678 results about "Brake light" patented technology

Vehicle lighting methods and apparatus, in which an LED-based light source is configured to generate at least visible radiation associated with a vehicle. The light source is controlled such that the generated visible radiation has a variable color over a range of colors including at least three different perceivable colors. Examples of vehicles in which such methods and apparatus may be used include, but are not limited to, an automobile, airplane, boat, non-motorized vehicle, etc. The LED-based light source may be disposed inside the vehicle (e.g., dashboard, instrument panel) or outside the vehicle (e.g., brake lights, undercarriage lighting), and may be controlled to generate white light as one of the perceivable colors. A user interface may be employed to facilitate an adjustment of the variable color of the generated visible radiation. Additionally, information relating to at least one condition associated with the vehicle may be employed to control the LED-based light source such that the variable color of the generated visible radiation is based at least in part on the condition associated with the vehicle.

The present invention includes a number of embodiments for improving vehicle situational awareness at intersections. A first embodiment may comprise a lens fitted at the top of the windshield or outside the vehicle, for refracting the light to the driver, so the driver may more easily see signals, signage and other features of an intersection, as well as other traffic. A second embodiment of the invention is used as an aid to prompt the driver that a light has changed. In a third embodiment, the light change sensor may be combined with other vehicle status information. As the car comes to a stop, the route guidance system may determine if the vehicle is at or in the vicinity of an intersection. Depending on the route guidance database, the system may also know whether or not there are traffic lights at the intersection. Using the vehicle's on board forward-looking radar sensor, the system may then determine if it is first in line at the intersection. In a fourth embodiment the system may be part of a portable after-market routing device. In a fifth embodiment the system, either portable or fixed, may be used to detect changes in the intensity of the brake lights of the vehicle ahead.

The information available to a driver of a vehicle is greatly expanded using wireless communications (e.g., using Bluetooth wireless communication devices). In one embodiment, information regarding an adjacent vehicle such as a brake light, a turn light, speed, distance, direction, etc., is transmitted from one vehicle to a nearby or adjacent other vehicle. The received information is used in any appropriate manner, such as causing the receiving vehicle to change vehicle speed or brake, to turn to avoid a collision, etc. In a second embodiment, roadside wireless transceivers collect information regarding passing vehicles, and central database is compiled relating to a traffic conditions. The traffic condition information can be passed back to the passing vehicles for appropriate use, e.g., causing the driver to slow down, or even causing a navigation device in the receiving vehicle to manually prompt for or automatically recalculate a best route to an intended destination. In yet another embodiment, broadcast transmitters can be established at signs and other significant locations transmitting information to passing vehicles. The broadcast information may be as simple as indicating the existence of the sign, or depending upon the range of the particular wireless transmitter, the existence of a particular sign, bump in road, curve, etc., can be forewarned far in advance of when the driver will actually see the relevant object. Alternatively, the broadcast information may be quite detailed, e.g., containing a detailed itemization and directions to a large number of gas stations, restaurants, etc., reachable from a particular exit from a highway.

A system and method to avoid collisions on highways, and to minimize the fatalities, injury, and damage when a collision is unavoidable. The system includes sensors to detect other vehicles, and computing environments programmed to evaluate when a collision is imminent and to determine whether the collision is avoidable. If the collision is avoidable by a sequence of controlled accelerations and decelerations and steering, the system implements that sequence of actions automatically. If the collision is unavoidable, a different sequence is implemented to minimize the overall harm of the unavoidable collision. The system further includes indirect mitigation steps such as flashing the brake lights automatically. An optional post-collision strategy is implemented to prevent secondary collisions, particularly if the driver is incapacitated. Adjustment devices are provided to enable the driver to set the type and timing of automatic interventions.

Any presence of brake light emissions of another vehicle to the forward of a subject vehicle is sensed in a color camera and microprocessor system that detects (i) red light(s) illuminations in excess of other colors, that are any of (ii) appropriately sized, (iii) appropriately located, (iv) simultaneously occurring, (v) spaced apart in separation, (vi) substantially horizontal, and / or (vii) of approximately of equal intensity, as would be appropriate to a single brake light, or to a pair of brake lights, as the case may be. The brake lights of the subject vehicle are preferably applied either during (i) the persistence of any detection of the brake light(s) of any other vehicle(s) to the forward, or (ii) normal application of the subject vehicle's own brakes. The forward-sensed rearward-propagated brake light signal is preferably delayed in propagation, limiting any propagation of minor perturbations in traffic. Optional application of the vehicle's own brakes may be conditioned upon (i) proximity to and / or rate of closure with a forward emission source as is preferably determined by angles, and / or upon (ii) rate of closure, speed or deceleration G force of the subject vehicle. The brake light signal, whether simple or sophisticated in either its development and / or presentation, beneficially alerts drivers to the rear of impending or actual slowing, thus deterring rear end collisions and promoting fuel economy.

The information available to a driver of a vehicle is greatly expanded using wireless communications (e.g., using Bluetooth wireless communication devices). In one embodiment, information regarding an adjacent vehicle such as a brake light, a turn light, speed, distance, direction, etc., is transmitted from one vehicle to a nearby or adjacent other vehicle. The received information is used in any appropriate manner, such as causing the receiving vehicle to change vehicle speed or brake, to turn to avoid a collision, etc. In a second embodiment, roadside wireless transceivers collect information regarding passing vehicles, and central database is compiled relating to a traffic conditions. The traffic condition information can be passed back to the passing vehicles for appropriate use, e.g., causing the driver to slow down, or even causing a navigation device in the receiving vehicle to manually prompt for or automatically recalculate a best route to an intended destination. In yet another embodiment, broadcast transmitters can be established at signs and other significant locations transmitting information to passing vehicles. The broadcast information may be as simple as indicating the existence of the sign, or depending upon the range of the particular wireless transmitter, the existence of a particular sign, bump in road, curve, etc., can be forewarned far in advance of when the driver will actually see the relevant object. Alternatively, the broadcast information may be quite detailed, e.g., containing a detailed itemization and directions to a large number of gas stations, restaurants, etc., reachable from a particular exit from a highway.

This disclosure introduces a system which generates a visual, audio, and / or tactile warning to a driver of a lead vehicle when a possible rear-end collision is detected, based on the approach of a second vehicle from a rear direction. The system may also generate a warning signal (such as quick blinking red brake light, or an array of multi-color lights) directed to the approaching vehicle when it is determined to be approaching at an unsafe speed. The system may include one or more of: approaching-vehicle-sensors mounted on the back end of the lead vehicle, a computer processing system, a set of warning lights, a set of speakers within the lead vehicle, and an antenna and transmitter / receiver for communicating with systems of other vehicles. This system may include a connection to the existing taillight system and other existing systems in the lead vehicle. Extended systems may include connections to and control of head support system, seat-belt systems and airbags system to provide additional safety to the occupants of the lead vehicle. The system may also record and store a few seconds of sensor data of the pre-crash and crash related scene when an impact occurs, and provide blind spot warnings.

The present invention relates to a taillight assembly that includes a light source for emitting light and a light source enclosure having a light transmissive portion for transmitting light from the light source to an illumination zone. A portion of the enclosure includes a material that is affixed to selected regions of the light transmissive portion. By electrically energizing the material the light transmitting properties of the material can be altered for performing different taillight functions. A drive circuit is electrically coupled to the material in each region for selectively energizing the material and thereby controlling the functional light output of each region. All taillight functions can be accomplished by activating the bands on the light transmissive portion, including running light, brake light, reverse light, parking light and turning signal.

A vehicle deceleration warning system for efficiently warning following vehicles of a decelerating or slow moving leading vehicle. The vehicle deceleration warning system generally includes an accelerometer, a control unit electrically connected to the accelerometer, a brake light relay electrically connected to the control unit and at least one brake light electrically connected to the brake light relay. The control unit activates the brake light relay to illuminate the at least one brake light depending upon a measurement taken by the accelerometer.

A vehicle display system recognizes, from within a color image of a forward scenery of a subject vehicle, an object such as left and right brake lights of a leading vehicle or a halt sign, each of which includes a red light element. Of the recognized object, a given position on a display area in a windshield of the subject vehicle is extracted. The extracted given position is then highlighted on the display area so that a user of the subject vehicle can properly recognize the object including the red light element.

An expandable utility trailer system that included multiple trailer bed sections that are attached together to form a utility trailer of the desired size and disconnectable for storage in a small area. The expandable utility trailer system including a main trailer bed assembly, a front bed assembly, a back bed assembly; a number of side barrier sections, a brake light / turn signal circuit including a turn signal reverse operation switch, and a trailer tongue assembly.

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.

The notion of an easily retrofitable passive lighting-safety device designed to be generally installed into the existing rear lighting wiring-circuit of any motor-vehicle from motorcycles to cars and trucks, -so as to significantly boost a following driver's visualacuity cognition threshold of awareness regarding the state of a leading vehicle's sudden breaking procedure. The invention provides an intense quasi-precognitive white-light "flashback" alerting effect, preferably appearing (particularly under nighttime conditions) as a nearly subliminal approximate 100-200 / millisecond flashback of visually non-deacclimating "white-light", emanating from a vehicle's existing back-up lights (or integrated with the DOT high-center brake-light). The effect being to essentially arouse a following motorist's attention to the simultaneous light-up of the preceding vehicle's stoplights. Regardless as to how long braking action continues, the so called STOPWHITES TM only illuminate in flashback once for a brief instant per actuation of the brakes; -having served their sole purpose in attracting a following driver's attention to need for braking. A following driver being thus able to react substantially sooner than viewing conventional stoplights only; -thereby significantly shortening the braking response-time. Additionally, exemplary circuits teach wiring the preferably solid-state electrical-module with directional-signal lights, as well as the 4-Way / Emergency-flasher system.

A hard folding cover system for securely covering the bed of a pickup truck that can be opened or closed without the need to manually lift and fold individual panels sequentially in order to access the bed of the truck. The cover includes a plurality of hard folding panels that pivotably interconnected by alternatingly attached up-acting hinges and down-acting hinges whereby the panels are configured to sequentially fold and retract lengthwise while riding along side tracks. The cover is configured to operate between a flat position and at least one retracted position; in the retracted position, at least one of the folding panels is in a substantially vertical position. As the cover is retracted, the panels sequentially fold vertically toward one another. The retracted position, the panels do not block a rear window or brake light of the vehicle on which the cover is installed.

A light emitting mirror assembly for a vehicle is intended to side mount to the vehicle and includes a support element that provides a backing for the mirror and a trim portion that encompasses at least in part the perimeter of a mirror. The trim portion has a transparent or translucent light source housing cavity. A light source is disposed in the light source housing cavity and electrically connected to the vehicle such that light is emitted from the light source in response to an activation signal. A trim portion can include multiple light source housing cavities each of which can contain one or more light sources. The illuminated trim ring offers a mirror mounted turn signal indicator, puddle light, brake light, or decorative displays without resort to modifying the mirror face or reflections from the mirror face.

A wireless light and accessory control system for golf carts (18) and other vehicles having a sender (1) that permits a user to remotely activate various accessories, such as headlights (2), turn signals (4), horns (5) and other accessories, such as radios, dome lights, etc., by sending signals via a wireless transmitter (9) located in the sender to controllers (10) located in each of the accessories. In addition, brake lights (3) may be activated and deactivated by a motion sensing means (10) in addition to being deactivated after a predetermined amount of time by a timer (11).

A signal light fixture for use on a vehicle has a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged to form an array divided into a first section and a second section, wherein LEDs in the first section emit red light, and wherein LEDs in the second section emit yellow light. A portion of the LEDs in the first section are illuminated to perform a rear tail light function, and all of the LEDs in the first section are illuminated to perform a brake light function. A portion of the LEDs in the second section are illuminated to perform a running light function, and all of the LEDs in the second section are illuminated to perform a turn signal function.

A brake light warning system provides a warning to nearby motorists whose vehicles are within a warning area adjacent a user vehicle. The warning system may provide a visual warning to these motorists by illuminating one or more brake lights of the user vehicle. A user alert device may also be activated to alert the user to a nearby vehicle that is within the warning area. The warning area may be fixed or may bet set based on the speed of the user vehicle to warn nearby motorists that they are too close to the user vehicle. The warning system may provide a warning via a brake light without activating the braking system of the user vehicle. The warning system may utilize components of the user vehicle to detect vehicle speed, nearby vehicles, provide warnings, provide alerts, or a combination thereof.

A safety light system is incorporated into the tailgate of a pickup truck. The safety light is incorporated into the tailgate and is illuminated when the tailgate is in a lowered or horizontal position and when either the ignition switch is in the on position, the parking lights are turned on, or both. The safety light can be positioned either on the top edge-rail of the tailgate, as a slide-out unit placed in a pocket with the top edge-rail of the tailgate, or as a rotating assembly incorporated into the outer sheet metal of the tailgate. Additional safety lights can be incorporated into the sides of the tailgate assembly. An optional feature includes the ability to pull the safety light out from the tailgate and secure the safety light to an object that extends beyond the length of the pickup bed. Alternatively, the safety lights can be installed in or on a bed extension apparatus. The safety light can additionally include the features of a standard taillight, comprising brake lights and or turn signal indicators. Alternates include reflective tape and a pullout feature from other locations. A pullout section can also provide a step for accessing the bed.

A vehicular turning indicator is used for automatically showing a turning degree of a vehicle. The vehicular turning indicator includes a sensor sensing a turning angle of the vehicle; a control device asserting a control signal according to the turning direction, the turning angle and optionally the speed of the vehicle; and a plurality of lightening units in communication with the control device brightening to constitute a variable pattern in response to the control signal. The vehicular turning indicator can be implemented by currently existent vehicular lamps such as indicator light, brake light or head-up display, be incorporated into an existent vehicular accessory such as rearview mirror module or auxiliary brake light module, or independently mounted to the vehicle. Preferably, special flashing effects are performed to make the turning indication prominent.

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.

A backlit display apparatus mounts to an exterior surface, including an automobile, wherein plain paper designs, digital photographs on plain paper or transparencies may be displayed between a white translucent dispersing panel and a clear front panel, with the front panel and the dispersing panel having a weather-proof seal. A high lumen light source, which could consist of a single bulb or a plurality of low lumen light sources, is located behind the dispersing panel, powered by either an internal DC electrical power source, an external DC electrical power source or an external 110 volt AC power source, the high lumen light source having a variable illumination control mechanism to select from a constant illumination, a flashing illumination or a passive illumination, such passive illumination derived from the external power source, including the brake light electrical system or the running light electrical system of an automobile to which the apparatus may be attached.

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.

An apparatus for mounting an object to a ferromagnetic surface comprising an upper support portion adapted to retain the object with a lower magnetic base to the support portion that is attractable to the ferromagnetic surface. A friction layer below the magnetic base separates the magnetic base from direct contact with the ferromagnetic surface whereby the magnetic base acts to releasably retain the support portion on the ferromagnetic surface and the friction layer acts to prevent slippage and provides cushioning. The mounting bracket is particularly suited to anchoring hoses, lines or cables to heavy equipment. The mounting bracket also useful for mounting equipment such as fire extinguishers or other safety equipment to a mounting location in a vehicle. Vehicle emergency lights or brake lights attached to the mounting bracket are readily installable on the exterior of a vehicle at any desired location and removable without damaging the vehicle finish.

An improved LED light bulb for use in a brake light bulb socket of an automobile or similar vehicle wherein selected numbers of LED are energized at full intensity depending upon whether the automobile is in the brake light mode or the tail light mode. The light emitting diode lamp includes first and second printed circuit boards having first and second pluralities of light emitting diodes mounted thereupon for emitting monochromatic light in response to power signals supplied from the automobile. All LED's are on full intensity in the brake light mode and less than the full number of LED's on the first and second printed circuit boards are on at full intensity for the tail light mode.

A dual wavelength focal plane has a first array of infrared sensing pixel elements and a second array of visible light pixel elements adapted to be selective to colors encountered while driving an automobile. The second array is selective to the colors red, blue and green, so being selective to traffic control signals, including brake lights of other automobiles. The arrays are vertically stacked on a monolithic silicon substrate. The arrays are electrically coupled to a processor and display to integrate the infrared and color pixel elements into a view for a driver of the automobile.