Abstract: An autonomous communication and control system for controlling auxiliary equipment associated with a vehicle includes a vehicle mounted controller and output relay module. The controller includes an interface for receiving user input commands relating to control actions to be taken with respect to the auxiliary equipment. The controller is adapted to wirelessly communicate indications of the actions taken with respect to the auxiliary equipment (events) as well as other data relating to the status of the vehicle. The controller interface includes a display for displaying the messages for an occupant of the vehicle. The controller may be adapted to communicate information regarding the operating status of the vehicle for fleet management and maintenance purposes and may also be adapted for monitoring an inventory of removable assets to ensure the vehicle is stocked with necessary equipment for carrying its assigned duties.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus and methods of use thereof are provided. An apparatus for work zone intrusion detection related to a stationary vehicle, whereby the apparatus includes a processor configured to receive radar detection data about an oncoming vehicle and determine when to trigger an alarm sound in accordance with the radar detection data upon determining that the oncoming vehicle is moving in a direction and at an orientation to collide with the stationary vehicle. A method of using an apparatus for detecting and warning against intrusion in a work zone around a stationary vehicle is provided that includes obtaining, from a radar unit, detection data for a moving vehicle or object approaching the stationary vehicle, and determining, using a processor, when to trigger an alarm sound to allow a response time according to the detection data and a warning mode.

Abstract: Embodiments for use of an apparatus and method for alerting an occupant within a vehicle are provided. An apparatus may include a lidar unit configured to detect an oncoming intruder approaching a stationary vehicle. The lidar unit is mounted to an external surface of the stationary vehicle or coupled to an emergency vehicle warning device. An alarm is sounded or warning lights are triggered when the oncoming intruder approaches within a zone surrounding the vehicle. A method may include providing a controller unit and a lidar unit configured to detect the motion of any oncoming person, animal, or object approaching a stationary vehicle. The lidar unit rotates to scan the region surrounding the stationary vehicle and provides detection data. Upon detecting an oncoming intruder, the detection data is transmitted to the controller unit within the vehicle, and an alarm may be sounded to warn an occupant located within the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for controlling an auxiliary vehicle light is described, whereby a wearable controller that may be worn on a user's head or coupled to an article of clothing located on a user's head is useful for transmitting a position and orientation of a user's head to an auxiliary vehicle light located on a surface of a vehicle. The auxiliary vehicle light may include a pivotable body capable of panning, tilting, or rolling. The wearable controller includes sensors to determine an orientation and angular displacement of a user's head. Both the auxiliary vehicle light and the wearable controller includes transceivers for wirelessly communicating with each other.

Abstract: A mirror controller unit is disclosed herein for controlling an associated auxiliary vehicle warning device. In one embodiment, the mirror controller unit includes a set of selectors located on at least one edge of a mirror body. The mirror controller unit includes a reflective mirror surface. An auxiliary vehicle warning device that is physically attached to a surface of a vehicle may be connected via wires to the mirror controller unit and operated by the set of selectors disposed on the mirror controller unit. In another embodiment, a mirror controller unit is disclosed with an integrated touch screen for performing control functions on an associated auxiliary vehicle warning device.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a housing with a faceplate, at least one light source, at least one optical assembly coupled to the faceplate, a frame supporting the at least one light source, and a yoke assembly having a camshaft and a yoke with a set of lobes, the yoke assembly coupled to the faceplate and slideably received by the frame, such that the at least one optical assembly is moveable in a linear direction towards and away from the at least one light source by rotation of the camshaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a vehicle light with adjustable light output is provided, whereby the apparatus includes a processor configured to receive on-board diagnostics (OBD) data and to determine a light output mode for the vehicle light in accordance with the OBD data, whereby the OBD data indicates a vehicle condition. The apparatus includes a transceiver coupled to the processor that is configured to signal the light output mode to the vehicle light. A method of controlling a vehicle light is provided that includes receiving OBD data from an OBD system in a vehicle, whereby the OBD data determines a vehicle condition, determining a light output mode of the vehicle light in accordance with the OBD data, and sending to the vehicle light appropriate commands for adjusting the light output in accordance with the determined light output mode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a vehicle light having an adjustable light output are provided. An apparatus includes a processor configured to receive sensor data from a sensor module having a number of sensors. The processor is further able to determine a light output mode for the vehicle light in accordance with the sensor data. The sensor data indicates a vehicle or environment condition. A method of using an apparatus for controlling a vehicle light with adjustable light output is provided that includes receiving sensor data from one or more sensors in a vehicle, determining a light output mode in accordance with the sensor data, and sending to the vehicle light appropriate commands for adjusting the light output in accordance with the determined light output mode.

Abstract: A light device that includes a set of modular optical units disposed within a housing of the light device, each of the modular optical units include a light source a reflector, a frame, and a yoke assembly with a shaft having a set of cams attached to the shaft and a yoke having a set of lobes. The yoke assembly is coupled to the frame, whereby the reflector is moveable towards and away from the light source such that the light output is adjustable depending on a position of the reflector with respect to the light source.

Abstract: A mirror controller unit is disclosed herein for controlling an associated auxiliary vehicle warning device. In one embodiment, the mirror controller unit includes a set of selectors located on at least one edge of a mirror body. The mirror controller unit includes a reflective mirror surface. An auxiliary vehicle warning device that is physically attached to a surface of a vehicle may be connected via wires to the mirror controller unit and operated by the set of selectors disposed on the mirror controller unit. In another embodiment, a mirror controller unit is disclosed with an integrated touch screen for performing control functions on an associated auxiliary vehicle warning device.

Abstract: An induction power transfer system for auxiliary vehicle lights is provided. A transmitting power module coupled to an interior surface of a windshield includes a transmitting induction coil. The transmitting induction coil generates an oscillating magnetic field in response to receiving an electric current. A receiving power module is coupled to an exterior surface of the windshield of the vehicle. The receiving power module is substantially aligned with the transmitting power module coupled to the interior surface of the windshield. The receiving power module includes a receiving induction coil. The receiving induction coil generates an alternating electric current in response to a presence of the oscillating magnetic field. An auxiliary vehicle LED light coupled to an exterior surface of the vehicle is connected to the receiving power module by an insulated conductor. The receiving power module supplies the alternating electric current to the auxiliary vehicle LED light.

Abstract: A lighting fixture for vehicles is described herein. The light fixture is configured to produce a variable light output with variable angle of light spread. A light source, such as a series of connected light emitting diodes, encapsulated by optics, are affixed to a light fixture. A series of optics facing the light source may thus be manipulated and moved in a linear fashion towards or away from a light source in order to achieve a particular angle of light spread. The optics are controlled by a controller coupled to the light fixture and may function in an automated method or may respond to manual control. An adjustability mechanism assembly existing within and coupled to the light fixture operates the series of optics in a linear fashion towards or away from a light source. The light fixtures produce a range of light spreads from a focused spot light to a wider flood light.

Abstract: A lighting fixture for vehicles is described herein. The light fixture is configured to produce a variable light output with variable angle of light spread. A light source, such as a series of connected light emitting diodes, encapsulated by optics, are affixed to a light fixture. A series of optics facing the light source may thus be manipulated and moved in a linear fashion towards or away from a light source in order to achieve a particular angle of light spread. The optics are controlled by a controller coupled to the light fixture and may function in an automated method or may respond to manual control. An adjustability mechanism assembly existing within and coupled to the light fixture operates the series of optics in a linear fashion towards or away from a light source. The light fixtures produce a range of light spreads from a focused spot light to a wider flood light.

Abstract: A resonating power transfer system for wireless vehicle lights. A power source supplies a direct electric current to a transmitting power module. A resonator control board and oscillating electric circuit converts the direct electric current into an alternating electric current. A source resonator coil generates an oscillating magnetic field in response to receiving the alternating electric current. A user controller includes a wireless communication transmitter transmits a wireless data signal to a wireless communication receiver. A wireless LED light device includes a receiving resonator coil and a set of LED lights. The receiving resonator coil generates an electric current in a presence of the oscillating magnetic field. The electric current powers the set of LED lights. The wireless communication receiver receives the wireless data signal from the wireless communication transmitter. An LED controller performs a control function on the set of LED lights in response to receiving the data signal.