Patent Application
20050021190
The present invention is related generally to a method and apparatus for accessing and controlling vehicle systems. More particularly, a method and apparatus for providing a means or a control interface for accessing, controlling and modifying the state of vehicle systems.
As vehicles become more complex there is a corresponding increase in operating systems required for operation of the vehicle, vehicle systems and subsystems. In addition, other optional systems are being added to the vehicle wherein each of these optional systems adds another control system or operator interface in order to modify the operation of the system. For example, communication devices such as cell phones and navigational systems will become as common as radios, climate controls and cruise control. Additionally, many vehicles are now equipped with DVD devices or entertainment systems that are viewable by occupants of the vehicle. Thus, many systems are being implemented into the vehicle.
Each of the aforementioned systems generally comprises an operational interface for powering up the device and modifying its operational status. For example, a radio in its most general sense would typically have a power control, a volume control and a selector control for tuning in different radio stations. Typically, these controls were associated with the radio which was remote from the steering wheel. Moreover, and as more options became available to the radio (e.g., stationed pre-selects, digital clocks, AM/FM, cassette tapes, compact discs, etc.), the controls became more complex. In addition, as each system becomes part of the vehicle's overall system multiple control interfaces are provided and the control interfaces may be positioned throughout the vehicle interior. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide the vehicle operator with a means for easily accessing the multitude of vehicle systems in a manner most convenient to the vehicle operator. In addition, it is also desirable to provide other occupants with access to the same systems without duplicating the required control interface.
An example of one such system is described in commonly owned and assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,571,154, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.
Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for accessing and controlling vehicle systems. In one embodiment, a control interface is provided for accessing a plurality of systems of a vehicle. The control interface comprising: a first control interface disposed on a surface of a steering wheel; a second control interface disposed on a surface of a steering wheel, the second control interface being positioned remote from the first control interface; a visual display disposed within the vehicle, wherein the first control interface provides access to a vehicle system and the second control interface provides a means for modifying the state of the vehicle system access by the first control interface.
A steering wheel for a vehicle, comprising: a first control interface for accessing a plurality of vehicle subsystems; a second control interface for modifying one of the plurality of vehicle subsystems after they are accessed by the first control interface; and a visual display for indicating which one of the plurality of vehicle subsystems has been accessed by the first control interface.
A method for activating and providing inputs to a plurality of control systems in a vehicle, comprising: providing a plurality of discrete selector switches for selecting a discrete control algorithm of a system of the vehicle, the plurality of discrete selector switches being disposed on a surface of a steering wheel; providing a visual display, the visual display indicating which control algorithm has been selected by one of the plurality of discrete selectors switches; and providing a scroll switch on a surface of the steering wheel wherein rotation of the scroll switch provides an input into the control algorithm selected by one of the plurality of discrete selector switches, the input modifying an operational status of a device controlled by the selected control algorithm.
A method for activating and providing inputs to a plurality of control systems in a vehicle, comprising: providing a plurality of discrete selector switches for selecting a discrete control algorithm of a system of the vehicle, the plurality of discrete selector switches being disposed on a surface of a steering wheel; providing a visual display in a portion of a rim of the steering wheel of the vehicle, the visual display indicating which control algorithm has been selected by one of the plurality of discrete selectors switches; and providing a means on a surface of the steering wheel for providing an input into the control algorithm selected by one of the plurality of discrete selector switches, the input modifying an operational status of a device controlled by the selected control algorithm.
A method for providing a user interface between a plurality of vehicle systems of a vehicle, each of the plurality of vehicle systems having a plurality of operational states, the method comprising: providing a first control interface disposed on a surface of a steering wheel, the first control interface having a plurality of discrete selector switches for selecting a discrete control algorithm of one of the plurality of vehicle systems, the plurality of discrete selector switches being disposed on a surface of the steering wheel; providing a second control interface on a surface of the steering wheel, the second control interface providing an input into the control algorithm selected by one of the plurality of discrete selector switches, the input modifying an operational status of a device controlled by the selected control algorithm; and providing a visual display in a portion of a rim of the steering wheel of the vehicle, the visual display indicating which control algorithm has been selected by one of the plurality of discrete selectors switches.
The above-described and other features and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims.
Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for providing a vehicle operator with a means for controlling vehicle systems and subsystems by operating a control interface or control system disposed on a surface of a steering wheel. The control interface allows a vehicle operator to provide inputs into operating systems and/or subsystems of the vehicle.
Referring now to
In addition, and in accordance with various exemplary embodiments, the control interface is contemplated for use with a means for providing a visual display 20, which may be disposed anywhere in the vehicle. Visual display 20 provides a graphical user interface for providing feedback to the operator as the system is operated. For example, and as illustrated by the dashed lines in
Referring now to
Moreover, and in accordance with an alternative exemplary embodiment left control interface 22 is interchangeable with right control interface and vice versa. Thus, the features or available features of either interface may be repositioned on either side of the steering wheel in accordance with user preference (e.g., left or right handed). It is of course understood that the number of inputs capable of being provided by each of these interfaces may be greater or less than 5 and that the Figures and following description provide an example of one contemplated embodiment. For example, as will be discussed herein a control interface on the top surface of the steering wheel will comprise multiple buttons for providing inputs wherein a scroll switch or other equivalent item is disposed on the lower surface of the steering wheel for manipulation by the vehicle operator.
Referring now to
Referring now to
In accordance with exemplary embodiments a set of buttons are used to control a multitude of functions. In accordance with one embodiment, the operator pushes the audio button once (e.g., button 36 of control interface 24) and the display reads volume or alternatively the prerecorded message says volume. The prerecorded message may be used instead of the visual display or in addition to the visual display. Once the driver or operator knows they are in the audio command prompt (e.g., pressing audio button and hearing and/or seeing “volume”) the operator can use control interface 22 to adjust the volume by manipulating switches 28 and 32. A second mode of the audio button is provided wherein the audio button is manipulated twice, which will bring the user to another sub-level or second-tier of the audio control system wherein the display reads “preselect” or alternatively the prerecorded message says “preselect”. Again, the prerecorded message may be used instead of the visual display or in addition to the visual display. Once the driver or operator knows they are in the “preselect” command prompt control interface 22 may be used to preselect favorite radio stations.
A third mode of operation is provided by manipulating or depressing the audio button three times, which will bring the user to another sub-level of the control system wherein the display reads “source” or alternatively the prerecorded message says “source”. Again, the prerecorded message may be used instead of the visual display or in addition to the visual display. Once the driver or operator knows they are in the “source” command prompt control interface 22 may be used to move through the options available to audio source such as AM, FM, Cassette tape, CD player, DVD player etc. It is also noted that additional modes of operation may be used with each of the aforementioned buttons of control interface 24.
A similar control system is provided for all of the other vehicle sub-systems including but not limited to heating ventilating and air conditioning system, windshield wipers (front and rear), cell phone operation, ect.
Referring now to
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As illustrated in
Steering wheel 16 and control interfaces 22 and 24 are contemplated for use in any vehicle having multiple operating systems for individually controlling the same. For example, other vehicles include but are not limited to the following: motor vehicles, aircraft; watercraft; automobiles; trucks; sports utility vehicles; motorcycles, all terrain vehicles and spacecraft etc.
Referring now to
Remote control 60 has a plurality of buttons or input means similar to the various embodiments of control interfaces 22 and 24. In accordance with this exemplary embodiment, a visual display 20 is positioned on top of an interior surface of the vehicle wherein the visual indicia may be viewed by the operator who is using or providing the inputs to remote control 60. Accordingly, and as the systems are accessed by remote control 60 visual indication is displayed on the vehicle instrument panel. It is also contemplated that this visual display will be activated when the systems are accessed by the control interfaces on the steering wheel. In other words, as the vehicle driver is accessing systems and changing their settings via inputs to the switches on the steering wheel the visual display on the instrument panel will allow the other passengers to also see what systems are being changed. Similarly, and as the passenger is accessing systems via the remote control the visual displays in this alternative embodiment may be disposed and activated on both the steering wheel and instrument panel thus, the driver is able to see via the steering wheel which systems are being modified by the passenger and vice versa. It is also understood that exemplary embodiments of the present invention contemplate any combinations of visual displays for both the driver and the passenger as well as remote control and steering wheel interfaces.
In addition, and as an alternative embodiment remote control 60 is also equipped with a visual display 62 and/or prerecorded audio text messages such that when remote control 60 is interfacing with the various systems on the vehicle only the remote control is providing visual and audio feedback to the user. Thus, operation of the system by the passenger is not noticed by the driver or alternatively, the system may be configured such that operation of remote control 60 by a passenger will be visually and audibly perceivable to the vehicle operator. In yet another alternative embodiment, simultaneous operation by remote control 60 and the control interfaces 22 and 24 disposed on the steering wheel will be configured such that the inputs from control interfaces 22 and 24 will always have priority over those from remote control 60. Furthermore, and in one embodiment, inputs to control interfaces 22 and 24 will always have priority over those from remote control 60.
An advantage of removing the control inputs from the center console allows the radio and other components to be removed from locations which are in close proximity to the HVAC ducts of the vehicle, which may subject them to excessive heat or wide temperature ranges. Accordingly, and through this embodiment passengers may control systems similar to using a remote control at home.
Control interfaces 22 and 24 allow a vehicle operator to engage and/or scroll through a plurality of menus of multiple operating systems resident upon a vehicle microprocessor or microprocessors. However, it may be necessary to provide the control interfaces of the steering wheel with multiple functions or additional buttons in order to ensure all of the controls of the center stack are eliminated.
Accordingly, and in this embodiment a rocker switch 64 is placed on the side of the steering wheel to change the mode from first group of functions to the second. Thus, the five buttons or functions of one control interface may now provide 10 functions. Of course, the number of buttons and functions may vary as necessary.
In accordance with one alternative exemplary embodiment, selection of a function by depressing one of the buttons of control interface 24 and subsequent manipulation of a scroll switch or rocker switch 64 will then cause all of the buttons of control interface 24 to assume or be capable of providing a discrete input corresponding to the selected function. For example, if the user selects audio and then subsequently thereafter the scroll switch is manipulated, each of the five buttons of control interface 24 are now reconfigured to provide input corresponding to the audio inputs (e.g., band selection, station selection, CD, volume, etc.). As shown it is contemplated that the rocker or scroll switch can be disposed on the lower or backside of the steering wheel, as well as being disposed on the upper surface. As will be discussed herein, the system will also be provided with a default mode wherein after a predetermined time period the system will revert back to the default or last mode selected. Moreover, the configurability of the system will allow the user to select the default mode.
Furthermore, the rocker switch may be disposed on any surface of the steering wheel. When the group of functions are changed from a first group to a second group, the labels for each control on the rim may be changed accordingly. Thus, the user knows which switch changes which function. The grouping of the functions can be done based on the similarity of the functions and frequency of usage.
Accordingly, the center area of the instrument panel can now be freed up to house a central storage compartment or other vehicle accessory such as a refrigerator 66. Also, the HVAC controller and radio can now be located in a remote location such as the trunk, console, under the seats or on the floor. It has long been desired by the makers of radios to get their radios away from sources of heat such as heater ducts or radiant heat which are presently close to the instrument panel surface and in particular travel through areas of the vehicle dashboard.
The benefit of re-locating the control function from the center console to a steering wheel mounted scroll switch and push button combination also includes “less time spent to adjust the control” and “keeping the vision on the road” The time needed to adjust a control on center console can be divided into time-to-reach, time-to-locate, and time-to-activate/adjust. Using steering wheel mounted control will eliminate time-to-reach, which has been shown to take from 0.31 to 0.77 seconds as referenced in publication no. J2365 (revision Jun. 14, 2001), and potentially shorten time-to-locate. Also, since the controls are located on the steering wheel, the driver's vision (at least, peripheral vision) is still on the road.
This system of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention could also be reconfigurable, not only in one embodiment wherein the control interfaces are exchangeable, but the vehicle owner could simply download a selected driver interface from a website approved by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) onto a flash card memory (such as a Sony Memory Stick or other equivalent device 70), wherein updated or modified machine readable code is provided to the system. The vehicle could then have a flash card reader that the driver plugs into the dash upon entering the vehicle. This flash card reader 68 would contain a database of machine-readable data including but not limited to the following information: maps (navigation system), cell phone directory, HVAC preferences, seat position, button function preferences (ie. Button 1=radio, Button 2=heat, etc), preset music stations (XM radio, or regional AM/FM preferences), appointment alarms (downloaded from a computer device or personal digital assistant (PDA)). This flash card reader could also serve the purpose of a key that allows the operator to start the vehicle by simply plugging it in.
In yet another alternative vehicle system updates or user selected driver and/or passenger personal interface settings as mentioned above and herein are capable of being loaded into the vehicle operating systems using telematics. In other words, telematics will provide information, tailored to the specific vehicle interface requested by the driver. Thus, through the control interface of exemplary embodiment of the present invention telematics provides wireless communications with the vehicle wherein, software upgrades and software for reconfiguring the control interfaces of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is available. Examples of other types of information available through telematics includes but is not limited to the following: traffic conditions, driving directions, locating a lost or stolen vehicle, remote unlocking services, remote vehicle diagnostics.
When using the flash memory stick the same can be plugged in or synchronized with the vehicle operating system anywhere in the vehicle. A flash card reader could also facilitate remote diagnosis of the vehicle without the need for telematics. For example, if the drivers warning light comes on the information is automatically loaded onto the flash card installed in the vehicle. The driver then simply takes the flashcard with the downloaded information to a home computer with Internet access or the vehicle dealership and the information of the card is loaded onto the reader that feeds the information to a program that provides the trouble code or diagnostic. Alternatively this information could be sent via a cell phone to an OEM number that can take this information over the phone much like a fax machine or modem would transmit it. This later approach would require a built in cell phone interface such as blue tooth.
In another exemplary embodiment, the switches on the wheel rim could also be backlighted for use at night. Upon activation of a particular switch the switch could turn from its primary lighted color (such as red) to a different color (such as green) to indicate that that function is active. These lights could also serve as turn signal indicators.
For example when one is turning left (e.g., has manipulated the steering wheel into a left turn or has activated the left turn signal) the switches on the left could go into a blinking mode. Also these lights could provide the function of warning indicators. For example if the vehicle engine is overheating the lights could all turn red and start flashing. At the same time a visual display (e.g., liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diode (LED) or other equivalent means for providing information in a visual format in the steering wheel) would read the warning. This warning mode could be extended to alternative functions such as Adaptive cruise. For example, sensors disposed on the front of the vehicle determined that a distance between the front of the vehicle is within a predetermined or below an acceptable range (e.g., the driver gets too close to the car ahead of them or when rapid deceleration of the car ahead of them is sensed) the flashing lights could be activated.
In another exemplary embodiment, the switches on the wheel could be accompanied by haptics in the rim of the wheel. The haptics could provide a vibration alert of differing time-frequency patterns when various things happen. For example, if the vehicle is equipped with a phone and the phone rings a rapid pulse low amplitude signal is transmitted to a mass capable of being vibrated so that the steering wheel or a portion thereof is vibrated. Also, an adaptive cruise warning may be provided by a middle range pulse with a higher amplitude signal thus, the user will be able to differentiate between haptics associated with an incoming phone call and warnings from the adaptive cruise system.
Also, and in other alternative embodiments the buttons or haptics could have different shapes, color, tactile feels, kinesthetic cues or textures to help differentiate between them. As used herein haptics relates to tactile cues, kinesthetic cues or touching sensations (e.g., textures, vibrations, bumps, contours, shapes, sensations, resistance or lack thereof). For example, a non-limiting example of such haptics contemplated for use in exemplary embodiments of the present invention are those available from Immersion Corporation.
In alternative exemplary embodiments, the functions of these steering wheel mounted controls can also be extended to inter-vehicle communications, in conjunction with Internet, CR5 or OnStar services. For example, the control interface can select email messages, and the message can be displayed on HUD or read out via TTS (text-to-speech) technology, if equipped. Combined with HUD, the steering wheel mounted control interface can be used for in-vehicle navigation system. In addition, the combination of the control interface and push button can also serve as a dialing pad, if a build-in cell phone is equipped.
Control interfaces 22 and 24 are in an exemplary embodiment positioned approximately in the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions. Of course, other locations are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention. This offers the advantage of allowing electronic shift buttons to be placed on the opposite side of the wheel for optimal compatibility with such systems.
In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the first set of controllers function primarily as quick select buttons for different primary modes. This set of buttons may be placed on either side of the wheel, but for purposes of description will be assumed to be in the 3 o'clock area and will be referred to as mode selection control. A variety of vehicle components may be adjusted via this controller, but for illustration purposes five modes will be described as follows: audio, phone, cruise, wipers, and climate. In addition to the five modes directly accessible, two additional modes related to the phone function are possible. These are the incoming call mode and the active call mode. A second set of controllers, described for illustrative purposes in the 9 o'clock area, will be referred to as the value, control. The actions associated with the value control change depending on the active primary mode. This allows for a multitude of functions to be modified by a limited number of controllers.
An example of the logic for this system will now be described. As referred to herein logic comprises steps of an algorithm of machine-readable code so that functions may be performed. A feature of this system logic is that priority given to certain “default” modes. After a given period of time without driver input, the active mode will switch back to the last active default mode. For example, if the audio mode was the last active default mode and the driver selects the cruise, wiper, or climate mode, then after a period of time with no additional input the active mode will revert to audio automatically. This enables a more convenient control system for the driver. The incoming call mode is a special case triggered by an incoming call signal. This automatically switches the active mode to the incoming call mode except during an active call. In this case the incoming call is handled by typical call waiting logic. For the purposes of illustration the audio and active call modes will be considered default modes in the following description of the system logic. Also, the time interval for inactivity will be 10 seconds for the incoming call mode and 5 seconds for all other modes, but it should be appreciated that different time intervals may be applied to any mode. Specifics associated with each mode are described in the examples below:
As illustrated above each subsystem has its own logic that provides further functions based upon the input received from the operator. The logic is executed by a machine-readable code or medium for executing the algorithms as well as receiving and prompting for the requited inputs. In yet another alternative, one control interface could comprise a scroll switch while the other is a pod of pushbuttons (e.g., control interfaces 22 or 24, as illustrated above in the various embodiments). This feature provides further adaptivity. Again, it is contemplated that the switches may be interchangeable, for example a driver who happens to be right handed wants the scroll switch on the right spoke, he or she simply plugs the scroll switch into the right hand spoke and the pod with the function select buttons onto the left hand spoke. In this embodiment an enter button or a centrally depressible portion of the scroll switch could also serves as a turn signal actuator.
In this embodiment, the right hand spoke scroll center switch would provide the means for activating the right turn signal and the left hand spoke scroll enter switch would provide the means for activating the left turn signal. In order to prevent accidental activation, and in yet another embodiment, a button 72 is positioned on either the front or back surface of the steering wheel and must be pressed with the users thumb or other finger while at the same time the scroll switch is being turned. In yet another alternative, the scroll switch can be moved in another dimension or direction (e.g., parallel to the face plane of the steering wheel) in order to differentiate the activation of turning signal from other switch functions.
In addition to or as an alternative to one of the aforementioned control interfaces the steering wheel could have a scroll switch or two scroll switches disposed on top of or under either or both the left hand and right hand spokes of the steering wheel. These scroll switches would then provide further available options to the system. In an exemplary embodiment, the scroll switch would be disposed below the other control interface thus, as inputs are received via the control interface disposed on the upper surface and manipulation of the scroll switch will provide further input to the selected system. Of course, numerous combinations are available and contemplated (e.g., two control interfaces on top and two scroll switches on the bottom or two control interfaces on top and one scroll switch on the bottom, or one control interface on top and two scroll switches on the bottom, or one control interface and one scroll switch either on top of each other or on opposite sides of the steering wheel, etc.).
Referring now to
As illustrated, a visual display 20 is disposed in the rim. In one exemplary embodiment the visual display is a LCD that will show the selected system and the state or level the user is within the system. Alternatively, the visual display is a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or other equivalent means for providing information in a visual format. In addition, it is also noted that the aforementioned visual display is contemplated for use with or without an audio feedback as the user moves through the various systems of the vehicle. As an alternative embodiment, the visual display may be a head up display (HUD) or disposed on the instrument panel of the vehicle. Alternatively, the buttons are just positioned along the rim of the steering wheel (e.g., three buttons positioned on one side of the rim (left side) and three buttons position on the other side (right side) of the rim). Of course, the configuration, location and number of buttons positioned along the rim may vary. In yet another alternative exemplary embodiment, the visual display (e.g., LED, LCD or any other equivalent item) will provide a text message that scrolls across (e.g., left to right) the visual display in a continuous manner so that the vehicle operator may easily perceive the text message of the visual display.
In addition, and as an alternative some of the buttons may be disposed on the center portion or airbag module cover of the steering wheel. In addition, and as mentioned above scroll switches are contemplated for use with any of the embodiments of
The scroll switches would then provide further adaptive features or reconfigureability of the system.
Referring now to
The visual display is provided in a location convenient for observation by a vehicle operator for example, a head up display, a video display, or a liquid crystal display or light emitting diode display disposed in the steering wheel. In addition, and in accordance with an alternative exemplary embodiment, each operating system is configured to provide an audible signal or speech recording indicating that the system has been activated. For example, upon initialization of the operating system a prerecorded message will play an audio message relating to the system just activated by depressing of the pushbutton or manipulation of a scroll switch.
Referring now to
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In accordance with exemplary embodiments any of these subsystems are accessed by initially depressing the related pushbutton disposed on a surface of the steering wheel. The depression or manipulation of the button will activate the desired system. After the related button is depressed the scroll switch and subsequent pushing of the same button will assist the user in traveling through the subsystems or lower tier of the activated system. Again, visual and audio feedback is available to the operator. It should be understood that other subsystems may be included, and those specifically disclosed herein are for illustration purposes.
Referring now to
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Another alternative embodiment is illustrated in
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As illustrated in
Other preferred dimensions are also provided in a non-limiting manner: push button size, 10 mm×10 mm minimum, 13 mm with gloves; push button clearance; 13 mm minimum edge button to center of adjacent button actuation area, 19 mm center of button to center of adjacent button actuation area, 20 mm minimum center of button to any obstructing surface. Labeling or visual display 3 mm minimum character height.
Furthermore, by positioning the quick selected buttons within area 190 the location is optimized in order to accommodate users of varying size (e.g., large handed individuals and small handed individuals and all individuals therebetween). This allows them to manipulate the quick selected buttons with their thumbs without having to reposition their grip on the steering wheel.
Although
As discussed above, an embodiment of the present invention allows the vehicle operator or owner to program the desired functions of the quick selected buttons disposed on the surface of the steering wheel as well as the operation of a scroll switch if used in conjunction with one of the aforementioned embodiments. One advantageous way of allowing an individual to preprogram their quick selected buttons in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide computer software that is installed on a home personal computer or other equivalent device that is capable of receiving a medium of machine-readable language and capable of receiving inputs as well as providing a graphic user interface.
As illustrated, menu 220 allows the user to create a data file corresponding to their preferred configuration of the quick select buttons of any one of the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention. Once the data file is created, the user simply uploads the data into the vehicle system via a memory flash card that is configured to interface with an input portal positioned within the vehicle or alternatively the data may be downloaded using telematics. This feature will allow the system to be configurable by each individual user moreover, the system can be provided with a password to prevent the changing of a default or primary program associated with the control interfaces. In addition, the system will be provided with a default configuration that would be implemented in the event of corruption of a personalized configuration.
For example, a user may prefer certain buttons for quick selection of components or subsystems of the vehicle (e.g., audio, radio, navigation, wipers, chronic control, communications, cruise control, signals etc.). Thus, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention allows the user to program the selected functions of the control interfaces. Moreover, and in the embodiments which provide audio feedback the user may record their own place for playback when the quick select buttons are actuated. Furthermore, information from other electronic devices such as personal data assistants, cellphones or other wireless devices, that include forms of communication as well as directories of information including e-mail addresses and phone numbers is capable of being uploaded into the system such that a vehicle with a complementary communications device that is accessed by one of the quick select buttons is capable of using any of this data.
In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention computers and/or equivalent devices are used to generate the usable databases, control interface configurations and related control algorithms for responding to inputs received. One device is resident within the vehicle and if necessary another remote device is used to build the databases (e.g., user configured). The computers and/or equivalent devices comprise among other elements a microprocessor, read only memory in the form of an electronic storage medium for executable programs or algorithms and calibration values or constants, random access memory and data buses for allowing the necessary communications (e.g., input, output and within the microprocessor) in accordance with known technologies. For example one microprocessor and necessary hardware will be resident in the vehicle wherein the control systems of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be implemented.
It is understood that the processing of the above description may be implemented by a controller operating in response to a computer program, in order to perform the prescribed functions and desired processing, as well as the computations therefore, the controller may include, but not be limited to, a processor(s), computer(s), memory, storage, register(s), timing, interrupt(s), communication interfaces, and input/output signal interfaces, as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing.
As described above, the algorithms for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be embodied in the form of computer-implemented processes and apparatuses for practicing those processes. The algorithms can also be embodied in the form of computer program code containing instructions embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other computer-readable storage medium, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer and/or controller, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. Existing systems having reprogrammable storage (e.g., flash memory) that can be updated to implement various aspects of command code, the algorithms can also be embodied in the form of computer program code, for example, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits.
These instructions may reside, for example, in RAM of the computer. Alternatively, the instructions may be contained on a data storage device with a computer readable medium, such as a computer diskette. Or, the instructions may be stored on a magnetic tape, conventional hard disk drive, electronic read-only memory, optical storage device, or other appropriate data storage device. In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, the computer-executable instructions may be lines of compiled C++ compatible code.
While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 60/489,614, attorney docket no. DP-310434, filed Jul. 24, 2003 the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 60/546,537, attorney docket no. DP-310434, filed Feb. 20, 2004 the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60489614 | Jul 2003 | US | |
| 60546537 | Feb 2004 | US |
