Abstract: A CHMSL (16) or other lighting system feature of an automobile (10) includes a feature for presenting personal expressions in the form of words or symbols but is automatically deactivated when the regular vehicle lighting system is in use. The personal expression is fixed in a tangible medium by way of phosphor-coated indicia (34) placed within a UV impervious housing (18). A secondary UV light source (36) selectively energizes the phosphor-coated indicia (34) so that the irradiated material glows and is visible through a light transmissive screen (20). The light transmissive screen (20) is provided with a UV blocking agent so that harmful UV rays do not escape the housing (18). The phosphor-coated indicia (34) can be mounted on a removable transparent plate (30), on light dispersion optics (24, 26), or on the inner face of the light transmissive screen (20).

Abstract: An ambiance lighting system for a vehicular passenger compartment has a variable color light output which is automatically responsive to temperature changes. First and second light sources of different colors (e.g., blue and red) are positioned immediately behind the air discharge vents and are selectively energized by a control circuit so that the first light source radiates light through the vent when the temperature falls below a predetermined value and the second light sources energizes the second color of light when the air temperature rises above a predetermined value. Sensors are used to detect the temperature of air, preferably in the ducting plenum. Various control strategies can be deployed to achieve aesthetically interesting light presentations which enhance ambiance within the passenger compartment.

Abstract: A vehicle interior component and lighting assembly that includes a vehicle interior component having a fabric disposed over a substrate or foam layer, or both. An electroluminescent panel is located between the fabric and substrate/foam layer and directs light from the panel through the fabric. In this way, the light source can be effectively hidden when not in use and can be incorporated into the interior component in a manner that requires little space. The vehicle interior component can be any of a number of different interior articles, including, for example, a headliner, door panel, vehicle seat, rear deck, sun visor, and trunk panel. Also disclosed are vehicle interior illumination systems using touch switches and electroluminescent panels to provide back lighting of the switch and/or vehicle interior illumination through the switch.

Abstract: An optical waveguide structure for distributing light from a light source includes a cylindrical sleeve configured to accommodate and receive light from the light source. The sleeve includes a central axis. A waveguide collar is formed from a solid, planar block of material. The block of material has a central portion configured to accommodate and surround the sleeve. The first and second output arms extend in a plane away from the central portion. The plane is substantially perpendicular to the central axis.

Abstract: A vehicle interior component and lighting assembly that includes a vehicle interior component having a fabric disposed over a substrate or foam layer, or both. An electroluminescent panel is located between the fabric and substrate/foam layer and directs light from the panel through the fabric. In this way, the light source can be effectively hidden when not in use and can be incorporated into the interior component in a manner that requires little space. The vehicle interior component can be any of a number of different interior articles, including, for example, a headliner, door panel, vehicle seat, rear deck, sun visor, and trunk panel. Also disclosed are vehicle interior illumination systems using touch switches and electroluminescent panels to provide back lighting of the switch and/or vehicle interior illumination through the switch.

Abstract: A method of illuminating an object with a waveguide system includes directing a beam of light into a waveguide. The waveguide includes a light input region, a front lenslet array having individual lenslets with a radius of curvature, and a rear surface. The beam of light directed into the waveguide is reflected off of the front lenslet array. A portion of the beam of light passes to the rear surface so that the portion leaks out of the waveguide. The portion that leaks out is reflected laterally through the waveguide by an external reflector.

Abstract: An optical waveguide structure for distributing light from a light source includes a cylindrical sleeve configured to accommodate and receive light from the light source. The sleeve includes a central axis. A waveguide collar is formed from a solid, planar block of material. The block of material has a central portion configured to accommodate and surround the sleeve. The first and second output arms extend in a plane away from the central portion. The plane is substantially perpendicular to the central axis.

Abstract: A touch panel for controlling a vehicle function includes a panel installed in a vehicle and a thin film switch disposed on the surface of the panel. The thin film switch is configured to control a vehicle function. The touch panel also may have a thin film range switch disposed on the surface of the panel. The range switch is configured to vary a setting of the vehicle function.