Abstract: A fuel tank system includes a fuel tank and a support structure. The support structure provides impact protection to the fuel tank. The support structure has mounting members, a bottom plate and a support member. The mounting members mount to the vehicle. The bottom plate is provided proximate a bottom wall of the fuel tank, wherein the bottom plate protects the fuel tank from being crushed or punctured and serves as a skid plate if ground contact is made. The support member extends between a respective mounting member and the bottom plate. The support member is configured to fail during impact, allowing the fuel tank to be moved downwardly and laterally by the energy of the impact to a position in which the fuel tank is substantially out of the path of the impact or protected by the chassis of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for deriving a fatigue score (100) indicative of a current drowsiness state of an operator (1) measures a plurality of signals (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) and derives a personalized fatigue score (100) for the operator using these signals (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90) in a weighted and operator-personalized way.

Abstract: Because an information processing apparatus includes an analyzing unit that analyzes, when a control instruction operated from a terminal device satisfies a first condition, whether the control instruction is the content that includes therein an additional condition that is related to the first condition; an additional condition determination unit that determines, when it is analyzed that the control instruction is the content that includes therein the additional condition related to the first condition, whether the control instruction satisfies the additional condition; a second determination unit that determines, when it is determined that the control instruction satisfies the additional condition, whether the control instruction satisfies a second condition; and processing units that perform a process in accordance with the determination performed by the second determination unit, it is possible to improve the reliability of execution related to the control instruction sent from outside.

Abstract: In an electric vehicle having a primary battery powered source of energy with a primary electric motor driven and connected to one or more ground engagement wheels of the electric vehicle, has a device called a sprocket used for collecting energy form the inner rim edge of the rear wheel of the electric vehicle. This sprocket mechanism device collects this energy then transfers that energy to alternators one and two on its mounted framework in the trunk compartment by way of a chain. The two alternators with its sitting pilot voltages, then transfer it by required electrically conductive cables sending energy to the battery bank source thus completing the on board charging system cycle.

Abstract: A system and a method for parallel power supply control for auxiliary converters of a motor train unit in the presence of interconnecting lines. The system comprises multiple three-phase inverter modules. The multiple three-phase inverter modules are in parallel connection with each other. Any two-phase circuit of a three-phase inverter module is separately in parallel connection with a corresponding two-phase circuit of a three-phase inverter module adjacent to the three-phase inverter module by using a connecting line module. The connecting line module is connected to a control system. The three-phase inverter modules are also connected to the control system. The three-phase lines of the three-phase inverter modules are all provided with switches.

Abstract: A bi-directional DC-DC converter assembly that processes and transfers differential power in a variable manner is disclosed. The converter assembly is coupled to an energy storage device and DC link, with the converter assembly including a first converter section coupled to the energy storage device and a second converter section coupled to the DC link and to the energy storage device. The converter assembly processes a first portion of the DC power output of the energy storage device and provides an unprocessed second portion of the DC power output of the energy storage device to the second converter section when providing power to the load, and processes a first portion of a regenerative power from the load and provides an unprocessed second portion of the regenerative power from the load to the first converter section when providing regenerative power to the energy storage device.

Abstract: Health status signals generated by components of a power supply system, including health status signals generated by a control processor, are logically combined together using discrete electronic components and which provide a single, highly-reliable enable/disable signal to a master switch. The master switch connects and disconnects the power supply to and from electrical loads.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a motor drive circuit includes a first energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy, a bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter coupled to the first energy storage device, a voltage inverter coupled to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter, and an input device configured to receive electrical energy from an external energy source. The motor drive circuit further includes a coupling system coupled to the input device, to the first energy storage device, and to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter. The coupling system has a first configuration configured to transfer electrical energy to the first energy storage device via the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter, and has a second configuration configured to transfer electrical energy from the first energy storage device to the voltage inverter via the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter.

Abstract: A charging station for charging an electric vehicle may include a charge head movably attached to a charge head assembly and at least one head landing switch including a lever and a contact element. A first end of the lever may be rotatably coupled to the charge head and an opposite second end of the lever may be rotatably coupled to the contact element. At least a bottom surface of the contact element may be positioned below the bottom surface of the charge head such that the contact element can contact the roof of the electric vehicle before the bottom surface of the charge head can contact the roof. And, a width of the contact element may be greater than a width of the seam on the charging interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for control schemes and intelligent battery selection for electric vehicles. In one embodiment, an example method may include determining a first charge level of a first battery system that is configured to power a homopolar generator, causing the first battery system to be charged by a power input source, and determining that a second charge level of the first battery system is greater than a first threshold value. Example methods may include causing the first battery system to power the homopolar generator, wherein the homopolar generator is configured to output charging current to a second battery system, causing the solid state relay to form a parallel connection between a first battery, a second battery, and the homopolar generator, directing a first charging current from the homopolar generator to the first battery, and directing a second charging current from the homopolar generator to the second battery.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement, in particular a circuit arrangement of an electric vehicle for inductive power transfer to the vehicle includes a pick-up arrangement and at least one variable compensating arrangement. The variable compensating arrangement includes a capacitive element, a first switching element and a second switching element. The first switching element and the second switching element are connected in series, and the series connection of the first and the second switching element is connected in parallel to the capacitive element of the variable compensating arrangement. Also disclosed is a method of operating the circuit arrangement and a method of manufacturing the circuit arrangement of the electric vehicle and the electric vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure implements integral type wireless charging equipment for an electric car, which is a wireless power transmitting apparatus for an electric car installed in a public parking lot that supplies wireless power to electric cars of various standards having wireless power reception pads installed therein through an efficient method. The wireless power transmitting apparatus for the electric car according to the present disclosure may supply high capacity wireless power to an electric car through a plurality of transmission pads to perform quick charging, may be easily constructed in indoor or outdoor parking lots due to no restrictions regarding a place of installation, and may be useful to construct national charging infrastructure for electric cars since unattended operation is possible through a wireless communication network.

Abstract: In the present invention, when charging both a high-voltage battery and a low-voltage battery by means of electrical power obtained by means of solar generation, by means of prioritizing the charging of the low-voltage battery over the charging of the high-voltage battery, a decrease in charging efficiency of the battery overall is suppressed. The vehicle-mounted power source device charges batteries by means of electrical power obtained by means of solar generation. A solar panel converts sunlight into electrical power. A DC/DC boost converter boosts the power converted by the solar panel. A control unit causes switching in a manner so that the high-voltage battery is charged by the electrical power boosted by the DC/DC boost converter when charging the low-voltage battery by means of the power converted by the solar panel and the amount of accumulated electrical power accumulated at the low-voltage battery is at least a predetermined value.

Abstract: Compact integrated battery packs for hybrid vehicles are fully integrated with an on-board cooling system and include both the battery cells for supplying a primary voltage, such as powering a belt-driven starter generator (BSG) unit for engine start/stop, as well as a direct current (DC) to DC converter for stepping down the primary voltage to a secondary voltage for powering low voltage components and/or recharging a lead-acid battery. The on-board DC to DC converter decreases packaging size and eliminates the need for an alternator, which further decreases packaging size. Primary and secondary voltage output ports can also be implemented for quick and easy connection to other components. Configurations include single-layer and dual-layer arrangements with integrated air or liquid cooling for placement in or beneath a trunk of a vehicle, behind or beneath seats in a cab of a pickup truck, and/or beneath a vehicle.

Abstract: A propulsion system includes an electric drive, a first energy storage system electrically coupled to the electric drive through a DC link, and a second energy storage system electrically coupled to the first energy storage system in a series connection. The first energy storage system comprises a high specific-energy storage device and the second energy storage system comprises a low specific-power storage device. The propulsion system also includes a third energy storage system comprising a high specific-energy storage device electrically coupled to the second energy storage system. A bi-directional boost converter is electrically coupled to the second and third energy storage systems such that a terminal of the third energy storage system is electrically coupled to a low voltage side of the bi-directional boost converter and a terminal of the second energy storage system is coupled to a high voltage side of the bi-directional boost converter.

Abstract: A driving system for electric vehicles. The driving system may have two or more electric motors, each with voltage inputs, which are connected to the axles and tires of the vehicle. A variable input control may provide a signal that indicates its current operation position to a vehicle control unit. The vehicle control unit takes the information from the variable input control and determines how much power to send to each of the electric motors' voltage inputs.

Abstract: An electric motor control system for a vehicle includes a vehicle speed module that determines a vehicle speed. A closed loop (CL) module determines a CL torque based on a difference between a target vehicle speed and the vehicle speed. A motor torque module determines a motor torque based on the CL torque and a motor torque request determined based on a position of an accelerator pedal. A switching control module controls switching of an inverter based on the motor torque to control application of power to an electric motor of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly a lower seat and a seatback structure extending upwardly relative the lower seat, the lower seat and the seatback structure defining a seat H-point, and the seatback structure having an upper seatback support, a lower seatback support, and a split between the upper seatback support and the lower seatback support. The split is disposed between 270 and 300 mm, preferably about 285 mm, above the H-point along a line extending substantially parallel to the seatback structure. The upper seatback support pivots about a pivot between a rearward position and a forward position relative the lower seatback support. A motorized actuation assembly is disposed within the seatback structure and operably coupled to the upper seatback support, wherein the motorized actuation assembly pivots the upper seatback support about the pivot between the rearward position and the forward position.

Abstract: A pad is adapted to set on a seat pan included in a vehicle seat. The pad includes a cushion on the seat pan and a cushion cover on the cushion.

Abstract: A reclining seat assembly includes a seat frame, and a backrest frame supported by the seat frame for pivoting movement about a backrest pivot axis. A seat pan has a forward portion supported by the seat frame for relative longitudinal movement, for example, using a slider. The seat pan has a rearward portion that is pivotally supported along a rear seat pan axis by a lower extension of the backrest frame, such that the backrest frame reclines relative to the seat frame upon forward longitudinal movement of the rear seat pan pivot axis relative to the seat frame. A backrest recline angle adjuster on the seat frame, such as a pair of linear actuators respectively coupling the seat frame to each side of the backrest frame along an actuator pivot axis that is itself offset from the backrest pivot axis, maintains a selected position of the rear seat pan support axis relative to the seat frame to thereby achieve a desired backrest inclination.

Abstract: A seat assembly includes a striker pin that is mounted to either a vehicle floor or a seat bottom. A latch assembly is mounted to the other of the vehicle floor and the seat bottom, and is configured to engage the striker pin. A pivot bracket assembly includes a first bracket member that is attached to the seat bottom and pivotally attached to a second bracket member which is fixedly mounted to the vehicle floor. One or both of the first bracket of the pivot bracket assembly and the latch plate of the latch assembly is movable relative to the vehicle floor and the seat bottom to facilitate alignment of the opening in the latch plate with the striker pin.

Abstract: A vehicle seat has a seat base and movable backrest coupled to the seat base. Each side of the seat has a backrest locking mechanism. A case having a first slot is fixedly mounted to the seat. A pulley having a pulley wheel and a first pin is received in the case and translatable longitudinally in the case. The pin is received in the first slot and coupled to the pulley wheel for common translation therewith. A case attachment end of an input cable is fixedly coupled to the case and a user input end of the input cable receives an input force from a user. The input cable extends around a portion of the pulley wheel. Ends of at least two output cables are coupled to the pulley for common translation therewith and opposite ends of the output cables are coupled to respective ones of the backrest locking mechanisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for damping an upper suspension part in at least one spatial direction (X, Y, Z) with respect to a lower suspension part movable relative thereto, wherein a spring apparatus which acts between the upper suspension part and the lower suspension part is provided for damping, wherein an actuating element is provided by way of which a force can be introduced into the device bidirectionally in the operating direction of the spring apparatus, wherein the actuating element is actuable via a control apparatus.

Abstract: A covered foam cushion (10), such as for an automotive seat, has a foam bun (12) with a contoured outer surface defining an elongated trench (16) between opposing side walls (18, 20). A retainer (28, 28a) is permanently secured to the foam bun and recessed within the trench between the side walls. A cover (14) extends over at least a portion of the foam bun and is held in place by a clip (26, 26a) permanently secured to a distal edge of a flange (24) of the cover within the trench of the foam bun. The clip is fastened to the retainer and has lateral protrusions (30, 30a) that bear against the opposing side walls of the trench.

Abstract: A seat device includes a seat part on which an occupant is seated, a support part for supporting the seat part, and a front cover made of soft material, which is fitted between front parts of the seat part and the support part. The front cover includes a seat connection end part joined with the front part of the seat part, a detachable first fixture attached to an end of the front cover opposite to the seat connection end part for attachment to the support part, an elastic member having one end disposed between the seat connection end part and the first fixture, and a detachable second fixture attached to the other end of the elastic member for attachment to a seat lower surface as a lower surface of the seat part.

Abstract: The transport vehicle seat allows to avoid the violent collision of a passenger's head located on the seat placed behind and to dampen the violent forward rocking of this passenger, in case of a frontal collision of the transport vehicle. The seat includes a pivotably mounted fold-down element (10), such as a table, placed on the rear face of a seat back. It has blocking part (14) holding the fold-down element (10) in a substantially vertical position, blocking part (14) being able to break off during a collision applied to the fold-down element (10) and to allow the latter to go on rocking towards the back seat to which it is attached. Application to aircraft seats.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the inventive technology may be a disassemblable platform system in a pickup truck cab, or other vehicle, such as, but not limited to, a SUV or van that (after installation), comprises: a plurality of panels (generally, 40, as installed) relatively positioned to form a flat, raised rigid platform 41 in a pickup truck cab and that is elevated above lower seat cushions, where such panels include two rear panels 1,2 (i.e., in the rear seat area), a driver area panel 3, a passenger area panel 6, and a console area panel 42 between said driver area panel and said passenger area panel. The system further includes horizontal supports 43 that underlie at least some of said panels, such horizontal supports including at least two right-left horizontal support bars 44 (i.e., a horizontal support bar that is installed in a right-left direction defined by the vehicle); and panel-attached horizontal supports 45, each of which is attached to a panel to which it is dedicated.

Abstract: A storage compartment has a storage volume delimited by a first wall and a second wall extending opposite the first wall. The first wall has a recess opening towards the storage volume. The storage compartment includes a locking element and a holder element having a frame that delimits an opening for the reception of an object. The holder element is movable in rotation between a retracted position, wherein the frame extends in the recess of the first wall, and a deployed position, wherein the frame extends in the storage volume and the locking element cooperates with a locking surface of the second wall such that the opening of the holder element extends across the storage volume.

Abstract: An add-on extender for a pickup truck having a bed and a tailgate with a pair of sides and a top. The extender selectively extends both the bed and the tailgate of the pickup truck, and permanently mounts onto the tailgate of the pickup truck so as not to have to be removed when not in use. The extender includes a pair of side panels and a rear panel. The pair of side panels pivotally attach to the pair of sides of the tailgate of the pickup truck, respectively, so as to have a non-operational folded position and an operational unfolded position that extends the bed of the pickup truck. The rear panel pivotally attaches to the top of the tailgate of the pickup truck so as to have a non-operational folded position and an operational unfolded position that extends the bed and the tailgate of the pickup truck.

Abstract: Cargo of rectangular bales 22 of switchgrass or miscanthus unchopped stalks having a cargo payload density of between 14.6 and 20.5 lb/ft3, loaded on a semitrailer truck 16, and preferably having an energy value of at least 240 million Btu.

Abstract: A frame system for supporting an associated vehicle for transport within an existing transportable structure having longitudinally extending side structures. The frame system has a transverse supporting frame supported by two vertical posts located one at each end of the supporting frame. Each post has an attachment for securing the top and bottom of the post at a plurality of locations along the length of the associated side structure and the supporting frame is raiseable with or without a vehicle loaded thereon and once raised is fixable to the posts at a chosen location for transport within the transportable structure. Each end of the support frame has an end plate for sliding up and down an inwardly facing surface on the adjacent vertical post as it is raised and lowered. At least one of the end plates has a telescopic connection with the remainder of the support frame.

Abstract: In the present automatic strap retracting mechanism for wheel restraint devices, the wheel restraint device comprises a shell, and a reel is rotatably connected inside the shell. A ratchet is fixed to the reel, and the tooth surface of the ratchet consists of a locating surface and a guiding surface. A locking piece is also hinged to the shell, and the locking piece has a pawl. The automatic strap retracting mechanism comprises a coil spring which is connected to the reel and can drive the reel to rotate in the direction of strap retracting and wind in and retract the fastening strap. The locking piece also comprises a locking rod. When the pawl detaches from the locating surface and the fastening strap is pulled out, the locking piece can swing to allow the locking rod to abut on the guiding surface.

Abstract: A top cap for securing items during shipping is disclosed. The top cap consists of a body having one or more features configured to engage the top of the item being shipped. In certain embodiments, the engagements features are adjustable and may accommodate different sizes of items to be shipped. The body also comprises one or more constraint securement features configured to receive constraints such that the top cap may be secured to structural elements of a container in which the item is being shipped. Although not limited to particular applications, the top cap is particularly suited for securing computer racks for shipment.

Abstract: A position-limiting device includes a base and a position-limiting member rotatably provided on the base, the position-limiting device further includes a positioning member. The base has a hollow portion. The position-limiting member is switchable between a position-limiting state and a non-position-limiting state, when the position-limiting member is in the position-limiting state, the positioning member fixes the position of the position-limiting member; and when the position-limiting member is in the non-position-limiting state, the positioning member releases the position-limiting member, and at least a part of the position-limiting member is received in the hollow portion.

Abstract: An exterior assembly component for a vehicle and a manufacturing method thereof, where the component is in the form of an exterior mirror, door handle, door sill, skirt or similar, the component including a light module having at least one lamp emitting visible light toward the outside, and a plug to supply the lamp with electrical energy, where the light module represents a separate component of the assembly component which can be mounted on the assembly component and wherein the plug is designed as a single part with the a case of the light module.

Abstract: An intelligent type lamp and a vehicle lamp apparatus are disclosed. The lamp includes a first substrate, a second substrate disposed on the first substrate, and a plurality of light sources disposed on the second substrate, wherein the light sources are grouped into at least one light source array, in each of which the light sources are disposed in a line, and the at least one light source array includes neighboring first and second light source arrays electrically isolated and individually driven. The light sources of the first light source array may be electrically isolated and individually driven, and the light sources of the second light source array may be electrically isolated and individually driven. Alternatively, the light sources of the first light source array may be electrically isolated and individually driven, and the light sources of the second light source array may be electrically connected and simultaneously driven.

Abstract: A light assembly includes a carrier. A first high beam light module is rotatably attached to the carrier for rotation relative to the carrier about a first high beam horizontal axis. A first low beam light module is rotatably attached to the carrier for rotation relative to the carrier about a first low beam horizontal axis. The first high beam horizontal axis and the first low beam horizontal axis are parallel with each other. A bar interconnects the first high beam light module and the first low beam light module. An adjustment drive is coupled to the bar. The adjustment drive is operable to move the bar along a bar axis. Movement of the bar along the bar axis simultaneously rotates the first high beam light module about the first high beam horizontal axis, and the first low beam light module about the first low beam horizontal axis.

Abstract: An adjustment device is provided for aiming two oppositely pivoted lamp elements. That device includes a single aim adjuster screw, a first connection connecting the adjuster screw to a first lamp element and a second connection connecting the adjuster screw to a second lamp element. One turns the adjuster screw to simultaneously pivot the first and second lamp elements in opposite directions and thereby aim the two lamp elements in a synchronous manner.

Abstract: A smart light assembly is provided for a motor vehicle. That smart light assembly includes an electronic sensing device dedicated to the smart light assembly, an adjustable beam light source and a controller directly connected to the adjustable beam light source. A smart lighting system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A headlamp includes a light-emitting module that includes a condenser lens that defines an optical axis through a center of the condenser lens and that is configured to focus light incident on a rear surface of the condenser lens. The light-emitting module further includes a laser light source that is located behind the condenser lens and that is configured to generate light toward the condenser lens. The light-emitting module further includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) scanner that is located in front of the condenser lens, that is configured to reflect, toward the condenser lens, light generated by the laser light source, and that is configured to scan light generated by the laser light source by moving horizontally and vertically. The light-emitting module further includes a reflection unit that is located behind the condenser lens and that is configured to reflect light reflected by the MEMS scanner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a headlight (12) of a motor vehicle (10), which headlight (12) comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes, by receiving a request signal for a high-beam mode; determining a road class of a roadway on which the motor vehicle (10) is located; activating a first group of the plurality of light emitting diodes for providing a first high-beam distribution (20) with the headlight (12) in the event that a road class different from a highway (18) is determined; and activating a second group of the plurality of light emitting diodes for providing a second high-beam distribution (26) with the headlight (12) in the event that a highway (18) is determined as the road class.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a steering column having a longitudinal axis; and a lever. The lever includes a first end and a second end. The second end of the lever is attached to the steering column. A hinge is disposed between the first end and the second end of the lever. The first end of the lever is biased away from the steering column in a first condition and folded at the hinge towards the steering column in a second condition.

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 system is disclosed to communicate in vehicular traffic an intention of a driver of a vehicle to execute a parallel parking maneuver. The system includes a display generating a signal to indicate to other drivers the intention to execute the parallel parking maneuver to either a left side of the vehicle or a right side of the vehicle. The signal is distinct from and in addition to a turn signal for the vehicle indicating an intended left turn or right turn. Embodiments of the disclosed system include an illuminated word parallel, arrows pointing both right and left and forward and backward, a determination to a particular open space based upon an orientation of a head of the driver, and a laser emitter providing a second indication to onlookers to a parking space.

Abstract: A method for notifying a third party or a third party device (e.g., a mobile phone or a second vehicle) as to whether a first vehicle is operating in an autonomous mode or a semi-autonomous mode. The method includes receiving, at a first electronic control unit, notification information including whether the first vehicle is operating in the autonomous mode or the semi-autonomous mode and a description of or details about the first vehicle and transmitting from a transmitter of the first vehicle to a receiver of the third party device, the notification information. The method also includes displaying, using a display screen of the third party device, the notification information including whether the first vehicle is operating in the autonomous mode or the semi-autonomous mode and the description of or the details about the first vehicle.

Abstract: One or more braking event detection computing devices and methods are disclosed herein based on fused sensor data collected during a window of time from various sensors of a mobile device found within an interior of a vehicle. The various sensors of the mobile device may include a GPS receiver, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a microphone, a camera, and a magnetometer. Data from vehicle sensors and other external systems may also be used. The braking event detection computing devices may adjust the polling frequency of the GPS receiver of the mobile device to capture non-consecutive data points based on the speed of the vehicle, the battery status of the mobile device, traffic-related information, and weather-related information. The braking event detection computing devices may use classification machine learning algorithms on the fused sensor data to determine whether or not to classify a window of time as a braking event.

Abstract: An illumination system for a vehicle includes a truck bed defining a cargo space, a bumper positioned vehicle rearward of the truck bed, and a tailgate defining a recessed surface and rotatable between substantially open and substantially closed positions. A first optically interactive portion is positioned on the truck bed and a second optically interactive portion is positioned on the tailgate. A light source is positioned on the recessed surface of the tailgate. The light source and the first and second optically interactive surfaces are configured to illuminate the cargo space when the tailgate is in the substantially open position and illuminate the bumper when the tailgate is in the substantially closed position.

Abstract: A vehicle cup holder includes a console substrate defining a cup well. A light source is positioned to emit light into the cup well. An insert is positioned within the cup well and defines a base wall and a side wall. At least one of the base wall and the side wall defines a diffraction grating. A holographic film is positioned between the insert and the console substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle interior light (3) for spot-illuminating a surface (10, 10?) inside the vehicle to be illuminated, comprising a light source, the main emitting direction of which does not coincide with the direction in which the surface to be illuminated lies, and a deflecting lens system, which alters both the opening angle and the direction of the central axis of the cone of light emitted by the light source. The deflecting lens system is formed by at least two lens bodies (14, 15, 16) arranged in succession in the beam path of the light source and working by means of light refraction, the central axes (18, 19, 20) and optically active lens surfaces of which lens bodies are inclined with respect to one another.

Abstract: A directional alert system within a vehicle is configured to transmit an alert signal towards a specifically targeted area without substantially affecting the acoustic environment in a broader surrounding area. The directional alert system determines the target area by processing sensor data reflects a direction that a driver of the vehicle is looking or facing. The directional alert system then positions an acoustic transducer to generate an acoustic signal towards the direction of interest. The directional alert system may also wirelessly pair with computing devices residing in a target region associated with the direction of interest, and transmit wireless notifications to those computing devices to alert the users of those devices.