Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a prismatic reflective element with an attachment plate attached thereto, and a display-on-demand display disposed behind the prismatic reflective element and operable to display information for viewing through a transflective mirror reflector of the prismatic reflective element by a driver of the vehicle. A mounting assembly is configured to mount the mirror assembly to an interior portion of the vehicle. The mounting assembly includes a toggle portion and an actuator, with the toggle portion pivotally mounting to a first mounting member and the actuator pivotally mounting to a second mounting member of the attachment plate. An electronic circuitry element is attached to the attachment plate and an accessory pod is attached to the mounting assembly and includes circuitry therein. The circuitry of the accessory pod is electrically connected to the electronic circuitry element.

Abstract: Display buttons and vehicle consoles include etched lenses operable to diffract light provided by a light source within a vehicle console such that the light emitted from the display button diverges from the first pathway within the button housing into a secondary pathway outside of the display button.

Abstract: A system comprising a clock board comprising a clock generator, a first board comprising an indicator and coupled to said clock board. The clock generator generates a clock signal, and the first board is configured to receive said clock signal. The first board further comprises a clock synchronizing unit that synchronizes a reference signal with said clock signal and generates a blink cadence signal based on said reference signal. The blink cadence signal is configured to drive the indicator of said first board. A failure by said first board to receive said clock signal causes the clock synchronizing unit of said first board to maintain the reference signal and generate said blink cadence signal based on said reference signal.

Abstract: An in-vehicle image display apparatus, for use in a vehicle, which comprises a state detecting device that detects a state of surroundings of the vehicle; a display device that is provided at least in a window section of the vehicle and capable of displaying information over the window section; an image generating device that generates image data representing an image of the surroundings of the vehicle based on detection results from the state detecting device; and a display control device that makes the display device display the image represented by the image data generated by the image generating device. The image generating device includes a predicting and generating device that predicts and generates, with respect to an object to be detected about the vehicle, image data representing the object to be detected after a predetermined time period, based on the detection results from the state detecting device.

Abstract: Described is a vehicle communication system. The system includes a display installed in, or on, a first vehicle such that the display is viewable by persons in other vehicles or pedestrians proximate the first vehicle. The display is communicatively linked to one or more vehicle systems or a vehicle controller area network whereby based on activation, engagement or utilization of a vehicle system, the display automatically displays a message associated with the activation, engagement or activation of the vehicle system. For example, if a driver of the vehicle applies the brakes, a “STOPPING” message is displayed. Messages may be pre-programmed into the system or custom created and entered by a user. The display may also be used to advertise, alert passersby to an emergency or otherwise communicate with persons in other vehicles or pedestrians.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting device, particularly a lighting tile (100, 100?) for paving e.g. a floor area (1), comprising a light emitting unit and an associated control unit. The control unit is adapted to detect the presence of a first nearby object (3) and to receive wireless signals from a second nearby object, for example from an RFID-tag (2) and/or an NFC-based device, carried by the first object (3). The lighting device may for instance be used in a method for guiding passengers through a public space like an airport.

Abstract: An exhibition method is disclosed for a multimedia color ring back tone resource box. The method includes: the user defining a multimedia color ring back tone resource box and setting a multimedia color ring back tone exhibition rule; during using a multimedia color ring back tone service, according to the multimedia color ring back tone exhibition rule, selecting a multimedia color ring back tone from the resource box to exhibit. An exhibition apparatus for a multimedia color ring back tone resource box is also disclosed. The exhibition apparatus includes: a providing unit, a setting unit and an exhibition unit. The present invention meets the personalized requirement of the user on the multimedia color ring back tones, and realizes the diversity support of the multimedia color ring back tones.

Abstract: In an electronic device having a graphical output device, a method of controlling input/output characteristics of the output device includes sensing at least one environmental condition, selecting display characteristics of the electronic device based on the environmental condition, and selectively altering size of text displayed on the graphical output device in response to the selected display characteristics.

Abstract: A surge protection apparatus or method for opening a surge path upon failure of a surge protection element as a short. The surge protection device may include a switch controlled by a solenoid or other switch controlling component that changes a position of the switch if the surge protection element fails as a conductive element. A first position of the switch is configured to allow transmittal of a signal from a signal connection, through the surge protection element, and to a ground connection. A second position of the switch is configured to prevent transmittal of a signal from the signal connection, through the surge protection element, and to the ground connection. A delay may be added between the changing of the switch position after the surge protection element fails as a conductor. Visual or other notifiers may indicate when the switch is in the second position.

Abstract: A chip-scale ion-trap mass spectrometer driven by a monolithic photodiode array and a method of fabricating the same. A high-voltage photovoltaic source is located in proximity to the ion-trap mass spectrometer structure. The high-voltage photovoltaic source includes monolithically fabricated and serially connected photodiodes. An external light source illuminates the photodiodes to generate a high voltage across the photodiode array. An RF voltage modulation is attained by modulating the light source at a desired RF frequency. The high-voltage photodiode array may be monolithically fabricated in association with the ion-trap mass spectrometer. The photodiode array requires a small area compared to the ion-trap mass spectrometer size as the spectrometer typically possess a very small capacitance and a low power consumption.

Abstract: An emergency beacon includes a housing with a first open space and a second open space. A battery and electronics circuitry are received in the housing. The electronics circuitry includes an r.f. illumination control circuit and a power supply circuit. The r.f. illumination control circuit is configured to receive an r.f. activation signal. A solar panel is electrically coupled to the power supply circuit for charging the battery. A first closure member is received to close the first open space of the housing. A second closure member is received to close the second open space of the housing. A beacon light source is mounted to the second closure member. The r.f. illumination control circuit is configured to activate the beacon light source to emit light upon receiving the r.f. activation signal.

Abstract: A quantification indicating circuit includes an indicating lamp set, a converting circuit, and an indicating lamp control circuit. The indicating lamp set has a plurality of indicating lamps. The converting circuit has a plurality of predetermined threshold values which are compared with a numerical signal of a circuit board to generate a comparison result. The comparison result is converted to be outputs of a plurality of control bits. The indicating lamp control circuit is coupled between the indicating lamp set and the converting circuit and is used for controlling the number of the indicating lamps which are brightened according to the outputs of the control bits.

Abstract: A device for indicating a direction or axis in three dimensions to a user, comprises an indicator member (10, 11) configured to indicate a direction in any three dimensional direction,—a static member (12) for mounting the indicator member; and an actuator arrangement (12, 14, 15) configured to urge the indicator member to rotate relative to the static member in any angle about a single point of rotational symmetry. A direction indicating arrangement calculates an angle in three dimensions for indicating a direction and comprises a drive arrangement (13, 14, 15) that drives a pointing device (10, 11) to point in the calculated direction.

Abstract: An electrical power distribution system has fixed stations with AC power to DC power conversion circuitry at these stations. The converter(s) are switchable ON/OFF at outlet ports or sockets where the socket configuration permits. Standardized DC sockets accommodate a variety of voltage requirements typical of portable digital devices. In some embodiments feedback circuitry is provided to regulate the power to these devices in accordance with parameters programmed in the portable devices or in the sensing circuitry provided at each station.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for displaying a strip chart on an electronic display. A furthest extremum value of the measured quantity is recorded over a period of time and a plurality of values of the measured quantity are displayed on the strip chart. The furthest extremum value is used to automatically rescale the strip chart, providing for at least one bound of the zoomed range. In response to receiving a selection of a zoom factor defining a degree of magnification of the strip chart, the strip chart is automatically scaled to a degree of magnification commensurate with the zoom factor and the strip chart may be automatically scaled such that the strip chart is bounded on one side by one of a furthest extremum maximum or minimum value and the other one of the furthest extremum maximum or minimum value is not displayed on the strip chart.

Abstract: To display a temperature value in a passenger compartment (5), it is proposed to use a luminous pointer that is moved along a row of modules (7a, 7b . . . ) that are on or off. Values (9a, 9b . . . ) of this temperature are also marked on the panel (3), along this row. Depending on the temperature to be displayed, the pointer will be moved with a single module on for a first type of temperature values and two adjacent luminous modules on for a second type of temperature values that are intermediate between two successive values of the first type.

Abstract: A display system for displaying information to a vehicle operator comprises one or more projectors positioned in an operator cab of a vehicle. The projector is configured to project a heads up display of a plurality of data sets on a windscreen of the vehicle. Projected data sets are positioned in the heads up display and/or moved within the heads up display based on assessed relative priority levels of the data sets. Thus, for example, a data set with a higher assessed relative priority level may be positioned in a location of greater operator viewing prominence. If the priority level drops, the data set may be moved to a position of lower operator prominence. Respective heads up displays may be projected on more than two separate windscreens of the vehicle, either simultaneously or at alternate times, and possibly depending on an operational mode of the vehicle.

Abstract: An adapter may couple an electronic device to a host such as a computer. When coupled in this way, the host may transfer media files to the device. The host may also supply power to the electronic device using power lines in the adapter. The electronic device may have a status indicator such as a light-emitting diode status indicator. The adapter may also have a status indicator. During operation, the electronic device may transmit coded information on the current state of the status indicator in the electronic device by modulating the status indicator or other load in the device at a selected frequency. Control circuitry in the adapter may detect the transmitted state information by monitoring the power lines. The control circuitry may control the status indicator in the adapter so that the status indicator in the adapter replicates the current state of the status indicator in the electronic device.

Abstract: A warning light for use with a lighter than air balloon comprises a central core with one or more light sources coupled to the central core. Rotors are rotatably coupled to the central core with each of the rotors having a mirrored surface and a non-mirror surface. When the rotors rotate about the central core under a wind force, the mirrored surface of each of said rotors reflecting light emitted from said light sources.

Abstract: Automatically operating a door system is controlled by an affirmative action of a patron. An occupancy status of an inside area is provided to the patron approaching the door from an outside area. The patron is directed to request the door be opened in response to an unoccupied status. A presence of the patron in the inside area is sensed and the door automatically closed, and optionally locked. One actuator is set to an in use status indicating use of the inside area by the patron. A door ready for opening status is provided to the patron. With an affirmative action with a second actuator by the patron desiring to open the door and exit the inside area, the door is unlocked and opened. Sensing an absence of the patron within the inside area, the door is automatically closed, and first actuator reset to the ready state.

Abstract: An emergency lighting device for providing a directional indication on a recipient surface with first and second guidance indication light sources retained relative to a housing to emit beams of light, each with a directional indication, onto a recipient surface. The light sources can be individually operable and can have directional indications, such as arrows, pointing in first and second different directions. An illumination light source without a guidance indication can illuminate an adjacent area. Guidance indication light sources, which can be lasers, can emit beams in different colors to provide threat level indications. Plural emergency lighting devices can cooperate to guide a building occupant by providing directional indications on recipient surfaces.

Abstract: A traffic control system utilizes geometric or mathematical designs and/or secondary lights for traffic signals so as to allow red/green color blind individuals to determine whether the signal is for stop or go.

Abstract: A mirror system of a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a reflective element and an information input display providing a display representative of a plurality of input characters. The information input display is disposed behind the reflective element and viewable through the reflective element and a transflective mirror reflector of the reflective element when the information input display is backlit by a backlighting device. A control is operable to determine a location of a touch or proximity of an object at the reflective element and correlate the determined location to an input character of the information input display. The mirror system may include a video display for displaying video images and the information input display may be disposed at a main viewing region of the reflective element so as to provide an information input display that is larger than the video display.

Abstract: A variable lighting system (“VLS”) for optimizing object visibility at night by setting a base level of lighting, adding a variable light to that base level of lighting, and a synchronizing the timing and sequence of the base level of lighting and the variable lighting. The VLS varies the illumination by intensity, color, direction, or a combination thereof and optionally includes a detector for detecting motion, noise, and other occurrences. The VLS can be implemented as a fixed lighting source, a movable lighting source, or a vehicle mounted lighting source. The VLS improves visibility at night for viewers or motorists thereby reducing accidents and damage costs, saves energy, and improves the environment and enhances quality of life by reducing light pollution and light trespass.

Abstract: An instrument cluster includes a cluster mask having a tell-tale formed therein, wherein the tell-tale includes an indicia window representing an alert to a user of the instrument cluster; and a light source for emitting light through the indicia window of the tell-tale.

Abstract: Methods and systems for efficient network and device-based monitoring and response to municipality functions, operations, infrastructure and utilities uses automated notifications of municipal agents or employees of municipal operations information. Notifications are delivered according to pre-defined rules, a hierarchical structure of categories to organize alerts and information in a logical order of critical importance and delivered by information systems within the municipality. A user interface is utilized to change the hierarchy, view alert information, and select issues for responsive action.

Abstract: A display for use on medical dispensing equipment, and the resulting medical device and its method of display. In particular, provided are a number of specific embodiments of such a display on a medical device, including a film display for use on pill bottles and pill dispensers that utilize colored images as a dosage reminder for the user, a conformable bistable reflective display for use on drug delivery devices, and a conformable bistable reflective display for use on blood glucose meters.

Abstract: A remote control includes sensing circuitry operable to detect a user touching the remote control. The remote control further includes a light source operable to backlight user input circuitry of the remote control. Control logic of the remote control activates the light source responsive to the sensing circuitry detecting the user touching the remote control.

Abstract: A precious stone testing apparatus includes a hand held casing receiving a microprocessor therein, a testing head, and an indicating arrangement provided at the hand held casing and electrically linked with the microprocessor. The testing head includes a testing probe for contacting a tested object, a UV light source for UV light generation, and a thermal conduction unit electrically linked to the microprocessor for determining a thermal conductivity of the tested object through the testing probe, wherein the thermal conduction unit and the UV light source are independently operated for evaluating the tested object, The indicating arrangement includes a plurality of indicating lights to be activated in responsive to the corresponding thermal conductivity of the tested object so as to classify the tested object.

Abstract: A cable joint assembly may include a base and a plurality of removable legs connected to the base, each leg preferably including a limiter. A securing assembly preferably maintains the leg connected to the base. The securing assembly preferably includes an indicator for providing a visual indication whether or not the corresponding limiter is blown. The base is preferably constructed and arranged such that the indicator is visible and accessible to facilitate removal of the blown limiter.

Abstract: An dynamic electronic communication device. The tag according to embodiments of the invention is designed or set to discount, promote, incentivize, or apply information at certain states or within a certain timeframe at initial deployment, the tags themselves being capable of handling the logic. The tag generally includes a circuit, such as a silicon chip, that controls a flexible printed display, which displays the information when applied. The tag is optionally encapsulated in a plastic or glass case. The tag is made of a suitably small size such that the tag can easily be placed on individual items, and can be secured to other objects via an adhesive backing, sewn in, pinned on, and the like.

Abstract: A functional control adapter for light generating devices includes a female portion, a male portion, and a control module. The female portion has an inlet body. The inlet body has a housing member having a first contact module. The male portion has an outlet body connected to the inlet body. A second contact module is disposed on the exterior of the outlet body. The control module is located at the inlet body and connected electrically to the first contact module of the female portion and the second contact module of the male portion. The adapter and the light source are joined separately, thus the lighting device can be dismounted or installed with convenience, and individual parts can be replaced as needed for reducing repair cost.

Abstract: An electrical cord is disclosed that includes a power line for transmitting electric current from one end of the electrical cord to the other end of the electrical cord. The electrical cord also includes a cord identification activator integrated into at least one end of the power line and coupled for data communications through the power line to a cord identification illuminator. The activator includes a signal generator for sending an indication signal to the illuminator through the power line in response to a user's activation of the activator. The illuminator illuminates in response to receiving the indication signal from the signal generator.

Abstract: A display component implements a text entry system for a device, such as a cell phone or other handheld device, has various layers that mimic characteristics of a conventional keyboard. A keyboard is displayed on a dynamic touch screen display. When a key is pressed by a user, the surface area of the key on the display depresses, thereby mimicking a conventional keyboard that would typically be used with a desktop or laptop computer. The display component is comprised of various layers or panels. One layer is a compressible touch sensitive or touch screen layer. Adjacent to this layer is a compressible display layer. Another layer is a deformable or cushion layer for supporting a specific weight, such as the weight of user fingers or hands. Adjacent to the deformable layer is a lower touch sensitive layer which has a coordinate system.

Abstract: Provided is a display unit that incorporates a dial, a central display device, and an indicating needle. The indicating needle includes a substrate provided beneath the display device, a light source on a surface of an end of the substrate; and a light guide. The light guide includes a first light-guide portion extending vertically with its lower end facing the light source of the substrate, a second light-guide portion extending horizontally from the first light-guide portion, a third light-guide portion extending vertically from the second light-guide portion, and a needle portion extending horizontally such that the dial is pointed to by the end of the needle portion. The display unit may include a light-guide cover that prevents leakage of light and a regulation portion that restricts undesirable movement of a lead wire which might obstruct with rotation of the indicating needle.

Abstract: A method of optimizing the operation of the power source of an electric vehicle is provided, where the power source is comprised of a first battery pack (e.g., a non-metal-air battery pack) and a second battery pack (e.g., a metal-air battery pack). The power source is optimized to minimize use of the least efficient battery pack (e.g., the second battery pack) while ensuring that the electric vehicle has sufficient power to traverse the expected travel distance before the next battery charging cycle. Further optimization is achieved by setting at least one acceleration limit based on vehicle efficiency and the state-of-charge (SOC) of the first and second battery packs.

Abstract: A method and system for determining at least one property of a strobe cover are disclosed. The determined property of the strobe cover may then be analyzed to determine whether it is the proper property for the strobe device. The property of the strobe cover may include the color of the strobe cover (such as clear, blue, amber, etc.), the shape of the strobe cover (such as a strobe cover with a lens or a strobe cover without a lens), the material of the strobe cover, etc. The method and system may include determining the property of the strobe cover and checking whether the determined property is the expected property of the strobe cover (such as the expected color of the strobe cover). The strobe cover may include one or more property indicators. The one or more property indicators may interface with a circuit, such as mechanically interface with the circuit, in order for the circuit to determine the property of the strobe cover.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a plurality of sport event transducers, each of which includes an output element that can emit a perceivable output in response to an event that relates to a sport team, such as for example by emitting an audio-visual output when a particular football team scores a touchdown. The system remotely controls such transducers in response to sport team events by broadcasting an RF signal carrying team event messages, such as for example by transmitting an FM radio-data broadcast that carries a team event message embedded in the FM signal as RDS data. The sport event transducer receives and decodes such RF broadcast signals. If the transducer receives a team event message that relates to the transducer's affiliated team, the transducer's output element emits an audio and/or visual output signal in response to the message.

Abstract: An enclosure for an electronic apparatus includes an enclosure body defining an opening. The enclosure allows a panel member to cover over the opening from the outside of the enclosure body. One is allowed to design the panel member regardless of the shape of the opening. This results in a widened variety of design for the enclosure body, namely the enclosure for an electronic apparatus. The enclosure is thus allowed to enjoy an enhanced appearance.

Abstract: A mirror reflective element sub-assembly suitable for use for an exterior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a mirror reflective element and a mirror back plate having a generally planar portion and an indicator receiving portion established via a plastic injection molding operation. The indicator receiving portion includes a wall structure extending at an angle from the generally planar portion adjacent to an aperture established through the mirror back plate. A signal indication module has a light source and a housing that is at least partially received at the wall structure of the indicator receiving portion of the mirror back plate. When the light source is activated, light emitted by the light source emanates through the aperture of the mirror back plate and through the mirror reflective element at an angle relative to the generally planar portion of the mirror back plate.

Abstract: A vehicular interior rearview mirror system includes an attachment element adhesively attached at an interior surface of a windshield of a vehicle and an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror head including a reflective mirror element. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes circuitry disposed in the mirror head, and at least two electrical accessories of the interior rearview mirror assembly share at least one component of the circuitry. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a portion that does not adjust when the driver of the vehicle, with the interior rearview mirror assembly attached to the attachment element, pivotally adjusts the mirror head to set the rearward field of view of the reflective mirror element to the driver's desired setting. The portion includes a video camera that has a field of view through the windshield of the vehicle. One of the at least two electrical accessories comprises the video camera.

Abstract: A sensory interactable packaging assembly having a base and a container. The base has a power supply. The container may contain a consumer product. The container is removably attachable to the base. The container has an outer surface and a sensory interactable element disposed on the outer surface and a control system having an output. The control system is s in electrical communication with the sensory interactable element and the sensory interactable element is responsive to the output of the control system when the container is proximate to the base and the control system is in electrical communication with the power supply.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing the risk of conjunction of a rocket body with orbiting and non-orbiting platforms. Two-body orbital dynamics are used to initially determine the kinematic access for a ballistic vehicle. The access may be represented in two ways: as a volume relative to its launcher and also as a geographical footprint relative to a target position that encompasses all possible launcher locations.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing the risk of conjunction of a rocket body with orbiting and non-orbiting platforms. Two-body orbital dynamics are used to initially determine the kinematic access for a ballistic vehicle. The access may be represented in two ways: as a volume relative to its launcher and also as a geographical footprint relative to a target position that encompasses all possible launcher locations.

Abstract: An on-vehicle display control unit includes a CPU to which vehicle data of various kinds are inputted and a graphic LSI arranged to generate display data to be outputted to a display. The graphic LSI is arranged to generate predetermined display data from image data generated by a meter ECU. However, if there is a problem in a state of the meter ECU or an input status of 3D moving picture data, the graphic LSI receives a fail safe control from the CPU (4), thereby to generate fail safe display data corresponding to the predetermined display data. This realizes an on-vehicle display system capable of stably displaying important vehicle information.

Abstract: A vehicular video mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly that includes a reflective element having a transflective mirror reflector that is at least about 15 percent transmitting to visible light incident at the rear of the reflective element. A video display is disposed to the rear of the reflective element and emits light when actuated that passes through the transflective mirror reflector of the reflective element to be visible to a driver of the vehicle viewing the front of the reflective element. The video display is back lit by at least one light source and is operable to exhibit a display intensity as viewed by the driver of at least about 400 candelas per square meter when the interior rearview mirror assembly equipped the reflective element is mounted and is viewed in the vehicle.

Abstract: An illuminated wind indicator including a wind chime assembly with a moveable pendulum assembly. The pendulum assembly includes a suspension member to support moveable suspension of the pendulum assembly proximate the wind chime assembly and further includes a component configuration of components including power and control circuitry, at least one solar panel, at least one light source and a striker, wherein each of the components has a distance relationship to the suspension member, where the power and control circuitry, the at least one solar panel and the at least one light source is electrically connected to form an illumination circuit that is separate and spaced apart from the wind chime assembly.

Abstract: A system that varies the brilliance of light bulbs in accordance with modulated audio signals. The audio signals are first compressed and then passed through a comparator. The comparator has two inputs, one of which is the aforesaid compressed audio signals. The other input is a control input which receives a second voltage in the form of a series of impulses. The compressed audio signals pass through the comparator if and when their voltage is higher than that of said second voltage.

Abstract: A water-conducting domestic appliance including a door having a handle, and display means for displaying an operating state of the domestic appliance by projecting a light projection, wherein the display means are disposed in the handle of the door.

Abstract: A vehicle display unit for a vehicle includes a display panel, a transmitting panel, a peripheral wall member, and a sounding body. The display panel faces a vehicle interior of the vehicle and displays visual information to a vehicle occupant of the vehicle. The transmitting panel is disposed on a vehicle interior side of the display panel. The visual information is transmitted to the vehicle occupant through the transmitting panel. The peripheral wall member surrounds a space between the display panel and the transmitting panel in a circumferential direction of the display panel. The sounding body is attached on an outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall member and is configured to provide auditory information for the vehicle occupant by generating a sound wave. The peripheral wall member has a communicating hole, which opens toward the sounding body and communicates with the space.