(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

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 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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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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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

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

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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