Abstract: Apparatus and methods for indicating sudden deceleration may involve modifying a vehicle brake lighting system with a support frame supporting a deceleration sensor, microcontroller, an energy storage component, and power circuitry. A portable deceleration warning system includes a portable sensor unit with an accelerometer, a transmitter, a power supply, and a microprocessor, and at least one portable illumination unit with a light emitter, a receiver, and a power supply. The portable sensor unit mounts reversibly to a vehicle and the portable illumination unit can be worn by an operator or passenger of the vehicle or be temporarily attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for safety improvement during operation of a motor vehicle (100) includes the steps of: —determining a prevailing speed of the vehicle (100); automatically activating a warning flasher function (275) on the basis of determined values pertaining to at least some combination of conditions based on: vehicle speed (V) and gradient (L) of the running surface on which the vehicle (100) is travelling, and the speed of the vehicle (100) compared with surrounding traffic and the gradient (L) of the running surface on which the vehicle (100) is travelling. Also a computer program product including program code (P) for a computer (200; 210) for implementing the method is disclosed. Also a system for safety improvement during operation of a motor vehicle (100) and to a motor vehicle (100) which is equipped with the system are disclosed.

Abstract: A cup holder assembly for a console assembly of a vehicle includes a cover, a housing, a light source, a support frame, and a light emitting assembly. The cover includes an exterior surface, an opposite interior surface, and an opening extending between the exterior surface and the interior surface. The housing includes an open ended receptacle. The housing is connected to the interior surface of the cover such that the opening permits access to the open ended receptacle. The support frame is connected to at least one of the cover and the housing. The light emitting assembly is positioned between the interior surface of the cover and the support frame. The light emitting assembly is oriented to emit light outwardly away from the exterior surface of the cover.

Abstract: An attachment structure of a lighting device has: a holder provided on a top surface of a door pocket that constitutes a door lining, the lighting device being placed in the holder; walls for fixing the lighting device placed in the holder; a light source supporting part; and a connector supporting part. In this case, the attachment structure and the top surface of the door pocket are configured integrally.

Abstract: Techniques for using beam-formed acoustic notifications for pedestrian notification are described. Computing device(s) can receive sensor data associated with an object in an environment of a vehicle. The computing device(s) can determine first data for emitting a first beam of acoustic energy via speaker(s) of an acoustic array associated with the vehicle, and second data for emitting a second beam of acoustic energy via speakers of the acoustic array. The computing device(s) can cause the speaker(s) to emit the first beam in a direction of the object at a first time and the second beam in the direction of the object at a second time. Directions of propagation of the first beam and the second beam are offset so that the object can localize the source the acoustic notification, thereby localizing the vehicle in the environment.

Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle, in which an imminent rollover of the motor vehicle is detected, depending on the status values of the motor vehicle, at least one countermeasure being initiated and/or at least one warning message being output when an imminent rollover is detected. It is provided that, when an imminent rollover is detected, at least one of the instantaneous status values and/or the warning message is/are transmitted to a central database, where it is/they are made available for other motor vehicles.

Abstract: A system for monitoring vehicle dynamics and detecting adverse events during operation is presented. Position sensors attached to a vehicle are configured to identify a vehicle orientation (heading) as well as the vehicle's direction of travel (trajectory). A system controller connected to these position sensors can detect the difference between these two measurements. When the difference between these two measurements exceeds a safety threshold, it can be an indication of a slip event. A slip event can be caused by compromised traction or stability and may lead to a loss of vehicle control. The system controller can be configured to monitor various vehicle dynamics to detect these slip events. The system controller may be configured to track geolocations of slip events to create a database of historical slip events for determining location-based risk factors and prevention of future events.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle control device mounted on a vehicle, and a method for controlling the vehicle. The vehicle control device includes a communication module configured to receive driving information regarding the vehicle, a display module configured to output visual information on a display region formed on a windshield of the vehicle, and a controller configured to control the display module based on the driving information to output graphic objects guiding a path of driving of the vehicle on a first region of the display region, the display region divided into the first region and a second region. The controller controls the display module based on the driving information to output on the second region at least one of the graphic objects output on the first region.

Abstract: An auxiliary vehicle lighting system is provided for use in a vehicle having an engine and an electrical system. The system has at least one auxiliary vehicle light; a control hub, connected to the vehicle electrical system and to each auxiliary vehicle light; and a system shut down function or program, connected to the control hub and configured to de-energize the auxiliary lighting system. The control hub is constructed and arranged so that upon illumination of the auxiliary vehicle lights and with the engine turned off, the vehicle battery voltage is monitored. If the battery voltage reaches a designated low voltage target, the system shut down function or program is activated, which de-energizes the auxiliary lights.

Abstract: The device is provided with an image acquisition unit for acquiring a peripheral image of a vehicle, the peripheral image being captured by an image pickup device provided to the vehicle; a display device for displaying the peripheral image, the display device being provided inside a vehicle cabin; and an indicator line output unit for causing an indicator line as a guide for a driver during a driving operation to be displayed superimposed on the peripheral image, at least one of a shadow portion and a side surface portion adjacent to the indicator line being added to the indicator line.

Abstract: A surroundings monitoring apparatus includes an obtaining portion obtaining a first captured image data outputted by a first image capturing portion and a second captured image data outputted by a second image capturing portion, and an output portion superimposingly displaying an indicator in at least one of a first display region and a second display region, in a case where the superimposed region of the indicator is included in the other of the first display region and the second display region, the output portion superimposingly displaying the indicator in the other of the first display region and the second display region in a display manner which corresponds to a display manner of the indicator displayed in the one of the first display region and the second display region.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus extracts, as a display image, a part of an image captured by a wide angle camera, the wide angle camera being arranged at a position deviated from a vehicle center line that is a center line of a vehicle in a longitudinal direction and being configured to increase a degree of size reduction of an object as being farther from a center of the captured image. The image processing apparatus includes a control circuit that extracts the display image. The control circuit includes an extraction determination portion. The extraction determination portion determines an extraction position of the display image in the captured image according to a center position of the display image to the vehicle center line and the degree of size reduction of the object represented at a pixel of a specific position in the display image.

Abstract: A mirror replacement system for a vehicle. At least one image capturing unit adapted to be mounted around the exterior of the vehicle and capture images of at a field of view, an image display unit adapted to be visibly mounted for a driver, at least one driver sensor adapted for detecting information input from the driver, an operation controller adapted for controlling reformatting parameters based on driver parameters received from the at least one driver sensor, and an image capturing unit controller adapted for reformatting video data received from the at least one image capturing unit according to the reformatting parameters and for forwarding the reformatted video data to the at least one image display unit for displaying.

Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a plurality of cameras mounted at the vehicle and having respective fields of view exterior of the vehicle. The cameras include a video output for transmitting a stream of video to a control via a serial data bus linking the respective camera to the control. The control includes a serial data interface for communication with at least one electronic device of the vehicle. The control sends instructions to the cameras via the respective serial data bus linking the camera to the control. The control activates one of the cameras and deactivates at least one other of the cameras responsive to (i) a user input and/or (ii) a driving condition. Video images derived at least in part from image data captured by the activated camera are displayed at a video display screen of the vehicle for viewing by a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for displaying information to a driver of a vehicle includes disposing a camera at a vehicle and disposing a bimodal display at a display region at a windshield of the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to determination that gaze of the driver is not at the display area or gaze of the driver is at the display region and the driver is not focusing at the display region for the threshold period of time, the bimodal display operates in a first mode, where the bimodal display is transmissive of visible light therethrough. Responsive at least in part to determination that gaze of the driver is at the display region and the driver is focusing at the display region for the threshold period of time, the bimodal display operates in the second mode, where images derived from captured image data are displayed at the display region.

Abstract: A system for controlling movement of an outside rear view mirror of a vehicle having a plurality of outside rear view mirrors, each mirror including a housing and at least one motor configured to control mirror tilt, and one motor to control an inward/outward fold of the housing. An electronic control unit processes movement commands in response to one or more switches. Each motor is connected to a shared driveline, and each motor is further connected to an associated driveline.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly having a mounting portion mountable at a side of a vehicle and a mirror head portion pivotally adjustable relative to the mounting portion. The mirror assembly includes an actuator operable to impart pivotal movement of the mirror head portion relative to the mounting portion to adjust the mirror head portion relative to the side of the vehicle at which the mounting portion is mounted. The actuator includes a first motor and a second motor that are operable in tandem to cooperatively rotatably drive a gear to cause the mirror head portion to pivot relative to the mounting portion. Operation of the first motor is synchronized with operation of the second motor.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a camera, a sensor and a processor. The camera may generate a video signal based on a targeted view of a driver. The sensor may generate a proximity signal in response to detecting an object within a predetermined radius. The processor may determine a location of the object with respect to the vehicle, determine a current location of eyes of the driver, determine a field of view of the driver at a time when the proximity signal is received based on the current location of the eyes, determine whether the object is within the field of view using the current location of the eyes, and generate a control signal. The distance may be determined based on a comparison of reference pixels of a vehicle component in a reference video frame to current pixels of the vehicle component in the video frames.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a side mirror for a vehicle, the side mirror being provided on a vehicle for facilitating the checking of road situations on the left, right, and rear sides. The side mirror for a vehicle comprises a mirror housing which is mounted on the exterior of the vehicle, and a mirror part which is supported by the mirror housing, and is divided into multiple mirror areas which are in aspherical form respectively across the horizontal direction from the internal side, which is close to the vehicle, to the external side, which is far from the vehicle. In the mirror part, the respective optical powers of the mirror areas gradually increase from the internal side to the external side so as to have the same optical power at the borders of the mirror areas, and the optical power rate for at least one of the mirror areas is constant.

Abstract: A vehicle modular side view mirror assembly is disclosed. The mirror base has a first section capable of attachment to a vehicle and a second section capable of attachment to a mirror head, wherein the second section is movable relative to the first section. The mirror assembly can include a mirror head having a reflective surface and a motor for moving the mirror head relative to a mirror base, the mirror head detachably connectable to the mirror base. Lidar sensors can be mounted in addition to, or in place of, the side view mirrors. Interchangeable modular heads can allow a user to customize the vehicle to have mirror heads, sensors, both, or neither. Mirror bases can move, allowing the mirrors and/or sensors to be positioned at different angles. In some configurations, the position of the sensors can be dynamically adjusted according to the speed and/or direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle having one or more guide vanes for guiding airflow along a side of the vehicle. The guide vane(s) can be moved from a retracted position to a deployed position. The vehicle can include sills which can be displaced laterally outwardly and downwardly a retracted position to a deployed position.

Abstract: Security devices configured to secure areas of a vehicle include a top panel and a seat panel movably coupled together. At least one extension structure may be movably coupled to a bottom surface of the top panel to adjust laterally inward and outward relative to the top panel. A locking mechanism may be positioned to lock the at least one extension structure from being adjusted laterally inward when in the secured position. The top panel is positioned at least substantially transverse to the seat panel with the at least one extension structure extending laterally outward from the top panel when in a secured position, and at least substantially parallel to the seat panel with the at least one extension structure positioned laterally inward when in a storage position. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included.

Abstract: An example flexible cargo cover may be made of a foldable material; the example cargo cover may comprise: a first edge that is substantially straight; a second edge on an opposite side of the first edge; a third edge having a first concave; a fourth edge on an opposite side of the first edge and having a second concave; and a plurality of connectors. A first set of connectors in the plurality of connectors are installed on the third edge and a second set of connectors in the plurality of connectors are installed on the fourth edge.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is disclosed having a flexible cover that is multi-functional in nature and can be configured as a cover for a rear luggage compartment of the motor vehicle as a small item carrier, as an extendible weather protector and as a roof protector for the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat frame, a cover member configured to cover the seat frame and having a through-hole, and a baggage holder configured to allow baggage to be hung, hooked or fixed thereon. The baggage holder is passed from outside to inside of the cover member through the through-hole and fixed to the seat frame.

Abstract: There is provided a carrier that fits on a motor vehicle and receives a small vehicle. The carrier includes a console on which the small vehicle can be arranged. According to the disclosure, the carrier also includes a carrier coupling component that is constructed to be connected in a positive-locking manner to a small vehicle coupling component of the small vehicle, above the console. The motor vehicle having the carrier and the small vehicle forms a mobility unit according to the disclosure.

Abstract: Adjustable portable device holders are herein disclosed. According to one embodiment, an adjustable portable device holder includes an adjustable clamping element and a rotatable mounting element attached to the adjustable clamping element for removably securing a portable device to the adjustable portable device holder.

Abstract: A device and method for the display of images on a screen is described. The device includes a frame assembly configured to hold a screen. The frame assembly includes a hitch for attachment to a receiver hitch of a vehicle. The screen can be adjusted to face either a forward or rearward direction. The device further includes a stand. The stand may be configured to rest on the vehicle for projection onto the screen or rest on the ground. The stand supports a displaying device and is configured to adjust the elevation of the displaying device to affect the displayed image.

Abstract: A vehicle member includes: a film-shaped part that is semitransparent and has electric-wave transmittance; a glossy film disposed on a first side of the film-shaped part; and a surface member that is optically transparent, is integrated with the film-shaped part, and covers a second side of the film-shaped part.

Abstract: A semi-rigid panel of foam insulation is secured transversely between the front fenders and certain body structures of a motor vehicle at several locations. Specifically, the insulation is located and secured to the fender by a retainer or clip having a channel that receives the insulation panel; the panel includes projections or lugs that are complementary to and seat within with frame or body member openings, ribs or other features; is secured within an integrated bracket or holder in the upper plenum having a slot or channel having a width equal to the thickness of the insulation; and includes a hook or lip that is received within an air inlet of the heating and air conditioning system of the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a vehicle component cover. In one example, a vehicle component cover may be adapted to conceal vehicle components within an engine compartment, and the cover may include an embedded support structure having a plurality of lock orifices positioned to align with a plurality of openings of a solid encasement. The plurality of lock orifices are adapted to couple in locking engagement with a plurality of extensions of an emblem of the cover.

Abstract: A cable includes a plurality of electric wires, and a tape member spirally wound around an assembled article that is formed by twisting the plurality of electric wires. The thickness of the tape member is not less than 0.028 mm and not more than 0.090 mm, a width of the tape member is not less than 18 mm and not more than 35 mm, the tape member is spirally wound with an overlap of not less than ¼ and not more than ½ of the width thereof, and a tensile strength of the tape member is different between the longitudinal direction and the width direction and is smaller in the width direction than in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A wire harness includes an exterior member having a tube shape. The exterior member includes a flexible tube part formed in a flexible bellows tube shape and a straight tube part. The straight tube part is formed continuously with the flexible tube part so as to arrange the conductive path straight and has a non-bellows tube shape. A continuous portion between the flexible tube part and the straight tube part includes a tapered portion formed in a whole peripheral direction of the exterior member so as to reduce stress concentration in the continuous portion. An inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of the tapered portion include slopes connecting a top of a bellows projection of the flexible tube part and the straight tube part, or connecting a groove bottom of a bellows recess of the flexible tube part and the straight tube part.

Abstract: A wire harness includes a power trunk line, a power branch line, a communication trunk line, and a communication branch line. The power trunk line is connected to a power source mounted on a vehicle and extend in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The power branch line branches off from the power trunk lines and extends in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction. The communication trunk line is arranged along the power trunk lines or also serves as the power trunk lines. The communication branch line branches off from the communication trunk line and extends in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A protective case includes a case body allowing a corrugated tube with an inserted electric wire to be housed in its inside, and a slider configured to move together with one end portion of the corrugated tube and to allow its movement along the case body. The slider retains the electric wire withdrawn from the one end portion to extend from inside to outside through one opening portion of the case body. The case body has a cavity portion allowing the corrugated tube to change its form inside the case body in accordance with the movement of the slider, a guide passage guiding the electric wire withdrawn from the other end portion of the corrugated tube toward another opening portion of the case body, and a corrugated tube retention portion including a pair of wall surfaces to retain the other end portion of the corrugated tube.

Abstract: A slide wiring apparatus configured to electrically connect a vehicle body and a sliding member that is provided in the vehicle body. The slide wiring apparatus includes a support rail, a slider configured to slidably support the sliding member, a wire harness that is disposed inside the support rail and is drawn out of the support rail from an opening portion of the support rail, a guide portion configured to fold, toward the support rail, an extra length portion of the wire harness that is drawn out from the opening portion of the support rail, an accommodation portion for accommodating the extra length portion of the wire harness in a state in which the extra length portion is folded in a U-shape, and an external member that is bendable in only one direction.

Abstract: A front end module for covering a front of a front vehicle part of a motor vehicle includes a crossmember that is connectable to longitudinal carriers of a motor vehicle frame so as to absorb loads of a bumper. An upper frame element is connected to the crossmember for supporting an engine hood. A receiving region for receiving a radiator grill is disposed between the crossmember and the upper frame element. Fastening elements disposed on the crossmember and/or the upper frame element are configured to fasten an intercooler for cooling charge air of a turbocharger, with respect to the driving direction, in front of a wheel arch that receives a front wheel. A crash structure is connected to the fastening elements for absorbing impact energy by way of plastic deformation and covers a majority of the front wheel in an installed state of the front end module.

Abstract: A vehicle clip includes: a clip body including an attachment section that has a pair of retention members for gripping a first exterior, and an insertion hole; and a pin member including an insertion portion that is anchored to the clip body in an inserted state of the insertion portion into the insertion hole and a through hole formed in a second exterior component, a head portion that is formed with a larger diameter than the insertion hole and that retains the second exterior component between the head portion and the clip body, and a pressing portion that extends out from the head portion toward the attachment section side, and that, through one of the retention members, presses the first exterior component toward the side of the other retention member in a state in which the insertion portion is anchored to the clip body.

Abstract: A deformation structure, which is an energy absorption structure, has a series of deformation elements arranged one behind the other in a deformation direction, i.e. the direction in which a load acts.

Abstract: Safe protection equipment for all vehicles will significantly reduce the collision force by spring or liquid cylinder when the vehicle bumps to obstacle or two vehicles collide with each other. This equipment can be used on both front and rear of the vehicle. Combination of springs or liquid cylinder with different elasticity can reduce the collision smoothly. This equipment will protect both vehicles and drivers without changing the current air-bag protection system. It will significantly reduce the damage for serious collision accidents. This equipment is attached to the vehicle chassis on bottom, which will bear the collision force reduced by the spring or liquid cylinder. It might require some design change in vehicle chassis. One option is to add a pad to pass the reduced collision force to the elastic tire when colliding vehicles are running in straight line.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a protection bar for a front of vehicle, comprising: two vertical portions, connected to the front of vehicle wherein a distance is defined between the two vertical portions, the distance is variable according to different positions of the two vertical portions; a first horizontal portion comprising a plurality of first walls to define a first chamber, wherein the first horizontal portion is detachably assembled on the two vertical portions by two first connection components each connecting a respective first wall of the first horizontal portion and a corresponding one of the two vertical portions.

Abstract: A method for the operation of a safety system of a motor vehicle in the event of a collision with a collision object, the acceleration of the motor vehicle being recorded by a plurality of collision sensors of the motor vehicle in various sensor data describing directions within the horizontal plane and being evaluated with regard to the triggering and/or an adaptation of an operating parameter as actions of restraint systems for occupants of the motor vehicle, wherein, of the sensor data, two motion values are determined which describe the motion of at least one occupant, especially all occupants, of the motor vehicle along at least one longitudinal direction and at least one transverse direction of the motor vehicle and which span a two-dimensional decision space, the ranges of action assigned to the actions being defined in the decision space and an action being carried out if the point in the decision space described by the motion values is within the range of action assigned to the action.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor member of a vehicle seat occupant detection and classification device that includes a first electrically conductive antenna member and at least a second electrically conductive antenna member that is adjacently arranged to the first electrically conductive antenna member without any mutual galvanic connection. At least one electrically conductive bridging member is fixedly attached to at least one elastic spacer member that has elastic mechanical properties in a specified direction. If a mechanical load is applied to the capacitive sensor member in the specified direction that is equal to or larger than a predetermined value for the mechanical load, the at least one electrically conductive bridging member provides at least one galvanic contact between the first electrically conductive antenna member and the second electrically conductive antenna member.

Abstract: An integrated knee bolster device for a vehicle is configured to restrict the depth of penetration of the knees of a seat occupant which strike a lower crash pad panel when a vehicle collision occurs, thus minimizing injury to the seat occupant, and enhancing safety performance for the seat occupant.

Abstract: A vehicle footrest impact deflection member includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to be disposed outboard of a vehicle trim panel. The first portion includes a non-collapsible part having a first overall density. The second portion extends inboard from the first portion. The second portion includes a collapsible part having a second overall density that is less dense than the first overall density of the non-collapsible part.

Abstract: A clamping arrangement for an inflatable restraint of a motor vehicle includes a base member and a retention member. The base member has a main body with an axially extending length and a partially cylindrical shape curved in a direction perpendicular to the length. The base member further has at least a first securing portion. Each securing portion includes a planar portion radially extending from the main body of the base member and disposed in a plane parallel to the axially extending length. The retention member has first and second ends connected to the main body of the base member. The first end is connected to the base member by the first securing portion.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes: a support member inserted into a bag holder of an air bag device; a cylindrical slider; an annular damper holder configured to cover a part of the cylindrical slider; and an elastic member including an annular elastic main body interposed between the cylindrical slider and the annular damper holder, wherein: the air bag device configured to act as a damper mass of a dynamic damper; the annular elastic main body configured to act as a spring of the dynamic damper; an annular gap is formed with the elastic member at a portion shifted in the axial direction from the annular elastic main body; and the elastic member further includes elastic restriction portions configured to fill the annular gap to restrict the elastic deformation of the elastic member at the multiple portions of the annular gap spaced from each other in the peripheral direction.

Abstract: An occupant protection device includes a multidirectional airbag that inflates and deploys from a state housed in a headrest on receipt of supplied gas. The multidirectional airbag is configured as an integral bag body to surround a head of a seated occupant with a front deployment section and a pair of left and right lateral deployment sections. The front deployment section includes a front inflating portion that deploys to a seat forward direction of the head of the seated occupant and of at least one of a shoulder or chest of the seated occupant. Each of the pair of left and right lateral deployment sections includes a lateral inflating portion that is connected to the front deployment section and inflates and deploys alongside the head of the seated occupant.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection device includes an airbag constructed as an integrated bag body that is deployable in an area including a front side of a head portion of a vehicle occupant, and in an area including both left and right sides of the head portion of the vehicle occupant, and an airbag case. The airbag case includes a box-shaped case main body provided on a seat rear side of a headrest main body, in which the airbag is housed in a folded state, and that inflates and deploys the airbag from an upper portion of the case main body during an inflation and deployment of the airbag, and a reaction force plate that is provided in a lower portion side of the case main body and inside the case main body, and that supports the airbag from the seat rear side during the inflation and deployment of the airbag.

Abstract: An active bolster for a vehicle is provided, wherein the bolster comprises an expansible hollow interior that is inflatable and is self-supporting in both an inflated and in an uninflated position. The bolster has an inflator module for inflating the expansible hollow interior. The bolster has an inner wall for projecting inwardly into the vehicle and away from the side of the vehicle on inflation of the expansible hollow interior. The bolster may have a relatively non-expansible component located between a first expansible chamber and a second expansible chamber. The bolster may comprise an outer wall having an attachment portion for attaching the outer wall to a portion of the side of the vehicle.