Driver interface system for vehicle control parameters and easy to utilize switches

• US 6,104,101 A
• Filed: 09/14/1998
• Issued: 08/15/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 03/25/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lear Automotive Dearborn, Incorporated (Lear Corporation)
• Original Assignee: UT Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
• Inventors: Hartman, Hollister, Miller, Robin Mihekan
• Primary Examiner(s): Jackson, Stephen W.
• Assistant Examiner(s): POLK, SHARON A
• Application Number:
  US09/152,601
• Time in Patent Office: 701 Days
• Field of Search: 307/10.1, 307/10.8, 307/122, 307/9.1, 318/466, 364/424, 340/825.31, 340/425.5, 340/461, 701/1, 701/36, 701/48, 701/49
• US Class Current: 307/10.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/143 Touch sensitive instrument input devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/1438 Touch screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/55 Remote control arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/782 on the steering wheel
• 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 35/60 Instruments characterised by their location or relative disposition in or on vehicles arrangements of lighting devices on dashboards B60Q3/10
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/80 Arrangements for controlling instruments
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0228 Hand-activated mechanical switches B60N2/0229 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/00 Details, accessories and auxiliary operations not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/424 against unintended use

Abstract

An improved driver interface system provides prompts to an operator to adjust several vehicle parameters. In this way, the operator is assured to adjust the necessary components upon start up of the vehicle. This is particularly important when the driver is unfamiliar with the car, as with a rental car. In one embodiment, the driver may be provided with a transmitter that stores desired settings for at least some parameters. The transmitter can then transmit the operator'"'"'s desired parameters to a control, and the vehicle components can then begin to be moved to the desired positions as the operator approaches the vehicle. In other aspects of this invention, improved switches are disclosed. A rotary switch rotates on a steering wheel rim. This switch is easily accessible to an operator, and does not require the operator to divert attention from the road. A second type switch includes an element which is sensitive to touch by the operator. In this way, the operator can easily set a desired level by simply touching the switch. This type switch has particular benefits in cruise control systems, or in systems for positioning vehicle components such as windows.

Claims

1. A control system for a vehicle comprising:

a display to convey information to an operator of a vehicle;

a controller for said display, said controller storing a list of parameters to be set, said controller being operable to display prompts to an operator to set levels for each of said parameters on said display, said parameters including at least volume of an audio system and temperature, and said prompts requesting the operator to adjust said audio system volume and said temperature without requiring the operator to request the prompts be displayed;

a switching system operable by an operator to set levels for said parameters; and

said controller communicating with components on the vehicle such that said controller can move the components to the set level.

2. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said prompts include a first set of primary prompts including at least volume of an audio system and temperature.

3. A system as recited in claim 2, wherein a secondary set of prompts may also be selected by an operator, said secondary set of prompts including seat position and mirror position.

4. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said switching system includes a rotary switch mounted on a rim of a steering wheel.

5. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said switching system includes a touch element allowing an operator to touch a location to set the desired level of a control parameter.

6. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein a separate transmitter is provided to an operator, said transmitter storing previously selected parameter settings for the operator, said transmitter being operable to communicate said settings to said controller, said controller moving the vehicle components to said settings upon receipt of said transmitted signals.

7. A method of operating a vehicle comprising the steps of:

(1) providing a display and a controller for said display, said controller being operable to display prompts to an operator to request an operator to set desired levels for several vehicle parameters, including at least volume of an audio system and temperature, and providing a switching system to allow an operator to adjust the level of said parameters upon receiving said prompts, said controller being provided with the ability to then communicate said levels to the vehicle components and cause adjustment of vehicle components as necessary;

(2) identifying an entry into the vehicle, and then utilizing said controller to display prompts requesting an operator to adjust the levels of said parameters;

(3) adjusting the levels of said parameters utilizing said switching system; and

(4) sending a signal to actuate the vehicle components to the newly selected level.

8. A method as recited in claim 7, wherein said switching system includes a rotary switch mounted on a steering wheel hub of a vehicle, and the steps of adjusting the parameter levels include turning said switch on said hub.

9. A method as recited in claim 7, wherein said switching system includes a touch screen element which may be touched at a desired location for setting a parameter.

10. A vehicle switching system comprising:

a switch having extreme positions and a plurality of intermediate positions between said extreme positions;

said switch including a touch element such that when said element is touched by an operator between said extreme positions, a controller for said switch identifies the location touched, said location being communicated to a controller for a vehicle component, and said controller adjusting the vehicle component to a level corresponding to said location, wherein said element is a speedometer display for a vehicle, and an operator may touch said speedometer display at a location corresponding to a desired speed, and a controller for said speedometer communicating with a vehicle speed control, and adjusting vehicle speed to the desired speed.

11. A switch as recited in claim 10, wherein said touch element is a resistance bar potentiometer.

12. A switch as recited in claim 10, wherein said element is a touch screen.

13. A control system for a vehicle comprising:

a controller operable to communicate with vehicle components and adjust parameters of said components including at least volume of an audio system and temperature, said controller being operable for storing preselected positions including at least volume of an audio system and temperature; and

a signalling device which is portable and may be carried by an operator, said signalling device being operable to capture said preset settings from said controller, and said signalling device being operable to send a signal to said controller communicating said settings, said controller communicating with said vehicle components upon receiving said signal from said signalling device to begin moving said components to said preset levels.