An emblem for a vehicle comprises: (a) a light source configured to emit visible light; (b) a cover assembly disposed over the light source, the cover assembly having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a transparent portion that is transparent to the visible light, the visible light being incident to the inner surface, and the visible light that the light source emits transmitting through the transparent portion out of the outer surface to an external environment beyond the emblem; and (c) one or more surface relief patterns disposed on the cover assembly, the one or more surface relief patterns configured to manipulate (i) the visible light that the light source emits, (ii) visible light from the external environment, or (iii) both (i) and (ii).

A vehicle may have vehicle controls that are used in steering, braking, and accelerating the vehicle. The vehicle may have sensors that gather information on vehicle speed, orientation, and position. The sensors may also gather information on relative speed between the vehicle and a following vehicle, information on risks of a collision between a vehicle and an external object, and other vehicle status information and vehicle operating environment information. Control circuitry may use light-based devices to display braking information, information on vehicle speed, the relative speed between a vehicle and a following vehicle, autonomous driving mode status information, custom brake light information or other user-selected information, or other information on vehicle status and the operating environment of a vehicle.

Method and apparatus are disclosed for mobile device tethering for a remote parking assist system of a vehicle. A vehicle includes a camera and a body control module. The body control module sends an instruction to a mobile device and captures, with the camera, an image of the mobile device. The body control module also analyzes the image to determine an initial location of the mobile device relative to the vehicle, and based on the initial location, performs dead reckoning on the mobile device to track the mobile device. When the mobile device is within a threshold distance, the body control module enables autonomous parking.

A method, system and non-transitory computer readable medium for multi-stage communication between an autonomous vehicle and a road user. The autonomous vehicle uses vehicle external cameras, a LiDAR sensors and radar sensors to image the surrounding environment. Image processing circuitry is used to develop a view of the surrounding environment from the sensed images and the view is combined with stored map data. Road users, which may include pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists and non-autonomous vehicles are identified on the view and it is determined whether the movement of the road user will intersect the trajectory of the autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle performs a vehicle behavior modification as a first stage signal to alert the road user of its intent. If the road user does not react to the first stage signal, the autonomous vehicle activates additional external lighting as a second stage signal to alert the road user.

Systems and methods for assisting a user to hail a vehicle using a gesture or application. In one aspect, when a vehicle detects a user hails it with a gesture, it calculates a route and moves to the user autonomously. In another aspect, after a vehicle receives a message from a remote facility, it starts searching for a user nearby and moves to the user autonomously when the user hails it via a gesture or application.

An illuminated communication unit for a vehicle is provided. The communication unit may include an enclosure carrying components within a cavity that include a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) and a heat sink. The PCBA may include a position sensor in communication with the vehicle and configured to detect a position of the vehicle, and a plurality of light emitting elements disposed adjacent to the position sensor and configured to generate a light output. The heat sink may be configured to dissipate heat caused by the plurality of light emitting elements generating the light output. The communication unit may include a diffuser lens that includes a lens surface having an emblem disposed thereon, the diffuser lens being configured to receive the light output generated by the plurality of light emitting elements and diffusely illuminate the emblem. The lens surface may be configured to widely disperse the light output.

Floor projection device for a motor vehicle for producing at least one floor projection, wherein the floor projection device has an illuminant and a projection means, wherein the illuminant is configured to generate and at least partially emit light onto the projection means, wherein the projection means is configured to project the light which is emitted by the illuminant onto the projection means, in a state of the floor projection device integrated into the motor vehicle, onto a carriageway as a floor projection to the side of the motor vehicle, wherein the floor projection comprises at least two light segments separated from one another, wherein the illuminant has for this purpose at least two individually controllable light sources, wherein each light segment is assigned at least one light source, wherein the projection means has a focal point or a focal line, wherein at least one of the at least two light sources is arranged offset relative to the focal point or focal line of the projection means, wherein a first portion of the light is emitted along a first beam direction, which is directed directly onto the projection means, wherein a second portion of the light is emitted in a second beam direction, which is not directed directly onto the projection means, wherein the floor projection device has absorption means and/or deflection means, which are configured to at least partially absorb and/or deflect the second portion of the light such that the second portion of the light does not reach the projection means.

The present invention relates to a secured and unforgeable digital license plate that facilitates tracking of a vehicle's location and the monitoring of the vehicle's mechanical and electrical condition, as well as providing indications about the vehicle's traffic and parking lot violations. The display on the digital license plate is highly visible to both motor vehicle enforcement officers and to drivers and passengers of nearby vehicles, and is indicative that the vehicle bearing the digital license plate with the displayed indication is exhibiting anomalous motor activity.

A sign assembly comprising includes a reflective panel, first and second sign panels, and a LED strip. The first and second sign panels sandwich the reflective panel. The first and second sign panels form a channel therebetween. The LED strip is positioned within the channel. The first and second sign panels may be identical and/or have letter embossments. The reflective panel may be white with the first and second sign panels being clear PMMA (Polymethyl methacrylate) panels.

A self-contained illuminated sign for mounting on a vehicle is disclosed. The sign includes a front panel, a rear panel situated opposite and substantially parallel to the front panel in spaced relation therefrom to define a space therebetween, and a light source comprising a plurality of LEDs. The light source is positioned between the front and rear panels and is configured to emit light that emanates from the front panel. The front panel is thus backlit to display indicia. A system for supporting a self-contained illuminated sign on a vehicle is also disclosed. The system includes the sign and a separate mounting frame mountable on a vehicle. The mounting frame is configured to removably receive the sign and, when the sign is received in the mounting frame, to surround a perimeter of the sign while permitting visibility of the front display area. Related methods are also disclosed.