(19) United States

(12) Patent Application

Publication

Cooke
(54) REINVENTED PASSENGER
VEHICLE
(75) Inventor: Tommy T. COOKE,
Atherton, CA (US)
(73) Assignee: APPLE INC., Cupertino, CA
(US)
(21) Appl. No.: 15/560,703
(22) Filed:

Aug. 26, 2013

(10) Pub. No.:

(43) Pub. Date:

US 2015/0097403 A1
April 1, 2015

Publication Classification
(51) Int. Cl.
GB07B 15/04

(2013.01)

(52) U.S. Cl. ............................ 705/13; 705/16

(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.

FIG. 7

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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 pleinair 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 fastcharging 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 pleinair 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 reengineered 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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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 eyelocation 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 lightgenerating 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 semitransparent, 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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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 righthand 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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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 -lightaffecting, 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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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 idevice 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.