Vehicle Patents (Class 315/77)
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Patent number: 12144083Abstract: A light system including: light branches extending in parallel to one another with each of the light branches have lights that provide light to a region around a vehicle, the light branches include: a primary light branch include: a bias circuit and a switch; and secondary light branches that are controlled by the primary light branch; wherein electricity is provided to the light branches and when all of the lights on the light branches are operating properly the electricity maintains the switch in a closed position; and when any of the lights fail or are not operating properly, electricity is prevented from extending through the light branch, by the lights that have failed, and the electricity continues to extend through the light branches that are operating properly so that the electricity that extends to the switch is not sufficient to maintain the switch in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2023Date of Patent: November 12, 2024Assignee: Valeo VisionInventor: Sylvain Larribe
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Patent number: 12128833Abstract: This disclosure relates to a light assembly for a motor vehicle. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, including: a light assembly including a first section, a second section, a third section, and a fourth section, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth sections are selectively illuminable independent of one another; a conspicuity lamp; and a controller configured to command the light assembly to illuminate at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth sections in phase with the conspicuity lamp.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2022Date of Patent: October 29, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Aaron B. Johnson, Luciano Lukacs, Michael L. Merritt, Joshua Schwab
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Patent number: 12115907Abstract: An indoor light control system and a control method thereof, and more particularly, an indoor light control system that calculates a sight line direction of a driver through facial posture analysis data of the driver and controls an indoor light to be activated or deactivated according to the sight line direction, and a control method thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2022Date of Patent: October 15, 2024Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.Inventor: Pyeong Geun Jo
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Patent number: 12024086Abstract: A control system is provided for a refuel or recharge door of a vehicle, which includes a vehicle controller. The system has a housing with a port, a door removably attached to the housing, a system controller, and at least one module. The system controller is communicably connected to a vehicle controller of the vehicle. Further, the system controller is configured to control the at least one module.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2020Date of Patent: July 2, 2024Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Shant B. Alexanian, Christopher Thomas Schaafsma, Saman Bagheri Farahani, Mark O. Lepper, David B. Pivonka
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Patent number: 12010773Abstract: A control device includes a data bus interface, which can be a CAN bus data bus interface, a computer core (microcontroller) and a number nLED of a plurality of driver circuits, wherein nLED is a positive integer greater than 1. Each driver circuit is designed to be able to supply at least one lamp group with electrical power. The nLED driver circuits are thus designed to be able to supply at least nLED lamp groups with electrical power. Each lamp group comprises one or more lamps, which can comprise one or more light-emitting diodes. The data bus interface and the computer core (microcontroller) and the nLED driver circuits are accommodated on a common semiconductor substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2021Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: Elmos Semiconductor SEInventors: Bernd Burchard, Christian Schmitz
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Patent number: 11964612Abstract: A controller for a warning light is disclosed. The controller is composed of a housing, a light emitting element and a control unit. The control unit is in operable communication with the light emitting element of the controller and a light emitting element of a warning light. The controller instructs the light emitting element of the warning light and the light emitting element of the controller to display light in the same lighting mode, which allows vehicle operators to immediately know the lighting mode of the warning light by viewing the lighting mode of the controller.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Meadow Stream Distributing, L.L.C.Inventors: Richard Freitag Engstrom, Chih Heng Lin
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Patent number: 11959613Abstract: A light source unit of a vehicle lighting system includes: a light source to emit excitation light; a light generating unit including a luminescent layer to emit generation light by being irradiated with the excitation light and a holding member holding the luminescent layer; and a lens member to output generation light from the luminescent layer toward the front, with the light source unit mounted on the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: ICHIKOH INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Yoshiro Sato, Hironari Zushi
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Patent number: 11905034Abstract: A system for displaying an omnidirectional light show for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed herein. The system comprises an LED matrix comprising a plurality of LEDs distributed on the outer surface area of a body of the UAV. A Ground Control Station (GCS) is communicatively coupled to the UAV and is configured to transmit at least one flight program and at least one light program, wherein the at least one flight program and the at least one light program are synchronized in time and events. A LED light control unit is configured on the UAV and is communicatively coupled to the GCS for receiving instructions from the GCS to control a plurality of LED parameters in accordance with the at least one flight program and the at least one light program.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2022Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Microavia International LimitedInventors: Ivan Biriuk, Denis Kotov
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Patent number: 11878721Abstract: In some embodiments, techniques for updating a model that represents turning dynamics of a vehicle are provided. In some embodiments, an initial location and orientation of the vehicle with respect to an object outside the vehicle are determined using information from environment sensors including but not limited to image sensors and/or range sensors. In some embodiments, vehicle state information including but not limited to steering angle and wheel speed is received before determining a new location and orientation of the vehicle with respect to the object. In some embodiments, the model is updated using the initial location and orientation, the new location and orientation, and the vehicle state information.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2018Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: PACCAR Inc.Inventors: Stan Delizo, Ted Scherzinger, Yen-Lin Han, Austin Chong, Christian Heussy, Caroline Hofgaard, Oleksiy Khomenko, Pauline Shammami, Kirstin Schauble
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Patent number: 11849514Abstract: A circuit may be configured to deliver current to one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The circuit may comprise a first current path configured to deliver a first current to the one or more LEDs, and a second current path in parallel with the first current path, wherein the second current path is configured to deliver a second current through a voltage drop element and to the one or more LEDs. According to this disclosure, a sum of the first current and the second current is regulated based on a sensed current through the circuit.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2022Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Mattia Montoncelli, Maurizio Galvano, Christos Konstantopoulos, Roberto Penzo, Enrico Tonazzo
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Patent number: 11844158Abstract: A single channel-based multi-functional light emitting diode lamp driving system includes: first and second light source groups distinguished for each lamp function thereof; a single LED lamp driving module adjusting an input voltage to a voltage required for each lamp function and to apply it to the first and second light source groups; a switching module controlling on or off of the first and second light source groups; and a control module controlling light amounts of the first and second light source groups by performing time-division control on an on or off time of the switching module in conjunction with the LED lamp driving module, wherein the control module is configured to perform time division turn-on control on the first and second light source groups by controlling at least one of a current value applied to the first and second light source groups or a duty ratio thereof in a high-beam passing mode.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2021Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION, SL CORPORATIONInventors: Choong Seob Park, So Jeong Kang, Jin Hyun Kim, Seok Hyun Hwang, Ga Hee Lee, Chul Sung Lee
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Patent number: 11820282Abstract: The present invention provides a notification apparatus that is mounted on a vehicle and notifies surroundings of the vehicle that the vehicle is starting, the notification apparatus comprising: a detector configured to detect a driver's intention to start the vehicle; and a lighting controller configured to cause, when the detector detects the driver's intention to start the vehicle, a lighting device in the vehicle to light in a predetermined lighting mode.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2022Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshitaka Mimura, Morimichi Nishigaki, Shunsuke Iwao
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Patent number: 11796150Abstract: A vehicle lighting fixture and system where the fixture includes light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a lens. A controller monitors vehicle conditions and sends lighting commands to activate one or more LEDs based on the vehicle conditions. The LEDs can be red-green-blue (RGB) LEDs capable of emitting various different colors. The lighting commands can include illumination color, intensity level and on/off. The LEDs can be arranged in groups, where each group is separated from the other groups. The lighting commands can include a blink/steady designation, where blink causes the group to blink in the illumination color, and steady causes the group to steadily light in the illumination color. A blink frequency can control the blink rate in the illumination color. The lighting commands can include an intensity level; where when a group is activated it is illuminated in the illumination color at the intensity level.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2023Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Brian M. Huenink, Nathan R. Demski
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Patent number: 11785692Abstract: Exterior lighting systems are provided for towed vehicles, such as towed RVs, which includes a control module for receiving conventional illumination signals from the towing vehicle through a conventional trailer plug, and supplementing those conventional illumination signals with synchronized supplemental LED lighting. That supplemental lighting can include “constant-on” flashing LEDs indicative of operator intentions in the towing vehicle, either at locations adjacent conventional exterior lighting or other locations on the trailer. The control module can also support supplemental exterior illumination of the RV when the towed vehicle is stationary and in use for camping or advertisement. The control module includes a failsafe mode in the event of a fault in the supplemental lighting (so as to maintain conventional exterior lighting capability), diagnostic LED output for troubleshooting, and an automatic reset feature.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2021Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Inventor: Greg Baumgartner
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Patent number: 11776938Abstract: At least one array of LEDs (e.g., in a flip chip configuration) is supported by a substrate having a light extraction surface overlaid with at least one lumiphoric material. Light segregation elements registered with gaps between LEDs are configured to reduce interaction between emissions of different LEDs and/or lumiphoric material regions to reduce scattering and/or optical crosstalk, thereby preserving pixel-like resolution of the resulting emissions. Light segregation elements may be formed by mechanical sawing or etching to define grooves or recesses in a substrate, and filling the grooves or recesses with light-reflective or light-absorptive material. Light segregation elements external to a substrate may be defined by photolithographic patterning and etching of a sacrificial material, and/or by 3D printing.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2022Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: CREELED, INC.Inventors: John Edmond, Matthew Donofrio, Jesse Reiherzer, Peter Scott Andrews, Joseph G. Clark, Kevin Haberern
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Patent number: 11764683Abstract: This light-emitting element drive control device (100) comprises: a drive logic unit (113) which performs a drive control of a switch output stage (N1, D1, L1) for dropping an input voltage (VIN) to an output voltage (VOUT) and supplying a light-emitting element therewith: a charge-pump power supply unit (?) which generates a step-up voltage (CP) higher than the input voltage (VIN); and a current detecting comparator (114) which receives a supply of the step-up voltage (CP) and the output voltage (VOUT) as power supply voltages, and generates control signals (SET, RST) for the drive logic unit (113) by directly comparing a current detection signal (Vsns) corresponding to an inductor current (IL) of the switch output stage with a peak detection value (Vsns_pk) and a bottom detection value (Vsns_bt).Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2022Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akira Aoki, Ryo Takagi
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Patent number: 11718220Abstract: A vehicle headlamp control circuit is configured to control a vehicle headlamp comprising a plurality of lighting elements. The vehicle headlamp control circuit may comprise a memory that stores information for controlling the plurality of lighting elements, and a driver circuit that drives the plurality of lighting elements based on the information, wherein the information compensates for one or more failed elements of the plurality of lighting elements.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2021Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Dietrich Bonart, Michael Weis, Gernot Unterweger, Salvatore Piccolella, Adolfo De Cicco
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Patent number: 11723137Abstract: Light device control circuit includes signal processor; control circuit including control signal source and active switch, active switch having output end thereof electrically connected to control input side of the signal processor through control bus; data synchronization circuit including data signal source and another set of active switches, and the output end of the another set of active switches being electrically connected to data input side of signal processor through data bus, signal processor forming electrical connection with signal connection circuit by data output side to form signal and command synchronization between data input side and data output side; and warning light control IC connected to warning lights and forming electrical connection with data bus outside data output side, and transmitting data, clock pulse and ID information from data output side, so that the starter and the receivers select one of the flash modes to flash the light.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2022Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: ESUSE AUTO PARTS MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Ting-Fang Lee, Wen-Chung Han
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Patent number: 11710240Abstract: Techniques for identifying pixel groups representing objects in an image include using images having multiple groups of pixels, grouped such that each pixel group represents a zone of interest and determining a pixel value for pixels within each pixel group based on a comparison of pixel values for each individual pixel within the group. A probability heat map is derived from the pixel group values using a first neural network using the pixel group values as input and produces the heat map having a set of graded values indicative of the probability that the respective pixel group includes an object of interest. A zone of interest is identified based on whether the groups of graded values meet a determined probability threshold objects of interest are identified within the at least one zone of interest by way of a second neural network.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2022Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: XailientInventors: Shivanthan Yohanandan, Lars Oleson
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Patent number: 11691561Abstract: Provided are a lamp apparatus of a vehicle and a control method thereof. The lamp apparatus includes: a first integrated lamp installed at either the front or rear of a vehicle and having a plurality of lamps, one or more of which being turned on according to a lighting mode; a second integrated lamp installed at a position different from the installation position of the first integrated lamp and having a plurality of lamps, one or more of which being turned on; a travel direction input unit that receives a travel direction; a driving signal input unit that receives driving signals for turning on and off the lamps; and a lamp control unit that receives the travel direction to set the lighting modes of the first and second integrated lamps, and drives one or more of the plurality of lamps included in each of them.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2020Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jong Su Kim, Ya Won Kim, Seung Yeon Lee, Dong Hyuk Jung, Jong Hwa Kim, Eun Hee Kim
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Patent number: 11653434Abstract: A lighting circuit turns on a plurality of semiconductor light sources. Multiple current sources are each coupled to a corresponding semiconductor light source. A switching converter supplies a driving voltage VOUT across each of multiple series connection circuits each formed of the semiconductor light source and the current source. A converter controller employing a ripple control method turns on a switching transistor of the switching converter in response to a voltage across any one of the multiple current sources decreasing to a bottom limit voltage.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2021Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Tomoyuki Ichikawa, Ryosuke Matsuhana, Satoshi Kikuchi, Naoki Kawabata, Norito Takahashi
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Patent number: 11589438Abstract: Method of controlling warning lights to enter low power mode includes steps of: setting predetermined ID Number of warning lights as starter, and remaining ID numbers as receivers; warning light set as starter receiving start command from control bus through signal line, and sending data, clock pulse, and ID information from data bus, and choosing low power mode to flash; warning lights set as receivers obtaining data, clock pulse, and ID information from data bus through signal lines, and flash mode of receivers and starter flashing in low power mode, and active switch of control circuit that executes low power mode receiving low power command sent from starter and forming conductive state, and current-reducing resistor which is electrically connected to active switch reducing passing current to predetermined ratio, so that reduced current is transmitted to receivers and then starter executes low power mode and reduces brightness of warning lights.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2021Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: ESUSE AUTO PARTS MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Ting-Fang Lee, Wen-Chung Han
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Patent number: 11576238Abstract: This document describes systems and techniques that use a virtual temperature-sensor for active thermal-control of a lighting system having an array of LEDs. The system and techniques use a forward voltage across the array of LEDs as the virtual temperature-sensor, converting the forward voltage to a level that is detectable by an MCU of the lighting system. In response to determining that the forward voltage exceeds a threshold, the lighting system may reduce an amount of an electrical current provided to the array of LEDs to decrease the forward voltage and alleviate a thermal condition that may be detrimental to the array of LEDs, thereby maintaining luminance capabilities of the array of LEDs and prolonging life of the array of LEDs.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2021Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Duen Hsing Hsieh, Ihab A. Ali
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Patent number: 11565637Abstract: A signal processing IC unit performs image processing with respect to an output from a camera. A recognition processing IC unit performs recognition processing based on the output from the signal processing IC unit. A control IC unit outputs a control signal based on the output from the recognition processing IC unit. A first terminal is electrically connected to the recognition processing IC unit. A second terminal is electrically connected to the control IC unit. The signal processing IC unit, the recognition processing IC unit, and the control IC unit are disposed on a board. The first terminal and the second terminal are provided on an edge portion of the board.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2021Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignees: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION, NXP B.V.Inventors: Tomotsugu Futa, Kiyoyuki Tsuchiyama, Masato Ishibashi, Daisuke Hamano, Daisuke Horigome, Eiichi Hojin, Atsushi Tasaki, Yosuke Hashimoto, Yusuke Kihara, Arnaud Van Den Bossche, Ray Marshal, Leonardo Surico
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Patent number: 11560085Abstract: A vehicle includes a light assembly and an electric control module. The light assembly is assembled to an underbody of the vehicle. The light assembly has a light bar and an image projector. The light bar has a plurality of first light sources. The image projector has a housing that is fitted to a longitudinal end of the light bar. The housing has a circuit board and an emitting portion that houses a second light source. The circuit board is electrically connected to the second light source to regulate electric current to the light source. The electric control module is electrically connected to the light bar and the circuit board to provide electrical power to both the light bar and the image projector.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2021Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: William Weber, Dale Butterworth
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Patent number: 11502608Abstract: This light-emitting element drive control device (100) comprises: a drive logic unit (113) which performs a drive control of a switch output stage (N1, D1, L1) for dropping an input voltage (VIN) to an output voltage (VOUT) and supplying a light-emitting element therewith; a charge-pump power supply unit (a) which generates a step-up voltage (CP) higher than the input voltage (VIN); and a current detecting comparator (114) which receives a supply of the step-up voltage (CP) and the output voltage (VOUT) as power supply voltages, and generates control signals (SET, RST) for the drive logic unit (113) by directly comparing a current detection signal (Vsns) corresponding to an inductor current (IL) of the switch output stage with a peak detection value (Vsns_pk) and a bottom detection value (Vsns_bt).Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2019Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akira Aoki, Ryo Takagi
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Patent number: 11475572Abstract: Techniques for identifying pixel groups representing objects in an image include using images having multiple groups of pixels, grouped such that each pixel group represents a zone of interest and determining a pixel value for pixels within each pixel group based on a comparison of pixel values for each individual pixel within the group. A probability heat map is derived from the pixel group values using a first neural network using the pixel group values as input and produces the heat map having a set of graded values indicative of the probability that the respective pixel group includes an object of interest. A zone of interest is identified based on whether the groups of graded values meet a determined probability threshold objects of interest are identified within the at least one zone of interest by way of a second neural network.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2020Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: XailientInventors: Shivanthan Yohanandan, Lars Oleson
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Patent number: 11453391Abstract: The present application relates to a method for performing off road adaptive cruise control in a host vehicle including controlling a vehicle speed at a first speed according to an adaptive cruise control algorithm, detecting an obstacle, using a sensor, within a host vehicle path, reducing the vehicle speed to a reduced speed in response to the detection of the obstacle, detecting a vehicle contact with the obstacle in response to a first inertial measurement unit measurement, applying a brake friction force and increasing an engine torque in response to detecting the vehicle contact with the obstacle, determining a traverse of the obstacle in response to a second inertial measurement unit measurement, and resuming the control of the vehicle speed at the first speed in response to the traverse of the obstacle.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2019Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Brian Mahnken, Jeffrey Louis Brown, Brent T. Deep
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Patent number: 11452191Abstract: A warning light control method includes the steps of: accepting multiple warning lights to receive a start command to set up Flash Mode and numbering each warning light sequentially starting from 1, and using Flash Mode number to synchronously set ID Number of each warning light; setting the ID Number of a predetermined warning light as Starter and the remaining ID Numbers as Receivers; the warning light of Starter receiving Start Command from Control Bus through cable, and sending Data, Clock Pulse and ID Information from Data Bus, and selecting one for flashing by Flash Mode; warning lights of Receivers get Data, Clock Pulse and ID Information from Data Bus through cables thereof, and warning lights of Receivers and Starter are flashing synchronously or asynchronously; whether Control Bus of Starter and Receivers has received Change ID Command.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2021Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: ESUSE AUTO PARTS MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Ting-Fang Lee, Wen-Chung Han
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Patent number: 11441751Abstract: A vehicle grille includes: a grille panel; a lens panel disposed at a rear side of the grille panel, formed in a same shape as some or entire area of the grille panel, and, when a light is incident, configured to allow some of the light to propagate in the lens panel and emit some of the light to an outside of the lens panel; and a housing disposed on a rear surface of the lens panel, formed in a same shape as the lens panel, and including a coupling provision end portion configured to allow a front surface of the lens panel to be coupled to a rear surface of the grille panel at a front side of the lens panel, wherein the rear surface of the lens panel and a front surface of the housing are coupled at the front side of the lens panel.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2021Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION, SL CORPORATIONInventors: Byoung Suk Ahn, Jung Wook Lim, Ki Hong Lee, Seung Sik Han, Dong Hyun Go, Jung Hee Seo, Kyeong Jin Ahn
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Patent number: 11438983Abstract: A lighting device circuit comprising: a reference LED string, a mirror LED string coupled in parallel to the reference LED string, an operational amplifier based current mirror circuit coupled to the reference LED string and to the mirror LED string, and a window comparator circuit that includes only a single input that is coupled to a fault sense node. The fault sense node directly connects to a drain node of a transistor within the operational amplifier based current mirror and a LED within the mirror LED string.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2020Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Garrett Warren Satterfield, Collin Philip Wells
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Patent number: 11415276Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible light strip made of fluorescent material, including a substrate integrated with a plurality of flip-chips or LEDs arranged in parallel, wherein a phosphor outer layer is wrapped around the substrate, and a cross section of the phosphor outer layer is rectangular or arc-shaped, etc. In the present application, the substrate is wrapped with a flexible phosphor outer layer to achieve its own target color temperature, which simplifies the processing technology and brings the advantage of uniform light emission at the same time. The distance between the light sources, the number of arrangements, and the thickness of the wrapping fluorescent material are controlled, so as to achieve the purpose of uniform light emission. Compared with the existing conventional uniform light emission schemes, the processing technology links are reduced, and the cost is effectively saved, thus the invention has good popularization.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2021Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Inventors: Qianglong Yu, Chao Deng, Guangyu Fu
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Patent number: 11378242Abstract: The invention relates to a light device for a motor vehicle, comprising a matrix light source having a matrix of elementary light sources with an electroluminescent semiconductor element. Each elementary light source has an emitting surface that is less than or equal to 0.2 mm2. The measures proposed by the invention allow such a matrix light source to be powered without any risk of damage due to overheating of the semiconductive junctions of the elementary light sources that make up the light source.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2019Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: VALEO VISIONInventors: Samuel Daroussin, Zdravko Zojceski
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Patent number: 11334098Abstract: A light-emitting component is disclosed. In an embodiment a light-emitting component includes at least four light sources configured to emit light of different wavelength ranges in pairs and a control device configured to operate the light sources independently of one another in such a way that light from at least two of the light sources is mixed to form a mixed light and adjust an mv,mel,D65 value of the mixed light, wherein the at least four light sources include a first light source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation with a dominant wavelength of at most 450 nm, a second light source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation with a dominant wavelength of at least 480 nm and at most 520 nm or a dominant wavelength of at least 455 nm and at most 470 nm, a third light source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in a spectral range of green light, and a fourth light source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation in a spectral range of yellow and/or amber light.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2018Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: OSRAM OLED GMBHInventors: Sebastian Stigler, Uli Hiller, Martin Moritz
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Patent number: 11320741Abstract: The present invention is directed to adjusting a light intensity distribution on an irradiation target surface into a desired distribution with use of a light source apparatus including a light emitting diode (LED) array. A light source apparatus includes an LED array including a plurality of LED chips, and a controller configured to control the plurality of LED chips. A light intensity distribution acquired from each of the plurality of LED chips is superimposed on a light intensity distribution oriented in a different direction from each other on a predetermined surface. The controller controls an output of at least one of the plurality of LED chips, thereby changing the light intensity distribution that the plurality of LED chips forms on the predetermined surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2019Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Noboru Osaka
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Patent number: 11287100Abstract: A light system comprising: (a) a plurality of light sources configured to be located on a vehicle and project light outboard of a width of a vehicle; (b) one or more reflectors that are angled in a first direction relative to the plurality of light sources; and (c) one or more static bending light reflectors that are angled in a second direction relative to the plurality of light sources and the one or more reflectors.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2020Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Valeo Vision SASInventor: Brant Potter
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Patent number: 11284212Abstract: A method for producing an audio signal from a panel audio loudspeaker in a mobile device includes receiving information about a status of the mobile device from one or more sensors of the mobile device. The method further includes driving, with a first drive signal, a first actuator coupled to a display panel of the panel audio loudspeaker at a first location and simultaneously driving, with a second drive signal, a second actuator coupled to the display panel at a second location different from the first location. The method also includes varying a relative timing of the first and second drive signals based on the information about the status of the mobile device to vary a direction of an audio signal and/or a source location of the audio signal on the display panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2019Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Chad Georges Seguin, James East, Andrew Phillis
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Patent number: 11162657Abstract: A light module, notably of a vehicle, including a semiconductor light source including a plurality of light-emitting units of submillimetric dimensions distributed in different selectively activatable light zones, at least one optic, capable of receiving the light rays emitted by the selectively activatable light zones and of deflecting them out of the light module, the shaping optic being arranged in such a way as to form an image of the light source including a plurality of pixels, the light source and the optic being arranged in such a way that these pixels exhibit an angular aperture of at most 0.4° in at least one given direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2017Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: VALEO VISIONInventors: Pierre Albou, Vanesa Sanchez, Marine Courcier
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Patent number: 11161625Abstract: An exterior lamp for an aircraft may comprise a housing, a navigation light disposed within the housing, and a brake light disposed within the housing, wherein the brake light is configured to illuminate in response to a brake signal. The exterior lamp may include a controller disposed within the housing, and a tangible, non-transitory memory configured to communicate with the controller, the tangible, non-transitory memory having instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by the controller, cause the controller to perform operations comprising receiving a brake signal and illuminating the brake light in response to a brake signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2020Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: Goodrich CorporationInventors: Rebecca Stoner, Andre Hessling von Heimendahl, Todd Knight
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Patent number: 11148583Abstract: A vehicular forward viewing image capture system includes an accessory module configured for attachment at an in-cabin side of a windshield of a vehicle, whereby the imaging sensor views through the windshield forward of the equipped vehicle. With the accessory module attached at the in-cabin side of the windshield, and while the vehicle is traveling along a road, a control processes captured image data to determine (i) presence of an object of interest viewed by the imaging sensor and (ii) location and/or movement of the object of interest viewed by the imaging sensor. The control, responsive to the processing of captured image data and responsive to vehicle data received via a vehicle communication bus, at least in part provides at least one selected from the group consisting of (a) traffic sign recognition, (b) traffic light status detection, (c) adaptive cruise control and (d) pedestrian detection.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2020Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventor: Kenneth Schofield
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Patent number: 11149932Abstract: An illuminating pendant that includes a housing unit, one or more layers of translucent material connected to the housing unit, and control circuitry secured to the housing unit and electrically connected to one or more LEDs and to a power source. The control circuitry includes a receiver and a proximity detection device and detects a first signal location proximate to a first proximity beacon and illuminates one or more LEDs in a pattern associated with the first signal location. In one embodiment the illuminating pendant is affixed to a wearable band. In another embodiment, the illuminating pendant is magnetically secured to a user's clothing.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2020Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: LIGHTUPTOYS.COM LLCInventors: Christopher D. Kelly, Joshua C. Kelly, Max Armendariz Lalama, Ariel Macaulay Bruton
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Patent number: 11148591Abstract: An apparatus for interior ambient mood lighting, the apparatus includes a wire harness; one or more pin terminals integral with the wire harness and to engage with and obtain power from a vehicle electrical control unit; and one or more lighting devices electrically connected to the wire harness and to receive power from the one or more pin terminals via wire; the wire harness and the one or more pin terminals is vehicle specific, thereby being able to engage with a specific vehicle make and model.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2018Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Inventor: Ryan Brown
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Patent number: 11102858Abstract: A variable geometry light source and related method for illumination comprises a dense array of micro light emitting diodes (LED) incorporated within a printed circuit board and controlled by an incorporated microcontroller. The microcontroller receives user input and causes the dense array to illuminate according to the input. A tunable lens operates to focus the LED illumination toward one or more specific target subjects creating a variable geometry light projection. The microcontroller is configured with instructions which cause the dense array to produce a variety of shapes, intensities, and color temperatures tailored to the individual installation. The microcontroller causes the dense array to create a light projection suitable for illumination of a subject as well as a dynamic projection animated for a communication to the viewer.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2018Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventor: Eric Johannessen
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Patent number: 10981498Abstract: An LED lighting assembly (1) comprising a cassette (2), a lens, a printed circuit board, PCB, (6) having at least one LED light source mounted thereon, the lighting assembly comprising an LED driver circuit arranged to maintain conduction in the circuit, the PCB using a first amount of power and wherein the LED driver circuit is arranged to simulate use of a second amount of power, the second amount being lower than the first amount. The LED lighting assembly comprises a capacitor arranged to be activated when a voltage across the LED driver circuit is below a first predetermined level. A resistor or resistor/capacitor combination is connectable to a trickle sensor in a passenger service unit (PSU).Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2017Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Inventors: Sean O'Kell, Robert Trundle
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Patent number: 10920955Abstract: A lamp assembly for a vehicle includes a housing, an outer lens partially covering the housing to define an enclosure between the housing and lens, a light emitting diode (LED) light source arranged in the enclosure, and a light guide forming part of the housing. The light guide may include a light receiving surface within the enclosure and a light emitting surface outside the enclosure so that light emitted from the LED light source is received by the light receiving surface of the light guide and directed toward the light emitting surface of the light guide and light is output from the light guide.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2018Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.Inventors: Simon Belcher, Jay Dickson
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Patent number: 10913386Abstract: A front module (3) is disposed in a front portion of a vehicle (2). An upper module (5) is disposed on a ceiling surface (22) of the vehicle (2). The front module (3) includes a front light source (31) and a front sensor (32). The upper module (5) includes an upper light source (51) and an upper sensor (52).Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2017Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Takashi Hori, Teruaki Yamamoto, Yusuke Kasaba
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Patent number: 10893716Abstract: An advanced warning light system in a motorcycle has a brake light comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) wherein each LED is configured to illuminate a first color when a motorcycle brake is depressed and wherein only a subset of LEDs are configured to illuminate when the motorcycle is decelerating not in response to the brake being depressed.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2019Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: Kinney ASWD Holding Company, LLCInventor: Gary Wayne Kinney
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Patent number: 10887966Abstract: Methods and apparatus to reduce a coupling effect in a light emitting diode (LED) display are disclosed. An example LED display includes an array of LEDs, and a line controller to select a line of LEDs of the array of LEDs for illumination. The example LED display wall includes a column controller to control illumination of at least two of the LEDs of the line of LEDs. The column controller is to cause, when the first brightness value is less than a threshold, a first LED to be illuminated during a first time period and a second LED to be illuminated during a second time period. The second period is distinct from the first time period. The first LED is a different color than the second LED.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2018Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Jun Ma, Shuxiao Xu, Minwen Shi
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Patent number: 10880970Abstract: A circuit arrangement for a vehicle for detecting a short circuit in a lighting unit with a plurality of light emitting diodes connected in series, comprising a shunt regulator, a setting unit for setting the shunt regulator to a reference voltage, a voltage determination unit for determining a string voltage of the series-connected light emitting diodes and the correspondingly set reference voltage of the shunt regulator, and a detection unit for detecting a short circuit in the lighting unit on the basis of the string voltage and the reference voltage. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding method for detecting a short circuit, a computer program, a memory and a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2019Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: Hella GmbH & Co. KGaAInventor: Michael Feldgen
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Patent number: 10870385Abstract: A lighting device has a master control apparatus and at least one slave control apparatus connected to the master control apparatus via a bus system. The slave control apparatus is designed to execute application software for actuating a headlight system component. The master control apparatus is designed to upload the application software onto the slave control apparatus and/or to actuate and/or diagnose the slave control apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2018Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Viktor Rack, Mario Werkstetter, Thomas Trumpp