Abstract: A synchronization signaling system, comprising a set of alert devices comprising at least one of a visual or audio output for producing an alert pattern, a master clock, a timing device capable of receiving updates from the master clock, a controller operably connected with the set of alert devices to control the set of alert devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining strategy modes for autonomous vehicles are described. An autonomous vehicle may detect aspects of other vehicles and aspects of the environment using one or more sensors. The autonomous vehicle may then determine strategy modes of the other vehicles, and select a strategy mode for its own operation based on the determined strategy modes and an operational goal for the autonomous vehicle. The strategy modes may include an uncoupled strategy mode, a permissive strategy mode, an assistive strategy mode, and a preventative strategy mode. The autonomous vehicle may further determine elements in the environment and topological constraints associated with the environment, and select the strategy mode for its own operation based thereon.

Abstract: There is described a system and method for informing passengers of a public transport vehicle of a door lock status, the method comprising: optically coupling a light source to an at least partially see-through modesty panel for propagating light therein, the modesty panel being positioned within the transport vehicle adjacent to a door for separating the passengers from the door; receiving a signal indicating that the door is unlocked; and illuminating at least a portion of the modesty panel using the light source, thereby informing the passengers that the door is unlocked.

Abstract: A computer-based system manages and communicates the identity, attributes, and current state of a geographic point of interest. The system includes a beacon device and a distributed data network. The beacon device includes a housing supporting control electronics, a display, and communication electronics. The beacon is placed at a visible location at the geographic point of interest and receives information concerning the geographical point of interest. The display visibly communicates the information while the communication electronics communicates the same information to the distributed data network. A user can query a location-based service and receive the same information from the distributed data network that is being communicated by the display, assuring communication of accurate and consistent information concerning the geographic point of interest.

Abstract: There is provided an automated warning system which includes a receiver/controller, an actuator, one or more relays electrically connected to both the receiver and the linear actuator, a flag holder and a mechanical linkage connecting the linear actuator to the flag holder such that movement of the linear actuator causes the flag holder to move between raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: An electronic message board includes a housing removably affixed to an interior surface of a selected window of a vehicle. Such housing is visible to another driver during driving conditions and includes a back wall with front and rear planar surfaces respectively and a first electrically conductive plate with a planar rear surface directly attached to the front surface of the back wall. The message board further includes a light display removably interfitted within the housing, a light emitting diode array, a transparent faceplate with predetermined indicia formed in a front surface thereof, and a mechanism for selectively actuating the light display.

Abstract: An automobile communication device includes a housing operably connectable to an automobile and having a rearward facing transparent portion. A display mechanism having sides each with predetermined indicia thereon is rotatably disposed within such housing. A motor is operably connected to the display mechanism for rotating the display mechanism. A power source is operably connected to the motor. A switch mechanism is operably connected to the power source. A control mechanism is operably connected to at least one of the display mechanism, such automobile, the power source, the motor, the switch mechanism, and a combination thereof for enabling a user to select a predetermined side of the display mechanism for being at least one of rearward facing and visible through such portion. A stop mechanism is operably connected to at least one of the display mechanism, the housing, and a combination thereof for stopping the display mechanism from rotating.

Abstract: A combination vehicle advisory system which consists of a multiplicity of warning lights that are on the front of the vehicle at a location such as above the front bumper and beneath the grill and at a location on the rear of the vehicle such as above the licence plate and on the door of the vehicle, both on the passenger side and the driver side, combined with a window advisory systems comprising a multiplicity of words which are embedded into the front of the front window so they can be read by oncoming traffic, embedded into the rear window so they can be read by traffic following the vehicle embedded into a side window on the driver side of the vehicle so that they can be read by cars on that side of the vehicle, a multiplicity of words embedded into a window on the passenger side of the vehicle so that they can be read by drivers of vehicles of that side of the vehicle, and a multiplicity of words embedded into the interior of the front of the window so that they can be read by passengers in the vehicle.

Abstract: An optical display device for the representation of signs, especially road signs, in a display frame attached to a support device. The display frame is comprised of strip-shape display segments located at a distance from each other. In order to obtain a small-sized display device perpendicular to the direction in which an observer moves, the support device is aligned in a substantially parallel position to the given direction in which the observer moves, and the display frame is designed to include several display segments, located at a distance from each other, placed behind each other in the direction of movement and corresponding to the chronological order in which the sign is to be represented. The display segments are substantially parallel to the surface normals of the support device for the display frame or inclined at an angle of less than 45.degree. to the surface normals and assigned opposite the sightline of the observer.

Abstract: A substantially rectangular housing includes a broad planar face which includes a stenciled warning therein, such as "SLOW DOWN". A colored, transparent plate is disposed immediately behind the face. A strobe light and at least one lamp are contained within the housing behind the face and the plate. A circuit within the housing is adapted to be electrically connected in a known manner to the brake system of an automobile. The brake light is adapted for connection to an automobile. The circuit is configured in a known manner to activate the lamp in a steady manner when a driver applies the brakes of the automobile, as indicated through the brake system. If the brakes remain applied for a first pre-determined time period, for example 2 seconds, the strobe light will activate in a flashing manner. The strobe light will deactivate after a second pre-determined time period, for example 4 seconds. If at any time the brakes are released, both the strobe light and the lamp will be deactivated.

Abstract: A display element has a disk which rotates on an axis to show its bright or dark side in the viewing direction. When the bright side is showing the disk allows passage of light from an LED. When the dark side is showing the disk masks the light from the LED. Preferably, an opaque shroud surrounds the LED and projects a short distance forwardly thereof to help define the cone in which light from the LED may be viewed in ON position. A side wall or said element projects forwardly of the rotation axis to mask the escape of light on that side transverse to the viewing direction. A second side wall may be placed on the other side for the same purpose or the adjacent element may provide the second wall.

Abstract: In a direction display device which indicates direction by an arrow, a translucent direction display portion is formed on an outside housing. A rotation roller is disposed within the housing to be rotated by a motor. Inclined stripes are formed on the rotation roller, and therefore, by the drive force of the motor, the rotation roller rotates in the housing. As a result, the inclined stripes on the rotation roller move in the direction display portion of the housing as if the stripes move in the same direction as the arrow direction. By indicating a direction by the arrow of the direction display portion and the direction of a movement direction of the inclined stripes of the rotation roller, visibility of the indicated direction is increased. In the case that the display device has two arrow portions, the arrow portions to be used is reversed from one to the other and the direction of movement of the inclined stripes is reversed also.

Abstract: Considering the latest vehicle anti-theft systems and anti-theft warning systems that abound today, the theft of vehicles has not been slowed down to any appreciable amount. In fact, the car theft industry lids virtually kept pace with the car manufacturing industry. This invention has taken a common sense and practical approach to an anti-vehicle theft system that renders the front windshield opaque when the ignition switch is turned on and the vehicle is attempted to be stolen, while the security control switch is placed in the "on" mode. One embodiment was a thermopane type windshield with a space between two plates of unbreakable glass. The space between the two plates of glass has an opaque curtain or blind pulled up inside the void space from the bottom of the windshield to the top of the windshield to render the entire windshield opaque. Another embodiment is to provide several optional features that may be purchased by persons with limited funds although these options are not really required.

Abstract: The enhanced auxiliary signaling device of the present invention includes a housing mounted on the rear of a vehicle with a control unit electrically connected to the vehicle electrical system and to a display panel on the housing to display various alphanumeric and graphic messages in response to activation of signals in the vehicle electrical system. The activation of a vehicle turn signal will cause a first alphanumeric message to be displayed along with a first graphic display. The second turn signal will display the first alphanumeric message along with a second graphic display. Activation of both turn signals will activate a second alphanumeric message, simultaneous with the first and second graphic displays. The activation of the vehicle brakes will activate a second alphanumeric message and a third graphic display.