Abstract: Example vehicle includes a first headlight and a second headlight. The second headlight includes a laser configured to produce first light and an illumination source configured to produce second light. The second headlight also includes a spatial light modulator (SLM) optically coupled to the illumination source and a controller coupled to the SLM. The controller is configured to control the SLM to direct a reflection of the first light during a first operating mode and control the SLM to direct the second light during a second operating mode.

Abstract: There are provided a slave, a work machine, and a method for storing log information, which are capable of appropriately store the log information when a communication abnormality occurs such that communication cannot be kept between a master and the slave in an industrial network. The control section performs first storage processing storing the log information into a volatile storage section when a communication abnormality occurs such that communication with the master cannot be kept, communication abnormality determination processing for determining whether the communication abnormality has occurred, and second storage processing storing the log information into a non-volatile storage section by acquiring the log information from the volatile storage section, in response to a determination made in that the communication abnormality has occurred as a result of the communication abnormality determination processing.

Abstract: A vehicle drive assist system includes: an operation part that is operable from a neutral position to a first position at one side or a second position at another side; a switch part that outputs an ON signal or an OFF signal in accordance with a position of the operation part; a control part that generates a turn signal in response to an output of the switch part; a detection part that detects a rear side situation of a vehicle; and an alert part that performs an alert based on an output of the ON signal of the switch part and a detection result of the detection part, wherein in a case where an operation to the second position is performed when the turn signal in accordance with an operation to the first position is generated or in a case where an operation to the second position is performed after the turn signal in accordance with an operation to the first position is generated, a control that performs only a visual alert is performed.

Abstract: A power storage apparatus includes at least one battery module and a charging module. Each battery module includes a battery assembly, a protection unit, and a detection unit. The protection unit is connected in series to the battery assembly. The detection unit is connected in parallel to the protection unit, and the detection unit has an indication element. The charging module is connected in parallel to the at least one battery module to charge the battery assembly. When a voltage difference value of the protection unit is greater than a voltage setting value, the voltage difference value enables the indication element. Accordingly, simple circuit components installed in each battery module are used to individually protect the battery module and detect an abnormal operation of the battery module.

Abstract: An automated drive system comprises a first and a second system. The first system comprises a camera and an ADS-ECU (a first controller). The camera is configured to acquire front information of a vehicle. The first controller is configured to execute automated driving control of the vehicle. The first controller is configured to judge whether or not headlights are lighted based on the front information. The second system comprises a BODY-ECU (a second controller). The second controller is configured to control lighting operation of the headlights. The second controller is configured to transmit to the first controller an ACK signal about control status of the lighting operation. The first controller is configured to judge whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the second system based on judgement result signal based on the front information and the ACK signal.

Abstract: A vehicle control device includes: an irradiation device that is disposed in a vehicle, and that irradiates a road surface with light so as to draw a determination area on the road surface; an action determination unit that determines an action of a user existing in the determination area; and a vehicle control unit that controls the vehicle, based on the action of the user which is determined by the action determination unit.

Abstract: Provided is an onboard terminal including a vehicle data reception part configured to receive a failure code for identifying a failure occurred in a vehicle, a current position of the vehicle, and vehicle operation information from the vehicle, a failure information recording part configured to record failure information including at least one position of the conveyance before timing of occurrence of the failure and at least one position of the conveyance after the timing of the occurrence of the failure and the vehicle operation information, and a failure information providing command part configured to give a command, in accordance with an operation of the user, to a data server managing the failure information to provide the failure information to a repairer undertaking a repair of the vehicle through an electric communication line.

Abstract: A flasher relay for driving a left turn signal lamp and a right turn signal lamp of a vehicle to flash includes a main body and a control circuit. The main body includes a base, a casing, and a circuit board. The circuit board is disposed on the base. The casing is mounted on the base and covers the circuit board. The control circuit is disposed on the circuit board. The control circuit includes a microchip having an input terminal coupled to a field-effect transistor and an electromagnetic buzzer. A drain of the field-effect transistor and one end of the electromagnetic buzzer are coupled to a node B. A heat dissipation terminal of the field-effect transistor is coupled to the node B, and the node B guides thermal energy to a wire.

Abstract: A system having a load device coupled to an output of an electronic control unit (ECU) via a coaxial cable, and the ECU is disclosed. The ECU has a power supply configured to provide power for the load device, a power over coaxial cable (PoC) filter coupled to the output, a high side switch (HSS) coupled to the power supply and to the PoC filter via an HSS output line, and a diode disposed in the HSS output line and configured to substantially eliminate current flow from the output towards the HSS, while allowing current to flow from the HSS towards the load device from the HSS.

Abstract: A load device coupled to an output of an ECU via a coaxial cable is disclosed. The ECU provides power to the load device, and has a power over coaxial cable (PoC) filter coupled to the output, a high side switch (HSS) coupled to the power supply and to the PoC filter via an HSS output line, a diode disposed in the HSS output line that eliminates current flow from the output towards the HSS, while allowing current flow from the HSS towards the load device, a diode resistor in parallel with the diode that allows a current to flow past the diode towards the HSS while a short-to-battery scenario is occurring, and a pull down resistor (RPD) disposed between the output line of the HSS and a ground prior to the diode configured to pull the voltage at the HSS output down to zero while an open load scenario is occurring.

Abstract: An abnormality detection apparatus (100) is configured to detect an abnormality of a lighting device (200). The abnormality detection apparatus (100) includes an illuminance sensor (110), a memory (120) and a controller (130). The controller (130) is configured to detect the abnormality of the lighting device (200) based on a criterion stored in the memory (120) and a difference between an illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor (110) during on state of the lighting device (200) and an illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor (110) during off state of the lighting device (200).

Abstract: A display device includes a first display surface displaying vehicle information; and a second display surface which is disposed facing the first display surface and transmits light, has a drawing pattern drawn across a display area and outside the display area of the first display surface when seen from a direction in which the second display surface is stacked on the first display surface, and can switch to a displayed state in which the drawing pattern is displayed and a hidden state in which the drawing pattern is hidden. The display device displays information by the first display surface and the second display surface. The display device can therefore realize a visual effect that makes the display area look relatively large.

Abstract: An apparatus controls the forced light up of brake lights. The apparatus checks whether a brake light system has problems to prevent vehicle rear-ending accidents. A driver is informed, according to a state of a vehicle, about each problem. When there is a breakdown of the brake light system, such as a brake lights fuse disconnection, a breakdown of a brake lights relay, a wiring disconnection or defective wiring contact or the like, the driver is informed of the breakdown. Then rear vehicle is informed of danger by flickering a turn signal light since the brake lights do not light when the brake light system and the brake lights have broken down. The driver is informed of the breakdown of the brake light system and the brake lights by operating an internal alarm means whenever the driver steps on and releases the brake, thereby enabling the driver to drive safely.

Abstract: In a face image capturing device, a focal point of a fixed-focus in-vehicle camera is set to a position where a circle of confusion with respect to a foremost face position is larger than the circle of confusion with respect to a rearmost face position. The rearmost face position is where the driver's face is positioned when a driver's seat is moved to the rearmost limit. The foremost face position is where the driver's face is positioned when the driver's seat is moved to the foremost limit. When the focal point of the in-vehicle camera is set to the above position, the focal point can be moved rearward to reduce the blurring of a face image at the rearmost face position. Even if the blurring of the face image at the rearmost face position is increased, a driver condition can be accurately determined at all times.

Abstract: The audible vehicular warning system is a transportation safety device that is adapted for use with vehicles. The audible vehicular warning system is adapted for use as a collision avoidance device. The audible vehicular warning system monitors the visual signal signaling devices of the vehicle that indicate that: 1) the vehicle is capable of motion in the reverse direction; 2) the driver of the vehicle intends to turn left; and, 3) the driver of the vehicle intends to turn left. Should any of these conditions occur, the audible vehicular warning system generates an audible signal through a plurality of speakers to indicate when one of these three hazard conditions exist. The audible vehicular warning system comprises a logic module and a plurality of speakers.

Abstract: A system may comprise a first switch connected to an output of a first power source, a second switch connected to an output of a second power source, a first sensor connected to an output of the first switch, a second sensor connected to an output of the second switch, a third switch connected to the first sensor and the second sensor and connected to a load, and a control device connected to the first switch, the second switch, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third switch.

Abstract: The invention relates to supervision circuits (10) for supervising organic light emitting diode devices (1) via detection circuits (20) for detecting failure states of the organic light emitting diode devices (1) and for generating decision signals in response to detected failure states of the organic light emitting diode devices (1), which detected failure states have durations equal to or larger than time intervals. In response to the decision signals, the organic light emitting diode devices (1) can be bypassed and deactivated through switching circuits (30) such as bi-stable circuits. The failure states may include that the organic light emitting diode devices (1) have a relatively low impedance or “short” and a relatively high impedance or “open”. The supervision circuit (10) further prevents the organic light emitting diode devices (1) from being bypassed unjustly.

Abstract: When a detection signal indicates that a switch has switched off, a first relay cuts off the supply of alternating current from a commercial alternating-current source to a third DC power source and terminates a first load such as a motor and a high-voltage power source. When the detection signal indicates that the switch has switched off, a control circuit executes shutdown processing for safely terminating an operation of a second load such as a hard disk drive. When the shutdown processing is complete, the control circuit outputs a signal for terminating an operation of a second DC power source. When the shutdown signal is input, a second relay terminates the operation of the second load by cutting off the supply of the alternating current from the commercial alternating-current source to a second DC power source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled road-milling machine for doing work on surfacings on the ground, and in particular carriageways. The road-milling machine according to the invention is characterized by a signalling arrangement which has at least one control unit for the entry of at least two different states of operation by the driver of the road-milling machine and at least one visual indicator or display unit to indicate or display for the driver of the transporting vehicle the at least two states of operation which are preset with the control unit by the driver of the road-milling machine. The first state of operation may be a request for the transporting vehicle to be braked or stopped and the second state of operation may be a request for the transporting vehicle to be started or to continue travelling. In a preferred embodiment of the visual indicator or display unit, the request for braking or stopping is shown as a cross and the request for starting or continued travel as an arrow.

Abstract: In a microcomputer, by virtue of the function of one input signal judgment module in the application layer, with respect to whether the situation is such that operation is to be requested to a controlled object from each of a plurality of applications, judgment processing onto input signals representing status information of controlled objects or detection information from sensors or the like is made common. The object-oriented architecture is introduced into an embedded computer program so that the memory is saved and the apparatus is simplified.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus, methods, and systems for assessing the life span of a product and/or system—particularly with respect to end-of-life conditions which are defined by a customer, owner, operator, or other person(s) associated with the product and/or system—and communicating the assessment to said customer, owner, operator, or other person(s). According to one aspect, end-of-life conditions are defined in terms of product life (e.g., anything that relates to how well and how long the product/system operates) and/or economic life (e.g., anything that relates to the cost of deriving a benefit from the product/system). In one particular example, the products or systems relate to lighting systems, particularly those utilizing LED (or other solid-state) light sources.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device in a motor vehicle having a system for monitoring the active status of vehicle light bulbs such as brake light bulbs and the corresponding light fuse and reporting the status to a vehicle driver.

Abstract: The application discloses a method and apparatus for providing a desired warning signal for a lighting unit. A coded warning system is provided employing a detection module (320) and a signal generating module (330), wherein the detection module is configured to obtain information regarding the detection of one or more operating parameters of the lighting unit and the signal generating module generates a desired warning signal (331) selected from a plurality of warning signals, upon determination that one or more of the operating parameters are abnormal operating parameters. Each warning signal of the plurality of warning signals is indicative of a specific abnormal operating parameter or a known combination of specific abnormal operating parameters.

Abstract: Provided is a display device in which design properties have been improved by eliminating the flickering when the display level changes. A microcomputer (5) causes light emission of first LEDs (23 and 24) which are the first and second ones counting from the right end among the emitting first LEDs (21 to 24), with decreasing brightness towards the right end. Furthermore, the microcomputer (5) causes light emission of second LEDs from a second LED (77) which is disposed at the right end of the second LEDs (71 to 77), to a second LED (73) which is disposed at a position overlapped with the first LEDs (23 and 24) that emit light with decreasing brightness towards the right end, and also causes light emission of second LEDs (73 and 74), which are the first and second ones counting from the left end among the emitting second LEDs (73 to 77), with decreasing brightness towards the left end.

Abstract: A mobile device including a solar battery having a light-receiving surface provided on a casing of the mobile device, an illuminance detector that detects an illuminance of light incident on the casing, an output section that outputs a state of light incident on the light-receiving surface of the solar battery, and a controller that controls the output section based on the illuminance detected by the illuminance detector.

Abstract: A headlight status display system for automobile that includes a plurality of spare bulbs wired in a secondary relay circuit, each of said plurality of spare bulbs disposed proximal each of a plurality of primary bulbs wired in a first relay circuit, wherein failure of any one of said plurality of primary bulbs is detectable and communicable to a driver and, simultaneously, a corresponding one of the plurality of spare bulbs is illuminable in lieu of said failed primary bulb, whereby an automobile's visibilty is ensured and proper functioning of either headlight or rear light is maintained.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a display device mounted on a vehicle includes: a first control device for controlling the display device to display a first information image corresponding to a specific event when the specific event occurs; and a second control device for controlling the display device to display a second information image corresponding to the specific event after the display device displays the first information image. The second control device changes a display start time of the second information image according to at least one of a driving condition of the vehicle and a driver condition of a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device in a motor vehicle having a system for monitoring the active status of vehicle light bulbs such as brake light bulbs and the corresponding light fuse and reporting the status to a vehicle driver.

Abstract: There is provided a method for generating turn-signal sound of a vehicle and a device using the method which can output from a speaker the turn-signal sound close to operating sound of a mechanical relay. The method outputs a pulse signal for turn-signal sound having varying frequency and duty ratio from a PPG port of a CPU, integrates the pulse signal for turn-signal sound using an integration circuit to convert into an analog signal for turn-signal sound which is outputted to a speaker. The method also outputs a pulse signal for alarm having the constant frequency and duty ratio, integrates the pulse signal for alarm sound using an integration circuit to convert into an analog signal for alarm sound. Then the analog signals for turn-signal sound and for alarm sound are summed up and outputted to the speaker to produce simultaneously the turn-signal sound and the alarm sound.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present application includes a vehicle illumination system. The vehicle illumination system comprises an input keypad configured to receive at least one input provided by a user. The vehicle illumination system also comprises a controller configured to receive input commands provided by the input keypad and to sequentially control a state of a plurality of output device drivers corresponding to a respective plurality of vehicle lamps. At least one indicator is configured to indicate to a user a condition associated with at least one of the plurality of output device drivers wherein the controller communicates with the indicator by means of a communications protocol.

Abstract: A video-based vehicle headlight state monitoring method and system. A vehicle image can be captured by an image-capturing unit and converted to a grayscale image. The grayscale image can be processed to locate a front license plate and identify a position of a headlight region in front of the vehicle utilizing an algorithm. An average digital count with respect to brightness of the headlight region can be compared with average digital count with respect to brightness of several parts of the vehicle and a background region to determine the vehicle headlights ON/OFF status. The headlights can be considered ON if the digital count level of the headlight region is higher than the digital count of the several parts of the vehicle and the background region. A warning signal can be initiated to turn the headlights on during a special situation utilizing a signal generator.

Abstract: In combination meters 1 provided with a display 5 in an instrument panel 2, an instrument device includes left and right turn-signal indication lamps 11a, 11b arranged on the instrument panel 2, and a control unit 12 to display arrow images 17, 18, 19, 20 that indicate a change in lighting state (blinking) of indication lamps (left and right turn-signal indication lamps 11a, 11b) on a screen image on the display 5.

Abstract: Disclosed are an information display apparatus and a method thereof capable of allowing a user to conveniently and safely drive by displaying a sender's information corresponding to a call signal, on a windshield of a vehicle, through a display unit such as a Head-Up Display (HUD) or a projector, if the vehicle is in a running state when the call signal is received. The information display apparatus comprises a communication unit configured to receive a call signal, and a controller configured to detect a vehicle speed when the call signal is received, and configured to display a sender's information corresponding to the call signal, on a display unit, based on the vehicle speed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for translation verification of source strings for controls in a target application graphical user interface (GUI). In an embodiment of the invention, a method for translation verification of source strings for controls in a target application GUI can include loading a target GUI for an application under test in a functional testing tool executing in memory by a processor of a computing system, retrieving different translated source strings in a target spoken language for respectively different control elements of the target GUI and, determining a score for each one of the translated source strings. Thereafter, an alert can be provided in the functional testing tool for each translated source string corresponding to a determined score failing to meet a threshold value, such as a score that falls below a threshold value, or a score that exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A light control system identifies in the processing that discriminates light sources in the acquired image as either luminous objects or reflective objects, each pixel obtained that constitutes the acquired image being classified into a plurality of groups according to the brightness of each pixel, and generates a histogram showing the relation of the brightness and the number of pixels of each group that are matched with each group. Then, when the number of pixels corresponding to the brightest group is less than the number of pixels corresponding to the other groups, the existence of the luminous object in the acquired image is determined, and when the number of pixels corresponding to the brighter group is more than the number of pixels corresponding to the other groups, the existence of the reflective object in the acquired image is determined.

Abstract: In a memory cell, the drive current capabilities of the transistors may be adjusted by locally providing an increased gate dielectric thickness and/or gate length of one or more of the transistors of the memory cell. That is, the gate length and/or the gate dielectric thickness may vary along the transistor width direction, thereby providing an efficient mechanism for adjusting the effective drive current capability while at the same time allowing the usage of a simplified geometry of the active region, which may result in enhanced production yield due to enhanced process uniformity. In particular, the probability of creating short circuits caused by nickel silicide portions may be reduced.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present application includes a vehicle illumination system. The vehicle illumination system comprises an input keypad configured to receive at least one input provided by a user. The vehicle illumination system also comprises a controller configured to receive input commands provided by the input keypad and to sequentially control a state of a plurality of output device drivers corresponding to a respective plurality of vehicle lamps. At least one indicator is configured to indicate to a user a condition associated with at least one of the plurality of output device drivers wherein the controller communicates with the indicator by means of a communications protocol.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for providing notification to the driver of a vehicle when the vehicle's speed exceeds the speed limit within a speed control zone. A vehicular speed control (VSC) utility retrieves information indicating the speed limit of the speed control zone from an information signal detected by a radio receiver. The receiver is electrically coupled to the speed sensor circuitry of the vehicle to track the vehicle's velocity. The VSC utility determines whether to activate a speed notification alarm by comparing the vehicle's velocity with the zone's speed limit. When the vehicle's velocity exceeds the speed limit of the speed control zone, the VSC utility triggers the alarm and alerts the driver of the excessive speed with an audible/visible notification. The VSC utility may re-trigger the alarm if the driver continues to exceed the speed limit while driving within close proximity of the speed control zone.

Abstract: A device and a method for reducing unwanted or undesireable excitations at a steering wheel include a sensor system with which unwanted excitation at a steering wheel and/or steering gear can be sensed. A closed-loop control unit is configured to generate an additional steering torque on the basis of the sensed unwanted excitation. A servomotor applies the additional steering torque to the steering gear.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present application includes a vehicle illumination system. The vehicle illumination system comprises an input keypad configured to receive at least one input provided by a user. The vehicle illumination system also comprises a controller configured to receive input commands provided by the input keypad and to sequentially control a state of a plurality of output device drivers corresponding to a respective plurality of vehicle lamps. The vehicle illumination system also comprises mean for reducing or eliminating undesired LED illumination. The vehicle illumination system further comprises overvoltage protection circuitry configured to continuously monitor an electrical signal associated with each of the plurality of output device drivers relative to respective over-current condition thresholds and a summation over-current condition threshold.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes: an indicator configured to indicate an operation status of a device; a switch configured to receive an input; a time determination module configured to determine whether an input time during which the input is continually received by the switch exceeds a predetermined first time; a lighting controller, when the time determination module determines that the input time passes the first time, configured to control the indicator so as to be turned on in a first lighting pattern; a detector configured to detect an end of the input received by the switch; and a processor, when the time determination module determines that the input time is greater than or equal to the first time and the detector detects the end of the input received by the switch, configured to perform predetermined first processing.

Abstract: Lighting apparatus 100 lights a light source 2 of a headlamp, and includes: a connection terminal 113 to which a abnormality notification apparatus 200 is connected; a notification signal output unit for outputting a notification signal relating to a condition of the light source 2 and/or a condition of the light source lighting apparatus 100 to the abnormality notification apparatus 200 via the connection terminal 113; and a communication signal output unit for outputting a communication signal having a different signal form to the notification signal to an external communication apparatus 300, from the connection terminal 113. Therefore the notification of an abnormality relating to the light source 2 and/or the light source lighting apparatus 100 and the communication with an external communication apparatus 300 can be performed using a single connection terminal 113.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing a troubleshooter to reuse existing indicators, such as displays, LEDs, or specialized indicators, for a purpose other than the indicator's usual purpose. In response to an initial occurrence of a problem, the troubleshooter modifies the indicator's behavior to indicate a later occurrence of a fault or a set of faults, which may be the cause of the problem. Upon the later occurrence of the problem, the indicator is monitored for simultaneous notification of occurrence of the fault. After the problem is triaged, the modified indicator is returned to its original use. The notification from the indicator can be sensory, i.e., auditory, visible, or tactile. The indicator's change in behavior can occur after the fault happens once or an administrable threshold number of times, or intermittently. Alternatively, the change in behavior may become semi-permanent if the fault continues to occur for some administrable number of times.

Abstract: A signaling device for a safety circuit has an input part for receiving an external state variable, at least one switching element and a control part. The control part controls the at least one switching element as a function of the external state variable, such that a signal applied to the input is communicated to the output. According to one aspect of the invention, the input of the switching element is internally connected to a fixed potential, preferably a fixed High potential. In a safety circuit for turning off a hazardous installation, such signaling devices are connected in series with one another to a safety controller. In such an arrangement, the control part of the downstream second signaling device also controls its switching elements as a function of the output of the first signaling device.

Abstract: A low-profile signal device is provided having a plurality of light emitters disposed on at least one support member, the plurality of light emitters configured to emit light in a plurality of colors that indicate one or more predefined conditions; a housing substantially enclosing the at least one support member; a signal interface coupled to the plurality of light emitters and configured to selectively activate light emitters from the plurality of light emitters in response to a received control signal.

Abstract: A meter for vehicle capable of improving design and visibility in an after-meter of single face type is provided. The meter for vehicle includes a transmitting ring-shaped member 4 placed to surround an analog display portion 1 between a case body 2 and a cover member 3, a first light source 5 emitting first illumination light L1, and a second light source 6 emitting second illumination light L2.

Abstract: A control center transmits failure information transmission request information to a vehicle. The vehicle receives the failure information transmission request information transmitted from the control center. A navigation ECU and a gateway ECU obtain failure information from each ECU in cooperation with each other. At this time, the gateway ECU determines whether a data volume of the failure information is larger than a predetermined information volume. When it is determined that the data volume of the failure information is larger than the predetermined information volume, the gateway ECU divides the failure information into plural pieces, and outputs each piece of information. Also, the ECU does not output the failure information, which is output to a network built in the vehicle, to the navigation ECU, while a failure information obtaining device is connected. Meanwhile, the control center does not receive the failure information while the failure information obtaining device is connected.

Abstract: Information is displayed by irradiating a visible light on a specific position based on at least one of vehicle state information, vehicle surrounding information, and vehicle interior information. For example, the visible light is irradiated on a target switch based on signals indicating an on/off state of a headlamp operation switch and an on/off state of a key switch. A user 5 can easily confirm the target switch and unerringly operate the target switch. A visible light irradiator 6 is arranged in a vehicle compartment and irradiates the visible light to display information in the vehicle compartment. The information can be provided for the user 5 in a novel manner.

Abstract: A system controls an auxiliary light for a vehicle. The system includes a cockpit button to activate the auxiliary light, a Hall sensor operable to detect the installation and removal of a magnetized cover for the auxiliary light; a warning indicator; and a controller. The controller activates the warning indicator in response to the output of the sensor and the on/off state of the cockpit button.

Abstract: Provided are a device and a method of detecting signal lamps in a vehicle, in particular in a large vehicle, being provided with a plurality of signal lamps each being capable of switching between an OFF-phase and an ON-phase. The method includes the steps of during the OFF-phase of a vehicle signal lamp to be probed inducing a probing current by connecting an electric current generator to said vehicle signal lamp circuit, where the probing current is lower than the nominal current for the lamp in question. The next step is to detect the electric voltage level over the lamp circuit and determining vehicle signal lamp characteristics such as type and condition based on said electric voltage level detection. The result of the determination is that the signal lamp is a LED lamp being connected, when the detected voltage level is within a predetermined interval between a first voltage level and a second voltage level.