Vehicle Window Control Unit Automating State Changes at Detected Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
The repeated opening and closing of vehicle windows during operations like toll booth passes can be uncomfortable and distracting for drivers, reducing safety and convenience.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and control unit system that identifies and learns 'window points' where frequent state changes occur, allowing for automatic window control based on collected event data, including location, vehicle trajectory, and trigger conditions, enabling hands-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual window operation is used, then driver control is maintained, but driver distraction and safety are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically opening or closing the window pane before the vehicle reaches the toll booth or inspection point, eliminating the need for the driver to manually operate the window at the critical moment, thus maintaining safety while ensuring operational convenience
2Reliability
If automatic window control is implemented, then driver distraction is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the window control system and the vehicle's position/sensor systems. It receives data about the vehicle's location and upcoming events (toll booths, inspections), processes this information, and automatically actuates the window pane accordingly, thereby reducing driver distraction without requiring complex direct integration between multiple subsystems
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors the vehicle's position, detects upcoming events through sensors or GPS, and adjusts window pane operation accordingly. This feedback loop enables automatic control while maintaining system simplicity through modular architecture
3Productivity
If frequent window operations are performed, then communication at toll booths is enabled, but driver comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically managing window pane operations based on detected events such as approaching toll booths or inspection points. The control unit autonomously determines when to open or close the window without requiring driver intervention, thereby maintaining communication efficiency while significantly improving driver comfort by eliminating repetitive manual operations
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a control unit. The control unit is configured to determine a window point for an automatic change of state of a window pane of a vehicle. The control unit is also configured to determine event data for a plurality of window events in which an occupant of a vehicle has caused a change in the state of a window pane of the vehicle. The event data for a window event indicate a location at which the change of state of a window pane was effected. The control unit is also configured to determine at least one window point with a location at which a similar change of state of window panes was effected. The control unit is also configured to provide one or more vehicles with point data in relation to the determined window point, wherein the point data indicate the location of the window point and the change of state of a window pane automatically effected at the window point.