SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING A VEHICLE WORK AREA

Abstract

A vehicle is disclosed that includes a first vehicle device configured to provide input to a first user device assigned to a first user. The vehicle further includes a camera configured to capture images of the first user in the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a processor configured to obtain the images from the camera and, based on the images, to determine that the first user is operating the first user device in the vehicle. The processor can also be configured to determine the availability of the first vehicle device in response to a determination that the first user is operating the first user device and to activate the first vehicle device to enable the first user to operate the first user device via the first vehicle device when the first vehicle device is available.

Description

AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for managing a vehicle workspace, and more particularly to systems and methods for enabling a vehicle user to operate a user device via vehicle components. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Modern vehicles incorporate various features to provide a comfortable environment for vehicle users. While they incorporate such features, vehicle users / occupants desire more features in their vehicles that can provide a better user experience. For example, vehicle users may desire a work environment or workspace in their vehicles that makes it easier for vehicle users to conveniently work from inside the vehicles. Thus, there is a need for a vehicle workspace environment inside a vehicle to provide a better user experience. SUMMARY

[0003] The present disclosure describes a vehicle configured to enable a vehicle user / occupant to operate a user device (e.g., a laptop, a tablet, etc.) from inside the vehicle using vehicle components (or vehicle input devices). The vehicle input devices may include, for example, vehicle display screens, trackpads, a monostable shift lever, and / or the like. The vehicle input devices may be communicatively coupled to the user device and may be configured to provide input to the user device. In particular, the user may control or operate the user device via one or more vehicle input devices.In some aspects, the vehicle may include a workspace management system / unit (a "system") that may be configured to manage (e.g., turn on or off) the vehicle input devices for the user device to enable the user to operate the user device via the vehicle input devices.

[0004] The system may be communicatively coupled to a vehicle camera that can capture images of the vehicle user (and other users) in the vehicle. The system may acquire the images and may determine that the vehicle user may be operating (or desire to operate) the user device in the vehicle. For example, the system may determine that the vehicle user has opened the laptop (or a laptop table) to operate the laptop in the vehicle. In response to determining that the vehicle user may be operating (or desire to operate) the user device in the vehicle, the system may determine the availability of vehicle input devices and may enable the vehicle input devices for the user device if respective vehicle input devices are potentially available.For example, the system may configure the vehicle display screen to function as an extended screen for the user device (or enlarged user device screen), configure the trackpad to function as a mouse for the user device, and configure the monostable shift lever to function as a joystick for the user device when respective vehicle input devices may be available to the user device.

[0005] In some aspects, the system may receive a request from the user (e.g., via the user device or the vehicle display screen) to use / assign a vehicle input device for the user device to enable the user to use the user device via the vehicle input device. In response to receiving the request, the system may determine the availability of the vehicle input device and, accordingly, enable the vehicle input device for the user device if the vehicle input device is potentially available.

[0006] If the vehicle includes more than one occupant, the system may be configured to detect a number of users who may be operating their respective user devices in the vehicle and may be configured to prioritize access to vehicle input devices based on the detection. In some aspects, the system may prioritize access based on each user's seating position in the vehicle. For example, a user seated in a driver seating area may be given preference to use a display screen near a front portion of the vehicle, as opposed to users seated in a passenger seating area or a rear seating area. In further aspects, the system may allow multiple users to share a vehicle input device.For example, a first screen section can be assigned to one user and a second screen section can be assigned to another user.

[0007] The present disclosure discloses a vehicle that assists the vehicle user in using the user device via the vehicle input devices, which can increase user productivity in the vehicle. Additionally, the system can allow multiple users to share the vehicle display screen with each other, which can increase screen utilization. Furthermore, the system can allow multiple users to share content on different sections of a single screen without being physically close to each other in the vehicle, which can prevent the spread of viruses or diseases.

[0008] These and other advantages of the present disclosure are provided in detail herein. The systems and methods of the present disclosure should only be permitted when the vehicle is in park, off, not moving, and / or otherwise in a safe operating mode to enjoy the systems and methods of the disclosure, which mode may include, for example, operating in a fully autonomous vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical elements. Different embodiments may utilize different elements and / or components than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and / or components may not be present in different embodiments. The elements and / or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout the disclosure, the singular and plural terminology may be used interchangeably depending on the context. Fig. 1 depicts an exemplary environment of a parked vehicle in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed in this document may be implemented. Fig. 2 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary system for managing a vehicle workspace in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 3 depicts exemplary vehicle input devices used to operate a user device in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 4 depicts a first exemplary embodiment for controlling multiple vehicle input devices in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 5 depicts a second exemplary embodiment for controlling multiple vehicle input devices in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 6 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method for managing a vehicle workspace in accordance with the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] The disclosure is described in more detail below in this specification with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are shown and are not intended to be limiting.

[0011] Fig. 1 depicts an example environment 100 in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented. The environment 100 may include a vehicle 102, which may take the form of any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as a car, a work vehicle, a crossover vehicle, a truck, a van, a minivan, a taxi, a bus, etc. The vehicle 102 may be a manually driven vehicle and / or may be configured to operate in a semi-autonomous mode and may include any powertrain, such as a gasoline engine, one or more electrically actuated motors, a hybrid system, etc. A vehicle occupant 104 (or a driver 104) may be seated inside the vehicle 102. In some aspects, the vehicle 102 may be stationary and not moving.

[0012] In some aspects, the vehicle 102 may be configured to provide the vehicle user 104 (or other users or vehicle occupants) with a working environment such that the vehicle user 104 can conveniently operate a user device 106 associated with the vehicle user 104 inside the vehicle 102 via one or more vehicle components (or vehicle input devices). The user device 106 may include, but is not limited to, a laptop, a mobile phone, a computer, a tablet, a wearable device, or any other similar device with communication capabilities. The vehicle input devices may include a display screen 108 (or a vehicle touchscreen), a vehicle trackpad (in Fig. 3 as trackpad 302), a monostable shift lever (in Fig. 3 as a monostable shift lever 304) and / or the like. The vehicle input devices may be connected via a network (in Fig. 2 as network 208) may be communicatively coupled to the user device 106 (or other user devices). Further, the vehicle input devices may be configured to provide input to the user device 106 when the vehicle user 104 operates the user device 106 via the vehicle input devices.

[0013] The vehicle 102 may further include a vehicle workspace management unit (in Fig. 2 as a workspace management unit 214) that may be configured to manage the vehicle input devices to enable the vehicle user 104 to use the user device 106 inside the vehicle 102. In some aspects, the vehicle workspace management unit (or device) may be configured to receive inputs (e.g., images) from a vehicle camera 110 and may determine, based on the inputs, that the vehicle user 104 may be operating (or desires to operate) the user device 106. For example, based on the images captured by the camera 110 (or based on user inputs), the device may determine that the user has opened the laptop to work inside the vehicle 102.In other aspects, the unit may determine that the vehicle user 104 wishes to operate the user device 106 via the vehicle input devices based on user input received from the vehicle user 104. In some aspects, the unit may receive the user input from the user device 106 or from the vehicle input devices (e.g., via the display screen 108).

[0014] In response to determining that the vehicle user 104 may be operating (or may wish to operate) the user device 106, the unit may determine the availability of one or more vehicle input devices. The unit may assign the vehicle input device(s) to the vehicle user 104 based on the availability of the vehicle input devices. The unit may further enable the vehicle input device(s) to enable the vehicle user 104 to operate the user device 106 via the vehicle input device(s) when the vehicle input device(s) is / are available. For example, the unit may enable the display screen 108 for the user device 106 to enable the vehicle user 104 to operate (or provide input to) the user device 106 via the display screen 108.In other words, the unit can control the display screen 108 such that the display screen 108 can function as an extended screen of the user device 106. In such scenarios, the display screen 108 can display content associated with the user device 106. In a similar manner, the unit enables the vehicle trackpad and / or the monostable shift lever for the user device 106 to enable the vehicle user 104 to operate the user device 106 via respective vehicle input device(s).

[0015] Further details on the vehicle 102 are given below in connection with Fig. 2 described.

[0016] The vehicle 102 and / or the vehicle user 104 implements and / or performs operations as described herein in the present disclosure in accordance with the user manual and safety guidelines.

[0017] Fig. 2 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary system 200 for managing a vehicle workspace according to the present disclosure. While describing Fig. 2 can be Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 may be referred to. Fig. 3 depicts exemplary vehicle input devices used to operate a user device in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 4 depicts a first exemplary embodiment for controlling multiple vehicle input devices and Fig. 5 depicts a second exemplary embodiment for controlling multiple vehicle input devices in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0018] The system 200 may include a vehicle 202, a user device 204, and one or more servers 206 communicatively coupled to one another via one or more networks 208. The vehicle 202 may be the same as the vehicle 102 used in conjunction with Fig. 1. The user device 204 may be the same as the user device 106. The server(s) 206 may be part of a cloud-based computing infrastructure and associated with a telematics service delivery network (SDN) associated with the vehicle 202 and other vehicles (in Fig. 2 not shown), which may be part of a commercial vehicle fleet, and / or include providing digital data services. In some aspects, server 206 may be configured to store information associated with the allocation or assignment of vehicle input devices.

[0019] The network(s) 208 illustrate(s) an exemplary communication infrastructure in which the connected devices discussed in various embodiments of this disclosure may communicate. The network(s) 208 may be and / or include the Internet, a private network, a public network, or another configuration operating using any one or more of any known communication protocols, such as Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), Bluetooth ® , BLE ®, Wi-Fi based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, 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 Fifth Generation (5G), to name a few examples.

[0020] The vehicle 202 may include a plurality of units, including, but not limited to, an automotive computer 210, a vehicle control unit (VCU) 212, and a workspace management unit 214. The VCU 212 may include a plurality of electronic control units (ECUs) 216 arranged in communication with the automotive computer 210.

[0021] The user device 204 may connect to the automotive computer 210 and / or the workspace management unit 214 via the network 208, which may communicate via one or more wireless connections, and / or may connect using near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth ® protocols, Wi-Fi, ultra-wideband (UWB), and other possible data connection and sharing technologies directly to the vehicle 202.

[0022] In some aspects, the automotive computer 210 and / or the workspace management unit 214 may be installed in an engine compartment of the vehicle (or elsewhere in the vehicle 202) according to the disclosure. Furthermore, the automotive computer 210 may operate as a functional component of the workspace management unit 214. The automotive computer 210 may be or include an electronic vehicle controller having one or more processors 218 and a memory 220. Furthermore, the workspace management unit 214 may be separate from the automotive computer 210 (as in Fig. 2) or may be integrated as part of the automotive computer 210.

[0023] The processor(s) 218 ​​may be arranged in communication with one or more storage devices arranged in communication with the respective computing systems (e.g., the memory 220 and / or one or more external databases located in Fig. 2 are not shown). The processor(s) 218 ​​may utilize the memory 220 to store programs in code and / or to store data for performing aspects according to the disclosure. The memory 220 may be non-transitory computer-readable memory that stores workspace management program code. The memory 220 may include any one 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, electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), etc.).

[0024] In some aspects, the VCU 212 may share a power bus with the automotive computer 210 and may be configured and / or programmed to transfer data between vehicle systems, connected servers (e.g., the server(s) 206), and other vehicles (in Fig. 2 not shown) operating as part of a vehicle fleet. The VCU 212 may include or communicate with any combination of the ECUs 216, such as a body control module (BCM) 222, an engine control module (ECM) 224, a transmission control module (TCM) 226, a telematics control unit (TCU) 228, a driver assistance technologies (DAT) controller 230, etc. The VCU 212 may further include and / or communicate with a vehicle perception system (VPS) 232 having connectivity to and / or control of one or more vehicle sensor systems 234.The vehicle sensor system 234 may include one or more vehicle sensors, including, but not limited to, a radio detection and ranging (RADAR) sensor configured to detect and locate objects inside and outside the vehicle 202 using radio waves, seat belt buckle sensors, seat area sensors, a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor, door sensors, proximity sensors, temperature sensors, wheel sensors, in-vehicle and external cameras, and so on. In some aspects, the vehicle interior camera (e.g., camera 110) may be configured to capture images of the vehicle user 104 or other vehicle users / occupants within the vehicle 202.

[0025] In some aspects, the VCU 212 may control operational aspects of the vehicle and implement one or more instruction sets received from the user device 204 from one or more instruction sets stored in the memory 220 that include instructions operable as part of the workspace management unit 214.

[0026] The TCU 228 may be configured and / or programmed to provide vehicle connectivity with wireless computing systems inside and outside the vehicle 202, and may include a navigation receiver (NAV receiver) 236 for receiving and processing a GPS signal, a BLE ® -Module (BLEM) 238, a Wi-Fi transceiver, a UWB transceiver and / or other wireless transceivers (in Fig. 2 not shown) that are used for wireless communication (including cellular communication) between the vehicle 202 and other systems (e.g., a vehicle remote key, in Fig. 2 not shown), computers, and modules. The TCU 228 may be arranged in communication with the ECUs 216 via a bus.

[0027] The ECUs 216 may control aspects of vehicle operation and communication using inputs from human drivers, inputs from an autonomous vehicle controller, the workspace management unit 214, and / or via wireless signal inputs received over the wireless connection(s) from other connected devices, such as the user device 204, the server(s) 206, among others.

[0028] The BCM 222 generally includes an integration of sensors, vehicle performance indicators, and variable throttles associated with vehicle systems, and may include processor-based power distribution circuitry that may control functions associated with the vehicle body, such as lights, windows, security, camera(s), including camera 110, audio system(s), speakers, windshield wipers, door locks and entry control, and various convenience controls. In some aspects, the BCM 222 may additionally control the operation / function of the display screen 108, a trackpad 302, and a monostable shift lever 304 (in Fig. 3). The BCM 222 can also be operated as a gateway for bus and network interfaces to communicate with remote ECUs (in Fig. 2 not shown).

[0029] The DAT controller 230 may provide Level 1 to Level 3 automated driving and driver assistance functionality, which may include, for example, active parking assistance, trailer backup assistance, adaptive cruise control, and / or lane keeping, among other features. The DAT controller 230 may also provide aspects of user and environmental input usable for user authentication.

[0030] In some aspects, the automotive computer 210 may connect to an infotainment system 240. The infotainment system 240 may include a touchscreen interface portion and may include voice recognition features, biometric identification capabilities that may identify users based on facial recognition, voice recognition, fingerprint identification, or other biological identification means. In other aspects, the infotainment system 240 may be further configured to receive user instructions via the touchscreen interface portion and / or display notifications (including visual alert notifications), navigation maps, etc., on the touchscreen interface portion.

[0031] The vehicle 202 may further include the camera 110 and the display screen 108, as described in connection with Fig. 1 described.

[0032] Certain computing modules may be omitted from the computing system architecture of the automotive computer 210, the VCU 212, and / or the workspace management unit 214. It is readily understood that the Fig. 2 is an example of a possible implementation according to the present disclosure and thus should not be considered limiting or exclusive.

[0033] In some aspects, the workspace management unit 214 may be integrated with and / or executed as part of the ECUs 216. Whether integrated with the automotive computer 210 or the ECUs 216 or operating as a standalone computing system within the vehicle 202, the workspace management unit 214 may include a transceiver 244, a processor 242, and a computer-readable memory 246.

[0034] The transceiver 242 may be configured to receive information / inputs from one or more external devices or systems, e.g., the user device 204, the server(s) 206, and / or the like, via the network 208. Furthermore, the transceiver 242 may transmit inputs or notifications (e.g., warning / alarm signals) to the external devices or systems. Additionally, the transceiver 242 may be configured to receive information / inputs from vehicle components (or vehicle input devices) such as the display screen 108, the trackpad 302, the monostable shift lever 304 (as shown in Fig. 3) and the camera 110. Furthermore, the transceiver 242 can transmit notifications (e.g., warning / alarm signals) to the vehicle components, such as the infotainment system 240, the vehicle input devices, the vehicle speaker system, etc.

[0035] In some aspects, the vehicle input devices may be communicatively coupled to user device 204 (or other user devices) and may be configured to receive / provide inputs from / to user device 204 via transceiver 242. For example, trackpad 302 may be used in place of a computer / laptop mouse and may be used to control operation of the user device. Likewise, monostable shift lever 304 may be used as a joystick for user device 204, and display screen 108 may communicate inputs to user device 204 and may display content associated with user device 204.

[0036] The processor 244 and the memory 246 may be the same as or similar to the processor 218 and the memory 220, respectively. In some aspects, the processor 244 may utilize the memory 246 to store programs in code and / or store data for performing aspects of the disclosure. The memory 246 may be non-transitory computer-readable memory that stores the workspace management program code. In some aspects, the memory 246 may additionally store information associated with the vehicle 202 and one or more sensory inputs received from the vehicle sensor system 234 (e.g., the camera 110), user inputs received from the user device 204, and / or other devices (e.g., the infotainment system 240 or the vehicle input devices). The memory 246 may further store information associated with the assignment of vehicle input devices, e.g.,the display screen 108, the trackpad 302, the monostable shift lever 304 and / or the like.

[0037] In operation, the processor 244 may obtain inputs from the camera 110 via the transceiver 242. The inputs may include images captured by the camera 110, which may include images of the vehicle user 104 and other users / occupants that may be inside the vehicle 202. The processor 244 may be configured to monitor the activity of the vehicle user 104 and other users / occupants inside the vehicle 202 based on the images obtained from the camera 110. In particular, the processor 244 may be configured to determine, based on the obtained images, that the vehicle user 104 (e.g., a Fig. 1 or any other user) may be operating the user device 204 in the vehicle 202. For example, the processor 244 may determine that the first user 104 may have opened a laptop (i.e., the user device 204) in the vehicle 202.

[0038] In response to a determination that the first user 104 (or any other user) may be operating the user device 204 in the vehicle 202, the processor 244 may determine availability of a vehicle input device that may assist or enable the first user 104 to operate the user device 106 via the vehicle input device. As described above, the vehicle input device may include, but is not limited to, the display screen 108, the trackpad 302, and the monostable shift lever 304. The processor 244 may be further configured to turn on the vehicle input device to enable the first user 104 to operate the user device 106 via the vehicle input device when the vehicle input device is potentially available.

[0039] In some aspects, the processor 244 may obtain information associated with the assignment of the vehicle input device from the storage 246 (or the server 206) and may determine the availability of the vehicle input device using the obtained information. For example, the processor 244 may determine whether the vehicle input device can be assigned to another user / occupant (particularly their respective user devices) in the vehicle 202 and may determine the availability of the vehicle input device accordingly. In particular, the processor 244 may determine that the vehicle input device is available if the vehicle input device cannot be assigned to another user / occupant.

[0040] In additional aspects, the processor 244 may be configured to determine usage of the vehicle input device when the vehicle input device can be assigned to a user / occupant, and may determine the availability of the vehicle input device based on the usage. In particular, the processor 244 may determine that the vehicle input device may be available when no user / occupant may be actively using the vehicle input device, even though the vehicle input device may be assigned to another user / occupant. For example, if the vehicle input device is assigned to a user (e.g., a second user 402 in the vehicle 202, as in Fig. 4) and the processor 244 determines that the second user 402 may not be using the vehicle input, the processor 244 determines that the vehicle input device may be available and may assign the vehicle input device to the first user 104 (specifically, the user device 204). In this case, the processor 244 may "disable" the vehicle input device from the second user 402 when the processor 244 assigns the vehicle input device to the first user 104. As another example, if the processor 244 determines that only a single user (e.g., the first user 104) may be using a user device (e.g.,the user device 204), the processor 244 may determine that the vehicle input device may be available because no other user may be operating their respective user device(s) in the vehicle 202, and may assign the vehicle input device to the first user 104 / the user device 204.

[0041] In further aspects, the processor 244 may be configured to obtain, via the transceiver 242, a request from the first user 104 (or other users / occupants) to use / assign the vehicle input device to operate the user device 204 (or respective user devices). In some aspects, the processor 244 may obtain the request from the first user 104 via the user device 204, the server 206, and / or one or more vehicle components (e.g., the infotainment system 240, the display screen 108, etc.). In response to obtaining the request, the processor 244 may determine the availability of the vehicle input device(s) and may assign the vehicle input device to the first user 104 / user device 204 if the vehicle input device is potentially available.

[0042] In additional aspects, the processor 244 may be configured to determine that multiple users may be operating (or desiring to operate) their respective user devices in the vehicle 202. In such a scenario, the processor 244 may prioritize access to vehicle input device(s) and may assign the vehicle input devices to the first user 104 or the second user 402 based on the prioritization. In this case, the processor 244 may obtain images from the camera 110 (which may capture images of the first user 104 and the second user 402 in the vehicle 202) and may determine, based on the obtained images, that the first user 104 and the second user 402 may be operating (or desiring to operate) their respective user devices in the vehicle 202.In alternative aspects, the processor 244 may obtain respective requests from the first user 104 and the second user 402 to use a vehicle input device (e.g., a first vehicle input device, such as the display screen 108, which may be an auxiliary vehicle screen) and, based on the obtained requests, may determine that the first user 104 and the second user 402 may wish to operate their respective user devices via the display screen 108.

[0043] If the processor 244 determines that both the first user 104 and the second user 402 desire to operate their respective user devices via the display screen 108, the processor 244 may, in some aspects, determine respective seating positions of the first user 104 and the second user 402 within the vehicle 202. In some aspects, the processor 244 may determine the seating positions based on inputs obtained from the sensing system 234. In response to determining the seating positions, the processor 244 may prioritize access to / assignment of the display screen 108 to either the first user 104 or the second user 402 based on the determined seating position.

[0044] For example, based on the inputs obtained from the sensor system 234, the processor 244 may determine that the first user 104 may be sitting in the driver seating area and the second user 402 may be sitting in a front passenger seating area (as shown in Fig. 4). In this case, the processor 244 may prioritize the assignment of the display screen 108 to the first user 104 (or user device 204) over the second user 402 and may assign the display screen 108 to the first user 104. Stated differently, in one example aspect, a user seated in a driver seating area may be given priority over a user seated in a passenger seating area to access the display screen 108 to operate the user device 204. The processor 244 may turn on the display screen 108 to enable the first user 104 to control the user device 204 via the display screen 108. In such scenarios, the display screen 108 may display content associated with the user device 204.

[0045] In further aspects, the processor 244 may prioritize access to the display screen 108 (or any other vehicle input device) based on the time of receipt of the request from respective users. For example, the processor 244 may provide access to a user who first transmitted the request. Furthermore, although the example described above describes an aspect wherein the user seated in the driver seating area is given priority over the passenger, the present disclosure is not limited to such a prioritization criterion. In other aspects, the user seated in the passenger seating area (or at any other location within the vehicle 202) may be given priority over the user seated in the driver seating area to access one or more vehicle input devices without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0046] In further aspects, the processor 244 may determine usage of the display screen 108 (or any other vehicle input device) in response to turning on the display screen 108 to enable the first user 104 to operate the user device 204 via the display screen 108. In particular, the processor 244 may determine whether the first user 104 is actually using the display screen 108 to operate the user device 204. In some aspects, the processor 244 may determine usage of the display screen when the processor 244 determines that the second user 402 may be operating a user device associated with the second user 402 and may wish to use the display screen 108 (based on images acquired from the camera 110 or a request received from the user device associated with the second user 402).In response to a determination that the first user 104 may not be using the display screen 108 for a predefined period of time, the processor 244 may determine that the display screen 108 may be available for "reassignment." In this case, the processor 244 may reassign the display screen 108 to the second user 402 (specifically, the user device associated with the second user 402). In such a scenario, the processor 244 may turn on the display screen 108 to enable the second user 402 to control operation of the user device associated with the second user 402 via the display screen 108. In this case, the display screen 108 may display content associated with the user device associated with the second user 402.

[0047] In additional aspects, the processor 244 may enable the first user 104 and the second user 402 to share the display screen 108, which may increase the display screen utilization. For example, the processor 244 may display the content associated with the user device 204 on the display screen 108 when the first user 104 may be viewing the display screen 108 (as determined via images acquired from the camera 110, such as by tracking the first user's eyes). Further, the processor 244 may display the content associated with the user device associated with the second user 402 when the second user 402 may be viewing the display screen 108 (as determined via images acquired from the camera 110).

[0048] In further aspects, when the vehicle 202 includes an extended vehicle display screen, the processor 244 may enable the first user 104 and the second user 402 to share the extended vehicle display screen such that a first display screen portion may be assigned to the first user 104 and a second display screen portion may be assigned to the second user 402. The first display screen portion may be located in front of a first user seating area position, and the second display screen portion may be located in front of a second user seating area position. In this way, both the first user 104 and the second user 402 may view the extended vehicle display screen simultaneously. The content displayed on the first display screen portion and the second display screen portion may be the same or different.For example, if the first user 104 wishes to show the second user 402 content associated with the user device 204, the first user 104 may use the first display screen portion and the second display screen portion to conveniently display the same content.

[0049] In further aspects, the processor 244 may be configured to determine seating positions of the first user 104 and the second user 402 within the vehicle 202 (e.g., based on the images acquired by the camera 110) and may assign different vehicle input devices to the first and second users 104, 402 based on respective seating positions. As in Fig. 5, the first user 104 may be sitting in a driver seating area and the second user 402 may be sitting in a rear seating area. In response to determining the seating positions, the processor 244 may determine that a second vehicle input device (e.g., a second display screen 502 that may be communicatively coupled to the user device associated with the second user 402) may be located near the seating position of the second user and the display screen 108 may be located near the seating position of the first user. The processor 244 may be further configured to turn on the second display screen 502 for the user device associated with the second user 402 to enable the second user 402 to operate the user device associated with the second user 402 via the second display screen 502.Similarly, the processor 244 may turn on the display screen 108 for the user device 204 to enable the first user 104 to operate the user device 204 via the display screen 108. In other words, the processor 244 may select the vehicle input device(s) based on the seating positions of vehicle users / occupants in the vehicle 202 and turn on the selected vehicle input device(s) accordingly. In some aspects, the processor 244 may determine the availability of the display screen 108 and the second display screen 502 before assigning respective devices to the first user 104 and / or the second user 402. In some aspects, the processor 244 may perform automatic allocation of vehicle input devices based on seating position.For example, when a user is seated in a seating position in the vehicle 202, the processor 244 may automatically allocate the display screen in front of the user to the user.

[0050] In further aspects, processor 244 may be configured to track the usage of all enabled vehicle input devices and may disable the vehicle input devices based on their usage. For example, if the usage of a vehicle input device (e.g., display screen 108) is below a predefined usage threshold, processor 244 may disable display screen 108 or place display screen 108 into sleep mode (e.g., enable a sleep mode for display screen 108) to reduce power consumption in vehicle 202.

[0051] Additionally, the processor 244 may monitor (e.g., based on the images acquired by the camera 110) the orientation of each user in the vehicle 202 who may be using the vehicle input devices (e.g., the display screen 108 and the second display screen 502) to operate respective user devices. Based on the orientation, the processor 244 may determine whether the first user 104 and the second user 402 may be viewing (or using) the display screen 108 and the second display screen 502, respectively. If the first user 104 and / or the second user 402 may not be viewing their respective display screens for a predefined time interval / duration, the processor 244 may reduce / adjust a brightness of their respective display screens to reduce power consumption in the vehicle 202.

[0052] In further aspects, the processor 244 may be configured to acquire images from the camera 110 and may control audio devices in the vehicle 202 based on the acquired images (e.g., to provide audio feedback to users). In particular, the processor 244 may prioritize the audio device(s) based on the images in a manner similar to the vehicle input devices described above, and may turn on the audio devices based on the prioritization. For example, the processor 244 may turn on the audio device for the entire vehicle 202 when there may be a single user present in the vehicle 202, and may turn on speakers in the ceiling / headrests and noise cancellation when there may be multiple users present in the vehicle 202 (e.g., to isolate each occupant / user from other occupants / users).

[0053] The vehicle 202 may further include electrochromic windows that may be configured to tint window panes. In certain aspects, the processor 244 may be configured to determine that the first user 104 (or any other user) may be experiencing glare on the display screen 108 based on the inputs obtained from the sensing system 234 and / or the images obtained from the camera 110. For example, the processor 244 may make such a determination by obtaining images from the camera 110 and performing image processing on the obtained images to determine whether the first user 104 may be experiencing glare. In additional aspects, the processor 244 may determine that the first user 104 may be experiencing glare based on user inputs obtained via the display screen 108 or the user device 204.In response to a determination that the first user 104 may be subject to glare, the processor 244 may cause the electrochromic windows to tint the window panes. In some aspects, the processor 244 may tint all of the window panes. In other aspects, the processor 244 may select one or more window panes to tint. The selection of the one or more window panes may be based on the seating position of the first user in the vehicle 202.

[0054] In further aspects, the processor 244 may monitor the content displayed on each screen (e.g., the display screen 108 and the second display screen 502) and may change / adjust the refresh rate based on the content being displayed or the operation being performed using the screen. For example, the processor 244 may increase the refresh rate if a game or movie may be displayed on the screen, but may not increase the refresh rate if music may be playing. Additionally, the processor 244 may determine user preferences for using the vehicle input devices based on user input obtained from the user device 204 and may enable the vehicle input devices based on the user preferences.

[0055] Fig. 6 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method 600 for managing a vehicle workspace in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 6 may be described with continued reference to previous figures. The following process is exemplary and 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 that differs from the order described in the following exemplary embodiments.

[0056] The method 600 starts at step 602. At step 604, the method 600 may include the processor 244 obtaining images from the camera 110. As described above, the camera 110 may capture images of a user (e.g., the first user 104) who may be present in the vehicle 202. At step 606, the method 600 may include the processor 244 determining, based on the obtained images, that the first user 104 may be operating the user device 204 (e.g., a laptop) associated with the first user 104 in the vehicle 202.

[0057] At step 608, the method 600 may include determining, by the processor 244, the availability of a vehicle input device (e.g., the display screen 108, the trackpad 302, the monostable shift lever 304, etc.) in response to a determination that the first user 104 may be using the user device 204 in the vehicle 202. At step 610, the method 600 may include the processor 244 enabling the vehicle input device to enable the first user 104 to operate the user device 204 via the vehicle input device when the vehicle input device is potentially available.

[0058] The method 600 ends at step 612.

[0059] In the foregoing disclosure, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and illustrate specific implementations in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It is understood that other implementations may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.Furthermore, if a feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize such a feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0060] Furthermore, the functions described in this document may be performed in one or more of hardware, software, firmware, digital components, or analog components, as appropriate. For example, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) may be programmed to perform one or more of the systems and procedures described in this document. Certain terms used throughout the specification and claims refer to specific system components. As one skilled in the art will recognize, components may be referred to by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not in function.

[0061] It is also understood that the word "example," as used in this document, is intended to be non-exclusive and non-limiting. In particular, the word "example," as used in this document, indicates one of several examples, and it is understood that no undue emphasis or preference is placed on the specific example described.

[0062] A computer-readable medium (also referred to as a processor-readable medium) includes any non-transitory (e.g., physical) medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by a processor of a computer). Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-transitory media and volatile media. Computing devices may include computer-executable instructions, where the instructions may be executable by one or more computing devices, such as those listed above, and may be stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0063] With respect to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described in this specification, it is to be understood that although the steps of such processes, etc., have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes could be implemented in practice such that the described steps are performed in an order that differs from the order described in this specification. Further, it is to be understood that certain steps could be performed concurrently, that other steps could be added, or that certain steps described in this specification could be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes in this specification are for the purpose of illustrating various embodiments and should in no way be construed to limit the claims.

[0064] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many other embodiments and applications than the examples listed will become apparent from a reading of the foregoing description. The scope should be determined not by reference to the foregoing description, but instead by reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that there will be future developments in the art discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. Overall, it is understood that the application is susceptible of modification and variation.

[0065] All terms used in the claims are intended to have their general meaning as known to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the technologies described in this specification apply, unless expressly stated otherwise herein. In particular, the use of the singular articles, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," etc., is intended to refer to one or more of the specified elements, unless a claim expressly limits otherwise.Conditional language, such as "may," "could," "may," or "may possibly," is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments may include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments may not include them, unless specifically stated otherwise or clear from the particular context used. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

[0066] In one aspect of the invention, the first vehicle device comprises at least one of the following: a vehicle touchscreen or a display screen, a vehicle trackpad, and a monostable shift lever.

[0067] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes: obtaining a request from the first user device to assign the first vehicle device to the first user; and determining the availability of the first vehicle device in response to obtaining the request.

[0068] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes: determining a usage of the first vehicle device in response to turning on the first vehicle device to enable the first user to operate the first user device via the first vehicle device.

[0069] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes disabling the first vehicle device for the first user device when the usage is below a predefined usage threshold.

[0070] According to the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: obtain images from a camera installed in a vehicle, wherein the camera is configured to capture images of a first user in the vehicle; determine that the first user is operating a first user device in the vehicle based on the images; determine an availability of a first vehicle device in response to a determination that the first user is operating the first user device, wherein the first vehicle device is communicatively coupled to the first user device associated with the first user, and wherein the first vehicle device is configured to provide inputs to the first user device;and turning on the first vehicle device to enable the first user to operate the first user device via the first vehicle device when the first vehicle device is available;

Claims

[1] Vehicle comprising: a first vehicle device communicatively coupled to a first user device associated with a first user, the first vehicle device configured to provide inputs to the first user device; a camera configured to capture images of the first user in the vehicle; and a processor communicatively coupled to the first vehicle device and the camera, the processor configured to: Obtaining the images; determining that the first user is operating the first user device in the vehicle based on one or more of the images; Determining that the first vehicle device is available in response to a determination that the first user is operating the first user device; and Turning on the first vehicle device to enable the first user to operate the first user device via the first vehicle device. [2] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first vehicle device comprises at least one of: a vehicle touchscreen or a display screen, a vehicle trackpad, and a monostable shift lever. [3] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: Obtaining a request from the first user device to assign the first vehicle device to the first user; and Determining the availability of the first vehicle device in response to receiving the request. [4] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: Determining a usage of the first vehicle device in response to turning on the first vehicle device to enable the first user to operate the first user device via the first vehicle device. [5] The vehicle of claim 4, wherein the processor is further configured to turn off the first vehicle device for the first user device or to turn on a sleep mode of the first vehicle device when the usage is below a predefined usage threshold. [6] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first vehicle device is further communicatively coupled to a second user device associated with a second user in the vehicle. [7] The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the camera is further configured to capture images of the second user in the vehicle, and wherein the processor is further configured to: determining that the second user is operating the second user device in the vehicle based on the images; Determining the availability of the first vehicle device in response to a determination that the second user is operating the second user device; and Turning on the first vehicle device to enable the second user to operate the second user device via the first vehicle device when the first vehicle device is available. [8] The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the processor is further configured to: Obtaining a request from the second user device to assign the first vehicle device to the second user; and Determining the availability of the first vehicle device in response to receiving the request. [9] The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the processor is further configured to: Determining a position of the second user in the vehicle based on the images of the second user captured by the camera; Determining that a second vehicle device is proximate the position of the second user; and Turning on the second vehicle device to enable the second user to operate the second user device via the second vehicle device based on a determination that the second vehicle device is proximate the position of the second user. [10] The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to turn on a vehicle audio device based on the images. [11] The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising electrochromic windows configured to tint window panes. [12] The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the processor is further configured to: Determining that the first user is dazzled on the first vehicle device; and Causing the electrochromic windows to tint the window panes based on a determination that the first user is dazzling on the first vehicle device. [13] The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to: Monitoring content displayed on the display screen; and Set a refresh rate based on the content. [14] The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to: Monitoring an orientation of the first user; Determining, based on the orientation, that the first user is not looking at the display screen for a predefined period of time; and Reducing a brightness of the display screen based on the determination. [15] A method for managing a vehicle workspace, the method comprising: Obtaining images from a camera installed in a vehicle by a processor, the camera configured to capture images of a first user in the vehicle; determining, by the processor, that the first user is operating a first user device in the vehicle based on the images; Determining, by the processor, an availability of a first vehicle device in response to a determination that the first user is operating the first user device, wherein the first vehicle device is communicatively coupled to the first user device associated with the first user, and wherein the first vehicle device is configured to provide inputs to the first user device; and Turning on the first vehicle device, by the processor, to enable the first user to operate the first user device via the first vehicle device when the first vehicle device is available.

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