Design Considerations in Exterior Automotive Courtesy Lighting

Utilization of new technologies, such as LEDs, light guides, and electro-luminesence (EL), in courtesy lighting offers promising opportunities in styling, packaging, and functionality. Although these lamps are not as strictly regulated as other automotive lighting, considerable investigation is required to meet the desired styling and performance. In this paper we present the results of a study on running board lighting. This investigation was used to guide development of external courtesy lighting, where direct light, reflected light, contrast, and directionality are all design considerations.