Method and system for adjusting settings of vehicle functions

• US 6,131,060 A
• Filed: 09/21/1999
• Issued: 10/10/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 01/28/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Talking Quick Tips, Inc.
• Original Assignee: American Calcar, Inc.
• Inventors: Obradovich, Michael L., Dinkel, John G., Kent, Michael L.
• Primary Examiner(s): LOUIS JACQUES, JACQUES H
• Application Number:
  US09/401,037
• Time in Patent Office: 385 Days
• Field of Search: 701/1, 701/36, 701/49, 62/186, 62/244, 62/259.2, 62/407, 307/10.1, 307/10.8, 307/10.7, 307/9.1, 340/825.34, 340/825.69, 340/825.72, 340/825.31, 340/825.44, 340/449, 340/459, 340/460, 340/461, 340/438, 340/825.32, 165/288, 165/11.1, 165/42, 165/43, 455/238.1, 455/232.1, 455/219
• US Class Current: 701/49
• 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: 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 been so informed, the user may activate the selected option to control the corresponding vehicle function.

Claims

1. A method for use in a system in a vehicle for operating a plurality of functions in the vehicle based on preferred settings thereof, the system including a display element and a memory, the preferred settings of the functions being stored in the memory, the method comprising:

detecting an adjustment of a selected function of the vehicle by comparing a current setting of the selected function with the preferred setting thereof stored in the memory;

prompting a user of the system to save the current setting of the selected function by displaying on the display element an option for selection to save the current setting of the selected function when the adjustment is detected; and

storing in the memory the current setting of the selected function as the preferred setting thereof when the option is selected.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the preferred setting is stored according to a personal identification number (PIN).

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the selected function includes a climate control.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the selected function includes a radio.

5. A method for use in a system for adjusting at least one function in a vehicle, the system including a display element and a memory, the at least one function being operated based on a preferred setting thereof which is stored in the memory, the method comprising:

showing, on the display element, a first display including at least first and second options, each of the first and second options being selectable to adjust the at least one function in the vehicle;

detecting any adjustment to the at least one function resulting from selection of the first option on the first display;

showing, on the display element, a second display including a save option to save a current setting of the at least one function when the adjustment is detected;

storing in the memory the current setting of the at least one function as the preferred setting thereof when the save option is selected; and

causing the second display to disappear to allow selection of the second option on the first display after the save option is selected.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein a restart of the vehicle causes the current setting to be ineffective when the current setting is not saved.

7. The method of claim 5 wherein the preferred setting is stored in the memory according to a PIN.

8. The method of claim 5 wherein the at least one function includes a climate control.

9. The method of claim 5 wherein the at least one function includes a radio.

10. A system for operating a plurality of functions in a vehicle based on preferred settings thereof, the system comprising:

a memory for storing the preferred settings;

a processor for detecting an adjustment of a selected function of the vehicle by comparing a current setting of the selected function with the preferred setting thereof stored in the memory; and

a display for displaying an option to save the current setting of the selected function when the adjustment is detected, thereby prompting a user of the system to select the option to save the current setting of the selected function, the current setting of the selected function being stored in the memory as the preferred setting thereof when the option is selected.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the interface includes the display.

12. The system of claim 10 wherein the preferred setting is stored according to a PIN.

13. The system of claim 10 wherein the selected function includes a climate control.

14. The system of claim 10 wherein the selected function includes a radio.

15. A system for adjusting at least one function in a vehicle, the system comprising:

a memory for storing a preferred setting for operating the at least one function in the vehicle;

an interface for showing a first display including at least first and second options, each of the first and second options being selectable to adjust the at least one function;

a processor for detecting any adjustment to the at least one function resulting from selection of the first option on the first display, the interface showing a second display which includes a save option to save a current setting of the at least one function when the adjustment is detected, the current setting of the at least one function being stored in the memory as the preferred setting thereof when the save option is selected; and

a controller for causing the second display to disappear to allow selection of the second option on the first display after the save option is selected.

16. The system of claim 15 wherein a restart of the vehicle causes the current setting to be ineffective when the current setting is not saved.

17. The system of claim 15 wherein the interface includes a display.

18. The system of claim 15 wherein the preferred setting is stored in the memory according to a PIN.

19. The system of claim 15 wherein the at least one function includes a climate control.

20. The system of claim 15 wherein the at least one function includes a radio.