DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to automotive lighting and more particularly, to matrix-type lamps for vehicles.

BACKGROUND

With the ever-growing traffic on roads, it is relevant to ensure safe driving conditions. In fact, in the recent past, a significant growth and development is witnessed in the automotive industry focusing towards safety of the drivers. Lamps, of course, play a major role in providing visibility to a vehicle on road, particularly, during the night. Various types of lamps are nowadays available in the market for different vehicles.

Conventional lamps for two-wheelers are generally formed by assembling one or more light sources, such as small capacity bulbs, on a panel. When a lamp is switched-on, all the light sources are activated to illuminate. Similarly, when the lamp is switched-off, all the light sources are simultaneously deactivated. In certain circumstances, such lamps hold more significance when used as a rear-lamp of a two-wheeler as they ensure that the two-wheeler is visible to vehicles approaching from behind.

Firstly, such light sources of a lamp cannot currently be independently operated. In the existing lamps, all the light sources will either be switched-on or switched-off. Therefore, selective activation one or more of the light sources is not currently available. Further, although matrix-type Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamps are in use in some applications, the implementation of the matrix-type LED lamps is limited. For example, such lamps are adapted to illuminate when brakes of the vehicle are applied, for example, to display “STOP” function. Therefore, such lamps are not developed to be used as a tail light for a vehicle.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a matrix-type lamp is disclosed. The matrix-type lamp includes a plurality of light units. Each of the plurality of light units is adapted to be individually illuminated. The matrix-type lamp includes a controller in communication with the plurality of light units. The controller is configured to receive an instruction to display a predefined message by illumination of the plurality of light units. The instruction is received based on one of an operation of a message selector switch and a fulfillment of a predefined criterion. The controller is configured to control operation of the plurality of light units to illuminate in a predefined pattern for displaying the predefined message, based on the instruction.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a matrix-type lamp for a vehicle is disclosed. The matrix-type lamp includes a plurality of light units. Each of the plurality of light units is adapted to be individually illuminated. The matrix-type lamp includes a message selector switch adapted to be operated for selecting a predefined message to be displayed by the illumination of the plurality of light units. The matrix-type lamp includes a sensing unit configured to detect details pertaining to a speed of a vehicle. The matrix-type lamp includes a controller in communication with the plurality of light units, the message selector switch, and the sensing unit. The controller is configured to receive an instruction to display the predefined message, based on one of an operation of the message selector switch and fulfillment of a predefined criterion, and control operation of the plurality of light units to illuminate in a predefined pattern for displaying the predefined message, based on the detection by the sensing unit.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating a matrix-type lamp is disclosed. The method includes detecting, by a sensing unit, details pertaining to an operational mode of a vehicle. The method includes receiving, by a controller, an instruction to display a predefined message when the vehicle is stationary. The instruction is received based on at least one of an operation of a message selector switch and a fulfillment of a predefined criterion. The method further includes controlling operation of the plurality of light units to illuminate in a predefined pattern for displaying the predefined message, based on the instruction and the operational mode of the vehicle.

To further clarify advantages and features of the present 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 DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram depicting components of a matrix-type lamp, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates another block diagram depicting the matrix-type lamp, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart depicting method of operating the matrix-type lamp, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 4 illustrates another flow chart depicting the method of operating the matrix-type lamp, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

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 flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device 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 benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

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

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

For the sake of clarity, the first digit of a reference numeral of each component of the present disclosure is indicative of the Figure number, in which the corresponding component is shown. For example, reference numerals starting with digit “1” are shown at least in Figure 1. Similarly, reference numerals starting with digit “2” are shown at least in Figure 2.

Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram depicting components of a matrix-type lamp 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The matrix-type lamp 100 may include, but is not limited to, a plurality of light units 102 and a controller 104 in communication with the plurality of light units 102. The plurality of light units 102 may hereinafter interchangeably be referred to as the light units 102. In an embodiment, the light units 102 may include, but are not limited to, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). Further, the light units 102 may individually be referred to as a light unit 102-1, a light unit 102-2, a light unit 102-3, …and a light unit 102-N. In an embodiment, the light units 102 may be assembled in matrix topology. Each of the light units 102 may be adapted to be individually illuminated. The controller 104 may be adapted to control selective illumination of the light units 102.

In an embodiment, the light units 102 may be installed at a rear of a vehicle to display the predefined message. Further, the vehicle may include, but is not limited to, a two-wheeler vehicle and a four-wheeler vehicle.

In an embodiment, the matrix-type lamp 100 may also include a message selector switch 106. The message selector switch 106 may be in communication with the controller 104. In an embodiment, the message selector switch 106 may interchangeably be referred to as the pattern selector switch 106, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, the message selector switch 106 may be adapted to be operated for selecting a predefined message to be displayed by the illumination of the light units 102.

In an embodiment, a driver of the two-wheeler vehicle may select a message to be display as a pattern formed by the light units 102 through the message selector switch 106. In an embodiment, the message selector switch 106 may be provided as a push-type button. Further, in an embodiment, the message selector switch 106 may be provided at a handle or rear side of the two-wheeler vehicle along with the lamp or both position.

The controller 104 may be communication with the light units 102, the message selector switch 106, and the sensing unit 108. The controller 104 may be configured to receive an instruction to display the predefined message. In an embodiment, the instruction may be received based on one of an operation of the message selector switch 106 and fulfillment of a predefined criterion. In an embodiment, the predefined criterion includes, but is not limited to, an operational mode of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the vehicle manufacturer may provide the vehicle with a plurality of operational modes, for example, for better functionality of efficiency. In an embodiment, the vehicle manufacturer may provide the vehicle with a city mode, in which the vehicle may drive at a limited speed with better control on other features of the vehicle. The other features may be indicative of the features that may consume more energy for better mileage. Similarly, the vehicle manufacturer may provide the vehicle with a highway mode, in which all functionalities of the vehicle may be controlled well within a predefined limit in order to ensure that the vehicle can be driven at a high speed while maintaining high mileage.

In an embodiment, the matrix-type lamp 100 may also include a sensing unit 108 in communication with the controller 104. In an embodiment, the sensing unit 108 may be configured to detect details pertaining to a speed of the vehicle. Therefore, the sensing unit 108 may include, but is not limited to, a speed sensor. In an embodiment, based on the detection by the sensing unit 108, the controller 104 may control operation of the light units 102 to illuminate in a predefined pattern for displaying the predefined message.

In an embodiment, the controller 104 may be configured to receive the instruction based on the operation of the message selector switch 106, when the vehicle is stationary, for example, as detected by the sensing unit 108. Therefore, in an embodiment, the controller 104 may be configured to discard the instruction received based on the operation of the message selector switch 106, when the vehicle is detected to be in motion, for example, by the sensing unit 108.

In an embodiment, the controller 104 may be configured to be in communication with an application 110 installed in a smart electronic device. In such an embodiment, the controller 104 may receive the instruction to display the predefined message, through the application 110. Therefore, the matrix-type lamp 100 may have a smart connectivity feature allowing it to connect with the application 110. In an embodiment, the controller 104 may be in communication with the application 110 through at least one of Bluetooth®, Near Field Communication (NFC), and Wi-Fi. Further, the matrix-type lamp 100 may derive the power from a battery of the vehicle.

In another embodiment, the controller 104 may be configured to be in communication with a remote controller. In such an embodiment, the controller 104 may be configured to illuminate the light units 102 based on an instruction received by operation of the remote controller. Therefore, if the user wants to search for his/her vehicle in a crowded parking space, the user can operate the remote controller to activate the light units 102 along with other lighting components or buzzer available in the vehicle.

In an embodiment, when the vehicle is put in the ignition, the matrix-type lamp 100 may display the last selected pattern or the message.

Figure 2 illustrates another block diagram depicting the matrix-type lamp 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the matrix-type lamp 100 may include, but is not limited to, the light units 102, a switch Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) 202, a shift register 204, the controller 104, and the message selector switch 106. For the sake of brevity, constructional and operational features of the matrix-type lamp 100 that are already explained in the description of Figure 1 are not explained in detail in the description of Figure 2.

Based on the pattern selected by the driver, the controller 104 may control operation of each of the light units 102 to form the pattern for displaying the predefined message. In an embodiment, the controller 104 may control activation of at least one row and at least one column forming the matrix of the light units 102 to display the predefined message. As illustrated, the controller 104 is in communication with the shift register 204.

In an embodiment, the shift register 204 may control current supplied to the light units 102. Therefore, the shift register 204 may operate in conjunction with the controller 104 to control the activation of each of the light units 102 to display the predefined message. In an embodiment, instead of the shift register 204, the matrix-type lamp 100 may include any switching device including, but not limited to, a transistor, a Field Effect Transistor (FET), and the MOSFET, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method 300 of operating the matrix-type lamp 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, constructional and operational features of the matrix-type lamp 100 that are already explained in the description of Figure 1 and Figure 2 are not explained in detail in the description of Figure 3.

At a block 302, the method 300 includes detecting details pertaining to an operational mode of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the sensing unit 108 may detect the details. At a block 304, the method 300 includes receiving the instruction to display the predefined message when the vehicle is stationary. In an embodiment, the instruction may be received based on at least one of an operation of the message selector switch 106 and the fulfillment of the predefined criterion. In an embodiment, the controller 104 may receive the instruction. At a block 306, the method 300 includes controlling operation of the light units 102 to illuminate in a predefined pattern for displaying the predefined message. In an embodiment, the controller 104 may control the operation of the light units 102, based on the instruction and the operational mode of the vehicle.

Figure 4 illustrates another flow chart depicting a method 400 of operating the matrix-type lamp 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, constructional and operational features of the matrix-type lamp 100 that are already explained in the description of Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3 are not explained in detail in the description of Figure 4.

At a block 402, the method 400 includes determining whether the vehicle is in an ignition mode. In an embodiment, when it is determined that the vehicle is in the ignition mode, the method 400 branches to a block 404. At the block 404, the matrix-type lamp 100 is switched-off. In an alternate embodiment, when it is determined that the vehicle is not in ignition mode, the method 400 branches to a block 406.

At the block 406, the method 400 includes determining an operational condition of the vehicle. In an embodiment, when it is determined that the vehicle is in a running condition, the method 400 branches to a block 408. At the block 408, the matrix-type lamp 100 may be operated to display an existing message. Therefore, in the running condition of the vehicle, the user cannot change the existing message. In another embodiment, when it is determined that the vehicle is in a stop condition, the method 400 branches to a block 410.

At the block 410, the method 400 includes monitoring the message selector switch 106. At a block 412, the method 400 includes detecting an input signal from the message selector switch 106. In an embodiment, when the signal input is indicative of a change in the message selector switch 106, the method 400 branches to a block 414. At the block 414, the method 400 includes determining a new message, based on the detected change. In an embodiment, when the signal input doesn’t indicate any change in the message selector switch 106, the method 400 branches to the block 408.

Based on the signal input, at a block 416, the method 400 includes operating the matrix-type lamp 100 to display either the existing message or the new message. Further, in an embodiment, at a block 418, the method 400 includes displaying a selected message on a user interface (not shown). In an embodiment, the selected message or any other detail pertaining to the message selection may be displayed on a display screen.

In the present disclosure, the matrix-type lamp 100 is explained with respect to implementation as the rear light of a two-wheeler vehicle. However, it should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the matrix-type lamp 100 can be used for other lights of the vehicle, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in an embodiment, the matrix-type lamp 100 may be used as a front position lamp (White or amber). Also, the matrix-type lamp 100 can be used for vehicles other that two-wheelers and four-wheelers as well by making minor modification to the construction of the matrix-type lamp 100, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As would be gathered, the matrix-type lamp 100 of the present disclosure allows the user to have multiple patterns to be displayed while riding. Further, since the existing pattern cannot be changed while the vehicle is in the running condition, it ensures that the user’s attention is not diverted while driving. Therefore, the present disclosure takes into consideration the safety of the user as well. Further, it allows the user to operate the matrix-type lamp 100 with a pattern that will draw minimum power from the battery, in case the battery is not healthy. Moreover, the user can switch between the messages or the patterns, based on his/her mood. Therefore, an overall operational cost of the vehicle may also be reduced.

While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, 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. The drawings and the foregoing 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. ,CLAIMS:1. A matrix-type lamp (100) comprising:
a plurality of light units (102), wherein each of the plurality of light units (102) is adapted to be individually illuminated; and
a controller (104) in communication with the plurality of light units (102), and configured to:
receive an instruction to display a predefined message by illumination of the plurality of light units (102), wherein the instruction is received based on one of an operation of a message selector switch (106) and a fulfillment of a predefined criterion; and
control operation of the plurality of light units (102) to illuminate in a predefined pattern for displaying the predefined message, based on the instruction.

2. The matrix-type lamp (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of light units (102) comprises at least of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

3. The matrix-type lamp (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of light units (102) is installed at a rear of a vehicle to display the predefined pattern or message.

4. The matrix-type lamp (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the predefined criterion comprises activation of an operational mode of the vehicle.

5. The matrix-type lamp (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the controller (104) is configured to receive the instruction based on the operation of the message selector switch (106).

6. The matrix-type lamp (100) as claimed in claim 5, comprising:
a sensing unit (108) in communication with the controller (104) and configured to detect details pertaining to a speed of the vehicle; and
the controller (104) configured to discard the instruction received based on the operation of the message selector switch (106), when the vehicle is detected to be in motion.

7. The matrix-type lamp (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (104) is configured to be in communication with an application (110) installed in a smart electronic device, and to receive the instruction to display the predefined message, through the application (110).

8. The matrix-type lamp (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (104) is configured to be in communication with a remote controller, and configured to illuminate the plurality of light units (102) based on an instruction received by operation of the remote controller.

9. A matrix-type lamp (100) for a vehicle comprising:
a plurality of light units (102), wherein each of the plurality of light units (102) is adapted to be individually illuminated;
a message selector switch (106) adapted to be operated for selecting a predefined message to be displayed by the illumination of the plurality of light units (102);
a sensing unit (108) configured to detect details pertaining to a speed of a vehicle; and
a controller (104) in communication with the plurality of light units (102), the message selector switch (106), and the sensing unit (108), the controller (104) configured to:
receive an instruction to display the predefined message, based on one of an operation of the message selector switch (106) and fulfillment of a predefined criterion; and
control operation of the plurality of light units (102) to illuminate in a predefined pattern for displaying the predefined message, based on the detection by the sensing unit (108).

10. A method (300) of operating a matrix-type lamp (100) comprising:
detecting, by a sensing unit (108), details pertaining to an operational mode of a vehicle;
receiving, by a controller (104), an instruction to display a predefined message when the vehicle is stationary, wherein the instruction is received based on at least one of an operation of a message selector switch (106) and a fulfillment of a predefined criterion; and
controlling operation of the plurality of light units (102) to illuminate in a predefined pattern for displaying the predefined message, based on the instruction and the operational mode of the vehicle.