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(19) United States (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub.
No.: US 2015/0097403 A1 Cooke (43) Pub. Date: April 1, 2015
(54) REINVENTED PASSENGER VEHICLE
Publication Classification
(75) Inventor: Tommy T. COOKE, Atherton, CA (US)
(51) Int. Cl. GB07B 15/04 (2013.01)
(73) Assignee: APPLE INC., Cupertino, CA (US)
(52) U.S. Cl. ............................ 705/13; 705/16
(21) Appl. No.: 15/560,703 (57) ABSTRACT A reinvented passenger
vehicle comprises a highly compressed gas fuel cell, a plein-air
sound system for environmental enhancement, a driving ring for full
function automotive control, a passenger travel cassette configured
for interfacing with executive jet service baggage handling, a
light hypnosis metering device, a game tilt steering mechanism, and
an interface to a cloud storage mechanism for vehicle
instructions.
(22) Filed: Aug. 26, 2013
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FIG
. 7
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US 2015/0097403 A1 April 1, 20151
REINVENTED PASSENGER VEHICLE
FIELD
[0001] Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and
methods that improve upon a passenger automobile. More
particularly, embodiments of the invention are concerned with an
automobile having substantially more style and grace than previous
automobiles, including but not limited to a breakthrough
environmental sound system, a compressed gas powered engine, and a
light hypnosis metering device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Automobiles are a $126 billion a year business in the
United States. Despite this level of economic activity, the
automobile industry has not seen a major design development since
the advent of the Model T Ford.
[0003] Pioneering Apple innovator Steve Jobs instructed the
reimagining the automobile by asking. "What if cars were invented
today? They wouldn't be hyper masculine death machines for
dimwitted nativist jocks. They'd be pretty. They'd have multiple
functionalities: text messaging and other telecommunications, music
player, flashlight, sports fitness applications. They'd simplify
our lives with beautiful design," With that directive, Apple design
teams scurried off to invent the reinvented automobile disclosed
herein.
[0004] A team of faceless Apple engineers on the automobile team
spent two years driving across the Western Hemisphere from the cold
water bays of Maine through the Midwest, down Route 66, ending at
the Santa Monica pier. The team then drove from Juneau, Alaska
through maple leafed Canada, down Highway 101, into sunny Mexico,
through the Isthmus of Panama, across South America, ending at the
Tiera del Fuego. Along the way, the team learned a lot about life,
a lot about love, and more about cars than any team since Mario
Andretti teamed up with Andy Granatelli. The team quickly
discovered all the flaws with state of the art automobile design
and construction while also developing sophisticated algorithms to
interface an automobile with a variety of proprietary Apple
devices.
[0005] In recent years there has been an increase in
manufacturing of automobiles, in particular sports utility
vehicles, having a frame/body made of injected polymeric
components. Some sports utility vehicles are lighter per mile
driven than sedans of same design and however comprising a metal
made frame. Yet other advantages of a polymeric body are for
example, corrosion resistance, improved road handling, etc.
[0006] The incremental pace of automotive engineering slugs
along year after year with chances for major innovations constantly
being missed. The public is frustrated. Investors are frustrated.
No one is happy with the current slate of recycled old ideas. Thus,
the innovations reported herein have been long-felt by the
public.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to the present disclosed subject matter there
is provided an improved passenger vehicle comprising a highly
compressed gas fuel cell configured to provide microbursts of
tremendous bursts of energy, sufficient to propel a 1,500 pound
vehicle to a speed of at least 90 miles per hour in less than two
seconds. The highly compressed gas fuel cell is configured to hold
a noble gas compressed to high pressures. The passenger vehicle is
further configured to eject the compressed fuel container in the
event of an accident, according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0008] Embodiments of the invention further include a plein-air
sound system configured for enhancement of the environment around a
passenger vehicle wherein the plein-air sound system creates a
cushion of entertainment around the passenger vehicle.
[0009] Still further embodiments of the invention comprise a
driving ring configured to control all navigation for a passenger
vehicle, wherein a driver controls the passenger vehicle by
twisting the ring in the direction in which the car should travel
next. A vehicle driver may control direction of the passenger
vehicle by twisting the ring around a finger or by twisting a
bracelet around a wrist. The driving ring may further include a
facility for bringing to the drivers attention the location of
critical destinations such as yoga salons and coffee shops,
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0010] A further embodiment of the invention includes a
passenger travel cassette configured for interfacing with a
shipping and handling service, such as an airlines baggage handling
system, such that a passenger in the vehicle can be housed within
the passenger travel cassette. Embodiments of the cassette may be
configured for end-to-end travel throughout the entire world.
[0011] Still further embodiments of the invention further
comprise a light hypnosis metering device, configured to receive a
bright source of light, transform the bright light into a
kaleidoscope of meditative colors for the relaxation and spiritual
enhancement of the vehicle occupants.
[0012] A further embodiment of the improved passenger vehicle
comprises a game tilt steering mechanism configured to create the
impression for the vehicle driver that he is playing a video game
and not engaged with the real world at all.
[0013] An additional embodiment of the invention includes an
interface to a cloud storage mechanism configured to dispense
vehicle control instructions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] In order to understand the invention and to see how it
may be carried out in practice, an embodiment will now be
described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a clean compressed noble gas
repository 12 for a passenger vehicle 1, according to an embodiment
of the invention;
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[0016] FIGs. 2A-2B illustrate a plein-air entertainment system
that may be adapted to be carried in or on an automotive vehicle,
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIGs. 3A-3B illustrate a ring driving mechanism whereby
the vehicle driver controls the vehicle by twisting a ring worn
around a finger, according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIGs. 4A-4C illustrate a passenger housing facility for
the safe and comfortable shipment of a vehicle passenger from a
first destination to a second destination, according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIGs. 5A-5B illustrate a vehicle observation system
configured to provide a vehicle occupant with a light-induced
meditation experience, according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates a vehicle operator's environmental
view, as augmented by certain optic conditioning aspects of the
present invention; and
[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates a system architecture for providing
visualization and analysis of performance data, according to an
exemplary embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION
[0022] Beautiful, simple, accurate but not necessarily
affordable to every consumer, Apple Inc. discloses herein an
automobile that aims to achieve for transportation what the iPhone
did to the telephone.
[0023] A compressed gas-powered automobile in which a power
control unit is disposed in a motor room formed at a front section
of a vehicle. The vehicle includes a compressed gas receiving port
on a lateral surface of the front section of the vehicle. A gas
charging connector or a power supply connector for connection to a
charging power supply or an external device is attached to the
charging port or the power supply port. The charging connector or
the power supply connector is disposed in a manner so that a
forward end thereof is located rearward of a forward end of a front
wheel, and a rearward end thereof is located forward of a dash
panel that partitions the motor room and a vehicle cabin. This
invention disclosed herein continues the Apple Inc.s strategy of
expanding its product offerings beyond personal computing into
other products, like the forthcoming the Apple car and the Apple
drone.
[0024] A vehicle front section of a compressed gas automobile 1
according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown
in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. The power supply for the vehicle comes from
a clean, compressed noble gas. The preferred compressed gas for the
Apple car is Argon, but other noble gases will work equally well.
The power supply receives a highly compressed amount of a gas. The
cylinder for receiving the compressed gas is constructed from steel
reinforced with tungsten.
[0025] The compressed gas is held at such high pressures that
the entire tank must be replaced annually due to etching of the
steel by the compressed noble gas. A valve 24 releases a tiny
amount of
the compressed gas to the vehicle motor. Under test conditions,
the vehicle can reach speeds of 92.3 mph in 6 seconds.
[0026] A left front fender 3 and a right front fender 4 that
cover left and right front wheels 2, are provided at the vehicle
front section of the electric automobile 1. A bumper 5 extending in
the vehicle width direction is provided between the left front
fender 3 and the right front fender 4. A left-and-right pair of
wheel houses 6 is formed by the left front fender 3, the right
front fender 4, and the bumper 5, and front wheels 2 are provided
in these wheel houses 6. The reader should note that the actual
body for any automobile produced by Apple will be subject to the
highest quality standards for design and will be kept in complete
secrecy for as long as possible. Consequently, the auto body shown
here is simply for illustrative purposes only.
[0027] A left-and-right pair of headlights 7 is provided in an
upper part of the opposite ends of the bumper 5. Rear sections of
the respective headlights 7 continue smoothly to the left front
fender 3 and the right front fender 4. Moreover, a hood (not shown)
is provided between upper parts of the left front fender 3 and the
right front fender 4.
[0028] A left compressed gas input port 8 that is opened when
power is charged from a domestic power supply, is provided at a
portion located above the front wheel 2 in the left front fender 3.
A right compressed gas port 9 (charging port or power supply port)
that is opened when power is charged from a fast charging power
supply, is provided at a portion located above the front wheel 2 in
the right front fender 4. The respective charging ports 8 and 9 are
openly covered with lids 14.
[0029] An attachment portion 11 for attaching a domestic
compressed gas supply external connection connector 10 for
connection to a domestic power supply, is provided in the left
charging port 8. An attachment portion 13 for attaching a
fast-charging external connection connector 12 (charging connector
or power supply connector) for connection to a fast charging power
supply, is provided in the right charging port 9. The domestic
power supply external connection connector 10 is fixed and
supported by the attachment portion 11, and the fast-charging
external connection connector 12 is fixed and supported by the
attachment portion 13. The attachment portions 11 and 13 are formed
of, for example, a plate-like bracket provided in the charging
port.
[0030] Should the vehicle be involved in a catastrophic
accident, accelerometers will immediately trigger opening of an
emergency gas venting valve 36. So as to entertain the vehicle
occupants during such an emergency, a mixture of dyes will be added
to the escaping gas creating an effect somewhat like Holi, the
Hindu spring festival, also known as the festival of colors or the
festival of love.
[0031] Automobiles today are much more about entertainment
systems than performance and safety. Conventional entertainment
systems are all about entertaining the occupants within a vehicle
and do little to entertain the public outside the vehicle. Anyone
who can afford to purchase a high quality automobile will
inevitably have better taste and sophistication than the average
citizen. Consequently, letting the average person
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understand the music and entertainment preferences of their
betters through a plein-air entertainment system should contribute
to the common good.
[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 2A, a plein-air entertainment
system, such as embodiment 140, may be adapted to be carried in or
on an automotive vehicle, generally 170. In general, such
automotive vehicle 170 may encompass cars, trucks, motorcycles,
heavy transport vehicles, delivery vehicles, and the like. Similar
systems may be adapted for use in or on any type of vehicle, such
as boats, bicycles, construction equipment, commercial semis,
trains, race cars, etc. Certain plein-air entertainment systems may
include OEM assemblies built-in to particular vehicles.
[0033] Other plein-air entertainment systems may be
substantially modular components or assemblies that can be
connected, as appropriate, to one or more elements carried by a
vehicle. Certain plein-air entertainment systems may include
modular stand-alone systems that can easily be transferred between
vehicles.
[0034] In some embodiments, a plein-air entertainment system may
incorporate a cellular telephone (e.g., an Apple iPhone), and may
be configured to employ one or more sensors built in to the
cellular telephone (e.g., a microphone, an accelerometer, a global
positioning system (GPS) receiver, etc.). Such a plein-air
entertainment system may operate as a software application or "App"
on the phone. A plein-air entertainment system operating as a
software application on a cellular telephone may include logic to
differentiate a vehicle collision from other changes in velocity,
such as a dropped phone, etc. A plein-air entertainment system
including a cellular telephone may be configured to communicate
with plein-air entertainment systems integrated or installed in
vehicles.
[0035] With continued reference to FIG. 2B, automotive vehicle
170 carries a controller 104 in communication with a detector 106
and a remote entertainment signal transmitter 150. When vehicle 170
is involved in a detectable collision, entertainment signal
transmitter 150 broadcasts a remote entertainment signal 152 to
operators of other vehicles in the local area of the collision.
Additionally, plein-air system 142 may broadcast a remotely audible
entertainment signal 144. A system 142 may include the vehicle's
conventional horn, although a special purpose noise maker or siren
may be used alternatively, or in addition to the vehicle's
horn.
[0036] Further, entertainment light display 146 may broadcast a
remote entertainment signal 148 that can be perceived by operators
of approaching vehicles. In certain embodiments, the device used to
broadcast entertainment signal 148 may be structured to permit
observation of the signal 148 from all angles of approach to the
broadcasting vehicle. One such device includes roof-mounted beacon
172. However, one or more vehicle lights 174 already carried by
vehicle 170, such as a headlight, turn signal, taillight, running
light, fog light, and/or brake signal, may be used as a
broadcasting element for a visible signal 148', which may be useful
for an entertaining light display. The beacon 172 or vehicle lights
174 may be integrated into the vehicle 170 such that the vehicle
170 retains its styling and/or aesthetic appeal.
[0037] Embodiment 140 includes a receiver 120 in communication
with controller 104 and adapted to receive a signal 152' that is
transmitted by a second embodiment 140' carried in another vehicle
in proximity to vehicle 170. When signal 152' is forwarded by
receiver 120 as an information signal that is received and
interpreted by controller 104, a controller 104 may cause a display
158 to emit an appropriate visible signal 160. Controller 104 may
optionally cause speaker 162 to emit an appropriate audible alert
164. One or more speakers present in an audio system (e.g., an
audio entertainment system) of vehicle 170 may be used as speaker
162. Alternatively, a plein-air entertainment system may include a
dedicated speaker.
[0038] In some embodiments, a plein-air entertainment system 140
may be configured such that a signal 152' may not be rebroadcast
automatically as signal 152. Instead, an operator of a vehicle in
which system 140 is disposed may be prompted to rebroadcast the
signal 152' to other vehicles as signal 152. The system 140 may
indicate to the operator of the vehicle the number of times the
signal 152' has been transmitted previously. In some embodiments,
the plein-air entertainment system 140 may be configured to
automatically determine whether to rebroadcast a signal 152'. Such
determination may be based in whole or in part upon the number of
times the signal 152' has been transmitted, the distance to the
original source of the signal 152', the speed and direction of
travel of the vehicle carrying the system 140, the presence or
absence of nearby roads, etc.
[0039] Automobiles were originally steered using levers and
pulleys of various sorts under designers of yesteryear settled on a
steering wheel, an input device that might have worked well on
sailing vessels of the 18th Century but one which has no place in
the modern world.
[0040] Accordingly, embodiments of the inventions have
re-engineered the driver input mechanism. This mechanism may be
particularly helpful on lower end models that still require driver
input and for higher-end models when the occupant releases the
automatic driving controls.
[0041] FIGs. 3A-3B illustrate the ring driving mechanism whereby
the vehicle driver controls the vehicle by twisting a ring worn
around a finger. The rings 900 and 920 have been designed to
interface with the full panoply of Apple products from the iWatch
to the iPod to the iPhone and to send and receive critical
information to the iCloud.
[0042] By way of non-limiting illustrative example, an
embodiment of a portable access management device 900 is
illustrated in FIG. 3A. The access management device 900 includes
an annular housing 902 fashioned as a ring, bracelet, or wristband.
The access management device 900 includes a wireless communication
module 903 that can be arranged along an exposed surface of the
housing 902, or embedded within the housing 902, e.g., under a
transmissive cover, such as a radome or lens. A separate user or
device ID 908 is also illustrated, understanding that the user or
device ID 908 can be integrated together with the wireless
communication module 903, e.g., as an RFID tag. The example access
management device 900 includes a user interface 904 in the form of
a touch or gesture pad.
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[0043] The apparently simplistic user interface 904 can be
sophisticated in that it is configured to distinguish among a
variety of gestures to distinguish among a variety of corresponding
commands. By way of non-limiting example, such gestures can include
a single tap, a multi tap, a single finger touch, a multi, e.g.,
two or three, finger touch, a swipe, e.g., from right to left
and/or from left to right. It is understood that the device 900 can
also include one or more user interface components, such as a
microphone, speaker(s), light(s), and vibrator, e.g., to provide
user feedback, e.g., a user alert.
[0044] In at least some embodiments, the housing is operable
between an open and a closed position to facilitate a user wearing
the device 900. For example, the housing 902 can include a hinge
along a portion of the annulus and an opposing clasp to allow the
housing to operate between open and closed configurations as in a
clam shell. Alternatively or in addition, the device housing 902
can include a mechanism for adjustment, e.g., changing one or more
of a size or a shape to facilitate comfortable and secure
attachment to a user during periods of wear. At least one example
includes an elastomeric portion, as in a portion of the annulus
that can stretch resiliently to allow for passage over hand while
constricting against a wrist for a snug, secure fit.
[0045] The example embodiment illustrated in the device of 920
also includes an array of lights 932, e.g., LEDs, distributed along
a visible portion of the housing. The LEDs of the array 932 can be
lighted to indicate a number of electronic devices within wireless
jurisdiction of the portable access management device 920. In the
illustrative example of FIG. 1B, two such LEDs of the array 932
would be illuminated to indicate presence of the two devices 106,
108. Alternatively or in addition a quality of the illumination,
such as an intensity and/or a color can be used as a means of
identification. Namely, particular colors can be associated with
particular devices, e.g., blue for mobile phone, green for tablet
computer, so that when particular colors are illuminated, a user
will know at once, which devices are available within the user's
proximity. An intensity and or color can be used during the
rotation procedure, e.g., showing a highlighted one of the LEDs for
an active one of the electronic devices.
[0046] In one or more embodiments, a wearable RFID device is
provided that is a gateway between a group of the user's devices
and a cloud. The wearable device can manage connectivity including
preferences for connection to a selected one of the user devices
among the group of devices. The preferences for connectivity can be
based on proximity of each of the devices to the wearable device
(e.g., proximity to the user), as well as other user preferences
which can be user-defined preferences or determined from monitored
behavior of the user including devices typically utilized by the
user for different types of communications, times of communication,
and so forth. In one or more embodiments, the wearable device can
also be used as a remote controller for one or more of the group of
user devices, such as one or more of controlling song selection,
muting a phone, ending a communication session, selecting a
different device to receive an incoming communication (e.g., to
override a user preference for selection of a device), and so
forth. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the wearable device
can manage the order of preference of user devices (e.g.,
mobile
phone, tablet, car display) for incoming communications (e.g.,
calls, messages, emails). In one or more exemplary embodiments, the
cloud can store user content, data and computing capabilities, and
can be accessed by user devices that are functioning as thin client
devices.
[0047] Conventional passenger vehicle systems have not been
designed to interface with other vehicle systems. If a passenger in
a vehicle is en route to a commercial airport, the passenger must
park the vehicle, collect bags and then proceed through
security.
[0048] Embodiments of the invention include a passenger
containment system that can be interfaced to other shipping and
transportation systems. Thus, a passenger sealed in a container can
arrive at an airport receiving facility, be automatically unloaded
from a rear opening, transported through airport ticketing systems
where the container communicates wireless with the airlines
ticketing system. The container can next be scanned for weapons and
other contraband. If the container is found to contain weapons or
explosives, the miscreant will already be sealed inside the
container and unable to leave.
[0049] Advanced models of the containers include entertainment
and waste removal systems. Thus, a passenger may remain in the
comfort of the container on a trans-Atlantic flight from San
Francisco to his hotel in Madrid without having to leave the
container, provided that passport information and biometrics can be
passed on to customs officials.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 4A, housing 22 includes fixed housing
portion 26 and pivotally mounted housing portion 28 which is
mounted on fixed housing portion 26 by a hinge 29. As shown in FIG.
1, the housing portion 28 is pivoted away from housing portion 26.
In this embodiment, housing portion 28 is transparent as shown in
FIG. 2 which also shows the housing portion 28 in the closed
position to close the housing 22 and retain any passenger personal
items, such as sunglasses.
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, housing portion 26 includes a
U-shaped clip 30 which may he used to secure the housing 22 to the
visor of 32 of an automobile, for example, as best shown in FIG. 7.
Free ends 34, 36 of the clip 30 are anchored within the interior
housing portion 26 after passing through a slot 38.
[0052] In the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4C, the interior of the
housing 22 includes a U-shaped bar 40 onto which a clip-on latrine
may be secured by a pivotal hook 42 of the clip-on latrine 24.
However, it is appreciated that the U-shaped bar may be omitted if
a fully equipped latrine is to be housed in the container 22.
[0053] With reference to FIGS. 4A-4C, similar features from
those of FIGS. 1 through 7 will be preceded by the designation of
100. However, in FIGS. 8 through 14, the pivotal housing portion
128 extends across the entire front of the passenger container 122.
By the pivoting away of the pivotal housing portion 128, the fixed
housing portion 126 is exposed for access to the interior of the
passenger container and access to the clip on passenger 124.
[0054] As with the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4C through 14 include
two magnets 150 and 154 which, illustrate the pivoting of the
pivotal housing portion 128 with respect to the fixed housing
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US 2015/0097403 A1 April 1, 20154
portion 126 so as to fully extend the pivotal housing portion
128. In the fully extended position of the pivotal housing portion
128, the second magnet 154 engages with the second metal bar 156 so
as in this embodiment, engage bottom surface 170 of pivotal housing
portion 128 with the bottom surface 172 of the pivotal housing
portion 126. In addition, hinge 129 in this embodiment is divided
into two portions so as to allow magnet 154 and metal bar 156 to
engage each other to hold the pivotal housing portion 128 in the
fixed and open position as shown in FIG. 4C.
[0055] FIGs. 5A-5B illustrate a light-based meditation system
that may improve the spirits of iCar drivers, according to an
embodiment of the invention. Light waves impact the vehicle
windshield and are immediately translated into a kaleidoscope of
colors and sensations. The pattern of these colors may provide
relief and enjoyment to many vehicle operators and their families.
Driving ceases to be a chore and becomes a pleasure that one looks
forward to even in the heaviest traffic.
[0056] FIG. 5A depicts another side view of an operator seated
in a motor vehicle observing an environment with the aid of
hardware implementing additional aspects of the present invention.
With reference to this figure, aspects of the present invention
addressing variable observation points, such as 317 and 319, can be
better understood. Dynamically-shaped and attributed shading,
attenuating, augmenting or otherwise light-affecting conditions
305, 307 and 308 again shade, attenuate, augment or otherwise
affect light passing through a windshield variable
light-attenuating matrix 309 according to projected threshold
brightness (luminance) that would otherwise occur at an observation
point 317. However, in this figure, the effect of the user raising
his seat, being taller in a seated position or otherwise having a
higher vantage point is shown by a secondary potential viewing
position, outlined as position 325, and resulting secondary
potential observation point 319. The system may automatically
implement this shift in light augmenting matrix region locations
and condition centers, shapes and boundaries based on the change in
position of a reference point, or reference points, from which the
user's observation point, or range of potential observation points,
may be determined by sensors determining or indicating the
instantaneous location of them (e.g., glasses with location
sensors, or eye location detecting sensors or scanners). However,
in a preferred embodiment, such sensors are not required because
the user may indicate such changes by indicating eye-location
through the gesture of adjusting common vehicle controls, such as
rear-view mirrors, which also depend on eye level. Calibrating
input devices, such as dial 327, may allow the user to adjust the
center of light augmenting conditions and regions of the matrix
implementing them in multiple directions on the matrix,
independently of such a mirror adjustment, while nonetheless
pinning further adjustments to mirror movement. In this way, if the
user changes position to secondary observation position 325, and
adjusts his or her rear view mirrors to a more acute vertical angle
with the ceiling, angle o shown (between line 329, which is
parallel to ceiling, and line 333, along the top of the mirror (or
perpendicular to the mirror face to the observation point), an
automatic adjustment of resulting conditions and the regions of the
shading matrix implementing them to positions 306 can be made.
Factors such as distance from the rear view mirror may further
affect the accuracy
of average assumed adjustments assumed by the system to be
appropriate, requiring calibrating adjustments, as with multiple
axis dial controls such as 327, which may adjust condition width
and amounts of regional shading, as well as shading location.
Another control for calibration may further adjust the size,
shading effects and shading darkness of the regions 306, to suit
the user's needs and preferences.
[0057] The system may implement, set and adjust multiple shading
regions for multiple observation points, and, preferably, may
affect only observation point directed light rays. Through
substantial directional light filtering, these multiple shading
regions may be surgically applied, preventing or reducing the
shading, attenuating or otherwise augmenting conditions and their
implementing regions of the matrix affecting one observation point
from being perceptible to or otherwise substantially affecting the
field of vision of another observation point.
[0058] FIG. 5B depicts a side view of an operator seated in a
motor vehicle, and observing an environment with the aid of
hardware implementing aspects of the present invention. A
light-generating object 201 is within the user's observable
environment, and is observed by the user 203. Dynamically-shaped
and attributed shading, attenuating, augmenting or otherwise
light-affecting conditions 205 and 207 condition, modify, shade,
reduce, enrich or otherwise limit and/or augment light passing
through semi-transparent, regionally actuable windshield/matrix
209, as variably set by the user and/or system. For example, light
rays exceeding a threshold brightness (luminance) level per square
area of the windshield through which the light passes, or that is
projected to exceed a threshold level of brightness per unit of the
user's field of vision, area of eye lens or retina, when passing
through the windshield and to the user's eye or retina per area of
eye or retina (an "observation point," 217), may be attenuated or
shaded by an electrically, magnetically, or otherwise
system-actuable or variable optic control in just those regions of
the windshield through which such rays pass, and which optic
control (such as actuable, directional shading within the regions)
may selectively control, limit or augment light passing through at
particular angles converging on a probable observation point, or
group of actual or probable observation points. For example,
exemplary rays 211, 213 and 215 depict some potential paths of
light rays originating from the bright light-generating source 201,
and passing through such shading or attenuating conditions/205 and
207. Rays 211 and 213 depict the path of light originating from an
especially bright region of source 201, such as the center of a
light bulb, which may be determined by the system by noting a
differential in bright source regions (after randomly or otherwise
assessing potential regional divisions) of the potential field of
vision at the observation point impacted by source 201, and
dividing source 201 into such different regions if the system
determines the division and resulting conditions (with or without
blending) to be efficient enough given an efficiency requirement
that may be variably set by the user. Ray 215, by contrast,
originates from a slightly less bright region (less candela per
area, measured by rays cast from it, landing at the same
observation point) of source 201. As rays 211 and 213 pass through
the windshield, their origination from a source yielding a higher
level of brightness per area at the eye, lens, retina or other
observing
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US 2015/0097403 A1 April 1, 20155
point for the user (as is deduced by the system based on sensory
information obtained by the system) leads to the creation of a
specialized attenuating, shading or otherwise light altering or
augmenting condition 205, which affects all or part of all rays
originating from such a brighter region of source 201 and destined
for an observation point, within a tolerance range for determining
such an especially bright region, and with a margin for absorbing
unpredicted rays, which margin may be variably set and may lead the
movement of rays from such a bright region, based on perceived and
predicted relative motion paths, or potential relative motion
paths, of the source 201, the user 203, and/or the windshield 209,
with respect to one another, in order to ensure a minimum
probability of shading, attenuating or otherwise augmenting light
rays projected to exceed a system threshold at the observation
point. Light rays originating from a region of source 201 that is
below a brightness threshold, but above another, lower brightness
threshold exceeding average environmental or field of vision
brightness per unit of field of vision or area of rays landing on
an observation point, and which are projected also to intersect at
the observation point 217, yield a second shading, attenuating or
otherwise light-altering region 207, which may have less of a
shading, attenuating or otherwise augmenting impact on such light
rays passing through it. In this way, the source 201 may remain
viewable in its entirety, rather than completely or partially
blocked from viewing, in a graduated or gradated effect created by
the multiple regions 205 and 207 (the former of which is generally
greater in shading) blending together in a graduated manner. Light
determined to be below the lower brightness (luminance) threshold,
such as light passing along ray paths 219, may pass through the
windshield unaffected by such specialized shading, attenuating or
otherwise augmenting regions, but the overall matrix may be
variably, optionally shaded to decrease overall environmental
brightness (luminance) exceeding a tolerance level that may be set
by the user and/or system.
[0059] Although regions 205 and 207 are shown to be distinct
regions with hard boundaries, it is also possible for the system to
create blending regions between multiple attenuation regions, or a
single region and the background matrix transparency, to create a
fade effect between them, or with levels or degrees of attenuation
or shading matched to brightness levels of the rays passing through
such that a more attenuated effect is achieved at the observation
point for areas of greater brightness. A single region with
changing shading, attenuation or other augmentation over its area,
described by such a variable function, may also or alternatively,
be implemented.
[0060] The system may assess observation point locations
dynamically, by a sensor placed in front of, or nearby, in a
related location (e.g., eyeglasses), and determine the angles of
intersection at an observation point based on height, lateral
position and distance of the observation point from both the
windshield and the bright source, or both. But sensing the angles
of light passing through, or projected to pass through, the
windshield may also be used to create user-desired and/or system
selected shading, attenuating or otherwise augmenting
conditions/features, by determining that they will intersect at an
observation point, the location of which may be variably set by the
system or user, and may be determined by separate sensors or manual
input (e.g., eye sensor, user adjustment
of seat or manual adjustment of observation point location
setting controls).
[0061] FIG. 6 depicts part of a vehicle operator's environmental
view, as augmented by certain optic conditioning aspects of the
present invention, as well as some environmental factors
surrounding the user. Thus, in these embodiments of the invention,
the vehicle operators entire surroundings become a rich pageant of
colors and shapes. These beautiful colors may be used to further
enhance the drivers life experience. Note: This system is
preferably used in embodiments of the invention in which the
vehicle is operating in autonomous mode, as the rich colors and
shapes might ultimately prove distracting.
[0062] A transparent windshield 101 held within mounting frame
103 allows a motor vehicle driver to view part of an environment
surrounding the motor vehicle. Elements of the environment depicted
in FIG. 6 include a sun 105 setting into a horizon 107, and a
tractor trailer 108 facing away from the user's vehicle, 109. The
sun 105 is an original source of non-reflected light that enters
the user's field of vision and is brighter (more luminous at the
viewer's eyes, eye lenses or retina, or other observation point)
than light cast from other objects within the user's field of
vision per unit area at the observation point. Reflective surfaces
111 and 113 on the tractor-trailer reflect sunlight through the
windshield 101 and into the user's field of vision. As will be
explained in greater detail with respect to additional figures,
below, a system according to aspects of the present invention, such
as a system creating dynamically-shaped and attributed shading,
attenuating, augmenting or otherwise directional light-affecting
conditions 115 and 117, cause a regional area of the windshield 101
to appear to be shaded for a user of the system, and, preferably,
for a user of the system only, reducing the amount of light
permitted to enter the user's field of vision after passing through
that area while leaving its prior transparency apparently intact
for other observers. Furthermore, and as will also will be
explained in greater detail with respect to additional figures
below, shading conditions 115 and 117 may be placed in, or may have
appended to them, leading positions along a user's field of vision,
as defined by the direction of movement of brighter (more luminous
in terms of candela per area at an observation point) than average,
or brighter than another predefined threshold, light sources, such
as sources 105, 111 and 113. In the instance of FIG. 6, motion
arrows 119 show that some brighter than average light sources
within the user's field of view, 105, 111 and 113 (leading to
shading), are moving toward the right-hand side of the user's field
of vision, due, for example, to the user turning the vehicle left.
As a result, additional leading margins to the right-hand side of
conditions 115 and 117 may be included to ensure shading and other
regional attributes that cover bright increases in light from
different angles entering the user's field of vision due to those
sources in future instances, despite any lag in region creation or
brightness assessment that would occur only from sensing light and
creating shading conditions for that light afterwards.
Alternatively, or in addition to that approach, the system may
assess a probable future location and shift conditions 115 and 117
to regions that will intercept future light from the object that is
brighter than the tolerance threshold set by the system and/or
user. It should be noted, as will be amplified below, that the
system or user may
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US 2015/0097403 A1 April 1, 20156
change brightness threshold settings (luminosity levels and
ratios for objects and the environment) that will lead to creating
shading or augmenting features to optimize system performance and
reduce lighting differentials between viewable objects in a user's
field of vision according to ambient overall lighting conditions.
For example, a lower amount of dynamic shading or other dynamic
attributes of conditions 115 and 117 might be used in lower overall
light conditions, as may be determined by environmental light
sensor(s).
[0063] Sources of different brightness and other visual
qualities and shapes may be managed by differently shaped shaded,
attenuated or otherwise enhanced conditions created by actuable,
variable degree of actuation, and variable direction-of
-light-affecting, regions of the windshield matrix. For instance,
because reflective surface source objects 111 and 113 may reflect
and produce light dimmer (less luminous) than the sun 105 at an
observation point, shading regions creating shading condition 115
may be more strongly shaded than shading regions creating shading
condition 117, allowing less light from that source to enter the
eye of a user of the system, or other viewing destination. In
addition, shading condition 117 may enhance the viewer's view of
edges 111 and 113 by generating a high contrast superimposed (from
the user's point of view) image, preferably, also on the matrix,
which may be accomplished by retaining edge contrast and object
definition and/or adding new viewing point destined light with a
clearer, easier to view image, to better define a viewed object's
(such as the truck's) edges and other attributes.
[0064] Techniques for providing visualization and analysis of
performance data are disclosed. In one particular exemplary
embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a system for
providing visualization and analysis of performance data. The
system may comprise one or more processors communicatively coupled
to a mobile communications network. The one or more processors may
be configured to monitor data traffic within the mobile
communications network. The one or more processors may further be
configured to collect network performance data associated with the
mobile communications network. The one or more processors may also
be configured to provide user-selectable options to a user at a
mobile device for viewing the network performance data. The one or
more processors may further be configured to process the network
performance data based on the user-selectable options identified by
the user. The one or more processors may also be configured to
provide a visualization to be displayed at the mobile device based
on the processed network performance data, where the visualization
presents the processed network performance data that improves
customer experience assurance.
[0065] FIG. 7 depicts a system architecture for providing
visualization and analysis of performance data, according to an
exemplary embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, system 100 may include
an LTE network 22, a service management system 24, and a network
management system 26 that may be used to interface the service
management system 24 to the LTE network 22. It will be understood
that the LTE network 22 may be embodied in various ways in
accordance with various embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the
LTE network 22 may be embodied in accordance with
the System Architecture Evolution Network architecture. The LTE
network 22 may include eNode B elements 30a and 30b, a Mobility
Management Entity (MME) element 32, a Home Subscriber Server (HSS)
34, a Serving Gateway (SGW) 36, and/or a PDN Gateway (PGW) 38 that
are communicatively coupled as shown.
[0066] The eNodeB elements 30a and 30b may be base station
transceivers for providing network access to User Equipment (UE).
The MME element 32 may act as a control node for the LTE access
network. Responsibilities for the MME element 32 may include, but
are not limited to, idle mode UE tracking and paging procedures
including retransmissions, bearer activation/deactivation, and
choosing the SGW 36 for a UE at the initial attach and at time of
intra-LTE handover. The HSS element 34 may be a central database
that contains user-related and subscription-related information.
The HSS element 34 may provide functionality related to mobility
management, call and session establishment support, user
authentication, and access authorization. The SGW element 36 may be
configured to forward user data packets while also acting as a
mobility anchor for the user plan during inter-eNodeB handovers and
as the anchor for mobility between LTE and other 3GPP technologies.
The PGW element 38 may provide connectivity from the UE to external
packet data networks.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 7, micro network access agents 40a, 40b,
40c, 40d, and 40e may be associated with the various network
elements comprising the LTE network 22. These micro network access
agents 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, and 40e may be embodied as software
applications that execute on the processors of the particular
network elements that they are associated with, respectively, or
may be embodied as separate hardware elements, which may include
software running thereon. Each of these micro network access agents
40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, and 40e may be configured to analyze a portion
or all of the packet traffic that is processed by the particular
network element that it is associated with. According to some
embodiments, the analysis may comprise analyzing one or more
performance metrics for the network element, one or more portions
of the LTE network 22, and/or the entire LTE network 22. The
performance metric(s) may comprise, but are not limited to, traffic
throughput, traffic capacity, packet loss, packet latency, packet
jitter, base station handover efficiency, voice quality, and video
quality. The packet traffic analysis may be performed at the
respective micro network access agents 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, and 40e
or, in some embodiments, all or portions of the packet traffic
analysis may be performed in the network management system.
[0068] Lighting equipment for generating white light from blue
or violet excitation light and converted emitted yellow light is
provided. The excitation light is directed at an oblique angle
towards a converter that is attached to a carrier device, without
the emitted illumination light impinging on the carrier device.
I Claim:
1. An improved passenger vehicle comprising:
a highly compressed gas fuel cell configured to provide
microbursts of tremendous bursts of energy, sufficient to propel
a
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US 2015/0097403 A1 April 1, 20157
1,500 pound vehicle to a speed of at least 90 miles per hour in
less than two seconds;
a plein-air sound system configured for enhancement of the
environment around a passenger vehicle wherein the plein-air sound
system creates a cushion of entertainment around the passenger
vehicle;
a driving ring configured to control all navigation for a
passenger vehicle, wherein a driver controls the passenger vehicle
by twisting the ring in the direction in which the car should
travel next, and
a passenger travel cassette configured for interfacing with
executive jet service baggage handling, such that a passenger in
the vehicle can be housed within the passenger travel cassette.
2. The improved passenger vehicle of claim 1 wherein the gas
fuel cell is comprised of a steel cylinder reinforced with tungsten
such that said container is capable of holding a compressed noble
gas.
3. The improved passenger vehicle of claim 2 wherein the noble
gas is selected from one of helium, argon, or radon.
4. The improved passenger vehicle of claim 1 wherein the
plein-air entertainment system is further configured to interact
with an i-device located in the passenger compartment.
5. The improved passenger vehicle of claim 4 wherein the
i-device is selected from one of an iPod, an iPad, a Macintosh, and
an Apple 2e.
6. The improved passenger vehicle of claim 1 wherein the driving
ring is further configured to signal to the driver of the passenger
vehicle excessive speed, the location of nearby coffee shops, and
nearby hot yoga salons.
7. The improved passenger vehicle of claim 1 wherein the
passenger travel cassette includes an entertainment console
configured to entertain a passenger for at least 72 hours.
8. The improved passenger vehicle of claim 7 wherein the
passenger travel cassette includes a compact latrine configured for
use by at least one of male and female passengers.
9. The improved passenger vehicle of claim 1, further
comprising:
a light hypnosis metering device, configured to receive a bright
source of light, transform the bright light into a kaleidoscope of
meditative colors for the relaxation and spiritual enhancement of
the vehicle occupants.
10. The improved passenger vehicle of claim 1, further
comprising:
a game tilt steering mechanism configured to create the
impression for the vehicle driver that he is playing a video game
and not engaged with the real world at all.
11. The improved passenger vehicle of claim 1, further
comprising:
an interface to a cloud storage mechanism for vehicle
instructions.
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