Active window tinting for passenger comfort

Abstract

Active window tinting for passenger comfort is provided. In an example embodiment, methods and systems for controlling tinting of a window of a vehicle include obtaining, via one or more sensors of the vehicle, sensor data related to activity of one or more passengers of the vehicle; determining, via a processor of the vehicle, an optimized tint level for the window based at least in part on the activity of the one or more passengers; and automatically tinting the window based on the optimized tint level in accordance with instructions provided by the processor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field generally relates to vehicles, and more specifically to window tinting for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Some modern vehicles have windows with varying degrees of tinting. In certain situations, it may be desirable to adjust the tinting of a vehicle's windows based on different factors.

[0003] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide improved methods and systems for controlling the tinting of vehicle windows. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an exemplary embodiment, a method for controlling the dimming of windows of a vehicle is provided, the method comprising: acquiring sensor data relating to the activities of one or more passengers of the vehicle via one or more sensors of the vehicle; determining an optimized shading level for the windows via a processor of the vehicle, at least in part based on the activities of the one or more passengers; and automatically shading the windows based on the optimized shading level according to instructions provided by the processor.

[0005] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the optimized shading level is automatically adjusted by the processor based at least in part on the specific type of activity of one or more passengers and whether sunlight is beneficial or harmful to that specific type of activity.

[0006] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the sensor data also relates to the location of one or more passengers in the vehicle, including a specific passenger seat occupied by one or more passengers; and the determination of the optimized coloring level is also based at least in part on the location of one or more passengers, including a specific passenger seat occupied by one or more passengers.

[0007] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the sensor data also relates to the age of one or more passengers of the vehicle, including whether one or more passengers are classified as infants, children, or adults; and the determination of the optimized coloring level is also based at least in part on the age of one or more passengers, including whether one or more passengers are classified as infants, children, or adults.

[0008] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the sensor data also includes the exposure level of sunlight through the window to one or more passengers; and the determination of the optimized shading level is also based at least in part on the exposure level of sunlight through the window to one or more passengers.

[0009] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes: obtaining the vehicle's geographic location via the vehicle's satellite-based navigation system; and obtaining a maximum shading value based on regulatory restrictions associated with the geographic location; wherein the determination of the optimized shading level is also based at least in part on the maximum shading value pursuant to the regulatory restrictions.

[0010] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the sensor data also relates to operational parameters concerning the movement of the vehicle; the method further includes determining one or more maneuvers of the vehicle, including turning, based on the operational parameters via a processor; and the determination of the optimized shading level is also based at least in part on one or more maneuvers including turning.

[0011] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes: determining, via a processor, when a vehicle is approaching a known location or situation requiring enhanced visibility using sensor data; and when the processor determines that the vehicle is approaching a known location or situation requiring enhanced visibility, the determination of an optimized shading level also provides a reduced shading via the processor.

[0012] In another exemplary embodiment, a system for controlling the dimming of windows of a vehicle is provided, the system including one or more sensors of the vehicle and a processor. The one or more sensors are configured to acquire sensor data relating to the activities of one or more passengers of the vehicle. The processor is coupled to the one or more sensors and is configured to at least facilitate: determining an optimized shading level for the windows based at least in part on the activities of the one or more passengers; and automatically shading the windows based on the optimized shading level according to instructions provided by the processor.

[0013] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the processor is configured to automatically adjust the optimized shading level based at least in part on the specific type of activity of one or more passengers and whether sunlight is beneficial or harmful to that specific type of activity.

[0014] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the sensor data also relates to the location of one or more passengers in the vehicle, including a specific passenger seat occupied by one or more passengers; and the processor is configured to determine the optimized shading level based at least in part on the location of one or more passengers, including a specific passenger seat occupied by one or more passengers.

[0015] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the sensor data also includes the age of one or more passengers of the vehicle, including whether the one or more passengers are classified as infants, children, or adults; and the processor is configured to determine the optimized coloring level based at least in part on the age of one or more passengers, including whether the one or more passengers are classified as infants, children, or adults.

[0016] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the sensor data also includes the level of sunlight exposure to one or more passengers through the window; and the processor is configured to determine the optimized shading level based at least in part on the level of sunlight exposure to one or more passengers through the window.

[0017] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the system also includes a satellite-based navigation system for the vehicle, configured to obtain the vehicle's geographic location; wherein the processor is configured to determine an optimized shading level based at least in part on a maximum shading value based on regulatory restrictions associated with the geographic location.

[0018] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the system also includes a transceiver for the vehicle configured to obtain ambient weather conditions around the vehicle, including the relative position of the sun with respect to the vehicle and cloud cover with respect to the sun, from a remote service provider located away from the vehicle via a wireless communication network; wherein the processor is configured to determine an optimized shading level based at least in part on the ambient weather conditions around the vehicle, including the relative position of the sun with respect to the vehicle and cloud cover with respect to the sun.

[0019] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the sensor data also relates to operational parameters concerning the movement of the vehicle; and the processor is further configured to at least facilitate: determining one or more maneuvers of the vehicle based on the operational parameters, including turning the vehicle; and determining an optimized shading level based at least in part on one or more maneuvers including turning the vehicle.

[0020] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the processor is also configured to at least facilitate: using sensor data to determine when the vehicle is approaching a known location or situation requiring enhanced visibility; and when the processor determines that the vehicle is approaching a known location or situation requiring enhanced visibility, to determine an optimized shading level in a manner that further provides reduced shading via the processor.

[0021] In another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is provided, the vehicle including a body, a propulsion system, windows, one or more sensors, and a processor. The propulsion system is disposed within the body and configured to move the vehicle. Windows are disposed on the body. The one or more sensors are configured to acquire sensor data relating to: the age of one or more passengers of the vehicle, including whether the one or more passengers include infants, children, or adults; the location of the one or more passengers, including a specific passenger seat occupied by the one or more passengers; the activity of the one or more passengers, including a specific type of activity and whether sunlight is beneficial or harmful to that specific type of activity; and the level of sunlight shining through the windows onto the one or more passengers. The processor is coupled to the one or more sensors and is configured to at least facilitate: determining an optimized shading level for the windows based at least in part on each of the following: the age of the one or more passengers, including whether the one or more passengers include infants, children, or adults; the location of the one or more passengers, including a specific passenger seat occupied by the one or more passengers; the level of sunlight shining through the windows onto the one or more passengers; and automatically shading the windows based on the optimized shading level according to instructions provided by the processor.

[0022] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the sensor data also relates to operational parameters concerning the movement of the vehicle; and the processor is further configured to at least facilitate: determining one or more maneuvers of the vehicle based on the operational parameters, including turning the vehicle; using the sensor data to determine when the vehicle is approaching a known location or situation requiring enhanced visibility; and also determining an optimized shading level based at least in part on one or more maneuvers including turning the vehicle; and whether the vehicle is approaching a known location or situation requiring enhanced visibility.

[0023] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the window includes a plurality of windows, each of the plurality of windows including a plurality of regions; and the processor is also configured to determine an optimized shading level for each of the plurality of regions of each of the plurality of windows according to the following equation:

[0024] Tint(Window)=Area(PA)x∫[αA+βU pref +σorientation](Coloring (windows) =

[0025] Region (PA)x∫[αA+βU pref +σ orientation]), where the integral of this equation is performed over a range from the minimum value of zero to the maximum specified value of the vehicle's geographical location, and where:

[0026] “Area” represents the area of ​​the window, represented by zero and one, where one value represents 100% shading and zero value represents 0% shading;

[0027] “PA” indicates the activity of one or more passengers;

[0028] "A" indicates the ambient light inside the vehicle;

[0029] U pref "Indicates the user preferences of one or more passengers;

[0030] "Orientation" refers to measurements of solar load based on the vehicle's orientation relative to the sun; and

[0031] “α”, “β” and “σ” represent weighting factors. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The present disclosure will be described below with reference to the following figures, wherein similar numerals denote similar elements, and wherein:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment, the system including a vehicle with windows, configured to control the tinting of the vehicle windows;

[0034] Figure 2 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 Functional block diagram of the components used in the implementation of the vehicle control system;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a process for controlling vehicle coloring according to an exemplary embodiment, and the process may be combined with... Figure 1 The system and its components (including Figure 2 It is implemented in the way that (the method of implementation) is used; and

[0036] Figure 4 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary implementation of a subprocess of the process, which includes automatically coloring the vehicle's windows based on passengers and passenger activities within the vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit this disclosure or its application and use. Furthermore, it is not intended to be bound by the foregoing background information or any theories set forth in the following detailed description.

[0038] Figure 1 The figure illustrates system 10. In various embodiments, and as described below, system 10 includes a vehicle 100 having windows 190. As described in more detail below, according to various embodiments, system 10 provides active shading of the windows 190 of vehicle 100, including instructions provided via a control system 102 of vehicle 100.

[0039] In various embodiments, system 10 (including control system 102 of its vehicle 100) is configured according to the following description. Figure 1 The components of system 10 are described in detail. Figure 2 The implementation method of the control system 102 and Figure 3 and Figure 4 The process 300 is used to perform these tasks, as described in further detail below.

[0040] In addition, such as Figure 1 As depicted, in various embodiments, system 10 also includes a communication network 160 and a remote server 170. In some embodiments, the depicted vehicle 100 is represented as a representative vehicle in a convoy of vehicles 100, and / or system 10 also includes one or more other vehicles 180. However, this can vary in other embodiments.

[0041] In various embodiments, vehicle 100 includes an automobile. Vehicle 100 can be any of several different types of automobiles, such as, for example, a sedan, van, truck, or sport utility vehicle (SUV), and in some embodiments can be two-wheel drive (2WD) (i.e., rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive), four-wheel drive (4WD), or all-wheel drive (AWD) and / or various other types of vehicles. In some embodiments, vehicle 100 may also include a motorcycle or other vehicle, such as an aircraft, spacecraft, boat, etc., and / or one or more other types of mobility platforms.

[0042] In the depicted embodiment, vehicle 100 includes a body 104 disposed on a chassis 116. The body 104 substantially surrounds the other components of vehicle 100. The body 104 and chassis 116 may together form a frame. Vehicle 100 also includes a drive system 110 and a plurality of wheels 112. In various embodiments, drive system 110 is mounted on chassis 116 and drives wheels 112 (e.g., via axles 114) to cause movement and propulsion of vehicle 100.

[0043] In addition, such as Figure 1 As depicted, various windows 190 are disposed or formed within or near the body 104. In some embodiments, the windows 190 include a windshield 190, side windows 192, and a rear window 193. In various embodiments, the side window 192 may include one or more front driver's side windows, rear driver's side windows, front passenger side windows, rear passenger side windows, etc.

[0044] As described above, in various embodiments, the control system 102 actively controls the shading of the window 190 based on various factors, as described below. Figure 1 and combination Figure 2 Implementation method and Figure 3 and Figure 4 The process 300 is described in further detail. In various embodiments, the control system 102 controls the tinting of the window 190 based on information obtained from the vehicle 100 itself (including passenger identification and location and their activities, as well as vehicle position and vehicle movement and sunlight exposure to passengers via the window 190) and, in some embodiments, information obtained via communication network 160 from one or more remote servers 170 (e.g., weather services and / or other information services) and / or other vehicles 180 (e.g., via vehicle-to-vehicle communication).

[0045] like Figure 1 As depicted, in various embodiments, the control system 102 includes a sensor array 120, a display 130, a transceiver 135, a position system 137, and a controller 140.

[0046] In various embodiments, sensor array 120 acquires sensor data relating to vehicle 100, including information concerning its passengers and their positions and activities, as well as information concerning the surrounding environment of vehicle 100 in addition to the condition of vehicle 100 and actions performed by vehicle 100. In various embodiments, sensor array 120 includes one or more external sensors 122, internal sensors 124, input sensors 126, and vehicle sensors 128. In some embodiments, sensor array 120 may also include other sensors 129.

[0047] In various embodiments, external sensor 122 acquires sensor data about the environment surrounding vehicle 100. In some embodiments, external sensor 122 includes an external camera, an external temperature sensor, and / or one or more other sensors that detect environmental conditions outside the passenger compartment of vehicle 100, such as the relative position of the sun with respect to vehicle 100 (and its windows 190), temperature and other weather conditions, other vehicles and / or other objects nearby to vehicle 100, etc.

[0048] In various embodiments, the internal sensor 124 acquires sensor data about the interior conditions of the vehicle 100. In some embodiments, the internal sensor 124 includes an internal camera, an internal temperature sensor, and / or one or more other sensors that detect passengers in the passenger compartment (including passenger location and type and activities performed by passengers), the relative position of passengers to sunlight entering the vehicle 100, temperature and light intensity values ​​within the passenger compartment, etc.

[0049] In various embodiments, the input sensor 126 detects one or more preferences, instructions and / or other inputs of the passenger, such as the passenger's identification and / or their activities, the passenger's preference regarding window tinting, the destination and / or route of the vehicle 100, etc.

[0050] In various embodiments, vehicle sensor 128 measures values ​​of vehicle parameters, including those relating to the operation and movement of vehicle 100, such as position, speed, acceleration, steering angle, yaw value, other potential indications of vehicle action (such as acceleration, deceleration, stopping, turning, etc.), and so on.

[0051] In various embodiments, the sensor array 120 may also include one or more other sensors 129. In some embodiments, the other sensors 129 may include additional sensors capable of obtaining information about the vehicle, passengers in the vehicle, and / or vehicle movement and / or the surrounding environment. For example, in some embodiments, the other sensors 129 may include one or more turn signal indicator sensors, infrared sensors, biosensors, sonar sensors, radar sensors, lidar sensors, etc.

[0052] Continue to refer to Figure 1 In various embodiments, display 130 includes one or more devices and / or systems that provide information to passengers of the vehicle, such as window tinting and passenger preferences thereon. In some embodiments, display 130 includes a screen, a pop-up display, and / or other visual displays configured to provide visual notifications to passengers. In some other embodiments, display 130 may include one or more other components, such as audio components (e.g., including one or more speakers) and / or one or more haptic components (e.g., such as vibrating a passenger seat).

[0053] In addition, such as Figure 1 As depicted, in various embodiments, vehicle 100 also includes transceiver 135. In various embodiments, transceiver 135 communicates via communication network 160 with remote server 170 (e.g., weather services and / or other information services) and / or other vehicles 180 (e.g., vehicle-to-vehicle communication).

[0054] In addition, such as Figure 1 As depicted, in various embodiments, vehicle 100 also includes one or more positioning systems 137. In various embodiments, positioning system 137 includes one or more satellite-based positioning systems, such as Global Positioning System (GPS). In some embodiments, positioning system 137 is part of a navigation system for vehicle 100.

[0055] In various embodiments, controller 140 includes a computer system and includes a processor 142, a memory 144, an interface 146, a storage device 148, and a computer bus 149. In various embodiments, controller (or computer system) 140 obtains sensor data from sensor array 120 and, in some embodiments, obtains additional data via transceiver 135 (e.g., from remote server 170 and / or other vehicles 180), including information about vehicle 100, its occupants, and its surrounding environment and environmental conditions. In various embodiments, controller 140 processes the data and uses the processed data to control the tinting of windows 190 of vehicle 100. In various embodiments, controller 140... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The process is to provide these and other functions, as described below in conjunction with its further description.

[0056] In various embodiments, controller 140 (and in some embodiments, control system 102 itself) is housed within the body 104 of vehicle 100. In one embodiment, control system 102 is mounted on chassis 116. In some embodiments, controller 140 and / or control system 102 and / or one or more components thereof may be located outside the body 104, for example, on a remote server, in the cloud, or in other devices where image processing is performed remotely. In some embodiments, controller 140 of vehicle 100 also performs functions in cooperation with remote server 170 and / or other vehicles 180.

[0057] It will be understood that controller 140 may otherwise differ from... Figure 1 The embodiments depicted herein. For example, controller 140 may be coupled to or otherwise utilize one or more remote computer systems and / or other control systems (e.g., as part of one or more of the equipment and systems of vehicle 100 described above).

[0058] In the depicted embodiment, the computer system of controller 140 includes a processor 142, a memory 144, an interface 146, a storage device 148, and a bus 149. The processor 142 performs the computational and control functions of controller 140 and may include any type of processor or multiple processors, a single integrated circuit such as a microprocessor, or any suitable number of integrated circuit devices and / or circuit boards that cooperate to perform the functions of a processing unit. During operation, processor 142 executes one or more programs 150 contained in memory 144 and thus controls the general operation of controller 140 and the computer system of controller 140, typically while performing the processes described herein, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The process, and as further described below.

[0059] Memory 144 can be any suitable type of memory. For example, memory 144 can include various types of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) (such as SDRAM), various types of static RAM (SRAM), and various types of non-volatile memory (PROM, EPROM, and flash memory). In some examples, memory 144 is located on and / or co-located with processor 142 on the same computer chip. In the depicted embodiments, memory 144 stores the above-described program 150 and stored values ​​152 (e.g., in various embodiments, including values ​​for...). Figure 3 and Figure 4 The exemplary threshold of process 300) and / or other values ​​used to process the data, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As described in process 300, and further described below in conjunction with exemplary embodiments.

[0060] Bus 149 is used to transmit programs, data, status, and other information or signals between various components of the computer system of controller 140. Interface 146 allows communication, for example, from system drives and / or another computer system to the computer system of controller 140, and can be implemented using any suitable methods and means. In one embodiment, interface 146 obtains various data from sensor array 120 and / or from one or more other sources (e.g., from remote server 170 and / or other vehicle 180). Interface 146 may include one or more network interfaces for communicating with other systems or components. Interface 146 may also include one or more network interfaces for communicating with technicians, and / or one or more storage interfaces for connecting to storage devices (such as storage device 148).

[0061] Storage device 148 can be any suitable type of storage device, including various types of direct access storage and / or other memory devices. In one exemplary embodiment, storage device 148 includes a program product from which memory 144 can receive program 150, which executes. Figure 3 and Figure 4 One or more embodiments of the process and implementation are described below in conjunction with them. In another exemplary embodiment, the program product may be directly stored in memory 144 and / or secondary storage device (e.g., disk 157) and / or otherwise accessed by memory 144 and / or secondary storage device, as referenced below.

[0062] Bus 149 can be any suitable physical or logical device for connecting computer systems and components. This includes, but is not limited to, direct hardwired connections, fiber optic, infrared, and wireless bus technologies. During operation, program 150 is stored in memory 144 and executed by processor 142.

[0063] It will be understood that although this exemplary embodiment is described in the context of a full-featured computer system, those skilled in the art will recognize that the mechanisms of this disclosure can be distributed as program products in which one or more types of non-transitory computer-readable signal-bearing media are used to store programs and their instructions and to perform their distribution, such as non-transitory computer-readable media carrying programs and containing computer instructions stored therein for causing a computer processor (such as processor 142) to execute and run the program. Such program products can take various forms, and this disclosure applies equally regardless of the specific type of computer-readable signal-bearing medium used to perform the distribution. Examples of signal-bearing media include recordable media such as floppy disks, hard disks, memory cards, and optical disks, and transmission media such as digital and analog communication links. It will be understood that cloud-based storage and / or other technologies may also be utilized in some embodiments. Similarly, it will be understood that the computer system of controller 140 may otherwise differ from other systems. Figure 1 In the depicted embodiments, for example, the computer system of controller 140 may be coupled to or may otherwise utilize one or more remote computer systems and / or other control systems.

[0064] Continue to refer to Figure 1 In various embodiments, vehicle 100, remote server 170, and other vehicles 180 communicate via one or more communication networks 160. In various embodiments, communication network 160 may include one or more wireless communication networks (e.g., satellite-based, cellular, and / or any number of other different types of wireless communication networks).

[0065] Furthermore, in various embodiments, the remote server 170 is configured to be located away from or at a significant physical distance from vehicle 100. In some embodiments, the remote server 170 includes a third-party information service provider that provides information about weather conditions (such as sun position and cloud cover), traffic conditions, etc. In various embodiments, the remote server includes corresponding transceivers, processors, computer memory, etc., similar to the corresponding features of the control system 102 of vehicle 100. Additionally, in some embodiments, other vehicles 180 also include corresponding control systems that have components and features similar to those of vehicle 100, such as corresponding sensor arrays, transceivers, computer systems, etc.

[0066] Figure 2 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 Functional block diagram of the components implementing the control system 102 of the vehicle 100. (e.g.) Figure 2 As depicted, in various embodiments, the control system 102 receives both on-board input 202 and off-board input 216.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the control system 102 is configured via one or more onboard computer vision sensors 204, external cameras 206, internal cameras 208, autonomous driving system sensors 210, vehicle speed sensors 212, and vehicle acceleration sensors 214 (e.g., in some embodiments, each corresponding to...). Figure 1 The sensor array 120 uses one or more of the external sensor 122, internal sensor 124, vehicle sensor 128 and / or other sensors 129 to receive vehicle input 202.

[0068] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the control system 102 receives external input 216 via a communication network 160 and a remote server 170, and includes vehicle-to-vehicle communication 218 via one or more vehicles (e.g., via...). Figure 1 Other vehicles 180), Internet data 220 (e.g., information about roads, traffic, and / or environmental conditions, from...) Figure 1 Remote server 170), Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) information 222 (e.g., via communication network 160 from...) Figure 1 Remote server 170 and / or other vehicles 180), weather information 224 (e.g., data on temperature, sun position and intensity, cloud cover, and other weather-related information, including data from...) Figure 1 Remote server 170), location information 226 (e.g., from Figure 1 Location system 137, such as GPS and / or other satellite-based location systems) and cellular information 228 (e.g., via communication network 160 from...) Figure 1 Remote server 170 and / or other vehicles 180), and other possible information types.

[0069] like Figure 2 As depicted in various embodiments, in-vehicle input 202 and external input 216 are provided to the in-vehicle computer, i.e., processor 142, for processing. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 As depicted, in an exemplary embodiment, processor 142 uses and Figure 1 The algorithm and lookup table corresponding to program 150 and stored value 152 determine the shading level for the window. In various embodiments, processor 142 utilizes machine learning via one or more neural network models (in one embodiment, including a convolutional neural network model (CNN)). In various embodiments, such as Figure 2As depicted, processor 142 implements instructions accordingly for the determined window shading level to perform automatic dimming execution 230.

[0070] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a process 300 for controlling vehicle coloring according to an exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments, process 300 may be combined with... Figure 1 System 10 and its components (including Figure 1 Vehicle 100 and Figure 1 The control system 102 and Figure 2 It is implemented in the way that (the implementation method is used).

[0071] like Figure 3 As depicted, in various embodiments, process 300 begins at step 302. In various embodiments, process 300 begins when one or more occupants are in vehicle 100 and / or when vehicle 100 is started or begins operation.

[0072] In various embodiments, at step 304, data is obtained. In various embodiments, the data includes data from... Figure 1 The sensor array 120 contains various sensors, and in some embodiments, from... Figure 1 The data obtained from the remote server 170 and other vehicles 180. In various embodiments, the data in step 304 includes: input from one or more passengers (in some embodiments, including requests for window tinting preferences), data about passengers within vehicle 100 (including information about passenger type (including age), passenger location, and passenger activities), data about sun position and illumination inside the vehicle, temperature, weather, and other environmental conditions, vehicle operation data, and other data, such as those combined with the above. Figure 1 Sensor array 120 and Figure 2 The data described in the vehicle input 202 and the external input 216.

[0073] Make a determination regarding whether one or more passengers are seated in one or more seats of the vehicle (step 306). In various embodiments, this determination is made by... Figure 1 The processor 142 makes the decision based on the sensor data from step 304 (including data from one or more interior cameras and / or one or more other vehicle sensors of vehicle 100).

[0074] In various embodiments, if it is determined that no one or more passengers are seated in the passenger seat, the process returns to step 304, at which point data detection continues. Steps 304 and 306 are then repeated until it is determined during the iteration of step 306 that a passenger is seated in the passenger seat of vehicle 100.

[0075] When it is determined in the iteration of step 306 that a passenger is seated in a passenger seat of vehicle 100, the location is determined (step 307). In various embodiments, the processor 142 determines the specific location of the passenger (including which specific passenger seats different corresponding passengers occupy) based on sensor data (e.g., in various embodiments, based on camera data and / or other sensor data). In some embodiments, the location of vehicle 100 is also determined, such as via... Figure 1 Location system 137.

[0076] Furthermore, in various embodiments, environmental conditions are determined (step 308). In various embodiments, Figure 1 The processor 142 makes a determination about the environmental conditions surrounding the vehicle 100 based on the data from step 304. In various embodiments, environmental conditions include weather, temperature, the position of the sun, and the intensity of the sun through the window 190 facing the vehicle 100, as well as other possible environmental conditions. In some embodiments, as part of step 308, the determination is made based on the vehicle's geographic location (including latitude and longitude) and the time of day and date of year (e.g., according to a combination of one or more cameras and / or other sensors via the location system 137 and / or sensor array 120). Figure 1 The position of the sun relative to vehicle 100 is determined by a lookup table or other stored value 152, and other environmental conditions (such as cloud cover) (e.g., determined by data from one or more cameras from vehicle 100 and / or other vehicles 180 and / or by a weather service via one of remote servers 170).

[0077] In various embodiments, sunlight exposure is calculated (step 310). In various embodiments, sunlight exposure includes the amount of sunlight entering the vehicle 100 through the window 190 for the passenger. In various embodiments, sunlight exposure is also calculated based on both internal and external illuminance levels (such as those measured via corresponding external and internal light sensors, as part of the data in step 304).

[0078] In various embodiments, one or more types of passengers within the vehicle are determined (step 312). Specifically, in various embodiments, processor 142 determines the approximate age category (i.e., adult, child, or infant) of each passenger based on data from one or more internal cameras and / or other sensors (e.g., biometric sensors) from sensor array 120 (as part of the data in step 304).

[0079] Additionally, a determination is made regarding any activities being undertaken by passengers within the vehicle (step 314). In various embodiments, processor 142 uses the camera data from step 304 (or, in some embodiments, other sensor data) to determine whether a passenger is engaged in one or more specific types of activities, including but not limited to sleeping, reading, using a screen (e.g., the display screen of vehicle 100 and / or the passenger's smartphone or other electronic device), playing with toys, etc. In various embodiments, a determination is also made regarding the specific type of activity and whether sunlight is beneficial or detrimental to the specific type of activity (e.g., sunlight may be beneficial for reading but detrimental for sleeping, etc.).

[0080] In some embodiments, a determination is also made regarding any input provided by the passenger (step 316). In various embodiments, processor 142 uses the data from step 304 (such as from...) Figure 1 The input sensor 126 and / or the position system 137) determine the passenger input regarding the following: the destination and / or route of the vehicle 100, the passenger's activities (e.g., according to input by the passenger) and / or the user's preference regarding the tinting level of the window 190.

[0081] Furthermore, in various embodiments, a determination is made regarding the operation of vehicle 100 and any ongoing or planned vehicle actions (step 318). In various embodiments, processor 142 uses the data from step 304 (such as from...) Figure 1 The vehicle sensor 128) determines information about the following: the position, speed and acceleration value of the vehicle 100, and current, upcoming or planned vehicle actions, such as deceleration, stopping, turning, etc.

[0082] Furthermore, in various embodiments, a determination is made regarding a specific area of ​​window 190 (step 320). In various embodiments, processor 142 uses the data from step 304 (such as data from vehicle sensor 128 and / or data from…) Figure 1 The stored value 152 determines information about different areas of each of the windows 190 that may require different levels of shading compared to other areas of the windows 190. For example, in some embodiments, for visibility purposes, legal and / or regulatory requirements (i.e., stored in memory 144 as its stored value 152) may prohibit shading of certain areas of certain windows 190 (e.g., adjacent to the driver's windshield and / or side windows 192). As an additional example, in some embodiments, passenger sunlight exposure may be caused by sunlight entering through certain specific areas of the windows 190.

[0083] In various embodiments, a shading level is determined (step 322). Specifically, in various embodiments, processor 142 determines an optimal shading level for each region of each of the windows 190 based on the data from step 304 and the various determinations from steps 306-320. For example, in various embodiments, the optimal shading level is determined based on environmental conditions, sunlight exposure of passengers, passenger type (e.g., infant, child, or adult), specific types of passenger activity (e.g., sleeping, reading, using a screen such as a computer screen, playing with toys, etc.), whether sunlight is beneficial or harmful to them, vehicle operating parameters (e.g., position, speed, and acceleration), and vehicle actions (e.g., deceleration, stopping, acceleration, turning, etc.).

[0084] In some embodiments, the optimal shading level for each region of each window 190 is determined by the processor 142 according to the following equation:

[0085] Tint(Window)=Area(PA)x∫[αA+βU pref +σorientation](Equation 1),

[0086] The integral is performed within a range from a minimum value of zero to a maximum specified value (e.g., based on applicable laws and / or other regulations according to the current geographical location of vehicle 100; in various embodiments, this may be obtained via the memory 144 of vehicle 100 in some embodiments, and / or from a remote server 170 and / or other services in some other embodiments), and wherein:

[0087] “Area” represents the window area (represented by zero and one, where one value represents 100% shading and zero represents 0% shading);

[0088] “PA” indicates passenger activity;

[0089] “A” represents the ambient light inside the vehicle;

[0090] U pref "Indicates passenger user preferences;

[0091] "orientation" refers to the measurement of solar load based on the orientation of vehicle 100 relative to the sun; and

[0092] “α”, “β” and “σ” represent weighting factors.

[0093] In various embodiments, the determined shading level is then applied to different areas of window 190 according to instructions provided by processor 142 (step 324).

[0094] In various embodiments, a determination is made regarding whether vehicle use is complete (step 326). In some embodiments, processor 142 determines whether current vehicle driving is complete, for example, based on a comparison of the current geographic location of vehicle 100 with the intended destination of vehicle 100, and / or based on when vehicle 100 was turned off, etc.

[0095] In various embodiments, if vehicle use (e.g., current vehicle driving) has not yet been completed, process 300 returns to step 304, where additional data is obtained and steps 304-326 are executed in a new iteration. In various embodiments, once it is determined in the iteration of step 326 that vehicle use has been completed, process 300 terminates at 328.

[0096] like Figure 3 As depicted, according to an exemplary embodiment, steps 311-324 can be collectively referred to as subprocess 400, which includes automatically coloring the windows of the vehicle 100 based on passengers and passenger activities within the vehicle 100.

[0097] refer to Figure 4 According to an exemplary embodiment, a method for... Figure 3 The flowchart of subprocess 400 of process 300.

[0098] like Figure 4 As depicted, in various embodiments, in step 312, passengers are characterized. As described in more detail above, in various embodiments, passengers are categorized into three distinct groups: (i) adults 402 (i.e., greater than a first predetermined age threshold); (ii) children 404 (i.e., less than a first predetermined threshold but greater than a second predetermined threshold); and (iii) infants 406 (i.e., less than both the first and second predetermined thresholds).

[0099] In various embodiments, a determination is then made regarding the activities the passenger is currently engaged in (i.e., corresponding to...). Figure 3 Step 314) and the determination of the corresponding automatic window coloring based on passenger type and activity (i.e., corresponding to Figure 3 Steps 322 and 324). In various embodiments, automatic window shading is applied in different ways based on passenger type and activity (and combinations thereof), for example, as Figure 4 As shown and as described below in conjunction with exemplary embodiments.

[0100] In various embodiments, when it is determined that the passenger is an adult 402, a determination is made as to whether the adult passenger is engaged in any of the following activities: (i) sleeping (at 412), (ii) reading (at 414), or using a screen (at 416).

[0101] In various embodiments, if it is determined that an adult passenger is sleeping (at 412), then shading is applied at 418, where the darkest permissible shading (or, in some embodiments, a preferred shading level for sleeping, set according to user input) is applied, up to a predetermined maximum threshold for shading (e.g., determined by law, regulation, or user input in some embodiments).

[0102] Furthermore, in various embodiments, if it is alternatively determined that an adult passenger is reading (at location 414), shading is applied at location 420, wherein the shading area is sufficient to block sunlight from directly contacting the adult passenger's body through the window 190, up to the maximum threshold for shading, while still maintaining sufficient light on or around the book (i.e., so that the adult passenger can still read).

[0103] Furthermore, in various embodiments, if it is alternatively determined that an adult is using the screen (at 416), shading is applied at 422, wherein the shading area is sufficient to block sunlight from the window 190 through the area where it directly contacts the adult passenger's body, up to a maximum threshold for shading, while also maintaining sufficient light on or around the screen, and in some embodiments, optimizing the light on the screen to obtain maximum contrast (i.e., so that the adult passenger can easily view the screen).

[0104] In addition, in various embodiments, when it is alternatively determined that the passenger is a child 404, a determination is made as to whether the child passenger is engaged in any of the following activities: (i) sleeping (at 424), (ii) reading (at 426), or using a screen (at 428).

[0105] In various embodiments, if it is determined that the child passenger is sleeping (at location 424), then coloring is applied at location 430, where the darkest permissible coloring (or, in some embodiments, a preferred coloring level for sleeping, set according to user input) is applied, up to a predetermined maximum threshold for coloring (e.g., determined by law, regulation, or user input in some embodiments).

[0106] In addition, in various embodiments, if it is alternatively determined that the child passenger is reading (at location 426), then coloring is applied at location 432, wherein for the area through which sunlight from window 190 directly contacts the child passenger's body, the colored area is sufficient to block the sunlight, up to the maximum threshold for coloring, while still maintaining sufficient light on or around the book (i.e., so that the child passenger can still read).

[0107] Furthermore, in various embodiments, if it is alternatively determined that a child passenger is using the screen (at 428), then shading is applied at 434, wherein the shading area is sufficient to block sunlight from the window 190 through the area where it directly contacts the passenger's body, up to a maximum threshold for shading, while also maintaining sufficient light on or around the screen, and in some embodiments, optimizing the light on the screen to obtain maximum contrast (i.e., so that the child passenger can easily view the screen).

[0108] In addition, in various embodiments, when the passenger is alternatively determined to be an infant 406, a determination is made as to whether the infant passenger is engaged in any of the following activities: (i) sleeping (at 436), or (ii) being awake and / or playing with toys (at 438).

[0109] In various embodiments, if it is determined that the infant passenger is sleeping (at location 436), then shading is applied at location 440, where the darkest permissible shading (or in some embodiments, a preferred shading level for sleeping, set according to user input) is applied, up to a predetermined maximum threshold for shading (e.g., determined by law, regulation, or user input in some embodiments).

[0110] In addition, in various embodiments, if it is alternatively determined that the infant passenger is awake and / or playing with toys (at location 438), coloring is applied at location 440, wherein for the area through which sunlight from window 190 directly contacts the infant passenger's body, the colored area is sufficient to block the sunlight, up to a maximum threshold for coloring, while still maintaining sufficient light available for the infant passenger (e.g., for the infant passenger to play with toys, look around, etc.).

[0111] In some embodiments, the automatic coloring option described above may also vary based on user preferences (e.g., the amount of light and / or brightness desired when a passenger is reading and / or working with the screen).

[0112] Furthermore, in various embodiments, similar to the discussion above, processor 142 may also apply automatic shading based on other parameters, including environmental conditions and vehicle movement. For example, if processor 142 determines that vehicle 100 is turning or about to enter a turn (e.g., based on sensor data indicating activation of the turn signal indicator, and / or based on the current position of vehicle 100 combined with navigation route information, etc.), processor 142 may provide additional shading in various embodiments to protect the driver's vision during the turn. As a continuing example, if it is determined that vehicle 100 is turning or about to turn left, processor 142 will provide additional shading to the left-side window 192 during the turn in various embodiments to reduce sunlight reaching the driver's eyes during the turn, and so on. As an additional example, processor 142 may also provide additional shading to one or more windows 190 that are in contact with the driver and / or other passengers during the turn, where additional sunlight exposure will occur during the turn, and so on. In some embodiments, such shading is performed automatically by processor 142 before and during the turn of vehicle 100.

[0113] Furthermore, in some embodiments, other parameters affecting automatic shading may include proximity to specific points of interest with particular visibility requirements. For example, in some embodiments, shading may be appropriately adjusted in such cases, including by temporarily reducing shading, thereby increasing visibility in exemplary scenarios such as: (i) security gate entrances and exits; (ii) tunnel entrances and exits; (iii) parking structure entrances and exits; (iv) garage entrances and exits; (v) picking up or dropping off children; (vi) ride-sharing; (vii) taxis; (viii) approaching and leaving law enforcement checkpoints; (ix) approaching and leaving international border crossings; (x) crossing state borders (e.g., by modifying window shading to provide comfort while complying with state regulations), and so on.

[0114] As a further example, in some embodiments, when approaching a destination, such as (i) an identified residence, workplace, or other frequently visited destination; (ii) a navigation destination or other predicted destination based on user input or previous travel patterns; or (iii) a parking lot entrance (such as when a driver is seeking parking and / or when requesting parking assistance services), automatic coloring provides a gradual decolorization of all windows 190.

[0115] As a further example, in some embodiments, automatic shading provides additional adjustments when vehicle 100 is near law enforcement vehicles and / or personnel. In one such embodiment, automatic shading reduction is applied to window 190 when a light source (such as a flashlight from the law enforcement vehicle and / or a spotlight from the law enforcement vehicle aimed at vehicle 100) is detected via sensors from a nearby law enforcement vehicle. In some embodiments, automatic shading is permitted when the law enforcement vehicle is stationary and vehicle 100 is in motion (i.e., causing vehicle 100 to drive past the law enforcement vehicle). Furthermore, in some embodiments, when law enforcement officers are searching for someone by scanning the vehicle with lights, information is received via vehicle 100 (e.g., using data from...). Figure 1 (Connection services to remote server 170 and / or other vehicles 180), and then processor 142 proactively reduces the tinting of the windows 190 of vehicle 100 accordingly. In some embodiments, the tinting is adjusted based on the specific circumstances (and therefore context-dependent) of the relevant situation, depending on whether vehicle 100 is approaching a law enforcement vehicle and / or other emergency vehicle. For example, if an emergency vehicle is on a road related to an incident, and vehicle 100 is not involved in the incident, in some embodiments, the windows of vehicle 100 may be tinted accordingly (i.e., with a higher tinting level) so that the emergency vehicle's lights do not make driving uncomfortable for the driver of vehicle 100. Conversely, as an additional example, if a police car stops vehicle 100, in various embodiments, the windows of vehicle 100 may be de-tinted (i.e., with a lower tinting level).

[0116] Furthermore, in some embodiments, automatic coloring is performed in a manner that provides entertainment (such as for children and infants). For example, in some embodiments, movement of styles and / or images, designs, shapes, and / or patterns may be applied as part of window coloring, including for providing passengers with play (such as following the movement of images) and / or other entertainment value (e.g., such as depicting aesthetically pleasing images or pictures, and / or featuring animals, toys, cartoon characters, and / or other recognizable symbols and / or features), and / or by depicting one or more different colors, etc.

[0117] In some embodiments, processor 142 saves a profile for a particular passenger (including passenger type, preferences, and types of activities related to the passenger, etc.) and stores the profile as stored value 152 in memory 144 for future use, for example, during subsequent vehicle driving when the passenger may change seats.

[0118] Furthermore, in various embodiments, when vehicle 100 experiences a vehicle event (e.g., contact with another vehicle and / or object), processor 142 automatically de-shades all windows 190 (i.e., by reducing shading as much as possible), for example to enhance visibility for the first responder.

[0119] Therefore, methods, systems, and vehicles for controlling window shading in vehicles are provided. In various embodiments, window shading is performed automatically based on various factors, including passengers detected in the vehicle, identification of the type, location, and activity associated with the passengers, sunlight exposure, weather and other environmental conditions, vehicle operating data, and vehicle movements, via instructions provided by a computer processor.

[0120] It will be understood that the systems, vehicles, and methods may differ from those depicted in the accompanying drawings and described herein. For example, Figure 1 System 10 (including vehicle 100, its control system and Figure 1 The remote server 170 and its components may be different Figure 1 The system depicted and its control system 102 are illustrated in the accompanying drawings as an exemplary implementation. Similarly, it will be understood that... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The steps and implementation of the process may differ from those depicted in the figure, and / or various steps may occur simultaneously and / or occur in a different order than those depicted in the figure.

[0121] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that numerous variations exist. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiments or multiple exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of this disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing the exemplary embodiments or multiple exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made to the function and arrangement of the elements without departing from the scope of this disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the dimming of vehicle windows, the method comprising: Sensor data relating to the activities of one or more passengers in the vehicle is obtained via one or more sensors of the vehicle. The optimized shading level for the window is determined, at least in part, based on the activities of the one or more passengers, via the vehicle's processor. as well as The window is automatically colored based on the optimized coloring level, according to instructions provided by the processor.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the optimized shading level is automatically adjusted by the processor based at least in part on a specific type of activity of the one or more passengers and whether sunlight is beneficial or harmful to the specific type of activity.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor data also relates to the location of the one or more passengers in the vehicle, including a specific passenger seat occupied by the one or more passengers; as well as The determination of the optimized coloring level is also based, at least in part, on the location of the one or more passengers, including the specific passenger seat occupied by the one or more passengers.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor data also relates to the age of the one or more passengers in the vehicle, including whether the one or more passengers are classified as infants, children, or adults; as well as The determination of the optimized coloring level is also based, at least in part, on the age of the one or more passengers, including whether the one or more passengers are classified as infants, children, or adults.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor data also includes the level of sunlight reaching the one or more passengers through the windows; and The determination of the optimized tinting level is also based, at least in part, on the level of sunlight exposure to the one or more passengers through the window.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The vehicle's geographical location is obtained via its satellite-based navigation system; as well as The maximum coloring value is obtained based on regulatory restrictions associated with the geographic location; The determination of the optimized shading level is also based, at least in part, on the maximum shading value as limited by the regulations.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor data also includes operational parameters relating to the movement of the vehicle; The method further includes determining one or more maneuvers of the vehicle, including vehicle turning, based on the operating parameters via the processor; and The determination of the optimized shading level is also based, at least in part, on one or more maneuvers, including the turning of the vehicle.

8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The processor uses the sensor data to determine when the vehicle is approaching a known location or situation where enhanced visibility is required; as well as When the processor determines that the vehicle is approaching a known location or situation where enhanced visibility is required, the determination of the optimized shading level is also provided by the processor to provide reduced shading.

9. A system comprising dimming for controlling windows of a vehicle, the system comprising: One or more sensors of the vehicle, the one or more sensors being configured to acquire sensor data relating to the activities of one or more passengers of the vehicle; as well as A processor, coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to at least facilitate: The optimized shading level for the window is determined at least in part based on the activities of the one or more passengers. as well as The window is automatically colored based on the optimized coloring level, according to instructions provided by the processor.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to automatically adjust the optimized shading level based at least in part on a specific type of activity of the one or more passengers and whether sunlight is beneficial or harmful to the specific type of activity.

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