Multi-switch device for controlling vehicle subsystems
First Claim
1. A device for controlling an adjustable subsystem within a vehicle, comprising:
- a base portion having a surface to be touched by a user;
a plurality of grooves in said base portion, each of said grooves having a length and a depth to comfortably receive a portion of a finger of the user when the user places a hand adjacent said base portion; and
a switch located near one end of each of said grooves, said switches being manipulatable by a finger of the user to thereby activate or adjust a selected portion of the subsystem;
wherein said base portion is supported on a support member for movement in at least two distinct directions and wherein said movement of said base portion relative to said support member generates signals indicative of a selected adjustment or activation of a selected portion of the subsystem.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A multi-switch control device is useful for controlling a variety of functions on a variety of vehicle subsystems or peripheral devices. The control device includes a specifically contoured base portion that enhances the usability of the device without distracting the vehicle operator from the task of driving. In one embodiment, a plurality of grooves are provided for receiving the fingers of the user of the device and a switch is provided within each groove that is readily usable by an individual regardless of the specific size of their fingers. Another embodiment includes a plurality of raised beads or grooves that provide a tactile indication of the position of the user'"'"'s fingers on the device. The contoured portions also provide the ability of the user to make adjustments to a selected vehicle subsystem through conventional "touch-pad" technology.
45 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A device for controlling an adjustable subsystem within a vehicle, comprising:
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a base portion having a surface to be touched by a user; a plurality of grooves in said base portion, each of said grooves having a length and a depth to comfortably receive a portion of a finger of the user when the user places a hand adjacent said base portion; and a switch located near one end of each of said grooves, said switches being manipulatable by a finger of the user to thereby activate or adjust a selected portion of the subsystem; wherein said base portion is supported on a support member for movement in at least two distinct directions and wherein said movement of said base portion relative to said support member generates signals indicative of a selected adjustment or activation of a selected portion of the subsystem. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A device for controlling an adjustable subsystem within a vehicle, comprising:
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a base portion having a generally flat surface to be touched by a user, said base portion defining a reference plane; a plurality of contoured portions that have surfaces outside of said reference plane such that said contoured portions are locatable by a user through tactile feedback; a sensor assembly that determines and indicates a position of a finger of a user on at least one of said contoured portions; and a signal generator that generates control signals for controlling the subsystem responsive to an indicated position of the user'"'"'s finger on one of said contoured portions; wherein said contoured portions comprise grooves defined in said base portion having a length and a depth to comfortably receive at least a distal portion of the user'"'"'s finger so that the user can place a portion of the finger within a selected one of said grooves and move the finger along said length, said grooves having a width that varies along said length for providing tactile feedback to the user indicative of a position of the user'"'"'s finger within said groove. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. A device for controlling an adjustable subsystem within a vehicle, comprising:
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a base portion having a generally flat surface to be touched by a user, said base portion surface defining a reference plane; a plurality of contoured portions that have surfaces outside of said reference plane such that said contoured portions are locatable by a user through tactile feedback; a sensor assembly that determines and indicates a position of a finger of a user on at least one of said contoured portions; and a signal generator that generates control signals for controlling the subsystem responsive to an indicated position of the user'"'"'s finger on one of said contoured portions; wherein said contoured surfaces comprise raised beads that protrude generally outward from said reference plane and wherein each bead has a length extending generally in alignment with said reference plane and a height taken generally perpendicular to said reference plane along said length and wherein said height varies along said length to thereby provide tactile feedback to a user indicative of a position of the user'"'"'s finger on said bead. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17)
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Specification