CN105365663B

CN105365663B - Selectively visible user interface

Info

Publication number: CN105365663B
Application number: CN201510454745.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 斯图尔特·C·萨尔特; 吉姆·J·苏尔曼
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2014-08-06
Filing date: 2015-07-29
Publication date: 2020-01-14
Anticipated expiration: 2035-07-29
Also published as: RU2015132742A3; MX2015010018A; DE102015111647A1; CN105365663A; MX344961B; RU2015132742A; RU2679574C2; BR102015018686A2

Abstract

A vehicle user interface is disclosed. The user interface includes a vehicle panel having a proximity sensor, a first photoluminescent portion, and a second photoluminescent portion. The user interface further includes a first light source configured to selectively activate the first photoluminescent portion and a second light source configured to selectively activate the second photoluminescent portion. The second photoluminescent portion is configured to display the symbol in a backlit configuration in response to activation of the second light source.

Description

Selectively visible user interface

Cross reference to related applications

The present application is a continuation-in-part application entitled "photoluminescent vehicle reading lamp" U.S. application No. 14/301,635 filed on 11/6/2014, a continuation-in-part application No. 14/301,635 is a continuation-in-part application No. 14/156,869 entitled "roof lighting system with photoluminescent structure" filed on 16/1/2014, and an application No. 14/156,869 is a continuation-in-part application No. 14/086,442 entitled "vehicle lighting system with photoluminescent structure" filed on 21/11/2013. The above-mentioned related applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to vehicle user interfaces, and more particularly to selectively viewable user interfaces.

Background

The illumination caused by the photoluminescent structure provides a unique and attractive visual experience. It is therefore desirable to include such photoluminescent structures in vehicle lighting systems to provide ambient and task lighting.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the invention, a vehicle user interface is disclosed. The user interface includes a first light guide, a second light guide, and at least one proximity sensor. A first light guide is disposed proximate the outer surface and a second light guide is disposed proximate the first light guide. A proximity sensor is disposed proximate to the first light guide and the second light guide. At least one symbol is disposed between the first light guide and the second light guide, wherein the symbol is selectively illuminated in a backlit configuration.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a selectively viewable user interface is disclosed. The user interface includes a controller in communication with the at least one light source and the proximity sensor. The user interface is disposed on a vehicle panel configured to conceal the proximity sensor. The controller is configured to identify a first signal from the proximity sensor corresponding to detection of the object in a first proximity. The controller is configured to activate the light source in response to the detection, thereby displaying a symbol that demonstrates user input to the proximity sensor.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle user interface is disclosed. The user interface includes a vehicle panel having a proximity sensor, a first photoluminescent portion, and a second photoluminescent portion. The user interface further includes a first light source configured to selectively activate the first photoluminescent portion and a second light source configured to selectively activate the second photoluminescent portion. The second photoluminescent portion is configured to display the symbol in a backlit configuration in response to activation of the second light source.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

Drawings

In the figure:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a passenger compartment of a vehicle incorporating a user interface in the form of at least one hidden sensor;

FIG. 2A illustrates a photoluminescent structure presented as a coating according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2B illustrates a photoluminescent structure presented as discrete particles according to another embodiment;

fig. 2C illustrates a plurality of photoluminescent structures that are present as discrete particles and that are incorporated into separate structures;

FIG. 3 illustrates an illumination system configured to convert a first emission of light into a second emission of light;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a user interface configured in a first state outputting ambient lighting;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the user interface configured to be in a second state displaying a symbol corresponding to at least one hidden sensor;

FIG. 5A is a top assembly view of a user interface showing a plurality of transparent sensors;

FIG. 5B is a top assembly view of the user interface showing a plurality of transparent sensors and a plurality of symbols configured to identify the location of the plurality of sensors;

FIG. 6A is a top view of a user interface configured to be in a first state outputting ambient lighting;

FIG. 6B is a top view of the user interface configured to be in a second state displaying a symbol corresponding to at least one hidden sensor;

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the user interface in a first state, showing a first proximity and a second proximity;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the user interface in a second state, showing a first proximity and a second proximity; and

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a controller operable to control the user interface in a first state to transition to a second state and output a control output in response to proximity detection.

Detailed Description

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and some of the drawings may be exaggerated and minimized to present a functional overview. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

As used herein, the term "and/or" when used in a list of two or more items means that any one of the listed items can be used alone or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be used. For example, if a mixture is described as containing components A, B and/or C, the mixture can contain a alone, B alone, a combination of C, A and B alone, a combination of a and C, a combination of B and C, or a combination of A, B and C.

Referring to fig. 1, the passenger compartment 8 of a vehicle 10 is shown as a user interface 12 in the form of at least one hidden sensor 14. The user interface 12 is configured to display the hidden sensor 14 in response to detection of an object 15 in a first proximity to the hidden sensor 14. The user interface 12 is configured to operate in at least two states. In the first state, the user interface 12 is configured to provide ambient lighting, thereby illuminating at least a portion of the vehicle panel 18 and/or trim portion. In the second state, the user interface 12 may be configured to selectively illuminate the concealed sensor 14 in response to an object 15 within a first proximity of the concealed sensor 14, thereby displaying or visualizing at least one symbol 16 and/or icon. The position and function of the concealed sensor 14 is visible when the symbol 16 is displayed, thereby providing a sensor that is selectively displayed in response to the detection of an object in the first proximity.

The user interface 12 includes at least one hidden sensor 14 in communication with a controller 20. The controller 20 is configured to control various lighting functions of the user interface 12, as well as receive signals corresponding to user inputs of the hidden sensor 14. The controller 20 is operable to output control signals configured to control devices and/or systems of the vehicle 10 in response to user inputs. In this manner, the controller 20 may control various devices and/or systems of the vehicle 10 via the at least one hidden sensor 14. For example, devices and/or systems of the vehicle 10 may include door locks, windows, heating/cooling, defrost, hazard warning lighting, task lighting, infotainment, radio, navigation functions, and the like.

In the first state, the controller 20 is configured to control the light source to output ambient lighting. Ambient illumination may be generated by a first photoluminescent portion that is selectively illuminated by a first light source configured to deliver a first emission of light through the first light guide. The controller 20 is configured to control the user interface 12 to change to the second state in response to detection that the object 15 is located in the first proximity or the preset distance. In the second state, the controller 20 is configured to cause the one or more symbols 16 to be displayed by illuminating the second photoluminescent portion. The second photoluminescent portion may be selectively illuminated by a second light source configured to deliver a second emission of light through the second light guide. In the second state, the first light source may or may not be further turned off.

As described herein, the one or more symbols 16 can comprise any form of identifier that can at least indicate the location of the concealed sensor 14. For example, the symbol may be a character, design, graphic, shape, and/or pattern configured to identify the location and function of the concealed sensor 14. The vehicle panel 18 and/or trim portion may include any interior or exterior portion of the vehicle 10. For example, the vehicle panel 18 may correspond to a trim panel portion of the center console 22, a door panel 24, a headliner 26, a visor 28, an instrument panel 30, an inner or outer door handle trim portion, and/or any other vehicle panel. The user interface 12 may provide controls corresponding to various devices and/or systems of the vehicle 10, thereby dispersing them throughout various locations of the vehicle 10 while maintaining a simple and attractive appearance within the passenger compartment 8.

Referring to fig. 2A-2C, a photoluminescent structure 42 is generally shown, respectively in the form of a coating (e.g., a film) that can be applied to a vehicle fixture, a discrete particle that can be implanted into a vehicle fixture, and a plurality of discrete particles contained in a separate structure that can be applied to a vehicle fixture. The photoluminescent structure 42 may correspond to photoluminescent portions described herein, such as a first photoluminescent portion and a second photoluminescent portion. At the most basic level, the photoluminescent structure 42 includes a energy conversion layer 44, and the energy conversion layer 44 may be provided as a single-layer or multi-layer structure, as shown by the dashed lines in fig. 2A and 2B.

The energy conversion layer 44 may include one or more photoluminescent materials having energy conversion elements selected from phosphorescent or fluorescent materials. The photoluminescent material may be configured to convert the input electromagnetic radiation into output electromagnetic radiation that generally has a longer wavelength and represents a color that is not characteristic of the input electromagnetic radiation. The difference in wavelength between the input and output electromagnetic radiation is known as Stokes shift and serves as the primary driving mechanism for the energy conversion process (often referred to as down conversion) corresponding to the wavelength variation of the light. In various embodiments described herein, each wavelength of light (e.g., the first wavelength, etc.) corresponds to electromagnetic radiation utilized in the conversion process.

Each photoluminescent portion can contain at least one photoluminescent structure 42 that contains an energy conversion layer (e.g., conversion layer 44). The energy conversion layer 44 can be prepared by dispersing the photoluminescent material in the polymer matrix 50 using a variety of methods to form a homogeneous mixture. Such a method may include preparing the energy conversion layer 44 from a formulation in a liquid carrier medium and applying the energy conversion layer 44 to a desired planar and/or non-planar substrate of a vehicle fixture. The energy conversion layer 44 coating may be deposited on the vehicle fixture by painting (painting), screen printing, spray coating, slot coating (slot coating), dip coating (dip coating), roller coating (roller coating), bar coating (bar coating), or the like. Furthermore, the energy conversion layer 44 may be prepared by a method that does not use a liquid carrier medium.

For example, a solid solution (homogeneous mixture in the dry state) of one or more photoluminescent materials may be incorporated into the polymer matrix 50 to provide the energy conversion layer 44. The polymer matrix 50 may be formed by extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, calendaring, thermoforming, and the like. In examples where one or more energy conversion layers 44 are present as particles, a single layer or multiple layers of energy conversion layers 44 may be implanted into a vehicle fixture or panel. When the energy conversion layer 44 comprises a multi-layer formulation, each layer may be coated sequentially. In addition, the layers may be prepared separately and then laminated or embossed together to form an integral layer. The layers may also be coextruded to make a unitary multi-layer energy conversion structure.

Referring back to fig. 2A and 2B, the photoluminescent structure 42 may optionally include at least one stabilizing layer 46 to protect the photoluminescent material contained within the energy conversion layer 44 from photolytic and thermal degradation. The stabilization layer 46 may be configured as a separate layer that is optically coupled to and adhered to the energy conversion layer 44. The stabilization layer 46 may also be integrated with the energy conversion layer 44. The photoluminescent structure 42 may also optionally include a protective layer 48 or any layer or coating that is optically coupled and adhered to the stabilizing layer 46 to protect the photoluminescent structure 42 from physical and chemical damage caused by exposure from the environment.

The stabilization layer 46 and/or the protection layer 48 may be combined with the energy conversion layer 44 to form the integral photoluminescent structure 42 by sequential coating or printing of each layer or by sequential lamination or embossing. Alternatively, several layers may be combined by sequential coating, lamination or embossing to form a substructure. The sub-structures are then laminated or stamped together to form the integral photoluminescent structure 42. Once formed, the photoluminescent structure 42 may be applied to selected vehicle fixtures and/or panels.

In some embodiments, the photoluminescent structure 42 may be incorporated into the vehicle fixture as one or more discrete multilayer particles, as shown in fig. 2C. The photoluminescent structure 42 may also be provided as one or more discrete multilayer particles dispersed in a polymer formulation, which is then applied as an adjoining structure in a vehicle fixture or panel. Additional information regarding the construction of photoluminescent structures utilizing at least one photoluminescent portion of a vehicle is disclosed in the application entitled "photolytically and environmentally stable multilayer structures for efficient electromagnetic energy conversion and sustained secondary emission" filed on day 31, 7, 31, 2012, by kinsley et al, U.S. patent No. 8,232,533, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to fig. 3, a schematic diagram of the user interface 12 is shown illustrating the conversion process of at least one photoluminescent portion. For clarity, FIG. 3 is described with reference to first light source 52 as described herein, but similar conversion processes may correspond to additional light sources as described herein. The first light source 52 is configured to output a first emission 54. The first emission 54 passes through the first light guide 56 and along the energy conversion layer 44 to distribute the first emission 54 uniformly along the first photoluminescent portion 58. Energy conversion layer 44 is configured to convert first emissions 54 into second emissions 60 that are, after conversion, of a different wavelength.

The first emission 54 comprises a first wavelength λ of light₁And the second emission 60 comprises a second wavelength λ of light₂. The light guide 60 may include a photoluminescent structure 42 in the form of a coating and applied to the panel 18 of the vehicle 10 to form a photoluminescent portion (e.g., the first photoluminescent portion 58 or the second photoluminescent portion). In some embodiments, the photoluminescent structure 42 may also be dispersed and contained within at least a portion of the light guide 56. The photoluminescent structure 42 includes a energy conversion layer 44, and in some embodiments may include a stabilization layer 46 and/or a protective layer 48.

The first emission 54 is from the first wavelength λ in response to the first light source 52 being activated₁Is converted to have a second wavelength lambda₂And a second transmission 60. The second emission 60 and other emissions produced by the photoluminescent structure as described herein may include one or more wavelengths having spectral characteristics defining a plurality of colors and combinations thereof. Providing specific names of wavelengths (e.g. λ)₂、λ₄) For clarity, and should not be considered as limited to the combinations of wavelengths corresponding to the frequencies of one or more spectra of light in the plurality of emissions described herein.

In various embodiments, the user interface 12 includes at least one energy conversion layer 44, the energy conversion layer 44 configured to convert a first wavelength λ₁To have at least a second wavelength lambda₂And a second transmission 60. To generate a second wavelength lambda₂And a fourth wavelength λ₄The energy conversion layer 44 may contain a red light emitting photoluminescent material, a green light emitting photoluminescent material, and a blue light emitting photoluminescent material corresponding to the plurality of wavelengths. Energy ofThe conversion layer 44 may further include one or more photoluminescent materials configured to emit a combination of wavelengths corresponding to a combination of red, green, and blue light dispersed within the polymer matrix 50. For example, red, green and blue light emitting photoluminescent materials can be used to generate significant white light for the second emission 60.

Each photoluminescent material used to generate multiple emissions can vary the output intensity, output wavelength, and peak absorption wavelength based on the particular photochemical structure and combination of photochemical structures utilized in the energy conversion layer 44. For example, by adjusting the first emission λ₁Activates the photoluminescent material of the first photoluminescent portion 58 at different intensities to change the output intensity of the second emission 60. Other photoluminescent materials may be used, alone and in combination, in addition to or alternatively to the red, green, and blue light-emitting photoluminescent materials, to produce the various colors of secondary emissions 60 and other emissions produced by the photoluminescent portions described herein. In this manner, the user interface 12 may be configured for various applications to provide a desired lighting color and effect for the vehicle 10.

Each light source (e.g., first light source 52, second light source 74) may also refer to an excitation source operable to emit at least one emission of light configured to excite a photoluminescent material used by the energy conversion layer of the photoluminescent portion. The light source may comprise any form of light source, such as a halogen lighting device, a fluorescent lighting device, a Light Emitting Diode (LED), an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED), a Polymer Light Emitting Diode (PLED), a solid state lighting device, or any other form of lighting device configured to output emissions used by an excitation source for a photoluminescent portion.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first emission 54 from the first light source 52 may be configured such that the first wavelength λ₁Corresponding to at least one absorption wavelength of the one or more photoluminescent materials of the energy conversion layer 44 within the first photoluminescent portion 58. Energy conversion layer 44 is responsive to receiving first wavelength λ₁Is excited and output has a firstTwo wavelengths lambda₂And a second transmission 60. The first emission 54 may provide an excitation source for the energy conversion layer 44 by targeting the absorption wavelengths of the various photoluminescent materials used herein. As such, the user interface 12 may be configured to output the second emission 60, thereby producing a desired intensity and color of light.

Referring to fig. 4A and 4B, cross-sectional views of user interface 12 are shown. Fig. 4A corresponds to the user interface 12 being configured in the first state 70 such that the controller 20 is configured to provide a signal to the first light source 52 to produce ambient lighting. Fig. 4B corresponds to the user interface 12 being configured in the second state 72 such that the controller 20 is configured to provide a signal to the second light source 74 to cause the symbol 16 to be displayed. The controller 20 is operable to control the state of the user interface 12 upon receiving a detection signal corresponding to the object 15 being within a first proximity of the at least one concealed sensor 14. As shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the at least one concealed sensor 14 corresponds to the plurality of sensors 76 illustrated in fig. 5A-5B. For the sake of clarity, some reference numerals have been omitted in the drawings referred to herein.

In the first state 70, the first light source 52 is activated by the controller 20 to emit the first emission 54 into the first light guide 56. The first light guide 56 may incorporate the energy conversion layer 44 dispersed near the outer surface 78 of the first light guide 56, forming a first photoluminescent portion 58. In some embodiments, the energy conversion layer 44 may also be incorporated as a separate layer on the outer surface 78. The first photoluminescent portion 58 is configured to emit the first wavelength λ in response to receiving the first emission 54₁To a second wavelength lambda₂And a second transmission 60. The second emission 60 may be output from the user interface 12 through the exterior surface 80 to produce ambient lighting from the panel 18 of the vehicle 10.

In the second state 72, the first light source 52 may be deactivated. In addition, the second light source 74 may be activated by the controller 20 to emit light having a third wavelength λ₃And a third emission 82. The third emission 82 is emitted into a second light guide 84. The second light guide 84 may be formed similarly to the first light guide 56 by incorporating light scattering near the second light guide 84The energy conversion layer 44 of the outer surface 86 forms a second photoluminescent portion 88. The third emission 82 is dispersed by the second light guide 84 such that the third emission 82 substantially acts on the extent of the second photoluminescent portion 88.

The second photoluminescent portion 88 is configured to cause the third wavelength λ in response to the received third emission 82₃Is converted to have a fourth wavelength lambda₄And a fourth transmission 90. The fourth transmission 90 passes through a plurality of sensors 76 corresponding to the at least one symbol 16 and a plurality of symbols 92. The plurality of sensors 76 may correspond to a transparent sensor 94, and the plurality of symbols 92 may be formed of an opaque material configured to limit the transmission of the fourth emission 90 therethrough. In this way, the fourth emission 90 transmitted from the second photoluminescent portion 88 produces a backlit projection of the plurality of symbols 92 through the transparent sensor 94, the first photoluminescent portion 58 and the outer surface 80.

The backlit projection of the plurality of symbols 92 may correspond to a contour projected through the outer surface 80, thereby displaying the location of the at least one transparent sensor 94. In some embodiments, the plurality of symbols 92 may also form a light shielding mask (mask) such that the shape forms the outline of the symbol 92 and is conveyed through the shielding layer 96. In some configurations, the symbol itself may form the proximity sensor 14. In this configuration, the fourth emission 90 is emitted through the outer surface 80 to illuminate each of the shapes formed by the symbols 92 on the outer surface 80. Various techniques may be utilized to project the shape of the symbol 92 through the outer surface 80 without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the first photoluminescent portion 58 is configured to have a first wavelength λ₁Substantially all of the first emission 54 is converted to have a second wavelength λ₂And a second transmission 60. Similarly, the second photoluminescent portion 88 can be configured to have a third wavelength λ₃To have a fourth wavelength λ₄And a fourth transmission 90. In this configuration, the fourth wavelength λ is due to the fourth emission 90 passing through the first photoluminescent portion 58 and out of the outer surface 80₄At the second part of the first photoluminescence part 58Outside the absorption range. Thus, since the fourth emission 90 is configured to pass through the first photoluminescent portion 58 without exciting the energy conversion layer 44, the fourth wavelength λ₄The spectral characteristics of (a) can be maintained. In this configuration, the second emission 60 and the fourth emission 90 may be activated simultaneously or separately, thereby providing ambient lighting and displaying one or more symbols 16.

In some embodiments, the first emission 54 from the first light source 52 may be configured such that the first wavelength λ₁Corresponding to the first absorption range of the first photoluminescent portion 58. The third emission 82 from the second light source 76 may be further configured so that the third wavelength λ₃Corresponding to the second absorption range of the second photoluminescent portion 88. The first absorption range corresponds to a light absorption range that is substantially different from the second absorption range. In this configuration, the first light source 52 may selectively activate the first photoluminescent portion 58 with the first emission 54 in the first absorption range, and the second light source 74 may selectively activate the second photoluminescent portion 88 with the third emission 82 in the second absorption range. In this configuration, the energy conversion ranges (e.g., the first absorption range and the second absorption range) form substantially different wavelength ranges that may be converted by the photoluminescent portions 58 and 88. This configuration may also provide for simultaneous or independent activation of the second transmission 60 and the fourth transmission 90.

The term absorption range as used herein defines the range of wavelengths that excite the photoluminescent moiety or structure and cause excitation of the photoluminescent material. The photoluminescent portion emits an emission of light having at least one wavelength in response to the excitation, the wavelength being at least partially outside the absorption range. The absorption range of the photoluminescent materials described herein can be varied based on the desired activation wavelength and output wavelength to excite the photoluminescent portion to produce various illumination colors and combinations. Further, the emission of light from the photoluminescent portion can be selected based on the material properties of the photoluminescent structures described herein.

The first absorption range may correspond to a wavelength range of the range of blue and/or near UV (ultraviolet) light having a wavelength of about 390-450 nm. The second absorption range 94 may correspond to a substantially non-overlapping wavelength range of the range of UV and/or blue light having a wavelength of about 250-410 nanometers. The first emission 54 may be approximately 470 nanometers, which is configured to cause the first photoluminescent portion 58 to output a second emission 60 of approximately 525 nanometers. The third emission 82 may be approximately 350 nanometers, which is configured to cause the second photoluminescent portion 88 to output a fourth emission 90 of approximately 645 nanometers. In this manner, the second emission 60 and the fourth emission 90 may be selectively excited by the light source. In an exemplary embodiment, the second and fourth emissions may correspond to substantially green light and substantially orange-red light, respectively.

In some embodiments, the first photoluminescent portion 58 may comprise an organic fluorescent dye configured to convert the first emission 54 to the second emission 60. For example, the first photoluminescent material may comprise a photoluminescent structure of perylene (rylene), xanthene (xanthene), porphyrin (porphyrin), phthalocyanine (phthalocyanine), or other materials suitable for a particular Stokes shift (Stokes shift) defined by absorption range and emitted fluorescence. The first photoluminescent portion 58 and corresponding materials can be configured to have a shorter stokes shift in wavelength than the second photoluminescent portion. In this manner, each of the photoluminescent portions 58 and 88 can be individually illuminated by the

light sources

52 and 74 to output a different color of light.

The second photoluminescent portion 88 may include a photoluminescent structure 42 configured to produce a longer stokes shift than the first photoluminescent portion 58. The second photoluminescent portion may comprise an organic or inorganic material configured to have a second absorption range and a desired output wavelength or color. In an exemplary embodiment, the photoluminescent structure 42 of the second photoluminescent portion 88 can be at least one inorganic luminescent material selected from the group of phosphors. The phosphor may more particularly be from the group of cerium (Ce) -doped garnets, e.g. YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet): Ce. This configuration may provide a second stokes shift of the second photoluminescent portion 88 that is longer than the first stokes shift of the first photoluminescent portion 58.

To achieve the various colors and combinations of photoluminescent portions described herein, the user interface 12 may utilize any form of photoluminescent material, such as phosphorescent materials, organic and inorganic dyes, and the like. Additional information on the manufacture and utilization of photoluminescent materials to achieve various emissions reference is made to the application invented by botts (Bortz) et al, U.S. patent No. 8,207,511, entitled "photoluminescent fibers, compositions, and fabrics made with photoluminescent fibers and compositions", filed on 26/2012, and the application invented by argyrawal (Agrawal), et al, U.S. patent No. 8,247,761, entitled "photoluminescent label with functional cover layer", filed on 21/2012, and the application invented by jinsley (Kingsley), et al, U.S. patent No. 8,519,359B 2, entitled "photolabilized and environmentally stable multilayer structure for efficient electromagnetic energy conversion and sustained secondary emission", filed on 27/2013/8/2014, and the application invented by Kingsley, et al, kissley, U.S. patent No. 8,664,624B 2, filed on 3/2014, 4/4, An application entitled "illumination delivery system for producing sustained secondary emission" and applications filed on 7/19/2012, invented by argravol (Agrawal) et al, U.S. patent publication No. 2012/0183677, entitled "photoluminescent composition, method of making a photoluminescent composition, and novel uses thereof" and applications filed on 3/6/2014, invented by Kingsley et al, U.S. patent publication No. 2014/0065442 a1, entitled "photoluminescent object", and applications filed on 4/17/2014, invented by argravol (Agrawal) et al, U.S. patent publication No. 2014/0103258 a1, entitled "chromium luminescent composition and textile", all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Referring to fig. 5A-5B, a top assembly view of the user interface 12 shows the configuration of the photoluminescent portions 58 and 88, the transparent sensor 94, and the plurality of symbols 92. Referring to fig. 5A, the second photoluminescent portion 88 is shown having a plurality of transparent sensors 94 located on the outer surface 86 of the second photoluminescent portion 88. As described herein, the second photoluminescent portion 88 can comprise a layer of the second light guide 84 and/or be dispersed within at least a portion of the second light guide 84. The second light guide includes an energy conversion layer 44 configured to emit white light as fourth emissions 90 in response to receiving the third emissions 82.

Transparent sensor 94 may comprise a capacitive pad printed with conductive ink and disposed on outer surface 86. Each sensor 94 communicates with an input/output (I/O) interface 100 of the controller 20 through printed silver conductive ink 102 having low resistance. Further details of the controller 20 and the I/O interface 100 are described with reference to FIG. 8. In operation, the sensor 94 is operable to detect an object 15 in a first proximity and send a signal to the controller 20 identifying the presence of the object 15 in the first proximity. The controller 20 is configured to deactivate the first light source 52 and activate the second light source 74 to illuminate the second photoluminescent portion 88 in response to receiving a signal from the at least one sensor 94.

Referring to FIG. 5B, the light shield 104 is shown to include a plurality of symbols 92. The light-shielding screen 104 may be formed from an opaque material, such as black ink, positioned over the transparent sensor 94. In this configuration, the controller 20 activates the fourth emission 90 via the second light source 74 when the object 15 is detected to be in the first proximity. The fourth emission 90 may cause each symbol 92 to become visible through the outer surface 80 by shielding the light screen 104, the first light guide 56, and the first photoluminescent portion 58. The user interface is configured to be in the second state 72 when the second photoluminescent portion 88 is activated to emit the fourth emission 90.

User interface 12 is shown in a first state 70 in fig. 6A and in a second state 72 in fig. 6B. 4A-4B and 6A-6B, an exemplary illustration of the operation of user interface 12 is illustrated. As shown in fig. 4A and 6A, in a first state 70, the first light source 52 is controlled by the controller 20 to emit a first emission 54. The first photoluminescent portion 58 is illuminated in response to the received first emission 54 to produce a second emission 60. The second emission 60 is output through the outer surface 80 such that the vehicle panel 18 is illuminated by the second wavelength λ₂Is illuminated. The controller 20 may be configured to respond to determining the signal from the sensor 94 and the object 1The position 5 in the first proximity does not correspond to controlling the user interface 12 to operate in the first state 70. In fig. 6A, a plurality of profiles 106 are shown as references to illustrate the location of each sensor 94. In a practical embodiment of the user interface 12, the outline 106 may not be visible in the first state 70.

Controller 20 is configured to control user interface 12 to change from first state 70 to second state 72 in response to receiving a signal from sensor 94 corresponding to object 15 being detected in a first proximity. As shown in fig. 4B and 6B, in the second state 72, the controller 20 may be configured to deactivate the first light source 52 and activate the second light source 74 to emit the third emission 82. The second photoluminescent portion 88 is excited in response to receiving the third emission 82 and emits a fourth wavelength λ₄And a fourth transmission 90. The fourth emission 90 may pass through the transparent sensor 94, the symbol 92 corresponding to the transparent portion 108 of the light shield 104, and the first photoluminescent portion 58. Fourth emission 90 is then output through outer surface 80 such that transparent portion 108 of light shield 104 forming symbol 92 is illuminated to demonstrate both the position of sensor 94 and the function controlled by sensor 94.

Each symbol 92 and their respective functions may be described by a character and/or shape that is illuminated by the fourth emission 90 in the second state 72. The functionality of the sensor 94 illustrated by symbol 92 may be configured to control various accessories and systems of the vehicle 10. The symbols 92 illustrated herein may correspond to the operation of a door lock, a defrost operation, and the operation of a hazard warning light. Although shown as these specific examples, the sensors 94 may be configured to control various vehicle systems, such as heating, air conditioning, windshield wipers, interior lighting, various inputs, and control of the audio system and any other systems of the vehicle 10.

Referring now to fig. 7A and 7B, user interface 12 is shown in a first state 70 and a second state 72, respectively. The first state 70 may be controlled by the controller 20 in response to the absence of detection of an object 15 at the first proximity 112. Controller 20 is configured to control user interface 12 to change from first state 70 to second state 72 in response to a signal received from at least one transparent sensor 94 corresponding to detection of an object 15 located within first proximity 112. In the second state 72, each symbol 92 may become visible so that the location and function of each sensor 94 is identified. As described herein, the first and second photoluminescent portions 58, 88 may be activated in the second state 72, either individually or in combination.

To control the function of each sensor 94, the controller 20 is further configured to identify a signal from each sensor 94 that corresponds to the detection of the object 15 located in the second proximity 114. The signal at first proximity 112 may be different from the signal at second proximity 114, and second proximity 114 may correspond to a higher signal level than the signal at first proximity 112. The controller 20 is operable to determine the difference between the signal corresponding to the object 15 at the first threshold 112 and the signal corresponding to the object 15 at the second threshold 114 by comparing the signal from each sensor 94 with the first and second preset thresholds, respectively. Additional information regarding proximity sensors may be found in patents entitled "proximity switch with sensitivity control and method thereof" filed on 9.6.2011, issued to solter et al, U.S. patent publication No. US2012/0313648 a1, entitled "proximity switch with sensitivity control" and methods thereof, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference

Upon receiving a signal from the at least one sensor 94 exceeding the first preset value, the controller 20 is configured to control the user interface 12 to change from the first state 70 to the second state 72. The controller 20 may detect that the signal of the sensor 94 exceeds a second preset value as the signal changes due to the object 15 approaching the sensor 94. The controller 20 is configured to output a control output in response to receiving a signal corresponding to the sensor signal exceeding a second preset value, thereby controlling the function of the selected sensor. In this manner, the controller 20 is configured to display the location and function of each sensor 94 and further control at least one control output of the plurality of devices controlled by each sensor 94.

Referring now to fig. 8, a block diagram of the controller 20 in communication with the first light source 52 and the second light source 74 is shown. The controller 20 is in communication with the I/O interface 100 and is configured to communicate with the user interface 12 and control the user interface 12 to change from a first state 70 in which the first light source 52 is activated to a second state 72 in which the second light source 74 is activated. In some embodiments, the first and second

light sources

52, 74 may be activated in the second state 72. In this configuration, the controller 20 is operable to recognize a signal corresponding to the object 15 being located at the first proximity 112 to activate the second state 72. Moreover, controller 20 is operable to recognize a signal (e.g., a user input) corresponding to object 15 being located at second proximity 114 to control at least one function of a system and/or accessory of vehicle 10, which control may be output via at least one control output 120.

Controller 20 may comprise one or more circuits configured to receive signals from I/O interface 100. Controller 20 may include at least one processor 122 and memory 124 operable to receive at least one signal from one of the plurality of sensors 94, thereby controlling the state of user interface 12 (e.g., states 70 and 72) and communicating at least one user input configured to control the systems and/or accessories of vehicle 10 via control output 120. The controller 20 is further in communication with an ambient light sensor 126. The ambient light sensor 126 is operable to communicate the condition of light proximate the user interface 12, such as the brightness and intensity level of ambient light proximate the vehicle 10. The controller 20 is configured to adjust the output intensity of the emission from each of the

light sources

52 and 74 in response to the level of ambient light. The intensity of the light output from the light source may be adjusted by controlling the duty cycle, current or voltage supplied to the light source, thereby optimizing the visibility of the user interface, including ambient lighting and symbols, based on ambient lighting conditions.

Various embodiments of the present invention provide a selectively hidden user interface that provides attractive ambient lighting and at least one input operable to control various vehicle systems and accessories. For the purposes of illustrating and defining the teachings of the present invention, it is noted that the terms "substantially" and "about" are utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The terms "substantially" and "about" are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

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

Claims

1. A vehicle user interface, the user interface comprising:

a first light guide disposed proximate the outer surface;

a second light guide disposed proximate to the first light guide;

a proximity sensor disposed proximate to the first light guide and the second light guide; and

at least one symbol disposed between the first light guide and the second light guide, wherein the symbol is selectively illuminated in a backlit configuration.

2. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the symbol is selectively illuminated by the second light guide in response to the proximity sensor detecting an object that is within a first threshold.

3. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the outer surface comprises a touch surface of the user interface.

4. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the first and second light guides are configured to illuminate first and second photoluminescent portions.

5. The user interface of claim 4, wherein the first light source is configured to emit a first emission at a first wavelength to illuminate the first photoluminescent portion such that the first photoluminescent portion emits a second emission.

6. The user interface of claim 5, wherein the first light source is selectively activated in response to the proximity sensor communicating an absence of an object at a first threshold.

7. The user interface of claim 6, wherein a second light source is configured to emit a third emission at a second wavelength to illuminate the second photoluminescent portion such that the second photoluminescent portion emits a fourth emission.

8. The user interface of claim 7, wherein the fourth emission corresponds to a different color than the second emission.

9. A selectively viewable user interface, the interface comprising:

a controller in communication with the at least one light source and the proximity sensor;

a vehicle panel configured to conceal the proximity sensor, wherein the controller is configured to:

identifying a first signal from the proximity sensor corresponding to detection of an object located at a first proximity; and

activating the light source to display a symbol in response to the detection, the symbol representing a function of a user input to the proximity sensor; and

a photoluminescent portion disposed on the vehicle panel, the photoluminescent portion configured to selectively emit a second emission in response to receiving a first emission from the light source.

10. The user interface of claim 9, wherein the second emission includes ambient lighting configured to illuminate the vehicle panel with ambient light having a first color.

11. The user interface of claim 9, wherein the at least one light source comprises a first light source and a second light source, the first light source configured to emit the first emission and the second light source configured to emit a third emission.

12. The user interface of claim 11, wherein the photoluminescent portion includes a first photoluminescent portion configured to emit the second emission and a second photoluminescent portion configured to emit a fourth emission in response to receiving the third emission.

13. The user interface of claim 12, wherein the second photoluminescent portion is configured to illuminate the symbol in a backlit configuration in response to the detecting.

14. The user interface of claim 12, wherein the controller is configured to selectively illuminate the second photoluminescent portion to emit the fourth emission and to cause the first photoluminescent portion to cease emitting the second emission in response to the detection.

15. A vehicle user interface, the user interface comprising:

a vehicle panel including a proximity sensor, a first photoluminescent portion, and a second photoluminescent portion;

a first light source configured to selectively activate the first photoluminescent portion; and

a second light source configured to selectively activate the second photoluminescent portion, wherein the second photoluminescent portion is configured to display a symbol in a backlit configuration in response to activation of the second light source.

16. The user interface of claim 15, wherein the second light source is selectively activated in response to detection of an object located within a first proximity by the proximity sensor.

17. The user interface of claim 15, wherein the proximity sensor comprises a capacitive sensor printed in a transparent conductive ink.

18. The user interface of claim 16, wherein the first light source is configured to emit a first emission having a first wavelength to activate the first photoluminescent portion to output a second emission corresponding to a first color of light.

19. The user interface of claim 17, wherein the second light source is configured to emit a third emission having a third wavelength to activate the second photoluminescent portion to emit a fourth emission corresponding to the second color of light.