CN101095186A - Light film device - Google Patents

Abstract

A light film apparatus useful for displaying static and/or dynamic graphics on an illuminated graphics panel (see fig. 8). The illuminated graphics panel may be mounted in or near a window of a vehicle, building, or the like. Any one or more sensors may detect a condition and communicate the sensed signal to the control module. The control module processes the respective sensed signals and transmits one or more output signals as a function of the respective sensed signals to operate the illuminated graphics panel. The illuminated graphics panel may be an electroluminescent device. The light film apparatus of this invention can be easily installed in any suitable environment. Different sensors and special programming can be used to provide a user-friendly means of effectively managing the power required to drive the light film apparatus.

Description

Light film device

technical field

The present invention relates generally to a light film arrangement, and more particularly to an illuminated graphic panel that may be placed on or near a window or glass surface, such as on a vehicle.

Background technique

Electroluminescent lamps or devices have been used for banners. There are many known methods of making electroluminescent lamps or devices.

One conventional emergency exit sign uses a combination of an electroluminescent lamp with an indicator light connected to the electroluminescent lamp by means of an optoelectronic link. This optoelectronic chain monitors the brightness of the electroluminescent lamp and stays on the indicator light when the electroluminescent lamp is on. The illumination provided by the electroluminescent lamp may be less than the background brightness illumination, making it difficult to tell whether the electroluminescent lamp is powered or not by looking at the electroluminescent lamp. Thus, the indicator light provides a more easily detectable point of illumination than whether an electroluminescent lamp is on or not.

This particular combination would be useful to building inspectors who check the operational status of exit signs.

Contents of the invention

For many security reasons and market fit applications, there is a need to improve the visibility of graphic elements at different locations. For example, improved visibility of graphical elements on a vehicle can help overcome low visibility driving conditions such as snow, rain, darkness, and/or fog. The increased visibility of specific graphic elements on the vehicle allows other vehicle drivers to see dedicated information more clearly, for example in adverse weather conditions or low-visibility driving conditions. The optical film device of the present invention can be used in any suitable or desired situation or format, such as safety signals, public service signs including signs of Department of Transportation, Department of War, National Health Service, Police Department and Fire Department, construction signs, precincts, assistance/ Warning messages, and many other market-appropriate applications, including parking passes for major events, promotional icons, vehicle brand badges, and advertising messages.

It is also necessary for the products of the present invention to handle and meet specific criteria required for practical or true world use. In one embodiment of the invention, this is integrated with sensors, dimmer switches or sensors and a control module (which can be programmed and/or assembled to operate within specific parameters of a dedicated driving or usage environment) via an illuminated graphic panel to fulfill.

Light film devices according to embodiments of the present invention may include electroluminescent (EL) panels integrated or combined with translucent graphic panels, light sensors, motion sensors, time sensors, and/or dimming settings. The light film device may be mounted to structures or surfaces such as car windows or architectural windows to allow themed graphics such as text, graphics and/or symbols to be highly visible during, for example, low visibility weather and/or driving conditions.

In some cases specific operating standards need to be provided. Problems with real world or market product applications should be addressed.

In some cases, products in accordance with the present invention are subject to local regulations when introduced into the market, such as various U.S. federal transportation or U.S. state transportation regulations regarding lumen output levels, animation effects, and positioning or placement of products on vehicles . A dimmer switch or control feature may allow lumen output levels to be adjusted to fall within or not exceed one or more regulations. This characterization or adjustment can occur manually or automatically. The mode switch feature ensures that the end use falls within or complies with various regulations. The product configuration may allow for installation on, for example, the side windows or the rear window of a vehicle, depending on the intended use.

The product of the present invention is easy to use, requires low maintenance and operates within control module settings and functional parameters. For example, motion sensors, light sensors, and/or timer switches can be used to make all necessary or desired adjustments so that the user does not have to use or handle an on/off switch once the desired mode of operation is set. The user can choose to change the mode setting. Battery recharging capabilities (especially in the case of automatic) allow the user to be concerned about battery replacement or manual recharging. Removable battery modules provide easy battery replacement. Flexible installation adaptation and DC adapter with control module allow easy installation. For easier installation, the battery pack does not require automatic wiring operations.

Based on the potential market applications, the products of the present invention can be manufactured and operated within a reasonable cost range. Interchangeable translucent graphic panels and layer assemblies allow the electroluminescent components to be standardized as white backlights. Therefore, custom printing of transparent plastic sheets minimizes cost, inventory and production time. Sensors optimize product functionality, provide user-friendly products, and extend battery life during use. The battery recharging capability can have eg a solar panel solution to prolong battery life. A vehicle DC port and adapter/control module allows the unit to be used without a battery.

With the product according to the invention, consumers can obtain the added value of increased visibility for their specific needs. In addition, consumers can use the light film device of the present invention within statutory vehicle guidelines and benefit from improved user characteristics and cost-saving operation, if desired. The light film device of the present invention may include static or constant display or lighting and/or dynamic or animated graphic display or lighting, and may also include two or more graphic panels. The light film device of the present invention may be used in any suitable application other than vehicular applications, such as residential windows or banners on shop or storefront windows.

Description of drawings

The features of the invention will be more clearly understood when this specification is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 is a front perspective view of a light film device with a graphic display area and a light sensor location according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the optical film device shown in Figure 1, including a solar panel (solarpanel) and a removable battery module;

3 is a rear exploded perspective view of a light film device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a rear view of the light film device shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a top view of the light film device shown in Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a bottom view of the light film device shown in Figure 3;

Fig. 7 is a side view of the light film device shown in Fig. 3;

8 is a front view of a light film device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a rear view of the light film device shown in Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a side view of the light film device shown in Figure 8;

11 is a front view of a light film device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 12 is a rear view of the light film device shown in Figure 11; it is operatively connected to a solar panel;

Fig. 13 is a side view of the light film device shown in Fig. 11;

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the light film device of Fig. 4, which is taken along the A-A section line shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the optical film device of Fig. 4, which is taken along the B-B section line shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 16 is a sectional view of the optical film device of Fig. 4, which is taken along the C-C section line shown in Fig. 4;

17 is a perspective view of a light film device installed on a vehicle window according to an embodiment of the present invention;

18 is a perspective view of a light film device including a battery pack and a solar panel according to another embodiment of the present invention;

19 is a perspective view of a light film device according to another embodiment of the present invention, which shows two types of adapter plugs;

20 is a front view of a light film device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 21 is a rear view of the light film device shown in Figure 20;

Figure 22 is a front view of a solar panel according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 23 is a side view of the solar panel shown in Figure 22;

Figure 24 is a rear view of the solar panel shown in Figure 22;

Figure 25 is a flow chart showing the procedural steps for light and motion control according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 26 is a flowchart showing the procedural steps for light, motion and radio control in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 27 is a flowchart showing the program steps for light, motion and sound control according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 28 is a flowchart showing the program steps for light and acceleration control according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 29 is a flow chart showing program steps of light and dual acceleration control according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

The present invention provides a light film device, including a light film component, a control module, and in a specific embodiment, a solar power unit and/or a battery. 1-19 illustrate light film devices according to certain embodiments of the present invention. The light film device can be mounted on a window, such as the car window 100 shown in FIG. 17, to display graphics required for, for example, marketing applications, security applications and/or emergency situations. The light film device of the present invention can provide highly visible graphics that will be seen by other drivers and/or pedestrians or bystanders during, for example, adverse weather conditions and/or adverse driving conditions. The optical film device of the present invention can be used in a variety of applications, including but not limited to safety signals, public service signs such as Department of Transportation, Department of War, National Health Service, Police and Fire Department emblems or badges, construction locations and staff, districts ( zone authority), assistance/warning messages, and other appropriate information and/or market-appropriate applications, such as zone parking passes for major events, promotional icons, vehicle brand badges, and advertising messages.

Throughout this specification and in the claims, the words illuminated graphic panel, the words electroluminescence display device, the words electroluminescence display, the words electroluminescence device and the words electroluminescence element, the words light emitting diode (LED), and other similar terms are intended to be interchangeable with each other. Any of the words illuminated graphic panel or other interchangeable words are intended to relate to a lighting device comprising a panel-shaped element that can be illuminated by any suitable light supply or light source. The term illuminated graphic panel and these interchangeable terms are also intended to relate to and include electroluminescent lighting devices currently available, as well as electroluminescent devices or other suitable lighting devices that may become available.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, illuminated graphic panels can be designed and/or manufactured using light emitting diode (LED) technology that can provide cost savings. For example, it is possible to diffuse LED light into dedicated panel segments which may be of any suitable size, cross-section and/or shape.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a pocket solution or configuration may use molded plastic opaque walls, the shape of a particular wiring diagram segment is visible when viewed from the top direction, which may for example be made with a wall or structure Baffles separate the LED-lit segments. The LED structure can be board mounted or mounted to the board, eg wire bonded, welded or otherwise electrically connected to the PC board and placed adjacent to, eg below, the segments. The LED structure can be pressed into a pocketed light diffuser, such as clear etched plastic with the desired segment shape.

In another embodiment according to the invention, the sections of the wall structure may be molded in different shapes, such as artwork shapes, in order to achieve evenly distributed illumination. The segment shapes may eg be injection molded eg etched or not to provide a textured outer surface which may (but need not) be back printed with white or non-white paint or other similar substance. LED structures may be mounted or placed adjacent to or near the edge of the segment to distribute light within the segment. Edge lighting can assist in various intricate or complex graphic designs.

When the illuminated graphic panel of the present invention is constructed with LED structures, the overall size will typically be larger than similar products manufactured with one or more electroluminescent elements 28 . The LED structure requires increased segment material to more evenly distribute light to each graphic segment, which results in increased panel thickness for optimal light distribution, depending on the particular use. However, if the costs associated with this LED technology are low enough, there will be significant market demand for this LED technology.

In one embodiment of the present invention, for example as shown in FIGS. 1-7 , the optical film device 20 includes an optical film component 25 . The light film assembly 25 includes a frame or housing 26 for mounting or containing the various housing elements of the light film assembly 25 . Housing 26 may have any suitable shape and/or size to properly accommodate one or more elements of light film assembly 25 . According to an embodiment similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-3, the electroluminescent (EL) element 28, the translucent element 30, and the adhesive element 32 are placed, arranged or configured as a stack, sandwich, or surface-to-surface relationship, and is securely accommodated in and/or connected to the housing 26. Preferably, but not necessarily, each element surface or another appropriate portion of each element is positioned relative to the surface or another appropriate portion of an adjoining element of the light film component 25 . For example, elements of optical film component 25 may be in surface-to-surface contact with adjoining or adjacent elements of optical film component 25 . An interchangeable panel, such as a tinted translucent panel, may be placed for mounting between the electroluminescent element 28 and the surface on which the housing 26 is mounted, such as a window 100 . Interchangeable translucent graphic panels with laminated components allow electroluminescent elements 28 to be standardized to, for example, white backlights, whereby custom prints can be used on clear plastic sheets to reduce cost, inventory and/or production time.

In particular embodiments of the invention, the elements of light film assembly 20 may have any suitable overall and/or cross-sectional shapes and/or may be arranged in any suitable relationship. A stacked construction may be provided wherein individual element layers are stacked, for example during manufacture or construction, to preferably, but not necessarily, produce a device or device of relatively slim design. It is also possible to provide a backer plate arrangement in which the elements are integrated, attached and/or connected to a backer plate, eg an injection molded backer plate. It is also possible to provide a backing housing configuration in which elements are integrated, attached and/or connected to a module (eg, an injection molded module). In various configurations, the subassembly may be mounted in any suitable location on a dedicated or available surface, including any suitable vehicle surface.

The electroluminescent element 28 of the present invention may comprise any suitable conventional electroluminescent element commercially available. In one embodiment of the invention, the electroluminescent element 28 comprises at least one panel. For example, electroluminescent element 28 may include at least one white or clear panel extending along at least a portion of the front surface or area of housing 26 . In addition to or instead of the at least one white or colorless panel, the electroluminescent element 28 may comprise other color panels, any of which are suitable for backlighting the graphic panel 31 . Preferably, but not necessarily, the electroluminescent element 28 covers all or substantially the entire area of this front surface or region of the housing 26 . In certain embodiments of the invention, electroluminescent element 28 may be formed or printed with any suitable pattern, which may eliminate the need for element 30 .

In certain embodiments of the invention, electroluminescent element 28 may have multiple segments, each of which may be individually controlled. The control module 42 may transmit an output signal to any one or more of the different segments of the electroluminescent element 28 . Due to the independent control of each segment, many different complex static or dynamic graphics can be displayed with the light film device 20 of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, element 30 may or may not be translucent, and is placed in a relatively fixed relationship relative to electroluminescent element 28. As shown in FIG. For example, a first surface of element 30 preferably contacts an adjoining surface of electroluminescent element 28 . Element 30 may include suitable or desired graphics, such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8 . Graphical panel 31 may include any desired graphic, such as the emblem shown in FIG. 1 , the fire department emblem shown in FIG. 8 , or the American flag shown in FIG. 11 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that element 30 may include graphic panel 31 having any desired or suitable size, cross-section and/or shape. Graphics panel 31 may have any desired number and/or configuration of graphical displays. The element 30 and/or the graphic panel 31 may comprise any suitable film material, such as acetate film layer, LEXAN film layer or any suitable transparent sheet material. Preferably, but not necessarily, both elements 30 and/or graphic panel 31 are printed with translucent inks such as CMYK inks or point inks.

Adhesive element 32 comprises one surface in contact with another surface of element 30 , such as suggested in FIG. 3 . Adhesive element 32 includes a surface that contacts a support or mounting surface, such as a storefront window, door window, or vehicle window. Adhesive element 32 may be any suitable transparent or translucent adhesive, for example in the form of a layer. Adhesive element 32 may comprise a suitable adhesive member or layer to removably secure light film device 20 to the mounting surface so that light film device 20 is securely mounted to the mounting surface during use, but may optionally It can be easily removed from the mounting surface without damaging the adhesive member 32 and/or the mounting surface. Other suitable components such as suction cups, brackets, other adhesives, static attachments, screws, wires, hook and loop fasteners and/or any other mechanical, electrical and/or magnetic connections Both devices can be used to mount the optical film device 20 relative to a mounting structure or a surface.

In one embodiment of the invention, at least one solar panel 34 is operatively (electrically and/or mechanically) connected to the light film assembly 25, for example to provide backup power and / or recharging power. The solar panel 34 can be integrated with the light film component 25, can be attached to the light film component 25, such as to the back surface of the housing 26 shown in FIGS. The independent components of the optical film component 25 are, for example, as shown in FIG. 12 . Preferably, but not necessarily, solar panels 34 are placed, mounted or positioned relative to any suitable structural component, such as a vehicle, to optimize absorption of solar power.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the solar panels 34 may be structurally, mechanically and/or electrically connected or integrated with the housing 26 to allow the solar collectors to rotate and/or pivot relative to each other and/or relative to, for example, the housing 26 , to take advantage of any moving solar energy. Any suitable servo motor controls, structures and/or electrical connections may be used to achieve any suitable relative movement. Different physical configurations can be achieved using single or multiple solar panels 34 . When the light film assembly 20 of the present invention is used in a vehicle, the movable solar panel 34 can be programmed to move manually and/or automatically to harness the sun's energy and/or at least partially conceal the solar panel 34 .

The optical film device 20 may include a battery module 40 , which may be placed or installed relative to the housing 26 of the optical film component 25 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the battery module 40 is slidably interposed between the module housing 38 and the light film assembly housing 26 , as shown, for example, in FIGS. 2-4 . The battery module 40 houses a suitable battery 41 , such as a lithium battery, a nickel cadmium rechargeable button cell, or a standard AAA battery, to power the control module 42 . Alternatively, the control module 42 may be powered by direct current, or even by another suitable voltage, via a power supply port located within the vehicle. In one embodiment of the present invention, the solar panel 34 is connected to the battery 41 to recharge the battery 41 as needed.

As used throughout this specification and claims, the term control module is intended to be interoperable with the term control device, the term controller, the term smart module and/or any other programmed device that controls one or more functions interchange of similar wordings.

In one embodiment of the invention, the control module 42 communicates with a programmed controller, such as a PC board 43, which may be mounted in a relatively fixed position relative to the light film assembly 20. The control module 42 , the PC board 43 and/or another suitable control element may control or be programmed to control the operation and management of the light film device 20 . Preferably, as shown in FIG. 3, at least one of a plurality of components such as the mode switch or sensor 44, the dimmer switch or sensor 46, the motion switch or sensor 48, and the light switch or sensor 50 are operatively connected to the PC board 43. And/or the control module 42 is connected and communicates responsively to operate and/or manage the output of the optical film device 20 . Any one or more of these switches or sensors may be hardwired to the control module 42 and/or may communicate with the control module 42 by radio mode. At least one of said sensors, or another suitable sensor, may emit a sensed signal. In one embodiment of the invention, the control module 42 receives the sensed signal and emits an output signal as a function of the sensed signal to operate the electroluminescent element 28 or another suitable illuminated graphic panel.

In particular embodiments of the invention, light film assembly 20 may include any number of the components discussed in this specification, in addition to other suitable or interchangeable components known to those skilled in the art. The mode switch 44 may include a plurality of position switches, including an off position, an action-on position, an action-off position, and/or a constant operating position. Mode switch 44 may be used to select a position for operating light film assembly 20 within any necessary prescribed or limited parameters. A dimmer switch or sensor 46 may include a setting to adjust the lumen output level as desired, for example to comply with any local regulations, such as vehicle regulations in a particular jurisdiction. Motion sensor 48 may include any suitable sensor, such as a spring-type sensor, a rocker-type sensor, an accelerometer, a speedometer, an orientation sensor, and/or a position sensor. The light sensor 50 is preferably in communication with the control module 42 to provide the appropriate power to properly operate the light film device 20 depending on the time of day and/or weather conditions such as darkness, haze, rain, snow and/or fog.

The control module 42 may interface with any suitable location confirmation device, such as a Global Positioning System device. As used throughout this specification and claims, the wording position confirmation device is intended to be interchangeable with the wording Global Positioning System device, and is also intended to be interchangeable with any other suitable means of confirming the position or location of light film device 20 according to the present invention. interchangeable mechanical and/or electrical devices. In certain embodiments of the present invention, control module 42 may be programmed to adjust any controllable parameter of light film assembly 20, such as lumen output level. With this adjustment capability, the optical film device 20 of the present invention can be used to manually or automatically confirm the position and comply with local regulations or regulations. Some regions may require minimum and/or maximum lumen output levels that may be determined by the control module 42 and sent as output signals to any controllable component of the light film assembly 20 . In addition, if any region prohibits the use of the light film device 20 according to the present invention, the control module 42 can be programmed to automatically stop or shut down the light film device 20 .

In certain embodiments of the invention, the control module 42 may evaluate each sensed signal, process each sensed signal according to programmed steps, and then emit one or more output signals, each of which may include information, For example, set the power rate (power rate) to zero, partial power or full power information.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the internal timer switch can work or cooperate with the action switch 48, and after a defined time period, such as a 5 minute time period, will be determined and set in manual and/or automatic mode. Actuating at least one light switch to an on position, an off position, or a partially energized position. The optical film device 20 may also include a sound or noise sensor, a vibration sensor and/or a temperature sensor or switch. Additionally, a variety of motion sensors can initiate or trigger any one or more of the programmed static and/or dynamic graphic animations.

As shown in FIG. 18, a light film device 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an independent or detachable control module 42, including a mode switch or sensor 44, a dimmer switch or sensor 46, an action switch or sensor 48, and a light control module 42. switch or sensor 50 . Removable battery pack 60 and/or solar cell 34 may be connected to light film member 25 via connectors such as wires or cables 62 .

As shown in FIG. 19, the light film device 20 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention can include an independent or detachable control module 42, including a mode switch or sensor 44, a dimming switch or sensor 46, an action switch or sensor 48 and and/or an optical switch or sensor 50 connected to or integrated with the plug housing 64, for example to deliver any suitable DC or other power. In one embodiment of the invention, the control module 42 may be connected in-line with electrical wires 62 as shown in FIG. 19 . The sensors and/or switches of the present invention can be used to extend battery life.

Light film devices 20 according to the present invention can produce illuminated patterns, such as those that operate and function within parameter-controlled environments. The illuminated graphic panel can function within parameters defined by the control module 42 . The electroluminescent element 28 may be an electroluminescent lighted graphic panel that functions within certain parameters, such as defined by local codes or regulations, by using various types of sensors and/or switches to feed input information to the control Module 42, which may be programmed to operate and/or manage a particular environment.

The light film device 20 of the present invention can provide illuminated graphics, especially those that operate within a user-friendly parameter-controlled environment. The parameters required for a particular controlled environment can be met by suitably programming the control module 42 to automatically (with or without manual input) operate and/or manage the controlled environment.

The light film arrangement 20 may be configured in a user-friendly manner to achieve a particular desired illuminated pattern, to the extent that it may be a function of programming the control module 42 . In certain embodiments of the present invention, light film assembly 20 requires relatively little user input and can be used to obtain critical information (such as safety and hazard information) as well as non-critical information (such as confirming membership within an organization or providing graphic message) display. As an example of a non-critical function, the housing 26 could be mounted in the rear window of a vehicle, and the soccer ball could graphically move from left to right when the vehicle turns left, or from right to left when the vehicle turns right. Other similar non-critical information can be communicated with the optical film device 20 of the present invention.

Control module 42 and/or electroluminescent element 28 may be powered by solar cells alone or in combination with battery power. Solar power can be used to automatically and/or manually recharge the battery power. The solar power source may be part of the housing 26 or separate therefrom. If separated from the housing 26, the solar power source can be placed in a different location, such as inside a vehicle, to optimize sunlight collection.

A dimmer switch or sensor 46 may be used to automatically adjust the lumen output level to comply with any particular local regulations. The control module 42 may calculate the position of the light film assembly 20 and match the position to a memory bank of lumen output level settings, for example to comply with local regulations, or may accommodate manual entry of items such as zip codes to be set at a stored or programmed An in-base match of values.

The light switch or sensor 50 can be used to detect the darkness level in any particular environment and automatically power on the light film assembly 20 or send a signal to alert the user to power on the light film assembly 20 . Light switch or sensor 50 may be used in conjunction with dimmer switch or sensor 46 to adjust the lumen output level of light film device 20 as a function of detected environmental conditions.

A timer may also be used in conjunction with an action switch or sensor 48, for example to turn the light film device 20 on or off based on a particular mode setting. For example, the control module 42 may be programmed to power down or enter a standby mode within a certain amount of time after vehicle motion is no longer detected.

Any one or more switches or sensors of the present invention may be used to send a signal to the control module 42 which processes the one or more signals into a particular output signal that displays a particular pattern on the electroluminescent element 28 . For example, any sound, motion, temperature difference, or other similar physical parameter may be processed by the control module 42 to generate a graphical representation. For example, stomping on the accelerator causes a graphic display of the dynamic exhaust flame.

Any suitable integrated circuit board, with or without one or more integrated circuit chips, may be used in conjunction with or in addition to control module 42 to enable various programmability of any input and/or output devices.

Adhesive layer 32 may be any suitable adhesive, clear or colored, suitable for mounting housing 26 and associated components relative to a window or other suitable structure. The electroluminescent element 28 may be of any white or non-white color, and may also include a backlit themed graphic panel. The electroluminescent element 28 may comprise a plurality of colored electroluminescent panels.

Housing 26 may be assembled in any suitable manner and may be mounted relative to any suitable surface, including a vehicle surface.

The control module 42 may be locally mounted to the housing 26, or may be located at a remote location, communicating by wire or radio with any controlled and/or sensed devices.

25-29 each show different flowcharts of the programming steps for accomplishing the different control modes in accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIG. 25 , the electroluminescent element 28 may be activated in response to a signal received by an automatic actuation switch or sensor 48 . In the power on setting, the program checks the brightness level set manually or automatically, for example, set to low, medium or high power level. In the power on setting, the program then checks the position of the mode switch or sensor 44 . If the conditions are met, the electroluminescent element 28 displays graphics until the power is turned off.

As shown in Figure 25, in the power automatic position, for light control, the program checks the signal received by the light switch or sensor 50 and depending on the position of the mode switch or sensor 44 may run the graphic display for a timed period or run the graphic display Until activity is detected by the action switch or sensor 48 .

According to the control shown in FIG. 25, the light switch or sensor 50 will automatically turn off the power when the ambient light level is greater than the light level of the electroluminescent element 28, for example to conserve power. A user may select one or more animation sequences programmed for delivery to electroluminescent element 28, for example using a slide switch such as shown in FIG. Figure 21 also shows a manual switch for selecting one of a number of preset levels for lumen output level, shown as low, medium and high.

Figure 26 shows another control scheme that includes checking for radio communications, such as radio frequency (RF) signals. In addition to the program steps shown in FIG. 26, the electroluminescent element 28 can also be activated by a radio frequency signal or another information signal, eg from a GPS satellite or a civil communication tower. In one embodiment of the invention, any lumen output level previously set may be overridden by another communication source such as another radio frequency input or another GPS satellite input or another suitable input signal and / or replace. For example, an advancing emergency vehicle may emit a signal that replaces and/or replaces the control function in order to display a warning signal to the driver or to another vehicle driver in the vicinity.

FIG. 27 shows another control scheme according to various embodiments of the present invention, wherein a noise level sensor such as a microphone can be used to control the output of the electroluminescent element 28 . The user may select different animation sequences or graphical displays, for example as a function of the mode of the microphone or the output level of the microphone.

Fig. 28 shows a control scheme according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein an accelerometer is used to control an animation sequence or a graphic display, for example as a function of a switch setting or a signal.

FIG. 29 shows a flowchart of a control scheme according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein dual acceleration sensors are used to send input signals to the control module 42 . The dual acceleration sensor can be used to sense braking, steering and/or acceleration, and thereby deliver one or more input signals to the control module 42, which can then emit one or more output signals to display complex graphics, such as those described above. Left to right and/or up and down movement of football.

The different program steps identified in Figures 25-29 are interchangeable with each other. Additional computer steps can be used to convert any one or more sensed parameters into one or more output signals, which can produce graphical displays, even complex ones.

The present invention is described in more detail with reference to the above embodiments or examples, which illustrate or simulate various aspects involved in the practice of the present invention. It should be understood that all changes which fall within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected and thus the invention should not be construed as limited to any example.

Claims (22)

1. A light film device, comprising: an illuminated graphic panel; at least one input source each transmitting an input signal; and a system for receiving the input signal, computing an output signal as a function of the input signal, and transmitting the output signal with information to operate the illuminated graphic panel control module. 2. The light film apparatus of claim 1, wherein the illuminated graphic panel comprises an electroluminescent display device. 3. The light film apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the electroluminescence display device displays at least one of static graphics and dynamic graphics. 4. The light film apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the electroluminescent display device has a plurality of segments and the control module transmits operation information to each of the segments. 5. The light film apparatus of claim 1, wherein a lumen output level of the illuminated graphic panel varies as a function of the input signal. 6. The light film apparatus of claim 5, wherein the control module sets the lumen output level at or below a locally desired level. 7. The light film apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one input source comprises at least one of a global positioning system device and a location confirmation device. 8. The light film device according to claim 1, wherein each input source comprises a light sensor, a dimming sensor, a motion sensor, a vibration sensor, a mode sensor, a time sensor, an acceleration sensor, a speed sensor, an orientation sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor , location sensor, noise sensor, optical sensor, optical switch, dimmer switch, action switch, vibration switch, mode switch, time switch, acceleration switch, speed switch, direction switch, temperature switch, humidity switch, location switch, noise switch, and at least one of the optical switches. 9. The optical film device according to claim 1, wherein the control module has a plurality of operation modes, which can be selected in at least one of manual and automatic modes. 10. The light film apparatus of claim 1, wherein the illuminated graphic panel displays at least one graphic in response to the sensed signal. 11. The light film apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a power supply connected to at least one of the control module and the illuminated graphic panel. 12. The light film apparatus of claim 11, wherein the power source comprises at least one of a solar panel and a battery. 13. The light film apparatus of claim 11, wherein the control module manages a power ratio at which the power supply delivers power to the illuminated graphic panel. 14. The optical film apparatus of claim 13, wherein the control module evaluates each input signal and calculates an output signal for setting the power ratio at one of a zero value and at least a portion of a full power value. 15. The light film apparatus of claim 11, wherein the power source comprises a battery, and the control module calculates an output signal for recharging the battery. 16. The light film apparatus of claim 1, wherein the illuminated graphic panel is mounted relative to a glass surface. 17. The light film apparatus of claim 1, wherein the illuminated graphic panel is mounted relative to a vehicle, and the input signal corresponds to at least one of a sensed driving parameter and a sensed environmental parameter. 18. The light film apparatus of claim 1, wherein the input source comprises a dimmer switch operable to select one of a plurality of settings as the input signal. 19. The light film apparatus of claim 18, wherein each setting corresponds to a different lumen output level of the illuminated graphic panel. 20. A method for operating a light film device comprising: sensing at least one parameter and transmitting the sensed signal to the control module; the control module calculates an output signal as a function of the sensed signal; and The output signal is delivered to an illuminated graphics panel and at least one graphic is displayed in response to the sensed signal. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the control module manages a power supply that delivers power to the illuminated graphic panel. 22. The method of claim 20, wherein the control module evaluates each sensed signal and transmits the output signal with information to set the power ratio at one of a zero value and at least a portion of a full power value.

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