METHOD OF OPERATING A VEHICLE ACCESSORY

• US 20090210110A1
• Filed: 02/14/2008
• Published: 08/20/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 02/14/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations Incorporated (Motors Liquidation Co. GUC Trust), Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation (Nexteer Automotive Group Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc. (BorgWarner Incorporated)
• Inventors: Berg, Frederick J., Dybalski, Ronald H., Bennett, Timothy J.
• Granted Patent: US 8,239,087 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/29
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/122 Instrument input devices with reconfigurable control functions, e.g. reconfigurable menus
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/143 Touch sensitive instrument input devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/1438 Touch screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/31 Virtual images
• 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: H04L 67/125 involving control of end-device applications over a network

Abstract

A vehicle includes a controller, a touch screen display in communication with the controller, and a plurality of accessories in communication with the controller. The various accessories are each individually controlled by inputting commands into the touch screen display. The controller transmits the inputted command via a communication system to the selected accessory to motivate the accessory between a first setting and a second setting.

Claims

1. A method of operating an accessory of a vehicle with a controller in communication with the accessory and including a touch screen display, said method comprising the steps of:

displaying a virtual image of the accessory on the touch screen display;

touching the touch screen display to input a command for the accessory;

transmitting the inputted command to the accessory; and

executing the command.

2. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the controller includes a wireless communication system in communication with the accessory and said step of transmitting the inputted command is further defined as wirelessly transmitting the inputted command to the accessory.

3. A method as set forth in claim 1 further comprising the step of displaying at least one optional command on the touch screen display after selecting the accessory.

4. A method as set forth in claim 1 further comprising the step of manipulating the virtual image of the accessory on the touch screen display to re-orient the virtual image of the accessory.

5. A method as set forth in claim 1 further comprising the step of displaying a virtual image of the vehicle on the touch screen display.

6. A method as set forth in claim 5 further comprising the step of touching the virtual image of the vehicle on the touch screen display to select the accessory.

7. A method as set forth in claim 6 further comprising the step of manipulating the virtual image of the vehicle on the touch screen display to re-orient the virtual image of the vehicle.

8. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the vehicle includes a plurality of accessories and the method further comprises the step of selecting one of the plurality of accessories.

9. A vehicle comprising;

a controller;

a touch screen display in communication with said controller for inputting commands into said controller;

at least one accessory operable in at least a first setting and a second setting;

a communication system interconnecting said controller and said at least one accessory for transmitting a command inputted into said touch screen display to said at least one accessory to move said at least one accessory between said first setting and said second setting.

10. A vehicle as set forth in claim 9 wherein said communication system includes a wireless communication system.

11. A vehicle as set forth in claim 9 wherein said controller includes a processor.

12. A vehicle as set forth in claim 11 wherein said controller includes a memory for storing data.

13. A vehicle as set forth in claim 12 wherein said controller and said touch screen display communicate through said wireless communication system.

14. A vehicle as set forth in claim 9 wherein said accessory includes an actuator.

15. A vehicle as set forth in claim 14 wherein said actuator includes an electric motor.

16. A vehicle as set forth in claim 9 wherein said at least one accessory includes one of a group of accessories comprising:

a window actuator, a door actuator, a locking mechanism, an audio entertainment system, a visual entertainment system, a HVAC system, a power adjustment mechanism, a diagnostic mechanism, a sensor system and a lighting system.