(12) United States Patent
`Pathare
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,842,677 B2
`Jan. 11, 2005
`
`‘US006842677B2
`
`.......... .. 345/839
`10/1998 Hartman et al.
`12/1998 Hartman ............ ..
`345/764
`12/1999 Obradovich et al.
`..
`.... .. 701/1
`4/2001 Patil ............... ..
`359/819
`5/2001 Everhart et al.
`..
`701/36
`10/2001 Decker et al.
`345/157
`6/2002 Kubota et al.
`701/201
`..
`8/2002 Kawai et al.
`340/439
`2/2003 Abe ......................... .. 400/485
`
`
`
`5,821,935 A
`5,847,704 A
`6,009,355 A
`6,223,103 B1
`6,240,347 B1
`6,300,939 B1
`6,401,029 B1 *
`6,437,689 B2 *
`6,520,699 B2 *
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner—Gertrude A. Jeanglaude
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—John W. LaBatt; Hoffman,
`Warnick & D’Alessandro LLC
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`The invention provides a user interface for a vehicle. A
`display is configured to include a fixed area and a selectable
`area. The fixed area displays vehicle information, While the
`selectable area displays one of a plurality of pages that
`includes parameters for at least one of a plurality of optional
`subsystems for the vehicle. Asteering device for the vehicle
`can include a first and second set of input devices mounted
`on opposing sides of the steering device. The first set of
`input devices select one of the plurality of pages to display
`in the selectable area. The second set of input devices adjust
`parameters on the selected page.
`
`21 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
`
`(54)
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`(76)
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`(21)
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`(22)
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`(65)
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`(51)
`(52)
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`(58)
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`(56)
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`VEHICLE USER INTERFACE SYSTEM AND
`METHOD
`
`Inventor:
`
`Notice:
`
`Prakash S. Pathare, 175 Maxwell Rd.,
`Latham, NY (US) 12110
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`Appl. No.:
`Filed:
`
`10/376,783
`
`Feb. 28, 2003
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2004/0172182 A1 Sep. 2, 2004
`
`Int. Cl.7 ................................................ .. G06F 7/00
`U.s. Cl.
`........................... .. 701/36; 701/33; 701/41;
`340/995.27
`Field of Search .............................. .. 701/1, 33, 36,
`701/41, 211; 340/995.16, 995.17, 995.27
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,006,829 A
`5,121,099 A
`5,757,268 A
`
`........ .. 340/459
`4/1991 Miyamoto et al.
`6/1992 Hegg et al.
`............... .. 340/461
`5/1998 Toffolo et al.
`............ .. 340/461
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 11,2005
`
`Sheet 1 of 5
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`US 6,842,677 B2
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 11,2005
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`Sheet 2 of 5
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`US 6,842,677 B2
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 11,2005
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`Sheet 3 of 5
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`US 6,842,677 B2
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 11,2005
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`Sheet 4 of 5
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`US 6,842,677 B2
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 11,2005
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`Sheet 5 of 5
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`US 6,842,677 B2
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`

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`US 6,842,677 B2
`
`1
`VEHICLE USER INTERFACE SYSTEM AND
`METHOD
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Technical Field
`The invention relates to vehicle user interfaces.
`
`In
`
`the invention provides vehicle user interface
`particular,
`systems and methods that allow a driver to view and control
`a plurality of subsystems using a display having a fixed area
`and a selectable area and/or input devices located on a
`steering device for the vehicle.
`2. Background Art
`In recent years, an increasing number of features have
`been included in vehicles. As more features are included, the
`efficient display of information and operation of the various
`features becomes an increasingly difficult problem.
`Generally, each feature should be operable by the driver of
`the vehicle since he/she is often the only individual in the
`vehicle. However, a driver’s primary concern is the opera-
`tion of the vehicle on a road. Consequently, it is desirable
`that a user interface for operating the various features
`require a minimal amount of distraction for the driver.
`Further, as the number of features increases, the amount of
`space available to display information and place input
`devices has remained substantially the same. As a result, the
`interior of the vehicle has become increasingly cluttered
`with various input/output devices for the numerous features.
`Consequently, it is desirable to reduce the space allocated for
`displaying information and operating the features.
`Previous solutions to the space/user interface problem
`have suggested altering the size and/or location of the
`displayed information. Some solutions have included input
`devices hanging from the roof, mounted on the interior of
`doors, on a center panel, on the dashboard, and/or on the
`steering wheel. These solutions generally require that certain
`functions be performed by using one or more input devices
`located away from the steering wheel of the vehicle. Further,
`by changing the location and/or size of the information
`displayed, these solutions require additional visual searching
`by a driver to locate the desired information in the vehicle.
`Thus,
`in each of the previous solutions,
`the driver must
`remove a hand from the steering wheel and/or divert focus
`from the road in order to perform one or more the operations.
`As a result, there exists a need for user interface methods
`and systems that allow a driver to operate the various
`features while maintaining both hands on the steering
`device. Further, there exists a need for a user interface that
`allows a driver to easily locate desired information to reduce
`the time that his/her focus is away from the road. Still
`further,
`there exists a need to maintain an aesthetically
`pleasing vehicle interior while providing various features.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The invention provides user interface systems and meth-
`ods for a vehicle. A display is provided to a driver that
`includes a fixed area and a selectable area. The fixed area
`
`displays vehicle information such as speed, gas level,
`mileage, etc. The selectable area displays a page that
`includes parameters for one or more optional subsystems.
`The desired page can be selected by the driver using a first
`set of input devices mounted on a side of the steering device
`(i.e., steering wheel) of the vehicle. Parameters displayed on
`the selected page can be selected and adjusted using a
`second set of input devices mounted on an opposing side of
`
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`the steering device. A second display and/or a third set of
`input devices can also be provided to allow a passenger in
`the vehicle to view and/or select one of the pages and adjust
`one or more of the displayed parameters.
`A first aspect of the invention provides a user interface
`system for a vehicle having a steering device, the system
`comprising: a plurality of pages, wherein each page includes
`at least one parameter for at least one of a plurality of
`optional subsystems for the vehicle; a display mounted
`behind the steering device, the display including a fixed area
`and a selectable area, wherein the fixed area displays vehicle
`information and the selectable area displays one of the
`plurality of pages; and a computing system in communica-
`tion with the display device, wherein the computing system
`operates each of the plurality of optional subsystems based
`on the at least one parameter.
`A second aspect of the invention provides a user interface
`system for a vehicle having a steering device, the system
`comprising: a plurality of pages, wherein each page includes
`at least one parameter for at least one of a plurality of
`optional subsystems for the vehicle; a display including a
`fixed area and a selectable area, wherein the fixed area
`displays vehicle information and the selectable area displays
`one of the plurality of pages; a first set of input devices that
`select one of the plurality of pages to display in the select-
`able area; and a second set of input devices that adjust the
`at least one parameter on the selected page; wherein the first
`set of input devices and the second set of input devices are
`mounted on opposing sides of the steering device.
`A third aspect of the invention provides a method of
`operating a plurality of optional subsystems for a vehicle
`having a steering device, the method comprising: displaying
`vehicle information in a fixed area of a display; displaying
`one of a plurality of pages in a selectable area of the display,
`wherein each page includes at least one parameter for at least
`one of the plurality of optional subsystems; selecting a page
`to display in the selectable area using a first set of input
`devices mounted on a first side of the steering device; and
`adjusting the at least one parameter on the selected page
`using a second set of input devices mounted on a second side
`of the steering device.
`The illustrative aspects of the invention are designed to
`solve the problems herein described and other problems not
`discussed, which are discoverable by a skilled artisan.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`These and other features of this invention will be more
`
`readily understood from the following detailed description
`of the various embodiments of the invention taken in con-
`
`junction with the accompanying drawings in which:
`FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative portion of an interior of a
`vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention;
`FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative display according to another
`embodiment of the invention;
`FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative steering device according to
`yet another embodiment of the invention;
`FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative secondary interface accord-
`ing to still another embodiment of the invention; and
`FIG. 5 depicts a schematic representation of illustrative
`systems and subsystems in a vehicle including one embodi-
`ment of the invention.
`
`It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not to
`scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical
`embodiments of the invention, and therefore should not be
`considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In the
`drawings, like numbering represents like elements between
`the drawings.
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`PCNA, EX. ‘I001, P.7
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`US 6,842,677 B2
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`3
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`The invention provides user interface systems and meth-
`ods for a vehicle. A display is provided to a driver that
`includes a fixed area and a selectable area. The fixed area
`displays vehicle information such as speed, gas level,
`mileage, etc. The selectable area displays a page that
`includes parameters for one or more “optional” subsystems.
`An optional subsystem is a subsystem that is optionally
`included with a vehicle (i.e., cruise control, navigation, etc.)
`and/or is optionally configured and operated (i.e., radio, seat
`adjustment, etc.) using a computer system installed in the
`vehicle. One or more pages can be used to configure each
`optional subsystem. The desired page can be selected by the
`driver using a first set of input devices mounted on a side of
`the steering device (i.e., steering wheel) of the vehicle.
`Parameters displayed on the selected page can be selected
`and adjusted using a second set of input devices mounted on
`an opposing side of the steering device. A second display
`and/or a third set of input devices can also be provided to
`allow a passenger in the vehicle to view and/or select one of
`the pages and adjust one or more of the displayed param-
`eters.
`
`Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative
`portion of the interior of a vehicle 10 according to one
`embodiment of the invention. Vehicle 10 includes a steering
`device 12, a dashboard 14, and a windshield 16. The
`invention provides a user interface system that includes a
`display 18 having a fixed area 20 and a selectable area 22.
`Fixed area 20 displays vehicle information, while selectable
`area 22 displays one of a plurality of pages that include at
`least one parameter for one or more optional subsystems
`installed in vehicle 10. Display 18 is mounted in dashboard
`14 behind steering device 12. As a result, when a driver of
`vehicle 10 sits to operate vehicle 10, display 18 can easily
`be viewed by the driver by looking directly in front of
`steering device 12 and slightly below windshield 16.
`However,
`it is understood that selectable area 22 can be
`located anywhere in vehicle 10 so that it can be more easily
`viewed by the driver as well as other occupants of vehicle
`10. Alternatively, vehicle 10 can include a secondary inter-
`face 27 that includes a second display 28 that displays one
`of the plurality of pages. Secondary interface 27 can be
`mounted to dashboard 14 in a manner that allows one or
`
`more passengers of vehicle 10 to easily view second display
`28 and/or operate set of input devices 30.
`Display 18 can comprise any combination of means for
`displaying information now known or later developed. For
`example, the current speed of the vehicle can be displayed
`in fixed area 20 by speedometer 21. Speedometer 21 can
`comprise a mechanical dial, a computer generated dial, a
`computer generated numeric value, etc. Similarly, indicators
`of other information can be computer or mechanically
`generated.
`In one embodiment,
`fixed area 20 displays
`vehicle information that is predetermined when display 18 is
`installed in vehicle 10. Alternatively, some or all of the
`vehicle information displayed in fixed area 20 can be
`selectively modified, for example, based on a driver identi-
`fication. However, the information displayed in fixed area 20
`preferably cannot be modified while the vehicle is being
`driven. Selectable area 22 and second display 28 comprise
`any type of computer-aided display now known or later
`developed. For example, selectable area 22 and second
`display 28 can comprise a black and white or color liquid-
`crystal display (LCD).
`As noted above, fixed area 20 displays vehicle informa-
`tion for use by the driver. Vehicle information comprises
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`various information that is always displayed to the driver of
`the vehicle. For example, vehicle information typically
`includes the current speed of the vehicle, the current mileage
`of the vehicle, a temperature indicator for the engine, and an
`amount of gas remaining for the vehicle. Other vehicle
`information can also be included, such as the revolutions per
`minute (RPMs) for the engine, a voltage level for the battery,
`an oil pressure, a currently selected gear for the vehicle, a
`trip distance, fuel efficiency, etc. Other information can also
`be included in fixed area 20 such as an interior/exterior
`temperature, a direction the vehicle is facing, a time, a
`maintenance indicator, etc.
`Selectable area 22 displays one of a plurality of pages of
`information that are used to adjust parameters for the
`optional subsystems installed in vehicle 10. Each page is
`configured to include one or more parameters for one or
`more optional subsystems installed in vehicle 10. For
`example, a page may include various parameters for oper-
`ating an audio system for vehicle 10, and a second page may
`include various parameters for obtaining directions for a trip.
`A user can select one of the pages to be displayed in
`selectable area 22 using a first set of input devices 24. For
`the displayed page, the user can further select one or more
`of the parameters and adjust the setting for the selected
`parameter or perform an operation using the appropriate
`subsystem using a second set of input devices 26.
`In the current embodiment, the user interface system for
`vehicle 10 allows all control for optional subsystems to be
`performed by using sets of input devices 24, 26 and/or 30.
`Because of this, no switches, buttons, dials, etc. are required
`on dashboard 14 or the remaining interior of vehicle 10. As
`a result, the interior of vehicle 10 can have a simplified,
`more spacious look. However, several devices for the vari-
`ous optional subsystems may be included on dashboard 14.
`For example, a vent 31 can be included for the heating/
`cooling subsystem. Further, a device 32 for accepting an
`audio tape, and/or a device 34 for accepting a CD/DVD can
`be included for an entertainment subsystem. Still further, a
`microphone 36 and/or speaker 37 can be included for use by
`one or more of the optional subsystems. Speaker 37 can also
`be used to generate an audible sound (i.e., unique tone, name
`of page, etc.) when a new page is selected in selectable area
`22 to inform the driver of the currently selected page.
`FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative display 118 according to one
`embodiment of the invention. Display 118 includes a fixed
`area 120, a selectable area 122, and two warning areas 150,
`152. Fixed area 120 displays vehicle information and select-
`able area 122 displays a page of parameters as discussed
`above. Warning areas 150, 152 display one or more vehicle
`warning indicators. Any combination of means now known
`or later developed for displaying warning indicators can be
`used. For example, each indicator can comprise a predeter-
`mined area within one of warning areas 150, 152 that
`includes a symbol representing a warning condition. When
`a warning condition is detected (i.e., low voltage from the
`battery), the corresponding area is illuminated to indicate the
`presence of the warning condition. While shown displayed
`in warning areas 150, 152, it is understood that the various
`warning conditions could be displayed within fixed area 120
`and/or selectable area 122.
`One or more areas within selectable area 122 can be
`
`reserved to display identifiers 154 for some or all of the
`pages that can be displayed in selectable area 122. The
`identifier that represents the page currently being displayed
`can be highlighted (i.e., a unique color, bold, designated
`location, reverse colors, etc.). As shown, an identifier 154 for
`a page in each subsystem is always displayed, and are
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`US 6,842,677 B2
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`5
`located along the top and sides of selectable area 122. It is
`understood, however,
`that identifiers 154 can be located
`along only the top, only the bottom, etc., and that
`the
`identifiers 154 displayed can scroll so that a particular
`identifier 154 is not always displayed in selectable area 122.
`Alternatively, an audio signal can be generated each time a
`page is selected in conjunction with or alternatively to
`displaying and highlighting identifiers 154.
`Initially, when a vehicle is first turned on, selectable area
`122 can display only identifiers 154. Alternatively, a default
`page (i.e.,
`the last page displayed, a welcome page, a
`commonly accessed page, etc.) can be selected and dis-
`played in selectable area 122. For example, page 156 is
`shown for operating and configuring an audio subsystem.
`Page 156 includes various parameters (i.e., AM, FM,
`Cassette, CD, etc.)
`for operating features of the audio
`subsystem. Auser can use one or more sets of input devices
`(i.e., sets of input devices 24, 26, 30 shown in FIG. 1) to
`adjust
`the parameters and operate the radio subsystem.
`When a parameter is selected, one or more input devices can
`be used to adjust the parameter. Alternatively, selecting a
`parameter can present the user with a new page 156 that
`includes various additional parameters. For example, a user
`can select the cassette parameter 158 and page 156 would
`change to the page that contains the various parameters for
`operating a cassette player (shown displayed in secondary
`display 128 in FIG. 4). Alternatively, an identifier 154 for the
`cassette player could be included along with, and accessed
`in a manner similar to identifiers 154.
`
`Returning to FIG. 1, steering device 12 includes first set
`of input devices 24 and second set of input devices 26. First
`set of input devices 24 are mounted on a left side of steering
`device 12, while second set of input devices 26 are mounted
`on a right side of steering device 12. When operating vehicle
`10, a driver can hold onto steering device 12 with two hands.
`This allows first set of input devices 24 to be readily
`operated with the left hand of the driver, and second set of
`input devices 26 to be readily operated with the right hand
`of the driver. It is understood however, that sets of input
`devices 24, 26 can be operated in any manner desired by the
`driver.
`
`Sets of input devices 24, 26 allow a driver of vehicle 10
`to select one of the plurality of pages to display in selectable
`area 22, and to select and adjust parameters on the selected
`page. In one embodiment, first set of input devices 24 are
`operated to select one of the plurality of pages to display in
`selectable area 22. Once the desired page is displayed,
`second set of input devices 26 are operated to select and
`adjust parameters on the selected page. For example, as
`shown in FIG. 2, first set of input devices 24 can be operated
`to change the selected identifier 154, while second set of
`input devices 26 can be operated to change the selected
`parameter 158. Sets of input devices 24, 26 can also be used
`to operate second display 28. However, second display 28
`preferably includes a third set of input devices 30 mounted
`thereto that operate second display 28 independently from
`display 18.
`FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative steering device 112 accord-
`ing to another embodiment of the invention. Steering device
`112 includes a circular exterior 140 and a central area 142.
`Central area 142 is attached to exterior 140 in a manner that
`
`allows a driver to grip exterior 140 in various locations,
`including locations 144, 146. Afirst set of input devices 124
`is mounted to central area 142 in an area proximate location
`144 of exterior 140. A second set of input devices 126 is
`similarly mounted to central area 142 in an area proximate
`location 146 on the opposing side of central area 142. It is
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`understood that sets of input devices 124, 126 can be
`mounted to steering device 140 using any means now known
`or later developed. Further, it is understood that each set of
`input devices 124, 126 can include one or more input
`devices of the same or varying types. For example, an input
`device in set of input devices 124, 126 can comprise a
`switch, a rotation device, a push button, a joystick, etc.
`In the current embodiment, first set of input devices 124
`is used to select one of the plurality of pages to display in
`selectable area 22 of display 18 (FIG. 1). First set of input
`devices 124 can be used to move forward and/or backward
`one page at a time through the plurality of pages. For
`example, first set of input devices 124 can comprise three
`input devices 148A—C. Input device 148A is used to move
`a selected page forward one page and input device 148C is
`used to move the selected page backward one page. Input
`device 148B is used to lock in the selected page, and change
`the currently displayed page to the selected page. Using first
`set of input devices 124, the driver can cycle through the
`pages (using a visual and/or audio indication of the currently
`selected page), and change the displayed page when the
`desired page is selected. Alternatively, first set of input
`devices 124 can comprise two input devices that are used to
`move forward and backward through the plurality of pages
`until
`the desired page is displayed.
`In yet another
`embodiment, first set of input devices 124 can comprise a
`single input device that is used to move forward and/or
`backward through the plurality of pages. In the latter two
`embodiments,
`the displayed page can be changed to the
`selected page each time an input device is used to change the
`currently selected page.
`Second set of input devices 126 adjust one or more
`parameters included on the displayed page. In the current
`embodiment, second set of input devices 126 includes five
`input devices 149A—E. Input devices 149A, 149B can be
`used to change a currently selected parameter in the dis-
`played page. Similar to the identifiers discussed above, the
`selected parameter can be highlighted on the page. Once the
`desired parameter is selected, input devices 149D, 149E can
`be used to adjust the selected parameter higher/lower, faster/
`slower, up/down, etc. Input device 149C can be used to lock
`in the adjusted parameter for the operation of the corre-
`sponding optional subsystem. Alternatively, input devices
`149A, 149B can be used to select and adjust parameters. In
`this case, input device 149C can be used to change the
`function of input devices 149A, 149B between selecting a
`parameter and adjusting the selected parameter, and input
`devices 149D, 149E would not be required.
`Each input device 148A—C, 149A—E can include a
`symbol, word, unique shape, and/or raised symbol
`that
`identifies the function provided by the input device 148A—C,
`149A—E. While shown on opposing sides (left, right) of
`central area 142, it is understood that sets of input devices
`124, 126 can be mounted in any location on steering device
`112. Further, while set of input devices 124 is generally
`discussed as selecting a page, and set of input devices 126
`is generally discussed as selecting and adjusting parameters,
`it
`is understood that the invention is not limited to this
`
`configuration, and sets of input devices 124, 126 can per-
`form any combination of functions.
`FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative secondary interface 127
`according to still another embodiment of the invention.
`Secondary interface 127 includes a second display 128 and
`a set of input devices 130. Secondary display 128 operates
`in the same manner as selectable area 122 discussed with
`
`reference to FIG. 2. Similarly, set of input devices 130
`includes various input devices that operate in the same
`
`PCNA, EX. ‘I001, P.9
`
`PCNA, EX. 1001, P.9
`
`

`
`US 6,842,677 B2
`
`7
`manner as input devices 148A—C, 149A—E, discussed with
`reference to FIG. 3. However, a passenger operating sec-
`ondary interface 127 can be limited to operate only a subset
`of the plurality of optional subsystems that can be operated
`by the driver. As a result, second display 128 can include a
`limited number of identifiers 254 that correspond to the
`subsystem(s) that passengers of the vehicle are allowed to
`operate. Similarly, both the driver and passenger can be
`limited to operating only a portion of an optional subsystem.
`For example, the driver can be allowed to adjust only the
`driver side seat, while the passenger is allowed to adjust only
`the passenger seat.
`FIG. 5 depicts a schematic representation of communi-
`cations between various systems and subsystems for vehicle
`10 (FIG. 1). Computing system 160 is in communication
`with sets of input devices 24, 26, 30 and displays 18, 28. As
`discussed above, sets of input devices 24, 26, 30 are used by
`one or more users to adjust parameters for one or more of the
`plurality of subsystems in communication with computing
`system 160. Computing system 160 configures and/or oper-
`ates the various subsystems depicted in response to input
`commands received from sets of input devices 24, 26, 30 and
`alters the content of displays 18, 28 accordingly. Each
`subsystem includes one or more parameters that can be
`adjusted by computing system 160. Based on the selected
`parameter settings, each subsystem alters its operation.
`Several common optional subsystems that include one or
`more adjustable parameters are depicted. A user can use
`doors/windows/screens subsystem 162 to lock/unlock
`vehicle doors, enable/disable child safety locks, open/close
`various windows/screens in the vehicle, etc. Lighting sub-
`system 166 can turn on/off various interior lights, exterior
`lights, high beams,
`turn signals, hazard lights, adjust
`brightness, etc. Wiper subsystem 168 can be used to turn
`windshield, rear window, and/or headlight wipers on/off,
`and to adjust the speed and delay at which they operate. Each
`of these subsystems 162, 164, 166, 168 are commonly
`included in all vehicles and are generally operated using
`input devices located within the vehicle. It is understood that
`the user interface system of the invention can be used to
`supplement and/or replace some or all of these input devices.
`Temperature subsystem 170 can be used to operate
`heating/cooling settings (i.e., turn vents and defrost on/off,
`adjust air intake, etc.), select a desired temperature for one
`or more zones within a vehicle, monitor an outdoor
`temperature, etc. Entertainment subsystem 172 can include
`an audio subsystem for operating a radio, tape player, CD
`player, etc., and/or an audio/visual subsystem for operating
`a television, VCR, DVD player, etc. Cruise control sub-
`system 174 can be used to set a desired constant speed and
`turn cruise control on/off. Time subsystem 176 can be used
`to set and display the time, date, etc. Customization sub-
`system 178 can be used to adjust the seat, mirrors, select a
`custom sound for a horn, etc. Navigation subsystem 180 can
`be used to map out directions, show current heading, plan a
`trip, etc. Service subsystem 182 can be used to inform the
`owner of scheduled maintenance (based on miles and/or
`date), keep a record of past maintenance, etc. Communica-
`tion subsystem 184 can include a wireless telephone (i.e.,
`cellular phone), an emergency communication device, an
`information device, etc.
`It is understood that the various subsystems are presented
`for illustrative purposes only. As a result, one or more of the
`subsystems can be combined into a single subsystem, split
`into multiple subsystems, operated apart from the current
`invention, and/or can be excluded from a vehicle. Further, it
`is understood that the various subsystems can be imple-
`
`8
`mented using any combination of hardware or software. As
`such, some or all of the various subsystems may be imple-
`mented on computing system 160. For example, memory
`subsystem 186 can be used to store and retrieve a default set
`of parameters for one or more drivers of vehicle 10 (FIG. 1).
`Consequently, a driver can be presented with a page that
`identifies various sets of parameters by, for example, an
`individual’s name. Based on a selected set of parameters,
`computing system 160 can adjust parameters for one or
`more of the subsystems. For example, a desired temperature
`for temperature subsystem 170, seat and mirror location for
`customization subsystem 178, etc. can be adjusted. Further,
`it is understood that operation of the various subsystems
`may use one or more common output devices and/or may
`effect the operation of one or more other subsystems. For
`example, communication subsystem 184 can use speaker 37
`(FIG. 1) that is also used by entertainment subsystem 172 to
`provide audio for one or more audio devices. Additionally,
`memory subsystem 186 and/or customization subsystem
`178 can be used to select and change information displayed
`in fixed area 20 (FIG. 1). For example, a first driver may
`desire to view an indication of engine RPMs and a numeric
`display of vehicle speed, while a second driver may desire
`to view the current time, outdoor temperature, and an analog
`indication of vehicle speed. By selecting the appropriate set
`of parameters, fixed area 20 can be altered accordingly. In
`current vehicles, some or all of the parameters for the
`various subsystems are adjusted using various input devices
`commonly included on a steering column, driver door,
`passenger door, dashboard, etc. It is un