Patent Application
20130224693
This invention relates generally to information systems and, more particularly, to a system for use in a vehicle which detects user confusion and provides instructions to the user to correct said confusion.
It is well known in the art to use a vehicle operator's manual to look up instructions on how to properly perform a vehicle function. Although the standard procedure of looking up instructions in a vehicle operator's manual is helpful, the process is frequently overlooked because of the time consuming and inconvenient nature of the operation. To look up instructions in a vehicle operator's manual, the user must remove the manual from a glove box, check the index, and research where exactly the instructions for the vehicle operation are provided. Because of the time consuming process, numerous vehicle operations are overlooked by everyday users. These vehicle operations include setting memory set presets, setting radio station presets, turning the vehicle on, and other vehicle settings requiring any form of preset function.
Providing this information is vital to users of the vehicle to properly enjoy and operate the vehicle. Without the access to information, users of the vehicle are not afforded the full benefit of their new vehicle. Access to all information has recently become standard in many vehicles as shown by GPS navigation systems, radio systems, display apparatuses, and other similar information providing terminals. Although many common modem display apparatuses and information providing systems are known, providing information regarding vehicle operations through the modem display apparatuses is not known.
It is frequently known for vehicle users to attempt to set a preset on a vehicle seat and promptly give up the endeavor because they are not properly informed on how to properly set the preset on the vehicle seat. It is commonly known for a user to fumble with the buttons on the side of a vehicle seat or press the wrong buttons or the same button multiple times resulting in a failure of presetting the vehicle memory seat. Accordingly, there exists a need in the art to provide easily obtainable instructions to the user of the vehicle to start and follow through with a given vehicle operation, such as setting a vehicle memory seat.
The present invention provides for a method for providing instructions to a user of a vehicle wherein the vehicle includes a plurality of sensors and a display screen. Instructions related to a vehicle operation are provided to the user by using the method comprising the steps of sensing by a sensor a human trigger of confusion, transmitting the signal containing the information regarding the confusion from the sensor to a processor, and then displaying instructions to the user on the display screen within the vehicle regarding how to remedy the confusion regarding the vehicle operation. The human trigger is sensed by a sensor or a plurality of sensors and includes detection of confusion when the vehicle user is pressing multiple buttons, incorrect buttons, pressing the same button multiple times, or a lack of pressing any buttons or triggers. For example, if a user is attempting to set the preset on a vehicle memory seat, and the user is struggling with how to properly set the preset by pressing the wrong button multiple times, this confusion is detected and a signal is transmitted to a processor which is then displayed on a display screen. Instructions are then provided on a display screen showing the user how to properly set the memory seat function on the vehicle seat.
The present invention is a system to provide detailed instructions to a vehicle user upon detection of confusion by the user when the user is attempting to perform a vehicle operation. Sensors are used to determine and identify confusion of a user. That confusion signal is then sent to a processor which in turn displays a set of instructions to the user regarding how to properly achieve a vehicle operation. For example, if confusion is detected when a user is attempting to link or preset a vehicle key to a memory seat and detection of confusion is sensed, instructions regarding how to properly link the memory seat to a key are provided to the user for a predetermined length of time.
The sensor then receives the signal 104 from the sensor and the human trigger 100. The signal is then transmitted 106 from the sensor to a processor or computer on board the vehicle. The signal is transmitted either wirelessly, via Bluetooth, or via physically linked wire. Alternatively, the processor is an onboard computer, circuit board, or other system operable to transmit and process information received by the sensor. The processor then transmits information to a display screen and the display screen displays 108 instructions regarding the vehicle operation on a display screen. The instructions provided are displayed for a predetermined amount of time 110. This predetermined amount of time ranges between 1 and 15 seconds 112.
Display instructions on the display screen 108 may be displayed in a variety of fashions including, but not limited to, displaying in text form, illustration form, or otherwise. The instructions regarding the vehicle operation 108 may be instructions on how to set a memory seat 108a, instructions on how to start a vehicle 108b, or instructions on how to set a radio preset 108c.
Other instructions for various vehicle operations may also be provided such as how to open or close a window, how to open or close a moon roof, how to open or close a vehicle gas tank cover, how to open a trunk lid, how to fold down a vehicle seat, how to access storage within a vehicle, how to insert a CD within a vehicle radio, how to link an iPod or other media player to the vehicle, how to set cruise control, and other similar vehicle operations for which accessing a user manual is commonly required.
The human trigger 200 is sensed by a sensor 202 or a plurality of sensors and includes detection of confusion when the vehicle user is pressing multiple buttons, incorrect buttons, pressing the same button multiple times, or a lack of pressing any buttons or triggers.
Numeral 208 illustrates one embodiment of the display of instructions to the user for linking a memory seat to a key. The steps include: (1) Turn the vehicle off and close door. (2) Press “1” or “2” and for 1 second until beep. The instructions further show a graphical representation of the vehicle key used by the user 12. These instructions easily allow the user 12 to link the memory seat to the vehicle key. The detailed instructions provided at reference numeral 208 are provided to easily allow a user to complete a vehicle operation. The detailed instructions are displayed after a processor determines the appropriate instructions to display.
The invention is not restricted to the illustrative examples and embodiments described above. The embodiments are not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention. Methods, apparatus, compositions, and the like described herein are exemplary and not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art.
