Panels with different visual attributes

Abstract

To provide a panel having different vision properties.SOLUTION: A panel of a structure includes an outside layer, and an inside layer disposed near an interior surface of the structure rather than the outside layer. An intermediate layer is disposed between the outside layer and the inside layer, and a mask layer is disposed between the outside layer and the intermediate layer. The mask layer includes an outside part and an inside part. The outside part is disposed between the outside layer and the intermediate layer, and the inside part is disposed between the outside part and the intermediate layer. The outside part and the inside part include different vision properties.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 407,846, filed September 19, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates generally to the field of panels coupled to structures. [Background technology]

[0003] The panels can be positioned at various locations on or around the structure and can provide a surface through which the outside environment can be viewed. The panels can include, for example, transparent and / or translucent surfaces and can be positioned over various portions of the structure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One aspect of the disclosure is a vehicle panel including an outer layer and an inner layer disposed closer to an interior surface of the vehicle than the outer layer. The inner layer is disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer, and the mask layer is disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. The mask layer includes an outer portion and an inner portion, the outer portion being disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer, and the inner portion being disposed between the outer portion and the inner layer. The outer portion and the inner portion include different visual attributes.

[0005] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle panel including an outer layer and an inner layer disposed closer to an interior surface of the vehicle than the outer layer. An intermediate layer is disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer, and an outer mask layer is disposed between the intermediate layer and the inner layer. The inner mask layer is disposed between the outer mask layer and the inner layer, and a width of the inner mask layer is greater than a width of the outer mask layer.

[0006] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle panel including a monolithic exterior layer and an inner mask layer, the inner mask layer including visual attributes that substantially match visual attributes of an interior surface of the vehicle, the inner mask layer being disposed closer to the interior surface of the vehicle than the monolithic exterior layer, the outer mask layer being disposed between the monolithic exterior layer and the inner mask layer. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a vehicle panel coupled to an interior surface of the vehicle. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the panel of FIG. 1 taken through AA. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the panel of FIG. 1 taken through AA. [Figure 3A] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another panel. [Figure 3B] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another panel. [Figure 3C] FIG. 4 is a view of a portion of the panel of FIG. 3A-B with different colors. [Figure 3D] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a portion of the panel of FIGS. 3A-B having different textures. [Figure 3E] FIG. 4 is a view of a portion of the panel of FIGS. 3A-B with a different pattern. [Figure 4A] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of yet another panel. [Figure 4B] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of yet another panel. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a panel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] The disclosure herein relates to a panel for a vehicle that allows an occupant of the vehicle to see the external environment through the panel. The panel can include various layers that are bonded together to form the panel. In some implementations, the panel can include an outer layer and an inner layer, both of which include glass. The panel can also include an intermediate layer that includes a polymer, where the outer layer, the inner layer, and the intermediate layer are bonded in a heating process. The panel can also include a mask layer that is configured to mask an adhesive used to bond the panel to the vehicle, where the mask layer is typically visible to occupants within the vehicle.

[0009] In some embodiments, the mask layer includes an inner portion and an outer portion having different visual attributes. For example, the outer portion may include a different color than the vehicle's interior surface, and the inner portion may include a color that closely matches the vehicle's interior surface. Additionally, the outer portion may include a different texture than the vehicle's interior surface, and the inner portion may include a texture that closely matches the texture of the vehicle's interior surface.

[0010] In some configurations, the mask layer includes two mask layers, an inner mask layer and an outer mask layer, and the width of the inner mask layer is greater than the width of the outer mask layer. A portion of the outer mask layer may be obscured from view based on the width of the inner mask layer. More specifically, the inner mask layer may obscure the outer mask layer when the panel is viewed from a seat in the vehicle.

[0011] 1 is a diagram of a panel 100 of a vehicle 102 coupled to an interior surface 104 of the vehicle 102. In some implementations, the vehicle 102 may be any type of vehicle, including, but not limited to, a gas or diesel powered vehicle, an electric vehicle, a boat or other marine vehicle, an aircraft (e.g., a plane, a helicopter, etc.), a remote controlled vehicle, etc. In some implementations, the vehicle 102 is an autonomous vehicle. In some implementations, the vehicle 102 may be a passenger car configured to accommodate one or more occupants.

[0012] The panel 100 may be positioned at various locations on the vehicle 102. For example, the panel 100 may be positioned at various locations on the front, rear, top, bottom, and / or sides or around the perimeter of the vehicle 102. In some implementations, the vehicle 102 may include only one panel 100. In some implementations, the panel 100 may span multiple locations as described. For example, the panel 100 may span from the front to the rear of the vehicle 102, from one side of the vehicle 102 to the other side, from the top to the bottom of the vehicle 102, and / or combinations thereof. Thus, the panel 100 may be configured to provide a panoramic view of an external environment 232 (shown in FIGS. 2-5 ) located outside the vehicle 102.

[0013] The panel 100 is configured to be coupled to an interior surface 104 of the vehicle 102. In some embodiments, the interior surface 104 is an interior trim configured to cover functional components (e.g., structural components, electrical components, etc.) of the vehicle 102 for aesthetic reasons. In some embodiments, the panel 100 includes a mask layer 106 configured to hide an adhesive used to secure the panel 100 to the vehicle 102 when the mask layer 106 is viewed from outside the vehicle 102. The mask layer 106 may be a coating applied to a surface of one of the layers of the panel 100 and may include a ceramic material that is bonded to the panel 100 via a heating process. The mask layer 106 may also include a solid band of ceramic material that extends from the outer edge 110 of the panel 100 around the perimeter of the panel 100 and may be gradually tapered to include discrete dots (e.g., frits) that extend from the solid band toward a central portion 108 of the panel 100. Additionally, the mask layer 106 may include additional and / or other materials, such as paint, ink, adhesive, and / or combinations thereof. In some implementations, the mask layer 106 includes a black color and is visible from the interior 234 of the vehicle 102 (as shown in FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 1, the mask layer 106 extends around the outer edge of the panel 100 and defines a central portion 108 through which an occupant can view the external environment 232.

[0014] 2A-2B are cross-sectional views of a portion of the panel 100 of FIG. 1 taken across AA. As shown in FIG. 2A, the panel 100 includes an outer layer 220 and an inner layer 222 that is disposed closer to the interior 234 of the vehicle 102 than the outer layer 220. An intermediate layer 224 is disposed between the outer layer 220 and the inner layer 222. The outer layer 220, the inner layer 222, and the intermediate layer 224 may be transparent or translucent (e.g., may be formed from a transparent or translucent material) to allow light to pass through the panel 100. In some implementations, the outer layer 220 and the inner layer 222 may include glass. The outer layer 220 and the inner layer 222 may also include a transparent or translucent polymer. In some embodiments, the intermediate layer 224 may also include a transparent or translucent polymer, such as polyvinyl butyral ("PVB"), an adhesive, or a combination thereof. Thus, each of the outer layer 220, the inner layer 222, and the middle layer 224 is at least partially translucent. The outer layer 220, the inner layer 222, and the middle layer 224 may be joined via chemical and / or thermal processes to form a tempered or laminated material.

[0015] The mask layer 106 is disposed between the outer layer 220 and the inner layer 222 and includes an outer portion 228 and an inner portion 230. In some embodiments, the mask layer 106 is added in a single application (e.g., the outer portion 228 and the inner portion 230 are applied at the same time). The mask layer 106 may also be added in two or more applications (e.g., the outer portion 228 and the inner portion 230 are applied at different times). The outer portion 228 is disposed between the outer layer 220 and the middle layer 224, and the inner portion 230 is disposed between the outer portion 228 and the middle layer 224. In some implementations, the outer portion 228 may include a ceramic material. The outer portion 228 may also be opaque such that a view of the external environment 232 through the outer portion 228 is limited. In some implementations, the outer portion 228 includes a black color. The inner portion 230 may include a ceramic material configured on the panel 100 similar to the outer portion 228. The inner portion 230 may also include an ink (e.g., an organic ink or an inorganic ink). In some implementations, the inner portion 230 is also opaque such that the mask layer 106 is opaque.

[0016] In some implementations, the exterior portion 228 and the interior portion 230 include different visual attributes (e.g., characteristics that can be seen from the interior and / or the exterior of the vehicle 102). For example, the visual attributes may include color, texture, pattern, or a combination thereof. In addition, the visual attributes of the exterior portion 228 and the interior portion 230 may be similar to or different from the visual attributes of the interior surface 104 of the vehicle 102. In some embodiments, the visual attributes of the interior portion 230 generally match the visual attributes of the interior surface 104 of the vehicle 102. More specifically, the visual attributes of the interior portion 230 and the visual attributes of the interior surface 104 may be color, and the color of the interior portion 230 may generally match the color of the interior surface 104 of the vehicle 102. For example, the interior surface 104 of the vehicle 102 may include interior trim that may have a brown color, and the interior portion 230 may include a brown color that generally matches the brown color of the interior surface 104 of the vehicle 102. For example, the colors of the interior surface 104 and the interior portion 230 may have red, green, and blue ("RGB") values ​​and / or cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ("CMYK") values ​​that are within 10 percent of each other. Using the above example, the brown color of the interior surface 104 may have RGB values ​​of (135, 62, 35) and / or CMYK values ​​of (0, 54, 74, 47). To closely match the brown color of the interior surface 104, the brown color of the interior portion 230 may include a range of RGB values ​​of (122-149, 56-68, 32-39) and CMYK values ​​of (0, 49-59, 67-81, 42-52). By closely matching the colors as described, the color contrast between the interior surface 104 and the panel 100 of the vehicle 102 is reduced that would be present if the colors were not closely matched.

[0017] As another example, the visual attribute of the interior portion 230 and the visual attribute of the interior surface 104 of the vehicle 102 may be a texture, and the texture of the interior portion 230 may approximately match the texture of the interior surface 104 of the vehicle 102. For example, the texture of the interior portion 230 and the texture of the interior surface 104 may have a mismatch of 10 percent or less at the edges of the two surfaces adjacent to one another. More specifically, the interior surface 104 of the vehicle 102 may include a texture that includes alternating peaks and valleys, and the interior portion 230 may include a texture that approximately matches the alternating peaks and valleys of the interior surface 104 of the vehicle 102 (e.g., there is less than a 10 percent mismatch between the peaks and valleys at the edges of the interior surface 104 and the peaks and valleys at the adjacent edges of the interior portion 230). By approximately matching the textures as described, the contrast in texture between the interior surface 104 of the vehicle 102 and the panel 100 is reduced that would be present if the textures were not approximately matched.

[0018] Additionally, the visual attribute of the interior portion 230 and the visual attribute of the interior surface 104 of the vehicle 102 may be a pattern, and the pattern of the interior portion 230 may substantially match the pattern of the interior surface 104 of the vehicle 102. For example, the patterns of the interior portion 230 and the interior surface 104 may have a 10 percent or less mismatch at the edges of the two surfaces adjacent to one another. For example, the interior surface 104 of the vehicle 102 may include a pattern that includes wood grain, and the interior portion 230 may include a pattern that substantially matches the wood grain of the interior surface 104 of the vehicle 102 (e.g., there is less than a 10 percent mismatch between the wood grain pattern at the edges of the interior surface 104 and the wood grain pattern at the adjacent edges of the interior portion 230). By substantially matching the patterns as described, the contrast of the patterns between the interior surface 104 of the vehicle 102 and the panel 100 is reduced that would be present if the patterns were not substantially matched.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2B, in some implementations, the width W of the inner portion 230 i is the width W of the outer portion 228 oFor example, the width W of the inner portion 230 is larger than i is the width W of the outer portion 228 from the outer edge 110 toward the central portion 108 of the panel 100. o When configured as described, inner portion 230 may obscure at least a portion of outer portion 228 when viewed from within the vehicle 102 (e.g., from a seat 236 of the vehicle 102).

[0020] 3A-3B are cross-sectional views of a portion of another panel 300. The panel 300 is similar to the panel 100, but differs with respect to the structure of the layers and mask layers. As shown in FIG. 3A, the panel 300 includes an outer layer 220 and an inner layer 222 that is disposed closer to the interior 234 of the vehicle 102 than the outer layer 220. The panel 300 also includes an intermediate layer 224 that is disposed between the outer layer 220 and the inner layer 222. In contrast to the mask layer 106 of FIG. 2, the panel 300 includes two different mask layers, an outer mask layer 340 that is disposed between the intermediate layer 224 and the inner layer 222, and an inner mask layer 342 that is disposed between the outer mask layer 340 and the inner layer 222. The outer mask layer 340 may be configured to obscure the view of the adhesive used to secure the panel 300 to the vehicle 102.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3B, in some implementations, the width W of the inner mask layer 342 im is the width W of the outer mask layer 340 om (e.g., the width W of the inner mask layer 342 extending from the outer edge 110 of the panel 300 toward the central portion 108 of the panel 300) is greater than im is the width W of the outer mask layer 340 extending from the outer edge 110 of the panel 300 toward the central portion 108 of the panel 300. om1, by configuring the widths of the inner mask layer 342 and the outer mask layer 340 in this manner, the inner mask layer 342 is configured to obscure at least a portion of the outer mask layer 340 when viewed from within the vehicle 102 (e.g., from a seat 256 of the vehicle 102). More specifically, the inner mask layer 342 is configured to obscure the outer mask layer 340 when the panel 300 is viewed from within the vehicle 102.

[0022] 3C-3E are views of the inner mask layer 342 and the outer mask layer 340 as viewed from within the vehicle. A portion of the inner mask layer 342 is shown cut away to show the outer mask layer, which would otherwise be blocked by the inner mask layer 342. As shown in FIG. 3C, the inner mask layer 342 and the outer mask layer 340 may include different colors. For example, the color of the outer mask layer 340 may include black (e.g., the outer mask layer 340 may include a black ceramic material as described with reference to the mask layer 106). The inner mask layer 342 may include a color other than black. For example, the color of the inner mask layer 342 may include blue. More specifically, the inner mask layer 342 may include a color that generally matches the color of the interior surface 104 of the vehicle 102. As described above, the interior surface 104 of the vehicle 102 may include interior trim, which may include, for example, a blue color. The interior portion 230 may also include a blue color that closely matches the blue color of the interior trim of the vehicle 102. By closely matching the color as described, the color contrast between the interior surface 104 of the vehicle 102 and the panel 300 that would be present if the colors were not closely matched is reduced.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3D, the inner mask layer 342 and the outer mask layer 340 may include different textures. For example, the texture of the outer mask layer 340 may include a relatively rough texture (e.g., the surface of the outer mask layer 340 includes a relatively high surface roughness measurement). In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3C, the outer mask layer may include a wood texture. The inner mask layer 342 may include a texture that approximately matches the texture of the interior surface 104 (e.g., the interior trim) of the vehicle 102. For example, the texture of the interior surface 104 of the vehicle 102 may include a relatively smooth texture (e.g., the surface of the interior trim includes a relatively low surface roughness measurement). The inner mask layer 342 may also include a texture with a relatively low surface roughness measurement. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3C, the texture of the inner mask layer 342 and the interior surface 104 resembles a smooth plastic. As described above, by approximately matching the textures as described, the texture contrast between the interior surface 104 of the vehicle 102 and the panel 300 that would be present if the textures were not approximately matched is reduced.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3E, the inner mask layer 342 includes visual attributes that substantially match the visual attributes (e.g., color, texture, pattern, or combination thereof) of the interior surface 104 (e.g., interior trim) of the vehicle 102. In addition, the visual attributes of the outer mask layer 340 and the inner mask layer 342 may be different. For example, the texture, color, or pattern (or combination thereof) of the inner mask layer 342 may be different from the texture, color, or pattern (or combination thereof) of the outer mask layer 340. In some implementations, the difference in visual attributes may be related to the material of the inner mask layer 342 and the material of the outer mask layer 340. For example, the inner mask layer 342 may include an ink (e.g., an organic ink, an inorganic ink, or combination thereof), the outer mask layer 340 may include a ceramic, and the ink and ceramic may include different visual attributes. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3E, the outer mask layer 342 may include a herringbone pattern. The inner mask layer 340 may include a cobble pattern and may generally match the cobble pattern of the interior facing surface 104 .

[0025] 4A-4B are cross-sectional views of a portion of another panel 400. The panel 400 is similar to the panels 100, 300, but differs with respect to the structure of the layers. As shown in FIG. 4A, the panel 400 includes an outer layer 220 and an inner mask layer 342 that is disposed closer to the interior 234 of the vehicle 102 than the outer layer 220. The panel 400 also includes an outer mask layer 340 that is disposed between the outer layer 220 and the inner mask layer 342. The inner layer 222 is disposed between the outer mask layer 340 and the outer layer 220, and the middle layer 224 is disposed between the inner layer 222 and the outer layer 220.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 4B, the width W im is the width W of the outer mask layer 340 om, whereby the inner mask layer 342 is configured to obscure the outer mask layer 340 when viewed from within the vehicle 102 (e.g., from a seat 256 of the vehicle 102). More specifically, the inner mask layer 342 is configured to obscure the outer mask layer 340 when the panel 400 is viewed from within the vehicle 102.

[0027] In addition to the layer configurations shown in Figures 2-4, the outer mask layer 340 and the inner mask layer 342 may be arranged in other configurations relative to the outer layer 220, the middle layer 224, and the inner layer 222. For example, the outer mask layer 340 may be arranged between the outer layer 220 and the middle layer 224, and the inner mask layer 342 may be arranged adjacent to the inner layer 222 such that the middle layer 224 and the inner layer 222 are between the outer mask layer 340 and the inner mask layer 342. As another example, the outer mask layer 340 may be arranged between the middle layer 224 and the inner layer 222, and the inner mask layer 342 may be arranged adjacent to the inner layer 222 such that the inner layer 222 is between the outer mask layer 340 and the inner mask layer 342. Other configurations may also be implemented.

[0028] 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a panel 500. The panel 500 includes a monolithic outer layer 550, an outer mask layer 340, and an inner mask layer 342. The monolithic outer layer 550 may include a single layer of glass or polymer. The inner mask layer 342 is positioned closer to the interior 234 of the vehicle 102 than the monolithic outer layer 550, and the outer mask layer 340 is positioned between the monolithic outer layer 550 and the inner mask layer 342.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2-5, the various layers of the panels 100, 300, 400, 500 are shown as having various thicknesses. For example, the outer layer 220 has a thickness T o and the inner layer 222 has a thickness T i The monolithic layer 550 has a thickness T m The outer mask layer 340 has a thickness T om and the inner mask layer 342 has a thickness T imIn some implementations, T o and T i may be similar, both being T om and T im More specifically, T o Against T i The thickness ratio of the intermediate layer 224 may be about 1:1 (e.g., the ratio may be within 15 percent of exactly 1:1). o and T i thickness T smaller than both inter T inter Also, T om and T im More specifically, T o and / or T i Against T inter may be approximately 2:1 (e.g., the ratio may be within 15 percent of just 2:1). o and T i may each be about 0.08 inches, and T inter may be about 0.04 inches. In some implementations, T o and T i may have similar thicknesses, e.g., T o Against T om and T im may have a thickness ratio of about 400:1:1 (e.g., the ratio may be just within 15 percent of 400:1:1). In the exemplary implementation provided, T om and T im may be about 0.0002 inches. In some embodiments, T om and T im can be different. For example, T om may be about 0.0002 inches, and T im may be about 0.0001 inches. Therefore, T om Against T im The ratio may be about 2:1.

[0030] As mentioned above, one aspect of the present technology is the collection and use of data available from various sources for use during operation of a vehicle including the panels 100, 300, 400. By way of example, such data may identify a user and may include user-specific settings or preferences. The present disclosure contemplates that in some cases, this collected data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies a particular person or that can be used to contact or locate a particular person. Such personal information data may include demographic data, location data, phone number, email address, Twitter ID, home address, data or records regarding the user's health or fitness level (e.g., vital sign measurements, medication information, exercise information), birth date, or any other identifying or personal information.

[0031] This disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data in the present technology may be used to the benefit of the user, for example, a user profile may be established that stores user preference-related information that allows adjustment of the vehicle's operation in accordance with the user preference-related information, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0032] This disclosure contemplates that entities involved in the collection, analysis, disclosure, transmission, storage, or other use of such personal information data will adhere to robust privacy policies and / or privacy practices. Specifically, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or government requirements for keeping personal information data confidential and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users and should be updated as data collection and / or use changes. Personal information from users should be collected for the entity's lawful and legitimate use and should not be shared or sold except for those lawful uses. Furthermore, such collection / sharing should be done after informing and obtaining consent from the user. Moreover, such entities should consider taking all necessary measures to protect and secure access to such personal information data and ensure that others who have access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Furthermore, such entities may subject themselves to third-party assessments to attest to their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. Moreover, policies and practices should be adapted to the specific types of personal information data being collected and / or accessed, and should conform to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For example, in the United States, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and / or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Meanwhile, health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be addressed accordingly. Therefore, different privacy practices should be maintained with respect to different types of personal data in each country.

[0033] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which a user selectively blocks use of or access to personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and / or software elements may be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, when storing a user profile for operating a vehicle, the present technology may be configured to allow a user to select "opt-in" or "opt-out" of participating in the collection of personal information data during registration for the service or at any time thereafter. In another example, a user may choose not to provide data regarding the use of a particular application. In yet another example, a user may choose to limit the period for which data regarding application usage is maintained or to completely prohibit the building of an application usage profile. In addition to providing "opt-in" and "opt-out" options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications regarding access or use of personal information. For example, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed, and then again immediately before the personal information data is accessed by the app.

[0034] Moreover, it is the intent of this disclosure that personal information data should be managed and processed in a manner that minimizes the risk of unintended or unauthorized access or use. Risks can be minimized by limiting data collection and deleting data when it is no longer needed. Additionally, and where applicable, including in certain health-related applications, anonymization of data can be used to protect user privacy. Anonymization can be facilitated by removing certain identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.) as needed, controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data at a city level rather than an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and / or other methods.

[0035] Thus, while this disclosure broadly encompasses the use of personal information data to implement one or more of the various disclosed embodiments, this disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments may be implemented without requiring access to such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the technology are not rendered inoperable by the absence of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, user preference information may be determined each time a vehicle is used, such as by inputting user preference-related information in real time, without subsequently storing the information or associating it with a particular user.

Claims

1. A panel of a vehicle, comprising: An outer layer; an inner layer disposed closer to an interior surface of the vehicle than the outer layer; an intermediate layer disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer; a mask layer disposed between the outer layer and the middle layer and including an outer portion and an inner portion; Equipped with the outer portion is disposed between the outer layer and the intermediate layer, and the inner portion is disposed between the outer portion and the intermediate layer; A panel, wherein the outer portion and the inner portion each include different visual attributes, the inner portion is configured to have visual attributes that substantially match visual attributes of the interior surface of the vehicle, and the visual attribute of the inner portion and the visual attribute of the interior surface are color.

2. The panel of claim 1 , wherein the visual attributes of the interior portion and the visual attributes of the interior surface further comprise texture.

3. The panel of claim 1 , wherein the interior portion is opaque such that visibility through the panel of an external environment is limited.

4. The panel of claim 1 , wherein the outer layer, the inner layer, and the middle layer are each at least partially translucent, and the mask layer is opaque.

5. The panel of claim 1 , wherein the width of the inner portion is greater than the width of the outer portion.

6. The panel of claim 1 , wherein the inner portion comprises an organic ink and the outer portion comprises a ceramic.

7. A panel of a vehicle, comprising: An outer layer; an inner layer disposed closer to an interior surface of the vehicle than the outer layer; an intermediate layer disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer; an outer mask layer disposed between the intermediate layer and the inner layer; an inner mask layer disposed between the outer mask layer and the inner layer, the inner mask layer having a width greater than a width of the outer mask layer; The panel, wherein the inner mask layer and the outer mask layer each include a different texture, the inner mask layer being configured to have a texture that generally matches a texture of an interior surface of the vehicle.

8. The panel of claim 7 , wherein the inner mask layer and the outer mask layer each comprise a different color.

9. 9. The panel of claim 8, wherein the outer mask layer has a color that includes black, and the inner mask layer is configured to have a color that generally matches a color of an interior surface of the vehicle.

10. The panel of claim 7 , wherein the inner mask layer is configured to obscure a portion of the outer mask layer when viewed from within the vehicle.

11. A panel of a vehicle, comprising: a monolithic outer layer; an inner mask layer including visual attributes that substantially match visual attributes of the vehicle's interior surface, the inner mask layer being positioned closer to the vehicle's interior surface than the monolithic outer layer; an outer mask layer disposed between the inner mask layer and the monolithic outer layer; A panel, wherein the width of the inner mask layer is greater than the width of the outer mask layer.

12. 12. The panel of claim 11, wherein the inner mask layer is configured to have a color that closely matches a color of the interior surface of the vehicle.

13. The panel of claim 11 , wherein the inner mask layer is configured to have a texture that generally matches a texture of the interior surface of the vehicle.

14. The panel of claim 13 , wherein the inner mask layer is configured to have a texture that is different from a texture of the outer mask layer.

15. The panel of claim 11 , wherein the inner mask layer comprises an ink and the outer mask layer comprises a ceramic.

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