Abstract: An apparatus including at least one Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) mounted on a platform; a mechanism for controlling the at least one LEDs; and at least one refractive optic lenses for focusing at least one light beam from the at least one LEDs into at least one well-defined light beams and for directing the at least one well-defined light beams either in an upward direction or in a sideward direction to the platform. In one example, the platform is a vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for a tactile feedback instrument, and more specifically, some embodiments are directed toward methods and apparatuses for a tactile feedback stylus. Some embodiments of the invention provide a stylus used in conjunction with mobile devices. Further embodiments of the invention provide a game system, comprising a game console and a stylus. Within such embodiments, the stylus comprises an electric motor and a control circuit coupled to the electric motor that is in communication with the game console and controls the electric motor. Within some of these embodiments, the stylus can vibrate or rumble when the electric motor is activated in response to gaming activity.

Abstract: Detailed are assistive mechanisms for vehicle operators designed to reduce risks associated with degraded landing and other situations. Some mechanisms may include a display with a visual indicator located within the peripheral field of view of an operator. Aural alerts may also be employed. Information suggesting degradation of, for example, ground deceleration performance may alert the operator to perform unusual or abnormal actions to mitigate hazards produced by the performance degradation.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing deceleration rate information of a user operating a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a unit including an accelerometer, a processor, and a lighting mechanism. The processor receives from the accelerometer deceleration info of the vehicle and variably adjusts at least one aspect of the lighting mechanism, thereby quantitatively signaling the deceleration rate to a driver of a following vehicle. The unit may be mounted on an article of clothing, a bag, or the vehicle itself.

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

Abstract: An indicating device for a motor vehicle and an operating method are provided. The motor vehicle includes a drive train with at least one drive unit. The indicating device shows in a differentiable manner to the driver the drive states of accelerating, unpowered driving (coasting) and decelerating using the drive train, and at a minimum signals to the driver when the coasting state exists so as to permit the driver to optimize efficient use of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric power steering (EPS) system coupled to a steering wheel of a vehicle. A current sensor senses EPS current drawn by the EPS system. A engine control module controls operation of an engine of the vehicle and includes an auto start/stop module to selective y start and stop the engine independent from user input to start and stop the engine. The auto start/stop module selectively delays an auto engine stop based on the EPS current.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may include a driving intention indictor device for a car. The indictor device preferably has right, middle and left indicator lamps and a switch. The right indicator lamp is provided on a right side of a car body in the width direction. The middle indicator lamp is provided at a central position of the car body. The left indicator lamp is provided on a left side of the car body. The position of the switch is selected by a driver in correspondence with switching between an express state in which the car always travels at a “saturation speed”, a slow state in which the car travels at “mixed speed”, and a motionless state in which the car is in a “motionless”.

Abstract: An efficiency gauge from a vehicle information display may incorporate vehicle range information in addition to an efficiency indicator. The range information may be displayed as an area on the efficiency gauge indicating a safe operating region for average driving in order for the vehicle to reach a target destination entered by a driver before an on-board energy source is depleted. By maintaining a vehicle's average trip efficiency within the safe operating region through driving behavior, the display may convey that the vehicle will be able to make it to the target destination. Over the course of a trip, the safe operating region may be constantly updated to reflect the current state of the battery and the remaining distance to the target destination. If no target information is received, a default target distance value based on an initial distance to empty estimation may be used.

Abstract: A vehicle directional indicator is provided for enhancing the safety and knowledge of all persons using roadways, including drivers, pedestrians, and bikers. Depending on the position applied to the directional indicator means by a driver, power can be sent to the left turn signal light or the right turn signal light or the straight ahead signal light. These signal lights include indicator lights on the dashboard, as well as front and rear exterior indicator lights. The straight ahead directional indication is particularly useful at an intersection, where multiple drivers are weighing the directional indicators of the other drivers at the intersection, assured clear distances, oncoming traffic and multiple other traffic patterns, to provide the safest and most timely continued travel.

Abstract: An immobilizer device is configured for communicating with a base station. The immobilizer device includes an antenna circuit including three orthogonally-oriented antennas configured to receive a signal from a field generated by a base station. A power circuit is configured to draw power via the field on each of the antennas, and a communications circuit is configured to communicate with the base station via any of the antennas. The strength of the signals received via the antennas is evaluated and used to select one of the antennas for use in data communications and, if appropriate, as a power supply.

Abstract: A turn signal system for a bicycle comprises a left and right front and rear turn signal and a rear alert signal that has multi-mode operation. The system is battery powered and can be adapted to an electric bicycle having a variety of power voltages. The system includes a controller and a multi-axis accelerometer to actuate the alert signal in the event of sudden deceleration.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system of changing a vehicle color and a method of changing a vehicle color according to a risk of an accident. According to the present invention, a driver of a vehicle and a surrounding pedestrian and drivers of other vehicles can easily recognize a risk situation and take measurement according to the recognized risk situation, such that it is possible to safely drive the vehicle.

Abstract: This invention relates to an externally mounted vehicle warning light system and related method, employing an accelerometer illuminating different lights to indicate to other drivers whether a vehicle is accelerating, decelerating, coasting or braking.

Abstract: A vehicle rear light assembly (VRLA) that is enclosed within an elongated LED display unit that includes a center compartment having a plurality of red LEDs and contiguous left and right compartments each having a plurality of yellow/red LEDs. The VRLA is comprised of an electrical circuit consisting of a function select circuit that is connected to a vehicle and sequentially includes an LED drive circuit, an LED control circuit and a LED activation circuit that is connected, in combination with the LED drive circuit, to the LED display unit. The display unit allows the viewing of left and right blinking turn signals, brake lights and tail lights.

Abstract: A vehicle gauge and method for displaying an electric mode status of a vehicle that can operate in both an electric mode and one or more alternative modes. According to one exemplary embodiment, the method evaluates a number of throttle and non-throttle conditions and allocates portions of the total range of the vehicle gauge to these conditions. Based on these allocations, the method determines an overall vehicle gauge position that is representative of the electric mode status of the vehicle and provides this to the vehicle gauge so that the electric mode status can be displayed to the driver.

Abstract: A method of displaying electronic documents on a vehicle display screen is described. The vehicle includes a display screen embedded in a window of the vehicle in a manner visible from outside the vehicle. The method includes storing the digital certificate in a memory unit of the control module. The method includes displaying information on the display screen by retrieving the digital certificate. Also, upon validating the digital certificate, the information associated with the digital certificate is displayed on the display screen, wherein the information includes an electronic document that indicates at least one of compliance with a local law, valid insurance, validation of payment of taxes associated with the vehicle, and a parking receipt for parking the vehicle, wherein the display screen comprises at least one button, manipulable by a user outside of said vehicle, to select a display mode of said display screen.

Abstract: A speedometer gauge mounted on the rear of a vehicle or trailer that continuously and accurately displays a vehicle's speed in real time by utilizing a pattern of lights that illuminate sequentially in such a fashion as to exhibit to the traffic following, the speed of the vehicle, rate of deceleration or acceleration, and to indicate that the vehicle is stopped, in a panic stop, parked, standing, “riding the brake” or “riding the turn indicator” mode. A video game comprising the use of a speedlight.

Abstract: A control circuit for operating the lights of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the rear lights of the vehicle are controlled by the control circuit. The control circuit illuminates two or more of the vehicle lights in a common pattern to indicate a specific vehicle operation. When the vehicle simultaneously performs two operations, the controller may transition the lights to illuminate in different patterns to clearly indicate the separate vehicle operations. The controller may further provide for adjusting the light intensity of one or more of the lights. The lights may be adjusted to have a similar intensity to prevent confusion when the different lights are used in combination to indicate a vehicle operation.

Abstract: An immobilizer device is configured for communicating with a base station. The immobilizer device includes an antenna circuit including three orthogonally-oriented antennas configured to receive a signal from a field generated by a base station. A power circuit is configured to draw power via the field on each of the antennas, and a communications circuit is configured to communicate with the base station via any of the antennas. The strength of the signals received via the antennas is evaluated and used to select one of the antennas for use in data communications and, if appropriate, as a power supply.

Abstract: A deceleration-activated brake light system for a vehicle featuring a speed sensor, a brake sensor, a throttle sensor, and an engine brake switch; and a microcontroller operatively connected to a standard relay switch functioning to activate a standard brake light system of the vehicle, the microcontroller is configured to receive input signals from the sensors when the sensors detect deceleration of the vehicle more than a predetermined percent, coasting of the vehicle more than a predetermined amount of time, application of the brake pedal; or engagement of the auxiliary brake whereupon the microcontroller generates an output command to the relay to cause activation of the standard brake light system of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for localizing a person in surroundings equipped with fixed electrical appliances includes measuring an electromagnetic field radiated by one or more of these fixed electrical appliances with a magnetometer carried by the person, identifying a fixed appliance operating near the magnetometer by comparing the measured field with pre-recorded magnetic signatures. Each pre-recorded magnetic signature is associated with an electrical appliance present in the surroundings. The person is then localized at least in part based on pre-recorded items of information that correspond to localization, in the surroundings, of the fixed electrical appliance as identified by its magnetic signature.

Abstract: A method comprising creating configured display information; detecting if a display is moving; presenting, via the display, the configured display information if the display is detected to be stationary; identifying, if the display is detected to be moving, whether the configured display information includes moving image display information; presenting, via the display, the configured display information if the display is detected to be moving, and the configured display information does not include moving image display information; identifying, if the display is detected to be moving, the configured display information includes moving image display information, whether the moving image display information includes emergency information or traffic information; presenting, via the display, the configured display information, excluding the moving image display information, if the moving image display information does not include emergency information or traffic information; and presenting, via the display, the

Abstract: A method displays the remaining range of a motor vehicle. The method determines repeatedly estimated values relating to the remaining range of the motor vehicle based on a fill level of an energy storage unit and at least one additional motor-vehicle state influencing the remaining range. A first remaining-range value is determined based on the estimated values and displayed as a first display value by a first graphical element on the display device. An updated second remaining-range value is determined during the display of the first display value. If the difference, in terms of amount, between the first and the second remaining-range values exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the second remaining-range value is displayed as a second display value by a second graphical element in addition to the first display value on the display device.

Abstract: A device for displaying a plurality of detectable variable quantities of a motor vehicle that are in a ratio to one another, each quantity represented by a band, and the bands being arranged relative to one another such that they form a variable geometric figure. The bands have a variable length depending on the deviation from an optimum ratio of the quantities to one another, and intersect in an intersection area.

Abstract: An acceleration communication system may communicate acceleration information about a vehicle to person not in the vehicle. A lighting system may be configured to be attached to the outside of the vehicle. An acceleration detector may be configured to detect acceleration of the vehicle. A light controller may be configured to cause the lighting system to illuminate when acceleration of the vehicle is detected by the acceleration detector. A deceleration detector may be configured to detect deceleration of the vehicle. The light controller may be configured to cause the lighting system to illuminate when deceleration of the vehicle is detected by the deceleration detector in a manner that is different than when acceleration of the vehicle is detected by the acceleration detector.

Abstract: A configurable sign includes a mounting mechanism that connects the configurable sign to a vehicle, a display, a memory to store a plurality of instructions, and a processor to execute instructions in the memory. The processor executes instructions in the memory to receive configured sign information from one of a user device or a server, configure one of text, graphics, video, or audio, associated with the display, based on the configured sign information, and display, via the display, the configured text, graphics, video, or audio.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention are directed to a method and apparatus to generate pulsing lights where parameters such as frequency, degree of brightness, and the number of pulses vary depending on the duration of the brake pedal application, the time interval between consecutive brake applications, and the deceleration rate of the vehicle, as well as optionally its distance from other vehicles. The brake light control system incorporates a microprocessor having multiple inputs, including a brake pedal sensor, and its output connected via an amplifying circuit to the lights. Other inputs of the microprocessor include a deceleration sensor, a distance sensor, and an optional manual pushbutton or switch located within the driver's reach. The lights controlled by the system may include brake lights, emergency lights, or additional lights shaped into a warning triangle.

Abstract: Vehicle 4-way emergency flasher circuits are modified by circuit branches which enable flashing selected pairs of emergency lamps at a higher frequency or in other discernible different ways. These selected lamps become visible and recognizable as right or left turn signals while the 4-way flasher circuit is operating.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a panic braking maneuver has been initiated in a vehicle with a brake pedal includes the steps of receiving brake pedal travel data, receiving brake pedal force data, determining a rate of change of acceleration of the brake pedal from the brake pedal travel data, determining a rate of change of acceleration of force applied to the brake pedal from the brake pedal force data, comparing the rate of change of acceleration of the brake pedal with a first predetermined value and a third predetermined value, and comparing the rate of change of acceleration of force applied to the brake pedal with a second predetermined value and a fourth predetermined value.

Abstract: A third light is added above the lower two rear turn signal lights of an automotive vehicle Detection hardware is included which senses when both lower lights begin flashing simultaneously due to activation of the vehicle's 4-way hazard warning system. Such detection also introduces current pulses to the third light which flashes simultaneously with the lower two lights to generate a triangular configuration of the three flashing lights. Retrofit circuitry is described to enable installing the modified triangular signal into existing vehicles.

Abstract: A traffic signaling device system for motorcyclists comprising a safety brake and running light assembly (34) mounted to a motorcycle jacket (88). The safety brake light has an L.E.D. housing (22) supported by an outboard support member (20) and a leather piece (18). A plurality of snap buttons (16) can be used to secure safety brake light to jacket. The safety brake light has a six-conductor coil cable assembly (12) extending outside of jacket in front thereof is connected to a control box panel (44) so that the rider can view the operation of control box panel in a convenient seated position. At one end of control box is a six-conductor cable (50) which is electrically connected thereof to the existing wiring for a tail and brake light (78), a left turn signal light (80), and a right turn signal light (81) in such vehicles. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for controllably illuminating automotive brake lights. In one embodiment, an automotive brake lighting system comprises a brake light including first and second light sources, a sensor to sense a level of an operating condition associated with at least one of a brake assembly or a brake pedal of a motor vehicle for illuminating the brake light, and a controller configured to monitor information provided by the sensor. The controller, in response to the level of the operating condition, selectively powers the at least one of the first or second light sources of the brake light based at least in part on the monitored information to generate a variable visual indication relating to braking of the motor vehicle from the brake light over a range of at least two different visual indications that indicate a variable braking rate of the motor vehicle over a corresponding range of at least two different braking rates.

Abstract: A vehicle deceleration warning apparatus is activated immediately when a driver of the vehicle intends to decelerate. The vehicle deceleration warning apparatus includes an ignition monitoring module, a first microprocessor module, a wireless transmitting module, a wireless receiving module, a second microprocessor module, and a display driving module. The ignition monitoring module receives an ignition signal and delivers it to the first microprocessor module. The first microprocessor module performs a calculation by adopting the ignition signal to generate a control signal. Then, the control signal is transmitted to the second microprocessor module wireless transmission. Finally, the second microprocessor module controls the display driving module to generate a display driving signal to a display device, such as a brake light and a warning lamp, so as to generate a warning light representing deceleration of the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for displaying a plurality of detectable variable quantities of a motor vehicle that are in a ratio to one another, each quantity represented by a band, and the bands being arranged relative to one another such that they form a variable geometric figure. The bands have a variable length depending on the deviation from an optimum ratio of the quantities to one another, and intersect in an intersection area.

Abstract: A system for determining a direction and a magnification of a means for viewing is described herein. The system can have a means for viewing, a marker means, and a processor in communication with a data storage. The means for viewing can have a means for viewing longitude, a means for viewing latitude, a means for viewing height, and a field of view. The system can have a marker means disposed within the field of view, and the marker means can have a certain point, which has a marker means longitude, a marker means latitude, and a marker means height. The marker means can have a first area of a certain shape and of at least one color.

Abstract: In one illustrative example, a vehicular flasher unit is operative to provide a heartbeat flasher scheme in vehicle flasher lights. One illustrative technique in the vehicular flasher unit involves monitoring a flasher enable input to identify a flasher enable signal and producing, at a light illumination output in response to identifying the flasher enable signal, a heartbeat flashing scheme in the vehicle flasher lights. The heartbeat flashing scheme has a repeating sequence of two heartbeat pulse flashes in the vehicle flasher lights which include a first heartbeat pulse flash and a second heartbeat flash. Each first heartbeat pulse flash has a first peak intensity in the vehicle flasher lights and each second heartbeat pulse flash has a second peak intensity in the vehicle flasher lights that is preferably different from the first peak intensity.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the present invention employ either a sensor in communication with the auger or a sensor in the form of a switch operated by the user of the auger. When the sensor detects that the auger is operating or the switch is operated by the auger operator, an indication of auger operation is published to a remote location. The indication may be in the form of an aural or visual indication or in the form of a wireless transmission.

Abstract: Embodiments for lighted see-through displays include a plurality of light elements positioned thereon at select points arranged to convey information. The light elements may be selectively lit to provide fixed or moving information, or may even be programmed to change or even display like a marquee or even a television. Particular embodiments of the invention employ a lightweight, flexible substrate to support the light elements. Other embodiments employ one or more comparatively rigid substrates supporting rows of light elements. Particular applications for the lighted sign embodiments include display in vehicle windows such as police vehicle windows, construction and utility vehicle windows, and school bus and public transportation windows. Global Positioning System and radio signal receiver components allow for regional display of pertinent information in particular embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: Potential disadvantages of the enhanced emergency hazard warning lights set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 7,352,278 are overcome by adding a lamp that beams its light rearward toward approaching traffic, is located approximately midway between and above the horizontal alignment of the rear turn signal lamps, thereby forming a triangular flashing emergency hazard warning signal that cannot be discontinued or otherwise disturbed when the vehicle's brakes and brake lights are simultaneously operated.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for controllably illuminating automotive brake lights. In one embodiment, an automotive brake lighting system comprises a brake light including first and second light sources, a sensor to sense a level of an operating condition associated with at least one of a brake assembly or a brake pedal of a motor vehicle for illuminating the brake light, and a controller configured to monitor information provided by the sensor. The controller, in response to the level of the operating condition, selectively powers the at least one of the first or second light sources of the brake light based at least in part on the monitored information to generate a variable visual indication relating to braking of the motor vehicle from the brake light over a range of at least two different visual indications that indicate a variable braking rate of the motor vehicle over a corresponding range of at least two different braking rates.

Abstract: A device for controlling the brake lights in a motor vehicle having a brake system, designed to be operated by outside forces, is described. The device includes a control device for actuating the brakes of the vehicle in such a manner that an automatic braking operation can be carried out as a function of the vehicle operating conditions, and at least one brake lamp which can be actuated by the control device or by a separate control unit. The control device or the control unit may be designed in such a manner that during an automatic braking operation, the brake lamp is switched on below a predefined boundary speed, as a function of a braking pressure determined in the activated brake of the vehicle, or as a function of a parameter correlating to the braking pressure.

Abstract: A backup alarm that is adapted to be mounted to a motor vehicle. The backup alarm is activated when the motor vehicle is placed in a reverse gear. The backup alarm makes an audible tone to alert individuals of the motor vehicle's intended reverse travel. The alarm unit allows the vehicle to include a backup alarm and a reversing lamp in the same location, mounted to the vehicle. The lamp consists of an array of light emitting diodes LEDs arranged in a pattern at the face of the unit so as to provide clear illumination and serve as a reverse warning lamp. Also, in the same unit is a backup alarm.

Abstract: An embodiment of an LED warning light includes a plurality of LED banks, each including a series of light emitting diodes. The LED warning light monitors an operational parameter of each LED bank to detect failure of an LED and produce a fault indication. The LED warning light includes a microcontroller programmed to evaluate the fault indications and take one or more pre-determined failure mode actions. Failure detection and failure mode actions are defined by program steps taken by firmware running in the microcontroller. Failure mode actions may include increasing the current delivered to remaining LED banks to compensate for the loss of luminance from the LEDs in a failed LED bank. Multiple bank failures may require shutting down the LED warning light to provide an obvious indication that the warning light is no longer in compliance with relevant regulations.

Abstract: An integrated progressive brake light system for vehicles in which different sequences of brake lights are illuminated dependent on operator activation input. The brake light system uses a progressive multiple selective illumination in which additional central oriented brake lights are actuated as metered increase of operator input to indicate the relative degree of applied braking force as will be evident to the visual interpretation thereof.

Abstract: The invention teaches a passive vehicle rear end warning and collision prevention method and apparatus thereof, comprising: a traveling data monitoring unit serving to monitor and sample the traveling data of present vehicle; a collision prevention information transmitting and receiving unit serving to transmit and receive the collision prevention information; an electronic control unit serving to analyze and process the sampled data so as to generate the collision prevention information and to receive the collision prevention information from other vehicle, and to control the traveling status of prevent vehicle based on the received collision prevention information so as to avoid rear end collision with other vehicle, so that the purpose of rear end warning and collision prevention is realized by receiving passively the collision prevention information from another vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-functional alert safety helmet assembly, comprises a safety helmet having a base plate, the base plate being installed with a wireless receiving module and a control unit; the safety helmet further installed with a display panel and indication lamps which are at the base plate; and the display panel is formed by light emitting elements; two sides of the display panel having the indication lamps; the light emitting elements flashing sequentially to present textures or patterns. The base plate is connected to the display panel and indication lamps for displaying signals from the wireless transmitting module; the flash of the indication lamps are controlled by the control unit; and display of the light emitting lights of the display panel; when turning right, right indication lamps will flash and when turning left, the left indication lamps will flash.

Abstract: The invention provides a stop lamp lighting controller able to improve durability of a relay while unnecessary automatic turning on and off are avoided. A stop lamp is lit through a main line at a gentle braking time. At a sudden braking time, the stop lamp is switched on and off by disconnecting and connecting the main line in a predetermined period. At a breakdown time of the main line, the main line is switched to a subline and a lighting function of the stop lamp is secured. The main line is formed when both a first relay and a second relay are in a de-energizing state. The main line is disconnected and connected by periodically opening and closing the first relay. The main line is switched to the subline by energizing the second relay.

Abstract: A deceleration warning device for reducing rear-end collisions in road traffic includes a sensor for detecting a longitudinal acceleration value, a control device receiving the longitudinal acceleration value, determining an acceleration limit value, and generating a warning signal if the longitudinal acceleration value exceeds the acceleration limit value, and a rear lighting display for displaying an alarm state when the control device emits a warning signal. Determination of the acceleration limit value is based upon a plurality of signals including an anti-lock braking system (ABS) signal and a brake pedal position signal. The control device is operable in one of three levels depending upon a detected quality of the signals.

Abstract: Potential disadvantages of the enhanced emergency hazard warning lights set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 7,352,278 are overcome by adding a lamp that beams its light rearward toward approaching traffic, is located approximately midway between and above the horizontal alignment of the rear turn signal lamps, thereby forming a triangular flashing emergency hazard warning signal that cannot be discontinued or otherwise disturbed when the vehicle's brakes and brake lights are simultaneously operated.