Pending Lawsuit against ford
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Article
Ford's New Mustang Sued for Infringing Patent on User Configurable Multi-Color Instrument Panel.
Beverly Hills, CA (PRWEB) December 8, 2004 -- Frank Weyer, a patent attorney and inventor of U.S. Patent No. 5,975,728 issued on Nov. 2, 1999 announced today that he has sued Ford Motor Company for patent infringement. According to the complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California as Civil Action No. 04-08630 CBM (SHx), the "MyColor" TM option that is part of the interior upgrade package on the highly touted 2005 Ford Mustang infringes Mr. Weyer's patent for "Method and Apparatus for Providing User Selectable Multi-Color Instrument Panel Illumination." Mr. Weyer conceived of his invention while a graduate student at M.I.T. After the U.S. Patent Office granted the patent in 1999, Mr. Weyer sent a letter to Ford and other automobile manufacturers offering to license his invention. Ford did not respond.
Now, five years later, the new Ford Mustang features a user color-changeable instrument panel lighting system Ford calls "MyColor" that Mr. Weyer claims infringes his patent. Mr. Weyer is seeking damages and an injunction that would prevent Ford from selling or delivering any new Mustangs with the "MyColor" option. Mr. Weyer, filed the complaint on October 19, 2004. Prior to formally serving the complaint, Mr. Weyer contacted Ford, and offered to reach a cooperative resolution. Ford initially requested additional time to respond, which Mr. Weyer granted. After two months without a substantive response from Ford, according to court rules, Mr. Weyer was required to formally serve Ford with the complaint.
Mr. Weyer has informed Ford's in-house counsel that he is preparing a preliminary injunction motion that he intends to file in the near future. The preliminary injunction, if granted, would immediately bar Ford from offering for sale, selling, manufacturing or delivering any 2005 Mustangs with the infringing MyColor feature. That could prove to be a disappointment for Ford, which has launched a massive media push behing the 2005 Mustang, hoping that sales of the Mustang will drive its passenger car sales as a whole.
Article
Ford's New Mustang Sued for Infringing Patent on User Configurable Multi-Color Instrument Panel.
Beverly Hills, CA (PRWEB) December 8, 2004 -- Frank Weyer, a patent attorney and inventor of U.S. Patent No. 5,975,728 issued on Nov. 2, 1999 announced today that he has sued Ford Motor Company for patent infringement. According to the complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California as Civil Action No. 04-08630 CBM (SHx), the "MyColor" TM option that is part of the interior upgrade package on the highly touted 2005 Ford Mustang infringes Mr. Weyer's patent for "Method and Apparatus for Providing User Selectable Multi-Color Instrument Panel Illumination." Mr. Weyer conceived of his invention while a graduate student at M.I.T. After the U.S. Patent Office granted the patent in 1999, Mr. Weyer sent a letter to Ford and other automobile manufacturers offering to license his invention. Ford did not respond.
Now, five years later, the new Ford Mustang features a user color-changeable instrument panel lighting system Ford calls "MyColor" that Mr. Weyer claims infringes his patent. Mr. Weyer is seeking damages and an injunction that would prevent Ford from selling or delivering any new Mustangs with the "MyColor" option. Mr. Weyer, filed the complaint on October 19, 2004. Prior to formally serving the complaint, Mr. Weyer contacted Ford, and offered to reach a cooperative resolution. Ford initially requested additional time to respond, which Mr. Weyer granted. After two months without a substantive response from Ford, according to court rules, Mr. Weyer was required to formally serve Ford with the complaint.
Mr. Weyer has informed Ford's in-house counsel that he is preparing a preliminary injunction motion that he intends to file in the near future. The preliminary injunction, if granted, would immediately bar Ford from offering for sale, selling, manufacturing or delivering any 2005 Mustangs with the infringing MyColor feature. That could prove to be a disappointment for Ford, which has launched a massive media push behing the 2005 Mustang, hoping that sales of the Mustang will drive its passenger car sales as a whole.
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Hopefully by the time this goes into the court system, a "HUGE" majority of the mustangs will have already been released. Until a hearing, I can not see how Ford would be forced to stop offering this feature. IF anything, If Ford loses the case, they would have to pay this guy a % for every car that has it, or buy the patient from him.
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Last edited by shaneyusa; Oct 1, 2023 at 03:38 PM.
9 is not my lucky number.
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If a court issues an injunction, they have to stop producing cars with it immediately. Worst case scenario is they can't "sell" cars with it which means cars already built with it will have to be returned to the factory to have the MyColor ripped out of them. This is not good news folks. We can only hope Ford resolves this before an injuction is handed down, which usually take months/years to resolve. Otherwise people like me who are waiting till spring to buy their cars won't be getting Mycolor.
I somewhat have some firsthand experience with this type of problem because my company was sued for patent infringement and we lost the product.
I somewhat have some firsthand experience with this type of problem because my company was sued for patent infringement and we lost the product.
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Originally posted by dustindu4@December 8, 2004, 7:27 AM
If a court issues an injunction, they have to stop producing cars with it immediately. Worst case scenario is they can't "sell" cars with it which means cars already built with it will have to be returned to the factory to have the MyColor ripped out of them. This is not good news folks. We can only hope Ford resolves this before an injuction is handed down, which usually take months/years to resolve. Otherwise people like me who are waiting till spring to buy their cars won't be getting Mycolor.
If a court issues an injunction, they have to stop producing cars with it immediately. Worst case scenario is they can't "sell" cars with it which means cars already built with it will have to be returned to the factory to have the MyColor ripped out of them. This is not good news folks. We can only hope Ford resolves this before an injuction is handed down, which usually take months/years to resolve. Otherwise people like me who are waiting till spring to buy their cars won't be getting Mycolor.
that is a shame though, wonder if delphi doing the 'myColor" option is even related to this guy?
9 is not my lucky number.
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http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?...RS=PN/5,975,728
United States Patent 5,975,728
Weyer November 2, 1999
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Method and apparatus for providing user selectable multi-color automobile instrument panel illumination
Abstract
The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for providing user selectable multi-color illumination to automotive instrument panel instruments. In one embodiment, an instrument panel or individual instrument is supplied with a plurality of differently colored illumination sources. The intensity of each color is individually controllable, allowing the user to select both intensity and hue of instrument illumination. In one embodiment, an instrument panel illumination system comprises three light sources that produce nominally white light and three associated diffusing filters, one red, one green, one blue. In another embodiment different colors of illumination are provided by light sources producing different colors of light, such as, for example, a plurality of high intensity red, green, and blue light emitting diodes ("LED's"). In one embodiment, a plurality of triplets of red, green and blue high intensity LED's are mounted above a white diffusing filter. In one embodiment, a plurality of colored light sources are mounted in an instrument housing behind the instrument's bezel.
claim:
1. An automobile instrument panel illumination system comprising:
a plurality of differently colored, electrically powered illumination sources disposed so as to provide illumination to a face of at least one instrument of an instrument panel, each of said illumination sources providing a specific color of illumination to said face of said at least one instrument;
a color selection control system comprising electrical switches controlling an amount of electrical power delivered to said plurality of differently colored illumination sources allowing a user to select a desired color of illumination for said face of said at least one instrument by controlling said amount of electrical power delivered to said differently colored illumination sources.
2. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 1 wherein said illumination sources comprise a plurality of like-colored light sources disposed so as to provide illumination to said face of at least one instrument of said instrument panel and a plurality of differently colored filters disposed between said light sources and said face.
3. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 1 wherein said illumination sources comprise a plurality of differently colored light sources disposed so as to provide illumination to said face of at least one instrument of said instrument panel.
4. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 3 wherein at least one of said illumination sources comprises a filter disposed between at least one of said light sources and said face.
5. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 4 wherein said filter comprises a diffusing filter.
6. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 2 wherein said plurality of filters comprise a plurality of diffusing filters.
7. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 2 wherein said plurality of filters comprises red, green, and blue filters.
8. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 2 wherein said light sources comprise light bulbs.
9. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 2 wherein said light sources comprise light emitting diodes.
10. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 3 wherein said light sources comprise red, green, and blue light sources.
11. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 3 wherein said light sources comprise colored light bulbs.
12. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 3 wherein said light sources comprise light emitting diodes.
13. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 3 wherein said light sources comprise a plurality of light sources of each of a plurality of colors.
14. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 13 wherein said light sources comprise different numbers of light sources of each of a plurality of colors.
15. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 1 wherein said color selection control system comprises means for controlling a collective intensity of a plurality of light sources producing light of a color by selectively activating a number of said light sources.
16. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 15 wherein said light sources comprise light emitting diodes.
17. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 1 wherein said electrical switches of said color selection control system comprise digital circuit elements.
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Description
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to instrument panel illumination systems, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for providing user selectable multi-color automobile instrument panel illumination.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example automotive instrument panel of the prior art. FIG. 2 shows a side, cut away view of the instrument panel of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, instrument panel 100 consists of a housing 105 having a generally triangular cross section, as shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 1, housing 105 has opaque top, back, and right, and left sides 115, 110, 117 and 116, respectively, and a transparent front panel 120. Instruments such as a speedometer 150 and tachometer 155 and other indicators such as a clock, temperature, oil pressure, and fuel gauges are typically mounted to back side 110. The faces of these instruments are typically supplied with measurement marks and numbers in white or another bright color that stands out against the background of back side 110, which is typically black. As shown in FIG. 2, the housings 200 of instruments such as speedometer 150 and tachometer 155 typically extend outwards from back side 110 of instrument panel 100.
The faces of the dashboard instruments are typically illuminated by one or more illumination units. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, two illumination units 122 and 124, respectively, are used. Multi-colored illumination unit 122 includes a translucent light diffusing panel 125 and a light source 130. Similarly, illumination unit 124 includes a diffusing panel 135 and a light source 140. Light sources 130 and 140 are typically 12 volt electric light bulbs that produce white light. Diffusing panels 125 and 135 are typically pieces of translucent plastic. Diffusing panels 125 and 135 are both the same color. The most common colors are white, reddish-orange, and green. The purpose of diffusing panels 125 and 135 are to disperse the light of bulbs 130 and 140, respectively, so as to provide even lighting of the instrument faces on back side 110. As shown in FIG. 2, light from each bulb is dispersed by its respective diffusing panel, reflects off transparent front panel 120, and illuminates back side 110.
In the prior art, the intensity of dashboard instrument illumination is variable, but the color is fixed. The intensity may be adjusted by a driver by adjusting the intensity of the light emitted by the light sources, typically using a variable resistance control. The color of the illuminated instrument faces is determined by the color of the markings on the face of the instruments and the color of the diffusing panels. For example, if the instrument markings are white, the markings when illuminated appear to be the same color as that of the diffusing panels. If white diffusing panels are used, the instrument markings appear white. If orange diffusing panels are used, the instrument markings appear orange. If green diffusing panels are used, the instrument markings appear green.
Up until now, the color of dashboard instrument illumination available in a particular car is fixed and determined by the car manufacturer, even though a purchaser or driver of a vehicle may prefer a different color from the color implemented by the manufacturer. There is a need for a system that allows a driver to select a desired instrument illumination color.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for providing user selectable multi-color illumination to automotive instrument panel instruments. In one embodiment, an instrument panel or individual instrument is supplied with a plurality of differently colored illumination sources. The intensity of each color is individually controllable, allowing the user to select both intensity and hue of instrument illumination. In one embodiment, an instrument panel illumination system comprises three light sources that produce nominally white light and three associated diffusing filters, one red, one green, one blue. In another embodiment different colors of illumination are provided by light sources producing different colors of light, such as, for example, a plurality of high intensity red, green, and blue light emitting diodes ("LED's"). In one embodiment, a plurality of triplets of red, green and blue high intensity LED's are mounted above a white diffusing filter. In one embodiment, a plurality of colored light sources are mounted in an instrument housing behind the instrument's bezel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an instrument panel using an instrument illumination system of the prior art.
FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the instrument panel of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an instrument panel using an embodiment of the multi-colored instrument illumination system of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of an embodiment of a multi-colored illumination source of the invention.
FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of an embodiment of a multi-colored illumination source of the invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an instrument panel using an embodiment of the multi-colored instrument illumination system of the invention.
FIG. 7 shows an arrangement of light sources in an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 8 shows an arrangement of light sources in an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 9 shows an arrangement of light sources in an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view of an instrument comprising an embodiment of an integrated instrument illumination system of the invention.
FIG. 11 shows an arrangement of light sources in an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for providing multi-color instrument panel and instrument illumination. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.
An instrument panel using an embodiment of the multi-colored instrument illumination system of the invention is shown in FIG. 3. Instrument panel 300 of FIG. 3, like instrument panel 100 of the prior art shown in FIG. 1, comprises a housing 305 having a generally triangular cross section. Housing 305 has opaque top, back, and right, and left sides 315,310,316 and 317, respectively, and a transparent front panel 320. Instruments such as a speedometer 350, tachometer 355 and other indicator gauges are typically mounted to back side 310. In one embodiment, the markings on the faces of these instruments painted white to standout against the darker background color of back side 310, which, in one embodiment, is black.
The faces of the instruments are illuminated by one or more multi-colored illumination units 325. One embodiment of a multi-colored illumination unit 325 is shown in FIG. 4.
In the embodiment of FIG. 4, multi-colored illumination unit 325 comprises three separate sections 410a, 410b, and 410c. Sections 410a, 410b and 410c include translucent light diffusing filters 415a, 415b, and 415c, respectively, and light sources 420a, 420b, and 420c, respectively. In one embodiment, sections 410a-c are separated by partitions 425a and 425b such that light from each section does not intrude into an adjacent segment. In one embodiment, light sources 420a-c produces nominally white light. In one embodiment, light sources 420a-c are 12 volt electric light bulbs. In one embodiment, diffusing filters 415a-c are pieces of translucent plastic. Unlike in the prior art, each of diffusing filters 415a-c are of different colors. In one embodiment, diffusing filter 415a is blue, diffusing filter 415b is red, and diffusing filter 415c is green. Each of diffusing filters 415a-c disperses the light of light sources 420a-c, respectively, so as to provide even lighting of the instrument faces on back side 310 of instrument panel 300. Light source 420a in combination with blue diffusing filter 415a produces blue light. Light source 420b in combination with red diffusing filter 415a produces red light. Light source 420c in combination with green diffusing filter 415c produces green light. By selectively controlling the intensity of light produced by light sources 420a-c, multi-colored illumination unit 325 can be used to provide dashboard illumination of a variety of colors.
The intensity of light sources 420a-c may be controlled using any of a variety of control mechanisms or systems as are well known in the art. For example, in one embodiment, simple on-off switches can be used that allow each light source to be either on or off. In this embodiment, a separate control is used to control the intensity of the light produced by the multi-colored illumination unit as a whole. This embodiment allows multi-colored illumination unit 325 to produce up to seven discrete colors, depending on the bulb or bulbs activated. In another embodiment, separate potentiometers, which may be ganged, are used to control the intensity of each bulb, allowing a large range of colors to be produced. Other control circuits, including a variety of analog and digital circuits, can be used to control the absolute and relative intensities of the illumination produced by each of illumination sources 420a-c, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Another embodiment of a multi-colored illumination unit of the invention is shown in FIG. 5. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, a plurality of differently colored light sources 510a-c, 515a-c, and 520a-c, respectively, are mounted along the inside of top 530 of illumination unit 525. Multi-colored illumination unit 525 may also include a diffusing filter 550. However, diffusing filter 550 may be omitted, for example if the light produced by light sources 510,515, and 520 is sufficiently dispersed without a diffusing filter. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, light sources 510 produce red light, light sources 515 produce green light, and light sources 520 produce blue light. In one embodiment, light sources 510,515, and 520 are colored light bulbs. In another embodiment, light sources 510, 515, and 520 are light emitting diodes. Any of a variety of other colored light sources, including backlit colored LCD panels, can be used.
In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the color of light emitted by multi-colored illumination unit 525 is controlled by controlling the relative intensities of the light emitted by the sets of light sources 510, 515 and 520, respectively. Any of a variety of analog, digital, and hybrid control circuits can be used to control the intensities of the light sources.
Multi-colored illumination unit 525 of FIG. 5 contains three sets of each of light sources 510,515, and 520, respectively. Other embodiments can have more or fewer of each color light source, may have more or fewer than three different colors of light sources, and may have unequal numbers of light sources of each color. Multi-colored illumination unit 525 may have any desired number of light sources arranged in any desired manner. Multi-colored illumination unit 525 may also have any desired size and shape. For example, multiple multi-colored illumination units 525 may be arranged transversely, as are units 325 in FIG. 3, or a single unit may be arranged longitudinally, as is unit 615 in FIG. 6. Further, illumination sources may be arranged in any desired pattern inside illumination unit 525. In one or more embodiments, the intensity of illumination produced by the set of light sources of a particular color is varied by varying the number of illumination sources of that color that are turned on. In other embodiments, the illumination of the light produced by the illumination units is controlled by other analog and digital control systems as are well known in the art.
FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are plan views of the underside of top panel 530 of illumination unit 525 showing some of the ways in which differently colored light sources can be arranged, for example, along the underside of top panel 530 of illumination unit 525. In each of FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, red light sources are identified by the letter "R," green light sources by the letter "G," and blue light sources by the letter "B." In FIG. 7, the light sources of each color are arranged in parallel longitudinal rows, and there are twice as many blue light sources than red and green light sources. Such an arrangement may be desired, for example, in instances where the light output of the individual blue light sources is less than that of the red and green light sources. The relative numbers of light sources of illumination sources of each color may be varied in other manners to equalize the overall intensity of illumination of each color, or for other reasons.
In FIG. 8, the light sources of each color are arranged in parallel transverse rows. In FIG. 9, the light sources of each color are arranged in a diagonal pattern.
FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of an instrument illumination system of the invention in which the instrument illumination system is incorporated in the instrument itself. FIG. 10 shows a side sectional view of an instrument 1000, which may, for example, be a speedometer, a tachomenter, a temperature guage, a clock, an oil pressure gauge, etc. Instrument 1000 includes a housing 1005. In one embodiment, housing 1005 is generally cylindrical, with an open end towards the front. The open end is fitted with a transparent cover 1020, through which a bezel 1010 containing instrument markings is visible. As shown in FIG. 10, bezel 1010 has a diameter less than the inside diameter of housing 1005. A plurality of light sources 1030 of a plurality of colors are mounted inside housing 1005 generally behind bezel 1010. As indicated by the arrows in FIG. 10, light from light sources 1030 reflects off the side wall 1040 through the gap between bezel 1010 and side wall 1040, bounces off the inside of transparent cover 1020, and illuminates the front markings on bezel 1010. In one or more embodiments, the inside surfaces of side wall 1040 are treated (for example given a matt white coloring) to enhance dispersion of the reflected light, or to provide a reflective color filter (in which case single color light sources can be used in conjunction with differently colored reflective filters distributed around side wall 1040). Light sources 1030 may, as in other embodiments, comprise light bulbs, LED's, or other light sources. Any desired number and type of light sources can be mounted in any desired manner inside housing 1005. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 11, light sources 1030 are mounted in a radial pattern on the inside back side of housing 1005.
Thus, a multi colored instrument panel instrument illumination system has been presented. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that although specific details and embodiments have been presented as examples, other details and embodiments may be used for the present invention, all of which are intended to be encompassed within the scope of this invention. For example, although light bulbs and light emitting diodes as been described as the light sources used in one or more embodiments of the invention, other kinds of light sources can be used. Further, any of a variety of tinted, colored, or other filters can be used for the filters of the invention. In addition, although the invention has been described with respect to automotive instrument panels, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the multicolored instrument panel illumination system of the invention can be used with other types of instrument panels and instruments, including, without limitation, marine, aviation, and electronic device instruments. Other variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
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Weyer November 2, 1999
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Method and apparatus for providing user selectable multi-color automobile instrument panel illumination
Abstract
The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for providing user selectable multi-color illumination to automotive instrument panel instruments. In one embodiment, an instrument panel or individual instrument is supplied with a plurality of differently colored illumination sources. The intensity of each color is individually controllable, allowing the user to select both intensity and hue of instrument illumination. In one embodiment, an instrument panel illumination system comprises three light sources that produce nominally white light and three associated diffusing filters, one red, one green, one blue. In another embodiment different colors of illumination are provided by light sources producing different colors of light, such as, for example, a plurality of high intensity red, green, and blue light emitting diodes ("LED's"). In one embodiment, a plurality of triplets of red, green and blue high intensity LED's are mounted above a white diffusing filter. In one embodiment, a plurality of colored light sources are mounted in an instrument housing behind the instrument's bezel.
claim:
1. An automobile instrument panel illumination system comprising:
a plurality of differently colored, electrically powered illumination sources disposed so as to provide illumination to a face of at least one instrument of an instrument panel, each of said illumination sources providing a specific color of illumination to said face of said at least one instrument;
a color selection control system comprising electrical switches controlling an amount of electrical power delivered to said plurality of differently colored illumination sources allowing a user to select a desired color of illumination for said face of said at least one instrument by controlling said amount of electrical power delivered to said differently colored illumination sources.
2. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 1 wherein said illumination sources comprise a plurality of like-colored light sources disposed so as to provide illumination to said face of at least one instrument of said instrument panel and a plurality of differently colored filters disposed between said light sources and said face.
3. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 1 wherein said illumination sources comprise a plurality of differently colored light sources disposed so as to provide illumination to said face of at least one instrument of said instrument panel.
4. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 3 wherein at least one of said illumination sources comprises a filter disposed between at least one of said light sources and said face.
5. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 4 wherein said filter comprises a diffusing filter.
6. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 2 wherein said plurality of filters comprise a plurality of diffusing filters.
7. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 2 wherein said plurality of filters comprises red, green, and blue filters.
8. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 2 wherein said light sources comprise light bulbs.
9. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 2 wherein said light sources comprise light emitting diodes.
10. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 3 wherein said light sources comprise red, green, and blue light sources.
11. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 3 wherein said light sources comprise colored light bulbs.
12. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 3 wherein said light sources comprise light emitting diodes.
13. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 3 wherein said light sources comprise a plurality of light sources of each of a plurality of colors.
14. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 13 wherein said light sources comprise different numbers of light sources of each of a plurality of colors.
15. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 1 wherein said color selection control system comprises means for controlling a collective intensity of a plurality of light sources producing light of a color by selectively activating a number of said light sources.
16. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 15 wherein said light sources comprise light emitting diodes.
17. The instrument panel illumination system of claim 1 wherein said electrical switches of said color selection control system comprise digital circuit elements.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to instrument panel illumination systems, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for providing user selectable multi-color automobile instrument panel illumination.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example automotive instrument panel of the prior art. FIG. 2 shows a side, cut away view of the instrument panel of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, instrument panel 100 consists of a housing 105 having a generally triangular cross section, as shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 1, housing 105 has opaque top, back, and right, and left sides 115, 110, 117 and 116, respectively, and a transparent front panel 120. Instruments such as a speedometer 150 and tachometer 155 and other indicators such as a clock, temperature, oil pressure, and fuel gauges are typically mounted to back side 110. The faces of these instruments are typically supplied with measurement marks and numbers in white or another bright color that stands out against the background of back side 110, which is typically black. As shown in FIG. 2, the housings 200 of instruments such as speedometer 150 and tachometer 155 typically extend outwards from back side 110 of instrument panel 100.
The faces of the dashboard instruments are typically illuminated by one or more illumination units. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, two illumination units 122 and 124, respectively, are used. Multi-colored illumination unit 122 includes a translucent light diffusing panel 125 and a light source 130. Similarly, illumination unit 124 includes a diffusing panel 135 and a light source 140. Light sources 130 and 140 are typically 12 volt electric light bulbs that produce white light. Diffusing panels 125 and 135 are typically pieces of translucent plastic. Diffusing panels 125 and 135 are both the same color. The most common colors are white, reddish-orange, and green. The purpose of diffusing panels 125 and 135 are to disperse the light of bulbs 130 and 140, respectively, so as to provide even lighting of the instrument faces on back side 110. As shown in FIG. 2, light from each bulb is dispersed by its respective diffusing panel, reflects off transparent front panel 120, and illuminates back side 110.
In the prior art, the intensity of dashboard instrument illumination is variable, but the color is fixed. The intensity may be adjusted by a driver by adjusting the intensity of the light emitted by the light sources, typically using a variable resistance control. The color of the illuminated instrument faces is determined by the color of the markings on the face of the instruments and the color of the diffusing panels. For example, if the instrument markings are white, the markings when illuminated appear to be the same color as that of the diffusing panels. If white diffusing panels are used, the instrument markings appear white. If orange diffusing panels are used, the instrument markings appear orange. If green diffusing panels are used, the instrument markings appear green.
Up until now, the color of dashboard instrument illumination available in a particular car is fixed and determined by the car manufacturer, even though a purchaser or driver of a vehicle may prefer a different color from the color implemented by the manufacturer. There is a need for a system that allows a driver to select a desired instrument illumination color.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for providing user selectable multi-color illumination to automotive instrument panel instruments. In one embodiment, an instrument panel or individual instrument is supplied with a plurality of differently colored illumination sources. The intensity of each color is individually controllable, allowing the user to select both intensity and hue of instrument illumination. In one embodiment, an instrument panel illumination system comprises three light sources that produce nominally white light and three associated diffusing filters, one red, one green, one blue. In another embodiment different colors of illumination are provided by light sources producing different colors of light, such as, for example, a plurality of high intensity red, green, and blue light emitting diodes ("LED's"). In one embodiment, a plurality of triplets of red, green and blue high intensity LED's are mounted above a white diffusing filter. In one embodiment, a plurality of colored light sources are mounted in an instrument housing behind the instrument's bezel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an instrument panel using an instrument illumination system of the prior art.
FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the instrument panel of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an instrument panel using an embodiment of the multi-colored instrument illumination system of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of an embodiment of a multi-colored illumination source of the invention.
FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of an embodiment of a multi-colored illumination source of the invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an instrument panel using an embodiment of the multi-colored instrument illumination system of the invention.
FIG. 7 shows an arrangement of light sources in an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 8 shows an arrangement of light sources in an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 9 shows an arrangement of light sources in an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view of an instrument comprising an embodiment of an integrated instrument illumination system of the invention.
FIG. 11 shows an arrangement of light sources in an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for providing multi-color instrument panel and instrument illumination. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.
An instrument panel using an embodiment of the multi-colored instrument illumination system of the invention is shown in FIG. 3. Instrument panel 300 of FIG. 3, like instrument panel 100 of the prior art shown in FIG. 1, comprises a housing 305 having a generally triangular cross section. Housing 305 has opaque top, back, and right, and left sides 315,310,316 and 317, respectively, and a transparent front panel 320. Instruments such as a speedometer 350, tachometer 355 and other indicator gauges are typically mounted to back side 310. In one embodiment, the markings on the faces of these instruments painted white to standout against the darker background color of back side 310, which, in one embodiment, is black.
The faces of the instruments are illuminated by one or more multi-colored illumination units 325. One embodiment of a multi-colored illumination unit 325 is shown in FIG. 4.
In the embodiment of FIG. 4, multi-colored illumination unit 325 comprises three separate sections 410a, 410b, and 410c. Sections 410a, 410b and 410c include translucent light diffusing filters 415a, 415b, and 415c, respectively, and light sources 420a, 420b, and 420c, respectively. In one embodiment, sections 410a-c are separated by partitions 425a and 425b such that light from each section does not intrude into an adjacent segment. In one embodiment, light sources 420a-c produces nominally white light. In one embodiment, light sources 420a-c are 12 volt electric light bulbs. In one embodiment, diffusing filters 415a-c are pieces of translucent plastic. Unlike in the prior art, each of diffusing filters 415a-c are of different colors. In one embodiment, diffusing filter 415a is blue, diffusing filter 415b is red, and diffusing filter 415c is green. Each of diffusing filters 415a-c disperses the light of light sources 420a-c, respectively, so as to provide even lighting of the instrument faces on back side 310 of instrument panel 300. Light source 420a in combination with blue diffusing filter 415a produces blue light. Light source 420b in combination with red diffusing filter 415a produces red light. Light source 420c in combination with green diffusing filter 415c produces green light. By selectively controlling the intensity of light produced by light sources 420a-c, multi-colored illumination unit 325 can be used to provide dashboard illumination of a variety of colors.
The intensity of light sources 420a-c may be controlled using any of a variety of control mechanisms or systems as are well known in the art. For example, in one embodiment, simple on-off switches can be used that allow each light source to be either on or off. In this embodiment, a separate control is used to control the intensity of the light produced by the multi-colored illumination unit as a whole. This embodiment allows multi-colored illumination unit 325 to produce up to seven discrete colors, depending on the bulb or bulbs activated. In another embodiment, separate potentiometers, which may be ganged, are used to control the intensity of each bulb, allowing a large range of colors to be produced. Other control circuits, including a variety of analog and digital circuits, can be used to control the absolute and relative intensities of the illumination produced by each of illumination sources 420a-c, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Another embodiment of a multi-colored illumination unit of the invention is shown in FIG. 5. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, a plurality of differently colored light sources 510a-c, 515a-c, and 520a-c, respectively, are mounted along the inside of top 530 of illumination unit 525. Multi-colored illumination unit 525 may also include a diffusing filter 550. However, diffusing filter 550 may be omitted, for example if the light produced by light sources 510,515, and 520 is sufficiently dispersed without a diffusing filter. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, light sources 510 produce red light, light sources 515 produce green light, and light sources 520 produce blue light. In one embodiment, light sources 510,515, and 520 are colored light bulbs. In another embodiment, light sources 510, 515, and 520 are light emitting diodes. Any of a variety of other colored light sources, including backlit colored LCD panels, can be used.
In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the color of light emitted by multi-colored illumination unit 525 is controlled by controlling the relative intensities of the light emitted by the sets of light sources 510, 515 and 520, respectively. Any of a variety of analog, digital, and hybrid control circuits can be used to control the intensities of the light sources.
Multi-colored illumination unit 525 of FIG. 5 contains three sets of each of light sources 510,515, and 520, respectively. Other embodiments can have more or fewer of each color light source, may have more or fewer than three different colors of light sources, and may have unequal numbers of light sources of each color. Multi-colored illumination unit 525 may have any desired number of light sources arranged in any desired manner. Multi-colored illumination unit 525 may also have any desired size and shape. For example, multiple multi-colored illumination units 525 may be arranged transversely, as are units 325 in FIG. 3, or a single unit may be arranged longitudinally, as is unit 615 in FIG. 6. Further, illumination sources may be arranged in any desired pattern inside illumination unit 525. In one or more embodiments, the intensity of illumination produced by the set of light sources of a particular color is varied by varying the number of illumination sources of that color that are turned on. In other embodiments, the illumination of the light produced by the illumination units is controlled by other analog and digital control systems as are well known in the art.
FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are plan views of the underside of top panel 530 of illumination unit 525 showing some of the ways in which differently colored light sources can be arranged, for example, along the underside of top panel 530 of illumination unit 525. In each of FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, red light sources are identified by the letter "R," green light sources by the letter "G," and blue light sources by the letter "B." In FIG. 7, the light sources of each color are arranged in parallel longitudinal rows, and there are twice as many blue light sources than red and green light sources. Such an arrangement may be desired, for example, in instances where the light output of the individual blue light sources is less than that of the red and green light sources. The relative numbers of light sources of illumination sources of each color may be varied in other manners to equalize the overall intensity of illumination of each color, or for other reasons.
In FIG. 8, the light sources of each color are arranged in parallel transverse rows. In FIG. 9, the light sources of each color are arranged in a diagonal pattern.
FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of an instrument illumination system of the invention in which the instrument illumination system is incorporated in the instrument itself. FIG. 10 shows a side sectional view of an instrument 1000, which may, for example, be a speedometer, a tachomenter, a temperature guage, a clock, an oil pressure gauge, etc. Instrument 1000 includes a housing 1005. In one embodiment, housing 1005 is generally cylindrical, with an open end towards the front. The open end is fitted with a transparent cover 1020, through which a bezel 1010 containing instrument markings is visible. As shown in FIG. 10, bezel 1010 has a diameter less than the inside diameter of housing 1005. A plurality of light sources 1030 of a plurality of colors are mounted inside housing 1005 generally behind bezel 1010. As indicated by the arrows in FIG. 10, light from light sources 1030 reflects off the side wall 1040 through the gap between bezel 1010 and side wall 1040, bounces off the inside of transparent cover 1020, and illuminates the front markings on bezel 1010. In one or more embodiments, the inside surfaces of side wall 1040 are treated (for example given a matt white coloring) to enhance dispersion of the reflected light, or to provide a reflective color filter (in which case single color light sources can be used in conjunction with differently colored reflective filters distributed around side wall 1040). Light sources 1030 may, as in other embodiments, comprise light bulbs, LED's, or other light sources. Any desired number and type of light sources can be mounted in any desired manner inside housing 1005. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 11, light sources 1030 are mounted in a radial pattern on the inside back side of housing 1005.
Thus, a multi colored instrument panel instrument illumination system has been presented. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that although specific details and embodiments have been presented as examples, other details and embodiments may be used for the present invention, all of which are intended to be encompassed within the scope of this invention. For example, although light bulbs and light emitting diodes as been described as the light sources used in one or more embodiments of the invention, other kinds of light sources can be used. Further, any of a variety of tinted, colored, or other filters can be used for the filters of the invention. In addition, although the invention has been described with respect to automotive instrument panels, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the multicolored instrument panel illumination system of the invention can be used with other types of instrument panels and instruments, including, without limitation, marine, aviation, and electronic device instruments. Other variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
* * * * *
9 is not my lucky number.
Joined: March 12, 2004
Posts: 3,663
Likes: 1
Originally posted by ZERO@December 8, 2004, 8:35 AM
that is a shame though, wonder if delphi doing the 'myColor" option is even related to this guy?
that is a shame though, wonder if delphi doing the 'myColor" option is even related to this guy?
I'm sure Ford has had a patent lawyer(s) go over that patent with a fine tooth comb. I'm also pretty sure that they made enough changes to sqeak by in court. Patents are tricky buy there are always ways around them. The owner of our company has like 55 patents, but other companies are always barely getting around the infringement thing. For this guy to beat Ford in court, it will pretty much have to be identical to his patent. Besides that, I'm sure Ford will work out something if it started to look bad.
Shelby GT500 Member
Joined: July 21, 2004
Posts: 2,924
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
Ugg....I can't believe this. Talk about a black eye for the '05. Well, one thing you can bet on, this guy is now rich. It may take a while, but if he truly has this patent, he's rich.
9 is not my lucky number.
Joined: March 12, 2004
Posts: 3,663
Likes: 1
Originally posted by Kellarina@December 8, 2004, 9:09 AM
They'll have to rip my Mustang out of my cold dead hands!!!
This is freakin' insane.
They'll have to rip my Mustang out of my cold dead hands!!!
This is freakin' insane.
9 is not my lucky number.
Joined: March 12, 2004
Posts: 3,663
Likes: 1
Originally posted by 169stang@December 8, 2004, 9:01 AM
I'm sure Ford has had a patent lawyer(s) go over that patent with a fine tooth comb. I'm also pretty sure that they made enough changes to sqeak by in court.
I'm sure Ford has had a patent lawyer(s) go over that patent with a fine tooth comb. I'm also pretty sure that they made enough changes to sqeak by in court.
Originally posted by dustindu4+December 8, 2004, 8:12 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (dustindu4 @ December 8, 2004, 8:12 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Kellarina@December 8, 2004, 9:09 AM
They'll have to rip my Mustang out of my cold dead hands!!!
This is freakin' insane.
They'll have to rip my Mustang out of my cold dead hands!!!
This is freakin' insane.
Even if they did, good luck to them getting mine! I hope they can fight off 2 dogs and worse than that-my wife with a gun.
Banned
Joined: March 4, 2004
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 0
Originally posted by joeuser42@December 8, 2004, 10:21 AM
It looks like Ford ripped this guy off. I hope he takes them to the cleaners for it.
It looks like Ford ripped this guy off. I hope he takes them to the cleaners for it.
We'll see what happens. Part of controlling a patent is that you have to have shown some type of attempt to produce the product. You can't just go around and patent stuff and not use it, then sue when someone else uses it.
Big Falken Tires
Joined: October 17, 2004
Posts: 4,601
Likes: 1
Originally posted by Grantsdale+December 8, 2004, 8:26 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Grantsdale @ December 8, 2004, 8:26 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-joeuser42@December 8, 2004, 10:21 AM
It looks like Ford ripped this guy off. I hope he takes them to the cleaners for it.
It looks like Ford ripped this guy off. I hope he takes them to the cleaners for it.
We'll see what happens. Part of controlling a patent is that you have to have shown some type of attempt to produce the product. You can't just go around and patent stuff and not use it, then sue when someone else uses it. [/b][/quote]
Yeah, and I see how things go in the small company I work for - the missed items, the misscommunications.... I can just imagine with a HUGE company like FORD....
This might not be as cut and dry a situation as some think.... (doesn't it say somewhere in the 40th Anniversary silver Mustang book the guy who came up with the color option for the Mustang and where he got the idea from?... I'm sure the guy with the patent wasn't the only guy to think up this idea..)
I just hope they get it resolved in a way that let's the option STAY with the car - I would hate to think that people who have just ordered or are ordering now would be prevented form getting this if they wanted it....
Post *****
Joined: February 3, 2004
Posts: 14,160
Likes: 73
Here is the Delphi Patent, which DOES reference Frank Weyer patent . . (EDIT: Found the referenced Patent)
Delphi Patent
Delphi Patent
United States Patent 6,575,607
Klemish , et al. June 10, 2003
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User controllable color lighting in a vehicle instrument cluster
Abstract
A user controllable lighting system for a vehicle instrument cluster, including: selection apparatus to select a color scheme for individual gage area components of the vehicle instrument cluster; illumination apparatus to illuminate the individual gage area components in accordance with selections made by the selection apparatus; and control apparatus operatively connected to the selection apparatus and to the illumination apparatus to receive the selections made by the selection apparatus and to furnish instructions to the illumination apparatus.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Klemish; Melissa Marie (Chesaning, MI); Voto; Andrew Michael (Swartz Creek, MI); Selby; Ronald Kenneth (Flint, MI)
Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc. (Troy, MI)
Appl. No.: 541708
Filed: April 3, 2000
Current U.S. Class: 362/489; 362/23; 362/29; 362/30; 362/510; 362/543; 362/544
Intern'l Class: B60Q 001/00
Field of Search: 362/29,30,23,489,510,543,544,545
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References Cited [Referenced By]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Patent Documents
5361059 Nov., 1994 Hoffman et al. 340/438.
5975728 Nov., 1999 Weyer 362/30.
6206533 Mar., 2001 Shi 362/23.
Foreign Patent Documents
0562332 May., 1993 EP 340/438.
Primary Examiner: O'Shea; Sandra
Assistant Examiner: Zeade; Bertrand
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Chmielewski; Stefan V., Funke; Jimmy L.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claims
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A user controllable lighting system for a vehicle instrument cluster, comprising:
© selection means to select a color scheme for individual gage area components of said vehicle instrument cluster;
(d) illumination means to illuminate said individual gage area components in accordance with selections made by said selection means;
© control means operatively connected to said selection means and to said illumination means to receive said selections made by said selection means and to furnish instructions to said illumination means; and
(d) wherein: said individual gage area components are one or more selected from the group consisting of a pointer and gage backlighting.
2. A user controllable lighting system for a vehicle instrument cluster, as defined in claim 1, wherein: said selection means also selects intensities of illumination of said color scheme.
3. A user controllable lighting system for a vehicle instrument cluster, as defined in claim 1, further comprising: memory means in which said selections can be stored after changing thereof by said user.
4. A user controllable lighting system for a vehicle instrument cluster, as defined in claim 3, wherein: said selections can be manually retrieved from said memory means.
5. A user controllable lighting system for a vehicle instrument cluster, as defined in claim 4, wherein: said selections can be automatically retrieved from said memory means when an operator commences operation of said vehicle.
6. In combination with a vehicle, a user controllable lighting system for an instrument cluster disposed in said vehicle, comprising:
(a) selection means to select a color scheme for individual gage area components of said instrument cluster;
(B) illumination means to illuminate said individual gage area components in accordance with selections made by said selection means;
© control means operatively connected to said selection means and to said illumination means to receive said selections made by said selection means and to furnish instructions to said illumination means; and
(d) wherein: said individual gage area components are one or more selected from the group consisting of a pointer and gage backlighting.
7. A user controllable lighting system for an instrument cluster, as defined in claim 6, wherein: said selection means also selects intensities of illumination of said color scheme.
8. A user controllable lighting system for an instrument cluster, as defined in claim 6, further comprising: memory means in which said selections can be stored after changing thereof by said user.
9. A user controllable lighting system for an instrument cluster, as defined in claim 8, wherein: said selections can be manually retrieved from said memory means.
10. A user controllable lighting system for an instrument cluster, as defined in claim 8, wherein: said selections can be automatically retrieved from said memory means when an operator commences operation of said vehicle.
11. A user controllable lighting system for an instrument cluster, as defined in claim 6, wherein: said instrument cluster is disposed in a dashboard of said vehicle.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to vehicle instrument clusters generally and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to novel user controllable color lighting in a vehicle instrument cluster.
2. Background Art
Vehicle instrument clusters of the type under consideration here are found, for example, in automobiles, trucks, watercraft, aircraft, ATVs, and the like. Most, if not all, vehicle instrument clusters include some means of artificial lighting of the elements of the instrument cluster, generally in the form of electrical illumination to provide backlighting of the elements of the instrument cluster. Illumination, of course, is required to permit the operator of a vehicle and others, if necessary, to read in conditions of otherwise low visibility the gages, dials, etc. that are included in the instrument cluster.
Known vehicle instrument clusters provide illumination in only a narrow range of frequencies such that the illumination appears to be of a single, particular color. Usually, some means is provided to permit the operator of the vehicle to adjust the intensity of the illumination. While the preferred level of intensity will vary among operators of a vehicle, having the ability to make adjustments to the intensity to suit various operators is, of course, desirable such that the intensity not be too high or too low to the degree that the level of intensity of illumination interferes with the comfort of a vehicle operator or the safe operation of the vehicle.
No known illuminated vehicle instrument clusters permit the operator of a vehicle to adjust the color of the illumination of the vehicle instrument cluster or to vary the colors of the illumination for various portions of the vehicle instrument cluster. While such ability to adjust color could satisfy personal comfort and esthetic preferences, varying the colors of the illumination for various portions of the vehicle instrument cluster can also increase the level of safe operation of the vehicle by permitting the operator of the vehicle, for example, to set a bright color for the speed indicating portion of the vehicle instrument cluster and to set a less bright color for the tachometer and fuel level indicating portions of the vehicle instrument cluster. Thus, immediately important portions of the vehicle instrument cluster can be highlighted in terms of color and intensity, while less immediately important portions of the vehicle instrument cluster can be more subdued in terms of color and intensity of illumination thereof.
Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide user controllable color lighting in a vehicle instrument cluster.
It is a further object of the invention to provide such user controllable color lighting that permits the operator of a vehicle to vary the intensity of the color lighting.
It is another object of the invention to provide such user controllable color lighting that permits the operator of a vehicle to vary the color of illumination of various portions of the vehicle instrument cluster.
It is an additional object of the invention to provide such user controllable color lighting that permits the operator of the vehicle to vary both the color and intensity of illumination of various portions of the vehicle instrument cluster.
It is yet a further object of the invention to provide such user controllable color lighting that can be economically implemented in a vehicle instrument cluster.
Other objects of the present invention, as well as particular features, elements, and advantages thereof, will be elucidated in, or be apparent from, the following description and the accompanying drawing figures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention achieves the above objects, among others, by providing, in a preferred embodiment, a user controllable lighting system for a vehicle instrument cluster, comprising: selection means to select a color scheme for individual gage area components of said vehicle instrument cluster; illumination means to illuminate said individual gage area components in accordance with selections made by said selection means; and control means operatively connected to said selection means and to said illumination means to receive said selections made by said selection means and to furnish instructions to said illumination means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Understanding of the present invention and the various aspects thereof will be facilitated by reference to the accompanying drawing figures, provided for purposes of illustration only and not intended to define the scope of the invention, on which:
FIG. 1 is a partially schematic isometric view of an example of a vehicle instrument cluster with which the present invention may be employed.
FIG. 2 is a front plan view of a driver interface for use in the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a software algorithm logic flow diagram for the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference should now-be made to the drawing figures on which similar or identical elements are given consistent identifying numerals throughout the various figures thereof, and on which parenthetical references to figure numbers direct the reader to the view(s) on which the element(s) being described is (are) best seen, although the element(s) may be seen on other figures also.
In general, the present invention provides the ability for operators of a vehicle to tune in the color scheme for the vehicle instrument cluster backlighting and pointer colors that each of the operators prefers and then store them for recall. At any time, a vehicle operator can decide to change the color for that operator. Each vehicle operator can have a color scheme and/or intensity level that is specific to that vehicle operator. More than one color scheme per vehicle operator can be provided. A vehicle operator could, for example, program one color scheme for daytime vehicle operation and another color scheme for nighttime vehicle operation. Because illumination for each gage area and pointer is controlled individually, a vehicle operator can also choose to turn off the backlighting illumination on any gage area or pointer.
Wherever herein "color scheme" is referred to, it will be understood that such encompasses any desired theme and includes any desired light intensity and/or color palette. Lighting elements, LEDs, for example, may be monochromatic, two-color, or multicolor. Lighting may be provided such that it is visible during either daytime or nighttime conditions. Whenever herein "gage area" is referred to, it will be understood that such encompasses groups of gages, or zones, as well a individual gages.
FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a vehicle instrument cluster 20 with which the present invention may be employed. Vehicle instrument cluster 20 is mounted in a vehicle dashboard 22 behind, or forward of, vehicle steering wheel 24. Vehicle instrument cluster 20 includes a fuel gage area 30 with a pointer 32, a speedometer gage area 34 with a pointer 36, and an engine temperature gage area 38 with a pointer 40. Fuel gage area 30 is illuminated by first backlighting illumination means 42, speedometer gage area 34 is illuminated by second backlighting illumination means 44, and engine temperature gage area 34 is illuminated by third backlighting illumination means 44. First, second, and third backlighting illumination means 42, 44, and 46 are operatively connected to and under the control of a programmable microprocessor 50. First, second, and third backlighting illumination means 42, 44, and 46 may represent multicolor LEDs, or edge lighting means, or any other type of backlighting illumination means and also may represent separate lighting means for both the gage areas and the pointers with which they are associated.
It will be understood that the arrangement of vehicle instrument cluster 20 is provided for illustrative purposes and that a vehicle instrument cluster to which the present invention may be applied may include a greater or fewer number of illuminated areas, each of which may have the color and intensity of illumination individually controlled. Also, as noted above, pointers and general background of the areas in which the pointers are disposed can have individual backlighting illumination means. There is an unlimited number of variations of pointer, gage area, colors, etc. that can be provided with the present invention and the ones described are for illustrative purposes and are not to be considered a limitation on the present invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates a driver interface panel, generally indicated by the reference numeral 100. Driver interface panel 100 is preferably disposed in vehicle instrument cluster 20 (FIG. 1) and is operatively connected to programmable microprocessor 50 (FIG. 1) to change the programming thereof. Driver interface 100 may be analog, as shown on FIG. 2, or it may be digital (and include digital switch devices such as touch pads, for example).
The default factory setup for the color scheme can be, for example, the color white for all programmable backlighting illumination means. At any time, within limits set by the vehicle manufacturer, a vehicle operator, a vehicle dealer, or other authorized person can change the default color scheme to that which the vehicle operator, the vehicle dealer, or other authorized person prefers. To the extent permitted, which component of the instrument cluster that is to have its color changed can be selected. With reference to FIG. 2, for example, this can be done through the Gage Select switches and the Pointer/Backlight Select Switches. By toggling these switches, it is determined which gages and which part of the gage (pointer color or gage area color) is being changed. For instance, with reference to FIG. 2 and the toggle switches in the positions shown thereon, the Color Tuners would control the Backlighting of the Tachometer and the Oil Gage. All the other colors would stay the same. To change the Speedometer backlighting, all Gage Select Switches would be placed in the OFF position except the Speedometer and Backlight switches. When driver interface 100 is digital, the switches can be replaced with touch pads, for example, and the length of time a touch pad is pressed can be used to determined the intensity of illumination of the parameter being adjusted.
Once the vehicle operator, or other authorized person, is satisfied with the color and intensity selections, the vehicle operator, or other authorized person, presses the pushbutton "PROG" and then presses pushbutton "D1", "D2", or "D3". This stores the selections in memory in the memory section associated with the "D" pushbutton pressed. To recall the selection, the vehicle operator simply presses the same memory pushbutton. Alternatively, when the vehicle operator hits the key fob button on a keyless remote entry device, for example, the vehicle operator identification information is transmitted to the receiver in the vehicle. This receiver (already existing in vehicles and not part of the present invention) decodes the identification information and then informs the other modules in the vehicle the identification of the vehicle operator. Programmable microprocessor 50 (FIG. 1) receives the identification information from the receiver and, when the lights on instrument cluster 20 are in power up mode (key in ignition and turned), the programmable microprocessor can initialize the backlighting area and pointer color scheme to that which that vehicle operator had stored for recall.
FIG. 3 illustrates an algorithm logic flow diagram for the present invention. Assuming a vehicle operator has made and stored a color scheme, when a vehicle operator identification is received at 200, this causes the last color scheme used or placed in memory to be recalled from memory at 202. The recalled color scheme is then used at 210 to set the backlighting illumination.
If a poll or interrupt signal is received at 220 and no Gage Select or Pointer/Backlight Select switches (FIG. 2) are active, no further action is taken at 220. If any of those switches is active, analog to digital red, green, and blue tuners are converted at 230, 232, and 234, respectively. Then the vehicle operator selects the desired color scheme and intensities thereof at 240 and the backlighting illumination is set accordingly at 210.
If a poll or interrupt signal is received at 250 and none of switches "D1", "D2", or "D3" (FIG. 2) is active, no further action takes place at 250. If one of those switches is active and "PROG" is not in active mode at 260, the color scheme corresponding to the active one of those switches is recalled from memory at 202 and the backlighting illumination color scheme is activated at 210. If "PROG" is active at 260, the backlighting illumination color scheme corresponding to the active one of switches "D1", "D2", or "D3" is stored in memory at 270.
If a poll or interrupt signal is received at 280 and the "PROG" switch (FIG. 2) is not active, no further action takes place at 280. If the "PROG" switch is active, the "PROG" active mode is set at 290 and a timer at 292 gives the vehicle operator an arbitrary predetermined amount of time in which to make color scheme selections, in this case, five seconds, although any length of time may be selected. If no color selection is made within the predetermined amount of time, the "PROG" active mode is turned off at 300.
It will be understood that the present invention contemplates that colors and intensities of any number of gage areas and pointers may be individually set and stored in any number of memory locations for later recall, the specific ones shown being for illustrative purposes.
In the embodiments of the present invention described above, it will be recognized that individual elements and/or features thereof are not necessarily limited to a particular embodiment but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in any selected embodiment even though such may not be specifically shown.
Terms such as "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "inwardly", "outwardly", and the like, when used herein, refer to the positions of the respective elements shown on the accompanying drawing figures and the present invention is not necessarily limited to such positions.
It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those elucidated in, or made apparent from, the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown on the accompanying drawing figures shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
Klemish , et al. June 10, 2003
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
User controllable color lighting in a vehicle instrument cluster
Abstract
A user controllable lighting system for a vehicle instrument cluster, including: selection apparatus to select a color scheme for individual gage area components of the vehicle instrument cluster; illumination apparatus to illuminate the individual gage area components in accordance with selections made by the selection apparatus; and control apparatus operatively connected to the selection apparatus and to the illumination apparatus to receive the selections made by the selection apparatus and to furnish instructions to the illumination apparatus.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventors: Klemish; Melissa Marie (Chesaning, MI); Voto; Andrew Michael (Swartz Creek, MI); Selby; Ronald Kenneth (Flint, MI)
Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc. (Troy, MI)
Appl. No.: 541708
Filed: April 3, 2000
Current U.S. Class: 362/489; 362/23; 362/29; 362/30; 362/510; 362/543; 362/544
Intern'l Class: B60Q 001/00
Field of Search: 362/29,30,23,489,510,543,544,545
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References Cited [Referenced By]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Patent Documents
5361059 Nov., 1994 Hoffman et al. 340/438.
5975728 Nov., 1999 Weyer 362/30.
6206533 Mar., 2001 Shi 362/23.
Foreign Patent Documents
0562332 May., 1993 EP 340/438.
Primary Examiner: O'Shea; Sandra
Assistant Examiner: Zeade; Bertrand
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Chmielewski; Stefan V., Funke; Jimmy L.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Claims
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A user controllable lighting system for a vehicle instrument cluster, comprising:
© selection means to select a color scheme for individual gage area components of said vehicle instrument cluster;
(d) illumination means to illuminate said individual gage area components in accordance with selections made by said selection means;
© control means operatively connected to said selection means and to said illumination means to receive said selections made by said selection means and to furnish instructions to said illumination means; and
(d) wherein: said individual gage area components are one or more selected from the group consisting of a pointer and gage backlighting.
2. A user controllable lighting system for a vehicle instrument cluster, as defined in claim 1, wherein: said selection means also selects intensities of illumination of said color scheme.
3. A user controllable lighting system for a vehicle instrument cluster, as defined in claim 1, further comprising: memory means in which said selections can be stored after changing thereof by said user.
4. A user controllable lighting system for a vehicle instrument cluster, as defined in claim 3, wherein: said selections can be manually retrieved from said memory means.
5. A user controllable lighting system for a vehicle instrument cluster, as defined in claim 4, wherein: said selections can be automatically retrieved from said memory means when an operator commences operation of said vehicle.
6. In combination with a vehicle, a user controllable lighting system for an instrument cluster disposed in said vehicle, comprising:
(a) selection means to select a color scheme for individual gage area components of said instrument cluster;
(B) illumination means to illuminate said individual gage area components in accordance with selections made by said selection means;
© control means operatively connected to said selection means and to said illumination means to receive said selections made by said selection means and to furnish instructions to said illumination means; and
(d) wherein: said individual gage area components are one or more selected from the group consisting of a pointer and gage backlighting.
7. A user controllable lighting system for an instrument cluster, as defined in claim 6, wherein: said selection means also selects intensities of illumination of said color scheme.
8. A user controllable lighting system for an instrument cluster, as defined in claim 6, further comprising: memory means in which said selections can be stored after changing thereof by said user.
9. A user controllable lighting system for an instrument cluster, as defined in claim 8, wherein: said selections can be manually retrieved from said memory means.
10. A user controllable lighting system for an instrument cluster, as defined in claim 8, wherein: said selections can be automatically retrieved from said memory means when an operator commences operation of said vehicle.
11. A user controllable lighting system for an instrument cluster, as defined in claim 6, wherein: said instrument cluster is disposed in a dashboard of said vehicle.
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Description
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to vehicle instrument clusters generally and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to novel user controllable color lighting in a vehicle instrument cluster.
2. Background Art
Vehicle instrument clusters of the type under consideration here are found, for example, in automobiles, trucks, watercraft, aircraft, ATVs, and the like. Most, if not all, vehicle instrument clusters include some means of artificial lighting of the elements of the instrument cluster, generally in the form of electrical illumination to provide backlighting of the elements of the instrument cluster. Illumination, of course, is required to permit the operator of a vehicle and others, if necessary, to read in conditions of otherwise low visibility the gages, dials, etc. that are included in the instrument cluster.
Known vehicle instrument clusters provide illumination in only a narrow range of frequencies such that the illumination appears to be of a single, particular color. Usually, some means is provided to permit the operator of the vehicle to adjust the intensity of the illumination. While the preferred level of intensity will vary among operators of a vehicle, having the ability to make adjustments to the intensity to suit various operators is, of course, desirable such that the intensity not be too high or too low to the degree that the level of intensity of illumination interferes with the comfort of a vehicle operator or the safe operation of the vehicle.
No known illuminated vehicle instrument clusters permit the operator of a vehicle to adjust the color of the illumination of the vehicle instrument cluster or to vary the colors of the illumination for various portions of the vehicle instrument cluster. While such ability to adjust color could satisfy personal comfort and esthetic preferences, varying the colors of the illumination for various portions of the vehicle instrument cluster can also increase the level of safe operation of the vehicle by permitting the operator of the vehicle, for example, to set a bright color for the speed indicating portion of the vehicle instrument cluster and to set a less bright color for the tachometer and fuel level indicating portions of the vehicle instrument cluster. Thus, immediately important portions of the vehicle instrument cluster can be highlighted in terms of color and intensity, while less immediately important portions of the vehicle instrument cluster can be more subdued in terms of color and intensity of illumination thereof.
Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide user controllable color lighting in a vehicle instrument cluster.
It is a further object of the invention to provide such user controllable color lighting that permits the operator of a vehicle to vary the intensity of the color lighting.
It is another object of the invention to provide such user controllable color lighting that permits the operator of a vehicle to vary the color of illumination of various portions of the vehicle instrument cluster.
It is an additional object of the invention to provide such user controllable color lighting that permits the operator of the vehicle to vary both the color and intensity of illumination of various portions of the vehicle instrument cluster.
It is yet a further object of the invention to provide such user controllable color lighting that can be economically implemented in a vehicle instrument cluster.
Other objects of the present invention, as well as particular features, elements, and advantages thereof, will be elucidated in, or be apparent from, the following description and the accompanying drawing figures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention achieves the above objects, among others, by providing, in a preferred embodiment, a user controllable lighting system for a vehicle instrument cluster, comprising: selection means to select a color scheme for individual gage area components of said vehicle instrument cluster; illumination means to illuminate said individual gage area components in accordance with selections made by said selection means; and control means operatively connected to said selection means and to said illumination means to receive said selections made by said selection means and to furnish instructions to said illumination means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Understanding of the present invention and the various aspects thereof will be facilitated by reference to the accompanying drawing figures, provided for purposes of illustration only and not intended to define the scope of the invention, on which:
FIG. 1 is a partially schematic isometric view of an example of a vehicle instrument cluster with which the present invention may be employed.
FIG. 2 is a front plan view of a driver interface for use in the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a software algorithm logic flow diagram for the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference should now-be made to the drawing figures on which similar or identical elements are given consistent identifying numerals throughout the various figures thereof, and on which parenthetical references to figure numbers direct the reader to the view(s) on which the element(s) being described is (are) best seen, although the element(s) may be seen on other figures also.
In general, the present invention provides the ability for operators of a vehicle to tune in the color scheme for the vehicle instrument cluster backlighting and pointer colors that each of the operators prefers and then store them for recall. At any time, a vehicle operator can decide to change the color for that operator. Each vehicle operator can have a color scheme and/or intensity level that is specific to that vehicle operator. More than one color scheme per vehicle operator can be provided. A vehicle operator could, for example, program one color scheme for daytime vehicle operation and another color scheme for nighttime vehicle operation. Because illumination for each gage area and pointer is controlled individually, a vehicle operator can also choose to turn off the backlighting illumination on any gage area or pointer.
Wherever herein "color scheme" is referred to, it will be understood that such encompasses any desired theme and includes any desired light intensity and/or color palette. Lighting elements, LEDs, for example, may be monochromatic, two-color, or multicolor. Lighting may be provided such that it is visible during either daytime or nighttime conditions. Whenever herein "gage area" is referred to, it will be understood that such encompasses groups of gages, or zones, as well a individual gages.
FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a vehicle instrument cluster 20 with which the present invention may be employed. Vehicle instrument cluster 20 is mounted in a vehicle dashboard 22 behind, or forward of, vehicle steering wheel 24. Vehicle instrument cluster 20 includes a fuel gage area 30 with a pointer 32, a speedometer gage area 34 with a pointer 36, and an engine temperature gage area 38 with a pointer 40. Fuel gage area 30 is illuminated by first backlighting illumination means 42, speedometer gage area 34 is illuminated by second backlighting illumination means 44, and engine temperature gage area 34 is illuminated by third backlighting illumination means 44. First, second, and third backlighting illumination means 42, 44, and 46 are operatively connected to and under the control of a programmable microprocessor 50. First, second, and third backlighting illumination means 42, 44, and 46 may represent multicolor LEDs, or edge lighting means, or any other type of backlighting illumination means and also may represent separate lighting means for both the gage areas and the pointers with which they are associated.
It will be understood that the arrangement of vehicle instrument cluster 20 is provided for illustrative purposes and that a vehicle instrument cluster to which the present invention may be applied may include a greater or fewer number of illuminated areas, each of which may have the color and intensity of illumination individually controlled. Also, as noted above, pointers and general background of the areas in which the pointers are disposed can have individual backlighting illumination means. There is an unlimited number of variations of pointer, gage area, colors, etc. that can be provided with the present invention and the ones described are for illustrative purposes and are not to be considered a limitation on the present invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates a driver interface panel, generally indicated by the reference numeral 100. Driver interface panel 100 is preferably disposed in vehicle instrument cluster 20 (FIG. 1) and is operatively connected to programmable microprocessor 50 (FIG. 1) to change the programming thereof. Driver interface 100 may be analog, as shown on FIG. 2, or it may be digital (and include digital switch devices such as touch pads, for example).
The default factory setup for the color scheme can be, for example, the color white for all programmable backlighting illumination means. At any time, within limits set by the vehicle manufacturer, a vehicle operator, a vehicle dealer, or other authorized person can change the default color scheme to that which the vehicle operator, the vehicle dealer, or other authorized person prefers. To the extent permitted, which component of the instrument cluster that is to have its color changed can be selected. With reference to FIG. 2, for example, this can be done through the Gage Select switches and the Pointer/Backlight Select Switches. By toggling these switches, it is determined which gages and which part of the gage (pointer color or gage area color) is being changed. For instance, with reference to FIG. 2 and the toggle switches in the positions shown thereon, the Color Tuners would control the Backlighting of the Tachometer and the Oil Gage. All the other colors would stay the same. To change the Speedometer backlighting, all Gage Select Switches would be placed in the OFF position except the Speedometer and Backlight switches. When driver interface 100 is digital, the switches can be replaced with touch pads, for example, and the length of time a touch pad is pressed can be used to determined the intensity of illumination of the parameter being adjusted.
Once the vehicle operator, or other authorized person, is satisfied with the color and intensity selections, the vehicle operator, or other authorized person, presses the pushbutton "PROG" and then presses pushbutton "D1", "D2", or "D3". This stores the selections in memory in the memory section associated with the "D" pushbutton pressed. To recall the selection, the vehicle operator simply presses the same memory pushbutton. Alternatively, when the vehicle operator hits the key fob button on a keyless remote entry device, for example, the vehicle operator identification information is transmitted to the receiver in the vehicle. This receiver (already existing in vehicles and not part of the present invention) decodes the identification information and then informs the other modules in the vehicle the identification of the vehicle operator. Programmable microprocessor 50 (FIG. 1) receives the identification information from the receiver and, when the lights on instrument cluster 20 are in power up mode (key in ignition and turned), the programmable microprocessor can initialize the backlighting area and pointer color scheme to that which that vehicle operator had stored for recall.
FIG. 3 illustrates an algorithm logic flow diagram for the present invention. Assuming a vehicle operator has made and stored a color scheme, when a vehicle operator identification is received at 200, this causes the last color scheme used or placed in memory to be recalled from memory at 202. The recalled color scheme is then used at 210 to set the backlighting illumination.
If a poll or interrupt signal is received at 220 and no Gage Select or Pointer/Backlight Select switches (FIG. 2) are active, no further action is taken at 220. If any of those switches is active, analog to digital red, green, and blue tuners are converted at 230, 232, and 234, respectively. Then the vehicle operator selects the desired color scheme and intensities thereof at 240 and the backlighting illumination is set accordingly at 210.
If a poll or interrupt signal is received at 250 and none of switches "D1", "D2", or "D3" (FIG. 2) is active, no further action takes place at 250. If one of those switches is active and "PROG" is not in active mode at 260, the color scheme corresponding to the active one of those switches is recalled from memory at 202 and the backlighting illumination color scheme is activated at 210. If "PROG" is active at 260, the backlighting illumination color scheme corresponding to the active one of switches "D1", "D2", or "D3" is stored in memory at 270.
If a poll or interrupt signal is received at 280 and the "PROG" switch (FIG. 2) is not active, no further action takes place at 280. If the "PROG" switch is active, the "PROG" active mode is set at 290 and a timer at 292 gives the vehicle operator an arbitrary predetermined amount of time in which to make color scheme selections, in this case, five seconds, although any length of time may be selected. If no color selection is made within the predetermined amount of time, the "PROG" active mode is turned off at 300.
It will be understood that the present invention contemplates that colors and intensities of any number of gage areas and pointers may be individually set and stored in any number of memory locations for later recall, the specific ones shown being for illustrative purposes.
In the embodiments of the present invention described above, it will be recognized that individual elements and/or features thereof are not necessarily limited to a particular embodiment but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in any selected embodiment even though such may not be specifically shown.
Terms such as "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "inwardly", "outwardly", and the like, when used herein, refer to the positions of the respective elements shown on the accompanying drawing figures and the present invention is not necessarily limited to such positions.
It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those elucidated in, or made apparent from, the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown on the accompanying drawing figures shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
Tasca Super Boss 429 Member
Joined: May 18, 2004
Posts: 3,657
Likes: 2
From: San Antonio, TX
Originally posted by Grantsdale+December 8, 2004, 8:26 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Grantsdale @ December 8, 2004, 8:26 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-joeuser42@December 8, 2004, 10:21 AM
It looks like Ford ripped this guy off. I hope he takes them to the cleaners for it.
It looks like Ford ripped this guy off. I hope he takes them to the cleaners for it.
We'll see what happens. Part of controlling a patent is that you have to have shown some type of attempt to produce the product. You can't just go around and patent stuff and not use it, then sue when someone else uses it. [/b][/quote]
He did, he sent letters to all the automotive companies.
Tasca Super Boss 429 Member
Joined: May 18, 2004
Posts: 3,657
Likes: 2
From: San Antonio, TX
Originally posted by mav@December 8, 2004, 8:00 AM
Hopefully Ford and Frank Weyer will reach some sort of an agreement.
Hopefully Ford and Frank Weyer will reach some sort of an agreement.
