Abstract: A method for detecting non-visible vehicles in a vehicle's environment includes screening, by a receiver of a proximity sensor, any incoming proximity signal capable of propagating through the air along a non-linear path. Receiving such an incoming proximity signal and processing the received proximity signal allows for detecting an object that is otherwise not visible to a driver or another type of sensor on a vehicle and warning the driver or an advanced driver-assistance system about the detected object.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for monitoring one or more machine vision sensors to obtain perception information concerning one or more pedestrians proximate an autonomous vehicle; identifying one or more humanoid shapes within the perception information, thus defining one or more detected humanoid shapes; generating proximate object display information that locates the one or more detected humanoid shapes with respect to the autonomous vehicle; and rendering the proximate object display information on a visual display system, thus confirming the perception of the one or more pedestrians by the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: A surgical footswitch having elevated auxiliary buttons is provided. In particular embodiments, the surgical footswitch comprises a footswitch base, a treadle mounted on the footswitch base, a first primary button positioned on an upper surface of the footswitch base along a first lateral side of the treadle, a first auxiliary button housing positioned along a lateral side of the first primary button opposite the treadle, and a first auxiliary button mounted on an upper surface of the first auxiliary button housing, wherein an upper surface of the first auxiliary button is elevated in relation to an upper surface of the first primary button. In particular embodiments, the treadle is configured to activate a first function of a surgical console, the first primary button is configured to activate a second function of the surgical console, and the first auxiliary button is configured to activate a third function of the surgical console.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle U-turn indicator system to alert other motorists, cyclists and pedestrians of a potential U-turn made by a vehicle. The indicator is an inverted “U” shaped device having LED lights configured to blink in a running manner from one end to other and vice versa. The blinking of LED lights in one direction indicates U-turn of the vehicle in one direction (i.e. left) and in another direction indicates a U-turn of the vehicle in another direction (i.e. right). The indicator can be mounted to the front and rear of the vehicle in addition to side mirrors. An actuator is used for activating the U-turn indicator in a preferred direction.

Abstract: A marine communication system allows drivers to communicate by the use of lights to indicate their status, direction of motion, or speed. A detector determines the position of the throttle in the boat and sends a signal to a light with a corresponding pattern of emission. One pattern indicates forward motion, another a neutral motion, and yet another a reverse motion.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for monitoring one or more machine vision sensors to obtain perception information concerning one or more third-party vehicles proximate an autonomous vehicle; identifying one or more vehicle shapes within the perception information, thus defining one or more detected vehicles shapes; generating proximate object display information that locates the one or more detected vehicles shapes with respect to the autonomous vehicle; and rendering the proximate object display information on a visual display system, thus confirming the perception of the one or more third-party vehicles by the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for emotion detection and communication includes receiving host passenger data for a host passenger of a host vehicle and determining an emotion of the host vehicle based on the host passenger data. The method includes communicating the emotion of the host vehicle to one or more remote vehicles and an emotion of the one or more remote vehicles to the host vehicle. Further, the method includes generating an output based on the emotion of the host vehicle and the emotion of the one or more remote vehicles. The output is an interactive user interface providing an indication of the emotion of the host vehicle and an indication of the emotion of the one or more remote vehicle. The method includes rendering the output to a human machine interface device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for autonomous navigation based on user intervention. In one implementation, a navigation system for a vehicle may include least one processor. The at least one processor may be programmed to receive from a camera, at least one environmental image associated with the vehicle, determine a navigational maneuver for the vehicle based on analysis of the at least one environmental image, cause the vehicle to initiate the navigational maneuver, receive a user input associated with a user's navigational response different from the initiated navigational maneuver, determine navigational situation information relating to the vehicle based on the received user input, and store the navigational situation information in association with information relating to the user input.

Abstract: A server device includes a storage unit configured to store vehicle information including vehicle behavior information and position information, a region specifying unit configured to specify a warning road region where a sudden stop of a vehicle occurs a plurality of times based on the stored vehicle information, and a notification unit configured to, when the sudden stop of the vehicle occurs in the specified warning road region, notify terminal devices that correspond to vehicles located in the warning road region and in a vicinity of the warning road region of information regarding the warning road region.

Abstract: A method for detecting non-visible vehicles in a vehicle's environment, wherein each vehicle is equipped with at least one proximity sensor, the method comprising for a driven vehicle the steps of: screening, by a receiver of the proximity sensor, any incoming proximity signal capable of propagating through the air along a non-linear path; Receiving an incoming proximity signal coming from a non-visible vehicle (B); processing the received proximity signal to detect the non-visible vehicle; and warning a driver and/or an advanced driver-assistance system about the detected non-visible vehicle.

Abstract: An air-guiding element for arrangement in an interior compartment, which is at least partially enclosed by windows, of a motor vehicle is provided. The air-guiding element is designed to generate a turbulent flow downstream of the air-guiding element when an air flow impinges on the air-guiding element. A motor vehicle having said air-guiding element is also described.

Abstract: A vehicle LED lighting outage detection circuit is disclosed for detecting a fault in the LED light and automatically increasing the power drawn from the light power supply in response to the fault. A complementary detection circuit is also disclosed for detecting the increased power draw and signaling a fault to an operator. The increased power draw can be selected to be in the form of a pulse that settles to a lower power draw state after a time to avoid excessive and wasteful power draw. The system can be mounted in a vehicle and, more particularly, to a semi-tractor truck.

Abstract: A device for use with a vehicle that includes a cabinet having a plurality of sidewalls that can define at least a portion of an interior region of the cabinet. A display screen is coupled to a portion of the cabinet, at least one side of the display screen being positioned to face outwardly away from the interior region and have indicia that is visible from a location remote from both the cabinet and the vehicle. A light source can be positioned within the interior region adjacent to the display screen that is configured to selectively illuminate at least a portion of at least one of the display screen and the indicia. The device can further include a controller that is electrically coupled to the light source and a trigger assembly. The controller can be configured to initiate operation of the light source in response to receipt of a communication from the trigger assembly that is indicative a change in status of the vehicle.

Abstract: A position sensing system and method for a braking assembly for a vehicle. The braking assembly includes a rotor, a caliper assembly disposed around the rotor and having a fixed mount bracket and a floating portion which moves when the brakes are applied. The position sensing system has a sensing element and a reference portion. The sensing element is attached to a location of the braking assembly such that the reference portion moves in relation to the sensing element when the floating portion moves. The sensor assembly is configured to generate a signal correlative to the relative positions of the sensing element and reference portion. The position sensing system includes a processor configured to store predetermined signatures and determine a condition of a component of the vehicle based on a match between the signal and one of the predetermined signatures.

Abstract: An illuminated clothing article (8) including an indicator assembly (10, 12) having at least one light source (22), circuitry (14, 16, 18, 22), and a sensor (14, 16). The circuitry (14, 16, 18, 22) is configured to modulate at least one property of the light (22) emitted by the at least one light source (22) in response an external variable sensed by the sensor (14, 16). An illuminated clothing article (8) including an indicator assembly (10, 12) having at least one light source (22), circuitry (14, 16, 18, 22), and a sensor (14, 16). The circuitry (14, 16, 18, 22) is configured to modulate at least one property of the light (22) emitted by the at least one light source (22) in response an external variable sensed by the sensor (14, 16).

Abstract: A safety brake light module configured to energize a safety brake light of a vehicle and a method of energizing the safety brake light with the safety brake light module. The safety brake light module comprises a controller; and a power circuit communicatively coupled to the controller and adapted to be electrically coupled to the safety brake light; the controller comprising processing instructions configured to generate a safety brake light signal configured to cause the safety brake light to illuminate in an illumination pattern based thereon, wherein during a second braking event the illumination pattern only a constant portion when the time duration between a first braking event and the second braking event does not exceed the first predetermined time period.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rear-end collision system and methods. A rear-end collision avoidance system includes: a signaling device made of: a geometric-shaped main body having inner LED light panel connected to the brake pedal of the vehicle, wherein the inner LED light panel is configured to display at least one sign when brake is applied, an array of light emitters disposed along a periphery of the geometric shaped main body to emit lights associated with the at least one sign, a laser unit disposed at the bottom of the geometric shaped main body, wherein the laser unit is configured to project laser line on the road relative to ending of the load to notify the following vehicle to maintain a safe distance from the laser line in order to avoid collision, and at least one connector that is configured to secure the main body onto load of the rear portion of a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle illumination device which is provided in a vehicle capable of travelling in an automatic driving mode includes an illumination unit configured to display stop warning information forewarning stop of the vehicle toward a front of the vehicle, and an illumination controller configured to control the illumination unit such that the stop warning information is displayed toward the front of the vehicle.

Abstract: A safety lighting system for use with trailers is described herein. In some embodiments, the trailer lighting system comprises a sensor, a controller, and safety lights. The safety lighting system may be used for illuminating trailers while being towed, for example, in shipping yards, construction yards, and shipping and receiving docks. The safety lighting system may be activated upon connection of a pneumatic system with a spotting tractor and deactivated upon establishing an electrical connection from a tractor to the trailer.

Abstract: A braking apparatus for a vehicle may include: a pedal stroke sensing unit configured to sense a pedal stroke of a brake pedal, and output a pedal stroke signal; and a control unit configured to control a brake actuator for braking the vehicle, based on the pedal stroke signal inputted from the pedal stroke sensing unit, and output a ramp signal in which information on whether a braking action of the vehicle has been performed is reflected, based on a reference voltage signal which is preset to determine whether the brake pedal is stepped on and a voltage signal converted from the pedal stroke signal.

Abstract: A safety brake light module configured to energize a safety brake light of a vehicle and a method of energizing the safety brake light with the safety brake light module. The safety brake light module comprises a controller; and a power circuit communicatively coupled to the controller and adapted to be electrically coupled to the safety brake light; the controller comprising processing instructions configured to generate a safety brake light signal configured to cause the safety brake light to illuminate in an illumination pattern based thereon, wherein during a second braking event the illumination pattern only a constant portion when the time duration between a first braking event and the second braking event does not exceed the first predetermined time period.

Abstract: The brake and turn signal light system is configured for use with a vehicle. The brake and turn signal light system is a supplemental signaling device. The brake and turn signal light system mounts on the vehicle. The brake and turn signal light system presents an illuminated port turn signal, an illuminated brake signal and an illuminated starboard turn signal that is visible to an individual facing the stern of the vehicle. The brake and turn signal light system is configured for after-market installation on the vehicle. The brake and turn signal light system comprises a signal housing and a plurality of lamps. The plurality of lamps mount in the signal housing. The signal housing attaches to the vehicle such that the plurality of lamps are visible to the individual facing the stern of the vehicle.

Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling an ultrasonic motor to reduce deterioration of automatic tracking performance, and a surveying instrument for the same. The present invention provides a method for controlling an ultrasonic motor in a surveying instrument including a rotary shaft, an ultrasonic motor that drives a rotary shaft, a tracking unit that includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit and tracks a target, and a clock signal oscillation unit that outputs a clock signal, wherein at the time of low-speed rotation of the ultrasonic motor, based on the clock signal, a ratio of an acceleration period in which a drive signal is applied and a deceleration period in which the drive signal is stopped in a drive cycle of the drive signal of the ultrasonic motor is set, and the light emitting unit is made to emit light in the deceleration period.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a method of facilitating communications from an autonomous vehicle to a user. For instance, a method may include, while attempting to pick up the user and prior to the user entering an vehicle, inputting a current location of the vehicle and map information into a model in order to identify a type of communication action for communicating a location of the vehicle to the user; enabling a first communication based on the type of the communication action; determining whether the user has responded to the first communication from received sensor data; and enabling a second communication based on the determination of whether the user has responded to the communication.

Abstract: A safety brake light module configured to energize a safety brake light of a vehicle and a method of energizing the safety brake light with the safety brake light module. The safety brake light module comprises a controller; and a power circuit communicatively coupled to the controller and adapted to be electrically coupled to the safety brake light; the controller comprising processing instructions configured to generate a safety brake light signal configured to cause the safety brake light to illuminate in an illumination pattern based thereon, wherein during a second braking event the illumination pattern only a constant portion when the time duration between a first braking event and the second braking event does not exceed the first predetermined time period.

Abstract: A headway between a first vehicle and a second vehicle is determined. A predicted time to collision between the first vehicle and the second vehicle is determined. A first mechanism in a wearable device in the first vehicle is actuated when the headway is less than a predetermined threshold. A second mechanism in the first vehicle is actuated when the predicted time to collision is less than a second predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus for a car includes: a sensor configured to sense a characteristic of an environment outside the car; and a processing unit; wherein the processing unit is configured to detect an automatic activation of a turn signal light of the car; and wherein the processing unit is also configured to generate a control signal to automatically turn off the turn signal light of the car.

Abstract: Dynamically displaying of a brake force is disclosed. A brake pedal force sensor can be used to generate signals indicating an amount or a level of brake force exerted on a brake pedal of a driving apparatus. Such signals can be processed to determine degrees of the brake force exerted. A set of display parameter values can be determined based on the determined degree of the brake force. The set of display parameters can include at least one value for illumination brightness, illumination area, illumination frequency, illumination color, and/or illumination style on a brake light of the driving apparatus. In certain embodiments, the display of the brake force is in a form of sliding bar and/or circular ring, and the brightness and/or the illumination area of the brake light is proportional to the determined degree of the brake force.

Abstract: A collision avoidance device for a vehicle includes a driver action detection device configured to detect an action of a driver of the vehicle and an electronic control unit configured to determine whether to provide a notification to a driver of a following vehicle based on the action of the driver of the vehicle, detected by the driver action detection device. The notification is a notification about a sign of a behavior of the vehicle, which possibly causes a rear-end collision of the following vehicle. The electronic control unit is configured to provide the notification to the driver of the following vehicle based on a result determined by the electronic control unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides display devices and methods. A display device can include a visual curvilinear display mounted on a support member. A user may display or project media through the visual curvilinear display according to a display and/or location preference or schedule of the user.

Abstract: A method and a corresponding device permit an at least partially computer-controlled and/or autonomous vehicle to communicate with its surroundings, in particular with a road user such as a person in its surroundings. A control unit for a vehicle is configured to receive surroundings data from one or more surroundings sensors of the vehicle and to detect at least one road user in the surroundings of the vehicle on the basis of the surroundings data. The control unit is configured to determine on the basis of the surroundings data whether there is a need for communication between the road user and the vehicle. The control unit is configured, if it has been determined that there is a need for communication between the road user and the vehicle, to actuate an adaptation system of the vehicle and/or one or more visual communication system in order to communicate with the road user.

Abstract: A variable accelerator light assembly. The variable accelerator light assembly includes a light bar having light elements spanning between a first end and an opposing second end. A sensor connected to a vehicle accelerator pedal of a vehicle detects how much a user depresses the vehicle accelerator pedal, and transmits this information to the light bar. The light elements energize sequentially from a middle portion outward to the opposing first and second end. The progressive actuation of the vehicle accelerator pedal causes an increasing number of the light elements to energize in the sequential configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighting apparatus using linear light having a three dimensional effect, the lighting apparatus comprising: a light guide unit which has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, and has a predetermined thickness between the first side and the second side; a three dimensional effect formation unit which is disposed inside or on the surface of the light guide unit and has a pattern; a first light source, disposed in a first area of the pattern, for irradiating an incident light of a first color to the pattern; and a second light source, disposed in a second area of the pattern, for irradiating, to the pattern, an incident light of a second color different from the first color, wherein the pattern is sequentially arranged on a pattern arrangement surface parallel to the second side, has an inclined surface forming an inclination angle with respect to the pattern arrangement surface, and guides an incident light in a first side direction that the first side fac

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for motorbike collision avoidance. One or more sensors or devices can be used to monitor the operating conditions of a motorbike and, upon a determination that a collision or drop has occurred, or is likely to occur, an alert system can be activated. The alert system can comprise one or more auxiliary illumination devices and/or acoustic devices configured to draw the attention of other motorists. The alert system may aid the other motorists in noticing the motorbike and approximating the motorbike's position, size, distance, or speed. The alert system can also be activated by the motorbike rider to communicate to other motorists that the rider believes a collision is possible or that a situation requires caution.

Abstract: An exemplary vehicle lighting system includes a braking indicator having a lens with a first region colored differently than a second region, and a control system configured to control a first light source to emit light through the first region to indicate a first operating behavior of a vehicle, and a second light source to emit light through the second region to indicate a second operating behavior of the vehicle. An exemplary indicating method for a vehicle includes producing a first lighting effect through a first region of a lens to indicate a first operating behavior of a vehicle. The first operating behavior is a braking of the vehicle. The indicating method further includes producing a second lighting effect through a second region of the lens to indicate a different, second operating behavior of the vehicle. The first region colored differently than the second region.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting device is disclosed. The device comprises a plurality of light sources configured to selectively emit a first light color and a second light color and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a driver assist signal and a brake signal. In response to the brake signal, the controller is configured to activate the first light color constantly. In response to a combination of the brake signal and the driver assist signal, the controller is configured to activate the first light color constantly and the second light color periodically.

Abstract: A driver assistance apparatus in a vehicle, and including a sensor configured to detect obstacles around the vehicle; a plurality of indicator output units disposed at different positions on the vehicle; and a processor configured to detect an obstacle around the vehicle and a positional relationship between the vehicle and the obstacle, selectively control the indicator output units to display an indicator outside the vehicle at a position and with a display characteristic, based on the detected positional relationship, detect the positional relationship between the vehicle and the obstacle changing, and selectively control the indicator output units to change at least one of the position and the display characteristic of the indicator based on the changing positional relationship.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle that provides personal convenience reminders to a user of a vehicle. The system accesses an off board system such as a personal electronic device of the user to display the personal convenience reminders. The system can also access various off board applications in response to the personal electronic device of the user to further refine the personal convenience reminders in response to a user selection.

Abstract: A vehicle illumination apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least one light generating layer configured to conform to an outer surface of a panel of the vehicle. The light generating layer comprises a plurality of electrodes having a plurality of LEDs in a semiconductor ink disposed therebetween. The plurality of LEDs is operable to emit a first emission. The apparatus further comprises a controller configured to selectively activate the plurality of LEDs in response to a navigational direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle state indication system includes a detection system and a light indicator. The detection system is configured to sense an external moving object. The light indicator includes a first on mode and second on mode, and being disposed on a vehicle so as to be capable of selectively externally indicating a first state of the vehicle and a second state of the vehicle in a direction of the external moving object detected.

Abstract: A vehicle state indication system includes a detection system and a text display. The detection system is configured to sense an external moving object. The text display is disposed on a vehicle so as to be capable of selectively externally indicating a first state of the vehicle and a second state of the vehicle in a forward direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for operating brake lights on moving vehicles. A sensor transduces level or state of current braking of the vehicle. The transduced level or state of braking is converted into an instruction to produce a display of luminance at the brake lights which is proportional to the level or state of current braking to allow viewers to react accordingly. In one example, brake fluid pressure in the braking system is measured to transduce level or state of braking. Preset thresholds of brake fluid pressure are correlated to plural braking levels or states. Luminance at the brake light is expanded or contracted in real time with the changing of braking levels or states.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object detection device includes an image capturing unit, an image conversion unit, a three-dimensional object detection unit, a light source detection unit and a control unit. The image conversion unit converts a viewpoint of the images obtained by the image capturing unit to create bird's-eye view images. The three-dimensional object detection unit detects a presence of a three-dimensional object within the adjacent lane. The three-dimensional object detection unit determines the presence of the three-dimensional object within the adjacent lane-when the difference waveform information is at a threshold value or higher. The control unit set a threshold value higher so that the three-dimensional object is more difficult to detect in a forward area than rearward area with respect to a line connecting the light source and the image capturing unit when the light source has been detected.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object detection device includes an image capturing unit, an image conversion unit, a three-dimensional object detection unit and a light source detection unit. The image conversion unit converts a viewpoint of the images obtained by the image capturing unit to create bird's-eye view images. The three-dimensional object detection unit detects a presence of a three-dimensional object within the adjacent lane. The three-dimensional object detection unit determines the presence of the three-dimensional object within the adjacent lane-when the difference waveform information is at a threshold value or higher. The three-dimensional object detection unit set a threshold value lower so that the three-dimensional object is more readily detected in a rearward area than forward area with respect to a line connecting the light source and the image capturing unit.

Abstract: A safety indicating apparatus is provided for a vehicle that includes a turn direction manual switch, a turn direction detector, two turn signal indicator lamps, and a turn signal control module. The turn signal control module is configured for operatively determining whether the desired turn direction indicated by the desired turn signal is corresponding to the actual turn direction indicated by the actual turn signal while the operator turns the vehicle. Accordingly, the turn signal control module can automatically turn on/off the turn signal indicator lamps in response to the actual turn direction of the vehicle to avoid a near miss or a traffic accident.

Abstract: A method for coordinating operation of motor vehicles with a coordination device having a sensor, a computing device and a communication device includes determining from sensor data location and movement information of the motor vehicles, calculating an expected trajectory for each motor vehicle from the location and movement information, checking whether trajectories of different motor vehicles spatially and temporally overlap so as to create a conflict, in the event of a conflict transmitting a driving instruction to at least one motor vehicle, and executing the driving instruction or displaying the driving instruction on a display device of the at least one motor vehicle.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus can be used to modulate an apparent intensity of a vehicular braking indicator according to a specified pattern. When a duration of an initial brake application exceeds a specified initial modulation duration, the apparent intensity can continue to be modulated, but in a manner suppressing apparent variation in intensity until at least one of a release of brake application or until a specified timeout duration lapses. In an example, upon lapse of the timeout duration, modulation can be re-established to vary the apparent intensity of the vehicular braking indicator according to the specified pattern for another modulation duration corresponding to the initial modulation duration. The pattern can be customizable, such as provided to the electrical apparatus digitally, before installation. The customizability of the specified pattern can be inhibited, such as after installation by an installer or seller.

Abstract: A vehicle state indication system includes a light indicator and a controller. The light indicator includes a first on mode and second on mode, and is disposed on a vehicle so as to be capable of selectively externally indicating a first state of the vehicle and a second state of the vehicle at least in a forward direction of the vehicle. The controller is programmed to determine whether the vehicle intends to enter the first state or the second state, and to activate the first on mode while the vehicle intends to enter the first state and the second on mode while vehicle intends to enter the second state.

Abstract: A method of modulating a vehicle's brake light activation causes the vehicle's brake light to flash on and off according to a specified modulation sequence during brake activation. Modulation of the brake light during a subsequent brake activation during a timeout duration after the initial brake activation. The modulation sequence may be modified through user input, continual brake activation, and braking force detected.

Abstract: A controller 100 for controlling a lighting device 110 via a network 108 is disclosed. The controller 100 comprises a receiver 102 arranged for receiving a first sequence of light settings distributed over a first plurality of points in time, which first sequence defines a dynamic light effect. The controller 100 further comprises a processor 104 arranged for converting the first sequence of light settings into a second sequence of light settings distributed over a second plurality of points in time. The controller 100 further comprises a transmitter 106 arranged for transmitting light settings to the lighting device 110. The processor 104 of the controller 100 is further arranged for receiving an indication of a network capacity of the network 108, and the processor 104 is further arranged for converting the first sequence of light settings into the second sequence of light settings based on the indication of the network capacity.