CA2971493A1 - New vehicular sun visor - Google Patents
New vehicular sun visor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2971493A1 CA2971493A1 CA2971493A CA2971493A CA2971493A1 CA 2971493 A1 CA2971493 A1 CA 2971493A1 CA 2971493 A CA2971493 A CA 2971493A CA 2971493 A CA2971493 A CA 2971493A CA 2971493 A1 CA2971493 A1 CA 2971493A1
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- Prior art keywords
- sun
- panels
- transparent
- glass
- occupants
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
- B60J3/00—Antiglare equipment associated with windows or windscreens; Sun visors for vehicles
- B60J3/04—Antiglare equipment associated with windows or windscreens; Sun visors for vehicles adjustable in transparency
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Liquid Crystal (AREA)
- Devices For Indicating Variable Information By Combining Individual Elements (AREA)
Abstract
The invention is a new vehicular sun visor system which is used to automatically shade a vehicles occupants eyes and faces from direct sun glare. The system uses many separate electronically controlled smart glass panels or transparent LCD or LED panel which switch between opaque and transparent or transparent and tinted. A sun sensing location system is used in conjunction with a system of methods for controlling and switching areas of the windshield where transparent changeable to opaque panels or pixels are located. The system acts to actively and continually monitor the suns location relative occupants faces and keep occupants faces continually shaded by keeping panels or pixels opaque where the sun is located relative to direct view and it does this as the vehicle moves in real-time for driver and passenger.
Description
New Vehicular Sun Visor TECHNICAL FIELD
This is an invention within the automotive industry, an invention that automates vehicular sun visors, sunshades to make driving safer and provides a more hands-free drive by automatically protecting the drivers and passengers' eyes from the sun. The invention does also have the ability to be useful in a manually operable version. The invention applies to any and all vehicles, or can even be applied to use within aerospace or nautical piloting, wherever the need to shield an operators eyes from the sun is necessary.
BACKGROUND
The automatic version sunshade is an effort to help automate vehicles and improve comfort and ease of use with less driver input needed. Age old vehicular sun visors haven't changed for many years, and they haven't done the best of jobs either. There are many imperfections noticed with sun visors such as the sun still peaking through around uncovered spots, the necessity for driver input to raise, lower or adjust the visor and also the amount of visibility that a normal or expandable visor will take away from a drivers view. This automatic visor does the job of present visors but better and automatically, it also does not rob a large portion of an operators view to do its job. Higher technologically advanced versions of the invention take no view from the operator at all but act to dim the sun to comfortable levels. Manually operable versions of this invention do the same but with some slight driver input as to manually select where to shield the drivers eyes, even this lesser model would do a much better job of automation and operator aid in comparison to current vehicular sunshades as current shades physically protrude into the cabin and require physical manipulation and articulation to do their job.
Whether automatic or manually operable this new invention has no moving parts and is completely electronically controlled making it more streamlined and aesthetic.
IMFORMATION ON PRIOR ART
There has been some design progress with prior art to better shield an operators eyes from the sun such as Canadian Patent # 2122396 which improved mobility of the visor, U.S.
Patent # 5,054,839 which worked out aesthetics, appearance and structure, U.S.
Patent #
5,011,211 which improves the manufacturing process, Canadian Patent #
1,325,823 to address a multiple visor issue, U.S. Patent # 5,152,573 and U.S. Patent #
5,016,938 focus on blocking the sun below the standard visor plate, U.S. Patent # 5,104,174 and U.S. Patent #
5,042,867 include internal plates to have better coverage around the standard single plate visor but none of these are automatic and all of them distract the drivers full undivided attention from the road and also take a large part of the view away from the driver or operator.
All current, prior art have many difficulties including having to be moved, which can be quite distracting and potentially dangerous especially in a high speed, high sun glare situation with traffic coming to sudden stops, they also have the peculiarity of being clunky by being too intricate and complex even when fully shielding a drivers eyes from all spots at the top of a windshield. Another element of prior art is that the parts protrude into the cabin and can break off and are simply extra "baggage" in a vehicle of any type and can even contact a drivers head when being adjusted or during an accident.
This is an invention within the automotive industry, an invention that automates vehicular sun visors, sunshades to make driving safer and provides a more hands-free drive by automatically protecting the drivers and passengers' eyes from the sun. The invention does also have the ability to be useful in a manually operable version. The invention applies to any and all vehicles, or can even be applied to use within aerospace or nautical piloting, wherever the need to shield an operators eyes from the sun is necessary.
BACKGROUND
The automatic version sunshade is an effort to help automate vehicles and improve comfort and ease of use with less driver input needed. Age old vehicular sun visors haven't changed for many years, and they haven't done the best of jobs either. There are many imperfections noticed with sun visors such as the sun still peaking through around uncovered spots, the necessity for driver input to raise, lower or adjust the visor and also the amount of visibility that a normal or expandable visor will take away from a drivers view. This automatic visor does the job of present visors but better and automatically, it also does not rob a large portion of an operators view to do its job. Higher technologically advanced versions of the invention take no view from the operator at all but act to dim the sun to comfortable levels. Manually operable versions of this invention do the same but with some slight driver input as to manually select where to shield the drivers eyes, even this lesser model would do a much better job of automation and operator aid in comparison to current vehicular sunshades as current shades physically protrude into the cabin and require physical manipulation and articulation to do their job.
Whether automatic or manually operable this new invention has no moving parts and is completely electronically controlled making it more streamlined and aesthetic.
IMFORMATION ON PRIOR ART
There has been some design progress with prior art to better shield an operators eyes from the sun such as Canadian Patent # 2122396 which improved mobility of the visor, U.S.
Patent # 5,054,839 which worked out aesthetics, appearance and structure, U.S.
Patent #
5,011,211 which improves the manufacturing process, Canadian Patent #
1,325,823 to address a multiple visor issue, U.S. Patent # 5,152,573 and U.S. Patent #
5,016,938 focus on blocking the sun below the standard visor plate, U.S. Patent # 5,104,174 and U.S. Patent #
5,042,867 include internal plates to have better coverage around the standard single plate visor but none of these are automatic and all of them distract the drivers full undivided attention from the road and also take a large part of the view away from the driver or operator.
All current, prior art have many difficulties including having to be moved, which can be quite distracting and potentially dangerous especially in a high speed, high sun glare situation with traffic coming to sudden stops, they also have the peculiarity of being clunky by being too intricate and complex even when fully shielding a drivers eyes from all spots at the top of a windshield. Another element of prior art is that the parts protrude into the cabin and can break off and are simply extra "baggage" in a vehicle of any type and can even contact a drivers head when being adjusted or during an accident.
2 Additionally and as commentary to technological advances in the automotive industry, there are many new and useful and inventive ideas, digital development and automation implementation into vehicles of today to the point where almost everything about a new state-of-the-art vehicle, namely luxury cars has been upgraded, changed or digitized such as navigation, music playing, radio decks, electronic control of damper stiffness, etc; but sun visors have stayed relatively standard, simple and clunky. This invention changes that for this area of vehicular design and technology.
WHAT THIS INVENTION SOLVES
The inventive concept of this invention is to be completely static with no moving parts, the parts are completely electronic and automatic also, with a small computer doing some work to pinpoint the sun through sensors. The shading parts of the invention which are electronically or otherwise switchable microfilms or other technologies discussed in depth later on, are controlled by the computer to shield a drivers eyes completely in an automatic manner.
Additionally and in a lesser technologically advanced model the sunshade can be manually controlled by the driver by buttons to choose where on the windshield to shield occupants eyes. Although this model would be manual it is still much less distracting compared to current manual prior art sun visors as all that would be necessary is to turn a knob or push buttons to operate it versus manually positioning the visor and all the awkwardness that goes along with such positioning.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiments of the invention:
Figure 1 is a view of a vehicular windshield with smart glass panels at the top with wide measurements for each panel.
Figure 2 is a view of a vehicular windshield with smart glass panels at the top with thin measurements.
Figure 3 is a view of a vehicular windshield with transparent LCD or LED at the top.
Figure 4 is a view of a vehicular windshield with wide smart glass panels applied at the top in wide measurement, this figure is an in action view of addressed panels blocking the sun so to shield occupants.
Figure 5 is a view of a vehicular windshield with wide smart glass panels applied at the top in thin measurement, this figure is an in action view of addressed panels blocking the sun so to shield occupants.
Figure 6 is a view of a vehicular windshield with transparent LCD or LED at the top, this figure is an in action view of addressed pixels blocking the sun so to shield occupants.
Figure 7 is a view of a vehicular windshield with transparent LCD or LED
applied to its entire surface area.
WHAT THIS INVENTION SOLVES
The inventive concept of this invention is to be completely static with no moving parts, the parts are completely electronic and automatic also, with a small computer doing some work to pinpoint the sun through sensors. The shading parts of the invention which are electronically or otherwise switchable microfilms or other technologies discussed in depth later on, are controlled by the computer to shield a drivers eyes completely in an automatic manner.
Additionally and in a lesser technologically advanced model the sunshade can be manually controlled by the driver by buttons to choose where on the windshield to shield occupants eyes. Although this model would be manual it is still much less distracting compared to current manual prior art sun visors as all that would be necessary is to turn a knob or push buttons to operate it versus manually positioning the visor and all the awkwardness that goes along with such positioning.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiments of the invention:
Figure 1 is a view of a vehicular windshield with smart glass panels at the top with wide measurements for each panel.
Figure 2 is a view of a vehicular windshield with smart glass panels at the top with thin measurements.
Figure 3 is a view of a vehicular windshield with transparent LCD or LED at the top.
Figure 4 is a view of a vehicular windshield with wide smart glass panels applied at the top in wide measurement, this figure is an in action view of addressed panels blocking the sun so to shield occupants.
Figure 5 is a view of a vehicular windshield with wide smart glass panels applied at the top in thin measurement, this figure is an in action view of addressed panels blocking the sun so to shield occupants.
Figure 6 is a view of a vehicular windshield with transparent LCD or LED at the top, this figure is an in action view of addressed pixels blocking the sun so to shield occupants.
Figure 7 is a view of a vehicular windshield with transparent LCD or LED
applied to its entire surface area.
3 Figure 8 is a view of a vehicular windshield with transparent LCD or LED
applied to its entire surface area, this figure is an in action view of addressed pixels blocking the sun so to shield the occupant.
Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of the top corner of a vehicle windshield which has laminated glass and a smart glass panel strip laminated between two sheets of glass.
Figure 10 is a cross sectional view of the top corner of a vehicle windshield which has laminated glass and a smart glass panel strip applied to the interior side top.
Figure 11 is a cross sectional view of the top corner of a vehicle windshield which has laminated glass and a smart glass panel strip applied to an interior visor piece which is separate from the windshield.
Figure 12 is a top cross sectional view of smart glass panels arranged in a staggered pattern with insulating medium between.
Figure 13 is a circuit diagram showing basic wiring and elements, including use of ambient light sensors and a panel strip of smart glass.
Figure 14 is a circuit diagram showing basic wiring and elements, including use of cameras and a panel strip of smart glass.
Figure 15 is a circuit diagram showing basic wiring and elements, including use of GPS, motion sensor, solar path databases and a panel strip of smart glass.
Figure 16 is a circuit diagram showing basic wiring and elements, including a manual control interface mechanism and a panel strip of smart glass.
Figure 17 is a circuit diagram showing basic wiring and elements, including cameras, windshield and a transparent LCD or LED panel applied to it.
Figure 18 is a circuit diagram showing basic wiring and elements, including photoresistive light sensors and a windshield with a panel of transparent LCD or LED applied to it.
Figure 19 is a vehicular windshield with a panel strip of smart glass applied at the top in a skinny measurement, this figure is an in action view of the smart glass panels being activated to shield the sun from occupants. It also shows a version of the system where the central main panel blocking the sun is fully opaque and the two adjacent panels at a partially transparent level.
Figure 20 is a vehicular windshield with a panel strip of transparent LCD or LED applied at the top, this figure is an in action view of selected panel pixels being activated to shield the sun from occupants. It also shows a version of the system where the central main area blocking the sun is fully opaque or tinted and the area around at a partially transparent level creating a soft gradient.
Figure 21 is a vehicular windshield with a panel of transparent LCD or LED
applied to it, this figure is an in action view of selected panel pixels being activated to shield the sun from occupants. It also shows a version of the system where the central main area blocking
applied to its entire surface area, this figure is an in action view of addressed pixels blocking the sun so to shield the occupant.
Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of the top corner of a vehicle windshield which has laminated glass and a smart glass panel strip laminated between two sheets of glass.
Figure 10 is a cross sectional view of the top corner of a vehicle windshield which has laminated glass and a smart glass panel strip applied to the interior side top.
Figure 11 is a cross sectional view of the top corner of a vehicle windshield which has laminated glass and a smart glass panel strip applied to an interior visor piece which is separate from the windshield.
Figure 12 is a top cross sectional view of smart glass panels arranged in a staggered pattern with insulating medium between.
Figure 13 is a circuit diagram showing basic wiring and elements, including use of ambient light sensors and a panel strip of smart glass.
Figure 14 is a circuit diagram showing basic wiring and elements, including use of cameras and a panel strip of smart glass.
Figure 15 is a circuit diagram showing basic wiring and elements, including use of GPS, motion sensor, solar path databases and a panel strip of smart glass.
Figure 16 is a circuit diagram showing basic wiring and elements, including a manual control interface mechanism and a panel strip of smart glass.
Figure 17 is a circuit diagram showing basic wiring and elements, including cameras, windshield and a transparent LCD or LED panel applied to it.
Figure 18 is a circuit diagram showing basic wiring and elements, including photoresistive light sensors and a windshield with a panel of transparent LCD or LED applied to it.
Figure 19 is a vehicular windshield with a panel strip of smart glass applied at the top in a skinny measurement, this figure is an in action view of the smart glass panels being activated to shield the sun from occupants. It also shows a version of the system where the central main panel blocking the sun is fully opaque and the two adjacent panels at a partially transparent level.
Figure 20 is a vehicular windshield with a panel strip of transparent LCD or LED applied at the top, this figure is an in action view of selected panel pixels being activated to shield the sun from occupants. It also shows a version of the system where the central main area blocking the sun is fully opaque or tinted and the area around at a partially transparent level creating a soft gradient.
Figure 21 is a vehicular windshield with a panel of transparent LCD or LED
applied to it, this figure is an in action view of selected panel pixels being activated to shield the sun from occupants. It also shows a version of the system where the central main area blocking
4 the sun is fully opaque or tinted and the area around at a partially transparent level creating a soft gradient.
Figure 22 is an in action view of a vehicle interior photograph including an occupant (driver) and with smart glass panels applied in a strip at the top of the windshield, the panels are transparent except for the panel which is switched to opaque to shield the occupants eyes from the sun.
Figure 23 is an in action view of a vehicle interior photograph including an occupant (driver) and with a transparent LCD or LED panel applied to the windshield, the panels are transparent except for the panel which is switched to opaque to shield the occupants eyes from the sun.
Figure 24 is an action view of a vehicle sun or moon roof with smart glass panels affixed in a grid layout and showing a main panel fully opaque blocking the sun from occupant(s) and adjacent panels partially transparent creating a gradient smooth shielding effect.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure 1: this is one version of the invention in a plan view of a vehicle windshield 1, this embodiment is a representation show of the smart glass panels 2, in a wide setting applied at the top of the windshield, it is a representation because the normal view of this smart glass panel system in physical form is nearly fully transparent or invisible when panels in "off' or transparent mode and the grid is never visible. It is shown here to embody the invention and show the smart glass panel application to the windshield.
This visor invention is designed to completely replace prior art hard or mechanical sun visors in any and all vehicles and also included as part of the manufacturing process of new vehicles. The windshield 1, has panels of smart glass 2, applied at the top.
In this view the panels 2, are in the "off' or transparent setting. As mentioned, the grid view of the panels 2 is shown to embody the invention but in real form is completely transparent or invisible, or nearly so.
Figure 2: this is the same version of the invention shown in Figure 1 in a plan view of a vehicle windshield 1, however this embodiment is a representation show of the smart glass panels 2, in a narrow setting applied at the top of the windshield, it is a representation because the normal view of this smart glass panel system in physical form is nearly fully transparent or invisible when panels in "off' or transparent mode and the grid is never visible. It is shown here to embody the invention and show the smart glass panel application to the windshield.
This visor invention is designed to completely replace prior art hard or mechanical sun visors in any and all vehicles and also included as part of the manufacturing process of new vehicles. The windshield 1, has panels of smart glass 2, applied at the top.
In this view the panels 2, are in the "off' or transparent setting. As mentioned, the grid view of the panels 2 is shown to embody the invention but in real form is completely transparent or invisible, or nearly so.
Figure 3: this is a different version of the invention in a plan view of a vehicle windshield 1, however this embodiment is a representation show of the sun shielding strip which is transparent LCD or LED 3, at the top of the windshield, it is a representation because the
Figure 22 is an in action view of a vehicle interior photograph including an occupant (driver) and with smart glass panels applied in a strip at the top of the windshield, the panels are transparent except for the panel which is switched to opaque to shield the occupants eyes from the sun.
Figure 23 is an in action view of a vehicle interior photograph including an occupant (driver) and with a transparent LCD or LED panel applied to the windshield, the panels are transparent except for the panel which is switched to opaque to shield the occupants eyes from the sun.
Figure 24 is an action view of a vehicle sun or moon roof with smart glass panels affixed in a grid layout and showing a main panel fully opaque blocking the sun from occupant(s) and adjacent panels partially transparent creating a gradient smooth shielding effect.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure 1: this is one version of the invention in a plan view of a vehicle windshield 1, this embodiment is a representation show of the smart glass panels 2, in a wide setting applied at the top of the windshield, it is a representation because the normal view of this smart glass panel system in physical form is nearly fully transparent or invisible when panels in "off' or transparent mode and the grid is never visible. It is shown here to embody the invention and show the smart glass panel application to the windshield.
This visor invention is designed to completely replace prior art hard or mechanical sun visors in any and all vehicles and also included as part of the manufacturing process of new vehicles. The windshield 1, has panels of smart glass 2, applied at the top.
In this view the panels 2, are in the "off' or transparent setting. As mentioned, the grid view of the panels 2 is shown to embody the invention but in real form is completely transparent or invisible, or nearly so.
Figure 2: this is the same version of the invention shown in Figure 1 in a plan view of a vehicle windshield 1, however this embodiment is a representation show of the smart glass panels 2, in a narrow setting applied at the top of the windshield, it is a representation because the normal view of this smart glass panel system in physical form is nearly fully transparent or invisible when panels in "off' or transparent mode and the grid is never visible. It is shown here to embody the invention and show the smart glass panel application to the windshield.
This visor invention is designed to completely replace prior art hard or mechanical sun visors in any and all vehicles and also included as part of the manufacturing process of new vehicles. The windshield 1, has panels of smart glass 2, applied at the top.
In this view the panels 2, are in the "off' or transparent setting. As mentioned, the grid view of the panels 2 is shown to embody the invention but in real form is completely transparent or invisible, or nearly so.
Figure 3: this is a different version of the invention in a plan view of a vehicle windshield 1, however this embodiment is a representation show of the sun shielding strip which is transparent LCD or LED 3, at the top of the windshield, it is a representation because the
5 normal view of this transparent LCD or LED panel strip system in physical form is nearly fully transparent or invisible when panels in "off' or transparent mode and the line defining its area of coverage at the near top of the windshield is never visible. It is shown here to embody the invention and show the transparent panel application to the windshield.
This visor invention is designed to completely replace prior art hard or mechanical sun visors in any and all vehicles and also included as part of the manufacturing process of new vehicles. The windshield 1, has panel of transparent LCD or LED 3, applied at the top. In this view the panel 3, are in the "off" or transparent setting. As mentioned, the line depicting the bottom of the shielding panel 3, is shown to embody the invention but in real form is completely transparent or invisible, or nearly so.
Figure 4: this is a plan view of the invention with smart glass panels 2, in wide setting applied to the top of the windshield 1, the scenario here includes two occupants 7, (as obvious from the drawing one occupant is holding a steering wheel 9, this is of course the driver) and the sun 6, the suns direct path view to the occupants face and eyes is shown by arrows 8, in this scenario the suns direct path to the occupants eyes are shielded by smart glass panels 4, which are switched to opaque from standard operating transparent as the rest are, which are shown by 2. This casts a shadow to the occupants' eyes and face which completely replaces prior art sun visors and makes it possible for a more automated, safe drive.
Figure 5: this is a plan view of the invention with smart glass panels 2, in narrow setting applied to the top of the windshield 1, the scenario here includes two occupants 7, (as obvious from the drawing one occupant is holding a steering wheel 9, this is of course the driver) and the sun 6, the suns direct path view to the occupants face and eyes is shown by arrows 8, in this scenario the suns direct path to the occupants eyes are shielded by smart glass panels 4, which are switched to opaque from standard operating transparent as the rest are, which are shown by 2. This casts a shadow to the occupants' eyes and face which completely replaces prior art sun visors and makes it possible for a more automated, safe drive.
Figure 6: this is a plan view of the invention with a transparent LCD or LED
panel 3, applied to the top of the windshield 1, the scenario here includes two occupants 7, and the sun 6, the suns direct path view to the occupants face and eyes is shown by arrows 8, in this scenario the suns direct path to the occupants eyes are shielded by the transparent LCD or LED panels activated pixels 5, which are switched on so to be opaque from standard operating transparent as the rest are, which are shown by 3. This casts a shadow to the occupants' eyes and face which completely replaces prior art sun visors and makes it possible for a more automated, safe drive.
Figure 7: this is a of the invention in a plan view of a vehicle windshield 1, however this embodiment is a representation show of the sun shielding which is transparent LCD or LED; 3, covering the whole windshield, it is a representation because the normal view of this transparent LCD or LED panel system in physical form is nearly fully transparent or invisible when panels in "off" or transparent mode and the line defining its area of coverage is never visible. It is shown here to embody the invention and show the transparent panel application to the windshield.
This visor invention is designed to completely replace prior art hard or mechanical sun visors in any and all vehicles and also included as part of the manufacturing process of new vehicles. The windshield 1, has panel of transparent LCD or LED 3, applied at the top. In this view the panel 3, are in the "off" or transparent setting. As mentioned, the line depicting the bottom of the shielding panel 3, is shown to embody the invention but in real form is completely transparent or invisible, or nearly so.
Figure 4: this is a plan view of the invention with smart glass panels 2, in wide setting applied to the top of the windshield 1, the scenario here includes two occupants 7, (as obvious from the drawing one occupant is holding a steering wheel 9, this is of course the driver) and the sun 6, the suns direct path view to the occupants face and eyes is shown by arrows 8, in this scenario the suns direct path to the occupants eyes are shielded by smart glass panels 4, which are switched to opaque from standard operating transparent as the rest are, which are shown by 2. This casts a shadow to the occupants' eyes and face which completely replaces prior art sun visors and makes it possible for a more automated, safe drive.
Figure 5: this is a plan view of the invention with smart glass panels 2, in narrow setting applied to the top of the windshield 1, the scenario here includes two occupants 7, (as obvious from the drawing one occupant is holding a steering wheel 9, this is of course the driver) and the sun 6, the suns direct path view to the occupants face and eyes is shown by arrows 8, in this scenario the suns direct path to the occupants eyes are shielded by smart glass panels 4, which are switched to opaque from standard operating transparent as the rest are, which are shown by 2. This casts a shadow to the occupants' eyes and face which completely replaces prior art sun visors and makes it possible for a more automated, safe drive.
Figure 6: this is a plan view of the invention with a transparent LCD or LED
panel 3, applied to the top of the windshield 1, the scenario here includes two occupants 7, and the sun 6, the suns direct path view to the occupants face and eyes is shown by arrows 8, in this scenario the suns direct path to the occupants eyes are shielded by the transparent LCD or LED panels activated pixels 5, which are switched on so to be opaque from standard operating transparent as the rest are, which are shown by 3. This casts a shadow to the occupants' eyes and face which completely replaces prior art sun visors and makes it possible for a more automated, safe drive.
Figure 7: this is a of the invention in a plan view of a vehicle windshield 1, however this embodiment is a representation show of the sun shielding which is transparent LCD or LED; 3, covering the whole windshield, it is a representation because the normal view of this transparent LCD or LED panel system in physical form is nearly fully transparent or invisible when panels in "off" or transparent mode and the line defining its area of coverage is never visible. It is shown here to embody the invention and show the transparent panel application to the windshield.
6 Figure 8: this is a version of the invention in a plan view of a vehicle windshield 1, with transparent LCD or LED; 3, covering the whole windshield, the scenario here depicts an occupant (driver) 7, being shielded by the sun 6, the suns direct rays to the drivers eyes are represented by arrow 8, the shielding is done by addressed pixels 5, of the transparent LCD
or LED panel 3, This casts a shadow to the drivers eyes and face which completely replaces prior art sun visors and makes it possible for a more automated, safe drive.
Figure 9: is a cross section top corner view of a vehicle windshield and roof 10, this embodies the product of the process whereby the installation of the inventive system is worked into the manufacturing process of the vehicle. The windshield here is composed of an outer layer of glass 1A, an inner layer of glass 1B, and an interlayer of lamination film of whatever industry normal type 1C, as seen in this view, the lamination interlayer stops and the smart glass panel interlayer takes over, represented by 2. This is one version of the manufacturing configuration possible whereby the smart glass panels are laminated into the windshield.
Figure 10: is a cross section top corner view of a vehicle windshield and roof 10, this embodies the product of the process whereby the installation of the inventive system is worked into the manufacturing process of the vehicle. The windshield here is composed of an outer layer of glass 1A, an inner layer of glass 1B, and an interlayer of lamination film of whatever industry normal type 1C, the smart glass panel 2 is applied to the interior of vehicle side of the glass layer 1B. This is another version of a manufacturing configuration possible.
Figure 11: is a cross section top corner view of a vehicle windshield and roof 10, this embodies the product of the process whereby the installation of the inventive system is worked into the manufacturing process of the vehicle. The windshield here is composed of an outer layer of glass 1A, an inner layer of glass 1B, and an interlayer of lamination film of whatever industry normal type 1C, the smart glass panel 2 is separate the glass and affixed to a holder or bracket 11, so to be a separate visor element. This is another version of a manufacturing configuration possible.
Figure 12: is a plan-top view of a series of smart glass panels 2, and an insulating interlayer 12, which prevents electricity travelling between individual panels and activating more than the specifically preferred panel at once.
Figure 13: this is a schematic view of a version of the invention. A strip of individual smart glass panels 2, are individually connected to a relay 14, by their positive power wires 16, the panels' grounds are connected to a battery negative or ground by their respective wires 17. For smart glass which uses AC power the relay switch 14, is used to allow a microprocessor 13 to control such a power load with small amounts of electrical power.
The microprocessor has its own small DC current power feed at positive 21, and ground 22.
The relay is fed by a wire 18, which feeds it and all switches within the necessary AC
power. The microprocessor 13, is individually connected to the smart glass panels 2, via the relay 14, by individual wires 15 and wires 16. The electrical relay strip 14 has individual switches which only share power by wire 18, but only become switched when the microprocessor sends a signal to a specific switch to power via wires 15, the relay then sends power through the switched channel and then to the specific smart glass panel 2.
To determine which panels to activate, the microprocessor takes readings from ambient light sensors 25, these sensors are housed inside a housing 23, and separated by partitions
or LED panel 3, This casts a shadow to the drivers eyes and face which completely replaces prior art sun visors and makes it possible for a more automated, safe drive.
Figure 9: is a cross section top corner view of a vehicle windshield and roof 10, this embodies the product of the process whereby the installation of the inventive system is worked into the manufacturing process of the vehicle. The windshield here is composed of an outer layer of glass 1A, an inner layer of glass 1B, and an interlayer of lamination film of whatever industry normal type 1C, as seen in this view, the lamination interlayer stops and the smart glass panel interlayer takes over, represented by 2. This is one version of the manufacturing configuration possible whereby the smart glass panels are laminated into the windshield.
Figure 10: is a cross section top corner view of a vehicle windshield and roof 10, this embodies the product of the process whereby the installation of the inventive system is worked into the manufacturing process of the vehicle. The windshield here is composed of an outer layer of glass 1A, an inner layer of glass 1B, and an interlayer of lamination film of whatever industry normal type 1C, the smart glass panel 2 is applied to the interior of vehicle side of the glass layer 1B. This is another version of a manufacturing configuration possible.
Figure 11: is a cross section top corner view of a vehicle windshield and roof 10, this embodies the product of the process whereby the installation of the inventive system is worked into the manufacturing process of the vehicle. The windshield here is composed of an outer layer of glass 1A, an inner layer of glass 1B, and an interlayer of lamination film of whatever industry normal type 1C, the smart glass panel 2 is separate the glass and affixed to a holder or bracket 11, so to be a separate visor element. This is another version of a manufacturing configuration possible.
Figure 12: is a plan-top view of a series of smart glass panels 2, and an insulating interlayer 12, which prevents electricity travelling between individual panels and activating more than the specifically preferred panel at once.
Figure 13: this is a schematic view of a version of the invention. A strip of individual smart glass panels 2, are individually connected to a relay 14, by their positive power wires 16, the panels' grounds are connected to a battery negative or ground by their respective wires 17. For smart glass which uses AC power the relay switch 14, is used to allow a microprocessor 13 to control such a power load with small amounts of electrical power.
The microprocessor has its own small DC current power feed at positive 21, and ground 22.
The relay is fed by a wire 18, which feeds it and all switches within the necessary AC
power. The microprocessor 13, is individually connected to the smart glass panels 2, via the relay 14, by individual wires 15 and wires 16. The electrical relay strip 14 has individual switches which only share power by wire 18, but only become switched when the microprocessor sends a signal to a specific switch to power via wires 15, the relay then sends power through the switched channel and then to the specific smart glass panel 2.
To determine which panels to activate, the microprocessor takes readings from ambient light sensors 25, these sensors are housed inside a housing 23, and separated by partitions
7 24, and these partitions ensure light hitting one sensor does not influence the next so to allow clean readings to determine the angle of direct sunlight by determining that the sensor with the most light on it indicates the angle of direct sunlight. These sensors are individually connected to the microprocessor via wires 20. The microprocessor computes the data from sensors 25, and activates the correct smart glass panel 2, in order to shield occupant(s) eyes and face from direct sunlight.
It is also important to note in order to make sense of the sun angle sensing nature of this schematic that each sensor or group of sensors, if setup in a cluster arrangement, correlate directly with one or a few smart glass panels. The microprocessor uses the data from the sensors to compute the exact location of the sun relative to occupants and activate the correlative smart glass panels via the relay so to act as a sun visor and shield the occupants from direct sunlight.
Figure 14: this is a schematic view of a version of the invention. A strip of individual smart glass panels 2, are individually connected to a relay 14, by their positive power wires 16, the panels' grounds are connected to a battery negative or ground by their respective wires 17. For smart glass which uses AC power the relay switch 14, is used to allow a microprocessor 13 to control such a power load with small amounts of electrical power.
The microprocessor has its own small DC current power feed at positive 21, and ground 22.
The relay is fed by a wire 18, which feeds it and all switches within the necessary AC
power. The microprocessor 13, is individually connected to the smart glass panels 2, via the relay 14, by individual wires 15 and wires 16. The electrical relay strip 14 has individual switches which only share power by wire 18, but only become switched when the microprocessor sends a signal to a specific switch to power via wires 15, the relay then sends power through the switched channel and then to the specific smart glass panel 2.
To determine which panels to activate the microprocessor takes readings from cameras 26, these are connected via wires 19, the cameras are facing the interior of the vehicle, these cameras use facial recognition software to determine the location of occupants' faces and to keep them shielded and shaded from the suns direct glare. The microprocessor 13, uses facial recognition software, angular data, and shadow recognition software (which is loaded onto itself) to determine if the occupants faces are shaded actively in real time by the smart glass panels 2, and to keep them continually shaded when the vehicle is in motion.
Figure 15: this is a schematic view of a version of the invention. A strip of individual smart glass panels 2, are individually connected to a relay 14, by their positive power wires 16, the panels' grounds are connected to a battery negative or ground by their respective wires 17. For smart glass which uses AC power the relay switch 14, is used to allow a microprocessor 13 to control such a power load with small amounts of electrical power.
The microprocessor has its own small DC current power feed at positive 21, and ground 22.
The relay is fed by a wire 18, which feeds it and all switches within the necessary AC
power. The microprocessor 13, is individually connected to the smart glass panels 2, via the relay 14, by individual wires 15 and wires 16. The electrical relay strip 14 has individual switches which only share power by wire 18, but only become switched when the microprocessor sends a signal to a specific switch to power via wires 15, the relay then sends power through the switched channel and then to the specific smart glass panel 2.
To determine which panels to activate the microprocessor uses data from three sources; a GPS 27, connected via a wire 30, this GPS helps the microprocessor 13, determine the
It is also important to note in order to make sense of the sun angle sensing nature of this schematic that each sensor or group of sensors, if setup in a cluster arrangement, correlate directly with one or a few smart glass panels. The microprocessor uses the data from the sensors to compute the exact location of the sun relative to occupants and activate the correlative smart glass panels via the relay so to act as a sun visor and shield the occupants from direct sunlight.
Figure 14: this is a schematic view of a version of the invention. A strip of individual smart glass panels 2, are individually connected to a relay 14, by their positive power wires 16, the panels' grounds are connected to a battery negative or ground by their respective wires 17. For smart glass which uses AC power the relay switch 14, is used to allow a microprocessor 13 to control such a power load with small amounts of electrical power.
The microprocessor has its own small DC current power feed at positive 21, and ground 22.
The relay is fed by a wire 18, which feeds it and all switches within the necessary AC
power. The microprocessor 13, is individually connected to the smart glass panels 2, via the relay 14, by individual wires 15 and wires 16. The electrical relay strip 14 has individual switches which only share power by wire 18, but only become switched when the microprocessor sends a signal to a specific switch to power via wires 15, the relay then sends power through the switched channel and then to the specific smart glass panel 2.
To determine which panels to activate the microprocessor takes readings from cameras 26, these are connected via wires 19, the cameras are facing the interior of the vehicle, these cameras use facial recognition software to determine the location of occupants' faces and to keep them shielded and shaded from the suns direct glare. The microprocessor 13, uses facial recognition software, angular data, and shadow recognition software (which is loaded onto itself) to determine if the occupants faces are shaded actively in real time by the smart glass panels 2, and to keep them continually shaded when the vehicle is in motion.
Figure 15: this is a schematic view of a version of the invention. A strip of individual smart glass panels 2, are individually connected to a relay 14, by their positive power wires 16, the panels' grounds are connected to a battery negative or ground by their respective wires 17. For smart glass which uses AC power the relay switch 14, is used to allow a microprocessor 13 to control such a power load with small amounts of electrical power.
The microprocessor has its own small DC current power feed at positive 21, and ground 22.
The relay is fed by a wire 18, which feeds it and all switches within the necessary AC
power. The microprocessor 13, is individually connected to the smart glass panels 2, via the relay 14, by individual wires 15 and wires 16. The electrical relay strip 14 has individual switches which only share power by wire 18, but only become switched when the microprocessor sends a signal to a specific switch to power via wires 15, the relay then sends power through the switched channel and then to the specific smart glass panel 2.
To determine which panels to activate the microprocessor uses data from three sources; a GPS 27, connected via a wire 30, this GPS helps the microprocessor 13, determine the
8 direction, location and speed of the vehicle, a motion sensor or G-sensor 28, connected via a wire 31, helps the microprocessor 13, determine the pitch (front of vehicle up or down), yaw (front of vehicle right or left) and roll (rotation of vehicle on axis from front to back), and solar database 29, connected via a wire 32, the databases give data to the microprocessor that tell it the exact location of the sun and its respective path at any given moment, and any location on the entire planet.
The microprocessor uses all the data given by the three sources; GPS 27, G-sensor 28, and solar databases 29 in conjunction to determine the exact location of the sun relative to the occupants' faces and eyes, and activates the corresponding smart glass panels to shield the occupants' eyes and face from direct sunlight.
Figure 16: this is a schematic view of a version of the invention. A strip of individual smart glass panels 2, are individually connected to a relay 14, by their positive power wires 16, the panels' grounds are connected to a battery negative or ground by their respective wires 17. For smart glass which uses AC power the relay switch 14, is used to allow a microprocessor 13 to control such a power load with small amounts of electrical power.
The microprocessor has its own small DC current power feed at positive 21, and ground 22.
The relay is fed by a wire 18, which feeds it and all switches within the necessary AC
power. The microprocessor 13, is individually connected to the smart glass panels 2, via the relay 14, by individual wires 15 and wires 16. The electrical relay strip 14 has individual switches which only share power by wire 18, but only become switched when the microprocessor sends a signal to a specific switch to power via wires 15, the relay then sends power through the switched channel and then to the specific smart glass panel 2.
To determine which panels to activate the microprocessor uses data from a mechanical selector knob 33, or some such interface selector device which enables vehicle occupants to manually select which smart glass panels to activate in order to shield occupants' eyes from direct sunlight. This version of the invention is wholly manual allowing occupant(s) to activate smart glass panels in sequential order.
Figure 17: is a schematic view of a version of the invention. The view includes a vehicle windshield 1, with a full panel of transparent LCD or LED 3, applied to its surface and connected and controlled via wires 34 and 35, to the microprocessor 13. The microprocessor 13, is connected to its own power supply at wires 21 and 22.
The microprocessor 13 is connected via wires 19, to cameras 26, the cameras are facing the interior of the vehicle, these cameras use facial recognition software to determine the location of occupants' faces and to keep them shielded and shaded from the suns direct glare. The microprocessor 13, uses facial recognition software, angular data, and shadow recognition software (which is loaded onto itself) to determine if the occupants faces are shaded actively in real time by the smart glass panels 2, and to keep them continually shaded when the vehicle is in motion.
This version of the invention also includes three other methods to help the system locate the sun and shade occupants in addition to the inward facing cameras, they are; a GPS 27, connected via a wire 30, this GPS helps the microprocessor 13, determine the direction, location and speed of the vehicle, a motion sensor or G-sensor 28, connected via a wire 31, helps the microprocessor 13, determine the pitch (front of vehicle up or down), yaw (front of vehicle right or left) and roll (rotation of vehicle on axis from front to back), and solar database 29, connected via a wire 32, the databases give data to the microprocessor that
The microprocessor uses all the data given by the three sources; GPS 27, G-sensor 28, and solar databases 29 in conjunction to determine the exact location of the sun relative to the occupants' faces and eyes, and activates the corresponding smart glass panels to shield the occupants' eyes and face from direct sunlight.
Figure 16: this is a schematic view of a version of the invention. A strip of individual smart glass panels 2, are individually connected to a relay 14, by their positive power wires 16, the panels' grounds are connected to a battery negative or ground by their respective wires 17. For smart glass which uses AC power the relay switch 14, is used to allow a microprocessor 13 to control such a power load with small amounts of electrical power.
The microprocessor has its own small DC current power feed at positive 21, and ground 22.
The relay is fed by a wire 18, which feeds it and all switches within the necessary AC
power. The microprocessor 13, is individually connected to the smart glass panels 2, via the relay 14, by individual wires 15 and wires 16. The electrical relay strip 14 has individual switches which only share power by wire 18, but only become switched when the microprocessor sends a signal to a specific switch to power via wires 15, the relay then sends power through the switched channel and then to the specific smart glass panel 2.
To determine which panels to activate the microprocessor uses data from a mechanical selector knob 33, or some such interface selector device which enables vehicle occupants to manually select which smart glass panels to activate in order to shield occupants' eyes from direct sunlight. This version of the invention is wholly manual allowing occupant(s) to activate smart glass panels in sequential order.
Figure 17: is a schematic view of a version of the invention. The view includes a vehicle windshield 1, with a full panel of transparent LCD or LED 3, applied to its surface and connected and controlled via wires 34 and 35, to the microprocessor 13. The microprocessor 13, is connected to its own power supply at wires 21 and 22.
The microprocessor 13 is connected via wires 19, to cameras 26, the cameras are facing the interior of the vehicle, these cameras use facial recognition software to determine the location of occupants' faces and to keep them shielded and shaded from the suns direct glare. The microprocessor 13, uses facial recognition software, angular data, and shadow recognition software (which is loaded onto itself) to determine if the occupants faces are shaded actively in real time by the smart glass panels 2, and to keep them continually shaded when the vehicle is in motion.
This version of the invention also includes three other methods to help the system locate the sun and shade occupants in addition to the inward facing cameras, they are; a GPS 27, connected via a wire 30, this GPS helps the microprocessor 13, determine the direction, location and speed of the vehicle, a motion sensor or G-sensor 28, connected via a wire 31, helps the microprocessor 13, determine the pitch (front of vehicle up or down), yaw (front of vehicle right or left) and roll (rotation of vehicle on axis from front to back), and solar database 29, connected via a wire 32, the databases give data to the microprocessor that
9 tell it the exact location of the sun and its respective path at any given moment, and any location on the entire planet.
The microprocessor uses all the data given by the four sources; GPS 27, G-sensor 28, solar databases 29, and cameras 26, in conjunction to determine the exact location of the sun relative to the occupants' faces and eyes, and activates the corresponding smart glass panels to shield the occupants' eyes and face from direct sunlight.
Figure 18: is a schematic view of a version of the invention. The view includes a vehicle windshield 1, with a full panel of transparent LCD or LED 3, applied to its surface and connected and controlled via wires 34 and 35, to the microprocessor 13. The microprocessor 13, is connected to its own power supply at wires 21 and 22.
This version of the invention utilizes a "high definition" sun locator which comprises many ambient light sensors 25, setup in any well working pattern, housed in a case 23, which separates each sensor and enables separation of light readings to give the overall sensor system cleaner readings by ensuring light hitting one sensor does not influence light hitting the next sensor so to accurately detect the angle of the sun. This sensor system is connected to the microprocessor 13, via wires 20, each individual sensor 25, has its own individual wire connection.
The system accurately detects the angle of the sun relative to occupants' eyes and faces by determining that the sensor with the most light on it indicates the angle of direct sunlight.
The microprocessor computes the data from sensors 25, and activates the correct pixels on the transparent LCD or LED 3, turning them opaque or tinted, in order to shield occupant(s) eyes and face from direct sunlight.
It is also important to note in order to make sense of the sun angle sensing nature of this schematic that each sensor or group of sensors, if setup in a cluster arrangement, correlate directly with a specific area on the transparent LCD or LED screen. The microprocessor uses the data from the sensors to compute the exact location of the sun relative to occupants and activate the correlative pixels on the transparent LCD or LED 3, turning them opaque or tinted, in order to shield occupant(s) eyes and face from direct sunlight.
Figure 19: this is a plan view of a vehicular windshield depicting an aesthetic, more functional and smoother mode of operation of the sun visor system by creating a gradient effect to the shielding characteristics of shaded panels.
This version of the invention includes the vehicle windshield 1, with smart glass panels 2, applied at the top of the windshield. The sun 6, has an angle towards where occupants would need to be shaded from the sun shown by arrows 8. In this model the smart glass panels which are directly shading the sun are fully opaque to fully shield the occupants at 4, while adjacent to them, panels 36, are partially transparent so to create a gradient effect to the sun shielding. This is more aesthetic, functional and smoother.
Figure 20: this is a plan view of a vehicular windshield depicting an aesthetic, more functional and smoother mode of operation of the sun visor system by creating a gradient effect to the shielding characteristics of shaded area.
This version of the invention includes the vehicle windshield 1, transparent LCD or LED
panel strip 3, applied at the top of the windshield. The sun 6, has an angle towards where
The microprocessor uses all the data given by the four sources; GPS 27, G-sensor 28, solar databases 29, and cameras 26, in conjunction to determine the exact location of the sun relative to the occupants' faces and eyes, and activates the corresponding smart glass panels to shield the occupants' eyes and face from direct sunlight.
Figure 18: is a schematic view of a version of the invention. The view includes a vehicle windshield 1, with a full panel of transparent LCD or LED 3, applied to its surface and connected and controlled via wires 34 and 35, to the microprocessor 13. The microprocessor 13, is connected to its own power supply at wires 21 and 22.
This version of the invention utilizes a "high definition" sun locator which comprises many ambient light sensors 25, setup in any well working pattern, housed in a case 23, which separates each sensor and enables separation of light readings to give the overall sensor system cleaner readings by ensuring light hitting one sensor does not influence light hitting the next sensor so to accurately detect the angle of the sun. This sensor system is connected to the microprocessor 13, via wires 20, each individual sensor 25, has its own individual wire connection.
The system accurately detects the angle of the sun relative to occupants' eyes and faces by determining that the sensor with the most light on it indicates the angle of direct sunlight.
The microprocessor computes the data from sensors 25, and activates the correct pixels on the transparent LCD or LED 3, turning them opaque or tinted, in order to shield occupant(s) eyes and face from direct sunlight.
It is also important to note in order to make sense of the sun angle sensing nature of this schematic that each sensor or group of sensors, if setup in a cluster arrangement, correlate directly with a specific area on the transparent LCD or LED screen. The microprocessor uses the data from the sensors to compute the exact location of the sun relative to occupants and activate the correlative pixels on the transparent LCD or LED 3, turning them opaque or tinted, in order to shield occupant(s) eyes and face from direct sunlight.
Figure 19: this is a plan view of a vehicular windshield depicting an aesthetic, more functional and smoother mode of operation of the sun visor system by creating a gradient effect to the shielding characteristics of shaded panels.
This version of the invention includes the vehicle windshield 1, with smart glass panels 2, applied at the top of the windshield. The sun 6, has an angle towards where occupants would need to be shaded from the sun shown by arrows 8. In this model the smart glass panels which are directly shading the sun are fully opaque to fully shield the occupants at 4, while adjacent to them, panels 36, are partially transparent so to create a gradient effect to the sun shielding. This is more aesthetic, functional and smoother.
Figure 20: this is a plan view of a vehicular windshield depicting an aesthetic, more functional and smoother mode of operation of the sun visor system by creating a gradient effect to the shielding characteristics of shaded area.
This version of the invention includes the vehicle windshield 1, transparent LCD or LED
panel strip 3, applied at the top of the windshield. The sun 6, has an angle towards where
10 occupants would need to be shaded from the sun shown by arrows 8. In this model the area which is directly shading the sun is fully opaque to fully shield the occupants at 5, while adjacent to them, area or pixels 37, are partially transparent so to create a gradient effect to the sun shielding. This is more aesthetic, functional and smoother.
Figure 21: this is a plan view of a vehicular windshield depicting an aesthetic, more functional and smoother mode of operation of the sun visor system by creating a gradient effect to the shielding characteristics of shaded area.
This version of the invention includes the vehicle windshield 1, transparent LCD or LED
panel strip 3, applied to the entire windshield. The sun 6, has an angle towards where occupants would need to be shaded from the sun shown by arrows 8. In this model the area which is directly shading the sun is fully opaque to fully shield the occupants at 5, while adjacent to them, area or pixels 37, are partially transparent so to create a gradient effect to the sun shielding. This is more aesthetic, functional and smoother.
Figure 22: this is an interior vehicle perspective view showing an occupant (drivers) face and eyes being shielded by the sun.
The vehicle interior 38, is lightly sketched for clarity and focus on the inventions application. The windshield 1, has a strip of smart glass panels 2, applied at the top, a smart glass panel is turned opaque 4, so to shield the driver 7, his eyes 7A, from the sun, the drivers torso at 7B, is added for clarity of understanding. It is apparent from the scenario that the shadow 40, outlined by lines 39, casts from the activated opaque panel 4, to shade the drivers face. Also apparent is that all panels 2, other than activated panel 4, are fully transparent allowing the driver full windshield view.
Figure 23: this is an interior vehicle perspective view showing an occupant (drivers) face and eyes being shielded by the sun.
The vehicle interior 38, is lightly sketched for clarity and focus on the inventions application. The windshield 1, has a transparent LCD or LED panel 3, applied to its entire surface, an area is turned opaque 5, with gradient effect partially transparent area 37, so to shield the driver 7, his eyes 7A, from the sun, the drivers torso at 7B, is added for clarity of understanding. It is apparent from the scenario that the shadow 40, outlined by lines 39, casts from the activated opaque area 5 and 37, to shade the drivers face. Also apparent is that the entire area of the transparent LCD or LED 3, not opaque or partially opaque at 5 or 37, is fully transparent allowing the driver full windshield view.
Figure 24: this is a plan view of a vehicular sun or moon roof 41, with the sun shading system applied to it with a full grid pattern covering of smart glass panels 2, and exemplified gradient shading is represented by fully opaque panel 4, shading direct sunlight and partially shaded panels 36, partially transparent.
This shaded area for the sunroof would of course act in the same way as antecedent versions of the invention applied to windshields in that it moves according to the location of the sun relative to passenger location. This system can sense the sun and be controlled in many ways including the earlier mentioned sensing and control systems.
Figure 21: this is a plan view of a vehicular windshield depicting an aesthetic, more functional and smoother mode of operation of the sun visor system by creating a gradient effect to the shielding characteristics of shaded area.
This version of the invention includes the vehicle windshield 1, transparent LCD or LED
panel strip 3, applied to the entire windshield. The sun 6, has an angle towards where occupants would need to be shaded from the sun shown by arrows 8. In this model the area which is directly shading the sun is fully opaque to fully shield the occupants at 5, while adjacent to them, area or pixels 37, are partially transparent so to create a gradient effect to the sun shielding. This is more aesthetic, functional and smoother.
Figure 22: this is an interior vehicle perspective view showing an occupant (drivers) face and eyes being shielded by the sun.
The vehicle interior 38, is lightly sketched for clarity and focus on the inventions application. The windshield 1, has a strip of smart glass panels 2, applied at the top, a smart glass panel is turned opaque 4, so to shield the driver 7, his eyes 7A, from the sun, the drivers torso at 7B, is added for clarity of understanding. It is apparent from the scenario that the shadow 40, outlined by lines 39, casts from the activated opaque panel 4, to shade the drivers face. Also apparent is that all panels 2, other than activated panel 4, are fully transparent allowing the driver full windshield view.
Figure 23: this is an interior vehicle perspective view showing an occupant (drivers) face and eyes being shielded by the sun.
The vehicle interior 38, is lightly sketched for clarity and focus on the inventions application. The windshield 1, has a transparent LCD or LED panel 3, applied to its entire surface, an area is turned opaque 5, with gradient effect partially transparent area 37, so to shield the driver 7, his eyes 7A, from the sun, the drivers torso at 7B, is added for clarity of understanding. It is apparent from the scenario that the shadow 40, outlined by lines 39, casts from the activated opaque area 5 and 37, to shade the drivers face. Also apparent is that the entire area of the transparent LCD or LED 3, not opaque or partially opaque at 5 or 37, is fully transparent allowing the driver full windshield view.
Figure 24: this is a plan view of a vehicular sun or moon roof 41, with the sun shading system applied to it with a full grid pattern covering of smart glass panels 2, and exemplified gradient shading is represented by fully opaque panel 4, shading direct sunlight and partially shaded panels 36, partially transparent.
This shaded area for the sunroof would of course act in the same way as antecedent versions of the invention applied to windshields in that it moves according to the location of the sun relative to passenger location. This system can sense the sun and be controlled in many ways including the earlier mentioned sensing and control systems.
11 EXEMPLIFIED USE OF THE INVENTION
The main concept, inventive idea and ideal system of this invention is fully automatic for driver and passenger. Meaning one drives, and with no input (save initial setup or driver position adjustments) the system automatically shades driver and passenger from direct sun glare.
The manual version of the inventive idea simply requires that the driver or passenger while driving along manually turns a knob or operates a button to change location of opaque smart glass panels or opaque area of transparent LCD or LED in order to shade their eyes. The sun starting out in the corner top of the windshield on the left, the driver making a wide left turn on a country road notices the suns position relative his eyes and his cars position changing and moving. He turns the knob to the right to select the next panel as the sun enters that next panel's area of shading and out of the former area. He continues this manual input as required when changing position.
This example above minus any manual input is the exact working of the automatic version of the invention. I.e. driving along with the sun out of direct view to the drivers left, the entire sun shading system is "off' with all panels in transparent mode; on a long sweeping left turn as the sun enters the windshield area and direct forward sun glare approaches the drivers eyes the system (through whatever mentioned or claimed or later discovered or invented system of positioning the sun) activates the area or panel at extreme left of the windshield to make it opaque. As the vehicle continues around the long left hand turn the system continually monitors, calculates the suns location relative the drivers eyes and changes which panels are opaque and which are transparent so to always keep the sun shaded behind an opaque smart glass panel or opaque/tinted area of transparent LCD or LED creating a more hands free, comfortable and safer drive.
The main concept, inventive idea and ideal system of this invention is fully automatic for driver and passenger. Meaning one drives, and with no input (save initial setup or driver position adjustments) the system automatically shades driver and passenger from direct sun glare.
The manual version of the inventive idea simply requires that the driver or passenger while driving along manually turns a knob or operates a button to change location of opaque smart glass panels or opaque area of transparent LCD or LED in order to shade their eyes. The sun starting out in the corner top of the windshield on the left, the driver making a wide left turn on a country road notices the suns position relative his eyes and his cars position changing and moving. He turns the knob to the right to select the next panel as the sun enters that next panel's area of shading and out of the former area. He continues this manual input as required when changing position.
This example above minus any manual input is the exact working of the automatic version of the invention. I.e. driving along with the sun out of direct view to the drivers left, the entire sun shading system is "off' with all panels in transparent mode; on a long sweeping left turn as the sun enters the windshield area and direct forward sun glare approaches the drivers eyes the system (through whatever mentioned or claimed or later discovered or invented system of positioning the sun) activates the area or panel at extreme left of the windshield to make it opaque. As the vehicle continues around the long left hand turn the system continually monitors, calculates the suns location relative the drivers eyes and changes which panels are opaque and which are transparent so to always keep the sun shaded behind an opaque smart glass panel or opaque/tinted area of transparent LCD or LED creating a more hands free, comfortable and safer drive.
Claims (37)
1. A sun visor control and sensing system for use in any vehicle or craft comprising:
several, in any amount, width, length, or combination therein separate panels with controllable opacity which are industry known as smart glass or switchable glass glazing panels which are normally applied at the top of a vehicle windshield or where the sun travels in direct view most, but not limited to only windshield application, and extending as far down as safe, useful or legislatively legal;
are connected to an integrated control circuit which is programmed to activate the correct panel(s) and at the correct opacity levels to adequately and satisfactorily shield a drivers and passengers eyes from the suns glare by taking readings from ambient light sensors or any other light, infrared or otherwise suitable sensors for detecting light intensity changes, and determining, due to input from sensors, programming and angles which panels must be activated to shield occupants eyes from the sun automatically.
several, in any amount, width, length, or combination therein separate panels with controllable opacity which are industry known as smart glass or switchable glass glazing panels which are normally applied at the top of a vehicle windshield or where the sun travels in direct view most, but not limited to only windshield application, and extending as far down as safe, useful or legislatively legal;
are connected to an integrated control circuit which is programmed to activate the correct panel(s) and at the correct opacity levels to adequately and satisfactorily shield a drivers and passengers eyes from the suns glare by taking readings from ambient light sensors or any other light, infrared or otherwise suitable sensors for detecting light intensity changes, and determining, due to input from sensors, programming and angles which panels must be activated to shield occupants eyes from the sun automatically.
2. The system set forth in claim 1, comprising said opacity modulating, addressable smart glass panels, they can be a material, construction, or technology of many types including but not limited to; the general industry classification smart glass technology or subclasses of technology or any type of technology utilizing opacity modulation such as; electro chromic technologies, photo chromic technologies, thermo chromic technologies, suspended particle technologies, micro-blind technologies, polymer dispersed liquid crystal display technologies, transparent LCD technologies, Transparent LED technologies and transparent OLED
technologies or any other technology which allows a glazing to switch between opaque and transparent and in varying degrees therein.
technologies or any other technology which allows a glazing to switch between opaque and transparent and in varying degrees therein.
3. The system set forth in claim 1 wherein, glazing and whole system may be installed during the manufacturing process of a new vehicle whereas the switchable film is worked into the glass laminating process between two sheets of glass for a windshield or applied as an adhesive glazing to the inside of selected glass panels or windshield or any other means of securing or applying the opacity modulating panels to glass.
4. The system as set forth in claim 1 comprising glazing panels with opacity modulation technologies that include tinted smart glass panels that switch between transparent and opaque and varying degrees therein and do it with a colored tint.
5. A sun visor system for use in any vehicle or craft comprising; opacity modulation panels that are affixed in any way or by whatever process to the cockpit viewing glass in any configuration whether as a sun visor strip or over entire surface area of entire cabin glass; whereas the panels applied to any separate pane of viewing glass are individually shaped and sized in patterned arrangements of any configuration, pattern, or size and insulated from each other so that specific panels can be selected to be activated while the entire viewing glass is transparent normally but specific opacity modulation panels are activated in relationship to the direction of the sun relative to occupants in order to shield them from the sun.
6. The system set forth in claim 5, comprising said opacity modulating smart glass panels, they can be a material, construction, or technology of many types including but not limited to; the general industry classification smart glass technology or subclasses of technology or any type of technology utilizing opacity modulation such as; electro chromic technologies, photo chromic technologies, thermo chromic technologies, suspended particle technologies, micro-blind technologies, polymer dispersed liquid crystal display technologies, transparent LCD technologies, Transparent LED technologies and transparent OLED technologies or any other technology which allows a glazing to switch between opaque and transparent and in varying degrees therein,
7. The system set forth in claim 5 where each individual opacity modulation panel is connected to a micro processing control unit which takes readings from sensors that are connected to the microprocessor which detect the angle of the sun by means of individual ambient light sensors setup in an array which corresponds in greater or lesser degree to the setup pattern of the panels and number of individual opacity modulating panels; the system to detect where the sun is relative to occupants and shield occupants eyes respectively without taking away the entire view.
8. A sun shielding system with control and sensing elements for use in any vehicle or craft comprising: several, in any amount, width, length, or combination therein separate panels with controllable opacity which are industry known as smart glass or switchable glass glazing panels that are applied to a panel of glass or other transparent material which runs separate and parallel, or any angle suitable to the front or sides viewing glass that are connected to an integrated control circuit which is programmed to activate the correct panels at the correct opacity levels to adequately and satisfactorily shield occupants eyes from the sun by means of taking readings from ambient light sensors or any other light, infrared or otherwise suitable sensors for detecting light intensity changes, and determining, due to input from sensors, programming and angles which panels must be modulated to opaque from transparent to shield occupants eyes from the sun.
9. The system set forth in claim 8, comprising said opacity modulating smart glass panels, they can be a material, construction, or technology of many types including but not limited to; the general industry classification smart glass technology or subclasses of technology or any type of technology utilizing opacity modulation such as; electrochromic technologies, photochromic technologies, thermochromic technologies, suspended particle technologies, micro-blind technologies, polymer dispersed liquid crystal display technologies, transparent LCD technologies, Transparent LED technologies and transparent OLED technologies or any other technology which allows a glazing to switch between opaque and transparent opacity and in varying degrees therein.
10. A sun shielding system for use in any vehicle or craft comprising: the use of transparent LED, LCD or any other subclass of technology that can be modulated to darken selectable, addressable pixels to adequately shield any occupants eyes from sun glare and so used as sun blocking panels by addressing pixels to darken at the location of the sun on the viewing glass relative to the occupants position in the vehicle or craft.
11. The system set forth in claim 10 comprising, said sun blocking panel is applied to specific parts of viewing glass where the sun travels in view most.
12. The system set forth in claim 10 comprising, said sun blocking panel is applied to a vehicular sunroof.
13. The system set forth in claim 10 comprising, said sun blocking panel is controlled by an integrated circuit which takes readings from ambient light sensors to determine the location of the sun and then darken specific pixels so to adequately shield occupants eyes from sun glare.
14. The system set forth in claim 13 where added to such a system is an interface method for occupant input for initial setup and adjustment of activated smart glass panel location.
15. The system set forth in claim 10 comprising, said sun blocking panels being controlled by an integrated circuit which determines the location of the sun relative to the drivers eyes by detecting position, trajectory, movement, pitch, roll and yaw of the vehicle or craft through the use of databases of solar location and trajectory information, GPS tracking including speed of travel, vehicle or craft g-sensors to measure direction of movement or any other means of determining the position of the sun relative to occupants eyes.
16. The system set forth in claim 15 where added to such a system is an interface method for occupant input for initial setup and adjustment of activated smart glass panel location.
17. The system set forth in claim 10 wherein, said sun blocking panel is connected to an integrated circuit which takes readings from a control knob or other mechanism that allows driver input for manual control of location of darkened pixels to shield occupant's eyes from sun.
18. The system set forth in claim 10 wherein the selectable darkened pixels are controllable as to size of darkened pixels by manual input from occupants.
19. The system set forth in claim 10 wherein said sun blocking panel is controlled by an integrated circuit which uses facial recognition or head recognition software with cameras to determine location of occupants relative to the angle of direct sunlight and calculate which pixels to activate to shield occupants eyes from sun glare.
20. The system set forth in claim 10 wherein said sun blocking panel glazing is laminated between viewing glass layers.
21. The system set forth in claim 10 wherein said sun blocking panel glazing is applied to inner or outer layers of viewing glass as an adhesive film.
22. A sun shielding system which comprises an array of panels in whatever pattern, electronically switchable and individually electronically addressable between opaque and transparent and varying degrees therein, these panels are electro chromatic, electronically switchable glass or glass glazing panels, industry known as "smart glass" or "switchable glass" and are individually addressable and thus individually shield the sun by addressing the correct panel to turn it opaque while leaving the rest of the view transparent.
23. The system set forth in claim 22 comprising smart glass panels which are of any color whether it be transparent to opaque white, transparent to dark black tint, transparent to dark blue tint, etc.
24. The system set forth in claim 22 comprising smart glass panels arranged in an array of whatever pattern with panels of whatever sizes and applied by whatever means or by whatever system to the top of a vehicle windshield and coming as far down the windshield in depth as legally doable or practically useful.
25. The system set forth in claim 22 comprising smart glass panels controlled by an integrated circuit via a relay, the integrated circuit takes readings from ambient light sensors of whatever suitable kind to determine the angle of the sun relative to the vehicles occupants, from these continuous readings the integrated circuit turns specific panels opaque so to shield occupants eyes from the sun while leaving all other panels transparent.
26. The system set forth in claim 25 where added to such a system is an interface method for occupant input for initial setup and adjustment of activated smart glass panel location.
27. The system set forth in claim 22 wherein the smart glass panels are affixed by whatever means to side viewing glass or rear side viewing glass of a vehicle.
28. The system set forth in claim 22 wherein the smart glass panels are applied to vehicular sunroof(s) or moon roof glass in whatever panel size and pattern so to shield occupants from the suns direct glare while still allowing full transparent view through glass around the direct view of the sun.
29. The system set forth in claim 28 comprising smart glass panels controlled by an integrated circuit via a relay, the integrated circuit takes readings from ambient light sensors of whatever suitable kind to determine the angle of the sun relative to the vehicles occupants, from these continuous readings the integrated circuit turns specific panels opaque so to shield occupants eyes from the sun while leaving all other panels transparent.
30. The system set forth in claim 22 comprising smart glass panels controlled by an integrated circuit or any other means which allow direct control of each individual panel, the integrated circuit or whatever controller system is used shall be connected to a manual control knob or buttons or any means of occupant interface, preferably affixed to the steering wheel for driver side control;
the system taking input from occupants as to which panels to activate into opaque mode so to shield occupants eyes from the suns direct glare.
the system taking input from occupants as to which panels to activate into opaque mode so to shield occupants eyes from the suns direct glare.
31. The system set forth in claim 22 comprising smart glass panels using a system to control them in such a way that the panel which is directly shielding the occupants eyes from the sun is full opaque while neighbored panels are only partially opaque and yet neighboring these on the outside are fully transparent so to provide a feathered, gradient effect to shielding.
32. The system set forth in claim 28 wherein the system of feathered gradient shielding is applied to a vehicular sunroof or moon roof where the panels of smart glass are arranged in a grid-like pattern over entire sunroof or moon roof and the main panel which is directly shielding the suns position from occupants face and eyes is fully opaque while neighbored panels all around are partially opaque so to provide a feathered, gradient effect to shielding.
33. The system set forth in claim 22 comprising smart glass panels which are affixed to side viewing glass, sun or moon roof, or windshield by adhesive.
34. The system set forth in claim 22 comprising smart glass panels which are affixed to side viewing glass, sun or moon roof, or windshield by incorporating the smart glass film into the lamination process of the glass and it being sandwiched between two sheets of glass by whatever process.
35. The system set forth in claim 22 comprising, said sun blocking panels being controlled by an integrated circuit which determines the location of the sun relative to the drivers eyes by detecting position, trajectory, movement, pitch, roll and yaw of the vehicle or craft through the use of databases of solar location and trajectory information, GPS tracking including speed of travel, vehicle or craft g-sensors to measure direction of movement or any other means of determining the position of the sun relative to occupants eyes.
36. Explicitly, any method of: sensing or having a system being aware of the suns location at any given time, location relative to occupants of a vehicle direct view;
and controlling in real-time and continuously, various separate addressable electronic smart glass panels (electro chromic glass glazing) or transparent LCD/LED addressable pixels or any other technology where a glazing can be applied to glass and modulated between opaque and transparent, so that they are opaque when shading occupants direct view with the sun and are transparent when not part of needed shading and where only the area needed for shading is opaque while other covered area is normally transparent.
and controlling in real-time and continuously, various separate addressable electronic smart glass panels (electro chromic glass glazing) or transparent LCD/LED addressable pixels or any other technology where a glazing can be applied to glass and modulated between opaque and transparent, so that they are opaque when shading occupants direct view with the sun and are transparent when not part of needed shading and where only the area needed for shading is opaque while other covered area is normally transparent.
37. An insulation method for insulating between smart glass, electro chromic switchable panels comprising; a thin non-conductive layer of film is placed as an inter-layer between overlapping or near overlapping smart glass panels to ensure that the power coursing through one panel does not jump to adjacent panels inadvertently activating them.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2971493A CA2971493A1 (en) | 2017-06-22 | 2017-06-22 | New vehicular sun visor |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2971493A CA2971493A1 (en) | 2017-06-22 | 2017-06-22 | New vehicular sun visor |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2971493A1 true CA2971493A1 (en) | 2018-12-22 |
Family
ID=64755027
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2971493A Abandoned CA2971493A1 (en) | 2017-06-22 | 2017-06-22 | New vehicular sun visor |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2971493A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN110834523A (en) * | 2019-11-26 | 2020-02-25 | 奇瑞汽车股份有限公司 | Self-adaptive electronic sun shield and control method thereof |
| CN111016594A (en) * | 2019-12-12 | 2020-04-17 | 宝能汽车有限公司 | Vehicle and control method and control device thereof |
| CN113071654A (en) * | 2021-03-26 | 2021-07-06 | 陕西飞机工业有限责任公司 | Multi-angle adjusting shading device |
| CN113997763A (en) * | 2021-11-12 | 2022-02-01 | 一汽奔腾轿车有限公司 | Dimmable automobile sun visor system and control method thereof |
| EP4046838A1 (en) * | 2021-02-22 | 2022-08-24 | Robert Bosch GmbH | A system and method for shadow estimation in an automatic sunvisor of a vehicle |
| US11644420B2 (en) | 2020-10-22 | 2023-05-09 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Occupant light exposure detection |
| DE102023004967A1 (en) | 2022-12-20 | 2024-02-01 | Mercedes-Benz Group AG | Method to increase vehicle comfort depending on weather factors |
-
2017
- 2017-06-22 CA CA2971493A patent/CA2971493A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN110834523A (en) * | 2019-11-26 | 2020-02-25 | 奇瑞汽车股份有限公司 | Self-adaptive electronic sun shield and control method thereof |
| CN111016594A (en) * | 2019-12-12 | 2020-04-17 | 宝能汽车有限公司 | Vehicle and control method and control device thereof |
| US11644420B2 (en) | 2020-10-22 | 2023-05-09 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Occupant light exposure detection |
| EP4046838A1 (en) * | 2021-02-22 | 2022-08-24 | Robert Bosch GmbH | A system and method for shadow estimation in an automatic sunvisor of a vehicle |
| CN113071654A (en) * | 2021-03-26 | 2021-07-06 | 陕西飞机工业有限责任公司 | Multi-angle adjusting shading device |
| CN113997763A (en) * | 2021-11-12 | 2022-02-01 | 一汽奔腾轿车有限公司 | Dimmable automobile sun visor system and control method thereof |
| CN113997763B (en) * | 2021-11-12 | 2023-11-21 | 一汽奔腾轿车有限公司 | Dimmable automobile sun shield system and control method thereof |
| DE102023004967A1 (en) | 2022-12-20 | 2024-02-01 | Mercedes-Benz Group AG | Method to increase vehicle comfort depending on weather factors |
| GB2625982A (en) * | 2022-12-20 | 2024-07-10 | Mercedes Benz Group Ag | Method of making vehicle comfortable depending on weather factors |
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| FZDE | Dead |
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