(12) United States Patent
`Pathare
`
`US006842677B2
`(10) Patent N0.2
`US 6,842,677 B2
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Jan. 11, 2005
`
`(54) VEHICLE USER INTERFACE sYsTEM AND
`METHOD
`
`(76) Inventor: Prakash S_ Pathare, 175 Maxwell Rd”
`Latham’ NY(US) 12110
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`5,821,935 A 10/1998 Hartman et a1. .......... .. 345/839
`5,847,704 A 12/1998 Hartman ............ ..
`345/764
`6,009,355 A 12/1999 Obradovich et a1. ..
`.... .. 701/1
`6,223,103 B1
`4/2001 Patil ............... ..
`359/819
`6,240,347 B1
`5/2001 Everhart et a1. ..
`701/36
`6,300,939 B1
`10/2001 Decker et a1.
`.. 345/157
`6401029 B1 * 6/2002 Kubota e161.
`701/201
`340/439
`6,437,689 B2 * 8/2002 Kawai et a1.
`7
`7
`6,520,699 B2 * 2/2003 Abe ......................... .. 400/485
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner—Gertrude A. Jeanglaude
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—J0hn W. LaBatt; Hoffman,
`Warnick & D’Alessandro LLC
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`_
`_
`_
`_
`_
`The invention provides a user interface for a vehicle. A
`display is con?gured to include a ?xed area and a selectable
`area. The ?Xed 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 ?rst and second set of input devices mounted
`on opposing sides of the steering device. The ?rst 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
`
`(21) Appl. NO-I 10/376,783
`-
`_
`(22) Flled'
`Feb‘ 28’ 2003
`(65)
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2004/0172182 A1 Sep. 2, 2004
`(51) Int. Cl.7 ................................................ .. G06F 7/00
`(52) US. Cl. ........................... .. 701/36; 701/33; 701/41;
`340/99527
`(58) Field Of Search .............................. .. 701/1, 33, 36,
`701/41, 211; 340/99516, 99517, 99527
`References Cited
`U'S' PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5,006,829 A
`4/1991 Miyamoto et a1. ........ .. 340/459
`5,121,099 A
`6/1992 Hegg et a1. ............... .. 340/461
`5,757,268 A
`5/1998 Toffolo et a1. ............ .. 340/461
`
`(56)
`
`120
`
`154
`
`DRIVER!
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`DRIL’ERH
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`118
`
`156
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`122
`
`Velocity, Patent Owner - Exhibit 2008
`Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. v. Velocity Patent, LLC
`Case No. IPR2015-00276
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
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`Jan. 11,2005
`Jan. 11,2005
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`

`1
`VEHICLE USER INTERFACE SYSTEM AND
`METHOD
`
`US 6,842,677 B2
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`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`1. Technical Field
`The invention relates to vehicle user interfaces. In
`particular, the invention provides vehicle user interface
`systems and methods that alloW a driver to vieW and control
`a plurality of subsystems using a display having a ?xed 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
`ef?cient 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 ?xed area and a selectable area. The ?xed 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 ?rst
`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 ?rst 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 ?xed area
`and a selectable area, Wherein the ?xed 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
`?xed area and a selectable area, Wherein the ?xed area
`displays vehicle information and the selectable area displays
`one of the plurality of pages; a ?rst 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 ?rst
`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 ?xed 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 ?rst set of input
`devices mounted on a ?rst 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.
`
`

`

`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 ?xed area and a selectable area. The ?xed 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 con?gured and operated (i.e., radio, seat
`adjustment, etc.) using a computer system installed in the
`vehicle. One or more pages can be used to con?gure each
`optional subsystem. The desired page can be selected by the
`driver using a ?rst 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 ?gures, 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 ?xed 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 ?xed 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, ?xed 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 ?xed area 20 can be
`selectively modi?ed, for example, based on a driver identi
`?cation. HoWever, the information displayed in ?xed area 20
`preferably cannot be modi?ed 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, ?xed 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 ef?ciency, etc. Other information can also
`be included in ?xed 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
`con?gured 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 ?rst 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 simpli?ed,
`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 ?xed
`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 ?xed area 120
`and/or selectable area 122.
`One or more areas Within selectable area 122 can be
`reserved to display identi?ers 154 for some or all of the
`pages that can be displayed in selectable area 122. The
`identi?er that represents the page currently being displayed
`can be highlighted (i.e., a unique color, bold, designated
`location, reverse colors, etc.). As shoWn, an identi?er 154 for
`a page in each subsystem is alWays displayed, and are
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`located along the top and sides of selectable area 122. It is
`understood, hoWever, that identi?ers 154 can be located
`along only the top, only the bottom, etc., and that the
`identi?ers 154 displayed can scroll so that a particular
`identi?er 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 identi?ers 154.
`Initially, When a vehicle is ?rst turned on, selectable area
`122 can display only identi?ers 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 con?guring 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 identi?er 154 for the
`cassette player could be included along With, and accessed
`in a manner similar to identi?ers 154.
`Returning to FIG. 1, steering device 12 includes ?rst 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 ?rst 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, ?rst 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, ?rst set of input devices 24 can be operated
`to change the selected identi?er 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. A?rst 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, ?rst 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, ?rst 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 ?rst
`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, ?rst 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, ?rst 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 ?ve
`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 identi?ers 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
`identi?es 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
`con?guration, 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
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`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 identi?ers 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 con?gures 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
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`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
`identi?es 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 ?xed area 20 (FIG. 1). For example, a ?rst 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, ?xed 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 understood that input
`devices for these subsystems or any of the subsystems can
`be included apart from sets of input devices 24, 26, 30.
`Further, it is und