Hyundai Designs Shading, Lighting Sunroof

Smart Blockers Manage Interior Shade

A recent patent discovered by CarBuzz at the US Patent and Trademark Office indicates that Korean engineers have come up with a system to utilize a variety of input sensors to operate a “smart blocking unit” in the glass sunroof of the Hyundai Ioniq 6. This will enable the car to distribute shady spots throughout the interior as needed, while still allowing natural light to enter the cabin without causing discomfort to the occupants.

Interior data capture is based on a camera and light intensity detectors located inside the cabin. This camera has the capability to recognize the passengers’ positions and movements, while the light-measuring sensors figure out the amount of illumination at particular points in the cabin.

The incorporation of exterior, roof-mounted sensors provides the camera system with the ability to calculate the amount of natural light that’s impacting it, along with its directional positioning in respect to the car.

The driver’s input in this circumstance is a request for an exact amount of surrounding illumination inside the vehicle. When it comes to daylight, natural lighting will typically be the main source, however if the required level of lighting that the driver seeks is not obtained naturally, interior light fixtures, regulated by the same logic, can provide augmentation.

What if the natural light in a cabin happens to be too bright? If that occurs, then the adept blocking cells will darken themselves automatically to lower the surrounding illumination. In cases of cloudy mist, the dimming will then be lightened so as to keep an equal amount of brightness within the car’s inside.

Many control algorithms are implemented within the control unit to determine which light source should be given priority. If natural illumination is the predominant factor, this device will activate the advanced light-filtering units found in the ceiling glass, thus allowing for darkening or brightening. This is to ensure that the level of light entering the vehicle is properly regulated; the brightness inside can thereby be either reduced or increased.

The regulating unit also contentiously ascertains the illumination around those present and can shadow precise parts of the ceiling to ensure its inhabitants stay cool in the shade. Combining the ceiling-installed light-sensitive device and the indoor camera, the system will also relocate the darkened sections over the car travelers to make sure they are not subject to direct sunlight regardless of the auto’s motion direction.

A vital technology utilized here is electrochromic glazing embedded in the sunroof covering, which can modify their translucency and/or shade when exposed to an electric impulse. This is not a fresh concept, yet the way it is applied is incomparable. It would be delightful if you were able to wind back the sunroof blinds and let in some natural sunlight on your dreary travel, without having to face physical irritation from direct sunshine while travelling.

This creativity could make this a possibility, and as the technology is readily available, there is minimal hindrance to viewing it in an operational Kia or Hyundai soon.