Load Device Controller Combined With Vehicle Controller Patents (Class 315/80)
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Patent number: 12208729Abstract: A center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) system for a vehicle is provided. The CHMSL system includes a sensor, a primary CHMSL, a wireless secondary CHMSL, a vehicle wireless transceiver, and at least one processor coupled to the sensor, the primary CHMSL, and the vehicle wireless transceiver. The sensor is configured to generate sensor data, such as image data, proximity data, etc., associated with cargo loaded in a bed of the vehicle. The primary CHMSL includes a primary lamp. The wireless secondary CHMSL includes a secondary lamp, a battery, and control circuitry including a CHMSL wireless transceiver and a microcontroller. The processor is configured to facilitate, based on the sensor data, activation of the wireless secondary CHMSL. The processor is also configured to determine, based on the sensor data, whether the primary CHMSL is blocked or not blocked.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2023Date of Patent: January 28, 2025Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Priyank Kumar, Luis Guillermo Sagastume, Shammika Ashan Wickramasinghe, Simon Baker, Martin Neumann, Vinu Thaliath
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Patent number: 12065056Abstract: A controller of an EMS server determines whether it has received a supply and demand request from a power transmission and distribution utility server. When having received the supply and demand request, the controller determines whether the supply and demand request is for requesting an increase in power demand or for requesting an increase in power demand. The controller decomposes the supply and demand request into first to third requests. The controller creates a negawatt DR execution plan or a posiwatt DR execution plan based on a determination result of S3. The controller allocates power adjustment resources to the first to third requests in consideration of responsiveness of each of the power adjustment resources. The controller transmits the first to third request signals to target power adjustment resources in accordance with the execution plan.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2022Date of Patent: August 20, 2024Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Nobuyuki Orihashi, Shigeki Kinomura, Tamaki Ozawa, Chiaki Kanda
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Patent number: 12022591Abstract: Lamp assemblies and methods are provided for controlling one or more operating parameters of at least one controllable light source. One example lamp assembly includes at least one controllable light source and a controller coupled to the at least one controllable light source. The controller is configured to control an operating parameter of the at least one controllable light source. The controller includes a storage medium configured to store a programming variable and an operating variable. The controller, in response to receiving primary power from a power source during a power cycle, is configured to determine whether the controller is in a programming mode based on a value of the programming variable, and in response to determining the controller is in the programming mode, modify a value of the operating variable.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2022Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Assignee: DIODE DYNAMICS, LLCInventors: Cole Jackson, Paul Jerome McCain, Trevor Dobbins
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Patent number: 11970075Abstract: Techniques are presented for scheduling the charging of electric vehicles (EVs) that protect the resources of local low voltage distribution networks. From utilities, data on local low voltage distribution networks, such as the rating of a distribution transformer through which a group of EVs are supplied, is provided to a load manager application. Telematics information on vehicle usage is provided from the EVs, such as by way of the original equipment manufacturer. From these data, the load manager application determines schedules for charging the group of EVs through a shared low voltage distribution network so that the capabilities of the local low voltage distribution network are not exceeded while meeting the needs of the EV user. Charging schedules are then transmitted to the on-board control systems of the EVs for implementation.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2023Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: Weave Grid, Inc.Inventors: Apoorv Bhargava, John Marshall Taggart
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Patent number: 11849516Abstract: 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: July 25, 2022Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Garrett Warren Satterfield, Collin Philip Wells
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Patent number: 11817726Abstract: Deterioration of a storage battery included in an electronic device is reduced. Power consumption of an electronic device is reduced. A power feeding device having excellent performance is provided. The power feeding device includes a power feeding coil, a control circuit, and a neural network and has a function of charging a storage battery with a wireless signal supplied by the power feeding coil. The control circuit has a function of estimating a remaining capacity value of the storage battery, the control circuit has a function of supplying the estimated remaining capacity value to the neural network, the neural network outputs a value corresponding to the supplied remaining capacity value to the control circuit, the control circuit determines a charge condition for the storage battery on the basis of the value output by the neural network, and the power feeding device has a function of charging the storage battery under the determined charge condition.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2022Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.Inventors: Koji Kusunoki, Toshiyuki Isa, Akihiro Chida, Kouhei Toyotaka, Ryota Tajima
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Patent number: 11772548Abstract: A vehicular, adaptive brake light to custom light sequencing system generally includes an OEM vehicular brake light circuit electrically connected to OEM brake lights of a vehicle, and an aftermarket flashing circuit electrically connected within or to the OEM vehicular brake light circuit to cause the OEM brake lights to flash. The system further includes an aftermarket directional indicator circuit electrically connected within or to the OEM vehicular brake light circuit and electrically connected to the aftermarket flashing circuit to effectuate a flashing of at least one of an OEM left brake light and an OEM right brake light. The system also includes an aftermarket hazard light circuit that is electrically connected within or to the OEM brake light circuit and to the aftermarket flashing circuit to effectuate a flashing hazard by the OEM brake lights. Alternate sequencing systems include solid state electronics and protection against environmental contaminants.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2022Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: XTC Motorsports LLCInventors: Christopher R. Leaming, Robert F. Leaming
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Apparatus for controlling autonomous driving of a vehicle, system having the same and method thereof
Patent number: 11685409Abstract: An autonomous driving control apparatus for a vehicle includes: a processor that demands a user of a vehicle to take a control authority of the vehicle during an autonomous driving control when a current driving condition is in a limit situation during the autonomous driving control, and starts a minimum risk maneuver to disable reactivation of the autonomous driving control when the control authority is not transferred to the user; and a storage to store a set of instructions to be executed by the processor and data for determination and performance by the processor. In particular, the processor automatically flashes an emergency light when the minimum risk maneuver is started, and controls automatic flashing of the emergency light to not be released by the user when the vehicle is not in a stopped state.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2020Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventors: Hee Kyung Kim, Jin Su Jeong, Jae Yong Jeon -
Patent number: 11667234Abstract: A vehicle lamp system includes a vehicle lamp, a first imaging device structured to be disposed outside a lamp room, and generate a first image, a second imaging device structured to be housed in the lamp room, and generate a second image, and a light distribution control device. The light distribution control device includes an information processor structured to acquire from an outside or generate information of a first light shielding part, and decide a second light shielding part, a control executer structured to execute light distribution control for forming a light distribution pattern including the second light shielding part, and a control regulator structured to control the vehicle lamp to form a light distribution pattern including the first light shielding part when at least one condition of a condition (i) to a condition (iv).Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2022Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Yuta Maruyama, Takehito Iriba, Yoshihiro Katsurada, Yuichi Watano, Takuya Kataoka
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Patent number: 11626751Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing load disaggregation, remote monitoring, and controlling a plurality of loads are provided. The apparatus may include a universal embedded metering and control system (UEMCS) and a universal storage and renewable energy interface (USREI). The UEMCS may include a main device engine, a communication module coupled to the main device engine, a multiplexer coupled to the main device engine, a plurality of current sensors coupled to the multiplexer, and at least one voltage sensor coupled to the main device engine. The USREI may be coupleable to at least one of the plurality of current sensors, coupled to at least one renewable energy source, and configured to provide energy output by the at least one renewable energy source to the UEMCS for output to at least one of the plurality of loads.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2020Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: TENNESSEE TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATIONInventors: Ali Alouani, Brandon England
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Patent number: 10442338Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for adjusting the light of at least one illuminant (10) of a working illumination (100) of a machine (200) by means of a control unit (20) and at least one signaling device (50), the control unit (20) having a signal connection to the at least one illuminant (10) and to the at least one signaling device (50) by means of signal lines (30), the light of the at least one illuminant (10) being performed by modulating a voltage supply of the illuminants (10) and/or of the at least one signaling device (50) via the signal lines (30) by means of the control unit (20). The invention further relates to a working illumination (100) and a machine (200) for carrying out a method according to the invention.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2018Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaAInventors: Andreas Hingel, Christoph Jandrisits
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Patent number: 10427589Abstract: The present invention relates to a work lighting (100) for a machine (200) for generating an adaptive working illumination, comprising a plurality of lighting means (10) arranged in the form of a light-emitting matrix (20) to generate the working illumination, and at least one central adjusting unit (60, 70, 80) for separately adjusting the working illumination of the individual lighting means (10) in the light-emitting matrix. The invention further relates to a machine (200) having a work lighting (100) according to the invention.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2018Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaAInventors: Michael Aichinger-Rosenberger, Dominik Fischer, Andreas Hingel, Christoph Jandrisits, Gerhard Berger, Bernhard Zettl, Christian Derkits, Karlheinz Kellner, Thomas Posnicek
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Patent number: 9944222Abstract: A vehicle headlamp light distribution control device includes: a detector that is configured to detect a reference position from an image of a frond region of a vehicle; and a controller that is configured to control, during a time period until the reference position is detected by the detector, a light distribution of a headlamp of the vehicle in accordance with a sensed inclination of the vehicle or a physical amount expressing the inclination of the vehicle, and to control, after the reference position is detected by the detector, the light distribution of the headlamp on the basis of calibrated information obtained by calibrating information obtained from the image in accordance with the detected reference position.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2017Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Katsutoshi Tsuzuki
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Patent number: 9227556Abstract: A lighting control system and a lighting control method to implement, in an automotive vehicle, external running lights in different available lighting configurations are provided. The lighting control method includes detecting at least one environment parameter, selecting among the different available lighting configurations and depending on the parameter, which lighting configurations can be implemented, depending on the parameter, defining in which order the selected lighting configurations are implemented when an input device is manually actuated, detecting a manual actuation on the input device, depending on a motion of the input device or a motion on the input device, implementing at least one lighting configuration that is chosen among the selected lighting configurations according to the implementation order.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2012Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Renault TrucksInventors: François Longueville, Philippe Crave
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Patent number: 9222657Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle lighting device that can set a wide output current without replacing a component such as a coli. An output current setting device 7 sets an output current setting signal 8 in such a manner that an output current 5 in accordance with a luminous flux of an LED 2 is outputted. The output current setting signal 8 is supplied to a frequency adjusting component 3a and an output current detecting component 3b. The frequency adjusting component 3a generates a triangle wave of a frequency based upon the output current setting signal 8, and supplies the triangle wave to an output adjusting-signal generating component 3c. The output adjusting-signal generating component 3c compares the triangle wave with a signal voltage that is outputted from the output current detecting component 3b to generate an output adjusting signal 6, which is supplied to a switching element 30.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: ICHIKOH INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventor: Satoru Ishii
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Patent number: 9148928Abstract: There is provided a light emitting diode driver capable of improving power efficiency by using a resistor having a low power consumption rating while controlling an LED channel so that it has constant brightness stably. The light emitting diode driver includes: a power supplying unit converting an input voltage into a predetermined driving voltage so as to supply the driving voltage to an LED channel; and a driving unit amplifying a detection voltage detected based on a current from the LED channel by a predetermined gain and controlling the current flowing through the LED channel so that the amplified detection voltage has a level equal to that of a predetermined reference voltage.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2014Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jung Eui Park, Jin Soo Lee, Byoung Woo Ryu, Seung Kon Kong, Dae Hoon Han, Bo Hyun Hwang
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Patent number: 9050928Abstract: To provide a headlamp device for a vehicle that has LEDs as light sources, the headlamp device including a situation detection part that detects a lighting status of headlamps; and a dimming control part that reduces the luminance of the headlamps to a prescribed value that is greater than zero based on the lighting status of the headlamps.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2011Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kazuhiko Nakashima
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Patent number: 8981647Abstract: To satisfy the need for refitting the lighting of a vehicle without the need to modify the controlling system of the vehicle, the present invention proposes a lighting system which comprises an electrical element (110), configured to consume the received power and incapable of emitting light; a light source (130); and a controller (120), configured to receive a first signal indicating the working status of the electrical element (110) and control the light source (130) generating a first light and a second light, respectively, based on the first signal. By utilizing the signal indicating the working status of the electrical element (110), which element is used to replace another automotive lamp, the controller can control the light source (130) to mimic said another automotive lamp while performing its original function.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2011Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Chao Ding, Frank Huang, Francois Darsy, Timothy Zhang
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Patent number: 8970112Abstract: An actuation device (4) for a lighting device (3) of a motor vehicle (1), which includes at least one LED associated with a turn signal and at least one LED associated with another type of light, in particular a daytime running light and/or a position light, and a common optical system (10) for the types of light, wherein the actuation device (4) has a single DC/DC converter (11) used for both the LEDs of the turn signal and for the LEDs of the other type of light, as well as a control unit (12) for controlling the DC/DC converter (11) in response to a control signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Audi AGInventors: Thomas Baier, Stephan Berlitz
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Patent number: 8952615Abstract: A circuit arrangement comprises a plurality of current channels located in different die areas of a shared circuit die, at least one of the plurality of current channels comprising a power device; at least one sense circuit connected to one or more of the different die areas and arranged to provide a sense current from sensing a current through a primary of the plurality of current channels comprising one of the different die areas. The at least one sense circuit comprises a compensation module arranged to provide a compensation current adapted to at least partly compensate a deviation of the sense current caused by crosstalk between the primary and one or more secondary of the plurality of current channels depending on one or more secondary currents flowing through the one or more secondary current channels; wherein the compensation module is arranged to provide the compensation current at least partly as a weighted sum of the one or more secondary currents.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2011Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Philippe Dupuy, Denis Sergeevich Shuvalov, Alexander Petrovich Soldatov, Vasily Alekseyevich Syngaevskiy, Gennady Mihailovich Vydolob
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Patent number: 8933627Abstract: A system for controlling a lighting system for a vehicle includes an ambient light sensor operable for detecting a level of ambient light and a lighting circuitry. The system also includes a logical control unit that receives input signals from a vehicle control unit, a user input device and the ambient light sensor. The logical control unit controls a voltage on the lighting circuitry to provide a minimum voltage based on the one or more input signals.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2012Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Erik C. Nordstrom, Stephen M. Cichy, Mehrdad Teimorzadeh, Charles J. Swan
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Publication number: 20140361687Abstract: An electronics device is configured for installation in the brake light circuitry of a vehicle braking system. The electronics device is particularly configured to provide a flashing or pulsing appearance for a brake light, such as an automobile CHMSL. The pulsing is accomplished in a precise manner and that provides additional operational safety features than standard automotive brake lights. The electronics device is configured to avoid over-triggering of the pulsating lights due to multiple application of the automobile's brakes in a short time frame. The electronics device is further configured to function correctly even if the automobile is equipped with sophisticated computer systems that analyze the brake light circuitry, and is configured to avoid detection as a problem by the vehicle's diagnostic systems. At the same time, the electronics device will still allow the vehicle's diagnostic scans to detect any actual problems with the brake light system without hindrance.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: Mark Olson, Todd Utley, David Seal
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Patent number: 8905604Abstract: A vehicle lamp control apparatus is provided with: a receiving portion for receiving output values of an acceleration sensor; a control portion for deriving a variation in an inclination angle of a vehicle based on the output values of the acceleration sensor and generating a control signal for instructing an optical axis adjustment of a vehicle lamp; and a transmitting portion for transmitting the control signal to an optical axis adjusting portion of the vehicle lamp. The control portion is configured to detect an error factor of the output values occurring in the acceleration sensor based on the output values of the acceleration sensor and to correct an optical axis position of the vehicle lamp.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yusuke Kasaba, Masashi Yamazaki, Atsushi Toda
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Patent number: 8890411Abstract: A vehicle lighting control system and method are provided. The vehicle lighting control system includes a light module with light carrier positions for receipt of individual light sources. A lighting controller coupled with the light module is configured to identify a light source type associated with the individual light sources occupying light carrier positions of the light module. A power source coupled with the lighting controller provides power to the individual light sources in accordance with the type of light source identified. The individual light sources are removable from the light module and may be replaced by other light sources of a different type. The lighting controller is adapted to be reconfigured such that the different type of light source associated with the other light sources is identified and power is provided to the other light sources in accordance with the different light source type identified.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Control Solutions LLCInventors: Alyn Brown, James Wiff
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Patent number: 8876343Abstract: A lighting system for a motor vehicle 1 is disclosed in which a light source 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d is fitted to the inside of each door 2L, 2R, 3L, 3R so as to selectively provide interior lighting when the respective door 2L, 2R, 3L, 3R is closed and puddle lighting when it is open. Each of the light sources 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d is mounted close to a waistline of the door 2L, 2R, 3L, 3R to which it is attached and is arranged to project light in a downward direction so as not to provide a distraction for a driver of the motor vehicle 1.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Andrew John Murray, Torsten Gerhardt, John K. Harding, Will Farrelly
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Patent number: 8866387Abstract: The vehicular headlight apparatus includes a control means configured to change a light illumination area following a position of a detected target object until a shift angle between a reference direction and a direction to the target object with respect to a headlight is calculated to exceed a maximum limit shift angle, and configured to, when a vehicle speed is detected to exceed a predetermined threshold value, set the maximum limit shift angle to a small deflection angle, and change the present light illumination area to a low-beam light illumination area covered by the headlight in a low-beam state if the shift angle is calculated to exceed the maximum limit shift angle set to the small deflection angle.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2012Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Shinichi Futamura, Ryu Mizuno
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Patent number: 8851719Abstract: Systems and methods for providing adequate lighting and sighting for a bicycle are disclosed. A lighting system that includes an illumination ring configured to be coupled to a wheel is also disclosed. The illumination ring is configured to simultaneously project light forward and to the side of a front wheel and to project light rearward of and to the side of a rear wheel. The illumination ring may be mounted to or integrated with the bicycle wheel. Methods of controlling light sources on the illumination ring are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2013Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Revolights, Inc.Inventor: John Kent Frankovich
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Patent number: 8823311Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of controlling a step motor system includes operating the step motor system in a normal mode. In the normal mode, the step motor is advanced upon receipt of a step pulse. If a failure event is detected, the step motor is operated in a failure mode. In the failure mode, a failure counter is incremented upon receipt of the step pulse, and the step motor is not advanced.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventor: Martin Barth
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Patent number: 8796930Abstract: An LED lamp is placed in service on an automotive vehicle to enhance nighttime visual ability or anywhere where increased lighting is needed. The LED lamp utilizes a multi-stage power and control design, where the LED drive current is managed by an LED constant current controller that is coupled to a microprocessor that commands the intensity value of an LED array. The microprocessor manages the light intensity of the LED array using well known pulse-width modulation control methods. The microprocessor measures the voltage of the DC power source and to detect when DC power is removed. Once this detection has occurred, the microprocessor signals the LED current controller to change the current operational mode being delivered to the LED array to the next available operational mode, or alternatively, to the next appropriate operational mode to be used as determined by software stored within the microprocessor.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: JST Performance, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Adams, Jim Rhodes
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Publication number: 20140197730Abstract: A vehicle includes a body that defines an opening and a door configured to selectively open and close the opening. The vehicle also includes a lock that operatively connects the door to the body and can be either unlatched or latched for maintaining closure of the opening. The vehicle also includes a control device positioned on the door for unlatching the lock, and also a vehicle electric system and a lighting system. The lighting system includes a light-emitting element arranged on the control device and in electric communication with the electric system. The lighting system also includes a portable transmitter configured to transmit a signal and thereby commence an unlatching sequence for the lock. The lighting system additionally includes a controller configured to receive the signal and activate the light-emitting element in response to the received signal to display a visual lighting sequence signifying the status of the lock.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2013Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Graham J. Spence, Carolyn J. Thor, Panayiotis J. Karras, So Yon Park
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Publication number: 20140184068Abstract: A bi-color illuminated decorative device for an automobile includes a metal-look portion having a metal look layer, a substrate layer that supports the metal look layer, and a plurality of illuminating elements; and a controller that is electrically connected to the illuminating elements and that controls the light intensity of the illuminating elements. The illuminating elements are arranged to conform to the shape of the metal-look portion. The metal look layer and the substrate layer pass light from the illuminating elements. The controller controls the light intensity of the illuminating elements depending on ambient light and braking status.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2012Publication date: July 3, 2014Inventor: Young Chul Kwon
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Patent number: 8749142Abstract: A lighting system for exterior lights of an automobile comprises a first lighting unit (10,12,14,16) primarily for outputting a first automotive light signal and a failure detection system (26) for detecting a failure of the first lighting unit (10,12,14,16). A second lighting unit is primarily for outputting a second automotive light signal. The second lighting unit comprises an LED light unit. A controller (30) is adapted to determine if there is failure of the first lighting unit, and if there is failure of the first lighting unit, to use the second lighting unit to generate the first automotive light signal. This is in response to an output request from the first lighting unit (10,12,14,16).Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2010Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventors: Viet Hoang Nguyen, Pascal Bancken, Radu Surdeanu
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Patent number: 8716935Abstract: A light irradiation control system for a vehicle lamp includes a control unit configured to provide control signals for controlling light irradiation of the vehicle lamp based on detection signals detected by sensors. Actuator units are configured to control the light irradiation of the vehicle lamp based on the control signals. The control unit includes a body-side control unit and a lamp-side control unit. The body-side control unit is configured to perform signal processing on the detection signals and to provide the signal-processed signals to a common bus as common data. The lamp-side control unit, which is mounted in at least some of the actuator units, is connected to the common bus to provide the control signals based on the common data provided to the common bus.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2010Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuichi Nakazawa, Toshihiko Kurebayashi, Tomoyuki Sakai, Katsumi Inoue, Hiroshi Otaka
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Patent number: 8680768Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling lighting in a saddle-ride type vehicle includes a control unit configured to turn on a lamp comprising a light emitting diode. The apparatus also includes a manipulation switch which is turned on and off based upon manipulation by a rider. The control unit includes an input port receiving power from a power source based upon actuation of the manipulation switch, and an input circuit configured to determine a leak state of the manipulation switch based on an input voltage to the input port. A control part is configured to control lighting of the lamp based on a result of the determination. An erroneous lighting prevention resistance is connected between the manipulation switch and input circuit on one end, and ground on the other end. An intermittent power source switch is configured to be cyclically turned on or off by the control part, and is provided between the manipulation switch and the power source.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiaki Takeuchi, Nobuyuki Takenaka, Toru Hasegawa, Shigeru Kodaira, Hajime Soda
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Publication number: 20140009065Abstract: A vehicle lamp system 1 includes a plurality of light source units 22R and 22L and a controller 14 which controls the plurality of light source units 22R and 22L. The controller 14 sequentially turns on the plurality of light source units 22R and 22L when signals for operating a vehicle 10 are input. Thereby, it is possible to call attention to surrounding vehicles or pedestrians when starting the vehicle 10. The vehicle lamp system 1 can call attention to surrounding vehicles or pedestrians when starting a host vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Inventors: Masaru SASAKI, Takeshi MASUDA
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Publication number: 20130293105Abstract: An exterior lighting system for a vehicle is disclosed. The lighting system may include a plurality of lights provided proximate the wheel-wheels of the vehicle. The plurality of lights may be illuminated upon a brake pedal of the vehicle being depressed, a turn signal lever of the vehicle being activated, or upon a driver entering a desired setting into an operator interface of the system. The lighting system may be used as a safety feature to provide approaching vehicles better warning of a braking, slowing, or turning vehicle. The lighting system may also be used during roadside repair to warn other vehicles and/or to provide illumination for the repair. The lighting system may also be used for entertainment or accessorizing purposes enabling the user to select from a plurality of lighting sequences stored in the memory of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventor: Gregory A. Day
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Patent number: 8569953Abstract: A multi-function vehicle light assembly (MVLA) that incorporates in a single enclosure a plurality of LED modules. Each module produces a white light that indicates that a vehicle is in reverse, an amber light that indicates that a vehicle is making a right or a left turn, and a red light that functions as a vehicle tail-light and to indicate that the brakes are being applied. Two embodiments are disclosed, in the first embodiment the plurality of LED modules directly produce a set of white, amber and red lights. In the second embodiment an LED module is utilized that includes blue, green and red LEDs that are selectively combined by an LED control circuit to produce the white, amber and red lights. Each embodiment also includes a set of control units for selecting which of the input signal lines are to be activated.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Inventor: Yao Hung Huang
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Patent number: 8552648Abstract: A vehicle headlamp apparatus is provided. The vehicle headlamp apparatus includes right and left headlamps, and a controller which controls the right and left headlamps. Each of the right and left headlamps is configured to produce a low beam light distribution pattern having a horizontal cutoff line to irradiate a region in front the vehicle headlamp apparatus, and is operable to selectively produce one or both of a right side auxiliary light distribution pattern above a right part of the horizontal cutoff line and a left side auxiliary light distribution pattern above a left part of the horizontal cutoff line. Based on a position of a forward vehicle ahead of the vehicle headlamp apparatus, the controller controls each of the right and left headlamps to produce one or both of the right side auxiliary light distribution pattern and the left side auxiliary light distribution pattern.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2009Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Michihiko Hayakawa
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Patent number: 8545068Abstract: Systems and methods for providing adequate lighting and sighting for a bicycle are disclosed. A lighting system that includes an illumination ring configured to be coupled to a wheel is also disclosed. The illumination ring is configured to simultaneously project light forward and to the side of a front wheel and to project light rearward of and to the side of a rear wheel. The illumination ring may be mounted to or integrated with the bicycle wheel. Methods of controlling light sources on the illumination ring are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2012Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Revolights, Inc.Inventor: John Kent Frankovich
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Patent number: 8540406Abstract: A solar light bar includes a battery isolator adapted to be connected between a bus and a vehicle charging system for isolating a vehicle battery from the bus and for selectively connecting the bus to the charging system. A light source switch connects the light source and the bus for selectively electrically connecting the light source to the bus. When the light source switch is closed, the light source is energized by electricity from at least one of the solar panel, the charging system and the auxiliary battery. When the light source switch is open, the light source is isolated from the bus. The auxiliary battery is adapted to be selectively charged by electricity from at least one of the solar panel and the charging system.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Code 3, Inc.Inventors: Kyle C. Stuesse, John C. Davis, Michael Lloyd, Steve J. Herberholt, Roger L. Miller
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Publication number: 20130234593Abstract: A system for controlling a lighting system for a vehicle includes an ambient light sensor operable for detecting a level of ambient light and a lighting circuitry. The system also includes a logical control unit that receives input signals from a vehicle control unit, a user input device and the ambient light sensor. The logical control unit controls a voltage on the lighting circuitry to provide a minimum voltage based on the one or more input signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2012Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Erik C. Nordstrom, Stephen M. Cichy, Mehrdad Teimorzadeh, Charles J. Swan
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Patent number: 8525416Abstract: A process and a device for controlling a plurality of LED assemblies of an automotive vehicle, each LED assembly (Gi) executing a specific lighting/signalling function. The electrical power level (Pi) delivered by the electrical source is modulated according to distinct power levels (Pi) with relation to the function associated with each LED assembly (Gi) and temporary multiplexing is executed in order to successively transmit the distinct power levels (Pi) to the assemblies (Gi) over a multiplexing period (Tmux). Demultiplexing is effected and each distinct electrical power level (Pi) is selectively delivered to the LED assembly (Gi) concerned.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Valeo VisionInventors: Christophe Roger, Loic Flandre, Sebastian Krick, Sylvain Yvon
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Patent number: 8466633Abstract: An illumination controlling device for a vehicle includes a controlling portion to change a luminance phase of a meter based on operation of an operating portion and to maintain a luminance phase of a lighting while the lighting is extinguished. The controlling portion changes the luminance phase of the meter based on the operation of the operating portion and changes the luminance phase of the lighting to correspond to the luminance phase of the meter if the operating portion is operated in a state that the luminance phase is different between the meter and the lighting while the lighting is illuminated.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2011Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masayuki Sugiura, Takaaki Muramatsu, Atsushi Nishiyama, Ryuji Suzuki, Shinji Suganuma
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Patent number: 8466620Abstract: A bi-color license plate frame, for surrounding a license plate of a vehicle, comprises a rectangular body comprising an aperture that is adapted to show a license plate, and a wall defining a hollow frame space inside the wall, a plurality of light-emitting elements contained in the frame space, and a controller that is electrically connected to the light-emitting elements and that controls the light intensity of the light-emitting elements according to the braking status of the vehicle. The wall of the rectangular body is translucent to the light of the light-emitting elements, and comprises a light diffusion layer, whereby surface illumination is provided when the light-emitting elements are turned on. Bi-color may include metal look and color emitted by the light-emitting elements, or red or black color of the light-diffusion layer and color emitted by the light-emitting elements.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Inventor: Young Chul Kwon
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Patent number: 8441194Abstract: A multi-function vehicle light assembly (10) (MVLA 10) that is designed to provide a compact light assembly that incorporates in a single enclosure (24) a plurality of LED modules (16). Each module (16) produces a white light that indicates that a vehicle is in reverse, an amber light that indicates that a vehicle is making a right or a left turn, and a red light that functions as a vehicle tail light and to also indicate that the vehicle brakes are being applied. Two embodiments are disclosed in the first embodiment the plurality of LED modules (16) directly produce a set of white, amber and red lights. In the second embodiment an LED module (16) is utilized that includes a blue, green and red LEDs that are selectively combined by an LED control module (22) to provide the required white, amber and red lights.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Inventor: Yao-Hung Huang
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Patent number: 8395321Abstract: In vehicle headlamp control apparatuses, which receive a direct current voltage Es, light discharge lamps by square waves, and drive motors, in each of which the number is at least one, arithmetic operations are performed for synchronizing the square waves for lighting the discharge lamps and pulses for driving the motors with each other and for driving the motors within a substantially constant time after polarities of the square waves for lighting the discharge lamps are inverted. By using an inexpensive microcomputer, the vehicle headlamp control apparatuses make it possible to realize lighting controls for the discharge lamps and smooth drive controls for headlamps and auxiliary lamps by the motors for varying optical axes thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2007Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Toshifumi Tanaka, Tomoyuki Nakano
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Publication number: 20130049585Abstract: A daytime running lamp (DRL) controller for controlling power to a light source of a vehicle includes a switch, an engine starting-up detector and a switch control circuit. The switch is coupled to the light source. The engine starting-up detector is coupled to the switch, and generates a trigger signal if the engine is starting up. The switch control circuit is coupled to the switch and the engine starting-up detector, and includes a controller. The controller generates a first control signal to switch on the switch to power on the light source responsive to the trigger signal, and keeps outputting the first control signal if a holding signal is generated within a first time period after the trigger signal is received. The first time period is a time period during which the controller is reset after receiving the trigger signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventor: Tyngyuan WU
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Patent number: 8337060Abstract: Systems and methods for providing adequate lighting and sighting for a bicycle are disclosed. A lighting system that includes an illumination ring configured to be coupled to a wheel is also disclosed. The illumination ring is configured to simultaneously project light forward and to the side of a front wheel and to project light rearward of and to the side of a rear wheel. The illumination ring may be mounted to or integrated with the bicycle wheel. Methods of controlling light sources on the illumination ring are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2012Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Inventor: John Kent Frankovich
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Patent number: 8339046Abstract: A lighting control device of a lighting device for a vehicle includes a switching regulator for supplying a driving current to a semiconductor light source. The lighting control device also includes control means having a current detecting portion for detecting the driving current and serving to control dimming of the semiconductor light source in order to reduce a mean current of the driving current by repeating driving and stopping operations of the switching regulator at a high speed upon receipt of a dimming control signal. The current detecting portion has a current holding portion for holding the driving current, detected for a driving period of the switching regulator, for a stopping period after a passage of the driving period.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2009Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yusuke Kasaba, Masayasu Ito
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Patent number: RE49609Abstract: A vehicle lamp controller, a vehicle lamp system, and a vehicle lamp control method are provided. The vehicle lamp system includes an acceleration sensor, a vehicle lamp, and the vehicle controller. The controller includes a receiver configured to receive an acceleration information detected by the acceleration sensor, a control unit configured to derive a vehicle longitudinal direction acceleration and a vehicle vertical direction acceleration from the acceleration information, and to generate a control signal for instructing an adjustment of an optical axis of the vehicle lamp, based on a variation in a ratio between a temporal change amount of the vehicle longitudinal direction acceleration and a temporal change amount of the vehicle vertical direction acceleration during at least one of an acceleration and a deceleration of a vehicle, and a transmitter configured to transmit the control signal to an optical axis adjusting portion of the vehicle lamp.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2019Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Yusuke Kasaba, Masashi Yamazaki, Atsushi Toda