An apparatus (100), including: a framework (104) configured to be secured to a vehicle; an arm base (106) configured to pivot relative to the framework between a retracted position and an extended position; an arm (110) removably secured to and extending from the arm base; and a shock absorber (142) configured to absorb shock and to prevent relative movement between the arm base and the arm.

A microcontroller is in operative control of the left and right turn signal lamps, a park selector indicator input is communicatively coupled to the microcontroller to indicate when a vehicle is placed in park. An ignition switch position indicator is communicatively coupled to the microcontroller to indicate when the vehicle ignition switch is on or off. A hazard lamp switch activates the microcontroller to flash the left and right turn signal lamps together a standard flash rate, and a high conspicuity switch that activates the microcontroller to flash the left and right turn signal lamps together at a high conspicuity rate when the hazard lamp switch is activated, and the vehicle is in park or the ignition is off.

A device for providing external communication by a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a steering wheel having one or more light-emitting elements in a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The device is configured to ascertain external information that needs to be communicated to a user of the vehicle who is arranged outside of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The device is furthermore configured to prompt the one or more light-emitting elements to generate a light signal in order to display the external information.

According to one aspect, headlights of a vehicle are used to communicate information that may be understood by a user or other person in the vicinity of the vehicle. A method includes operating a vehicle and determining a status of the vehicle. The vehicle has a park gear arranged to be engaged to cause the vehicle to be in a parked state, and the vehicle includes a first optical assembly that has a first optical arrangement and a first optical controller. The method also includes causing the first optical arrangement to visually communicate a first indication, the first indication being arranged to indicate the status of the vehicle.

A light-emitting diode (LED) string includes an electrically conductive wire and a plurality of LEDs. The LEDs are electrically connected to the wire in series along an axial length of the wire. The LED string may include a solder layer, with the LEDs electrically connected to the wire via the solder layer. A tube having an optional phosphor coating may circumscribe the wire and LEDs. When connected to a surface, the LED string emits light in a band of at least 180 degrees with respect to the surface. A light assembly includes a first surface and a first LED string configured as set forth above. The light assembly may include a second LED string positioned with respect to the surface and having additional LEDs configured to illuminate in response to a second control signal from the controller.

In a motor vehicle having motor vehicle exterior lighting devices and an operator control device, the following lighting modes of the motor vehicle exterior lighting devices can be set: deactivated, parking light, daytime running light, forwarding lighting, and automatic mode in which the motor vehicle exterior lighting devices are operated by an automatic forward light controller. The operator control device has a single monostable operator control element by which the lighting modes can be set; or the operator control device has a monostable operator control element by which the deactivated, parking light, daytime running light and forward lighting lighting modes can be set. The operator control device has a pushbutton key or a toggle lever by which the automatic mode can be set.

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 vehicle control device is a vehicle control device mounted on a first vehicle, and the vehicle control device includes a light source configured to project light outside of a vehicle; and a light source controller configured to control the light source to project a projection image which is positioned outside the first vehicle viewed from above and is along at least part of a periphery of the first vehicle in a case where the first vehicle is stopped.

A device for use with a vehicle that includes a cabinet having a plurality of sidewalls that can define at least a portion of an interior region of the cabinet. A display screen is coupled to a portion of the cabinet, at least one side of the display screen being positioned to face outwardly away from the interior region and have indicia that is visible from a location remote from both the cabinet and the vehicle. A light source can be positioned within the interior region adjacent to the display screen that is configured to selectively illuminate at least a portion of at least one of the display screen and the indicia. The device can further include a controller that is electrically coupled to the light source and a trigger assembly. The controller can be configured to initiate operation of the light source in response to receipt of a communication from the trigger assembly that is indicative a change in status of the vehicle.

A deployable safety zone system includes at least a first arm mounted on a support member and being movable between stored and operating positions relative to the support member. The support member and first arm define a safety zone between then when the first arm is in the operating position. The safety system may include reflective mechanisms, light sources, and an alarming system. The alarming system may include a transmitter positioned on one part of the safety system, a receiver positioned on another part of the safety system and an alarm mechanism. A signal may be sent between the transmitter and receiver and if that signal is interrupted, a visual or audible alarm may be generated. Alternatively, the deployable safety zone system may comprise a sensor assembly disposed adjacent the support member. The alarmed safety zone is defined between the support member and the sensor assembly.