiting example by refracted lenses  72 ,  73  which are configured for focusing the light emitted from light sources  65 ,  66 ,  67  in this fashion. Refracting lens  74  likewise creates image  78  as an image of ordinary or regular brightness and intensity. Using the multiple light sources  65 ,  66 ,  67  creates angles that cause refracting lenses  72 ,  73  to essentially overlay the light passing through the refracted lenses  72  and  73  for creating combined image  77 .  
      In  FIG. 8C , light source  49  is implemented within the rearview mirror  31  which causes light to pass through reflecting lenses  72 ,  73 , and  74 . Projected images  82 ,  85 , and  88  are cast upon driving lane  38  in the pattern as shown in  FIG. 8C . In this nonlimiting example, a single light source is used which causes the three projected images  82 ,  85 , and  88  to be created through the refracting lenses, as opposed to the overlaid image  77  of  FIG. 8B .  
      As discussed above, the pattern of apertures, as shown in  FIGS. 8A-8C , may be configured in a variety of configurations to achieve a variety of projected images. Plus, various focusing devices may be used to focus the emitted light energy to increase the brightness of the projected image.  
      The pattern shown in  FIGS. 8A, 8B , and  8 C may be created, as described above, by a variety of sources. As an additional nonlimiting example, the rearview mirror may include a laser that is configured to electronically draw the desired image as shown in  FIGS. 8A, 8B , or  8 C, or another image onto the adjacent driving lane. Moreover, the shape of the image on the road surface may be, as additional nonlimiting examples, a dart, arrow, or any other shape recognizable by other drivers as a clear intent to signal a turn, lane change, or emergency situation.  
      Returning to  FIG. 6 , light source  49  may emit light in a radius from the lamp itself, and this light may be defined in a shape by the masked area  51  to create the visible turn signal image  25  as a function of the design of the rearview mirror housing  31 . Thus, in this way, light emitted from light source  49  may be used to create both a visible turn indication through diffusing lens  54  and to project outwardly from rearview mirror  31  for creating the projected turn signal image  25 .  
      As an alternate embodiment to the disclosure above, the turn signal projector may be positioned upon the trailer  14 . In this nonlimiting example, the projected turn signal image  25  may be cast upon the adjacent lane  38  proximate to the rear area of trailer  14  for vehicles to the rear of vehicle  12  and/or trailer  14 . Placing the projected turn signal image  25  as shown in  FIG. 9  alerts the driver of vehicle  15  not to approach alongside vehicle  12  due to the impending turn or lane change. Thus, as described above, the projected turn signal indication may be placed at one or more points for projecting the intent for turning into the adjacent driving lane  38 .  
      As an alternative embodiment, the image projected from the rearview mirror  31  or from trailer  14  may also be used as a sensor to alert the driver of vehicle  12  that another vehicle or obstacle is adjacently positioned. As a nonlimiting example,  FIG. 10  depicts the placement of the turn signal projector near a rear point of trailer  14 . In this nonlimiting example, trailer  14  substantially obscures the rear view of the driver of vehicle  15  from detecting a rear turn signal on vehicle  12  or on trailer  14 . As also shown in this nonlimiting example, vehicle  12  and trailer  14  are shown making a left turn in front of vehicle  15 . Thus, as shown in this nonlimiting example, the image may be projected  91  into the adjacent driving lane; however, in this instance, the projected image strikes a side portion of vehicle  15 . A portion of the projected image  91  is reflected from vehicle  15  and is cast back upon trailer  14 . A sensor positioned on trailer  14  detects reflected light image  91  and communicates such detection to a processor, which alerts the driver of the positioned obstacle and potential collision possibility.  
      As a nonlimiting example, the sensor that detects reflected light may be a photocell configured with any of the lamp types described above to detect light in a visible or invisible spectrum reflected from the nearby vehicle  15  that has moved into the position that puts all vehicles at risk. Thus, upon detecting the reflected light emitted from the turn signal projector on trailer  14 , an alert may be provided to the driver of vehicle  12  informing the driver that another vehicle or obstacle is located in the space that vehicle  12  and trailer  14  are attempting to occupy.  
      The turn signal projector in each of the instances described above may be activated when the driver of vehicle  12  activates a turn signal. For the nonlimiting example of  FIG. 11 , upon detecting the presence of vehicle  15 , an audible or visible alert signal may be provided to warn the driver of vehicle  12  of the hazard. More specifically, a warning light in the instrumentation panel of vehicle  12  or other visual or audio means may be implemented to alert the driver of the impending hazard.  
       FIG. 11  is a diagram of rearview mirror  31  with an additional indicator for alerting the driver of an obstacle detected on the left or right side of vehicle  12 . Thus, in the nonlimiting example depicted in  FIG. 10 , upon detecting the presence of vehicle  15 , the turn signal projector may communicate the visual alert to indicator  98 . Rearview mirror  31  of  FIG. 11  depicts a left turn situation wherein the diffusing lens  54  is illuminated, showing the left turn indication, as well as the light projection beams  56 ,  57 , and  58 , which cast an image onto adjacent driving lane  38 . Therefore, by adding indicators  98  and  99 , the driver may be alerted to the detection of another vehicle in addition to the attempts to warn approaching vehicles by the projected turn signal image  25  and diffusing lens  54 . In this way, the use of data displayed on the outside mirror by indicators  98  and  99  provide the driver of vehicle  12  with an advance notice of an obstacle in the driver&#39;s blind spot so that a collision can potentially be avoided.  
      As described above, the turn signal projector as disclosed herein may be configured as an add-on system to an existing mirror or as an integrated part of the mirror assembly  31 . One of ordinary skill in the art would be aware of various configurations for new and used vehicles consistent with the disclosure herein.  
       FIG. 12  is a diagram of at least one of a number of electrical circuits that may be implemented to accomplish turn signal projection, as disclosed herein. As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , a plurality of lighting sources may be used to increase the overall light output of the projected turn signal image  25 . In the turn signal circuit of  FIG. 12 , one or more groupings of LEDs may be placed in parallel so as to create an increased number of lighting circuits that result in a higher illuminated output. The mirror housing signal lamp circuits A, B, and C may be positioned at different points within the rearview mirror  31  as described above for illuminating the diffusing lens  54 , as well as any mask or refracting lens for creating the projected turn signal image  25 . Moreover, by including a greater number of light sources, the failure of one or more light sources will not hinder the continued operation of the turn signal projector from producing the projected image  25 .  
       FIG. 13  depicts the turn signal projector lamp circuit placed in parallel with the front and rear turn signal lamp circuits of vehicle  12 , as well as the mirror housing lamp circuit for illuminating the diffusing lens  54 . The circuit diagram of  FIG. 13  includes placing the light source in parallel so that the actuation of a turn signal switch (i.e., for a left turn) energizes each of the signal lamps to illuminate the front and rear turn signal indicators as well as the projector lamp and any light sources utilized for the diffusing lens  54 . The turn signal projector lamp, as shown in  FIG. 13 , may comprise one or more light sources as described above for increasing the light output, thereby resulting in a higher visible image  25 . By increasing the number of turn signal projector light sources, as disclosed herein, other drivers and pedestrians may view the projected light image  25  during daylight hours or during other times irrespective of road surface conditions, weather conditions, or any other variables that may diminish visibility.  
      It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments and nonlimiting examples are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles disclosed herein. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) and nonlimiting examples without departing substantially from the spirit and principles disclosed herein. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.