PROGRAMMABLE TACTILE TOUCH SCREEN DISPLAYS AND MAN-MACHINE INTERFACES FOR IMPROVED VEHICLE INSTRUMENTATION AND TELEMATICS
First Claim
1. A method for controlling a variable in a computer system, the method comprising:
- detecting a touch input over a displayed GUI item on a touch sensitive surface of the display screen;
detecting movement of the first touch input over the touch sensitive surface;
maintaining the displayed GUI item in substantially the same position during the detection of the movement of the first touch input; and
determining a value of the variable based on the detected movement of the first touch input, wherein the variable is associated with the displayed GUI item.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed are new methods and apparatus particularly suited for applications in a vehicle, to provide a wide range of information, and the safe input of data to a computer controlling the vehicle subsystems or “Telematic” communication using for example GM'"'"'s “ONSTAR” or cellular based data sources. Preferred embodiments utilize new programmable forms of tactile touch screens and displays employing tactile physical selection or adjustment means which utilize direct optical data input. A revolutionary form of dashboard or instrument panel results which is stylistically attractive, lower in cost, customizable by the user, programmable in both the tactile and visual sense, and with the potential of enhancing interior safety and vehicle operation. Non-automotive applications of the invention are also disclosed, for example means for general computer input using touch screens and home automation systems.
-
Citations
18 Claims
-
1. A method for controlling a variable in a computer system, the method comprising:
-
detecting a touch input over a displayed GUI item on a touch sensitive surface of the display screen; detecting movement of the first touch input over the touch sensitive surface; maintaining the displayed GUI item in substantially the same position during the detection of the movement of the first touch input; and determining a value of the variable based on the detected movement of the first touch input, wherein the variable is associated with the displayed GUI item. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
-
10. An apparatus for controlling a variable in a computer system, the apparatus comprising:
-
a touch screen configured for sensing one or more touches and displaying a GUI item associated with the variable; and touch detection circuitry communicatively coupled to the touch screen, the touch detection circuitry capable of detecting a first touch input in proximity to the displayed GUI item, detecting movement of the first touch input across the touch screen, maintaining the displayed GUI item at substantially the same position during the detection of the movement of the first touch input, and modifying a value of the variable based on the detected movement of the first touch input. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
-
Specification