A communication system comprises a pointable range finder to calculate a distance between the vehicle and an object, a recorder for recording a status of the vehicle and a control device. The range finder sends a signal to the control device corresponding to the vehicle's distance from the object and the control device operates the recorder in a manner dependent upon the signal from the range finder. The recorder is able to record the event if the vehicle is an unsafe distance from the object. The unsafe distance is able to be a programmed distance. In some embodiments, the unsafe distance increases with an increase in speed of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the unsafe distance is determined by a programmable constant. In these embodiments, the unsafe distance is determined according to a speed of the vehicle, the vehicle's distance from an object and a pre-defined safe zone threshold value.

A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for sensing a braking of the vehicle and a control device for sending a signal to a headlight activation circuit to modulate the vehicle's headlights based upon the braking of the vehicle. In particular, a headlight of the vehicle is able to be modulated based upon an application of one or both of a front brake and a rear brake. The headlight activation circuit is able to modulate the headlight between an on position and an off position or modulate the headlight between a high beam position and a low beam position. Consequently, the vehicle is better seen as it approaches likely congestion areas such as intersections and slowing or stopped traffic and attempts to enter traffic.

A vehicle monitoring system for turning off an idling engine comprises a vehicle speed sensor configured to detect a lack of motion, or stationary status of a vehicle and emit a parameter correlated to the motion status of the vehicle, a transmission status detector configured to detect a transmission status of the vehicle, an alerting device capable of warning other drivers of a stationary status of the vehicle and a control device. The control device is coupled to the vehicle speed sensor, the transmission status detector and the alerting device, wherein the vehicle speed sensor and the transmission status detector send a signal to the control device and the control device operates in a manner dependent on the motion status of the vehicle and the transmission status of the vehicle.

A method of and system for detecting absolute acceleration along various axes relative to a desired movement vector while moving relative to a gravity source includes steps of determining a vertical acceleration, perpendicular to the desired movement vector and substantially anti-parallel to a gravitational acceleration due to the gravity source; determining a longitudinal acceleration, parallel to the desired movement vector and to output at vertical acceleration signal and a longitudinal acceleration signal; determining an inclination of the desired movement vector relative to the gravitational acceleration; and processing the vertical acceleration signal, the longitudinal acceleration signal, and the inclination signal to produce an absolute vertical acceleration signal and an absolute longitudinal acceleration signal.

A vehicle illumination apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least one light generating layer configured to conform to an outer surface of a panel of the vehicle. The light generating layer comprises a plurality of electrodes having a plurality of LEDs in a semiconductor ink disposed therebetween. The plurality of LEDs is operable to emit a first emission. The apparatus further comprises a controller configured to selectively activate the plurality of LEDs in response to a navigational direction of the vehicle.

A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for sensing a motion status of a vehicle, a control device, plurality of data acquisition sensors, and one or more alerting device activation circuits. The communication system is customizable with the plurality of data acquisition sensors and one or more alerting device activation circuits based upon the needs of the vehicle.

A visual deceleration indication apparatus signals to pedestrians and other vehicles that a vehicle is slowing down or coming to a stop. Illuminating devices, such as LEDs, contained in a license plate frame located in the front of the car, are activated when the vehicle decelerates. An accelerometer or other sensory device is used to detect deceleration and sends a signal to illuminate the LEDs, thereby letting others know that the vehicle is slowing down. The license plate frame may be connected directly to a rear brake light component without the use of accelerometers or other sensors. When the brake is applied, the LEDs in the license plate frame are illuminated. The LEDs may be contained in other forms and located in different positions on the front or side of the car.

A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for sensing a motion status of a vehicle, a control device, plurality of data acquisition sensors, and one or more alerting device activation circuits. The communication system is customizable with the plurality of data acquisition sensors and one or more alerting device activation circuits based upon the needs of the vehicle.

A brake lamp module for a vehicle, wherein the module includes a housing, lamp device, sensor, and electronic control unit (ECU). The lamp device, sensor and ECU are carried by the housing. The ECU is configured based at least in part on data received from the sensor to provide a power signal that causes illumination of the lamp device. In at least some embodiments, this arrangement permits actuation of the brake lamp or other lamp device in response to detection of a hazard event, such as rapid deceleration of the vehicle. And, in at least some embodiments, this may be done independently of actuation of the brake pedal by the driver.

A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for sensing a braking of the vehicle and a control device for sending a signal to a headlight activation circuit to modulate the vehicle's headlights based upon the braking of the vehicle. In particular, a headlight of the vehicle is able to be modulated based upon an application of one or both of a front brake and a rear brake. The headlight activation circuit is able to modulate the headlight between an on position and an off position or modulate the headlight between a high beam position and a low beam position. Consequently, the vehicle is better seen as it approaches likely congestion areas such as intersections and slowing or stopped traffic and attempts to enter traffic.