Abstract:
Interior vehicle intense local illumination of a target location of a vehicle interior is provided by an interior rearview mirror assembly incorporating a solid-state light source which emits light generally downwardly from the bottom of the assembly. Preferably, the solid-state light source consists of a grouping of multiple light emitting diodes. At least one light emitting diode preferably has a luminous intensity of at least 500 mcd when operated at a forward current of 20 mA, emits light with a dominant wavelength within the range of about 530 nm to about 680 nm, emits light having a color selected from green, orange, yellow, amber, reddish-orange, red and blue, is formed from a material including at least one of aluminum, indium, gallium arsenic and phosphorous, and may be connected by a series resistor to the vehicle ignition/battery.
Abstract:
An adaptive instrument display brightness control system that automatically controls the instrument display brightness of a vehicle based on a vehicle operator's changes to the display brightness and particular ambient light conditions. An ambient light intensity sensor sends an ambient light intensity signal to a microprocessor which then selects a brightness look-up value from a look-up table based on the light intensity to illuminate the instrument display. If the vehicle operator adjusts the instrument display brightness, and the change to the brightness is within a learning range of the system, the microprocessor will set an adaptive timer to validate the change. After the timer has expired, the microprocessor will adjust the look-up value to a predetermined percent of the difference between the original look-up value and a new look-up value coinciding with the new illumination setting.
Abstract:
A two color, light emitting diode having a green diode and a red diode therein is incorporated with a control switch for an automotive accessory. The control switch is normally green in color providing a finger target when the system is not operated because only the green diode emits light. The diode is amber in color upon closing the switch because the red diode and green diode are both illuminated. The two color, light emitting diode is used for accessory systems such as electric windows, traction control systems, rear window defrosters and other accessory systems.
Abstract:
An illumination device for an interior space, such as that of a motor vehicle, for example, has a light source (2) and an opposing reflector system (3) located at a distance across the interior space, wherein the reflector system includes a reflector unit having multiple reflectors (8, 13, 14, 15, 16) each capable of being brought into a position in a beam path (7) of light from the light source (2). The light source (2) can be placed in a center control panel (4) of the motor vehicle, while the reflector system (3) can be placed on a vehicle ceiling located opposite the center control panel (4).
Abstract:
An illuminated control panel typically for an audio device used in an automobile. The control panel includes a front panel made of a light conducting material through which push buttons and switches extend. A light conducting diffuser extends over a substantial portion of the rear surface of the front panel. The light conducting diffuser contains a plurality of sources of light which produce a generally uniform distribution of light throughout the light conducting diffuser. The illuminated light conducting diffuser back lights the entire area of the front panel, thereby increasing the general illumination of the control panel and facilitating the location and identity of the push buttons and switches. The front panel is preferably colored to improve its general appeal and appearance. In an alternative embodiment, the control panel includes one or more trim plates that are attachable to the front panel and may be used and exchanged at the choice of the user.
Abstract:
An instrument preferably employable for a vehicle includes a dial and at least one pointer for indicating the present operative state of the vehicle such as a running speed, an engine speed or the like through a window glass. The dial is illuminated from the rear side by activating a dial illuminating unit, while the pointer is illuminated indirectly via a reflective coating film formed thereon by activating a pointer illuminating unit. The pointer is rotated in a normal direction via a stepping motor when an ignition key is shifted to ON, while it is rotated in a reverse direction when it is shifted to OFF. The instrument is additionally provided with a pointer mask plate made of an opaque plate-shaped material and placed between the window glass and the pointer. The pointer mask plate is located below a zero calibration on the dial and at least the window glass side of the pointer mask plate is blackened without any optical brightness like a frosted glass. When the ignition key is shifted to OFF with a driver's hand to stop running of the vehicle, the pointer is rotated in the reverse direction in excess of the zero calibration on the dial toward the minus angle side of the instrument. Thus, when the window glass is exposed directly to sunlight while the ignition key is shifted to OFF, the pointer can not visually be recognized from the outside because it is fully covered with the pointer mask plate.
Abstract:
A pulse width dimming system responsive to low frequency pulse width modulated signals of various duty cycles employs a single charging capacitor in a charge pump circuit connected between a voltage source and the output of an FET for developing voltage pulse signals for controlling current through a field effect transistor used to control the intensity of lamps in a vehicle instrument panel.
Abstract:
A directional courtesy light for a vehicle includes a reflector which is moveable with respect to a bulb between a first position for providing unfocused light to a second position for providing focused light. In the second position, the reflector can be tilted to direct the focused light in a specific direction. The courtesy light may include a lens to further control the light. The reflector is mounted to a bulb holder for translation with respect to a bulb therein and the bulb holder is mounted to a carrier attached to the vehicle for pivoting the holder with respect to the carrier. The courtesy light components snap together and snaps in place in the vehicle for quick assembly and installation.
Abstract:
An illumination module comprising a housing having one or more cavities, each containing a source of illumination such as an incandescent lamp at its closed end. A housing mounting plate containing a window coextensive with the open end of the housing is affixed to the open end of said housing in such a way as to create a slot between the mounting plate and the housing. A movable mask containing one or more apertures to configure and position the light as it leaves the housing through the window is located in the slot so that one or more segregated targets can be illuminated by means of the single mask positioning of the apertures relative to the open end of the individual cavities.
Abstract:
An illumination for a display and/or a part of a display in an illumination color with a display and/or a part of a display which can be transilluminated by a source of light of a different color than the illumination color. The source of light is arranged on the side of the display and/or the part of the display facing away from an observer and a color filter 5 is arranged between source of light and the display and/or a part of the display. The color filter 5 is a split filter through which a part of the light from the source of light can pass unfiltered and a further part of the light from the source of light can pass filtered.