U.S. patent application number 11/119402 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-12 for human machine interface system for automotive application.
This patent application is currently assigned to Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd.. Invention is credited to Hongxing Hu, Katsuya Saito, Junichi Yukawa.
Application Number | 20060227065 11/119402 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37082714 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060227065 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yukawa; Junichi ; et
al. |
October 12, 2006 |
Human machine interface system for automotive application
Abstract
An integrated control interface is provided for the driver of
the vehicle. The control interface employs a plurality of
multi-functional switches located proximate to the driver in
combination with a display that provides an indicia of the vehicle
function controlled by each switch. A control module receives
control signals from the switches and initiates control of the
applicable vehicle subsystem function in response thereto.
Inventors: |
Yukawa; Junichi; (Farmington
Hills, MI) ; Hu; Hongxing; (West Bloomfield, MI)
; Saito; Katsuya; (West Bloomfield, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREGORY A. STOBBS
5445 CORPORATE DRIVE
SUITE 400
TROY
MI
48098
US
|
Assignee: |
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co.
Ltd.
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
37082714 |
Appl. No.: |
11/119402 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60669951 |
Apr 8, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0482
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/007 |
International
Class: |
G09G 5/00 20060101
G09G005/00 |
Claims
1. A control interface system for a driver of a vehicle,
comprising: at least one multi-functional switch located proximate
to the driver of the vehicle and operable to generate a control
signal for a vehicle function upon actuation thereof; a heads-up
display projected into a field of view of the driver and providing
an indicia of the vehicle function controlled by the switch; and a
control module adapted to the receive the control signal from the
switch and operable to initiate control of the vehicle function in
response thereto.
2. The control interface system of claim 1 wherein the switch is
operable to generate control signals for a plurality of different
vehicle functions and the heads-up display provides an indicia for
one of the plurality of vehicle functions which is currently
controlled by the switch.
3. The control interface system of claim 2 wherein the control
module is in data communication with the heads-up display and
operable to initiate control of the vehicle function as indicated
on the heads-up display.
4. The control interface system of claim 3 further comprises at
least one function selection switch disposed proximate to the
driver of the vehicle and operable to select the vehicle function
controlled by the multi-functional switch.
5. The control interface system of claim 3 further comprises a
switch cluster having a plurality of function selection switches
disposed proximate to the driver of the vehicle and operable to
navigate a menu of available vehicle functions controlled by the
multi-functional switch.
6. The control interface system of claim 5 wherein the heads-up
display provides an indicia for menu selections currently
selectable via the switch cluster and each of the menu selections
correlates to one of the function selection switches in the switch
cluster.
7. The control interface system of claim 1 wherein the
multi-functional switch is embedded in a steering device of the
vehicle.
8. The control interface of claim 1 wherein the heads-up display is
projected onto a windshield of the vehicle.
9. A control interface system for a driver of a vehicle,
comprising: a switch cluster having a plurality of multi-functional
switches located proximate to the driver of the vehicle and
operable to generate control signals for navigating a menu of
available vehicle functions; a heads-up display projected into a
field of view of the driver and providing an indicia of menu
selections currently selectable via the switch cluster; and a
control module adapted to receive a control signal from the switch
cluster and in data communication with a heads-up display device to
change the indicia of menu selections currently selectable in
response to the control signal received from the switch
cluster.
10. The control interface system of claim 9 wherein the switch
cluster is operable to generate control signals for a plurality of
different vehicle functions and the heads-up display provides an
indicia for one of the plurality of vehicle functions which is
currently controlled by the switch cluster.
11. The control interface system of claim 9 wherein the control
module is operable to initiate control of the vehicle function as
indicated on the heads-up display.
12. The control interface system of claim 9 wherein the switch
cluster includes at least one function selection switch disposed
proximate to the driver of the vehicle and operable to select a
vehicle function controlled by a multi-functional switch.
13. The control interface system of claim 12 wherein each of the
menu selections correlates to one of the function selection
switches in the switch cluster.
14. The control interface system of claim 9 wherein the
multi-functional switches are embedded in a steering device of the
vehicle.
15. The control interface of claim 9 wherein the heads-up display
is projected onto a windshield of the vehicle.
16. A control interface system for a driver of a vehicle,
comprising: a touchpad located proximate to the driver of the
vehicle and upon driver interaction therewith operable to generate
a control signal for a vehicle function; a control module adapted
to receive the control signal from the analog input device and
operable to initiate control of the vehicle function in response
thereto; and a display projected into a field of view of the driver
and providing an indicia of the vehicle function controlled by the
touchpad.
17. The control interface system of claim 16 wherein said touchpad
includes at least one imbedded switch operable to generate a
control signal for a vehicle function upon actuation thereof.
18. The control interface system of claim 16 further comprises a
character recognition algorithm integrated with one of the touchpad
or the control module, wherein the character recognition algorithm
detects a character that is drawn on the touchpad by the driver and
the control module controls a vehicle function in response
thereto.
19. The control interface system of claim 18 wherein the control
module is in data communication with the display device and
operable to initiate a character verification prompt to the driver
in response to the character being drawn on the touchpad.
20. The control interface system of claim 19 wherein the control
module is operable to initiate a menu search prompt to the driver
based on the character that is detected and after the driver
verifies the correctness of the detected character.
21. The control interface system of claim 20 wherein the menu
search prompt includes a symbol that indicates the presence of a
second set of search results that are not currently displayed to
the driver in addition to a first set of search results that are
currently displayed to the driver.
22. The control interface system of claim 16 wherein the touchpad
includes a motion detection algorithm that detects a circular
motion that is drawn on the touch pad by the driver and wherein the
control module controls a vehicle function in response thereto.
23. The control interface system of claim 16 wherein the control
module initiates a change in one of a volume of a radio, a tuning
frequency of the radio, or a menu selection in response to the
circular motion on the touchpad.
24. The control interface system of claim 16 further comprises at
least one multi-functional switch located proximate to the driver
of the vehicle and operable to generate a control signal for the
vehicle function upon actuation thereof.
25. The control interface system of claim 16 wherein the touchpad
is operable to generate control signals for a plurality of
different vehicle functions and the display device provides an
indicia for one of the plurality of vehicle functions which is
currently controlled by the touchpad.
26. The control interface system of claim 25 wherein the control
module is in data communication with the display device and
operable to initiate control of the vehicle function as indicated
on the display device.
27. The control interface system of claim 25 further comprises at
least one function selection switch disposed proximate to the
driver of the vehicle and operable to select the vehicle function
controlled by the multi-functional switch.
28. The control interface system of claim 16 further comprises a
switch cluster having a plurality of function selection switches
disposed proximate to the driver of the vehicle and operable to
navigate a menu of available vehicle functions controlled by the
multi-functional switch.
29. The control interface system of claim 28 wherein the display
device provides an indicia for menu selections currently selectable
via the switch cluster and each of the menu selections correlates
to one of the function selection switches in the switch
cluster.
30. The control interface system of claim 16 wherein the touchpad
is embedded in a steering wheel of the vehicle.
31. The control interface system of claim 24 wherein the
multi-functional switch is embedded in a steering device of the
vehicle.
32. The control interface system of claim 16 wherein the vehicle
function is one of a broadcast radio tuner, a satellite radio
tuner, a compact disc player, a vehicle hard disk drive, a portable
hard disk player or a navigation system.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to United States Provisional Application No. ______
filed on Apr. 8, 2005, and entitled "Human Machine Interface", the
specification and drawings of which are hereby expressly
incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to human machine interfaces
and, more particularly, to an improved control interface for a
driver of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A driver of a vehicle may be required to control a variety
of different systems within the vehicle. Exemplary systems
requiring input from the driver may include a climate control
system, an audio system, a navigation system, and an external
communication system. The driver interacts with one or more input
mechanisms associated with each system to control the operation
thereof. To simplify operation, a separate input mechanism is
preferably employed for each controllable feature. For instance,
the audio system may have different dedicated inputs for selecting
an input source, controlling the volume, adjusting other audio
characteristics, etc. With an increased complexity of such systems
as well as an increase in the number of such systems in the
vehicle, a driver may be required to operate a multitude of inputs.
As a result, the driver may encounter difficulty controlling these
systems while safely driving the vehicle.
[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved control
interface for the driver of a vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, an integrated
control interface is provided for the driver of the vehicle. The
control interface employs a plurality of multi-functional switches
located proximate to the driver in combination with a display that
provides an indicia of the vehicle subsystem function controlled by
each switch. A control module receives control signals from the
switches and initiates control of the applicable vehicle subsystem
function in response thereto.
[0006] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.
It should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the
invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are
not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an improved control interface system
according to the principles of the present invention in the context
of an automotive application;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a steering wheel illustrating an
exemplary switch configuration in accordance with the present
invention;
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary display images as a driver
navigates through a menu in accordance with the present
invention;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a block diagram for the control interface system
of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating steps performed by the
control module to process commands received from the exemplary
switch configuration;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a diagram of a steering wheel illustrating an
exemplary configuration that includes switches and a touchpad in
accordance with the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary touchpad that includes
predefined touch-sensitive zones capable of initiating a command
when actuated by a driver;
[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates exemplary display images as a driver
searches for desired music files on a hard disk drive in accordance
with the present invention; and
[0015] FIG. 9 is a block diagram for a control interface system
that includes a touchpad in accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an improved control interface system 10
according to the principles of the present invention in the context
of an automotive application. The control interface system 10
combines at least one multi-functional switch 12 located proximate
to the driver of the vehicle in combination with a display image 14
projected into a field of view of the driver. The control interface
system 10 further includes a control module which receives control
signals from the switches 12 and initiates control of the
applicable vehicle subsystem functions in response thereto. Such
on-board subsystems include, for example, audio system, climate
control system, navigation system, and external communication
systems. While the following description is provided with reference
to an automobile, it is readily understood that the control
interface system 10 of the present invention is suitable for use in
other types of vehicles, including but not limited to airplanes,
trains, boats and spacecrafts.
[0017] In operation, each switch 12 is able to generate control
signals for different vehicle subsystem functions and the display
image 14 provides an indicia for which vehicle function is
currently controlled by each switch 12. Through the use of
multi-functional switches 12, the control interface system 10 of
the present invention is able to reduce the number of switches 12
needed to control the different systems residing in the vehicle. In
addition, by placing the display image 14 in the field of view of
the driver, a driver is able to actuate the correct switches 12
without redirecting their line of sight from the road, thereby
providing a safer vehicle operating environment. However, it is
also envisioned that the control interface system of the present
invention may also be employed by other passengers in the vehicle,
including those in rear seating locations. In these instances,
requisite switches and displays would be located proximate to the
applicable passengers.
[0018] An exemplary embodiment of a control interface system 10 in
accordance with the present invention is further described below.
In this exemplary embodiment, the multi-functional switches 12 are
embedded in the steering wheel 20 of the vehicle as shown in FIG.
2. In particular, the control interface system 10 employs two
switch clusters, each having a plurality of switches. A first set
of function selection switches 22 are disposed on the left side of
the wheel; whereas, a second set of switches 24 is disposed on the
right side of the wheel. It is understood that the switch clusters
may be placed at other locations proximate to the driver, such as
in a shift lever, center console or other easily reachable
locations.
[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary display image 30 projected
into a field of view of the driver. The display image 30 may
include various operational information such as the speed and
direction the vehicle is traveling, the external air temperature as
well as other information which may be of interest to the driver of
the vehicle. Although the display image 30 is preferably projected
onto the front windshield of the vehicle by a heads-up display
device, it is envisioned that the display image 30 may be projected
to other locations and other types of display devices may be
suitable for the present invention. For instance, a VFD or LCD
display device may be disposed in the dashboard, on top of the
dashboard or in a center console.
[0020] In operation, the function selection switches 22 are used to
navigate a menu of available vehicle subsystem functions. By
pressing any of the function selection switches 22, a root menu 32
is displayed on the display image indicated at 31. The root menu
includes an indicia for each of the currently selectable menu
items. In this example, an indicia is provided for each of the
vehicle subsystems which may be controlled through the control
interface system 10 as well as an indicia for returning to the
previous menu. As shown, an indicia is provided for an audio
system, a climate control system, a phone system and a navigation
system 36. It is readily understood that the control interface may
be employed for other types of applications, such as satellite
radio, portable hard disk drive audio, and a rear seat
entertainment system.
[0021] Each of the menu items further correlates to one of the
function selection switches. By depressing an applicable switch,
the driver can select this menu item and proceed to a next node of
the menu tree structure. To facilitate this process, menu items are
preferably arranged to mimic the arrangement of the function
selection switches on the steering wheel 20. It is readily
understood that other switch configurations are also within the
scope of the present invention.
[0022] For illustration purposes, the driver may actuate the upper
function selection switch, thereby selecting the audio system. The
corresponding node of the menu tree structure is then provided on
the display image as shown at 34. Again, the display image provides
an indicia for each of the currently selectable menu items. In this
way, the driver is able to navigate through a menu of available
vehicle subsystem functions that may be controlled by the switch
cluster.
[0023] Upon reaching a leaf node of the menu tree structure, the
function selection switches are then used to control a designated
vehicle subsystem function. For example, the driver may select an
audio source as shown in the display image labeled 36. The driver
selects the radio as the audio source by actuating the upper switch
or may select the CD player as the audio source by actuating the
lower switch. An indicia of the users selection may be shown in the
display image as indicate at 37. When the driver selects the radio,
they may then toggle between FM and AM by actuating the upper
switch for a second time.
[0024] In this exemplary embodiment, the second set of
multi-functional switches 24 may be used to control commonly
requested vehicle functions. Once the driver selects a particular
vehicle subsystem from the root menu, the second set of switches is
assigned a dedicated function associated with the vehicle
subsystem. For instance, in an audio control mode, two of the
switches may be used to increase or decrease the volume; whereas,
in the climate control mode, the same two switches may be used to
adjust the fan speed. Alternatively, the second set of switches may
be assigned functions which correlate to the last vehicle subsystem
to be controlled by the driver. In any event, for select commonly
controlled parameters, the driver does not need to navigate through
the menu structure but can immediately control through the use of
the second set of switches.
[0025] As another example of a designated vehicle function, the
driver may select adjustable equalizer settings as shown in display
image 39. The driver selects from the different adjustable
equalizer settings by actuating the right switch. In this way, the
identified menu items may remain fixed, as actuating the right
switch sequences through all of the available equalizer settings.
When a desired equalizer setting is shown, the driver may use the
second set of multi-functional switches 24 to adjust the equalizer
setting that is currently displayed as shown in display image 40.
For example, one switch may be used to increase the current
equalizer setting, and another switch may be used to decrease the
current equalizer setting.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 4, a control module 41 cooperatively
operates with the switch cluster 42 and a display device 43 to
effectuate the requested control functions. The control module 41
is adapted to receive control signals from the switches in the
switch cluster 42. In response thereto, the control module 41
implements the requested function. As the driver navigates through
the menu, the control module 41 communicates with the heads-up
display device 43 to change the content of the display image. Upon
receiving a request to implement a particular vehicle function, the
control module 41 is further operable to pass this request along to
the applicable vehicle system. In an exemplary embodiment, the
control module 41 sends messages via an internal vehicle network 44
to the applicable vehicle system which implements the message
request in a manner known in the art. Sharing information across a
vehicle network enables the control interface system of the present
invention to be easily integrated with other vehicle subsystems
which may be from different manufactures. It is readily understood
that the broader aspects of the present invention contemplate other
techniques for the control module to initiate a requested
function.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 5, the control module 41 receives commands
from the switch cluster 42, processes the commands, and transmits
command signals to the appropriate vehicle subsystems. The control
module 41 also receives feedback from the vehicle subsystems when
the commands requested by the control module 41 are executed by the
vehicle subsystems. This enables the control module 41 to
effectively display accurate information concerning the current
state of the vehicle subsystems to the driver via the heads-up
display device 43. An exemplary command processing algorithm begins
in step 51. In step 52, the control module 41 determines whether a
command was received. If false, control loops to step 52. If true,
the control module 41 reads the current state in step 53. For
example, the control module 41 simply detects when a switch among
the multi-functional switches 24 is actuated.
[0028] The actual command associated with the particular switch is
dependant on the current state of the control interface system 10.
In order to read the current state, the control module 41 requires
information about the previous state and the last command that was
processed by the control module 41. For example, the control module
41 may employ a hierarchical data structure. In this case, the
hierarchical data structure is capable of controlling transitions
between states and maintaining information that is required in
order to respond to command signals from the switch cluster.
[0029] In step 54, the control module 41 determines whether action
is required based on the switch that was actuated and based on the
current state of the control interface system 10. In other words,
the control module 41 determines whether it is necessary to
generate a command signal to be transmitted to a vehicle subsystem.
For example, as shown in FIG. 3, actuating a switch while an idle
display is being generated by the heads-up display device 43 only
changes the appearance of the menu items. When the switches are
actuated solely to navigate the menu items, the control module 41
is not required to generate a command signal to transmit to a
vehicle subsystem.
[0030] If action is not required in step 54, control proceeds to
step 55. Otherwise, the control module 41 evaluates the current
command in step 56. For example, the control module 41 determines
which type of action is being commanded based on the current state
of the control interface system 10 and the particular switch that
was actuated. The control module 41 then generates a command signal
based on the type of action that was commanded. In step 57, the
control module 41 sends the command signal to the target
device.
[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the control module 41 includes a
database that instructs the control module 41 as to the required
format and/or content of command signals for individual vehicle
subsystems. For example, the radio may require a command signal
that includes a particular header or that is a certain size. The
control module 41 relies on the information in the database to
communicate with the vehicle subsystems effectively. Additionally,
the database may be updated as vehicle devices are replaced or
upgraded so that the control module 41 can continue to operate the
vehicle devices. In this way, as long as the control module 41
includes information that is necessary to communicate with
applicable vehicle devices, the control interface system 10 is
compatible with any existing or future vehicle.
[0032] In step 58, the control module 41 optionally stores current
status information about the vehicle device to which the control
module 41 sends the command signal in step 57. For example, the
control module 41 may store the current status of the radio in a
register file. The current status of the radio may include the
current station that is programmed on the radio tuner. Therefore,
if the vehicle is turned off and then back on again, the control
module 41 already has the most recently programmed station stored
and is capable of immediately initiating display of the station via
the heads-up display device 43. This prevents the control module 41
from initiating redundant communication with the vehicle
subsystems.
[0033] In step 55, the control module 41 determines the next state.
The next state is based on the previous command received from the
switch cluster 42 as well as the previous state. As described
above, if the control module 41 includes a hierarchical data
structure, the control module 41 maintains information about
responding to command signals, transitioning between states, and
displaying associated feedback on the heads-up display device 43.
The next state may also be identical to the previous state. For
example, changing the volume of the radio via the switch cluster 42
does not change the menu items that are currently displayed by the
heads-up display device 43.
[0034] In step 59, the control module 41 sends display information
to the heads-up display device 43 based on the previous command
received from the switch cluster 42 and control ends. For example,
the control module 41 may receive a signal from a vehicle device
when the vehicle device executes a command transmitted by the
control module 41. Therefore, the control module 41 updates the
information displayed by the heads-up display device 43 so that the
proper menu items are displayed and so that the driver is aware
that the command was executed.
[0035] In another aspect of the present invention, a touchpad 65
may also be used to control vehicle functions as shown in FIG. 6.
In an exemplary embodiment, the touchpad 65 is embedded in the
steering wheel 20 in place of the second set of multi-function
switches 24. However, the touchpad 65 may also supplement the two
switch clusters 22 and 24 described above and/or may be placed in
another location proximate to the driver of the vehicle. Further
details regarding an exemplary touchpad 65 interface may be found
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,819,990 which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 7, the touchpad 65 allows the driver to
control vehicle devices in unique ways. For example, the driver may
use the touchpad 65 in order to control a cursor on a display
within the vehicle or on an image that is projected on a display
device 43. The touchpad 65 may also include an integrated character
recognition algorithm that allows the driver to traces letters,
numbers, and/or other symbols on the touchpad 65 in order to
control vehicle devices. Alternatively, the character recognition
algorithm may be integrated into the system control module 41. An
exemplary character recognition algorithm is employed by the
"Handwriting Recognition" feature in Microsoft Office XP. The
character recognition algorithm or another algorithm may also
detect when the driver traces a circular motion on the touchpad 65.
The driver may trace a circular motion on the touchpad 65 in order
to adjust the volume of the radio, tune a frequency on the radio,
and/or scroll though one or more menus that are displayed by the
display device 43.
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the touchpad 65 includes a
plurality of touch-sensitive zones 73 as shown in FIG. 7. The
touch-sensitive zones 73 are predefined areas of the touchpad 65
that the driver may actuate in order to generate a command for the
control module 41. For example, the driver may actuate the
touch-sensitive zone 73-5 that is located in the center of the
touchpad 65 to confirm entry of a command. The driver may also
actuate first and second touch-sensitive zones 73-2 and 73-8,
respectively, on the touchpad 65 in order to raise and lower the
volume of the radio. Additionally, one or more of the
touch-sensitive zones 73 on the touchpad 65 may function
analogously with one of the switches in the multi-function switch
22. Functions assigned to each touch-sensitive zone may be
dedicated or configurable based on the controlled vehicle
subsystem. If configurable, an indicia of the controller function
may also be displayed to the user.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 8, hard disk drives are being introduced
into vehicles as a means for storing a driver's favorite music and
movie selections. Hard disk drives may also be used to record
programs received via satellite radio such as XM radio. In either
case, the hard disk drive may store hundreds or more selections
from which the operator may choose. In an exemplary embodiment, the
switches of the multi-functional switch 22 control different
features of the audio system in the vehicle. For example, a first
switch may activate the radio when actuated, and a second switch
may activate the CD player when actuated. A third switch may
activate the hard disk drive when activated, and a fourth switch
may activate a favorite channel/song menu when actuated. Therefore,
the functions associated with each of the switches of the
multi-functional switch 22 may be fixed or identified solely by the
menu item titles displayed by the display device 43. In the event
that the functions of the switches are fixed, the switches may be
labeled with text indicating the functions.
[0039] In an exemplary application, the touchpad 65 facilitates the
selection of an audio entry which has been stored on the hard drive
device. For example, the operator may trace one or more letters of
the name of the desired audio entry onto the touchpad 65. Character
recognition algorithms integrated into either the touchpad 65 or
the control module 41 are employed to determine the touchpad 65
input. In FIG. 8, the bottom switch of the multi-functional switch
22 selects the hard disk drive feature. Display image 85 shows the
associated image generated by the display device 43. The hard disk
drive system may default to an artist name search. However, the
hard disk drive system may also default to an album name search, a
song name search, a playlist name search, a genre search, or a
movie title search.
[0040] The playlists may include both driver-defined playlists as
well as adaptive playlists that are assembled as the hard disk
drive is used. For example, the playlists may include a "frequently
played" playlist that automatically includes songs from the hard
disk drive most frequency played by the driver. In order to change
the search method, the driver actuates the bottom button of the
multi-functional switch 22 until the desired search method is
displayed.
[0041] After the artist name search method is selected by the
driver, the driver traces a letter on the touchpad 65 with which
the name of a desired artist begins. In FIG. 8, the driver traces
the letter "M". The character recognition software attempts to
detect the letter that was traced by the driver. Display image 86
shows the detected character. The driver actuates the center
touch-sensitive zone 73-5 on the touchpad 65 in order to accept the
result. In an alternative embodiment, the control module 41 may
assume that the letter entered by the driver is correct and
automatically proceed based on the detected input. Display window
87 shows the first artist alphabetically beginning with the letter
"M" for which a music file stored in the hard disk drive. Display
window 87 also includes a right arrow 88, which indicates that
additional artist names beginning with the letter "M" are
available.
[0042] The driver again actuates the center touch-sensitive zone
73-5 on the touchpad 65 in order to confirm the result.
Additionally, the driver may actuate the right-side touch-sensitive
zone 73-6 on the touchpad 65 to cycle to the next artist name.
Display image 89 shows the next artist alphabetically beginning
with the letter "M" and also shows both right and left arrows 88
and 90, respectively. The right and left arrows 88 and 90,
respectively, indicate that the driver may go back to the previous
search result or cycle to the next search result. For example, the
driver may actuate the left-side touch-sensitive zone 73-4 on the
touchpad 65 in order to cycle back in the search results.
Additionally, in the event that the search results for a single
letter are too numerous, the driver may trace the second letter
included in the word in order to further narrow down the search
results. While display images in FIG. 8 generally display only a
single line of text, the present invention contemplates displaying
a list of search results in the display images.
[0043] As shown in display image 91, once the desired artist name
is selected, the driver may search for a desired album by the
selected artist. In FIG. 8, the driver traces the letter "A".
Display image 92 shows that the character recognition algorithm
detected the letter "A". The driver actuates the center
touch-sensitive zone 73-5 on the touchpad 65 in order to confirm
the result. As shown in display image 93, the first available album
by the artist Madonna is displayed, and the right arrow 88
indicates that additional results exist. The driver actuates the
center touch-sensitive zone 73-5 on the touchpad 65 to confirm the
result. Additionally, the driver may actuate the right-side
touch-sensitive zone 73-6 on the touchpad 65 to cycle to the next
album name as shown in display image 94.
[0044] Since the hard disk drive does not include songs from
another Madonna album beginning with "A", the next available album
alphabetically by Madonna is displayed. Additionally, display image
94 only includes a left arrow 90, as there are no more albums by
Madonna stored on the hard disk drive. Therefore, the driver may
only cycle backwards in the search results by actuating the
left-side touch-sensitive zone 734 on the touchpad 65.
[0045] As shown in display image 95, once the album name is
selected, the first song by track order that is associated with the
album begins to play. Display image 95 shows the track number as
well as the total number of tracks on the album. Additionally,
display image 95 shows the elapsed time on the track. If the driver
desires a different song, the driver may actuate the right-side
touch-sensitive zone 73-6 in order to advance to the next track. As
shown in display image 96, the track number, song name, and elapsed
time are displayed.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 9, the control module 41 cooperatively
operates with the switch cluster 42, the touchpad 65, and the
display device 43 to effectuate requested control functions. The
control module 41 is adapted to receive command signals from the
switches in the switch cluster 42 and the touchpad 65. The control
module 41 implements a requested function based on the received
command signal. As the driver makes selections with the switches 42
and/or touchpad 65, the control module 41 updates the content of
the display image generated by the heads-up display device 43.
Additionally, the control module 41 may transmit a command signal
to an applicable vehicle subsystem in response to a command signal
from the switch cluster 42 or the touchpad 65. In an exemplary
embodiment, the control module 41 transmits command signals to the
vehicle systems via the internal network 44. The receiving vehicle
device performs the function identified by the command signal.
[0047] In addition to the radio, the CD player, and the hard disk
drive, FIG. 9 shows a portable music device 103 that is removably
connected to the internal network 44. The present invention
contemplates control of a portable music device 103 that is
analogous to control of the hard disk drive. For example, portable
music devices 103 typically index files by artist name, song name,
album name, genre, playlist, or other methods of organization. As
illustrated in FIG. 8, the driver is capable of quickly and
efficiently searching a large database of multimedia content by
using the multifunctional-switch 22 and the touchpad 65.
[0048] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in
nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of
the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention.
Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the
spirit and scope of the invention.
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