RU2724477C2 - Luminescent component for hitch angle detection - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: vehicle lighting system.SUBSTANCE: lighting system for a caravan towed by a vehicle comprises a hitch angle detection component, a light source and a photoluminescent structure. Hitch angle detection component is located on the caravan and has a predetermined image pattern, provided for capture by image forming device and recognition by image processing unit. Light source is located on the vehicle. Photoluminescent structure forms image of image by means of multiple parts, having a photoluminescent structure thereon, on the detection component, and is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the light source.EFFECT: higher quality of vehicle lighting.20 cl, 10 dwg

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a partial continuation of the application for the grant of a US patent No. 14 / 603,636, filed January 23, 2015, entitled "DOOR ILLUMINATION AND WARNING SYSTEM", which is a partial continuation of the application for the grant of a US patent under No. 14 / 086,442, filed November 21, 2013, entitled “VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE” OF A VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH A PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE). The aforementioned related applications are hereby incorporated by reference, as if fully set forth in the materials of this application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to vehicle lighting systems, and more particularly, to vehicle lighting systems employing one or more photoluminescent structures.

BACKGROUND

The glow resulting from the use of photoluminescent structures offers a unique and attractive viewing experience. Therefore, it is desirable to implement such structures in automobile vehicles for various lighting applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A lighting system for a trailer towed by a vehicle is provided, comprising: a hitch angle detecting component located on the trailer; a light source located on the vehicle; and a photoluminescent structure located on the detection component of the angle of the coupling device and configured to luminesce in response to excitation by a light source. Moreover, the coupling angle detecting component includes a predetermined image pattern of a certain size and shape provided on the upper surface for capture by the image forming apparatus and recognition by the image processing unit. Moreover, the photoluminescent structure contains at least one photoluminescent material, configured to convert with decreasing the frequency of the input light received from at least part of the light source into visible light that is displayed on the visible part. Moreover, the input light contains one of blue light, violet light and ultraviolet light. Moreover, the component detecting the angle of the coupling device is made in the form of a target. Moreover, the target interacts with the function of facilitating the movement in reverse with the trailer of the vehicle. Moreover, the light source is configured to change the input light intensity based on environmental characteristics of the detection component.

A lighting system is also provided, comprising: a light source; a target assembly having a first luminescent structure thereon and configured to luminesce in response to excitation by at least a portion of the light source. Moreover, the target assembly includes a predetermined image pattern of a certain size and shape provided on its surface for capture by the image forming apparatus and recognition by the image processing unit. Moreover, the light source emits input light in the blue spectrum, and the first photoluminescent structure converts the input light into output light of a different wavelength. Moreover, the light source is configured to change the input light intensity based on the environmental characteristics of the target node. Moreover, the system further comprises: a second luminescent structure located on the element closest to the light source. Moreover, the first luminescent structure glows in the first color, and the second luminescent structure glows in the second color. Moreover, the first and second luminescent structures are arranged in a checkered pattern on the target site.

A lighting system is also proposed for a trailer assembly having a trailer towed by a vehicle, comprising: a coupling angle detecting component located on the trailer having a predetermined pattern thereon; light source powered by a vehicle; and a photoluminescent structure located on the detection component, wherein the photoluminescent structure is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by light emitted from at least a portion of the light source. Moreover, the image forming apparatus capturing images of the detection component. Moreover, the pattern is captured by the image forming apparatus and recognized by the image processing unit. Moreover, the system further comprises a controller configured to control the input light emitted from the light source. Moreover, the system further comprises: a sensor configured to control the intensity of the output light emitted from the photoluminescent structure, while the controller changes the intensity of the light emitted from the light source based on the intensity of the measured output light. Moreover, the light source is illuminated when the vehicle transmission is set to reverse, and returns to a non-luminous state when the vehicle is removed from the reverse position.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a lighting system for a trailer towed by a vehicle. The lighting system includes a hitch angle detection component located on the caravan. The light source is located on the vehicle. The photoluminescent structure is located on the detection component of the angle of the coupling device and is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by a light source.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a lighting system is disclosed. The lighting system includes a light source. The target assembly having a first luminescent structure thereon is arranged to luminesce in response to excitation by at least a part of the light source.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a lighting system for a trailer assembly having a trailer towed by a vehicle is disclosed. The lighting system includes a hitch angle detecting component located on a caravan having a predetermined pattern thereon. The light source is powered by a vehicle. The photoluminescent structure is located on the detection component. The photoluminescent structure is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by light emitted from at least a portion of the light source.

These and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention will be understood and taken into account by those skilled in the art to study the following description of the invention, claims, and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a side view of a photoluminescent structure represented as a coating for use in a luminescent seat belt assembly according to one embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a plan view of a photoluminescent structure represented as a discrete particle, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 1C is a side view of a plurality of photoluminescent structures represented as separate particles and included in a separate structure;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a trailer attached to a vehicle equipped with a lighting system used in a corner detecting component of a coupling device, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a combination of a vehicle and a trailer, the vehicle is configured to perform a function of facilitating reverse movement with a trailer in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a lighting system implemented in a vehicle, wherein the towing vehicle is attached to the caravan and includes, as a hallmark, a reverse assist system with a trailer using target-based targeting;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a target assembly having photoluminescent structures disposed thereon, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary side view of a target assembly glued to a portion of a trailer;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the front of a trailer having a target installation system mounted on it, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the target installation system and the caravan shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an exemplary perspective view of a lighting system used on a vertical portion of a covered trailer; and

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a vehicle and a lighting system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of the description given in the materials of this application, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “rear”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and their derivatives will refer to the invention in as oriented in FIG. 2. However, it should be understood that the invention may allow various alternative orientations, unless explicitly stated otherwise. It should also be understood that the specific devices and flowcharts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, the specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting unless the claims expressly indicate otherwise.

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily intended for detailed design, and some schemes may be exaggerated or understated to show a general representation of the function. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed in the materials of this application should not be interpreted as limiting, but only as representing the basis for training a person skilled in the art to make different use of the present invention.

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

The following disclosure describes a lighting system configured as an angle detecting component of a coupling device that interacts with a vehicle to illuminate an area and / or glow with a predetermined pattern for recognition by a vehicle. The lighting system can advantageously employ one or more photoluminescent structures for luminescence in response to predetermined events. One or more photoluminescent structures may be configured to convert light received from a coupled light source and re-emit light at a different wavelength typically found in the visible spectrum.

The lighting system may be configured to interact with a vehicle that implements the functionality of assisting in reverse with a trailer. In particular, such traverse assist functionality includes controlling the curvature of the trailer attached to the vehicle (i.e., adjusting the curvature of the trailer), allowing the vehicle driver to set the desired trailer path by entering the desired curvature of the trailer as the vehicle how the maneuver reversing the vehicle and the caravan develops. The trailer reverse assist system can automatically steer the trailer-vehicle combination, while the driver uses the transmission, accelerator and vehicle brakes to reverse the vehicle-trailer combination.

The functionality for assisting in reverse with a trailer is aimed at implementing one or more countermeasures to limit the potential for reaching the folding state of the hitch between the vehicle and the trailer towed by the vehicle while reversing. In some embodiments, the curvature of the trailer (i.e., adjusting the curvature of the trailer) can be controlled by allowing the driver of the vehicle to set the desired path of the trailer by entering the desired curvature of the trailer as the maneuver reverses the vehicle and the trailer.

With reference to FIG. 1A-1C, various exemplary embodiments of photoluminescent structures 10 are shown, each capable of attaching to a base 12, which may correspond to a fixed part of a vehicle or a piece of equipment associated with a vehicle. In FIG. 1A, the photoluminescent structure 10 is generally shown in the form of a coating (for example, a film) that can be applied to the surface of the substrate 12. FIG. 1B, the photoluminescent structure 10 is generally shown as a discrete particle capable of being combined with a base 12. FIG. 1C, the photoluminescent structure 10 is generally shown as a plurality of discrete particles that can be included in a carrier medium 14 (e.g., a film), which can then be applied (as shown) or combined with a substrate 12.

At a very basic level, this photoluminescent structure 10 includes an energy conversion layer 16, which may include one or more sublayers, which are illustratively shown by broken lines in FIG. 1A and 1B. Each sublayer of the energy conversion layer 16 may include one or more photoluminescent materials having energy conversion elements with photoluminescent or fluorescent properties. Each photoluminescent material can become excited when receiving light of a specific wavelength, thereby ensuring that the light undergoes a conversion process. According to the principle of conversion with decreasing frequency, the input light is converted to light of a larger wavelength that is output from the photoluminescent structure 10. Conversely, according to the principle of conversion with increasing frequency, the input light is converted to light of a smaller wavelength that is output from photoluminescent structure 10. When multiple different wavelengths of light are derived from the photoluminescent structure 10 at the same time, the wavelengths of light can be mixed with each other and presented as multi-color light.

In some embodiments, implementation, the light, which was converted with decreasing frequency or converted with increasing frequency, can be used to excite other photoluminescent material (s) located in the layer 16 of the energy conversion. The process of using converted light extracted from one photoluminescent material to excite another, and so on, is generally known as an energy cascade and can serve as an alternative to achieve different color representations. As regards one or another conversion principle, the wavelength difference between the excitation light and the converted light is known as the Stokes shift and serves as a fundamental driving mechanism for the energy conversion process corresponding to the change in the wavelength of light. In various implementations discussed in the materials of this application, each of the photoluminescent structures can act according to one or another principle of conversion.

An energy conversion layer 16 can be prepared by dispersing a photoluminescent material in a polymer matrix to form a homogeneous mixture using a variety of methods. Such methods may include preparing an energy conversion layer 16 from the composition in a liquid carrier medium and coating the energy conversion layer 16 on a desired basis. The energy conversion layer 16 can be applied to the substrate by dyeing, screen printing, sputtering, slit coating, dip coating, rolling and plating. Alternatively, the energy conversion layer 16 may be prepared by methods that do not use a liquid carrier medium. For example, the energy conversion layer 16 can be reproduced by dispersing a photoluminescent material in a solid solution (a homogeneous mixture in a dry state), which can be enclosed in a polymer matrix, which can be formed by extrusion, injection molding, injection molding, extrusion , high temperature shaping, etc. The energy conversion layer 16 can then be incorporated into the substrate using any methods known to one skilled in the art. When the energy conversion layer 16 includes sublayers, each sublayer may be successively coated to form an energy conversion layer 16. Alternatively, the layers may be prepared separately and later layered or embossed with each other to form an energy conversion layer 16. Alternatively, in addition, the energy conversion layer 16 may be formed by co-extrusion of the sublayers.

Returning to FIG. 1A and 1B, the photoluminescent structure 10 may optionally include at least one stabilizing layer 18 to protect the photoluminescent material contained within the energy conversion layer 16 from photolytic and thermal degradation. The stabilizing layer 18 may be made in the form of a layer optically coupled to and glued to the energy conversion layer 16. Alternatively, the stabilizing layer 18 may be combined with the energy conversion layer 16. The photoluminescent structure 10 may also optionally include a protective layer 20 optically bonded and spliced with a stabilizing layer 18 or another layer (for example, a conversion layer 16 in the absence of a stabilizing layer 18) to protect the photoluminescent structure 10 from physical and chemical damage that occurs from exposure to environmental factors. The stabilizing layer 18 and / or the protective layer 20 can be combined with the energy conversion layer 16 by successively coating or printing each layer, successively layering or embossing, or any other suitable means.

Additional information regarding the structure of the photoluminescent patterns 10 is disclosed in U.S. Patent № 8,232,533 on Kingsley and the other entitled "Sustainable photolytic AND IN RELATION TO THE ENVIRONMENT multilayer structure for high-conversion of electromagnetic energy and duration of the emission of secondary radiation» ( «PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION ”), filed November 8, 2012, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. For additional information regarding the manufacture and use of photoluminescent materials to achieve various light emissions, refer to US Pat. "), With a filing date of June 5, 2009; US patent No. 8,247,761 for Agrawala and others, entitled "PHOTOLUMINESCENT MARKINGS WITH FUNCTIONAL OVERLAYERS", with filing date October 19, 2011; US Patent № 8,519,359 B2 at Kingsley and the other entitled "Stable to photolysis and in various media structure for highly efficient conversion of electromagnetic energy and sustainable secondary emission» ( «PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION») , with filing date March 4, 2013; US patent No. 8,664,624 B2 for Kingsley and others, entitled “ILLUMINATION DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR GENERATING SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION”, dated November 14, 2012; US Patent Publication No. 2012/0183677 for Agrawala and others, entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND NOVEL USES”, filed on March 29, 2012; US Patent Publication No. 2014/0065442 A1 to Kingsley and others, entitled PHOTOLUMINESCENT OBJECTS, filed October 23, 2012; and US Patent Publication No. 2014/0103258 A1 for Agrawala and others, entitled “COLORED LUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS AND TEXTILES”, filed December 19, 2013, all of which are included in the materials of this application by reference in its entirety.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the lighting system 22 includes an angle detecting component 24, such as an image identification element, which can be configured as a caravan target assembly 26 that interacts with the vehicle 28 to illuminate the area and / or glow with a predetermined pattern, according to one of options for implementation. The illustrated vehicle 28 is shown towing a caravan 32. The target assembly 26 can be used for a variety of functions, such as assisting the reversing system 30 with the trailer (FIG. 3). Additionally or alternatively, the target assembly 26 can be used to control the trailer 32, while the trailer is towed by the vehicle 28 in the front or rear direction. Exemplary functions include, but are not limited to, monitoring the wobble of the trailer, monitoring tire pressure or any other desired function that may be recognized by the vehicle 28. The vehicle 28 is in the form of a truck on a passenger car chassis having a cab 34 and a platform 36 trucks. A pivoting tailgate 38 is attached to the rear 40 of the truck platform 36.

Vehicle 28 further includes a vehicle coupler connector 42 in the form of a receiving coupler 44 and a ball tip 46. The trailer 32 has a trailer coupler connector 48 in the form of a coupler unit 56 that may be coupled to the vehicle coupler 44. The hitch assembly 56 is fixed to the ball tip 46 of the hitch to provide a swivel ball joint. The vehicle 28 is equipped with a video imaging device 50 (eg, a camera) located in the tailgate 38 of the vehicle at the rear 40 of the vehicle 28. The video imaging camera 50 has an image forming field 52 and is positioned and oriented to capture one or more images of the trailer 32, including the area containing one or more desired areas (s) 54 of the target. It should be understood that one or more cameras 50 may be located in other places on the vehicle 28 to receive images of the trailer 32 and the target placement zones (s) 54. The imaging field of the camera 50 can be configured to view the target workspace 58, which is determined by the full range of possible angles between the trailer 32 and the vehicle 28, while the trailer 32 is attached to the vehicle 28. For example, according to one embodiment, the trailer 32 can be located in the range from -90 degrees to 90 degrees from the axis, continuing along the longitudinal center line of the vehicle 28.

In order to use the target assembly 26 on the trailer 32, which is not currently equipped with a suitable existing target assembly 26, the user can mount the target assembly 26 on the trailer 32 within the desired target placement zone 54 so that the camera 50 can capture one or more images of the target assembly 26 to determine trailer-related information for the trailer reverse assistance system 30, such as angle information of the coupling device for the coupling angle detecting device 60 (FIG. 3). It should be understood that the lighting system 22 described in the materials of this application can be used for any vehicle 28, such as, but not limited to, coupe cars, sedan cars, trucks, outdoor cars, camper vans , and the like, and can interact with any type of towed assembly that can be connected to the vehicle 28. In addition, it should be appreciated that any lighting system 22 detected elsewhere on the vehicle 28, can also be produced in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 3, an embodiment of a vehicle 28 is shown configured to implement reverse assist functionality with a trailer. The reverse assist system 30 with the trailer of the vehicle 28 controls the curvature of the trajectory of the trailer 32, which is towed by the vehicle 28. This control is accomplished by the interaction of the assist assist system 62 with the power of the vehicle 28 and the reverse assist system 30 with the trailer.

A trailer reversing assistance system 30, according to one embodiment, includes a trailer reversing assistance control module 64, a trailer reverse steering input device 66, and a hitch angle detecting device 60. A trailer reverse assist control module 64 is coupled to a trailer reverse input device 65 and a hitch angle detecting device 60 to enable the transmission of information between them. The trailer reverse steering input device 66 may be coupled to the trailer reverse assist control module 64 in a wired or wireless manner. A trailer reverse control system control module 64 is coupled to an power assist steering control module 70 of the power steering assist system 62 to provide information about the possibility of being transmitted between them. The steering angle detecting device 68 of the power assisted steering assist system 62 is coupled to the power assist assist control module 70 to provide information thereto. The trailer reverse assist system 30 is also coupled to the brake system control unit 72 and the power transmission system control unit 74 to enable transmission of information between them. Together, the trailer reverse assist system 30, the power assisted steering system 62, the brake control module 72, the power train control module 74 and the gear selection device (PRNDL) define a trailer reverse assist architecture configured in accordance with an embodiment.

The reverse assist control module 64 with the trailer is configured to implement logic (i.e., commands) for receiving information from the reverse gear input device 66 with the trailer, the hitch angle detecting device 60, the power assist assist control module 70, the module 72 brake system control and power train control module 74. A trailer assist reverse control module 64 (e.g., its curvature algorithm for a trailer) generates vehicle steering information 28 as a function of all or part of the information received from the reverse gear steering input device 66 with the trailer, coupling angle detecting device 60 , power assisted steering control module 70, brake system control module 72 and / or power train control module 74. After that, information about the steering of the vehicle 28 is provided to the power assisted steering control module 70 to influence the steering of the vehicle 28 through the power assisted steering system 62 to achieve a command trajectory of the trailer 32.

The trailer reverse gear input device 66 supplies the trailer reverse assist control module 64 with the trailer information defining a command path of the trailer 32 for the trailer reverse assist control module 64 (i.e., the trailer steering information). Information about the steering of the trailer may include information related to a command change in the path (for example, a change in the radius of curvature of the path) and information related to an indication that the trailer 32 should move along a path defined by the longitudinal center axis of the trailer 32 (i.e. , along a substantially straight path).

The hitch angle detecting device 60, which operates in conjunction with the trailer hitch angle detecting component 24, provides the reverse assist control module 64 with the trailer with information regarding the angle between the vehicle 28 and the hitch 32 (i.e., the angle of the hitch ) In one embodiment, the hitch angle detecting device 60 is a camera-based device, for example, such as an existing rear view camera 50 of a vehicle 28, which forms images (i.e., visually controls) of the target assembly 26 (i.e., component 24 hitch angle detection) attached to the trailer 32 as the trailer 32 is reversed by the vehicle 28. The hitch angle detection component 24 may be a special component (for example, an item attached to / integral with the surface of the trailer 32 for the clearly defined recognition purpose of the coupling angle detection device 60). The hitch angle detecting device 60 may be configured to detect a hitch folding condition and / or related information (for example, when the threshold value of the hitch angle has been met).

The power assisted steering assist control module 70 provides the trailer reverse assist control module 64 with information regarding the angular position (e.g., angle) of the steering angle and / or the angular position (e.g., steering angle (s) of the steered wheels vehicle 28. In some embodiments, the trailer reverse assist control module 64 may be an integral component of the power assisted steering assistance system 62. For example, the power assisted steering assistance control module 70 may include a trailer assist algorithm for generating vehicle steering information 28 as a function of all or part of the information received from the trailer assist steering input device 66 of the device 60 for detecting the hitch angle, power assist steering control module 70, brake system control module 72, and power train control module 74.

The brake system control unit 72 supplies the reverse assist control unit 64 with the trailer with information regarding vehicle speed. Such vehicle speed information may be determined by the rotational speeds of the individual wheels as controlled by the brake system control module 72, or may be provided by the engine control module with the likelihood of signals. Vehicle speed can also be determined from the engine control module. In some cases, the rotational speeds of the individual wheels can also be used to determine the angular yaw rate of the vehicle 28, and such an angular yaw speed may be provided to the trailer reverse assist control module 64 for use in determining steering information of the vehicle 28. In some embodiments, the trailer reverse assistance control module 64 may provide braking information of the vehicle 28 to the brake system control module 72 to provide the reverse assistance module with the trailer 64 to control the braking of the vehicle 28 while reversing the trailer 32. For example , the use of a reverse assist control module 64 with a trailer for adjusting the speed of the vehicle 28 while reversing the trailer 32 may reduce the potential for unacceptable reverse conditions with the hitch. Examples of unacceptable reverse conditions with a trailer include, but are not limited to, an oversized vehicle speed condition, a high angular speed of the hitch, a dynamic instability of the trailer angle 32, a calculated theoretical condition for folding the trailer trailer hitch 32 (determined by the maximum angle of rotation of the vehicle 28 , the length of the drawbar, the wheelbase of the towing vehicle 28 and the effective length of the trailer 32) or limiting folding the hitch to a physical contact (defined by the limit of angular displacement with respect to the vehicle 28 and the trailer 32), and the like.

The power transmission system control module 74 cooperates with the reverse assist control module 64 with a trailer for controlling the speed and acceleration of the vehicle 28 while the caravan 32 is reversed. Vehicle speed control 28 is necessary to limit the potential for unacceptable reverse conditions with a trailer, such as folding the hitch and dynamic instability of the trailer angle.

With reference to FIG. 4-6, a caravan 32 is shown coupled to the vehicle 28. The caravan 32 includes a frame 76, including a longitudinally extending beam or towbar 78. An upper horizontal surface 80 of the trailer towbar 78 is shown, including a target placement zone 54 for receiving a target assembly 26. It should be understood that the trailer 32 can be made in various shapes and sizes and may offer one or more other suitable target placement zones 54 for receiving the target assembly 26. The target placement zone 54 defines at least one desired location for the location of the target assembly 26.

As described previously, the trailer reverse assist system 30 may use a vision-based target detection system, wherein the hitch angle detecting component 24 is an identifiable visual target located on a trailer 32 connected to the towing vehicle 28. The towing vehicle 28 may be equipped with a rear view camera 50, which functions as a device for detecting the angle of the coupling device, and is configured to form an image of the target assembly 26 and process the acquired image data to generate trailer-related information used in a variety of applications associated with the system 30 promoting reverse gear with a trailer. However, there may be some circumstances that interfere with the accuracy of target detection.

Accordingly, the light source 82 may be located on and / or within a portion of the vehicle 28, such as the tailgate 38. The light source 82 may comprise any form of light. For example, fluorescent lighting, light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLED), polymer LEDs (PLED), solid state lighting, or any other form of lighting configured to emit light may be used. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the light source 82 is located on the tailgate 38 and is oriented to emit the input light 86 back to the target assembly 26. The light source 82 may be an independent light source 82 configured to be used during illumination of the target assembly 26, or, alternatively, may be used for a variety of functions, such as, but not limited to, as a device for illuminating an area in the rear direction of the vehicle 28, an element on the tailgate of the vehicle 28, or a license plate on the vehicle 28. However, as an alternative, the light source 82 can be located in the lighting unit of the vehicle 28 and at the same time can be used as a backlight for the unit 26 targets and as a reversing lamp, navigation lights or brake lamp.

Additionally, the light source 82 may include optics configured to scatter or focus the input light 86 emitted from it to further illuminate the target assembly 26. For example, optics can be used to direct the first part of the input light 86 emitted from the light source 82 to the target assembly 26. The second part of the input light 86 emitted from the light source 82 may be directed to the element on the rear of the vehicle 28 or on the tailgate 32. It should be understood that the light source 82 can be located on any surface.

In use, the light source 82 may be brought into use using a variety of means. For example, the lighting system 22 may include a user interface 84 on and / or inside the vehicle 28. The user interface 84 may be configured so that the user can control the wavelength of the input light 86 that is emitted by the light source 82 and / or parts of the source 82 the lights that shine. Alternatively, user interface 84 may be used to switch the lighting system 22 across a variety of modes and / or functions. User interface 84 may use any type of control known in the art to control the light source 82, such as, but not limited to, switches (e.g., proximity or proximity sensors, push-type buttons), and may be located in any convenient place. Additionally or alternatively, the light source 82 may be automatically activated by an on-board vehicle system, such as a trailer reverse assist system 30 and / or another vehicle system. For example, when reversing the maneuver, the trailer reverse assisting system 30 may activate the light source 82. It is contemplated that the lighting system 22 may have a wide range of locations for the target assembly 26 so that the lighting system 22 can be used for a variety of functions. Exemplary functions include using as a target, general lighting and / or a lamp that provides lighting for the area closest to the trailer coupler connector 48.

According to one embodiment, the light source 82 includes a flexible printed circuit board (eg, a copper flexible circuit) that is coupled to, attached to, or located on the vehicle 28. In such an arrangement, the flexible circuit printed circuit board may be bent along with the body of the vehicle 28 in order to provide the lighting system 22 with the ability to fit any desired style solution and / or multiple target placement zones 54. Alternatively, the light source 82 can be installed in the body panel and emit input light 86 through its part in the direction of the target working space 58.

The photoluminescent structure 10, comprising at least one photoluminescent material, is configured to glow in response to an input light 86 emitted from the light source 82. More specifically, the input light 86 emitted from the light source 82 to the target assembly 26 can be converted by a photoluminescent structure 10 and re-emitted as an output light 88 having a different wavelength, typically in the visible spectrum. According to the illustrated embodiment, the location of the target assembly 26 is a zone located closer to the vehicle 28.

More specifically, a photoluminescent material is constituted to have an absorption spectrum that includes a wavelength of radiation from the input light 86 supplied from the light source 82. The photoluminescent material is also constituted to have a Stokes shift resulting in a converted visible light 88 having a radiation spectrum expressed in a desired color that can vary according to the application of lighting. The converted visible light 88 is output from the light source 82 through the visible part 124, thereby causing the visible part 124 to glow in the desired color. In one embodiment, the energy conversion process is performed by down-converting, whereby the input light 86 includes light at the lower edge of the visibility spectrum, such as blue, violet or ultraviolet (UV) light. The action thus enables blue, violet or ultraviolet LEDs to be used as a light source 82, which can offer a relative cost advantage over simply sharing the LEDs of the desired color and the above energy conversion process. Moreover, it is contemplated that blue LEDs can be used, which can operate at much higher intensities to compensate for dirt, snow, rain, etc., than white LEDs. In addition, the use of blue LEDs can reduce dazzling light in the backward direction due to the relative insensitivity of the human eye to blue light so that the target assembly 26 can glow brightly. Moreover, the backlight provided by the visible portion 124 may offer a unique, substantially uniform and / or attractive viewing experience that may be difficult to repeat using a non-photoluminescent means.

The input light 86 emitted from the light source 82 may be converted by a photoluminescent structure 10 and re-emitted as an output light 88 having a different wavelength, typically in the visible spectrum. Such a configuration may contribute to the trailer reverse assist system 30 by creating a more visible target assembly 26 under dim lighting conditions and in many orientations between the trailer 32 and the vehicle 28, while the target assembly 26 is actively illuminated by diffused, non-dazzling light. Such a configuration may be desirable for the camera 50, since the target assembly 26 may emit an output light 88 instead of reflecting light from the target assembly 26 to the camera 50.

As described above, the photoluminescent structure 10 can convert the input light 86 emitted from the light source 82 from the first wavelength to the second wavelength. Accordingly, the target assembly 26 may glow rather than reflect light from the light source 82 on the vehicle 28, thereby making the target assembly 26 much more visible to the camera 50. Additionally, the photoluminescent structure 10 can also substantially evenly diffuse the output light 88 of the target. In one embodiment, the energy conversion process is performed by down-converting, whereby the input light 86 includes light at the lower edge of the visibility spectrum, such as blue, violet or ultraviolet (UV) light. The action thus makes it possible to use blue, violet or ultraviolet LEDs, which can offer a relative cost advantage over simply using LEDs of the desired color. Moreover, the illumination provided may offer a unique, substantially uniform and / or attractive viewing experience that may be difficult to repeat using a non-photoluminescent means. Alternatively, a white LED with a high blue content can be used so that the light source 82 can illuminate the area behind the vehicle 28 and / or excite the photoluminescent structure 10.

According to one embodiment, the trailer reverse system 30 can control the target assembly 26 while the vehicle 28 is moving forward due to the use of blue LEDs. According to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, the emission of white light while the vehicle 28 is moving in the forward direction is prohibited. However, an input light 86 having a wavelength that may be in the invisible spectrum can be used during operation and can provide illumination of the target assembly 26 during operation. For example, the camera 50 may monitor the target assembly 26 while moving forward and be able to warn the occupying vehicle 28 if the target assembly 26 changes orientation, which may be an indication of a problem with the trailer 32.

As shown in FIG. 5 and 6, the target assembly 26 may include an adhesive material 90 on the lower surface and a predetermined image pattern of a certain size and shape provided on the upper surface for capture by the video camera 50 and recognition by image processing. The node 26 of the target may have a rectangular shape according to one of the embodiments and may have a recognizable pattern image of the camera, such as the shown checker pattern. Image processing may include well-known image pattern recognition procedures 134 (FIG. 10) to identify the target pattern and its location on the caravan 32. However, it should be understood that other shapes, sizes, and patterns of the target assembly 26 may be used. In addition, it should be understood that the target assembly 26 may be otherwise attached to the trailer 32 using connectors, such as fasteners, which may be attached to the trailer 32 or to the mount for the trailer 32. Additionally, it should be understood that the target assembly 26 attached using a magnet, glued, applied with a colorful coating, or any number of other suitable means.

According to one embodiment, the target assembly 26 is a molded component, and the molded material 66 is located on top of it. To form the target assembly 26, one or a plurality of polymers can be used. In addition, according to one embodiment, the target assembly 26 can be manufactured by molding techniques such as double injection molding, two-stage molding, two-color molding, two-component molding and / or multi-stage molding.

In embodiments where the molded material 66 is vulcanized under pressure, the molded material 66 may be applied to the target assembly 26 in a partially vulcanized state. In one embodiment, the overmolding process includes applying molded material 66 to at least a portion of the target assembly 26 by spraying, brushing, dipping, printing, laminating or rolling, followed by polymerization of the molded material 66. In some embodiments, the molded material 66 may include polymeric material, silicone, urethane material, vinyl, and / or any other material that may be useful or structurally strong to fit within an area that is exposed to and exposed to environmental dirt. Moreover, in some embodiments, the molded material 66 may be transparent or translucent and may include light scattering and / or anti-glare characteristics. It should be understood that the molded material 66 can be located on top of any and / or all components of the lighting system 22, so that the molded material 66 can encapsulate all of the components in a single part that can be applied, attached, or otherwise attached to the desired area 54 of the target.

Although the lighting system 22 has been described in the materials of this application as being a characteristic feature of the towing vehicle 28, generally embodied as a truck on a passenger car chassis, it should be understood that the lighting system 22 can also be a characteristic element in other towing and 28 non-tow vehicles, which may include, but are not limited to, buses, recreational vehicles, vans, station wagons, sedan cars and coupe cars. Moreover, despite the fact that the lighting system 22 is intended for use with the reverse assist system 30 with a trailer, it should be understood that the vehicle lighting system 22, additionally or alternatively, can be adopted for use with other vehicle-related applications. For example, the additional illumination provided by the lighting system 22 may enable a vehicle 28 equipped with a rear view camera system 50 to reproduce sharper images on a display screen when it is dark outside. This can be particularly useful when reversing in low visibility situations. At its most basic level, lighting system 22 can simply be used as an auxiliary light. For example, the lighting system 22 may be put in place to assist the operator with attaching / disconnecting the trailer 32 to / from the towing vehicle 28 in dim lighting conditions.

With reference to FIG. 7-8, the location of the target assembly 26 can be added to the original trailer 32 by using the target installation system 92 according to one embodiment. The target installation system 92 is shown mounted on the caravan 32 to be a target assembly 26, which is visible by the camera 50 within the desired target placement area 54. Target mounting system 92 includes a vertical mounting bracket 94 having a plurality of bolted receiving holes 96 extending vertically to allow for the required vertical height adjustment. The bracket 94 can be mounted on the trailer 32 through holes using bolts 98, washers 100 and nuts 102. The height of the bracket 94 can be adjusted depending on which holes are aligned with the holes 104 of the trailer. A target plate 106 is mounted on the upper part of the bracket 94, having an upper target placement zone 54 in which the target assembly 26 is located. The plate 106 likewise has a plurality of holes 108 that align horizontally with the holes in the bracket 94, and can be mounted to it using bolts 110, washers 112 and nuts 114. Accordingly, the plate 106 can be adjusted either vertically or horizontally to the desired position so that the target assembly 26 can be positioned in a desired location so that the target assembly 26 is easily captured by the camera 50 and processed by image processing.

As shown in FIG. 9, the target assembly 26 is adapted to be attached to the front vertical surface 116 of the covered trailer 32. As illustrated, a second photoluminescent structure 118 is located on the trailer trailer member 120, such as part of a jack 122 connected to the trailer 32. As described above, the light source 82 emits input light 86 to photoluminescent structures 10, 118, which convert the input light 86 into output light 88 of a different wavelength. The output light 88 may be used as a welcome / farewell light, ambient light, backlight for any element 120 of a vehicle 28 or caravan 32, and / or a warning indicator.

As described above, the energy conversion layer 16 of the photoluminescent structure 10 may include at least one photoluminescent material having energy conversion elements with phosphorescent or fluorescent particles. For example, the photoluminescent material may include organic or inorganic fluorescent dyes, including rylene, xanthenes, porphyrins, phthalocyanines. Additionally or alternatively, the photoluminescent material may include phosphors from the group of cerium-activated garnets, such as YAG: Ce

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the target assembly 26 may be attached, attached, and / or molded onto the vertical surface 116 of the trailer 32. According to one embodiment, the target assembly 26 is flush with the trailer 32, thereby partially hiding from the view in a non-luminous state. Additionally, the lighting system 22 and / or one or more of its components have a soft pliable shell layer to both protect the lighting system 22 and limit the bending of parts of the lighting system 22. Exemplary materials that can be used include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl chloride, a vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer, and a polyester elastomer.

As discussed above, the target assembly 26 may include a visible portion 124 that is arranged over the photoluminescent structure 10 and may be formed by a shell layer. In some embodiments, the visible portion 124 may include plastic, silicone, or urethane material and is molded onto a photoluminescent structure 10 and / or any other component of the target assembly. Preferably, the visible portion 124 should be at least partially translucent. Thus, the visible portion 124 will be highlighted with a photoluminescent structure 10 whenever an energy conversion process is carried out. Additionally, by means of a patch seal of the visible portion 124, it can also function to protect the photoluminescent structure 10 and / or any other components of the target assembly 26. The visible portion 124 may be arranged in a planar and / or arched shape to enhance its visibility when in a luminescent state.

With reference to the currently illustrated embodiment, the excitation of photoluminescent materials may be mutually exclusive. That is, the first and second photoluminescent materials are composed to have non-overlapping absorption spectra and Stokes shifts that give different radiation spectra. In addition, when compiling photoluminescent materials, attention should be paid to the selection of coupled Stokes shifts, so that the converted light 88 emitted from one of the photoluminescent materials does not excite the other, if this is not desired. According to one exemplary embodiment, the first part of the light source 82 is configured to emit an input light 86 having an emission wavelength that excites only the first photoluminescent material and converts the input light 86 into visible light 88 of a first color (e.g., white) . Similarly, the second part of the light source 82 is configured to emit input light 86 having an emission wavelength that excites only the second photoluminescent material and converts the input light 86 into visible light 88 of a second color (e.g., red). The first and second colors can be visually distinguishable from each other. Thus, the light source 82 can be selectively activated using the controller 128 to induce the photoluminescent structure 10 to luminesce with a variety of colors. For example, the controller 128 may activate a light source 82 to excite exclusively the first photoluminescent material 42, causing the visible portion 124 to glow with a first color. Alternatively, the controller 128 may activate the light source 82 to excite exclusively the second photoluminescent material 42, causing the visible portion 124 to glow with a second color.

Alternatively, however, the controller 128 may activate the light source 82, which causes both of the photoluminescent materials to become excited, resulting in a visible portion 124 glowing with a third color, which is a mixture of colors of the first and second colors (for example, a pinkish color) . The intensities of the input light 86 emitted from the light source 82 can also vary in wavelength in proportion to each other so that additional colors can be obtained. As for the energy conversion layers 16 containing more than two separate photoluminescent materials, a greater variety of colors can be achieved. Estimated colors include red, green, blue, and combinations thereof, including white, all of which can be achieved by selecting the proper photoluminescent materials and properly manipulating the appropriate light source 82.

With reference to FIG. 10, a lighting system 22 is shown according to one embodiment and is intended for use with a trailer reverse assist system 30. The lighting system 22 includes a camera 50 having an image sensor 126 that captures light and converts it into image data. The camera 50 can be mounted on the rear of the towing vehicle 28 and is positioned to form an image of the target assembly 26 located on the trailer 32, which is attached to the vehicle 28. The target assembly 26 can be made in a rectangular configuration having a checker pattern, which is recognizable by camera 50. In one embodiment, a checker pattern may include a plurality of photoluminescent structures having varying photoluminescent materials in them, so that the photoluminescent structures glow with a first color and a second color that is different than the first color, as described above.

The lighting system 22 further includes a controller 128, which may be integrated with or located outside the camera 50. The controller 128 may include circuits such as a processor 130 and a memory 132. A procedure 134 for adjusting image capture adjustment may be stored in the memory 132 and executed by the processor 130. In one embodiment, the controller 128 is configured to set a control point, corresponding to the area of the node 26 of the target or trailer 32, which has a known color and a known intensity. Knowing how the control point should appear in the captured image, the controller 128 can analyze the image data received from the camera 50 and adjust the white balance and exposure of the camera 50 to compensate for changes in lighting conditions, such as when the vehicle 28 and caravan 32 are moving from the sun into the shaded area. Alternatively, the target assembly 26 and the light source 82 may vary in illumination intensity to compensate for environmental factors, thereby ensuring uniform intensity of the emitted light 86, 88 from the target assembly 26.

As for the illustrated embodiment, the controller 128 can also communicate with a location device 136, known as a GPS-enabled device, to receive input related to the geographical location of the vehicle 28 and the trailer 32. The GPS-enabled device may be any suitable device capable of communicate with controller 128. In one embodiment, the GPS-supporting device is an on-board device, such as, but not limited to, a human-machine interface (HMI). In yet another embodiment, the GPS-enabled device is a portable electronic device, such as, but not limited to, a portable GPS device or a GPS-enabled device with advanced logic, both of which are capable of wirelessly communicating with the controller 128 via Bluetooth®, Wi -Fi, the like, or a combination thereof. Since the lighting conditions may vary depending on the geographical location, the controller 128 may pay attention to the location input provided by the GPS-enabled device when deciding whether to adjust for the camera 50 and / or the light intensity emitted from the light source 82.

Since the lighting conditions can also vary depending on the current time, date and weather conditions, the controller 128 can additionally receive information about the time and date through the input data 138 and weather information through the input data 140, any or both of which can be taken into account by the controller 128 when deciding whether to adjust the light source 82. For example, the light intensity in Florida on a clear summer day will generally be higher than the light intensity in Michigan on a cloudy summer morning. Thus, by making this type of information known to the controller 128, the controller 128 can predict certain characteristics associated with the light captured by the image sensor 188 of the camera 50 and adjust the image capture adjustments of the camera 50 and / or the light source 82 accordingly. According to the previous example, if the vehicle 28 and the trailer 32 are located in Florida, the controller 128 may prefer to lower the intensity of the light emitted from the light source 82, while the controller 128 may prefer to increase the intensity of the light emitted from the light source 82 if the vehicle 28 and caravan 32 are located in Michigan. It is contemplated that controller 128 may receive time and date information through a GPS-enabled device, a portable electronic device, an electronic control module (ECM) of a vehicle 28, or any other suitable means. Weather information may be provided to controller 128 through an application running on a portable electronic device or an on-board HMI device), or any other suitable means.

In addition to the aforementioned input signals 198, 200, the controller 128 may receive an input signal from one or more equipment 142 located on the vehicle 28 and / or caravan 32, which includes, but is not limited to, light sensors, speed sensors , inertial sensors, directional compasses and / or other cameras 50, which can be provided in forward, backward and sideward configurations. By using some or all of the equipment 142 with the other devices and input signals described previously, the controller 128 can determine the orientation of the vehicle 28 and the trailer 32 with respect to the light source 82, such as the sun.

According to one embodiment, the lighting system 22 is configured to compensate for changing lighting conditions caused when vehicle taillights of a vehicle 28 are activated. Taillights may include taillights, brake lights, additional lights and other forms of rear light. lighting. When activated, the taillights can project light onto the scene shown, thereby causing a sharp change in lighting conditions. If not taken into account, the lighting system 22 may have difficulty tracking the target assembly 26, so that the intensity of the light source 82 can be adjusted to compensate for such conditions.

According to one embodiment, the controller 128 can also provide power to the lighting system 22 using a power source 144 located on board the vehicle 28. In addition, the controller 128 may be configured to control the input light emitted from each light source 82, based on feedback received from one or more vehicle control modules 146, such as, but not limited to, a body control module, an engine control module, a steering module, a brake control module 72, the like, or a combination thereof. By controlling the input light 86 emitted from the light source 82, the lighting system 22 may be lit with a variety of colors and / or configurations to provide an aesthetic appearance, or may provide vehicle information to a targeted observer. For example, when the lighting system 22 is illuminated, the lighting system 22 may notify the occupying person of the vehicle 28 of the particular state of the vehicle 28. However, it should be understood that the target assembly 26 may include an independent controller 128 therein to implement the functions described in materials of this application.

In action, the photoluminescent structure 10 may exhibit a periodic single-color or multi-color glow. For example, the controller 128 may cause the light source 82 to periodically emit only the first wavelength of the input light 86 by the light source 82 to cause the photoluminescent structure 10 to periodically glow with the first color. Alternatively, the controller 128 may cause the light source 82 to periodically emit only the second wavelength of the input light 86 by the light source 82 to cause the photoluminescent portion to periodically glow with a second color. Alternatively, the controller 128 may cause the light source 82 to simultaneously and periodically emit the first and second wavelengths of the input light 86 to cause the photoluminescent structure 10 to periodically glow with a third color defined by an additive mixture of light of the first and second colors. Alternatively, in addition, the controller 128 may cause the light source 82 to alternate between periodically emitting the first and second wavelengths of the input light 86 to cause the photoluminescent structure 10 to periodically glow alternating between the first and second colors. The controller 128 may cause the light source 82 to periodically emit the first and / or second wavelengths of the input light 86 at equal time intervals and / or unequal time intervals.

In yet another embodiment, the lighting system 22 may include a user interface 84. The user interface 84 may be configured so that the user can control the wavelength of the input light 86 that is emitted by the light source 82. Such a configuration may provide the user with the ability to control which elements 178 (FIG. 7) are highlighted.

With regard to the above examples, the controller 128 may modify the intensity of the emitted first and second wavelengths of the input light 86 by pulse width modulation or current regulation. In some embodiments, the controller 128 may be configured to adjust the color of the emitted light by sending control signals to adjust the output level of intensity or energy of the light source 82. For example, if the light source 82 is configured to emit input light at a low level, substantially all of the input light can be converted to output light. In this configuration, the color of the light corresponding to the output light may correspond to the color of the emitted output light from the lighting system 22. If the light source 82 is configured to output the input light at a high level, only a portion of the input light can be converted to the output light. In this configuration, the color of the light corresponding to the mixture of the input light and the output light may be output as emitted light. Thus, each of the controllers 128 can control the output color of the emitted light.

Although a low level and a high level of intensity are discussed, referring to the input light of the input light 86, it will be understood that the intensity of the input light can vary among the variety of intensity levels to adjust the color tone corresponding to the emitted light from the lighting system 22. The intensity deviation can be manually changed or changed automatically by the controller 128 based on predetermined conditions. According to one embodiment, the first intensity may be released from the lighting system 22 when the light sensor detects daylight conditions. The second intensity may be released from the lighting system 22 when the light sensor determines that the vehicle 28 is operating in a dim environment.

As described herein, the color of the output light 88 may be highly dependent on the particular photoluminescent materials used in the photoluminescent structure 10. Additionally, the conversion ability of the photoluminescent structure 10 may be highly dependent on the concentration of the photoluminescent material used in the photoluminescent structure. 10. By adjusting the range of intensities that can be output from the light source 82, the concentration, types and proportions of the photoluminescent materials in the photoluminescent structure 10 discussed in the materials of this application may be suitable for operation to produce a range of color shades of the emitted light by mixing the wavelength the first, input light 86 and the second, output light 88.

Accordingly, the lighting system, made in the form of a component for detecting the angle of the trailer coupler, which interacts with the vehicle, which is configured to illuminate the area and / or glow with a predetermined pattern for recognition by the vehicle, was mainly provided in the materials of this application. The lighting system retains its structural properties, meanwhile emitting luminescent light having both functional and decorative characteristics.

An ordinary specialist in the art will understand that the design of the described invention and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed in the materials of this application can be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless otherwise described in the materials of this application.

For the purposes of this invention, the term “connected” (in all its forms, connect, connecting, connected, etc.) generally means the articulation of two components (electrical or mechanical) with each other directly or indirectly. Such an articulation may be essentially immobile or essentially movable. Such an articulation can be achieved by two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate elements that are formed as a whole part in the form of a single monolithic body with each other or with two components. Such an articulation may be constant in essence or may be removable or detachable in essence, unless otherwise specified.

In addition, it is important to note that the design and layout of the elements of the invention, as shown in exemplary embodiments, is only illustrative. Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this invention, those skilled in the art who analyze this invention will readily recognize that many modifications are possible (for example, deviations in size, dimensions, designs and proportions of various elements, values parameters, mounting layouts, the use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.), without actually departing from the innovative ideas and advantages of the stated object of the invention. For example, the elements shown as being formed as an integer part can be constructed from multiple parts, or the elements shown as numerous parts can be formed as an integral part, the operation of the interface devices can be reversed or otherwise changed, the length can be changed or the width of structures and / or structural elements or connectors or other elements of systems, the nature or number of tuning provisions provided between elements may be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or components of the system can be constructed from any wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Other replacements, modifications, changes and exceptions may be made in the design, operating conditions and layout of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the gist of the present invention.

It will be understood that any of the described workflows or steps within the described workflows can be combined with the other described workflows or steps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. The exemplary constructions and processing sequences disclosed in the materials of this application are for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting.

It should also be understood that variations and modifications may be made to the above constructions and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and furthermore, it should be understood that such concepts are intended to be embraced by the following claims, unless the claims expressly indicate otherwise by its wording.

Claims (33)

1. Lighting system for a trailer towed by a vehicle, comprising: a hitch angle detecting component located on the trailer having a predetermined image pattern provided for capture by the image forming apparatus and recognition by the image processing unit; a light source located on the vehicle; and a photoluminescent structure forming an image pattern by a plurality of parts having a photoluminescent structure on them on the detection component and configured to luminesce in response to excitation by a light source. 2. The lighting system for a trailer according to claim 1, wherein the coupling angle detection component includes a predetermined image pattern of a certain size and shape. 3. The lighting system for a trailer according to claim 2, in which the photoluminescent structure contains at least one photoluminescent material, configured to convert, with decreasing frequency, the input light received from at least a portion of the light source into visible light that is output to visible part. 4. The lighting system for a trailer according to claim 3, wherein the input light comprises one of blue light, violet light and ultraviolet light. 5. The lighting system for the trailer according to claim 1, in which the component detecting the angle of the coupling device is made in the form of a target. 6. The lighting system for the trailer according to claim 5, in which the target interacts with the function of facilitating reverse movement with the trailer of the vehicle. 7. The lighting system for a trailer according to claim 1, wherein the light source is configured to change the input light intensity based on environmental characteristics of the detection component. 8. A lighting system for a trailer towed by a vehicle, comprising: vehicle light source; a target assembly on a caravan having a first luminescent structure thereon and configured to luminesce in response to excitation by a light source; and an image forming apparatus, wherein the light source is configured to emit different intensities of the input light based on environmental characteristics, so that the image forming apparatus captures an overdetermined luminous intensity from the first luminescent structure. 9. The lighting system of claim 8, wherein the target assembly includes a predetermined image pattern of a certain size and shape provided on its surface for capture by the image forming apparatus and recognition by the image processing unit. 10. The lighting system of claim 8, wherein the light source emits input light in a blue spectrum, and the first photoluminescent structure converts the input light into output light of a different wavelength. 11. The lighting system according to claim 8, further comprising a second luminescent structure located on the element closest to the light source. 12. The lighting system according to claim 11, in which the first luminescent structure glows in the first color, and the second luminescent structure glows in the second color. 13. The lighting system according to claim 11, in which the first and second luminescent structures are arranged in a checker pattern on the target site. 14. The lighting system according to claim 8, in which the light source emits the introduced light back from the vehicle when the vehicle is moving forward. 15. A lighting system for a trailer towed by a vehicle, comprising: hitch angle detection component located on the caravan; a light source fed by the vehicle and configured to emit invisible light when the vehicle is moving in the forward direction; and a photoluminescent structure located on the detection component and configured to luminesce in response to excitation by light emitted from the light source. 16. The lighting system of claim 15, further comprising an imaging device capturing images of a detection component. 17. The lighting system of claim 16, wherein the pattern is captured by the image forming apparatus and recognized by the image processing unit. 18. The lighting system of claim 15, further comprising a controller configured to control the input light emitted from the light source. 19. The lighting system according to claim 18, further comprising: a sensor configured to control the intensity of the output light emitted from the photoluminescent structure, wherein the controller changes the intensity of the light emitted from the light source based on the intensity of the measured output light. 20. The lighting system according to claim 15, in which the light source is illuminated when the transmission of the vehicle is set to reverse, and returns to a non-luminous state when the vehicle is removed from the reverse position.

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