Abstract: A system controls an auxiliary light for a vehicle. The system includes a cockpit button to activate the auxiliary light, a Hall sensor operable to detect the installation and removal of a magnetized cover for the auxiliary light; a warning indicator; and a controller. The controller activates the warning indicator in response to the output of the sensor and the on/off state of the cockpit button.

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: An apparatus and method for monitoring seat belt use in a vehicle from the exterior of the vehicle is provided. Seat belt use indicator lights are positioned on the exterior of a vehicle and wirelessly connected to or hardwired to sensors located in seat belt buckle assemblies to provide information about the use of the seatbelt. One or multiple indicator lights grouped in cluster arrangements to simulate the seat arrangement in a vehicle can be implemented. The apparatus may also be used in aircraft to monitor seat belt use remotely from within the aircraft.

Abstract: A vehicle safety device has a cabin unit which includes a cabin unit housing holding a keypad, a speaker, a cpu, and a transmitter. The speaker provides an audio signal when a vehicle speed input reaches a preset low-speed, a preset medium speed, and at a preset high speed. A rear unit receives signals from the cabin unit, and the rear unit has a housing holding a seat belt light. The seat belt light is interconnected to a vehicle seat belt sensor. A registration light and a proof of insurance light is also mounted on the rear unit. The rear unit is mounted on the vehicle exterior, preferably on the rear license plate frame.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatuses relating to bicycle turn signals. In one embodiment, a bicycle turn signal apparatus includes left and right switches, left and right turn lights, a controller, and a power supply.

Abstract: A method of providing a user controllable sign, on the trailer of a tractor-trailer rig. The tractor includes a cab and the trailer is electrically connected to the tractor by way of a jack that provides a set number of electrical connections between the tractor and the trailer. The method begins with the installation of a manual input device in the cab. This device creates a signal that can be overlaid on a jack input without disrupting the input and is electrically connected to a jack input. Also, a signal receiving unit is installed in the trailer, and is connected to a wire electrically connected to the jack input that receives the user signal from the manual input device. This unit is able to determine the presence of the signal from the manual input device. Also installed in the trailer, is a sign deployment controller that is at least in part responsive to the user signal receiving unit. Finally, a sign assembly, controlled by the sign deployment controller, is installed.

Abstract: The Universal Help Light is a rectangular shaped light that is positioned or mounted along the rear windshield of an automobile. When the light is connected to the vehicles flasher system, it flashes the word “H E L P” concurrently with the auto's hazard or emergency flashers. The light flashes as described, to give clear notice that help is needed and is being summoned.

Abstract: A method and system for improving traffic safety when driving a vehicle on a roadway including detecting at least one object in the immediate surroundings of the vehicle, analyzing the at least one detected object, deciding whether the at least one analyzed object is relevant in terms of traffic safety to the driving of the vehicle, and illuminating, via a light source, the roadway with a light pattern indicating the at least one object which is considered to be relevant in terms of traffic safety to the driving of the vehicle, thereby improving traffic safety.

Abstract: A light emitting diode warning device is provided capable of acting as a roadway warning flare or as a flashing warning marker the device being portable and rechargeable and presenting warning lights in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction with the horizontal illumination being observable over 360 degrees.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing specified output intensity distribution requirements from a single LED source, wherein the apparatus includes a single LED source and a cover, including a lens, that captures and controls the non-collimated light of the LED source and limits its spread vertically and horizontally as well as producing intensity variations within the output pattern. In one aspect of the invention, the lens is on the same order of size as the LED source, the cover has an exposed surface area several times larger than the area of the lens and is primarily configured to have retroreflective properties.

Abstract: A system includes lights coupled to a vehicle power supply source. One light is located at the vehicle's rear window. Remaining lights are independently and simultaneously operable with the one light. A mechanism is included for determining whether the vehicle is parked. Another mechanism determines whether a vehicle brake pedal has been engaged beyond a threshold level while the vehicle is not parked. A further mechanism flashes the one light and is mated to the park determining mechanism for activating the one light when the vehicle is parked and the brake pedal is engaged. The flashing mechanism is coupled to the brake pedal pressure level determining mechanism for activating the one light when the vehicle is not parked and the brake pedal is engaged beyond the threshold level. The flashing mechanism is automatically reset to a non-operating mode when the brake pedal is disengaged during parked and non-parked conditions.

Abstract: A light bar apparatus is disclosed. The light bar apparatus is attached to a vehicle and comprises a plurality of LED lights capable of illuminating in patterns signaled by the vehicle. The light bar is made at least in part of flexible material such that the body is capable of being rolled up to reduce the shipping footprint.

Abstract: A traffic sign recognition system including a detection mechanism adapted for detecting a candidate traffic sign and a recognition mechanism adapted for recognizing the candidate traffic sign as being an electronic traffic sign. A partitioning mechanism may be adapted for partitioning the image frames into a first partition and a second partition. The detection mechanism may use the first portion of the image frames and the recognition mechanism may use the second portion of the image frames. When the candidate traffic sign is detected as an electronic traffic sign, the recognition mechanism may use both the first partition of the image frames and the second portion of the image frames.

Abstract: The lighting system having a plurality of winker lamps disposed on front and rear portions of a vehicle body, a winker switch, and a lighting control circuit which performs changeover function allowing the winker lamps at a front portion of the vehicle body to lit as position lamps. The lighting control circuit is connected to a battery through an ignition switch. The lighting system further includes a power supply circuit which supplies, in an ignition off state, power to the lighting control circuit in response to an output signal from an antitheft apparatus to cause the winker lamps to light up or flicker. The output terminal of the antitheft device is connected to an electrical connection formed between the winker switch and the left and right rear lamps.

Abstract: A headlight control system provides a several automated operational features. A problem with such systems in the past is the possibility of inadvertent operation of the vehicle without headlights under low light or other adverse conditions. Automated control is achieved through use of a finite state machine which defaults from a plurality of transient conditions to a running state which provides operational outputs to the low beam bulbs of the headlights.

Abstract: A self leveling warning light for vehicles employing a light assembly that is pivotedly secured to an inner surface of a vehicle window by a mounting base suction cup. The light assembly has a plurality of LEDs whose intensity is amplified by a reflector and focused by an optical lens providing light emission in distances exceeding one mile with minimal battery drain. A control circuit having a power source is mounted within said light assembly and electrically coupled to the LEDs, the control circuit controlling four red LEDs separated by a centrally located yellow LED, the four red LEDs alternate on and off at sync rate of approximately 500 ms and the yellow LED turns on for about 750 ms and off for about 1 second. The light assembly maintaining directional pointing of the LEDs in a horizontal plane when the mounting base is moved between vertical and horizontal orientations by gravity weighting of the light assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle information identifier apparatus comprises a display, a receiver, a deactivation device, and a substantially encasing member. The vehicle information identifier apparatus, or similarly, the vehicle information apparatus may be practiced according to a vehicle information system by following a method of use thereof.

Abstract: A multiple color multi-function light bar for a law enforcement vehicle, emergency vehicle, tow truck or the like. The light bar includes a plurality of light emitting diodes aligned in a single row. Each of the plurality of light emitting diodes are configured to emit two different colors of light through a single optical lens. Advantageously, the light bar is capable of producing a single color light pattern and a dual color light pattern based upon the particular emergency or traffic control situation encountered by an operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: A secondary brake light illumination circuit useful for storing excess power applied to a primary vehicle brake light illumination circuit during activation thereof and subsequently selectively discharging stored power to secondary illumination devices to provide a temporary decorative or informational display.

Abstract: A light bar may include a light head with chip-on-board (COB) light emitting diode (LED) and an optic component mounted adjacent to the COB LED. The light bar may comprise short and long center modules. The light bar may include a plurality of housing modules where each housing module includes a light head and a lens cover having a top portion that is substantially impervious to ultraviolet radiation, and a lens portion extending downward from the top portion in generally opposing relationship with the light head. The light bar may include a circuit board including a wire-to-board connector, and a light head including a wire-to-board connector mated with the wire-to-board connector on the circuit board to electrically connect the light head to the circuit board. The light head may include a holographic diffuser.

Abstract: A method and a device for improving the visibility in a motor vehicle, at least one infrared sensor of the motor vehicle producing a sensor signal when a person is situated in the area illuminated by the light source, and the light source being controlled dependent on the sensor signal.

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: A vehicle safety device has a cabin unit which includes a cabin unit housing holding a keypad, a speaker, a cpu, and a transmitter. The speaker provides an audio signal when a vehicle speed input reaches a preset low-speed, a preset medium speed, and at a preset high speed. A rear unit receives signals from the cabin unit, and the rear unit has a housing holding a seat belt light. The seat belt light is interconnected to a vehicle seat belt sensor. A registration light and a proof of insurance light is also mounted on the rear unit. The rear unit is mounted on the vehicle exterior, preferably on the rear license plate frame.

Abstract: A lighting system using a GPS receiver is provided. The lighting system includes: a GPS receiver for calculating sunrise time and sunset time from an inputted GPS signal and outputting an on/off signal and a satellite detection indicating signal according to the calculated sunrise time and sunset time; a security light configured to be turned on/off in response to the on/off signal; and an LED configured to be turned on/off in response to the satellite detection indicating signal. Accordingly, the GPS receiver itself receives GPS satellite signal, sunrise time and sunset time are automatically calculated from the received position information and reception information by using a baseband processor, and a security light is turned on/off at the calculated sunrise and sunset time, so that the number of components is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A vehicle recognizing apparatus which does not require a sophisticated image processing function of a vehicle on a recognizing side and allows a recognized vehicle to be immediately and accurately recognized by a simple image processing system. A pair of first and second infrared markers on the left and right sides are, respectively, placed at a pair of left and right vehicle components. Furthermore, a third infrared marker is provided to form a virtual triangle which may be easily distinguished by a recognizing system from extraneous infrared light sources.

Abstract: A trunk lid cover in combination with a car spoiler. The trunk lid cover is of flexible material and is disposed for covering the trunk lid only of an automobile. The trunk lid cover is held tightly against the surface of said trunk lid. A car spoiler attached to the trunk lid cover. A message display is mounted to the trunk lid cover or to the car spoiler.

Abstract: A communication system for use with an automobile having an accelerator, a brake, a cruise control, and a brake lamp includes a display, a transmitter, a receiver, and a cruise lamp visible from outside the automobile. The communication system includes a processor in data communication with the accelerator, the brake, the cruise control, the brake lamp, the display, the transmitter, the receiver, and the cruise lamp. The processor includes programming to actuate the display to present data received by the receiver and to actuate the cruise lamp when the cruise control is actuated. The processor also includes programming to actuate the transmitter to transmit cruise data when the cruise control is actuated. Programming also causes the cruise lamp to blink when the cruise control is actuated while the accelerator is actuated. Programming may also actuate the transmitter to transmit acceleration data when the cruise control and the accelerator are actuated.

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 light control system may include a signal coder (e.g., a flasher module), one or more motor vehicle light sources, and a signal decoder. The light control system may be a part of a motor vehicle taillight system. The signal coder may provide a selected signal. The selected signal may be a voltage signal having a modified portion when the signal coder is activated by a turn signal switch. The selected signal may be a substantially non-modified voltage signal when the signal coder is activated by a brake signal switch. The signal decoder may be coupled to the signal coder. The signal decoder may assess the selected signal from the signal coder to determine a selected lighting output of the motor vehicle light sources. The motor vehicle light sources may be coupled to the signal decoder. The motor vehicle light sources may provide the selected lighting output.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp control architecture for solving the drawbacks of complicated circuit layout in the prior art includes a control base and a steering lever pivotally connected to the control base and having a first direction pivoting stroke and a second direction pivoting stroke, wherein the steering lever has a conducting element mounted thereon and the control base has two switch segments connected to the warning lamps and a power source and a balance segment connected with the two switch segments and a first status switch. In the normal state, the conducting element contacts with the balance segment for conducting the first status switch so as to drive the warning lamps to display a first indicting state, and the conducting element respectively contacts with the two switch segments in the first and the second direction pivoting strokes for driving the warning lamps to display a second indicating state.

Abstract: A light system for a vehicle includes a light casing that is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. The light casing includes brake, fog and spacer sections with the spacer section separating the brake section from the fog section. A controller is fixedly secured to the light casing for receiving electrical power and control signals from the vehicle. A brake light source is disposed within the brake section of the light casing and is electrically connected to the controller to receive the control signals and to selectively emit light based on the signals. The light system also includes a fog light source disposed within the fog section of the light casing. The fog light source is electrically connected to the controller to selectively emit light based on the control signals. The spacer section allows one that is following the vehicle to distinguish between the brake and for light sources.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for lighting a brake lamp for a vehicle. The apparatus includes a brake pedal arm including a brake pedal at one end thereof, a pedal arm stop bracket integrally formed on the brake pedal arm at the upper side of the brake pedal arm, and a non-contacting switch that is separated from or comes in contact with the pedal arm stop bracket so as to be turned on or off depending on the operation of the brake pedal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging system comprising at least two sensors surveying one or more fields of vision, at least one imaging sensor chip comprising an array of light-sensitive elements, wherein image information provided by the at least two sensors are projected on the at least one imaging sensor chip. The imaging sensor chip provides dedicated sensor areas, wherein each dedicated sensor area is assigned to one dedicated sensor.

Abstract: A vehicular light control system for controlling the illumination of a vehicle's external directional/turn signaling and/or hazard warning lights, by controlling continuous illumination of pairs of the brightest signal filaments of either dual or single filament bulb designed vehicles, where such bulbs were previously flash only and underutilized. The system operates to control the brightest filaments when the operator wishes to draw attention to the vehicle for safety, or for visibility and utility purposes, without the same system negatively affecting normal operation of existing turn signal/hazard warning systems.

Abstract: A signal apparatus for a vehicle having at least one input at which signals are received from components associated with the vehicle. The received signals comprise an indication demand signal initiated by a driver of the vehicle and a lane detection signal produced by a lane detection apparatus indicative of the position of the vehicle relative to a lane of a highway. A processing means is arranged to produce an indication signal that is dependent upon both the indication demand signal and the lane detection signal.

Abstract: A system for providing warning lights for emergency vehicles in which the warning lights are incorporated into standard appearing accessories of the vehicle. A hood mounted deflector includes warning lights and takedown lights. Side window vent visors include warning lights, alley lights, and a convenience light. A rear spoiler includes warning lights. The warning lights are connected to at least one controller that provides various patterns of warning lights involving at least one color. In one embodiment, the takedown lights are connected to a controller that provides for flashing the takedown lights in addition to operating them continuously. The convenience light is connected to the interior lights of the vehicle. An operator panel in the vehicle is connected to the controllers and the alley lights.

Abstract: Disclosed is a safety device for ensuring safety of occupants in a vehicle. The safety device includes a temperature sensor and a strap. The temperature sensor is capable of sensing an interior temperature of the vehicle. The strap is attached to a seat belt of the vehicle. The strap is operatively coupled to the temperature sensor and adapted to activate the temperature sensor upon a pulling action of the seat belt by the occupant of the vehicle. The temperature sensor is capable of activating a warning signal upon occurrence of a predetermined limit of the interior temperature of the vehicle.

Abstract: A motorcycle awareness system for use when a motorcycle is in operation in conjunction with vehicular traffic is disclosed. The motorcycle awareness system includes an infrared light emitter that is located on the front of a motorcycle, with the infrared light emitter having an internal oscillating motor that is attached to an emitter. The emitter continually emits infrared light in a forward manner once it is turned on and emits this light in a sweeping manner. Vehicles would be equipped with an infrared light receiver, which, when infrared light is received, would activate a number of lights that are attached to the receiver. The lights are preferably either yellow or blue to distinguish these lights from other vehicular lights. When activated, the lights signify the presence of a motorcycle in close proximity to the vehicle, thereby notifying the driver to pay extra attention while driving so as to not endanger the motorcyclist.

Abstract: A vehicle brake light system includes a plurality of lighting units arranged in a horizontally and vertically spaced apart relation on the rear of a vehicle. Horizontally spaced apart lighting units which are lower in position have a greater distance between their centers of gravity, and are adapted to be turned on when a larger braking force is applied to a brake pedal.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle's lighting functionality is disclosed herein. The method may include realizing a preferred vehicle lighting configuration and transmitting a signal to the vehicle via a radio frequency communication system. In response to the signal, the vehicle lighting system may alter a current vehicle lighting configuration to correspond with the preferred vehicle lighting configuration.

Abstract: An automatic warning light control device is applicable to an automobile and includes a controller electrically coupled to directional signal lights of the automobile. The controller is electrically coupled to a warning light system, a windshield wiper system, at least one door of the automobile, and a trunk lid. When the windshield is activated in a rain condition, or when the door or the trunk lid is not properly closed, the controller automatically activates the warning light system, wherein both directional signal lights blink simultaneously. When the directional signal lights are used for indication of direction, the directional signal lights are automatically switched from the warning mode to a direction indication mode where only the designated directional signal light blinks. Once the direction indication operation is completed, the directional signal lights automatically go back to the warning mode to blink simultaneously.

Abstract: A vehicle light control apparatus includes an illumination control unit for executing illumination control on the mode of illumination of a subject vehicle based on signal transmission of a vehicle ID signal unique to the subject vehicle and signal reception of the vehicle ID signal unique to the subject vehicle. The control unit identifies a vehicle having brightness exceeding a predetermined threshold from an image of other vehicles acquired through an image recognition MPU as a vehicle having an illumination adjustment failure, and returns the same vehicle identification signal transmitted from the other vehicle thus identified to vehicles other than the subject vehicle.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising an array of light sources configured on a light support and 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 stationary light, strobe light, revolving light, and an oscillating light. Additionally, the warning signal light may be capable of displaying symbols, reverse characters, or arrows. Preferably, rotating and oscillating light signals are produced by sequentially illuminating columns of LED's on a stationary light support. However, the warning signal light may also be rotated or oscillated via mechanical means. The warning signal light may also be transportable for easy connection to a stand such as a tripod for electrical connection to a power supply as a stand-alone warning signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an housing that reduces obstruction of the vehicle operator's ability to see through the upper portion of the windshield. Rather than a light shield constructed entirely of a opaque plastic, an interior mounted warning light assembly incorporates a visibility window above the vehicle operator's position. A cutout in the opaque casing material is fitted with a window of transparent one-way mirror material. The mirror coating faces the interior of the light assembly and acts as a shield by blocking flashback when the light assembly is activated, while simultaneously allowing the operator of the vehicle to see upwardly through it to the outside during normal vehicle operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable, personal alarm device. The device features a housing comfortably held within one hand of its user. The device provides emergency tools, particularly in the event of an automotive emergency such as a vehicle accident. These features include a mechanism to cut through the web material of vehicle's seatbelts, and a mechanism to break the vehicle's windows. Both such features providing emergency means of escape for the vehicle's occupants. The inventive device further includes electronic circuits providing a flashlight function, and an emergency flasher, and also an audible alarm function. The device is water resistant and also may be provided from materials which make it visible in the dark, prior to activation of any of its functions. The inventive device also serves the routine function of a key ring so that it will always be available to the user in the event of an automotive emergency.

Abstract: A vehicle on-board unit of a host vehicle is configured to activate its brake lights upon determining a vehicle traveling condition exists that is indicative of a potentially inadequate safety zone between the host vehicle and a following vehicle. The vehicle on-board unit has a vehicle traveling condition detecting section, an automatic brake light triggering section and a brake light activating section. The vehicle traveling condition detecting section detects the vehicle traveling condition indicative of a potentially inadequate safety zone. The automatic brake light triggering section outputs a brake light activation signal upon determining a predetermined condition has been satisfied based upon the detected vehicle traveling condition. The brake light activating section activates the brake lights without a braking operation being performed upon receiving the brake light activation signal from the automatic brake light triggering section.

Abstract: An illuminating warning lamp includes a first light source and a second light source assembled on a lamp socket. An irradiation direction of the first light source and that of the second light source form an angle of 90 degrees with respect to each other. Additionally, a first lamp casing for encapsulating the first light source is further formed with a through hole at one side thereof, and a second lamp casing corresponding to the second light source is assembled within the through hole. After the first and second light sources are both driven to emit lights, the lamp simultaneously emits warning lights and illumination light.

Abstract: This invention relates to a warning system for use on board a motorized road vehicle. The warning system includes an activity detector that detects an RF signal emitted from a mobile phone when a person driving the motorized vehicle is communicating over the mobile phone. The warning system also has a display device in communication with the activity detector, the display device providing a visual indication to a motorist of another vehicle near the motorized vehicle in traffic, in a manner that allows the motorist of the other vehicle to ascertain when the person driving the motorized vehicle is using the mobile phone.

Abstract: A holding device attaches to the license plate screw bosses of a vehicle in the usual way and has a first receptacle with a first pair of slots for receiving a temporary driving tag and a second pair of slots, behind the first pair, for receiving an advertisement plate of the dealer. A second receptacle has an actuator that dispenses an information disc through a slot upon the depression of a switch. A delay circuit may provide a time delay between disc dispensing cycles. A lamp is controlled by a depression switch located within the first pair of slots so that a plate acts on the switch in order to illuminate the lamp for night test driving, which illumination may be overridden by a photoelectric cell for daytime use. Posts extend rearwardly of the second receptacle and have ears with openings through which screws pass and the screws received within the bosses. A stabilizer bar also extends rearwardly of the second receptacle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for warning a driver of a first motor vehicle that it is approaching a second motor vehicle. One system includes a processor coupled to a detector and an alarm device. The processor is in cooperation with the detector to determine a speed of the first vehicle and to activate the alarm device if the speed at which the first vehicle is approaching the second vehicle is greater than a predetermined speed. Another system includes means for determining a speed the first motor vehicle is approaching the second motor vehicle and means for warning the driver of the first motor vehicle if the speed is greater than the threshold speed. A method includes detecting a speed that the first motor vehicle is approaching the second motor vehicle and transmitting a warning to the first motor vehicle driver if the speed is greater than a threshold speed.