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US 9,434,301 B2Granted
Hidden photoluminescent vehicle user interface
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorStuart C. Salter
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A user interface for a vehicle is disclosed. The user interface comprises a proximity sensor disposed proximate a vehicle panel. An exterior layer is disposed over the proximity sensor and configured to conceal the proximity sensor. The user interface further comprises a photoluminescent portion disposed on the exterior layer, wherein the photoluminescent portion is selectively excited to reveal a location of the proximity sensor.
Claims20
A user interface for a vehicle comprising:
- a proximity sensor disposed proximate a vehicle panel;
- an exterior layer disposed over the proximity sensor and configured to conceal the proximity sensor;
- and
- a photoluminescent portion disposed on the exterior layer, wherein the photoluminescent portion is selectively excited to reveal a location of the proximity sensor.
1 more element
A selectively visible user interface comprising:
- a controller in communication with a light source and a proximity sensor;
- and
- a vehicle panel configured to conceal the proximity sensor, wherein the controller is configured to:
- identify a first signal from the proximity sensor corresponding to a detection of an object at a first proximity;
- and
- activate the light source in response to the detection to reveal a location of the proximity sensor.
3 more elements
A user interface for a vehicle comprising:
- a vehicle panel comprising a proximity sensor, a first photoluminescent portion and a second photoluminescent portion,
- 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, wherein the second photoluminescent portion is configured to reveal a location of the proximity sensor in response to the activation of the second light source.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.