Dimmable glass, dimmable glass system, and control method thereof

Abstract

A dimmable glass is provided, comprising a first base substrate and a second base substrate arranged opposite each other, a first electrode disposed on the first base substrate, a second electrode disposed on the second base substrate, and a dimming component sandwiched between the first base substrate and the second base substrate. The dimming component is configured to change state in response to an electrical signal applied to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby switching the dimmable glass from a first state to a second state, in the first state the dimmable glass having M compartments, where M is a positive integer of 1 or more, and in the second state the dimmable glass having N compartments, where N is a positive integer of 1 or more, wherein the N compartments and the M compartments differ in at least one of the following characteristics: the number of compartments, the area occupied by at least one compartment, the light transmittance, and the relative position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of display technology, and particularly to dimming glass, a dimming glass system, and a control method thereof.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, dimming glass is increasingly being used in the fields of architecture, transportation, and interior design. Dimming glass can be made to switch between a clear state and a dark state (or a cloudy state) by controlling factors such as electricity, temperature, light, voltage, etc. Improving the flexibility of dimming to meet various needs for different types of dimming glass is an ongoing focus for researchers and developers.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] To solve at least one aspect of the above problems, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a dimming glass, a dimming glass system, and a control method thereof.

[0004] One aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a dimming glass, the dimming glass comprising: a first base substrate and a second base substrate disposed opposite to each other; a first electrode disposed on the first base substrate; a second electrode disposed on the second base substrate; and a dimming component sandwiched between the first base substrate and the second base substrate, where the dimming component is configured to change its state in response to an electrical signal applied to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby switching the dimming glass from a first state to a second state. In the first state, the dimming glass has M sections, where M is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. In the second state, the dimming glass has N sections, where N is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. The N sections and the M sections are different in at least one characteristic among the number of sections, the occupied range of at least one section, the light transmittance, and the relative position.

[0005] In some embodiments, at least one of M and N is 2 or more. In some embodiments, the M sections are arranged linearly along a first direction, linearly along a second direction, or in an array along the first and second directions, where the first and second directions intersect, and / or

[0006] The N sections are arranged linearly along a first direction, linearly along a second direction, or in an array along both the first and second directions, with the first and second directions intersecting.

[0007] In some embodiments, M is equal to N, and the arrangement direction of the M sections and the N sections is the same.

[0008] In some embodiments, the light transmittance of at least the i-th section among the M sections is different from the light transmittance of at least the i-th section among the N sections, and / or the occupied area of ​​at least the i-th section among the M sections is different from the occupied area of ​​at least the i-th section among the N sections.

[0009] Here, i is the array index along the direction of the arrangement of the M or N partitions, and i is a positive integer between 1 and M or N, inclusive.

[0010] In some embodiments, M is equal to N, and the arrangement direction of the M sections and the N sections is different.

[0011] In some embodiments, M is not equal to N, and the arrangement direction of the M sections and the N sections is the same, or

[0012] M is not equal to N, and the arrangement direction of the M sections and the N sections are different. In some embodiments, the dimming component includes a dye liquid crystal layer.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first electrode includes K sub-electrodes, where K is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, and K is greater than or equal to the larger of M and N.

[0014] In some embodiments, the dimming component is configured to change its state in response to electrical signals applied to the first and second electrodes, thereby switching the dimming glass to a third state, in which the dimming glass has at least one of a display function and a writing function.

[0015] Another aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure provides a dimmable glass system for use in a vehicle, the dimmable glass system for use in a vehicle comprising a dimmable glass as described in any one of the above descriptions mounted on the vehicle, and a controller electrically connected to a first electrode and a second electrode of the dimmable glass.

[0016] In some embodiments, the M compartments are arranged linearly along the length of the vehicle, or linearly along the height of the vehicle, or arranged in an array along both the length and height of the vehicle, and / or

[0017] The N compartments are arranged linearly along the length of the vehicle, or linearly along the height of the vehicle, or in an array along both the length and height of the vehicle.

[0018] In some embodiments, M=1 and N is 2 or greater. In some embodiments, the M sections have a first light transmittance, and each of the N sections has N light transmittances, where at least one of the N light transmittances is the same as the first light transmittance, and at least one of the N light transmittances is different from the first light transmittance.

[0019] In some embodiments, M = N, where both M and N are positive integers greater than or equal to 2, and the occupancy ranges of the N compartments are each different from the occupancy ranges of the M compartments. In some embodiments, M = N,

[0020] The M compartments are linearly arranged along the length direction of the vehicle, the N compartments are linearly arranged along the length direction of the vehicle, and the light transmittance of at least the i-th compartment among the N compartments is different from the light transmittance of at least the i-th compartment among the M compartments, where i is a number counted from the front to the rear along the length direction of the vehicle and is a positive integer between 1 and M.

[0021] In some embodiments, the dimming glass includes a side windshield located on the driver side of the vehicle, and the light transmittance of the first compartment among the N compartments is greater than the light transmittance of the other compartments among the N compartments.

[0022] In some embodiments, the light transmittance and / or occupancy range of at least one of the N compartments is determined based on at least one of user input information, vehicle external information, vehicle internal information, and vehicle driving information.

[0023] In some embodiments, M = N, The M compartments are linearly arranged along the height direction of the vehicle, the N compartments are linearly arranged along the height direction of the vehicle, and the light transmittance of at least the j-th compartment among the N compartments is different from the light transmittance of at least the j-th compartment among the M compartments, where j is a number counted from the bottom to the top along the height direction of the vehicle and is a positive integer between 1 and M.

[0024] In some embodiments, M = N, The M compartments are linearly arranged along the length direction of the vehicle, and the N compartments are linearly arranged along the height direction of the vehicle.

[0025] In some embodiments, the light transmittance of the j-th compartment among the N compartments is the same as the light transmittance of at least the i-th compartment among the M compartments, where i = j, i is a number counted from the front to the rear along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, i is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to M, j is a number counted from the bottom to the top along the height direction of the vehicle, and j is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N.

[0026] In some embodiments, M = N. The M compartments are linearly arranged along the height direction of the vehicle, and the N compartments are linearly arranged along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0027] In some embodiments, the light transmittance of the i-th compartment among the N compartments is the same as the light transmittance of at least the j-th compartment among the M compartments, where i = j, i is a number counted from the front to the rear along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, i is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to N, j is a number counted from the bottom to the top along the height direction of the vehicle, and j is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to M.

[0028] In some embodiments, the dimming glass includes at least one side windshield located on the side of the vehicle, at least one rear windshield located at the rear of the vehicle, and at least one sunroof located on the top of the vehicle.

[0029] In some embodiments, the dimming glass includes at least two of at least one side windshield located on the side of the vehicle, at least one rear windshield located at the rear of the vehicle, and at least one sunroof located on the top of the vehicle, and at least two of the dimming glasses are independently controlled.

[0030] Another aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure provides a method for controlling a dimming glass system, where the dimming glass system includes

[0031] The vehicle comprises a dimmable glass and a controller electrically connected to the first and second electrodes of the dimmable glass. The dimmable glass comprises a first base substrate and a second base substrate arranged opposite each other, a first electrode disposed on the first base substrate, a second electrode disposed on the second base substrate, and a dimming component sandwiched between the first base substrate and the second base substrate. The aforementioned method, To obtain at least one of the following: user input information, vehicle external information, vehicle internal information, and vehicle driving information. To generate an electrical signal corresponding to at least one of the following: user input information, vehicle external information, vehicle internal information, and vehicle driving information; The device includes applying the electrical signal to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode to change the state of the dimming component, thereby switching the dimming glass from a first state to a second state. Here, in the first state, the dimmable glass has M compartments, where M is a positive integer of 1 or more, and in the second state, the dimmable glass has N compartments, where N is a positive integer of 1 or more, and the N compartments and the M compartments differ in at least one of the following characteristics: the number of compartments, the area occupied by at least one compartment, the light transmittance, and the relative position.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first electrode includes K sub-electrodes, where K is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, and K is greater than or equal to the larger of M and N. Applying the electrical signal to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode to change the state of the dimming component, thereby switching the dimming glass from the first state to the second state, specifically means: The electrical signal is applied to K sub-electrodes of the first electrode, the K sub-electrodes are divided into N groups, and a different electrical signal is applied to each sub-electrode of the N groups. In response to different electrical signals applied to the N sub-electrodes, the state of the dimming component in the N sections corresponding to the N sub-electrodes changes accordingly. This includes switching the dimmable glass to a second state in response to a change in the state of the dimmable component in N compartments.

[0033] In some embodiments, the K sub-electrodes are divided into two groups, and different electrical signals are applied to each of the two groups of sub-electrodes.

[0034] In some embodiments, the user input information includes information entered by the user by operating at least one of the following: a physical input component, an electronic input component, voice input, and gesture control, and / or The aforementioned vehicle driving information includes at least one of vehicle speed, vehicle steering information, and vehicle direction of travel.

[0035] Other purposes and benefits of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of this disclosure, with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will help in a full understanding of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of dimmable glass according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of a dimmable glass in the transparent state along line AA' in Figure 1, according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of a dimmable glass in the dark state along line AA' in Figure 1, according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figures 3 and 4 are schematic plan views, respectively, of the first and second dimming substrates of the dimming glass shown in Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figures 3 and 4 are schematic plan views, respectively, of the first and second dimming substrates of the dimming glass shown in Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5]Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of a dimmable glass according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of a dimmable glass in the transparent state along line BB' in Figure 5, according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of a dimmable glass in the dark state along line BB' in Figure 5, according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of the first dimming substrate of the dimming glass shown in Figure 5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of a dimmable glass according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] Figure 9A is a cross-sectional view of a dimmable glass in the transparent state according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, along the line CC' in Figure 8. Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view of a dimmable glass in the dark state according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, along the line C-C' in Figure 8. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic plan view of the first dimming substrate of the dimming glass shown in Figure 8, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] Figures 11A to 11H are schematic diagrams of dimmable glass in various states according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a graph showing the change in light transmittance of a dimmable glass according to the driving voltage, according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] Figures 13A to 13C are schematic diagrams showing the structure of a dimmable glass system used in a vehicle according to different exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] Figures 14A to 14F are schematic diagrams of dynamic dimming of vertical compartments according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] Figures 15A to 15C are schematic diagrams of dynamic dimming of a horizontal section according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] Figures 16A to 16D are schematic diagrams of dynamic dimming between an equal number of horizontal and vertical sections according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] Figures 17A to 17I are schematic diagrams of dynamic dimming between different numbers of horizontal and vertical sections according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] Figures 18A to 18D are schematic diagrams of different vehicle types according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the structure of dimmable glass according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of a dimmable glass system used in a vehicle according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of light-shielding sunroof glass and sky glass according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of a dimmable glass system used in a vehicle according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram of light-shielding sunroof glass and sky glass according to further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a dimmable glass system according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a flowchart illustrating the application of electrical signals according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a flowchart illustrating how a driver adjusts a vehicle seat according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] Please note that, for clarity, the drawings used to illustrate the embodiments of this disclosure may have been enlarged or reduced in size to represent layers, structures, or areas; in other words, these drawings are not drawn to actual scale.

[0038] The technical invention of this disclosure is described more specifically below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the same or similar figure numbers indicate the same or similar components. The following description of embodiments of this disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to illustrate the overall inventive concept of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0039] Furthermore, the following detailed description includes many specific details for the sake of clarity and to provide a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments of this disclosure. However, it is clear that one or more embodiments can be carried out even without these specific details.

[0040] Here, terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe different elements, but it should be understood that these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiment, the first element may be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element may be referred to as the first element. In this specification, the term "and / or" includes any combination and any combination of one or more related enumeration items.

[0041] When an element or layer is said to be "formed on" another element or layer, it should be understood that this can mean either the element or layer is formed directly on the other element or layer, or it can be formed indirectly. In other words, there may be an intervening element or layer, for example. Conversely, when an element or layer is said to be "directly formed on" another element or layer, there is no intervening element or layer. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements or layers (e.g., "between..." and "directly between...", "adjacent" and "directly adjacent") should be interpreted similarly.

[0042] The terms used herein are for the sole purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. The singular form used herein includes the plural form unless otherwise explicitly stated in the context. Furthermore, where the terms “includes” and / or “compose” are used herein, they indicate the presence of the described features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, and do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of dimmable glass according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of dimmable glass 10 in the transparent state along line AA' in Figure 1 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of dimmable glass 10 in the dark state along line A-A' in Figure 1 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] Referring to Figures 1, 2A, and 2B, the dimmable glass 10 comprises a first base substrate 11 and a second base substrate 21 arranged opposite each other, a first electrode 12 placed on the first base substrate 11, a second electrode 22 placed on the second base substrate 21, and a dimming component 3 sandwiched between the first base substrate 11 and the second base substrate 21. For example, the first base substrate 11 and the second base substrate 21 can each be made of transparent glass substrates. This allows the dimmable glass 10 to have good light transmittance in the transparent state. For example, the dimmable glass 10 can be applied to fields such as architecture, transportation, and interior design, enabling switching between a transparent state and an opaque state (e.g., a dark state or a cloudy state). For example, the dimmable glass 10 includes various types such as polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) dimmable glass 10, electrochromic dimmable glass 10, and dye liquid crystal dimmable glass 10.

[0045] For example, the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 22 can each be transparent electrodes. For example, they can be made from transparent conductive materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

[0046] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the dimming component 3 may include, for example, a liquid crystal layer 31 of a dye liquid crystal layer. Specifically, the dye liquid crystal layer may include liquid crystal molecules and chromatic dye molecules mixed with the liquid crystal molecules. For example, the chromatic dye molecules may be dichroic dye molecules.

[0047] In the dimmable glass 10 provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, referring to Figures 2A and 2B, when no driving voltage is applied to the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 22, no electric field is generated between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 22. Both the liquid crystal molecules and chromatic dye molecules in the dimmable component 3 are vertically oriented and do not absorb light, so the dimmable glass 10 becomes light-transmitting (i.e., transparent). When a predetermined driving voltage is applied to the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 22, an electric field is generated between them, and the liquid crystal molecules and chromatic dye molecules in the liquid crystal layer 31 are deflected. The liquid crystal molecules are aligned horizontally by the action of the electric field, and the chromatic dye molecules are also induced to be horizontally oriented, thereby absorbing light, and the dimmable glass 10 becomes opaque (i.e., dark). While the liquid crystal molecules are deflected, the chromatic dye molecules rotate in phase with the liquid crystal molecules due to the action of intermolecular forces between the liquid crystal molecules. Different rotation angles of chromatic dye molecules result in different light absorption rates, and consequently, different light-blocking effects, so the dimmable glass 10 has different light transmittances.

[0048] This allows control of the deflection state of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 31 by controlling the driving voltage applied to both sides of the liquid crystal layer 31, thereby controlling the light transmittance of the dimmable glass 10 (i.e., the stepwise transition between a transparent state and a dark state). The dimmable glass 10 has a normally white mode and a normally black mode. The normally white mode is transparent (i.e., light transmittance is 100% or nearly 100%), and the normally black mode is dark (i.e., light transmittance is 0 or in a low range).

[0049] In the above embodiment, a dye liquid crystal was used as an example to describe the dimmable glass 10 provided in the embodiment of this disclosure. The dimmable glass 10 provided in this disclosure includes, but is not limited to, polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), and may include other types of liquid crystals.

[0050] Figures 3 and 4 are plan views of the first dimming substrate 1 and the second dimming substrate 2 of the dimming glass 10 shown in Figure 1 of an embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively. The first dimming substrate 1 includes a first base substrate 11 and a first electrode 12, and the second dimming substrate 2 includes a second base substrate 21 and a second electrode 22.

[0051] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the first electrode 12 included in the first dimming substrate 1 includes a plurality of first sub-electrodes 121 arranged at intervals on the first base substrate 11. That is, the orthogonal projection of the first electrode 12 onto the first base substrate 11 forms a plurality of spaced-out strip-shaped portions. It should be understood that each first sub-electrode 121 is a transparent first sub-electrode 121. For example, each first sub-electrode 121 is made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO.

[0052] Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the dimmable glass 10 may further include a plurality of wirings arranged on the first base substrate 11. For example, the plurality of wirings may correspond one-to-one with each of the plurality of first sub-electrodes 121. For example, each wiring may be a conductive wiring made of a conductive material.

[0053] Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the dimmable glass 10 may further include a drive circuit 16, such as an IC, which supplies electrical signals. Specifically, multiple wires may electrically connect the corresponding first sub-electrodes 121 to the drive circuit 16, for example, the IC. Thus, control signals supplied from the drive circuit 16 can be supplied to each of the multiple first sub-electrodes 121.

[0054] The second electrode 22 included in the second dimming substrate 2 can be a planar electrode. That is, the orthogonal projection of the second electrode 22 onto the second base substrate 21 forms a continuous planar shape. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the orthogonal projection of the second electrode 22 onto the second base substrate 21 forms a perfect rectangle.

[0055] For example, as shown in Figure 1, the orthographic projection of the first electrode 12 onto the first base substrate 11 is contained within the orthographic projection of the second electrode 22 onto the first base substrate 11.

[0056] Furthermore, the second electrode 22 can also be electrically connected to, for example, the IC's drive circuit 16 via a conductive structure (e.g., wiring). In this way, the control signal supplied from the drive circuit 16 can be supplied to the second electrode 22.

[0057] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of the dimmable glass 10 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of the dimmable glass 10 in the transparent state along line BB' in Figure 5, according to some exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of the dimmable glass 10 in the dark state along line BB' in Figure 5, according to some exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of the first dimmable substrate 1 of the dimmable glass 10 shown in Figure 5, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A schematic plan view of the second dimmable substrate can be found in Figure 4.

[0058] Referring to Figures 5 to 7, the dimmable glass 10 of this embodiment comprises a first base substrate 11, a second base substrate 21, a first electrode 12, a second electrode 22, and a dimming component 3. Some of the structures of the embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 7 can be described by referring to the above description of Figures 1 to 4, and identical or similar parts or structures are given the same reference numerals.

[0059] In Figure 3, the length of the first sub-electrode 121 extends along the Y-axis, and in Figure 7, the length of the second sub-electrode 122 extends along the X-axis. Therefore, the regions corresponding to each first sub-electrode 121 and the regions corresponding to each second sub-electrode 122 achieve dimming effects in different directions.

[0060] Referring to Figures 5 to 7, the first electrode 12 included in the first dimming substrate 1 comprises a plurality of second sub-electrodes 122 arranged at intervals on the first base substrate 11. Each second sub-electrode 122 is a transparent second sub-electrode, and it should be understood that each second sub-electrode 122 is made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO.

[0061] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first sub-electrode 121 and the second sub-electrode 122 can be used in combination. For example, the first electrode 12 may include a portion of the first sub-electrode 121 and a portion of the second sub-electrode 122, and the respective lengths of the first sub-electrode 121 and the second sub-electrode 122 can be adaptively adjusted.

[0062] Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of a dimmable glass 10 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9A is a cross-sectional view of the dimmable glass 10 in the transparent state along line CC' of Figure 8, according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view of the dimmable glass 10 in the dark state along line CC' of Figure 8, according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 10 is a schematic plan view of the first dimmable substrate 1 of the dimmable glass 10 shown in Figure 8, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Referring to Figures 8 to 10, the dimmable glass 10 of this embodiment includes a first base substrate 11, a second base substrate 21, a first electrode 12, a second electrode 22, and a dimmable component 3. Some of the structures of the embodiment shown in Figures 8 to 10 can also be described in the above explanation of Figures 1 to 4, and it should be noted that identical or similar parts or structures are given the same reference numerals.

[0064] Referring to Figure 10, the first electrode 12 includes a plurality of third sub-electrodes 123 arranged sequentially along the X and Y axes to form an array-like distribution. Referring to Figures 8-10, the plurality of third sub-electrodes 123 are arranged in an array on the first base substrate 11. It should be understood that each third sub-electrode 123 is a transparent second sub-electrode 122. For example, each third sub-electrode 123 is made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO.

[0065] For example, multiple wires may correspond one-to-one to multiple third sub-electrodes 123. The corresponding third sub-electrodes 123 are electrically connected to a drive circuit 16, such as an IC. In this way, control signals from the drive circuit 16 can be supplied to the multiple third sub-electrodes 123. Because the third sub-electrodes 123 are arranged in an array, the dimmable area becomes more precise and offers greater flexibility.

[0066] In some embodiments of this disclosure, at least two of the first sub-electrode 121, the second sub-electrode 122, and the third sub-electrode 123 can be used in combination. For example, the first electrode 12 may include portions of the first sub-electrode 121, the second sub-electrode 122, and the third sub-electrode 123. The lengths of each of the first sub-electrode 121, the second sub-electrode 122, and the third sub-electrode 123 can be adaptively adjusted.

[0067] In Figures 1 to 10, the first sub-electrode 121, the second sub-electrode 122, and the third sub-electrode 123 are shown as rectangles, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the first sub-electrode 121, the second sub-electrode 122, and the third sub-electrode 123 can be adjusted to other shapes, such as circular, elliptical, polygonal, or other irregular shapes. The shape and size of each sub-electrode may be the same as or different from at least one of the other sub-electrodes. Furthermore, the disclosure does not limit the number of at least one sub-electrode among the first sub-electrode 121, the second sub-electrode 122, and the third sub-electrode 123. The shape of the second electrode 22 is not limited to a rectangle and can be adjusted to other shapes, such as circular, elliptical, polygonal, or other irregular shapes.

[0068] Referring to Figures 2A-2B, 6A-6B, and 9A-9B, the dimmable glass 10 may further include support spacers 32. The spacers 32 may optionally be spherical spacers 32, cylindrical spacers 32, or spacers of other shapes 32, and may be made of transparent or opaque material.

[0069] Referring to Figures 2A-2B, 6A-6B, and 9A-9B, only a single first base substrate 11, a single second base substrate 21, a single first electrode 12, a single second electrode 22, and a single dimming component 3 are shown, which are referred to herein as single-cell structures. In some embodiments of this disclosure, at least two single-cell structures can be stacked to form a dual-cell structure or a multi-cell structure. In a multi-cell structure, the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules in the dye liquid crystal layers 31 of at least two cell structures are orthogonal or nearly orthogonal to each other.

[0070] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the dimming component 3 is configured to change its state in response to an electrical signal applied to at least one of the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 22, thereby switching the dimming glass 10 from a first state to a second state. In the first state, the dimming glass 10 has M compartments, where M is a positive integer of 1 or more. In the second state, the dimming glass 10 has N compartments, where N is a positive integer of 1 or more. The N compartments and the M compartments differ in at least one of the following characteristics: the number of compartments, the area occupied by at least one compartment, the light transmittance, and the relative position.

[0071] For example, the electrical signal may be a voltage signal. The voltage signal includes a predetermined applied drive voltage. During the operation of the dimmable glass 10, the electrical signal is transmitted to the first electrode 12 and / or the second electrode 22 to control the deflection state of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 31 and control the light transmittance of the dimmable glass 10.

[0072] Referring to Figures 1 to 10, an electrical signal is applied by the drive circuit 16 to the first electrode 12 and / or the second electrode 22 via wiring. For each sub-electrode of the first electrode 12, the electrical signals transmitted by one wire and at least one of the remaining wires may be the same or different. In the dimmable glass 10 provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, the drive circuit 16 supplies electrical signals to one or more of a plurality of sub-electrodes (e.g., a first sub-electrode 121, a second sub-electrode 122, or a third sub-electrode 123, hereafter the same) and the second electrode 22, thereby generating an electric field between one or more sub-electrodes and the second electrode 22, and changing the light transmittance of one or more corresponding regions of the sub-electrodes.

[0073] This makes it possible to achieve a variety of dimming effects, for example, by independently adjusting the light transmittance (i.e., light transmittance) in each sub-electrode region. Thus, when it is necessary to specifically adjust the light transmittance of a certain region of the dimmable glass 10, an electrical signal can be applied to the sub-electrode and the second electrode 22 in that region. For example, the driving voltage of the sub-electrode in that region can be different from the driving voltage of the other sub-electrodes. This generates an electric field corresponding to the region where the sub-electrode and the second electrode 22 face each other, and the light transmittance of that region can be independently controlled.

[0074] In the first or second state, each section may be identical to or different from each sub-electrode region. In other words, the orthogonal projection of each section can cover the orthogonal projection of at least one sub-electrode region. In some embodiments, the first electrode 12 contains K sub-electrodes, where K is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1 and greater than or equal to the larger of M and N. Therefore, the number of sections in the first or second state is less than or equal to K.

[0075] Referring to Figures 2A-2B, 6A-6B, and 9A-9B, the change in the state of the dimming component 3 can be attributed to the deflection of liquid crystal molecules and chromatic dye molecules within the liquid crystal layer 31. The liquid crystal molecules are oriented horizontally by the action of the electric field, and the chromatic dye molecules are also induced to align horizontally, thereby absorbing light. As a result, the effect of having the same or different light transmittances between any one section of the dimming glass 10 and at least one other section is expressed.

[0076] In some embodiments, in the liquid crystal layers 31 corresponding to the multiple sub-electrodes described above, the colors of the chromatic dye molecules in the dye liquid crystal layers 31 of at least two sub-electrodes are different. For example, the chromatic dye molecules corresponding to one sub-electrode can be made green, and the chromatic dye molecules corresponding to any one of the other sub-electrodes can be made purple. This makes it possible to provide a multi-color dimming function.

[0077] Figures 11A to 11H are schematic diagrams showing various states of the dimmable glass 10 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0078] In particular, any state shown in Figures 11A to 11H can be the first state, and any state other than the first state can be the second state. Furthermore, this disclosure is not intended to limit all states of the dimmable glass 10 to those shown in Figures 11A to 11H. In other words, the dimmable glass 10 may have one or more other states in addition to those shown in Figures 11A to 11H.

[0079] As shown in Figure 11A, the dimmable glass 10 in this state has six sections, for example, sections 1 to 6, and the length direction of each section is parallel to the Y-axis. In this case, M or N is equal to 6.

[0080] As shown in Figure 11B, the dimmable glass 10 in this state has three sections, for example, sections 1 to 3, and the length direction of each section is parallel to the Y-axis. In this case, M or N is equal to 3.

[0081] As shown in Figure 11C, the dimmable glass 10 in this state has three sections, for example, sections 1 to 3, and the length direction of each section is parallel to the X-axis. In this case, M or N is equal to 3.

[0082] As shown in Figure 11D, the dimmable glass 10 in this state has two sections, for example, section 1 and section 2, and the length direction of each section is parallel to the X-axis. In this case, M or N is equal to 2.

[0083] As shown in Figure 11E, the dimmable glass 10 in this state has 24 sections, each section arranged in an array along the X and Y axes. In this case, M or N is equal to 24.

[0084] As shown in Figure 11F, the dimmable glass 10 in this state has 24 sections, and each section is arranged in an array along the X and Y axes. In this case, M or N is equal to 24. Note that the section numbers in Figures 11E and 11F can be determined from left to right within each row, and from top to bottom within each row. For example, in the first row of sections in both figures, the numbers from left to right are 1 to 6, and then the numbers of each section in the second row can be determined by continuing from left to right downwards.

[0085] As shown in Figure 11G, the dimmable glass 10 in this state has one section, and M or N is equal to 1.

[0086] As shown in Figure 11H, the dimmable glass 10 in this state has six sections, for example, sections 1 to 6, and the length direction of each section is parallel to the Y-axis. In this case, M or N is equal to 6.

[0087] For example, referring to Figures 1 to 4, the length of the first sub-electrode 121 extends along the Y-axis so that a partitioning effect, such as that shown in Figures 11G, 11A, and 11B, can be achieved, i.e., the length of each partition is parallel to the Y-axis. Referring to Figures 5 to 7, the length of the second sub-electrode 122 extends along the X-axis so that a partitioning effect, such as that shown in Figures 11G, 11C, and 11D, can be achieved, i.e., the length of each partition is parallel to the X-axis. Referring to Figures 8 to 10, a plurality of third sub-electrodes 123 are arranged sequentially along the X-axis and Y-axis to form an array-like distribution, thereby achieving any of the partitioning effects shown in Figures 11A to 11H.

[0088] For example, for any one section, the occupied area refers to the area of ​​that section in the dimmable glass 10. Referring to Figure 11A, the occupied area of ​​section 1 is the area of ​​the rectangle corresponding to section 1 in the dimmable glass 10. For example, if Figure 11A is the first state of the dimmable glass 10 and Figure 11B is the second state of the dimmable glass 10, the occupied area of ​​section 1 out of M sections is different from the occupied area of ​​section 1 or section 3 out of N sections.

[0089] For example, relative position refers to the positional characteristics of one section relative to a reference position, such as its distance and direction. The reference position can include the position of any other section, the position of any area in the dimmable glass (e.g., the rearview mirror area shown in Figure 14), or a position outside the dimmable glass (e.g., the position of an object in a vehicle when used in a vehicle). For example, it can be the distance and direction between the reference point or reference line of two sections. Referring to Figure 11A, the first relative position of two sections can be determined by using the center point of section 1 and the center point of section 2 as the reference point for each section. Referring to Figure 11B, the second relative position of two sections can be determined by using the center point of section 1 and the center point of section 2 as the reference point. For example, if Figure 11A is the first state of the dimmable glass 10 and Figure 11B is the second state, the first relative position in M ​​sections is different from the second relative position in N sections.

[0090] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 11A to 11H, if one of the figures represents the first state of the dimmable glass 10 and the remaining figures represent the second state, the number of compartments in N and M may be different.

[0091] In some embodiments, the different light transmittances of N sections and M sections are due to at least one section with the same number having a different light transmittance (e.g., section 1 in Figures 11C and 11D). For example, the N sections and M sections may have at least one different light transmittance value, a different order of light transmittance distributions, or completely different light transmittance values.

[0092] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, the state of the dimming component 3 changes, and the dimming glass 10 switches from a first state to a second state. This makes it possible to dynamically switch the sections of the dimming glass 10, enabling, for example, the ability to change at least one characteristic, thereby improving dimming flexibility and meeting diverse needs.

[0093] In some embodiments, when the dimmable glass 10 switches from a first state to a second state, at least one of M and N is 2 or more.

[0094] For example, if M is 2 or greater and N is less than 2, any one of the figures other than Figure 11G can be used as the first state of the dimmable glass 10, and Figure 11G shows the second state of the dimmable glass 10, which enables the dimmable glass 10 to realize a dynamic switching function that reduces the number of compartments in one direction.

[0095] For example, if M is less than 2 and N is 2 or greater, Figure 11G shows the first state of the dimmable glass 10. Any one of the figures other than Figure 11G can be used as the second state of the dimmable glass 10. This allows the dimmable glass 10 to implement a dynamic switching function that increases the number of compartments in one direction.

[0096] For example, if both M and N are 2 or greater, any one of the diagrams other than Figure 11G can be used as the first state of the dimmable glass 10. Any one of the diagrams other than the first state from Figure 11A to Figure 11F can be used as the second state of the dimmable glass 10. In other words, the dimmable glass 10 can arbitrarily increase or decrease the number of compartments in order to achieve dynamic switching.

[0097] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, a dynamic switching function can be realized in which the number of compartments can be increased or decreased in one direction, or changed in both directions, when the dimmable glass 10 switches from a first state to a second state.

[0098] In some embodiments, M sections are arranged linearly along a first direction, or linearly along a second direction, or arranged in an array with the first and second directions intersecting, and / or N sections are arranged linearly along a first direction, or linearly along a second direction, or arranged in an array with the first and second directions intersecting.

[0099] For example, Figure 11A or Figure 11B shows the first state of the dimmable glass 10, in which M sections are arranged linearly along a first direction (e.g., the X-axis, the same applies hereafter). For example, as shown in Figure 11B or 11A, the second state of the dimmable glass 10 is in which N sections are arranged linearly along the first direction. For example, as shown in Figure 11C or 11D, the second state of the dimmable glass 10 is in which N sections are arranged linearly along a second direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction, the same applies hereafter). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11E or 11F, the second state of the dimmable glass 10 is in which N sections are arranged in an array along the first and second directions.

[0100] For example, in Figure 11C or 11D, when the first state of the dimmable glass 10 is shown, M sections are arranged linearly along the second direction. For example, in Figure 11D or 11C, the second state of the dimmable glass 10 is shown, and N sections are arranged linearly along the second direction. For example, in Figure 11A or 11B, the second state of the dimmable glass 10 is shown, and N sections are arranged linearly along the first direction. Furthermore, for example, in Figure 11E or 11F, the second state of the dimmable glass 10 is shown, and N sections are arranged in an array along the first and second directions.

[0101] For example, in Figure 11E or 11F, when the dimmable glass 10 is shown in its first state, M sections are arranged in an array along the first and second directions. For example, Figure 11B or 11A shows the dimmable glass 10 in its second state, where N sections are arranged linearly along the first direction. Furthermore, for example, Figure 11C or 11D shows the dimmable glass 10 in its second state, where N sections are arranged linearly along the second direction. Furthermore, for example, Figure 11F or 11E shows the dimmable glass 10 in its second state, where N sections are arranged in an array along the first and second directions.

[0102] The dimmable glass 10 provided according to the embodiments of this disclosure can provide various partition arrangement methods and can meet diverse state switching requirements.

[0103] In some embodiments, the dimmable glass 10 switches from a first state to a second state, where M is equal to N, and the M sections and N sections are arranged in the same direction. For example, referring to Figures 11A and 11H, if Figure 11A shows the first state of the dimmable glass 10 and Figure 11H shows the second state of the dimmable glass 10, both states consist of six sections arranged in the same direction.

[0104] In some embodiments, the light transmittance of at least the i-th partition among M partitions is different from the light transmittance of at least the i-th partition among N partitions, and / or the occupied area of ​​at least the i-th partition among M partitions is different from the occupied area of ​​at least the i-th partition among N partitions, where i is a number along the arrangement direction of the M or N partitions, and is a positive integer between 1 and M or N, inclusive.

[0105] For example, referring to Figures 11A and 11H, when Figure 11A shows the first state of the dimmable glass 10 and Figure 11H shows the second state of the dimmable glass 10, the arrangement direction is the X-axis direction. Let i=1 and take section 1 as an example. In the first state, section 1 has lower light transmittance and a smaller occupied area than section 1 in the second state. Let i=3 and take section 3 as an example. In the first state, section 1 has higher light transmittance than section 1 in the second state, and both occupy the same area.

[0106] In some embodiments, the dimmable glass 10 switches from a first state to a second state, where M is equal to N, and the arrangement direction of the M sections and the N sections are different. For example, referring to Figures 11B and 11C, when Figure 11B shows the first state of the dimmable glass 10 and Figure 11C shows the second state of the dimmable glass 10, both states have three sections. The three sections in the first state are arranged along the X-axis, and the three sections in the second state are arranged along the Y-axis.

[0107] In some embodiments, the dimmable glass 10 switches from a first state to a second state, where M is not equal to N, and the arrangement direction of the M sections and the N sections is the same. For example, referring to Figures 11C and 11D, when Figure 11C shows the first state of the dimmable glass 10 and Figure 11D shows the second state of the dimmable glass 10, the first state has three sections and the second state has two sections, both arranged along the Y axis.

[0108] In some embodiments, the dimmable glass 10 switches from a first state to a second state, where M is not equal to N, and the arrangement direction of the M sections and the N sections are different. For example, referring to Figures 11B and 11D, if Figure 11B shows the first state of the dimmable glass 10 and Figure 11D shows the second state of the dimmable glass 10, then the first state has three sections arranged along the X-axis, and the second state has two sections arranged along the Y-axis.

[0109] In some embodiments, the dimming component 3 is configured to change its state in response to electrical signals applied to the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 22, thereby switching the dimming glass 10 to a third state. In the third state, the dimming glass 10 has at least one of a display function and a writing function.

[0110] For example, the display function includes functions to display still images (wallpaper, portraits, landscapes, etc.), moving images (videos, etc.), or web pages based on the user's browsing operations. The writing function includes displaying the trajectory of the writing process and the finished product such as text or images after writing has stopped, in response to the user's writing operation.

[0111] In some embodiments, the electrical signals of the embodiment may include control signals. The dimmable glass 10 also includes a display screen, and control signals may be output to the first electrode 12, the second electrode 22, and the display screen. The display screen is located on one side of the dimmable glass 10, for example, on the side of the first base substrate 11 or the second base substrate 21. The display screen is transparent and has touch functionality. When the dimmable glass 10 switches to a third state, the dimming component 3 can switch to all-black mode or all-white mode in any dimming state and activate the display function. This allows the user to view images while they are displayed on the display screen and to operate the display screen by touching it with a pen, finger, or other object. When no image is displayed on the display screen, it appears like transparent glass, and the dimming component 3 also becomes transparent, allowing the user to see the scenery outside the car window through the display screen.

[0112] For example, the display screen can be a transparent OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display screen. Alternatively, the display screen may be a transparent LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display area of ​​the display screen can be the same as the area of ​​the dimmable glass 10, achieving a full-screen effect. Of course, the display area can also be smaller than the area of ​​the dimmable glass 10.

[0113] For example, the display screen can include a capacitive touchscreen and an infrared touchscreen. For example, an infrared touchscreen can have an infrared detection network formed on the surface of the display screen. Any object that comes into contact with it can change the infrared radiation at the point of contact, thereby enabling operation of the touchscreen. An object used for touch operation (such as a stylus) can change the infrared radiation at the point of contact, which is converted into the coordinate position of the touch, enabling a response to the operation.

[0114] For example, in the third state, the user can write on the display screen by touch. First, the dimming component 3 can switch to all-black mode or all-white mode in any dimming state and activate the display function. The display screen shows a screen suitable for writing, such as a whiteboard, paper, or draft paper. Next, the user's touch trajectory is detected. Furthermore, the display screen is equipped with an LED dot matrix, and when an LED dot corresponding to the touch trajectory is detected, the corresponding handwriting color lights up in those LED dots, and finally the user's handwritten characters are formed.

[0115] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, in addition to dynamically switching partitions, display and / or writing functions can also be implemented, making it applicable to a wider range of application scenarios and able to meet diverse needs.

[0116] Figure 12 is a graph showing the change in light transmittance according to the driving voltage of the dimmable glass 10 in some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0117] Referring to Figure 12, the VT (Voltage-Trans) curve of VA-type PI liquid shows that the light transmittance gradually increases with increasing drive voltage. The VT curve of TN-type PI liquid shows that the light transmittance gradually decreases with increasing drive voltage. PI liquid is a type of polyimide, mainly used as an alignment film in liquid crystal displays, to orient liquid crystal molecules in a regular direction under the action of an electric field. VA type refers to Vertical Alignment type, and TN type refers to Twisted Nematic type.

[0118] For example, by applying an electrical signal to the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 22, an electric field is generated between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 22. The light transmittance changes according to the applied driving voltage. Furthermore, referring to Figures 11A to 11H, the state of the dimmable glass 10 can be switched by independently applying a driving voltage to each sub-electrode.

[0119] In other embodiments, in addition to controlling the magnitude of the drive voltage as shown in Figure 12, the frequency of the drive voltage can be varied to further fine-tune the light transmittance.

[0120] Conventional technology involves applying adhesive optical films to vehicle windows to achieve a certain light-blocking area and a certain light transmittance. For example, on the driver's side of the windshield, the angle of the rearview mirror needs to be adjusted to accommodate drivers of different heights, as viewed from the driver's seat. However, the light-transmitting portion of the side window film is fixed and cannot be adjusted. As a result, the rearview mirror partially spans the light-transmitting and partially light-blocking areas, producing a fragmented image on the mirror and creating a visual inconsistency. This poses a safety risk to driving, especially around curves and at light-dark boundaries. On the other hand, passengers of different genders and ages have different needs regarding light blocking. Female passengers and drivers may prioritize sun protection and need to keep light transmittance low, while male passengers and drivers may prefer more sunlight. Therefore, it is not possible to simultaneously satisfy the needs of passengers and drivers of different genders, body types, or preferences in the same vehicle.

[0121] Figures 13A to 13C are schematic diagrams of dimmable glass systems 1300 used in vehicles according to various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0122] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a dimmable glass system 1300 for use in a vehicle is provided. This system includes a dimmable glass 10 and a controller 1310. The dimmable glass 10 is realized based on one or more embodiments as shown in Figures 1 to 11H above and can be mounted in a vehicle. The controller 1310 is electrically connected to a first electrode 12 and a second electrode 22 of the dimmable glass 10.

[0123] The dimmable glass system 1300 provided according to the embodiments of this disclosure can dynamically adjust the shading area of ​​a vehicle window, thereby meeting the diverse needs of different passengers / drivers.

[0124] As shown in Figures 13A to 13C, the dimmable glass system 1300 may include dimmable glass 10 and a controller 1310. The controller 1310, the in-vehicle equipment system 1320, and the input module 1330 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0125] For example, the input module 1330 may include a voice input device, keyboard input device, or mouse input device integrated into the vehicle. The input module 1330 may also include a user-used terminal device such as a smartphone, tablet, wearable smart bracelet, wearable smart headset, virtual reality device, or augmented reality device. The terminal device can establish a communication connection with the controller 1310 or the in-vehicle equipment system 1320 using a network protocol or Bluetooth protocol to obtain user input information.

[0126] Referring to Figure 13A, the first electrode 12 in the dimmable glass 10 of this embodiment includes a first sub-electrode 121 supporting one or more compartments in the vertical orientation shown on the current page, and the area / number of each compartment is adjustable, with the adjustable range determined by the number of first sub-electrodes 121, for example, at least two independently controllable first sub-electrodes 121. The greater the number of first sub-electrodes 121, the more precise the control of the dynamic switching of the compartments becomes. In addition, the light transmittance of each compartment can be fixed, or support range adjustment or stepless adjustment.

[0127] Referring to Figure 13B, the first electrode 12 in the dimmable glass 10 of this embodiment includes a second sub-electrode 122 supporting one or more compartments in the horizontal orientation shown on the current page, and the area / number of each compartment is adjustable, with the adjustable range determined by the number of second sub-electrodes 122, for example, at least two independently controllable second sub-electrodes 122. The greater the number of second sub-electrodes 122, the more precise the control of the dynamic switching of the compartments becomes. In addition, the light transmittance of each compartment can be fixed, or support range adjustment or stepless adjustment.

[0128] Referring to Figure 13C, the first electrode 12 in the dimmable glass 10 of this embodiment includes a third sub-electrode 123, which supports one or more compartments in the lateral, vertical, or array distribution direction shown on the current page, and the area / number of each compartment is adjustable, with the adjustable range determined by the number of third sub-electrodes 123, for example, at least two independently controllable third sub-electrodes 123. The greater the number of third sub-electrodes 123, the more precise the control of the dynamic switching of the compartments becomes. In addition, the light transmittance of each compartment can be fixed, or support range adjustment or stepless adjustment.

[0129] In some embodiments, one or more types of dimmable glass 10, as shown in Figures 13A to 13C, can be used on one or more windows of a vehicle. For example, only one type of dimmable glass 10 shown in Figures 13A to 13C can be used, or at least two types of dimmable glass 10 shown in Figures 13A to 13C can be used simultaneously.

[0130] In some embodiments, one or more windows of a vehicle may use at least two of the first sub-electrode 121, second sub-electrode 122, or third sub-electrode 123 in combination, as shown in the examples in Figures 13A-13C, rather than each dimmable glass 10 using only one of the first sub-electrode 121, second sub-electrode 122, or third sub-electrode 123.

[0131] In the following, we will further describe various embodiments that realize dynamic adjustment functions such as shading range, degree of shading, and shading method when applied to a vehicle, using the driver's side windshield (for example, the left front side window relative to the driver's seat) as an example, based on the basis for dynamically switching at least one characteristic of a section from the state change of the dimmable glass 10.

[0132] Figures 14A to 14F are schematic diagrams of dynamic dimming of a vertical section according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Here, section I of the left front window includes a rearview mirror area 1401. The area extending to the left from the rearview mirror area 1401 is defined as extending from front to rear along the length of the vehicle, and the area extending upward from the rearview mirror area 1401 is defined as extending from bottom to top along the height of the vehicle.

[0133] The driver can dynamically adjust the light transmittance of sections I and II based on the external lighting conditions of the vehicle (e.g., bright sunlight at noon in summer or dim light at dusk in winter), the planned driving route (e.g., brightly lit city streets or unlit side streets), and the driver's gender, mood, height, and seat height.

[0134] As shown in Figure 14A, the window film was adjusted from the normally white mode (the completely transparent state is the normally white mode, and will hereafter be simply referred to as normally white) to the normally white mode in section I and the normally black mode (the state in which the window film transmittance is lowest is called the normally black mode, and will hereafter be simply referred to as normally black) in section II. This light-blocking mode is necessary for most normal driving conditions and is not affected by day or night or the driving route.

[0135] As shown in Figure 14B, depending on the actual needs, the system has been adjusted from the normally black mode to a mode where section I is normally white and section II is normally black.

[0136] As shown in Figure 14C, the user can flexibly adjust the light transmittance of each section if they feel that the opaque areas are too dark or the transparent areas are too bright. For example, the transmittance of section I in the left image, which is 80%, can be adjusted to 20% in the upper right image or 95% in the lower right image, and the transmittance of section II, which is 20%, can be adjusted to 80% in the upper right image or 60% in the lower right image (these transmittance values ​​are merely examples). It is understood that the user can arbitrarily adjust the transmittance of at least one section and adjust at least one section to any transmittance within an acceptable range.

[0137] As shown in Figure 14D, users can adjust the size of the parking space based on their preferences and driving conditions (such as turning left or right). The adjustment can be done manually (by a knob or touch) or automatically (in conjunction with an information gathering system, it comprehensively evaluates based on vehicle speed, direction of travel, whether the turn signal is on or off, and the position of the point of focus).

[0138] As shown in Figure 14E, dynamic adjustment is not limited to two compartments, but can be performed on three compartments (as shown in Figures a and b), four compartments (as shown in Figures c and d), or even more compartments.

[0139] As shown in Figure 14F, the user can also switch from the normally black mode to a mode where partition I is normally black and partition II is normally white.

[0140] As can be seen by referring to Figures 14A to 14F, the user can adjust from any of the illustrated states to any one of the other. Furthermore, the user can also define any number of sections within an acceptable range and adjust the light transmittance of any one of the sections.

[0141] Figures 15A to 15C are schematic diagrams of dynamic dimming of a horizontal section according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0142] As shown in Figure 15A, the user can adjust from the normally white mode to a mode where section II is normally black and section I is normally white. As shown in Figure 15B, the user can also adjust from section II being normally black and section I being normally white to three sections and adjust the light transmittance of each section. For example, the user can adjust the number of horizontal sections and the light transmittance of each section from the normally black mode until the requirements are met. For example, they can switch from two horizontal sections to three horizontal sections, from three horizontal sections to four horizontal sections, and from four horizontal sections to five horizontal sections. Furthermore, within an acceptable range, it is also possible to directly switch from one number of horizontal sections to another.

[0143] Figures 16A to 16D are schematic diagrams of dynamic dimming between an equal number of horizontal and vertical sections according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0144] As shown in Figures 16A and 16B, two horizontal sections and two vertical sections can be transformed into each other. As shown in Figures 16C and 16D, three horizontal sections and three vertical sections can be transformed into each other.

[0145] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 16A to 16D, the rearview mirror area 1401 is used as a numbering reference, and the section numbers are determined sequentially, allowing the section direction to be switched without changing the occupied area, transmittance, or relative position between sections for each section. In other embodiments, when switching the section direction, at least one characteristic of at least one section, such as the occupied area, transmittance, and relative position, can also be changed.

[0146] Figures 17A–17I are schematic diagrams of dynamic dimming between different numbers of horizontal and vertical sections according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0147] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 17A and 17B, a mode with fewer compartments is directly switched to a mode with more compartments, where the difference in the number of compartments is 1 or less. For example, a dynamic switch is made from two vertical compartments to three horizontal compartments.

[0148] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 17C, the system directly switches from a mode with fewer partitions to a mode with more partitions, where the difference in the number of partitions is an arbitrary value. For example, it dynamically switches from two horizontal partitions to four vertical partitions.

[0149] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 17D, a mode with a large number of compartments is directly switched to a mode with a small number of compartments, where the difference in the number of compartments is 1 or less. For example, a dynamic switch is made from three horizontal compartments to two vertical compartments.

[0150] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 17E, the system directly switches from a mode with a large number of compartments to a mode with a small number of compartments, where the difference in the number of compartments is an arbitrary value. For example, it dynamically switches from four vertical compartments to two horizontal compartments.

[0151] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 17A to 17G, it is possible to directly switch between horizontally oriented and vertically oriented partitions with different numbers of partitions. After switching the orientation, the characteristics of each partition can be adjusted individually. For example, it is possible to directly switch between any one of the horizontal partition modes and any one of the vertical partition modes shown in Figures 17A to 17G.

[0152] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 17H to 17I, switching between different orientation partitioning modes is only possible from a smaller number of partitions to another orientation where the difference is 1. After changing orientation, the number of partitions can be adjusted to increase or decrease. For example, referring to Figure 17H, two vertical partitions can be switched to three horizontal partitions, and three horizontal partitions to four horizontal partitions or two horizontal partitions, with the transmittance of each area adjusted independently. When changing the number of horizontal partitions, it is not possible to directly switch back from multiple horizontal partitions to vertical partitioning mode after the change. When switching between horizontal and vertical modes, the number of partitions must be adjusted to the current minimum value before switching to the same number of partitions in each orientation. For example, referring to Figure 17I, two horizontal partitions can be switched to three vertical partitions, and three vertical partitions to four vertical partitions or two vertical partitions, with the transmittance of each partition adjusted independently. The n horizontal partition mode can be directly switched to n+1 vertical partitions (where n is 1 or greater). If the number of vertical partitions is changed, it is not possible to directly switch back from vertical partitions to horizontal partition mode after the change. If you change the number of partitions, you must first adjust the number of partitions to the minimum and then switch back the same number of times.

[0153] In some embodiments, M compartments are arranged linearly along the length of the vehicle, or linearly along the height of the vehicle, or in an array along both the length and height of the vehicle, and / or N compartments are arranged linearly along the length of the vehicle, or linearly along the height of the vehicle, or in an array along both the length and height of the vehicle.

[0154] Referring to Figures 14A to 17I, the horizontal direction is defined as the vehicle's length direction, and the vertical direction is defined as the vehicle's height direction. Arranging linearly along the vehicle's length direction includes having multiple vertical compartments, and arranging linearly along the vehicle's height includes having multiple horizontal compartments. For array-like arrangements along the vehicle's length and height directions, refer back to Figures 11E and 11F.

[0155] For example, in the first state of any one of the dimmable glass 10 shown in Figures 14A to 17I, which has at least two vertical sections, the M sections are arranged linearly along the length of the vehicle. In addition to the dimmable glass 10 in the first state shown in Figures 14A to 17I, the second state of the dimmable glass 10 shown, i.e., N sections, which also has at least two vertical sections, is also arranged linearly along the length of the vehicle. Furthermore, for example, in the second state of any one of the dimmable glass 10 shown in Figures 14A to 17I, which has at least two horizontal sections, i.e., the N sections are arranged linearly along the height of the vehicle. Furthermore, for example, the dimmable glass 10 in a vehicle can display a second state that is similar to or the same as that in Figures 11E and 11F, i.e., the N sections are arranged in an array along the length and height of the vehicle. The first and second states described above can be understood as being interchangeable; for example, the first state can be the second state, and the second state can be the first state. This point will not be explained further here.

[0156] In some embodiments, the dimmable glass 10 switches from a first state to a second state. In the first state, it has one compartment, i.e., M=1, and in the second state, it has at least two compartments, i.e., N is 2 or more.

[0157] For example, referring to the left-hand diagram in Figure 14A and the left-hand diagram in Figure 14F, the dimming mode can be considered to have one section in a first state such as a normally white mode or a normally black mode. It is possible to switch from the normally white mode or normally black mode to at least two sections. Referring to Figure 14A, for example, it is initially the first state on the left, and depending on the driver's light-blocking or privacy protection needs, It can be adjusted to the second position on the right, meeting the driver's needs without affecting the rearview mirror's field of view.

[0158] In some embodiments, M sections have a first light transmittance, and N sections each have N light transmittances. At least one of the N light transmittances is the same as the first light transmittance, and at least one of the N light transmittances is different from the first light transmittance.

[0159] Looking at Figures 14A and 14F consecutively, the first light transmittance can be 0 or nearly 0 (normally black mode) or 100% (normally white mode). After switching, the light transmittance of section I, where the rearview mirror area 1401 is located, is the same as the first light transmittance, while the light transmittance of section II is different from the first light transmittance. This ensures safety while maintaining the driver's field of view in the rearview mirror and meeting the needs of other drivers.

[0160] In some embodiments, when the dimmable glass 10 switches from a first state to a second state, M=N, where both M and N are positive integers greater than or equal to 2, and the occupied range of N sections is different from the occupied range of M sections.

[0161] For example, referring to Figure 14D, the leftmost figure shows the first state of the dimmable glass 10, and the middle or rightmost figure shows the second state of the dimmable glass 10. The occupied area of ​​the same numbered section differs before and after the switch. This allows for flexible adjustment of the shading range to suit the shading needs of different drivers.

[0162] In some embodiments, when the dimmable glass 10 switches from a first state to a second state, M = N, where M sections are arranged linearly along the length of the vehicle, and N sections are arranged linearly along the length of the vehicle, and the light transmittance of at least the i-th section among the N sections is different from the light transmittance of at least the i-th section among the M sections. Here, i is a number counted from front to back along the length of the vehicle, and is a positive integer between 1 and M.

[0163] For example, referring to Figure 14C, the leftmost figure shows the first state of the dimmable glass 10, where the transmittance of section I is 20% and the transmittance of section II is 80%. For example, the figures on the right all show the second state of the dimmable glass 10, where, for example, the transmittance of section I in the upper right is 80%, and the transmittance of section II is 20%. Sections with the same number have different transmittances. For example, section 1 in the lower right has a transmittance of 20%, and section 2 has a transmittance of 60%. At least section I and section II have different transmittances.

[0164] In some embodiments, the dimmable glass 10 includes a side windshield 1801 positioned on the driver's side of the vehicle. The light transmittance of the first of the N sections is higher than that of the other sections of the N sections.

[0165] For example, referring to Figure 14C, the leftmost figure shows the first state of the dimmable glass 10. The upper right figure shows the second state of the dimmable glass 10. The transmittance of section 1 is 80%, which is higher than the transmittance of section 2, which is 20%. The display principle of the side windshield 1801 is to rotate the liquid crystal by changing the driving voltage, thereby promoting a change in the dye and achieving a switch between light and dark. For example, the transmittance requirements of the side windshield 1801 differ depending on the different application scenario. Generally, for rails and skylights, the transmittance should be <10% in the dark state and as bright as possible in the light state (wide brightness range). In the case of passenger cars, the transmittance should be <1% in the dark state and as bright as possible in the light state.

[0166] In some embodiments, the light transmittance and / or occupied area of ​​at least one of the N compartments is determined based on at least one of the following: user input information, vehicle external information, vehicle internal information, and vehicle driving information.

[0167] For example, user input information includes peripheral device input information, voice information, gesture information, posture information, and eye movement information. For example, peripheral device input information includes information entered by the user via devices such as buttons, knobs, keyboards, mice, or steering wheels. Voice information includes information entered by the user via voice commands or conversations. Gesture information includes gestures such as touch slides, clicks, and pinches on the in-vehicle system's touchscreen or tinted glass, as well as hand movement trajectories or gestures detected by the camera. Posture information includes information such as the movement trajectories and posture of the user's torso or limbs detected by the camera. Eye movement information includes information such as the user's eye movements, gaze point, gaze direction, and gaze duration. Accordingly, hardware and software modules can be provided to allow the user to input information from, for example, peripheral modules, voice recognition modules, gesture recognition modules, posture recognition modules, and eye movement recognition modules.

[0168] For example, external vehicle information includes information about the environment surrounding the vehicle, other vehicle information, and interaction information between this vehicle and other vehicles. Information about the environment surrounding the vehicle includes road type, road markings, traffic signal information, road conditions on the road currently being driven on, road conditions along the planned driving route, current ambient illumination (time, weather, natural illumination based on sunlight, artificial illumination based on streetlights, etc.), or scenery information (determining whether the scenery is suitable based on maps, online reviews, or external cameras). Other vehicle information includes information about the position, speed, or acceleration of surrounding vehicles. Interaction information between this vehicle and other vehicles includes information about horns from other vehicles (it can be determined whether this belongs to interaction information depending on the location of the vehicle that honked), interaction information transmitted to this vehicle via smart devices such as mobile phones, or lighting information from other vehicles.

[0169] For example, vehicle interior information includes user body signal information, driver's driving status, passenger location information, number of people in the vehicle, passenger body type information, in-vehicle conversation content, in-vehicle brightness information, in-vehicle temperature information, and in-vehicle theme information (for example, the vehicle's interior can display multiple themes and change dynamically). For example, body signal information includes detected user brain waves, electrocardiogram, heart rate, and body temperature. Driver's driving status includes the driver's pupil size, whether or not they are talking, direction of head rotation, and fatigue level. Passenger location information includes the current location of one or more passengers, which can be used to determine the location of nearby reflective glass. Number of people in the vehicle information includes the number of passengers. In-vehicle conversation information includes the volume of conversations, frequency of speech, and content of conversations among users in the vehicle (obtained after user authentication). In-vehicle theme information includes characteristics such as the style, color, content, and source of images displayed in the vehicle's interior.

[0170] For example, vehicle driving information includes vehicle speed, vehicle steering information, and vehicle direction of travel.

[0171] It is understood that at least one of the following may be collected by the vehicle's own equipment or through communication with other vehicles, smart devices, or cloud servers via network protocols: user input information, external vehicle information, internal vehicle information, and vehicle driving information.

[0172] The light transmittance and / or occupied area of ​​at least one of the N compartments may be determined by user-initiated adjustment, selected adjustment, or automatic adjustment, etc., by obtaining at least one of user input information, vehicle external information, vehicle internal information, and vehicle driving information.

[0173] For example, in a user-initiated adjustment mode, the light transmittance and / or occupied range of at least one of the N sections may be determined based on user input. For example, the user can adjust the magnitude of the ambient light transmittance of at least one section using a mechanical knob on the input module 1330. The mechanical knob can provide adjustment options including an adjustment range (e.g., 2-10 range), a transmittance change range (e.g., transmittance of 10%, 15%, 20%, 60%, 80%), and an occupied range interval. The user can also control the light transmittance by touch operation, for example, by directly sliding the corresponding section on the dimmable glass 10 to adjust the transmittance. Alternatively, the occupied range can be adjusted by long-pressing or selecting the boundary of the corresponding section and dragging to change the size of the section boundary. The user can also activate an intelligent robot in the vehicle and control the light transmittance and / or occupied range of at least one section via voice. For example, the in-vehicle equipment system 1320 can pre-store multiple modes for at least one dimmable glass 10 in the vehicle, and each mode includes specific N section characteristics. User input information includes adjustment to a certain mode. Furthermore, for example, each dimmable glass in the vehicle is equipped with a camera for acquiring the user's eye movement information, and the user can achieve the objective of adjusting the transmittance and / or occupied area by intentionally gazing at a dimmable glass for a predetermined number of seconds or longer. Furthermore, for example, the user can achieve the objective of adjusting the transmittance and / or occupied area by adopting a specific posture.

[0174] For example, in automatic adjustment mode, the light transmittance and / or occupied range of at least one of the N compartments can be determined based on at least one of the following: external vehicle information, internal vehicle information, and vehicle driving information. For example, during the vehicle's operation, ambient brightness can be monitored in real time, and taking the driver's position as an example, the local ambient brightness at this position can be monitored, and the light transmittance and / or occupied range of at least one of the N compartments can be dynamically adjusted based on the change in ambient brightness. Furthermore, if the sunlight is too strong, the driver's body shape can be acquired using an onboard camera, and the position of one or more compartments can be appropriately determined according to the body shape, and the light transmittance and / or occupied range can be adjusted accordingly to prevent driver discomfort due to excessive brightness and to avoid affecting the driver's observation in the rearview mirror. In some embodiments, a temperature sensor can be incorporated into the dimmable glass 10 and placed in the same environment as the liquid crystal layer 31. The temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the liquid crystal layer 31 in real time and adjust the electrical signal according to the temperature.

[0175] If other vehicle information is detected, such as speeding from behind or cutting in by activating a turn signal from the side rear, the tinted glass next to the driver will be adjusted in a timely manner to adjust the light transmittance and / or occupied area of ​​at least one section. If interaction information between this vehicle and other vehicles is detected, such as a horn from behind, activation of a turn signal from the side front, someone talking to the vehicle (e.g., when the vehicle is stopped or moving slowly), or belonging to the same family or work group, the light transmittance can be increased or decreased accordingly, or the occupied area of ​​at least one section can be expanded or decreased. If the vehicle is determined to be traveling on a scenic route based on a map, destination information, or real-time camera footage, the light transmittance can be automatically increased or the occupied area of ​​at least one section can be expanded to allow the user to enjoy the scenery inside the vehicle.

[0176] For example, the system periodically detects the driver's body information to determine the driver's driving conditions. Based on this, it increases light transmittance or expands the occupied area of ​​at least one compartment to provide a more comfortable and safer driving experience. It can also determine whether privacy is needed or if the interior is too dark based on the content of conversations inside the vehicle, and make appropriate adjustments. For example, it can determine user needs based on user posture information, conversation information inside the vehicle, and interior brightness. For instance, if a passenger wants to read a physical book, the system can automatically increase light transmittance or expand the occupied area of ​​at least one compartment to enhance the natural reading environment. For example, by determining the current interior theme information, interior brightness information, current ambient illuminance, and scenery information, and adjusting the light transmittance and / or occupied area of ​​at least one compartment accordingly, it can integrate theme content, scenery content, and the brightness and comfort perceived by the user.

[0177] In some embodiments, a hybrid adjustment mode combining automatic and user-initiated adjustments can be realized. For example, the light transmittance and / or occupied range of at least one of the N compartments can be determined based on user input information and vehicle driving information. For example, if the user input information includes specific light transmittance and / or occupied range parameters, the in-vehicle system 1320 can acquire vehicle driving information, evaluate the user input information to determine if it is appropriate for the current driving conditions, and return the evaluation result and comments to the user. Furthermore, the user input information can include natural language expressing subjective feelings, such as "The interior is too dark, please make it brighter" or "The sunlight is too strong, please adjust it." The in-vehicle system 1320 can also acquire vehicle driving information and, if the brightness on one side of the vehicle decreases, adjust the light transmittance and / or occupied range of at least one compartment on that side.

[0178] In some embodiments, the user may be provided with a choice of adjustment modes, allowing them to determine the light transmittance and / or occupied area of ​​at least one of the N sections based on automatic adjustment, user-initiated adjustment, or hybrid adjustment modes.

[0179] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, timely interaction with the user or the outside world becomes possible, and the properties of at least one of the N sections of the dimmable glass 10 can be adjusted to suit diverse needs.

[0180] In some embodiments, the dimmable glass 10 switches from a first state to a second state, where M=N, and M sections are arranged linearly along the vehicle's height direction, and N sections are arranged linearly along the vehicle's height direction, and the light transmittance of at least the j-th section of the N sections is different from the light transmittance of at least the j-th section of the M sections. Here, j is a number counted from the bottom along the vehicle's height direction, and is a positive integer between 1 and M. For example, referring to Figure 15C, the left figure shows the first state of the dimmable glass 10, and the right figure shows the second state of the dimmable glass 10, where the light transmittances of section II and section III are different.

[0181] In some embodiments, the dimmable glass 10 switches from a first state to a second state, where M=N, and M sections are arranged linearly along the length of the vehicle, while N sections are arranged linearly along the height of the vehicle. For example, referring to Figure 16C, the left figure shows the first state of the dimmable glass 10, which has three sections arranged linearly along the length of the vehicle. On the other hand, the right figure shows the second state of the dimmable glass 10, which has three sections arranged linearly along the height of the vehicle.

[0182] In some embodiments, the light transmittance of the j-th section out of N sections is the same as the light transmittance of at least the i-th section out of M sections. Here, i = J, where i is a number counted from front to back along the length of the vehicle, i is a positive integer between 1 and M, and j is a number counted from bottom to top along the height of the vehicle, j is a positive integer between 1 and N. Referring again to Figure 16C, where the left figure shows the first state of the dimmable glass 10 and the right figure shows the second state of the dimmable glass 10, the light transmittance of section I in the first state and section I in the second state are the same.

[0183] In some embodiments, the dimmable glass 10 switches from a first state to a second state, where M=N, and M sections are arranged linearly along the height direction of the vehicle, and N sections are arranged linearly along the length direction of the vehicle. For example, referring to Figure 16D, the left figure shows the first state of the dimmable glass 10, which has three sections arranged linearly along the height direction of the vehicle. On the other hand, the right figure shows the second state of the dimmable glass 10, which has three sections arranged linearly along the length direction of the vehicle.

[0184] In some embodiments, the light transmittance of the i-th section out of N sections is the same as the light transmittance of at least the j-th section out of M sections, where i = j, where i is a number counted from front to back along the length of the vehicle, i is a positive integer between 1 and N, and j is a number counted from bottom to top along the height of the vehicle, j is a positive integer between 1 and M. Referring again to Figure 16D, where the left figure shows the first state of the dimmable glass 10 and the right figure shows the second state of the dimmable glass 10, the light transmittance of section I in at least the first state is the same as that of section I in the second state.

[0185] Figures 18A to 18D are schematic diagrams of different vehicle types according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0186] Figure 18A shows the first vehicle type, Figure 18B shows the second vehicle type, Figure 18C shows the third vehicle type, and Figure 18D shows the fourth vehicle type. In some embodiments, for example, Figures 18A to 18D represent a compact sedan, a mid-size sedan, a large sedan, and a luxury sedan, respectively.

[0187] In some embodiments, the dimmable glass 10 includes at least one of the following: at least one side windshield 1801 located on the side of the vehicle, a rear windshield 1802 located at the rear of the vehicle, and a sunroof 1803 located at the top of the vehicle. For example, the dimmable glass 10 can be placed in at least one of these locations based on the specific needs of the driver or passengers inside the vehicle to achieve a dynamic light-blocking effect.

[0188] In some embodiments, the dimmable glass 10 includes at least two of the following: at least one side windshield 1801 located on the side of the vehicle, a rear windshield 1802 located at the rear of the vehicle, and a sunroof 1803 located at the top of the vehicle, and at least two of the dimmable glass 10 are independently controllable. For example, independently controlling at least two of the dimmable glass 10 can provide a variety of combinations of shading effects to meet individual needs. Furthermore, the states of the dimmable glass 10 can be switched collectively, improving ease of operation.

[0189] Figure 19 is a schematic structural diagram of a dimmable glass 10 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0190] As shown in Figure 19a, the dimmable glass 10 has a single-cell structure 1801 including a single first base substrate 11, a single second base substrate 21, a single first electrode 12, a single second electrode 22, and a single dimming component 3. As shown in Figure 19b, the dimmable glass 10 has a dual-cell structure formed by stacking two single-cell structures. The rubbing directions of the dual-cell structures are orthogonal to each other. This can be achieved, for example, by coating four glass sheets with ITO and PI, interposing BS (or PS) and liquid crystal, and then stacking two single-cells.

[0191] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of a dimmable glass system 1300 used in a vehicle according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of light-shielding sunroof glass 1803 and sky glass according to several exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0192] Referring to Figure 20, the dimmable glass system 1300 may include a controller 1310, an in-vehicle system 1320, an input module 1330, and dimmable glass 10. The dimmable glass 10 may include a second sub-electrode 122. In this embodiment, the dimmable glass 10 may be a sunroof 1803 and / or skyglass on the top of a vehicle. As shown in Figure 21, the skyglass may include a front section, an intermediate section, a rear section, or more sections, and at least one characteristic of any section, such as the occupied area and light transmittance, can be adjusted. The sunroof glass 1803 may also switch from a first state to a second state, switching from M sections to N sections accordingly, and changing the characteristics of at least one section.

[0193] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of a dimmable glass system 1300 used in a vehicle according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 23 is a schematic diagram of a sunroof 1803 and skyglass shading according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0194] Referring to Figure 22, the dimmable glass system 1300 may include a controller 1310, an in-vehicle system 1320, an input module 1330, and dimmable glass 10. The dimmable glass 10 may include a third sub-electrode 123. In this embodiment, the dimmable glass 10 may be a sunroof 1803 and / or skyglass located on top of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 23, the skyglass may include front row sections, middle row sections, and rear row sections, enabling independent control on the left or right side. It is understood that by increasing the number of third sub-electrodes 123, the arrangement of the array of sections on the skylight glass can be further subdivided not only on both the left and right sides, but also to the left, center, right, or beyond. Similarly, it may be further subdivided into multiple regions along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, not limited to front, center, and rear rows.

[0195] Figure 24 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a dimmable glass system according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0196] As shown in Figure 24, the control method of this embodiment may include operations S2401 to S2403. The dimmable glass system comprises dimmable glass mounted on a vehicle and a controller electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode of the dimmable glass. The dimmable glass comprises a first base substrate and a second base substrate arranged opposite to each other, a first electrode disposed on the first base substrate, a second electrode disposed on the second base substrate, and a dimming component sandwiched between the first base substrate and the second base substrate.

[0197] In operation S2401, at least one of the following pieces of information is obtained: user input information, vehicle external information, vehicle internal information, and vehicle driving information.

[0198] In operation S2402, an electrical signal corresponding to at least one piece of information is generated based on at least one piece of information selected from user input information, vehicle external information, vehicle internal information, and vehicle driving information.

[0199] In operation S2403, the electrical signal is applied to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode, changing the state of the dimming component, thereby switching the dimming glass from a first state to a second state. In the first state, the dimming glass has M compartments, where M is a positive integer of 1 or more. In the second state, the dimming glass has N compartments, where N is a positive integer of 1 or more, and the N compartments and the M compartments differ in at least one of the following characteristics: the number of compartments, the occupied area of ​​at least one compartment, the light transmittance, and the relative position.

[0200] In some embodiments, the user input information includes information entered by the user operating at least one of a physical input component, an electronic input component, voice input, and gesture control, and / or the vehicle driving information includes at least one of vehicle speed, vehicle steering information, and vehicle driving direction.

[0201] For example, physical input components may include knobs, buttons, scroll wheels, sliders, or dials. A mapping relationship is provided between different positions, rotation angles, or movement speeds of one or more physical input components and the number, occupied area, and light transmittance of at least one section, enabling corresponding adjustment operations in response to user manipulation of the physical input components. Operation of electronic input components includes peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and steering wheels, as well as touch-sensitive areas on the in-vehicle system's touchscreen or tinted glass. Voice input is obtained, for example, via an in-vehicle sound collection unit with a main microphone or multiple microphones distributed throughout the vehicle, allowing identification of, for example, which occupant's input information it is. Voice input can also be obtained via smart devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches. These smart devices communicate with the in-vehicle system to obtain voice information. Gesture control can be achieved by capturing the user's gesture touch trajectory via the in-vehicle system's touchscreen or touch-sensitive area on the tinted glass, or by detecting the user's hand movement trajectory or gestures via a camera.

[0202] Figure 25 is a flowchart illustrating the application of an electrical signal according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0203] As shown in Figure 25, one embodiment of operation S2403 may include operations S2501 to S2503. The first electrode includes K sub-electrodes, where K is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1 and greater than or equal to the larger of M and N.

[0204] In operation S2501, the electrical signal is applied to the K sub-electrodes of the first electrode. The K sub-electrodes are divided into N groups, and a different electrical signal is supplied to each sub-electrode in the N groups.

[0205] In operation S2502, the state of the dimming component in N sections corresponding to the N sub-electrodes changes in response to different electrical signals applied to the N sub-electrodes.

[0206] In some embodiments, the K sub-electrodes are divided into two groups, and each group of sub-electrodes is supplied with a different electrical signal.

[0207] In operation S2503, the dimmable glass is switched to a second state in response to a change in the state of the dimming components in N compartments.

[0208] Figure 26 shows a flowchart illustrating how a driver adjusts a vehicle seat according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0209] As shown in Figure 26, the driver adjusting the vehicle seat in this embodiment includes operations S2601 to S2607.

[0210] In operation S2601, after detecting that the driver is seated, the system indicates whether seat adjustment is necessary. If necessary, operation S2602 is executed; otherwise, operation S2607 is executed.

[0211] In operation S2602, the driver is prompted whether or not the rearview mirror needs adjustment. If adjustment is needed, operation S2603 is performed; otherwise, operation S2607 is performed.

[0212] In operation S2603, the rearview mirror is adjusted automatically or manually, and the system indicates whether adjustment of the windshield section size is necessary. If necessary, operation S2604 is performed; otherwise, operation S2607 is performed.

[0213] In operation S2604, all information collected after the driver is seated is sent to the controller, which outputs the appropriate zone range and prompts the user (i.e., the driver) to confirm the dimming method. If it is appropriate, operation S2606 is performed; otherwise, operation S2605 is performed.

[0214] In operation S2605, a voice prompt appears saying, "Please adjust manually." The driver's input is then accepted.

[0215] In operation S2606, the dimmable glass performs a dimming procedure, switching, for example, from the first state to the second state.

[0216] Operation S2607 presents safe driving instructions and notifies the driver that the vehicle is ready to depart at any time.

[0217] While certain embodiments of the general inventive concept of this disclosure have been illustrated and described, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general inventive concept of this disclosure, and that the scope of this disclosure is limited by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. It is dimmable glass, A first base substrate and a second base substrate are arranged facing each other, A first electrode placed on the first base substrate, The second electrode is placed on the second base substrate, Includes a dimming component sandwiched between the first base substrate and the second base substrate, The dimming component is configured to change its state in response to an electrical signal applied to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby switching the dimming glass from a first state to a second state. In the first state, the dimming glass has M compartments, where M is a positive integer of 1 or more. In the second state, the dimming glass has N compartments, where N is a positive integer of 1 or more. The N compartments and the M compartments differ in at least one of the following characteristics: the number of compartments, the area occupied by at least one compartment, the light transmittance, and the relative position. Dimmable glass.

2. At least one of M and N is 2 or more. The dimmable glass according to claim 1.

3. The M sections are arranged linearly along a first direction, linearly along a second direction, or in an array along the first and second directions, with the first and second directions intersecting, and / or The N sections are arranged linearly along a first direction, linearly along a second direction, or in an array along both the first and second directions, where the first and second directions intersect. The dimmable glass according to claim 1 or 2.

4. M is equal to N, and the arrangement direction of the M sections and the N sections is the same. The dimmable glass according to claim 3.

5. The light transmittance of at least the i-th section among the M sections is different from the light transmittance of at least the i-th section among the N sections, and / or the occupied area of ​​at least the i-th section among the M sections is different from the occupied area of ​​at least the i-th section among the N sections. Here, i is a number along the arrangement direction of the M or N sections, and i is a positive integer between 1 and M or N. The dimmable glass according to claim 4.

6. M is equal to N, and the arrangement direction of the M sections and the N sections is different. The dimmable glass according to claim 3.

7. M is not equal to N, and the arrangement direction of the M sections and the N sections is the same, or M is not equal to N, and the arrangement directions of the M sections and the N sections are different. The dimmable glass according to claim 3.

8. The dimming component includes a dye liquid crystal layer. The dimmable glass according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The first electrode includes K sub-electrodes, where K is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, and K is greater than or equal to the larger of M and N. The dimmable glass according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The device is configured to change the state of the dimming component in response to electrical signals applied to the first and second electrodes, thereby switching the dimming glass to a third state, in which the dimming glass has at least one of a display function and a writing function. The dimmable glass according to claim 1.

11. A dimmable glass according to any one of claims 1 to 10, mounted on a vehicle, The system includes a controller electrically connected to the first and second electrodes of the dimmable glass. A dimmable glass system used in vehicles.

12. The M compartments are arranged linearly along the length of the vehicle, or linearly along the height of the vehicle, or in an array along both the length and height of the vehicle, and / or The N compartments are arranged linearly along the length of the vehicle, or linearly along the height of the vehicle, or in an array along both the length and height of the vehicle. The dimmable glass system according to claim 11.

13. M = 1 and N is 2 or greater. The dimmable glass system according to claim 11 or 12.

14. The M sections each have a first light transmittance, and the N sections each have N light transmittances, at least one of the N light transmittances being the same as the first light transmittance, and at least one of the N light transmittances being different from the first light transmittance. The dimmable glass system according to claim 13.

15. M = N, where both M and N are positive integers greater than or equal to 2, and the occupied range of each of the N partitions is different from the occupied range of each of the M partitions. The dimmable glass system according to claim 11 or 12.

16. M = N, The M sections are arranged linearly along the length of the vehicle, and the N sections are arranged linearly along the length of the vehicle, and the light transmittance of at least the i-th section among the N sections is different from the light transmittance of at least the i-th section among the M sections, where i is a number counted from front to back along the length of the vehicle, and is a positive integer between 1 and M. The dimmable glass system according to claim 11 or 12.

17. The dimmable glass is provided as a side windshield located on the driver's side of the vehicle, and the light transmittance of the first of the N sections is greater than the light transmittance of the other sections. The dimmable glass system according to claim 16.

18. The light transmittance and / or occupied area of ​​at least one of the N compartments is determined based on at least one of the following: user input information, vehicle external information, vehicle internal information, and vehicle driving information. The dimmable glass system according to claim 11 or 12.

19. M = N, The M sections are arranged linearly along the height direction of the vehicle, and the N sections are arranged linearly along the height direction of the vehicle. The light transmittance of at least the j-th section among the N sections is different from the light transmittance of at least the j-th section among the M sections, where j is a number counted from bottom to top along the height direction of the vehicle, and is a positive integer between 1 and M. The dimmable glass system according to claim 11 or 12.

20. M = N, The M compartments are arranged linearly along the length of the vehicle, and the N compartments are arranged linearly along the height of the vehicle. The dimmable glass system according to claim 11 or 12.

21. The light transmittance of the j-th section among the N sections is the same as the light transmittance of at least the i-th section among the M sections, where i = j, where i is a number counted from front to rear along the length of the vehicle, i is a positive integer between 1 and M, and j is a number counted from bottom to top along the height of the vehicle, j is a positive integer between 1 and N. The dimmable glass system according to claim 20.

22. M = N, The M compartments are arranged linearly along the height direction of the vehicle, and the N compartments are arranged linearly along the length direction of the vehicle. The dimmable glass system according to claim 11 or 12.

23. The light transmittance of the i-th section among the N sections is the same as the light transmittance of at least the j-th section among the M sections, where i = j, where i is a number counted from front to rear along the length of the vehicle, i is a positive integer between 1 and N, and j is a number counted from bottom to top along the height of the vehicle, j is a positive integer between 1 and M. The dimmable glass system according to claim 21.

24. The dimmable glass comprises at least one of the following: at least one side windshield located on the side of the vehicle, a rear windshield located at the rear of the vehicle, and a sunroof located on the top of the vehicle. The dimmable glass system according to claim 11 or 12.

25. The dimmable glass comprises at least two of the following: at least one side windshield located on the side of the vehicle, a rear windshield located at the rear of the vehicle, and a sunroof located on the top of the vehicle, At least two of the dimmable glass panels are controlled independently. The dimmable glass system according to claim 11 or 12.

26. A method for controlling a dimmable glass system, The aforementioned dimmable glass system is The system comprises a dimmable glass mounted on the vehicle and a controller electrically connected to the first and second electrodes of the dimmable glass. The dimmable glass comprises a first base substrate and a second base substrate arranged facing each other, a first electrode disposed on the first base substrate, a second electrode disposed on the second base substrate, and a dimming component sandwiched between the first base substrate and the second base substrate. The aforementioned method, To obtain at least one of the following: user input information, vehicle external information, vehicle internal information, and vehicle driving information, To generate an electrical signal corresponding to at least one of the following: user input information, vehicle external information, vehicle internal information, and vehicle driving information; The device includes applying the electrical signal to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode to change the state of the dimming component, thereby switching the dimming glass from a first state to a second state, Here, in the first state, the dimmable glass has M compartments, where M is a positive integer of 1 or more; in the second state, the dimmable glass has N compartments, where N is a positive integer of 1 or more; and the N compartments and the M compartments differ in at least one of the following characteristics: the number of compartments, the occupied area of ​​at least one compartment, the light transmittance, and the relative position. A method for controlling a dimmable glass system.

27. The first electrode includes K sub-electrodes, where K is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1, and K is greater than or equal to the larger of M and N. Applying the electrical signal to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode to change the state of the dimming component, thereby switching the dimming glass from the first state to the second state, specifically means: The electrical signal is applied to K sub-electrodes of the first electrode, the K sub-electrodes are divided into N groups, and a different electrical signal is applied to each sub-electrode in the N groups. In response to different electrical signals applied to the N sub-electrodes, the state of the dimming component in the N sections corresponding to the N sub-electrodes changes accordingly. This includes switching the dimmable glass to a second state in response to a change in the state of the dimmable component in N sections. The method according to claim 26.

28. The K sub-electrodes are divided into two groups, and the electrical signals applied to each of the two groups of sub-electrodes are different. The method according to claim 27.

29. The user input information includes information entered by the user by operating at least one of the following: physical input components, electronic input components, voice input, and gesture control, and / or The aforementioned vehicle driving information includes at least one of vehicle speed, vehicle steering information, and vehicle direction of travel. The method according to claim 26.

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