Systems and methods for generating sounds in a vehicle, comprising generating a first type of sound via a first channel, and generating remaining sounds via a second channel, wherein the second channel is different than the first channel, and wherein the remaining sounds are different than the first type of sound. In at least one example, the first channel has a volume output that is fixed-defined in an audio system of the vehicle. The first channel may additionally have a fixed output channel with a subset of speakers of the first channel being fixed-defined in the audio system.

A vehicle light module, a headlight assembly, and a method for communicating information are provided. The vehicle light module includes a panel having a transparent state and an opaque state; and a projector operable to project a visual representation toward the panel. The visual representation is displayed on the panel when in an opaque state and on a second surface when in a transparent state.

A system for a vehicle for determining a capability of a person, such as an occupant of the vehicle. The system may include a sensor for monitoring the person. The system may include a processor coupled to the sensor. The processor may determine the capability of the person. The processor may communicate an indicator, from the system to a remote device, based on the capability of the person. The processor may operate the vehicle in an autonomous driving mode of operation. The processor may operate the vehicle in the autonomous driving mode of operation when the capability of the person is below a threshold value.

A system for a vehicle for determining a capability of a person, such as an occupant of the vehicle. The system may include a sensor for monitoring the person. The system may include a processor coupled to the sensor. The processor may determine the capability of the person. The processor may communicate an indicator, from the system to a remote device, based on the capability of the person. The processor may operate the vehicle in an autonomous driving mode of operation. The processor may operate the vehicle in the autonomous driving mode of operation when the capability of the person is below a threshold value.

A system for measuring the orientation angle of automotive collision avoidance sensors. An adaptive spacer is supported to conformably interengage the collision avoidance sensor module of a vehicle being repaired. The adaptive spacer extends outwardly from the sensor module and the orientation angle of the sensor module is transposed by the adaptive spacer to form an angular guideline on an underlying calibration board, mat or other surface. The angle between the angular guideline and a base guideline parallel to the center line of the vehicle and the angular guideline is measured to provide the orientation angle of the vehicle's sensor module.

A notification device includes: a notification-sound output portion provided in a vehicle and configured to output a notification sound toward the outside of the vehicle; a notification display portion provided in the vehicle and configured to output a notification display toward the outside of the vehicle; a notification controlling portion configured to control the notification sound of the notification-sound output portion and the notification display of the notification display portion; and a stop-state determination portion configured to determine whether the vehicle during the automatic driving enters a stop state or not. When the stop-state determination portion determines that the vehicle during the automatic driving enters the stop state, the notification controlling portion outputs a stop-time notification sound as the notification sound by the notification-sound output portion and outputs a stop-time notification display as the notification display by the notification display portion.

The technology relates to autonomous vehicles suffering a breakdown along a roadway. Onboard systems may utilize various proactive operations to alert specific vehicles or other objects on or near the roadway about the breakdown. This can be done alternatively or in addition to turning on the hazard lights or calling for remote assistance. The disabled vehicle is able to detect nearby and approaching objects. The detection may be performed in combination with a determination of the type of object or predicted behavior for that object, enables the vehicle to generate a targeted alert that can be transmitted or otherwise presented to that particular object. This approach provides the other object, such as a vehicle, bicyclist or pedestrian, sufficient time and information about the breakdown to take appropriate corrective action. Different communication options are available and may be selected based on the particular object, environmental conditions and other factors.

The technology relates to autonomous vehicles suffering a breakdown along a roadway. Onboard systems may utilize various proactive operations to alert specific vehicles or other objects on or near the roadway about the breakdown. This can be done alternatively or in addition to turning on the hazard lights or calling for remote assistance. The disabled vehicle is able to detect nearby and approaching objects. The detection may be performed in combination with a determination of the type of object or predicted behavior for that object, enables the vehicle to generate a targeted alert that can be transmitted or otherwise presented to that particular object. This approach provides the other object, such as a vehicle, bicyclist or pedestrian, sufficient time and information about the breakdown to take appropriate corrective action. Different communication options are available and may be selected based on the particular object, environmental conditions and other factors.

Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed in which one or more light sources, a detector, a processor and a controller are configured such that light from the one or more light sources improves the ability of a human or automated motor vehicle driver to identify and avoid pedestrians. The one or more light sources may provide spot illumination to moving objects or pedestrians on a road surface, with the spot illumination following the moving object or pedestrians along the portion of the road surface. The one or more light sources may project images on the ground or on other surfaces. The light source may be carried by a pedestrian or on personal transport used by a pedestrian. The light sources may be stationary and provide lighting for a pedestrian street crossing.

Light bars, and lighting systems and vehicles that include light bars. The light bars include a plurality of light emitting modules coupled together at flexible joints to allow a single light bar to be affixed to surfaces of varying curvatures, such as an interior window surface of a vehicle. The size of the light bar is easily customizable due to its modular nature. In some examples, a controller or other electronic element is adapted to detect a number and/or configuration of modules in a given light bar.