New patent: Future Ford cars may be equipped with brightness management system

According to foreign media reports, Ford Motor has obtained a patent for a brightness management system, which may be used in future Ford vehicles. The patent was submitted on October 18, 2023, published on November 5, 2024, and assigned serial number 12136397.

(Image source: USPTO)

The concept behind this patent is quite simple, it will automatically control the brightness of the screen inside the car based on the lighting conditions it senses. Although most new cars already take similar measures, in this case, the system will rely on sensors placed near the front of the vehicle to detect external lighting conditions. It can adjust the brightness of the screen inside the car, which includes not only the infotainment or digital instrument panel, but even smartphones or tablets.

According to the patent document, the vehicle brightness management system includes a network that provides a wireless communication environment for the vehicle; a mobile device in the vehicle environment, and includes a first light detector to detect a first brightness level at a first position of the mobile device; at least one vehicle display coupled to the vehicle and having at least one brightness level; and a control circuit that is communicatively coupled to the mobile device and at least one vehicle display through the network. The control circuit is configured to detect a first position of the mobile device in the vehicle; receive a first brightness level indication from the mobile device; and transmit a signal to adjust at least one brightness level of at least one vehicle display based on the first position and the first brightness level.

This is because passengers in the car may turn up the brightness of their smartphones, which can distract the driver and even cause danger. The system mentioned in the patent can even determine the position of the smartphone or other mobile device relative to the driver in the car and adjust it accordingly. This seems a bit of an invasion of privacy, but as is often the case with patents, it is currently unclear whether this technology will actually be put into use.