GB2475125A

GB2475125A - Wearable lighting unit

Info

Publication number: GB2475125A
Application number: GB1015111A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bryan Norton; Sergej Mironov
Original assignee: LIGHTVEST Ltd
Current assignee: LIGHTVEST Ltd
Priority date: 2010-09-10
Filing date: 2010-09-10
Publication date: 2011-05-11
Anticipated expiration: 2030-09-10
Also published as: GB201015111D0; GB2475125B

Abstract

An apparatus comprising a user-operable selector configured to be supported on bicycle handlebars and wirelessly to send control signals in response to user inputs, and a lighting unit 100 configured to be worn on a torso of a user and to direct light rearwards with respect to the user on the basis of control signals provided by the selector, wherein the lighting unit comprises plural LEDs supported in an array and directed rearwards with respect to the user so as to make the user highly day visible from the rear.

Description

Lighting Unit

Description

This invention relates to a lighting unit.

Cycle lights are now widely used by cyclists when cycling at night; and in many countries are compulsory. It is common to use high visibility clothing when cycling, both at night and in the daytime. Cyclists indicate intentions to manoeuvre using a signsls. The invention was made in this context.

A first aspect of the invention provides apparatus compdsing a user-operable selector configured to be supported on bicycle handlebars and wirelessly to send control signals in response to user inputs; and a lighting unit configured to be worn on a torso of a user and to direct light rearwards with respect to the user on the basis of control signals provided by the selectoq wherein the lighting unit comprises plural LEDs supported in an array and directed rearwards with respect to the user so as to make the user highly day visible from the rear.

This can provide an advantage of improving the visibility of the user to others, particularly other road users. The wearability of the lighting unit on the user's torso improves visibility compared to alternatives where lighting is provided at a lower height from the ground. This can be achieved without the user needing to remove their hands from the handlebars and without the use of wires.

The array of LEDs may comprise a primary group of LEDs, a left indicating group of LEDs and a right indicating group of LEDs. This can aliow the user to signal manoeuvring intentions as well as to provide ilinniinations that improve visibility of the user.

The primary group of LEDs may have a combined luminous flux of at least 20 lumens, preferably at least 30 lumens. This feature contributes to providing high day visibility, although at the undesirable consequence of increased power consumption compared to corresponding lower light intensity systems.

Bach of the left indicating group of LEDs and the right indicating group of LEDs may have a combined luminous flux of at least 15 Lumens. This provides visibility of the indicating LEDs without a power drain that results from very high brightness lighting sources.

Some of the plural LEDs may have different viewing angles to others of the plural LEDs. This aliows a high light intensity when viewed from a direction of particular interest, for instance from directly behind the user, whilst also providing significant visibility from other viewing angles.

Optitmally, some of the plural LEDs may have a viewing angle of more than 20 degrees. Optitmally, some of the plural LEDs may have a viewing angle of 20 degrees or less.

The lighting unit may be configured to activate the left indicating group of LEDs and the right indicating group of LEDs in response to control signals from the selector. Here, the lighting unit may be configured to deactivate the left indicating group of LEDs and the right indicating group of LEDs after a predetermined period of activity. This can allow a user to avoid the need to cancel an indication, allowing the user to focus their attention on other issues and potentially improving safety.

The lighting unit comprises secnring means for securing the lighting unit to or adjacent the torso of the user. Here, the securing means may comprise a strap configured to encircle the torso of the user.

The apparatus may comprise a secondary lighting unit configured to be worn on a torso of a user and to direct light forwards with respect to the user on the basis of control signals provided by the selector, wherein the secondary lighting unit comprises plural LEDs supported in an array and directed forwards with respect to the user so as to make the user highly day visible from the front. Here, the secondary/forwards facing lighting unit may be configured to be attached to an article of clothing worn on the torso of the user. In either case, the secondary/forwards facing lighting unit may be configured to be electricaliy connected to the lighting unit/rearward facing lighting unit for receiving power and control signals therefrom.

The lighting unit may comprise a switch for selecting a lighting sequence of the lighting unit.

The user-operable selector may be configured to send a first control signal in response to a first user input for causing activation of the left indicating group of LEDs and to send a second control signal in response to a second user input for causing activation of the right indicating group of LEDs.

A second aspect of the invention provides a method of operating a lighting unit comprising receiving a user input at a user-operable selector supported on bicycle handlebars; responding to the user input by wirelessly sending a control signal from the user-operable selector to a lighting unit worn on a torso of a useq and activating the lighting unit to direct light rearwards with respect to the user on the basis of the control signal provided by the selector; wherein the lighting unit comprises plural LEDs supported in an array and directed rearwards with respect to the user so as to make the user highly day visible from the rear.

Embodiments of the invention win now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: o Figure Ia is a plan view of a main part of a lighting unit embodying aspects of the present invention; Figure lb is a cut away side view of a main part of a lighting unit embodying aspects of the present invention; Figure Ic is a perspective vie\v of a lighting unit embodying aspects of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of a user operable selector module suitable forming part of embodiments of the present invention; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of the lighting unit of Figures la to ic and of a secondary lighting unit of one embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 illustrates a cycling jacket according to one embodiment of the invention; and Figure 5 is a flow chart describing operation of the lighting unit of Figures la to Ic.

Referring firstly to Figures Ia, lb and Ic, a lighting unit 100 is shown.

Figure Ia shows a plan vie\v of the front face of a main part 101 of the lighting unit 100. Figure lb shows a cutaway side view of the main part 101 of the lighting unit 100. The lighting unit 100 comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) or printed wire board (PWB) 102. The PCB is preferably flexible and may itself be mounted on a flexible backing 104. In the embodiment of Figures Ia and Ic, the main part 101 of the lighting unit is generally diamond shaped, with rounded or bulbous corners.

The lighting unit 100 comprises a number of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 106 supported in an array. The LEDs 106 are mounted on the PCB 102 and receive power via the PCB 102. The lighting unit 100 has a flexible covering 108 which covers and protects the PCB 102. The flexible covering 108 has holes to allow the LEDs 106 to protrude through the covering 108.

The LEDs 106 are arranged into three groups or groups. A primary group 110 is centrally located and comprises a ring of LEDs with one or more LEDs disposed inside the ring. The LEDs 106 in the primary group 110 emit red light. Located on one side of the primary group 110 is a left indicating group 112. Located on the other side of the primary group 110 is a right indicating group 114. The LEDs in the left indicating group 112 and the right indicating are 114 are preferably arranged in the shape of an arrow or chevron, however they may be arranged into any suitable shape. In one embodiment the LEDs comprising the left and right indicating groups emit amber light.

In the embodiment of Figures Ia and Ic, the primary group 110 comprises forty one LEDs 106 arranged as a cross centered within a ring. Each of the left and right indicating groups 112, 114 comprises twenty one TEDs 106 arranged as an arrow head, aligned hori2ontally with the centre line of the lighting unit 100 and pointing away from the primary group 110.

io Figure Ic shows the lighting unit 100 in perspective. The lighting unit 100 comprises the main part 101 and a belt 116. The length of the belt is preferably adjustable. The belt 116 may be a conventional belt having fastening means 118 such as a buckle, clasp or a friction based fastener. The belt 116 may alternatively take the form of an elasticated strap.

The lighting unit 100 is designed to be worn by a user around their waist or hips, but may be worn around the chest if desired. When worn the main part 101 of the lighting unit 100 faces rearward with respect to the user. The user fastens the fastening means 118 in front of them so that the lighting unit 100 is secure. The lighting unit 100 is designed to be seen by other road users and pedestrians while the wearer of the unit is riding a bicycle.

On the belt 116 is a lighting sequence input device 120, for instance a switch. In one embodiment, the input device 120 is a single input switch which a user may operate to cycle through the available lighting sequences of the lighting unit 100. A lighting sequence may relate only to the primary group 110 of LEDs. The available lighting sequences may comprise a permanently on mode, a long flash mode, a short flash mode and an off mode. In an alternative embodiment, the lighting sequence input device may be located on the main part 101 of the lighting unit 100, for example on a top surface of the main part 101. The lighting unit 100 may also comprise an on/off switch (not shown) in any suitable location. Alternatively, the on/off switch may be part of the selector module 200.

In one embodiment of the invention, a user wears the lighting unit around their waist with the main part 101 facing rearwards while riding a bicycle. The primary group of LEDs can be controlled via the lighting sequence selector input device 120 while the bicycle is stationary or before the user mounts the bicycle. The left and right indicating groups of LEDs 112, 114 are designed to be activated by the user while the bicycle is in motion.

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a user operable selector module 200 which is mounted on the handlebars of a bicycle. The selector module 200 may be secured to the handlebars by a clamp having one or more bolts or by any other suitable means. The selector module 200 comprises a controller 202, which may include a processor chip. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the controller 202 is not required to perform complex operations and may be a simple hardware device containing basic logic circuits. In other embodiments, the controller 202 may comprise both volatile and non-volatile memory for storing and executing software programs.

The selector module 200 has a user input 204. The user input 204 may be a switch or other input device or may comprise two or more switches or other input devices.

In one embodiment the user input comprises two push switches arranged side by side on the casing of the selector module 200. The user input 204 is connected to the controller 202 so that operation thereof by a user is detected by the controller 202. Alternatively, the user input may comprise a three position rocker switch that is biased to a central position. Here, the user may rock the switch left or right, and the switch may return to the central position when pressure is released by the user.

The selector module 200 has a wireless communication module 206 connected to the controller 202. An antenna 208 is connected to the wireless communication module 206. The controller 202 is configured to control the wireless Jo communication module 206 to send signals using the antenna 208 for wireless transmission thereby. Alternatively, the functions of the wireless communication module 206 may be integral with the controller 202. The selector module also contains a battery or batteries 210 for powering the selector module 200.

An input at the user input 204 is detected by the controller 202. The controller 202 responds by generating a control message. The controller 202 controls the wireless communication module 206 to send the control message using the antenna 208.

The control message may be modulated onto radio frequency signals of a predetermined frequency. The radio frequency signals may be encoded or encoded.

The selector module 200 allows a cyclist to indicate their intent to manoeuvre to other road users without removing their hands from the handlebars. Preferably, the selector module 200 is positioned close to the position in which the cyclist has their hands while cycling such that they may use their thumb to operate the user input 204 without removing their hands from the handlebars. In embodiments in which the selector module 200 has two input devices side by side, these input devices is represent a left and right indication. When the cyclist wishes to signal their intention to turn, they may extend their thumb and operate the left or right input device to request a left or right indication to be displayed to other road users.

The selector module 200 may also have an ambient light sensor (not shown in the Figures). The ambient light sensor may be located on the casing of the selector module or the selector module may have an aperture to allow ambient light illuminate an internal ambient light sensor. The ambient light sensor may be a photodetector of any type and may output a voltage signal dependent on the incident light intensity. The ambient light sensor may be configured to measure the ambient light level continuously or periodically. The selector module 200 is configured to send messages indicative of a current ambient light level periodically, for instance every few minutes.

Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the electronic components of the lighting io unit 100. The lighting unit contains a controller 302. Connected to the controller are primary LED control module 303, left indicating LED control module 305 and right indicating LED control module 307. The primary LED control module 303 is connected to the primary LEDs, the left indicating LED control module 303 is connected to the left indicating LEDs 306 and the right indicating LED control module 307 is connected to the right indicating LEDs 308. The LED control modules selectively provide power to their respective LEDs. An LED is illuminated only when powered, so this arrangement controls illumination of the LEDs. Each of the LED control modules 303, 305, 307 may be supported on and electrically connected to the PCB 102.

The controller 302 is also connected to a wireless communication module 310. The wireless communication module 310 is connected to an antenna 312. The controller 302 is configured to receive signals via the wireless communication module 310 that are received by the antenna 312. Alternatively the functions of the wireless communication module 310 may be integral with the controller 302. The controller 302 is also connected to the lighting sequence selector input device 120 and a secondary lighting unit connector 314.

The lighting unit 100 is provided with one or more batteries 316. The battery 316 provides power for the controller 302, and the wireless communication module 310.

The battery also provides power for each of the LED control modules 303, 305, 307, which in power the LEDs 304, 306, 308.

Figure 3 also shows a secondary lighting unit 300. The secondary lighting unit 300 is substantially similar to the first lighting unit 100 and may have a main part similar or identical in configuration to that shown in Figure Ia. However, in a preferred embodiment, the LEDs in the primary group 320 of the secondary lighting unit 300 are white in colour. The secondary lighting unit 300 may be connected to the lighting unit 100 via the secondary lighting unit connector 314 in order to receive power and control signals. The secondary lighting unit 300 may contain a communication module and controller; however these are not shown for simplicity.

In some embodiments, the secondary lighting unit 300 contains a battery, however io in the embodiment of Figure 3, the secondary lighting unit 300 receives power from the battery 316 of the lighting unit 100. The secondary lighting unit 300 is designed to be worn by a user on their torso and to face forwards with respect to the user.

Similarly to lighting unit 100, the secondary lighting unit 300 has a primary group of LEDs 320, a group of left indicating LEDs 322 and a group of right indicating LEDs 324. Each group of LEDs has an associated LED control module. The secondary lighting unit connector 314 interfaces with the prinitry LED control module 319, the left indicating LED control module 321 and the right indicating T.Rfl control module 323, which provide power to their respective LED group.

The lighting unit may also have an amplifier (not shown), such as a switching amplifier, designed to generate a high frequency signal which can be used to control the output intensity of the LEDs 106. The duty cycle of the signal generated by the amplifier determines the period of the cycle for which the LEDs 106 are active and hence the perceived brightness of the LEDs.

In operation the controller 302 may receive signals from the lighting sequence input device 120 in response to a user input at the input device 204. The controller 302 in response controls the prinitry LED control module 303 to change the lighting sequence of the prinitry LEDs 304. For example, a default lighting sequence mode may be half a second of activation followed by half a second of deactivation. Upon receiving a signal from the lighting sequence input device 120, the controller 302 may instruct the primary LED control module 303 to change the lighting sequence to a quarter of a second of activation followed by a quarter of a second of deactivation. The controller is also configured to send the same signals via the secondary lighting unit connector 314 to the primary LED control module 319 of the secondary lighting unit 300. In this nitnner, the lighting sequence of the primary LEDs of both the lighting unit 100 and secondary lighting unit 300 can be synchronised. Alternatively, the secondary lighting unit 300 may have an independent means of changing the primary LED lighting sequence. For example, the secondary lighting unit 300 may have its own lighting sequence input device. In this embodiment the lighting sequences of the lighting unit 100 and the secondary o lighting unit 300 may be different.

The lighting unit 100 receives wireless control messages from the selector module mounted on the bicycle handlebars. These control signals are transmitted by -10 -the antenna 208 of the selector module 200 as previously described. The wireless control messages are received by the antenna 312 of the lighting unit 100 and are passed to the controller 302 via the wireless communication module 310. If the controller interprets the received signal as a left indication signal, it instructs the left indicating LED control module 305 to activate the left indicating LEDs 306. If the controller interprets the received signa' as a right indication signa', it instructs the right indicating LED control module 307 to activate the right indicating LEDs 308.

When instructed to activate the LEDs, the LED control modules cause power to be directed from the battery to the LEDs so as to cause them to illuminate. The LED control modules cause their respective LEDs to flash on and off, in the manner of a motorised vehicle's indicators. This feature helps to increase the visibility of the cyclist since other road users are accustomed to noticing the indicators of other vehicles. The controller is also configured to send the same signals via the secondary lighting unit connector 314 to the left indicating LED control module 321 and right indicating LED control module 323 of the secondary lighting unit 300. In this manner, the left or right indicating LEDs of both the lighting unit 100 and the secondary lighting unit 300 are synchronised.

In some embodiments, the controller 302 is configured to instruct an LED control module to deactivate its LEDs after a predetermined period of activity. For example, if the controller 302 has received a left indicating signal from the selector module and has instructed the left indicating LED control module 305, 321 to activate the left indicating LEDs 306, 322, the controller may send a second signal after a delay of a few seconds instructing the deactivation of the left indicating LEDs 306, 322.

The controller 302 of the lighting unit 100 may also receive signals from the selector module 200 regarding the ambient brightness levels detected by the ambient light sensor. Messages communicating the ambient light level are generated by the controller 202 of the selector module and sent to the lighting unit 100. The controller 302 of the lighting unit 100 may be configured to control the brightness of the LEDs 106 on the basis of the detected ambient light levels, as identified by -11 -the received messages. The controller 302 controls the switching amplifier to produce a signal having a duty cycle which will produce an appropriate perceived brightness of the LEDs 106.

This feature allows the brightness of the LEDs 106 to be reduced at night so as not to distract other road users and so as to reduce power consumption. This feature also allows the brightness of the LEDs 106 to be set to a maximum when the ambient light conditions make the lighting unit 100 most difficult to see.

The LEDs used in the lighting unit are of a high brightness. Such LEDs are often described as "ultrabright LEDs" or "superbright LEDs". It is intended that the LEDs are sufficiently bright that the lighting unit 100 can be seen by other road users during the day. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the primary LEDs 304 of the lighting unit have a power dissipation of about 130mW and emit is red light with a central wavelength of about 624nm. The luminous intensity of these LEDs is between 3100 millicandela (mcd) and 12,000mcd. The left indicating and right indicating LEDs have a power dissipation of about 120mW or about 130mW and emit amber light with a central wavelength of about 59mm. The luminous intensity of these LEDs is between S000mcd and 13,000mcd. The primary LEDs 320 of the secondary lighting unit 300 emit white light, have a power dissipation of about 120mW and a luminous intensity of between 4000mcd and 30000mcd. The left and right indicating LEDs 322, 324 of the secondary lighting unit 300 are the same as those of the lighting unit 100.

An advantage of the invention is to increase the visibility of a user of the lighting unit. This is achieved in part by the use of bright LEDs as described above. This advantage is also achieved by having LEDs with different viewing angles. The half-viewing angle of an LED is defined as the off-axis angle at which the luminous intensity is half the intensity at direct on-axis view. Twice the half-viewing angle is equal to the viewing angle. The viewing angle and luminous intensity of an LED may be used to calculate the LED's total light output, measured in Lumens.

-12 -As described earlier, in some embodiments the lighting unit 100 comprises forty one LEDs in the primary group. Twenty one of these LEDs may have a narrow viewing angle of 15 degrees and a luminous intensity of l2000rncd. The combined light output of these LEDs is approximately 13.5 Lumens. The remaining twenty LEDs may have a wide viewing angle of 30 degrees and a luminous intensity of SlOOmcd.

The combined light output of these LEDs is approximatdy 21.8 Lumens. The total light output of the primary LEDs is therefore at least 35 Lumens. The wide angle LEDs can be more easily seen at acute angles relative to the wearer of the lighting unit. In a preferred embodiment the two types of primary LED are intermixed within the primary group array. Referring back to Figure Ia, a first set of LEDs 122 are the narrow view angle, high intensity LEDs. A second set of LEDs 124 are the wide view angle, lower intensity LEDs. The two types of LEDs are arranged alternately around the circle portion of the primary group 110.

Referring again to Figure 3, the primary LED control module 303 may be configured to power each type of LED separately. In some embodiments the primary LED control module 303 may power each of the primary LEDs 304 individually or subsets of the same type of LED. Alternatively the primary LED control module 303 may be configured to power all of the LEDs of each type at once. This feature allows only the narrow view angle LEDs to be used, or only the wide view angle LEDs to be used. Therefore the lighting unit may have a normal' or daytime' mode in which all of the LEDs are used and a night time' mode, in which only some of the LEDs are used. Additionally the two different types of LEDs may be controlled to illuminate alternately in order to further increase the visibility of the lighting unit. This effect could be used to create the impression of rotation or other movement of the lights, making the lighting unit more noticeable.

The LEDs comprising the left and right indicating groups may also be of two types having different viewing angles and luminous intensities. In a particular embodiment each of the left and right indicating groups contains eleven LEDs with a viewing angle of 15 degrees and luminous intensity of I3000mcd and 10 LEDs with a viewing angle of 30 degrees and a luminous intensity of S000mcd. The total light output of each indicating group is approximately 18.4 Lumens. The two types of LED in the indicating groups may also be intermixed. Referring back to Figure Ia, a third set of LEDs 126 are the narrow view angle, high intensity LEDs. A fourth set of LEDs 128 are the wide view angle, lower intensity LEDs. The two types of LEDs are evenly distributed in the left and right indicating groups 112, 114.

Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the invention which is a cyding jacket 400. The cycling jacket 400 may have one or more zips 402 located in the centre and/or at the sides of the jacket The lighting unit 100 is worn on top of the jacket, around the hips or waist, facing rearwards. The belt 116 may be secured at a height on the jacket by feeding it through belt loops 404. On the front of the jacket 400 is shown the secondary lighting unit 300. The secondary lighting unit 300 may be secured to the jacket by Velcro, clips or any other suitable attachment and be located at chest height.

A wire 320 is shown connecting the secondary lighting unit 300 to the lighting unit 100. In some embodiments, the secondary lighting unit 300 receives power and control signals from the lighting unit 100 through the wire 320. One end of wire 320 connects to the secondary lighting unit connector 314 of the lighting unit 100 and the other end connects to a siniilsr component in the secondary lighting unit 300 or directly to the LED control modules. In a preferred embodiment, the wire is concealed in the lining of the jacket or may be threaded through a channel on the outside of the jacket Both the lighting unit 100 and secondary lighting unit 300 and the wire 320 may be easily removed from the jacket so that the jacket may be washed or worn without the lighting units.

In addition, the tn*in part lOt of the lighting unit tOO may be detachable from the belt part 116. The nitin part 101 of the lighting unit must be orientated correctly or the indications produced by the LEDs will be reversed. In order to ensure correct orientation, the niin part 101 may have a connecting port on the underside which docks with a connector protruding from the belt 116. The skilled person will contemplate other methods of ensuring correct orientation. -14-

An exemplary operation of the lighting unit will now be described with reference to the flow chart of Figure 5. Figure 5 is described with reference to the left indicating LEDs 306, however the same procedure applies for operating the right indicating LEDs 308.

The process starts at step 500. Tf the Eghting unit has an on/off switch, then it is set to on at step 500. At step 502, the left indicators 306 are inactive. At step 504, the user operates the left indicator input device on the selector module 200 or otherwise causes an input to be received at the selector module 200. At step 506, the controller 202 of the selector module 200 determines if the received input is a left indication input. If the received signal is not a left indication input, the left indicating LEDs remain inactive. If the received signal is a left indication input, the controller 202 generates and sends a left indication control message to the lighting unit 100 at step 508.

At step 510, the lighting unit receives the left indication control message from the selector module 200. Step 512 is an optional step in which the controller 302 of the lighting unit 100 checks whether the right indicating LEDs 308 are currently active.

If the right indicating LEDs are currently active, the controller deactivates these LEDs at step 514. If the right indicating LEDs are not active, the process skips to step 516. At step 516 the controller 302 sends a signal to the left indicating LED control module 303 and also to the left indicating LED control module 321 of the secondary lighting unit 300 if connected. This signal causes the left indicating LED control modules 303, 321 to activate the left indicating LEDs 306, 322.

At step 518, the controller 302 calculates if a predetermined period of time has elapsed since tile signal to activate the left indicating LEDs was sent. This period may be programmed into the controller or may be settable by the user. The period may for example be of the order of 5 to 10 seconds. If the predetermined period of time has not elapsed then the left indicating LEDs remain active. If the predetermined period of time has elapsed then the controller sends another signal to the left indicating LED control modules 305, 321 to deactivate the left indicating LEDs 306, 322.

-15 -The above described process allo\vs a user to signal there intent to make a manoeuvre while riding a bicycle by operating a input device on the handlebars and without removing their hands from the handlebars. This action causes indicating LEDs to flash, alerting other road users and pedestrians of the cyclist's intent. The user then has time to make the turn before the indicating LEDs automatically deactivate.

It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments are purely illustrative and are not limiting on the scope of the invention. Other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading the present application. Moreover, the disclosure of the present application should be understood to include any novel features or any novel combination of features either explicitly or implicitly disclosed herein or any generali2ation thereof and during the prosecution of the present application or of any application derived therefrom, new claims may be formulated to cover any such features and/or combination of such features.

Claims

Claimg 1. Apparatus comprising: a user-operable selector configured to be supported on bicycle handlebars and wirelessly to send control signals in response to user inputs; and a lighting unit configured to be worn on a torso of a user and to direct light rearwards with respect to the user on the basis of control signals provided by the selectoq wherein the lighting unit comprises plural LEDs supported in an array and directed rearwards with respect to the user so as to make the user highly day visible from the rear.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the array of LEDs comprises a primary group of LEDs, a left indicating group of LEDs and a right indicating group of LEDs.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim I or claim 2, wherein the primary group of LEDs has a combined luminous flux of at least 20 lumens, preferably at least 30 lumens.
4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the left indicating group of LEDs and the right indicating group of LEDs has a combined luminous flux of at least 15 Lumens.
5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein some of the plural LEDs have different viewing angles to others of the plural LEDs.
6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein some of the plural LEDs have a viewing angle of more than 20 degrees.
7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein some of the plural LEDs have a viewing angle of 20 degrees or less.
8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the lighting unit is configured to activate the left indicating group of LEDs and the right indicating group of LEDs in response to control signals from the selector.
9. Apparatus according to chini 8, wherein the lighting unit is configured to deactivate the left indicating group of LEDs and the right indicating group of T4RDs after a predetermined period of activity.
10. Apparatus according to any preceding citim, wherein the lighting unit comprises securing means for securing the lighting unit to or adjacent the torso of the user.
11. Apparatus according to chini 10, wherein the securing means comprises a strap configured to encircle the torso of the user.
12. Apparatus according to any preceding chini, comprising a secondary lighting unit configured to be worn on a torso of a user and to direct light forwards with respect to the user on the basis of control signals provided by the selector, wherein the secondary lighting unit comprises plural LEDs supported in an array and directed forwards with respect to the user so as to make the user highly day visible from the front.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the secondary/forwards facing lighting unit is configured to be attached to an article of clothing worn on the torso of the user.
14. Apparatus according to clf'hn 12 or cl*itn 13, wherein the secondary/forwards facing lighting unit is configured to be electrically connected to the lighting unit/rearward facing lighting unit for receiving power and control signals therefrom.
15. Apparatus according to any preceding cisim, wherein the lighting unit comprises a switch for selecting a lighting sequence of the lighting unit.
16. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the user-operable selector is configured to send a first control signal in response to a first user input for causing activation of the left indicating group of LEDs and to send a second control signal in response to a second user input for causing activation of the right indicating group of LEDs.
17. A method of operating a lighting unit comprising: receiving a user input at a user-operable selector supported on bicycle handlebars; responding to the user input by wirelessly sending a control signal from the user-operable selector to a lighting unit worn on a torso of a user; and activating the lighting unit to direct light rearwards with respect to the user on the basis of the control signal provided by the selector; wherein the lighting unit comprises plural LEDs supported in an array and directed rearwards with respect to the user so as to make the user highly day visible from the rear.Amendments to the claims have been made as follows: Claims 1. Apparatus comprising: a user-operable selector configured to be supported on bicycle handlebars and wirelessly to send control signals in response to user inputs; and a lighting unit configured to be worn on a torso of a user and to direct light rearwards with respect to the user on the basis of control signals provided by the selector; wherein the lighting unit comprises plural LEDs supported in an array and directed reatwards with respect to the user so as to make the user visible from the rear and wherein some of the plural LEDs have different viewing angles to others of the plural LEDs.Q 2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the array of LEDs comprises a i primary group of LEDs, a left indicating group of LEDs and a right indicating group of LEDs.3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the primary group of LEDs has a combined luminous flux of at least 20 lumens, preferably at least 30 lumens.4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the left indicating group of LEDs and the right indicating group of LEDs has a combined luminous flux of at least 15 Lumens.5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein some of the plural LEDs have a viewing angle of mote than 20 degrees.6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein some of the plural LEDs have a viewing angle of 20 degrees or less.7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein tile lighting unit is configured to activate the left indicating group of LEDs and the right indicating group of LEDs in response to control signals from the selector.8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the lighting unit is configured to deactivate the left indicating group of LEDs and the right indicating group of LEDs after a predetermined period of activity.9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein tile lighting unit comprises securing means for securing the lighting unit to or adjacent the torso of the user.10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the securing means comprises a strap configured to encircle the torso of the user.11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising a secondary lighting unit configured to be worn on a torso of a user and to direct light forwards with respect to the user on the basis of control signals provided by the selectot, wherein the secondary lighting unit comprises plural LEDs supported in an array and directed forwards with respect to the user so as to make the user visible from the front, 12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the secondary/forwards facing lighting unit is configured to be attached to an article of clothing worn on the torso of the user.13. Apparatus according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the secondary/forwards facing lighting unit is configured to be electrically connected to the lighting unit/rearward facing lighting unit for receiving power and control signals therefrom.14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the lighting unit comprises a switch for selecting a lighting sequence of tile lighting unit.15. Appatatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the user-operable selector is configured to send a first control signal in response to a first user input fot causing activation of the left indicating group of LEDs and to send a second control signal in response to a second user input for causing activation of the tight indicating group of LEDs.16. A method of operating a lighting unit comprising: receiving a user input at a user-operable selector supported on bicycle handlebars; responding to the user input by wirelessly sending a control signal from the user-operable selector to a lighting unit worn on a torso of a user; and activating the lighting unit to direct light rearwards with respect to the user Q on the basis of the control signal provided by the selector; wherein the lighting unit comprises plural LEDs supported in an array and directed rearwards with respect to the user so as to make the user visible from the rear and wherein some of the plural LEDs have different viewing angles to others of the plural LEDs.