I
`[19]
`United States Patent
`4,731,769
`[45]
`Schaefer et al.
`Date of Patent:
`Mar. 15, 1988
`
`Patent Number:
`
`[11]
`
`“New Technologies Adopted in a Combined Compact
`Radio Equipment”; Hartlauer, 6/1979.
`Electronics Week, Nov. 12, 1984, pp. 28-29; Weber,
`“GM tests Video Display in 1984 Production Car”.
`Nakamichi Mobile
`Sound
`System—-TD-l200-
`/PA-300/SP-400, 2/1983.
`SAE Technical Paper Series 850309, “A Concept of
`User-Guidance for Vehicle Information Systems”, F.
`Heintz et al., International Congress & Exposition, Feb.
`25-Mar. 1, 1985, pp. 115-122.
`“Talking Keyboard for User Guidance in Multifunction
`Systems”, G. Geiser et al., Presented at the 26th Annual
`Meeting of the Human Factors Society”, Oct. 25-29,
`1982, Seattle, Wash., USA, pp. 1-4.
`“Method and Module for an Ergonomic and Economi-
`cal Design of Man-Machine Dialogues”, G. Nirschl et
`al., 4th European Annual Manual European Conf. on
`Human Decision Making .
`.
`. ”, 1984.
`
`Primary Examiner—Aristotelis M. Psitos
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Barnes & Thornburg
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACI‘
`
`A central operating input and information output sys-
`tem for the control of a plurality of optional instruments
`in a vehicle has a display for displaying information and
`an option menu. A first control input controls the func-
`tions of the optional instruments and selects the option
`menu from a basic menu. The option menu indicates the
`functions of the optional instruments controllable by the
`first control input. The system has a second control
`input which controls at least one optional instrument
`and accesses at least one basic function of the system,
`irrespective of the option menu currently selected. This
`allows a central operating input and information output
`system to have a favorable ergonomic design,
`to be
`operated simply, and require a minimum of space. In
`addition, a high degree of safety is insured by the simpli-
`tied controls, which minimizes the diversion of the
`driver from the traffic situation, while allowing him to
`obtain extensive information concerning the condition
`,
`,
`..
`of the vehigle and thetraffic situation.
`
`29 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures
`
`[54] CENTRAL SERVICING AND INFORMATION
`CONTROLLER FOR VEHICLE AUXILIARY
`EQUIPMENT
`.
`
`[75]
`
`Inventors: Peter Schaefer, Moensheim; Roland
`Ehniss, Karlsruhe; Dieter Marx,
`Kemen, all of Fed. Rep. of Germany
`
`[73] Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.f. Porsche
`Akiengesellshaft, Stuttgart, Fed.
`Rep. of Germany
`
`[21] Appl. No.:
`
`851,568
`
`[22] Filed:
`
`Apr. 14, 1986
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`[30]
`Fed. Rep. of Germany ....... 3514438
`Apr. 20, 1935 [DE]
`
`..... .. H04B 1/20; GOSD 23/00
`Int. c1.4
`[51]
`[52] U.S. Cl. ...................................... .. 369/6; 364/424;
`455/345
`[58] Field of Search .................... .. 369/6, 10; 364/424;
`.
`455/345
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,821,489 6/1974 Kocubej ................................ 369/10
`4,325,081
`4/1982 Abe et al.
`..
`360/33.1 X
`4,435,648
`3/1984 Goode, III .. . ..
`... ... 364/424 X
`4,435,845 3/ 1984 Tim et al.
`. 455/345 X
`.. ...
`4,486,837 12/1984 Kojima et al.
`.. . ... 364/424
`4,516,207
`5/1985 Moriyama et al.
`364/424
`4,519,003
`5/1985 Scholy ................. ..
`360/33.1 X
`4,593,357
`6/1986 Van Ostrand et al.
`...... 364/424
`4,630,043 12/1986 Haubner et al.
`.......
`. 364/424 X
`4,641,205
`2/1987 Beyers, Jr.
`....................... .. 360/33.1
`
`
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`0122043
`
`.
`6/1984 European Pat. Off.
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`“More Than a Car Radio Integration in Automobile
`Electronics”; Bauer-Funkshau—5/1982, pp. 53-55.
`Elektronik; vol. 28, (1979, 9 Aug.), No. 16, pp. 31-36;
`“On Board Computer for Motor Vehicles”, Ing et al.
`
`
`
`HOLD FOR OPERATOR INPUT
`
`
`
`
`
`'
`
`ssucr BASIC ruucnou
`IS
`BASIC MENU
`CHOSEN ?
`YES
`DISPLAY BASIC MENU
`HOLD FOR OPERATOR INPUT
`
`
`
`
`IS
`OPTIONAL MENU
`CHOSEN ?
`
`
`
`
`SEND SIGNAL T0
`INSTRUMENT
`INSTRUMENT TO
`INTERPRETS SIGNAL
`PERFORM BASIC
`AND PERFORMS
`
`FUNCTION
`
`BASIC FUNCTION
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SEND SIONALTO
`INSTRUMENT
`INSTRUMENT TO
`INTERPRETS SIGNAL
`
`
`PERFORM BASIC
`AND PERFORMS
`
`FUNCTION
`
`BASIC FUNCTION
`
`
`
`
`DISPLAY OPTION MENU
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`HOLD FOR OPERATOR INPUT
`
`IS ! SEND SIGNALTO I INSTRUMENT
`FUNCTION FROM
`INSTRUMENT 1'0
`INTERPRETS SIG
`OPTION MENU
`AND PERFORMS
`PERFORM BASIC
`CHOSEN .’
`FUNCTION
`BASIC FUNCTION
`YES
`
`
`SEND SIGNAL TO INSTRUPAENT
`TO PERFORM OPTIONAL FUNCTION
`
`
`
`
`
`INSTRUMENT RECEIVES
`AND INTERFRETS SIGNAL AND
`PERSORMS OPTIONAL FUNCTION
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1008_001
`
`
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1008_001
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent Mar. is, 1988
`
`Sheet 1 of 10
`
`4,731,769
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1008_002
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent Mar. 15,1988
`
`Sheet 2 of 10
`
`FIG .2
`
`CENTRAL
`PROCESSING
`COM PUTER
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1008_003
`
`

`
`,l!i
`16,
`I
`I
`I I
`t
`1 611
`101 '&/ I ' D L
`17'
`49'
`48'
`NFORMATION SYSTEM
`
`,I7
`/
`I
`
`I
`
`5,
`
`01
`
`n
`
`46l
`
`I
`
`3
`I
`1
`
`,TI
`I
`t
`
`1
`
`50'
`
`BASIC
`MENU
`
`c- 4
`
`26 =A=
`6 VOLUME -
`
`STATION -
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1008_004
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent Mar. 15,1988
`
`Sheet 4 of 10
`
`4,731,769
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1008_005
`
`

`
`Patent Mar. 15,1988
`
`Sheet 5 of 10
`
`4,731,769
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1008_006
`
`

`
`us. Patent Mar. 15,1988
`
`Sheet 6 of 10
`
`4,731,769
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1008_007
`
`

`
`US. Patent Mar. 15,1988
`
`Sheet 7 of 10
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1008_008
`
`

`
`INFORMATION SYSTEM
`
`I
`
`B A S I C
`
`ON/ O F F
`
`L 3
`
`+
`
`V O L U M E
`
`-
`
`+
`
`S T A T I O N
`
`-
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1008_009
`
`

`
`Patent Mar. 15,1988
`
`Sheet 9 of 10
`
`4,731,769
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1008_010
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent Mar. 15,1988
`
`Sheet 10 of 10
`
`POWER ON
`
`4
`
`HOLD FOR OP
`
`I
`
`SELECT BASlC FUNCTION I
`INSTRUMENT TO -
`
`1
`
`SEND SIGNAL TO
`
`PERFORM BASIC
`FUNCTION
`
`I
`INSTRUMENT
`INTERPRETS SIGNAL
`AND PERFORMS
`BASIC FUNCTION
`
`DLSPLAY BASlC MENU
`
`+
`
`HOLD FOR OPERATOR
`I
`
`SEND SIGNALTO
`
`INSTRUMENT
`
`INSTRUMENT TO - INTERPRETS SIGNAL
`
`PERFORM BASIC
`FUN CTl ON
`
`AND PERFORMS
`BASIC FUNCTION
`
`I DISPLAY OPTION MENU /
`
`HOLD FOR OPERATOR INPUT
`
`OPTION MENU
`
`SEND SIGNALTO
`INSTRUMENT TO
`PERFORM BASIC
`FUNCTION
`
`INSTRUMENT
`,
`INTERPRETS SlGNAl
`AND PERFORMS
`.
`BASIC FUNCTION
`
`TO PERFORM OPTIONAL FUNCTION I
`I I SEND SIGNAL TO
`
`INSTRUMENT
`
`AND INTERPRETS SIGNAL AND
`PERFORMS OPTIONAL FUNCTION
`
`FIG. 10
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1008_011
`
`

`
`CENTRAL SERVICING AND INFORMATION
`CONTROLLER FOR VEHICLE AUXILIARY
`EQUIPMENT
`
`5
`
`I
`
`L
`via the menu. For the operation of important or fre-
`quently operated control elements, the corresponding
`instrument menu must be selected each time from the
`basic menu.
`It is, therefore, an objective of the present invention
`BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE
`to provide an arrangement for the central operating
`INVENTION
`input and information output for optional instruments of
`vehicles that have a favorable ergonomic design, can be
`This invention relates to a central operating input and
`operated simply, and requires a minimum of space.
`information system for the control of a plurality of
`This and other objectives of the present invention are
`optional instruments in a vehicle. The system has a 10
`achieved by providing a second control input means for
`display for displaying information and a plurality of
`controlling at least one optional instrument and which
`option menus. A first control input controls the func-
`can access at least one basic function of the central
`tions of the optional instruments, with an option menu
`indicating the functions of the instruments which can be
`operating input and information output system, irre-
`controlled. A particular option menu can be selected l5 spective of the optional menu currently selected.
`from a basic menu which lists the option menus.
`Certain advantages of the present invention arising
`In motor vehicles, optional instruments and/or their
`from the provision of the second control input means
`controls are becoming increasingly installed in the area
`are the favorable ergonomic design of the system,
`of the dashboard or central control panel. These OP-
`which can be operated simply, and requires a minimum
`tional instruments include, for example, radios, motor 20 of space. In addition, the present invention ensures a
`high degree of safety by its simplified controls, so as to
`vehicle computers, and seat positioning control devices.
`These instruments improve both driving comfort and minimize the diversion of the driver from the traffic
`safety. However, the large number of ~ m t ~ m e n t s with
`situation, while allowing him to obtain extensive infor-
`their separate operating elements are difficult to house mation concerning the condition of his vehicle and the
`in a dashboard of a given size. As a result, the operating 25 traffic situation.
`must be kept
`which often
`in a
`Further objects, features, and advantages of the pres-
`large number of 'perating buttons,
`ent invention will become more apparent from the fol-
`and switches, often of similar or identical construction.
`lowing description when taken with the accompanying
`It is therefore difficult for the driver of a motor vehicle
`drawings which show, for purposes of illustration only,
`to operate the correct operating element of the correct 30
`an embodiment in accordance with the present inven-
`instrument without diverting his attention from the road
`tion.
`and traffic.
`In German published unexamined application,
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION O F THE DRAWINGS
`DE-OS No. 31 04 668, a multifunction operating part is
`view of a central operating
`is a
`and
`shown that is directed to tempering the described prob- 35
`information output system constructed in accordance
`lems. Several optional instruments are controlled by
`with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
`one operating device that has a numerical input, a func-
`FIG. 2 is a partial, schematic, basic electrical circuit
`tional-group switching means, operating elements and a
`display unit as well as an interface for an electronic unit.
`the system
`diagram
`the
`FIG. 3 is an example of a displayed basic menu of the
`The operating elements, via the functional-group 40
`embodiment of FIG. 1;
`switching means, are assigned to a certain instrument. A
`FIG. 4 is an example of a displayed radio menu of the
`disadvantage of this device is its insufficient ergonomic
`emb~diment of FIG- 1;
`design, which was taken from computer technology.
`FIG. 5 is an example of a displayed personal menu of
`Because of this insufficient ergonomic design, too many
`requirements are placed on the average driver of a 45 the embodiment of FIG. 1;
`FIG- 6 is an example of a displayed operating data
`motor vehicle. In addition, the display has insufficient
`menu of the anbodiment of FIG. 1;
`flexibility and there is a relatively poor assignment of
`FIG. 7 is a front view of another preferred embodi-
`the operating elements to the display.
`ment of a central operating input and information out-
`An information system having a display which can be
`partitioned for displaying information and menus, is 50 put constructed in accordance with the present inven-
`tion;
`shown in "Autokatalog", (28th Year 1984/85, Date:
`FIG. 8 is an example of a displayed basic menu shown
`Sept. 1, 1984, Vereinigte Motor-Verlage GmbH &
`on the display of the embodiment of FIG. 7;
`CoKG, Stuttgart, Pages 264 and 265). This system is a
`FIG. 9 is an example of a positioning menu shown on
`straight transfer of the multifunctional operating and
`display systems already known from process computing 55 the display of the embodiment of FIG. 7; and
`FIG. 10 is a basic flow chart illustrating a preferred
`technology [see, for example, Practical Control Engi-
`embodiment of the operation of the present invention.
`neering (1978, Volume 3, Pages 77-83,and 1980, Vol-
`ume 9, Pages 302-30911. It has control keys that are
`clearly assigned to the elements of shown menus. In this
`system, the elements indicate functions that can be oper- 60
`ated by the corresponding control keys. The individual
`menus which each operate a certain optional instrument
`can be selected from a basic menu.
`The above information system eliminates the disad-
`vantages of the insufficient flexibility of the display and 65
`the poor assignment of the control elements to the dis-
`play. However, its ergonomic design is still not optimal
`since all basic operating functions must be carried out
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`DRAWINGS
`In FIG. 1, a central operating input and information
`output used for the control of several optional instru-
`ments installed in a vehicle has reference numeral 1. A
`display 2 of a display unit 3 is divided into a field 4 for
`the displaying of information, and into function selec-
`tion tables, which are hereafter referred to as menu
`fields 5 to 14. In preferred embodiments, the display is
`either a Braun tube or a flat display.
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1008_012
`
`

`
`.
`
`'
`
`-
`in transverse 27 (balancing) and longitudinal directions
`Control keys 15 to 24 are clearly assigned to the menu
`28 (fading).
`fields 5 to 14 and the elements that are shown in them
`An acoustic function can be selected by a control
`(not illustrated in FIG. 1). The elements indicate the
`element 29. By means of the control elements 30 and 31,
`functions that can be operated by means of the respec-
`5 the volume of a sound reproduction can be adjusted. A
`tive control keys 15 to 24.
`received frequency can be changed by the control ele-
`The system also comprises additional control ele-
`merits 32 and 33. In further contemplated embodiments,
`ments 25 to 34 that provide direct access to certain basic
`the basic function control elements are divided and
`functions of the operating input and information output
`arranged differently and/or comprise additional ele-
`and the connected optional instruments.
`10 ments. For example, in contemplated embodiments, the
`By subdividing the menu fields 5 to 14 into ten
`v 0 l ~ m e or station adjustment are designed as turning
`vidual fields and providing the additional control ele-
`knobs. Also provided in certain contemplated embodi-
`merits 25 to 3 for the basic functions, an ergonomically
`favorably designed system for the control of the func- ments is a multiple assignment of individual control
`tions of optional instruments is provided. These op-
`tional instruments can be, for example: a radio; a cas- 15 An example of a basic menu is shown On the display
`2 FIG. 2- The term ''infOrmation system" appears in
`sette system 35; a compact disk player; a vehicle corn-
`the information field 4. As shown, the menu fields are
`puter; a diagnostic instrument; a positioning control
`to be
`by symbols for the
`instrument; a theft-prevention system; a service interval
`as well as by characters. In the illustrated example, the
`computer; a navigational instrument; a timing and time
`indicating instrument; a car telephone; a voice output 20 following appears in the menu fields: 5 a radio symbol
`46; 6 a driving data symbol 47; 7 a time symbol 48; 8 a
`unit; an air-conditioning control instrument; or a combi-
`control data symbol 51; 11 a second personal menu
`nation of these and/or other individual instruments.
`symbol 52; 12 a third personal menu symbol 53; 13 a
`The cassette system 35 or the compact disk player
`fourth personal menu symbol 54; 14 a navigation sym-
`which may be contained in the system would, together 25 bol 55.
`with the adjacently arranged basic-function control
`By operation of the pertaining control keys 15 to 24,
`element "cassette ejector 34", provide a good partition-
`a radio menu, a driving data menu, a time menu, an
`disk is
`the system' When a cassette Or a
`operating data menu, a positioning menu, a first to
`inserted or when the cassette or disk ejector 34 is
`fourth personal menu and a navigation menu can be
`an
`switching from
`pressed, there
`30 selected for the control of the corresponding optional
`reception to a cassette or disk playback and vice versa.
`apparatuses.
`In FIG. 2, a functional structure of the system is
`when the basic menu is displayed as in FIG. 3, and
`shown. Preferred embodiments of the central operating
`the control key 15 assigned to the radio symbol 46 is
`and information Output system 1 include a central
`pressed, the radio menu is selected. With this selection,
`control computer 36 with which the control keys 15 to 35 the word
`a selected station, a selected pro-
`24 and control elements 25 to 34 and the display unit 3
`gram, a pertaining received frequency as well as other
`are connected via input and output lines 37. Optional
`symbols which, for example, designate a stereo recep-
`instruments 42 to 45 to be
`are
`to
`tion or traffic radio, appear in the information field 4, as
`the central control computer 36 by an instrument bus 38
`illustrated in FIG. 4.
`to 41. In preferred embodiments, the instrument bus is 40
`1, this embodiment, wave ranges can be selected by
`designed as star-shaped, ring-shaped or spur-shaped.
`the control keys 15 and 16. A PC1 (program comparison
`The
`instruments or apparatuses 42 to 45
`and identification) function, operated by control key 17,
`comprise apparatuses 42, 43 to which other subinstru-
`identifies transmitting stations and programs according
`ments, such as sensors (not shown), are connected, or
`to their momentarily best receiving frequencies.
`terminals 44, 45 that require no peripheral equipment. 45 As shown in FIG. 4, the transmitting stations are
`In preferred embodiments, some of these apparatuses 42
`indicated in the menu fields 10 to 13. The station that is
`to 45 contain microcomputers. The apparatuses 42 to 45 most relevant for a traffic broadcast at the current loca-
`can decode signals from the central control computer
`tion of the vehicle is located the farthest to the left in
`36 and act on such decoded signals- In contemplated menu field 10. A station can be selected by a slight
`embodiments, the control computer 36 also takes over 50 touching of one of the control keys 20 to 23. By a re-
`certain functions of the optional instruments 42 to 45, peated slight touching, this program can be changed.
`either completely or partially.
`When a station is changed, the last selected pertaining
`program is always tuned in. The control key 18
`Examples of the operation of the operating input and
`information Output will now be explained by means of
`switches on and off a voice output unit (VOC) that
`FIGS. 3 to 6. In these Figures, and in FIG. 9, a possible 55 announces the selected station and its program. By
`pressing the control key 19 (ARI), the reception of
`distribution of the basic functions on the control ele-
`m a t s 25 to 34 is also shown which is the same in each
`stations can be suppressed that have no traffic report
`of the FIGS. 3 to 6 and 9.
`broadcasts. Finally, by means of the control key 24, the
`BY means of the differently designed key 25, a basic
`radio receiver can be switched to manual tuning. The
`menu can be selected at any time. The basic menu dis- 60 control keys 20 to 23 may then be used as station-selec-
`plays and lists the option menus which can then be
`tor keys.
`selected by the operator. When the basic menu is se-
`As another example, a first personal menu is shown in
`FIG. 5 that can be selected by the control key 20 from
`lected the individual instruments to be controlled or
`their menus can be selected by the control keys 15 to 24.
`the basic menu. A personal menu of this type is set up by
`The control element 26 switches the overall system 65 an operator individually from the elements of all menus.
`and/or the radio on and off. In this embodiment, the
`Thus, a single personal menu will contain only those
`control elements 27 and 28 are constructed as rocker
`equipment functions that are of special interest to the
`operatcr Illustrated functions, for example, are (with
`keys and permit a shifting of an acoustic pattern in space
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1008_013
`
`

`
`way that they indicate its adjusting possibilities: adjust-
`the control key in parentheses) station programs "SDR
`3" (IS), "SDR 2" (I@, "SWF 3" (17), the "ARI" func- ment of the backrest inclining 72, 73; longitudinal ad-
`tion (18) of the radio, fast forward (19) of the cassette
`justment 74,75; and height adjustment 76,77. The menu
`system (35), daily-mileage indicator (20), and the out-
`fields 78 to 83 in an additional control field 84 select:
`side temperature (20) of the driving data computer, as 5 whether the driver's 78 or the passenger's seat 79 is to
`well as positionings of a positioning control instrument,
`be adjusted; whether a position is to be stored 80; which
`specifically, a driver side position "1" (22), a driver side
`seat positioning number 81 is to be started up, in which
`position "2" (23), and a passenger side position "1" (24).
`case the positioning number can be changed by a re-
`In FIG. 6, an example of an operating data menu is
`peated slight touching; as well as whether the seats 82
`shown which is selected by the control key 18 of the 10 or the inside and outside mirrors 83 are to be positioned.
`basic menu. The words "operating data" will first ap- When the positioning menu is selected or the menu field
`pear in the information field. After the selection of the
`82 is touched, the picture of the vehicle seat-as
`show-
`oil temperature control key 16, for example, the words
`n-appears on the display, whereas, when menu field 83
`"oil temperature" will appear in the display 2 and/or a
`is slightly touched, a mirror symbol is pictured that is
`corresponding symbol and a measured value, such as 15 not illustrated in FIG. 9.
`85' C. Other functions controlled by the control keys
`A feature of a preferred embodiment of the central
`include, for example, oil level 15, oil pressure 17, tire
`operating input and information output is a voice output
`pressure 18 and water pressure 19. In addition, in the
`system which, when a control key is actuated for an
`illustrated embodiment, in the lower part of the infor-
`extended period of time, vocally explains its function,
`mation field, a quasi-analog display is also shown, 20 and/or triggers the function. The complete system can
`which is in the form of a bar graph 56 above a scale 57
`therefore be operated "blindly" so as to minimize the
`diversion of a driver from the traffic situation. .
`that is provided with a warning symbol 57'.
`In addition, FIG. 6 illustrates an acknowledgement
`When the vehicle is equipped with a diagnostic sys-
`display activated after the keys are actuated. In the
`tem, contemplated embodiments provide that the dis-
`illustrated embodiment control key 16 was actuated. 25 play will show a defect that occurred in the vehicle and
`The corresponding menu field 6 in this example is
`will also provide a suitable warning, such as a blinking
`shown in inverse light-dark contrast. Contemplated
`display or voice output, for example.
`A basic flow chart illustrating a preferred embodi-
`embodiments identify a menu field in other ways, such
`as framing or underlining, for example.
`ment of the operation of the system is shown in FIG. 10.
`A further feature of a preferred embodiment provides 30 The power for the system is first turned on. The system
`that when a critical operating-data threshold value is
`holds and waits for additional operator input. A basic
`exceeded, the display changes automatically to the op-
`function is selected by the operator. At any time during
`erating data menu, displays the critical operating pa-
`the sequence, if a basic function is input by the operator,
`rameter and demonstrates it in a special way (blinking,
`the sequence is temporarily interrupted while a basic
`etc.).
`35 function subroutine is entered. After the basic function
`A further embodiment of a central operating input
`is performed, the sequence is returned to at the point of
`and information output is shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 in
`interruption.
`which elements that are identical with those shown in
`If the basic menu is chosen, it is displayed. From this
`the preceding figures have the same reference numbers.
`basic menu, the operator can choose from a number of
`This system has a touch-sensitive display screen 58 40 optional menus. When an optional menu is chosen, it is
`where a place of touch can be localized on its surface
`displayed, showing the various functions optional in-
`("touch screen") so that the control keys can be shown
`structions can perform. The operator chooses one of
`individually on the screen as virtual touch keys or touch
`these functions which is then performed. The optional
`fields.
`menu is still displayed, and the operator can choose
`In FIG. 8, a basic menu is displayed. The display 45 from this optional menu, return to the basic menu, or
`surface 59 of the display 58 is divided in the same way
`choose another basic function.
`as the display 2 in FIG. 3. It is divided into an informa-
`At any time, a basic function may be chosen which
`tion field 60 and into menu fields 61 to 70 which, at the
`will interrupt the sequence. If the basic menu is chosen,
`same time, serve as touch keys. The menu fields 61 to 70
`the optional menu will not be displayed any longer and
`have the same symbols as those 46 to 55 of the menu 50 the sequence does not return to the optional menu.
`fields 5 to 14 of FIG. 3. The same words appear in the
`Also, if the basic function "power on/off' which turns
`information field 60 so that a new description of the
`the system on and off is chosen, the sequence will not be
`symbols and the method of operation is not necessary.
`returned to at the point of interruption, since the power
`However, the touch-sensitive display 58 opens up
`has been turned off.
`extensive possibilities for this embodiment of the pres- 55 Although the present invention has been described
`ent invention. For example, an instrument to be con-
`and illustrated in detail, it is to be clearly understood
`trolled with its control functions can be "simulated" as
`that the same is by way of illustration and example only,
`a picture, i.e., can be represented symbolically. A menu
`and is not to be taken by way of limitation. The spirit
`that is structured in this way also has increased flexibil-
`and scope of the present invention are to be limited only
`ity concerning the number of control keys. A return to 60 by the terms of the appended claims.
`customary control sequences can also take place in this
`What is claimed is:
`embodiment.
`1. A central operating input and information output
`An example of the operation of this embodiment will
`system for the control of a plurality of optional instru-
`be explained by means of FIG. 9. A seat-positioning ments in a vehicle, said instruments having basic func-
`menu is shown having a pictured vehicle seat 71. 65 tions such as volume control and defrosting, having
`Touch-sensitive control surfaces 72 to 77, separated into
`display means partitionable into fields for displaying
`pictures and provided with direction-indicating arrows,
`information and function-selection menus, and first con-
`are grouped around 'he shown vehicle seat in such a
`trol input means assigned to elements of displayed
`
`Valeo Exhibit 1008_014
`
`

`
`4,73 1,769
`
`30
`
`7
`8
`cludes a traffic radio decoder with range and report
`menus, said elements of said menus indicating functions
`that are controllable by said first control input means,
`identification and with receiver means and determina-
`with individual menus for controlling at least one op-
`tion means for determining which frequency of a station
`tional instrument being selectable from at least one basic
`can best be received, and first storage means for auto-
`menu that is indicated in said display means, further 5 matically storing stations and programs in an area being
`comprising:
`driven through, including the currently best receiving
`second control input means for directly controlling
`frequencies and traffic report identifications, said stor-
`said basic functions of said central operation input
`age taking place when said system is turned on, said
`and information output system and at least two said
`storage being revised according to the location of the
`optional instruments at any time and irrespective of lo vehicle, and wherein said stations are displayed in the
`a menu that has been currently selected.
`radio menu.
`2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least, two
`13. The system of claim 12, wherein a station most
`optional instruments comprises at least two of the fol-
`appropriate for traffic reports in the area through which
`lowing group:
`the vehicle is driving is displayed the farthest to the left
`a radio; a cassette system; a compact disk player; a 15 in the radio menu.
`vehicle computer; a diagnostic instrument; a ~ o s i -
`14. The system of claim 13, wherein at least one indi-
`tioning control insmment ; a theft prevention sys-
`vidual program of an indicated station is selected by a
`a navigation in-
`tern; a service interval
`slight touching of a pertaining first control input means.
`strument; a timing and time-indicating instrument;
`The system of claim 14, further including second
`a car
`a voice Output 'ystem; and an 20 storage means for storing a last-selected program of a
`air-conditioning control device.
`station when said station is changed.
`3. The system
`2, further
`16. The system of claim 1, wherein the first control
`control computer means for controlling the operation of
`input means are keys assigned to elements of a displayed
`the system.
`4. The system of claim 3, wherein said central control 25 option menu, and said elements correspond to said func-
`tions of the optional instruments.
`computer means takes over at least one function of at
`17. The system of claim 16, further comprising ac-
`least one of said group of optional instruments.
`knowledgement means for acknowledging in the dis-
`5. ne system of claim 3, wherein the at least one
`play when One of said
`keys k actuated.
`basic function comprises at least one of the following
`18. The system of claim 17, wherein said acknowl-
`basic function group:
`edgement means is a pertaining menu field displayed in
`a system
`a basic menu; a volume; a station
`inverse
`adjustment; a cassette ejection; a compact disk
`19. The system of claim 18, further comprising trig-
`ejection; an acoustic function; a balancing; a fading;
`gering means for triggering the function pertaining to
`a muting; and a defrosting.
`6. ne system of claim 2, wherein the at least one 35 an actuated control key, said control key being actuated
`a
`touching; and for triggering a voice output
`option menu includes at least one of the following
`system to explain the function pertaining to said control
`group:
`a radio menu; a compact cassette menu; a compact
`key when said control key is touched for a longer per-
`time.
`iod
`disk menu; a driving data menu; an operating data
`20. The system of claim 16, wherein said control keys
`menu; a diagnostic menu; a theft-prevention menu; 40
`are touch keys on a display surface of a touch-sensitive
`a positioning menu; an air-conditioning menu; a
`display.
`navigation menu; a time menu; and a telephone
`21. The system of claim 20, further comprising ac-
`menu.
`knowledgement means for acknowledging in the dis-
`7. The system of claim 6, wherein a plurality of op-
`tional menus of said group are selectable from said basic 45 play when one of said touch keys is actuated.
`22. The system of claim 21, wherein said acknowl-
`menus, and wherein the at least one optional menu is a
`edgement means is a pertaining n~enu field displayed in
`personal menu which is compiled from the functions of
`inverse light-dark contrast.
`said group of optional menus.
`23. The system of claim 22, further comprising trig-
`8. The system of claim 6, wherein when the at least
`one optional menu includes said compact disk menu and 50 gering means for triggering the function pertaining to
`said radio menu, said system further comprises switch-
`an actuacted control key, said control key being actu-
`ing means for automatically switching a displayed menu
`ated by a slight touching; and for triggering a voice
`to said compact disk menu and causing said compact
`output system to explain the function pertaining to said
`disk to be played back when a compact disk is inserted.
`control key when said control key is touched for a
`9. The system of claim 8, wherein said switching 55 longer period of time.
`24. The system of claim 23, wherein ten said option
`means switches the system back to radio reception
`when said compact disk is ejected.
`menus are displayed in said display means and said first
`10. The system of claim 6, wherein when the at least
`control input means includes ten control keys.
`25. The system of claim 16, wherein said control keys
`one