Abstract: A virtual visor system includes a visor having a plurality of independently operable pixels that are selectively operated with a variable opacity. A camera captures images of the face of a driver or other passenger and, based on the captured images, a controller operates the visor to automatically and selectively darken a limited portion thereof to block the sun or other illumination source from striking the eyes of the driver, while leaving the remainder of the visor transparent. The virtual visor system advantageously snaps projected eye positions on the visor to a grid, which helps to minimize rapid and distracting changes in the optical state of the visor.

Abstract: A removable panel retainer includes a flexible substrate having a surface defining a first axis. A clip member is moveably mounted to the flexible substrate in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis. A release member is moveably mounted relative to the flexible substrate along a second axis that is distinct from the first axis. Shifting the release member towards the flexible substrate releases the clip member to shift along the first axis.

Abstract: A virtual visor system is disclosed that includes a visor having a plurality of independently operable pixels that are selectively operated with a variable opacity. A camera captures images of the face of a driver or other passenger and, based on the captured images, a controller operates the visor to automatically and selectively darken a limited portion thereof to block the sun or other illumination source from striking the eyes of the driver, while leaving the remainder of the visor transparent. The virtual visor system advantageously adopts a gradient blocking mode for the optical state of the visor that includes a blocker and a transition gradient, which has the effect of making updates to optical state of the visor less distracting. Additionally, the transition gradient in the optical state of the visor makes the virtual visor system more robust against errors in positioning the blocker on the visor.

Abstract: A virtual visor system is disclosed that includes a visor having a plurality of independently operable pixels that are selectively operated with a variable opacity. A camera captures images of the face of a driver or other passenger and, based on the captured images, a controller operates the visor to automatically and selectively darken a limited portion thereof to block the sun or other illumination source from striking the eyes of the driver, while leaving the remainder of the visor transparent. The virtual visor system advantageously updates the optical state with blocker patterns that including padding in excess of what is strictly necessary to block the sunlight. This padding advantageously provides robustness against errors, allows for a more relaxed response time, and minimizes frequent small changes to the position of the blocker in the optical state of the visor.

Abstract: A virtual visor system is disclosed that includes a visor having a plurality of independently operable pixels that are selectively operated with a variable opacity. A camera captures images of the face of a driver or other passenger and, based on the captured images, a controller operates the visor to automatically and selectively darken a limited portion thereof to block the sun or other illumination source from striking the eyes of the driver, while leaving the remainder of the visor transparent. The virtual visor system advantageously detects whether the driver of other passenger is performing particular head gestures and updates the optical state of the visor using suitable modified procedures that accommodate the intent or goals of the driver or other passenger that are inferred from the predefined head gesture. In general, the modified procedures reduce distracting or frustrating updates to the optical state of the visor.

Abstract: A virtual visor system is disclosed that includes a visor having a plurality of independently operable pixels that are selectively operated with a variable opacity. A camera captures images of the face of a driver or other passenger and, based on the captured images, a controller operates the visor to automatically and selectively darken a limited portion thereof to block the sun or other illumination source from striking the eyes of the driver, while leaving the remainder of the visor transparent. The virtual visor system advantageously limits the rate of change of the opacity of each pixel of the visor while updating the optical state of the visor. In this way, rapid and distracting changes in the optical state of the visor are avoided, thereby improving the safety of the vehicle.

Abstract: A removable panel retainer includes a flexible substrate having a surface defining a first axis. A clip member is moveably mounted to the flexible substrate in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis. A release member is moveably mounted relative to the flexible substrate along a second axis that is distinct from the first axis. Shifting the release member towards the flexible substrate releases the clip member to shift along the first axis.

Abstract: A virtual visor system is disclosed that includes a visor having a plurality of independently operable pixels that are selectively operated with a variable opacity. A camera captures images of the face of a driver or other passenger and, based on the captured images, a controller operates the visor to automatically and selectively darken a limited portion thereof to block the sun or other illumination source from striking the eyes of the driver, while leaving the remainder of the visor transparent. The visor system advantageously detects certain combinations of facial expression and head gestures from which an error or issue with the operation of the visor system can be inferred. In response to such designated combinations of head gestures and facial expressions, the visor system adapts one or more operating or calibration parameters of the visor system to provide more accurate updates to the optical state of the visor.

Abstract: A virtual visor system is disclosed that includes a visor having a plurality of independently operable pixels that are selectively operated with a variable opacity. A camera captures images of the face of a driver or other passenger and, based on the captured images, a controller operates the visor to automatically and selectively darken a limited portion thereof to block the sun or other illumination source from striking the eyes of the driver, while leaving the remainder of the visor transparent. The visor system advantageously predicts future positions of the head or eyes of the driver when the driver’s head is in motion. Based on the predictions, the optical state of the visor is updated proactively to anticipate future movements of head of the driver. In this way, some of the negative effects of measurement and processing latencies are mitigated when responding to rapid head motions.

Abstract: A virtual visor system is disclosed that includes a visor having a plurality of independently operable pixels that are selectively operated with a variable opacity. A camera captures images of the face of a driver or other passenger and, based on the captured images, a controller operates the visor to automatically and selectively darken a limited portion thereof to block the sun or other illumination source from striking the eyes of the driver, while leaving the remainder of the visor transparent. The virtual visor system advantageously detects whether the driver of other passenger is performing particular head gestures and updates the optical state of the visor using suitable modified procedures that accommodate the intent or goals of the driver or other passenger that are inferred from the predefined head gesture. In general, the modified procedures reduce distracting or frustrating updates to the optical state of the visor.

Abstract: A virtual visor system is disclosed that includes a visor having a plurality of independently operable pixels that are selectively operated with a variable opacity. A camera captures images of the face of a driver or other passenger and, based on the captured images, a controller operates the visor to automatically and selectively darken a limited portion thereof to block the sun or other illumination source from striking the eyes of the driver, while leaving the remainder of the visor transparent. The virtual visor system advantageously updates the optical state with blocker patterns that including padding in excess of what is strictly necessary to block the sunlight. This padding advantageously provides robustness against errors, allows for a more relaxed response time, and minimizes frequent small changes to the position of the blocker in the optical state of the visor.

Abstract: A virtual visor system is disclosed that includes a visor having a plurality of independently operable pixels that are selectively operated with a variable opacity. A camera captures images of the face of a driver or other passenger and, based on the captured images, a controller operates the visor to automatically and selectively darken a limited portion thereof to block the sun or other illumination source from striking the eyes of the driver, while leaving the remainder of the visor transparent. The virtual visor system advantageously limits the rate of change of the opacity of each pixel of the visor while updating the optical state of the visor. In this way, rapid and distracting changes in the optical state of the visor are avoided, thereby improving the safety of the vehicle.

Abstract: A virtual visor system is disclosed that includes a visor having a plurality of independently operable pixels that are selectively operated with a variable opacity. A camera captures images of the face of a driver or other passenger and, based on the captured images, a controller operates the visor to automatically and selectively darken a limited portion thereof to block the sun or other illumination source from striking the eyes of the driver, while leaving the remainder of the visor transparent. The virtual visor system advantageously snaps projected eye positions on the visor to a grid, which helps to minimize rapid and distracting changes in the optical state of the visor.

Abstract: A virtual visor system is disclosed that includes a visor having a plurality of independently operable pixels that are selectively operated with a variable opacity. A camera captures images of the face of a driver or other passenger and, based on the captured images, a controller operates the visor to automatically and selectively darken a limited portion thereof to block the sun or other illumination source from striking the eyes of the driver, while leaving the remainder of the visor transparent. The virtual visor system advantageously adopts a gradient blocking mode for the optical state of the visor that includes a blocker and a transition gradient, which has the effect of making updates to optical state of the visor less distracting. Additionally, the transition gradient in the optical state of the visor makes the virtual visor system more robust against errors in positioning the blocker on the visor.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle comprises a medium arranged in front of a target in the vehicle, a target monitoring system arranged in front of the target in the vehicle capturing an image or a profile of the target, and a processing unit communicatively coupled the target monitoring camera to the medium, analyzed the captured image or profile of the target, wherein the processing unit arranged to analyze the obtained images or profile of the target and cause the medium to switch from a transparent mode to an opaque mode.

Abstract: A system of a virtual visor includes one or more sensors configured to receive input data including images, wherein the one or more sensors includes at least a camera utilized in the virtual visor, a processor in communication with the one or more sensors. The processor is programmed to create a training dataset utilizing at least the input data, utilizing the training dataset, create a classification associated with a shadow mask region and a first face region associated with a first face, segment the shadow mask region and the first face region from the training data set, and output a shadow representation via the virtual visor and utilizing the shadow mask region, the first face region, and a second face region associated with a second face.

Abstract: A virtual visor system is disclosed that includes a visor having a plurality of independently operable pixels that are selectively operated with a variable opacity/transparency. A camera captures images of the face of a driver or other passenger and, based on the captured images, a controller operates the visor to automatically and selectively darken a limited portion thereof to block the sun or other illumination source from striking the eyes of the driver, while leaving the remainder of the visor transparent. The virtual visor system advantageously eliminates unnecessary obstructions to the driver's view while also blocking distracting light sources, thereby improving the safety of the vehicle.

Abstract: A modular virtual visor system is for a vehicle disclosed. The modular virtual visor system includes camera for detecting an illumination level on a face of a driver; a plurality of LCD panel modules mounted within the vehicle, and a controller. Each LCD panel module has LCD pixels configured to, (i) in an opaque state, block light from passing through the LCD screen and, (ii) in a transparent state, allow light to pass through the LCD panel module. The controller is configured to selectively operate each of the LCD pixels of each LCD panel module in either the opaque state or the transparent state so as to block high intensity light sources from shining on the face of the driver.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a locking clip for a ball and socket assembly includes a socket engagement portion, a positioning tab extending from a first end of the socket engagement portion, an first retention portion having an outer surface and a first engagement surface opposite the outer surface, the first retention portion coupled to the socket engagement portion; and a second retention portion having a second engagement surface, a second surface opposite the second engagement surface, and a release tab extending from a first end of the second retention portion opposite a second end of the second retention portion proximal to the positioning tab, the second retention portion flexibly coupled to the socket engagement portion. The first retention portion and the second retention portion are flexibly coupled to the socket engagement portion and the first and second engagement surfaces define a clip retention area.

Abstract: A modular virtual visor system is for a vehicle disclosed. The modular virtual visor system includes camera for detecting an illumination level on a face of a driver; a plurality of LCD panel modules mounted within the vehicle, and a controller. Each LCD panel module has LCD pixels configured to, (i) in an opaque state, block light from passing through the LCD screen and, (ii) in a transparent state, allow light to pass through the LCD panel module. The controller is configured to selectively operate each of the LCD pixels of each LCD panel module in either the opaque state or the transparent state so as to block high intensity light sources from shining on the face of the driver.