CN117048307A

CN117048307A - Switchable glass structure for a vehicle

Info

Publication number: CN117048307A
Application number: CN202210481607.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 斯图尔特·C·索尔特; 侯赛因·贝里; 汤姆·F·贝特格; 保罗·肯尼士·戴尔洛克; H·科恩; T·范登布林克
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2022-05-05
Filing date: 2022-05-05
Publication date: 2023-11-14

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a switchable glass structure for a vehicle. An apparatus and method according to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure include, among other things, a switchable glass structure supported within a vehicle and composed of a plurality of layers. A power source is selectively applied to the switchable glass structure to change the switchable glass structure from opaque to transparent. A marker is formed within at least one of the plurality of layers to identify a user input area. The control system includes circuitry configured to cooperate with the power source to allow the switchable glass structure to act as a capacitive sensor such that user input to the user input area can be sensed to change the switchable glass structure between an opaque mode and a transparent mode.

Description

Switchable glass structure for a vehicle

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a switchable glass structure for a vehicle that acts as a capacitive sensor and includes integrally formed indicia to identify a user input area to control an operational mode of the switchable glass structure.

Background

Vehicles include various glass panel structures such as sunroofs, windows, and the like. As vehicles become more customizable, it is important to provide adaptive features to the glass panel structure to enhance interior and exterior lighting effects and to improve driver and passenger comfort.

Disclosure of Invention

An apparatus according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a switchable glass structure supported within a vehicle and composed of a plurality of layers. A power source is selectively applied to the switchable glass structure to change the switchable glass structure from opaque to transparent. A marker is formed within at least one of the plurality of layers to identify a user input area. The control system includes circuitry configured to cooperate with the power source to allow the switchable glass structure to act as a capacitive sensor such that user input to the user input area can be sensed to change the switchable glass structure between an opaque mode and a transparent mode.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing device, the switchable glass structure comprises a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) comprising at least one Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) layer, and wherein the marks are formed within the ITO layer.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing devices, the mark is engraved from the ITO layer to leave an open gap that appears white on the switchable glass structure, and when the switchable glass structure becomes opaque, the area around the mark is energized to create a reverse image, allowing the mark to be visible.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing devices, at least one light source is provided, and wherein the indicia is engraved from the ITO layer to leave an open gap that forms an opaque region that acts as a reflector for the light source that provides illumination along the edge of the switchable glass structure, allowing the indicia to be illuminated.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing apparatus, a separation mark is included to divide the switchable glass structure into a plurality of discrete glass panels.

In further non-limiting embodiments of any of the foregoing apparatus, each discrete glass panel includes indicia for at least one user input area, and/or the control system automatically switches one or more of the discrete glass panels to avoid direct sunlight on the occupant.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing devices, the circuit includes at least a first switch and a second switch, wherein the first switch is normally closed and the second switch is normally open to allow a signal from the power source to reach and make transparent the switchable glass structure, and wherein a capacitance measurement is made when the signal becomes zero and the first switch is open and the second switch is closed, such that the capacitance measurement can be made to determine whether a user is interacting with the user input area.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing devices, the light sensor communicates light measurement data to the control system, and wherein the control system adjusts between the opaque setting and the transparent setting based on the light measurement.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing apparatus, at least one temperature sensor communicates internal and/or external temperature data to the control system, and wherein the control system adjusts between an opaque setting and a transparent setting based on the temperature measurement.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing devices, the control system includes an automatic privacy setting, wherein the opaque state is set when: the control system uses a light sensor to determine that the outside of the vehicle is dark and that interior lighting is enabled, or an external camera to determine that there are people around the vehicle or an external radiotelephone signal is detected when a user is inside the vehicle.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing apparatus, the control system causes the switchable glass structure to become opaque to form a reflector to increase the effectiveness of the interior light when a user approaches the vehicle and the control system detects a key signal or a user radiotelephone signal within a predetermined proximity.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing apparatus, the switchable glass structure comprises a sunroof.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing apparatus, the switchable glass structure comprises one or more vehicle side windows.

A method according to yet another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure comprises, inter alia: providing at least one vehicle glazing panel comprising a PDLC comprising at least one ITO layer; selectively applying power to the vehicle glazing panel to change the vehicle glazing panel from opaque to transparent; forming a mark within the ITO layer to identify a user input area; and control circuitry to allow the switchable glass structure to act as a capacitive sensor such that user input to the user input area can be sensed to change the vehicle glass panel between an opaque mode and a transparent mode.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing method, the method comprises: engraving the mark from the ITO layer to leave an open gap that appears white on the switchable glass structure; and energizing the area around the mark when the vehicle glazing panel becomes opaque to produce a reverse image, thereby allowing the mark to be visible; and/or engraving the indicia from the ITO layer to leave an open gap that forms an opaque region that acts as a reflector for a light source that provides illumination along an edge of the vehicle glazing panel, thereby allowing the indicia to be illuminated.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method includes forming separation marks in the ITO layer to divide the vehicle glass panel into a plurality of discrete glass panels that are individually controllable.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the circuit includes at least a first switch and a second switch, wherein the first switch is normally closed and the second switch is normally open to allow a signal from a power source to reach and make the vehicle glazing panel transparent, and includes making a capacitance measurement when the signal becomes zero and the first switch is open and the second switch is closed, such that the capacitance measurement can be made to determine whether a user is interacting with the user input area.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method includes adjusting between the opaque mode and the transparent mode based on external or internal light measurements and/or adjusting between the opaque mode and the transparent mode based on external or internal temperature measurements.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the method includes providing an automatic privacy setting, wherein the opaque mode is activated when the outside is dark and interior illumination is enabled, or when a user detects a person outside the vehicle while inside the vehicle, and/or is switched to the opaque mode when a key signal or a user radiotelephone signal is detected within a predetermined proximity of the vehicle.

In a further non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the vehicle glazing panel comprises a sunroof and/or one or more vehicle side windows.

Embodiments, examples, and alternatives (including any of their various aspects or respective various features) of the preceding paragraphs, claims, or the following description and drawings may be employed separately or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless such features are incompatible.

Drawings

Various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:

fig. 1 shows a switchable glass structure in a vehicle.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a switchable glass structure that includes a PDLC and acts as a capacitive sensor.

Fig. 3A shows a power down condition of the PDLC, wherein the switchable glass structure is in an opaque mode.

Fig. 3B shows the power-on condition of the PDLC, with the switchable glass structure in transparent mode.

Fig. 4A shows one example of a user input configuration of a switchable glass structure.

Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of fig. 4A.

Fig. 5A shows another example of a user input configuration of a switchable glass structure.

Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view of fig. 5A.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure details an exemplary switchable glass structure for a vehicle that acts as a capacitive sensor and includes integrally formed indicia to identify a user input area to control the mode of operation of the switchable glass structure.

Fig. 1 shows a vehicle 10 having a sunroof 12 covering the roof of the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 also includes a driver's seat 14 facing the steering wheel 16 and a passenger seat 18 beside the driver's seat 14. The seats 14, 18 face the windshield 20 and the side windows 22 are located beside the driver's seat 14 and the passenger seat 18.

In one example, one or more of the sunroof 12, the windshield 20 and the side window 22 include a switchable glass structure that is changeable between a transparent mode and an opaque mode. In one example shown in fig. 2, the switchable glass structure includes a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) 24 composed of multiple layers. In one example, the plurality of layers includes at least: a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film layer 26, such as a plastic film layer; an Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) layer 28; a layer 30 of liquid crystal 32 suspended in a polymer 34; another ITO layer 36; and another PET film layer 38.PDLC 24 is positioned between the glass G layers (fig. 5B).

The power supply 40 supplies power to the PDLC 24 to change between a transparent mode and an opaque mode. In response to certain conditions and/or user requests, the power source 40 is selectively applied to the switchable glass structure to change between modes. In one example, as shown in FIG. 2, the power supply 40 applies a 48VAC signal 42. As shown in fig. 3A, the liquid crystal droplets 32 are used to reflect light L off the surface, which distorts the state of the glass to appear frosted/white. When current from the power supply 40 passes through the layer of PDLC 24, the liquid crystal droplet 32 polarizes as shown in fig. 3B, which allows light L to pass through the glass and give a transparent appearance.

In one example, the control system 44 with controller C includes circuitry 46 configured to cooperate with the power supply 40 to allow the switchable glass structure PDLC 24 to act as a capacitive sensor so that user input can be sensed to change the switchable glass structure between opaque and transparent modes. In one example, the circuit 46 includes at least a first switch 48 and a second switch 50. The first switch 48 is normally closed and the second switch 50 is normally open to allow the signal 42 from the power supply 40 to reach the PDLC 24 and to make the switchable glass structure transparent. When the signal goes to zero and the first switch 48 is open and the second switch 50 is closed, the system 44 may take a capacitance measurement so that the capacitance measurement may be taken to determine if the user is interacting with a user input area on the PDLC 24. In one example, it takes about 300ms for the glass to change from opaque to transparent, while capacitance measurement takes 5ms. This means that there is time to switch off the 48VAC signal 42 (signal goes to zero) that remains transparent to the glass and make a capacitance measurement using the ITO in the film, then switch on the 48VAC signal 42 again before any significant change in the glass occurs.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 4A, a mark 60 is formed within ITO layer 28 to identify user input area 62. Control system 44 cooperates with circuitry 46 and power supply 40 to sense user input to user input area 62 and, accordingly, to change the switchable glass structure between opaque and transparent modes upon command.

The controller C may be a dedicated controller or part of another vehicle control system. The controller C may include a processor, a memory, and one or more input and/or output (I/O) device interfaces communicatively coupled via a local interface. The local interface may include, for example, but is not limited to, one or more buses and/or other wired or wireless connections. The controller C may be a hardware device for executing software, in particular software stored in a memory. The software in the memory may include one or more separate programs, each of which includes an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, and which can cause the switchable glass structure to change between opaque and transparent modes based on various inputs and operating conditions.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 4B, a mark 60 is etched from the ITO layer to leave an open gap 64 that appears white on the PDLC 24. When the PDLC 24 becomes opaque, the area surrounding the indicia 60 is energized via the control system and power supply to create a reverse image, allowing the indicia 60 to be visible on transparent glass.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 5A, a mark 60 is etched from ITO layer 28 to leave an opening gap 64 to identify user input area 62. In this example, the gap forms an opaque region that acts as a reflector for the light source 66 that provides illumination along the edge 68 of the PDLC 24, allowing the indicia 60 to be illuminated. In one example, an LED light source is used; however, any type of light source 66 may be used to provide illumination. The light sources are controlled by a control system 44 as is known.

In one example, if the user intends to touch the glass to make it opaque and then touches the glass again, the edge illumination may be turned on to allow the glass to become a dome lamp. Optionally, there may be a specific user input area to directly enter the dome mode.

The indicia 60 may be formed in any type of configuration to identify the user input area 62. For example, the indicia 60 may be formed to mimic a button shape or a switch shape.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 4A, separation marks 70 are etched from the ITO layer to leave open spaces 64 that appear white. These marks 70 divide the switchable glass structured PDLC 24 into a plurality of discrete glass panels 72. In one example, the panels 72 may be controlled via a common user input area 62, or each discrete glass panel 72 may include indicia 60 for a dedicated user input area 62.

White lines shown in the figure indicate gaps in the ITO. Small gaps in ITO form almost invisible lines, while large gaps form opaque lines. One advantage of using marks in ITO is that the marks can be laid in very thin traces, such as minimum ITO feature sizes: 50 μm without bleeding or migration such as would occur if conductive inks were used. Thus, the buttons or panels can be placed anywhere in the glass. In one example, capacitive touch electronics/user input modules are placed near the bottom of the glass to minimize parasitic capacitance that makes it more difficult to recognize a touch. Thus, if a person touches a user input section of the glass, the glass may become transparent or opaque, and these user input areas may be anywhere in the glass.

In one example of a sunroof configuration, the control system 44 automatically switches one or more of the discrete glass panels 72 to avoid direct sunlight on the occupant. For example, a temperature or light sensor S (FIG. 2) may be in communication with the controller C to determine when to make a change for occupant comfort. This can be calculated directly from various light sensor/camera measurements to determine sunlight levels and/or by GPS/sun location/time of year versus each seating position.

In one example, light sensor S may include a daytime/nighttime sensor that communicates light measurement data to control system 44 to adjust between opaque and transparent modes based on the light measurement. The light sensor S may also include an external light sensor and an internal light sensor to measure external and internal light levels.

In one example, the temperature sensor S communicates internal and/or external temperature data to the control system 44 to adjust between opaque and transparent settings based on temperature measurements. The control system 44 may change modes based on temperature or external light in a variable mode that varies for movement and stationary. On sunny days in winter, when left unattended, the sunroof/glass panels may additionally be made transparent to warm the interior. The sunroof may also be placed in an opaque mode to limit the internal temperature when the vehicle is parked and unattended.

In another example, the control system 44 may include an automatic privacy setting in which an opaque state is set when the control system 44 uses the external light sensor S to determine that the outside is dark and uses the internal light sensor S to recognize that internal lighting is enabled. Optionally, the automatic privacy settings may be set when: the control system uses an external camera 80 (fig. 2) to determine that there are people around the vehicle or that a nearby external radiotelephone signal is detected when the user is inside the vehicle 10. Optionally, the reflective rack mounts illumination to illuminate the glass while also allowing the glass to glow gently inside. Thus, the PDLC 24 may act as a reflector for internally illuminated wall lamps when the vehicle is stopped, and the PDLC 24 becomes transparent when the vehicle is in gear.

In another example, when a user approaches the vehicle 10 and the control system 44 detects a key signal K or a user radiotelephone signal within a predetermined proximity, the control system may cause the switchable glass structure to become opaque to form a reflector to increase the effectiveness of the interior light.

In another example, when the vehicle is stopped along a road, the glass may change to a different color, such as red, for example, in the event that the vehicle door is open at night. Optionally, the LEDs may be pulsed 2 to 3 times overdrive to make the door more visible.

In another example, the vehicle may include a stowable steering wheel 16 that is movable between an operating position and a stowed position. When the steering wheel is stowed to provide a table or workspace area, control system 44 may switch the sunroof to an opaque mode.

In another example, for autonomous and/or electric vehicles, control system 44 may include a seat position based setting such that when the seat position reclines during a charging or autonomous driving mode, the window setting may be in an opaque mode.

The present disclosure provides several benefits of using the PDLC 24, such as providing transparency or privacy instantaneously as desired. There is also improved noise reduction, low power consumption (e.g., 24VA/m 2), and 99% of the UV light is filtered. PDLC 24 additionally acts as a capacitive sensor and includes an integrated user input area 62 to control PDLC 24 in glass G. The user input area 62 may be visible via a reverse image or by using side/edge illumination to accommodate the actuated and unactuated states. There are additional benefits of selective and/or automatic control based on various situations/inputs.

Although specific component relationships are shown in the drawings of the present disclosure, the illustrations are not intended to limit the disclosure. In other words, the placement and orientation of the various components shown may vary within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the various figures accompanying this disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show certain details of particular components.

The preceding description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not necessarily depart from the essence of this disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of legal protection given to this disclosure can only be determined by studying the following claims.

According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus having: a switchable glass structure supported within a vehicle and composed of a plurality of layers; a power source selectively applied to the switchable glass structure to change the switchable glass structure from opaque to transparent; a marker formed within at least one of the plurality of layers to identify a user input area; and a control system comprising circuitry configured to cooperate with the power supply to allow the switchable glass structure to act as a capacitive sensor such that user input to the user input area can be sensed to change the switchable glass structure between an opaque mode and a transparent mode.

According to one embodiment, the switchable glass structure comprises a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) comprising at least one Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) layer, and wherein the marks are formed within the ITO layer.

According to one embodiment, the mark is engraved from the ITO layer to leave an open gap that appears white on the switchable glass structure, and when the switchable glass structure becomes opaque, the area around the mark is energized to create a reverse image, allowing the mark to be visible.

According to one embodiment, at least one light source is included, and wherein the mark is engraved from the ITO layer to leave an open gap that forms an opaque region that acts as a reflector for the light source that provides illumination along the edge of the switchable glass structure, allowing the mark to be illuminated.

According to one embodiment, separation marks are included to divide the switchable glass structure into a plurality of discrete glass panels.

According to one embodiment, each discrete glass panel includes indicia for at least one user input area, and/or the control system automatically switches one or more of the discrete glass panels to avoid direct sunlight on the occupant.

According to one embodiment, the circuit comprises at least a first switch and a second switch, wherein the first switch is normally closed and the second switch is normally open to allow a signal from the power source to reach the switchable glass structure and to make the switchable glass structure transparent, and wherein a capacitance measurement is made when the signal becomes zero and the first switch is open and the second switch is closed, such that the capacitance measurement can be made to determine whether a user is interacting with the user input area.

According to one embodiment, a light sensor is included that communicates light measurement data to the control system, and wherein the control system adjusts between an opaque setting and a transparent setting based on the light measurement.

According to one embodiment, at least one temperature sensor is included, which communicates internal and/or external temperature data to the control system, and wherein the control system adjusts between an opaque setting and a transparent setting based on temperature measurements.

According to one embodiment, the control system includes an automatic privacy setting, wherein the opaque state is set when: the control system uses a light sensor to determine that the outside of the vehicle is dark and that interior lighting is enabled, or an external camera to determine that there are people around the vehicle or an external radiotelephone signal is detected when a user is inside the vehicle.

According to one embodiment, when a user approaches the vehicle and the control system detects a key signal or a user radiotelephone signal within a predetermined proximity, the control system causes the switchable glass structure to become opaque to form a reflector to increase the effectiveness of the interior light.

According to one embodiment, the switchable glass structure constitutes a sunroof.

According to one embodiment, the switchable glass structure constitutes one or more vehicle side windows.

According to the invention, a method comprises: providing at least one vehicle glazing panel comprising a PDLC comprising at least one ITO layer; selectively applying power to the vehicle glazing panel to change the vehicle glazing panel from opaque to transparent; forming a mark within the ITO layer to identify a user input area; and control circuitry to allow the switchable glass structure to act as a capacitive sensor such that user input to the user input area can be sensed to change the vehicle glass panel between an opaque mode and a transparent mode.

In one aspect of the invention, it comprises: engraving the mark from the ITO layer to leave an open gap that appears white on the switchable glass structure; and energizing the area around the mark when the vehicle glazing panel becomes opaque to produce a reverse image, thereby allowing the mark to be visible; and/or engraving the indicia from the ITO layer to leave an open gap that forms an opaque region that acts as a reflector for a light source that provides illumination along an edge of the vehicle glazing panel, thereby allowing the indicia to be illuminated.

In one aspect of the invention, including forming separation marks in the ITO layer to divide the vehicle glass panel into a plurality of discrete glass panels that are individually controllable.

In one aspect of the invention, the circuit includes at least a first switch and a second switch, wherein the first switch is normally closed and the second switch is normally open to allow a signal from a power source to reach the vehicle glazing panel and to make the vehicle glazing panel transparent, and includes making a capacitance measurement when the signal becomes zero and the first switch is open and the second switch is closed, such that the capacitance measurement can be made to determine whether a user is interacting with the user input area.

In one aspect of the invention, the method includes adjusting between the opaque mode and the transparent mode based on external or internal light measurements and/or adjusting between the opaque mode and the transparent mode based on external or internal temperature measurements.

In one aspect of the invention, it includes providing an automatic privacy setting wherein the opaque mode is activated when the outside is dark and interior illumination is enabled, or when a user detects a person outside the vehicle while inside the vehicle, and/or is switched to the opaque mode when a key signal or user radiotelephone signal is detected within a predetermined proximity of the vehicle.

In one aspect of the invention, the vehicle glazing panel forms a sunroof and/or one or more vehicle side windows.

Claims

1. An apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

a switchable glass structure supported within a vehicle and composed of a plurality of layers;

a power source selectively applied to the switchable glass structure to change the switchable glass structure from opaque to transparent;

a marker formed within at least one of the plurality of layers to identify a user input area; and

a control system comprising circuitry configured to cooperate with the power supply to allow the switchable glass structure to act as a capacitive sensor such that user input to the user input area can be sensed to change the switchable glass structure between an opaque mode and a transparent mode.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the switchable glass structure comprises a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) comprising at least one Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) layer, and wherein the marks are formed within the ITO layer.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the mark is engraved from the ITO layer to leave an open gap that appears white on the switchable glass structure, and when the switchable glass structure becomes opaque, the area around the mark is energized to create a reverse image, allowing the mark to be visible, or.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, comprising at least one light source, and wherein the mark is engraved from the ITO layer to leave an open gap that forms an opaque region that acts as a reflector for the light source that provides illumination along an edge of the switchable glass structure, allowing the mark to be illuminated.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, comprising a separation mark to divide the switchable glass structure into a plurality of discrete glass panels, and

wherein each discrete glass panel includes indicia for at least one user input area, and/or

The control system automatically switches one or more of the discrete glass panels to avoid direct sunlight on the occupant.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the circuit comprises at least a first switch and a second switch, wherein the first switch is normally closed and the second switch is normally open to allow a signal from the power source to reach and make transparent the switchable glass structure, and wherein a capacitance measurement is made when the signal becomes zero and the first switch is open and the second switch is closed such that the capacitance measurement can be made to determine whether a user is interacting with the user input area.

7. The apparatus of claim 2, the apparatus comprising

A light sensor transmitting light measurement data to the control system, and wherein the control system adjusts between an opaque setting and a transparent setting, and/or

At least one temperature sensor that communicates internal and/or external temperature data to the control system, and wherein the control system adjusts between an opaque setting and a transparent setting based on temperature measurements.

8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the control system comprises an automatic privacy setting, wherein an opaque state is set when

The control system uses a light sensor to determine that the vehicle exterior is dark and to identify that interior lighting is enabled, or

The control system uses an external camera to determine that there are people around the vehicle or that an external radiotelephone signal is detected when a user is inside the vehicle.

9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein when a user approaches the vehicle and the control system detects a key signal or a user wireless telephone signal within a predetermined proximity, the control system causes the switchable glass structure to become opaque to form a reflector to increase the effectiveness of an interior light.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the switchable glass structure comprises a sunroof, and/or wherein the switchable glass structure comprises one or more vehicle side windows.

11. A method, the method comprising:

providing at least one vehicle glazing panel comprising a PDLC comprising at least one ITO layer;

selectively applying power to the vehicle glazing panel to change the vehicle glazing panel from opaque to transparent;

forming a mark within the ITO layer to identify a user input area; and

the control circuit acts as a capacitive sensor in a manner that allows the switchable glass structure to function such that user input to the user input area can be sensed to change the vehicle glass panel between an opaque mode and a transparent mode.

12. The method according to claim 11, the method comprising: engraving the mark from the ITO layer to leave an open gap that appears white on the switchable glass structure; and energizing the area around the mark when the vehicle glazing panel becomes opaque to produce a reverse image, thereby allowing the mark to be visible; and/or engraving the indicia from the ITO layer to leave an open gap that forms an opaque region that acts as a reflector for a light source that provides illumination along an edge of the vehicle glazing panel, thereby allowing the indicia to be illuminated.

13. The method of claim 11, comprising forming separation marks in the ITO layer to divide the vehicle glass panel into a plurality of discrete glass panels that are individually controllable.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the circuit includes at least a first switch and a second switch, wherein the first switch is normally closed and the second switch is normally open to allow a signal from a power source to reach the vehicle glazing panel and cause the vehicle glazing panel to become transparent, and including making a capacitance measurement when the signal becomes zero and the first switch is open and the second switch is closed, such that the capacitance measurement can be made to determine whether a user is interacting with the user input area.

15. The method according to claim 11, the method comprising:

adjusting between the opaque mode and the transparent mode based on external or internal light measurements,

adjusting between the opaque mode and the transparent mode based on external or internal temperature measurements,

providing automatic privacy settings wherein the opaque mode is activated when the outside is dark and interior lighting is enabled, or when a user detects a person outside the vehicle while inside the vehicle, and/or

Switching to the opaque mode when a key signal or a user radiotelephone signal is detected within a predetermined proximity of the vehicle.