Multimedia information and control system for automobiles

• US 20010020202A1
• Filed: 02/23/2001
• Published: 09/06/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 09/21/1999
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Talking Quick Tips, Inc.
• Original Assignee: American Calcar, Inc.
• Inventors: Obradovich, Michael L., Dinkel, John G., Kent, Michael L.
• Application Number:
  US09/792,349
• Publication Number:
  US 20010020202A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/11 Instrument graphical user interfaces or menu aspects
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/143 Touch sensitive instrument input devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/1438 Touch screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/11 Graphical user interfaces or menu aspects
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/143 Touch sensitive input devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/1438 Touch screens
• 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: B60K 37/06 of controls, e.g. controls knobs

Abstract

In a multimedia information and control system for use in an automobile, at least one interface is employed which enables a user to access information concerning the automobile and control vehicle functions in an efficient manner. The user may select one of a plurality of displayed options on a screen of such an interface. Through audio, video and/or text media, the user is provided with information concerning the selected option and the vehicle function corresponding thereto. Having been so informed, the user may activate the selected option to control the corresponding vehicle function.

Claims

1. A system in a vehicle for accessing first information about a given aspect of said vehicle comprising:

a display element for displaying a plurality of options, each option being associated with a respective one of a plurality of aspects of said vehicle;

an interface for selecting a particular one of said options, the selected option being associated with said given aspect and in a first status; and

an output for providing second information about said selected option, said selected option being activated to access said first information, the activated option being in a second status.

2. The system of

claim 1

wherein said vehicle comprises an automobile.

3. The system of

claim 1

wherein said display element comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD).

4. The system of

claim 1

wherein said interface includes a touch-screen capability.

5. The system of

claim 1

wherein said first status is indicated by a highlight on said selected option in a first color.

6. The system of

claim 5

wherein said second status is indicated by a highlight on the activated option in a second color.

7. The system of

claim 1

wherein said output includes audio element for conveying said first information verbally.

8. A method for use in a system in a vehicle for accessing first information about a given aspect of said vehicle comprising the steps of:

displaying a plurality of options, each option being associated with a respective one of a plurality of aspects of said vehicle;

selecting a particular one of said options, the selected option being associated with said given aspect and in a first status; and

providing second information about said selected option, said selected option being activated to access said first information, the activated option being in a second status.

9. The method of

claim 8

wherein the particular one of said options is selected using a touch-screen technique.

10. The method of

claim 8

wherein said first status is indicated by a highlight on said selected option in a first color.

11. The method of

claim 10

wherein said second status is indicated by a highlight on the activated option in a second color.

12. The method of

claim 8

further comprising the step of conveying said first information verbally.