System and method for adjusting a vehicle display

Abstract

The present disclosure provides "systems and methods for adjusting a vehicle display screen". A vehicle is disclosed, the vehicle including a display screen, a sensor unit, and a processor. The display screen can display content, and the sensor unit can detect vehicle conditions and vehicle surrounding conditions. The processor can determine that the content displayed on the display screen is a predefined content type. In response to determining that the content is the predefined content type, the processor can further determine, based on inputs obtained from the sensor unit, that the vehicle conditions and / or the vehicle surrounding conditions meet predefined criteria. In response to determining that the predefined criteria are met, the processor can further perform a predefined action associated with the content and / or the display screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to systems and methods for adjusting a vehicle display screen to provide privacy to vehicle occupants when displaying sensitive content. Background Technology

[0002] Modern vehicles include one or more displays that can show different types of content based on requests from one or more vehicle occupants. For example, a vehicle may include one or more front and / or rear displays that can be used by vehicle occupants to view video content, navigation information, presentations or business information, access websites, etc. There may be situations where occupants are viewing confidential or sensitive content on the displays and may not want bystanders outside the vehicle to see such content. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure describes a vehicle that helps protect the privacy of vehicle occupants when they may be viewing sensitive content on the vehicle's display screen. Examples of sensitive content include, but are not limited to, content related to personal information, banking or financial information, confidential or secret information, business information, content with explicit language, adult content, private content, religious content, political content, and the vehicle's cruise control settings.

[0004] When an occupant may be viewing such content on a display screen and one or more predefined vehicle and / or surrounding conditions are met, the vehicle may perform one or more predefined actions associated with the content and / or display screen to protect the occupant's privacy. For example, the vehicle may blank the display screen, stop playing the content on the display screen, redact the content on the display screen, change the font size or type of the content on the display screen, change the color or brightness of a portion of the displayed content on the display screen, etc., to protect the occupant's privacy.

[0005] In one exemplary aspect, the vehicle may perform the aforementioned action when an occupant may be viewing such content on a display screen and the vehicle speed may be less than a predefined speed threshold (e.g., 5 miles per hour). In another exemplary aspect, the vehicle may perform the aforementioned action when an occupant may be viewing such content on a display screen and one or more bystanders and / or additional vehicles may be located near a portion or side of the vehicle including the display screen. The vehicle may determine the presence of bystanders and / or additional vehicles near the vehicle based on input obtained from the vehicle's sensor units.

[0006] In some respects, the vehicle can perform the aforementioned actions when the eye or head trajectory of a bystander is aligned with the display screen (indicating that the bystander may be viewing the display screen from outside the vehicle). In other respects, if the bystander is carrying an image-capturing device (e.g., a camera or mobile phone), the vehicle can perform the aforementioned actions when the field of view (FOV) of the image-capturing device is aligned with the display screen (indicating that the bystander may be attempting to capture an image of the display screen using the image-capturing device).

[0007] In another respect, the vehicle can perform the above actions when the content displayed on the screen includes one or more predefined words or phrases (such as the words “confidential,” “secret,” or “sensitive”) (thus indicating that the occupant may be viewing confidential information that may need to be protected from bystanders).

[0008] This disclosure discloses a vehicle that can protect occupant privacy when an occupant may be viewing sensitive content on a vehicle display screen and the probability of a bystander viewing said content from outside the vehicle is likely high. The vehicle can automatically detect that an occupant may be viewing sensitive content on the display screen and then perform one or more predefined actions to protect occupant privacy without any manual intervention from the occupant. Furthermore, when an occupant may be viewing sensitive content, the vehicle does not need to use any external materials (e.g., obstructions, etc.) to hide the display screen, but instead uses existing components of the vehicle to protect occupant privacy. Therefore, the system and method disclosed in this disclosure are easy to implement.

[0009] These and other advantages of this disclosure are provided in detail herein. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Specific embodiments are illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals may be used to indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and / or components other than those shown in the drawings, and some elements and / or components may not be present in various embodiments. Elements and / or components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, singular and plural terms may be used interchangeably depending on the context.

[0011] Figure 1 An exemplary view of the interior portion of a vehicle according to this disclosure is depicted.

[0012] Figure 2 A block diagram of a system for adjusting a vehicle display screen according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0013] Figure 3 An exemplary view of a vehicle display screen viewed by a user outside the vehicle, according to this disclosure, is depicted.

[0014] Figure 4An exemplary view is depicted of a user outside a vehicle attempting to capture an image of a vehicle display screen using an image capture device, according to the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 5 An exemplary view of a second vehicle located near a first vehicle, including a vehicle display screen, is depicted according to this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 6 An exemplary view of a vehicle display screen in which a selective portion of the content according to this disclosure is blurred is depicted.

[0017] Figure 7 A flowchart is depicted for an exemplary method of adjusting a vehicle display screen according to the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The present disclosure will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown, and these exemplary embodiments are not intended to be limiting.

[0019] Figure 1 An exemplary view of the interior portion of a vehicle 100 according to this disclosure is depicted. The vehicle 100 may take the form of any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as an automobile, work vehicle, crossover, truck, van, minivan, taxi, bus, etc. The vehicle 100 may be a manually driven vehicle or may be configured to operate in a partially / fully autonomous mode. Furthermore, the vehicle 100 may include any powertrain system, such as a gasoline engine, one or more electric actuators, or a hybrid system.

[0020] Vehicle 100 may include one or more displays 102a, 102b (collectively referred to as displays 102), which may be located in the front interior portion of the vehicle (to display content for the driver and front passenger of the vehicle) and / or the rear interior portion of the vehicle (to display content for the rear passenger of the vehicle). Figure 1 The exemplary aspects depicted show displays 102a, 102b located on the rear of the driver's seating area 104 and the front passenger seating area 106, respectively. However, such depiction should not be construed as limiting. Without departing from the scope of this disclosure, the vehicle 100 may include one or more additional displays, or the displays 102a, 102b may be located in other locations within the interior of the vehicle.

[0021] Display screen 102 can display different types of content according to the requirements of vehicle occupants. For example, passengers or users 108 can use display screen 102 to view video content, navigation information, financial information (bank websites / interfaces), entertainment content, explicit content, business information or presentations, personal information, etc. In some aspects, display screen 102 can be associated with mobile office environments, vehicle-based offices, video viewing screens, etc.

[0022] There may be situations where user 108 is viewing confidential or sensitive content that user 108 may not want viewed by a bystander outside vehicle 100. Examples of such content include, but are not limited to, content related to personal information, banking or financial information, confidential or secret information, business information, content with explicit language, adult content, private content, religious content, political content, and cruise control settings for vehicle 100. To protect user privacy in such cases, vehicle 100 may include a display control unit (in... Figure 2 The display control unit (shown as display control unit 210) can perform predefined actions on the content displayed on display screen 102 and / or display screen 102 itself when user 108 may be viewing such content on display screen 102 and one or more predefined criteria are met. For example, whenever user 108 may be viewing such content on display screen 102 and one or more predefined criteria are met, the display control unit (“unit”) can make display screen 102 blank, stop playing content on display screen 102, obscure content on display screen 102, change the font size or font type associated with the content, change the color and / or brightness of a portion of the displayed content on display screen 102, etc. Examples of predefined criteria are briefly described below and will be discussed later. Figure 2 Provide examples of predefined standards in detail.

[0023] In one exemplary aspect, the unit may perform the aforementioned predefined action when user 108 may be viewing such content on display screen 102 and the vehicle speed may be less than a predefined speed threshold (e.g., 5 miles per hour). In this case, the unit may enable display screen 102 to display content normally when the vehicle speed may be greater than 5 miles per hour, and may obscure or blur the content on display screen 102 when the vehicle speed drops below 5 miles per hour.

[0024] In another exemplary aspect, when user 108 may be viewing such content on display screen 102 and one or more additional vehicles (e.g., Figure 5When the second vehicle (502) shown may be located near vehicle 100, the unit can perform the predefined actions described above. In some aspects, the unit can perform the predefined actions when the auxiliary vehicle may be located near the side or portion of vehicle 100 where the user 108 may be viewing content on the display screen 102. For example, if the display screen 102 on which the user 108 may be viewing content is located on the right rear side of the vehicle and the auxiliary vehicle is also located near the right side of the vehicle, the unit can perform the predefined actions. On the other hand, if the auxiliary vehicle is located near the left side of the vehicle, the unit can enable the display screen 102 to continue displaying content in a normal manner (because the content displayed on the display screen 102 may be invisible to the occupants of the auxiliary vehicle in this case).

[0025] In yet another exemplary aspect, the unit may perform the predefined actions described above when user 108 may be viewing such content on display screen 102 and one or more bystanders or “second users” may be outside vehicle 100, near the side or portion of vehicle 100 including display screen 102. In this case, the unit may check whether the bystander’s eye or head trajectory is aligned with display screen 102, and may perform the predefined actions described above when the eye or head trajectory is aligned with display screen 102.

[0026] In an additional aspect, the unit can check whether a bystander is carrying any image capture device (e.g., camera, mobile phone, etc.) based on input obtained from the vehicle's sensor unit. When user 108 may be viewing such content on display screen 102 and the bystander's field of view (FOV) of the image capture device is aligned with display screen 102 (regardless of whether the bystander's eyes or head trajectory are aligned with display screen 102), the unit can perform the aforementioned predefined action.

[0027] In this way, whenever user 108 may be viewing such content on display screen 102 and one or more bystanders and / or other vehicles may be near vehicle 100 / display screen 102, the unit can protect user privacy by performing the predefined actions described above. The following is in conjunction with... Figure 2 Describe additional vehicle details.

[0028] Vehicle 100 shall implement and / or perform the operations described herein in accordance with the owner's manual and safety guidelines. Furthermore, any actions taken by user 108 based on notifications provided by vehicle 100 shall comply with all rules specific to the location and operation of vehicle 100 (e.g., federal, state, national, city, etc.). Notifications provided by vehicle 100 shall be considered advice and shall be followed only in accordance with any rules specific to the location and operation of vehicle 100.

[0029] Figure 2 A block diagram of a system 200 for adjusting a vehicle display screen (e.g., display screen 102) according to this disclosure is depicted. In the description... Figure 2 At that time, will refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 .

[0030] System 200 may include vehicles 100 and one or more servers 202 (or servers 202) that can be communicatively coupled to each other via one or more networks 204. Servers 202 may be part of a cloud-based computing infrastructure and may be associated with and / or include a Telematics Service Delivery Network (SDN), which delivers services to vehicles 100 and other vehicles that may be part of a vehicle fleet. Figure 2 (Not shown) provides digital data services. In another aspect, server 202 may store information associated with predefined content types that a vehicle user (e.g., user 108) might not want bystanders viewing when user 108 is viewing such content on display screen 102. Examples of predefined content types include, but are not limited to, content associated with personal information, banking or financial information, confidential or secret information, explicit language, adult content, private content, religious content, political content, cruise control setting speed of vehicle 100, etc. User 108 may (e.g., via vehicle 100 or user device (not shown)) "preconfigure" or transmit information associated with predefined content types to server 202, which may store such information. Furthermore, server 202 may transmit such information to vehicle 100 at a predefined frequency or when vehicle 100 sends a request to server 202 for such information.

[0031] Network 204 illustrates exemplary communication infrastructure in which connected devices discussed in various embodiments of this disclosure can communicate. Network 204 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 Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), Bluetooth, etc. ® Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi based on the IEEE standard 802.11, Ultra Wideband (UWB), 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 5G, to name just a few.

[0032] Vehicle 100 may include multiple units, including but not limited to vehicle computer 206, vehicle control unit (VCU) 208, and display control unit 210 (or unit 210). VCU 208 may include multiple electronic control units (ECUs) 212 that communicate with vehicle computer 206.

[0033] In some respects, according to this disclosure, the vehicle computer 206 and / or unit 210 can be installed anywhere within the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the vehicle computer 206 can operate as a functional part of unit 210. The vehicle computer 206 can be or include an electronic vehicle controller having one or more processors 214 and memory 216. Additionally, unit 210 can be separate from the vehicle computer 206 (e.g., Figure 2 (as shown in the diagram), or it can be integrated as part of the vehicle computer 206.

[0034] Processor 214 can communicate with one or more memory devices (e.g., memory 216 and / or memory) of a corresponding computing system. Figure 2 The processor 214 may communicate with one or more external databases (not shown). The processor 214 may utilize the memory 216 to store programs in code form and / or store data to execute aspects of this disclosure. The memory 216 may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium or memory storing display control program code. The memory 216 may include any or a 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.).

[0035] In some respects, VCU 208 can share a power bus with vehicle computer 206 and can be configured and / or programmed to coordinate the systems of vehicle 100, connected servers (e.g., server 202), and other vehicles operating as part of a vehicle fleet. Figure 2 Data between (not shown in the image). VCU 208 may include or communicate with any combination of ECUs 212, such as Body Control Module (BCM) 218, Engine Control Module (ECM) 220, Transmission Control Module (TCM) 222, Telematics Control Unit (TCU) 224, Driver Assist Technology (DAT) Controller 226, etc.

[0036] VCU 208 may also include and / or communicate with a vehicle perception system (VPS) 228, which has connectivity with and / or controls one or more vehicle sensing systems 230 (or “sensor units”). The vehicle sensing system 230 may include one or more vehicle sensors, including but not limited to radio detection and ranging (radar) sensors, seating area latch sensors, seating area sensors, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors, door sensors, proximity sensors, temperature sensors, wheel sensors, ambient weather sensors, ambient light sensors, interior and exterior cameras, one or more rain sensors, blind spot monitoring units or sensors, humidity sensors, tire pressure sensors, ultrasonic sensors, etc., configured to detect and locate objects inside and outside the vehicle 100 using radio waves.

[0037] In some respects, the vehicle sensing system 230 or VCU 208 can detect vehicle conditions and conditions surrounding the vehicle. For example, the vehicle sensing system 230 can detect the presence of one or more bystanders, one or more additional or second vehicles, one or more objects (e.g., mobile phones, cameras, etc.) near vehicle 100 (e.g., near the exterior of the vehicle). The vehicle sensing system 230 can also detect whether the content being viewed by user 108 on display screen 102 includes one or more predefined words or phrases (e.g., words such as "confidential," "secret," "sensitive," etc.). The vehicle sensing system 230 or VCU 208 can also detect the speed of vehicle 100 and / or whether vehicle 100 is likely to be parked or moving.

[0038] In some respects, VCU 208 can control vehicle operation aspects and implement one or more sets of instructions received from user devices associated with the vehicle user, one or more sets of instructions stored in memory 216, including instructions that operate as part of unit 210.

[0039] TCU 224 can provide vehicle connectivity to wireless computing systems on and outside the vehicle 100, and may include a navigation (NAV) receiver 232 for receiving and processing GPS signals, a BLE module (BLEM) 234, a Wi-Fi transceiver, a UWB transceiver, and / or other wireless transceivers that can be configured for wireless communication (including cellular communication) between the vehicle 100 and other systems (e.g., user devices, key fobs, NFC devices, etc.), computers, and modules. Figure 2 (Not shown in the image). NAV receiver 232 can be configured to determine the real-time geographical location of the vehicle. TCU 224 can communicate with ECU 212 via bus.

[0040] ECU 212 can control various aspects of vehicle operation and communication using inputs from the human driver, inputs from the autonomous vehicle controller, unit 210, and / or wireless signal inputs received via wireless connection from other connected devices (such as user devices associated with the vehicle user, server 202, etc.).

[0041] The BCM 218 typically integrates sensors, vehicle performance indicators, and variable reactors associated with vehicle systems. It may also include processor-based power distribution circuitry that controls functions associated with the vehicle body, such as lights, windows, safety devices, cameras, fans, headlights, audio systems, speakers, wipers, door locks and entry controls, side mirrors, various comfort controls, housings, etc. The BCM 218 can also operate as a gateway for bus and network interfaces to communicate with remote ECUs ( Figure 2 Interact with (not shown in the image).

[0042] The DAT controller 226 can provide Level 1 to Level 3 automated driving and driver assistance functionality, which may include features such as active parking assist, vehicle reversing assist, and adaptive cruise control. The DAT controller 226 can also provide various aspects of user and environmental inputs that can be used for user authentication.

[0043] In some respects, the vehicle computer 206 may connect to the infotainment system 236 (or the vehicle human-machine interface (HMI) 236). The infotainment system 236 may include a touchscreen interface portion and may include voice recognition features, and the ability to identify users based on facial recognition, voice recognition, fingerprint recognition, or other biometric methods. In other respects, the infotainment system 236 may also receive user commands / inputs via the touchscreen interface portion, and / or display notifications / recommendations, navigation maps, etc., on the touchscreen interface portion.

[0044] The computing system architecture of the automotive computer 206, VCU 208, and / or unit 210 may omit certain computing modules. This should be easily understood. Figure 2 The computing environment depicted herein is an example of possible implementations according to this disclosure and should therefore not be considered limiting or exclusive.

[0045] Depending on some aspects, unit 210 may be integrated with and / or performed as part of ECU 212. Unit 210 may include transceiver 238, processor 240, and computer-readable storage 242, whether it is integrated with vehicle computer 206 or ECU 212, or whether it operates as a stand-alone computing system in vehicle 100.

[0046] Transceiver 238 can receive information / input from one or more external devices or systems (e.g., user devices associated with the vehicle user, server 202, etc.) via network 204. For example, transceiver 238 can receive information from server 202 via network 204 associated with predefined content types that user 108 may not want onlookers to see (as described above). Furthermore, transceiver 238 can transmit notifications / data / signals to external devices or systems. Additionally, transceiver 238 can receive information / input from vehicle 100 components (such as infotainment system 236, VCU 208, etc.). Furthermore, transceiver 238 can transmit notification / command signals to vehicle 100 components (such as VCU 208, infotainment system 236, BCM 218, etc.).

[0047] Processor 240 and memory 242 may be the same as or similar to processor 214 and memory 216, respectively. In some aspects, processor 240 may utilize memory 242 to store programs in code form and / or store data for execution of aspects according to this disclosure. Memory 242 may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium or memory storing display control program code. In some aspects, memory 242 may store information associated with predefined content types that user 108 may not like to be viewed by onlookers, information obtained by vehicle 100 from server 202 (or via HMI 236 or a user device associated with user 108).

[0048] During operation, while user 108 may be viewing content on display screen 102, processor 240 may continuously (or at a predefined frequency) receive input from vehicle sensing system 230. Processor 240 may also continuously (or at a predefined frequency) associate the content displayed on display screen 102 with information (which may be stored in memory 242) that is associated with predefined content types that user 108 may not want onlookers to see. When the information stored in memory 242 matches the content, processor 240 may determine that the content displayed on display screen 102 is a predefined content type.

[0049] In an exemplary aspect, to determine whether content is a predefined content type, processor 240 may first determine, based on input (images) obtained from vehicle sensing system 230 (e.g., an interior vehicle camera), whether the content displayed on display screen 102 includes one or more predefined words or phrases. Processor 240 may perform this step when, for example, the content displayed on display screen 102 is associated with a business presentation, financial data, etc. Furthermore, the predefined words or phrases may be pre-stored in memory 242 as part of information associated with predefined content types that user 108 may not want onlookers to see. In response to determining that the content includes such predefined words or phrases, processor 240 may determine that the content is a predefined content type. Examples of such predefined words or phrases include, but are not limited to, "confidential," "secret," "sensitive," "for your viewing only," etc.

[0050] In another aspect, the processor 240 can determine that the content is a predefined content type when the content is associated with personal information, banking or financial information, confidential or secret information, explicit language, adult content, private content, religious content, political content, cruise control setting speed of vehicle 100, etc. (determined via input obtained from vehicle sensor system 230).

[0051] In response to determining that the content displayed on display screen 102 is a predefined content type, processor 240 can check / determine whether predefined criteria associated with vehicle conditions and / or the conditions surrounding the vehicle are met based on input obtained from vehicle sensing system 230. When the predefined criteria are met, processor 240 can perform one or more predefined actions associated with the content displayed on display screen 102 and / or display screen 102 itself to protect user privacy. For example, processor 240 can make display screen 102 blank, stop playing content on display screen 102, or obscure content on display screen 102 (in... Figure 6 The content shown in the diagram (602) is obscured to protect user privacy and prevent bystanders from viewing the content. As another example, the processor 240 may change the font size or font type of the content displayed on the display screen 102 and / or change the color or brightness of a portion of the displayed content on the display screen 102 to protect user privacy and prevent bystanders from viewing the content.

[0052] The following describes examples of different vehicles and / or vehicle-related conditions that meet predefined criteria. These examples should not be construed as restrictive.

[0053] In one exemplary aspect, when the vehicle speed may be below a predefined speed threshold (e.g., 5 miles per hour) or when the vehicle 100 may be parked (determined based on input obtained from the vehicle sensing system 230 or VCU 208), the processor 240 may determine that predefined criteria associated with vehicle conditions are met. It is understood that when the vehicle speed is slow, it may be easier for a bystander to view the content displayed on the display screen 102. Therefore, in such situations, the processor 240 may perform the aforementioned predefined actions to protect user privacy.

[0054] In another exemplary aspect, when one or more bystanders or users (e.g., user 302) are located in the portion or side of the vehicle 100 including the display screen 102, such as Figure 3 As shown, processor 240 can determine whether predefined criteria associated with the conditions surrounding the vehicle are met. For example, if display screen 102 is located on the right side of the vehicle and user 302 is also located near the right side of the vehicle, processor 240 can determine whether the predefined criteria associated with the conditions surrounding the vehicle are met, and therefore, can perform the aforementioned predefined actions to protect the user's privacy.

[0055] In this scenario, the processor 240 can also determine the eye or head trajectory of the user 302 based on input obtained from the vehicle sensing system 230, and when the eye or head trajectory of the user 302 is aligned with the display screen 102, it can be determined that a predefined criterion associated with the conditions surrounding the vehicle is met. It is understood that when the eye or head trajectory of the user 302 is aligned with the display screen 102, the probability of the user 302 viewing the content on the display screen 102 is likely to be higher. Therefore, to protect the privacy of the user 102 in this situation, the processor 240 can perform the aforementioned predefined action, which can prevent the user 302 from viewing the content.

[0056] In yet another exemplary aspect, when a bystander (e.g., user 302) may have / carry an image capturing device whose field of view (FOV) can be aligned with display screen 102 (in... Figure 4 When shown as an image capture device 402, the processor 240 can determine whether predefined criteria associated with the conditions surrounding the vehicle are met. The image capture device 402 can be, for example, a camera, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, etc.

[0057] In this scenario, when user 302 may be near vehicle 100, processor 240 can first determine, based on input obtained from vehicle sensing system 230, whether user 302 has or is carrying image capture device 402. Then, processor 240 can check, based on input obtained from vehicle sensing system 230, whether the field of view (FOV) of the image capture device is aligned with display screen 102. When the FOV of the image capture device is aligned with display screen 102, processor 240 can determine that predefined criteria associated with the conditions surrounding the vehicle are met.

[0058] In some respects, processor 240 can check whether the field of view (FOV) of the image capture device is aligned with the display screen 102, regardless of whether the user 302's eyes or head trajectory are aligned with the display screen 102. It is understood that even when the user's eyes or head may be far from the display screen 102 and not aligned, the user 302 can still capture an image of the display screen using the image capture device 402. To protect the user's privacy in such cases, processor 240 can perform the aforementioned predefined actions when the FOV of the image capture device is aligned with the display screen 102.

[0059] In yet another exemplary aspect, when one or more additional vehicles (e.g., Figure 5 When the second vehicle 502 (shown in the diagram) is near vehicle 100 and based on input from the vehicle sensing system 230, the processor 240 can determine that predefined criteria associated with the conditions surrounding the vehicle are met. In this case, the processor 240 can determine that the predefined criteria associated with the conditions surrounding the vehicle are met, regardless of whether vehicle 100 is moving (below or above a predefined speed threshold) or parked. It is understood that even if vehicle 100 is moving (e.g., above the aforementioned predefined speed threshold) and if the second vehicle 502 is near vehicle 100 / moving near vehicle 100, the occupants of vehicle 502 can still view display screen 102. To protect user privacy in such situations, the processor 240 can perform the aforementioned predefined action whenever vehicle 502 is likely to be near vehicle 100.

[0060] In this context, in some aspects, when vehicle 502 is located in vehicle 100, including display screen 102 (e.g. Figure 5 When the display screen 102 is located near the right (or left) side of vehicle 100 and vehicle 502 is also located near the right (or left) side of vehicle 502, the occupants of vehicle 502 may have easy access to the content on display screen 102. Therefore, to protect user privacy in such situations, processor 240 may perform the aforementioned predefined actions.

[0061] As can be understood from the above description, by executing predefined actions associated with the content and / or display screen 102, the processor 240 makes it more difficult for the user 302 or the occupants of the vehicle 502 to view the content on the display screen 102, thereby protecting the user's privacy. Furthermore, the vehicle 100 does not need to use any external materials (e.g., obstructions, etc.) to hide the display screen 102, but instead uses existing components of the vehicle to protect the user's privacy. Therefore, the system and method disclosed in this disclosure are easy to implement.

[0062] Figure 7 A flowchart depicts an exemplary method 700 for adjusting a vehicle display screen (e.g., display screen 102) according to this disclosure. Further reference can be made to the preceding figures for further description. Figure 7 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 these steps in an order different from that described in the following exemplary embodiments.

[0063] Method 700 begins at step 702. At step 704, method 700 may include the processor 240 determining that the content displayed on display 102 is a predefined content type. At step 706, method 700 may include, in response to determining that the content is a predefined content type, the processor 240 determining, based on input obtained from vehicle sensing system 230, that vehicle conditions and / or vehicle surrounding conditions meet predefined criteria, as described above.

[0064] At step 708, method 700 may include, in response to determining that predefined criteria are met, processor 240 performing one or more predefined actions associated with content and / or display 102 to protect user privacy. (The above is in conjunction with...) Figure 2 Examples of predefined actions performed by processor 240 are described.

[0065] At step 710, method 700 can be stopped.

[0066] In the foregoing disclosure, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the foregoing disclosure, illustrating specific embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It should be understood that other embodiments and structural changes may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References to “an embodiment,” “embodiment,” “exemplary embodiment,” etc., in this specification indicate that the described embodiment may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but each embodiment may not necessarily include said specific features, structures, or characteristics. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when features, structures, or characteristics are described in connection with embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize such features, structures, or characteristics in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not.

[0067] Furthermore, where appropriate, the functions described herein may be performed by 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 those skilled in the art will appreciate, components may be referred to by different names. This document is not intended to distinguish between components with different names but identical functions.

[0068] It should also be understood that the term "example" as used herein is intended to be non-exclusive and non-restrictive in nature. More specifically, the term "example" as used herein refers to one of several examples, and it should be understood that there is no undue emphasis or preference on the particular example described.

[0069] Computer-readable media (also known as processor-readable media) include any non-transitory (e.g., tangible) medium that contributes to providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by the computer's processor). Such media can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile and volatile media. Computing devices may include computer-executable instructions, wherein the instructions can be executed by one or more computing devices (such as those listed above) and stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0070] Regarding the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc., described herein, it should be understood that although the steps of such processes, etc., are described as occurring in a certain ordered order, such processes can be practiced by performing the described steps in a different order than that described herein. It should also be understood that some steps may be performed simultaneously, other steps may be added, or some steps described herein may be omitted. In other words, the description of processes herein is provided for the purpose of illustrating various embodiments and should in no way be construed as limiting the claims.

[0071] Therefore, it should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Many embodiments and applications beyond the examples provided will become apparent upon reading the above description. The scope should not be determined by reference to the above description, but rather by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents. It is anticipated and expected that the techniques discussed herein will evolve in the future, and the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In conclusion, it should be understood that modifications and changes are possible with this application.

[0072] Unless explicitly indicated otherwise herein, all terms used in the claims are intended to be given their ordinary meaning as understood by one skilled in the art as described herein. Specifically, unless the claims explicitly limit the recitation to the contrary, the use of singular articles such as “a,” “the,” or “the” should be interpreted as one or more of the elements indicated by the recitation. Unless otherwise specifically stated or otherwise understood in the context of use, conditional language such as, in particular, “can,” “may,” “may,” or “may” is generally intended to express that some 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.

[0073] According to the present invention, a method includes: a processor determining that content displayed on a display screen of a vehicle is a predefined content type; in response to determining that the content is the predefined content type, the processor determining, based on input obtained from a sensor unit, that at least one of vehicle conditions or vehicle ambient conditions meets a predefined criterion, wherein the sensor unit is configured to detect the vehicle conditions and the vehicle ambient conditions; and in response to determining that the predefined criterion is met, the processor performing a predefined action associated with the content or the display screen.

[0074] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes: obtaining the input from the sensor unit; determining, based on the input, that the content displayed on the display screen includes a predefined word or phrase; and determining, in response to determining that the predefined word or phrase exists in the content, that the content is the predefined content type.

[0075] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes: determining, based on the input obtained from the sensor unit, that at least one of one or more users located near the vehicle has an image capturing device; determining, based on the input obtained from the sensor unit, that the field of view (FOV) of the image capturing device is aligned with the display screen; and determining, when the FOV is aligned with the display screen, that the conditions around the vehicle meet the predefined criteria.

[0076] In one aspect of the invention, determining that the vehicle conditions meet the predefined criteria includes determining that the vehicle speed is less than a predefined speed threshold.

[0077] According to the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon is provided, the instructions, when executed by a processor, causing the processor to: determine that content displayed on a display screen of a vehicle is a predefined content type; in response to determining that the content is the predefined content type, determine, based on input obtained from a sensor unit, that at least one of vehicle conditions or vehicle ambient conditions meets a predefined criterion, wherein the sensor unit is configured to detect the vehicle conditions and the vehicle ambient conditions; and in response to determining that the predefined criterion is met, perform a predefined action associated with the content or the display screen.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: A display screen configured to display content; A sensor unit configured to detect vehicle conditions and environmental conditions surrounding the vehicle; as well as Processor, the processor being configured to: It is determined that the content displayed on the display screen is a predefined content type; In response to determining that the content is the predefined content type, the system determines, based on input obtained from the sensor unit, that at least one of the vehicle conditions or the vehicle surrounding environment conditions meets the predefined criteria. as well as In response to determining that the predefined criteria are met, a predefined action associated with the content or the display screen is performed.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the predefined content type includes content associated with one or more of the following: personal information, banking or financial information, confidential or secret information, explicit language, adult content, or private content.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: The input is obtained from the sensor unit; The input determines that the content displayed on the screen includes predefined words or phrases; and The content is determined to be the predefined content type in response to the determination that the predefined word or phrase exists in the content.

4. The vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the predefined word or phrase includes the words "confidential," "secret," or "sensitive." 5. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein when the vehicle speed is less than a predefined speed threshold, the processor determines that the vehicle conditions meet the predefined standard.

6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein when one or more additional vehicles are located near the vehicle, the processor determines that the conditions around the vehicle meet the predefined criteria.

7. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein when the one or more additional vehicles are located near a portion of the vehicle including the display screen, the processor determines that the conditions around the vehicle meet the predefined criteria.

8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein when one or more users are near a portion of the vehicle including the display screen, the processor determines that the conditions around the vehicle meet the predefined criteria.

9. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to: The eye or head trajectory of the one or more users is determined based on the input obtained from the sensor unit; The alignment of the eye or head trajectory with the display screen is determined based on the input obtained from the sensor unit; and When the eye or head trajectory is aligned with the display screen, it is determined that the conditions around the vehicle meet the predefined criteria.

10. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to: Based on the input obtained from the sensor unit, it is determined that at least one of the one or more users has an image capture device; The field of view (FOV) of the image capture device is aligned with the display screen based on the input obtained from the sensor unit. as well as When the FOV is aligned with the display screen, it is determined that the conditions around the vehicle meet the predefined criteria.

11. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the predefined action includes one of the following: blanking the display screen, stopping the content on the display screen, or obscuring the content on the display screen.

12. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the predefined action includes changing the font size or type of the content on the display screen.

13. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the predefined action includes changing the color or brightness of a portion of the display screen that displays the content.

14. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the sensor unit comprises one or more of the following: a vehicle camera, a radio detection and ranging (radar) sensor, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor, or a blind spot monitoring unit.

15. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the display screen is associated with a mobile office environment, a vehicle-based office, or a video viewing screen.

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