System and method for managing vehicle workspace

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a system and method for managing a workspace of a vehicle. A vehicle having a first vehicle device configured to provide input to a first user device associated with a first user is disclosed. The vehicle also includes a camera configured to capture an image of the first user in the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a processor configured to obtain the image from the camera and determine, based on the image, that the first user is operating the first user device in the vehicle. The processor may also be configured to determine availability of a first vehicle device in response to determining that the first user is operating the first user device, and activate the first vehicle device to enable the first user to operate the first user device via the first vehicle device when the first vehicle device is available.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for managing a vehicle workspace, and more particularly to systems and methods for enabling a vehicle user to operate a user device via a vehicle component. Background Art

[0002] Modern vehicles include various features that provide a comfortable environment for vehicle users. Despite such features, vehicle users / occupants expect more features in their vehicles that can provide a better user experience. For example, vehicle users may expect a work environment or workspace in their vehicle to facilitate the vehicle user to work conveniently from inside the vehicle. Therefore, there is a need for a vehicle workspace environment that provides a better user experience inside the vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present disclosure describes a vehicle that is configured to enable a vehicle user / occupant to operate a user device (e.g., a laptop computer, tablet computer, etc.) from within the vehicle using vehicle components (or vehicle input devices). The vehicle input devices may include, for example, a vehicle display screen, a track pad, a monostable shifter, etc. The vehicle input devices may be communicatively coupled to the user devices and may be configured to provide input to the user devices. Specifically, a user may control or operate a user device via one or more vehicle input devices. In some aspects, a vehicle may include a workspace management system / unit ("system") that may be configured to manage (e.g., activate or deactivate) vehicle input devices for user devices to enable a user to operate the user device via the vehicle input devices.

[0004] The system may be communicatively coupled to a vehicle camera that may capture images of a vehicle user (and other users) in the vehicle. The system may obtain images and may determine that the vehicle user may be operating (or expecting to operate) a user device in the vehicle. For example, the system may determine that the vehicle user has opened a laptop (or laptop table) to operate a laptop in the vehicle. In response to determining that the vehicle user may be operating (or expecting to operate) a user device in the vehicle, the system may determine vehicle input device availability and may activate vehicle input devices for user devices when corresponding vehicle input devices may be available. For example, the system may configure the vehicle display screen to act as an extended screen (or enhanced user device screen) for the user device, configure the track pad to act as a mouse for the user device, and configure the monostable shifter to act as a joystick for the user device when the corresponding vehicle input device is available for the user device.

[0005] In some aspects, the system may receive a request from a user (e.g., via a user device or a vehicle display) to use / assign a vehicle input device for a user device so that the user can use the user device via the vehicle input device. In response to receiving the request, the system may determine vehicle input device availability and, when the vehicle input device is available, activate the vehicle input device for the user device accordingly.

[0006] When the vehicle includes more than one occupant, the system can be configured to detect a count of users who may be operating their corresponding user devices in the vehicle, and can be configured to prioritize vehicle input device access based on the detection. In some aspects, the system can prioritize access based on the seating position of each user in the vehicle. For example, a user sitting in the driver's seating area can have priority access to a display screen near the front of the vehicle over a user sitting in the passenger seating area or a rear seating area. In other aspects, the system can allow multiple users to share a vehicle input device. For example, a first screen portion can be assigned to one user, and a second screen portion can be assigned to another user.

[0007] The present disclosure discloses a vehicle that assists a vehicle user in using a user device via a vehicle input device, which can improve user productivity in the vehicle. In addition, the system can enable multiple users to share a vehicle display screen between each other, which can improve screen utilization. In addition, the system can enable multiple users to share content on different parts of a single screen without being physically close to each other in the vehicle, which can prevent the spread of viruses or diseases.

[0008] These and other advantages of the present disclosure are provided in detail herein. The systems and methods of the present disclosure should not be enabled unless the vehicle is parked, turned off, not in motion, and / or otherwise in a safe operating mode for enjoying the systems and methods of the present disclosure, which, by way of example, may include operating in a fully autonomous vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and / or components other than those shown in the accompanying drawings, and some elements and / or components may not be present in various embodiments. The elements and / or components in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, singular and plural terms may be used interchangeably, depending on the context.

[0010] Figure 1 An exemplary environment of a parked vehicle is depicted in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented.

[0011] Figure 2 A block diagram of an exemplary system for managing a vehicle workspace according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0012] Figure 3 Depicted are exemplary vehicle input devices for operating a user device according to the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 4 A first exemplary embodiment for controlling a plurality of vehicle input devices according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0014] Figure 5 A second exemplary embodiment for controlling a plurality of vehicle input devices according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0015] Figure 6 A flow chart of an exemplary method for managing a vehicle workspace according to the present disclosure is depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the disclosure are shown and which are not intended to be limiting.

[0017] Figure 1 An exemplary environment 100 is depicted in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented. The environment 100 may include a vehicle 102, which may take the form of any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as, for example, a car, a work vehicle, a crossover vehicle, a truck, a van, a minivan, a taxi, a bus, etc. The vehicle 102 may be a manually driven vehicle, and / or may be configured to operate in a partially autonomous mode, and may include any powertrain, such as, for example, a gasoline engine, one or more electric actuation motors, a hybrid powertrain, etc. A vehicle user 104 (or driver 104) may be sitting in the vehicle 102. In some aspects, the vehicle 102 may be stationary and may not be moving.

[0018] In some aspects, the vehicle 102 can be configured to provide a working environment for the vehicle user 104 (or other user or vehicle occupant) so that the vehicle user 104 can conveniently operate a user device 106 associated with the vehicle user 104 inside the vehicle 102 via one or more vehicle components (or vehicle input devices). The user device 106 can include, but is not limited to, a laptop computer, a mobile phone, a computer, a tablet computer, a wearable device, or any other similar device with communication capabilities. The vehicle input device can include, but is not limited to, a display screen 108 (or vehicle touch screen), a vehicle tracking pad (on a Figure 3 302), a monostable shifter (shown as a track plate 302 in Figure 3The vehicle input device can be connected to the network (in Figure 2 The vehicle input device 104 may be communicatively coupled to the user device 106 (or other user devices) as shown in FIG. 1 as the network 208. In addition, the vehicle input device may be configured to provide input to the user device 106 when the vehicle user 104 operates the user device 106 via the vehicle input device.

[0019] The vehicle 102 may also include a vehicle workspace management unit (in Figure 2 In some aspects, the vehicle workspace management unit (or units) may be configured to manage vehicle input devices to enable the vehicle user 104 to use the user device 106 inside the vehicle 102. In some aspects, the vehicle workspace management unit (or units) may be configured to receive input (e.g., images) from the vehicle camera 110, and may determine based on the input that the vehicle user 104 may be operating (or desiring to operate) the user device 106. For example, the unit may determine based on the images captured from the camera 110 (or based on user input) that the user has opened a laptop to work inside the vehicle 102. In other aspects, the unit may determine based on user input received from the vehicle user 104 that the vehicle user 104 desires to operate the user device 106 via the vehicle input devices. In some aspects, the unit may receive user input from the user device 106 or from the vehicle input devices (e.g., via the display screen 108).

[0020] In response to determining that the vehicle user 104 may be operating (or may want / expect to operate) the user device 106, the unit may determine the availability of one or more vehicle input devices. The unit may assign the vehicle input device to the vehicle user 104 based on the vehicle input device availability. The unit may also activate the vehicle input device when the vehicle input device is available so that the vehicle user 104 can operate the user device 106 via the vehicle input device. For example, the unit may activate the display screen 108 for the user device 106 so that the vehicle user 104 can operate the user device 106 (or provide input to it) via the display screen 108. In other words, the unit may control the display screen 108 so that the display screen 108 can act as an extended screen of the user device 106. In such a scenario, the display screen 108 can display content associated with the user device 106. In a similar manner, the unit activates the vehicle tracking pad and / or the monostable shifter for the user device 106 so that the vehicle user 104 can operate the user device 106 via the corresponding vehicle input device.

[0021] Combined with the following Figure 2 Further details of vehicle 102 are described.

[0022] The vehicle 102 and / or vehicle user 104 implement and / or perform operations as described herein in the present disclosure in accordance with the vehicle owner's manual and safety guidelines.

[0023] Figure 2 A block diagram of an exemplary system 200 for managing a vehicle workspace according to the present disclosure is depicted. Figure 2 When you can refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 . Figure 3 Depicted are exemplary vehicle input devices for operating a user device according to the present disclosure. Figure 4 A first exemplary embodiment for controlling a plurality of vehicle input devices is depicted, and Figure 5 A second exemplary embodiment for controlling a plurality of vehicle input devices according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0024] System 200 may include a vehicle 202, a user device 204, and one or more servers 206 that are communicatively coupled to each other via one or more networks 208. Vehicle 202 may be coupled to a Figure 1 The user device 204 may be the same as the user device 106. The server 206 may be part of a cloud-based computing infrastructure and may be associated with and / or include a telematics service delivery network (SDN) that provides services to the vehicle 202 and other vehicles that may be part of a commercial vehicle fleet ( Figure 2 In some aspects, the server 206 may be configured to store information associated with vehicle input device allocation or assignment.

[0025] The network 208 illustrates an example communication infrastructure in which the connected devices discussed in the various embodiments of the present disclosure may communicate. The network 208 may be and / or include the Internet, a private network, a public network, or other configurations operating using any one or more known communication protocols, such as, for example, Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), Wi-Fi, Ultra-Wideband (UWB) based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard 802.11, and cellular technologies such as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPDA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), and Fifth Generation (5G), to name a few examples.

[0026] The vehicle 202 may include a plurality of units including, but not limited to, a vehicle computer 210, a vehicle control unit (VCU) 212, and a workspace management unit 214. The VCU 212 may include a plurality of electronic control units (ECUs) 216 arranged to communicate with the vehicle computer 210.

[0027] The user device 204 may be connected to the vehicle computer 210 and / or the workspace management unit 214 via a network 208, which may communicate via one or more wireless connections, and / or the user device may communicate using a near field communication (NFC) protocol, Protocol, Wi-Fi, ultra-wideband (UWB), and other possible data connection and sharing technologies to connect directly with the vehicle 202.

[0028] In some aspects, according to the present disclosure, the vehicle computer 210 and / or the workspace management unit 214 can be installed in the vehicle engine compartment (or elsewhere in the vehicle 202). In addition, the vehicle computer 210 can operate as a functional part of the workspace management unit 214. The vehicle computer 210 can be or include an electronic vehicle controller having one or more processors 218 and a memory 220. In addition, the workspace management unit 214 can be separate from the vehicle computer 210 (e.g., Figure 2 ), or may be integrated as part of the vehicle computer 210.

[0029] The processor 218 may be configured to communicate with one or more memory devices (eg, memory 220 and / or memory 220) configured to communicate with a corresponding computing system. Figure 2 The processor 218 may utilize the memory 220 to store programs and / or store data in code for performing aspects according to the present disclosure. The memory 220 may be a non-temporary computer-readable storage memory that stores workspace management program code. The memory 220 may include any one or combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), etc.), and may include any one or more non-volatile memory elements (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), etc.).

[0030] According to some aspects, the VCU 212 can share a power bus with the vehicle computer 210 and can be configured and / or programmed to communicate between vehicle systems, connected servers (e.g., server 206), and other vehicles operating as part of a vehicle fleet (e.g., Figure 2The VCU 212 may include or communicate with any combination of ECUs 216, such as, for example, a body control module (BCM) 222, an engine control module (ECM) 224, a transmission control module (TCM) 226, a telematics control unit (TCU) 228, a driver assistance technology (DAT) controller 230, etc. The VCU 212 may also include and / or communicate with a vehicle perception system (VPS) 232, which can connect and / or control one or more vehicle sensing systems 234. The vehicle sensing system 234 may include one or more vehicle sensors, including but not limited to radio detection and ranging (RADAR or "radar") sensors configured to detect and locate objects inside and outside the vehicle 202 using radio waves, seating area lock sensors, seating area sensors, light detection and ranging (LiDAR or "laser radar") sensors, door sensors, proximity sensors, temperature sensors, wheel sensors, vehicle interior and exterior cameras, etc. In some aspects, an interior vehicle camera (eg, camera 110 ) may be configured to capture images of vehicle user 104 or other vehicle users / occupants in vehicle 202 .

[0031] In some aspects, VCU 212 may control aspects of vehicle operation and implement one or more instruction sets received from user device 204 , from one or more instruction sets stored in memory 220 , including instructions operating as part of workspace management unit 214 .

[0032] The TCU 228 may be configured and / or programmed to provide vehicle connectivity to wireless computing systems on and off the vehicle 202 and may include a navigation (NAV) receiver 236 for receiving and processing GPS signals, module (BLEM) 238, a Wi-Fi transceiver, a UWB transceiver, and / or may be configured to communicate between the vehicle 202 and other systems (e.g., a vehicle key fob, Figure 2 Other wireless transceivers (not shown) for wireless communication (including cellular communication) between the computer and the module Figure 2 216). The TCU 228 may be configured to communicate with the ECU 216 via a bus.

[0033] The ECU 216 may control various aspects of vehicle operation and communication using input from a human driver, input from an autonomous vehicle controller, the workspace management unit 214, and / or via wireless signal input received from other connected devices (such as a user device 204, a server 206, etc.) via a wireless connection.

[0034] BCM 222 generally includes an integration of sensors, vehicle performance indicators, and varactors associated with vehicle systems, and may include processor-based power distribution circuits that may control functions associated with the vehicle body, such as lights, windows, security devices, cameras including camera 110, audio system, speakers, wipers, door locks and entry controls, and various comfort controls. In some aspects, BCM 222 may additionally control display screen 108, track pad 302, and monostable shifter 304 ( Figure 3 The BCM 222 can also operate as a gateway for bus and network interfaces to communicate with remote ECUs ( Figure 2 (not shown) to interact.

[0035] The DAT controller 230 may provide Level 1 to Level 3 automated driving and driver assistance functions, which may include, for example, active park assist, vehicle back-up assist, adaptive cruise control, and / or lane keeping, among other features. The DAT controller 230 may also provide aspects of user and environmental input that may be used for user authentication.

[0036] In some aspects, the vehicle computer 210 may be connected to an infotainment system 240. The infotainment system 240 may include a touch screen interface portion, and may include a voice recognition feature, a biometric recognition capability that may recognize a user based on facial recognition, voice recognition, fingerprint recognition, or other biometric recognition means. In other aspects, the infotainment system 240 may also be configured to receive user commands via the touch screen interface portion, and / or display notifications (including visual alert notifications), navigation maps, etc. on the touch screen interface portion.

[0037] The vehicle 202 may also include a camera 110 and a display screen 108, such as in combination with Figure 1 As described.

[0038] The computing system architecture of the vehicle computer 210, VCU 212 and / or workspace management unit 214 may omit certain computing modules. It should be easy to understand that Figure 2 The computing environment depicted in FIG. 1 is an example of possible implementations according to the present disclosure and, therefore, should not be considered limiting or exclusive.

[0039] According to some aspects, the workspace management unit 214 can be integrated with and / or executed as part of the ECU 216. Whether the workspace management unit 214 is integrated with the vehicle computer 210 or the ECU 216, or operates as a standalone computing system in the vehicle 202, it can include a transceiver 242, a processor 244, and a computer readable memory 246.

[0040] The transceiver 242 may be configured to receive information / input from one or more external devices or systems (e.g., user device 204, server 206, etc.) via the network 208. In addition, the transceiver 242 may transmit input or notifications (e.g., alarm / alarm signals) to the external devices or systems. In addition, the transceiver 242 may be configured to receive information / input from external devices or systems such as the display screen 108, the track pad 302, the monostable shifter 304 (e.g., Figure 3 10) and camera 110) and receives information / input from vehicle components (or vehicle input devices). In addition, transceiver 242 can transmit notifications (e.g., alarm / alarm signals) to vehicle components (such as infotainment system 240, vehicle input devices, vehicle speaker system, etc.).

[0041] In some aspects, the vehicle input device can be communicatively coupled to the user device 204 (or other user device) and can be configured to receive / provide input from / to the user device 204 via the transceiver 242. For example, the track pad 302 can be used in place of a computer / laptop mouse and can be used to control user device operations. Similarly, the monostable shifter 304 can be used as a joystick for the user device 204, and the display screen 108 can transmit input to the user device 204 and can display content associated with the user device 204.

[0042] The processor 244 and the memory 246 may be the same or similar to the processor 218 and the memory 220, respectively. In some aspects, the processor 244 may utilize the memory 246 to store programs and / or store data in code form to perform various aspects of the present disclosure. The memory 246 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage memory that stores workspace management program code. In some aspects, the memory 246 may additionally store information associated with the vehicle 202 and one or more sensory inputs received from the vehicle sensing system 234 (e.g., the camera 110), user inputs received from the user device 204 or other devices (e.g., the infotainment system 240 or the vehicle input device). The memory 246 may also store information associated with the vehicle input device assignment, such as the display screen 108, the track pad 302, the monostable shifter 304, etc.

[0043] In operation, the processor 244 may obtain input from the camera 110 via the transceiver 242. The input may include images captured by the camera 110, which may include images of the vehicle user 104 and other users / occupants that may be located inside the vehicle 202. The processor 244 may be configured to monitor the activities of the vehicle user 104 and other users / occupants within the vehicle 202 based on the images obtained from the camera 110. Specifically, the processor 244 may be configured to determine the vehicle user 104 (e.g., Figure 1The first user 104 shown in FIG. 2 , or any other user) may be operating the user device 204 in the vehicle 202. For example, the processor 244 may determine that the first user 104 may have turned on the laptop computer (ie, the user device 204) in the vehicle 202.

[0044] In response to determining that the first user 104 (or any other user) may be operating the user device 206 in the vehicle 202, the processor 244 may determine the availability of a vehicle input device that may assist or enable the first user 104 to operate the user device 106 via the vehicle input device. As described above, the vehicle input device may include, but is not limited to, the display screen 108, the track pad 302, and the monostable shifter 304. The processor 244 may also be configured to activate the vehicle input device when the vehicle input device may be available to enable the first user 104 to operate the user device 106 via the vehicle input device.

[0045] In some aspects, the processor 244 may obtain information associated with vehicle input device assignments from the memory 246 (or the server 206), and may use the obtained information to determine vehicle input device availability. For example, the processor 244 may determine whether the vehicle input device may be assigned to another user / occupant in the vehicle 202 (specifically, to their respective user devices), and may determine the vehicle input device availability accordingly. Specifically, the processor 244 may determine that the vehicle input device is available when the vehicle input device may not be assigned to any other user / occupant.

[0046] In additional aspects, the processor 244 can be configured to determine vehicle input device usage when the vehicle input device may be assigned to a user / occupant, and can determine vehicle input device availability based on the usage. Specifically, the processor 244 can determine that the vehicle input device may be available when no user / occupant may be actively using the vehicle input device, even if the vehicle input device may be assigned to a user / occupant. For example, when the vehicle input device may be assigned to a user (e.g., the second user 402 in the vehicle 202, such as Figure 4) and the processor 244 determines that the second user 402 may not be using the vehicle input device, the processor 244 may determine that the vehicle input device may be available and may assign the vehicle input device to the first user 104 (specifically, to the user device 204). In this case, when the processor 244 assigns the vehicle input device to the first user 104, the processor 244 may "deactivate" the vehicle input device from the second user 402. For another example, when the processor 244 determines that only a single user (e.g., the first user 104) may be operating a user device (e.g., the user device 204), the processor 244 may determine that the vehicle input device may be available because no other users may be operating their corresponding user devices in the vehicle 202, and may assign the vehicle input device to the first user 104 / user device 204.

[0047] In further aspects, the processor 244 can be configured to obtain a request from the first user 104 (or other user / occupant) via the transceiver 242 to use / assign a vehicle input device to operate the user device 204 (or a corresponding user device). In some aspects, the processor 244 can obtain the request from the first user 104 via the user device 204, the server 206, and / or one or more vehicle components (e.g., the infotainment system 240, the display screen 108, etc.). In response to obtaining the request, the processor 244 can determine vehicle input device availability and can assign the vehicle input device to the first user 104 / user device 204 when the vehicle input device may be available.

[0048] In an additional aspect, the processor 244 may be configured to determine that multiple users may be operating (or desire to operate) their respective user devices in the vehicle 202. In this scenario, the processor 244 may prioritize vehicle input device access and may assign the vehicle input device to the first user 104 or the second user 402 based on the priority ranking. In this case, the processor 244 may obtain an image from the camera 110 (which may capture images of the first user 104 and the second user 402 in the vehicle 202), and may determine based on the obtained image that the first user 104 and the second user 402 may be operating (or desire to operate) their respective user devices in the vehicle 202. In an alternative aspect, the processor 244 may obtain respective requests from the first user 104 and the second user 402 to use a vehicle input device (e.g., a first vehicle input device, such as the display screen 108, which may be an auxiliary vehicle screen), and may determine based on the obtained request that the first user 104 and the second user 402 may desire to operate their respective user devices via the display screen 108.

[0049] When the processor 244 determines that both the first user 104 and the second user 402 desire to operate their respective user devices via the display screen 108, in some aspects, the processor 244 may determine the respective seating locations of the first user 104 and the second user 402 within the vehicle 202. In some aspects, the processor 244 may determine the seating locations based on input obtained from the sensing system 234. In response to determining the seating locations, the processor 244 may prioritize access / assignment of the display screen 108 to the first user 104 or the second user 402 based on the determined seating locations.

[0050] For example, the processor 244 may determine based on input obtained from the sensing system 234 that the first user 104 may be seated in the driver's seating area and the second user 402 may be seated in the front passenger seating area (eg, Figure 4 ). In this case, the processor 244 may prioritize the allocation of the display screen 108 to the first user 104 (or the user device 204) over the second user 402, and may allocate the display screen 108 to the first user 104. In other words, in an exemplary aspect, a user sitting in the driver's seating area may prioritize access to the display screen 108 to operate the user device 204 over a user sitting in the passenger seating area. The processor 244 may activate the display screen 108 to enable the first user 104 to control the user device 204 via the display screen 108. In such a scenario, the display screen 108 may display content associated with the user device 204.

[0051] In other aspects, the processor 244 can prioritize access to the display screen 108 (or any other vehicle input device) based on the time when the request was received from the corresponding user. For example, the processor 244 can provide access to the user who first transmits the request. In addition, although the above example describes aspects in which users sitting in the driver's seating area are given priority over passengers, the present disclosure is not limited to such priority criteria. In other aspects, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, users sitting in the passenger seating area (or any other location inside the vehicle 202) can have priority access to one or more vehicle input devices over users sitting in the driver's seating area.

[0052] In further aspects, the processor 244 may determine the use of the display screen 108 (or any other vehicle input device) in response to activating the display screen 108 to enable the first user 104 to operate the user device 204 via the display screen 108. Specifically, the processor 244 may determine whether the first user 104 is actually using the display screen 108 to operate the user device 204. In some aspects, the processor 244 may determine the display screen use when the processor 244 determines that the second user 402 may be operating a user device associated with the second user 402 and may desire to use the display screen 108 (based on images obtained from the camera 110 or a request received from a user device associated with the second user 402). In response to determining that the first user 104 may not be using the display screen 108 for a predefined duration, the processor 244 may determine that the display screen 108 may be available for "reallocation." In this case, the processor 244 may reallocate the display screen 108 to the second user 402 (specifically, to the user device associated with the second user 402). In this scenario, the processor 244 may activate the display screen 108 to enable the second user 402 to control the operation of the user device associated with the second user 402 via the display screen 108. In this case, the display screen 108 may display content associated with the user device associated with the second user 402.

[0053] In additional aspects, the processor 244 can enable the first user 104 and the second user 402 to share the display screen 108, which can improve display screen utilization. For example, when the first user 104 may be viewing the display screen 108 (as determined via images obtained from the camera 110, such as by tracking the eyes of the first user), the processor 244 can display content associated with the user device 204 on the display screen 108. In addition, when the second user 402 may be viewing the display screen 108 (as determined via images obtained from the camera 110), the processor 244 can display content associated with the user device associated with the second user 402.

[0054] In another aspect, when the vehicle 202 includes an extended vehicle display screen, the processor 244 can enable the first user 104 and the second user 402 to share the extended vehicle display screen, so that the first display screen portion can be assigned to the first user 104 and the second display screen portion can be assigned to the second user 402. The first display screen portion can be in front of the first user's seating area position, and the second display screen portion can be in front of the second user's seating area position. In this way, both the first user 104 and the second user 402 can view the extended vehicle display screen at the same time. The content displayed on the first display screen portion and the second display screen portion can be the same or different. For example, when the first user 104 desires to show the content associated with the user device 204 to the second user 402, the first user 104 can use the first display screen portion and the second display screen portion to conveniently show the same content.

[0055] In another aspect, the processor 244 can be configured to determine the seating positions of the first user 104 and the second user 402 inside the vehicle 202 (e.g., based on the images obtained from the camera 110), and can assign different vehicle input devices to the first user 104 and the second user 402 based on the corresponding seating positions. Figure 5 As depicted, the first user 104 may be seated in the driver's seating area, and the second user 402 may be seated at the rear seating area. In response to determining the seating position, the processor 244 may determine that a second vehicle input device (e.g., a second display screen 502 that may be communicatively coupled to a user device associated with the second user 402) may be proximate to the second user's seating position, and the display screen 108 may be proximate to the first user's seating position. The processor 244 may also be configured to activate the second display screen 502 for the user device associated with the second user 402 so that the second user 402 can operate the user device associated with the second user 402 via the second display screen 502. Similarly, the processor 244 may activate the display screen 108 for the user device 204 so that the first user 104 can operate the user device 204 via the display screen 108. In other words, the processor 244 may select a vehicle input device based on the seating position of the vehicle user / occupant in the vehicle 202, and activate the selected vehicle input device accordingly. In some aspects, the processor 244 can determine the availability of the display screen 108 and the second display screen 502 before assigning the corresponding devices to the first user 104 and / or the second user 402. In some aspects, the processor 244 can perform automatic assignment of vehicle input devices based on the seating position. For example, when a user sits in a seating position in the vehicle 202, the processor 244 can automatically assign the display screen in front of the user to the user.

[0056] In another aspect, the processor 244 can be configured to track the usage of all activated vehicle input devices and can deactivate the vehicle input devices based on the corresponding usage. For example, when the usage of the vehicle input device (e.g., the display screen 108) is below a predefined usage threshold, the processor 244 can deactivate the display screen 108 or put the display screen 108 into a sleep mode (e.g., activate the sleep mode of the display screen 108) to reduce energy utilization in the vehicle 202.

[0057] In addition, the processor 244 can monitor the orientation of each user in the vehicle 202 who may be using the vehicle input device (e.g., the display screen 108 and the second display screen 502) to operate a corresponding user device (e.g., based on the image obtained from the camera 110). Based on the orientation, the processor 244 can determine whether the first user 104 and the second user 402 are likely to be viewing (or using) the display screen 108 and the second display screen 502, respectively. When the first user 104 and / or the second user 402 may not be viewing the corresponding display screen for a predefined time interval / duration, the processor 244 can reduce / adjust the brightness of the corresponding display screen to reduce energy utilization in the vehicle 202.

[0058] In another aspect, the processor 244 can be configured to obtain an image from the camera 110 and can control audio devices in the vehicle 202 based on the obtained image (e.g., to provide audio feedback to the user). Specifically, the processor 244 can prioritize audio devices based on the image in a manner similar to the vehicle input device described above, and activate the audio devices based on the priority ranking. For example, when there may be a single user in the vehicle 202, the processor 244 can activate the audio devices of the entire vehicle 202, and when there may be multiple users in the vehicle 202, the processor 244 can activate the top panel / headrest speakers and noise cancellation (e.g., to isolate each occupant / user from other occupants / users).

[0059] The vehicle 202 may also include an electrochromic window that may be configured to tint the window glass. In some aspects, the processor 244 may be configured to determine that the first user 104 (or any other user) may be experiencing glare on the display screen 108 based on input obtained from the sensing system 234 and / or an image obtained from the camera 110. For example, the processor 244 may perform such a determination by obtaining an image from the camera 110 and performing image processing on the obtained image to determine whether the first user 104 may be experiencing glare. In additional aspects, the processor 244 may determine that the first user 104 may be experiencing glare based on user input obtained via the display screen 108 or the user device 204. In response to determining that the first user 104 may be experiencing glare, the processor 244 may cause the electrochromic window to tint the window glass. In some aspects, the processor 244 may tint all window glasses. In other aspects, the processor 244 may select one or more window glasses to be tinted. The selection of one or more window glasses may be based on the first user seating position in the vehicle 202.

[0060] In other aspects, the processor 244 can monitor the content displayed on each screen (e.g., the display screen 108 and the second display screen 502), and can change / adjust the refresh rate based on the content displayed or the operation performed using the screen. For example, when a game or movie may be displayed on the screen, the processor 244 may increase the refresh rate, but when music may be playing, the refresh rate may not be increased. In addition, the processor 244 can determine the user preference for using the vehicle input device based on the user input obtained from the user device 204, and can activate the vehicle input device based on the user preference.

[0061] Figure 6 A flow chart depicts an exemplary method 600 for managing a vehicle workspace according to the present disclosure. Figure 6 The following process is exemplary and is not limited to the steps described below. Furthermore, alternative embodiments may include more or fewer steps than shown or described herein, and may include the steps in an order different from the order described in the following exemplary embodiments.

[0062] The method 600 starts at step 602. At step 604, the method 600 may include obtaining, by the processor 244, an image from the camera 110. As described above, the camera 110 may capture an image of a user (e.g., the first user 104) that may be present in the vehicle 202. At step 606, the method 600 may include determining, by the processor 244 based on the obtained image, that the first user 104 may be operating a user device 204 (e.g., a laptop computer) associated with the first user 104 in the vehicle 202.

[0063] At step 608, the method 600 may include determining, by the processor 244, the availability of a vehicle input device (e.g., the display screen 108, the track pad 302, the monostable shifter 304, etc.) in response to determining that the first user 104 may be using the user device 204 in the vehicle 202. At step 610, the method 600 may include activating, by the processor 244, the vehicle input device when the vehicle input device may be available to enable the first user 104 to operate the user device 204 via the vehicle input device.

[0064] Method 600 ends at step 612 .

[0065] In the above disclosure, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of the above disclosure, which illustrate specific implementations in which the present disclosure can be practiced. It should be understood that other implementations can be utilized and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References to "one embodiment", "embodiment", "example embodiment" and the like in this specification indicate that the described embodiment may include specific features, structures or characteristics, but each embodiment may not necessarily include the specific features, structures or characteristics. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when features, structures or characteristics are described in conjunction with an embodiment, whether or not explicitly described, those skilled in the art will recognize such features, structures or characteristics in conjunction with other embodiments.

[0066] In addition, where appropriate, the functions described herein may be performed in one or more of the following: hardware, software, firmware, digital components, or analog components. For example, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) may be programmed to perform one or more of the systems and programs described herein. Certain terms are used throughout the specification and claims to refer to specific system components. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, components may be referred to by different names. This document is not intended to distinguish between components that have different names but the same function.

[0067] It should also be understood that the word "example" as used herein is intended to be non-exclusive and non-limiting in nature. More specifically, the word "example" used herein indicates one of several examples, and it should be understood that no undue emphasis or preference is placed on the specific example described.

[0068] Computer-readable media (also referred to as processor-readable media) include any non-transitory (e.g., tangible) media that participate in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by a processor of a computer). Such media may take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile media and volatile media. A computing device may include computer-executable instructions, where the instructions may be executable by one or more computing devices (such as those listed above) and stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0069] With respect to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described herein, it should be understood that although the steps of such processes, etc. have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes may be practiced by performing the described steps in an order different from the order described herein. It should also be understood that certain steps may be performed simultaneously, other steps may be added, or certain steps described herein may be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes herein are provided for the purpose of illustrating various embodiments and should in no way be construed as limiting the claims.

[0070] Therefore, it should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Upon reading the above description, many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided will be apparent. The scope should not be determined with reference to the above description, but should be determined with reference to the entire scope of the appended claims and equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is expected and anticipated that the technology discussed herein will develop in the future, and the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In short, it should be understood that the present application is capable of modification and change.

[0071] Unless explicitly indicated to the contrary in this article, all terms used in the claims are intended to be given their ordinary meanings as understood by the skilled person described herein. Specifically, unless the claims state an explicit limitation to the contrary, the use of singular articles such as "one", "the", "said" and the like should be interpreted as describing one or more of the indicated elements. Unless otherwise specifically stated or understood in other ways within the context when used, conditional language such as, in particular, "can", "may", "can" or "may" is generally intended to express that certain embodiments may include certain features, elements and / or steps, while other embodiments may not include certain features, elements and / or steps. Therefore, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that one or more embodiments require each feature, element and / or step in any way.

[0072] In one aspect of the invention, the first vehicle device includes at least one of: a vehicle touch screen or display screen, a vehicle track pad, and a monostable shifter.

[0073] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes obtaining a request from the first user device to assign the first vehicle device to the first user; and determining the availability of the first vehicle device in response to obtaining the request.

[0074] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes determining usage of the first vehicle device in response to activating the first vehicle device to enable the first user to operate the first user device via the first vehicle device.

[0075] In one aspect of the invention, the method comprises deactivating the first vehicle device for the first user device when the usage is below a predefined usage threshold.

[0076] According to the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided, which has instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: obtain an image from a camera installed in a vehicle, wherein the camera is configured to capture an image of a first user in the vehicle; determine, based on the image, that the first user is operating a first user device in the vehicle; determine the availability of a first vehicle device in response to determining that the first user is operating the first user device, wherein the first vehicle device is communicatively coupled to the first user device associated with the first user, and wherein the first vehicle device is configured to provide input to the first user device; and activate the first vehicle device when the first vehicle device is available to enable the first user to operate the first user device via the first vehicle device.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: a first vehicle device communicatively coupled to a first user device associated with a first user, wherein the first vehicle device is configured to provide input to the first user device; a camera configured to capture an image of the first user in the vehicle; and a processor communicatively coupled to the first vehicle device and the camera, wherein the processor is configured to: obtaining the image; determining, based on one or more of the images, that the first user is operating the first user device in the vehicle; In response to determining that the first user is operating the first user device, determining that the first vehicle device is available; as well as The first vehicle device is activated to enable the first user to operate the first user device via the first vehicle device.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first vehicle device comprises at least one of: a vehicle touch screen or display screen, a vehicle tracking pad, and a monostable shifter.

3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: obtaining, from the first user device, a request to assign the first vehicle device to the first user; and The availability of the first vehicle device is determined in response to obtaining the request.

4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: Use of the first vehicle device is determined in response to activating the first vehicle device to enable the first user to operate the first user device via the first vehicle device. 5 . The vehicle of claim 4 , wherein the processor is further configured to deactivate the first vehicle device for the first user device or activate a first vehicle device sleep mode when the usage is below a predefined usage threshold.

6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first vehicle device is further communicatively coupled to a second user device associated with a second user in the vehicle.

7. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the camera is further configured to capture an image of the second user in the vehicle, and wherein the processor is further configured to: determining, based on the image, that the second user is operating the second user device in the vehicle; responsive to determining that the second user is operating the second user device, determining the availability of the first vehicle device; as well as When the first vehicle device is available, the first vehicle device is activated to enable the second user to operate the second user device via the first vehicle device.

8. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the processor is further configured to: obtaining, from the second user device, a request to assign the first vehicle device to the second user; and The availability of the first vehicle device is determined in response to obtaining the request.

9. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the processor is further configured to: determining a second user location in the vehicle based on the image of the second user captured by the camera; determining that a second vehicle device is proximate to the second user location; and The second vehicle device is activated based on determining that the second vehicle device is proximate to the second user location to enable the second user to operate the second user device via the second vehicle device.

10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to activate a vehicle audio device based on the image.

11. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising an electrochromic window configured to tint the window glass.

12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the processor is further configured to: determining that the first user is experiencing glare on the first vehicle device; and The electrochromic window is caused to tint the window glass based on a determination that the first user is experiencing glare on the first vehicle device.

13. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to: monitoring content displayed on the display screen; and The refresh rate is adjusted based on the content.

14. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to: monitoring the orientation of the first user; determining, based on the orientation, that the first user has not been viewing the display screen for a predefined duration; and The brightness of the display screen is reduced based on the determination.

15. A method for managing a vehicle workspace, the method comprising: obtaining, by a processor, an image from a camera mounted in a vehicle, wherein the camera is configured to capture an image of a first user in the vehicle; determining, by the processor based on the image, that the first user is operating a first user device in the vehicle; determining, by the processor, availability of a first vehicle device in response to determining that the first user is operating the first user device, wherein the first vehicle device is communicatively coupled to the first user device associated with the first user, and wherein the first vehicle device is configured to provide input to the first user device; as well as When the first vehicle device is available, the first vehicle device is activated by the processor to enable the first user to operate the first user device via the first vehicle device.

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