RU2710488C2 - Tinted windows system - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: lighting.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to vehicle illumination systems. System of tinted windows of vehicle comprises light emission unit, proximity sensors and controller. Light emission unit is located on the side window of the vehicle and is made capable to illuminate, in fact, the entire side window so that visibility through it becomes darkened. Proximity sensors are arranged along the entire outer edge of the side window to surround the light emission assembly. Controller activates light emission based on detection by sensors of proximity of passer-by-the-side vehicle and near side window.

EFFECT: higher quality of vehicle lighting.

12 cl, 3 dwg

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a partial continuation of US patent application No. 14 / 721,274, filed May 26, 2015, and entitled "PRIVACY WINDOW ASSEMBLY", which is a partial continuation of patent application US No. 14 / 603,636, filed January 23, 2015 and entitled "DOOR ILLUMINATION AND WARNING SYSTEM", which is a partial continuation of US patent application No. 14 / 086,442, filed November 21, 2013 and entitled "VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE". The aforementioned related applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to vehicle lighting systems and, in particular, to vehicle lighting systems employing photoluminescent structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The backlight resulting from the use of photoluminescent structures provides a unique and attractive viewing experience. In this regard, it is required to implement such structures in automobile vehicles for various lighting applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a tinted window system of a vehicle is provided. The light emitting unit is configured to illuminate the window so that visibility through it becomes darkened. The proximity sensor is configured to detect objects. The controller is in communication with the light emitting unit and the proximity sensor. When the proximity sensor detects an object near the window, the controller activates the light emitting unit.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, a tinted window system of a vehicle is provided. The light emitting unit is connected to the window and is configured to illuminate the window so that visibility through it becomes darkened. The proximity sensor is configured to detect objects outside the vehicle. The controller is in communication with the light emitting unit and the proximity sensor. When an object is detected near the window, the controller activates the light emitting unit.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, a tinted window system of a vehicle is provided. Each of the plurality of light emitting nodes is configured to illuminate a corresponding window so that visibility through it becomes darkened. The proximity sensor assembly is associated with each window and is configured to detect objects. The controller is in communication with each of the light emitting nodes and the proximity sensor node. When an object is detected near one of the windows, the controller activates the corresponding light emitting unit.

[0007] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and taken into account by a person skilled in the art when studying the following description, claims, and the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] IN THE DRAWINGS:

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a vehicle equipped with a tinted window system, according to one embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a tinted window according to one embodiment; and

[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a tinted window along line III-III of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] As indicated, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of the invention, which may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily detailed, and some schemes may be exaggerated or minimized to show an overview of the functions. In this regard, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a characteristic basis for training a person skilled in the art for various applications of the present invention.

[0013] As used here, the term "and / or" when used in a list of two or more elements means that any of the listed elements can be applied on its own, or any combination of two or more of the listed elements can be applied. For example, if the composition is described as containing components A, B and / or C, the composition may contain only A; only B; only with; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C combined; or A, B, and C combined.

[0014] The following disclosure relates to a tinted window system of a vehicle. The tinted window system is configured to reduce visibility through one or more vehicle windows to prevent passersby from seeing the contents of the vehicle interior. Although a tinted window system is provided for use in automobiles, it should be appreciated that the tinted window assembly provided herein may similarly be used in other types of vehicles configured to transport one or more passengers, such as, but not limited to them, aircraft, floating craft and locomotives.

[0015] With reference to FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a tinted window system 10 of a vehicle 12 according to one embodiment in which the vehicle 12 is not occupied. However, it is envisioned that the tinted window system 10 can also be used when the vehicle 12 is busy, being parked or in motion. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 12 is equipped with one or more tinted windows, shown as tinted windows 14a-14d, each of which corresponds to a side window of the vehicle 12. Each of the tinted windows 14a-14d is illuminated so that light is directed in the direction out of the vehicle. Each of the tinted windows 14a-14d is selectively activated by the controller 16 upon detection of an object near the vehicle 12 by one or more proximity sensor nodes (for example, proximity sensor node 68, FIG. 2). For example, when an object, such as a passerby 18, is detected near the tinted window 14d, the controller 16 may activate the tinted window 14d. The resulting backlight, as shown by lines 20, obscures the visibility through the tinted window 14d. Thus, the passer-by 18 is not able to see the contents of the vehicle interior, which may include tangibles, such as a wallet 21, left on the front passenger seat 22. As an additional measure of tinting, the controller 16 can also activate any other tinted windows (for example, tinted window 14c) located on the same side of the vehicle 12 as the tinted window 14d to deprive passer 18 of the opportunity to look through it. Once passer 18 is no longer detected, the controller 16 can deactivate the tinted window 14d along with any other tinted windows that were activated by detecting the passerby 18 near the tinted window 14d. The controller 16 may be connected to a power source 23 including a vehicle power source or an alternative power source.

[0016] Each time an object is detected, the controller 16 can also activate a camera system including cameras 24a-24d that are located on the left side mirror 26, the rear structure 28, the right side mirror 30, and the rear view mirror 32, respectively. As shown, each of the cameras 24a and 24c has a field of view 34, 36, which includes a side region 38, 40 of the vehicle 12, while each of the cameras 24b and 24d has a field of view 42, 44, which includes a rear and the front region 46, 48 of the vehicle 12, respectively. As long as the object remains detectable, captured images from cameras 24a-24d can be recorded and stored in the memory 50 of the controller 16 and then retrieved for viewing in the event of theft. The memory 50 may also contain instructions 52 stored in it, which are executed by the processor 54, in accordance with which the controller 16 will perform its intended function. Although the memory 50 has been shown as a single block, it should be appreciated that the memory 50 can be implemented as one or more physical storage units, independent of each other, with similar or different storage properties. In the same respect, although the controller 16 has been shown as a single unit, it should be appreciated that the controller 16 can also be implemented as one or more independent units.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the system 10 may be configured to send an alert to the remote electronic device 56, notifying the user of the remote electronic device 56 of the detection of an object. For example, the controller 16 may establish radio frequency (RF) communication with the remote electronic device 56 using the wireless communication system 58 on board the vehicle 12, through which an alert is sent. The radio frequency communication may be unidirectional so that the remote electronic device 56 is only capable of receiving information from the wireless communication system 58. Alternatively, the radio frequency communication may be bidirectional so that the remote electronic device 56 is capable of receiving and sending information to the wireless communication system 58. For example, a user may send a car alarm request to a wireless communication system 58 such that a vehicle alarm is triggered in response to receiving an object detection alert.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, system 10 may be configured to provide a real-time image stream that is accessible by remote electronic device 56. For example, captured images from cameras 24a-24d may be uploaded to a website using a WiFi communication system 60 on on board vehicle 12. Alternatively, captured images can be viewed using software stored on the remote electronic device 56. Thus, the user of the remote electronic device Islands 56 may respond accordingly based on image content stream in real time. For example, the user may use the remote electronic device 56 to send a request for an alarm, as described previously, or to notify law enforcement if the remote electronic device 56 has telephone functionality. With respect to the illustrated embodiment, it is contemplated that the remote electronic device 56 may include a smartphone, desktop computer, tablet, and the like.

[0019] With reference to FIG. 2 shows a tinted window 14d according to one embodiment. It will be appreciated that tinted windows 14a-14c may be implemented in a similar manner. As shown, the tinted window 14d includes a light emitting unit 62 coupled to the side window 63. The light emitting unit 62 may include a plurality of light sources including light emitting diodes (LEDs 64) that are printed on the side of the side window 63. According to one embodiment, the LEDs 64 are printed on the side of the side window 63 facing the inner region of the vehicle 12, and are oriented to face outward from the vehicle 12. Thus, the light emitting unit 62 is protected from the environment, when door 66 is closed. As described in more detail below, the LEDs 64 are relatively small in size and can be dispersed with varying densities while maintaining sufficient visibility through the tinted window 14d when the LEDs 64 are in the deactivated state. When activated, the tinted window 14d is highlighted as a result of light from the LEDs 64 transmitted through the side window 63, thereby dimming the visibility through the tinted window 14d. In some embodiments, described in more detail below, a photoluminescent structure (not shown) may be located (for example, between the LEDs 64 and the tinted window 14d) and may be luminescent in response to the light emitted from the LEDs 64. With this arrangement, the luminescent light transmitted through the side window 63 instead of the light emitted from the LEDs. In any embodiment, the LEDs 64 of the light emitting unit 62 may be wired to the controller 16 through the door 66.

[0020] As further shown in FIG. 2, a tinted window 14d may also include an proximity sensor assembly 68 associated therewith. The proximity sensor assembly 68 may be located on either side of the tinted window 14d or elsewhere on the vehicle 12, for example, on a component or integrated with the component (eg, trim panel) of the door 66. With respect to the illustrated embodiment, the proximity sensor assembly 68 may be located along the outer edge of the tinted window 14d to surround the light emitting unit 62. The proximity sensor assembly 68 may include one or more capacitive sensors 70 or any other type of sensor that is capable of detecting an object located at a distance from it. Each capacitive sensor 70 may be sized to have an electric field projection distance that allows detection of objects located near the tinted window 14d. As defined here, “near” refers to the distance within which an object, mainly a passerby, is able to see the contents of the vehicle interior through a predetermined tinted window (eg, tinted window 14d). The contents may include items left on the seats or legroom, open containers, vehicle related equipment, such as navigation systems and chargers, or any other items or vehicle related equipment that are generally located in the cabin vehicle.

[0021] With reference to FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a tinted window 14d according to one embodiment. It should be understood that tinted windows located elsewhere on the vehicle 12 can be implemented in a similar manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the tinted window 14d includes a light emitting unit 62 coupled to a side window 63 in a window portion 72 that faces the interior of the vehicle 12. In another embodiment, the light emitting unit 62 may be connected to a side window 63 on a window portion 74 that faces the outer region of the vehicle 12. In yet another embodiment, the light emitting unit 62 may be integrated with the side window 63 and located between the window portions 72 and 74. However, by linking the light emitting unit 62 to the window portion 72 of the side window 63, the light emitting unit 62 is not in direct contact with the external environment. Although the light emitting unit 62 is shown in a planar configuration, it should be appreciated that non-planar configurations are possible in examples where it is desired to couple the light emitting unit 62 to a curved portion of a window.

[0022] In relation to the illustrated embodiment, the light emitting unit 62 includes a substrate 76, which may include a substantially transparent polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material with a thickness of the order of 0.127-1.524 mm. The positive electrode 78 is located on the substrate 76 and includes a substantially transparent conductive material, such as, but not limited to, indium and tin oxide. The positive electrode 78 is electrically connected to the LEDs 64, which are located in the semiconductor ink 80 and deposited on the positive electrode 78. Similarly, a substantially transparent negative electrode 82 is also electrically connected to the LEDs 64. The negative electrode 82 is located on the semiconductor ink 80 and includes transparent or translucent conductive material, such as, but not limited to, indium and tin oxide. In alternative embodiments, the positive electrode 78 may be interchanged with the negative electrode 82.

[0023] Each of the positive and negative electrodes 78, 82 is electrically connected to the controller 16 using a respective busbar 84, 86 connected to the corresponding wiring 88, 90. The busbars 84, 86 can be printed along opposite edges of the positive and negative electrodes 78, 82 , and the connection points between busbars 84, 86 and wiring 88, 90 may be located at opposite corners of each busbar 84, 86 to facilitate uniform distribution of current across busbars 84, 86. As described earlier here, the controller 16 can also be electrically connected to a power source 23, which may correspond to a vehicle power source operating at 12-16 volts DC.

[0024] The LEDs 64 may be dispersed in an arbitrary or controlled manner in the semiconductor ink 80 and are located facing the outside of the vehicle and configured to emit focused or unfocused light. LEDs 64 may correspond to micro LEDs of gallium nitride elements of the order of 5-400 microns in size, and semiconductor inks 80 may include various binders and dielectric material, including, but not limited to, one or more of gallium, indium, silicon carbide phosphorous and / or translucent polymer binders. Thus, the semiconductor ink 80 may contain different concentrations of LEDs 64 so that the density of LEDs 64 can be adjusted for various lighting applications. In some embodiments, LEDs 64 and semiconductor inks 80 may be supplied by Nth Degree Technologies Worldwide Inc. Semiconductor ink 80 can be applied through various printing processes, including inkjet and screen printing processes on a selected portion (s) of the positive electrode 78. More specifically, it is assumed that the LEDs 64 are dispersed in the semiconductor ink 80 and have a shape and size that is significant the number of them aligns with the positive and negative electrodes 78, 82 during the application of semiconductor ink 80. A section of LEDs 64, which ultimately are electrically connected to the positive and negative electrodes 78, 82, can be selectively activated and deactivated by the controller 16. Additional information regarding the design of the light emitting units is disclosed in US Patent Publication No. 2014-0264396 A1, Lowenthal et al., entitled "ULTRA-THIN PRINTED LED LAYER REMOVED FROM SUBSTRATE ”and filed March 12, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0025] Still with reference to FIG. 3, the light emitting unit 62 further includes at least one photoluminescent structure 92 disposed on the negative electrode 82 as a coating, film layer, or other suitable application. In relation to the illustrated embodiment, the photoluminescent structure 92 may be arranged as a multilayer structure including an energy conversion layer 94 and a possible stability layer 96. The energy conversion layer 94 includes at least one photoluminescent material 98 having energy converting elements with phosphorescent or fluorescent properties. For example, the photoluminescent material 98 may include organic or inorganic fluorescent dyes, including rilenes, xanthenes, porphyrins, phthalocyanines. Additionally or alternatively, the photoluminescent material 98 may include phosphors from the group of cerium doped garnets, such as yttrium-aluminum garnet-cerium (YAG: Ce). An energy conversion layer 94 can be prepared by dispersing a photoluminescent material in a polymer matrix 98 to form a homogeneous mixture using a variety of methods. Such methods may include preparing an energy conversion layer 94 from the composition in a carrier fluid and applying the energy conversion layer 94 to a negative electrode 82 or other desired substrate. An energy conversion layer 94 can be applied to the negative electrode 82 by dyeing, screen printing, flexography, spraying, slit coating, dipping coating, rolling coating, and plating coating. Alternatively, the energy conversion layer 94 may be prepared by methods that do not use a carrier fluid. For example, the energy conversion layer 94 can be made by dispersing the photoluminescent material 98 in a solid solution (a homogeneous mixture in a dry state), which can be incorporated into a polymer matrix formed by extrusion, injection, extrusion, extrusion, hot molding, etc. d.

[0026] To protect the photoluminescent material 98 contained in the energy conversion layer 94 from photolytic and thermal decomposition, the photoluminescent structure 92 may optionally include a resistance layer 96. Layer 96 stability can be made in the form of a separate layer, optically connected and glued to a layer 94 of energy conversion or otherwise integrated with it. The resistance layer 96 may be combined with the energy conversion layer 94 by successively coating or printing each layer, successively laminating or stamping, or any other suitable means. The photoluminescent structure 92 may be connected to the window portion 72 by means of an adhesive layer 100 located on the photoluminescent structure 92. Additional information regarding the design of photoluminescent structures is disclosed in US Pat. STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION ”and filed November 8, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0027] In operation, the photoluminescent structure 92 is luminescent in response to excitation by the light emitted by the LEDs 64. More specifically, the light emitted by the LEDs 64 undergoes energy conversion, where it is converted by the photoluminescent material 98 and re-emitted from it with a different wavelength. The light emitted by the LEDs 64 is here referred to as the input light, wherein the light re-emitted from the photoluminescent material 98 is here referred to as converted light. According to one embodiment, the photoluminescent material 98 may be designed to convert the input light into light with a longer wavelength, otherwise known as down-conversion. Alternatively, the photoluminescent material 98 may be designed to convert the input light into light with a shorter wavelength, otherwise known as up-conversion. In any approach, the light converted by the photoluminescent material 98 can be immediately removed from the photoluminescent structure 92 or otherwise used in an energy cascade in which the converted light serves as input light to excite another composition of the photoluminescent material located in the energy conversion layer 94, resulting in subsequent converted light may be further output from the photoluminescent structure 92 or used as input light, etc. In relation to the energy conversion processes described herein, the wavelength difference between the input light and the converted light is known as the Stokes shift and serves as the main mechanism for driving the energy conversion process corresponding to the change in the light wavelength.

[0028] In some embodiments, the photoluminescent structure 92 may exhibit Lambert radiation, as a result of which a portion of the converted light can be emitted toward the inside of the vehicle. In this regard, the light emitting unit 62 may optionally include a reflective layer 102 coupled to the substrate 76 for redirecting the converted light towards the outside of the vehicle. The reflection layer 102 can also serve to protect the light emitting unit 62 from physical and chemical damage caused by environmental influences.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the photoluminescent material 98 may be designed to have a Stokes shift resulting in converted light having an emission spectrum presented in a desired color, which may vary depending on the application of lighting. For example, the energy conversion process may be performed by down-converting, whereby the input light includes light at the lower end of the visibility spectrum, such as blue, violet or ultraviolet (UV) light. This allows the use of blue, violet or ultraviolet LEDs as LEDs 64, which can provide a relative cost advantage over other LED colors or simply using LEDs of the desired color and eliminating the photoluminescent structure 92 in general.

[0030] In alternative embodiments, the energy conversion layer 94 may include more than one single photoluminescent material, each of which is capable of converting the input light into light with a longer or shorter wavelength. In one embodiment, individual photoluminescent materials may be mixed dispersively in the energy conversion layer 94. Alternatively, individual photoluminescent materials can be isolated from each other, if desired. For example, individual photoluminescent materials may be arranged alternately in the form of a mosaic or other pattern. In any embodiment, each individual photoluminescent material can be excited solely by a corresponding portion of LEDs 64, which can be arranged in different ways. In some embodiments, each individual photoluminescent material may be designed to have a Stokes shift resulting in coupled converted light having a radiation spectrum presented in a unique color such that the resulting luminescence corresponds to the light mixture of the converted light from each individual photoluminescent material. By mixing the converted light output from two or more separate photoluminescent materials, a greater variety of colors can be imagined that would otherwise be unattainable by excitation of a single photoluminescent material. The colors provided include light mixtures containing any combination of red, green, and blue light, all of which can be achieved by selecting suitable combinations of photoluminescent materials and LEDs. Further information on the locations of individual photoluminescent materials and their respective LEDs is disclosed in US Patent Application No. 14 / 697,035, Salter et al., Entitled “LIGHT-PRODUCING ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE” and filed April 27, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by links.

[0031] In operation, the controller 16 can control the intensity of the LEDs 64 to ultimately affect the brightness with which the photoluminescent structure 92 luminesces. For example, an increase in the intensity of the LEDs 64 generally results in a photoluminescent structure 92 exhibiting brighter luminescence. The controller 16 may control the intensity of the LEDs 64 through pulse width modulation or direct current control. When the light emitting unit 62 is active, the controller 16 can control the light emission duration of the LEDs 64 to affect the duration during which the photoluminescent structure 92 luminesces, which in turn determines the duration during which the visibility through the tinted window 14d is darkened. In one embodiment, the controller 16 can activate the LEDs 64 as long as the passer-by 18 or some other object continues to be detected.

[0032] For the purpose of describing and defining these intentions, it is noted that the terms “substantially” and “approximately” are used herein to represent an inherent degree of uncertainty that can be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement or other representation. The terms "essentially" and "approximately" are also used here to represent the extent to which the quantitative presentation may differ from the indicated value without leading to a change in the main function of the subject invention.

[0033] It should be understood that changes and transformations of the above structure can be made without deviating from the ideas of the present invention, and it should further be understood that such ideas are intended to be encompassed by the following claims, unless otherwise indicated in this claims.

Claims (18)

1. A system of tinted windows of a vehicle, comprising: a light emitting unit located on a side window of the vehicle and configured to illuminate a substantially entire side window so that visibility therethrough becomes obscured; proximity sensors located along the entire outer edge of the side window to surround the light emitting unit; and a controller for activating light emission based on detection by proximity sensors of a passerby outside the vehicle and near the side window. 2. The tinted window system of claim 1, wherein the light emitting unit comprises a plurality of light sources and a photoluminescent structure configured to luminesce in response to excitation by light emitted from the plurality of light sources, so that the resulting luminescent light is emitted through the window . 3. The tinted window system of claim 1, wherein the proximity sensors comprise capacitive sensors. 4. The tinted window system according to claim 1, further comprising a camera system located inside the vehicle and in connection with the controller, wherein the camera system is capable of capturing and recording images of a passer-by. 5. The tinted window system according to claim 1, also configured to send an alert to a remote electronic device notifying the user of the remote electronic device of the detection of a passer-by. 6. The tinted window system according to claim 4, also configured to provide a real-time image stream available to a remote electronic device. 7. A system of tinted windows of a vehicle, comprising: a plurality of light emitting nodes, each of which is connected to a respective side window of the vehicle and configured to illuminate a corresponding side window so that visibility through it becomes darkened; proximity sensors connected to each side window and located along the entire edge of the corresponding light emitting unit; and a controller for activating a given light emitting unit based on the detection by appropriate proximity sensors of a passer-by from outside the vehicle and near the corresponding side window. 8. The tinted window system of claim 7, wherein each light emitting unit comprises a plurality of light sources and a photoluminescent structure configured to luminesce in response to excitation by light emitted from the plurality of light sources, so that the resulting luminescent light is emitted through corresponding window. 9. The tinted window system of claim 7, wherein the proximity sensors comprise capacitive sensors. 10. The tinted window system according to claim 7, further comprising a camera system located inside the vehicle and in connection with the controller, the camera system being configured to capture and record images of a passer-by. 11. The system of tinted windows according to claim 7, also configured to provide a stream of images in real time, accessible to a remote electronic device. 12. The system of tinted windows according to claim 7, also configured to send an alert to a remote electronic device, notifying the user of the remote electronic device of the detection of a passer-by.

Images