Automotive information systems
AssigneeColor Kinetics Incorporated
InventorsIhor A. Lys, Kevin Dowling, Eric Schanberger, Christian P. Blanc
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An embodiment of this invention relates to an intelligent lighting device that can receive signals and change the illumination conditions as a result of the received signals. The lighting device can change hue, saturation, and brightness as a response to received signals. One example of using such a lighting device is to display particular colors as a response to certain events. Among others, embodiments may include vehicle lighting systems, an information cube, a back lighting system for a display panel, and an indicator of a condition of a package.
Claims88
An automotive lighting system comprising:
- at least one LED-based light source configured to generate at least visible radiation associated with a vehicle;
- and
- at least one processor configured to control the at least one LED-based light source such that the generated visible radiation has at least one of a variable color over a range of colors including at least three different perceivable colors and a variable intensity over a range of intensities including at least three different perceivable intensities.
An automotive information lighting system comprising:
- at least one LED-based light source configured to generate at least visible radiation associated with a vehicle;
- at least one processor configured to control the at least one LED-based light source;
- a display wherein the at least one LED-based light source is positioned so as to cause illumination of the display upon generation of at least the visible radiation;
- and
- at least one sensor configured to provide information relating to at least one condition associated with the vehicle,
- wherein the at least one processor is configured to monitor the information provided by the at least one sensor and control the at least one LED-based light source such that the generated visible radiation has at least one of a variable color over a range of colors including at least three different perceivable colors and a variable intensity over a range of intensities including at least three different perceivable intensities based at least in part on the monitored information.
A method for providing illumination in connection with a vehicle, comprising acts of:
- A) monitoring information provided by an information system;
- and
- B) controlling an illumination system including at least one LED-based light source so as to generate at least visible radiation associated with the vehicle, the generated visible radiation having at least one of a variable color over a range of colors including at least three different perceivable colors and a variable intensity over a range of intensities including at least three different perceivable intensities, based at least in part on the monitored information.
A method of illuminating an instrument panel of a vehicle with informational lighting comprising acts of:
- A) illuminating the instrument panel with visible radiation generated by at least one LED-based light source;
- and
- B) controlling the at least one LED-based light source such that the visible radiation has at least one of a variable color over a range of colors including at least three different perceivable colors and a variable intensity over a range of intensities including at least three different perceivable intensities, based at least in part on monitored information associated with the vehicle.
A vehicle lighting method, comprising acts of:
- A) generating at least visible radiation associated with a vehicle using at least one LED-based light source;
- and
- B) controlling the at least one LED-based light source such that the generated visible radiation has at least one of a variable color over a range of colors including at least three different perceivable colors and a variable intensity over a range of intensities including at least three different perceivable intensities.
A vehicle lighting method comprising acts of:
- A) illuminating at least a portion of the vehicle with visible radiation generated by at least one LED-based light source;
- and
- B) controlling the at least one LED-based light source such that the visible radiation has at least one of a variable color over a range of colors including at least three different perceivable colors and a variable intensity over a range of intensities including at least three different perceivable intensities, based at least in part on monitored information associated with the vehicle.
A system for a vehicle, comprising:
- an illumination system including at least one LED-based light source configured to generate at least visible radiation associated with the vehicle;
- and
- at least one controller configured to monitor information provided by an information system and control the at least one LED-based light source such that the generated visible radiation has at least one of a variable color over a range of colors including at least three different perceivable colors and a variable intensity over a range of intensities including at least three different perceivable intensities based at least in part on the monitored information.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.