Control device

• US 8,538,628 B2
• Filed: 09/20/2011
• Issued: 09/17/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 09/21/2010
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC (General Motors Company)
• Original Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC (General Motors Company)
• Inventors: Backman, Fredrik
• Primary Examiner(s): Trammell, James
• Assistant Examiner(s): MELTON, TODD M
• Application Number:
  US13/236,759
• Publication Number:
  US 20120072072A1
• Time in Patent Office: 728 Days
• Field of Search: 701/36, 701/418, 701/538, 345/173, 340/425.5
• US Class Current: 701/36
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/1438 Touch screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/1446 Touch switches
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/782 on the steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/1438 Touch screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/1446 Touch switches
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/782 on the steering wheel
• 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 35/60 Instruments characterised by their location or relative disposition in or on vehicles arrangements of lighting devices on dashboards B60Q3/10
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/343 Manually actuated switching arrangements therefor hand actuated multifunction switches B60Q1/1461; B60Q1/40 takes precedence

Abstract

A control device is provided for integration in a vehicle that includes, but is not limited to a steering arrangement, that includes, but is not limited to a steering device and a steering column. The control device is configured to control an information display arrangement that includes, but is not limited to a display device. The control device is formed by at least one touch-sensitive surface, which is aligned radially to an imaginary straight line G through a center of the steering device, and/or which is directed toward a driver'"'"'s and/or passenger'"'"'s door of the vehicle.

Claims

1. A control device in a vehicle, comprising:

a steering arrangement comprising a steering device;

an information display arrangement comprising a display device; and

a connecting arm having a first end and a second end connected to the steering arrangement, the connecting arm comprising;

a touch-sensitive surface disposed on the first end and being configured to control the information display arrangement, wherein the touch-sensitive surface is aligned radially to an imaginary straight line through a center of the steering device directed toward a door of the vehicle, and comprises;

a first surface portion that is used to activate the display device to display a plurality of links; and

a second surface portion that is different than the first surface portion and that is used to select a link displayed on the display device.

2. The control device according to claim 1,

wherein the touch-sensitive surface extends at least partially along a semicircular arm movement area of a vehicle driver located on a driver seat in front of the steering arrangement, and

wherein the semicircular arm movement area is formed by an arm movement of the vehicle driver in a direction of the steering arrangement.

3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the display device is operated by a tap on the touch-sensitive surface.

4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the touch-sensitive surface is illuminable.

5. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the information display arrangement comprises a first display device behind the steering device in a dashboard in a viewing direction of a vehicle driver.

6. The control device according to claim 5, wherein the information display arrangement comprises a second display device disposed on a steering column of the steering arrangement.

7. The control device according to claim 6,

wherein a first viewing distance exists between the first display device and the vehicle driver,

wherein a second viewing distance exists between the second display device and the vehicle driver, and

wherein the second viewing distance is shorter than the first viewing distance.

8. The control device according to claim 6, wherein the information display arrangement comprises a third display device integrated in a windshield.

9. The control device according to claim 8, wherein the information display arrangement comprises a fourth display device disposed at least adjacent to the first display device in the dashboard.

10. The control device according to claim 9, wherein at least two of the first display device, the second display device, the third display device or the fourth display device are disposed in a step-like manner in an interior of the vehicle.

11. The control device according to claim 9, wherein the fourth display device is configured to display rear information.

12. The control device according to claim 8, wherein the third display device is configured to display navigation information.

13. The control device according to claim 8, wherein the third display device is configured to display warning information.

14. The control device according to claim 6, wherein the first display device is configured to display primary information.

15. The control device according to claim 14, wherein the second display device is configured for display of secondary information.

16. A control device in a vehicle, comprising:

a steering arrangement comprising a steering device;

an information display arrangement comprising a display device; and

a touch-sensitive surface being configured to control the information display arrangement, wherein the touch-sensitive surface is aligned radially to an imaginary straight line through a center of the steering device directed toward a door of the vehicle, wherein the touch-sensitive surface is divided into;

a first surface portion that is used to activate the display device to display a plurality of links; and

a second surface portion that is used to select a link displayed on the display device, wherein the second surface portion is different than and physically separate from the first surface portion.