WO2019238208A1 - Light emitting communication assembly - Google Patents

Light emitting communication assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019238208A1
WO2019238208A1 PCT/EP2018/065378 EP2018065378W WO2019238208A1 WO 2019238208 A1 WO2019238208 A1 WO 2019238208A1 EP 2018065378 W EP2018065378 W EP 2018065378W WO 2019238208 A1 WO2019238208 A1 WO 2019238208A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
light emitting
light
layer
communication assembly
vehicle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2018/065378
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Marko KONTA
Stephan SCHITTLER
Pierre BARUT
Clement Hoffner
Christopher GIROUX
Benoit Jacob
Ernesto Rupar
Original Assignee
Byton Limited
Byton Gmbh
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Byton Limited, Byton Gmbh filed Critical Byton Limited
Priority to PCT/EP2018/065378 priority Critical patent/WO2019238208A1/en
Priority to EP18734114.4A priority patent/EP3830475A1/en
Publication of WO2019238208A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019238208A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/40—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the combination of reflectors and refractors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/0029—Spatial arrangement
    • B60Q1/0035—Spatial arrangement relative to the vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/2607—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic comprising at least two indicating lamps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/28—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating front of vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/50—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
    • B60Q1/503—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking using luminous text or symbol displays in or on the vehicle, e.g. static text
    • B60Q1/5035—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking using luminous text or symbol displays in or on the vehicle, e.g. static text electronic displays
    • B60Q1/5037—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking using luminous text or symbol displays in or on the vehicle, e.g. static text electronic displays the display content changing automatically, e.g. depending on traffic situation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/50—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
    • B60Q1/506—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking specific to silent vehicles, e.g. for warning that a hybrid or electric vehicle is approaching
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/50—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
    • B60Q1/507—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking specific to autonomous vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/50—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
    • B60Q1/543—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking for indicating other states or conditions of the vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R13/00—Elements for body-finishing, identifying, or decorating; Arrangements or adaptations for advertising purposes
    • B60R13/04—External Ornamental or guard strips; Ornamental inscriptive devices thereon
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/10—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source
    • F21S43/13—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S43/14—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/10—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source
    • F21S43/13—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S43/14—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F21S43/145—Surface emitters, e.g. organic light emitting diodes [OLED]
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/10—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source
    • F21S43/13—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S43/15—Strips of light sources
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2400/00—Special features or arrangements of exterior signal lamps for vehicles
    • B60Q2400/30—Daytime running lights [DRL], e.g. circuits or arrangements therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2400/00—Special features or arrangements of exterior signal lamps for vehicles
    • B60Q2400/40—Welcome lights, i.e. specific or existing exterior lamps to assist leaving or approaching the vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2900/00—Features of lamps not covered by other groups in B60Q
    • B60Q2900/40—Several lamps activated in sequence, e.g. sweep effect, progressive activation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2102/00—Exterior vehicle lighting devices for illuminating purposes
    • F21W2102/40—Exterior vehicle lighting devices for illuminating purposes the light being emitted to facilitate access to the vehicle
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2103/00—Exterior vehicle lighting devices for signalling purposes
    • F21W2103/55—Daytime running lights [DRL]
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2104/00—Exterior vehicle lighting devices for decorative purposes

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates, in general, to a light emitting communication assembly for vehicles, preferably autonomous driving vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an electrical vehicle with such a light emitting communication assembly.
  • one aim of the present disclosure is, to improve a vehicle by enabling the vehicle to provide status information to the close surrounding, which information may be particularly useful for nearby people, but at the same time does not require production of additional noise to the environment as far as possible.
  • the core concept or idea of the present disclosure is, to provide a vehicle with a light emitting communication assembly that can be integrated into the vehicle so that it is almost imperceptible when not in use. By this, the vehicle can
  • the afore-mentioned autonomous driving vehicles have a special requirement to communicate with other road users, because the conventional human road-user to human road-user communication is not feasible or applicable anymore.
  • the corresponding front area no longer occupied by a radiator grill can be used differently.
  • the now available front area may be used for integrating a novel communication interface enabling the vehicle to communicate by emitting light and thereby displaying information to the surrounding of the vehicle.
  • information may be status information or warnings etc.
  • the required components and configuration should not need much space into the depth direction behind the surface of the vehicle.
  • the here proposed light emitting communication assembly may be installed in any other area of a vehicle, such as the rear or the sides of the vehicle. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to provide a light emitting
  • a first aspect of the present disclosure relates in general to a light emitting communication means, such as a light emitting communication assembly.
  • a light emitting communication assembly preferably for a vehicle, comprises an outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer; an inner light emitting layer; an inter-space between the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer and the inner light emitting layer.
  • the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer, the inner light emitting layer and the inter-space are arranged and constructed in such a way, that, when the inner layer is in a light emitting mode, light emitted by the inner light emitting layer into the inter-space is visible as transmitted light through the outer layer, and, when the inner layer is in a not light emitting mode, the outer light transmitting layer appears to be opaque by reflecting light incited on the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer.
  • the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer may comprise a first layer and a second layer.
  • the first layer may be light transmitting and the second layer may be reflective and semitransparent.
  • the first layer is transparent or at least semitransparent.
  • the second layer may be specular reflective and semitransparent.
  • transparent means that the layer in question has the property of transmitting visual light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly.
  • transparent shall mean that the layer transmits at least a percentage of 80% or more of light incident to the layer.
  • “semitransparent” means that the layer allows some visibility but clouded or obscured. Particularly, “semitransparent” shall mean that only a percentage of 20% or more up to 80% or less of visual light passes the layer.
  • “appearing to be opaque” means the layer appears to prevent visual light from travelling through so that the layer appears to be not transparent or translucent.
  • a person looking onto the light transmitting layer from a distance, e.g. some meters does not see through the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer into the inter-space.
  • a person looking onto the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer from a distance, e.g. some meters does perceive transmitting light from the inter-space transmitting through the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer since most of the perceived light is reflected light that is reflected on the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer.
  • the opaque appearance is achieved by the range of the first layer, which is configured such that light rays incident to the first layer are preferably reflected by the second layer so that the second layer provides a mirror like functionality.
  • the combination of the first and second layers provides the opaque appearance of the outer light transmitting layer when no light is emitted in the inter-space, e.g. by the inner light emitting layer.
  • inner light emitting layer and outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer may provide for depth perception effect on the surface of a vehicle into which the light emitting communication assembly is integrated.
  • the inner light emitting layer can be lit up by means of light sources such as selectively activatable point light sources, projectors and/or displays etc. to create a communication surface on the vehicle.
  • the configuration of the parameters range (thickness) and preset (semi)transparency of the first and second layer as well as the reflectivity of the second layer is such that transmitting light from the inter-space between the outer light transmitting layer and the inner light emitting layer is going through the second layer, when light is emitted from the inner light emitting layer or any other light source arranged within the inter-space.
  • light or light patterns exiting the surface of the inner light emitting layer, which are projected onto the second layer are directed towards the metal layer and incident on the second layer. Due to the metallization of the inner surface of the outer light emitting and light reflecting layer, the light and light patterns become visible to the surrounding.
  • the first layer may be made of a transparent or at least
  • the first layer may be colored, e.g. may be colored transparent or semitransparent plastic.
  • the first layer may be made of Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or the like, also known as acrylic glass such as Plexiglas ®.
  • PMMA Polymethyl methacrylate
  • acrylic glass such as Plexiglas ®.
  • the second layer may comprise a metal component in an amount or thickness in order to pre-set a predetermined semi-transparency of the second layer and thus, of the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer.
  • the second layer may be obtainable by a metal evaporation process and/or metal deposition process, such as a combination of physical vapor deposition (PVD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD), or electroplating, by which the second layer is formed onto the first layer to constitute the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer.
  • PVD physical vapor deposition
  • CVD chemical vapor deposition
  • the second layer may be located on the side of the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer which side faces towards the inter-space or into the direction of the inner light emitting layer.
  • the second layer may be or comprise at least one metal layer each containing one metal of the group consisting of aluminum, copper, gold, silver, chrome, chrome- nickel, platin, and rhodium.
  • any metal which can be successfully disposed on the (semi)transparent first layer with one of the here stated process or future processes found to be feasible may be employed.
  • the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer may be configured in such a way, that it provides an opaque, preferably colored, appearance when no light is emitted by the inner light emitting layer. It was found that the proportion of the range or thickness of the first layer and the second layer is important for establishing the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer. If the first layer is too thick or thin, and/or the second layer is too thick or thin, the desired level of transparency and semitransparency as well as the desired level of reflectivity cannot be achieved.
  • the thickness of the second layer is to be set in accordance with the selected metal, number of metal layers, and thus combination of metals so that the desired semitransparency is achieved. As said above, a percentage of 20% (preferably 50%, most preferably 60%) or more up to 80% or less of visual light shall pass the second layer to be semitransparent.
  • the inner light emitting layer may comprise a light source that is arranged in a predetermined distance to, on or integrated into the side of the inner light emitting layer which side faces away or is oriented away from the inter-space.
  • the inner light emitting layer may further be configured to be light diffusing and/or light scattering.
  • the inner light emitting layer may further comprise a light diffusion and/or light scattering layer that is configured to diffuse and/or scatter light. This can, for example, be useful when the employed light emitting device, e.g. a matrix of point light sources, has a low resolution.
  • the employed light emitting device e.g. a matrix of point light sources
  • the produced light pattern can be smoothed.
  • the inner light emitting layer may be configured as follows: When the inner light emitting layer is illuminated from the side facing away from the inter-space, the inner light emitting layer will emit transmitting light into the inter-space. The transmitting light will produce light patterns on the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer. The produced light patterns on the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer will be in accordance with patterns of the light incident onto the inner light emitting layer at the side facing away from the inter-space.
  • the inner light emitting layer may be or may comprise a matrix of selectively activatable point light sources.
  • a point light source may comprise a light emitting diode (LED) or organic light emitting diode (OLED).
  • the inner light emitting layer may be a light emitting display device such as LCD, OLED, and LED display device.
  • a light source for producing transmitting light for the inner light emitting layer may be a light projector unit having a powerful light source and optic for producing desired light patterns on the inner light emitting layer.
  • LASER light sources may be used as well.
  • a thin OLED display or LED display may be useful as such display does not consume much space.
  • the inner light emitting layer may have a light source which is arranged on the side of the inner light emitting layer which is oriented away from the inter-space.
  • the inner light emitting layer can be lit up, for example the light source may be configured to project or beam light patterns on the inner light emitting layer, from the backside, to create a communication surface on the vehicle.
  • the inner light emitting layer may have light sources integrated such as an (O)LED array, Display (LCD, Plasma, LED, OLED, etc.), LASER-projecting units or other light emitting devices.
  • the light source may be attached to the inner light emitting layer or installed with a distance between the inner light emitting layer and the light source.
  • the light emitting communication means should allow a flexible emitting of light patterns, preferably arbitrary patterns, for communication of the vehicle with the close environment. Communication may comprise display of particular status information, particular warnings for pedestrians, cyclists and other cars also in terms of autonomous driving.
  • the inter-space between the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer and the inner light emitting layer may have a range or span of 5mm to 80mm, preferably, of 30mm to 80mm, most preferably of about 60mm.
  • the inter-space may be filled with at least one of a special gas, a liquid, and vapor to improve the depth effect.
  • the inter-space may be filled with a fluorescent gas or the like.
  • the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer and the inner light emitting layer may be connected in a predetermined arrangement to each other.
  • the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer and the inner light emitting layer may be connected via a frame.
  • the frame may be configured to keep the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer and the inner light emitting layer in a predetermined arrangement to each other.
  • the frame may be comprised of bridging elements such as plates that are adapted to hold the two layers in place and keep the two layers in a predetermined arrangement to each other.
  • the frame may comprise light emitting regions.
  • the light emitting regions may be regions of the surface of the frame in which, or on which, point light sources are arranged or integrated.
  • a point light source may comprise a light emitting diode (LED) or organic light emitting diode (OLED).
  • the light emitting regions may be arranged to produce light in a predetermined selectable shape and/or pattern.
  • a predetermined selectable shape and/or pattern may be at least one of or a plurality of at least one of point, line, and/or area.
  • light stripes are integrated into the frame between the outer and inner layer to emphasize the depth effect.
  • the light stripes between the outer and inner layer may be arranged in such a way, that the produced artificial depth effect is intensified. It was found that by configuring the light patterns such as light stripes to become thinner with increasing distance from the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer towards the inside of the inter-space the artificial depth effect can be intensified.
  • three or more light stipes with
  • decreasing thicknesses e.g. of about 6mm, 4.7mm, and 3.5mm
  • the number of light patterns, such as the stripes is not limited to three, i.e. other configurations are possible.
  • light emitting means such as point light sources can be integrated.
  • the light sources may be arranged to be able to produce light in a wanted shape such as point, line, and/or area.
  • the surfaces at least one of the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer, the inner light emitting layer, and the frame, which surfaces are directed into the inter-space between the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer in the inter space may be configured to be not light reflective.
  • the surfaces that are configured to be not light reflective may be dull or tarnished, i.e. may be treated to be light absorbing.
  • the frame which is configured to keep the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer and the inner light emitting layer in a predetermined
  • each other comprises a surface in the inter-space that defines an inclined plane with respect to the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer and the inner light emitting layer, respectively.
  • the surfaces of the frame are not arranged orthogonal to the planes defined by the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer and the inner light emitting layer. It was found that such inclined plane in combination with e.g. light regions of the frame, the artificial depth effect can be further improved.
  • a second aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle that comprises at least one light emitting communication assembly according to the first aspect.
  • the light emitting communication assembly may be constructed and arranged in such a way, to fit into the front and/or rear areas and/or side areas of the vehicle.
  • the light emitting communication assembly is constructed and arranged in such a way to be put in place of the radiator grille at a conventional combustion engine driven vehicle. By this, it can be easily integrated in an existing design or vehicle.
  • the present disclosure is not limited to the above described shapes and positions with regard to the vehicle. It can also be used in other parts e.g. front and rear of the vehicle, as well as the side surfaces and fenders of a vehicle.
  • the vehicle may be an electrical driven vehicle comprising at least a drive battery and an electric drive motor. If the vehicle is an electric vehicle, the vehicle can have only an electric drive system but can also be a hybrid vehicle that additionally has another type of drive, such as a conventional internal combustion engine or a fuel cell or the like.
  • the vehicle may be one of an automobile, a train, an aircraft, a rotary wind aircraft, a vessel.
  • a third aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for adjusting various signal functions of a light emitting communication assembly according to the first aspect, in particular integrated in a surface area of an vehicle according to the second aspect.
  • the method may comprise the following steps: selecting a particular signal function; and controlling light sources of the light emitting communication assembly
  • associated with the selected signal function in order to illuminate areas of the inner light emitting layer of the light emitting communication assembly to emit light into the inter-space and incident onto the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer.
  • the method is suitable to implement the use of a light emitting communication assembly according to the first aspect for implementing predetermined signal functions, which may be particular useful for vehicles that are electrical driven as defined above.
  • the signal functions may be at least one of the group, consisting of, but not limited to: coming-home function, leaving-home function, welcome function, daytime running lights (DRL light), driving mode indicator of the vehicle, such as autonomous driving, charge state indicator for a drive battery in an electric vehicle, signaling on a surface of a vehicle of operations taking place in an area obscured by the vehicle, and signaling of available parking space in front of, or behind, the vehicle, in particular when the vehicle itself is being parked, to name but a few examples.
  • a further aspect of the present invention relates to particular uses of the light emitting communication assembly of the first aspect, in particular for integration into the surface of a vehicle, particularly an electric driven vehicle, wherein the signal functions to be implemented are those described above in connection with the method according to the third aspect.
  • the invention is particularly suited for vehicles, preferably motor vehicles, more preferably electric vehicles, in which a luminous or display surface is to be back-lit or trans-illuminated in various ways.
  • vehicles preferably motor vehicles, more preferably electric vehicles, in which a luminous or display surface is to be back-lit or trans-illuminated in various ways.
  • particularly suitable areas are located in the area of the front and rear of a vehicle, and particularly in the area of the headlights and tail lights which are usually provided for road vehicles, preferably in the area between these lights.
  • Figure 1 shows a vehicle with a light emitting communication assembly according to the present disclosure.
  • Figure 2 shows a simplified cross-sectional view of a light emitting communication assembly.
  • FIG. 3 shows the light emitting communication assembly separate from the
  • Figure 4 shows the light emitting communication assembly separate from the
  • Figure 5 shows the light emitting communication assembly without the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer, in a switched of mode.
  • Figure 6 shows the light emitting communication assembly without the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer, in a simulated switched on mode, i.e. producing light patterns.
  • Figure 7 shows the light emitting communication assembly including the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer, in anther simulated switched on mode, producing light patterns.
  • Figure 8 shows the light emitting communication assembly including the outer light transmitting and reflecting layer, in a switched-on mode, simulating the production of 3D light patterns.
  • Figure 9 shows the light emitting communication assembly including the outer light transmitting and reflecting layer, in a switched-on mode, producing 3-D light patterns.
  • Figure 10 illustrates in the form of a greatly simplified block diagram a vehicle with a control unit and a light emitting communication assembly.
  • Figure 11 illustrates a control method for a light emitting communication assembly.
  • Figure 1 shows an exemplary front view of a vehicle 10, preferably an electric driven vehicle, with a light emitting communication assembly 1 according to the present disclosure.
  • the vehicle is an electric driven vehicle
  • the light emitting communication assembly 1 is placed in the front area of the vehicle where usually the radiator grill is placed.
  • Figure 2 shows a simplified cross-sectional view of a light emitting communication assembly 1, suitable for integration into a surface area of a vehicle such as the vehicle 10 of Figure 1.
  • the cross-sectional view of the light emitting communication assembly 1 shows an outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2; an inner light emitting layer 3; and an inter-space 4 between the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 and the inner light emitting layer 3.
  • the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 comprises a first layer 21 and a second layer 22.
  • the first layer 21 is configured to be light transmitting; particularly the first layer 21 is configured by means of the selected material to be transparent or at least semitransparent.
  • the second layer 22 is configured by means of the selected material and the pre set thickness thereof to be at least diffuse reflective and semitransparent. In certain embodiments, the second layer 22 is specular reflective and semitransparent. To this end, the second layer 22 comprises a metal component in an amount to pre-set the required predetermined semi-transparency.
  • the second layer 22 can be obtained by a combination of combination of a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process and a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process or by electroplating process, in which the second layer 22 is formed onto the first layer 21.
  • the first layer 21 is made of general transparent or translucent material such as a transparent or translucent plastic.
  • the first layer 21 may be made of colorless and thus, transparent plastic, or may be made of a colored and thus, colored transparent or at least colored semitransparent plastic.
  • the first layer 21 is made of
  • PMMA Polymethylmethacrylate
  • the second layer is made of copper or aluminum or silver.
  • the second layer 22 is located on the side of the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 which faces in the direction into the inter-space 4 and thus towards the inner light emitting layer 3.
  • the inner light emitting layer 3 has a light source 5 which is arranged in a predetermined distance D1 to the rear side of the inner light emitting layer 3, i.e. the side that is oriented away from the inter-space 4.
  • the light source 5 can be arranged on or can be integrated into the rear side of the inner light emitting layer 3.
  • the inner light emitting layer 3 further comprises a light diffusion and/or light scattering layer 8 that is configured to diffuse and/or to scatter light incident to the light diffusion and/or light scattering layer 8 from the light source 5.
  • the inner light emitting layer 3 is configured, when illuminated from the rear side to emit transmitting light into the inter-space 4 thereby producing corresponding predetermined patterns on the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2.
  • the produced patterns are in accordance with patterns of light incident onto the rear side of inner light emitting layer 3 or in the inner light emitting layer 3 depending of the type of light source.
  • the light source 5 may be a matrix of selectively activatable point light sources 5a such as LEDs or OLEDs or the like. Such matrix may be attached to the inner light emitting layer 3 so that the distance D1 is zero.
  • the light source 5 may be a light emitting display device comprising such as a LCD, OLED, LED device or similar device, which is attached to or integrated into the rear side of the inner light emitting layer 3.
  • the inner light emitting layer 3 may be defined by the light source 5 itself which may be a light emitting display device such as LCD, OLED, LED or similar device.
  • the inter-space 4 between the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 and the inner light emitting layer 3 has a range D2 of 60mm.
  • the range D2 may be selected from the range 5mm to 80mm, and preferably, from 30mm to 80mm.
  • the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 and the inner light emitting layer 3 are connected via a frame 11 that is configured to keep the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 and the inner light emitting layer 3 in a predetermined arrangement to each other, such as with the distance D2
  • the frame 11 comprises an upper frame part 11a and a lower frame part l ib.
  • the frame 11 comprises light emitting regions 6, namely three light emitting regions 6a, 6b, 6c.
  • the light emitting regions 6 are arranged to produce light in a predetermined selectable shape and/or pattern such as at least one of or a plurality of at least one of point, line, and/or area.
  • a light diffusion and/or light scattering layer 8b that is configured to diffuse and/or to scatter light incident to the light diffusion and/or light scattering layer 8b from the light emitting regions 6.
  • the surfaces 4a, 4b, and 4c of the upper frame part 11a, the lower frame part l ib and the inner light emitting layer 3 facing into the inter-space 4 are configured to be not light reflective.
  • the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 the inner light emitting layer 3 and the inter-space 4 are arranged and constructed in such a way, that when the inner layer 3 is in a light emitting mode, light that is emitted by the inner light emitting layer 3 into the inter-space 4 is visible as transmitted light through the outer layer 2. Otherwise, when the inner layer 3 is in a not light emitting mode, i.e. the light source 5 and light emitting regions 6 are not emitting any light, the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 appears to be opaque by incident light reflected by the reflecting second layer 22 of the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2.
  • the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2, i.e. the first layer 21 and the second layer 22, is configured in such a way, that it provides an opaque, preferably colored, appearance when no light is emitted by the inner light emitting layer 3 or the light emitting regions.
  • the light emitting communication assembly 1 comprises the outer light transmitting layer 2, the inner light emitting layer 3 and the inter-space 4, between the outer light transmitting layer 2 and the inner light emitting lay 3.
  • the outer light transmitting layer 2 and the inner light emitting layer 3 are connected via the frame that is adapted to attach to the two layers and keep the layers in the predetermined arrangement to each other.
  • Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the light emitting communication assembly 1 according to the Figure 2-4.
  • the light emitting communication assembly 1 is shown without the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2, in a switched off mode.
  • the lower frame part lib is constructed, as the bottom side of the frame 11, in the shape of an inclined plane.
  • the inclined plane arises from outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 to the back, where the inner layer 3 is positioned.
  • three light emitting regions 6a, 6b, 6c in the shape of three lines are positioned.
  • the three light emitting lines are defined by respective chains comprising LED point light sources.
  • the arrangement of the light emitting regions 6 in the shape of three parallel lines on the inclined plane of the frame 11 further improves the desired artificial 3D effect to be produced in the perception of an observer, when the light emitting regions 6 are selectively switched on and the outer light emitting layer 2, not shown in Figure 5, is mounted.
  • Figure 6 shows the light emitting communication assembly 1 according to Figure 5 in a simulated switched on mode in which light patterns of transmitting light are produced on the inner light emitting layer 3.
  • the light emitting regions 6 - in the form of the three parallel LED lines - on the inclined plane of the lower frame part lib, are assumed to be switched on in a consecutive order starting with the front light emitting region 6a up to the rear light emitting region 6c.
  • a light source 5 implemented by a projector that projects light patterns 7 from behind onto the light emitting layer 3. Note, a full artificial 3D effect will be completely achieved, when the not shown outer light emitting layer 2 is mounted.
  • Figure 7 shows the light emitting communication assembly 1 according to the
  • Figure 6 in a simulated switched on mode, in which a light pattern 7 is projected by the light source 5 onto the rear side of the inner light emitting layer 3.
  • the light source 5 is a mirror which is positioned behind the inner light emitting layer 3 and the mirror is reflecting light patterns produced on it by a projector that is not shown.
  • the inner light emitting layer 3 further comprises a light diffusing and light scattering layer 8. By this arrangement a desired light pattern 7 can be projected onto the rear side of the inner light emitting layer 3.
  • the outer light transmitting layer 2 is mounted and shown in a phantom view.
  • the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 is a semitransparent layer.
  • the semitransparency is achieved by a combination of a transparent acrylic glass layer as the first layer 21, e.g. made from PMMA, which is combined with a second layer 22 made of a metal, i.e. the first layer 21 is metal-coated on the rear side which is the side that faces to the interspace 4.
  • the metal coating, i.e. the second layer 22 is made from aluminum fixed to the first layer 21 by a combined PVD and CVD process or an electroplating process.
  • the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 is configured to provide an opaque appearance to the perception of an eye of an observer, when no light is emitted by the inner light emitting layer 3 and the light emitting regions 6 of the frame 11 in the interspace 4.
  • “opaque appearance to the perception of an eye of an observer” means that the light emitting communication assembly 1 is by the particular configuration of the dimensions of the thickness of the first layer 21, the thickness of the second layer 22, the span or range D2 of the inter-space 4 so that the observer receives mainly only external light incident on the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2, i.e. the amount of transmitting light going through the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 from the inter-space 4 is negligible, i.e. insignificant for the perception of the observer.
  • a“light show” in form of light patterns 7 becomes visible as transmitting light through the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2.
  • the artificial 3D effect of the light emitting communication assembly 1 is achieved.
  • the three light emitting regions 6a, 6b, and 6c in the shape of light stripes further enhance this artificial 3D effect.
  • the light emitting communication assembly 1 enables the implementation of any possible shape of the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 to be smoothly integrated into a surface area of a vehicle. This is possible, since the essential functional elements, such as the inner light emitting layer 3 and the light emitting regions 6 are located behind the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 and can be kept in basically the same shape regardless the shape of the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2, which may become an integrated part of the vehicles exterior surface.
  • the above described effect is illustrated in Figure 8 and Figure 9.
  • the three light stripes of the light emitting regions 6a, 6b, and 6c and projected light patterns 7, shine through the (semi)transparent outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 and create the desired artificial 3D-effect in the front surface of a vehicle 10. As soon as the light emitting regions 6 and the inner light emitting layer 3, i.e. the light patterns 7, are switched of, the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 is perceived as being opaque like the rest of the front surface of the vehicle 10.
  • Figure 10 illustrates, greatly simplified, a system consisting of the vehicle 10, which is an electric driven vehicle comprising drive battery 300, as for example shown as a silhouette in Figure 1, wherein at least one light emitting communication assembly 1 is integrated into a surface area of the vehicle 10.
  • a control device 200 which is operatively and communicatively connected to the light emitting communication assembly 1 for controlling and supplying power, is provided for controlling, in particular for implementing light emitting communication functions by means of the light emitting communication assembly 1.
  • the light emitting communication assembly 1 can of course also be supplied with the required power independently of the control device 200 and only receive control commands for controlling individual ones of light sources of the light emitting communication assembly 1 by the control device 200.
  • the control device 200 is programmed by means of a corresponding control program to control a desired light emitting communication functions by controlling associated light sources of the light emitting communication assembly 1 to perform the desired light emitting communication function by correspondingly controlling the associated light sources.
  • Figure 11 briefly illustrates a method for carrying out light various light emitting communication functions by means of the light emitting communication assembly 1, as explained in the context of Figs. 1 to 8, in particular in a vehicle, preferably an electric vehicle, in the context of Figure 9.
  • a various light emitting communication function to be implemented is determined and thus selected in a step S100, for example, by an evaluation of vehicle state information available in the control device 200.
  • the selected light emitting communication function is carried out in a step S200 by controlling associated light sources of light emitting communication assembly 1 in order to illuminate areas of the inner light emitting layer 3 or light sources integrated into the frame of light emitting communication assembly 1 to emit light to the inter-space and thus through the outer light emitting and light reflecting layer 2.
  • numerous light emitting communication functions may be implemented with great amount of flexibility. In what follows, some signaling functions are listed as non-limiting list.
  • a coming-home function For example, a coming-home function, a leaving-home function, a welcome function, a daytime running light function, a driving mode indicator of the vehicle, for example, to indicate to other road users that the vehicle is currently in
  • autonomous driving mode a charge state indicator for the charge state of a drive battery in the case of an electric vehicle, or signaling processes on a surface of a vehicle, for example at the rear of the electric driven vehicle 1 of Figure 1 or 8, the processes being those taking place in a region obscured by the vehicle 1, i.e., in front of the vehicle.
  • a further signal function may be signaling available parking space in front of, or behind, the vehicle by means of corresponding signals when the vehicle itself is being parked.

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Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a light emitting communication assembly (1), preferably for a vehicle (10), comprising an outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer (2); an inner light emitting layer (3); an inter-space (4) between the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer (2) and the inner light emitting layer (3); wherein the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer (2), the inner light emitting layer (3) and the inter-space (4) are arranged and constructed in such a way, that when the inner layer (3) is in a light emitting mode, light emitted by the inner light emitting layer (3) into the inter-space (4) is visible as transmitted light through the outer layer (2); and, when the inner layer (3) is in a not light emitting mode, the outer light transmitting layer (2) appears to be opaque by reflecting light incited on the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer (2). The present disclosure further relates to a vehicle (10) comprising at least one such light emitting communication assembly (1).

Description

LIGHT EMITTING COMMUNICATION ASSEMBLY
The present disclosure relates, in general, to a light emitting communication assembly for vehicles, preferably autonomous driving vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an electrical vehicle with such a light emitting communication assembly.
Background
The following background information is provided solely to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure and should by no means be construed as an admission of prior art unless expressly designated as such. Due to the absence of a classic combustion motor, electric vehicles do not produce the usual operating noise by which people nearby become well aware about the actual operating status of the vehicle, such as parking, i.e. not operating, or ready for driving. In near future, the situation will become more complicated since modern electric vehicles will have besides the well-known normal operation mode a so called autonomous driving mode.
To cope with the situation, some countries require modern electric vehicles to produce artificial sounds to make the surrounding aware of their approach or presence. Needless to say, such artificial sounds are not desired solutions at all.
Thus, there is a strong need to provide future cars with the possibility to provide some kind of status information to their surroundings, which is particular useful for nearby people and which avoids production of unnecessary noise as far as possible.
Summary
Thus, one aim of the present disclosure is, to improve a vehicle by enabling the vehicle to provide status information to the close surrounding, which information may be particularly useful for nearby people, but at the same time does not require production of additional noise to the environment as far as possible. The core concept or idea of the present disclosure is, to provide a vehicle with a light emitting communication assembly that can be integrated into the vehicle so that it is almost imperceptible when not in use. By this, the vehicle can
communicate with other road users like pedestrians, cyclists or other vehicle drivers. Especially, the afore-mentioned autonomous driving vehicles have a special requirement to communicate with other road users, because the conventional human road-user to human road-user communication is not feasible or applicable anymore.
Since modern electric vehicles do not have a combustion engine, there is no need for a radiator grill. Thus, the corresponding front area no longer occupied by a radiator grill can be used differently. The now available front area may be used for integrating a novel communication interface enabling the vehicle to communicate by emitting light and thereby displaying information to the surrounding of the vehicle. For example, such information may be status information or warnings etc. In this regard, it will be desirable that such smart communication means does not consume much space. Particularly, the required components and configuration should not need much space into the depth direction behind the surface of the vehicle. Beside the location where the conventional radiator grill is installed, the here proposed light emitting communication assembly may be installed in any other area of a vehicle, such as the rear or the sides of the vehicle. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to provide a light emitting
communication assembly that can be smoothly integrated into the given shape and contour of a vehicle skin, particularly in the front area and/or rear area of the vehicle, but also the side areas may be useful.
In the present context,“smoothly” means that the light emitting communication assembly is optically and in terms of its design integratable into the design concept of the vehicle. For example, the light emitting communication assembly may be configured to be integratable and to fit into the typical front/rear areas of a vehicle. Accordingly, a first aspect of the present disclosure relates in general to a light emitting communication means, such as a light emitting communication assembly.
Accordingly, a light emitting communication assembly, preferably for a vehicle, comprises an outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer; an inner light emitting layer; an inter-space between the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer and the inner light emitting layer. Particularly, the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer, the inner light emitting layer and the inter-space are arranged and constructed in such a way, that, when the inner layer is in a light emitting mode, light emitted by the inner light emitting layer into the inter-space is visible as transmitted light through the outer layer, and, when the inner layer is in a not light emitting mode, the outer light transmitting layer appears to be opaque by reflecting light incited on the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer.
The outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer may comprise a first layer and a second layer. The first layer may be light transmitting and the second layer may be reflective and semitransparent. Particularly, the first layer is transparent or at least semitransparent. Alternatively, or additionally, the second layer may be specular reflective and semitransparent.
In the present context, "transparent" means that the layer in question has the property of transmitting visual light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly. Particularly, "transparent" shall mean that the layer transmits at least a percentage of 80% or more of light incident to the layer.
In the present context, "semitransparent" means that the layer allows some visibility but clouded or obscured. Particularly, "semitransparent" shall mean that only a percentage of 20% or more up to 80% or less of visual light passes the layer.
In the present context,“appearing to be opaque” means the layer appears to prevent visual light from travelling through so that the layer appears to be not transparent or translucent. For example, a person looking onto the light transmitting layer from a distance, e.g. some meters, does not see through the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer into the inter-space. In other words, a person looking onto the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer from a distance, e.g. some meters, does perceive transmitting light from the inter-space transmitting through the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer since most of the perceived light is reflected light that is reflected on the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer.
The opaque appearance is achieved by the range of the first layer, which is configured such that light rays incident to the first layer are preferably reflected by the second layer so that the second layer provides a mirror like functionality. In other words, the combination of the first and second layers provides the opaque appearance of the outer light transmitting layer when no light is emitted in the inter-space, e.g. by the inner light emitting layer.
By this, once the inner light emitting layer is emitting light, such light is transmitted through the outer light transmitting and reflecting layer, creating an optical effect to be used for communicating information.
Especially the distance between inner light emitting layer and outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer may provide for depth perception effect on the surface of a vehicle into which the light emitting communication assembly is integrated. To this end, the inner light emitting layer can be lit up by means of light sources such as selectively activatable point light sources, projectors and/or displays etc. to create a communication surface on the vehicle.
The configuration of the parameters range (thickness) and preset (semi)transparency of the first and second layer as well as the reflectivity of the second layer is such that transmitting light from the inter-space between the outer light transmitting layer and the inner light emitting layer is going through the second layer, when light is emitted from the inner light emitting layer or any other light source arranged within the inter-space. Thus, light or light patterns exiting the surface of the inner light emitting layer, which are projected onto the second layer, are directed towards the metal layer and incident on the second layer. Due to the metallization of the inner surface of the outer light emitting and light reflecting layer, the light and light patterns become visible to the surrounding.
For example, the first layer may be made of a transparent or at least
semitransparent material such as a transparent or semitransparent plastic. The first layer may be colored, e.g. may be colored transparent or semitransparent plastic.
For example, the first layer may be made of Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or the like, also known as acrylic glass such as Plexiglas ®.
The second layer may comprise a metal component in an amount or thickness in order to pre-set a predetermined semi-transparency of the second layer and thus, of the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer. For example, the second layer may be obtainable by a metal evaporation process and/or metal deposition process, such as a combination of physical vapor deposition (PVD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD), or electroplating, by which the second layer is formed onto the first layer to constitute the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer.
The second layer may be located on the side of the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer which side faces towards the inter-space or into the direction of the inner light emitting layer.
The second layer may be or comprise at least one metal layer each containing one metal of the group consisting of aluminum, copper, gold, silver, chrome, chrome- nickel, platin, and rhodium. In principle, any metal which can be successfully disposed on the (semi)transparent first layer with one of the here stated process or future processes found to be feasible may be employed.
The outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer may be configured in such a way, that it provides an opaque, preferably colored, appearance when no light is emitted by the inner light emitting layer. It was found that the proportion of the range or thickness of the first layer and the second layer is important for establishing the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer. If the first layer is too thick or thin, and/or the second layer is too thick or thin, the desired level of transparency and semitransparency as well as the desired level of reflectivity cannot be achieved.
A thickness of about 3 to 7mm, preferably 4 to 6mm, most preferably of 5mm for the first layer.
The thickness of the second layer is to be set in accordance with the selected metal, number of metal layers, and thus combination of metals so that the desired semitransparency is achieved. As said above, a percentage of 20% (preferably 50%, most preferably 60%) or more up to 80% or less of visual light shall pass the second layer to be semitransparent.
The inner light emitting layer may comprise a light source that is arranged in a predetermined distance to, on or integrated into the side of the inner light emitting layer which side faces away or is oriented away from the inter-space.
The inner light emitting layer may further be configured to be light diffusing and/or light scattering. Alternatively, or additionally, the inner light emitting layer may further comprise a light diffusion and/or light scattering layer that is configured to diffuse and/or scatter light. This can, for example, be useful when the employed light emitting device, e.g. a matrix of point light sources, has a low resolution. By the light diffusion and/or light scattering functionality of the inner light emitting layer, the produced light pattern can be smoothed.
The inner light emitting layer may be configured as follows: When the inner light emitting layer is illuminated from the side facing away from the inter-space, the inner light emitting layer will emit transmitting light into the inter-space. The transmitting light will produce light patterns on the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer. The produced light patterns on the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer will be in accordance with patterns of the light incident onto the inner light emitting layer at the side facing away from the inter-space.
For example, the inner light emitting layer may be or may comprise a matrix of selectively activatable point light sources. A point light source may comprise a light emitting diode (LED) or organic light emitting diode (OLED).
Alternatively, the inner light emitting layer may be a light emitting display device such as LCD, OLED, and LED display device. Basically, a light source for producing transmitting light for the inner light emitting layer may be a light projector unit having a powerful light source and optic for producing desired light patterns on the inner light emitting layer. Instead of a projector also LASER light sources may be used as well. A thin OLED display or LED display may be useful as such display does not consume much space.
In a preferred embodiment, the inner light emitting layer may have a light source which is arranged on the side of the inner light emitting layer which is oriented away from the inter-space. By this, the inner light emitting layer can be lit up, for example the light source may be configured to project or beam light patterns on the inner light emitting layer, from the backside, to create a communication surface on the vehicle. The inner light emitting layer may have light sources integrated such as an (O)LED array, Display (LCD, Plasma, LED, OLED, etc.), LASER-projecting units or other light emitting devices. Dependent on the used light emitting device, the light source may be attached to the inner light emitting layer or installed with a distance between the inner light emitting layer and the light source. The light emitting communication means should allow a flexible emitting of light patterns, preferably arbitrary patterns, for communication of the vehicle with the close environment. Communication may comprise display of particular status information, particular warnings for pedestrians, cyclists and other cars also in terms of autonomous driving. The inter-space between the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer and the inner light emitting layer may have a range or span of 5mm to 80mm, preferably, of 30mm to 80mm, most preferably of about 60mm.
It was found that the inter-space provides for generating an artificial depth perception in the eye of an observer.
The inter-space may be filled with at least one of a special gas, a liquid, and vapor to improve the depth effect. For example, the inter-space may be filled with a fluorescent gas or the like.
The outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer and the inner light emitting layer may be connected in a predetermined arrangement to each other.
For example, the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer and the inner light emitting layer may be connected via a frame.
The frame may be configured to keep the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer and the inner light emitting layer in a predetermined arrangement to each other.
In a preferred embodiment, the frame may be comprised of bridging elements such as plates that are adapted to hold the two layers in place and keep the two layers in a predetermined arrangement to each other.
The frame may comprise light emitting regions. The light emitting regions may be regions of the surface of the frame in which, or on which, point light sources are arranged or integrated. A point light source may comprise a light emitting diode (LED) or organic light emitting diode (OLED).
The light emitting regions may be arranged to produce light in a predetermined selectable shape and/or pattern. A predetermined selectable shape and/or pattern may be at least one of or a plurality of at least one of point, line, and/or area. In a particular embodiment, light stripes are integrated into the frame between the outer and inner layer to emphasize the depth effect. The light stripes between the outer and inner layer may be arranged in such a way, that the produced artificial depth effect is intensified. It was found that by configuring the light patterns such as light stripes to become thinner with increasing distance from the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer towards the inside of the inter-space the artificial depth effect can be intensified.
For example, in one particular embodiment three or more light stipes with
decreasing thicknesses (e.g. of about 6mm, 4.7mm, and 3.5mm) may be used. The number of light patterns, such as the stripes is not limited to three, i.e. other configurations are possible.
For example, in the frame or plates, light emitting means such as point light sources can be integrated. The light sources may be arranged to be able to produce light in a wanted shape such as point, line, and/or area.
The surfaces at least one of the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer, the inner light emitting layer, and the frame, which surfaces are directed into the inter-space between the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer in the inter space may be configured to be not light reflective. For example, the surfaces that are configured to be not light reflective may be dull or tarnished, i.e. may be treated to be light absorbing.
Preferably, the frame which is configured to keep the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer and the inner light emitting layer in a predetermined
arrangement to each other comprises a surface in the inter-space that defines an inclined plane with respect to the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer and the inner light emitting layer, respectively. In other words, the surfaces of the frame are not arranged orthogonal to the planes defined by the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer and the inner light emitting layer. It was found that such inclined plane in combination with e.g. light regions of the frame, the artificial depth effect can be further improved.
A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle that comprises at least one light emitting communication assembly according to the first aspect. The light emitting communication assembly may be constructed and arranged in such a way, to fit into the front and/or rear areas and/or side areas of the vehicle.
For example, in one particular embodiment the light emitting communication assembly is constructed and arranged in such a way to be put in place of the radiator grille at a conventional combustion engine driven vehicle. By this, it can be easily integrated in an existing design or vehicle.
Note, the present disclosure is not limited to the above described shapes and positions with regard to the vehicle. It can also be used in other parts e.g. front and rear of the vehicle, as well as the side surfaces and fenders of a vehicle.
The vehicle may be an electrical driven vehicle comprising at least a drive battery and an electric drive motor. If the vehicle is an electric vehicle, the vehicle can have only an electric drive system but can also be a hybrid vehicle that additionally has another type of drive, such as a conventional internal combustion engine or a fuel cell or the like.
The vehicle may be one of an automobile, a train, an aircraft, a rotary wind aircraft, a vessel.
A third aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for adjusting various signal functions of a light emitting communication assembly according to the first aspect, in particular integrated in a surface area of an vehicle according to the second aspect. The method may comprise the following steps: selecting a particular signal function; and controlling light sources of the light emitting communication assembly
associated with the selected signal function in order to illuminate areas of the inner light emitting layer of the light emitting communication assembly to emit light into the inter-space and incident onto the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer.
Thus, the method is suitable to implement the use of a light emitting communication assembly according to the first aspect for implementing predetermined signal functions, which may be particular useful for vehicles that are electrical driven as defined above.
The signal functions may be at least one of the group, consisting of, but not limited to: coming-home function, leaving-home function, welcome function, daytime running lights (DRL light), driving mode indicator of the vehicle, such as autonomous driving, charge state indicator for a drive battery in an electric vehicle, signaling on a surface of a vehicle of operations taking place in an area obscured by the vehicle, and signaling of available parking space in front of, or behind, the vehicle, in particular when the vehicle itself is being parked, to name but a few examples. A further aspect of the present invention relates to particular uses of the light emitting communication assembly of the first aspect, in particular for integration into the surface of a vehicle, particularly an electric driven vehicle, wherein the signal functions to be implemented are those described above in connection with the method according to the third aspect. The invention is particularly suited for vehicles, preferably motor vehicles, more preferably electric vehicles, in which a luminous or display surface is to be back-lit or trans-illuminated in various ways. For this purpose, particularly suitable areas are located in the area of the front and rear of a vehicle, and particularly in the area of the headlights and tail lights which are usually provided for road vehicles, preferably in the area between these lights.
Finally, yet importantly, it is essential that the described arrangement of the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer and the inner light emitting layer, according to any of the afore described embodiments, allows to create any possible shapes of light pattern on the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer.
Brief Description of the Drawing Figures
Other advantages, features, and details of the present disclosure arise from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to drawings. The features described in the claims and in the description may be relevant to the present disclosure individually or in any combination. Likewise, the features mentioned above and below can each be used individually or collectively in any combination. Functionally similar or identical parts or components are in some cases labeled with the same reference symbols. The terms,“left”,“right”,“up,” and“down,” used in the description of the exemplary embodiments relate to the drawings in an orientation with the legends legible in the normal fashion or reference characters legible in the normal fashion. The
embodiments shown and described are not to be taken as exhaustive but serve as examples for explaining the present disclosure. The detailed description is for the information of those of ordinary skill in the art, which is why known structures and methods are not shown or explained in detail in the description, to avoid
complicating the understanding of the present description.
Figure 1 shows a vehicle with a light emitting communication assembly according to the present disclosure.
Figure 2 shows a simplified cross-sectional view of a light emitting communication assembly.
Figure 3 shows the light emitting communication assembly separate from the
vehicle and scaled up. Figure 4 shows the light emitting communication assembly separate from the
vehicle.
Figure 5 shows the light emitting communication assembly without the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer, in a switched of mode.
Figure 6 shows the light emitting communication assembly without the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer, in a simulated switched on mode, i.e. producing light patterns. Figure 7 shows the light emitting communication assembly including the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer, in anther simulated switched on mode, producing light patterns.
Figure 8 shows the light emitting communication assembly including the outer light transmitting and reflecting layer, in a switched-on mode, simulating the production of 3D light patterns.
Figure 9 shows the light emitting communication assembly including the outer light transmitting and reflecting layer, in a switched-on mode, producing 3-D light patterns.
Figure 10 illustrates in the form of a greatly simplified block diagram a vehicle with a control unit and a light emitting communication assembly.
Figure 11 illustrates a control method for a light emitting communication assembly.
Detailed Description of an exemplary embodiment
Figure 1 shows an exemplary front view of a vehicle 10, preferably an electric driven vehicle, with a light emitting communication assembly 1 according to the present disclosure. Thus, as the vehicle is an electric driven vehicle, the light emitting communication assembly 1 is placed in the front area of the vehicle where usually the radiator grill is placed.
Figure 2 shows a simplified cross-sectional view of a light emitting communication assembly 1, suitable for integration into a surface area of a vehicle such as the vehicle 10 of Figure 1.
The cross-sectional view of the light emitting communication assembly 1 shows an outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2; an inner light emitting layer 3; and an inter-space 4 between the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 and the inner light emitting layer 3.
The outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 comprises a first layer 21 and a second layer 22.
The first layer 21 is configured to be light transmitting; particularly the first layer 21 is configured by means of the selected material to be transparent or at least semitransparent. The second layer 22 is configured by means of the selected material and the pre set thickness thereof to be at least diffuse reflective and semitransparent. In certain embodiments, the second layer 22 is specular reflective and semitransparent. To this end, the second layer 22 comprises a metal component in an amount to pre-set the required predetermined semi-transparency.
For example, the second layer 22 can be obtained by a combination of combination of a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process and a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process or by electroplating process, in which the second layer 22 is formed onto the first layer 21. For example, the first layer 21 is made of general transparent or translucent material such as a transparent or translucent plastic. For example, the first layer 21 may be made of colorless and thus, transparent plastic, or may be made of a colored and thus, colored transparent or at least colored semitransparent plastic.
For example, in particular embodiments the first layer 21 is made of
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or the like, also known as acrylic glass such as Plexiglas ®. The second layer is made of copper or aluminum or silver.
The second layer 22 is located on the side of the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 which faces in the direction into the inter-space 4 and thus towards the inner light emitting layer 3. The inner light emitting layer 3 has a light source 5 which is arranged in a predetermined distance D1 to the rear side of the inner light emitting layer 3, i.e. the side that is oriented away from the inter-space 4.
Alternatively, for example depending of the type of light source, the light source 5 can be arranged on or can be integrated into the rear side of the inner light emitting layer 3. The inner light emitting layer 3 further comprises a light diffusion and/or light scattering layer 8 that is configured to diffuse and/or to scatter light incident to the light diffusion and/or light scattering layer 8 from the light source 5.
The inner light emitting layer 3 is configured, when illuminated from the rear side to emit transmitting light into the inter-space 4 thereby producing corresponding predetermined patterns on the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2.
The produced patterns are in accordance with patterns of light incident onto the rear side of inner light emitting layer 3 or in the inner light emitting layer 3 depending of the type of light source. The light source 5 may be a matrix of selectively activatable point light sources 5a such as LEDs or OLEDs or the like. Such matrix may be attached to the inner light emitting layer 3 so that the distance D1 is zero.
The light source 5 may be a light emitting display device comprising such as a LCD, OLED, LED device or similar device, which is attached to or integrated into the rear side of the inner light emitting layer 3.
Alternatively, the inner light emitting layer 3 may be defined by the light source 5 itself which may be a light emitting display device such as LCD, OLED, LED or similar device.
The inter-space 4 between the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 and the inner light emitting layer 3 has a range D2 of 60mm. However, depending on the effects to be produced, the range D2 may be selected from the range 5mm to 80mm, and preferably, from 30mm to 80mm.
The outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 and the inner light emitting layer 3 are connected via a frame 11 that is configured to keep the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 and the inner light emitting layer 3 in a predetermined arrangement to each other, such as with the distance D2
therebetween defining the inter-space 4. In the cross-sectional view of Figure 2, the frame 11 comprises an upper frame part 11a and a lower frame part l ib.
In the lower frame part lib, the frame 11 comprises light emitting regions 6, namely three light emitting regions 6a, 6b, 6c. The light emitting regions 6 are arranged to produce light in a predetermined selectable shape and/or pattern such as at least one of or a plurality of at least one of point, line, and/or area. On the lower frame part lib is a light diffusion and/or light scattering layer 8b that is configured to diffuse and/or to scatter light incident to the light diffusion and/or light scattering layer 8b from the light emitting regions 6.
On the lower frame lib there are further light emitting regions with selectively activatable point light sources 5b, which may be used to produce a light frame for the whole assembly 1.
The surfaces 4a, 4b, and 4c of the upper frame part 11a, the lower frame part l ib and the inner light emitting layer 3 facing into the inter-space 4 are configured to be not light reflective.
Regarding the functional principle of the light emitting communication assembly 1, the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2, the inner light emitting layer 3 and the inter-space 4 are arranged and constructed in such a way, that when the inner layer 3 is in a light emitting mode, light that is emitted by the inner light emitting layer 3 into the inter-space 4 is visible as transmitted light through the outer layer 2. Otherwise, when the inner layer 3 is in a not light emitting mode, i.e. the light source 5 and light emitting regions 6 are not emitting any light, the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 appears to be opaque by incident light reflected by the reflecting second layer 22 of the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2. Preferably, the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2, i.e. the first layer 21 and the second layer 22, is configured in such a way, that it provides an opaque, preferably colored, appearance when no light is emitted by the inner light emitting layer 3 or the light emitting regions.
In Figure 3 and Figure 4, the light emitting communication assembly 1 of Figure 1 is shown separated from the vehicle 10 and scaled up. The light emitting
communication assembly 1 is shown in a sketched-up version to provide an overview of the structure thereof.
The light emitting communication assembly 1 comprises the outer light transmitting layer 2, the inner light emitting layer 3 and the inter-space 4, between the outer light transmitting layer 2 and the inner light emitting lay 3. The outer light transmitting layer 2 and the inner light emitting layer 3 are connected via the frame that is adapted to attach to the two layers and keep the layers in the predetermined arrangement to each other.
Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the light emitting communication assembly 1 according to the Figure 2-4. In Figure 5, the light emitting communication assembly 1 is shown without the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2, in a switched off mode.
In this embodiment, the lower frame part lib is constructed, as the bottom side of the frame 11, in the shape of an inclined plane. The inclined plane arises from outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 to the back, where the inner layer 3 is positioned.
On or in the inclined plane of the frame 11, three light emitting regions 6a, 6b, 6c in the shape of three lines are positioned. In this case, the three light emitting lines are defined by respective chains comprising LED point light sources.
The arrangement of the light emitting regions 6 in the shape of three parallel lines on the inclined plane of the frame 11 further improves the desired artificial 3D effect to be produced in the perception of an observer, when the light emitting regions 6 are selectively switched on and the outer light emitting layer 2, not shown in Figure 5, is mounted.
Figure 6 shows the light emitting communication assembly 1 according to Figure 5 in a simulated switched on mode in which light patterns of transmitting light are produced on the inner light emitting layer 3.
Note, in Figure 6 the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 is still not shown, i.e. not yet mounted.
Now the light emitting regions 6 - in the form of the three parallel LED lines - on the inclined plane of the lower frame part lib, are assumed to be switched on in a consecutive order starting with the front light emitting region 6a up to the rear light emitting region 6c.
A full artificial three-dimensional (3D) effect to be caused by this arrangement in the perception of the eye of an observer will be completely achieved when the outer light emitting and light reflecting layer 2 is mounted. Furthermore, Figure 6 shows the inner light emitting layer 3 in action.
In this embodiment, a light source 5 implemented by a projector that projects light patterns 7 from behind onto the light emitting layer 3. Note, a full artificial 3D effect will be completely achieved, when the not shown outer light emitting layer 2 is mounted. Figure 7 shows the light emitting communication assembly 1 according to the
Figure 6 in a simulated switched on mode, in which a light pattern 7 is projected by the light source 5 onto the rear side of the inner light emitting layer 3.
In this embodiment, the light source 5 is a mirror which is positioned behind the inner light emitting layer 3 and the mirror is reflecting light patterns produced on it by a projector that is not shown. The inner light emitting layer 3 further comprises a light diffusing and light scattering layer 8. By this arrangement a desired light pattern 7 can be projected onto the rear side of the inner light emitting layer 3.
In Figure 7, the outer light transmitting layer 2 is mounted and shown in a phantom view. The outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 is a semitransparent layer. The semitransparency is achieved by a combination of a transparent acrylic glass layer as the first layer 21, e.g. made from PMMA, which is combined with a second layer 22 made of a metal, i.e. the first layer 21 is metal-coated on the rear side which is the side that faces to the interspace 4. In this embodiment the metal coating, i.e. the second layer 22 is made from aluminum fixed to the first layer 21 by a combined PVD and CVD process or an electroplating process. By this special composition, the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 is configured to provide an opaque appearance to the perception of an eye of an observer, when no light is emitted by the inner light emitting layer 3 and the light emitting regions 6 of the frame 11 in the interspace 4.
In this context,“opaque appearance to the perception of an eye of an observer” means that the light emitting communication assembly 1 is by the particular configuration of the dimensions of the thickness of the first layer 21, the thickness of the second layer 22, the span or range D2 of the inter-space 4 so that the observer receives mainly only external light incident on the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2, i.e. the amount of transmitting light going through the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 from the inter-space 4 is negligible, i.e. insignificant for the perception of the observer. As soon as the inner layer 3 is illuminated, a“light show” in form of light patterns 7 becomes visible as transmitting light through the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2. Due to the described, special arrangement and construction of inner light emitting layer 3, the inter-space 4 and (semi)transparent outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2, the artificial 3D effect of the light emitting communication assembly 1 is achieved. The three light emitting regions 6a, 6b, and 6c in the shape of light stripes further enhance this artificial 3D effect.
The light emitting communication assembly 1 enables the implementation of any possible shape of the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 to be smoothly integrated into a surface area of a vehicle. This is possible, since the essential functional elements, such as the inner light emitting layer 3 and the light emitting regions 6 are located behind the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 and can be kept in basically the same shape regardless the shape of the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2, which may become an integrated part of the vehicles exterior surface. The above described effect is illustrated in Figure 8 and Figure 9. The three light stripes of the light emitting regions 6a, 6b, and 6c and projected light patterns 7, shine through the (semi)transparent outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 and create the desired artificial 3D-effect in the front surface of a vehicle 10. As soon as the light emitting regions 6 and the inner light emitting layer 3, i.e. the light patterns 7, are switched of, the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer 2 is perceived as being opaque like the rest of the front surface of the vehicle 10.
Figure 10 illustrates, greatly simplified, a system consisting of the vehicle 10, which is an electric driven vehicle comprising drive battery 300, as for example shown as a silhouette in Figure 1, wherein at least one light emitting communication assembly 1 is integrated into a surface area of the vehicle 10. A control device 200, which is operatively and communicatively connected to the light emitting communication assembly 1 for controlling and supplying power, is provided for controlling, in particular for implementing light emitting communication functions by means of the light emitting communication assembly 1. It should be noted that the light emitting communication assembly 1 can of course also be supplied with the required power independently of the control device 200 and only receive control commands for controlling individual ones of light sources of the light emitting communication assembly 1 by the control device 200.
The control device 200 is programmed by means of a corresponding control program to control a desired light emitting communication functions by controlling associated light sources of the light emitting communication assembly 1 to perform the desired light emitting communication function by correspondingly controlling the associated light sources.
Figure 11 briefly illustrates a method for carrying out light various light emitting communication functions by means of the light emitting communication assembly 1, as explained in the context of Figs. 1 to 8, in particular in a vehicle, preferably an electric vehicle, in the context of Figure 9.
For this purpose, a various light emitting communication function to be implemented is determined and thus selected in a step S100, for example, by an evaluation of vehicle state information available in the control device 200.
Subsequently, the selected light emitting communication function is carried out in a step S200 by controlling associated light sources of light emitting communication assembly 1 in order to illuminate areas of the inner light emitting layer 3 or light sources integrated into the frame of light emitting communication assembly 1 to emit light to the inter-space and thus through the outer light emitting and light reflecting layer 2. Using the method, numerous light emitting communication functions may be implemented with great amount of flexibility. In what follows, some signaling functions are listed as non-limiting list.
For example, a coming-home function, a leaving-home function, a welcome function, a daytime running light function, a driving mode indicator of the vehicle, for example, to indicate to other road users that the vehicle is currently in
"autonomous driving" mode, a charge state indicator for the charge state of a drive battery in the case of an electric vehicle, or signaling processes on a surface of a vehicle, for example at the rear of the electric driven vehicle 1 of Figure 1 or 8, the processes being those taking place in a region obscured by the vehicle 1, i.e., in front of the vehicle. A further signal function may be signaling available parking space in front of, or behind, the vehicle by means of corresponding signals when the vehicle itself is being parked.
The above detailed description only illustrates certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those of ordinary skill in the art understand the description as a whole so that technical features described in connection with the various embodiments can be combined into other embodiments understandable to those of ordinary skill in the art. Also, any equivalent or modification of the described embodiments as well as combinations thereof do not depart from the spirit and principle of the present disclosure and falls within the scope of the present disclosure as well as of the appended claims. As such, provided that these modifications and variants fall into the scope of the claims and equivalent technologies thereof, it is intended to embrace them within the present disclosure as well.

Claims

Claims
1. A light emitting communication assembly (1), preferably for a vehicle (10), comprising an outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer (2); an inner light emitting layer (3); an inter-space (4) between the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer (2) and the inner light emitting layer (3); wherein
the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer (2), the inner light emitting layer (3) and the inter-space (4) are arranged and constructed in such a way, that when the inner layer (3) is in a light emitting mode, light emitted by the inner light emitting layer (3) into the inter-space (4) is visible as transmitted light through the outer layer (2); and, when the inner layer (3) is in a not light emitting mode, the outer light transmitting layer (2) appears to be opaque by incident light reflected by the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer (2).
2. Light emitting communication assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer (2) comprises a first layer (21) and a second layer (22), the first layer (21) being light transmitting, and the second layer (22) being reflective and semitransparent.
3. Light emitting communication assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first layer (21) is transparent or at least semitransparent.
4. Light emitting communication assembly (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second layer (22) is specular reflective and semitransparent.
5. Light emitting communication assembly (1) according to claim 4, wherein the second layer (22) comprises a metal component in an amount to set a predetermined semi-transparency.
6. Light emitting communication assembly (1) according to at least one of the claims 2-5, wherein the second layer (22) is obtainable by a metal evaporation process and/or metal deposition process by which the second layer (22) is formed onto the first layer (21).
7. Light emitting communication assembly (1) according to at least one of the claims 2-6, wherein the second layer (22) is located on the side of the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer (2) which faces in the direction of the inner light emitting layer (3). 8. Light emitting communication assembly (1) according to at least one of the claims 2-7, wherein the second layer (22) comprises at least one metal layer each containing one metal of the group consisting of aluminum, copper, gold, silver, chrome, chrome-nickel, platin, and rhodium.
9. Light emitting communication assembly (1) according to at least one of the claims 1-8, wherein the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer (2) is configured in such a way, that it provides an opaque, preferably colored,
appearance when no light is emitted by the inner light emitting layer (3).
10. Light emitting communication assembly (1) according to at least one of the claims 1-9, wherein the inner light emitting layer (3) has a light source (5) which is arranged in a predetermined distance to, on or integrated into the side of the inner light emitting layer (3) which side is oriented away from the inter-space (4).
11. Light emitting communication assembly (1) according to at least one of the claims 1-10, wherein the inner light emitting layer (3) further comprises a light diffusion/scattering layer (8) configured to diffuse/scatter light. 12. Light emitting communication assembly (1) according to at least one of the claims 1-11, wherein the inner light emitting layer (3) is configured, when illuminated from the side facing away from the interspace (4), to emit transmitting light into the interspace (4) to produce patterns on the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer (2) in accordance with patterns of light incident onto the inner light emitting layer (3) at the side facing away from the inter-space (4).
13. Light emitting communication assembly (1) according to at least one of the claims 1-12, wherein the inner light emitting layer (3) is or comprise a matrix of selectively activatable point light sources; or the inner light emitting layer (3) is or comprises a light emitting display device such as one of a LCD device, an OLED device, a LED device.
14. Light emitting communication assembly (1) according to at least one of the claims 1-12, wherein the inter-space (4) between the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer (2) and the inner light emitting layer (3) has a range of 5mm to 80mm, preferably, 30mm to 80mm, most preferably 60mm.
15. Light emitting communication assembly (1) according to at least one of the claims 1-14, wherein the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer (2) and the inner light emitting layer (3) are connected via a frame configured to keep the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer (2) and the inner light emitting layer (3) in a predetermined arrangement to each other.
16. Light emitting communication assembly (1) according to claim 15, wherein the frame (11) comprises light emitting regions (6) and the light emitting regions (6) are arranged to produce light in a predetermined selectable shape and/or pattern (7) such as one or more of point, line, and/or area.
17. Light emitting communication assembly (1) according to at least one of the claims 1-16, wherein surfaces in the inter-space (4) are configured to be not light reflective.
18. Vehicle (10) comprising at least one light emitting communication assembly (1) according to one of the claims 1-17.
19. Vehicle (10) according to claim 18, wherein the light emitting communication assembly (1) is constructed and arranged in such a way, that it fits into the front and/or rear areas of the vehicle (10).
20. Vehicle (10) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the vehicle (10) is electric driven and one of an automobile, a train, an aircraft, a rotary wind aircraft, a vessel.
21. Method for adjusting various signal functions of a light emitting communication assembly (1) according to at least one of the claims 1-17, in particular integrated in a surface area of an electric driven vehicle (10) according to at least one of the claims 19-20, wherein the method comprises the following steps:
(S100) selecting a particular signal function; and
(S200) controlling light sources of the light emitting communication assembly
(1) associated with the selected signal function in order to illuminate areas of the inner light emitting layer (3) of the light emitting communication assembly (1) in order to emit light into the inter-space (4) and incident onto the outer light transmitting and light reflecting layer (2). 22. The method according to claim 21, or use of a light emitting communication assembly (1) according to at least one of the claims 1-17, for implementing predetermined signal functions, the signal functions being at least one of the group, consisting of: coming-home function, leaving-home function, welcome function, daytime running lights, driving mode indicator of the vehicle, such as autonomous driving, charge state indicator for a drive battery (300) in an vehicle (10), signaling on a surface of a vehicle of operations taking place in an area obscured by the vehicle, and signaling of available parking space in front of, or behind, the vehicle, in particular when the vehicle itself is being parked.
PCT/EP2018/065378 2018-06-11 2018-06-11 Light emitting communication assembly WO2019238208A1 (en)

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