Multimedia information and control system for automobiles

• US 20040162646A1
• Filed: 02/20/2004
• Published: 08/19/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/28/1997
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: American Calcar, Inc.
• Original Assignee: American Calcar, Inc.
• Inventors: Obradovich, Michael L., Dinkel, John G., Kent, Michael L.
• Granted Patent: US 6,922,616 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 17/0195 characterised by the regulation being combined with other vehicle control systems conjoint control of vehicle sub-units including control of suspension systems B60W10/22
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2600/70 Computer memory; Data storage, e.g. maps for adaptive control
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2600/76 Digital systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 1/00642 Control systems or circuits; Control members or indication devices for heating, cooling or ventilating devices B60H1/3201 - B60H1/3208, B60H1/3225 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 1/00771 the input being a vehicle position or surrounding, e.g. GPS-based position or tunnel
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 1/00985 Control systems or circuits characterised by display or indicating devices, e.g. voice simulators characterised by the input of sound using a voice synthesizer B60H1/00757; B60H1/00978 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/11 Instrument graphical user interfaces or menu aspects
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/143 Touch sensitive instrument input devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/1438 Touch screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/148 Instrument input by voice
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/161 Explanation of functions, e.g. instructions
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/00 Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/10 Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/215 characterised by the combination of multiple visual outputs, e.g. combined instruments with analogue meters and additional displays
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/22 Display screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/28 characterised by the type of the output information, e.g. video entertainment or vehicle dynamics information; characterised by the purpose of the output information, e.g. for attracting the attention of the driver
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/654 the user being the driver
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/00 Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00 , e.g. haptic signalling
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/0231 Circuits relating to the driving or the functioning of the vehicle monitoring tyres B60C23/00; indicating overspeed B60K31/00; for dash boards B60K37/00, B60Q3/10; for indicating emergencies B60Q1/52; brake control systems B60T; registering or indicating the working of vehicles G07C5/00; measuring distance G01C, e.g. combinations of speed and distance G01C23/00; engine indicators G01L; measuring speed or acceleration G01P
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/205 Mobile phones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/304 : Boats
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/042 : operating on the fuel supply
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/102 : a signal being sent to a remote location, e.g. a radio signal being transmitted to a police station, a security company or the owner
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/2081 : combined with personal settings of other vehicle devices, e.g. mirrors, seats, steering wheels

Abstract

In a multimedia information and control system for use in an automobile, at least one interface is employed which enables a user to access information concerning the automobile and control vehicle functions in an efficient manner. The user may select one of a plurality of displayed options on a screen of such an interface. Through audio, video and/or text media, the user is provided with information concerning the selected option and the vehicle function corresponding thereto. Having been so informed, the user may activate the selected option to control the corresponding vehicle function.

Claims

1. A system in a vehicle for accessing first information about a given aspect of said vehicle comprising:

a display element for displaying a plurality of options, each option being associated with a respective one of a plurality of aspects of said vehicle;

an interface for selecting a particular one of said options, the selected option being associated with said given aspect and in a first status; and

an output for providing second information about said selected option, said selected option being activated to access said first information, the activated option being in a second status.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said vehicle comprises an automobile.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said display element comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD).

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said interface includes a touch-screen capability.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein said first status is indicated by a highlight on said selected option in a first color.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein said second status is indicated by a highlight on the activated option in a second color.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein said output includes audio element for conveying said first information verbally.

8. A method for use in a system in a vehicle for accessing first information about a given aspect of said vehicle comprising the steps of:

displaying a plurality of options, each option being associated with a respective one of a plurality of aspects of said vehicle;

selecting a particular one of said options, the selected option being associated with said given aspect and in a first status; and

providing second information about said selected option, said selected option being activated to access said first information, the activated option being in a second status.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the particular one of said options is selected using a touch-screen technique.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein said first status is indicated by a highlight on said selected option in a first color.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein said second status is indicated by a highlight on the activated option in a second color.

12. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of conveying said first information verbally.