Abstract: A method and a device for controlling deceleration devices of a vehicle during a braking operation, e.g., a vehicle which is equipped with a sensor for adaptive cruise control. During the braking operation, risk dimensions are determined on the basis of driving dynamics models, which are individualized by signals of the surrounding-field sensor system. A first risk dimension is precalculated for the case of continued deceleration and a second risk dimension is precalculated for the case of unbraked further movement of the vehicle. Through the comparison of the two risk dimensions, it is decided whether the automatic vehicle deceleration is to be maintained or whether the braking is to be canceled before the vehicle is brought to a standstill.

Abstract: Integral vehicle braking indicator. Comprises an electronic system for processing actual speed signals and engine revolutions signals and a segment of lights which through proportionality (controlled by the electronic system) between the vehicle's actual speed loss and the number of lights located in the rear part of the vehicle which light up (comprising the entire segment) and the rate at which they do conveys to other drivers rapid information on actual loss of speed as a result of action on the braking system or sudden slowing of the engine, the type of braking being applied (fierce or progressive) and whether at the end the vehicle is moving or stationary.

Abstract: A multipurpose sensing system (10) for a vehicle (12) includes an optic (14) that is directed at multiple viewing areas (18). A vision sensor (16) is coupled to the optic (14) and generates multiple object detection signals corresponding to the viewing areas (18). A controller (22) is coupled to the vision sensor (16) and generates multiple safety system signals in response to the object detection signals.

Abstract: An initial movement indicator for a vehicle comprises at least one warning light, and a controller structured and arranged to receive a signal indicative of vehicle movement along the ground and to process said signal to determine a rate parameter that is proportional to a rate of said vehicle movement and to determine whether the vehicle is accelerating, the controller being structured and arranged to cause the at least one warning light to be illuminated if and only if the rate parameter is greater than zero but less than a predetermined value and the vehicle is accelerating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for brightening and dimming a brake light of automotive vehicle for enhanced display indication of braking includes a pulse width modulation unit to be electrically connected to a brake lamp for sequentially modulating the supply energy to the lamp to generate a brightening and dimming of the lamp. A time extent of the modulation is detected so that the modulation can be stopped after a preselected time period and the light will be continually on as in a conventional braking operation. After the brake is released by the operator, a second preselected time period for locking out the sequential interrupting is timed down, for avoiding repetitive flashing during stop-and-go traffic.

Abstract: A front mounted vehicle warning light system extending sufficiently from the vehicle to be viewable from the front and front side of the vehicle to indicate if a vehicle is accelerating or de-accelerating.

Abstract: A device and system for indicating rapid deceleration to warn the operator and/or others of an urgent deceleration condition is provided. The device includes one or more sensors that are responsive to acceleration in the primary direction of vehicle motion. The controller communicates with the one or more sensors, corrects for gravitational effects, and initiates at least one warning indicator when the sensed acceleration exceeds a threshold value and thereby indicates an urgent deceleration condition.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a view range of a vehicular monitoring device includes an overtaking pre-motion detector outputting an adjusting signal when an overtaking operation is predicted; and a controller in communication with the overtaking pre-motion detector and the vehicular monitoring device, controlling the vehicular monitoring device to move in response to the adjusting signal. The device may further output a warning signal to sound the horn or twinkle the vehicle lamp when the overtaking operation is predicted for safety consideration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for warning a following vehicle when a vehicle in front applies its brakes are provided. At least one brake light of a vehicle illuminates during a braking process as the braking value increases in conformity with a present value of the braking value. After the value drops below the maximum value, the illumination continues for a retention time that is a function of the braking process, and after the conclusion of the retention time fades during a period of time that is a function of the braking process.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for indicating the state of motion of a subject vehicle to a driver of a following vehicle, by means of an array of lamps (2, 10-21) on the subject vehicle. The apparatus is adapted to indicate the presence of the array of lamps on the subject vehicle when the lamps are not actively indicating the state of motion of the subject vehicle, with the presence of the array realized by, preferably, secondary warning lamps adjacently located with the array and arranged to differentiate the array in terms of its functionality and operational capabilities from existing arrays, as exemplified in FIG. 2.

Abstract: A signaling system for vehicle's to indicate changes in vehicle's speed during acceleration and deceleration as well as relative constant speed conditions to following motorists. A light signaling display is mounted on the rear of the vehicle and is illuminated by multiple light assemblies, some of which have lamps of the three primary colors. A controller determines illumination sequence and intensity depending on input from sensors on the vehicle's speed controls and a pre-programmed set of illumination patterns.

Abstract: A deceleration warning device for providing a visual indication of severe vehicular deceleration to the driver of a following vehicle. The deceleration warning device independently detects severe deceleration through an onboard accelerometer and is installed by securing the device to an existing OEM brake light/taillight fitting of a vehicle. The deceleration warning device is installed in the vacancy of a taillight lamp, and includes an illumination element that serves as a taillight, a brake light, and a severe deceleration indicator.

Abstract: An anti-collision safety system for a vehicle includes a microprocessor which receives one or more inputs and controls an output of at least one indicator or signaling device in response to the inputs. The microprocessor may be continuously powered or energized when the vehicle is in use, such that the indicator may be modulated in situations when the brake pedal of the vehicle is not applied. Preferably, a proximity sensing device may be provided to detect objects exteriorly of the vehicle. Preferably, an accelerometer may also be included to provide a deceleration signal to the microprocessor. The microprocessor may modulate the indicator independent of actuation of the brake pedal by a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A brake operation amount detection device detects an operation amount of a brake pedal, and a target deceleration computation device computes a target deceleration corresponding to an operation amount that the driver intends to achieve. Further, an actual deceleration calculation device calculates an actual deceleration. A deviation between the target deceleration and the actual deceleration is obtained as a difference level, and a warning issuing device generates a sound having a volume that increases in accordance with the magnitude of the difference level. Accordingly, in the case that the brake does not act, contrary to the driver's expectation, even when the driver presses down the brake pedal, the driver can recognize a degree of difference from the driver's braking intention, based on the magnitude of the sound. Therefore, the driver does not feel a sense of danger or fear.

Abstract: A device for an automotive vehicle to signal braking, deceleration, turning of the vehicle or an emergency situation. The device has two bodies facing rearwardly, mounted near the top of the back or the highest point of the vehicle adjacent the sides of the vehicle. Each body has a base and a cover with translucent lenses. Light sources and reflectors are disposed on the base for illuminating the lenses to create the signaling as required. Lighting one or more lenses in the cover indicate braking while lighting an arrow shaped lens in the cover and a side lens facing out from the vehicle indicate intended turning. The light transmitted through the lenses in the cover is directed downwardly either by a downward tilt to the cover or by directional configurations formed on the lenses. The lenses signifying braking are formed from red material while the arrow shaped and side lenses signifying turning are formed from red or yellow material.

Abstract: An impact sensor is provided including a counter electrically coupled to the sensor and storing an impact sensor collision number. The impact collision number represents whether the impact sensor has been on a vehicle that has been involved in a collision. A method for indicating that the impact sensor has been on a vehicle that has been involved in a collision is also provided. The method includes sensing a collision and generating a collision signal in response to the collision. An impact sensor collision number is incremented and indicated in response to the collision signal.

Abstract: A front mounted vehicle warning light system extending sufficiently from the vehicle to be viewable from the front and front side of the vehicle to indicate if a vehicle is accelerating or de-accelerating

Abstract: A vehicle tracking system for a vehicle of a type including at least one vehicle sensor may include a vehicle tracking unit including a vehicle position determining device, a wireless communications device, and a controller connected to the wireless communications device and the vehicle position determining device. Furthermore, the controller may cooperate with the vehicle position determining device and the wireless communications device to send an alert message based upon the at least one vehicle sensor. The controller may also be switchable to an override mode to prevent sending of the alert message based upon receiving an alert override message. The vehicle tracking system may further include a monitoring station for receiving the alert message and for sending the alert override message.

Abstract: A deceleration warning device for providing a visual indication of severe vehicular deceleration to the driver of a following vehicle. The deceleration warning device independently detects severe deceleration through an onboard accelerometer and is installed by securing the device to an existing OEM brake light/taillight fitting of a vehicle. The deceleration warning device is installed in the vacancy of a taillight lamp, and includes an illumination element that serves as a taillight, a brake light, and a severe deceleration indicator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various apparatus, algorithms and methods for acquiring and processing images of a scene. Details of various aspects of the associated images are identified and may be utilized to generate various vehicular equipment control signals.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the need to sustain brake lights illumination of a motor vehicle at substantially stationary state even after brake pedal is released in order to ensure traffic safety. This device employs a number of commonly available relays not only to sustain the power to the brake lights but also to monitor the state of the movement of the vehicle. The circuit is largely composed of three main sections: a power supply relay, a latching-unlatching relays and a sensor array. One common type of relays can be used to all three of these parts. Different from prior arts in this matter, no sensor on a power shaft is needed, although such device can be accommodated. Instead, simple tilting type mercury switches are used for sensing the acceleration of a vehicle. This device can be integrated with many other motion sensing devices. These sensor actions can also be blocked or supplemented by the engagement of the parking brake or the cruise control.

Abstract: There is provided a safety flasher system for a vehicle having a brake pedal, brake lights, an emergency flasher switch, and emergency flasher lights. The system is to be operable during a panic stop or a brake failure, and comprises: a first switch, which is electrically coupled to the brake lights and operable to activate the brake lights when the brake pedal is depressed under normal braking conditions; a second switch electrically coupled to the emergency flasher lights and operable to activate the emergency flasher lights when the brake pedal is depressed under severe braking conditions; a holding relay electrically coupled to the second switch for holding the emergency flasher lights in the activated mode; and an electrical coupling between the second switch, the holding relay and the emergency flasher switch wherein the emergency flasher lights are deactivated by moving the emergency flasher switch to an on position followed by moving the emergency flasher switch to an off position.

Abstract: A progressive slow/stop signaling system for energizing a plurality of yellow and red lamps mounted on the rear of a vehicle of impending changes in the speed of the vehicle. The lamps are energized in a sequence depending on the position of the brake and accelerator pedals.

Abstract: An electronic deceleration/accident warning system for a motor vehicle comprising a high energy flashing strobe light facing following traffic, and a control unit including a controller means for receiving input signals from a g-level sensor and a brake signal, and in response controlling the flash rate of the strobe light. Other optional inputs such as theft alarm and ABS are provided along with optional outputs such as safety belt tensioners and airbags.

Abstract: A vehicle safety light bulb operable in first and second modes. The bulb includes a self-contained electrical circuit having a timer mechanism, with a reset, to control the first operating mode for a preselected time, such as 2-3 seconds, where a preferred first mode is a flashing light.

Abstract: A computer input device used to input coordinates and three-dimensional graphical information into a computer. The device includes an acceleration sensor that has a fixed volume vessel containing a magnetic fluid. A non-magnetic inertial body is located in the magnetic fluid. Three magnetic field source are located on three perpendicular axes where each magnetic field source has an output for connection to a computer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for brightening and dimming a brake light of automotive vehicle for enhanced display indication of braking includes a pulse width modulation unit to be electrically connected to a brake lamp for sequentially modulating the supply energy to the lamp to generate a brightening and dimming of the lamp. A time extent of the modulation is detected so that the modulation can be stopped after a preselected time period and the light will be continually on as in a conventional braking operation After the brake is released by the operator, a second preselected time period for locking out the sequential interrupting is timed down, for avoiding repetitive flashing during stop-and-go traffic.

Abstract: A vehicular warning system is disclosed that transmits information concerning a moving vehicle's rate of deceleration and magnetic orientation to surrounding vehicles carrying the warning system. Auditory and/or visual alerts are generated within surrounding vehicles carrying the inventive warning system to warn the driver therein of the rapidly decelerating vehicle ahead.

Abstract: Circuitry and/or device(s) provide a flashing or blinking light in the rear of a vehicle to alert others of a reduction in speed or directional change to substantially increase driver and passenger safety while travelling.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising a plurality of light sources constructed and arranged with a reflector or cullminator, the LED light source being in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use by an emergency vehicle. These light signals may include a strobe light, revolving light, an alternating light, a flashing light, a modulated light, a pulsating light, an oscillating light or any combination thereof. Additionally, the warning signal light may be capable of displaying symbols, reverse characters, or arrows. The controller may further be adapted to regulate or modulate the power intensity exposed to the illuminated LED's to create a variable intensity light signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling illumination of a brake light of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a controller, which is operable to control illumination of the brake light based on a low-pass filtered acceleration of the vehicle.

Abstract: An emergency braking warning device includes a printed circuit (1) whereon are implanted a voltage regulator/stabiliser assembly (3), a two-way digital inertia sensor (5), a microprocessor (6) and power control elements (10, 11). The voltage regulator/stabiliser assembly (3) is connected to the vehicle battery and powers the two-way digital inertia sensor (5) and the microprocessor (6). The microprocessor (6) is adapted to manage data coming from the digital sensor (5) and it is connected to the power control elements (10, 11) interposed on the circuits of the right (8) and left (9) flashers, to enable the triggering of the flashers (8, 9) when the programmed braking threshold is exceeded.

Abstract: The invention provides a safety light activated by deceleration independent of the application of a brake lever. In general, the invention described provides a self-contained circuit for sensing deceleration and activating a light emitter responsive to the deceleration. In a disclosed specific embodiment of the invention, a helmet for motorcycle riders and like applications includes a circuit including a light emitter on a rearward portion of the helmet. Deceleration-responsive switching means is coupled to the light emitter and a suitable power source.

Abstract: An early braking system for a vehicle having wheels comprising, a friction element, a brake pedal and a sensor. The friction element inhibits rotation of the wheels of the vehicle with the braking system having a dormant state wherein the friction element is at a first position spaced a first distance from the wheels. The brake pedal is adapted to be depressed to move the friction element into engagement with a portion of the wheels of the vehicle. The sensor senses an operational parameter of the vehicle. The friction element moves from the first position to a second position spaced a second distance from the wheels in response to a predetermined measurement of the operational parameter and before depression of the brake pedal, wherein the second position is closer to the wheels than the first position.

Abstract: A method of monitoring faults in a vehicle bulb circuit including bulb and a fuse. The method includes detecting acceleration of the vehicle and comparing the acceleration of the vehicle to a limit. Based on the relationship of the acceleration to the limit, it is determined whether a fault exists in the bulb circuit. An indicator is activated in response to detecting a fault in the bulb circuit. A system for implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system for monitoring a condition of relatively moving vehicle components, particularly including the pushrod of a brake actuator, including a magnet on one of the components, a sensor on the other component within the magnetic field of the magnet generating a signal indicating a condition of the moving component, an electrically conductive coil preferably surrounding the magnet generating a current and an active RF chip connected to the coil and the sensor, thereby providing current to the active RF chip for signaling a receiver. In the disclosed embodiment of a brake actuator monitoring system, the magnet is fixed on the pushrod and the coil surrounds the pushrod and magnet.

Abstract: A target orbit of an inter-vehicle distance is calculated based on an inter-vehicle distance command value, a target orbit coincident-host vehicle running speed command value for according the inter-vehicle distance with the target orbit is calculated, and a reference host vehicle running speed command value is calculated by use of the target orbit and the target orbit coincident-host vehicle running speed command value. Moreover, a preceding vehicle acceleration is detected, and a value obtained by multiplying the preceding vehicle acceleration by a response time constant of a host vehicle running speed control system is added to the reference host vehicle running speed command value, thus a host vehicle running speed command value is calculated and set, whereby an influence of the preceding vehicle acceleration is removed, and a follow-up characteristic to an inter-vehicle distance target value is improved.

Abstract: A vehicle rear safety light assembly for preventing rear end collisions by giving drivers warning of actions being taken by the user. The vehicle rear safety light assembly includes a transparent housing being adapted to mount to a vehicle; and also includes a first light-emitting member being disposed in the housing and being adapted to be connected to a power source; and further includes a second light-emitting member also being disposed in the housing and also being adapted to be connected to a power source; and also includes a sensor being adapted to be attached to a transmission of the vehicle and being connected to the first and second light-emitting members.

Abstract: A vehicular warning system is disclosed that transmits information concerning a moving vehicle's rate of deceleration and magnetic orientation to surrounding vehicles carrying the warning system. Auditory and/or visual alerts are generated within surrounding vehicles carrying the inventive warning system to warn the driver therein of the rapidly decelerating vehicle ahead.

Abstract: A device is provided for controlling brake lights in a vehicle. The vehicle has a braking system designed for outside force actuation, a control device for controlling the vehicle brakes, and a brake light switch located in the vicinity of a brake pedal, which is connected with a control device for controlling at least one brake light. In order to indicate to following traffic a brake application by active braking intervention in a vehicle, the control unit is connected with the control device and operates the latter such that the brake light, even without actuation of the brake light switch, is activatable under first specified vehicle operating conditions and is deactivatable under second specified vehicle operating conditions.

Abstract: A method of generating an error signal (F) in a motor vehicle having a brake actuating means (16) that is actuatable by the vehicle's driver, through which a brake system is activated, and detection means (16a), through which actuation of the brake actuating means (16) is detected, a gas pedal (18), a gas pedal position detector (18a), wherein a time at which the gas pedal is released (T0) is determined, a vehicle deceleration (av) is determined, which represents the longitudinal deceleration of the vehicle, a braking status (BSon/off) is determined, which represents the operating status of the brake actuating means (16a), an elapsed time since gas pedal release (Telapse) is monitored, and an error signal (F) is generated as a function of the vehicle deceleration (av), the elapsed time (Telapse), and the braking status (BSon/off).

Abstract: The invention relates to emergency-deceleration condition transducers, including an insulation house made by insulation material, which defines a closed arc hollow groove. Said arc hollow groove is filled with some mercury. Said mercury in the arc groove will be moved for front and behind along the arc surface when the traveling speed is changed during the motor vehicle travailing, so that the electrodes spaced will be turned on/turned off to produce corresponding condition signal. The invention relates still to emergency brake lamps using the emergency-deceleration condition transducers, the turning on/off of the lamps will be carried out automatically without effects by driver mistaking operating, so the accident of vehicle striking from behind can be effectively avoided.

Abstract: A device and system for indicating rapid deceleration to warn the operator and/or others of an urgent deceleration condition is provided. The device includes one or more sensors that are responsive to acceleration in the primary direction of vehicle motion. The controller communicates with the one or more sensors, corrects for gravitational effects, and initiates at least one warning indicator when the sensed acceleration exceeds a threshold value and thereby indicates an urgent deceleration condition.

Abstract: A brake lamp illumination system for a trailer senses when the speed of the wheels decreases. If the system detects such a deceleration, the system senses whether power has been supplied to illuminate brake lamps provided on the vehicle. If no power is detected in the circuit which supplies power to the brake lamps, power is directed to the circuit to illuminate the brake lamps.

Abstract: The progressive vehicle brake light system of the invention consists of a brake sensor arranged to sense the travel of a brake pedal and a brake light display arranged to illuminate or extinguish in sequence or progressively in response to the travel of the brake pedal. A microcontroller is provided for receiving a signal from the brake sensor and controlling the brake light display accordingly. The brake sensor is typically an optical sensor utilizing infrared transmitters and receivers arranged to sense the distance and direction of travel of the brake pedal. The brake light display consists of a row of light emitting diodes (LEDs) which are arranged to illuminate from the opposite ends towards the middle as the brake pedal is depressed and to extinguish in reverse sequence when the brake pedal is released.

Abstract: A multiple channel braking notification system includes an accelerator pedal and an accelerator pedal actuator for applying a variable force to the accelerator pedal. A forward detection apparatus is used to detect the relative distance and speed to a target vehicle. A controller monitors the relative distance and speed to notify the driver to slow down. Driver notification is accomplished by applying a predetermined amount of variable force to the accelerator pedal. The amount of force applied is proportional to the level of braking required.

Abstract: A device is provided for a motor vehicle of the type having a manual transmission including a clutch coupled to a clutch pedal. An actuator engaged to the clutch controls the actuation of one or more external indicator lights in response to the depression of the clutch pedal. Optionally, the system further includes a dashboard indicator light that is illuminated by the actuator upon depression of the clutch pedal.

Abstract: A brake signal generating circuit and method for improving the efficiency of a lens brake in an optical disc reproducing system are provided.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system used to enhance the safety of a motorist by emitting output signals from the helmet of the motorist using a unit attached to the associated vehicle that detects the operating conditions of the associated vehicle and transmits the conditions to a second unit, attached to the helmet of the operator to emit an output signal.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system used to enhance the safety of a motorist by emitting output signals from the helmet of the motorist using a unit attached to the associated vehicle that detects the operating conditions of the associated vehicle and transmits the conditions to a second unit, attached to the helmet of the operator to emit an output signal.