Patent US6009355A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6009355A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Multimedia information and control system for automobiles
Assignee: American Calcar Inc
•
Filing: 1997-01-28
•
Granted: 1999-12-28
•
Expires: 2017-01-28
Abstract
Abstract In a multimedia information and control system for use in an automobile, at least one interface is employed which enables a user to access information concerning the automobile and control vehicle functions in an efficient manner. The user may select one of a plurality of displayed options on a screen of such an interface. Through audio, video and/or text media, the user is provided with information concerning the selected option and the vehicle function corresponding thereto. Having been so informed, the user may activate the selected option to control the corresponding vehicle function.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael L. Obradovich
- 👤 Michael L. Kent
- 👤 John G. Dinkel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 17:02
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60H; B60H1/00; B60H1/00642; B60G; B60G17/00; B60G17/015; B60G17/0195; B60H1/00735; B60H1/00764; B60H1/00771; B60H1/00985; B60K; B60K35/00; B60K35/10; B60K35/20; B60K35/21; B60K35/215; B60K35/22; B60K35/26; B60K35/28; B60K35/65; B60K35/654; B60Q; B60Q9/00; B60R; B60R16/00; B60R16/02; B60R16/023; B60R16/0231; B60R25/00; B60R25/01; B60R25/04; B60R25/042; B60R25/10; B60R25/102; B60R25/20; B60R25/2081; B60G2600/00; B60G2600/70; B60G2600/76; B60K2360/00; B60K2360/11; B60K2360/143; B60K2360/1438; B60K2360/148; B60K2360/16; B60K2360/161; B60K35/265; B60K35/29; B60R2325/00; B60R2325/20; B60R2325/205; B60R2325/30; B60R2325/304
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 107
Claim 1
Independent Claim
101 words
A system in a vehicle for accessing information about a given aspect of said vehicle comprising: a display element for displaying at least one option which is associated with said given aspect of said vehicle, the at least one option indicating a first status; a first interface for selecting the at least one option, the selected at least one option indicating a second status; an output device for providing the content of said selected at least one option; and a second interface for activating said selected at least one option to access said information, the activated option indicating a third status.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
101 words
A system in a vehicle for accessing information about a given aspect of said vehicle comprising: a display element for displaying at least one option which is associated with said given aspect of said vehicle, the at least one option indicating a first status; a first interface for selecting the at least one option, the selected at least one option indicating a second status; an output device for providing the content of said selected at least one option; and a second interface for activating said selected at least one option to access said information, the activated option indicating a third status.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the information includes instructions for operating the given aspect of said vehicle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 2 wherein said output device includes at least one audio element for communicating the instructions via audio media.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said display element comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD).
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first interface and the second interface includes a touch-screen capability.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said second status is indicated by a highlight on said selected option in a first color.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 6 wherein said third status is indicated by a highlight on the activated option in a second color.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said output device includes at least one audio element for communicating said information via audio media.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the first interface is the same as the second interface.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the content of said selected at least one option is provided via audio media.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the information is visually communicated.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said output device is capable of providing special information.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 12 wherein the special information concerns the current condition of the vehicle.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising a navigator processor for providing navigational information.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 14 wherein the navigational information is provided based on global positioning system (GPS) data.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first interface and the second interface includes a voice command capability.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising a processor for verifying a personal identification number (PIN).
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one option includes a plurality of options, which are presented in a menu format.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising a device for receiving an input, wherein the at least one option is displayed in response to the input, which describes at least part of the given aspect of the vehicle.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 19 wherein the input includes textual entry.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
90 words
A method for use in a system in a vehicle for accessing information about a given aspect of said vehicle comprising: displaying at least one option which is associated with said given aspect of said vehicle, the at least one option indicating a first status; selecting the at least one option, the selected at least one option indicating a second status; providing the content of said selected at least one option; and activating said selected at least one option to access said information, the activated option indicating a third status.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
90 words
A method for use in a system in a vehicle for accessing information about a given aspect of said vehicle comprising: displaying at least one option which is associated with said given aspect of said vehicle, the at least one option indicating a first status; selecting the at least one option, the selected at least one option indicating a second status; providing the content of said selected at least one option; and activating said selected at least one option to access said information, the activated option indicating a third status.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 21 wherein the selected at least one option is selected using a touch-screen technique.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 21 wherein said second status is indicated by a highlight on said selected option in a first color.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 23 wherein said third status is indicated by a highlight on the activated option in a second color.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 21 further comprising communicating said information via audio media.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 21 wherein the content of said selected at least one option is provided via audio media.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 21 wherein the information includes instructions for operating the given aspect of the vehicle.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 27 further comprising communicating the instructions via audio media.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 21 wherein at least one of the first and second statuses is indicated by a pre-selected audio signal.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 21 wherein said vehicle is an automobile.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 21 further comprising providing special information.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 31 wherein the special information concerns the current condition of the vehicle.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 21 further comprising providing navigational information.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 33 wherein the navigational information is provided based on GPS data.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 21 wherein the selected at least one option is selected via voice command.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 21 further comprising verifying a PIN.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 21 wherein the at least one option includes a plurality of option, the method further comprising presenting the plurality of options in a menu format.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 21 further comprising receiving an input, wherein the at least one option is displayed in response to the input, which describes at least part of the given aspect of the vehicle.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 38 wherein the input includes a textual entry.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
154 words
A system for use in a vehicle comprising: a display element for showing a sequence of displays; a control element for populating a plurality of options on at least first and second ones of the displays, the options on the first display being selectable to access information concerning a plurality of aspects of the vehicle, the options on the second display being selectable to access information concerning a subset of the aspects of the vehicle; a first interface for selecting one of the options on the first display, the selected option being associated with the subset of the aspects of the vehicle; an output device responsive to the selected option for vocally identifying different vehicle aspects in the subset whose information is accessible by selecting the options on the second display before the second display is shown; and a second interface for activating the selected option to cause the second display to be shown.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
154 words
A system for use in a vehicle comprising: a display element for showing a sequence of displays; a control element for populating a plurality of options on at least first and second ones of the displays, the options on the first display being selectable to access information concerning a plurality of aspects of the vehicle, the options on the second display being selectable to access information concerning a subset of the aspects of the vehicle; a first interface for selecting one of the options on the first display, the selected option being associated with the subset of the aspects of the vehicle; an output device responsive to the selected option for vocally identifying different vehicle aspects in the subset whose information is accessible by selecting the options on the second display before the second display is shown; and a second interface for activating the selected option to cause the second display to be shown.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 40 wherein at least one of the first and second interfaces includes a touch-screen capability.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 40 wherein the information concerning the subset of the aspects of the vehicle includes instructions for operating at least one of the aspects of the vehicle in the subset.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 40 wherein the selected option indicates a first status, and the activated option indicates a second status.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 43 wherein at least one of the first and second statuses is indicated by a pre-selected audio signal.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 43 wherein said first status is indicated by a first color, and said second status is indicated by a second color.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 40 wherein said vehicle is an automobile.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 40 wherein the options on the first display are populated thereon in response to an entry of data to the system.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 40 wherein the plurality of aspects of the vehicle include different functions provided by the vehicle.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 48 wherein the different functions relate to climate control of the vehicle.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system of claim 40 wherein the display element also displays a tip option for providing instructions concerning operation of at least one of the plurality of aspects of the vehicle, a display of the tip option being accompanied by a selected audio signal.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 40 wherein at least one of the first and second interfaces includes a device for receiving a voice command.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
138 words
A method for use in a system in a vehicle comprising: showing a sequence of displays; populating a plurality of options on at least first and second ones of the displays, the options on the first display being selectable to access information concerning a plurality of aspects of the vehicle, the options on the second display being selectable to access information concerning a subset of the aspects of the vehicle; selecting one of the options on the first display, the selected option being associated with the subset of the aspects of the vehicle; in response to the selected option, vocally identifying different vehicle aspects in the subset whose information is accessible by selecting the options on the second display before the second display is shown; and activating the selected option to cause the second display to be shown.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
138 words
A method for use in a system in a vehicle comprising: showing a sequence of displays; populating a plurality of options on at least first and second ones of the displays, the options on the first display being selectable to access information concerning a plurality of aspects of the vehicle, the options on the second display being selectable to access information concerning a subset of the aspects of the vehicle; selecting one of the options on the first display, the selected option being associated with the subset of the aspects of the vehicle; in response to the selected option, vocally identifying different vehicle aspects in the subset whose information is accessible by selecting the options on the second display before the second display is shown; and activating the selected option to cause the second display to be shown.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 52 wherein the information concerning the subset of the aspects of the vehicle includes instructions for operating at least one of the aspects of the vehicle in the subset.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 52 wherein the selected option indicates a first status, and the activated option indicates a second status.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 54 wherein said first status is indicated by a first color, and said second status is indicated by a second color.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 52 wherein the options on the first display are populated thereon in response to an entry of data to the system.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 52 wherein the plurality of aspects of the vehicle include different functions provided by the vehicle.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 57 wherein the different functions relate to climate control of the vehicle.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 52 further comprising displaying a tip option for providing instructions concerning operation of at least one of the plurality of aspects of the vehicle, a display of the tip option being accompanied by a selected audio signal.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 52 wherein the selected option is selected via voice command.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
100 words
A system for use in a vehicle comprising: a processor for issuing at least one option which is selectable to access information concerning an aspect of the vehicle; an interface for showing said at least one option and said aspect of the vehicle before said at least one option is selected, said at least one option including thereon a description of said aspect of the vehicle; and an indicator for providing an indication on the at least one option for associating said at least one option with the aspect of the vehicle shown, the indication being different from the description.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
100 words
A system for use in a vehicle comprising: a processor for issuing at least one option which is selectable to access information concerning an aspect of the vehicle; an interface for showing said at least one option and said aspect of the vehicle before said at least one option is selected, said at least one option including thereon a description of said aspect of the vehicle; and an indicator for providing an indication on the at least one option for associating said at least one option with the aspect of the vehicle shown, the indication being different from the description.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 61 wherein the indication includes a numeral.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 61 wherein said interface includes a display element.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
12 words
The system of claim 63 wherein said display element includes an LCD.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 61 further comprising an input for activating the option.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 65 wherein an activation of the option is indicated by a selected audio signal.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 65 wherein the option is activated to control the aspect of the vehicle.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 61 wherein the information is provided via audio media.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 61 wherein the information is visually provided.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 61 wherein said vehicle is an automobile.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 61 wherein the option is issued in response to an entry of information to the system.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 61 wherein the aspect of the vehicle includes a function provided by the vehicle.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 72 wherein said function relates to climate control of the vehicle.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 61 further comprising a provider for providing special information.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 74 wherein said special information when provided is preceded by a selected audio signal.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 74 wherein the special information concerns the current condition of the vehicle.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 61 further comprising a navigator processor for providing navigational information.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 77 wherein the navigational information is provided based on GPS data.
Claim 84
Independent Claim
93 words
A method for use in a system in a vehicle comprising: issuing at least one option which is selectable to access information concerning an aspect of the vehicle; showing said at least one option and said aspect of the vehicle before said at least one option is selected, said at least one option including thereon a description of said aspect of the vehicle; and associating said at least one option with the aspect of the vehicle shown using an indication on said at least one option, the indication being different from the description.
Claim 85
Independent Claim
93 words
A method for use in a system in a vehicle comprising: issuing at least one option which is selectable to access information concerning an aspect of the vehicle; showing said at least one option and said aspect of the vehicle before said at least one option is selected, said at least one option including thereon a description of said aspect of the vehicle; and associating said at least one option with the aspect of the vehicle shown using an indication on said at least one option, the indication being different from the description.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 79 wherein said indicator includes a numeral.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 79 further comprising the step of activating the option.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 81 wherein an activation of the option is indicated by a selected audio signal.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 81 wherein the option is activated to control the aspect of the vehicle.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 79 wherein the information is provided via audio media.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 79 wherein the information is visually provided.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 79 wherein said vehicle is an automobile.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 79 wherein the option is issue in response to an entry of information to the system.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 79 wherein the aspect of the vehicle includes a function provided by the vehicle.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 88 wherein said function relates to climate control of the vehicle.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 79 further comprising the step of providing special information.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 90 wherein said special information when provided is preceded by a selected audio signal.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 90 wherein the special information concerns the current condition of the vehicle.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 79 further comprising the step of providing navigational information.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 93 wherein the navigational information is provided based on GPS data.
Claim 101
Independent Claim
71 words
A method for providing information concerning maintenance of an engine in a vehicle comprising the steps of: measuring a rate at which the engine runs; detecting whether the rate of the engine exceeds a predetermined rate; recording a period during which the rate of the engine is detected exceeding the predetermined rate; adding said period to a cumulative period; and emitting an alert when said cumulative period exceeds a predetermined period.
Claim 102
Independent Claim
71 words
A method for providing information concerning maintenance of an engine in a vehicle comprising the steps of: measuring a rate at which the engine runs; detecting whether the rate of the engine exceeds a predetermined rate; recording a period during which the rate of the engine is detected exceeding the predetermined rate; adding said period to a cumulative period; and emitting an alert when said cumulative period exceeds a predetermined period.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 95 wherein the rate is a function of an RPM value.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 96 wherein the vehicle is an automobile.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
64 words
Apparatus for providing information concerning maintenance of an engine in a vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a comparator for determining whether a rate at which the engine runs exceeds a predetermined rate; a processor for accumulating periods during which the rate of the engine exceeds the predetermined rate; and an indicator for emitting an alert when a sum of the periods exceeds a predetermined period.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
64 words
Apparatus for providing information concerning maintenance of an engine in a vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a comparator for determining whether a rate at which the engine runs exceeds a predetermined rate; a processor for accumulating periods during which the rate of the engine exceeds the predetermined rate; and an indicator for emitting an alert when a sum of the periods exceeds a predetermined period.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 98 wherein the rate is a function of an RPM value.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-12-27 | 2003-06-28 | 2003-12-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-12-27 | 2007-06-28 | 2007-12-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-12-27 | 2011-06-28 | 2011-12-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |