Method and apparatus for controlling vehicle brake lights
First Claim
1. A method of operating the brake lights, comprising:
- feeding one of a continuous or pulsating current having a frequency, amplitude, and number of current pulses that vary depending on a duration of brake application and a time interval between consecutive brake applications;
wherein lights become activated in response to the one of the continuous or pulsating current.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The embodiments of the invention are directed to a method and apparatus to generate pulsing lights where parameters such as frequency, degree of brightness, and the number of pulses vary depending on the duration of the brake pedal application, the time interval between consecutive brake applications, and the deceleration rate of the vehicle, as well as optionally its distance from other vehicles. The brake light control system incorporates a microprocessor having multiple inputs, including a brake pedal sensor, and its output connected via an amplifying circuit to the lights. Other inputs of the microprocessor include a deceleration sensor, a distance sensor, and an optional manual pushbutton or switch located within the driver'"'"'s reach. The lights controlled by the system may include brake lights, emergency lights, or additional lights shaped into a warning triangle.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of operating the brake lights, comprising:
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feeding one of a continuous or pulsating current having a frequency, amplitude, and number of current pulses that vary depending on a duration of brake application and a time interval between consecutive brake applications; wherein lights become activated in response to the one of the continuous or pulsating current. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of controlling operation of a brake light assembly, comprising:
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detecting a braking parameter from an electric actuation pulse of a brake sensor with a control unit; generating, with the control unit, a current waveform in response to the detecting the braking parameter; and causing, with the current waveform, a plurality of lights in the brake light assembly to pulse in accordance with the current waveform; wherein the current waveform comprises a combination of a pulse frequency corresponding to the braking parameter, a duty cycle corresponding to the braking parameter, a duration corresponding to the braking parameter, an amplitude corresponding to the braking parameter, and a number of pulses corresponding to the braking parameter. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A brake light control system, comprising:
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a braking system comprising a brake sensor coupled to one of a manual push button switch or a brake pedal; and a control unit coupled to the braking system; wherein the control unit is configured to control a plurality of lights in response to input from the braking system to flash in accordance with a control signal comprising a frequency, an amplitude, a duration, and a number of pulses corresponding to the input; wherein the plurality of lights are arranged as a warning triangle. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification