Interactive system and method for customization of an adjustable vehicular feature

• US 20050102077A1
• Filed: 11/07/2003
• Published: 05/12/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/07/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC (General Motors Company)
• Original Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations Incorporated (Motors Liquidation Co. GUC Trust)
• Inventors: Young, Richard A., Mc Cullough, Scott A., Osinski, David A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,266,434 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/36
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/0231 Circuits relating to the driving or the functioning of the vehicle monitoring tyres B60C23/00; indicating overspeed B60K31/00; for dash boards B60K37/00, B60Q3/10; for indicating emergencies B60Q1/52; brake control systems B60T; registering or indicating the working of vehicles G07C5/00; measuring distance G01C, e.g. combinations of speed and distance G01C23/00; engine indicators G01L; measuring speed or acceleration G01P
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/00 Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles locks for vehicles E05B77/00-E05B85/00
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/2036 by using the door logic and door and engine unlock means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/2081 combined with personal settings of other vehicle devices, e.g. mirrors, seats, steering wheels

Abstract

An interactive system for customizing at least one operational feature on a vehicle by an operator comprises an input device for receiving operator selection data and a message generating device. To assist an operator during the customization process, the message generating device generates a plurality of operator recognizable comments in response to the operator selection data. A processor coupled to the input device and to the message generating device recognizes the operator selection data and directs the message generating device to generate selected ones of the operator recognizable comments.

Claims

1. An interactive system for customizing at least one operational feature on a vehicle by an operator, said system comprising:

an input device for receiving operator selection data;

a message generating device for storing information and capable of generating a plurality of operator recognizable comments in response to said operator selection data, said comments for assisting said operator in the customization of said at least one operational feature; and

a processor coupled to said input device and to said message generating device for recognizing said operator selection data and directing said message generating device to generate selected ones of said operator recognizable comments.

2. An interactive system according to claim 1 wherein said message generating device comprises:

a storage device for storing said comments; and

an output device coupled to said storage device for generating said user recognizable comments.

3. An interactive system according to claim 2 wherein said storage device comprises a compact disc player and wherein said information is stored on a compact disc.

4. An interactive system according to claim 2 wherein said output device comprises a sound generating device.

5. An interactive system according to claim 4 wherein said output device further comprises a display.

6. An interactive system according to claim 5 wherein said sound producing device comprises at least one speaker.

7. An interactive system according to claim 5 wherein said input device comprises controls of said vehicle'"'"'s onboard entertainment center.

8. An interactive system according to claim 5 wherein said input device comprise controls of a Driver Information Center.

9. An interactive system according to claim 5 wherein said input device comprises control associated with said at least one operational feature.

10. An interactive system according to claim 5 further comprising a second input device.

11. An interactive system for customizing at least one operational feature of an automotive vehicle by an operator of said vehicle, said system comprising:

an input device for receiving operator supplied data;

comments relating to the customization of said at least one operational feature;

a display for displaying messages relating to the customization of said at least one operational feature; and

a processor coupled to said input device, said compact disc player, and said display for recognizing said operator supplied data and directing said compact disc player to generate selected ones of said comments from said compact disc.

12. An interactive system according to claim 12 wherein said messages correspond to said audible comments.

13. An interactive system according to claim 12 wherein said input device comprises controls of said compact disc player.

14. An interactive system according to claim 12 wherein said input device comprise controls of a Driver Information Center.

15. An interactive system according to claim 12 wherein said input device comprises a control associated with said at least one operational feature.

16. A method for customizing at least one operational feature of an automotive vehicle, said method comprising:

inserting a media storage device containing a plurality of operator recognizable comments into a media player;

inputting operator data via an input device;

processing said operator data in a processor coupled to said input device and said media storage device;

selecting at least one operator recognizable comment from said plurality of operator recognizable comments in response to said operator data; and

generating said at least one operator recognizable comment via a message generating means coupled to said media player.

17. A method according to claim 16 wherein said inserting comprises inserting a compact disc into a compact disc player.

18. A method according to claim 17 wherein said message generating means comprises at least one speaker and said generating comprises producing an audible comment.

19. A method according to claim 18 wherein said message generating means further comprises a display and said generating further comprises generating a graphical comment.

20. A method according to claim 19 wherein said inputting comprises manipulating vehicle control elements.

21. A method according to claim 20 wherein said inputting comprises manipulating controls of a Driver Information Center.

22. A method according to claim 20 wherein said inputting comprises manipulating controls of an onboard entertainment system.

23. A method according to claim 20 wherein said inputting comprises manipulating controls associated specifically with said operation features.