Vehicle display

Abstract

A vehicle interior cleaning system is disclosed. The system may include a display, and the display may include: a screen including a cover having a light-sensitive coating on an outward-facing side thereof; and a bezel having lights, wherein light from the lights activates the coating when actuated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of vehicle equipment and, more particularly, to displays for vehicles. Background Art

[0002] During normal use, dust, fingerprints and other fluids may adhere to the surface of the vehicle display. To clean these contaminants, the user of the vehicle typically manually applies a soft cloth that may or may not have a cleaning fluid on it. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to the present invention, there is provided a display comprising:

[0004] a screen comprising a cover having a photosensitive coating on an outwardly facing side thereof; and

[0005] A frame with lights,

[0006] Wherein when driven, light from the lamp activates the coating.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the lamp is driven, light is directed axially and radially inward from the bezel and toward the cover.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lamp emits ultraviolet wavelengths.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the invention, the coating comprises a material that undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of light from the lamp.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the screen comprises an electronic part comprising: the cover, a capacitive or resistive film, a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a backlight, wherein the film and LCD are sandwiched between the cover and the backlight.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the coating comprises titanium dioxide (TiO2), wherein the lamp emits light having a wavelength within the range of 310-390 nanometers (nm).

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lamp comprises a plurality of light sources located in the frame.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the frame includes a plurality of components, wherein each component includes at least one of the plurality of light sources.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the screen comprises a matrix of user touch areas

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first component includes a selectively drivable first light source and a selectively drivable second light source, and the second component includes a selectively drivable third light source and a selectively drivable fourth light source, wherein when selectively driven, the second and third light sources illuminate the same user touch area of ​​the screen.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when selectively driven, the first light source illuminates a different user-touched area of ​​the screen, and the fourth light source illuminates another different user-touched area of ​​the screen.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of members comprises at least two light sources, wherein the matrix comprises four user touch areas, wherein when selectively actuated, the corresponding light sources of each pair of adjacent positioning members illuminate one of the user touch areas.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the plurality of light sources comprises a plurality of light elements.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least two of the plurality of optical elements emit light of different wavelengths, wherein the wavelengths include: 310-390 nanometers (nm), 400-410 nm, 670-700 nm, and 700-800 nm.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when driven, the optical power incident on the coating from each of the respective light sources is at least 1 mW / cm2. 2 ).

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the screen is a touch screen.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lamp comprises a light source and an optical device positioned relative to the light source to direct light emitted from the light source to the surface.

[0023] According to the present invention, there is provided an interior cleaning system for a vehicle, comprising:

[0024] The display of claim 1, wherein the light comprises a plurality of light sources; and

[0025] Computers, including:

[0026] processor, and

[0027] a memory storing instructions executable by the processor,

[0028] The instructions include selectively driving the plurality of light sources.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises a manual switch, which triggers at least one of the plurality of light sources to illuminate when actuated.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises an occupancy detection system connected to the computer, the occupancy detection system providing an indication of an occupancy status, wherein the instructions further comprise: when the ambient light is less than a threshold, temporarily disabling the driving of the plurality of light sources based on the occupancy status being occupied. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 An interior cleaning system including a display carried by an instrument panel of a vehicle is shown;

[0032] Figure 2 showing occupants in the cabin of the vehicle and a similar display carried by the center console;

[0033] Figure 3 It shows that Figure 1 a schematic diagram of a network-connected vehicle having a display connected to one or more vehicle system computers;

[0034] Figure 4 An exploded schematic diagram showing a screen of a display;

[0035] Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a display;

[0036] Figure 6 is a front schematic diagram of an exemplary display showing lights in a bezel of the display and graphics dividing the screen into multiple user touch areas, the lights including multiple light sources;

[0037] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary light source;

[0038] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of two light sources of a display, each light source including at least two light elements;

[0039] Figure 8 A schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of a display;

[0040] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 an enlarged view of a portion of;

[0041] Figure 10 is a front schematic diagram of another example of a display. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] A vehicle interior cleaning system is described, comprising a display having a bezel including a lamp that directs light toward the display screen to clean the screen surface. According to one example, the display comprises a screen and a bezel having the lamp, the screen including a cover having a light-sensitive coating on its outward-facing side; wherein light from the lamp activates the coating when the lamp is activated.

[0043] According to at least one example described above, when the lamp is driven, light is directed axially and radially inward from the bezel and toward the cover.

[0044] According to at least one of the above examples, the lamp emits ultraviolet wavelengths.

[0045] According to at least one of the above examples, the coating includes a material that undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of light from the lamp.

[0046] According to at least one example above, the screen includes an electronic part comprising: a cover, a capacitive or resistive film, a liquid crystal display (LCD), and a backlight, wherein the film and the LCD are sandwiched between the cover and the backlight.

[0047] According to at least one example above, the coating comprises titanium dioxide (TiO2), wherein the lamp emits light at a wavelength within a range of 310-390 nanometers (nm).

[0048] According to at least one example above, the lamp includes a plurality of light sources positioned in a bezel.

[0049] According to at least one example above, the bezel includes a plurality of components, wherein each component includes at least one of the plurality of light sources.

[0050] According to at least one of the above examples, the screen includes a matrix of user touch areas.

[0051] According to at least one of the above examples, the first component includes a selectively drivable first light source and a selectively drivable second light source, and the second component includes a selectively drivable third light source and a selectively drivable fourth light source, wherein when selectively driven, the second and third light sources illuminate the same user touch area of ​​the screen.

[0052] According to at least one example above, when selectively driven, the first light source illuminates a different user-touched area of ​​the screen, and the fourth light source illuminates another different user-touched area of ​​the screen.

[0053] According to at least one example above, each of the plurality of components includes at least two light sources, wherein the matrix includes four user touch areas, wherein when selectively actuated, the corresponding light sources of each pair of adjacently positioned components illuminate one of the user touch areas.

[0054] According to at least one of the above examples, at least one of the plurality of light sources includes a plurality of light elements.

[0055] According to another illustrative example, at least two of the plurality of light elements emit light at different wavelengths, wherein the wavelengths include: 310-390 nanometers (nm), 400-410 nm, 70-700 nm, and 700-800 nm.

[0056] According to at least one of the above examples, when driven, the optical power incident on the coating from each respective light source is at least 1 mW / cm2. 2 ).

[0057] According to at least one of the above examples, the screen is a touch screen.

[0058] According to at least one example above, a lamp includes a light source and an optic positioned relative to the light source to direct light emitted from the light source toward a surface.

[0059] According to at least one example described above, an interior cleaning system for a vehicle is disclosed, comprising the display described above, wherein the light comprises a plurality of light sources; and a computer comprising a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor, the instructions comprising: selectively driving the plurality of light sources.

[0060] In accordance with at least one of the above system examples, a manual switch is disclosed that, when actuated, triggers at least one of a plurality of light sources to illuminate.

[0061] According to at least one system example described above, an occupancy detection system is disclosed that is connected to a computer that provides an indication of an occupancy state, wherein the instructions further include temporarily disabling driving of the plurality of light sources based on the occupancy state being occupied when the ambient light is less than a threshold.

[0062] According to at least one example, a computer programmed to perform any combination of the above examples is disclosed.

[0063] According to at least one example, a computer program product is disclosed that includes a computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by a computer processor, wherein the instructions include any combination of the above instruction examples.

[0064] Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, there is shown an interior cleaning system 10 for a vehicle 12 that includes a display 14 having a screen 16 with a photosensitive coating 18 and a bezel 20 with lights 22 that emit light at a frequency that activates the coating 18 to clean or disinfect a surface 24 of the screen. The display 14 may be carried by an instrument panel 26 of the vehicle (e.g., as shown in FIG. Figure 1), or may be located elsewhere (e.g., such as a display 14' connected to a center console 28, as shown Figure 2 As shown). In at least some examples, screen 16 is a touch screen that can be used by multiple different users (e.g., considering an example where vehicle 12 is an autonomous taxi or a shared vehicle). As described in more detail below, when activated, lamp 22 of display 14 can project light that kills or neutralizes active organic matter on surface 24 of screen 16 (e.g., kills bacteria and viruses on the screen from sweat, saliva, etc. from different users). According to one non-limiting example, photosensitive coating 18 can include titanium dioxide, and the frequency emitted by lamp 22 can be in the ultraviolet (UV) band. Thus, the UV light can kill the active organic matter, while the titanium dioxide (in the presence of UV light) can react with carbon-based matter (e.g., bacteria, viruses, saliva, sweat, and other human bodily fluids) located on surface 24 of screen 16 to produce water vapor and carbon dioxide gas byproducts. As described below, other photosensitive coatings and / or other light wavelengths can be used instead.

[0065] The vehicle 12 is shown as a passenger car; however, the vehicle 12 may also be a truck, sport utility vehicle (SUV), recreational vehicle, bus, train, ship, airplane, etc. that includes the interior cleaning system 10. The vehicle 12 can operate in any of a number of autonomous modes. In at least one example, the vehicle 12 can operate as an autonomous taxi, a ride-sharing vehicle, an autonomous school bus, etc., for example, in a fully autonomous mode (e.g., Level 5) as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), which defines levels 0-5 of operation. For example, at Levels 0-2, a human driver typically monitors or controls most driving tasks without the assistance of the vehicle 12. For example, at Level 0 ("non-automated"), the driver is responsible for all vehicle operations. At Level 1 ("driver assistance"), the vehicle 12 sometimes assists with steering, acceleration, or braking, but the driver is still responsible for the vast majority of vehicle control. At Level 2 ("partial automation"), the vehicle 12 can control steering, acceleration, and braking in certain situations without human intervention. At Levels 3-5, the vehicle 12 assumes more driving-related tasks. At Level 3 ("conditional automation"), the vehicle 12 can handle steering, acceleration and braking, and monitoring the driving environment in certain situations. However, Level 3 may require occasional driver intervention. At Level 4 ("high automation"), the vehicle 12 can handle the same tasks as Level 3, but does not rely on driver intervention for certain driving modes. At Level 5 ("full automation"), the vehicle 12 can handle all tasks without driver intervention.

[0066] The interior cleaning system 10 may include an occupancy detection system 30, a vehicle powertrain 32, a display 14 (described in detail below), and a computer 40 that may form a part of the display 14 (e.g., within a common module) or may be electrically connected thereto. The occupancy detection system 30 and the powertrain 32 may provide relevant data to the computer 40 so that the computer 40 may manage the cleaning of the display 14; in addition, the systems 30-32 may facilitate operation of the vehicle 12 in a fully autonomous mode.

[0067] The occupancy detection system 30 may include at least one computer 34 electrically connected to a plurality of sensors (e.g., not shown). The computer 34 may receive data from seat belt sensors, seat pressure sensors, cabin cameras or imaging sensors (e.g., aimed at vehicle seats to detect occupancy), proximity sensors, and the like. Generally, the computer 34 may analyze the data from one or more sensors to determine, for example, using techniques known to those skilled in the art, whether the cabin 36 of the vehicle 12 is empty or occupied. In addition, the computer 34 may provide an output (e.g., an analog or digital signal) indicating the cabin state (e.g., "empty" or "occupied") to the interior cleaning system 10. The computer 34 may also use door sensors, vision sensors, proximity sensors, and the like to indicate whether an occupant is currently entering or exiting the cabin.

[0068] The powertrain 32 can include at least one computer 38 electrically connected to a vehicle engine (not shown) and a vehicle transmission (not shown). According to at least one example, the computer 38 can provide an output (e.g., an analog or digital signal) to the interior cleaning system 10 indicating an engine status. For example, when the engine is running, the status may be ON, and when the engine is not running, the status may be OFF. As explained more below, in at least one example, when the vehicle engine status is ON, the computer 40 can clean the display 14. The term vehicle engine should be broadly interpreted to include internal combustion engines, hybrid electric engines, electric engines or motors, solar electric engines, etc.

[0069] The interior cleaning system 10 of the vehicle 12 may also include other systems (not shown) that facilitate operating the vehicle in a fully autonomous mode. Non-limiting examples of systems related to autonomous driving include one or more vision and / or imaging systems, additional sensing systems (e.g., in addition to the occupancy detection system 30), one or more wireless vehicle communication systems, a vehicle steering system, a vehicle braking system, one or more vehicle safety systems, and the like. In some examples, these systems related to autonomous driving can be collectively controlled by a main computing device; in other examples, there is no main computing device (e.g., instead, the systems interact directly or via a mesh communication network). Thus, for example, each system related to autonomous driving can include one or more system computing devices that interact with each other to control autonomous or driverless vehicle operation. Thus, according to one example, the vehicle 12 can be collectively controlled by the system to drive in a fully autonomous mode to pick up a vehicle user (e.g., based on a request sent from the user to the vehicle 12). Once the user is in the vehicle 12, the system related to autonomous driving can cause the vehicle 12 to take the user to a predetermined location (e.g., based on his / her request). While in the vehicle, neither the user nor other occupants need to demonstrate control of any combination of the above systems. According to one example, as described more below, a user can input destination data into the display 14 and / or the user can use the display to receive information services, entertainment services, etc., or any combination thereof while traveling from a starting location to a destination location. The term user, as used herein, refers to a licensed or other authorized person within the vehicle 12; furthermore, the terms user (within the vehicle 12) and occupant may be used interchangeably.

[0070] The computer 40 may include at least one processor 42 and a memory 44 connected to the processor 42, wherein the memory 44 stores instructions executable by the processor 42. For example, the processor 42 may be any type of device capable of processing electronic instructions, non-limiting examples of which include a microprocessor, a microcontroller or controller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc., to name a few. Generally, the computer 40 may be programmed to execute digitally stored instructions, which may be stored in the memory 44, such that the computer 40 may, among other things, receive an indication that the vehicle's engine is on (e.g., from the powertrain) and receive an indication that the vehicle is unoccupied (e.g., from the occupancy detection system 30), and based on these indications, drive the light 22 (e.g., such that light from the light is directed toward the surface 24 of the screen 16, thereby disinfecting the surface 24). The computer 40 may also be programmed to execute other instructions as well—for example, including selectively controlling one or more light sources of the lamp 22 (discussed below), controlling the wavelength of light emitted from the lamp 22, driving the lamp 22 based on a cleaning schedule, driving the lamp 22 based on a number of user touches, driving the lamp 22 based on the capacitance of the contact area of ​​the screen 16, and activating the lamp 22 based on manual switch actuation (e.g., by an authorized vehicle service technician), to name a few non-limiting examples.

[0071] Memory 44 may include any non-transitory computer-usable or readable medium, which may include one or more storage devices or items. Exemplary non-transitory computer-usable storage devices include conventional computer system RAM (random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EPROM (erasable programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable ROM), and any other volatile or non-volatile media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other permanent memory. Volatile media include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes main memory. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tape, any other magnetic media, CD-ROMs (compact disc read-only memory drives), DVDs (digital versatile discs), any other optical media, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with a pattern of holes, RAM, PROM (programmable read-only memory), EPROM, FLASH EEPROM (flash electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium that can be read by a computer. As described above, memory 44 may store one or more computer program products that may be embodied as software, firmware, etc.

[0072] Figure 3A wired and / or wireless vehicle network connection 50 is shown that enables, among other things, communication between the computer 34 (of the occupancy detection system 30), the computer 38 (of the powertrain 32), and the computer 40 and / or the display 14. In at least one example, the connection 50 includes one or more of a controller area network (CAN) bus, Ethernet, a local interconnect network (LIN), a fiber optic connection, a Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connection, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) or Wi-Fi Direct connection, and the like. Other examples exist. Aspects of the connection 50 may be standardized; other aspects may be proprietary; and, of course, combinations thereof are possible. The network connection 50 may facilitate in-vehicle system communications—for example, enabling the display computer 40 to receive data regarding, for example, engine status (e.g., from the computer 38) and / or vehicle occupancy status (e.g., from the computer 34). Figure 3 It is further shown that the connection 50 may also include a discrete wired or wireless connection.For example, the computer 40 may be communicatively connected to the display 14 via the bus 50, via a discrete connection 52, or a combination thereof.

[0073] Turning now to display 14, the display may include a multi-layer screen 16 covered (or abutted) by a bezel 20 (e.g., at its periphery 54). Screen 16 may be a touch screen; however, this is not required. For example, screen 16 may be a capacitive touch screen, a resistive touch screen, etc. For purposes of illustration only, and not intended to be limiting, an example of a capacitive touch screen is described below.

[0074] Screen 16 may include a photosensitive coating 18 and an electronic portion 56, which includes a lens or cover 58, a film 60 (e.g., a capacitive or resistive film), a liquid crystal display (LCD) 62, and a backlight 64. Cover 58 may be a transparent sheet of plastic, resin, glass, or the like that protects film 60, LCD 62, and backlight 64 beneath it. Capacitive film 60 may include circuitry comprising multiple capacitive elements (not shown) that respond to electrical energy carried by a user's fingertip when the fingertip touches cover 58. LCD 62 may include electrically modulated optics using liquid crystals to provide an image through cover 58 outward (e.g., into vehicle cabin 36) when light is projected from backlight 64 (e.g., which may include an optical waveguide, a light source, a driver circuit for the light source, etc., all of which are not shown). According to one arrangement, film 60 and LCD 62 are sandwiched between cover 58 and backlight 64. Typically, backlight 64 provides light axially outward (toward cover 58). This light illuminates LCD 62, which displays any suitable computer-controlled graphics, for example, enabling screen 16 to function as an output device. When a user touches coating 18 and / or cover 58, capacitive film 60 recognizes the contact or touch, and the gesture made by the user's touch indicates a user command, selection, etc. - for example, enabling screen 16 to function as an input device. Electronics portion 56 may include other layers and / or other suitable elements, the construction and operation of which will be understood by those skilled in the relevant art.

[0075] The photosensitive coating 18 can be applied to the outward-facing side 66 of the cover 58 using vapor deposition or any other suitable technique. The thickness of the coating 18 can be such that it does not substantially interfere with the input and output functions of the screen 16. As used herein, a photosensitive coating is any coating, layer, or film located on the outermost surface of the electronic portion 56 of the screen that participates in a chemical reaction when in the presence of light emitted from the bezel light 22. As used herein, a chemical reaction is a process in which at least one material of the coating 18 changes or transforms into a different substance (a different type of material). As explained more below, in at least one example, the chemical reaction may require multiple reactants (e.g., the coating 18 plus some carbon or other organic substance) to produce a new product (e.g., a different substance).

[0076] According to at least one example, the photosensitive coating 18 comprises titanium dioxide (TiO2) having any suitable thickness. According to one example, the TiO2 coating 18 does not reduce the transmittance of light received by a user from the backlight 64 by more than 10%, and further, the capacitive response (in the film 60) caused by the user's touch does not change by more than 5%; however, this is merely an example and other examples exist. In this embodiment, in the presence of light from the bezel 20, the TiO2 coating 18 (reactant) plus the organic material (e.g., a second reactant) on the surface 24 of the coating 18 can produce water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) (products of the chemical reaction). Titanium dioxide is merely one example of a coating 18; other materials may be used instead.

[0077] The bezel 20 may include any suitable frame that extends around the perimeter 54 of the screen 16. Thus, in at least one example, the bezel 20 may include a first or upper member 70, a second or leg member 76, a third or lower member 72, and a fourth or leg member 74, wherein the upper, lower, and leg members 70-76 are connected end to end to one another and have a rectangular arrangement (e.g., see FIG. Figure 6 ), such as member 70 adjacent to member 76, member 76 adjacent to member 72, member 72 adjacent to member 74, and member 74 adjacent to member 70. Other bezel shapes are possible—for example, including one-member examples (e.g., a curved member forming an oval or elliptical shape in front of screen 16) and other multi-member examples (e.g., including shapes such as triangles, trapezoids, diamonds, hexagons, octagons, etc.), to name a few non-limiting examples.

[0078] In one example, each member 70-76 can include a first or outwardly facing face 78, 80, 82, 84 (respectively) and a second or axially extending face 86, 88, 90, 92 (respectively). The second faces 86-92 can extend axially and radially outwardly from the surface 24 of the screen 16 to the respective first faces 78-84. (See also Figure 5 , showing second faces 90, 92 angled between first faces 82, 84 and screen 16, respectively.) First faces 78-84 may be parallel to surface 24; however, this is not required.

[0079] As explained in more detail below, one or more components of the bezel 20 may have a cavity 96 sized to carry the lamp 22 or its light source. For example, the lamp 22 may include multiple light sources. For example, Figure 6 Each member 70-76 is shown carrying a pair of light sources 100-102, 104-106, 108-110, and 112-114, respectively. Each light source 100-114 includes at least one light element and may also include optics.

[0080] According to one example, each light source 100 - 114 is similar or identical; therefore, only one is described herein. Figure 6A A schematic diagram of a light source 100 within cavity 96 is shown—the light source includes a light element 116 carried by a printed circuit board (PCB) 120 and an optic 118, wherein the optic 118 is configured and positioned relative to the element 116 such that light emitted from the element 116 is directed toward the screen 16. Because the light source 100 can be axially spaced from the screen 16, light can be directed axially inward from the bezel 20 toward the screen 16—that is, light from the element 116 can be directed away from the vehicle cabin 36 and users therein. As will be explained in greater detail below, in at least one example, the optic 118 can direct light from the element 116 toward a predetermined area of ​​the screen 16.

[0081] Non-limiting examples of the light element 116 include a light emitting diode, an incandescent element, etc. The light element 116 can emit light at any suitable frequency or bandwidth, including: ultraviolet A (UVA) light in the 310-390 nanometer (nm) band, UVA light centered around 365 nm, blue light (e.g., in the 400-410 nm band), red light (e.g., in the 670-700 nm band), infrared light (e.g., in the 700-800 nm band), etc. According to one example, the optical power at a distance of 18 cm from the light element 116 can be at least 1 milliwatt per square centimeter (1 mW / cm2). 2 In other examples, the optical power at a distance of 36 cm from the optical element 116 may be at least 1 mW / cm 2 .

[0082] The optical device 118 can include any suitable optically transmissive material having any suitable shape—for example, it can be shaped as a lens, a prism, a waveguide, a light pipe, etc. For example, the optical device 118 can include acrylic, glass, or any other suitable material. The optical device 118 can be carried by the optical element 116 (which is connected to the PCB 120), or both the element 116 and the optical device 118 can be connected to the PCB 120.

[0083] According to one arrangement of the bezel 20, two of the light sources 100-114, when activated, illuminate predefined user touch areas of the screen 16. For example, the screen 16 may be subdivided into four user touch areas 130, 132, 134, 136 (e.g., a two-by-two matrix or four quadrants of the screen 16). By way of example and not limitation, area 130 may relate to a user's (e.g., "Paul") phone number, area 132 may relate to navigation (e.g., to the user's destination), area 134 may relate to climate control settings or data, and area 136 may relate to entertainment services (e.g., radio stations) available within the locomotive compartment 36 (of course, any suitable number of user touch areas may be used, and the input / output data displayed within each user touch area may vary).

[0084] During operation and use, a user may touch one of the regions 130-136 more than the other regions (e.g., based on preference, environment, etc.). And the computer 40 connected to the display 14 can count and record the number of user touches and / or the number of user touches for each region 130-136. Thus, it can be inferred that the region 130-136 with the highest number of user touches is likely the most contaminated and in need of cleaning (or, for example, any region with more user touches than a predetermined threshold can be considered contaminated and in need of cleaning). Accordingly, the computer 40 can selectively control one or more light sources 100-114 to illuminate and thereby clean the corresponding region of the screen 16.

[0085] According to one example, when driven by computer 40, light source pair 108, 100 can illuminate area 130, light source pair 102, 112 can illuminate area 132, light source pair 114, 106 can illuminate area 134, and light source pair 104, 110 can illuminate area 136. According to one example, light sources 100-114 (or a pair thereof) are driven for a predetermined period of time to activate coating 18. For example, where coating 18 is TiO2, the corresponding light source can be driven for a period of ten minutes, thereby causing a chemical reaction to occur at surface 24 of the TiO2 coating for a period of at least two hours.

[0086] By way of example only, one reaction is described. When UVA light is directed from lamp 22 onto surface 24, it can kill active organic matter (e.g., germs such as bacteria and viruses). When the UVA light has a minimum threshold energy at the point of incidence (at surface 24), electrons are released from TiO2 coating 18. These electrons can combine with water molecules in the air, producing hydroxyl radicals (OH)—uncharged forms of hydroxide ions (OH-). Hydroxyl radicals can combine with organic matter, breaking down its chemical bonds and producing water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Thus, organic matter on screen 16 is not only killed but also removed from it (e.g., effectively carried away by water and carbon dioxide molecules), for example, leaving surface 24 free of contaminants that the user has come into contact with or touched, such as bodily fluids. The chemical reaction caused by the light from lamp 22 and coating 18 on screen 16 thus inhibits the spread of germs and can even have a deodorizing effect on the surrounding air.

[0087] According to one example, the computer 40 may inhibit (at least temporarily) actuation of the light sources 100-114 based on one or more predetermined criteria. For example, even though the computer 40 may determine that a timer associated with the cleaning surface 24 has expired (or even if the computer 40 may determine that the surface 24 has been touched a predetermined number of times since it was last cleaned), the computer 40 may delay actuation of the light sources 100-114 to minimize the user's exposure to UVA light. For example, the computer 40 may delay actuation: (a) when the computer 34 determines that an occupant is in the cabin 36 and when the day / night detection sensor 140 indicates that the ambient light is less than a threshold; or (b) when the computer 34 determines that an occupant is in the cabin 36, the sensor 140 indicates that the ambient light is greater than a threshold, and the computer 38 indicates that the transmission is not in PARK. Other examples of delays also exist.

[0088] According to another example, the computer 40 may be triggered to communicate via the switch 142 ( Figure 3 ) drives one or more of the light sources 100-114. The switch can be part of the display 14 or can be located elsewhere. In at least some examples, a vehicle technician uses the switch 142 to clean the display or perform other maintenance tasks.

[0089] Other examples and arrangements are possible. For example, the optical device 118 can be formed in the bezel 20 and the light source 116 can be located on the underside of the bezel 20.

[0090] According to another example, any one or more of the light sources 100-114 may have multiple light elements. For illustration, Figure 7Light sources 100 ′ and 108 ′ are shown each having two light elements 116 , 116 ′ (e.g., each having corresponding optics 118 and carried by circuit boards 120 ′, 120 ″, respectively). Element 116 may emit UVA light, while element 116 ′ may emit light of another wavelength (e.g., red light, blue light, etc.). For example, certain wavelengths of light are known to best visually illuminate blood, semen, saliva, etc.

[0091] Computer 40 can use switch 144 (light source 100') or switch 146 (source 108') to selectively illuminate each element 116, 116'. In this way, each element 116, 116' can be illuminated independently and / or simultaneously. According to one example, computer 40 can drive element 116' (e.g., 415 nm) to illuminate contaminants (e.g., blood) on surface 24 of screen 16 (e.g., to indicate to the user whether screen 16 is clean or dirty), and then use element 116 (e.g., 365 nm) to clean surface 24, as described above.

[0092] according to Figure 8-9 As another example, the optical device of each light source 100-114 can be a longitudinally extending light pipe 118' having light elements at one or more ends (not shown). For example, the light pipe 118' can extend along at least a portion of the length of one or more components 70-76 (e.g., as previously described). Figure 6 ). The light pipe 118' may have one or more facets 150 along its length to reflect light from inside the pipe 118' onto the surface 24.

[0093] Figure 10 Yet another example of a display is shown. Here, display 14" includes a bezel 20' having a single light source 100". By way of example only, light source 100" is located at a corner of bezel 20', such as where members 70 and 74 intersect. Of course, the arrangement of the single light source may be different.

[0094] In other examples, the interior cleaning system 10 can be used to clean other surfaces within the vehicle 12. For example, other lights, such as the light 22, can be mounted near surfaces frequently touched by users within the vehicle 12. Similarly, these other lights can be selectively driven to clean their respective surfaces.

[0095] Thus, a system for cleaning the interior of a vehicle has been described. The system includes a display having a screen with a photosensitive coating and a bezel including a light. The light is arranged to direct light toward the screen. In some examples, the light from the light includes light in the ultraviolet band, which activates the coating to clean its surface.

[0096] Generally, computing systems and / or devices may utilize any number of computer operating systems, including but not limited to various versions and / or variations of Ford Application, AppLink / Smart Device Link middleware, Automotive operating systems, Microsoft Operating systems, Unix operating systems (such as those distributed by Oracle Corporation of Redwood Shores, California) operating system), AIX UNIX operating system distributed by International Business Machines Corporation of Armonk, New York, Linux operating system, Mac OSX and iOS operating system distributed by Apple Inc. of California, BlackBerry OS distributed by Research in Motion of Waterloo, Canada, and Android operating system developed by Google Inc. and the Open Handset Alliance, or provided by QNX software system CAR infotainment platform. Examples of computing devices include, but are not limited to, an in-vehicle computer, a computer workstation, a server, a desktop, a laptop, a portable computer, or a handheld computer, or some other computing system and / or device.

[0097] Computing devices typically include computer-executable instructions that can be executed by one or more computing devices, such as the types described above. Computer-executable instructions can be compiled or interpreted by a computer program created using a variety of programming languages ​​and / or technologies, including but not limited to Java, Javascript, and PHP, alone or in combination. TM , C, C++, Visual Basic, JavaScript, Perl, etc. Some of these applications can be compiled and executed on virtual machines such as the Java Virtual Machine and the Dalvik Virtual Machine. Typically, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions from, for example, a memory or computer-readable medium and executes these instructions, thereby performing one or more processes, including one or more of the processes described herein. Such instructions or other data can be stored and transmitted using various computer-readable media.

[0098] Computer-readable media (also referred to as processor-readable media) include any non-transitory (e.g., tangible) medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., a computer's processor). Such media can take a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media can include, for example, optical or magnetic disks or other permanent storage. Volatile media can include, for example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes main memory. Such instructions can be transmitted via one or more transmission media, including coaxial cables, copper wire, and optical fiber, including system bus cables that internally contain connections to the computer's processor. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic disks, any other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs, any other optical media, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with a pattern of holes, RAM (random access memory), PROM (programmable read-only memory), EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory), FLASH EEPROM (flash electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other computer-readable medium.

[0099] A database, data warehouse, or other data store described herein may include various mechanisms for storing, accessing, and retrieving various data, including hierarchical databases, file groups of system files, application databases in proprietary formats, relational database management systems (RDBMS), and the like. Each such database store is typically contained within a computing device that employs, for example, one of the computer operating systems described above, and is accessed via a network in any one or more ways. A file system may be accessed from the computer operating system and may include files stored in a variety of forms. In addition to languages ​​for creating, storing, editing, and executing stored procedures, RDBMSs typically employ structured query languages ​​(SQL), such as the PL / SQL language described above.

[0100] In some examples, the system components are computer-readable instructions (e.g., software) implemented on one or more computing devices (e.g., servers, personal computers, etc.), with the instructions stored on associated computer-readable media (e.g., disks, memories, etc.). A computer program product may include such instructions stored on a computer-readable medium for implementing the aforementioned functions.

[0101] The processor is implemented via circuits, chips, or other electronic components and may include one or more microcontrollers, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more application specific circuits (ASICs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more custom integrated circuits, and the like. The processor may be programmed to process sensor data. Processing the data may include processing a video feed or other data stream captured by the sensor to determine the road lane of the host vehicle and the presence of any target vehicles. As described below, the processor instructs vehicle components to drive based on the sensor data. The processor may be incorporated into a controller, such as an autonomous mode controller.

[0102] The memory (or data storage device) is implemented via a circuit, chip, or other electronic component and may include one or more of a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, an electrically programmable memory (EPROM), an electrically programmable and erasable memory (EEPROM), an embedded multimedia card (eMMC), a hard disk drive, or any volatile or non-volatile medium, etc. The memory may store data collected from the sensor.

[0103] The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it should be understood that the terminology used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the present disclosure may be practiced in ways other than those specifically described.

Claims

1. A display comprising: a screen comprising a cover having a photosensitive coating on an outwardly facing side thereof; as well as A bezel having a lamp comprising a plurality of light sources, wherein the bezel comprises a plurality of members, wherein each member comprises at least one of the plurality of light sources, wherein when driven, light from the lamp activates the coating, and the screen comprises a matrix of user touch areas, wherein the first member comprises a selectively drivable first light source and a selectively drivable second light source, wherein the second member comprises a selectively drivable third light source and a selectively drivable fourth light source, wherein when selectively driven, the second light source and the third light source illuminate the same user touch area of ​​the screen. 2 . The display of claim 1 , wherein when the lamp is driven, light is directed axially and radially inward from the bezel and toward the cover. The display of claim 1 , wherein the lamp emits ultraviolet wavelengths.

4. The display of claim 1, wherein the coating comprises a material that undergoes a chemical reaction in the presence of light from the lamp.

5. The display of claim 1 wherein the coating comprises titanium dioxide and wherein the lamp emits light at a wavelength within the range of 310-390 nanometers. The display of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of light sources are located in the bezel.

7. The display of claim 1 , wherein the bezel extends around a perimeter of the screen, and the light comprises a light source and optics positioned relative to the light source to direct light emitted from the light source to the coating.

8. The display of claim 1, wherein when selectively driven, the first light source illuminates a different user-touched area of ​​the screen and the fourth light source illuminates another different user-touched area of ​​the screen.

9. The display of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of members comprises at least two light sources, wherein the matrix comprises four user touch areas, wherein when selectively driven, the corresponding light source of each pair of adjacent positioning members illuminates one of the user touch areas.

10. The display of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of light sources comprises a plurality of light elements.

11. The display of claim 10, wherein at least two of the plurality of light elements emit light of different wavelengths, wherein the wavelengths comprise: 310-390 nm, 400-410 nm, 670-700 nm and 700-800 nm.

12. The display of claim 11, wherein when driven, the optical power incident on the coating from each of the respective light sources is at least 1 milliwatt per square centimeter.

13. The display of claim 1, wherein two of the light sources, when driven, illuminate a predefined user touch area of ​​the screen.

14. A method for a vehicle, comprising: determining the occupancy status of the vehicle; determining an ambient light level in the vehicle; as well as Based on the determination, selectively driving a plurality of light sources in a bezel of a display to direct light from the bezel to a screen of the display, Wherein, the frame includes multiple components, each of which includes at least one of the multiple light sources; the screen includes a matrix of user touch areas, wherein the first component includes a selectively drivable first light source and a selectively drivable second light source, wherein the second component includes a selectively drivable third light source and a selectively drivable fourth light source, wherein when selectively driven, the second light source and the third light source illuminate the same user touch area of ​​the screen.

15. An interior cleaning system for a vehicle, comprising: The display of claim 1, wherein the light comprises a plurality of light sources; as well as Computers, including: processor, and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor, The instructions include selectively driving the plurality of light sources.

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