FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of overhead consoles and associated accessories for vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It is known to provide an overhead console at a roof I headliner of a vehicle. Overhead consoles are typically mounted to the vehicle headliner and are typically solid opaque parts including lighting features and control switches (see FIG. 15). Typical overhead console designs block the view to the outside of the vehicle through the headliner/roof. Panoramic roof designs and size are influenced by the geometry and material selection of the overhead console (see FIG. 16).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A vehicular overhead console and accessory system includes a transparent or translucent or light transmitting overhead console that mounts at an interior portion of the vehicle. The transparent or light transmitting overhead console has a peripheral frame portion that circumscribes a transparent or translucent or light transmitting panel. The peripheral frame portion is mounted at the headliner and extends rearward from the headliner so that the frame portion and the light transmitting panel are disposed at and adjacent to a sunroof or moonroof or panoramic roof of the vehicle. One or more accessories (such as lights, control switches, garage door opening systems, and electronic circuitry and associated software) may be disposed in the peripheral frame portion. [0004] In some examples, the vehicular overhead console module includes a frame portion configured to mount at an interior portion of the vehicle. The interior portion includes one selected from the group consisting of (i) an upper edge region of a windshield of the vehicle, and (ii) a headliner of the vehicle. That is, the interior portion includes one of the upper edge region of the windshield of the vehicle and the headliner of the vehicle. A light transmitting panel is disposed at and is at least partially circumscribed by the frame portion. At least one electronic accessory is disposed in the frame portion. With the frame portion mounted at the interior portion of the vehicle, the light transmitting panel (e.g., a transparent or tinted glass or plastic or polycarbonate panel) is disposed rearward of the interior portion of the vehicle and an occupant or driver of the vehicle can view through the light transmitting panel of the vehicular overhead console module to view exterior the vehicle. In other words, the light transmitting panel is viewable through by an occupant or driver of the vehicle to allow the occupant or driver to view exterior the vehicle through the light transmitting panel of the vehicular overhead console module. The occupant of the vehicle (e.g., a driver or passenger of the vehicle) can thus view upward and exterior of the vehicle through the light transmitting panel of the vehicular overhead console module.

[0005] These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle with a vehicular overhead console installed at an interior portion of the vehicle;

[0007] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a vehicular transparent or light transmitting overhead console mounted at and adjacent to a transparent roof of a vehicle;

[0008] FIG. 3 is another plan view of the vehicular transparent or light transmitting overhead console, showing touch or proximity sensors at the transparent or light transmitting panel of the overhead console; [0009] FIG. 4 is another plan view of the vehicular transparent or light transmitting overhead console, showing the light transmitting panel in a darkened mode;

[0010] FIG. 5 is another plan view of the vehicular transparent or light transmitting overhead console, showing the light transmitting panel in a nighttime mode with the touch or proximity sensors illuminated;

[0011] FIG. 6 is another plan view of the vehicular transparent or light transmitting overhead console, showing the light transmitting panel in the nighttime mode with the touch or proximity sensors illuminated and with interior lighting elements activated;

[0012] FIG. 7 is another plan view of the vehicular transparent or light transmitting overhead console, showing the light transmitting panel in the nighttime mode with the touch or proximity sensors illuminated and with reading lighting elements activated;

[0013] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of another vehicular transparent or light transmitting overhead console;

[0014] FIGS. 9 and 10 are views of the vehicular transparent or light transmitting overhead console, showing the display of an icon or logo when off (FIG. 9) and when on (FIG. 10);

[0015] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another vehicular transparent or light transmitting overhead console;

[0016] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the vehicular overhead console of FIG. 11 ;

[0017] FIG. 12A is sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 12;

[0018] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the vehicular overhead console of FIG. 11 ;

[0019] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the vehicular overhead console of FIG. 11 , with the upper housing removed to show the electronic circuitry of the vehicular overhead console;

[0020] FIG. 14A is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 14;

[0021] FIG. 15 is a plan view of a vehicular overhead console; and

[0022] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a vehicular overhead console mounted to an inner surface of a roof of a vehicle. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Referring now to the drawings and the illustrative embodiments depicted therein, a vehicular accessory system 10 is disposed at an interior portion or cabin of a vehicle 12 (FIG. 1). The vehicular accessory system 10 includes a transparent or translucent or light transmitting overhead console 14. The overhead console 14 is mounted at the interior portion of the vehicle (such as to an upper edge region of the windshield or the headliner of the vehicle) and extends rearward from the headliner (such as exemplified in FIG. 1). The overhead console 14 includes a peripheral frame portion 16 that circumscribes and supports a transparent or light transmitting panel 18 (FIG. 2). The light transmitting panel 18 of the overhead console 14 comprises a transparent or translucent or light transmitting material so that the overhead console 14 does not block the panoramic roof and allows the vehicle occupant to view to the vehicle exterior through the light transmitting panel 18 of the overhead console 14 (as can be seen with reference to FIG. 2). That is, when the overhead console 14 is mounted at the upper edge region or headliner of the vehicle and extends rearward from the upper edge region or headliner of the vehicle, the light transmitting panel 18 allows the vehicle occupant to view through the light transmitting panel 18 and exterior of the vehicle. Optionally, the light transmitting panel 18 may extend along the inner surface of the panoramic roof such that the vehicle occupant views through the light transmitting panel 18 and the panoramic roof and exterior of the vehicle.

[0024] Optionally, the light transmitting panel 18 may comprise a multi-layer laminate panel comprising multiple layers of transparent materials and may be electrically darkenable or dimmable or tintable to darken the panel or reduce visible light transmissivity of the panel, as discussed below. One or more portions or regions of the light transmitting panel 18 can be illuminated to display logos or other information. Optionally, by using light diffusing materials, the entire area of the light transmitting panel 18 can be illuminated, such as for in-cabin lighting.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, the frame portion 16 includes a forward mounting portion 16a that is configured to mount the overhead console 14 at the upper edge region of the windshield or at the headliner or at any intermediate structure of the vehicle roof (such as at a forward frame portion of a sunroof or panoramic roof of the vehicle). The forward mounting portion 16a may adhesively attach at the windshield or headliner or panoramic roof, or may be fastened to the headliner or frame of the windshield or panoramic roof via a plurality of fasteners (e.g., snap fasteners or clips or threaded fasteners or screws). The frame portion 16 includes a peripheral portion 16b that extends rearward from the forward mounting portion 16a and that may be attached at the glass panel of the sunroof or panoramic roof or may be positioned below the glass panel of the sunroof or panoramic roof. The frame portion 16 circumscribes the light transmitting panel 18 to support the light transmitting panel 18 at the roof of the vehicle. With the overhead console 14 attached at the vehicle, the frame portion 16 and light transmitting panel 18 may be disposed at a recess or cutout region formed in the glass roof panel (whereby an upper side of the light transmitting panel 18 is part of the outer or upper side of the glass roof and is exposed to the environment) or the frame portion 16 and light transmitting panel 18 may be disposed below the glass roof panel (whereby the light transmitting panel is below the glass roof and an occupant of the vehicle views through both the light transmitting panel of the overhead console and the glass roof panel). In other words, the overhead console 14 may extend within a recess or cutout of the glass roof panel so that the upper or outer surface of the light transmitting panel 18 corresponds to and is flush with an exterior surface of the glass roof panel at the recess and the lower or inner surface of the light transmitting panel 18 corresponds to and is flush with an interior surface of the glass roof panel at the interior cabin of the vehicle. Optionally, the overhead console 14 extends below the glass roof panel so that the upper surface of the light transmitting panel is disposed at or near or along the inner surface of the glass roof panel.

[0026] The electronic content or features (e.g., circuitry, lighting, user inputs, controls etc.) of the overhead console 14 are integrated into the outer frame portion 16 of the overhead console 14. The frame portion 16 may remain opaque to hide the electronic content or features from occupants of the vehicle. Optionally, the frame portion may be transparent or translucent or light transmitting or partially transparent or translucent or light transmitting.

[0027] Optionally, the overhead console 14 may include an electronic control unit (ECU) disposed thereat, the ECU including electronic circuitry and associated software configured to provide one or more electronic functions of the console or of an accessory or system of the vehicle. Optionally, the overhead console 14 may include user inputs or electronic switches or human machine interface (HMI) features so that a user can actuate one or more accessories (e.g., one or more lights or displays or a garage door opener or the like) of the overhead console or of the vehicle. For example, and such as shown in FIG. 3, the light transmitting panel 18 may provide touch or proximity sensors 20 (such as transparent capacitive foils or the like) to provide the HMI features to the transparent or light transmitting panel 18 of the console 14. The sensors or user inputs 20 may be colored or illuminated or otherwise demarcated so as to be visible at the light transmitting panel 18, such as by electronic components or illumination modules or light sources disposed at or within the periphery frame portion 16. When the sensor or input 20 is illuminated and a user interacts with the input 20 (e.g., when the user touches the light transmitting panel 18 at a position corresponding to the input 20), the input 20 is activated and transmits a signal related to the corresponding function to the ECU to perform the desired function. Optionally, the user inputs 20 may be covert when not in use and may be colored or illuminated or otherwise demarcated so as to be visible at the light transmitting panel responsive to actuation of a user input or detection of a person’s hand at or near the panel or other triggering event. That is, in a default state, the inputs 20 may not be visible or illuminated and, responsive to a triggering event (such as detection of a user’s hand at or near the overhead console 14 or activation of another input), the inputs 20 are made visible or illuminated to indicate the function associated with the input 20 and are activated to receive the user input.

[0028] Optionally, the overhead console 14 may include transparent displays that are covert when not activated and are visible at the light transmitting panel 18 when activated. For example, the overhead console may provide information displays that, when energized, show vehicle status information, such as battery charge level, fuel level, speed, odometer, engine temperature, exterior temperature, compass heading, time, date, and/or the like. The displays may be reconfigurable so that the user of the vehicle may select what information is displayed, and optionally may select the color or display style of the displayed information. The transparent displays may be used to display information and may also incorporate capacitive touch functionality (where the user may touch different areas of the overhead console to display different information at the light transmitting panel).

[0029] Optionally, the overhead console may provide lighting features, such as in-cabin lighting sources 22 (see FIGS. 6 and 7), map reading lights 24, and/or the like. The lights may be disposed at the frame portion or may comprise micro LEDs or may comprise other relatively small or not readily discernible light sources disposed at the light transmitting panel (such that the light sources are covert when not energized and visible when energized). The in-cabin lighting sources 22 and map reading lights 24 may also provide non-visible light, such as near infrared lighting (e.g., the light sources may comprise nearinfrared light-emitting LEDs), such as for use with a driver monitoring system (DMS) or occupant monitoring system (OMS) of the vehicle. Optionally, the overhead console may provide perimeter lighting and/or in-cabin lighting or the like, and may provide user actuatable inputs for controlling the lighting and/or other accessories, such as by utilizing aspects of the overhead consoles described in patent application US 17/931 ,988, filed Sep. 14, 2022.

[0030] The in-cabin lighting sources 22 may provide ambient lighting at the interior of the vehicle and, when electrically operated to emit light, generally illuminate the entirety of the cabin of the vehicle. The map reading lights 24 may provide targeted lighting at the interior of the vehicle and may include a driver side map reading light 24 that, when electrically operated to emit light, illuminates a driver side region or portion of the vehicle, and a passenger side map reading light 24 that, when electrically operated to emit light, illuminates a passenger side region or portion of the vehicle. The in-cabin lighting sources 22 and map reading lights 24 may be separately actuatable by respective user actuatable inputs.

[0031] Optionally, the transparent or light transmitting panel 18 may comprise an electrically dimmable or variable light transmissive panel. For example, the transparent panel 18 may be dimmable via electro-optic technology, such as, for example, liquid crystal (LC) technology or electrochromic (EC) technology or the like. For example, the light transmitting panel 18 may comprise an inner glass panel and an outer glass panel with an electrochromic medium sandwiched therebetween and darkenable via electrical current being applied to transparent conductive coatings at the inner and outer glass panels (such as by utilizing dimming aspects and touch/proximity sensor aspects of the electro-optic mirror reflective elements described in US 9598016 B2, US 9346403 B2, US 7626749 B2, US 7274501 B2; US 7184190 B2 and/or US 7255451 B2). The overhead console 14 thus may operate in a daytime mode (where the light transmitting panel is not dimmed or darkened, such as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) or a nighttime mode (where the light transmitting panel is dimmed or darkened, such as shown in FIGS. 4-7), and may switch between the modes responsive to ambient light level at the vehicle and/or responsive to a user actuatable input or HMI device.

[0032] Optionally, the degree of darkening varies based on the ambient light level at the vehicle. The ambient light level may be determined by a light sensor of the overhead console 14 or of the vehicle or via image processing of image data captured by a camera of the vehicle. The determined light level (when determined via a sensor or camera of the vehicle) may be communicated to the ECU 134 of the overhead console via a vehicle communication bus or network of the vehicle.

[0033] Thus, when the overhead console 14 is operating in the daytime mode, the light transmitting panel is generally transparent (or non-tinted, or may be tinted) and may correspond with the transmissivity or transparency or tint of the panoramic roof panel. That is, the darkening or dimming of the transparent panel 18 may correspond to the level of darkening or dimming of the panoramic glass roof panel in the daytime mode, such as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the darkening or dimming of the transparent panel 18 may correspond to the level of ambient light at the panoramic glass roof panel when the transparent panel 18 is darkened or dimmed in nighttime mode. That is, when the transparent panel 18 is darkened or dimmed for the nighttime mode, the darkening or dimming may correspond to the level of ambient light detected at the glass roof panel. Optionally, and such as shown in FIG. 4, the transparent panel 18 may be darkened or dimmed at a different level than the darkening or dimming of the glass roof panel. [0034] When the light transmitting panel 18 is dimmed or darkened (i.e. , when the overhead console 14 switches to operating in the nighttime mode), the user inputs or touch or proximity sensors 20 at the panel 18 may be illuminated or otherwise demarcated so that they are visible at the panel 18 (e.g., FIG. 5). For example, when the light transmitting panel 18 is dimmed responsive to actuation of a user actuatable input (such as shown in FIG. 4), the user inputs 20 may be colored or highlighted or illuminated so as to contrast the darkened panel 18 and be readily visible to a person viewing the overhead console 14. Optionally, for example, when the light transmitting panel 18 is dimmed responsive to the ambient light level at the vehicle being below a threshold light level (such as shown in FIG. 5), the user inputs 20 may be illuminated or highlighted so as to contrast the darkened panel (and darkened sky) and be readily visible to a person viewing the overhead console 14.

[0035] Optionally, and such as shown in FIG. 8, the inner transparent panel may be used as a sensor area for gesture detection I identification and control of an accessory of the console or vehicle responsive to detection and identification of a hand movement or gesture at or near the panel. For example, an integrated sensor 26 (integrated at the mounting structure or frame of the overhead console), such as a camera or other suitable sensing device, may monitor the area or region at or below the panel 18 to detect presence and movement of a person’s hand. The control or ECU (of the console or of the vehicle) may process image data captured by the camera to determine the type of movement and to generate a control output to control an accessory based on the determined movement. The control or system may identify the particular movement or gesture by comparing the detected movement or gesture to a plurality of movements or gestures stored in memory and determining which stored movement or gesture corresponds with the detected movement or gesture.

[0036] Optionally, feedback may be provided to the user to confirm that the movement or gesture was identified and the appropriate control output was provided. For example, haptic feedback may be provided to the user, such as via a blast of air from an air nozzle disposed at the frame portion 16 of the overhead console 14, to indicate that the movement or gesture was identified. Optionally, an audible feedback may be provided to the user, such as a click or tone or voice signal (generated by a speaker of the overhead console or of the vehicle), that indicates that the movement or gesture was identified. Optionally, a visual feedback may be provided to the user, such as activation of one or more lights or indicators that indicate the particular movement or gesture that was identified. For example, one of a plurality of icons or alphanumeric characters may be illuminated or displayed to indicate the particular movement or gesture identified so the user can confirm that the system identified the movement or gesture accurately.

[0037] As discussed above, the frame portion 16 may include lighting devices or illumination devices, such as in-cabin lighting sources 22 and map reading lights 24 and/or the like. The lighting devices may comprise one or more LEDs or the like disposed within the frame portion 16 and behind (or above) light transmitting portions or elements of the frame portion. Thus, when the light or lights 22, 24 are activated or energized or electrically powered, light emitted by the light sources passed through the respective light transmitting element of the frame portion 16 to illuminate the cabin. For example, when the overhead console 14 is operating in the nighttime mode, the in-cabin illumination light or lights 22 may be activated (such as responsive to a user input in the vehicle), such as shown in FIG. 6. Similarly, when the overhead console 14 is operating in the nighttime mode, the reading light or lights 24 may be activated (such as responsive to a user input in the vehicle), such as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Optionally, the lights 22, 24 may also be activated via actuation of the user input(s) when the overhead console 14 is operating in the daytime mode.

[0038] Optionally, and such as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the light transmitting panel 18 may have an icon or logo 28 established thereat (such as via laser etching or the like), and the frame portion 16 (such as at or at least partially along the attaching part of the frame portion or at or at least partially along any other part of the frame portion) may have a light source that, when electrically powered, emits light at a perimeter edge region of the light transmitting panel 18, such that the emitted light passes along the light transmitting panel 18 and illuminates the icon or logo. Thus, when the light source is not activated (see FIG. 9), the icon is covert or not readily discernible at the light transmitting panel 18, and, when the light source is activated (see FIG. 10), the icon is illuminated and viewable at the light transmitting panel 18.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 11-14A, an overhead console 114 includes a peripheral frame portion 116 that is configured to mount at an interior portion of the vehicle, such as the upper edge region of the windshield of the vehicle or the headliner of the vehicle. The frame portion 116 includes a forward mounting portion 116a that mounts to the interior portion of the vehicle and a peripheral portion 116b that extends from the forward mounting portion 116a. When the overhead console 114 is mounted at the interior portion of the vehicle, the peripheral portion 116b extends rearward from the forward mounting portion 116a and toward or along the panoramic roof or glass roof panel of the vehicle.

[0040] The peripheral portion 116b supports or accommodates a light transmitting panel 118 of the overhead console 114, where the peripheral portion 116b is disposed along a perimeter edge region of the light transmitting panel 118 to at least partially circumscribe the light transmitting panel 118. When the overhead console 114 is mounted at the interior portion of the vehicle, the driver or occupant of the vehicle may view through the light transmitting panel 118 and exterior of the vehicle. For example, the panoramic roof may include a recess or cutout region at a perimeter region of the panoramic roof that is adjacent the mounting region at the interior portion of the vehicle and the peripheral portion 116b and/or the light transmitting panel 118 may extend from the forward mounting portion 116a and within the cutout region of the panoramic roof. Thus, the inner or lower surface of the light transmitting panel 118 faces the interior cabin of the vehicle and the outer or upper surface of the light transmitting panel 118 faces exterior of the vehicle so that the driver or occupant may view directly through the light transmitting panel 118 to exterior the vehicle. The outer surface of the light transmitting panel 118 may be exposed at the exterior of the vehicle. Optionally, the peripheral portion 116b and/or the light transmitting panel 118 may extend from the forward mounting portion 116a and along an inner surface of the panoramic roof such that the upper surface of the light transmitting panel 118 faces the inner surface of the panoramic roof and the inner surface of the light transmitting panel 118 faces the interior cabin of the vehicle. Thus, the driver or occupant views through the light transmitting panel 118 and the panoramic roof to exterior the vehicle.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 12, the frame portion 116 includes an upper frame portion or back cover 130 and a lower frame portion or front cover 132, where the upper and lower frame portions join together to form an interior region or cavity of the frame portion 116. The upper frame portion 130 and lower frame portion 132 join together in any suitable manner, such as snap attachment of clips and receivers, adhesive disposed between the upper and lower frame portions, or screws or other threaded fasteners received through the upper and lower frame portions. The upper and lower frame portions each define a respective passage or cavity region that, when the upper and lower frame portions are joined together, frames or circumscribes the light transmitting panel 118 received at the frame portion 116. A perimeter region of the light transmitting panel 118 is sandwiched between the upper frame portion 130 and the lower frame portion 132 to retain the light transmitting panel 118 at the frame portion 116 and so the light transmitting panel 118 aligns with the respective passage regions of the upper and lower frame portions.

[0042] The one or more electronic accessories of the overhead console 114 are housed between the upper frame portion 130 and the lower frame portion 132. For example, the ECU 134, or the main printed circuit board (PCB) comprising the electronic circuitry of the ECU 134, is disposed at the forward mounting portion 116a of the frame portion 116. The map reading lights 124 may be disposed at the peripheral portion 116b of the frame portion 116 (such as along respective sides of the peripheral portion 116b) and configured to, when electrically operated to emit light, illuminate respective driver and passenger sides of the interior portion of the vehicle through the frame portion 116, such as through respective apertures formed through the lower frame portion 132. Respective user actuatable inputs or switches 136 may be disposed at or near the map reading lights 124 and exposed at the lower frame portion 132 to receive user inputs for activating or deactivating the map reading lights 124. Furthermore, other user actuatable inputs and associated sensors or circuitry or PCBs may be disposed at the frame portion 116, such as a sun roof or moon roof slider 138 at the peripheral portion 116b, or an SOS button 140 or On Call button 142 at the forward mounting portion 116a. [0043] Furthermore, the frame portion 116 may accommodate one or more cameras or sensors, such as a forward viewing camera that views through the windshield and forward of the vehicle. Optionally, the frame portion 116 accommodates a driver monitoring camera that, with the frame portion mounted at the interior portion of the vehicle, views at least a head region of a driver of the vehicle. For example, the driver monitoring camera may view through an aperture formed through the frame portion 116. The ECU 134 may process image data captured by the driver monitoring camera for a driver monitoring system of the vehicle.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 12A, one or more light sources or light modules 144 disposed at the main PCB 134 include one or more light emitters or LEDs or micro-LEDs 146 (or VCSELs (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser) or other suitable light source or light emitter) directed toward the perimeter edge of the light transmitting panel 118. When electrically operated to emit light, the light module 144 directs light along the light transmitting panel 118 to illuminate the icon 128 disposed at the light transmitting panel 118 (FIG. 13). Optionally, the light module 144 is configured to provide in-cabin illumination such that, when electrically operated to emit light, the light module 144 illuminates a perimeter region of the light transmitting panel 118, or the entire area of the light transmitting panel 118, so that light is emitted from the light transmitting panel 118 to illuminate the interior cabin of the vehicle. For example, a light guide 148 may be disposed at the lower frame portion 132 and circumscribe the light transmitting panel 118 so that light emitted by the light source or light module 144 is guided along the perimeter region of the light transmitting panel 118 and dispersed along or incident on a surface of the light transmitting panel 118 to illuminate at least a portion of the light transmitting panel 118 to provide the in-cabin illumination (via reflection of the emitted light off the light transmitting panel downward into the cabin of the vehicle).

[0045] A divider 150 may separate the light sources of the light module so that upper light emitters or LEDs 146a provide the in-cabin illumination by illuminating the light guide 148 and lower light emitters or LEDs 146b illuminate the icon 128. That is, the light guide 148 may extend from the PCB 134 and about the perimeter of the light transmitting panel 118 with one or more upper light emitters 146a disposed at the light module 144 to illuminate or provide illumination to the light guide 148. The lower light emitters 146b may be aligned with the light transmitting panel 118 to illuminate the icon 128 when electrically powered to emit light. The divider 150 extends below the light guide 148 at the light module 144 and between the upper light emitters 146a and the lower light emitters 146b so that light emitted by the upper light emitters 146a does not illuminate the icon 128 and light emitted by the lower light emitters 146b does not illuminate the light guide 148 (or is not received by the light guide).

[0046] Optionally, the overhead console 114 is operable to illuminate or present one or more user actuatable inputs at the light transmitting panel 118 that, when actuated by the driver or occupant of the vehicle, provides an input signal to an accessory or system of the vehicle. For example, the icon 128 (FIGS. 13 and 14) may be disposed at the light transmitting panel 118, such as laser etched into the light transmitting panel 118. When the icon 128 is illuminated, such as via operation of one or more light emitters 146 of the light module 144, the overhead console 114 may be configured to detect an input from the user at the icon 128. For example, capacitive touch sensors may be disposed at the light transmitting panel 118 to detect a user’s touch at the panel, or one or more cameras or proximity sensors may be disposed at the frame portion 116 to detect presence or proximity of the user’s hand at the light transmitting panel 118. The proximity sensor may determine when the user’s hand is within a threshold distance, such as one inch or less, three inches or less, and the like, and may actuate the user actuatable input responsive to determining presence of the user’s hand within the threshold distance. The icon 128 may activate or operate any suitable function of the vehicle when the user input is received, such as operating a sunroof of the vehicle, activating an interior light of the vehicle, and the like.

[0047] The light transmitting panel 118 may provide a variably light transmissive panel 118 that is operable to vary the dimming or darkening or level of opaqueness of the light transmitting panel 118 responsive to an electric current applied to the light transmitting panel 118 (e.g., to an electrochromic medium sandwiched between glass layers of the light transmitting panel). The variable light transmitting panel 118 may be adjustable between a daytime mode, where the light transmitting panel 118 is fully transparent or clear or non- dimmed, and a nighttime mode, where the light transmitting panel 118 is darkened or dimmed. When operating in the nighttime mode, the light transmitting panel 118 may be completely darkened or dimmed or opaque. That is, when operating in the daytime mode, the relative light transmissivity of the light transmitting panel 118 is high and, when operating in the nighttime mode, the relative light transmissivity of the light transmitting panel 118 is low. When operating in the daytime mode, no electric current may be applied to the light transmitting panel 118 and, when operating in the nighttime mode, the electric current may be applied to the light transmitting panel 118 to dim or darken the light transmitting panel 118. Further, the light transmitting panel 118 may be operable to selectively adjust light transmissivity of the light transmitting panel 118 to one or more intermediate or variable levels of light transmissivity between the daytime mode and the nighttime mode, responsive to levels of electric current applied to the light transmitting panel 118, such as responsive to an ambient light sensor or responsive to a user actuatable input or human machine interface (HMI), such as a button or a dial or a voice command or the like.

[0048] The overhead console thus allows extension of the panoramic roof towards the front of the vehicle. The overhead console provides for integration of advanced lighting features. The overhead console provides new styling potential for OEMs using the transparent or light transmitting area for a number of functions. The frame portion may house or accommodate the circuitry and control unit for controlling the various lighting features and/or the like, and the touch sensors or other user inputs may provide user control of the lighting features and display features of the overhead console.

[0049] The overhead console is electrically powered by a power source of the vehicle, such as via connection to a wiring harness of the vehicle. The overhead console may electrically connect to the vehicle wiring harness at the headliner. Thus, the overhead console provides a module that is mounted at an interior portion of the vehicle to provide lighting and/or controls, while also allowing for a larger panoramic roof.

[0050] The overhead console thus may house electrical components (such as sensors, PCBs, light sources, etc.). For example, the overhead console may include light sources to provide lighting at the interior portion of the vehicle. For example, the light sources may provide illumination modules such as for an OMS or DMS (where the light sources may comprise near infrared light emitting light sources or the like), dome lighting, map lights, an illuminated logo, directional lighting, galaxy lighting, and/or ambient or accent lighting at the interior portion of the vehicle. The light source or light sources may comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a plurality of micro-LEDs or vertical-cavity surfaceemitting lasers (VCSELs) or the like. The lighting may be adjustable, such as to control the brightness or color of the light emitted by the light sources. Furthermore, the lighting may be electrically operable responsive to a user input or may be automatically energized, such as responsive to opening of a door of the vehicle.

[0051] The overhead console may include a human machine interface (HMI) configured to receive a user input, such as to control a system or function of the vehicle. The HMI may be disposed at an underside of the overhead console and, when actuated by a user, control operation of a light or other accessory. For example, the one or more inputs may control function of reading lights of the vehicle or the accent lighting of the overhead console or a system of the vehicle.

[0052] The user actuatable HMI of the overhead console may comprise any suitable input, such as switches, buttons, or capacitive sensors. Optionally, the user actuatable input may be provided by a piezo-electric actuator configured to sense the amount of force provided by a user and provide haptic feedback to the user providing the input. Optionally, the user actuatable inputs may be changeable or adjustable, where the function or control provided by a given input may change responsive to a condition of the vehicle or responsive to another user input. For example, the HMI may provide a series of default functions provided by the user actuatable inputs, and upon selection by a user of one of the user actuatable inputs, the HMI may adjust the functions provided by the user actuatable inputs to provide functions based on the initially selected input, such as an initial input selection of a single input to control a sunroof function of the vehicle and subsequent adjustment of the plurality of inputs to provide different functions of the sunroof of the vehicle. [0053] The one or more inputs may include a display or indicator to indicate to a user the function that would be provided if the user were to select the given input. For example, the input may include a display screen that displays an icon indicating the function or a projector may project light onto the surface of the input (e.g., onto the light transmitting panel or onto the frame portion), where the projection represents the icon. For example a projector may be disposed in an interior rearview mirror or a portion of the overhead console and projects light upward from the interior rearview mirror onto the surface of the overhead console. The input may be reconfigurable, such that the icon being projected is associated with the current function of the touch sensor. Thus, the icon that is being projected may change with the touch sensor function.

[0054] For example, the surface of the overhead console may have a reconfigurable integrated capacitive touch or piezo-electric sensors comprising the HMI, so that when the projector projects light onto the surface of the overhead console and a user provides a touch or force at the surface corresponding to a portion of the projected light, the HMI interprets an intended input of the user. Optionally, the HMI may include light sensors so that, when the projector is projecting light onto the overhead console, the sensors may sense an interruption in the light projected onto the surface as an indication of a user input.

[0055] Thus, the overhead console enables a clear view upward for the driver and occupants of the vehicle, especially for convertibles and vehicles with sunroofs or glass roof panels or panoramic roofs. The overhead console may also provide standard overhead console features, such as reading lights, call buttons, mounted interior rearview mirror assemblies, and the like. The overhead console provides several possibilities for indirect lighting at the interior cabin of the vehicle. The overhead console provides display of logos or icons or lettering in the transparent area. The transparent light transmitting panel may be used as a sensor area for gesture control. The transparent light transmitting panel may include partially transparent touch switches. The transparent light transmitting panel may be dimmable. The transparent light transmitting area may include a transparent display. [0056] In some examples, the vehicular overhead console includes a frame portion configured to mount at an interior portion of the vehicle. The interior portion includes one selected from the group consisting of (i) an upper region or upper edge region of a windshield of the vehicle, and (ii) a headliner of the vehicle. That is, the interior portion includes one of the upper edge region of the windshield of the vehicle and the headliner of the vehicle. A light transmitting panel is disposed at and at least partially circumscribed by the frame portion. At least one electronic accessory is disposed in the frame portion. With the frame portion mounted at the interior portion of the vehicle, the light transmitting panel is disposed rearward of the interior portion of the vehicle and an occupant of the vehicle can view through the light transmitting panel of the vehicular overhead console to view exterior the vehicle.

[0057] In some examples, the at least one electronic accessory includes a light source. The light source, when electrically powered to emit light, may illuminate an icon established at the light transmitting panel.

[0058] In some examples, the at least one electronic accessory includes circuitry associated with a user actuatable input. The user actuatable input may be disposed at the light transmitting panel. Furthermore, the user actuatable input may include a touch or proximity sensor.

[0059] In some examples, a camera is disposed at the frame portion. The camera captures image data, and, responsive to processing of image data captured by the camera, a person’s hand is detected at the vehicular overhead console and a movement of the person’s hand is identified. An output is generated responsive to identification of the movement of the person’s hand.

[0060] In some examples, with the frame portion mounted at the interior portion of the vehicle, the light transmitting panel is disposed beneath a glass roof panel of the vehicle.

[0061] In some examples, with the frame portion mounted at the interior portion of the vehicle, the light transmitting panel is disposed at a cutout region of a glass roof panel of the vehicle.

[0062] In some examples, the at least one electronic accessory includes a sensor and an electronic control unit (ECU) including electronic circuitry and associated software. With the frame portion mounted at the interior portion of the vehicle, the sensor senses at least a portion of the cabin of the vehicle. The ECU includes a data processor configured to process sensor data captured by the sensor for a system of the vehicle. The sensor may include an imaging sensor that, with the frame portion mounted at the interior portion of the vehicle, views at least a head region of a driver of the vehicle, and the ECU processes captured image data for a driver monitoring system of the vehicle.

[0063] In some examples, the light transmitting panel includes a variably light transmissive panel. The light transmitting panel may be operable in a nighttime mode, where the light transmitting panel is electrically powered to reduce light transmissivity of the light transmitting panel, and a daytime mode, where the light transmitting panel is not electrically powered to reduce the light transmissivity of the light transmitting panel. When operating in the nighttime mode, one or more user inputs at the light transmitting panel are illuminated. The light transmitting panel may switch from operating in the daytime mode to operating in the nighttime mode responsive to determination that ambient light at the vehicle is below a threshold level.

[0064] In some examples, the light transmitting panel is operable to selectively adjust light transmissivity of the light transmitting panel between the daytime mode, the nighttime mode, and at least one intermediate mode, where light transmissivity of the light transmitting panel is reduced and greater than light transmissivity of the light transmitting panel when operating in the nighttime mode.

[0065] In some examples, with the frame portion mounted at the interior portion of the vehicle, the light transmitting panel is disposed beneath a glass roof panel of the vehicle, and the light transmitting panel switches between operating in the daytime mode and operating in the nighttime mode based on a current light transmissivity of the glass roof panel of the vehicle. In other examples, with the frame portion mounted at the interior portion of the vehicle, the light transmitting panel is disposed at a cutout region of a glass roof panel of the vehicle, and the light transmitting panel switches between operating in the daytime mode and operating in the nighttime mode based on a current light transmissivity of the glass roof panel of the vehicle.

[0066] The light source, when electrically powered to emit light, may illuminate a driver side region or a passenger side region of a cabin of the vehicle. Optionally, the light source, when electrically powered to emit light, provides ambient lighting to illuminate a cabin of the vehicle. In some examples, the overhead console further includes a light guide disposed about a perimeter region of the light transmitting panel, and the light source, when electrically powered to emit light, emits light into the light guide. The light guide, when light is emitted into the light guide, disperses light along a surface of the light transmitting panel (i.e., light emitted by the light guide is incident on the surface of the light transmitting panel and is reflected off of the surface of the light transmitting panel) to illuminate the cabin of the vehicle.

[0067] The light source, when electrically powered to emit light, may emit visible light. The light source, when electrically powered to emit light, also or otherwise may emit infrared or near infrared light. The light source, when electrically powered to emit light, may illuminate a head region of a driver of the vehicle, and the overhead console further includes (i) a camera disposed at the frame portion and capturing image data, and (ii) an electronic control unit (ECU) including electronic circuitry and associated software, and the electronic circuitry includes an image processor configured to process image data captured by the camera for a driver monitoring system of the vehicle.

[0068] When the at least one electronic accessory includes circuitry associated with a user actuatable input, the circuitry, when the user actuatable input is actuated by a user, may control operation of a system of the vehicle. The circuitry, when the user actuatable input is actuated by a user, may control operation of a sunroof of the vehicle. The circuitry, when the user actuatable input is actuated by a user, may control operation of a light source of the vehicle. [0069] The overhead console and the lighting devices, HMI and other accessories may utilize characteristics of the overhead consoles and window assemblies described in US 10559153 B2, US 10427503 B2 and/or US 10272833 B2 and/or US 20210188092 A1 .

[0070] The overhead console may include user actuatable inputs operable to control any of the accessories of or associated with the overhead console (e.g., telematics buttons). For example, the overhead console may include touch sensitive elements or touch sensors or proximity sensors, such as the types of touch sensitive elements described in US 5594222 A, US 6001486 A, US 6310611 B1 , US 6320282 B1 , US 6627918 B2, US 7224324 B2 and/or US 7253723 B2, and/or US 20140022390 A1 and/or US 20140293169 A1 or such as proximity sensors of the types described in US 7224324 B2, US 7249860 B2 and/or US 7446924 B2, and/or US 20060050018 A1 or such as membrane type switches, such as described in US 7360932 B2 or such as detectors and the like, such as the types disclosed in US 7255451 B2, US 6504531 B1 , US 6501465 B2, US 6492980 B2, US 6452479 B1 , US 6437258 B1 and/or US 6369804 B1.

[0071] Optionally, the overhead console may be integrated or mounted directly to the roof or sunroof or moonroof or panoramic roof of the vehicle, such that a surface of the overhead console is exposed exterior of the vehicle or is disposed at an at least partially transparent surface (e.g., glass) of the roof of the vehicle. The overhead console may thus include solar cells to capture solar energy as a power source for the vehicle and/or accessories. The overhead console may include an antenna, such as an omnidirectional antenna and/or a radio or communications antenna. Optionally, the overhead console or system includes drivers for the sunroof or moonroof of the vehicle.

[0072] Optionally, one or more sensors (such as a radar sensor or an imaging sensor or camera) may be disposed at the overhead console and capture data representative of a field of sensing interior of the vehicle and the ECU at the overhead console may process the captured data for a system of the vehicle. For example, a camera that has a field of view interior the cabin of the vehicle may capture image data and the ECU may process captured image data such as for a DMS or OMS of the vehicle. The camera may be disposed at the overhead console and view through an aperture in the housing or frame of the overhead console or the camera may be disposed at the interior rearview mirror. The camera has a view interior the vehicle, such as at a head region of the driver of the vehicle, and may utilize characteristics of the DMS described in WO 2022187805 A1 and/or PCT/US2022/072238, filed May 11 , 2022.

[0073] The DMS I OMS or head and face direction and/or position tracking systems and/or eye tracking systems and/or gesture recognition systems may utilize aspects of the systems described in US 10065574 B2, US 10017114 B2, US 9405120 B2 and/or US 7914187 B2, and/or US 20220254132 A1 , US 20220242438 A1 , US 20220111857 A1 , US 20210323473 A1 , US 20210291739 A1 , US 20200320320 A1 , US 20200202151 A1 , US 20200143560 A1 , US 20190210615 A1 , US 20180231976 A1 , US 20180222414 A1 ; US 20170274906 A1 , US 20170217367 A1 , US 20160209647 A1 , US 20160137126 A1 , US 20150352953 A1 , US 20150296135 A1 , US 20150294169 A1 , US 20150232030 A1 , US 20150092042 A1 , US 20150022664 A1 , US 20150015710 A1 , US 20150009010 A1 and/or US 20140336876 A1 , and/or US 17/663,462, filed May 16, 2022, and/or WO 2022187805 A1 and/or PCT/US2022/072238, filed May 11 , 2022.

[0074] Optionally, the overhead console may include one or more other displays or indicators, such as the types described in US 8890955 B2, US 7855;755 B2, US 7338177 B2, US 7274501 B2, US 7255451 B2, US 7195381 B2, US 7184190 B2, US 7046448 B2; US 5668663 A, US 5724187 A, US 5530240 A, US 6329925 B1 , US 6690268 B2, US 7734392 B2, US 7370983 B2, US 6902284 B2, US 6428172 B1 , US 6420975 B1 , US 5416313 A, US 5285060 A, US 5193029 A and/or US 4793690 A, and/or in US 20060050018 A1 , US 20090015736 A1 , US 20090015736 A1 and/or US 20100097469 A1.

[0075] The user actuatable inputs and/or touch sensors and/or proximity sensors and displays described above may be actuatable to control and/or adjust the accessories of the overhead console and/or vehicle. The connection or link between the controls and the display screen device and/or the navigation system and/or other systems and accessories of the overhead console or vehicle may be provided via vehicle electronic or communication systems and the like, and may be connected via various protocols or nodes, such as BLUETOOTH®, SCP, UBP, J1850, CAN J2284, Fire Wire 1394, MOST, LIN, FLEXRAY™, Byte Flight and/or the like, or other vehicle-based or in-vehicle communication links or systems (such as WIFI and/or IRDA) and/or the like, or via VHF or UHF or other wireless transmission formats, depending on the particular application of the overhead console I accessory system and the vehicle. Optionally, the connections or links may be provided via various wireless connectivity or links, without affecting the scope of the present invention.

[0076] An interior rearview mirror may be mounted at or attached to or integrally formed with the forward frame portion of the overhead console. The interior rearview mirror is adjustably mounted to the overhead console via mounting structure. The mirror reflective element may comprise any suitable mirror reflective element, such as a variable reflectance electro-optic mirror reflective element that varies its reflectance responsive to electrical current applied to conductive coatings or layers of the reflective element, such as a mirror reflective element that utilizes characteristics of the interior rearview mirror assemblies described in US 7274501 B2, US 7255451 B2, US 7195381 B2, US 7184190 B2, US 6690268 B2, US 5140455 A, US 5151816 A, US 6178034 B1 , US 6154306 A, US 6002544 A, US 5567360 A, US 5525264 A, US 5610756 A, US 5406414 A, US 5253109 A, US 5076673 A, US 5073012 A, US 5117346 A, US 5724187 A, US 5668663 A, US 5910854 A, US 5142407 A and/or US 4712879 A. Optionally, the mirror reflective element may comprise a dual-mode interior rearview video mirror that can switch from a traditional reflection mode to a live-video display mode, such as is by utilizing aspects of the mirror assemblies and systems described in US 10,442,360 B2, US 10421404 B2, US 10166924 B2 and/or US 10046706 B2, and/or US 20210245662 A1 , US 20210162926 A1 , US 20210155167 A1 , US 20200377022 A1 , US 20190258131 A1 , US 20190146297 A1 , US 20190118717 A1 and/or US 20170355312 A1. The video display screen of the video mirror, when the mirror is in the display mode, may display video images derived from video image data captured by a rearward viewing camera, such as a rearward camera disposed at a center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) location, and/or video image data captured by one or more other cameras at the vehicle, such as side-mounted rearward viewing cameras or the like. [0077] Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments may be carried out without departing from the principles of the present invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law.

REFERENCE LIST

10 vehicular accessory system

12 vehicle

14, 114 overhead console

16, 116 frame portion

16a, 116a forward mounting portion

16b, 116b peripheral portion

18, 118 light transmitting panel

20 touch or proximity sensor I input

22 in-cabin lighting source

24, 124 map reading lights

26 integrated sensor

28, 128 icon or logo

130 upper frame portion or back cover

132 lower frame portion or front cover

134 ECU (electronic control unit)

136 user actuatable inputs or switches

138 sun roof or moon roof slider

140 SOS button

142 On Call button

144 light source or light module

146 light emitter

146a upper light emitters or LEDs

146b lower light emitters or LEDs

148 light guide

150 divider