Systems and methods for interactions between an autonomous vehicle and one or more external observers include virtual models of drivers the autonomous vehicle. The virtual models may be generated by the autonomous vehicle and displayed to one or more external observers, and in some cases using devices worn by the external observers. The virtual models may facilitate interactions between the external observers and the autonomous vehicle using gestures or other visual cues. The virtual models may be encrypted with characteristics of an external observer, such as the external observer's face image, iris, or other representative features. Multiple virtual models for multiple external observers may be simultaneously used for multiple communications while preventing interference due to possible overlap of the multiple virtual models.

At least one embodiment of this disclosure includes a method for an autonomous vehicle (e.g., a fully autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle) to communicate with external observers. The method includes: receiving a task at the autonomous vehicle; collecting data that characterizes a surrounding environment of the autonomous vehicle from a sensor coupled to the autonomous vehicle; determining an intended course of action for the autonomous vehicle to undertake based on the task and the collected data; and conveying a human understandable output via an output device, the human understandable output expressly or implicitly indicating the intended course of action to an external observer.

A flip dot display apparatus for a vehicle includes a plurality of flip dot units disposed in a front grill disposed at a front bumper of the vehicle, and configured to transfer either one or both of notice information on a state of the vehicle and notice information on driving of the vehicle to an oncoming vehicle or a pedestrian. Each flip dot unit among the plurality of flip dot units includes: a housing having an opening formed on one side thereof and a space formed therein; and a flip disk rotatably installed in the housing and configured to open or close the opening.

A display device provided in a vehicle that travels autonomously includes: a display unit configured to display information to an outside of the vehicle; a determination unit configured to determine whether a travel state of the vehicle is any one of a deceleration state, a stop state, and a start state, based on a detection result of an internal sensor of the vehicle; and a display control unit configured to display on the display unit the information corresponding to each of the deceleration state, the stop state, and the start state, based on a determination result of the determination unit. In response to the determination unit having determined that the vehicle is in the deceleration state, the display control unit is configured to display on the display unit the information including a display moving from an upper side to a lower side along a vertical direction of the vehicle.

A method, system and non-transitory computer readable medium which monitor a road user in order to move the external position of the vehicle intent notification (eHMI) to another external position that can be seen by the road user based on the gaze direction of the road user. In some aspects, the eHMI notification displays the vehicle intent for a single autonomous vehicle. In another aspect, a group eHMI notification displays the trajectories for a plurality of autonomous and non-autonomous vehicles. Based on the gaze direction of the road user, the eHMI notification can be displayed on a single external position or on multiple external positions. Different eHMI notifications can be displayed at different external positions on the autonomous vehicle to provide information to more than one road user.

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.

Aspects of the disclosure provide for displaying notifications on a display of an autonomous vehicle. In one instance, a distance from the vehicle to a destination of the vehicle or a passenger may be determined. When the distance is between a first distance and a second distance, a first notification may be displayed on the display. The second distance may be less than the first distance. When the distance is less than the second distance, a second notification may be displayed on the display. The second notification provides additional information not provided by the first notification.

A software application product executable on a mobile device (110) for traffic signalling using a screen (111) of the device (110), in combination with remote activation means (120,130) providing a user interface. The invention further relates to a pocket for accommodating the a device (110) during such signalling. The invention further relates to a kit comprising such a soft-ware application product and optionally such a pocket, as well as to a method for traffic signalling.

There is provided an unmanned roadside signage vehicle comprising an autonomous, semiautonomous and/or remotely controllable roadside signage vehicle for various roadside signage, emergency response and maintenance applications. In accordance with one aspect, the unmanned roadside signage vehicle comprises drive motors operably coupled to driven wheels; steering coupled to the driven wheels; a controller for controlling the drive motors and steering; at least one electronic signage board for displaying roadside signage; and a data interface for receiving at least remote control instructions, the data interface operably coupled to the controller and wherein the controller is configured for controlling the drive motors and steering in accordance with the remote control instructions.

A lighting assembly for a vehicle is provided herein. The lighting assembly includes first and second sets of light sources disposed on a bumper of the vehicle. A photoluminescent structure is disposed on the lighting assembly and configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the first or second sets of light sources. A detection system is configured to detect an object disposed proximately to the vehicle. The first or second set of light sources illuminate upon the detection of the object.