WO2008086471A1 - Control system for vehicle components - Google Patents

Control system for vehicle components Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008086471A1
WO2008086471A1 PCT/US2008/050746 US2008050746W WO2008086471A1 WO 2008086471 A1 WO2008086471 A1 WO 2008086471A1 US 2008050746 W US2008050746 W US 2008050746W WO 2008086471 A1 WO2008086471 A1 WO 2008086471A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vehicle
icon
icons
display
input device
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2008/050746
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Andrew L. Henseleit
Justin C. Gilmore
Original Assignee
The Braun Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by The Braun Corporation filed Critical The Braun Corporation
Publication of WO2008086471A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008086471A1/en

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Classifications

    • B60K35/10
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60KARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00Arrangement of adaptations of instruments
    • B60K2360/11
    • B60K2360/143
    • B60K2360/1438

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a control system for vehicle components.
  • Passenger vehicles such as cars, vans, buses and the like, include a variety of systems and components, each of which can be operated by way of buttons, switches, levers, and the like often positioned within the reach of an operator.
  • systems and components include, among other things, turn signals, a horn, lights, a transmission, windshield wipers, cruise control, power windows, power locks, a sound system, an ignition system, powered doors, and a sunroof.
  • the specific systems and components present on any given vehicle will vary depending upon, among other things, the type and size of the vehicle, and the intended use of the vehicle.
  • some vehicles are modified, converted, or specifically designed to include motorized ramps and/or lifts that allow such individuals to more readily enter and exit the vehicle.
  • Such vehicles may also be provided with specially designed seating arrangements and special vehicle controls that allow such individuals to operate the vehicle.
  • the present invention provides a control system for vehicle components.
  • the control system includes an input device, a controller, and a display device.
  • the input device may include, among other things, a mouse, a joystick, or a touch pad.
  • the controller receives control commands from the input device, communicates with systems and components of the vehicle, and provides display output to the display device.
  • the controller can include a control module and an interface, and in some embodiments includes a personal computer.
  • the display device may include a display screen, such as an LCD display, or a heads-up display system that projects an image on the vehicle windshield.
  • the display device displays icons representing a plurality of vehicle operations.
  • the operator using the input device, can highlight a specific icon and, also using the input device, instruct the processor to operate the vehicle component or system corresponding to the highlighted icon.
  • the processor communicates with the component or system corresponding to the highlighted icon by way of an electrical connection provided by the interface.
  • the component or system then operates in response to the operation command.
  • the operator may also stop, resume, or reverse operation of the component or system using the input device.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a control system for vehicle components embodying the invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a start-up screen display for the control system of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 3 is a first page of a screen display for the control system of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 4 is a second page of a screen display for the control system of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a function selection sequence for use with a trackball or mouse input device for the control system of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a function selection sequence for use with a directional switch input device for the control system of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 13 is a flow chart illustrating execution of a processing sequence performed by the control system of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 14 is a screen shot of a first display setup screen for the control system of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 15 is a screen shot of a second display setup screen for the control system of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a control system 10 including a controller 14, an interface 18, an input device 22, and a display device 26.
  • the controller 14 is a computer or other data processing system capable of receiving inputs, providing outputs, and processing data according to a set of programmed instructions.
  • the controller 14 communicates with vehicle wiring 30 by way of the interface 18.
  • the interface 18 includes a microprocessor and is configured to communicate with the controller 14 by way of a serial communication link 34.
  • the interface 18 communicates with the vehicle wiring 30 by way of one or more interface wires 38 that is/are wired in parallel with one or more wires of the vehicle wiring 30.
  • the vehicle wiring 30 can include individual wires coupled to specific vehicle components, as well as one or more serial bus wires that communicate with various control modules positioned throughout the vehicle. Because the interface wires 38 are wired in parallel with the vehicle wiring 30, the vehicle can be operated normally, using the standard vehicle controls if desired.
  • the controller 14 operates to send and receive signals along the vehicle wiring 30 by way of the interface 18 to control operation of various vehicle components.
  • the illustrated control system 10 is configured to operate the following components of a vehicle modified for handicapped accessibility: turn signals; horn; lights; transmission; windshield wipers; cruise control; driver and passenger side power windows; sound system volume; sound system pre-set station select; access door/ramp system; wheel chair tie-down system; driver side sliding door; rear hatch; vehicle ignition; sunroof; and parking brake. Each of these components and systems are discussed more fully below.
  • the specific systems and components that are operated by the control system 10 will vary depending upon the specific vehicle in which the control system 10 is installed, and the specific needs of a particular type of user. Because the interface wires 38 are wired in parallel with the wires of the vehicle wiring 30, the standard vehicle controls used to control the components listed above (e.g. buttons, switches, levers, and the like) remain fully operable.
  • the interface 18 receives signals from the controller 14 by way of the serial communication link 34.
  • the signals received from the controller 14 generally include a number (e.g. in binary form) or similar designation that an interface processor is able to receive and interpret.
  • the interface 18 may include a series of switches, each switch being associated with a specific interface wire 38 or set of interface wires 38. Within the processor, each switch is also associated with one of the numbers or other designations that are received from the controller 14.
  • the interface processor receives and recognizes the signal and opens or closes the corresponding switch to activate or deactivate a specific vehicle component.
  • At least one of the interface wires 38 is coupled to a vehicle communication bus, which transmits command and status information in the form of coded data between multiple vehicle components.
  • the interface 18 may also be configured to send and/or receive the command and status data that is transmitted over the vehicle communication bus in order to activate and deactivate certain vehicle components. Whether or not components are activated or deactivated using switches or using data sent over the communication bus depends, in many cases, upon the configuration of the vehicle in which the control system 10 is installed.
  • the input device 22 is coupled to the controller 14 and may include a mouse, a joystick, an array of switches, or substantially any other type of input device.
  • the controller 14 is a computer
  • any input device that is generally viewed by the computer as a mouse device may be used.
  • the input device 22 is coupled to the controller 14 by way of a USB connection 42, however other connection types that provide suitable communication between the controller 14 and the input device 22, such as wireless connections, can also be provided.
  • the display device 26 is also coupled to the controller 14 and may include any type of VGA or composite monitor.
  • the display device 26 may include, among other things, an LCD screen mounted to the dash of the vehicle, or a heads-up display device that projects an image onto the vehicle windshield.
  • the display device 26 might be a touch-screen device, in which case the display device 26 would also be the input device 22.
  • the display device 26 communicates with the controller 14 by way of an RCA or VGA video connection 46, however, other suitable video connections can also be provided.
  • the control system 10 is coupled to the vehicle to receive electrical power from the vehicle electrical system.
  • the control system 10 includes a switch (not shown) for turning the control system 10 on and off.
  • the switch may include a tape switch positioned such that when a user in a wheelchair rolls over the tape switch, the system is turned on.
  • Other embodiments may include a standard toggle switch mounted to the vehicle dash. Multiple switches can be provided such that the control system 10 can be turned on or off in different ways depending on the needs of a specific user. In some embodiments, if the vehicle is not started within 5 minutes of the control system 10 being turned on, the control system 10 will automatically turn itself off so as not to drain the vehicle battery.
  • the controller 14 communicates with the display device 26 to display the Run-Start icon 46 illustrated in Fig. 2.
  • the user highlights the Run-Start icon 46 using the input device 22 and performs an activate operation.
  • the activate operation may include pressing a button or the performing of some other specific movement or manipulation of the input device 22.
  • the activate operation will include depression of a button, however it should be appreciated that other types of activate operations can also be implemented depending upon, among other things, the specific type of input device 22.
  • the Run-Start icon 46 is highlighted and the button is depressed. Upon depressing the button, a timer bar 50 located at the bottom of the Run-Start icon 46 will illuminate and, so long as the button is depressed, will gradually disappear. Once the timer bar 50 has completely disappeared, the vehicle will start or will have already started.
  • the Run-Start icon 46 is associated with the vehicle ignition, which for the purposes of this disclosure will be referred to as a "timed component.”
  • a timed component is a component or system of the vehicle that requires a period of time to fully operate or to complete operation.
  • the vehicle ignition when operated normally, generally requires an operator to turn and hold the key in the start position until such time as the vehicle starts.
  • the control system 10 accounts for this by requiring an operator to depress the button until the timing bar 50 has disappeared.
  • the period of time required for the timing bar 50 to disappear is selected to substantially correspond to the period of time an operator would be required to hold the ignition key in the start position if the vehicle ignition were operated normally.
  • Other examples of timed components that are controlled by the control system 10 include the vehicle transmission and the control system 10 itself when initiating a shut-down sequence.
  • the controller 14 communicates with the display device 26 such that a first page 54 of icons is displayed, as illustrated in Fig. 3.
  • the first page 54 includes a left turn icon 56, a right turn icon 58, a horn icon 60, a high-beam icon 62, a park icon 64, a reverse icon 66, a drive icon 68, a wiper icon 70, a cruise control on icon 72, a cruise control set icon 74, a driver window icon 76, and a passenger window icon 78.
  • Each icon can be highlighted and/or activated using the input device 22 to control or perform a corresponding vehicle component or function. Each icon and the associated operations are discussed further below.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates a second page 80 of icons that can also be displayed by the display device 26.
  • the second page 80 is configured similarly to the first page 54 and in the illustrated embodiment includes a volume up icon 82, a volume down icon 84, a preset scan icon 86, a door/ramp operate icon 88, a tie-down release icon 90, a driver side sliding door icon 92, a rear hatch icon 94, an ignition icon 96, a sunroof open icon 98, a sunroof close icon 100, a parking brake icon 102, and a system off icon 104.
  • Each icon can be highlighted and/or activated using the input device 22 to control or perform a corresponding vehicle component or function. Each icon and the associated operations are discussed further below.
  • a user can switch between the first page 54 and the second page 80 using the input device 22.
  • the input device 22 is a joystick
  • highlighting a right-most icon on the first page 54 e.g. the high-beam icon 62
  • moving the joystick to the right will change the display to the second page 80
  • highlighting a left-most icon on the second page 80 and then moving the joystick to the left will change the display to the first page 54.
  • the input device 22 is a mouse, positioning a mouse pointer in a grey area between icons and then clicking a mouse button will change the display from the first page 54 to the second page 80, or from the second page 80 to the first page 54.
  • Other methods for switching between pages are also possible depending upon, among other things, the type of input device 22.
  • Dual-state components are those components that are either on or off, or that are either active or inactive.
  • Examples of dual-state components controlled by the control system 10 include the turn signals, horn, high-beam lights, windshield wipers, cruise control, sound system pre-sets, access door/ramp system, tie-down device, driver side sliding door, rear hatch, and parking brake.
  • Variable-state components are those components that can be adjusted or positioned between open/closed positions or minimum/maximum settings. Examples of variable-state components include the driver and passenger side windows, and the sound system volume control.
  • the left turn icon 56 operates the left turn signal.
  • the left turn signal operates until it is deactivated.
  • the operator activates the left turn icon 56 or the right turn icon 58 while the left turn signal is operating.
  • the turn signal will be deactivated by the control system 10 after forty- five seconds if it is not manually deactivated.
  • Activation of the right turn icon 58 will operate the right turn signal in the same manner.
  • the horn icon 60 operates the horn.
  • the horn will sound for as long as the user depresses the button with the horn icon 60 highlighted.
  • the high-beam icon 62 controls the high-beam headlights of the vehicle when the low beam headlights are turned on.
  • pressing and releasing the button on the input device 22 will turn on the high-beam headlights.
  • the high-beam icon 62 of Fig. 3 is replaced by the high-beam icon 62a of Fig. 5.
  • the park icon 64, reverse icon 66, and drive icon 68 control the vehicle transmission.
  • the vehicle transmission is a timed component, and, as such, when the park, reverse, or drive icons 64, 66, 68 are activated, a timing bar (similar to the timing bar 50) will appear at the bottom of the icon, and the user will be required to hold the button down until the timing bar disappears.
  • a timing bar similar to the timing bar 50
  • transmission activation systems are often installed.
  • the time period required for the timing bars to disappear is selected to correspond to the time period required for the transmission activation system to shift the transmission between park, reverse and/or drive.
  • the wiper icon 70 operates the vehicle windshield wipers. Pressing and releasing the button while the wiper icon 70 is highlighted will turn the windshield wipers on. When the windshield wipers are on, the wiper icon 70 is replaced by the wiper icon 70a of Fig. 6. Pressing and releasing the button when the wipers are on will turn the wipers off, and the wiper icon 70 will replace the wiper icon 70a.
  • the cruise control on icon 72 operates to activate the cruise control system. Pressing and releasing the button with the cruise control on icon 72 highlighted will activate the cruise control system. When the cruise control system is activated, an indicator light on the vehicle dash is illuminated. Once the cruise control system is activated, the cruise control set icon 74 can be used to set the cruise control at a desired speed. Pressing and releasing the button with the cruise control set icon 74 highlighted will set the cruise control at whatever speed the vehicle is currently traveling.
  • the driver window icon 76 operates the driver side window.
  • the driver window icon 16 is displayed whenever the driver side window is not moving. Pressing the button with the driver window icon 76 highlighted will move the driver side window. If the driver side window was moving down the last time the driver window icon 76 was activated, the control system 10 will operate to move the driver side window up. If the driver side window was moving up the last time the driver window icon 76 was activated, the control system 10 will operate to move the driver side window down. The window will move until the user releases the button or until the window is fully opened or closed.
  • the passenger window icon 78 operates the passenger side window in substantially the same way.
  • the driver window or passenger window icon 76, 78 is replaced by the window raising icon 76a of Fig. 7.
  • the driver window or passenger window icon 76, 78 is replaced by the window lowering icon 76b of Fig. 8.
  • the volume up icon 82 and the volume down icon 84 control the volume of the vehicle sound system when the sound system is turned on. Pressing the button with the volume up icon 82 highlighted will increase the volume of the sound system until the button is released. Pressing the button with the volume down icon 84 highlighted will decrease the volume of the sound system until the button is released.
  • the preset scan icon 86 operates the sound system to sequentially change between pre-set radio stations when the sound system is turned on. Pressing and releasing the button while the preset scan icon 86 is highlighted will tune the radio to the next pre-set radio station.
  • the door/ramp operate icon 88 operates the vehicle access door/ramp system, assuming such a system has been installed on the vehicle. These systems are commonly installed such that a passenger side sliding door (e.g. of a minivan) can be automatically opened and closed and an access ramp can be automatically deployed or stowed through the passenger side sliding door opening. Some systems also incorporate a vehicle kneeling system that lowers the vehicle to reduce the slope of the ramp. Pressing and releasing the button with the door/ramp operate icon 88 highlighted initiates an operating sequence for the door/ramp system. If the door is closed and the ramp is stowed, the system will first open the door and then deploy the ramp and kneel the vehicle (if a kneeling system is in place). If the door is open and the ramp is deployed, the system will first stow the ramp and then close the door and raise the vehicle, if necessary. In some embodiments, the vehicle transmission must be in park before the door/ramp system will be allowed to operate.
  • the tie-down release icon 90 operates a wheelchair restraint system that is installed in the vehicle in some embodiments of the invention. Pressing and releasing the button while the tie-down release icon 90 is highlighted will release the restraint system so that a wheelchair- bound user can exit the vehicle.
  • the control system 10 is configured such that the restraint system can only be released when the vehicle ignition is turned off.
  • the driver side sliding door icon 92 operates the driver side sliding door when the vehicle is equipped with a powered driver side sliding door.
  • the vehicle must be in park and the button must be held for approximately a second with the driver side sliding door icon 92 highlighted before the driver side sliding door will operate. If the door is closed, pressing the button will open the door, whereas if the door is opened, pressing the button will close the door.
  • the rear hatch icon 94 operates the rear hatch of the vehicle when the vehicle is equipped with a powered opening/closing rear hatch. In some embodiments, the vehicle must be in park and the button must be held for approximately a second with the rear hatch icon 94 highlighted before the rear hatch will operate.
  • the ignition icon 96 operates to turn the vehicle ignition off. As discussed above, the ignition is a timed component, as such, when the button is pressed with the ignition icon 96 highlighted, a timing bar 50 appears and the button must be held until the timing bar disappears. Once the vehicle ignition is off, the ignition icon 96 is replaced by the run-start ignition icon 96a illustrated in Fig. 9. In some embodiments, turning off the ignition does not turn off the control system 10. Thus, the ignition can be started again by highlighting the run-start ignition icon 96a and pressing the button until the timing bar 50 disappears, in the same manner discussed above. [0049] The sunroof open icon 98 and the sunroof close icon 100 operate the vehicle sunroof.
  • the sunroof open icon 98 If the button is pressed and released with the sunroof open icon 98 highlighted, the sunroof will move to a fully open position. If the button is pressed and held with the sunroof open icon 98 highlighted, the sunroof will open to a vent position. If the sunroof is opened to the vent position, the sunroof open icon 98 is replaced with a sunroof vent icon 98a illustrated in Fig. 10. Pressing and releasing the button with the sunroof closed icon 100 highlighted will close the sunroof from either the fully open or the vent positions.
  • the parking brake icon 102 operates the vehicle parking brake. Pressing and releasing the button with the parking brake icon 102 highlighted will either engage or release the parking brake. An indicator light on the vehicle dashboard informs the user of whether the parking brake is engaged or released.
  • the system off icon 104 operates to turn off the control system 10. Pressing the button with the system off icon 104 highlighted initiates a shutdown sequence. The button must be held down until a timing bar 50 disappears, at which time, if the vehicle ignition is on, the vehicle ignition will be turned off. The control system 10 will then remain active for approximately 5 minutes, thereby allowing a user to perform functions such as the tie-down release and door/ramp operations in order to exit the vehicle. The user may also re-start the vehicle within the 5 minute period by using the run-start ignition icon 96a discussed above. Preferably, when the control system 10 is shut down, it does not draw any current from the vehicle battery.
  • buttons such as a mouse or joystick.
  • the specific operation of such a device is illustrated in Fig. 11.
  • the mouse or joystick is moved such that a specific icon is highlighted or such that a pointer icon is positioned over the icon.
  • the button e.g. the left mouse button
  • the button is pressed and held or pressed and released as necessary to operate the corresponding vehicle system.
  • Fig. 12 illustrates how an action is selected using a 4-direction switch as an input device instead of the mouse or joystick.
  • the switch is moved to highlight a specific icon, or to position a pointer icon over the icon. Once the icon is "highlighted” in this manner the switch is moved upwardly, which has the same effect as pressing the button of the mouse or joystick device, and released or held in an upward position as necessary to operate the corresponding vehicle system.
  • the control system 10 operates according to the sequence illustrated in Fig. 13. Once an action is selected using the input device 22 and the display 26, a computer program running on the controller 14 sends a signal, which may be in the form of a number, to the interface 18 by way of the serial communication link 34.
  • the interface 18 receives the signal and processes it to establish a corresponding interface output. If the signal is an activate signal (e.g. the pressing and releasing of a button or the holding down of the button) the interface output is activated and signals are sent through the interface wires 38 to the vehicle wiring 30.
  • the signals sent from the interface 18 along the interface wires 38 are configured to replicate signals that would be provided along the vehicle wiring 30 if the standard control mechanisms provided on the vehicle, such as existing vehicle switches or controls, were used to operate a specific component.
  • the control system 10 can be customized to display different icons in different arrangements depending upon, among other things, the vehicle into which the control system 10 is installed, and the preferences of a particular user.
  • Figs. 14 and 15 illustrate a first setup page 108 and a second setup page 112, respectively.
  • the setup pages 108, 112 allow the appearance of the first page 54 and the second page 80 of the display 26 to be modified.
  • a password may be required to access the setup pages 108, 112.
  • clicking on a specific position opens a drop-down menu which allows a user to select an icon (or no icon) to appear in that specific position. This process is repeated until all the positions on a given page are configured as desired.
  • the user can click on the tabs 114 near the top of the screen to position icons for the second page 112. Once all the positions are filled, the second setup page 112 is displayed and the user can either save the settings and exit by selecting the Save and Exit screen button 116, or the user can reset the icons by hitting the Reset screen button 120.

Abstract

A control system for vehicle components, the control system affording enhanced operability of vehicle components by mobility-impaired individuals. The control system includes an input device, a processor, and a display device. The input device may include a mouse, joystick, or touch pad. The processor receives control commands from the input device, communicates with a communication network of the vehicle, and provides display output to the display device. The display device displays icons corresponding to various vehicle components, and a user uses the input device to highlight an icon on the display device and to activate the corresponding vehicle component.

Description

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE COMPONENTS
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 60/884,318, filed January 10, 2007, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to a control system for vehicle components.
[0003] Passenger vehicles, such as cars, vans, buses and the like, include a variety of systems and components, each of which can be operated by way of buttons, switches, levers, and the like often positioned within the reach of an operator. Examples of such systems and components include, among other things, turn signals, a horn, lights, a transmission, windshield wipers, cruise control, power windows, power locks, a sound system, an ignition system, powered doors, and a sunroof. The specific systems and components present on any given vehicle will vary depending upon, among other things, the type and size of the vehicle, and the intended use of the vehicle.
[0004] To provide improved mobility and independence to mobility-impaired and/or wheelchair-bound individuals, some vehicles are modified, converted, or specifically designed to include motorized ramps and/or lifts that allow such individuals to more readily enter and exit the vehicle. Such vehicles may also be provided with specially designed seating arrangements and special vehicle controls that allow such individuals to operate the vehicle.
SUMMARY
[0005] While ramps and lifts provide enhanced access to passenger vehicles for wheelchair- bound individuals, operation of the vehicle by such individuals may require additional accommodations. For example, operation of the various systems and components of the vehicle, such as the windshield wipers, the sound system, and others discussed above, may be difficult or impossible for a wheelchair-bound operator due to limitations on their range of motion or a lack of fine motor dexterity. To address these and other concerns, the present invention provides a control system for vehicle components. The control system includes an input device, a controller, and a display device. The input device may include, among other things, a mouse, a joystick, or a touch pad. The controller receives control commands from the input device, communicates with systems and components of the vehicle, and provides display output to the display device. The controller can include a control module and an interface, and in some embodiments includes a personal computer. The display device may include a display screen, such as an LCD display, or a heads-up display system that projects an image on the vehicle windshield.
[0006] The display device displays icons representing a plurality of vehicle operations. The operator, using the input device, can highlight a specific icon and, also using the input device, instruct the processor to operate the vehicle component or system corresponding to the highlighted icon. The processor communicates with the component or system corresponding to the highlighted icon by way of an electrical connection provided by the interface. The component or system then operates in response to the operation command. The operator may also stop, resume, or reverse operation of the component or system using the input device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a control system for vehicle components embodying the invention.
[0008] Fig. 2 is a start-up screen display for the control system of Fig. 1.
[0009] Fig. 3 is a first page of a screen display for the control system of Fig. 1.
[0010] Fig. 4 is a second page of a screen display for the control system of Fig. 1.
[0011] Fig. 5 is a high-beam lights = ON icon for the control system of Fig. 1.
[0012] Fig. 6 is a windshield wipers = ON icon for the control system of Fig. 1.
[0013] Fig. 7 is a window status = raising icon for the control system of Fig. 1.
[0014] Fig. 8 is a window status = lowering icon for the control system of Fig. 1.
[0015] Fig. 9 is an ignition = start icon for the control system of Fig. 1. [0016] Fig. 10 is sunroof position = vent icon for the control system of Fig. 1.
[0017] Fig. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a function selection sequence for use with a trackball or mouse input device for the control system of Fig. 1.
[0018] Fig. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a function selection sequence for use with a directional switch input device for the control system of Fig. 1.
[0019] Fig. 13 is a flow chart illustrating execution of a processing sequence performed by the control system of Fig. 1.
[0020] Fig. 14 is a screen shot of a first display setup screen for the control system of Fig. 1.
[0021] Fig. 15 is a screen shot of a second display setup screen for the control system of Fig. 1.
[0022] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Fig. 1 illustrates a control system 10 including a controller 14, an interface 18, an input device 22, and a display device 26. The controller 14 is a computer or other data processing system capable of receiving inputs, providing outputs, and processing data according to a set of programmed instructions. The controller 14 communicates with vehicle wiring 30 by way of the interface 18. The interface 18 includes a microprocessor and is configured to communicate with the controller 14 by way of a serial communication link 34. The interface 18 communicates with the vehicle wiring 30 by way of one or more interface wires 38 that is/are wired in parallel with one or more wires of the vehicle wiring 30. The vehicle wiring 30 can include individual wires coupled to specific vehicle components, as well as one or more serial bus wires that communicate with various control modules positioned throughout the vehicle. Because the interface wires 38 are wired in parallel with the vehicle wiring 30, the vehicle can be operated normally, using the standard vehicle controls if desired.
[0024] The controller 14 operates to send and receive signals along the vehicle wiring 30 by way of the interface 18 to control operation of various vehicle components. The illustrated control system 10 is configured to operate the following components of a vehicle modified for handicapped accessibility: turn signals; horn; lights; transmission; windshield wipers; cruise control; driver and passenger side power windows; sound system volume; sound system pre-set station select; access door/ramp system; wheel chair tie-down system; driver side sliding door; rear hatch; vehicle ignition; sunroof; and parking brake. Each of these components and systems are discussed more fully below. The specific systems and components that are operated by the control system 10 will vary depending upon the specific vehicle in which the control system 10 is installed, and the specific needs of a particular type of user. Because the interface wires 38 are wired in parallel with the wires of the vehicle wiring 30, the standard vehicle controls used to control the components listed above (e.g. buttons, switches, levers, and the like) remain fully operable.
[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the interface 18 receives signals from the controller 14 by way of the serial communication link 34. The signals received from the controller 14 generally include a number (e.g. in binary form) or similar designation that an interface processor is able to receive and interpret. The interface 18 may include a series of switches, each switch being associated with a specific interface wire 38 or set of interface wires 38. Within the processor, each switch is also associated with one of the numbers or other designations that are received from the controller 14. When the controller 14 sends a signal carrying a specific number or designation along the serial wire, the interface processor receives and recognizes the signal and opens or closes the corresponding switch to activate or deactivate a specific vehicle component.
[0026] In some embodiments, at least one of the interface wires 38 is coupled to a vehicle communication bus, which transmits command and status information in the form of coded data between multiple vehicle components. In addition to the series of switches discussed above, the interface 18 may also be configured to send and/or receive the command and status data that is transmitted over the vehicle communication bus in order to activate and deactivate certain vehicle components. Whether or not components are activated or deactivated using switches or using data sent over the communication bus depends, in many cases, upon the configuration of the vehicle in which the control system 10 is installed.
[0027] The input device 22 is coupled to the controller 14 and may include a mouse, a joystick, an array of switches, or substantially any other type of input device. For embodiments in which the controller 14 is a computer, any input device that is generally viewed by the computer as a mouse device may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the input device 22 is coupled to the controller 14 by way of a USB connection 42, however other connection types that provide suitable communication between the controller 14 and the input device 22, such as wireless connections, can also be provided.
[0028] The display device 26 is also coupled to the controller 14 and may include any type of VGA or composite monitor. For example the display device 26 may include, among other things, an LCD screen mounted to the dash of the vehicle, or a heads-up display device that projects an image onto the vehicle windshield. In other embodiments, the display device 26 might be a touch-screen device, in which case the display device 26 would also be the input device 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the display device 26 communicates with the controller 14 by way of an RCA or VGA video connection 46, however, other suitable video connections can also be provided.
[0029] The control system 10 is coupled to the vehicle to receive electrical power from the vehicle electrical system. The control system 10 includes a switch (not shown) for turning the control system 10 on and off. In some embodiments the switch may include a tape switch positioned such that when a user in a wheelchair rolls over the tape switch, the system is turned on. Other embodiments may include a standard toggle switch mounted to the vehicle dash. Multiple switches can be provided such that the control system 10 can be turned on or off in different ways depending on the needs of a specific user. In some embodiments, if the vehicle is not started within 5 minutes of the control system 10 being turned on, the control system 10 will automatically turn itself off so as not to drain the vehicle battery. [0030] When the control system 10 is turned on, the controller 14 communicates with the display device 26 to display the Run-Start icon 46 illustrated in Fig. 2. To start the vehicle using the control system 10, the user highlights the Run-Start icon 46 using the input device 22 and performs an activate operation. The activate operation may include pressing a button or the performing of some other specific movement or manipulation of the input device 22. For further discussion herein, the activate operation will include depression of a button, however it should be appreciated that other types of activate operations can also be implemented depending upon, among other things, the specific type of input device 22.
[0031] To start the vehicle, the Run-Start icon 46 is highlighted and the button is depressed. Upon depressing the button, a timer bar 50 located at the bottom of the Run-Start icon 46 will illuminate and, so long as the button is depressed, will gradually disappear. Once the timer bar 50 has completely disappeared, the vehicle will start or will have already started.
[0032] The Run-Start icon 46 is associated with the vehicle ignition, which for the purposes of this disclosure will be referred to as a "timed component." A timed component is a component or system of the vehicle that requires a period of time to fully operate or to complete operation. For example, the vehicle ignition, when operated normally, generally requires an operator to turn and hold the key in the start position until such time as the vehicle starts. The control system 10 accounts for this by requiring an operator to depress the button until the timing bar 50 has disappeared. The period of time required for the timing bar 50 to disappear is selected to substantially correspond to the period of time an operator would be required to hold the ignition key in the start position if the vehicle ignition were operated normally. Other examples of timed components that are controlled by the control system 10 include the vehicle transmission and the control system 10 itself when initiating a shut-down sequence.
[0033] Once the vehicle is started, the controller 14 communicates with the display device 26 such that a first page 54 of icons is displayed, as illustrated in Fig. 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the first page 54 includes a left turn icon 56, a right turn icon 58, a horn icon 60, a high-beam icon 62, a park icon 64, a reverse icon 66, a drive icon 68, a wiper icon 70, a cruise control on icon 72, a cruise control set icon 74, a driver window icon 76, and a passenger window icon 78. Each icon can be highlighted and/or activated using the input device 22 to control or perform a corresponding vehicle component or function. Each icon and the associated operations are discussed further below.
[0034] Fig. 4 illustrates a second page 80 of icons that can also be displayed by the display device 26. The second page 80 is configured similarly to the first page 54 and in the illustrated embodiment includes a volume up icon 82, a volume down icon 84, a preset scan icon 86, a door/ramp operate icon 88, a tie-down release icon 90, a driver side sliding door icon 92, a rear hatch icon 94, an ignition icon 96, a sunroof open icon 98, a sunroof close icon 100, a parking brake icon 102, and a system off icon 104. Each icon can be highlighted and/or activated using the input device 22 to control or perform a corresponding vehicle component or function. Each icon and the associated operations are discussed further below.
[0035] A user can switch between the first page 54 and the second page 80 using the input device 22. For example if the input device 22 is a joystick, highlighting a right-most icon on the first page 54 (e.g. the high-beam icon 62) and then moving the joystick to the right will change the display to the second page 80, whereas highlighting a left-most icon on the second page 80 and then moving the joystick to the left will change the display to the first page 54. If the input device 22 is a mouse, positioning a mouse pointer in a grey area between icons and then clicking a mouse button will change the display from the first page 54 to the second page 80, or from the second page 80 to the first page 54. Other methods for switching between pages are also possible depending upon, among other things, the type of input device 22.
[0036] In addition to the timed components discussed above, the remaining systems or components controlled by the control system 10 include "dual-state components" and "variable- state components." Dual-state components are those components that are either on or off, or that are either active or inactive. Examples of dual-state components controlled by the control system 10 include the turn signals, horn, high-beam lights, windshield wipers, cruise control, sound system pre-sets, access door/ramp system, tie-down device, driver side sliding door, rear hatch, and parking brake. Variable-state components are those components that can be adjusted or positioned between open/closed positions or minimum/maximum settings. Examples of variable-state components include the driver and passenger side windows, and the sound system volume control. [0037] The left turn icon 56 operates the left turn signal. When the left turn icon 56 is activated by pressing and releasing the button, the left turn signal operates until it is deactivated. To deactivate the turn signal, the operator activates the left turn icon 56 or the right turn icon 58 while the left turn signal is operating. Alternatively, the turn signal will be deactivated by the control system 10 after forty- five seconds if it is not manually deactivated. Activation of the right turn icon 58 will operate the right turn signal in the same manner.
[0038] The horn icon 60 operates the horn. The horn will sound for as long as the user depresses the button with the horn icon 60 highlighted. The high-beam icon 62 controls the high-beam headlights of the vehicle when the low beam headlights are turned on. When the high-beam icon 62 is highlighted, pressing and releasing the button on the input device 22 will turn on the high-beam headlights. When the high-beam headlights are on, the high-beam icon 62 of Fig. 3 is replaced by the high-beam icon 62a of Fig. 5.
[0039] The park icon 64, reverse icon 66, and drive icon 68 control the vehicle transmission. As discussed above, the vehicle transmission is a timed component, and, as such, when the park, reverse, or drive icons 64, 66, 68 are activated, a timing bar (similar to the timing bar 50) will appear at the bottom of the icon, and the user will be required to hold the button down until the timing bar disappears. For vehicles modified for handicapped accessibility, transmission activation systems are often installed. The time period required for the timing bars to disappear is selected to correspond to the time period required for the transmission activation system to shift the transmission between park, reverse and/or drive.
[0040] The wiper icon 70 operates the vehicle windshield wipers. Pressing and releasing the button while the wiper icon 70 is highlighted will turn the windshield wipers on. When the windshield wipers are on, the wiper icon 70 is replaced by the wiper icon 70a of Fig. 6. Pressing and releasing the button when the wipers are on will turn the wipers off, and the wiper icon 70 will replace the wiper icon 70a.
[0041] The cruise control on icon 72 operates to activate the cruise control system. Pressing and releasing the button with the cruise control on icon 72 highlighted will activate the cruise control system. When the cruise control system is activated, an indicator light on the vehicle dash is illuminated. Once the cruise control system is activated, the cruise control set icon 74 can be used to set the cruise control at a desired speed. Pressing and releasing the button with the cruise control set icon 74 highlighted will set the cruise control at whatever speed the vehicle is currently traveling.
[0042] The driver window icon 76 operates the driver side window. The driver window icon 16 is displayed whenever the driver side window is not moving. Pressing the button with the driver window icon 76 highlighted will move the driver side window. If the driver side window was moving down the last time the driver window icon 76 was activated, the control system 10 will operate to move the driver side window up. If the driver side window was moving up the last time the driver window icon 76 was activated, the control system 10 will operate to move the driver side window down. The window will move until the user releases the button or until the window is fully opened or closed. The passenger window icon 78 operates the passenger side window in substantially the same way. When the driver or passenger side window is moving up, the driver window or passenger window icon 76, 78 is replaced by the window raising icon 76a of Fig. 7. Similarly, when the driver or passenger side window is moving down, the driver window or passenger window icon 76, 78 is replaced by the window lowering icon 76b of Fig. 8.
[0043] The volume up icon 82 and the volume down icon 84 control the volume of the vehicle sound system when the sound system is turned on. Pressing the button with the volume up icon 82 highlighted will increase the volume of the sound system until the button is released. Pressing the button with the volume down icon 84 highlighted will decrease the volume of the sound system until the button is released. The preset scan icon 86 operates the sound system to sequentially change between pre-set radio stations when the sound system is turned on. Pressing and releasing the button while the preset scan icon 86 is highlighted will tune the radio to the next pre-set radio station.
[0044] The door/ramp operate icon 88 operates the vehicle access door/ramp system, assuming such a system has been installed on the vehicle. These systems are commonly installed such that a passenger side sliding door (e.g. of a minivan) can be automatically opened and closed and an access ramp can be automatically deployed or stowed through the passenger side sliding door opening. Some systems also incorporate a vehicle kneeling system that lowers the vehicle to reduce the slope of the ramp. Pressing and releasing the button with the door/ramp operate icon 88 highlighted initiates an operating sequence for the door/ramp system. If the door is closed and the ramp is stowed, the system will first open the door and then deploy the ramp and kneel the vehicle (if a kneeling system is in place). If the door is open and the ramp is deployed, the system will first stow the ramp and then close the door and raise the vehicle, if necessary. In some embodiments, the vehicle transmission must be in park before the door/ramp system will be allowed to operate.
[0045] The tie-down release icon 90 operates a wheelchair restraint system that is installed in the vehicle in some embodiments of the invention. Pressing and releasing the button while the tie-down release icon 90 is highlighted will release the restraint system so that a wheelchair- bound user can exit the vehicle. In some embodiments, the control system 10 is configured such that the restraint system can only be released when the vehicle ignition is turned off.
[0046] The driver side sliding door icon 92 operates the driver side sliding door when the vehicle is equipped with a powered driver side sliding door. In some embodiments, the vehicle must be in park and the button must be held for approximately a second with the driver side sliding door icon 92 highlighted before the driver side sliding door will operate. If the door is closed, pressing the button will open the door, whereas if the door is opened, pressing the button will close the door.
[0047] The rear hatch icon 94 operates the rear hatch of the vehicle when the vehicle is equipped with a powered opening/closing rear hatch. In some embodiments, the vehicle must be in park and the button must be held for approximately a second with the rear hatch icon 94 highlighted before the rear hatch will operate.
[0048] The ignition icon 96 operates to turn the vehicle ignition off. As discussed above, the ignition is a timed component, as such, when the button is pressed with the ignition icon 96 highlighted, a timing bar 50 appears and the button must be held until the timing bar disappears. Once the vehicle ignition is off, the ignition icon 96 is replaced by the run-start ignition icon 96a illustrated in Fig. 9. In some embodiments, turning off the ignition does not turn off the control system 10. Thus, the ignition can be started again by highlighting the run-start ignition icon 96a and pressing the button until the timing bar 50 disappears, in the same manner discussed above. [0049] The sunroof open icon 98 and the sunroof close icon 100 operate the vehicle sunroof. If the button is pressed and released with the sunroof open icon 98 highlighted, the sunroof will move to a fully open position. If the button is pressed and held with the sunroof open icon 98 highlighted, the sunroof will open to a vent position. If the sunroof is opened to the vent position, the sunroof open icon 98 is replaced with a sunroof vent icon 98a illustrated in Fig. 10. Pressing and releasing the button with the sunroof closed icon 100 highlighted will close the sunroof from either the fully open or the vent positions.
[0050] The parking brake icon 102 operates the vehicle parking brake. Pressing and releasing the button with the parking brake icon 102 highlighted will either engage or release the parking brake. An indicator light on the vehicle dashboard informs the user of whether the parking brake is engaged or released.
[0051] The system off icon 104 operates to turn off the control system 10. Pressing the button with the system off icon 104 highlighted initiates a shutdown sequence. The button must be held down until a timing bar 50 disappears, at which time, if the vehicle ignition is on, the vehicle ignition will be turned off. The control system 10 will then remain active for approximately 5 minutes, thereby allowing a user to perform functions such as the tie-down release and door/ramp operations in order to exit the vehicle. The user may also re-start the vehicle within the 5 minute period by using the run-start ignition icon 96a discussed above. Preferably, when the control system 10 is shut down, it does not draw any current from the vehicle battery.
[0052] Each operation above is described with reference to an input device that includes a button, such as a mouse or joystick. The specific operation of such a device is illustrated in Fig. 11. The mouse or joystick is moved such that a specific icon is highlighted or such that a pointer icon is positioned over the icon. Once the icon is "highlighted" in this manner, the button (e.g. the left mouse button) is pressed and held or pressed and released as necessary to operate the corresponding vehicle system.
[0053] Fig. 12 illustrates how an action is selected using a 4-direction switch as an input device instead of the mouse or joystick. The switch is moved to highlight a specific icon, or to position a pointer icon over the icon. Once the icon is "highlighted" in this manner the switch is moved upwardly, which has the same effect as pressing the button of the mouse or joystick device, and released or held in an upward position as necessary to operate the corresponding vehicle system.
[0054] The control system 10 operates according to the sequence illustrated in Fig. 13. Once an action is selected using the input device 22 and the display 26, a computer program running on the controller 14 sends a signal, which may be in the form of a number, to the interface 18 by way of the serial communication link 34. The interface 18 receives the signal and processes it to establish a corresponding interface output. If the signal is an activate signal (e.g. the pressing and releasing of a button or the holding down of the button) the interface output is activated and signals are sent through the interface wires 38 to the vehicle wiring 30. The signals sent from the interface 18 along the interface wires 38 are configured to replicate signals that would be provided along the vehicle wiring 30 if the standard control mechanisms provided on the vehicle, such as existing vehicle switches or controls, were used to operate a specific component.
[0055] As illustrated in Figs. 14 and 15, the control system 10 can be customized to display different icons in different arrangements depending upon, among other things, the vehicle into which the control system 10 is installed, and the preferences of a particular user. Figs. 14 and 15 illustrate a first setup page 108 and a second setup page 112, respectively. The setup pages 108, 112 allow the appearance of the first page 54 and the second page 80 of the display 26 to be modified. A password may be required to access the setup pages 108, 112. Once the first setup page 108 is accessed, clicking on a specific position opens a drop-down menu which allows a user to select an icon (or no icon) to appear in that specific position. This process is repeated until all the positions on a given page are configured as desired. Once the icons for the first page 54 have been positioned, the user can click on the tabs 114 near the top of the screen to position icons for the second page 112. Once all the positions are filled, the second setup page 112 is displayed and the user can either save the settings and exit by selecting the Save and Exit screen button 116, or the user can reset the icons by hitting the Reset screen button 120.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:
1. A control system for a vehicle that has been converted for operation by an operator having limited motor dexterity, the vehicle including vehicle components, the control system comprising: a controller; an operator input device communicating with the controller; and a display operating in response to the operator input device and the controller, the display operable to display a plurality of icons, each icon corresponding to a vehicle component, wherein the operator input device is moveable to activate one of the icons, and wherein in response to activating the one of the icons, the controller communicates with the interface to operate the corresponding vehicle component.
2. The control system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle components include timed components, and wherein the plurality of icons includes a timed component icon corresponding to one of the timed components, the timed component icon including a timing indicator to indicate when operation of the timed component is complete.
3. The control system of claim 2, wherein the timing indicator includes an elongated bar, and wherein a length of the bar is reduced as operation of the timed component nears completion.
4. The control system of claim 1, wherein the controller displays each icon at a selected position of a plurality of positions on the display, and wherein the operator input device is operable to change the selected position of each icon.
5. The control system of claim 1, wherein the operator input device includes at least one of a mouse and joystick, and wherein the operator input device communicates with the controller via a USB connection.
6. The control system of claim 1, wherein the operator input device and the display are integrally formed as a touch-screen device.
7. The control system of claim 1, wherein each vehicle component communicates with a respective vehicle control by way of vehicle wiring, the control system further comprising an interface coupled to the controller and to the vehicle wiring, the interface operable to send signals to the vehicle components through the vehicle wiring for operation of the vehicle components in response to signals received from the controller.
8. The control system of claim 7, wherein the interface is coupled to individual vehicle wires of the vehicle wiring that are coupled to individual ones of the vehicle components, and to a serial bus of the vehicle wiring that is coupled to a plurality of the vehicle components.
9. A method of operating vehicle components in a vehicle that has been converted for operation by an operator having limited motor dexterity, the method comprising: displaying icons on a display, each icon corresponding to one of the vehicle components; operating an operator input device to highlight a selected one of the icons; performing an actuation operation with the operator input device to activate the selected one of the icons; sending a component command to the vehicle component that corresponds to the selected one of the icons.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the display includes a plurality of icon positions and wherein displaying icons on the display includes displaying each icon at a selected one of the plurality of icon position, the method further comprising selecting which icon will be displayed at each of the plurality of icon positions.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein selecting which icon will be displayed at each of the plurality of icon positions includes entering a setup page, highlighting one of the plurality of icon positions, and selecting the icon to be displayed at the highlighted one of the plurality of icon positions from a drop-down menu.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein displaying icons on the display includes displaying a first page of icons and displaying a second page of icons, and wherein operating the operator input device to highlight the selected one of the icons includes selecting whether to display the first page of icons or the second page of icons.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein displaying icons on the display includes displaying timed component icons corresponding to timed vehicle components, and wherein when the selected one of the icons is a timed component icon, performing the actuation operation includes performing the actuation operation until a timing indicator indicates operation of the corresponding timed vehicle component is complete.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein displaying icons on the display further includes displaying dual state component icons corresponding to dual state vehicle components, and wherein when the selected one of the icons is a dual state component icon, performing the actuation operation includes momentarily performing the actuation operation.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein displaying icons on the display further includes displaying variable state component icons corresponding to variable state components, and wherein when the selected one of the icons is a variable state component icon, performing the actuation operation includes performing the actuation operation until the variable state vehicle component corresponding to the selected variable state component icon reaches a desired variable state.
16. The method of claim 9, wherein operating the operator input device includes operating at least one of a mouse device and a joystick device.
17. A method of converting a vehicle for operation by an operator having limited motor dexterity, the method comprising: selecting a vehicle having a plurality of vehicle components, the plurality of vehicle components at least partially controlled in response to signals sent over vehicle wiring; coupling an interface to the vehicle wiring, the interface operable to send auxiliary signals over the vehicle wiring for operation of selected ones of the vehicle components; installing a controller in the vehicle, the controller operable to send control signals to the interface for instructing the interface to send selected ones of the auxiliary signals; mounting a display device in the vehicle, the display device operable to display a plurality of icons in response to display signals sent by the controller; mounting an operator input device in the vehicle, the operator input device communicating with the controller for selection of one of the plurality of icons and activation of the one of the plurality of icons, and wherein in response to activation of the one of the plurality of icons the controller sends to the interface a control signal corresponding to a request to operate at least one of the vehicle components, the at least one of the vehicle components corresponding to the one of the plurality of icons.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the display includes a plurality of icon positions, the method further comprising selecting one icon from the plurality of icons for display in each of the plurality of icon positions.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein mounting the operator input device in the vehicle includes mounting one of a mouse device and a joystick in the vehicle.
PCT/US2008/050746 2007-01-10 2008-01-10 Control system for vehicle components WO2008086471A1 (en)

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