Patent Description:
Many different types of lighting assemblies for use on the exterior of a vehicle have been described in the prior art. For example, <CIT>discloses an apparatus and method for displaying graphical content in different modes based on vehicle speed. International Patent Application Publication <CIT>discloses an extra braking light for a vehicle with enhanced functions such as providing warnings and advertisements. <CIT>and <CIT> both disclose a display system for rendering content on an exterior of a vehicle. <CIT>discloses an expressive lighting system disposed within a cavity of a main lighting assembly. <CIT>discloses an individualizable lighting system for a vehicle that is integrated within a main vehicle lighting system housing. <CIT>discloses an illuminated logo disposed on a rear high-mounted brake light. <CIT> discloses a vehicle lamp having light sources arranged behind a transparent cover plate to provide backlit lighting, the transparent cover plate having markings like letters which have a reflective surface.

This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter as defined in the appended claims. Other aspects and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.

In an embodiment, a hybrid lamp for a vehicle includes a functional surface, a functional marking integrated within the functional surface, a plurality of light sources configured to illuminate the functional marking and the functional surface, a housing adapted to structurally support the plurality of light sources and the functional surface, and a controller configured to individually control each of the plurality of light sources for providing different illumination patterns of the functional marking and the functional surface such that automotive functional lighting and non-automotive functional lighting is provided.

In another embodiment, a hybrid vehicle lamp includes an opaque-metalized surface having a transparent marking. The transparent marking is integrated within the same piece of material as the opaque-metalized surface. A plurality of light sources are configured to illuminate the transparent marking and the opaque-metalized surface. A housing has a plurality of mounting locations configured to align the plurality of light sources for illumination of the opaque-metalized surface and the transparent marking in a lit mode. A controller is configured to individually control each of the plurality of light sources for providing different illumination patterns of the transparent marking and the opaque-metalized surface such that at least one automotive lighting function is provided. The opaque-metalized surface and the transparent marking are configured such that the transparent marking illuminates differently than the opaque-metalized surface, thereby accentuating visibility of the transparent marking to provide a decorative function.

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein and wherein:.

The drawing figures do not limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention.

The following detailed description references the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims.

In this description, references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "embodiments" mean that the feature or features being referred to are included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Separate references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "embodiments" in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, act, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but is not necessarily included. Thus, the technology can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

In certain lighting applications, markings may be incorporated into a light assembly for producing a desired visual effect. Some examples of markings include logos, designs, emblems, geometric shapes, graphics, text, coded message, etc. Typically, an exterior vehicle display light having markings is separate and independent from a conventional vehicle light assembly that provides one or more automotive functions (e.g., tail-light, stop signal, turn signal).

Embodiments of the present invention provide a hybrid light for a vehicle having an illuminated marking integrated with a conventional automotive vehicle lamp in such a way that the illuminated marking contributes to the automotive functionality of the vehicle lamp. In other words, the hybrid lights disclosed herein operate to provide both a conventional automotive lighting function and a decorative lighting function for use on vehicle exteriors.

Integration of markings with vehicle lights is complicated by photometric requirements of particular vehicle lights. For example, vehicle brake lights must provide a specific total illumination surface area and illumination intensity. Embodiments of the present invention may be used to provide multiple functions from the same device, including automotive functions such as a tail-light, stop signal, and turn signal, as well as illuminated markings used to provide messaging and/or custom styling.

<FIG> is a front view of an exemplary hybrid lamp <NUM> integrated in a vehicle lamp assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of hybrid lamp <NUM> integrated in vehicle lamp assembly <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> are best viewed together with the following description. Vehicle lamp assembly <NUM> is an exemplary working environment of hybrid lamp <NUM>. A lamp assembly housing <NUM> includes components for structurally supporting hybrid lamp <NUM> and for mounting vehicle lamp assembly <NUM> to a vehicle, including for example a bracket <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Lamp assembly housing <NUM> is designed to be in body position of a vehicle and to follow studio styling curves that accentuate the lamp and add value to branding and aesthetics of the vehicle. Additional lighting areas <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> within lamp assembly housing <NUM> may be configured to accommodate additional functional elements (e.g., turn signals, stop lights, reverse lights, reflectors, sensors, etc.). Exemplary sensors that may be located in area one or more of areas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> include blind spot detection sensors, LIDAR based detection systems, cameras, photodetectors, light sensors, etc..

<FIG> is a front view of hybrid lamp <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of hybrid lamp <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> are best viewed together with the following description. Hybrid lamp <NUM> includes a lamp housing <NUM>, a functional surface <NUM>, a first functional marking <NUM>, and a second functional marking <NUM>. As used herein, the term "functional" of functional surface <NUM>, first functional marking <NUM>, and second functional marking <NUM>, is meant to broadly construe that the surface/marking provides a function of hybrid lamp <NUM>. The function may include but is not limited to lighting, illumination, full or partial transparency, opaqueness, reflection, contrast enhancement, or any other desired alteration to the appearance of the surface/marking that contributes to the overall lighting effect of hybrid lamp <NUM>, whether in a lit mode or in an unlit mode. In the lit mode, one or more light sources are turned on to illuminate some or all portions of hybrid lamp <NUM>. In the unlit mode, the one or more light sources are turned off.

First and second functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> depicted in the drawing figures are exemplary only. An individual marking or more than two markings may be included in hybrid lamp <NUM> without departing from the scope hereof. Functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> may form any graphic element, such as the graphic elements depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, or any other type of marking, including but limited to a logo, design, emblem, geometric shape, text, and/or coded message, etc..

Lamp housing <NUM> provides structural support for the functional surface <NUM>, the first and second functional markings <NUM>, <NUM>, and one or more light sources. In the embodiments shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the one or more light sources are positioned behind functional surface <NUM> to provide backlighting such that the functional markings <NUM>, <NUM>, and optionally functional surface <NUM>, are backlit when the one or more light sources are illuminated. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the light sources <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are positioned above functional surface <NUM> to provide top lighting. In some embodiments, light sources are provided both above and behind functional surface <NUM> such that backlit and top-lit lighting functions are achievable. Other positioning of light sources is possible (e.g., bottom-lit), and other combinations of top-lit, backlit, and bottom-lit light sources are possible, without departing from the scope hereof.

In embodiments, functional surface <NUM> is a reflective surface configured to catch light at certain angles (e.g., from a light source or from ambient light) and reflect the light at certain angles. In embodiments, the functional surface <NUM> provides prescription optics for directing reflected light from light sources <NUM>-<NUM>. In some embodiments, the functional surface <NUM> includes a plurality of microlens surfaces. The plurality of microlens surfaces may be arranged in a textured pattern (e.g., microlens surfaces are patterned at different angles to create a textured appearance). In embodiments, hybrid lamp <NUM> illuminates a textured microlens surface of functional surface <NUM> via light sources <NUM>-<NUM>. At least one of light sources <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to illuminate functional surface <NUM>, and at least one of light sources <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to illuminate each of functional markings <NUM>, <NUM>. Light sources <NUM>-<NUM> may be positioned above or below the functional surface <NUM> to provide top-lighting or bottom-lighting, respectively. As depicted in <FIG>, light sources <NUM>-<NUM> are positioned above functional surface <NUM> via mounting locations <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, portions of hybrid lamp <NUM> may be treated to provide a metalized surface in which the outwardly facing surfaces are coated with a metallic coating. In some embodiments, one or more portions of hybrid lamp <NUM> are configured as an opaque-metalized portion to block light and to provide a crisp cutoff within the overall light pattern. For example, one or more of functional surface <NUM>, first functional marking <NUM>, or second functional marking <NUM> may be configured as an opaque-metalized portion. The opaque-metalized portion is for example a black metallized material in which a black plastic part (e.g., black polycarbonate) is formed by an injection molding process, followed by the part being coated with a metallic coating. Other portions that are not opaque-metalized may be clear metalized portions, in which a transparent plastic part (e.g., clear polycarbonate) is formed by an injection molding process, followed by the part being coated with a metallic coating.

Opaque-metalized portions and transparent-metalized portions may be formed as a single part with a two shot injection molding process (e.g., one shot with black plastic and one shot with clear plastic). In this manner, the first portion is still warm when the second shot is applied such that the two portions are bonded together. In embodiments, functional surface <NUM> is an opaque-metalized portion while functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> are made of clear plastic to be substantially transparent for illumination by the one or more light sources when hybrid lamp <NUM> is operated in the lit mode.

In certain embodiments, first and second functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> may include their own reflective surface for contributing to the lighting function of hybrid lamp <NUM>, albeit with a different appearance compared to the functional surface <NUM>. For example, functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> may include micro optics, an optical treatment, a smooth or textured appearance, or some combination thereof. Functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to catch light at certain angles and reflect the light at certain angles, in either a similar or different manner compared to functional surface <NUM>. In embodiments, functional surface <NUM> and at least one of the functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> is configured to reflect light in the unlit mode such that ambient light reflects off of functional surface <NUM> differently than the at least one functional marking to accentuate visibility of the at least one marking for providing a decorative function.

In certain embodiments, the functional markings are configured to provide a three-dimensional (3D) effect, either by physically projecting forward of functional surface <NUM>, or alternatively by providing a 3D visual effect, or a combination of a physical and visual 3D effect. For example, as depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, second functional marking <NUM> is a 3D subsurface marking in which a physical 3D object is formed (e.g., via laser ablation) within a transparent solid material (e.g., glass or plastic). When illuminated in the lit mode, the 3D subsurface marking is illuminated and provides an illuminated 3D appearance within the transparent solid material.

In another example, as depicted in <FIG>, first functional marking <NUM> physically projects outwardly in front of the functional surface <NUM>. Similarly, as depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, second functional marking <NUM> physically projects outwardly in front of the functional surface <NUM>. When illuminated in the lit mode, the first and second functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> provide an illuminated 3D appearance.

Alternatively, a 3D visual effect may be used to provide an optical projection that appears as if hovering in front of hybrid lamp <NUM>. The 3D visual effect may be provided via a floating image generation technique, such as that described in <CIT>. Alternatively, the 3D visual effect may be provided via an animated 3D image multiplier technique, such as that described in <CIT> Other types of 3D markings may be used in hybrid lamp <NUM> without departing from the scope hereof.

In embodiments, functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to produce a desired visual effect while also contributing to the automotive functionality of a vehicle light assembly (e.g., the photometric requirements of a tail-light). In certain embodiments, one or both of functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> provide a messaging capability. For example, first functional marking <NUM> presents text to be read by a person or via automated means (e.g., using a camera and image analysis software). Alternatively, a coded message may be provided (e.g., via a QR code) to be scanned and decoded via automated means.

Functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> may be embossed such that portions of the marking protrude slightly in front of functional surface <NUM>. Alternatively, markings <NUM>, <NUM> may be recessed or flush with respect to the functional surface <NUM>. In embodiments, the markings <NUM>, <NUM> include some combination of embossed, recessed, and/or flush portions. For manufacturing, a mold of markings <NUM>, <NUM> may be etched into a tool used to form the functional surface <NUM> such that one combined part includes an embossed/recessed marking on the surface <NUM>. In other words, functional surface <NUM> and markings <NUM>, <NUM> are integrated within the same piece of material and formed via a single step.

The manufacturing process is for example a thermoforming process or an injection molding process, and the preferred material is a plastic material. Exemplary plastic materials include but are not limited to polycarbonate (PC), polycarbonate-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC-ABS), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and olefin (e.g., thermoplastic polyolefin). The plastic material may be colored or clear, transparent or opaque, or partially transparent/opaque without departing from the scope hereof.

As described above, one portion of hybrid lamp <NUM> may be formed with a colored plastic (e.g., black) to be opaque, while another portion is formed with a clear plastic to be transparent, by using a two-shot injection molding process. In this manner, functional surface <NUM> may be configured to provide a stark contrast behind the markings <NUM>, <NUM>, whether illuminated by light sources in the lit mode or by ambient lighting in the unlit mode.

Portions of hybrid lamp <NUM> may be coated or treated to alter the appearance and/or transparency. For example, a metallized coating may be applied to functional surface <NUM>, while functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> may also be coated or masked to avoid being coated. In another example, optical coatings or anti-glare coatings may be applied to some or all portions of hybrid lamp <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top perspective view of hybrid lamp <NUM> showing a plurality of mounting locations <NUM>-<NUM> for supporting a respective plurality of light sources <NUM>-<NUM>. The mounting locations <NUM>-<NUM> are arranged above the functional surface <NUM> and functional markings <NUM>, <NUM>. In this manner, light sources <NUM>-<NUM> are positioned in the mounting locations <NUM>-<NUM> facing downward to transmit light substantially downwardly for illuminating functional surface <NUM> and functional markings <NUM>, <NUM>. Alternative mounting locations may be employed such that the light sources are positioned behind, on one or both sides, and/or beneath functional surface <NUM> without departing from the scope hereof. In embodiments in which the light sources are positioned from behind, functional surface <NUM> and functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> may be fully or partially transparent to enable their illumination via the light sources, thereby providing a "backlit" hybrid lamp.

Hybrid lamp <NUM> may include greater or fewer than six light sources without departing from the scope hereof. Light sources <NUM>-<NUM> may be different types of light emitting devices, including but not limited to incandescent bulbs, halogen lamps, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), or other types of lights. In certain embodiments, light sources <NUM>-<NUM> are LEDs each mounted to a respective printed-circuit board (PCB), with each of the PCBs configured for mounting to the hybrid lamp <NUM> in one of the mounting locations <NUM>-<NUM>. In embodiments, the LEDs consume low power to provide a low power hybrid lamp. In certain embodiments, each LED consumes less than one watt each. In some embodiments, each LED consumes about <NUM> watt each.

<FIG> is a block diagram of hybrid lamp <NUM> including a controller <NUM> configured for individually turning each of light sources <NUM>-<NUM> on/off and for individually modulating an intensity of each light source (e.g., via pulse-width modulation). Controller <NUM> is, for example, a computer, microcontroller, microprocessor, or programmable logic controller (PLC), having a memory <NUM>, including a non-transitory medium for storing software <NUM>, and a processor <NUM> for executing instructions of software <NUM>. In embodiments, software <NUM> is configured as firmware. In embodiments, each LED light source is mounted to a PCB having a dedicated microcontroller for controlling the respective LED. A plurality of microcontrollers may be communicatively coupled to a master controller (e.g., controller <NUM>) for providing coordinated lighting effects by turning on/off or modulating each of the LEDs. Each of the plurality of LEDs may be configured to illuminate separate portions of hybrid lamp <NUM> (e.g., only functional surface <NUM>, or one or both functional markings <NUM>, <NUM>). Controller <NUM> may be used to illuminate functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> according to an automated or preprogrammed schedule, or optionally in response to input signals from vehicle subsystems <NUM> (e.g., to automatically illuminate functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> when ambient lighting falls below a predetermined intensity as determined by signals from a light sensor/photodetector).

In embodiments, controller <NUM> may optionally be accessed via a user interface <NUM> that includes one or more of buttons and/or switches located in a vehicle cabin such that illumination of the functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> may be controlled by a user. In some embodiments, user interface <NUM> includes a touch screen display device configured for receiving touch indications by the user. The touch screen display device may be located in the vehicle cabin and/or accessed remotely via a mobile device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, or computer). User interface <NUM> may be configured to present a menu for selecting illumination options for the functional markings <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, user interface <NUM> may be used to program controller <NUM> to illuminate functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> according to a preprogrammed schedule or in response to input signals from vehicle subsystems <NUM>.

Communication between user interface <NUM>, controller <NUM>, vehicle subsystems <NUM>, and light sources <NUM>-<NUM> may be by a wired and/or wireless communication media. For example, controller <NUM> configured as the master controller may include a transmitter/receiver, a multi-channel input/output (I/O) data bus, or the like (not shown) for communicatively coupling with user interface <NUM> and the light source PCBs.

In operation, individual LEDs may be turned on/off or modulated to illuminate/dim separate portions of hybrid lamp <NUM>. Specifically, functional surface <NUM> and functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> may each be independently illuminated/dimmed via individual control of light sources <NUM>-<NUM> for independently contributing to tail-light and/or stop functions. For example, a tail-light function may be provided by fully illuminating both functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> without illuminating functional surface <NUM>, whereas a stop function may be provided by fully illuminating both functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> and functional surface <NUM>. Alternatively, the functional surface <NUM> may be partially illuminated (e.g., dimly lit) to provide a tail-light function and fully illuminated (e.g., brightly lit) to provide a stop function, while functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> remain fully illuminated for both tail-light and stop functions. Other combinations of illumination between functional surface <NUM> and functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> are possible and within the scope of the present invention.

In addition to automotive functions, hybrid lamp <NUM> may be used to provide other functions such as communication and messaging functions (e.g., a welcome function that illuminates functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> when the vehicle is locked or unlocked). As described above, controller <NUM> may optionally be coupled communicatively with vehicle subsystems <NUM>. This enables automatic illumination of functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> via individually addressed light source(s) based upon, or related to, information provided by other subsystems of the vehicle. For example, functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> may include a low fuel symbol and/or a low battery-charge symbol that is illuminated when controller <NUM> receives a signal from a fuel gauge and/or a battery charge meter onboard the vehicle. In an embodiment, when a user unlocks the vehicle doors (e.g., via a key fob), functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> are illuminated to highlight a symbol, feature, or message of functional markings <NUM>, <NUM> so as to remind the user to refuel or recharge the battery.

Features described above as well as those claimed below may be combined in various ways without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A hybrid lamp (<NUM>) for a vehicle, for use on vehicle exteriors, comprising:
a functional surface (<NUM>), outwardly facing surfaces of the functional surface (<NUM>) comprising a metalized surface;
a functional marking (<NUM>, <NUM>) integrated within the functional surface, the functional marking being embossed such that portions of the functional marking protrude in front of the functional surface and/or the functional marking being recessed with respect to the functional surface;
a plurality of light sources (<NUM> - <NUM>) configured to illuminate the functional marking and the functional surface;
a housing (<NUM>) adapted to structurally support the plurality of light sources and the functional surface, wherein the housing is configured with a plurality of mounting locations (<NUM> - <NUM>) configured for structurally supporting the plurality of light sources, at least a part of the plurality of light sources being arranged above and/or below the functional surface for projecting light onto the functional surface; and
a controller (<NUM>) configured to individually control each of the plurality of light sources for providing different illumination patterns of the functional marking and the functional surface such that automotive functional lighting and non-automotive functional lighting is provided.