A vehicle apparatus configured to selectively position and enclose an opening formed in at least one panel of a vehicle includes a sliding panel and a positioning mechanism. The sliding panel includes an electrical device in communication with a control circuit of the vehicle and the positioning mechanism is configured to slidably position the sliding panel along a positioning track between an open position and a closed position. A control connection is configured to transmit control signals between the control circuit of the vehicle and the electrical device. The control connection extends from a portion of the vehicle to a connection interface of the electrical device, and the connection apparatus is configured to communicate a control signal to adjust an operating state of the electrical device in both the open position and the closed position.

A unitary electro-optic window assembly includes a window element. A first substantially transparent substrate defines a first surface, a second surface, and a first peripheral edge. A second substantially transparent substrate defines a third surface, a fourth surface, and a second peripheral edge. The first and second substantially transparent substrates define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic medium at least partially fills the cavity and is configured to reduce light transmissivity of the window element. A controller is adjacent to the window element and is in electrical communication therewith. The controller is configured to change a voltage applied to the electro-optic medium to change the light transmissivity of the window element. An interface is in electrical communication with the controller. A transparent dust cover is positioned over the window element, the controller, and the interface.

A unitary electro-optic window assembly includes a window element. A first substantially transparent substrate defines a first surface, a second surface, and a first peripheral edge. A second substantially transparent substrate defines a third surface, a fourth surface, and a second peripheral edge. The first and second substantially transparent substrates define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic medium at least partially fills the cavity and is configured to reduce light transmissivity of the window element. A controller is adjacent to the window element and is in electrical communication therewith. The controller is configured to change a voltage applied to the electro-optic medium to change the light transmissivity of the window element. An interface is in electrical communication with the controller. A transparent dust cover is positioned over the window element, the controller, and the interface.

A light control system for a windshield can change a visible light transmittance of an upper part and a non-upper part of each of a front windshield, a right side windshield, and a left side windshield. A controller that controls a change includes a mode changing unit that changes a mode depending on whether a vehicle is not in a driving state or in a driving state. When the vehicle is not in a driving state, a change of reducing the visible light transmittance of the upper part and the non-upper part to be lower than a predetermined value is permitted. When the vehicle is in a driving state, a change of reducing the visible light transmittance of the upper part to be lower than the predetermined value is permitted and a change of reducing the visible light transmittance of the non-upper part to be lower than the predetermined value is prohibited.

A light control system for a windshield can change a visible light transmittance of an upper part and a non-upper part of each of a front windshield, a right side windshield, and a left side windshield. A controller that controls a change includes a mode changing unit that changes a mode depending on whether a vehicle is not in a driving state or in a driving state. When the vehicle is not in a driving state, a change of reducing the visible light transmittance of the upper part and the non-upper part to be lower than a predetermined value is permitted. When the vehicle is in a driving state, a change of reducing the visible light transmittance of the upper part to be lower than the predetermined value is permitted and a change of reducing the visible light transmittance of the non-upper part to be lower than the predetermined value is prohibited.

In one embodiment, a method of controlling adaptive window transparency includes calculating a buffer period having a start time and an end time. The method also includes adjusting transparency on a set of windows based on the start time of the buffer period and transferring control of the vehicle to the vehicle or driver based on the end time. In response to detecting an emergency, the method further includes removing all tinting on the set of windows. In another embodiment, a method of controlling adaptive window transparency includes calculating a buffer period based on a navigation route.

In one embodiment, a method of controlling adaptive window transparency includes calculating a buffer period having a start time and an end time. The method also includes adjusting transparency on a set of windows based on the start time of the buffer period and transferring control of the vehicle to the vehicle or driver based on the end time. In response to detecting an emergency, the method further includes removing all tinting on the set of windows. In another embodiment, a method of controlling adaptive window transparency includes calculating a buffer period based on a navigation route.

A vehicle compartment for a vehicle includes a screen through which an occupant can view portions of the environment ambient of said vehicle compartment, at least one panel, adapted to adjust the light intensity of light falling into said vehicle compartment via at least a portion of said screen, a light sensor and a control unit adapted to adjust the panel to thereby adjust the light intensity of light falling into said vehicle compartment in response to a signal issued from the light sensor.

A vehicle compartment for a vehicle includes a screen through which an occupant can view portions of the environment ambient of said vehicle compartment, at least one panel, adapted to adjust the light intensity of light falling into said vehicle compartment via at least a portion of said screen, a light sensor and a control unit adapted to adjust the panel to thereby adjust the light intensity of light falling into said vehicle compartment in response to a signal issued from the light sensor.

The present teaching relates to approaches for dynamic light blocking in a moving vehicle. Sensor data from sensors deployed on a vehicle are received that capture information exterior and interior around the vehicle. The presence of a person in the vehicle is detected based on interior sensor data while a light source exterior to the vehicle is detected based on exterior sensor data. A portion of a window of the vehicle through which light from the light source shines on the person is determined and an appropriate level of shade is applied on the portion of the window to reduce the amount of light shining on the person.