Multimedia information and control system for automobiles

• US 20050203674A1
• Filed: 02/11/2005
• Published: 09/15/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/28/1997
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Talking Quick Tips, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Talking Quick Tips, Inc.
• Inventors: Obradovich, Michael L., Dinkel, John G., Kent, Michael L.
• Application Number:
  US11/056,806
• Publication Number:
  US 20050203674A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 17/0195 characterised by the regulation being combined with other vehicle control systems conjoint control of vehicle sub-units including control of suspension systems B60W10/22
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2600/70 Computer memory; Data storage, e.g. maps for adaptive control
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2600/76 Digital systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 1/00642 Control systems or circuits; Control members or indication devices for heating, cooling or ventilating devices B60H1/3201 - B60H1/3208, B60H1/3225 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 1/00771 the input being a vehicle position or surrounding, e.g. GPS-based position or tunnel
• CPC Class Codes: B60H 1/00985 Control systems or circuits characterised by display or indicating devices, e.g. voice simulators characterised by the input of sound using a voice synthesizer B60H1/00757; B60H1/00978 takes precedence
• 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 2360/148 Instrument input by voice
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/161 Explanation of functions, e.g. instructions
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/11 Graphical user interfaces or menu aspects
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/12 Input devices or input features
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/143 Touch sensitive input devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/1438 Touch screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/148 Input by voice
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/152 Displays
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/154 Combined instruments with analogue meters and additional displays
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/161 Explanation of functions, e.g. instructions
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/736 the user being the driver
• 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 35/215 : characterised by the combination of multiple visual outputs, e.g. combined instruments with analogue meters and additional displays
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/22 : Display screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/28 : characterised by the type of the output information, e.g. video entertainment or vehicle dynamics information; characterised by the purpose of the output information, e.g. for attracting the attention of the driver
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/654 : the user being the driver
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 37/06 : of controls, e.g. controls knobs
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/00 : Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00 , e.g. haptic signalling
• 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 2325/205 : Mobile phones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/304 : Boats
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/042 : operating on the fuel supply
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/102 : a signal being sent to a remote location, e.g. a radio signal being transmitted to a police station, a security company or the owner
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/2081 : combined with personal settings of other vehicle devices, e.g. mirrors, seats, steering wheels

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 be so informed, the user may activate the selected option to control the corresponding vehicle function.

Claims

1-12. -12. (canceled)

13. A method for use in a system for adjusting a setting of a device in a vehicle before a user enters the vehicle, comprising:

receiving first information concerning a time when a user enters the vehicle;

receiving second information concerning a desired setting of the device in the vehicle at the entry time; and

determining a second time at which the device is operated to effect the desired setting in the vehicle at the entry time, the second time being earlier than the entry time.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the device includes climate control.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the desired setting includes a desired temperature setting.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the second time is determined based on a temperature outside the vehicle at the second time.

17. The method of claim 13 wherein one of the first and second information is received via remote communication.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the remote communication includes a telephone communication.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein the remote communication includes a radio frequency (RF) communication.

20. A system for adjusting a setting of a device in a vehicle before a user enters the vehicle, comprising:

an interface for receiving first information concerning a time when a user enters the vehicle, and second information concerning a desired setting of the device in the vehicle at the entry time; and

a processor configured for determining a second time at which the device is operated to effect the desired setting in the vehicle at the entry time, the second time being earlier than the entry time.

21. The system of claim 20 wherein the device includes climate control.

22. The system of claim 21 wherein the desired setting includes a desired temperature setting.

23. The system of claim 22 wherein the second time is determined based on a temperature outside the vehicle at the second time.

24. The system of claim 20 wherein one of the first and second information is received via remote communication.

25. The system of claim 24 wherein the remote communication includes a telephone communication.

26. The system of claim 24 wherein the remote communication includes an RF communication.