The present invention provides to a recording apparatus and method for recording data, in particular video data associated with a vehicle. Video data are only recorded, as long as a predefined trigger event is true. Upon detecting such a trigger event, the trigger event is further analyzed and the recording of the video data is immediately stopped when it is detected that the trigger event is no longer valid. In this way, the recording of the video data can be limited for reducing the amount of video data to be stored. According to further embodiments, the amount of video data to be recorded can be further minimized by adapting the video frame rate, the resolution, and compression rate or color format of the video data.

Disclosed is an inner rear-view mirror system for an automobile with cameras, which comprises a rotatable single-axle shooting device (1) of a license plate frame and a rotatable shooting device (2) with a triangular connecting rod on the top. The rotatable single-axle shooting device (1) of the license plate frame comprises a first camera (10). The rotatable single-axle shooting device (1) of the license plate frame is used for rotating about an edge of the license plate frame (4) as a rotation axis, so that the first camera (10) is driven to turn and protrude out of the spatial position of the license plate frame (4). The rotatable shooting device (2) with a triangular connecting rod on the top comprises four second cameras (20). The rotatable shooting device (2) with a triangular connecting rod on the top is used for driving the four second cameras (20) to horizontally move simultaneously along the front and back direction or the left and right direction of the vehicle. A rotatable single-axle shooting device (3) on the top comprises a third camera (30) and a rotary handle (31). The rotatable single-axle shooting device (3) of the roof is used for driving the third camera (30) to move along a circular path with the length of the rotary handle (31) as the radius. The above-mentioned inner rear-view mirror system for an automobile with cameras solves the technical problems, such as the blind angle present during shooting with a traditional inner rear-view mirror system for an automobile with cameras.

Disclosed is an inner rear-view mirror system for an automobile with cameras, which comprises a rotatable single-axle shooting device (1) of a license plate frame and a rotatable shooting device (2) with a triangular connecting rod on the top. The rotatable single-axle shooting device (1) of the license plate frame comprises a first camera (10). The rotatable single-axle shooting device (1) of the license plate frame is used for rotating about an edge of the license plate frame (4) as a rotation axis, so that the first camera (10) is driven to turn and protrude out of the spatial position of the license plate frame (4). The rotatable shooting device (2) with a triangular connecting rod on the top comprises four second cameras (20). The rotatable shooting device (2) with a triangular connecting rod on the top is used for driving the four second cameras (20) to horizontally move simultaneously along the front and back direction or the left and right direction of the vehicle. A rotatable single-axle shooting device (3) on the top comprises a third camera (30) and a rotary handle (31). The rotatable single-axle shooting device (3) of the roof is used for driving the third camera (30) to move along a circular path with the length of the rotary handle (31) as the radius. The above-mentioned inner rear-view mirror system for an automobile with cameras solves the technical problems, such as the blind angle present during shooting with a traditional inner rear-view mirror system for an automobile with cameras.

In one embodiment, an image analysis is performed on an image captured using a camera mounted on an autonomous vehicle, the image representing an exterior environment of an autonomous vehicle. Localization information surrounding the autonomous vehicle is obtained at a point in time. A perception of an audience external to the autonomous vehicle is determined based on the image analysis and the localization information. One or more content items are received from one or more content servers over a network in response to the perception of the audience. A first content item selected from the one or more content items is displayed on a display device mounted on an exterior surface of the autonomous vehicle.

In one embodiment, an image analysis is performed on an image captured using a camera mounted on an autonomous vehicle, the image representing an exterior environment of an autonomous vehicle. Localization information surrounding the autonomous vehicle is obtained at a point in time. A perception of an audience external to the autonomous vehicle is determined based on the image analysis and the localization information. One or more content items are received from one or more content servers over a network in response to the perception of the audience. A first content item selected from the one or more content items is displayed on a display device mounted on an exterior surface of the autonomous vehicle.

A vehicle headlamp alignment system is provided that includes a headlamp located on a vehicle, an adjuster module for adjusting aim of the headlamp, and a camera located on the vehicle. Sensors may determine distance and orientation of the vehicle relative to a wall. A controller processes images of a beam on the wall acquired by the camera and determines the aim of the headlamp based on the images. The controller controls the adjuster module to align the headlamp based on the determined aim.

A vehicle headlamp alignment system is provided that includes a headlamp located on a vehicle, an adjuster module for adjusting aim of the headlamp, and a camera located on the vehicle. Sensors may determine distance and orientation of the vehicle relative to a wall. A controller processes images of a beam on the wall acquired by the camera and determines the aim of the headlamp based on the images. The controller controls the adjuster module to align the headlamp based on the determined aim.

Apparatus are provided for a sensor platform. The sensor platform includes a sensor mount adapted to receive a sensing device, and a first articulation system that has a first rotational axis. The sensor platform includes a second articulation system that has a second rotational axis, and the second rotational axis is different than the first rotational axis. The sensor platform includes a base that supports the first articulation system, the second articulation system and the sensor mount. The first articulation system and the second articulation system are independently movable to define two degrees of freedom for positioning the sensor platform.

Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling a movement of a sensor platform. The method includes receiving a desired position of the platform from a source. The desired position includes a first coordinate value and a second coordinate value. The method includes, based on the first coordinate value and the second coordinate value, calculating, by a processor, a first value associated with a first axis of rotation of the platform and calculating a second value associated with a second axis of rotation of the platform. The method includes outputting, by the processor, one or more control signals to at least one motor associated with the platform to move the platform based on the first value and the second value.

A vision display system for a vehicle includes a rear backup camera, a driver side camera, a passenger side camera, a front camera, and a display system including a video display screen. Rear backup video images derived from image data captured by the rear backup camera may be displayed by the video display screen for no more than ten seconds after shifting of the vehicle transmission of the vehicle out of reverse gear. Upon the engine of the vehicle being first started after initial ignition on of the vehicle, priority may be given to display by the video display screen of rear backup video images. Within two seconds after shifting of the vehicle transmission of the vehicle into reverse gear, rear backup video images may be displayed by the video display screen.