Abstract: A traffic control system has a single light emitting area with a central location in which sensors are optionally positioned. The traffic control system is angled downward towards a roadway for improved visibility and improved aiming of the sensors. The single light emitting area selectively illuminates red, yellow, or green light to signal to the vehicle drivers when they can safely move through the intersection or when they should stop. The light emitting area presents a moving dark area or bar during display of green to convey proceed to those that are color impaired. A sweep hand as in a clock is displayed during the caution state to convey the length of time that the caution state will remain (yellow color is displayed) and also to convey the state of caution to those that are color impaired.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media are provided for predetermining adjustment objects and modifying vehicle lighting unit(s) accordingly. A vehicle lighting system can comprise an imaging device configured to image the surroundings of a vehicle and a data communications device configured to obtain vehicle route data. A controller element can be configured to predetermine presence of an adjustment object based on route data and imaging data. The system is configured to set the beam mode of at least one vehicle lighting unit based on the predetermination. A method can comprise the steps of (a) obtaining vehicle route data, (b) obtaining vehicle surroundings image data, (c) predetermining the occurrence of an adjustment object based on the route data and imaging data and (d) setting the vehicle beam mode based on the predetermination.

Abstract: An apparatus including a capture device, an illumination device and a processor. The capture device may be configured to generate pixel data corresponding to an exterior view from a vehicle. The illumination device may be configured to generate light for the exterior view. The processor may be configured to generate video frames from the pixel data, perform computer vision operations on the video frames to detect objects in the video frames and generate a control signal. The objects detected may provide data for a vehicle maneuver. The control signal may adjust characteristics of the light generated by the illumination device. The characteristics of the light may be adjusted in response to the objects detected by the processor. The light from the illumination device may facilitate detection of the objects by the processor.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp system includes a vehicle supported power and control system including a data bus. A sensor module can be connected to the data bus to provide information related to environmental conditions or information relating to presence and position of other vehicles and pedestrians. A separate headlamp controller can be connected to the vehicle supported power and control system and the sensor module through the bus. The headlamp controller can include an image frame buffer that can refresh held images at greater than 30 Hz speed. An active LED pixel array can be connected to the headlamp controller to project light according to a pattern and intensity defined by the image held in the image frame buffer and a standby image buffer can be connected to the image frame buffer to hold a default image.

Abstract: A controlling device for a vehicle headlight that controls a light distribution state by the vehicle headlight, includes a shielding range derivation part that obtains movement information that is information showing movement of an oncoming vehicle and that derives a shielding range of the vehicle headlight on the basis of the obtained movement information, and a light distribution controller that controls the light distribution state of the vehicle headlight according to the shielding range derived by the shielding range derivation part.

Abstract: A vision system of a vehicle includes a camera having a field of view exterior and forward of the vehicle. A control includes an image processor that is operable to process image data captured by the camera. The control is operable to determine lane markers ahead of the vehicle and in a path of travel of the vehicle, and predicts lane markers beyond the sensing range of the camera. Responsive to prediction of lane markers ahead of the vehicle that are outside and beyond the first sensing range of the camera, the control controls a matrix of light emitting diodes to enhance illumination at a target region that encompasses where lane markers are predicted to be. Responsive to processing of captured image data with enhanced illumination at the target region, the control is operable to determine the presence of an object at the target region.

Abstract: Optoelectronic systems include an array of optoelectronic modules and a computational unit. The array of optoelectronic modules and the computational unit are operable to collect data of a user of the optoelectronic system. The data can be used, for example, to authenticate the identity of the user by being used in multiple user authentication protocols. In some instances, facial recognition data can be augmented with three-dimensional data of the user and can be combined with iris recognition data to authenticate the identity of the user. Such optoelectronic systems can comprise hardware authentication systems external to auxiliary devices such as tablet computers and laptop computers.

Abstract: A lamp detection device detects an edge portion from a camera image, the edge portion having a luminance difference equal to or above a predetermined value, and generates a smoothed image by diminishing the luminance difference of the edge portion. Then, the lamp detection device extracts synchronized pixels from the smoothed image, the synchronized pixels having luminances varying synchronously with an alternating current cycle of power supplied to a lamp, and detects the lamp from the synchronized pixels.

Abstract: A system for controlling a dimming function of a display element of a host vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises a display element configured to provide a rearward view from the host vehicle and a sensor directed forward relative to the host vehicle. A controller is in communication with the sensor and the display element. The controller is configured to identify a taillight of a detected vehicle from data received from the sensor. Based on the data received from the sensor, the controller calculates a passing period for the host vehicle to pass the detected vehicle. Based on the passing period the controller adjusts a display property of the display element to limit a glare displayed by the display element.

Abstract: A user-position-focused vehicle lighting system comprising a hardware-based processing unit and a non-transitory computer-readable storage device having a user-position-determination module that, when executed by the processing unit, determines a vehicle user position proximate a vehicle. The storage device also includes a vehicle-lighting-identification module that, when executed by the processing unit, determines, based on the vehicle user position, which of multiple vehicle lighting features should be illuminated, yielding a presently selected lighting feature. The storage device also includes a vehicle-lighting-activation module configured to, when executed by the processing unit, send a signal to the presently selected lighting feature to illuminate the presently selected lighting feature. In various embodiments, the technology includes the storage device separate from the processing unit, and processes performed by the system.

Abstract: A vehicle interior lighting device according to an embodiment includes a housing, a cover provided on one end portion side of the housing, a light-emitting section provided on the inside of the housing, and a detecting section provided on the inside of the housing and configured to detect, via the cover, a change in energy involved in a motion of an operator and convert the detected change in the energy into an electric signal.

Abstract: A method for recognizing an intensity of an aerosol in a field of view of a camera of a vehicle includes: reading in image information of an image of the camera, providing a color indicator value for at least one subsection of the image, the color indicator value representing a relation between (i) a first parameter representing a value obtained with application of a first color filter to the image information in the subsection, and (ii) a second parameter representing a value obtained without application of a color filter, or with application of a second color filter differing from the first color filter, and providing a gradient indicator value representing a brightness difference of a different image region of the image, an aerosol intensity value being determined using the color indicator and the gradient indicator values.

Abstract: A method for providing a signal to a light control unit of at least one headlight of a vehicle that has a camera for acquiring a surrounding environment of a vehicle, the method including a step of determination of an interval between the vehicle and another vehicle using the camera. The method further includes a step of determination of a distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle using a camera-independent sensor. In addition, the method includes a step of plausibilization of the interval using the distance, the interval being plausibilized if a difference between the interval and the distance is smaller than a tolerance value. Finally, the method includes a step of provision the interval via an interface to a light control unit of the headlight.

Abstract: In a method for line-of-sight-independent data transmission in a car-to-car or a car-to-infrastructure communication system, electromagnetic radiation having encoded data is transmitted from a transmitter located in a first vehicle or in a traffic infrastructure object, and a reflector system is provided for at least partially reflecting the transmitted electromagnetic radiation, wherein the reflector system is arranged so that the transmitted electromagnetic radiation arrives at a receiver located in a second vehicle or in the traffic infrastructure object. The reflected electromagnetic radiation having the encoded data can then be received by the receiver even when line-of-sight communication between the vehicles is impossible.

Abstract: The invention relates to a road gantry comprising a horizontal beam (2), the upper surface (21) of which constitutes a passageway for service personnel to cross, the gantry being characterized in that it comprises arms (25) for bearing apparatuses (30) for monitoring road traffic, electronic toll collection, or signaling, wherein said arms are pivotably attached to the horizontal beam so as to be able to move from a first position, in which the arms extend towards the road, into a second position for stowage on said passageway, and vice versa. The passageway may comprise protection guardrails (22, 23) in which openings (24) are formed, said openings being shut by door panels (24) arranged so as to enable the passage of said arms (25) from said first position to said second position and vice versa. The invention also relates to a barrier-free electronic toll collection station including at least one such gantry.

Abstract: A drive assist device and method capable of preventing the confusion of a driver at a traffic signal with an arrow lamp are provided. An ECU has a section for determining whether or not it is possible to pass a signal, which determines whether or not a vehicle can pass a signal, and a signal waiting time notification control section, which determines a signal waiting time of the vehicle and displays it on a display unit when the section for determining whether or not it is possible to pass a signal determines that the vehicle cannot pass a signal. The section for determining whether or not it is possible to pass a signal determines not only a lighting time of only a red signal but also a lighting time of a red signal and an arrow lamp and a lighting time of a yellow signal subsequent thereto are determined as a no-pass time.

Abstract: A messaging board and a traffic light apparatus comprising a primary traffic panel including a first matrix of multicolored LEDs for directing motor traffic by displaying a plurality of images; a message panel including a second matrix of multicolored LEDs for displaying information unrelated to the directing of traffic; and a personal device interface providing two-way communication of information between the traffic light apparatus and at least one local user with a personal portable electronic device is disclosed. The messaging board is capable of being used as a communications station, as well as an information terminal and/or point-of-sales station.

Abstract: The flight display includes a vertical terrain profile display having a format that includes a side-on vertical terrain profile comprising a plurality of color filled vertical alerting bands representing areas of terrain that are within defined limits above and below the airplane altitude. A symbol is positioned relative to the side-on vertical terrain profile for representing an altitude and position of the aircraft. Displays of range and altitude are positioned relative to the symbol and side-on vertical terrain profile in predetermined increments. In another broad aspect the side-on vertical terrain profile includes a plurality of color filled horizontal absolute altitude bands representing the absolute altitude of the terrain. These displays may be accompanied by nested color filled blocks representing weather hazards and/or terrain alerting prediction icons.

Abstract: A vertical by standing LED paneled traffic light that is capable of communicating approximately how much time remains before the traffic light changes from a signal directing motorists to proceed to a signal directing motorists to stop. The traffic light having an LED panel for directing motor traffic, an LED panel for directing pedestrian traffic, an LED street sign and an LED panel for displaying an animated advertisement or important message, such as traffic conditions ahead.

Abstract: The present invention provides traffic lights comprising an LED panel for directing motor traffic, an LED panel for directing pedestrian traffic, an LED street sign, an LED panel for displaying an animated advertisement or important message, such as traffic conditions ahead, and a personal device interface providing two-way communication of information between the traffic light and at least one local user with a personal portable electronic device. The present invention also provides LED traffic lights that are capable of communicating approximately how much time remains before the traffic light changes from a signal directing motorists to proceed to a signal directing motorists to stop, and a personal device interface providing two-way communication of information between the traffic light and at least one local user with a personal portable electronic device.

Abstract: A system and method of automatically controlling vehicle headlamps includes an image sensor and a controller to generate headlamp control signals.

Abstract: A system and method of automatically controlling exterior vehicle lights includes an image sensor and a controller to generate control signals. The control signals are derived based on information obtained from the image sensor as well as other detected parameters pertaining to the detected light source(s), the vehicle having the inventive control system, and the ambient environment. The control circuit may simply turn certain exterior lights on or off, or change the brightness, aim, focus, etc. to produce various beam patterns that maximize the illuminated area in front of the vehicle without causing excessive glare in the eyes of other drivers.

Abstract: An attachment to a traffic light apparatus for indicating duration of a current traffic light signal comprises a panel that consists of a plurality of lamps which are electrically connected in parallel to a source of power supply and are controlled by a clock signal from the traffic light apparatus via a central processing unit and a controller. Each lamp is connected to the power supply line via an individual relay, the contacts of which are opened and closed under control of commands from the aforementioned central processing unit via the controller. The indication panel is divided into a plurality of color cells. Each cell contains a lamp. On the oncoming traffic side each cell is closed with a transparent color plate that defines the color of the light with which the cell is illuminated when the lamp is lit. The color cells may have different arrangements such as an alternating order in each row or the same color of cells in each row with alternation of vertical or horizontal rows.

Abstract: A traffic light backup system for use with a traffic light is described. The traffic light backup system includes an auxiliary light associated with at least one of the enclosure housing the traffic lights and rechargeable batteries associated with the auxiliary light. A power failure is detected by monitoring the voltage across the bulbs of the traffic lights and also preferably by monitoring the current in the common, neutral lead. When a power failure has been detected, the traffic light backup system engages and the auxiliary light is powered by the rechargeable batteries, preferably in a flashing fashion. In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary light consists of a plurality of LEDs arranged in an octagonal manner. The LEDs have a high luminosity and lower power consumption, which makes them well suited for use even in broad daylight.

Abstract: An apparatus for the control of traffic includes a signal assembly with a red stop light, a green passage light, and a yellow caution light. A count-down indicator includes a digital display that displays (i.e., counts down) the remaining time in seconds until the next signal change occurs. The digital display matches the color of the digits being displayed to that of the illumined light of the signal assembly. The count-down indicator includes a battery backup assembly that includes an optional backup battery that permits functioning of the traffic signal during power outages. An optional solar panel economically helps maintain the charge of the backup battery. A microprocessor in the battery backup assembly receives information from the signal assembly, processes that information, and controls the digital display parameters.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to methods and apparatus for monitoring and regulating the flow of traffic through intersections and specifically to an improved method and apparatus for automatically detecting and documenting disregard of traffic signals for purposes of prosecuting offenders and reducing the risk posed to the driving public posed by disregard of traffic signals without the need for police presence. The present invention comprises traffic signalization lights at adjacent street intersections; a traffic detection and speed measurement means; a traffic light state sensor means; and a traffic light delay means designed to coordinate the traffic detection and speed measurement means and timing of the traffic signalization lights and a recording means to document the license plate number of violating vehicles.

Abstract: A fire detection system combines a CO.sub.2 gas detector with a smoke detector. Logic circuitry combines the outputs of both detectors to minimize false alarms and provide a rapid response time. In a preferred embodiment the need for periodic cleaning is reduced. In a further preferred embodiment, two alarms indicative of two different types of fires, for example flaming fires and nonflaming fires are available. A map of flaming fire and smoke may be assembled by the system to guide the firefighters. In a yet another preferred embodiment, a tentative fire alarm indication disables a local air conditioning system thereby helping to isolate and control any existing fire.

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: A time indicating traffic light that includes a vertically-oriented and rectangular-parallelepiped-shaped housing, a circular-shaped "stop" indicator light, a circular-shaped "caution" indicator light, seven rectangular-shaped "go" indicator lights, and a time indicating display. The circular-shaped "stop" indicator light, the circular-shaped "caution" indicator light, and the seven rectangular-shaped "go" indicator lights are disposed in the vertically-oriented and rectangular-parallelepiped-shaped housing. The seven rectangular-shaped "go" indicator lights have a pair of parallel, elongated, spaced-apart, vertically-oriented, and rectangular-shaped "go" indicator lights, and five adjacent, slightly vertically spaced-apart, horizontally-oriented, and rectangular-shaped "go" lights.

Abstract: The system includes a high-intensity light source, a fiber optic conduit for transmitting a light-beam, and colored lenses, which emit red, yellow, and green light on fiber optic lines. Each traffic light has a shutter and control means for opening and closing the shutters in the proper sequence for preset time periods to control red, yellow, and green lights.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering a face of a traffic light with a warning sign as a result of a power failure to the traffic light. A first member is rotatably mounted to one side of the traffic light and a second member is rotatably mounted to the other side of the traffic light. A first electromagnet and a second electromagnet are provided for securing the first and second members in a first position away from the face of the traffic light. A first coil spring and a second coil spring are mounted respectively to the members and to the sides of the traffic light and cause the members to rotate to a second position covering the face of the traffic light upon release of the members by the electromagnets. An electric motor is also provided and is connected to a pair of linkage mechanisms to rewind the first and second members to their first position upon resumption of electrical power to the traffic light.