WO2024123487A1

WO2024123487A1 - Systems with adjustable windows

Info

Publication number: WO2024123487A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/078829
Authority: WO
Inventors: David E KINGMAN; Albert J. Golko
Original assignee: Apple Inc.
Priority date: 2022-12-09
Filing date: 2023-11-06
Publication date: 2024-06-13

Abstract

A system may have adjustable structures such as adjustable windows. Adjustable windows may have adjustable layers such as adjustable tint layers, adjustable reflectivity layers, and/or display layers. Adjustable window layers may be incorporated into a window with one or more transparent structural layers such as a pair of glass window layers. A display layer may be interposed between an adjustable opaque layer and either the interior or exterior of the system. The adjustable opaque layer may be an adjustable tint layer and/or an adjustable reflectivity layer. The adjustable opaque layer may have different regions that may be selectively adjusted between transparent and opaque states to change the size of the adjustable opaque layer. The size of the adjustable opaque layer may be adjusted based on images displayed by the display layer, the operating status of the system, or user input.

Description

Systems With Adjustable Windows

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/431,565, filed December 9, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Field

[0001] This relates generally to systems with structures that pass light, and, more particularly, to systems with windows and other adjustable structures.

Background

[0002] It is desirable to provide systems with windows. Windows may be provided with components have adjustable appearances.

Summary

[0003] A system such as a vehicle may have adjustable structures such as adjustable windows. Control circuitry in the vehicle may be used to adjust the adjustable windows based on user input, sensor input, or an operating status of the vehicle.

[0004] Adjustable windows may have adjustable layers such as adjustable tint layers, adjustable reflectivity layers, and/or display layers. Adjustable window layers may be incorporated into a window with one or more transparent structural layers such as a pair of glass window layers. Adjustable components such as adjustable reflectivity layers, adjustable haze layers, and display layers may be interposed between the pair of glass window layers.

[0005] A display layer may be interposed between an adjustable opaque layer and either the interior or exterior of the vehicle. The adjustable opaque layer may be an adjustable tint layer and/or an adjustable reflectivity layer, and may be a single layer or a stack of multiple layers.

[0006] The adjustable opaque layer may have different regions that may be selectively adjusted between transparent and opaque states to change the size of the adjustable opaque layer. The size of the adjustable opaque layer may be adjusted based on images displayed by the display layer, the operating status of the system, or user input. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] FIG. 1 is a top view of an illustrative system in accordance with some embodiments. [0008] FIG. 2 is a side view of an illustrative system in accordance with some embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a diagram of illustrative components in a system with a window in accordance with some embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a side view of an illustrative window having multiple layers in accordance with some embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an illustrative window having a display and an adjustable opaque layer in accordance with some embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a diagram of an illustrative window having a display and an adjustable opaque layer with horizontal regions that are stacked vertically in accordance with some embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a front view of an illustrative window that displays content that overlaps an adjustable opaque layer in accordance with some embodiments.

Detailed Description

[0014] A vehicle or other system may have window structures formed from one or more layers of glass, polymer, conductive material (e.g., transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide), crystalline materials (e.g., sapphire), and/or other materials. The structures may include opaque layers and/or transparent layers (e.g., transparent glass and polymer layers, etc.).

[0015] The structures may include one or more adjustable layers such as adjustable tint layers, and/or adjustable haze layers (e.g., adjustable opaque layers). The adjustable opaque layers may have adjustable size. A display may be included within the window structures and may be overlapped by the one or more adjustable layers. If desired, the size of the adjustable layers may be changed based on information displayed by the display. For example, the adjustable layers may be adjusted to ensure that all of the displayed information is overlapped by the adjustable layers. In this way, the displayed information may be viewable from one side of the window structures and may be hidden from view from an opposing side of the window structures.

[0016] In general, a window having adjustable opaque layers on which information is displayed may be incorporated into any desired system, such as a building or a vehicle. FIG. 1 is a top view of an illustrative vehicle to which a window having adjustable opaque layers may be applied. In the example of FIG. 1, vehicle 10 is the type of vehicle that may carry passengers (e.g., an automobile, truck, or other automotive vehicle).

[0017] Vehicle 10 may be manually driven (e.g., by a human driver), may be operated via remote control, and/or may be autonomously operated (e.g., by an autonomous vehicle driving system implemented using the control circuitry, sensors, and other components of vehicle 10). If desired, a vehicle driving system (e.g., a computer-assisted driving system that is also optionally used to support fully autonomous driving) may be used to provide vehicle driving assistance functions while vehicle 10 is being driven under manual control. [0018] Vehicle 10 may include a body such as body 18. Body 18 may include vehicle structures such as body panels formed from metal and/or other materials, may include doors, a hood, a trunk, fenders, a chassis to which wheels are mounted, a roof, etc. Windows 16 may be formed in doors on the sides S of vehicle body 18, or in other desired portions of vehicle 10, such as on a roof of vehicle 10. Windshield 12 may be formed at front F, and backlite 14 (also referred to as rear window 14 herein) may be formed at rear R of vehicle 10, if desired. Windows 16, windshield 12, rear window 14, doors in body 18, and other portions of body 18 may separate interior region 11 of vehicle 10 from the exterior environment that is surrounding vehicle 10 (exterior region 13).

[0019] Vehicle 10 may have seating such as seats 24 in interior region 11. Seats 24 may include bucket seats, bench seats, and/or other seats on which vehicle occupants may sit. These seats may include forward-facing seats, rear-facing seats, and/or seats facing any other desired direction. The configuration of FIG. 1 in which interior region 11 of vehicle 10 contains one or more rearward-facing bucket seats and/or bench seats and one or more forward-facing bucket seats and/or bench seats is illustrative.

[0020] Vehicle 10 may include heat, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system 19. HVAC system 19 may heat interior 11, allow air into interior 11 (e.g., ventilate interior 11), or cool interior 11. HVAC system 19 may be adjustable between various states having different air flow levels (e.g., fan speeds), different temperatures, different airflow locations, etc.

[0021] Vehicle 10 may be provided with one or more input-output devices 22. Input-output devices 22 may include displays, speakers, interior and exterior lights, actuators for adjusting the position and motion of structures in vehicle 10, and input devices that gather user input. The input devices may include proximity sensors, touch sensors, force sensors, buttons, etc. Devices 22 may also include sensors that may be used in vehicle 10 to make measurements on environmental conditions (e.g., ambient light levels, temperatures, etc.) and/or the state of vehicle 10 (e.g., whether a door is open or closed, whether a trunk is open, etc.). In some embodiments, devices 22 may include global positioning system (GPS) sensors to determine a location of vehicle 10.

[0022] In some configurations, the input-output devices may contain wireless circuitry. The wireless circuitry may include ultrawideband (UWB) circuitry, near-field communications circuitry, Bluetooth® circuitry, wireless local area network circuitry, and/or other wireless circuitry. The wireless circuitry may be used to detect nearby devices (e.g., wireless key fobs, portable electronic devices such as wristwatches and cellular telephones emitting UWB signals and/or other short-range wireless signals, etc.). As an example, wireless circuitry may be used to detect the presence of a nearby electronic device and vehicle 10 may, in response, use an actuator to unlock a door in vehicle 10.

[0023] During operation, user input may be used to operate vehicle 10. Input-output devices 22 may include buttons, sensors, steering components (e.g., a steering wheel and steering system), pedals (e.g., an accelerator and brake pedal), and/or other components that serve as controllers for gathering user input to adjust vehicle operations. These input devices may be used for receiving user steering commands, for receiving user navigation commands for an autonomous driving system, for receiving user input to adjust lighting, media playback, heating and air-conditioning, for receiving input to open and close doors (and windows), for receiving input to lock and unlock doors (and windows), for receiving input to otherwise control doors and/or windows, for receiving input to control other vehicle operations, and for receiving other user input. In an illustrative configuration, vehicle 10 includes sensor circuitry (e.g., a touch sensor, force sensor, proximity sensor, and/or other sensor(s)) to receive commands from users (e.g., vehicle occupants, users approaching vehicle 10 from the outside, etc.). The sensor circuitry may, as an example, include sensors that allow a user to supply user input that directs one or more electrically adjustable actuators to move a door from a stowed to a deployed position, to open and/or close the door, to lock/unlock the door, to open and/or close a window, etc.

[0024] Input-output devices 22 may also include displays, sensors, buttons (e.g., sensors based on movable button members that press against switches), light-emitting diodes and other light-emitting devices for providing interior and/or exterior lighting, haptic devices, speakers, door locks, actuators for moving portions of doors, windows, and/or other components, and/or other devices such as input devices for gathering environmental measurements, information on vehicle operations, and/or user input. The sensors in devices 26 may include ambient light sensors, touch sensors, force sensors, proximity sensors (e.g., optical proximity sensors and/or capacitive proximity sensors based on self-capacitance sensors and/or mutual capacitance sensor circuitry), optical sensors such as cameras operating at visible, infrared, and/or ultraviolet wavelengths (e.g., fisheye cameras and/or other cameras), capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, ultrasonic sensors (e.g., ultrasonic distance sensors), microphones, three-dimensional and/or two-dimensional images sensors, radiofrequency sensors such as radar sensors, lidar (light detection and ranging) sensors, door open/close sensors, seat pressure sensors and other vehicle occupant sensors, window sensors, position sensors for monitoring location, orientation, and movement, speedometers, satellite positioning system sensors, and/or other sensors. Output devices in devices 26 may be used to provide vehicle occupants and others with haptic output (e.g., force feedback, vibrations, etc.), audio output, visual output (e.g., displayed content, light, etc.), and/or other suitable output. Devices 26 may be mounted in interior region 13 and/or exterior region 11 and/or may, if desired, be attached to and/or mounted to other portions of body 18.

[0025] As shown in FIG. I, vehicle 10 of FIG. 1 may include controller 26 (also referred to as control circuitry 26 herein). Controller 26 (in combination with input-output devices 22, if desired) may be configured to operate vehicle systems such as the steering and propulsion system based on user input, to operate vehicle systems such as the steering and propulsion system autonomously in connection with running an autonomous driving application, to run a navigation application (e.g., an application for displaying maps on a display), to run software for controlling vehicle climate control devices, lighting, media playback, window movement, door operations, seating position devices, and/or to support the operation of other vehicle functions.

[0026] The controller and/or input-output devices (sensor circuitry, other input-output components, etc.) may include processing circuitry and storage and may be configured to perform operations in vehicle 10 using hardware (e.g., dedicated hardware or circuitry), firmware and/or software. Software code for performing operations in vehicle 10 and other data is stored on non-transitory computer readable storage media (e.g., tangible computer readable storage media) in the control circuitry. Remote storage and other remote-control circuitry (e.g., circuitry on remote servers, etc.) may also be used in storing the software code. The software code may sometimes be referred to as software, data, program instructions, computer instructions, instructions, or code. The non-transitory computer readable storage media may include non-volatile memory such as non-volatile random-access memory, one or more hard drives (e.g., magnetic drives or solid-state drives), one or more removable flash drives or other removable media, or other storage. Software stored on the non-transitory computer readable storage media may be executed on the processing circuitry of components 26 and/or the processing circuitry of remote hardware such as processors associated with one or more remote servers that communicate with components over wired and/or wireless communications links. The processing circuitry may include applicationspecific integrated circuits with processing circuitry, one or more microprocessors, a central processing unit (CPU) or other processing circuitry.

[0027] If desired, windshield 12 and rear window (backlite) 14 may be formed by a singlepiece, continuous sheet of glass that extends over the top of the vehicle (e.g., may form a roof structure for the vehicle). In other words, the single-piece, continuous sheet of glass (also referred to as a single-piece canopy herein) may cover interior region 11, including seats 24 and devices 22, and may also form windshield 12 and backlite 14. In other embodiments, windshield 12 and backlite 14 may be formed from individual windows, and a roof glass may be incorporated, if desired. An illustrative side view of a vehicle having a windshield, backlite, roof glass, and side windows is shown in FIG. 2.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, vehicle 10 may include windshield 12 at front F, backlite 14 at rear R, and roof glass 30 that extends over the top of interior 11 (FIG. 1). Side windows 16 may be formed at the sides of vehicle 10. In some embodiments, side windows 16 may be mounted to doors 17 of vehicle 10. Doors 17 may be movable between an open state (e.g., to allow people inside of vehicle 10) and a closed state.

[0029] In general, any of windshield 12, backlite 14, roof glass 30, side windows 16, and/or other transparent portions (such as glass trim) of vehicle 10 (referred to collectively herein as windows) may have an adjustable opaque layer and/or a display layer that displays information on the adjustable opaque layer. If desired, structures with adjustable tint, haze, and/or reflectivity may be used in forming laminated glass structures for these windows. [0030] The windows may be formed from one or more layers of transparent glass, clear polymer (e.g., polycarbonate), polymer adhesive layers, and/or other layers. In some arrangements, the windows may include laminated window structures such as one or more layers of glass with interposed polymer layer(s). The polymer in a laminated window may be, for example, a polymer such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). Adjustable layers in the windows may, if desired, be embedded in a polymer layer such as a PVB or EVA layer that is interposed between outer and inner glass layers.

[0031] During operation, input from input-output devices in vehicle 10 (e.g., user input, ambient light sensor measurements such as measurements on exterior light levels, interior light level measurements or other interior light level information, and/or other input) may be used by control circuitry 26 (also referred to as controller 26 herein) in making adjustments to interior lighting and to the light transmission and/or haze of the windows of vehicle 10. Controller 26 may make these adjustments automatically based on sensor input, based on user commands, and/or based on other information. An illustrative example of a window that having adjustable layers is shown in FIG. 3.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, control circuitry 26 may be coupled to input-output devices 22 and window 32. Window 32 may correspond to any desired glass (or other transparent) portion of vehicle 10, such as the windshield, backlite, side windows, or roof glass. Window 32 may include one or more layers that have been laminated together or otherwise stacked together. These layers may affect tinting, haze, and/or other optical characteristics and may be adjusted by control circuitry 26 based on user input received using user input devices in input-output devices 22 (e.g., a keyboard, a touch screen, a microphone gathering voice input, buttons, a touch input on a touch screen interface, a wireless link from a coupled portable electronic device or other wireless device, etc.) and/or based on measured interior and/or exterior lighting levels (e.g., an exterior light level measured by an ambient light sensor in devices 22, an interior light level determined based on known interior lighting level settings and/or measured interior light levels) or based on other data gathered using input-output devices 22. Adjustments that are made by control circuitry 26 to the adjustable components of window 32 may be made periodically (e.g., once per minute), may be made in response to receiving user input, may be made in response to changes in the operating environment of vehicle 10 (e.g., changes in ambient lighting conditions), or may be made when other suitable criteria are satisfied. [0033] A cross-sectional side view of window 32 in an illustrative configuration in which window 32 has at least three adjustable layers is shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, window 32 may have outer and inner layers such as optional layers 32’. Layers 32’ may be formed from glass, rigid plastic (e.g., polycarbonate, etc.) and/or other materials. Layers 32’ may be clear and/or may be tinted. Layers 32’ may be laminated together using one or more interposed layers of adhesive (e.g., PVB, EVA, etc.).

[0034] One or more adjustable layers such as layers 32-1, 32-2, and 32-3 may be interposed between outer and inner layers 32’ (e.g., layers such as layers 32-1, 32-2, and 32-3 may be laminated between glass layers or other layers 16’ using PVB, EVA, and/or another adhesive). One or more structural layers such as layers 32’ may be omitted in configurations for window 32 in which structural support is provided by other layers (e.g., when layers 32-1, 32-2, and/or 32-3 include glass and/or plastic layers that provide window 32 with structural support). Layers 32-1, 32-2, and/or 32-3 may include adjustable components such as an adjustable tint layer, an adjustable haze layer, and/or a display layer. In some configurations, the functions of two or more of these layers may be combined into a single component. For example, a component may exhibit both adjustable haze and adjustable tint.

[0035] If desired, layers such as layers 32-1, 32-2, and 32-3 may be formed as coatings. For example, one or more of these layers may be formed as a coating on an inner surface of an exterior layer 32’ or as a coating on an outwardly facing surface of an inner layer 32’. As another example, one or more of layers 32-1, 32-2, and 32-3 may be formed as a coating on another of layers 32-1, 32-2, and 32-3. Additional structural and/or functional layers (e.g., antireflection coating layers, fixed reflectivity partial mirror coatings, fixed tint coatings, a touch sensor layer, such as a capacitive touch sensor, layer, and/or fixed haze layers, antiscratch layers, etc.) may be incorporated into window 32 if desired. The configuration of FIG. 4 is merely illustrative.

[0036] In one illustrative embodiment, window 32 may include adjustable opaque layers, such as an adjustable tint layer and/or an adjustable tint layer (also referred to as an active tint layer herein). The adjustable haze layer and adjustable tint layer may be included in window 32 as two separate layers (e.g., layers 32-1 and 32-2), or may be included in window 32 as a single layer (e.g., layer 32-1).

[0037] The adjustable haze layer may be formed from a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer, as an example. When it is desired to change the haze of window 32, liquid crystals within the polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer may be rotated. By including liquid crystals with suitable indexes of refraction (e.g., indexes that match the surrounding layers in a first orientation and that are different from the surrounding layers in a second orientation), the rotation of the polymer dispersed liquid crystals may change the adjustable haze layer from a transparent state to one or more hazy states. The active tint layer may be formed from a guest-host liquid crystal layer, as an example. The guest-host liquid crystal layer may be adjusted between a transparent state to an opaque state (or any desired intermediate state). In general, however, the adjustable haze layer and/or the active tint layer may be formed from any desired layers, such as electrochromic devices or suspended particle devices. Although window 32 has been described as including both an active tint layer and an adjustable haze layer, this is merely illustrative. Window 32 may include an active tint layer or an adjustable hazel layer if desired.

[0038] In addition to the adjustable tint and haze layers, window 32 may include a display, such as a display layer 32-3. The display may be, for example, a transparent organic lightemitting diode (OLED) display, a transparent liquid crystal display (LCD), a transparent light-emitting diode (LED) display, or a transparent display based on any other desired technology.

[0039] In some embodiments, control circuitry 26 may activate the adjustable opaque layer(s) (e.g., the adjustable tint layer and/or the adjustable haze layer) when the display layer displays an image. For example, the adjustable opaque layer(s) may overlap the display layer, and it may appear to a viewer of window 32 that the image is displayed on the adjustable opaque layer(s).

[0040] The adjustable opaque layer(s) may be interposed between the display layer and the interior of the vehicle (e.g., if the image is to be viewed from the exterior of the vehicle), or may be interposed between the display layer and the exterior of the vehicle (e.g., if the image is to be viewed from the interior of the vehicle). In this way, the image from the display layer may be viewed from a single side of window 32, while being blocked from view from the other side of window 32. If desired, however, separate display layers may be incorporated on both sides of the same adjustable opaque layer(s) to display information on both sides of window 32.

[0041] Because the images displayed by the display layer and/or the operating conditions of vehicle 10 may change, it may be desirable to change the size of the adjustable opaque layer(s). In particular, it may be desirable to have an adjustable opaque region on window 32 on which information may be displayed. An illustrative example of a window having an adjustable opaque layer is shown in FIG. 5.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5, window 32 may be positioned between interior region 11 of vehicle 10 and exterior region 13 to separate the interior region from the exterior region. Window 32 may include display layer 36, which may be a transparent organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, a transparent liquid crystal display (LCD), a transparent light-emitting diode (LED) display, or a transparent display based on any other desired technology.

[0043] Adjustable opaque layer 34 may overlap display layer 36. Adjustable opaque layer 34 may be an adjustable tint layer, an adjustable haze layer, a single layer that has adjustable haze and tint, multiple adjustable layers (e.g., an adjustable tint layer and an adjustable haze layer), or another desired adjustable opaque layer. Although not shown in FIG. 5, window 32 may have any of the other layers 32’, 32-1, 32-2, or 32-3, or other desired layers discussed above in connection with FIG. 4.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, adjustable opaque layer 34 may include regions 38, 40, and 42. Regions 38, 40, and 42 may be individually adjustable between a transparent mode and an opaque mode. In the example of FIG. 5, region 38 is a small inner region, region 40 is an intermediate region, and region 42 is a large outer region. By selectively placing regions 38, 40, and 42 into an opaque mode, the size of adjustable opaque layer 34 may be adjusted. For example, adjustable opaque layer 34 may have a first size when region 38 is in the opaque state and regions 40 and 42 are in the transparent state, a second size when regions 38 and 40 are in the opaque state and region 42 is in the transparent state, and a third size when regions 38, 40, and 42 are in the opaque state. Additionally, adjustable opaque layer 34 may be placed in an entirely transparent state (e.g., regions 38, 40, and 42 may all be placed in the transparent state), if desired. In this way, the size of adjustable opaque layer 34 may be adjusted, and adjustable opaque layer 34 may be dynamically grown/shrunk as desired.

[0045] The size of adjustable opaque layer 34 may be adjusted based on the images or information displayed by display 36, based on the operating state of vehicle 10, in response to input from an operator of or passenger in vehicle 10, or other desired factors. For example, adjustable opaque layer 34 may be adjusted by controller 26 of vehicle 10.

[0046] In some illustrative embodiments, adjustable opaque layer 34 may be adjusted based on the images, text, graphics, media, or other information displayed on display 36. For example, it may be desirable to entirely overlap the information displayed on display 36 with adjustable opaque layer 34. If display 36 is displaying a lot of information or a large image, adjustable opaque layer 34 may be adjusted to have a large size. If display 36 is displaying a small amount of information, adjustable opaque layer 34 may be adjusted to have a small size. If display 36 is not displaying any information, adjustable opaque layer 34 may be switched into the entirely transparent state to allow light through window 34. However, these examples are merely illustrative. In general, adjustable opaque layer 34 may be adjusted in any desired manner in response to the information displayed on display 36.

[0047] In some illustrative examples, adjustable opaque layer 34 may be adjusted based on the operating state of vehicle 10. For example, adjustable opaque layer 34 may be adjusted based on whether the doors of vehicle 10 have been opened or closed, based on whether vehicle 10 is coming to a stop, based on whether a heat, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is running (e.g., to show the operating status of the HVAC system), based on the position/location of vehicle 10 (e.g., to show driving direction, navigational information, tum-by-tum direction information, estimated time of arrival, departure and arrival navigational information, the position of vehicle 10, or other navigational information), or may otherwise be adjusted based on the operating state of vehicle 10. Display 36 may then display information regarding the state of vehicle 10 (or other desired information) on adjustable opaque layer 34.

[0048] In some embodiments, adjustable opaque layer 34 may be adjusted based on input from a user, such as an occupant of vehicle 10. For example, adjustable opaque layer 34 may be adjusted in response to a touch input on a touch layer within window 32, in response to a touch input on another touch input surface in vehicle 10, in response to the press of a button in vehicle 10, in response to a voice command, or in response to another desired input. As another example, an input from a user may place adjustable opaque layer 34 into the transparent mode.

[0049] It may be desirable to display information to occupants of vehicle 10, while not displaying the information for people outside of vehicle 10. Therefore, display 36 may be interposed between adjustable opaque layer 34 and the interior 11 of vehicle 10, as shown in FIG. 5. However, this is merely illustrative. If images, messages, or information (such as information regarding the upcoming movements of an autonomous vehicle) are desired to be displayed to people outside of vehicle 10, display 36 may be interposed between adjustable opaque layer 34 and exterior 13 of vehicle 10.

[0050] These examples are merely illustrative. In general, adjustable opaque layer 34 may be adjusted in any desired manner, and display 36 may display any desired images, information, text, symbols, media, etc. on adjustable opaque layer 34.

[0051] Although FIG. 5 shows adjustable opaque layer 34 as having three regions 38, 40, and 42, this is merely illustrative. In general, adjustable opaque layer 34 may have any suitable number of regions that may be placed in opaque and transparent states to change the size of adjustable opaque layer 34.

[0052] Moreover, although FIG. 5 shows adjustable opaque layer 34 having a small inner region surrounded by an intermediate region and a large outer region, the regions within adjustable opaque layer 34 may be arranged in any desired manner. An illustrative embodiment of an adjustable opaque layer being arranged with horizontally-extending regions that are stacked in a vertical direction is shown in FIG. 6.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 6, window 32 may include adjustable opaque layer 44 overlapping display 36. Adjustable opaque layer 44 may include stacked regions 46, 48, and 50. By changing which regions are opaque and which regions are transparent, a size (and location) of adjustable opaque layer 44 may be adjusted. Adjustable opaque layer 44 may be adjusted based on the same factors as discussed above in connection with adjustable opaque layer 34 of FIG. 5. Although not shown in FIG. 6, window 32 may have any of the other layers 32’, 32-1, 32-2, or 32-3, or other desired layers discussed above in connection with FIG. 4.

[0054] Although FIGS. 5 and 6 show the regions within adjustable opaque layers 34 and 46 with generally rectangular shapes (e.g., rectangular shapes with rounded comers), this is merely illustrative. In general, the regions within adjustable opaque layers in window 32 may have any desired shapes, such as square shapes, circular shapes, or oval shapes.

[0055] Moreover, although FIGS. 5 and 6 show the regions of each of adjustable opaque layers 34 and 36 as having the same shape (e.g., successively larger rectangular shapes), this is merely illustrative. If desired, regions within a single adjustable opaque layer may have different shapes. For example, an adjustable opaque layer may have a rectangular region, a circular region, a square region, an oval region, and or regions of any other desired shapes. [0056] Regardless of the arrangement of the adjustable opaque layer, the adjustable opaque layer may extend across at least a portion of display 36, and display 36 may display information that overlaps the adjustable opaque layer. An illustrative front view of a window having an adjustable opaque layer overlapping a portion of a display is shown in FIG. 7. [0057] As shown in FIG. 7, window 32 may include display 36. Display 36 may extend over all or some of window 32. For example, display 36 may extend over only a portion of the other window layers, such as glass layers, of window 32. Adjustable opaque layers 34 and/or 44 may extend at least partially over display 36. In the example of FIG. 7, the adjustable opaque layers overlap only a portion of display 36. However, the adjustable opaque layers may extend entirely over display 36, if desired.

[0058] Display 36 may display image 52 that overlaps adjustable opaque layer 34. Image 52 may be a graphic image, text, information, media, graphic, symbol, or any other desired image. As discussed, the size of adjustable opaque layer 34 may be adjusted based on the size or content of image 52. If desired, display 36 may also display image 54 that does not overlap adjustable opaque layer 34. Image 54 may be a graphic image, text, information, media, graphic, symbol, or any other desired image.

[0059] Image 52 may be visible only in the interior of vehicle 10, as adjustable opaque layer 34 may be positioned between display 36 and the exterior to block image 52 from view from the exterior. Alternatively, image 52 may be visible only from the exterior of vehicle 10, as adjustable opaque layer 34 may be positioned between display 36 and the interior to block image 52 from view from the interior. On the other hand, image 54 may be visible in both the interior and exterior of vehicle 10, as it is not overlapped by an adjustable opaque layer.

[0060] Instead of, or in addition to, displaying images that at least partially overlap adjustable opaque layer 34, display 36 may display images that at least partially overlap adjustable opaque layer 44.

[0061] Although adjustable opaque layers 42 and 44 are shown in central regions of display 36, this is merely illustrative. As another example, a window may have a periphery, a display may run around the periphery, and an adjustable opaque layer may run around the periphery of the window. In this way, information may be provided at edges of the window, while the center of the window may be unimpeded. In general, however, adjustable opaque layers and displays may be incorporated in any desired portions of a window.

[0062] Multiple adjustable opaque layers may overlap a single display, multiple displays may overlap a single adjustable opaque layer, or a single display may overlap a single adjustable opaque layer. [0063] Although display 36 has been described as being a layer within window 32, this is merely illustrative. Display 36 may be a heads-up display or other display technology outside of window 32 that displays images on an adjustable opaque layer in window 32, if desired.

[0064] In accordance with an embodiment, a window that separates an interior and an exterior is provided that includes a display layer configured to display information and an adjustable opaque layer that overlaps the display layer, the adjustable opaque layer is adjustable between a first size and a second size that is different from the first size.

[0065] In accordance with another embodiment, the adjustable opaque layer has an adjustable tint.

[0066] In accordance with another embodiment, the adjustable opaque layer has an adjustable haze.

[0067] In accordance with another embodiment, the adjustable opaque layer includes a liquid crystal layer.

[0068] In accordance with another embodiment, the display is interposed between the adjustable opaque layer and the interior, the display is viewable from the interior, and the display is at least partially blocked from view from the exterior by the adjustable opaque layer.

[0069] In accordance with another embodiment, the adjustable opaque layer is configured to be adjusted between the first size and the second size based on the displayed information. [0070] In accordance with another embodiment, the adjustable opaque layer is configured to be adjusted to cover an entirety of the displayed information.

[0071] In accordance with another embodiment, the adjustable opaque layer is configured to be adjusted to cover a first portion of the displayed information, and a second portion of the displayed information is not covered by the adjustable opaque layer.

[0072] In accordance with another embodiment, the window includes a touch layer, the adjustable opaque layer is configured to be adjusted between the first size and the second size in response to a touch input on the touch layer.

[0073] In accordance with another embodiment, the window includes a glass layer having a periphery, the display and the adjustable opaque layer run around the periphery.

[0074] In accordance with an embodiment, a vehicle having an interior and an exterior is provided that includes a body and a window coupled to the body, the window includes a display configured to display information, and an adjustable opaque layer that overlaps the display, the adjustable opaque layer is adjustable between a first size and a second size that is larger than the first size.

[0075] In accordance with another embodiment, the display faces the interior, and the adjustable opaque layer is interposed between the display and the exterior.

[0076] In accordance with another embodiment, the display faces the exterior, and the adjustable opaque layer is interposed between the display and the interior.

[0077] In accordance with another embodiment, the vehicle includes a controller configured to determine a state of the vehicle, the controller is configured to adjust the adjustable opaque layer based on the state of the vehicle.

[0078] In accordance with another embodiment, the vehicle includes doors coupled to the body, the doors are movable between an open position and a closed position, and the controller is configured to adjust the adjustable opaque layer based on whether the doors are in the open position or in the closed position.

[0079] In accordance with another embodiment, the vehicle includes a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, controller is configured to adjust the adjustable opaque layer based on a state of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.

[0080] In accordance with another embodiment, the controller is configured to adjust the adjustable opaque layer based on a position of the vehicle.

[0081] In accordance with another embodiment, the display is configured to display navigational information on the adjustable opaque layer.

[0082] In accordance with another embodiment, the displayed information includes media information, the vehicle further includes a controller configured to adjust the adjustable opaque based on the media information.

[0083] In accordance with an embodiment, a vehicle having a front and a rear is provided that includes a body and a windshield coupled to the body at the front, the windshield includes first and second window layers, and an adjustable opaque layer interposed between the first and second window layers, the adjustable opaque layer is adjustable between a first size and a second size that is different from the first size, and information is configured to be displayed on the adjustable opaque layer.

[0084] In accordance with another embodiment, the vehicle includes a heads-up display configured to display the information on the adjustable opaque layer. [0085] In accordance with another embodiment, the windshield further includes a display layer interposed between the adjustable opaque layer and the first window layer, the display layer is configured to display the information on the adjustable opaque layer.

[0086] The foregoing is merely illustrative and various modifications can be made to the described embodiments. The foregoing embodiments may be implemented individually or in any combination.

Claims

Claims What is Claimed is:

1. A window that separates an interior and an exterior, comprising: a display layer configured to display information; and an adjustable opaque layer that overlaps the display layer, wherein the adjustable opaque layer is adjustable between a first size and a second size that is different from the first size.

2. The window of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable opaque layer has an adjustable tint.

3. The window of claim 2, wherein the adjustable opaque layer has an adjustable haze.

4. The window of claim 3, wherein the adjustable opaque layer comprises a liquid crystal layer.

5. The window of claim 1 , wherein the display is interposed between the adjustable opaque layer and the interior, the display is viewable from the interior, and the display is at least partially blocked from view from the exterior by the adjustable opaque layer.

6. The window of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable opaque layer is configured to be adjusted between the first size and the second size based on the displayed information.

7. The window of claim 6, wherein the adjustable opaque layer is configured to be adjusted to cover an entirety of the displayed information.

8. The window of claim 6, wherein the adjustable opaque layer is configured to be adjusted to cover a first portion of the displayed information, and wherein a second portion of the displayed information is not covered by the adjustable opaque layer.

9. The window of claim 1 , further comprising: a touch layer, wherein the adjustable opaque layer is configured to be adjusted between the first size and the second size in response to a touch input on the touch layer.

10. The window of claim 1 , further comprising: a glass layer having a periphery, wherein the display and the adjustable opaque layer run around the periphery.

11. A vehicle having an interior and an exterior, comprising: a body; and a window coupled to the body, wherein the window comprises: a display configured to display information, and an adjustable opaque layer that overlaps the display, wherein the adjustable opaque layer is adjustable between a first size and a second size that is larger than the first size.

12. The vehicle of claim 11 , wherein the display faces the interior, and wherein the adjustable opaque layer is interposed between the display and the exterior.

13. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the display faces the exterior, and wherein the adjustable opaque layer is interposed between the display and the interior.

14. The vehicle of claim 11 , further comprising: a controller configured to determine a state of the vehicle, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the adjustable opaque layer based on the state of the vehicle.

15. The vehicle of claim 14, further comprising: doors coupled to the body, wherein the doors are movable between an open position and a closed position, and wherein the controller is configured to adjust the adjustable opaque layer based on whether the doors are in the open position or in the closed position.

16. The vehicle of claim 14, further comprising: a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, wherein controller is configured to adjust the adjustable opaque layer based on a state of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.

17. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the adjustable opaque layer based on a position of the vehicle.

18. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein the display is configured to display navigational information on the adjustable opaque layer.

19. The vehicle of claim 11 , wherein the displayed information comprises media information, the vehicle further comprising: a controller configured to adjust the adjustable opaque based on the media information.

20. A vehicle having a front and a rear, comprising: a body; and a windshield coupled to the body at the front, wherein the windshield comprises: first and second window layers, and an adjustable opaque layer interposed between the first and second window layers, wherein the adjustable opaque layer is adjustable between a first size and a second size that is different from the first size, and wherein information is configured to be displayed on the adjustable opaque layer.

21. The vehicle of claim 20, further comprising: a heads-up display configured to display the information on the adjustable opaque layer.

22. The vehicle of claim 20, wherein the windshield further comprises: a display layer interposed between the adjustable opaque layer and the first window layer, wherein the display layer is configured to display the information on the adjustable opaque layer.