Vehicle displays systems and methods for shifting content between displays

• US 9,423,937 B2
• Filed: 03/05/2015
• Issued: 08/23/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 04/22/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Emerging Automotive, LLC
• Original Assignee: Albert S. Penilla, Angel A. Penilla
• Inventors: Penilla, Angel A., Penilla, Albert S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Fantu, Yalkew
• Application Number:
  US14/640,004
• Publication Number:
  US 20150178034A1
• Time in Patent Office: 537 Days
• Field of Search: 320/109, 320/107, 320/104, 180/65.1, 180/65.21, 307/10.1, 701/22
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/11 Instrument graphical user interfaces or menu aspects
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/111 for controlling multiple devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/119 Icons
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/122 Instrument input devices with reconfigurable control functions, e.g. reconfigurable menus
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/126 Rotatable input devices for instruments
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/1515 Reconfigurable dials
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/589 Wireless data transfers
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/592 Data transfer involving external databases
• 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 35/20 Output arrangements, i.e. from vehicle to user, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/213 Virtual instruments
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/85 Arrangements for transferring vehicle- or driver-related data
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/64 Constructional details of batteries specially adapted for electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/66 Arrangements of batteries
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/80 Exchanging energy storage elements, e.g. removable batteries
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/12 responding to state of charge [SoC]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0362 with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/048 Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04817 using icons graphical or visual programming using iconic symbols G06F8/34
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0482 Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0484 : for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04842 : Selection of displayed objects or displayed text elements G06F3/0482 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04845 : for image manipulation, e.g. dragging, rotation, expansion or change of colour
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0488 : using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04883 : for inputting data by handwriting, e.g. gesture or text
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1454 : involving copying of the display data of a local workstation or window to a remote workstation or window so that an actual copy of the data is displayed simultaneously on two or more displays, e.g. teledisplay
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/167 : Audio in a user interface, e.g. using voice commands for navigating, audio feedback
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/451 : Execution arrangements for user interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/18 : involving self-service terminals [SST], vending machines, kiosks or multimedia terminals
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0207 : Discounts or incentives, e.g. coupons or rebates
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0226 : Incentive systems for frequent usage, e.g. frequent flyer miles programs or point systems
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2354/00 : Aspects of interface with display user
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2380/10 : Automotive applications
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 5/14 : Display of multiple viewports
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/425 : Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing printed circuits H05K1/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/46 : Accumulators structurally combined with charging apparatus circuits for charging H02J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2010/4278 : Systems for data transfer from batteries, e.g. transfer of battery parameters to a controller, data transferred between battery controller and main controller
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2220/20 : Batteries in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/249 : specially adapted for aircraft or vehicles, e.g. cars or trains constructional details of batteries specially adapted for electric vehicles B60L50/64
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/256 : Carrying devices, e.g. belts
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/271 : Lids or covers for the racks or secondary casings
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/502 : Interconnectors for connecting terminals of adjacent batteries; Interconnectors for connecting cells outside a battery casing
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0045 : concerning the insertion or the connection of the batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/12 : specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/303 : Terminal profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/306 : User profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/80 : Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/12 : WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 : Energy storage using batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 : Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/7072 : Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/12 : Electric charging stations
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/14 : Plug-in electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/16 : Information or communication technologies improving the operation of electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 50/14 : Marketing, i.e. market research and analysis, surveying, promotions, advertising, buyer profiling, customer management or rewards

Abstract

Methods and systems are provided, for automatically causing content items to shift to or from screens of a vehicle. One example includes a system in a vehicle that includes an on-board computer. The system includes a first display screen of the vehicle and a second display screen of the vehicle. Also provided is a processor of the on-board computer for processing instructions to enable rendering of a graphical user interface (GUI) items on each of the first and second display screens. A first GUI item is displayed on the first display screen and a second GUI item is displayed on the second display screen. The instructions processed by the processor automatically causing the first GUI item to shift from being displayed on the first display screen to being displayed on the second display screen. Wherein the shifting occurs in response to processing a safe driving condition.

Claims

1. A method for controlling operation of display screens of a vehicle, comprising,

processing, by a computer of the vehicle, first graphical content to be rendered in a dashboard display screen that is located in front of a steering wheel of the vehicle;

processing, by the computer of the vehicle, second graphical content to be rendered on a second display screen that is separate from the dashboard display screen;

detecting, by the computer of the vehicle, user input to interact with the second graphical content when rendered on the second display screen;

determining, by the computer of the vehicle, that the user input to interact with the second graphical content exceeds a level of interactivity that is predetermined to cause distraction while the vehicle is being driven;

processing, by the computer of the vehicle, instructions to automatically move at least one item of the second graphical content rendered in the second display screen to being rendered in the dashboard display screen when the user input is determined to exceed the level of interactivity while the vehicle is being driven; and

associating biometrics to a profile of a user account that is provided access to the vehicle, the biometrics used to identify configuration settings of the first graphical content to be rendered in the dashboard display screen or the second graphical content to be rendered on the second display screen;

wherein the biometrics include one or more of image data of a driver'"'"'s face, image data of a passenger'"'"'s face, a fingerprint, a retina scan, a signature, a voice/audio signature, a gesture, a user input, a login, a key, a paring device, or combinations of two or more thereof.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second display screen includes any one or more of a center console display screen, or a glass surface display screen, or a windshield display screen, or a window display screen, or a touch surface display screen, or a headrest display screen, or a movable display screen, or a wireless display screen, or a wire-connected display screen.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising,

translating at least some of the content associated with the user input to voice or audio.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising,

restricting at least some of the content rendered on the second display screen when a determination is made that the vehicle is being driven or is moving.

5. The method of claim 4,

wherein the restricted content includes content requiring text input;

enabling audio text reading and audio text input; and

automatically unrestricting the content requiring text input when a determination is made that the vehicle is not being driven or is not moving.

6. The method of claim 1,

wherein the configuration settings define a selection of particular types of graphics, or icons, or color schemes for the first graphical content and the second graphical content.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one item of the second graphical content rendered in the second display screen moved to being rendered in the dashboard display screen is content of an application;

wherein at least one item on the dashboard display screen is automatically sized or resized to remain on the dashboard display screen when the second graphical content of the application is rendered on the dashboard display screen.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the application is a mapping application and the at least one item to remain on the dashboard display screen is a speed indicator.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising,

saving a history of user inputs received over time;

processing the history of user inputs to learn patterns of the user inputs, the learned patterns identifying information of factors of when the inputs were made;

automatically programming configuration settings associated with,

the first graphical content and the second graphical content;

wherein the configuration settings define a selection of particular types of graphics, icons, or color schemes for the first graphical content and the second graphical content.

10. The method of claim 1,

wherein the configuration settings define visual skins for a look and feel of at least some of the first graphical content or the second graphical content.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising,

processing credential information of the user to access the vehicle;

wherein the credential information is received at the vehicle from one or more of user input via a user interface, or a communication with a mobile device of the user, or a prior saved input, or a voice input, or a facial recognition, or an eye-retina scan, or a fingerprint scan, or a combination of biometrics, or a touch surface defined on the display screen or a glass of the vehicle, or a door, or dashboard, or an interface surface of the vehicle, or the biometrics associated with the profile of the user account.

12. A system in a vehicle, comprising,

an on-board computer;

a first display screen of the vehicle;

a second display screen of the vehicle; and

a processor of the on-board computer for processing instructions to enable rendering of a graphical user interface (GUI) items on each of the first and second display screens, wherein a first GUI item is displayed on the first display screen and a second GUI item is displayed on the second display screen, the instructions processed by the processor automatically causing the first GUI item to shift from being displayed on the first display screen to being displayed on the second display screen, the processor is further configured to process a user profile for a user to access the vehicle, the user profile is received based on one or more of user input via a user interface, or communication with a mobile device of a user, or a prior saved input, or a voice input, or a facial recognition, or an eye-retina scan, or a fingerprint scan, or a combination of biometrics, or a touch surface defined on the display screen or a glass of the vehicle, or a door, or dashboard, or an interface surface of the vehicle, the user profile defines configuration settings for the vehicle, the configuration settings define visual skins for a predefined look and feel of at least some graphical content to be rendered on the first or second display screens.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the first display screen of the vehicle is one of a center console display screen or a dashboard display screen, and the second display screen of the vehicle is a heads-up display screen, wherein the on-board computer is at least one of a plurality of on-board computers.

14. The system of claim 12,

wherein instructions processed by the processor are configured to determine when interaction with the first GUI item produces interaction that exceeds a level of interactivity that is predetermined to cause distraction while the vehicle is being driven;

and

wherein the shifting occurs after determining that the interaction exceeds the level of interactivity and the vehicle is determined to be driven.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the automatic causing of the first GUI item to shift from being displayed on the first display screen to being displayed on the second display screen is based on a pre-defined safety determination indicating that the first GUI item displayed on the second display screen is safer during driving of the vehicle.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the first GUI item and the second GUI item represent graphical content, the graphical content includes one of images, or pictures, or text, or lines, or icons, or buttons, or controls, or combinations of two or more thereof.

17. The system of claim 12, wherein the processor implements instructions to restrict at least some of the content rendered on the first or second display screens when a determination is made that the vehicle is being driven or is moving.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the restricted content is at least partially handled by automatically enabling audio text reading and audio text input, and automatically unrestricting the restricted content when a determination is made that the vehicle is no longer being driven nor is moving.

19. Non-transitory computer readable media for controlling operation of display screens of a vehicle, comprising,

program instructions for processing first graphical content to be rendered in a dashboard display screen that is located in front of a steering wheel of the vehicle;

program instructions for processing second graphical content to be rendered on a second display screen that is separate from the dashboard display screen;

program instructions for detecting user input to interact with the second graphical content when rendered on the second display screen;

program instructions for determining that the user input to interact with the second graphical content exceeds a level of interactivity that is predetermined to cause distraction while the vehicle is being driven;

program instructions for processing instructions to automatically move at least one item of the second graphical content rendered in the second display screen to being rendered in the dashboard display screen when the user input is determined to exceed the level of interactivity while the vehicle is being driven; and

program instructions for associating biometrics to a profile of a user account that is provided access to the vehicle, the biometrics used to identify configuration settings of the first graphical content to be rendered in the dashboard display screen or the second graphical content to be rendered on the second display screen;

wherein the biometrics include one or more of image data of a driver'"'"'s face, image data of a passenger'"'"'s face, a fingerprint, a retina scan, a signature, a voice/audio signature, a gesture, a user input, a login, a key, a paring device, or combinations of two or more thereof.

20. The non-transitory computer readable media of claim 19, wherein the second display screen includes any one or more of a center console display screen, or a glass surface display screen, or a windshield display screen, or a window display screen, or a touch surface display screen, or a headrest display screen, or a movable display screen, or a wireless display screen, or a wire-connected display screen.