Abstract: Signaling device designed to be arranged on the reflective element forming a mirror of a rear-view device comprising at least an illumination unit and at least an optical device, characterized by the fact that the optical device includes a symbol generation unit which is provided with at least a diffraction grating designed to form an illuminated image corresponding to a first illuminated symbol, the symbol generation unit being generally transparent and the diffraction grating being formed on the surface of the symbol generation unit without affecting its transparency.

Abstract: A method for producing a single-layer diffractive combiner for a head-up display having a projection unit with n light sources of ?i wavelength(s), where i=1 to n sending light towards the combiner at an angle ?p. The method includes forming interference fringes for each ?i wavelength on a photosensitive layer with an interference of two light beams from a single laser source of wavelength ?e, where the forming step is repeated n times, and each time the forming step is repeated an angle ?i between the two beams is determined according to ?i=arcsin ((?e/?i)*sin(?p)), one of the interfering beams being divergent and having a spherical wave front and the other being a plane wave, the interference of the beams generating a diffractive network with an adjustable pitch and curved contour fringe lines.

Abstract: An automotive control/display panel for multiple onboard systems includes a touch-screen for displaying system related information and a peripheral frame defining operator finger guide zones. The touch-screen is selectively reconfigurable to establish virtual display and control buttons on the screen within associated finger guide zones. The information and functionality of the virtual control and display buttons is varied to relate to a particular onboard system as a function of the previous actuation of a virtual selection button. The peripheral frame also defines virtual knobs disposed adjacent the touch-screen.

Abstract: System for the recording and retrieval of voice messages provided to be arranged in the passenger compartment of an automobile vehicle that includes a control interface, a display screen that displays a list of a plurality of (N) columns for classification of the voice messages according to the subject of their content, each column being selectable by the control interface, a voice message recording device that is controlled by the control interface and makes it possible to record a voice message while associating it with a selected column, a sound emitting device that is controlled by the control interface and makes it possible to emit the voice message or messages recorded in the selected column, and a communications device.

Abstract: A diffractive head up display device that includes a projection unit that uses a display to project an image through a projection window of an image mask, and towards a diffractive combiner. The display and the mask are moveable at right angles to the axis of the projection light beam, so that the adjustment of the position of the virtual image in the field of view of the observer, for example the driver of a vehicle, is obtained by translation of the display and of the mask.

Abstract: Signaling device designed to be arranged on the reflective element forming a mirror of a rear-view device comprising at least an illumination unit and at least an optical device, characterized by the fact that the optical device includes a symbol generation unit which is provided with at least a diffraction grating designed to form an illuminated image corresponding to a first illuminated symbol, the symbol generation unit being generally transparent and the diffraction grating being formed on the surface of the symbol generation unit without affecting its transparency.

Abstract: An angle sensor for detecting an out-of-round condition includes a disc supporting angle coder rigidly attached to a rotating shaft and at least one fixed optical system including a coherent light source emitting a beam interfering with the angle coder of the support disc in order to code its angular position, a collimator of the said beam before interference and a photo detector of the modulated beam after interference. In one embodiment, two optical systems arranged 90° from each other are employed. An alternative embodiment includes one optical system and the disc includes a circular track radially centred in at least one of its angular positions relative to the incident collimated light beam, and a radially orientated photo detector.

Abstract: A diffractive head up display device that includes a projection unit that uses a display to project an image through a projection window of an image mask, and towards a diffractive combiner. The display and the mask are moveable at right angles to the axis of the projection light beam, so that the adjustment of the position of the virtual image in the field of view of the observer, for example the driver of a vehicle, is obtained by translation of the display and of the mask.

Abstract: A method for producing a single-layer diffractive combiner for a head-up display having a projection unit with n light sources of ?i wavelength(s), where i=1 to n sending light towards the combiner at an angle ?p. The method includes forming interference fringes for each ?i wavelength on a photosensitive layer with an interference of two light beams from a single laser source of wavelength ?e, where the forming step is repeated n times, and each time the forming step is repeated an angle ?i between the two beams is determined according to ?i=arcsin ((?e/?i)*sin(?p)), one of the interfering beams being divergent and having a spherical wave front and the other being a plane wave, the interference of the beams generating a diffractive network with an adjustable pitch and curved contour fringe lines.

Abstract: Control panel for onboard instruments of vehicles, comprising: a touch-screen for displaying information: a frame defining the periphery of the said screen and including finger guiding zones; virtual selection and control buttons displayed on the screen at least in the said guiding zones; the information and virtual control buttons appearing on the screen depending on the last virtual selection button activated.

Abstract: Optical rotation counter associated with a rotary disc of an angle sensor provided with means for coding the angular position of the disc, including at least one fixed source of coherent light emitting a light beam, a diaphragm and a support moved by the rotation of the coding disc. On its face facing the incident beam, the support includes at least one cell for coding its displacement orientated in the direction of the said displacement and generates an optical code by interference with the incident light beam, the said optical code being readable after interference on at least one photodetector.

Abstract: Device for detection of out-of-round on an angle sensor including a disc supporting angle coding means rigidly attached to a rotating shaft and at least one fixed optical system including a coherent light source emitting a beam interfering with the angle coding means of the support disc in order to code its angular position, means for collimation of the said beam before interference and a photodetector of the modulated beam after interference. In accordance with one possibility, it includes two optical systems arranged 90° from each other. Alternatively, there is only one optical system and the disc includes a circular track radially centred in at least one of its angular positions relative to the incident collimated light beam, and a radially orientated photodetector.

Abstract: Device for detection of out-of-round on an angle sensor including a disc supporting angle coding means rigidly attached to a rotating shaft and at least one fixed optical system including a coherent light source emitting a beam interfering with the angle coding means of the support disc in order to code its angular position, means for collimation of the said beam before interference and a photodetector of the modulated beam after interference. In accordance with one possibility, it includes two optical systems arranged 90° from each other. Alternatively, there is only one optical system and the disc includes a circular track radially centered in at least one of its angular positions relative to the incident collimated light beam, and a radially orientated photodetector.

Abstract: A method for determining the position of one of two components in relative motion with respect to each other, using optical means, comprises: directing at least one light beam emitted by a light source attached to one component towards a diffractive support attached to the second component, calculated and manufactured for generating an optical signal indicative of the positioning of said support, the optical signal being produced by the diffractive support in transmission and/or in reflection; detecting and reading at least one optical code formed by said signal, which corresponds to a unique position of the diffractive support relatively to the beam; and assigning a position to each detected optical code.

Abstract: An angle sensor includes a rotary disc provided with an annular surface divided into cells for encoding the angular position of the disc, the said cells transforming an incident light beam into an optical light signal conveying a code of the said angular position, the said signal being conducted by a light guide to a fixed photodetector connected to means for processing of the said code. The light guide is moveable in rotation about an axis parallel with the axis of rotation of the disc, an arm attached to the said guide, driven in a radial direction by the rotating disc, displacing the light guide relatively to the photodetector.