BR102015025017A2 - PHOTOLUMINESCENT GRAPHIC REPRESENTATION FOR VEHICLE - Google Patents

Abstract

photoluminescent graphic representation for vehicle. The present invention relates to a lighting device for a vehicle. the lighting device comprises a surface comprising a first photoluminescent graphic representation comprising a first absorption strip and a second photoluminescent graphic representation comprising a second absorption strip. The lighting device further comprises at least one light source configured to emit a first emission at a first wavelength. the first wavelength is substantially aligned with the first absorption range to generate a higher level of fluorescence from the first photoluminescent graph than the second photoluminescent graph. thus, the lighting device is operable to selectively illuminate the first photoluminescent graphic representation and the second photoluminescent graphic representation substantially independently.

Description

(54) Title: PHOTOLUMINESCENT GRAPHIC REPRESENTATION FOR VEHICLE (51) Int. Cl .: B60Q 1/32; B60Q 1/50 (30) Unionist Priority: 09/30/2014 US 14 / 502,039 (73) Holder (s): FORD GLOBAL

TECHNOLOGIES, LLC (72) Inventor (s): STUART C. SALTER; JIM J. SURMAN; CORNEL LEWIS GARDNER; PAUL KENNETH DELLOCK (74) Attorney (s): MARIA PIA CARVALHO GUERRA (57) Summary: PHOTOLUMINESCENT GRAPHIC REPRESENTATION FOR VEHICLE. The present invention relates to a lighting device for a vehicle. The lighting device comprises a surface comprising a first photoluminescent graphic representation which comprises a first absorption band and a second photoluminescent graphic representation which comprises a second absorption band. The lighting device further comprises at least one light source configured to emit a first emission at a first wavelength. The first wavelength is substantially aligned with the first absorption band to generate a higher level of fluorescence from the first photoluminescent graphical representation than from the second photoluminescent graphical representation. In this way, the lighting device is operable to selectively illuminate the first photoluminescent graphic representation and the second photo luminescent graphic representation substantially independently.

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Invention Patent Descriptive Report for: PHOTOLUMINESCENT GRAPHIC REPRESENTATION FOR VEHICLE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [001] This Application is a part-continuation of United States Patent Application No. 14 / 452,893, filed on August 6, 2014 and entitled INTERIOR EXTERIOR MOVING DESIGNS, which is a continuation -in part of United States Patent Application No. 14 / 301,635, filed on June 11, 2014 and entitled PHOTOLUMINESCENT VEHICLE READING LAMP ', which is a continuation-in part of United States Patent Application No. 14 /156,869, filed on January 16, 2014 and entitled VEHICLE DOME LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE ', which is partly a continuation of United States Patent Application No. 14 / 086,442, filed on November 21, 2013 and entitled VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE '. The aforementioned related Orders are incorporated by reference in full.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [002] The present description refers, in general, to vehicle lighting systems and, more particularly, to vehicle lighting systems that employ photoluminescent structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [003] Lighting from photoluminescent materials offers a unique and attractive viewing experience. Therefore, it is desired to incorporate such photoluminescent materials into vehicle portions to provide ambient lighting and to perform tasks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [004] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a lighting device for a vehicle is described. The lighting device comprises a surface comprising a first photoluminescent graphic representation comprising a first absorption and

2/34 a second photoluminescent graphic representation comprising a second absorption band. The lighting device further comprises at least one light source configured to emit a first emission at a first wavelength. The first wavelength is substantially aligned with the first absorption band to generate a higher level of fluorescence from the first photoluminescent graphical representation than the second photoluminescent graphical representation. In this way, the lighting device is operable to selectively illuminate the first photoluminescent graphical representation and the second photoluminescent graphical representation substantially independently.

[005] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a lighting system for a vehicle is described. The lighting system comprises a panel that corresponds to a vehicle surface and at least one light source configured to emit a first emission. A coating is located on the surface close to at least one light source. The coating comprises at least one photoluminescent portion that extends along the surface, where the first emission is directed to the photoluminescent portion, so that the photoluminescent portion emits a second emission.

[006] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a lighting system for a vehicle is described. The lighting system comprises a first light source configured to emit a first emission and a first photoluminescent graphic representation that comprises a first absorption strip located on a surface. The lighting device further comprises a second photoluminescent graphic representation which comprises a second absorption strip located on the surface. The first light source is directed at at least a portion of each of the first photoluminescent graphical representation and the second photoluminescent graphical representation. The light source is configured to excite the first photoluminescent graphical representation

3/34 to produce a second emission at higher fluorescence than the second photoluminescent graphical representation in response to the first emission.

[007] These and other aspects, objectives and characteristics of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art when studying the following specification, claims and attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [008] In the drawings:

[009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle that comprises a lighting system configured to generate a movement effect;

[010] Figure 2A illustrates a photoluminescent structure presented as a coating;

[011] Figure 2B illustrates the photoluminescent structure presented as a discrete particle;

[012] Figure 2C illustrates a plurality of photoluminescent structures presented as discrete particles and incorporated in a separate structure;

[013] Figure 3 illustrates a lighting system configured to convert a first light emission to a second light emission;

[014] Figure 4 illustrates the lighting system configured to convert first and second light emissions into third and fourth light emissions, respectively;

[015] Figure 5 is a graphical representation that demonstrates a plurality of Stoke's deviations that correspond to a conversion of a first and second light emissions into a third and fourth light emissions; [016] Figure 6A is a detailed view of a first light emission configured to illuminate a first photoluminescent portion of a vehicle; [017] Figure 6B is a detailed view of a second light emission

4/34 configured to illuminate a second photoluminescent portion of a vehicle;

[018] Figure 6C is a detailed view of a first and second light emission configured to illuminate the first and second photoluminescent portions of a vehicle;

[019] Figure 7A is a detailed view of a first photoluminescent portion and a second photoluminescent portion configured to illuminate a vehicle surface;

[020] Figure 7B is a detailed view of a first photoluminescent portion and a second photoluminescent portion configured to illuminate a vehicle surface;

[021] Figure 8A is a side view of a vehicle comprising an operable lighting system for illuminating a vehicle surface from a hidden light source;

[022] Figure 8B is a side view of a vehicle that comprises a lighting system that demonstrates a first photoluminescent graphic representation illuminated by a first light source;

[023] Figure 8C is a side view of a vehicle that comprises a lighting system that demonstrates a second photoluminescent graphic representation illuminated by a second light source;

[024] Figure 8D is a side view of a vehicle comprising a lighting system that demonstrates a plurality of photoluminescent graphic representations illuminated by at least one light source; and [025] Figure 9 is a side view of a vehicle comprising a lighting system that demonstrates a first photoluminescent graphic representation and a second photoluminescent graphic representation illuminated by a plurality of light sources according to the description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [026] As required, detailed modalities of this description are described here. However, it should be understood that the modalities

5/34 described are merely exemplary of the description, which can be implemented in various and alternative ways. Drawings are not necessarily a detailed outline and some schemes can be exaggerated or minimized to show an overview of the function. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details described here should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ the present description differently.

[027] As used here, the term and / or, when used in a list of two or more items, means that any of the items listed can be used in itself or any combination of two or more of the items listed can be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B and / or C, the composition can contain only A; only B; only C; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B and C in combination.

[028] The terms first, second, third, etc., as used here, may provide designations with reference to figures for clarity. For example, a first portion and a second portion may be quoted in some implementations and only a second portion may be quoted in some additional implementations. Such designations may serve to demonstrate exemplary configurations and compositions and should not be considered to designate a specific number of essential elements or components of any specific implementation of the description, unless clearly specified otherwise. These designations, therefore, should be considered as providing clarity in reference to the various possible implementations of the description, which can be combined into various combinations and / or individually used to clearly cite various elements of the description.

[029] The following description describes a lighting system for a vehicle configured to illuminate a first photoluminescent portion of

6/34 at least one vehicle panel having a first luminescent absorption band. The first light source is configured to emit a first light emission having a first wavelength that corresponds to the first luminescent absorption range. In response to receiving the first emission, the first photoluminescent portion is configured to emit a second emission. The second emission has a second wavelength that differs from the first wavelength in that the second wavelength is longer and more perfectly visible to the human eye. In this configuration, the lighting system allows illumination of the first photoluminescent portion from the first light source.

[030] In some implementations, the lighting system also includes a second light source and a second photoluminescent portion having a second luminescent absorption band. The second light source is configured to emit a third emission having a third wavelength that corresponds to the second photoluminescent portion. In response to receiving the third emission, the second photoluminescent portion is configured to emit a fourth emission. The lighting system is operable to generate a perceived movement or animation effect by selectively illuminating the first light source and the second light source to generate the second and fourth emissions from the first and second photoluminescent portions, respectively.

[031] The effect of movement or animation, as discussed here, refers to a perceived visual effect that can result at least partially due to the persistence of a phenomenon in motion. For example, as the first and second light sources alternate to emit the first and third light emissions, the first and second photoluminescent portions can selectively illuminate and emit the second and fourth light emissions. By alternating between producing the second and fourth light emissions, the lighting system is operable to generate a movement effect that corresponds to the spatial relationship between the first and second portions

7/34 photoluminescent. The movement effect can correspond to a flicker, oscillation and / or animated sequence configured to generate a movement design and / or graphic representation on the vehicle.

[032] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of a vehicle 10 is shown which comprises a lighting system 12 configured to generate a motion effect. The lighting system 12 comprises at least one light source 14 configured to emit a first emission 16 having a first wavelength. The lighting system 12 further comprises at least a photoluminescent portion 18 configured to emit a second emission 20 having a second wavelength. The second emission 20 causes the at least one photoluminescent portion 18 to have an ambient brightness having a color that corresponds to one or more wavelengths that correspond to the second wavelength. At least one photoluminescent portion 18 can comprise at least one photoluminescent structure which is excited in response to receiving the first emission 16 and converts the first wavelength to the second wavelength to illuminate at least a portion of photoluminescent18.

[033] At least one photoluminescent portion 18 can correspond to a plurality of photoluminescent portions. Similarly, at least one light source 14 can correspond to a plurality of light sources. In some implementations, each of the plurality of light sources is configured to correspond to each of the photoluminescent portions to illuminate a corresponding photoluminescent portion. For example, a first light source 22 can correspond to a first photoluminescent portion 24. The first light source 22 can be configured to emit the first emission 16, so that the first photoluminescent portion 24 becomes excited and converts the first emission 16 in a second emission 20 having a second wavelength.

[034] In some implementations, a second light source 26 can

8/34 be configured to emit a third emission 28 which corresponds to a second photoluminescent portion 30. The second light source 26 can correspond to one of the plurality of light sources shown in Figure 1 as at least one light source 14. The second photoluminescent portion 30 can correspond to one of the plurality of photoluminescent portions shown in Figure 1 as at least one photoluminescent portion 18. In some implementations, the second photoluminescent portion 30 can be configured to have a shape or shape that complements the first photoluminescent portion 24, for example, a shadow, highlight and / or any shape configured to generate a distortion or equivalent movement effect in relation to the first photoluminescent portion 24.

[035] To generate the motion or enhancement effect, the second photoluminescent portion 30 is configured to become excited and convert the third emission 28 into a fourth emission 32 having a fourth wavelength. Thus, the description allows the lighting system 12 to be operable to selectively illuminate the first photoluminescent portion 24 and the second photoluminescent portion 30 to generate a moving animation effect. The second light source 26 and the second photoluminescent portion 30 can be located on the vehicle 10 similar to at least one light source 14 and at least one photoluminescent portion 18, respectively. A further discussion of the pluralities of light sources and photoluminescent portions is made here, particularly with regard to Figures 6A7B.

[036] Referring to Figures 2A-2C, in general, a photoluminescent structure 42 shown as a coating (for example, a film) capable of being applied to a vehicle accessory, a discrete particle capable of being implanted in a vehicle accessory and a plurality of discrete particles incorporated in a separate structure capable of being applied to a vehicle accessory, respectively. The photoluminescent structure 42 can correspond to the portions

9/34 photoluminescent portions as discussed here, for example, the first photoluminescent portion 24 and the second photoluminescent portion 30. At the most basic level, the photoluminescent structure 42 includes an energy conversion layer 44 that can be provided as a structure with a single layer or multiple layers, as shown by dashed lines in Figures 2A and 2B.

[037] The energy conversion layer 44 can include one or more photoluminescent materials having energy conversion elements selected from a phosphorescent or fluorescent material. Photoluminescent materials can be formulated to convert an introduced electromagnetic radiation into an electromagnetic radiation emitted generally having a longer wavelength and which expresses a color that is not characteristic of the introduced electromagnetic radiation. The difference in wavelength between the introduced and emitted electromagnetic radiation is said to be the Stoke deviation and serves as a driving force mechanism for an energy conversion process that corresponds to a variation in the light wavelength, often referred to as conversion downward. In the various implementations discussed here, each of the wavelengths of light (for example, the first wavelength, etc.) corresponds to the electromagnetic radiation used in the conversion process.

[038] Each of the photoluminescent portions can comprise at least one photoluminescent structure 42 which comprises an energy conversion layer (e.g., conversion layer 44). The energy conversion layer 44 can be prepared by dispersing the photoluminescent material in a polymeric matrix 50 to form a homogeneous mixture using a variety of methods. Such methods may include preparing the energy conversion layer 44 from a formulation in a liquid carrier medium and coating the energy conversion layer 44 on a desired flat and / or non-flat substrate of an accessory of a

10/34 vehicle. The coating of the energy conversion layer 44 can be deposited on a vehicle accessory by means of painting, screen printing, spraying, groove coating, dip coating, roller coating and bar coating. In addition, the energy conversion layer 44 can be prepared by methods that do not use a liquid carrier medium.

[039] For example, a solid state solution (homogeneous mixture in a dry state) of one or more photoluminescent materials can be incorporated into a polymeric matrix 50 to provide the energy conversion layer 44. The polymeric matrix 50 can be formed through extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, calendering, thermoforming, etc. In cases where one or more energy conversion layers 44 are presented as particles, the energy conversion layers 44 with a single or multiple layers can be implanted in an accessory or dashboard of a vehicle. When the energy conversion layer 44 includes a multilayer formulation, each layer can be coated sequentially. In addition, the layers can be prepared separately and then laminated or embossed together to form an integral layer. The layers can also be coextruded to prepare an integrated multi-layer energy conversion structure.

[040] Referring again to Figures 2A and 2B, the photoluminescent structure 42 can optionally include at least one stability layer 46 to protect the photoluminescent material contained within the energy conversion layer 44 against photolytic and thermal degradation. The stability layer 46 can be configured as a separate layer optically coupled and adhered to the energy conversion layer 44. The stability layer 46 can also be integrated with the energy conversion layer 44. The photoluminescent structure 42 can also optionally include a protective layer 48 optically coupled and adhered to the

11/34 stability layer 46 or any layer or coating to protect the photoluminescent structure 42 from physical and chemical damage from environmental exposure.

[041] The stability layer 46 and / or the protective layer 48 can be combined with the energy conversion layer 44 to form an integrated photoluminescent structure 42 through coating or sequential printing of each layer or through lamination or embossing. sequential relief. Alternatively, several layers can be combined by coating, laminating or sequential embossing to form a substructure. The substructure can then be laminated or embossed to form the integrated photoluminescent structure 42, Once formed, the photoluminescent structure 42 can be applied to an accessory and / or panel chosen from a vehicle.

[042] In some implementations, the photoluminescent structure 42 can be incorporated into a vehicle accessory as one or more particles with multiple discrete layers, as shown in Figure 2C. The photoluminescent structure 42 can also be provided as one or more particles with multiple discrete layers dispersed in a polymeric formulation which is subsequently applied to a vehicle accessory or panel as a contiguous structure. Additional information regarding the construction of photoluminescent structures to be used in at least a photoluminescent portion of a vehicle is described in United States Patent Application No. 8,232,533 to Kingsley et al., Entitled PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION, deposited on 31 July 2012, the complete description of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[043] Referring to Figure 3, the lighting system 12 is, in general, shown according to a front lighting configuration 62 to convert the first emission 16 from at least one light source 14 to the

12/34 second broadcast 20. The first broadcast 16 comprises a first wavelength comprimento1 and the second broadcast 20 comprises a second wavelength λ2. The lighting system 12 may include the photoluminescent structure 42 presented as a coating and applied to a substrate 64 of a vehicle accessory 66. The photoluminescent structure 42 may include the energy conversion layer 44 and, in some implementations, may include the stability layer 46 and / or protective layer 48. In response to the activation of at least one light source 14, the first emission 16 is converted from the first wavelength λ1 to the second emission 20 having at least the second wavelength Λ2 . The second emission 20 may comprise a plurality of wavelengths configured to emit significantly white light from the vehicle accessory 66.

[044] In various implementations, the lighting system 12 comprises at least one energy conversion layer 44 configured to convert the first emission 16 into the first wavelength Λ1 to the second emission 20 having at least the second wavelength À2. The at least one energy conversion layer 44 can be configured to generate a variety of visible colors by using at least one of a red-emitting photoluminescent material, a green-emitting photoluminescent material and a blue-emitting photoluminescent material dispersed in the polymer matrix 50. Red, green and blue-emitting photoluminescent materials can be combined to generate significantly white light for the second emission 20. In addition, red, green and blue-emitting photoluminescent materials can be used in a variety of proportions and combinations to control the color of the second emission 20. [045] Each of the photoluminescent materials can vary in output intensity, output wavelength and peak absorption wavelengths based on a particular photochemical structure and combinations of photochemical structures used in conversion layer

13/34 energy 44. An intensity of the second emission 20 can be varied by adjusting the wavelength of the first emission. In addition to or alternatively to the red, green and blue emitting photoluminescent materials, other photoluminescent materials can be used individually and in various combinations to generate the second emission 20 in a wide variety of colors. In this way, the lighting system 12 can be configured for a variety of applications to provide a desired color and lighting effect for the vehicle 10.

[046] At least one light source 14 can refer to the plurality of light sources, including the first light source 22 and the second light source 26. The at least one light source 14 can also be said to be a excitation source and is operable to emit at least the first emission 16. The at least one light source 14 can comprise any form of light source, for example, halogen lighting, fluorescent lighting, light emitting diodes (Light Emitting Diodes) - LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), polymeric LEDs (PLEDs) solid state lighting or any other form of lighting configured to emit the first emission 16.

[047] Referring now to Figure 4, the lighting system 12 is shown in a configuration comprising a plurality of photoluminescent portions 80, including the first photoluminescent portion 24 and the second photoluminescent portion 30. The first photoluminescent portion 24 is configured to emitting the second emission 20 in response to receiving the first emission 16 from the first light source 22. The second photoluminescent portion 30 is configured to emit the fourth emission 32 in response to receiving the third emission 28 from the second light source 26. Each of the plurality of photoluminescent portions 80 can be excited independently. For example, the second issue 20 may be issued while the fourth issue 32 is inactive and the fourth issue 32 may be issued while the second issue 20 is inactive. This selective activation of each of the portions

14/34 photoluminescent 80 can be implemented when using photoluminescent materials having absorption bands that do not overlap.

[048] In some implementations, the first emission 16 from the first light source 22 can be configured so that the first wavelength Λ1 corresponds to a first absorption band of the first photoluminescent portion 24. The third emission 28 from of the second light source 26 can be configured so that the third wavelength A3 corresponds to a second absorption band of the second photoluminescent portion 30. The first absorption band can correspond to a light emission absorption band which is substantially different from the second absorption range. In this configuration, the first light source 22 can selectively activate the first photoluminescent portion 24 with the first emission 16 in the first absorption range and the second light source 26 can selectively activate the second photoluminescent portion 30 with the third emission 28 in the second absorption range.

[049] Referring now to Figure 5, an example graphic representation 84 of the conversion from the first issue 16 to the second issue 20 and from the third issue 28 to the fourth issue 32 is shown. The independent axis 86 of the graphic 84 shows an absorption range in nanometers, which corresponds to the wavelengths of light absorbed by the photoluminescent materials and corresponding photoluminescent portions 24 and 30. Dependent axis 88 demonstrates the emission fluorescence percentage of the photoluminescent bands as a function of the emission absorption. Each of the emissions 20 and 32 from the photoluminescent portions 24 and 30 is configured to emit light at one or more wavelengths that correspond to the specific photoluminescent materials implemented.

[050] In this example, the graphical representation 84 shows the first absorption band 90 and the second absorption band 92 and each of the corresponding light emissions (for example, the second emission 20 and the

15/34 fourth issue 32). The first absorption band 90 corresponds to longer wavelengths of light than the second absorption band 92. In this way, the first photoluminescent portion 24 can be illuminated independently of the second photoluminescent portion 30. The resulting absorption bands and emissions can be configured by the particular photoluminescent materials used in each of the photoluminescent portions 24 and 30. Various combinations of photoluminescent materials can provide a wide range of colors and combinations of wavelengths to generate the motion effect.

[051] The term absorption range, as used here, defines a range of wavelengths that excite a photoluminescent portion or structure and cause a photoluminescent material to become excited. In response to the excitation, the photoluminescent portion emits an emission having at least one wavelength of light which is at least partly outside the absorption range. In various implementations, the absorption range of the photoluminescent materials as discussed here can vary. In addition, the light emission in the form of emitted fluorescence can be selected based on the material properties of the photoluminescent structures discussed here.

[052] Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, an example of a particular combination of photoluminescent materials and light sources is demonstrated. The first absorption range 90 may correspond to a range of wavelengths in the range of blue light and / or close to the UV having wavelengths of approximately 390-450 nm. The second absorption range 92 may correspond to a substantially non-overlapping range of wavelengths in the range of UV and / or blue light having wavelengths of approximately 250-410 nm. The first emission 16 can have approximately 470 nm configured to cause the first photoluminescent portion 24 to emit the second emission 20 of approximately 525 nm. The third emission 28 can have approximately 370 nm configured for

16/34 cause the second photoluminescent portion 30 to emit the fourth emission 32 of approximately 645 nm. In this way, the second emission 20 and the fourth emission 32 can be selectively excited by each of the light sources 22, 26 to independently emit a substantially green colored light and a substantially reddish orange colored light, respectively.

[053] In general, the photoluminescent materials of the first photoluminescent portion 24 and the second photoluminescent portion 30 can be combined in various proportions, types, layers, etc. to generate a variety of colors for each of the luminescent emissions. Although particular materials and structures of photoluminescent materials are discussed here, various materials can be used without departing from the spirit of the description. In some implementations, the first photoluminescent portion 24 is configured to have the first absorption band 90 being substantially larger than the second absorption band 92. In addition, the second wavelength Λ2 of the second emission 20 can be configured to emit a length wavelength or wavelength range substantially shorter than the fourth wavelength Λ4 of the fourth emission 32.

[054] In some implementations, the first photoluminescent portion 24 may comprise an organic fluorescent dye configured to convert the first emission 16 to the second emission 20. For example, the first photoluminescent material may comprise a photoluminescent structure of rylenes, xanthenes, porphyrins, phthalocyanines or other materials suitable for a particular Stoke shift defined by an absorption and fluorescence emission range. The first photoluminescent portion 24 and the corresponding material can be configured to have a smaller Stoke shift than the second photoluminescent portion. In this way, each of the photoluminescent portions 24 and 30 can be illuminated independently by the light sources 22 and 26 to emit different colors of light.

ΠΙ2Α [055] The second photoluminescent portion 30 may comprise a photoluminescent structure 42 configured to generate a Stoke shift greater than the first photoluminescent portion 24. The second photoluminescent portion may comprise an organic or inorganic material configured to have the second range of absorption 92 and a desired wavelength or color. In an exemplary embodiment, the photoluminescent structure 42 of the second photoluminescent portion 30 can be at least one inorganic luminescent material selected from the group of phosphorescent substances. The inorganic luminescent material can, more particularly, be from the group of Ce-doped grenades, such as YAG: Ce. This configuration can allow a second Stoke shift of the second photoluminescent portion 30 to be longer than a first Stoke shift of the first photoluminescent portion 24.

[056] The first emission of 16 and the third emission 28 of light sources are shown having wavelengths in the blue spectral color range and shorter wavelengths (UV wavelengths). Such wavelengths can be used as excitation sources for the photoluminescent portions and provide almost imperceptible sources of illumination, due to the fact that these wavelengths of light have limited perceptual acuity in the visible spectrum of the human eye. By using shorter wavelengths for excitation sources (for example, the first emission 16 and the third emission 28), the lighting system 12 can create a visual light effect from the photoluminescent portions 24 and 30. In addition, in this configuration, light is emitted from the photoluminescent structure 42 (for example, the first photoluminescent portion 24, the second photoluminescent portion 30) from vehicle 10 locations that may be inaccessible or expensive to add conventional light sources that require electrical connections.

[057] To obtain the various colors and combinations of photoluminescent materials described here, the lighting system 12 can use

18/34 any form of photoluminescent materials, for example, photoluminescent materials, organic and inorganic dyes, etc. For additional information on the manufacture and use of photoluminescent materials to obtain various emissions, refer to United States Patent No. 8,207,511 to Bortz et al., Entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT FIBERS, COMPOSITIONS AND FABRICS MADE THEREFROM ', deposited on 26 June 2012; United States Patent No. 8,247,761 to Agrawal et al., Entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT MARKINGS WITH FUNCTIONAL OVERLAYERS ', filed on August 21, 2012; United States Patent No. 8,519,359 B2 to Kingsley et al., Entitled PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION ', filed on August 27, 2013; United States Patent No. 8,664,624 B2 to Kingsley et al., Entitled “ILLUMINATION DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR GENERATING SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION ', filed on March 4, 2014; United States Patent Publication No. 2012/0183677 to Agrawal et al., Entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND NOVEL USES filed on July 19, 2012; United States Patent Publication No. 2014/0065442 A1 to Kingsley et al., Entitled PHOTOLUMINESCENT OBJECTS, filed on March 6, 2014; and United States Patent Publication No. 2014/0103258 A1 to Agrawal et al., entitled CHROMIC LUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS AND TEXTILES filed on April 17, 2014, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in full.

[058] Referring now to Figures 6A-6C, detailed views of the first photoluminescent portion 24 and the second photoluminescent portion 30 are shown which demonstrate a combined motion and / or accent lighting effect according to the description. As discussed here, lighting system 12 is operable to selectively illuminate the first

19/34 photoluminescent portion 24 when emitting the first emission 16 from the first light source 22, The lighting system 12 is still operable to selectively illuminate the second photoluminescent portion 30 when emitting the third emission 28 from the second light source 26. Each of the light sources 22 and 26 can be selectively activated by one or more light controllers configured to control the first and second light sources 22 and 26.

[059] Light sources 22 and 26 can be activated in combination or intermittently to generate a visual effect, for example, flickering, oscillation, animated movement, etc. When activated in combination, as shown in Figure 6C, the combination of the second emission 20 and the fourth emission 32 allows the simultaneous emission of a first color of light 100 which corresponds to the second wavelength K2 and the second color of light 102 which corresponds to to the fourth A4 wavelength. As shown in figure 5, the second wavelength À2 and the fourth wavelength Λ4 can each correspond to one or more wavelengths combined to form a medium or perceived light color. Each of the first color 100 and the second color 102 can correspond to different colors or shades of perceived colors that can be selectively emitted to generate a movement effect.

[060] Referring now to Figures 7A and 7B, detailed views of a first photoluminescent portion 112 and a second photoluminescent portion 114 are shown which demonstrate a moving or fading lighting effect which can be configured to generate a plurality of colors. light. In this example, each of the photoluminescent portions 112 and 114 can be similar to the first photoluminescent portion 24 and the second photoluminescent portion 30, in that the first photoluminescent portion is primarily illuminated in response to the first emission 16 from the first light source 22 and the second photoluminescent portion is primarily illuminated in response to the third emission 28

20/34 from the second light source 26. In this configuration, the first light source 22 and the second light source 26 can be configured to generate a moving, fading and / or pulsating lighting effect by controlling the intensity and directional focus of the first light source 22 and the second light source 26.

[061] Each of the photoluminescent portions 112 and 114, as shown, forms a selectively illuminated portion 116 that can correspond to a coating applied to a surface 118 of the vehicle 10 and / or at least one photoluminescent material dispersed in an applied paint or coating to surface 118. For clarity, the selectively lit portion 116 is shown as a simple trapezoidal shape, however, the selectively lit portion 116 can match any shape, design, highlight and / or combination thereof. In addition, the first photoluminescent portion 112 can correspond to a first shape or design and the second photoluminescent portion 114 can correspond to a second shape or design, each having different lengths and / or proportions. The first photoluminescent portion 112 can also partially or completely overlap the second photoluminescent portion 114 within the selectively illuminated portion 116.

[062] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the first photoluminescent portion 112 is demonstrated as a first pattern of lines extending down diagonally from the upper left limit of the selectively illuminated portion 116 to the lower right limit of the selectively portion illuminated 116. The second photoluminescent portion 114 is shown as a second pattern of lines extending diagonally upward from the lower left limit of the selectively illuminated portion 116 to the upper right limit of the selectively illuminated portion 116. For clarity, each of the photoluminescent portions 112 and 114 is shown to extend coextensively to the limits of the selectively illuminated portion 116. However, each of the portions

Photoluminescent 21/34 can be applied to any portion of surface 118 or any other surface of vehicle 10 where light sources 22 and 26 can be directed.

[063] In reference to Figure 7A, the second light source 26 is shown as a second plurality of lighting devices 120. The lighting system 12 is operable to generate a second light gradient or light pattern 122a emitted as the third emission 28, as shown by the length of each of the arrows denoting the third emission 28. Corresponding to light pattern 122a, an illuminated area 124a of the second photoluminescent portion 114 can be excited to emit a fourth emission 126. The first source of light 22 comprises a first plurality of lighting devices 130 and is also operable to generate a first light gradient or light pattern 132a emitted as the first emission 16, as demonstrated by the length of each of the arrows denoting the first emission 16. Corresponding to the light pattern 132a, an illuminated area 134a of the first photoluminescent portion 112 is excited to emit a second emission 136. In this configuration, each of the light sources 22 and 26 and their respective lighting devices 130 and 120 are operable to selectively illuminate various patterns and parts of each of the photoluminescent portions 112 and 114.

[064] Referring to Figure 7B, as an additional example, the lighting system 12 is operable to generate a first light gradient or light pattern 132b emitted as the first emission 16, as demonstrated by the length of each of the arrows that denote the first emission 16. Corresponding to the light pattern 132b, an illuminated area 134b of the first photoluminescent portion 112 is excited to emit the second emission 136. The second light source 26 comprises the second plurality of lighting devices 120 and is also operable to generate the second light gradient or light pattern 122b emitted as the third emission 28. Corresponding to the light pattern 122b, an illuminated area 124b of the second portion

22/34 photoluminescent 114 is excited to emit the fourth emission 126.

[065] The various lighting emissions and corresponding standards, emitted from the first plurality of lighting devices 130 and the second plurality of lighting device 120 can be configured to illuminate different extensions, parts and patterns of photoluminescent emissions from the surface 118. Photoluminescent emissions are selectively generated by each of the lighting devices 130 and 120 by exciting the photoluminescent materials from the first photoluminescent portion 112 and the second photoluminescent portion 114. The various light patterns emitted from the photoluminescent portions 130 and 120 can be controlled by the lighting intensity and selective lighting of each of the lighting devices of the lighting devices 130 and 120. In this configuration, the lighting system 12 is operable to generate various light patterns and lighting effects on the surface 118 of the vehicle 10 In some implementations, the system of lighting 12 is operable to generate moving, fading, pulsating lighting patterns and several additional patterns by selectively activating the second emission 136 and the fourth emission 126 in response to the activation of the first plurality of lighting devices 130 and the second plurality of lighting device lighting 120.

[066] As discussed here, the first photoluminescent portion 112 and the second photoluminescent portion 114 may correspond to a first color and a second color, respectively. Each of the photoluminescent portions 112 and 114 can also be configured to have a first absorption band 90 and a second absorption band 92, as discussed in reference to Figure 5. In general, the first absorption band and the second absorption band may correspond to substantially different bands or partially overlapping bands of light wavelengths emitted from the first light source 22 and the second light source 26. In the example where the first and second absorption bands correspond to wavelengths of substantially different light, the first portion

23/34 photoluminescent 112 and the second photoluminescent portion 124 can be independently excited by their respective light sources 22 and 26. In the example where the first absorption strip and the second absorption strip are partially overlapping, the first photoluminescent portion 112 and the second photoluminescent portion 124 can be partially excited by each of the light sources 22 and 26 to vary the intensity and generate a combined effect of the first photoluminescent portion 112 and the second photoluminescent portion 114.

[067] For example, the first light source 22 can illuminate the first photoluminescent portion 112 with an efficiency of approximately 90 percent and also illuminate the second photoluminescent portion 114 with an efficiency of approximately 40 percent. The efficiency of each of the light sources 22 and 26 to illuminate the photoluminescent portions 112 and 114 can be controlled by selecting light sources that emit desired wavelengths of light. The desired wavelengths of light can correspond to different portions of an absorption band of a particular photoluminescent material or combination of photoluminescent materials. In this configuration, the first light source 22 can be operable to combine the first color emitted from the first photoluminescent portion 112 with the second color emitted from the second photoluminescent portion 114. Similarly, the second light source 26 can be operable for combining the second color emitted from the second photoluminescent portion 114 with the first color emitted from the first photoluminescent portion 112. By varying the intensities of each lighting device from the plurality of lighting devices 130 and 120, the lighting system is operable to generate a variety of light colors, light patterns, motion effects and combinations of them.

[068] In some implementations, the first photoluminescent portion 112 can still be configured to emit a plurality of colors of light from a first plurality of colored portions 140. For example, the

24/34 first photoluminescent portion 112 may comprise a first colored portion 142, a second colored portion 144 and a third colored portion 146. Each colored portion 142, 144, 146 can be configured to be excited with varying levels of efficiency in response at the first emission 16 from the first light source 22. In addition, the second photoluminescent portion 114 can be configured to emit a plurality of colors of light from a second plurality of colored portions 150. The second photoluminescent portion 114 may comprise a fourth colored portion 152, a fifth colored portion 154 and a sixth colored portion 156. Each colored portion 152, 154, 156 can be configured to be excited with various levels of efficiency in response to the second emission 28 from the second source of light 26.

[069] Although colored portions 142, 144, 146, 152, 154 and 156 are shown as overlapping portions of the first photoluminescent portion 112 and the second photoluminescent portion 114, each of the colored portions can be applied to distinct and / or partially portions superimposed on the surface 118. In this way, the lighting system 12 allows the illumination of various patterns, colors, designs, lighting effects and movement effects. The lighting system 12 is operable to control the intensity of each colored portion 142, 144, 146, 152, 154 and 156 at various levels and intensities by controlling each lighting device from the pluralities of lighting devices 130, 120. As demonstrated by various examples and configurations described here, the lighting system allows for a flexible lighting system operable to provide a variety of lighting effects. The lighting system 12 also has the added benefit of being operable to generate various lighting effects, while maintaining a low cost of implementation.

[070] Referring now to Figures 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D, a lighting system 178 can be configured to illuminate a surface 180 of a vehicle 182. Lighting system 178 can incorporate several

25/34 characteristics and elements discussed with reference to the lighting system 12. As such, similar reference numerals can be used to describe various elements of the lighting system 178. The lighting system 178 can be configured to illuminate a first graphic representation 184 and a second graphic representation 186. Each of the first graphic representation 184 and the second graphic representation 186 can be configured to selectively illuminate in response to receiving an emission from at least one light source 188. The lighting system 178 can also be configured to interact with ambient lighting conditions (during the day, night, artificial lighting, etc.) to provide various visual effects visualized by separately lighting the first graphical representation 184 and the second graphical representation 186.

[071] The term graphic representation, as used here, can refer to any form of character, therefore, markup, format and any other form of design. As such, each of the first graphic representation, the second graphic representation and any other graphic representations, designs, logos and / or characters can be interchanged, combined and / or mixed to obtain a desired appearance for the first graphic representation 184 and the second graphical representation 186. For example, the first graphical representation 184 is shown as a logo or group of characters and the second graphical representation is shown as a format. However, in various implementations, the first graphic representation 184 and the second graphic representation 186 can correspond to any combination of characters, designs, logos, formats and / or markings located on a vehicle surface.

[072] At least one light source 188 may be located on the surface 180 of vehicle 182 and, in some implementations, may be hidden behind a panel or decorative strip 190. In this configuration, lighting system 12 may be operable to project light from at least one light source 188, which can result in illumination of the first

26/34 graphical representation 184 and the second graphical representation 186. In some implementations, at least one light source 188 can comprise the first light source 22 and the second light source 26. The first light source 22 and the second light source 26 can each be configured in a series of emitters that extend longitudinally along the surface 180 of vehicle 182. Similar to lighting system 12, the first light source 22 can be configured to emit a first emission 16 and the second light source 26 can be configured to emit a third emission 28. For clarity, the first light source 22 is indicated only by reference numeral 22 in Figures 8B and 9 and the second light source 26 is indicated only by reference numeral 26 in Figures 8C and 9. Corresponding reference numbers for first issue 16 and second issue 28 can also be indicated in Figures 8B and 9 and Figures 8C and 9, respectively.

[073] Figure 8A demonstrates the lighting system 178 in a first state 190 which corresponds to the inactivation of the first light source 22 and the second light source 26. As illustrated, Figure 8A can demonstrate the appearance of surface 180 in a daytime lighting condition. The surface 180 of vehicle 182 is shown to have a modeled or textured appearance in the form of a mask 192 that corresponds to a region that can be illuminated by at least one light source 188. Surface 180 can also correspond to a region of vehicle 182 wherein the first graphical representation 184 and the second graphical representation 186 can be incorporated. In some implementations, surface 180 can be painted and / or coated with an enamel and / or paint configured to provide the textured appearance 192.

[074] In some implementations, mask 192 can serve to decrease and hide light emissions that correspond to the first graphical representation 184 and the second graphical representation 186 resulting from ambient lighting conditions. For example, the first graphical representation 184 and the

The second graphical representation 186 may comprise at least one photoluminescent material which may become excited in response to receiving at least one wavelength of light from an ambient light source, for example, the sun. As a result, the first graphical representation 184 and the second graphical representation 186 can be at least partially visible when the first light source 22 and the second light source 26 are inactive. By applying mask 192 to surface 180, the first graphic 184 and the second graphic 186 can be substantially hidden, even when exposed to ambient lighting conditions. In such implementations, the first light source 22 and the second light source 26 can correspond to high-power light sources, for example, high-power LEDs, operable to emit enough light energy to illuminate the first graphical representation 184 and / or the second graphic representation 186 when vehicle 182 is exposed to ambient lighting conditions.

[075] In some implementations, mask 192 that incorporates the modeled or textured appearance can be applied to the entire vehicle 182 to provide a substantially uniform painted appearance. Similarly, vehicle 182 paint can be textured, similar to mask 192. Mask 192 can also be configured to appear as a painted highlight, for example, a racing stripe. In this way, the first graphic representation 184 and the second graphic representation 186 can be hidden in a variety of ways when surface 180 is exposed to ambient lighting conditions.

[076] Although mask 192 is described as being used to decrease and / or hide the first graphic representation 184 and the second graphic representation 186 when exposed to ambient lighting conditions, in some implementations, mask 192 may not be used. The luminance of the first graphical representation 184 and the second graphical representation 186 in response to ambient lighting conditions

28/34 can be highly dependent on a combination of a vehicle paint color 182, a concentration and / or intensity of a photoluminescent material used in graphics 184 and 186 and one or more colors emitted by the photoluminescent materials used in graphics 184 and 186. For example, sunlight can cause each of the first graphical representation 184 and the second graphical representation 186 to illuminate by providing an excitation emission similar to the first and / or third emissions 16 and 28. However, if the concentration and / or intensity of photoluminescent materials used to generate emissions from the first graphical representation 184 and the second graphical representation 186 is limited the broad spectrum of sunlight can eliminate and / or partially or completely hide any substantially visible evidence that the first graphical representation 184 and the second graphical representation 186 are illuminated. As such, mask 192 may be used in some implementations and may not be desirable in others.

[077] Referring now to Figures 8B, 8C and 8D, the lighting system 178 is illustrated in a second state 194, a third state 196 and a fourth state 198, respectively. An exemplary appearance resulting from surface 180, as shown in Figures 8B, 8C and 8D, can correspond to an ambient lighting condition that does not include the first wavelength and the third wavelength which correspond to the first emission 16 and the third emission 28. That is, the lighting condition may not correspond to one or more excitation emissions configured to excite the photoluminescent materials that correspond to the first graphical representation 184 and the second graphical representation 186. For example, the ambient lighting condition may correspond to a night lighting condition or an artificial lighting condition, such as a vehicle showroom lighting condition.

29/34 [078] Additionally, Figures 8B, 8C and 8D represent mask 192 in a lighter and less apparent texture. This representation of mask 192 can provide an exemplary illustration of an embodiment of the lighting system 178 in which mask 192 is employed. The lighter and less apparent texture of mask 192 can serve to demonstrate that, during conditions of night and artificial lighting, a contrast between mask 192 and other surfaces of vehicle 182 may be less apparent. It can also be reiterated, at this point, that the mask 192 may not be incorporated in some implementations of the lighting system 178 and / or combined to match the appearance of the other surfaces of the vehicle 182.

[079] Figure 8B shows the lighting system 178 having the first light source 22 activated so that the first emission 16 is emitted towards surface 180 from a corresponding first series of emitters 202. The second light source 26 may be inactive in this configuration. In response to receiving the first emission 16, a first photoluminescent portion 204 that corresponds to the first graphic representation 184 can become excited and emit a second emission 206. In this configuration, the first photoluminescent portion 204 of the first graphic representation 184 can be illuminated in a substantially higher level of illumination or brightness than the second graphical representation 186. The higher level of illumination of the first graphical representation 184 in relation to the second graphical representation 186 in response to the receipt of the first broadcast 16 may be due to the fact that the first photoluminescent portion 204 has the first absorption range 90.

[080] With reference to Figure 8C, the lighting system 178 is shown having the second light source 26 activated, so that the third emission 28 is emitted towards the surface 180 from a second series of corresponding emitters 208. The first light source 22 may be inactive

30/34 in this configuration. In response to receiving the third emission 28, a second photoluminescent portion 210, corresponding to the second graphic representation 186, may become excited and emit a fourth emission 212. In response to receiving the third emission 28, the second photoluminescent portion 210 of the second graphical representation 186 can be illuminated at a substantially higher level of illumination than the first graphical representation 184. As such, lighting system 178 can be operable to selectively illuminate the first photoluminescent portion 204 substantially independent of the second photoluminescent portion 210.

[081] As discussed here, the first photoluminescent portion 204 and the second photoluminescent portion 210 may correspond to a first color and a second color, respectively. Each of the photoluminescent portions 204 and 210 can also be configured to have the first absorption range 90 and the second absorption range 92, as discussed in reference to Figure 5. In general, the first absorption range and the second absorption range they may correspond to substantially different bands or bands of partially overlapping light wavelengths emitted from the first light source 22 and the second light source 26, respectively. In the example where the first and second absorption bands correspond to substantially different wavelengths of light, the first photoluminescent portion 204 and the second photoluminescent portion 210 can be independently excited by their respective light sources 22 and 26.

[082] In the example where the first absorption band and the second absorption band are partially overlapping, the first photoluminescent portion 204 and the second photoluminescent portion 210 can be partially excited by each of the light sources 22 and 26. For example , the first wavelength of the first emission 16 can cause the second photoluminescent portion 210 to be illuminated at an intensity or brightness

31/34 shorter than the third wavelength of the third emission 28. Similarly, the third wavelength of the third emission 28 can cause the first photoluminescent portion 204 to become illuminated at a lower intensity or brightness than the first wavelength. of the first emission wave 16. In this configuration, each of the light sources 22 and 26 can be configured to partially illuminate each of the photoluminescent portions 204 and 210 at different intensities to illuminate each of the graphical representations 184 and 186 in various combinations.

[083] Referring to Figure 8D, the lighting system 178 is shown having both the first and second light sources 22 and 26 activated. In this configuration, both the first emission 16 and the third emission 28 can be emitted towards surface 180. In response to receiving these excitation emissions 16 and 28, both photoluminescent portions 204 and 210 can become excited and emit the second issue 206 and the fourth issue 212, respectively. In this way, the lighting system 178 can be operable to selectively illuminate both the first photoluminescent portion 204 and the second photoluminescent portion 210.

[084] In some implementations, lighting system 178 can be configured to selectively illuminate each light emitter in the first series of emitters 202 and / or the second series of emitters 208. Referring to Figure 9, lighting device 178 is shown by illuminating a portion of the first graphic representation 184 by selectively activating a first selection of emitters 222 of the first series of emitters 202 that corresponds to the first light source 22. A part of the second graphic representation 186 can also be illuminated by selectively activating a second selection of emitters 224 of the second series of emitters 208 corresponding to the second light source 26. In this configuration, the lighting device 178 can be operable to create a variety of visual effects by illuminating various combinations of emitters to illuminate parts of the first representation

32/34 graph 184 and / or the second graph 186, [085] As described here, a selection of transmitters (for example, 222 and 224) can correspond to one or more contiguous or non-contiguous emitters from each of the series of emitters 202 and 208. Some examples of visual effects that can be generated by lighting system 178 may include sequential or random activation of each of the emitters in each of the series of emitters 202 and 208 by flashing one or more emitters and / or flashing several selections of issuers. Additionally, the intensity of each emitter can be varied to vary the intensity of the first emission 22 and / or the third emission 28. In this way, the lighting device 178 can be operable to generate a combined effect of the second emission 206 and the fourth emission 212 from the first photoluminescent portion 204 and the second photoluminescent portion 210, respectively.

[086] For example, the first light source 22 can be activated at a first intensity which can be approximately 50% of the first total intensity. In response, the first photoluminescent portion 204 can illuminate the first graphic representation 184 at approximately 50% of a maximum intensity of the second emission 206. Additionally, the second light source 26 can be activated at a second intensity, which can be approximately 10 % of a second total intensity. In response, the second photoluminescent portion 210 can illuminate the second graphic representation 186 at approximately 10% of a maximum intensity of the fourth emission 212. In this way, the lighting system 178 can be operable to illuminate the first graphic representation 184 and the second representation graphics in various intensities to adjust, combine and / or project lighting in the form of second emission 206 and / or fourth emission 212 in various combinations. The lighting device can be operable to adjust the intensity of each light source emitter 22 and 26 by varying a magnitude and / or duty cycle of the voltage / current supplied to the light sources 22 and

33/34 or each individual transmitter of the first and second series of the emitter 202 and 208. In this way, the lighting system 178 can be operable to adjust the level of brightness or intensity of light emitted as the first emission 16 and the third emission 28 .

[087] In some implementations, lighting system 178 may also be operable to selectively activate light source 22 and 26 to illuminate the first graphic representation and / or the second graphic representation in various intensities, patterns and sequences in response to at least least one vehicle condition. A lighting controller of the lighting system can be in communication with a vehicle control module, so that the lighting controller can control light sources 22 and 26 in response to signals received from the vehicle control module to identify a vehicle status. The lighting controller may comprise one or more circuits and / or processors operable to control light sources 22 and 26 in response to receiving signals from the vehicle controller configured to identify a vehicle status 182. [088] For example , the lighting controller may be operable to control an intensity or illumination level of the light sources 22 and 26 in response to an ambient light condition, presence detection or any form of sensory interface. The lighting controller can also selectively activate light sources 22 and 26 in response to an ignition event, a lockout, unlocking drive, a gear selection, emergency brake activation, vehicle speed, braking, reverse signal , etc. In some implementations, lighting system 178 can also be configured to selectively illuminate light sources 22 and 26 in response to a presence or proximity detection of a vehicle key or key fob and / or a signal from an input device without remote key.

[089] The description provides a lighting system 178 configured to emit light from a plurality of photoluminescent portions that can

34/34 correspond to various symbols and / or graphic representations on a vehicle surface. The various implementations provide a plurality of photoluminescent materials that can be selectively activated to generate various lighting effects in response to the activation of a plurality of light sources. The 178 system provides several benefits, including the generation of visual effects to improve the appearance of a vehicle, increase the value and confer various safety benefits by improving visibility.

[090] It should be understood that variations and modifications can be made to the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further, it should be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims, unless these claims, by their language, expressly establish otherwise.

1/4

Claims (20)

1. Lighting device for a vehicle that comprises: a surface comprising a first photoluminescent graphic representation comprising a first absorption strip and a second photoluminescent graphic representation comprising a second absorption strip; and at least one light source configured to emit a first emission at a first wavelength, where the first wavelength is substantially aligned with the first absorption band to generate a higher level of fluorescence from the first photoluminescent graphical representation than the second photoluminescent graphic representation. Lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first photoluminescent graphic representation is configured to emit a first color of light and the second photoluminescent graphic representation is configured to emit a second color of light. Illumination device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one light source corresponds to a first light source and a second light source, the first light source configured to emit the first emission. Illumination device according to claim 3, characterized in that the second light source is configured to emit a third emission in a second wavelength substantially in line with the second absorption band. 5. Lighting device according to claim 3, characterized in that the second photoluminescent graphic representation is configured to emit a fourth emission in response to the receipt of the second emission. 6. Lighting device according to claim 3, 2/4 characterized by still understanding: a controller in communication with the first and second light sources, where the controller is configured to selectively illuminate each of the first and second light sources. Illumination device according to claim 6, characterized in that the controller is configured to control the first emission and the third emission, so that a part of the first photoluminescent portion is selectively illuminated substantially independent of a second illumination photoluminescent portion. 8. Lighting system for a vehicle characterized by: a panel that corresponds to a vehicle surface; at least one light source configured to emit a first emission; and a coating located on the surface close to at least one light source, the coating comprising at least one photoluminescent portion that extends along the surface, where the first emission is directed to the photoluminescent portion, so that the photoluminescent portion emits a second issue. 9. Lighting system according to claim 8, characterized in that the panel corresponds to a decorative strip located on a vehicle panel. Lighting system according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one photoluminescent portion corresponds to a first photoluminescent graphic representation and a second photoluminescent graphic representation. Illumination system according to claim 10, characterized in that the first photoluminescent graphic representation comprises a first absorption band and the second photoluminescent graphic representation comprises a second absorption band by 3/4 less partially outside the first absorption range. Illumination system according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one light source corresponds to a first light source configured to emit the first emission and a second light source configured to emit a third emission. Illumination system according to claim 12, characterized in that the first emission is substantially aligned with a peak luminance of the first absorption band and the second emission is substantially aligned with a peak luminance of the second absorption band. Lighting system according to claim 13, characterized in that the lighting system is configured to selectively illuminate at least a portion of the first photoluminescent graphic representation independent of the second photoluminescent graphic representation. 15. Lighting system for a vehicle characterized by: a first light source configured to emit a first emission; a first photoluminescent graphic representation comprising a first absorption strip located on a surface; and a second photoluminescent graphical representation comprising a second absorption strip located on the surface, in which the first light source is directed to at least a portion of each of the photoluminescent graphical representations and configured to excite the first photoluminescent graphical representation to emit a second emission at a higher fluorescence than the second photoluminescent graphical representation in response to the first emission. 16. Lighting system according to claim 15, characterized in that it also comprises a second configured light source 4/4 to emit a third emission configured to excite the second photoluminescent graphical representation to emit a fourth emission at a higher fluorescence compared to the first photoluminescent graphical representation in response to the second emission. Illumination system according to claim 16, characterized in that the first light source comprises a first plurality of emitters configured to emit the first emission in a first wavelength and the second light source comprises a second plurality of emitters configured to emit the second emission at a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. Illumination system according to claim 17, characterized in that it further comprises an operable controller to selectively activate each of the first plurality of emitters and the second plurality of emitters to selectively excite parts of the first photoluminescent graphic representation and the second representation photoluminescent graphics. 19. Lighting system according to claim 18, characterized in that the first light source and the second light source are distributed along the vehicle's surface and hidden by a decorative panel. 20. Lighting system according to claim 18, characterized in that the controller is operable to selectively activate each of the first plurality of emitters and the second plurality of emitters to generate at least one of a lighting pattern and an effect of movement. 1/10