TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present subject matter described herein, in general, relates to a system and a method for controlling a smart glass, and more particularly a system and a method for controlling opacity of a smart glass in a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[002] Various types of technologies exist for tinting, dimming or otherwise changing the transparency of transparent materials such as glass, thereby controlling the amount of light and heat transmitted through the transparent material. For example, smart glass or switchable glass also known as smart windows or switchable windows is a glass or glazing whose light transmission properties are altered when voltage, light or heat is applied. Generally, the glass changes from opaque to translucent to transparent. Thus limiting the flow of light through the glass.
[003] Smart glass technologies include electro-chromic, photochromic, thermo-chromic, suspended particle, micro-blind and polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices. Nowadays, smart glass is utilized in a variety of settings and for various purposes. These technologies may be utilized by a variety of vehicles such as automobiles, trucks, airplanes and trains and may be utilized in windows, skylights and mirrors. For example, installed in the envelope of buildings, smart glass creates climate adaptive building shells, with the ability to save costs for heating, air-conditioning and lighting and avoid the cost of installing and maintaining motorized light screens or blinds or curtains. Most of these technologies utilize the application of an electric field through a transparent material such as glass for dimming. Each of these technologies has different advantages and disadvantages depending on the application. For example, electro-chromic devices may switch slowly, but do not require a continuous application of an electric field to maintain a dimmed or a transparent state. One of the other draw back in the current technology is the ability to have variable control over multiple sections in the smart glass. Further, other draw backs related to security, emergency, and government regulations based control of the smart glass.
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SUMMARY
[004] Before the present systems and methods, are described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular systems, and methodologies described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosures. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular implementations or versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to a system and a method for controlling opacity of a smart glass in a vehicle. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[005] In one implementation, a system for controlling opacity of a smart glass in a vehicle is disclosed. In one aspect, the system may obtain input data. The input data may comprise vehicle data, environment data and driver data. Further, the system may determine a state of a vehicle and a state of a driver of the vehicle based on the input data and predefined conditions. Furthermore, the system may generate a command signal for enabling a change in the opacity at least a section of a smart glass in the vehicle based on the state of the vehicle and the state of the driver. Subsequently, the system may change selectively the opacity of at least a section of the smart glass using a control unit coupled with the processor.
[006] In another implementation, a method for controlling opacity of a smart glass in a vehicle is disclosed. In one aspect, the method may comprise obtaining input data, wherein the input data comprises vehicle data, environment data and driver data. The method may further comprise determining a state of a vehicle and a state of a driver of the vehicle based on the input data and predefined conditions. The method may further comprise generating a command signal for enabling a change in the opacity at least a section of a smart glass in the vehicle based on the state of the vehicle and the state of the driver. The method may further comprise changing selectively the opacity of at least a section of the smart glass using a control unit coupled with the processor.
[007] In yet another implementation, non-transitory computer readable medium embodying a program executable in a computing device for controlling opacity of smart glass in a vehicle is disclosed. The program may comprise a program code for obtaining input data. The
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input data comprises vehicle data, environment data and driver data. Further, the program may comprise a program code for determining a state of a vehicle and a state of a driver of the vehicle based on the input data and predefined conditions. Furthermore, the program may comprise a program code for generating, by the processor, a command signal for enabling a change in the opacity at least a section of a smart glass in the vehicle based on the state of the vehicle and the state of the driver. Finally, the program may comprise a program code for changing selectively, by the processor, the opacity of at least a section of the smart glass using a control unit coupled with the processor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[008] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating of the present subject matter, an example of construction of the present subject matter is provided as figures; however, the invention is not limited to the specific method and system disclosed in the document and the figures.
[009] The present subject matter is described detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer various features of the present subject matter.
[010] Figure 1 illustrates an implementation of a system for controlling opacity of a smart glass in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[011] Figure 2 illustrates one example of selective change in opacity of smart glass utilizing the system in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[012] Figure 3 illustrates the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[013] Figure 4 illustrates a method for controlling opacity of a smart glass in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[014] Some embodiments of systems and methods for controlling opacity of a smart glass in a vehicle, illustrating its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to systems and methods for controlling opacity of a smart glass in a vehicle described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, systems and methods are for controlling opacity of a smart glass in a vehicle now described. The disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms.
[015] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments of system and method for controlling opacity of a smart glass in a vehicle described, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[016] In an implementation, a system and method for controlling opacity of smart glass in a vehicle, is described. In the implementation, input data may be obtained. In one example, the input data may comprise vehicle data, environment data and driver data. Further, in the example, the vehicle data may comprise vehicle speed data, engine conditions data, and brake force data. The environment data may comprise light conditions, sun intensity, and weather data. The driver data comprises location of the driver and the height of the driver. Upon obtaining input data, the state of a vehicle and the state of a driver of the vehicle maybe determined. In one example, the state may be determined based on the input data and predefined conditions. In one other example, the predefined conditions may comprise a parked condition if speed of vehicle is zero, the ignition is off and the handbrake applied, a theft condition if the lock is broken or security disables, also the vehicle may be left in an
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anti-theft, opaque window mode, emergency condition if the rapid braking or impact conditions occur, and night driving if low ambient light.
[017] Further to determining the state of the vehicle and the driver, a command signal may be generated. The command signal enables a change in the opacity at least a section of smart glass in the vehicle based on the state of the vehicle and the state of driver of the vehicle. Subsequent to the generation of command signal, the opacity of at least a section of the smart glass may be selectively changed. In one example, the selectively change in the opacity may be done using a control unit coupled with the processor.
[018] Referring now to Figure 1, an implementation of a system 102 for controlling opacity of smart glass 112 and 114 in a vehicle 110, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter may be described. In one embodiment, the present subject matter is explained considering that the system 102 may be implemented as a standalone system connects the vehicle or electronic computing unit (ECU). It may be understood that the system 102 may also be implemented in a variety of computing systems, such as a computer, an ECU and the like.
[019] In one embodiment, the system 102 may be electronically coupled to a control unit 104 and the control unit 104 is further electronically coupled to the smart glass 112, 114 for controlling the opacity of the smart glass 112, 114 installed in the vehicle 110. In one other implementation, the smart glass 112, 114 may be installed in as a wind screen 112 and windows 114-1, 114-2, 114-3, 114-N. In the embodiment the windscreen may be subdivided in to windscreen 112-1, and sun visor 112-N. During operation, the smart glass 112, 114 may be controlled automatically by system 102 or manually by control knob 118-1, 118-2, 118-N, herein after collectively referred to as control knob 118. Further, the system 102 may be electronically coupled to sensors 106-1, and 106-2 for collecting environmental and other data.
[020] In the embodiment, the system 102 may receive input data from the sensors 106-1, and 106-2, ECU of the vehicle. Further, the input data may comprises vehicle data, driver data and environment data. Upon receiving the input data the system 102 may compute the state of the vehicle and may generate a command signal. In one example the state of the vehicle may be night driving. Other examples may comprise emergency condition, theft, parking, security, privacy, intensity of ambient light and the like. Further, the command
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signal is provided to the control unit 104. Further to receiving the command signal the control unit 104 may change the opacity of the smart glass.
[021] Referring to figure 2, the change in the opacity of the smart glass is demonstrated. In this embodiment the system 102 may obtain input data on the environment condition, driver condition, and the vehicle data. Based on the input data the input data the system 102 may compute the state of the vehicle. In this example, high ambient light level state. Further, the system 102 may generated a command signal for the control unit 104 to change the opacity of the smart glass installed as windshield, as shown in fig 2. Further, the system may change the opacity of various sections of the smart glass according to the intensity of the ambient light and the discomfort caused to the driver, as shown in fig 2. In addition the screen may be graded from dark to light from top to bottom of the windscreen, as shown in fig 2, utilizing a continually graduated electric field, providing a more pleasing viewing condition than discrete areas.
[022] Referring now to Figure 3, the system 102 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In one embodiment, the system 102 may include at least one processor 302, an input/output (I/O) interface 304, and a memory 306. The at least one processor 302 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the at least one processor 302 may be configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory 306.
[023] The I/O interface 304 may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces, for example, a web interface, a graphical user interface, and the like. The I/O interface 304 may allow the system 102 to interact with the user directly or through the client devices (not shown). Further, the I/O interface 304 may enable the system 102 to communicate with other computing devices, ECU (not shown). The I/O interface 304 can facilitate multiple communications within a wide variety of networks and protocol types, including wired networks, for example, LAN, cable, etc., and wireless networks, such as WLAN, cellular, or satellite. The I/O interface 304 may include one or more ports for connecting a number of devices to one another or to another server.
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[024] The memory 306 may include any computer-readable medium or computer program product known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes. The memory 306 may include modules 308 and data 310.
[025] The modules 308 include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. In one implementation, the modules 308 may include a receiving module 312, a computing module 314, a generator module 316 and another module 318. The other modules 318 may include programs or coded instructions that supplement applications and functions of the system 102. The modules 308 described herein may be implemented as software modules that may be executed in the cloud-based computing environment of the system 102.
[026] The memory 306, amongst other things, serves as a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the modules 308. The memory 306 may include data generated as a result of the execution of one or more modules in the other module 320. In one implementation, the memory may include data 310. Further, the data 310 may include a system data 320 for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the modules 308. Furthermore, the data 310 may include other data 322 for storing data generated as a result of the execution of one or more modules in the other module 318.
[027] In one implementation, at first, a user may use the client device (not shown) or control knob 108 to access the system 102 via the I/O interface 304. In one aspect, the user may access the I/O interface 304 of the system 102 for controlling opacity of the smart glass 112 and 114 in the vehicle 110. In another aspect, the system 102 may automatically control opacity of the smart glass 112 and 114 in the vehicle 110
RECEIVER MODULE 312
[028] In an implementation, a system and method for controlling opacity of a smart glass in a vehicle, is described. In the implementation, the receiving module 312 is configured to obtain input data. In one example, the input data may comprise manual input data, vehicle data, environment data and driver data. In one example, the receiving module 312 may obtain the environment data and driver data from the sensors 106 installed outside and inside the
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vehicle 110. In one other example, the receiving module 312 may obtain the vehicle data from sensors 106 or the ECU installed in the vehicle 110. In the example, the vehicle data may comprise vehicle speed data, engine conditions data, brake force data or impact data. The environment data may comprise the light conditions, sun intensity, ambient light and weather data. The driver data comprises location of the driver the height of the driver. Further, the receiving module 312 may store the obtained input data in system data 320.
COMPUTING MODULE 314
[029] Upon obtaining the input data by the receiving module 312, the computing module 314 may determine the state of the vehicle 110. The state of the vehicle 110 may be understood as the conditions the vehicle 110 is undergoing or the condition the vehicle 110 is in real time. For example the state of a vehicle 110 may be a night driving state, theft state, emergency state, ambient light state, unauthorized state and the like. Further, the state of the vehicle 100 may be determined by the computing module 314 based on the input data and a set of predefined conditions. In one example, the set of predefined conditions may comprise parked condition if speed of vehicle is zero, ignition is off and handbrake applied, theft condition if the lock is broken, security defeated or unauthorized entry, emergency condition if the rapid braking or skidding or crash impact, and night driving if low ambient light . Furthermore, the computing module 314 may store the state in the system data 320.
GENERATOR MODULE 316
[030] Further to, the determining the state of the vehicle 100 by the computing module 314, the generator module 316 may generate a command signal. In one example, the command signal may be generated based on the state of the vehicle and the state of the driver. The command signal may comprise instructions for enabling a change in the opacity at least a section of the smart glass 112, 114 in the vehicle 110. In one example, the instructions may be in form of increase or decrease in the voltage or override manual instructions to change the opacity. The generator module 316 may store the command signal in system module 320.
[031] Upon generation of the command signal, the generator module 316 may provide the signal to a control unit 104. The control unit 104 upon receiving the signal may change selectively the opacity of at least a section of the smart glass using a control unit. In one example, if the sun is bright and making the driver uncomfortable the system 102 may enable the control unit 104 to change the opacity of the sun visor in order to reduce glare to the
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driver. In one other example, the system 102 may enable the control unit 104 to change the opacity of the smart glass 112, 114 if a theft of a vehicle has occurred. In one more example, the system 102 may enable the control unit 104 to make the smart glass transparent 112 and 114 in case of night driving or emergency. In one other example, the system 102 may enable the control unit 104 to produce a vignette based on a graduated change of opacity of the smart glass.
[032] Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include those provided by the following features.
[033] Some embodiments enable the system and the method to identify the precise text for the first time users.
[034] Some embodiments of the system and the method enable auto dimming of the smart glass based on intensity of ambient light but not affected by car headlights.
[035] Some embodiments of the system and the method enable to reduce heat in car, for example when parked in the sun.
[036] Some embodiments of the system and the method enable to darken the smart window for security.
[037] Some embodiments enable the system and the method to darken the smart window in case of unauthorized access.
[038] Some embodiments of the system and the method enable to provide manual dimming control.
[039] Some embodiments of the system and the method enable to customize the sun visor.
[040] Some embodiments of the system and the method enable a failsafe, wherein if the power fails the smart glass is made transparent.
[041] Some embodiments of the system and the method enable a vignette from top to bottom of the screen.
[042] Some embodiments of the system and the method enable system override for night time driving.
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[043] Referring now to Figure 4, a method 400 for controlling opacity of a smart glass in a vehicle is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The method 400 may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions. Generally, computer executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, functions, etc., that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.
[044] The order in which the method 400 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method 400 or alternate methods. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the method 400 without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof. However, for ease of explanation, in the embodiments described below, the method 400 may be considered to be implemented in the above described system 102.
[045] At block 402, input data is obtained. The input data may comprise vehicle data, environment data and driver data. In an implementation, the receiver module 312 may obtain the input data and store the input data in system data 320.
[046] At block 404, a state of a vehicle and a state of a driver of the vehicle may be determined based on the input data and predefined conditions. In the implementation, the computing module 314 may determine a state of a vehicle and a state of a driver of the vehicle based on the input data and predefined conditions and store the determined state in system data 320.
[047] At block 406, a command signal may be generated based on the state of the vehicle and the state of driver of the vehicle. The command signal is generated enables a change in the opacity of at least a section of smart glass in the vehicle. In the implementation, the generator module 316 may generate a command signal based on the state of the vehicle and the state of driver of the vehicle and store command signal in system data 320.
[048] At block 408, the opacity of at least a section of the smart glass may be changed selectively using a control unit coupled. In the implementation, the generator module 316 may change selectively the opacity of at least a section of the smart glass using a control unit and store change in system data 320.
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[049] Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include a method and system for controlling opacity of smart glass in a vehicle.
[050] Although implementations for methods and systems for controlling opacity of a smart glass in a vehicle suggestion have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementations for controlling opacity of a smart glass in a vehicle.
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WE CLAIM:
1. A method for controlling an opacity of a smart glass in a vehicle, the method comprising:
obtaining, by a processor, input data, wherein the input data comprises vehicle data, environment data and driver data;
determining, by the processor, a state of a vehicle and a state of a driver of the vehicle based on the input data and predefined conditions;
generating, by the processor, a command signal for enabling a change in the opacity at least a section of a smart glass in the vehicle based on the state of the vehicle and the state of the driver; and
changing selectively, by the processor, the opacity of at least a section of the smart glass using a control unit coupled with the processor.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises producing a vignette based on a graduated change of opacity of the smart glass.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises darkening the smart glass based on the change of opacity of the smart glass in case of unauthorized entry, and theft.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises making the smart glass transparent based on the change of opacity of the smart glass in case of emergency, or night time driving.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises changing the opacity of at least a section of the smart glass based on change in control voltage.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle data comprises vehicle speed data, engine conditions data, brake force data, impact data.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the environment data comprises the light conditions, ambient light intensity, weather data.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the driver data comprises location of the driver the height of the driver.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the predefined conditions comprises parked condition if speed of vehicle is zero, ignition is off and the handbrake applied, theft condition if the lock is broken, security defeated, emergency condition if the rapid braking, impact, and night driving with low ambient light.
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10. A system for controlling an opacity of a smart glass in a vehicle, the system comprising:
a memory; and
a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is capable of executing instructions to perform steps of:
obtaining input data, wherein the input data comprises vehicle data, environment data and driver data;
determining a state of a vehicle and a state of a driver of the vehicle based on the input data and predefined conditions;
generating a command signal for enabling a change in the opacity of at least a section of a smart glass in the vehicle based on the state of the vehicle and the state of driver of the vehicle; and
changing selectively the opacity of at least a section of the smart glass using a control unit coupled with the processor.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the system further comprises producing a vignette based on the change of opacity of the smart glass.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein the system further comprises darkening the smart glass based on the change of opacity of the smart glass in case of unauthorized entry, and theft.
13. The system of claim 10, wherein the system further comprises making the smart glass transparent based on the change of opacity of the smart glass in case of emergency, or night driving or low ambient light.
14. The system of claim 10, wherein the system further comprises changing the opacity of at least a section of the smart glass based on change in control voltage.
15. The system of claim 10, wherein the vehicle data comprises vehicle speed data, engine conditions data, brake force data or impact.
16. The system of claim 10, wherein the environment data comprises the light conditions, ambient intensity, weather data.
17. The system of claim 10, wherein the driver data comprises location of the driver the height of the driver.
18. The system of claim 10, wherein the predefined conditions comprises parked condition if speed of vehicle is zero ignition is off and the handbrake applied, theft condition if the lock is broken or security is defeated, emergency condition if the rapid braking, impact, and night driving or low ambient light.
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19. A non-transitory computer program product having embodied thereon a computer program for controlling an opacity of a smart glass in a vehicle, the computer program product storing instructions, the instructions comprising instructions for:
obtaining input data, wherein the input data comprises vehicle data, environment data and driver data;
determining a state of a vehicle and a state of a driver of the vehicle based on the input data and predefined conditions;
generating a command signal for enabling a change in the opacity at least a section of a smart glass in the vehicle based on the state of the vehicle and state of the driver; and
changing selectively the opacity of at least a section of the smart glass using a control unit.