Examples provide a vehicle multicolor light control system for managing light devices using serial data communication. A vehicle includes a plurality of multicolor light devices and a plurality of physical light control switches. A light controller device acts as an intermediary device between the light devices and the switch devices. The light controller device sends a data packet including instructions for controlling light activation, light deactivation, color combinations of the light, flash pattern of the light device and other functions of the light device in response to user activation or deactivation of one or more of the physical switch devices, a vehicle function activation, input from a user interface device or other data indicating a user-selected mode. The instructions in the data packet can control a single light device or multiple light devices within the same light device zone.

A lighting system for specialty lighting, which may be attached to a motor vehicle with a window (e.g., glass, plastic, etc.) that is light transmissive. The lighting system may include one or more light assemblies attached to the window in an interior of the vehicle. The lighting system may include an optical path translator to direct the light emitted out the window of the vehicle and limit the amount of light reflected into the cabin of the vehicle. The lighting system may provide concealed electrical connections for power, signal, and data, as well as concealment for one or more additional aspects of the lighting system.

An electrical converter assembly includes a sensing device coupled to one or more wires of a towing vehicle. The sensing device is configured to detect the current flow in the one or more wires and generate a signal in response to the current flow. The converter assembly further includes an electrical component in communication with the sensing device. The electrical component may generate a signal to a towed vehicle in response to the current flow detected by the sensing device. The sensing device may be a non-invasive sensing device. The non-invasive sensing device may detect current flow in the one or more wires of the towing vehicle without direct contact with the conducting element of the wires.

There are disclosed video systems and methods that use a camera in a lamp housing for a tractor-trailer. Within the housing is an electrical subsystem with a PLC interface and an electrical connector disposed outside the housing and adapted to connect to the trailer and draw power therefrom. A lamp mounted in the housing is connected and adapted to draw power through the electrical subsystem and emit light through a cover of the housing. The camera mounted in the housing has a field of view through the cover. The camera is connected and adapted to draw power through the electrical subsystem and to capture images through the cover and is further connected to the PLC interface. The PLC interface converts data from the camera and transmits the converted data through the electrical connector to the trailer.

Improved light emitting diode (LED) vehicle headlamps having a dedicated daytime running lamp (DRL) component are described. In various embodiments, a combination Low Beam/DRL headlamp is provided, which uses pulse width modulation (PWM) detection to determine which of the two internal LED light sources (Low Beam or DRL) is powered on. If the Low Beam/DRL headlamp detects a PWM signal on the Low Beam voltage input then it switches to drive the DRL LEDs. If, alternatively, it detects a steady state input voltage then it switches to drive the Low Beam LEDs.

A lighting device is provided for controlling the photometric distribution of light emitted by two or more LEDs. The lighting device may be integrated with a control system of the vehicle and may be controlled by a remote controller. The lighting device may be capable of being operated in one or more modes of operation based on operating conditions, user input, or both. Operating conditions may include vehicle conditions, environmental conditions, and user conditions. The controller may operate a software application to enable the user to modify, control, or otherwise regulate any mode of operation or other feature of the lighting system.

Provided are a vehicle lighting device and a vehicle lamp that can maintain lighting even when an input voltage drops. The vehicle lighting device according to an embodiment includes a socket; a substrate provided on one end side of the socket; a first circuit provided on the substrate; and a second circuit provided on the substrate. The first circuit has a plurality of first light emitting elements; and a control element electrically connected to the plurality of first light emitting elements and controlling a value of a current flowing through the plurality of first light emitting elements. The second circuit has second light emitting elements the number of which is smaller than the number of the plurality of first light emitting elements; and a resistor connected in series to the second light emitting elements.

An auxiliary spare tire brake light is provided for a vehicle having a spare tire with a rim that has spokes and openings and that is secured on lugs at the back of the vehicle. The auxiliary spare tire brake light includes a support disc having a central portion and a peripheral portion. An array of openings is formed in the central portion of the support disc and the openings are positioned to fit over the lugs at the back of the vehicle for positioning the support on the lugs behind the rim of the spare tire. An annular race extends around the peripheral portion of the support and a plurality of lights in the form of LEDs is disposed in the race. The LEDs are arrayed in a closely spaced substantially continuous array around the support to form a ring of LEDs. A wire and electrical connector electrically connect the plurality of LEDs to the brake circuitry of the vehicle so that the LEDs are illuminated when the vehicle's brake pedal is depressed. A first portion of the ring of LEDs align with and project light directly through the openings in the rim of the spare tire to be seen from behind as an indication that the vehicle is braking. A second portion of the ring of LEDs aligns behind the spokes and reflects off of the backs of the spokes to silhouette the rim against the glow of the reflected light.

A panel of a vehicle may be provided with or configured to provide interactive skin. The interactive skin may be configured for accepting touch input from a user. The interactive skin may include one or more flexible layers and may include or be mounted under a transparent display cover layer such as a layer of clear glass or plastic. Interactive skin may include a touch-sensitive layer that allows a user to provide touch input to the panel of the vehicle. Display pixels on interactive skin may be used to display visual information to the user. The interactive skin may be configured for detecting a condition of at least one panel and generating an output function in response to the detected condition.

A vehicle side mirror is provided and includes a mirror and a mirror housing in which the mirror is installed. Additionally, a blind spot detection (BSD)-integrated mirror holder supports the mirror and includes a mounting groove formed in a front surface thereof that faces the mirror. A BSD module is configured to provide a warning regarding a danger in a blind spot on a rear lateral side of a vehicle and is disposed in the mounting groove.