A method for controlling the light transmittance of vehicle glass, a system for implementing the method, and a vehicle.

Abstract

To provide a method controlling permeability of glass of a vehicle which can suppress cabin temperature from rising to an uncomfortable temperature.SOLUTION: A vehicle includes: a first light control glass; a first sensor which detects an inside status of the vehicle; and a processor which is connected with the first light control glass and the first sensor. The processor is constituted to determine whether permeability of the first light control glass is adjusted or not based on at least data from the first sensor and additional data which is related to at least one of the inside status of the vehicle other than a first status and information in association with the first light control glass. The processor is constituted to transmit, when determining that the permeability of the first light control glass is adjusted, a signal to change the permeability of the first light control glass to the first light control glass.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Background Art

[0001] In a vehicle exposed to high-intensity sunlight, sunlight is transmitted through one or more windows of the vehicle, causing the temperature inside the vehicle to rise. In some examples where the vehicle is parked, prolonged exposure to sunlight transmitted through the vehicle's windows causes the temperature inside the vehicle to rise to an uncomfortable level. In some examples where the vehicle is moving, sunlight transmitted through the vehicle's side windows causes glare, which may distract the driver's attention.

[0002] Methods of adjusting the sunlight entering a vehicle may include the vehicle's occupants actively adjusting the transmittance of the vehicle's windows. In some cases, this active involvement by the occupants includes operating the vehicle's internal systems or devices connectable to the vehicle. Methods of adjusting the light entering a vehicle include adjusting the transmittance of the glass based on the intensity of an external light source hitting the vehicle.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] One aspect of this description relates to a vehicle. The vehicle includes a first dimming glass. The vehicle further includes a first sensor configured to detect a first state inside the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a processor connected to the first dimming glass and the first sensor. The processor is configured to determine whether to adjust the transmittance of the first dimming glass based on at least data from the first sensor and additional data, where the additional data relates to at least one of a state inside the vehicle other than the first state or information related to the first dimming glass. The processor is further configured to transmit a signal to the first dimming glass to change the transmittance of the first dimming glass in response to a determination to change the transmittance of the first dimming glass.

[0004] One aspect of this description relates to a vehicle. The vehicle comprises a first dimmable glass. The vehicle further comprises a sensor configured to detect the amount of light in the vehicle's interior. The vehicle further comprises a processor connected to the first dimmable glass and the sensor. The processor is configured to determine the amount of light in the vehicle's interior. The processor is further configured to determine whether or not to adjust the transmittance of the first dimmable glass based on the amount of light and at least one additional state in the vehicle's interior. The processor is further configured to transmit a signal to the first dimmable glass to change the transmittance of the first dimmable glass in response to a decision to change the transmittance of the first dimmable glass.

[0005] One aspect of this description relates to a method. The method includes the step of determining the condition inside a vehicle based on sensor data from at least two different sensors. The method further includes the step of determining whether or not to adjust the transmittance of a first dimmable glass based on the sensor data. In response to the decision to change the transmittance of the first dimmable glass, the method further includes transmitting a signal to the first dimmable glass to change the transmittance of the first dimmable glass. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the light transmittance of vehicle glass according to several embodiments. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to several embodiments. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a system for controlling the light transmittance of vehicle glass according to several embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The aspects of this disclosure will be best understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the attached drawings. Please note that, in accordance with standard industry practice, various features are not depicted to scale. In fact, the dimensions of various features may be enlarged or reduced as appropriate for the sake of clarity in the discussion.

[0008] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for carrying out various features of the subject matter provided. Specific examples of components, values, operations, materials, arrangements, etc., are described below for the sake of brevity of this disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Other components, values, operations, materials, arrangements, etc., are also possible. For example, forming a first feature above or on a second feature in the following description may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, as well as embodiments in which an additional feature is formed between the first and second features, resulting in the first and second features no longer being in direct contact. Furthermore, this disclosure may repeat reference numbers and / or letters in various examples. This repetition is for the sake of brevity and clarity and does not in itself define relationships between the various embodiments and / or configurations considered.

[0009] Furthermore, as shown in the diagram, spatially relative terms such as “below,” “downward,” “underside,” “above,” and “upperside” may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass various orientations of the device during use or operation, in addition to the orientation shown in the diagram. The device may be oriented in other directions (90-degree rotation or other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0010] Dimmable glass can change from nearly transparent to nearly completely opaque based on the voltage applied to it. The molecular structure of the dimmable glass changes based on the voltage applied to the glass. The transmittance of most dimmable glass changes significantly in response to small voltages, for example, as low as 1 volt (V). Because the transmittance can be changed significantly in response to small voltages, the transmittance of dimmable glass in vehicle windows can be adjusted while minimizing the risk of draining the vehicle's power source, such as the vehicle's battery.

[0011] Whether parked or in motion, vehicles exposed to sunlight often experience a rise in temperature as sunlight penetrates the vehicle's windows and enters its interior. Reducing the amount of light entering the vehicle by changing the transmittance of one or more windows can help mitigate the rise in interior temperature. Using tinted glass inside the vehicle to change the transmittance of the vehicle's windows helps control the rise in interior temperature while utilizing minimal power. Utilizing minimal power reduces the risk of battery drain and helps extend the driving range of electric vehicles or reduce power consumption in hybrid or gasoline vehicles.

[0012] Furthermore, predicting the rise in vehicle temperature based on the vehicle's location or forecast weather further enhances the ability to mitigate the temperature rise inside the vehicle. By utilizing the vehicle's location, it is possible to determine whether the vehicle is parked in a location that is expected to be shaded by some fixed structure, such as a building. Additionally, by utilizing the weather forecast, it is possible to determine whether sunny, cloudy, or rainy weather is expected for that day. Considering the vehicle's location or weather forecast helps to avoid power consumption during times when a significant temperature rise is not expected. Moreover, considering the vehicle's location or weather forecast helps to predict the time of day when the vehicle is expected to be exposed to sunlight, allowing the transmittance of the vehicle's windows to be changed before or immediately after exposure, rather than waiting until the vehicle's temperature has already begun to rise. As a result, considering the vehicle's location or weather forecast reduces the overall rise in vehicle temperature.

[0013] Furthermore, selectively changing the light transmittance of various vehicle windows helps control vehicle temperature while saving power consumption. When sunlight is entering through the passenger-side window, lowering only the transmittance of that window helps control the rise in vehicle temperature while avoiding the power consumption associated with lowering the transmittance of other windows, such as the rear window or the driver's side window. Additionally, considering the vehicle's operating state when adjusting transmittance helps reduce the risk of interfering with the driver's vehicle operation. For example, reducing the transmittance of the windshield should be prohibited while the vehicle is in motion. Similarly, in some cases, the transmittance of the rear window should also be prohibited from falling below a certain threshold.

[0014] Furthermore, vehicles parked at night are at risk of being vandalized to gain access to valuables inside. Reducing the light transmission of vehicle windows at night helps to make it difficult to see whether or not valuables are present inside the vehicle. As a result, the risk of the vehicle being vandalized to gain access to valuables is reduced because the valuables cannot be seen from the outside.

[0015] This description includes a method and system for adjusting the light transmission of one or more windows of a vehicle based on information received by the vehicle. This method and system helps control the temperature inside the vehicle and reduces the risk of damage to the vehicle compared to other methods.

[0016] Figure 1 is a flowchart of Method 100 for controlling the light transmittance of vehicle glass according to several embodiments. Method 100 can be used to help regulate the temperature inside a vehicle or to reduce the risk of vandalism to a vehicle. In some embodiments, Method 100 is implemented using System 300 (Figure 3). In some embodiments, Method 100 is implemented using a system other than System 300 (Figure 3). In some embodiments, Method 100 is implemented in a vehicle 200 (Figure 2). In some embodiments, Method 100 is implemented in a vehicle other than Vehicle 200 (Figure 2).

[0017] In operation 105, vehicle-mounted sensors are used to detect the internal state of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the internal state includes the intensity of light inside the vehicle. In some embodiments, the internal state includes the temperature inside the vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle-mounted sensors include sensors configured to measure the temperature inside the vehicle, such as thermometers. In some embodiments, the vehicle-mounted sensors include sensors configured to measure the intensity of light inside the vehicle, such as photodiodes or photoresistors. In some embodiments, multiple internal states of the vehicle are detected. In some embodiments, a single internal state of the vehicle is detected. In some embodiments, the step of detecting the internal state of the vehicle includes the step of detecting the angle of sunlight entering the vehicle. In some embodiments, as the angle of sunlight entering the vehicle approaches 90 degrees, the intensity of sunlight and the amount of heat associated with sunlight entering the vehicle increase. For this reason, in some embodiments, the change in transmittance is determined based on the detected angle of sunlight entering the vehicle. In some embodiments, the magnitude of the transmittance adjustment is based on the detected angle of sunlight entering the vehicle. That is, the closer the angle of sunlight entering the vehicle is to 90 degrees, the greater the magnitude of the transmittance adjustment.

[0018] Operation 110 detects the current transmittance of at least one vehicle window. In some embodiments, the initial transmittance of one or more vehicle windows, i.e., the transmittance when no voltage is applied, is the minimum transmittance. In some embodiments, the initial transmittance of one or more vehicle windows is the maximum transmittance. In some embodiments, the minimum transmittance is 0% or close to the transmittance of incident light. In some embodiments, the minimum transmittance is 10% or less of the transmittance of incident light. In some embodiments, the maximum transmittance is in the range of approximately 75% to approximately 85% of the transmittance of incident light. In some embodiments, the current transmittance of at least one vehicle window is determined based on the initial transmittance of at least one vehicle window and the voltage applied to at least one vehicle window. In some embodiments, the current transmittance of at least one vehicle window is determined based on a sensor inside the vehicle positioned to receive light passing through at least one vehicle window. In some embodiments, the current transmittance is determined for each window in the vehicle. In some embodiments, the current transmittance is determined based on information about which windows in the vehicle are subject to transmittance adjustment. For example, in some embodiments where sunlight enters the vehicle through the passenger-side window, the current transmittance is determined only for the passenger-side window. Determining the current transmittance for each of the vehicle windows provides a more comprehensive examination of the vehicle's condition. Limiting the determination of the current transmittance to only the windows where transmittance adjustment is performed reduces processing time and processing power consumption.

[0019] Operation 115 determines the current state of the vehicle. The current state of the vehicle relates to whether the vehicle is being driven, parked, or idling. In some embodiments, the vehicle is determined to be in a driving state depending on whether the vehicle's transmission is in a position other than parked. In some embodiments, the vehicle is determined to be in a driving state depending on whether the vehicle's transmission is in parked and less than a first threshold has elapsed since the transmission was shifted to the parked position. In some embodiments, the vehicle is determined to be in an idling position depending on whether the transmission is in parked and less than a first threshold has elapsed. In some embodiments, the vehicle is determined to be in a parked state depending on whether the vehicle's ignition is off. In some embodiments, the vehicle is determined to be in a parked state depending on whether the transmission is in park and more than a second threshold has elapsed. Determining the current state of the vehicle can be used to determine whether light transmission adjustment for one or more of the vehicle's windows is prohibited or restricted. Prohibition of light transmission adjustment means that changes to the light transmission of the windows are not permitted. Restrictions on window light transmission adjustment mean that the light transmission of a window is adjustable, but only within a predetermined range. For example, the minimum light transmission of a moving vehicle's windows is determined by the local government. In some embodiments, when the vehicle is in motion or idling, reducing the light transmission of the windshield is prohibited to mitigate the risk of affecting the driver's operation of the vehicle. In some embodiments, when the vehicle is in motion, the light transmission of the vehicle's rear window is restricted. In some embodiments, when the vehicle is idling, the light transmission of the vehicle's rear window is not restricted. In some embodiments, when the vehicle is parked, no windows of the vehicle are subject to any prohibition or restriction on light transmission adjustment.

[0020] Operation 120 receives predictive information about the vehicle's location. In some embodiments, the predictive information includes weather forecast information. In some embodiments, the predictive information includes information about the sun's position, such as sunrise or sunset times. In some embodiments, the predictive information is received using a transceiver mounted on the vehicle. In some embodiments, the predictive information is received from a connection to a mobile device such as a cell phone. The predictive information is obtained about the vehicle's location to improve the accuracy of the predictive information. In some embodiments, the vehicle's location is determined using a Global Positioning System (GPS) within the vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle's location is determined using the GPS system of a mobile device connected to the vehicle. Using the predictive information, it is possible to determine whether sunlight may hit the vehicle's windows, when sunlight may hit the vehicle, and which windows of the vehicle will be exposed to sunlight.

[0021] The use of predictive information facilitates the forecasting of temperature changes inside the vehicle. For example, in some embodiments where the vehicle is currently in a rainy environment but sunny weather is predicted later, the adjustment of the light transmittance can be delayed until the time when sunny weather is expected based on the predictive information. In some embodiments, the adjustment of the light transmittance is scheduled before the time when sunny weather is expected, further reducing the risk of the temperature inside the vehicle reaching an uncomfortable level. Delaying changes in the light transmittance of the vehicle windows helps reduce the vehicle's power consumption while controlling the temperature inside the vehicle. As another example, in some embodiments, as sunset approaches at the vehicle's location, the vehicle increases the light transmittance of the vehicle windows to reduce the power consumption associated with maintaining low light transmittance windows at a point when the risk of the temperature inside the vehicle rising to an uncomfortable level is reduced.

[0022] Furthermore, vehicle location data can be used to determine whether the amount of sunlight hitting the vehicle's windows will decrease, given the likelihood that the vehicle will be positioned in a shaded area. For example, if vehicle location information indicates that the vehicle is in a parking garage or adjacent to a building, adjusting the light transmission of the vehicle's windows may not affect the temperature rise inside the vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle's location is determined based on a combination of a GPS system and a map stored in the vehicle or a mobile device connected to the vehicle. In some embodiments, a combination of vehicle location and predictive information can be used to determine whether or not to adjust the light transmission of the vehicle's windows. For example, in some embodiments, if the vehicle is currently in a shaded location adjacent to a building, but predictive information indicates that the amount of sunlight hitting the vehicle will increase in the future, the window light transmission can be adjusted based on the expected time when the amount of sunlight hitting the vehicle will increase.

[0023] In some embodiments, operation 120 is omitted. Omitting operation 120 reduces the processing load on the vehicle to determine whether or not to adjust the transmittance of one or more vehicle windows. Including operation 120 helps to improve the accuracy when controlling the temperature inside the vehicle.

[0024] Operation 125 makes a decision on whether to adjust the light transmittance of one or more windows of the vehicle. The decision on whether to adjust the light transmittance of one or more windows of the vehicle is based on the detected internal state of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the decision on whether to adjust the light transmittance of one or more windows of the vehicle is also based on at least one of the following: the current light transmittance of at least one window, the current state of the vehicle, or received predictive information or vehicle location information.

[0025] In some embodiments, the determination of whether to adjust the transmittance is based on a combination of the detected internal states of the vehicle. That is, in some embodiments, inputs from a plurality of different sensors are utilized to determine whether to adjust the transmittance. Table 1 below provides some examples of combinations of detected internal states and the results of the determination regarding the adjustment of the transmittance. Those skilled in the art will understand that such examples are not limiting and that other combinations of detected internal states are within the scope of this description. Further, in some embodiments, the combination of detected internal states can be used together with the current state of the vehicle, received prediction information, or vehicle position information to determine whether to adjust the transmittance. [Table 1]

[0026] In some embodiments, the determination of whether to adjust the transmittance further includes suppressing a rapid change in the transmittance. For example, when the detected internal state is close to a threshold value, the determination of whether to adjust the transmittance is likely to suddenly switch. To reduce driver distraction and / or reduce power consumption, in some embodiments, a predetermined period is set for the frequency at which the adjustment of the transmittance is permitted. In some embodiments, the predetermined period is different for each window in the vehicle. In some embodiments, the predetermined period ranges from 1 minute to 10 minutes. In some embodiments, it is permitted to change the transmittance multiple times within the predetermined period, and the number of times the transmittance is changed within the predetermined period has a maximum value. In some embodiments, the maximum value is different for each window in the vehicle. In some embodiments, the maximum value ranges from 1 to 5. In some embodiments, the maximum value is 3. Table 2 below provides some examples of combinations of the detected internal state and the number of changes within the predetermined period and the corresponding results of the determination to adjust the transmittance. Those skilled in the art will understand that such examples are not limiting and that other combinations of the detected internal states are also within the scope of this description. Further, in some embodiments, the combination of the detected internal states can be used together with the current state of the vehicle, received prediction information, or vehicle position information to determine whether to adjust the transmittance and the number of changes in the transmittance within the predetermined period.

Table 2

[0027] In some embodiments, the determination of whether to adjust the transmittance further includes determining the magnitude of the adjustment of the transmittance. Regarding the risk of temperature rise inside the vehicle, several factors have been considered above. In some embodiments, as the risk of temperature rise inside the vehicle increases, the magnitude of the adjustment of the transmittance increases.

[0028] If the decision is made to adjust the transmittance, i.e., "Yes" in Method 100, Method 100 proceeds to Operation 130. If the decision is made not to adjust the transmittance, i.e., "No" in Method 100, Method 100 returns to Operation 105.

[0029] Operation 130 determines which window's transmittance to adjust. This decision is based on the vehicle's current state. As discussed above, operation 130 prohibits or limits changes to the transmittance of a specific window, e.g., the windshield, based on the vehicle's current state. In some embodiments, the decision on which window's transmittance to adjust is based on the direction from which sunlight enters the vehicle. In some embodiments, the decision on which window's transmittance to adjust is based on vehicle position information. In some embodiments, the decision on which window's transmittance to adjust is based on the detected internal state of the vehicle. That is, in some embodiments, as the temperature rises, the transmittance of more windows is adjusted to help mitigate the temperature rise inside the vehicle. In some embodiments, the decision on which window's transmittance to adjust is based on predictive information, e.g., information indicating the direction from which sunlight is expected to enter the vehicle. In some embodiments, the magnitude of the transmittance adjustment of the vehicle's first window is different from the magnitude of the transmittance adjustment of the vehicle's second window.

[0030] Operation 135 transmits a transmittance adjustment confirmation. In some embodiments, the transmittance adjustment confirmation is transmitted wirelessly. In some embodiments, the transmittance adjustment confirmation is transmitted via a wired connection. In some embodiments, the transmittance adjustment confirmation is displayed on the vehicle console. In some embodiments, the transmittance adjustment confirmation is transmitted to a user-accessible mobile device. In some embodiments, the transmittance adjustment confirmation includes a warning that is automatically displayed on the vehicle console, a user-accessible mobile device, or another suitable user-accessible device. In some embodiments, the warning is an audible or visual warning.

[0031] In some embodiments, the transmittance adjustment confirmation includes information indicating which window's transmittance will be adjusted. In some embodiments, the transmittance adjustment confirmation includes information indicating the magnitude of the adjustment for each window being adjusted. In some embodiments, method 100 does not proceed to operation 135 or later until a positive action approving the transmittance adjustment, such as user approval, is received. In some embodiments, method 100 proceeds to operation 135 or later after a predetermined time has elapsed following the transmission of the transmittance adjustment confirmation, unless a positive action rejecting the transmittance adjustment, such as user rejection, is received.

[0032] In some embodiments, operation 135 is omitted. In some embodiments, operation 135 is omitted based on the detected current vehicle state. For example, in some embodiments, operation 135 is omitted while the vehicle is parked. In some embodiments, operation 135 is maintained while it is detected that the vehicle is running or idling. Omitting operation 135 helps reduce the processing load on the vehicle and speed up light transmission adjustment to better regulate the temperature inside the vehicle. Maintaining operation 135 helps avoid distraction of the driver while driving the vehicle due to unexpected light transmission adjustments of the windows visible to the driver.

[0033] Operation 140 adjusts the transmittance of the window identified in operation 130. The transmittance of the window identified in operation 130 is adjusted by the amount determined in operation 130. The transmittance is adjusted by applying a voltage to the glass to reorient the molecules of the tinted glass of the window, making the window more transparent or opaque. In some embodiments, a controller, for example, part of system 300 (Figure 3), controls the voltage applied to the window to adjust the transmittance according to the determination in operation 130. In some embodiments, the voltage applied to the window is supplied from the vehicle's battery. In some embodiments, the voltage applied to the window is supplied from a vehicle power source separate from the vehicle's battery.

[0034] The above description of Method 100 focuses on reducing sunlight entering the vehicle in order to prevent or reduce the rise in temperature inside the vehicle. Those skilled in the art will also understand that it is possible to add sunlight into the vehicle by controlling the transmittance. For example, in some embodiments, when predictive information indicates that cold is expected, the vehicle windows are adjusted to be more transparent, causing the temperature inside the vehicle to rise and increasing the comfort of the occupants inside the vehicle.

[0035] Those skilled in the art will understand that modifications to Method 100 are within the scope of this specification. In some embodiments, at least one operation is added to Method 100. For example, in some embodiments, a user can set one or more criteria for adjusting the light transmittance of a vehicle window. In some embodiments, at least one operation of Method 100 is omitted. For example, in some embodiments, operation 135 is omitted. In some embodiments, the order of operations of Method 100 is adjusted. For example, in some embodiments, operation 115 is performed before operation 105.

[0036] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle 200 according to several embodiments. The vehicle 200 can implement method 100 (Figure 1). In some embodiments, the vehicle 200 can implement method 100 (Figure 1) using a system 300 (Figure 3) mounted on the vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle 200 can implement method 100 (Figure 1) based on receiving instructions from a system 300 (Figure 3) that is located away from or separable from the vehicle 200. In some embodiments where the system 300 (Figure 3) is located away from or separable from the vehicle 200, the vehicle 200 is configured to receive instructions for implementing method 100 (Figure 1) via a wireless or wired connection.

[0037] The vehicle 200 includes a number of windows with adjustable light transmission. The vehicle 200 further includes a power supply that applies voltage to the windows to adjust the light transmission. In some embodiments, the power supply is fixed to the vehicle. In some embodiments, the power supply is detachable from the vehicle.

[0038] The vehicle 200 includes a windshield 205. The windshield 205 includes a light-adjustable glass that can adjust the transmittance of light passing through the windshield 205. In some embodiments, the vehicle 200 prevents the adjustment of the transmittance of the windshield 205 based on the state of the vehicle. For example, when the vehicle is in operation, the adjustment of the transmittance of the windshield 205 is prohibited.

[0039] The vehicle 200 further includes a rear window 210. The rear window 210 includes dimmable glass that can adjust the transmittance of light passing through the rear window 210. In some embodiments, the vehicle 200 limits the adjustment of the transmittance of the rear window 210 based on the state of the vehicle. For example, the transmittance of the rear window 210 is limited so as not to fall below a predetermined threshold.

[0040] The vehicle 200 further includes a sunroof 215. The sunroof 215 includes dimmable glass, which can adjust the transmittance of light passing through the sunroof 215.

[0041] The vehicle 200 further includes a number of side windows 220a and 220b, collectively referred to as side windows 220. Figure 2 includes the front side window of vehicle 200 in a retracted state, allowing a view into the vehicle's interior. Those skilled in the art will see that the front side window is also part of vehicle 200. The side windows 220 include dimmable glass that allows adjustment of the light transmission through the side windows 220. Figure 2 includes only the driver's side window. Those skilled in the art will see that vehicle 200 also includes a side window 220 on the passenger side of the vehicle.

[0042] Vehicle 200 can independently adjust the light transmittance of either the windshield 205, rear window 210, sunroof 215, or side window 220. This independent adjustment includes both whether or not to adjust the light transmittance and the magnitude of such adjustment. Furthermore, vehicle 200 can independently adjust the light transmittance of the vehicle's side windows 220. That is, vehicle 200 can adjust the light transmittance of side window 220a while maintaining the light transmittance of side window 220b. Furthermore, vehicle 200 can adjust the light transmittance of side window 220a by a different magnitude than the light transmittance adjustment of side window 220b. Furthermore, vehicle 200 can independently adjust the driver's side window 220 relative to the passenger side window, and vice versa.

[0043] Those skilled in the art will see that vehicles of various sizes with varying numbers of windows fall within the scope of this description. For example, in some embodiments, the vehicle 200 does not include a sunroof 215, or the vehicle 200 includes only two side windows 220 on each side of the vehicle 200.

[0044] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a system 300 for controlling the light transmittance of a vehicle window according to one or more embodiments. The system 300 includes a hardware processor 302 and a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium 304 that stores a set of executable instructions, in which computer program code 306, i.e., an executable set of instructions, is encoded. The computer-readable storage medium 304 also encodes instructions 307 for interacting with a manufacturing machine for manufacturing a memory array. The processor 302 is electrically coupled to the computer-readable storage medium 304 via a bus 308. The processor 302 is also electrically coupled to an input / output (I / O) interface 310 via the bus 308. In addition, a network interface 312 is electrically coupled to the processor 302 via the bus 308. Since the network interface 312 is connected to a network 314, the processor 302 and the computer-readable storage medium 304 are connectable to external elements via the network 314. The processor 302 is configured to execute computer program code 306 encoded in a computer-readable storage medium 304 in order to make the computer available to perform some or all of the operations described in Method 100 (Figure 1) or implemented by the vehicle 200 (Figure 2).

[0045] In some embodiments, the processor 302 is a central processing unit (CPU), a multiprocessor, a distributed processing system, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and / or a suitable processing unit.

[0046] In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium 304 is an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, and / or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device). For example, the computer-readable storage medium 504 includes semiconductor or solid-state memory, magnetic tape, removable computer diskette, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), rigid magnetic disk, and / or optical disk. In some embodiments using optical disks, the computer-readable storage medium 504 includes compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), compact disc read / write (CD-R / W), and / or digital video disc (DVD).

[0047] In some embodiments, the storage medium 304 stores computer program code 304 configured to cause the system 300 to perform some or all of the operations described in Method 100 (Figure 1) or implemented by the vehicle 200 (Figure 2). In some embodiments, the storage medium 304 also stores information used to perform some or all of the operations described in Method 100 (Figure 1) or implemented by the vehicle 200 (Figure 2), as well as information generated when performing some or all of the operations described in Method 100 (Figure 1) or implemented by the vehicle 200 (Figure 2), such as sensor data parameters 316, window transmittance parameters 318, prediction information parameters 320, vehicle state parameters 322, and / or a set of executable instructions for performing some or all of the operations described in Method 100 (Figure 1) or implemented by the vehicle 200 (Figure 2).

[0048] In some embodiments, the storage medium 304 stores instructions 307 for interacting with an external device, such as a mobile device. The instructions 307 enable the processor 302 to generate or receive instructions readable by the external device while performing some or all of an operation, such as one described in Method 100 (Figure 1) or implemented by the vehicle 200 (Figure 2).

[0049] The system 300 includes an I / O interface 310. The I / O interface 310 is coupled to external circuitry. In some embodiments, the I / O interface 310 includes a keyboard, keypad, mouse, trackball, trackpad, touchscreen and / or cursor directional keys for communicating information and commands to the processor 302.

[0050] System 300 also includes a network interface 312 coupled to the processor 302. The network interface 312 enables System 300 to communicate with a network 314 to which one or more other computer systems are connected. The network interface 312 includes wireless network interfaces such as BLUETOOTH®, WIFI®, WiMAX®, GPRS, or WCDMA®, or wired network interfaces such as ETHERNET, USB, or IEEE-1394. In some embodiments, some or all of the operations described in Method 100 (Figure 1) or implemented by the vehicle 200 (Figure 2) are implemented in two or more systems 300, and information such as sensor data, window transmittance, predictive information, or vehicle status is exchanged between different systems 300 via the network 314.

[0051] Supplementary Note 1 One aspect of this description relates to a vehicle. The vehicle includes a first dimmable glass. The vehicle further includes a first sensor configured to detect a first condition inside the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a processor connected to the first dimmable glass and the first sensor. The processor is configured to determine whether to adjust the transmittance of the first dimmable glass based on data from at least the first sensor and additional data, wherein the additional data relates to at least one of the conditions inside the vehicle other than the first condition or information relating to the first dimmable glass. The processor is further configured to transmit a signal to the first dimmable glass to change the transmittance of the first dimmable glass in response to a decision to change the transmittance of the first dimmable glass.

[0052] Supplementary Note 2 A vehicle as described in Supplementary Note 1, wherein the sensor is configured to detect the amount of sunlight entering the vehicle.

[0053] Supplementary Note 3 A vehicle as described in Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, wherein the sensor is configured to detect the temperature inside the vehicle.

[0054] Supplementary Note 4 A vehicle as described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the processor is configured to determine whether or not to adjust the transmittance of the first dimmable glass based on at least one of the following: vehicle location information, the current state of the vehicle, predictive information, the number of times the transmittance has changed within a predetermined time, or the detected angle of sunlight entering the interior of the vehicle.

[0055] Supplementary Note 5 A vehicle as described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, further comprising a second dimmable glass separate from the first dimmable glass.

[0056] Supplementary Note 6 A vehicle as described in Supplementary Note 5, wherein the processor is configured to determine whether or not to adjust the transmittance of the second dimmable glass based on data from sensors, and the decision regarding the second dimmable glass is independent of the decision regarding the first dimmable glass.

[0057] Supplementary Note 7 A vehicle as described in Supplementary Note 5 or Supplementary Note 6, wherein the processor is configured to transmit a signal to the first dimmable glass for adjusting the transmittance of the first dimmable glass to a first size, and to transmit a second signal to the second dimmable glass for adjusting the transmittance of the second dimmable glass to a second size different from the first size.

[0058] Supplementary note 8 In the vehicles described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, the first dimmable glass is one of the following: windshield, sunroof, rear window, or side window.

[0059] Supplementary note 9 A vehicle described in any one of the supplementary notes 1 to 8, wherein the initial transmittance of the first dimmable glass is equal to the maximum transmittance of the first dimmable glass.

[0060] Supplementary note 10 A vehicle as described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9, wherein the processor is further configured to prohibit or limit the adjustment of the transmittance of the first dimmable glass based on the current state of the vehicle.

[0061] Supplementary note 11 One aspect of this description relates to a vehicle. The vehicle comprises a first dimmable glass. The vehicle further comprises a sensor configured to detect the amount of light in the vehicle's interior. The vehicle further comprises a processor connected to the first dimmable glass and the sensor. The processor is configured to determine the amount of light in the vehicle's interior. The processor is further configured to determine whether or not to adjust the transmittance of the first dimmable glass based on the amount of light in the vehicle's interior and at least one additional state. The processor is further configured to transmit a signal to the first dimmable glass to change the transmittance of the first dimmable glass in response to a decision to change the transmittance of the first dimmable glass.

[0062] Supplementary note 12 A vehicle as described in Supplementary Note 11, wherein the processor is configured to determine whether the environment outside the vehicle is nighttime and to adjust the transmittance of the first dimmable glass in accordance with the determination that the environment outside the vehicle is nighttime.

[0063] Supplementary note 13 A vehicle as described in Supplementary Note 11 or Supplementary Note 12, wherein the processor is configured to determine whether or not to adjust the transmittance of the first dimmable glass based on at least one of the following: vehicle location information, the current state of the vehicle, predictive information, the number of times the transmittance has changed within a predetermined time, or the detected angle of sunlight entering the interior of the vehicle.

[0064] Supplementary note 14 A vehicle as described in any one of supplementary notes 11 to 13, further comprising a second dimmable glass separate from the first dimmable glass.

[0065] Supplementary note 15 A vehicle as described in any one of Supplementary Notes 11-14, wherein the processor is configured to determine whether or not to adjust the transmittance of a second dimmable glass based on data from sensors, and the decision regarding the second dimmable glass is independent of the decision regarding the first dimmable glass.

[0066] Supplementary note 16 A vehicle as described in any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 15, wherein the processor is configured to transmit a signal to the first dimmable glass for adjusting the transmittance of the first dimmable glass to a first size, and to transmit a second signal to the second dimmable glass for adjusting the transmittance of the second dimmable glass to a second size different from the first size.

[0067] Supplementary note 17 A vehicle as described in any one of supplementary notes 11 to 16, wherein the first dimmable glass is one of the following: windshield, sunroof, rear window, or side window.

[0068] Supplementary note 18 One aspect of this description relates to a method. The method includes the step of determining the condition inside a vehicle based on sensor data from at least two different sensors. The method further includes the step of determining whether or not to adjust the transmittance of a first dimmable glass based on the sensor data. The method further includes the step of transmitting a signal to the first dimmable glass to change the transmittance of the first dimmable glass in response to the decision to change the transmittance of the first dimmable glass.

[0069] Supplementary note 19 The method described in Supplementary Note 18, wherein the step of transmitting a signal includes transmitting the signal from outside the vehicle.

[0070] Supplementary note 20 A method relating to Supplementary Note 18, wherein the step of transmitting a signal includes the step of transmitting a signal from inside the vehicle.

[0071] The above outlines some features of embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure can be readily used as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures to perform the same purposes and / or achieve the same advantages as the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that such equivalent structures will not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made to this specification without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. It is a vehicle, The first dimmable glass, A first sensor configured to detect a first state inside the vehicle, A processor connected to the first dimmable glass and the first sensor, A step of determining whether or not to adjust the transmittance of the first dimmable glass based on the first state and additional data and the number of times the transmittance of the first dimmable glass has changed within a predetermined time, wherein the additional data relates to at least one of the internal state of the vehicle other than the first state or information related to the first dimmable glass, In response to a decision to change the transmittance of the first dimmable glass, the steps include: transmitting a signal to the first dimmable glass to change the transmittance of the first dimmable glass; A processor configured to perform the following: A vehicle equipped with [a certain feature].

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to detect the amount of sunlight entering the interior of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor is configured to detect the temperature inside the vehicle.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor is configured to determine whether or not to adjust the transmittance of the first dimmable glass based on at least one of vehicle location information, the current state of the vehicle, predictive information, or the detected angle of sunlight entering the interior of the vehicle.

5. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second dimmable glass separate from the first dimmable glass.

6. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the processor is configured to determine whether or not to adjust the transmittance of the second dimmable glass based on data from the sensor, and the decision regarding the second dimmable glass is independent of the decision regarding the first dimmable glass.

7. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the processor is configured to transmit a signal to the first dimmable glass for adjusting the transmittance of the first dimmable glass to a first size, and to transmit a second signal to the second dimmable glass for adjusting the transmittance of the second dimmable glass to a second size different from the first size.

8. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first dimmable glass is one of a windshield, sunroof, rear window, or side window.

9. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the initial transmittance of the first dimmable glass is the maximum transmittance of the first dimmable glass.

10. The vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor is further configured to prohibit or limit the adjustment of the transmittance of the first dimmable glass based on the current state of the vehicle.

11. It is a vehicle, The first dimmable glass, A sensor configured to detect the amount of light inside the vehicle, A processor connected to the first dimmable glass and the sensor, The amount of light inside the vehicle is determined, Based on the amount of light and at least one additional state inside the vehicle's interior, and the number of times the transmittance of the first dimmable glass changes within a predetermined time, it is determined whether or not to adjust the transmittance of the first dimmable glass. A processor configured to transmit a signal to the first dimmable glass for changing the transmittance of the first dimmable glass in response to a decision to change the transmittance of the first dimmable glass, A vehicle equipped with [a certain feature].

12. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the processor is configured to determine whether the external environment of the vehicle is nighttime, and to determine that the transmittance of the first dimmable glass is adjusted in accordance with the determination that the external environment of the vehicle is nighttime.

13. The vehicle according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the processor is configured to determine whether or not to adjust the transmittance of the first dimmable glass based on at least one of vehicle location information, the current state of the vehicle, predictive information, or the detected angle of sunlight entering the interior of the vehicle.

14. The vehicle according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising a second dimmable glass separate from the first dimmable glass.

15. The vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the processor is configured to determine whether or not to adjust the transmittance of the second dimmable glass based on data from the sensor, and the decision regarding the second dimmable glass is independent of the decision regarding the first dimmable glass.

16. The vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the processor is configured to transmit a signal to the first dimmable glass for adjusting the transmittance of the first dimmable glass to a first size, and to transmit a second signal to the second dimmable glass for adjusting the transmittance of the second dimmable glass to a second size different from the first size.

17. The vehicle according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the first dimmable glass is one of a windshield, sunroof, rear window, or side window.

18. A method that is executed by a processor, A step of determining the internal state of the vehicle based on sensor data from at least two different sensors, A step of determining whether or not to adjust the transmittance of the first dimmable glass based on the sensor data and the number of times the transmittance of the first dimmable glass changed within a predetermined time; In response to a decision to change the transmittance of the first dimmable glass, the steps include: transmitting a signal to the first dimmable glass to change the transmittance of the first dimmable glass; Methods that include...

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the step of transmitting the signal includes transmitting the signal from outside the vehicle.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein the step of transmitting the signal includes transmitting the signal from inside the vehicle.

Images