COMBINATION INSTRUMENT

• US 20060284586A1
• Filed: 06/20/2005
• Published: 12/21/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB (AB Volvo)
• Original Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB (AB Volvo)
• Inventors: Olsson, Leif, HAGBERG, Yngve
• Application Number:
  US11/160,345
• Publication Number:
  US 20060284586A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 318/567
• 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: B60N 2/0228 Hand-activated mechanical switches B60N2/0229 takes precedence

Abstract

Method and arrangement for providing a combination instrument (1) for a motor vehicle that includes a display (2) for giving messages to an operator, at least four separate switches (3) for receiving messages from an operator, a menu system (6) and a separate control output (8) for adjusting a seat steplessly. In addition, the invention relates to a system having a combination instrument and an adjustable seat and a method for adjusting a seat using a combination instrument.

Claims

1. A combination instrument (1) for a motor vehicle, said combination instrument (1) comprising:

a display (2) for giving messages to an operator, an input unit (3) for receiving messages from an operator, a databus for communication with control units (9) already in the vehicle and a menu system (6) integrated in the combination instrument; and

said combination instrument (1) further comprising a separate control output (8) for steplessly adjusting at least one parameter for at least one seat (5) and wherein the input unit (3) comprises at least four separate switches.

2. The combination instrument as recited in claim 1, wherein the combination instrument (1) includes a function for selecting, from a plurality of subfunctions for said at least one seat (5).

3. The combination instrument as recited in claim 1, wherein the combination instrument (1) includes a means for selecting, from a plurality of subfunctions, a function for said at least one seat (5).

4. The combination instrument as recited in claim 1, wherein the combination instrument (1) comprises a function for storing and retrieving at least one set value for said at least one seat (5).

5. The combination instrument as recited in claim 4, wherein the combination instrument (1) comprises a function for associating the at least one stored value with an identification code.

6. The combination instrument as recited in claim 4, wherein the combination instrument (1) comprises a means for associating the at least one stored value with an identification code.

7. A system in an motor vehicle for adjusting a seat in the vehicle, said system comprising:

an adjustable seat (5) and a combination instrument comprising;

a display (2) for giving messages to an operator, an input unit (3) for receiving messages from an operator, a databus for communication with control units (9) already in the vehicle and a menu system (6) integrated in the combination instrument; and

said combination instrument (1) further comprising a separate control output (8) for steplessly adjusting at least one parameter for at least one seat (5) and wherein the input unit (3) comprises at least four separate switches.

8. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein the input unit (3) is located on a steering wheel console of the vehicle.

9. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein the input unit is located on a windshield wiper arm.

10. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein the input unit is located on an indicator arm.

11. A method for steplessly adjusting at least one parameter for a seat using a control system integrated in a combination instrument, said combination instrument comprising a separate control output and a menu system, said method comprises the steps of:

selecting in the menu system the function for seat adjustment by means of a first switch;

displaying a graphical representation of the seat on a display integrated into the combination instrument;

changing at least one parameter for the seat in the function by means of one of a second and a third switch; and

concluding the function by means of a fourth switch after the change has been made.

12. A method as recited in claim 11, wherein the method further comprises a step of selecting one of a plurality of subfunctions for the seat.

13. A method as recited in claim 11, wherein the method further comprises a step of at least one of storing and retrieving at least one set value for the seat.

14. A computer program comprising program code for executing the following method when said program is executed by a computer, said method being for steplessly adjusting at least one parameter for a seat using a control system integrated in a combination instrument, said combination instrument comprising a separate control output and a menu system, said method comprises the steps of:

selecting in the menu system the function for seat adjustment by means of a first switch;

displaying a graphical representation of the seat on a display integrated into the combination instrument;

changing at least one parameter for the seat in the function by means of one of a second and a third switch; and

concluding the function by means of a fourth switch after the change has been made.

15. A computer program product comprising program code stored on a medium that can be read by a computer for carrying out the following method when the program is executed by a computer, said method being for steplessly adjusting at least one parameter for a seat using a control system integrated in a combination instrument, said combination instrument comprising a separate control output and a menu system, said method comprises the steps of:

selecting in the menu system the function for seat adjustment by means of a first switch;

displaying a graphical representation of the seat on a display integrated into the combination instrument;

changing at least one parameter for the seat in the function by means of one of a second and a third switch; and

concluding the function by means of a fourth switch after the change has been made.