Method and apparatus for projecting a turn signal indication
First Claim
1. A vehicle turn signal projector for casting a predetermined image into an area adjacent to the vehicle, comprising:
- one or more light sources electrically coupled to a signal indication circuit associated with the vehicle, wherein the one or more light sources generate light energy within a predetermined space when the signal indication circuit is energized; and
one or more apertures positioned beneath the one or more light sources configured in a predetermined shape such that light energy passes though the one or more apertures from the one or more light sources and casts an illuminated image into the area adjacent to the vehicle in accordance with the predetermined shape of the one or more apertures.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A vehicle turn signal projector for casting a predetermined image into an area adjacent to the vehicle is provided that comprises one or more light sources electrically coupled to a signal indication circuit associated with the vehicle, such as a left or right turn signal. The one or more light sources are configured to generate light energy within a predetermined space when the signal indication circuit is energized. The vehicle turn signal projector includes one or more apertures positioned beneath the one or more light sources, which are configured in a predetermined shape such that light energy passes though the one or more apertures from the one or more light sources. The light energy is cast into the area adjacent to the vehicle illuminating an image in accordance to the predetermined shape of the one or more apertures.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A vehicle turn signal projector for casting a predetermined image into an area adjacent to the vehicle, comprising:
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one or more light sources electrically coupled to a signal indication circuit associated with the vehicle, wherein the one or more light sources generate light energy within a predetermined space when the signal indication circuit is energized; and
one or more apertures positioned beneath the one or more light sources configured in a predetermined shape such that light energy passes though the one or more apertures from the one or more light sources and casts an illuminated image into the area adjacent to the vehicle in accordance with the predetermined shape of the one or more apertures. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for a vehicle to signal an impending turn or lane change to other vehicles and pedestrians, comprising the steps of:
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activating a turn signal indication circuit;
illuminating a light source positioned within a rear view mirror assembly and coupled to the turn signal indication circuit;
passing light energy generated by the light source through a mask having one or more translucent openings and positioned on a bottom portion of the rear view mirror that is configured according to a predetermined shape; and
illuminating an adjacent road surface area with the light energy generated by the light source and passed through the one or more translucent openings so that an illuminated image corresponding to a turn signal indication is cast upon to the adjacent road surface area in accordance with the predetermined shape of the one or more translucent openings in the mask. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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12. The method of claim 111, further comprising the step of:
illuminating a diffusing lens positioned on an exterior portion of the rear view mirror assembly with light energy from the light source so as to indicate an impending turn or emergency condition.
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18. A vehicle turn signal projector for casting a predetermined image into an area adjacent to the vehicle, comprising:
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one or more light sources electrically coupled to a signal indication circuit associated with the vehicle, wherein the one or more light sources generate light energy within a predetermined space when the signal indication circuit is energized;
one or more apertures configured in a predetermined shape such that light energy passes though the one or more apertures from the one or more light sources and casts an illuminated image into the area adjacent to the vehicle in accordance to the predetermined shape of the one or more apertures;
one or more sensors configured to detect light energy reflected from an object within the area adjacent to the vehicle in which the illuminated image is cast; and
an alerting device coupled to the one or more sensors configured to indicate the detected presence of the object within the area adjacent to the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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21. A rear view mirror assembly on a vehicle, comprising:
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a mirror coupled to a housing so that the mirror is adjustable;
a light source positioned in the rear view mirror assembly electrically coupled to a turn signal circuit in the vehicle so that the light source emits light energy when the turn signal circuit is energized; and
one or more apertures positioned on the underside of the rear view mirror assembly configured to direct light energy emitted from the light source into a driving lane adjacent to the vehicle in to a predetermined shape in accordance with the one or more apertures. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24)
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Specification