The present invention relates to a taillight assembly that includes a light source
for emitting light and a light source enclosure having a light transmissive portion
for transmitting light from the light source to an illumination zone. A portion
of the enclosure includes a material that is affixed to selected regions of the
light transmissive portion. By electrically energizing the material the light transmitting
properties of the material can be altered for performing different taillight functions.
A drive circuit is electrically coupled to the material in each region for selectively
energizing the material and thereby controlling the functional light output of
each region. All taillight functions can be accomplished by activating the bands
on the light transmissive portion, including running light, brake light, reverse
light, parking light and turning signal.
