Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

VEHICLE

HERO MOTOCORP LIMITED, an Indian Company at: The Grand Plaza, Plot No.2, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj- Phase -II, New Delhi, India, 110 070

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

 
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to a vehicle which includes a speed indicator integrating several components such as lighting units, speed sensors, light sensing units, etc. to apprise operators of the vehicle's speed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] The field of vehicle safety systems has witnessed significant advancements in recent years, with a growing emphasis on enhancing driver awareness and improving road safety. One crucial aspect of vehicle safety is providing real-time feedback to operators regarding their vehicle's speed, especially in varying lighting conditions.

[003] Traditional speed indicators in vehicles typically rely on static displays or numerical readouts, which may not effectively capture the attention of drivers or adapt to changing environmental conditions. Moreover, these systems may not adequately account for variations in ambient light, leading to potential visibility issues, particularly during nighttime or adverse weather conditions.

[004] Also, at night time it often becomes difficult to assess vehicle speed while driving due to dark surroundings. The rider often has to gaze the speedometer to check on speed causing distraction which might compromise safety. With growing information layout on speedometer, keeping a constant check also causes distraction. Thus, there exists a need to address one or more of the aforesaid disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[006] In an aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprises a frame structure, a front ground engaging member, arear ground engaging member, a handlebar, a driving unit, a front cushioning member, a rear cushioning member, a visor, a dashboard, a headlight assembly, a taillight assembly, a transmission assembly, a seat unit, a front brake assembly, a rear brake assembly, a body cover, a fuel tank.

[007] The body cover comprises a first side cover for a side of the vehicle, a second side cover for another side of the vehicle, a tank top cover for the fuel tank of the vehicle. The tank top cover comprises a visual indicator for apprising an operator of a vehicle of a speed of the vehicle, a fuel filler. The visual indicator apprises the operator after appraising the vehicle speed.

[008] The visual indicator comprises a lighting unit, a speed sensor, a light sensing unit and a control unit. The lighting unit is provided to emit light according to a plurality of illumination characteristics. The speed sensor generates a speed signal indicative of the travelling speed of the vehicle. The light sensing unit generates an ambient light signal indicative of an ambient light condition around the vehicle. The control unit configured to receive said speed signal from the speed sensor and said ambient light signal from the light sensing unit. The control unit applies an illumination characteristic to the lighting unit based on the ambient light signal received from the light sensing unit and the speed signal received from the speed sensor.

[009] In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit selects at least one illumination characteristics of the lighting unit from among a plurality of illumination characteristics based on the speed signal received from the speed sensor and a light sensing unit and applies the illumination characteristic to the lighting unit.

[0010] In another embodiment of the invention, the plurality of illumination characteristics of the lighting unit comprises at least one of a color of the light thus emitted, an intensity of the light thus emitted, a blinking rate of the light thus emitted and turn lighting unit on/off or a combination of one or more such characteristics.

[0011] In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit consists of at least one of an electronic control unit, a microcontroller, a microprocessor and a digital signal processor.

[0012] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the speed sensor is a speed gauge of the vehicle.

[0013] In still another embodiment of the invention, a mounting component disposed behind a handlebar of the vehicle in a vehicle length direction holds the lighting unit such that the light emitted by the lighting unit is proximate to the operator's line of sight while the operator is operating the vehicle and being visible to the operator when the operator is looking at a spatial position towards which the vehicle is traveling.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the mounting component being disposed between the handlebar and a seat unit of the vehicle.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the mounting component being disposed on at least one of fuel tank of the vehicle, a body cover of the vehicle, a front portion of a seat unit of the vehicle.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the mounting component holds the lighting unit such that the light emitted by the lighting unit falls on at least one of a dashboard of the vehicle, a visor of the vehicle or an intermediate region between the dashboard and the visor.

[0017] One of the advantages of the invention is that by dynamically adjusting the visual indicator illumination characteristics based on both the vehicle's speed and the ambient light conditions, the visual indicator ensures optimal visibility for the operator, enhancing awareness of the vehicle's speed regardless of environmental factors.

[0018] Another advantage of the invention is that the ability of the visual indicator to adapt to changing lighting conditions and convey speed-related information in real-time contributes to safer driving practices, reducing the risk of accidents or collisions, especially in low visibility scenarios.

[0019] Still another advantage of the invention is that the visual indicator offers a variety of illumination characteristics, including color, intensity, blinking rate, and on/off functionality, allowing for customization based on user preferences and specific driving conditions.

[0020] Yet another advantage of the invention is that integrating the visual indicator into the vehicle's existing components, such as the handlebar or dashboard, ensures convenient placement within the operator's line of sight, minimizing distractions while providing essential information.

[0021] A further advantage of the invention is that the mounting component's flexibility enables installation in various locations on the vehicle, such as the handlebar, fuel tank, or body cover, accommodating different vehicle designs and operator preferences without compromising functionality.

[0022] A still another advantage of the invention is that the incorporation of advanced control units, including electronic control units, microcontrollers, or digital signal processors, ensures precise and efficient management of the visual indicator's operation, optimizing energy consumption and overall performance.

[0023] To further clarify the advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
[0024] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0026] Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0027] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the part of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0028] Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the part of the vehicle in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

[0029] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the assembly of the tank top cover and the vehicle indicator of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0030] Figure 6 illustrates a bottom view of the assembly of the tank top cover and the vehicle indicator of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0031] Figure 7 illustrates an exploded view of the assembly of the tank top cover and the vehicle indicator of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0032] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of the vehicle indicator of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0033] It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Detailed Description of the Invention:
[0034] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0035] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0036] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0037] Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0038] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0039] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, and “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0041] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as being essential to the practice of the invention.

[0042] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride.

[0045] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, cover and aspects and features thereof can be used with other types of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[0046] Now referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a side view of the vehicle (10) that comprises a frame structure (12) rotatably supporting at least one front ground engaging member (14) and at least one rear ground engaging member (16). The frame structure (12) further supports a power unit (18) that supplies power to at least one of the front ground engaging member (14) and the rear ground engaging member (16). The frame structure (12) further supports a seat unit (36) which provides a seating arrangement for at least a rider of the vehicle (10). The frame structure (12) further supports a body cover (42) which covers the frame structure (12) and other vehicular components. The frame structure (12) is supported by at least one of a front cushioning member (22) and a rear cushioning member (24).

[0047] The vehicle (10) further comprises a headlight assembly (30) and a taillight assembly (32). The headlight assembly (30) and the taillight assembly (32) are used to illuminate surrounding in low ambient light conditions and signal other commuters of the presence of the vehicle (10) in such conditions. The vehicle (10) further comprises a transmission assembly (34) provided to increase the control of the operator while riding the vehicle (10). The front ground engaging member (14) and the rear ground engaging member (16) are further provided with a front brake assembly (38) and a rear brake assembly (40) respectively. The front brake assembly (38) and the rear brake assembly (40) can be any of the disc brake assembly, drum brake assembly or any other brake assembly available.

[0048] There may be disposed one or more additional vehicular components below the seat unit (36). For example, in case the power unit (18) is an internal combustion engine, there may be disposed a fuel tank (44) beneath the seat unit (36). By way of another example, in case the power unit (18) is a motor, there may be disposed at least one battery (not shown) beneath the seat unit (36). By way of yet another example, in case the power unit (18) is an internal combustion engine, there may be disposed at least one battery (not shown) beneath the seat unit (36). It may be noted that there is no limitation as to what nature of components are disposed beneath the seat unit (36).

[0049] Now referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3, it can be seen that a visor (26) and a dashboard (28) is disposed on the vehicle (10). The visor (26) is used to prevent the flashes of light from oncoming vehicles in low ambient light conditions distract the operator while riding in such conditions. Particularly referring to Figure 3, it can be seen that the dashboard (28) is oriented towards the operator as the dashboard (28) provides essential information about the vehicle and surroundings to the operator including but not limited to speed of the vehicle (10), fuel status of the fuel tank (44), indicator’s operation, state of headlight assembly (30), etc.

[0050] Now referring to Figure 4, it can be seen that the body cover (42) comprises a first side cover (52) for a side of the vehicle (10), a second side cover (54) for another side of the vehicle (10), a tank top cover (56) for the fuel tank (44) of the vehicle (10). The tank top cover (56) comprises a visual indicator (100) for apprising the operator of a vehicle of a speed of the vehicle, a fuel filler (58). The fuel filler (58) is provided to give access to the fuel tank (44) for refilling of the fuel tank (44).

[0051] Now referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5, it can be seen that the visual indicator (100) disposed on the tank top cover (56) further comprises a lighting unit (102), a speed sensor (104), a light sensing unit (106), a control unit (108). The lighting unit (102) is provided to emit light according to a plurality of illumination characteristics. The speed sensor (104) generates a speed signal indicative of the travelling speed of the vehicle (10). The light sensing unit (102) generates an ambient light signal indicative of an ambient light condition around the vehicle (10). The control unit (108) configured to receive said speed signal from the speed sensor (104) and said ambient light signal from the light sensing unit (102). The control unit (108) applies an illumination characteristic to the lighting unit (102) based on the ambient light signal received from the light sensing unit (106) and the speed signal received from the speed sensor (104).

[0052] Now referring to Figure 6, there is a bottom view of the assembly of the tank top cover (44) and the vehicle indicator (100) of the vehicle (10) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The control unit (108) selects at least one illumination characteristics of the lighting unit (102) from among a plurality of illumination characteristics based on the speed signal received from the speed sensor (104) and a light sensing unit (106) and applies the illumination characteristic to the lighting unit (102).

[0053] The plurality of illumination characteristics of the lighting unit (102) comprises at least one of a color of the light thus emitted, an intensity of the light thus emitted, a blinking rate of the light thus emitted and turn lighting unit (102) on/off or a combination of one or more such characteristics. By the way of an example, the illumination characteristic of the lighting unit (102) may include an ease color like green or blue for low-range speed, a highlighting color like yellow and pink for mid- range speeds and an alarming color like orange or red for high-range speeds available in the speedometer. Also, the distinction between the low-range speeds, mid-range speeds and high-range speeds can be done instantaneously by the control unit using GPS technology and internet and/or any other technology for prerequisites of the data regarding road on which the vehicle is travelling available in public databases via internet or specific libraries of remote servers. A copy of such data may be stored in a memory device present in the control unit (108) for quick access in case of recurring usage of a route.

[0054] By the way of another example, a generalized distinction of low-range speeds, mid-range speeds and high-range speeds can also be pre-saved in the control unit (108) of the visual indicator (100). By the way of yet another example, the illumination characteristic of the lighting unit (102) may include a blinking of the lighting unit (102) in case of extreme high-range speeds. The high- range speed may include the higher end of the speeds available in the speedometer of the vehicle (10). By the way of still another example, the operator may be required to provide these ranges of the speeds before commencing a trip. The operator may set the speed ranges using a connected device like mobile phones, remotes, etc. via bandwidths including and not limited to Bluetooth, WIFI, etc. By the way of another example, the operator may provide the speed ranges direct to the control unit (108) using dashboard as an input interface.

[0055] Now referring to Figure 7, there is illustrated an exploded view of the assembly of the tank top cover and the vehicle indicator of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. A mounting component (110) disposed behind a handlebar (18) of the vehicle (10) in a vehicle length direction holds the lighting unit (102) such that the light emitted by the lighting unit (102) is proximate to the operator's line of sight while the operator is operating the vehicle (10) and being visible to the operator when the operator is looking at a spatial position towards which the vehicle (10) is traveling.

[0056] The mounting component (110) being disposed between the handlebar (18) and a seat unit (36) of the vehicle (10). By the way of an example, the mounting component (110) may be disposed on at least one of fuel tank (44) of the vehicle (10), a body cover (42) of the vehicle (10), a front portion (46) of a seat unit (36) of the vehicle (10).

[0057] The mounting component (110) holds the lighting unit (102) such that the light emitted by the lighting unit (102) falls on at least one of a dashboard (28) of the vehicle, a visor (26) of the vehicle (10) or an intermediate region between the dashboard (28) and the visor (26). The region illuminated by the lighting unit (102) must be such that the operator is not required to move his head for gazing the illumination characteristics of the lighting unit (102).

[0058] Now referring to Figure 8, there is illustrated a perspective view of the vehicle indicator of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The control unit (108) consists of at least one of an electronic control unit, a microcontroller, a microprocessor and digital signal processor. While, the speed sensor (104) is a speed gauge of the vehicle (10).

[0059] One of the advantages of the invention is that by dynamically adjusting the visual indicator (100) illumination characteristics based on both the vehicle's speed and the ambient light conditions, the visual indicator (100) ensures optimal visibility for the operator, enhancing awareness of the vehicle's speed regardless of environmental factors.

[0060] Another advantage of the invention is that the ability of the visual indicator (100) to adapt to changing lighting conditions and convey speed-related information in real-time contributes to safer driving practices, reducing the risk of accidents or collisions, especially in low visibility scenarios.

[0061] Still another advantage of the invention is that the visual indicator (100) offers a variety of illumination characteristics, including color, intensity, blinking rate, and on/off functionality, allowing for customization based on user preferences and specific driving conditions.

[0062] Yet another advantage of the invention is that integrating the visual indicator (100) into the vehicle's existing components, such as the handlebar (18) or dashboard (28), ensures convenient placement within the operator's line of sight, minimizing distractions while providing essential information.

[0063] A further advantage of the invention is that flexibility of the mounting component (110) enables installation in various locations on the vehicle (10), such as the handlebar (18), fuel tank (44), or body cover (42), accommodating different vehicle designs and operator preferences without compromising functionality.

[0064] A still another advantage of the invention is that the light sensing unit (106) may be provided within a control unit housing, on the dashboard or anywhere else on the vehicle to efficiently detect ambient lighting conditions.

[0065] A still another advantage of the invention is that the incorporation of the control unit (108) being the combination of various processing units including electronic control units, microcontrollers, or digital signal processors, ensures precise and efficient management of the visual indicator's operation, optimizing energy consumption and overall performance. Furthermore, the control unit (108) may be provided with a housing unit and mounted to a body part (such as the tank top cover (56) or the frame structure (12) of the vehicle.

[0066] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0067] The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A visual indicator (100) for apprising an operator of a vehicle (10) of a speed of the vehicle (10), comprising:
a lighting unit (102) to emit light according to a plurality of illumination characteristics;
a speed sensor (104) generating a speed signal indicative of the travelling speed of the vehicle (10);
a light sensing unit (106) generating an ambient light signal indicative of an ambient light condition around the vehicle (10);
a control unit (108) configured to receive said speed signal from the speed sensor (104) and said ambient light signal from the light sensing unit (106), wherein the control unit applies an illumination characteristic to the lighting unit (102) based on the ambient light signal received from the light sensing unit (106) and the speed signal received from the speed sensor (104).

2. The visual indicator (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) selects at least one illumination characteristics of the lighting unit (102) from among a plurality of illumination characteristics based on the speed signal received from the speed sensor (104) and a light sensing unit (106) and applies the illumination characteristic to the lighting unit (102).

3. The visual indicator (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of illumination characteristics of the lighting unit (102) comprises at least one of a color of the light thus emitted, an intensity of the light thus emitted, a blinking rate of the light thus emitted and turn lighting unit (102) on/off or a combination of one or more such characteristics.

4. The visual indicator (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) consists of at least one of an electronic control unit, a microcontroller, a microprocessor and digital signal processor.

5. The visual indicator (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the speed sensor (104) is a speed gauge of the vehicle.

6. The visual indicator (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a mounting component (110) disposed behind a handlebar (18) of the vehicle (10) in a vehicle length direction holds the lighting unit (102) such that the light emitted by the lighting unit (102) is proximate to the operator's line of sight while the operator is operating the vehicle (10) and being visible to the operator when the operator is looking at a spatial position towards which the vehicle (10) is traveling.

7. The visual indicator (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the mounting component (110) being disposed between the handlebar (18) and a seat unit (36) of the vehicle (10).

8. The visual indicator (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the mounting component (110) being disposed on at least one of fuel tank (44) of the vehicle (10), a body cover (42) of the vehicle (10), a front portion (46) of a seat unit (36) of the vehicle (10).

9. The visual indicator (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the mounting component (110) holds the lighting unit (102) such that the light emitted by the lighting unit (102) falls on at least one of a dashboard (28) of the vehicle, a visor (26) of the vehicle (10) or an intermediate region between the dashboard (28) and the visor (26).

10. A vehicle (10) comprising: a frame structure (12), a front ground engaging member (14), a rear ground engaging member (16), a handlebar (18), a driving unit (20), a front cushioning member (22), a rear cushioning member (24), a visor (26), a dashboard (28), a headlight assembly (30), a taillight assembly (32), a transmission assembly (34), a seat unit (36), a front brake assembly (38), a rear brake assembly (40), a body cover (42), a fuel tank (44);

the body cover (42) comprising: a first side cover (52) for a side of the vehicle (10), a second side cover (54) for another side of the vehicle (10), a tank top cover (56) for the fuel tank (44) of the vehicle (10);
the tank top cover (56) comprising a visual indicator (100) for apprising and operator of a vehicle (10) of a speed of the vehicle (10), a fuel filler (58);
the visual indicator (100) comprising:
a lighting unit (102) to emit light according to a plurality of illumination characteristics;
a speed sensor (104) generating a speed signal indicative of the travelling speed of the vehicle (10);
a light sensing unit (106) generating an ambient light signal indicative of an ambient light intensity around the vehicle (10);
a control unit (108) configured to receive said speed signal from the speed sensor (104) and said ambient light signal from the light sensing unit (106), wherein the control unit applies an illumination characteristic to the lighting unit (102) based on the ambient light signal received from the light sensing unit (106) and the speed signal received from the speed sensor (104).