Programmable multi-function switch and display

• US 20040186639A1
• Filed: 03/21/2003
• Published: 09/23/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 03/21/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Volvo Trucks North America Incorporated (Volvo AB)
• Original Assignee: Volvo Trucks North America Incorporated (Volvo AB)
• Inventors: Car, Steve
• Application Number:
  US10/394,692
• Publication Number:
  US 20040186639A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/36
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/042 using digital processors G05B19/05 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23135 Display to console, panel which sends parameters, commands
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23309 System boot only allowed after inputting user identification, password
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/2637 Vehicle, car, auto, wheelchair
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/085 using electronic data carriers

Abstract

A multi-function, programmable switch display unit is used to control vehicle operation parameters in a heavy duty over-the-road truck. Several switch screens, each showing a set of related truck parameters can be selectively displayed on a display screen. A matrix of pressure sensitive switches overlays the display screen with cut-outs through which items on the display screen can be viewed. A display controller receives input from the pressure sensitive switches and maps them to the correct truck function and causes appropriate control actions to be taken.

Claims

1. A switch apparatus for a vehicle wherein the vehicle comprises an operator compartment and at least one control module for controlling vehicle components based on input vehicle function parameters, the switch apparatus comprising:

a display module located in the operator compartment comprising a display screen for displaying information received from a display controller wherein the display screen is associated with an array of pressure sensitive switches that are mapped to portions of the display screen;

wherein the display controller comprises memory for storing a set of switch screens comprising information about related vehicle function parameters and wherein the display controller provides signals to the display module for selectively displaying one of the set of switch screens, receives signals from the pressure sensitive switches, joins the signals from the pressure sensitive switches to a corresponding mapped vehicle function parameter based on the switch screen currently being displayed, and provides vehicle component control signals to the control module based on the received signals from the pressure sensitive switches.

2. The switch apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the pressure sensitive switches is a mode selection switch that provides a signal to the display controller indicative of which switch screen to display on the display screen.

3. The switch apparatus of claim 1 wherein the display control module comprises memory for storing a most recent setting for each vehicle function parameter.

4. The switch apparatus of claim 1 comprising a security switch screen that prompts a user to input a password and wherein the display controller matches the input password to a stored password and provides an enabling signal to a vehicle ignition system when the input password matches the stored password.

5. The switch apparatus of claim 1 wherein the display controller comprises a plurality of function group modules each having stored therein instructions for accepting input from the pressure sensitive switches and performing corresponding control functions in response to the pressure sensitive switch input.

6. The switch apparatus of claim 5 wherein the display controller comprises a multiplexer for selectively placing one of the function group modules in communication with the display screen.

7. The switch apparatus of claim 1 wherein the set of switch screens is stored in the display controller by a portable memory device.

8. The switch apparatus of claim 7 wherein the portable memory device is a memory stick.

9. The switch apparatus of claim 4 wherein the user inputs a password by inserting a smart card into a smart card reader to enable the vehicle ignition system.

10. The switch apparatus of claim 1 wherein the array of pressure sensitive switches is disposed on a switch mask that overlays the display screen and comprises cut out portions through which the display screen may be viewed.

11. For a vehicle comprising an operator compartment and at least one control module for controlling vehicle components based on input vehicle function parameters, a method for controlling the vehicle components based on input vehicle function parameters, comprising the steps of:

storing a plurality of switch screens comprising information about a set of related vehicle function parameters for display on a switch display screen and mapping portions of each display screen to a corresponding vehicle function parameter;

selectively displaying one of the switch screens;

receiving user input signals from an array of pressure sensitive switches that is associated with the switch display screen;

joining the received user input signals with the corresponding mapped vehicle function parameter based on the selected switch screen; and

providing vehicle component control signals to the control module based on the user input signals.

12. The method of claim 11 comprising the step of receiving a user input selection signal to determine which switch screen is to be displayed.

13. The method of claim 11 comprising the step of storing most recent input values for each vehicle function parameter.

14. The method of claim 11 comprising the steps of storing a security password, prompting a user to input a password, comparing the stored password with the input password, and enabling an ignition system upon receipt of an input password that matches the stored password.

15. The method of claim 11 wherein the step of storing a plurality of switch screens is performed by storing, on a separate module for a given set of related vehicle function parameters, computer executable instructions for displaying vehicle function parameter settings and options, receiving input from the pressure sensitive switches, and controlling corresponding vehicle function parameters in response to the input.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the step of selectively displaying one of the switch screens is performed by a multiplexer that enables a selected module in response to a user input.

17. A vehicle comprising:

an operator compartment;

at least one control module for controlling vehicle components based on input vehicle function parameters; and

a switch apparatus comprising a display module located in the operator compartment comprising a display screen for displaying information received from a display controller wherein the display screen is associated with an array of pressure sensitive switches that are mapped to portions of the display screen; and

wherein the display controller comprises memory for storing a set of switch screens comprising information about related vehicle function parameters and wherein the display controller provides signals to the display module for selectively displaying one of the set of switch screens, receives signals from the pressure sensitive switches, joins the signals from the pressure sensitive switches to a corresponding mapped vehicle function parameter based on the switch screen currently being displayed, and provides vehicle component control signals to the control module based on the received signals from the pressure sensitive switches.

18. The vehicle of claim 17 wherein at least one of the pressure sensitive switches is a mode selection switch that provides a signal to the display controller indicative of which switch screen to display on the display screen.

19. The vehicle of claim 17 wherein the display control module comprises memory for storing a most recent setting for each vehicle function parameter.

20. The vehicle of claim 17 comprising a security switch screen that prompts a user to input a password and wherein the display controller matches the input password to a stored password and provides an enabling signal to a vehicle ignition system when the input password matches the stored password.

21. The vehicle of claim 17 wherein the display controller comprises a plurality of function group modules each having stored therein instructions for accepting input from the pressure sensitive switches and performing corresponding control functions in response to the pressure sensitive switch input.

22. The vehicle of claim 21 wherein the display controller comprises a multiplexer for selectively placing one of the function group modules in communication with the display screen.

23. The vehicle of claim 17 wherein the array of pressure sensitive switches is disposed on a switch mask that overlays the display screen and comprises cut out portions through which the display screen may be viewed.