Patent attributes
A lighting system and method for producing an automatically positionable light beam that is aimed in accordance with the position of a seatback portion of a seat on a mobile platform. The system includes a light assembly having independent first and second light subsystems, with each light subsystem having a plurality of LEDs or incandescent bulbs. A switch mounted on the seat detects when the seatback portion of the seat is in an upright or a reclined position, and provides a signal to the light assembly in accordance with the position of the seatback. The signal is used to turn on either the first light subsystem to illuminate a lap area of the occupant when the seat is in its upright position, or the second light subsystem to illuminate an area slightly rearwardly of the occupant's lap when the seat is in the reclined position. Thus, optimum positioning of the light beam produced by the light assembly is achieved automatically, without requiring any manual adjustment by the seat occupant.
