Electrochromic Window Tint Control via Ambient Light Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for mitigating glare from sunlight in vehicles are static and do not adapt to changing environmental conditions, such as the direction, intensity, or user preferences, leading to reduced effectiveness and compliance issues with varying regional regulations.

Innovation Solution

A system using camera data and ambient light sensors to automatically adjust the tint of vehicle windows, detecting glare and adapting tint levels in real-time based on the driver's gaze direction and environmental conditions, while complying with local regulations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If static tint strips or sun-visors are used to block glare, then glare mitigation is provided, but the solution does not adapt to changing sunlight direction, intensity, or user preferences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to changing environmental conditionsVSAvoideffectiveness of glare mitigation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static tint strips to dynamic electrochromic glass that can automatically adjust its tint level in real-time based on sensor feedback about sunlight intensity and direction, allowing the window to adapt to changing environmental conditions while maintaining reliable glare mitigation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by using light sensors to continuously monitor sunlight conditions and automatically adjusting the electrochromic glass tint level in response, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing environmental conditions while ensuring effective glare reduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Extent of automation

If manual preset adjustment is used for window tint, then user control is provided, but the system does not automatically adapt to varying light conditions and requires user intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic adjustment capabilityVSAvoiduser control over tinting

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies self-service by enabling the electrochromic glass to automatically adjust its own tint level based on sensor input without requiring user intervention, while still allowing users to override the automatic control when desired, thus achieving high automation while preserving user control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If uniform tinting is applied to all windows, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the solution cannot provide localized glare control for different viewing directions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocalized tint controlVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by enabling independent control of tint levels for different window panes or even different zones within a window, allowing each area to be optimized for its specific function (e.g., driver-side windows for glare reduction, passenger windows for privacy) without requiring complex centralized control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Object-affected harmful factors

If heavy tinting is applied to block all sunlight, then glare is completely blocked, but driver visibility and natural light in the cabin are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglare blockingVSAvoidcabin lighting and visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies dynamics by using electrochromic glass that can dynamically adjust tint intensity from light to dark based on real-time sensor feedback about sunlight conditions, allowing the window to provide maximum glare blocking when needed while maintaining high visibility when sunlight is not an issue, thus resolving the contradiction between glare blocking and cabin illumination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively reduces glare by dynamically adjusting tint levels, enhancing driver visibility and comfort, and ensuring compliance with regional tinting regulations through real-time monitoring and adaptive control.

Implementation Method 1

the glass panel may be constructed from an electrochromic material that can change a property of the glass panel in response to an applied voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentUS10744936B1Using camera data to automatically change the tint of transparent materials

Publication Date: 2020.08.18 AMBARELLA INT LP

AI summary

An apparatus includes an interface and a processor. The interface may be configured to receive ambient light information from a sensor. The processor may be configured to extract from the ambient light information (a) a brightness level and (b) a direction of light, compare the brightness level to a pre-determined threshold and generate a control signal if (a) the brightness level is greater than the pre-determined threshold and (b) the direction of the light corresponds to a field of view of a driver. The ambient light information may be determined in response to light directed towards one or more windows. The control signal may be configured to adjust an amount of tinting applied to the windows. The light may be measured in real-time.