Method and device for the output of operating information

• US 6,587,039 B1
• Filed: 11/20/2000
• Issued: 07/01/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/20/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Original Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Inventors: Kossira, Martin, Gaertner, Ulrich, Pflug, Christopher, Woestemeyer, Stefan
• Primary Examiner(s): TRIEU, VAN THANH
• Application Number:
  US09/718,021
• Time in Patent Office: 953 Days
• Field of Search: 340/425.5, 340/996, 340/995, 340/989, 340/988, 340/961, 340/971, 340/438, 340/439, 340/459, 340/460, 340/461, 340/502, 701/36, 701/1, 341/22, 341/23, 341/34
• US Class Current: 340/425.5
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/161 Explanation of functions, e.g. instructions
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/161 Explanation of functions, e.g. instructions
• 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: G01C 21/3608 using speech input, e.g. using speech recognition
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3629 Guidance using speech or audio output, e.g. text-to-speech text to speech systems per se G10L13/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3697 Output of additional, non-guidance related information, e.g. low fuel level G01C21/3679 takes precedence

Abstract

A method and a device for the output of operating information for a driver information device having an output unit, an operating unit and a processing unit. Using the method and device, operating information for the functions of the driver information device can be output in a help state in a simple way.

Claims

1. A method for outputting operating information for a driver information device in a vehicle, the driver information device including an output unit, an operating unit and a processing unit, the method comprising:

detecting by the processing unit a first specific input via the operating unit;

after the detecting step, switching by the processing unit the driver information device from an initial state to a help state;

while in the help state, detecting a first further input;

determining a function of the driver information device, the function being associated with the further first input when the driver information device is in the initial state; and

outputting by the output unit operating information concerning the determined function.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

while in the help state, detecting a repetition of the further first input; and

after detecting the repetition, performing by the processing unit the determined function.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

while in the help state, detecting second further inputs, one at a time;

for one of the second further inputs at a time, determining an allocated function, the allocated function being associated with the one of the second further inputs when the driver information device is in the initial state;

while in the help state, detecting a second specific input; and

after detecting the second specific input, switching by the processing unit the driver information device from the help state to the initial state.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

the outputting step, switching by the processing unit the driver information device from the help state to the initial state.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

issuing the operating information until a new input is detected by the processing unit.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the operating information is output for a duration of a predefined time span.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the operating information is output as long as a key input is detected by the processing unit.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first specific input is input via one of:

i) a fixed key of the driver information device, ii) a variable key of the driver information device, and iii) via a voice input.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the operating information is displayed via a display unit.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the operating information is displayed in an area of the display unit reserved for displaying operating information.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the operating information is output via a voice output.