CA2533325A1 - Exterior lamp check for motor vehicles - Google Patents
Exterior lamp check for motor vehicles Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2533325A1 CA2533325A1 CA002533325A CA2533325A CA2533325A1 CA 2533325 A1 CA2533325 A1 CA 2533325A1 CA 002533325 A CA002533325 A CA 002533325A CA 2533325 A CA2533325 A CA 2533325A CA 2533325 A1 CA2533325 A1 CA 2533325A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- lamps
- lamp
- vehicle
- controller
- energization
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R31/00—Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
- G01R31/44—Testing 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
- B60Q11/00—Arrangement of monitoring devices for devices provided for in groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q9/00
- B60Q11/005—Arrangement of monitoring devices for devices provided for in groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q9/00 for lighting devices, e.g. indicating if lamps are burning or not
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R31/00—Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
- G01R31/005—Testing of electric installations on transport means
- G01R31/006—Testing of electric installations on transport means on road vehicles, e.g. automobiles or trucks
- G01R31/007—Testing of electric installations on transport means on road vehicles, e.g. automobiles or trucks using microprocessors or computers
Abstract
An automated system for cycling vehicle lamps on and off allows direct inspection by one person of operability of the lamp bulbs while doing a walk around of the vehicle. The system is switch operated. Interlocks to operation are based upon the status of the vehicle's service brake, its park brake and the on/off status of the lights themselves. Lights are organized by related groups and each group given a distinctive, repeating cycle to lighten the burden of memorization on the operator.
Claims (8)
1. A vehicle comprising:
a plurality of lamps mounted to be visible on the exterior of the vehicle;
functional subsets of lamps within the plurality of lamps;
an electrical system controller having a plurality of lamp energization output ports;
an energization circuit for each functional subset of lamps, each energization circuit being connected to a different one of the lamp energization outputs;
a first set of lamp activation switches for functional subsets of lamps, and service brake position and parking brake position switches, connected to the electrical system controller to provide status inputs to the electrical system controller;
a gauge controller;
a second set of lamp activation switches, including a lamp test switch, connected to provide status inputs to the gauge controller;
an ignition switch position sensing element providing a control input to the gauge controller;
a datalink between the gauge controller and the electrical system controller allowing indication of the state of status and control inputs received by the gauge controller to be communicated to the electrical system controller;
the electrical system controller further including a programmable microcomputer for switching on and off each of the plurality of energization output ports;
and a test program executable on the programmable microcomputer and responsive to actuation of the lamp test switch for execution, the test program including program means for associating selected functional subsets of lamps into groups, and providing further means for sequentially activating and extinguishing the lamps of each functional subset within a group undergoing testing by selective energization of the lamp energization output ports.
a plurality of lamps mounted to be visible on the exterior of the vehicle;
functional subsets of lamps within the plurality of lamps;
an electrical system controller having a plurality of lamp energization output ports;
an energization circuit for each functional subset of lamps, each energization circuit being connected to a different one of the lamp energization outputs;
a first set of lamp activation switches for functional subsets of lamps, and service brake position and parking brake position switches, connected to the electrical system controller to provide status inputs to the electrical system controller;
a gauge controller;
a second set of lamp activation switches, including a lamp test switch, connected to provide status inputs to the gauge controller;
an ignition switch position sensing element providing a control input to the gauge controller;
a datalink between the gauge controller and the electrical system controller allowing indication of the state of status and control inputs received by the gauge controller to be communicated to the electrical system controller;
the electrical system controller further including a programmable microcomputer for switching on and off each of the plurality of energization output ports;
and a test program executable on the programmable microcomputer and responsive to actuation of the lamp test switch for execution, the test program including program means for associating selected functional subsets of lamps into groups, and providing further means for sequentially activating and extinguishing the lamps of each functional subset within a group undergoing testing by selective energization of the lamp energization output ports.
2. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1, the test program further comprising:
means responsive to detection that the park brake is set, the ignition switch position is on and all exterior lamp energization output ports are off for allowing the test program to proceed upon detection of activation of the exterior lamp check switch.
means responsive to detection that the park brake is set, the ignition switch position is on and all exterior lamp energization output ports are off for allowing the test program to proceed upon detection of activation of the exterior lamp check switch.
3. A vehicle as claimed in claim 2, the test program further comprising;
program means for detecting a change in state of one of the brake position switch, the park brake position switch, or a lamp activation switch for terminating execution of the test program.
program means for detecting a change in state of one of the brake position switch, the park brake position switch, or a lamp activation switch for terminating execution of the test program.
4. A vehicle as claimed in claim 4, wherein no group includes more than four functional subsets of lamps.
5. A vehicle lamp check system, comprising:
a plurality of lamps for mounting to the exterior of a motor vehicle;
a plurality of electrical energization circuits for sets of lamps of like function among the plurality of lamps;
a first programmable controller having a plurality of circuit energization ports, individual electrical energization circuits being connected to one each of the circuit energization ports for being energized and having stored thereon for execution a lamp exercise routine;
a second controller having a plurality of input ports;
an array of switches connected to the plurality of input ports of the second controller for providing operator control of the states of the plurality of energization circuits and operator initiation of the lamp exercise routine;
a datalink connecting the second controller and the first programmable controller, with the second controller reporting the status of signals over the plurality of input ports over the data link; and the first, programmable controller being responsive to operator actuation of a predetermined switch from among the array of switches for executing the lamp exercise routine, the lamp exercise routine providing at least first and second means for exercising groups of lamps by energizing, in accordance with distinguishable, predetermined patterns, selected sets of lamps of like function.
a plurality of lamps for mounting to the exterior of a motor vehicle;
a plurality of electrical energization circuits for sets of lamps of like function among the plurality of lamps;
a first programmable controller having a plurality of circuit energization ports, individual electrical energization circuits being connected to one each of the circuit energization ports for being energized and having stored thereon for execution a lamp exercise routine;
a second controller having a plurality of input ports;
an array of switches connected to the plurality of input ports of the second controller for providing operator control of the states of the plurality of energization circuits and operator initiation of the lamp exercise routine;
a datalink connecting the second controller and the first programmable controller, with the second controller reporting the status of signals over the plurality of input ports over the data link; and the first, programmable controller being responsive to operator actuation of a predetermined switch from among the array of switches for executing the lamp exercise routine, the lamp exercise routine providing at least first and second means for exercising groups of lamps by energizing, in accordance with distinguishable, predetermined patterns, selected sets of lamps of like function.
6. A vehicle lamp check system as claimed in claim 5, the distinguishable, predetermined patterns further comprising:
means for cycling on and off sets of lamps; and means for establishing the length of time each set of lamps is on and extinguished each cycle.
means for cycling on and off sets of lamps; and means for establishing the length of time each set of lamps is on and extinguished each cycle.
7. A vehicle lamp check system as claimed in claim 6, further comprising:
service brake position and parking brake position switches connected to the first programmable controller; and the lamp exercise routine being responsive to the state of the service brake and parking brake position switches and the array of switches for initiating and suspending execution.
service brake position and parking brake position switches connected to the first programmable controller; and the lamp exercise routine being responsive to the state of the service brake and parking brake position switches and the array of switches for initiating and suspending execution.
8. A method of automated lamp exercise for a motor vehicle to assist in visual inspection of the operational status of the lamps, the method comprising the steps of:
responsive to user request for lamp exercise determining the status of the vehicle service brake, the vehicle park brake and the on/off status of the lamps to be exercised;
responsive to the vehicle service brake being open, the vehicle park brake being set and the lamps being off, initiating a repeating cycle of at least a two groups of lamps, the cycle for each group of lamps being characterized by a pattern of turning the lights on and off which differs in timing and overlap from the cycle for any other group;
and interrupting lamp exercise responsive to activation of the vehicle service brake, release of the park brake or turning on any of the lamps being exercised.
responsive to user request for lamp exercise determining the status of the vehicle service brake, the vehicle park brake and the on/off status of the lamps to be exercised;
responsive to the vehicle service brake being open, the vehicle park brake being set and the lamps being off, initiating a repeating cycle of at least a two groups of lamps, the cycle for each group of lamps being characterized by a pattern of turning the lights on and off which differs in timing and overlap from the cycle for any other group;
and interrupting lamp exercise responsive to activation of the vehicle service brake, release of the park brake or turning on any of the lamps being exercised.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US11/048,598 US7106068B2 (en) | 2005-02-01 | 2005-02-01 | Exterior lamp check for motor vehicles |
| US11/048,598 | 2005-02-01 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2533325A1 true CA2533325A1 (en) | 2006-08-01 |
| CA2533325C CA2533325C (en) | 2011-07-26 |
Family
ID=36755856
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2533325A Expired - Fee Related CA2533325C (en) | 2005-02-01 | 2006-01-19 | Exterior lamp check for motor vehicles |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US7106068B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2533325C (en) |
Families Citing this family (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP4611960B2 (en) * | 2006-11-10 | 2011-01-12 | オムロンオートモーティブエレクトロニクス株式会社 | Lighting control device and lighting control method |
| US20130051060A1 (en) * | 2010-05-10 | 2013-02-28 | Robert J. Rhodes | Independent vehicle lighting system |
| GB2536418B (en) * | 2015-03-10 | 2018-11-14 | Jaguar Land Rover Ltd | Improvements in light testing |
| CN105100288B (en) * | 2015-09-22 | 2016-03-16 | 福州市智聚物联科技有限公司 | The vehicle car light of application message technology uses managing and control system |
| US11383641B2 (en) | 2018-11-28 | 2022-07-12 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | System and method for a remote vehicle light check |
| FR3095280B1 (en) * | 2019-04-19 | 2023-02-10 | Valeo Vision | OPTICAL SYSTEM |
| FR3098466A1 (en) * | 2019-07-12 | 2021-01-15 | Psa Automobiles Sa | Method for controlling the operation of the lighting and / or signaling devices of a vehicle |
| US20220289100A1 (en) * | 2021-03-12 | 2022-09-15 | Sno-Way International, Inc. | Snowplow headlight control system and method |
| CN113295390B (en) * | 2021-07-22 | 2021-09-21 | 南通苏禾车灯配件有限公司 | Connecting assembly testing tool for testing automobile lamp before delivery in intelligent manufacturing process |
| CN116165506B (en) * | 2023-03-03 | 2023-09-19 | 江苏语诣光电科技有限公司 | LED automobile lamp detection device and detection method |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4866390A (en) * | 1987-08-11 | 1989-09-12 | Butchko Joseph R | Vehicle light testing system for testing a plurality of lights using a scanning sequence |
| GB2222919A (en) * | 1988-09-20 | 1990-03-21 | Safety Equipment Public Inc | Apparatus and methods for controlling a signal device |
| US5499009A (en) * | 1994-03-08 | 1996-03-12 | Microflash, Inc. | Light flashing system |
| US6087932A (en) * | 1996-06-03 | 2000-07-11 | Belgard; Jimmie W. | Light control system |
| US6066951A (en) * | 1998-06-12 | 2000-05-23 | Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc. | External light tester |
| GB0110836D0 (en) * | 2001-05-03 | 2001-06-27 | Armstrong Niel A | Selectable flash sequence for a road vehicle light system |
| US6674288B2 (en) * | 2001-09-21 | 2004-01-06 | International Truck Intellectual Property Company, Llc | Vehicle lamp inspection system |
-
2005
- 2005-02-01 US US11/048,598 patent/US7106068B2/en active Active
-
2006
- 2006-01-19 CA CA2533325A patent/CA2533325C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20060170427A1 (en) | 2006-08-03 |
| US7106068B2 (en) | 2006-09-12 |
| CA2533325C (en) | 2011-07-26 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20170119 |