Abstract: The invention provides device, system, and method for projecting light in the interior of an automotive vehicle. The method includes sending data to the light projector regarding the lighting conditions in the interior of the automotive vehicle, using the data to modify some projection parameter of a light pattern, and projecting the light pattern.

Abstract: Methods and systems for location-based triggering of an electrically switchable glass of a vehicle for use in interactive applications. In some aspects, a system may be used to initiate an interactive application at the vehicle via electrically switchable glass of the vehicle. The system determines that the vehicle is at a location configured for an interactive application, and based on the location of the vehicle, triggers opacity of a portion of the electrically switchable glass. The system determines, based on a position and orientation of the electrically switchable glass, an image projector device having an angle of projection closest to perpendicular to a plane of the electrically switchable glass. The system may calibrate parameters of the image projector device and generate an image for projection using data corresponding to the interactive application. The system projects the first image onto the electrically switchable glass using the image projector device.

Abstract: A vehicle comprising a body defining a passenger compartment. The body has a roof and a plurality of support pillars extending proximate to the roof and a plurality of lighting zones comprising a plurality of lighting devices located in an upper portion of the body proximate to the roof and the plurality of support pillars. A user input is configured to allow for the selection of the lighting zones, a color of light output and an intensity of the light output, and a controller responsive to the user input to control the lighting zones to illuminate light in a selected lighting zone at the selected intensity and color with the selected intensity and color.

Abstract: A heads-up display apparatus that includes integrated protection structures is disclosed. The various structures protect the electronics in the heads-up display unit from liquid spills and small objects. The various protective structures are integrated into the heads-up display casing. Namely, the casing may include several drainage structures that channel liquid away from sensitive electronic components in the heads-up display unit. As a result, the heads-up display may be advantageously protected from damage when in use in a motor vehicle dashboard.

Abstract: A vehicle display device includes a light emitting device having a light emitting portion that is linear and that is provided at a front side of a vehicle cabin such that direct light that is emitted can be seen by a driver. The light emitting portion is disposed at a height position that is configured to be further toward a lower side than a visual field of the driver in a case in which the driver drives while looking straight ahead.

Abstract: A vehicle comprising a steering wheel; a steering switch disposed on the steering wheel; an other-vehicle-detector for detecting another vehicle; a tactile sensation presentation unit for presenting a tactile sensation to an operator by vibrating the steering switch; and a controller configured to, according to detection by the other-vehicle-detector, cause the tactile sensation presentation unit to vibrate the steering switch to present a tactile sensation to the operator.

Abstract: A vehicle interior component configured to provide a user interface for interaction with a vehicle system is disclosed. The component may comprise a composite structure comprising a substrate, cover and functional layer. The user interface may comprise a light source/display and an input device comprising a switch and/or control element. The switch may project through a hole in the cover. The functional layer may comprise a soft layer, foam, fleece, fabric, textile, spacer, etc.; the functional layer may comprise a light-transmissive material. The light source/display may provide illumination through a light-transmissive section of the substrate, the functional layer and/or the cover. Illumination may indicate location of the input device. The light-transmissive section of the substrate may comprise illuminated display elements for the light display. Operation of the user interface may comprise an animation effect from illumination of display elements in a sequence.

Abstract: Light bar assemblies configured to be mounted to a rim of a steering wheel of a vehicle are disclosed. The light bar assemblies can include components of a driver monitoring system. The light bar assembly includes two shells defining or surrounding the rim and a wrapping surrounding the two shells. A portion of the wrapping is tucked into a slot disposed between the two shells forming a slit. A lens comprises a visible light transmissive portion and an IR light transmissive portion.

Abstract: A vehicle trim includes a support, a display screen fixed on the support, and a covering that covers the screen, the covering having a visible front face and a back face turned toward the screen. An image generated by the screen is visible on the front face of the covering. The covering has an optical layer applied on the screen with no empty space between the optical layer and the screen.

Abstract: A headlamp of a motor vehicle that uses individual light emitting diodes or LEDs to generate individual light beams, which collectively form a composite beam where some of the individual beams overlap neighboring beams because of manufacturing irregularities and form bright spots within the composite beam, which are not desirable. It is possible to de-focus the irregularities from individual beams to thereby spread out the bright spots, and reduce their intensities with another inventive goal to selectively defocus individual beams and soften the edges that apply glare to surrounding vehicles when individual beams are not adjacent individual beams or individual beams that are active and flank surrounding vehicles to be shut off.

Abstract: A lighting device for a grab handle in a vehicle includes the grab handle disposed in a passenger compartment, a lamp embedded in the grab handle, a key sensor capable of detecting an approach of a user having a key into a given range around the vehicle, and a lighting controller configured to control lighting mode of the lamp. The lighting controller controls the lamp [1] to light the lamp in a first lighting mode when user's approach information is input to the lighting controller, [2] to light the lamp in a second lighting mode when lock/unlock information of a door is input to the lighting controller, or [3] to light the lamp in a third lighting mode when open/close information of the door is input to the lighting controller.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an interior trim part for a motor vehicle, which comprises: a support component and a cover layer on a visible side of the support component, wherein the support component has an opening which is covered by the cover layer, and an insert, which is received in the opening and has a top side which is covered by the cover layer, wherein the insert receives an electrical function module or is coupled to the same, which function module is equipped in order to emit and/or receive light and/or signals through the surface of the insert and the cover layer.

Abstract: A storage compartment for a vehicle includes a body defining a cavity configured to receive an electronic device. The body includes an upper wall, a lower wall, and a rear wall. A door is hingedly coupled with the body and is configured to selectively seal the cavity. A shelf is removably positioned within the cavity. The shelf is configured to operably couple with the rear wall of the body. A lighting assembly is positioned proximate the rear wall. The lighting assembly includes a light guide and a light source positioned to direct emitted light through the light guide. A charging assembly is positioned proximate the lower wall of the body and is configured to charge the electronic device.

Abstract: A vehicle trim assembly is provided that includes a proximity sensor, a first conductive trim component located near the proximity sensor, a second conductive trim component located near the proximity sensor, and a conductive tower formed on the first conductive trim component and electrically coupled to the second trim component to form a conductive path between the trim components and electrical ground.

Abstract: A lamp device for a vehicle is provided. The lamp device includes a light source, a lamp housing that accommodates the light source thereon. A lens is coupled to the lamp housing to allow light emitted from the light source to penetrate the lens and a bezel is coupled to the lamp housing and is disposed between the lens and the light source. In particular, the bezel has a surface structure formed on a rear surface thereof and is configured to reflect irradiated light. The bezel is formed in a color that is complementary to a color of the lens.

Abstract: A lighting unit is mounted on a vehicle. A driving unit drives the lighting unit to move an illumination position. When a microcomputer detects getting-on, the microcomputer controls the driving unit, to move an illumination position of the lighting unit along a track running across an illumination area around feet outside the vehicle, an illumination area on a driver's seat, an illumination area on a starter switch, and an illumination area on a steering wheel.

Abstract: A structure for assembling a vehicle interior lighting, comprises a lens, a socket, a cover fitted to the socket, a first regulation portion configured by one side of the fitted cover or the fitted socket that is located on a front side in the insertion direction and a part of the lens, the first regulation portion regulating forward movement of the cover or the socket in the insertion direction; and a second regulation portion configured by another side of the fitted cover or the fitted socket that is located on a rear side in the insertion direction and a part of the lens, the second regulation portion regulating backward movement of the cover or the socket in the insertion direction.

Abstract: A vehicle comprising an optically transmissive roof window, an overhead console arranged in an overhead position with respect to a driver position in the vehicle, an optical element attached to a rear portion of the overhead console, the optical element facing the roof window, a light source for emitting light receivable by the optical element, the light source is configure to emit the light when an electric system of the vehicle is powered on. The optical element is arranged to receive at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source such that an image representative of the optical signal and the shape of the optical element is visible through the roof window from the interior of the vehicle. The invention further relates to a method for providing an image indicative of a state of a vehicle.

Abstract: An illumination device of a vehicle, including: a light source; a bar-shaped light guide member; and a diffusion member having a lens unit, the lens unit having an L-shaped cross-section, and a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion, wherein the light guide member has a light-emitting surface, and the light guide member and the lens unit are disposed such that a light-receiving surface of the light-receiving portion of the lens unit is opposed to the light-emitting surface of the light guide member.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting assembly is provided that includes a window panel provided on a vehicle body and a light reflecting medium provided on a surface of the window panel. The vehicle lighting assembly also includes a plurality of lighting assemblies each comprising a plurality of light sources arranged to direct light onto the reflecting medium for reflection towards different areas in the vehicle interior.

Abstract: A vehicle interior trim assembly such as an air bag cover assembly having an illuminable emblem is provided. The assembly includes a vehicle interior trim part and an illumination module having a light source configured to generate visible light rays when energized. A lens includes at least one layer molded in a molding process from an optical-grade material. The lens has a pattern of light-extracting deformities to extract light rays from an interior of the lens at a set of surface-defining areas of the lens. The surface-defining areas are sized, shaped and arranged laterally relative to each other in an emblem pattern. A decorative emblem has reflective surfaces overlying and spaced away from the surface-defining areas by an air gap. The extracted light rays traveling across the gap are reflected by the reflective surfaces to generate light in the emblem pattern about peripheral surfaces of the decorative emblem.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly is provided herein. The seating assembly includes a support structure defining a bin. A subassembly is disposed over the support structure and includes a cushion. The subassembly defines a void within the cushion. The void has a larger cross-sectional area than the bin. A seat insert is disposed within the void and is disposed over the bin.

Abstract: A lighting device including a plurality of light sources for illuminating an interior of a motor vehicle, a switch operating portion, switching means for detecting a contact switch operating portion and generating a signal characteristic of this contact, and a mounting support for the switch operating portion. At least one of the plurality of light sources being activated in response to the signal, and the switch operating portion being mounted on the mounting support by the switching means.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating device (10) for at least one light-emitting diode (9) having an input (11) for coupling to a DC bus (6) in order to receive a DC supply voltage. The operating device (10) has a configurable emergency light function. The operating device (10) is designed to produce, in the emergency light case, the LED currently for the at least one light-emitting diode (9) in dependence on how the emergency light function is configured.

Abstract: A system includes a shell at least partially formed in a shape of a steering wheel and having a first layer and a second layer spaced apart from one another. The system further includes an LED coupled to the shell or the steering wheel. The system also includes a positive triboelectric material coupled to the first layer of the shell and that loses electrons in response to friction. The system further includes a negative triboelectric material coupled to the second layer of the shell and that gains electrons in response to friction. The system further includes an electrical connector coupled to the LED and at least one of the positive triboelectric material or the negative triboelectric material. Current flows through the electrical connector to illuminate the LED when force is being applied to the shell causing the positive triboelectric material to contact the negative triboelectric material.

Abstract: Provided is a lighting device, comprising: a light source module comprising: at least one light source disposed on a printed circuit board; and a resin layer disposed on the printed circuit board so that the light source is embedded; a light reflection member formed on at least any one of one side surface and another side surface of the resin layer; and a diffusion plate having an upper surface formed on the light source module, and a side wall which is integrally formed with the upper surface and formed to extend in a lower side direction and which is adhered onto the light reflection member, wherein a first separated space is formed between the light source module and the upper surface of the diffusion plate, whereby flexibility of the product itself can be secured, and durability and reliability of the product can be also improved.

Abstract: A vehicle cup holder includes a console substrate defining a cup well. A light source is positioned to emit light into the cup well. An insert is positioned within the cup well and defines a base wall and a side wall. At least one of the base wall and the side wall defines a diffraction grating. A holographic film is positioned between the insert and the console substrate.

Abstract: A trim assembly for a vehicle is provided herein. The trim assembly includes a backing panel defining a void therethrough. A foam panel is attached to the backing panel on a first side and is attached to a cover on a second opposing side. The foam panel and the cover are light transmissive. A light source is disposed within the void and is configured to emit excitation light. A photoluminescent structure is disposed on an inner periphery of the void and the first side of the foam panel and is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the light source. A bumper extends into the void to a position past a bottom surface of the light source.

Abstract: A vehicle hanger assembly includes a deployable hanger supported by a structure on a vehicle. A first proximity sensor detects a user in close proximity to the hanger, and a second sensor detects deployment of the hanger. A light source is controlled to illuminate the object at a first intensity when the hanger is deployed and arranged to illuminate an object supported on the hanger at a second intensity when the user is detected in close proximity to the hanger.

Abstract: A vehicle provides a seating assembly including a retaining member. A headliner is positioned above the seating assembly. A mirror assembly is positioned within the headliner including a roller. A shade is coupled to the roller and deployable from the headliner. A mirror is positioned on the shade. An engaging member is coupled to the shade and a light source is positioned on the shade.

Abstract: A modular lighting assembly uses LED banks as the light sources. The assembly allows the power supply and LED banks to be independently replaced. The assembly uses a power supply that is separated from the LED banks and electrically connected to the LED banks with a plug connector that may be unplugged and plugged back in to allow the power supply or LED bank to be independently and readily replaced. The assembly provides for easy replacement of the different components of the assembly. One feature that makes the components easier to replace is that the light modules and/or the power supply may be carried by the housing that is removable from the base mount that is secured to a mounting structure such as a wall or ceiling.

Abstract: A lighting system of a vehicle is provided herein. A floor console bin is provided having a housing and a movable lid. A reflective target is coupled to the floor console bin. An overhead console is provided having an IR transmitter for emitting an IR signal toward a target location, an IR receiver for receiving and detecting the IR signal reflected by the target, and a projector for illuminating the housing based on detection of the IR signal.

Abstract: A rearview device having a front element defining a first surface and a second surface. A rear element defines a third surface and a fourth surface. An electro-optic material is located between the front element and the rear element. A carrier plate includes a front side, a back side, and a peripheral wall. The front side is disposed proximate the fourth surface and the peripheral wall is operably coupled with a peripheral edge of the second surface. A device housing is operably coupled to the back side of the carrier plate. The peripheral wall and a portion of the back side of the carrier plate extend beyond the device housing and are externally exposed.

Abstract: A vehicle indicator apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a photoluminescent portion disposed on a forward vehicle pillar and a light source located proximate the forward vehicle pillar. The light source is configured to emit light at a first wavelength directed toward the photoluminescent portion. The photoluminescent portion is configured to convert the first wavelength to at least a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength to illuminate a surface of the forward vehicle pillar.

Abstract: An air conditioning system controller for motor vehicles includes a mood lamp, an illumination device configured to illuminate the mood lamp with a variable illumination color, and a control unit configured to control the illumination device to change the illumination color of the illumination device depending on a cooling/heating load.

Abstract: A vehicle illumination apparatus is disclosed. The illumination apparatus comprises a storage compartment forming an interior cavity disposed in a cargo area and a cover. The cover comprises a handle configured to facilitate access to the storage compartment from a closed position to an open position. The illumination apparatus further comprises at least one photoluminescent portion disposed proximate the storage compartment configured to illuminate at least a portion of the handle in the closed position.

Abstract: A seat back illumination module is provided having a housing defined by an interior and a partially open front face. A switch member with a first position and a second position at least partially protrudes from the front face of the housing and is engaged thereto. An illumination assembly is defined by an output end and has an illumination source. At least a part of the illumination assembly is mounted to the switch member, and the output end is proximal to a section of the switch member that protrudes from the front face of the housing. An electrical switch is connected to the illumination source and operated by movement of the switch member between the first position and the second position to selectively power the illumination source.

Abstract: A vehicle system configured to identify a location of emergency equipment is disclosed. The vehicle system comprises a storage compartment forming an interior cavity disposed in a cargo area and a cover configured to facilitate access to the storage compartment. An illumination apparatus is disposed in the storage compartment and configured to illuminate a first portion of the storage compartment in response to a first vehicle condition. The illumination apparatus is further configured to illuminate a second portion of the storage compartment in response to a second vehicle condition.

Abstract: This invention is to provide an in-vehicle interior light unit that protects a base from a thermal damage attributable to a thermal factor and reduces cost. This is achieved by adopting a general-purpose compact bulb cassette which does not have a heat shielding function although the bulb cassette still uses a heat-resistant resin as the material thereof, and the thermal deformation due to the radiant heat from a bulb is prevented by a heat shield plate integrally formed when punch-molding a bus bar, which is formed of a conductive metal member. Thus, the radiant heat from the bulb is blocked by the heat shield plate.

Abstract: A vehicle interior lighting system for enabling a driver to control the intensity and color of interior lighting is presented. The system includes a controller that controls the color and intensity of interior lighting, a selector control that switches color and intensity controls to various groups of interior lights (such as instrument lights, indicator light), a color that controls light color and an intensity control that controls light intensity. In practice the controller is a microcontroller, the lights are tri-color light emitting diodes, the selector control is a multi-position switch, and the color and intensity controls are potentiometers.

Abstract: A lighting device of a motor vehicle includes a light guide having a closed configuration at least as seen from a top view. The light guide includes two sections which cross each other at a crossover. A first light source is linked to one end of the light guide to project light into the light guide. Arranged at the crossover is an adapter for adjusting a light intensity, measurable in a direction in opposition to the top view, to a light intensity of another section of the light guide in a region of the crossover.

Abstract: A lighting system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes at least one light source configured to output a first light at a first wavelength. The system also includes a first photoluminescent material coupled to a first doorway structure, wherein the first photoluminescent material is configured to convert the first light into a second light characterized by a second wavelength.

Abstract: A seatbelt assembly includes a seatbelt buckle that is disposed along a retractable belt webbing and configured for tethered movement about a vehicle interior. The seatbelt buckle includes a housing which contains a latch mechanism which releasably latches a seatbelt tongue to the seatbelt buckle. The housing further includes one or more light sources powered through the belt webbing or through a power cell in the housing which are used to illuminate the vehicle interior as tethered to the vehicle on the belt webbing and which are further used to facilitate a vehicle occupant in locating the seatbelt tongue when fastening the seatbelt assembly.

Abstract: An organic EL lighting device for a vehicle is provided, which includes an organic EL lighting portion provided in a matrix form on a ceiling of the vehicle, an organic EL touch portion provided on the organic EL lighting portion, an organic EL detection portion for detecting a position in which the organic EL touch portion is touched, an organic EL determination portion for determining a lighting area of the organic EL lighting portion based on the position detected by the organic EL detection portion, and an organic EL driving portion for lighting the lighting area of the organic EL lighting portion determined by the organic EL determination portion.

Abstract: An LED diffusion element is provided having at least one cavity for receiving an LED light bulb. The LED diffusion element contains a conditioned surface on both its exterior surface and in a light collection area that is facing the LED light bulb when inserted into the LED diffusion element. In one aspect, the LED diffusion element has an “H-shaped” cross section formed by the two cavities created on opposite sides of the LED diffusion element. In this configuration a common, central light collection area within the LED diffusion element is created that allows for smooth blending of colors coming from multiple LEDs contained within the two LED bulbs. In another aspect, the LED diffusion element is cylindrical in shape and is dimensioned to fit within a light rope so as to provide a smooth lighting effect when the LEDs are illuminated within the light rope.

Abstract: An ambient lighting jig assembly generally includes a support assembly, a trim panel, an insert panel, and a light source. The support assembly defines an inner support cavity. The trim panel is configured to be coupled to the support assembly and at least partly defines a jig opening. The insert panel is configured to be rotatably coupled to the support assembly within the jig opening and has a reflective surface. The light source is configured to emit a light stream. Further, the light source is configured to be rotatably coupled to the support assembly within the inner support cavity at a plurality of angular positions so that the light stream is projected onto the reflective surface for use in determining an optimal angle for the insert panel and the light source.

Abstract: A vehicle for supporting a lighting control function includes: interior lighting apparatuses configured to include a lighting apparatus of a driver's seat supporting a lighting of the driver's seat and lighting apparatuses for each seat supporting each lighting for each seat; a control apparatus of a driver's seat configured to perform a lighting control of at least one of the lighting apparatus of the driver's seat and the lighting apparatuses for each seat; and control apparatuses for each seat configured to control the lighting apparatuses for each seat.

Abstract: A light source unit assembly includes a light source, a light guide member, a light source housing member housing the light source, a light guide member holder, and a mounting member. The light guide member includes a light entrance portion and a light exit portion from which the light entering the light entrance portion exits. The light guide member holder supports an end portion of the light guide member including the light exit portion. The mounting member is provided to a vehicular interior part and each of the light source housing member and the light guide member holder is independently mounted to the mounting member. Each of the light source housing member and the light guide member holder has a connecting portion with which the light source housing member and the light guide member holder are connected to each other such that the light entrance portion faces the light source.

Abstract: Trim component with integrated lighting device comprising a lighting substrate, which in turn comprises a base substrate and a lighting substrate, said lighting substrate being covered by a decorative lining in which have been defined areas that allow light to pass and other areas that prevent light from passing, establishing by their combination a lighting pattern. These areas that allow light to pass are obtained by a laser treatment, removing at least one part of the material of said decorative lining.

Abstract: A remote control operation of an illuminated unit attached to a headset consisting of a headband and at least one optical device providing illumination at a known distance from the optical device attached to the headband is disclosed. The remote control unit incorporates a sensing unit that causes power to be switched on and off by the detection of motion in front of the sensing unit. In addition, the illumination may be increased or decreased based on a signal strength of a detected remote sensing signal.