Central servicing and information controller for vehicle auxiliary equipment

US4731769A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG · DE

Inventors

• Peter Schaefer · Pfungstadt, DE
• Roland Ehniss · Karlsruhe, DE
• Dieter Marx · Gatineau, CA

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 14, 1986
• Grant date: Mar 15, 1988
• Expiry date: Apr 14, 2006

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R16/0315
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A central operating input and information output system for the control of a plurality of optional instruments in a vehicle has a display for displaying information and an option menu. A first control input controls the functions of the optional instruments and selects the option menu from a basic menu. The option menu indicates the functions of the optional instruments controllable by the first control input. The system has a second control input which controls at least one optional instrument and accesses at least one basic function of the system, irrespective of the option menu currently selected. This allows a central operating input and information output system to have a favorable ergonomic design, to be operated simply, and require a minimum of space. In addition, a high degree of safety is insured by the simplified controls, which minimizes the diversion of the driver from the traffic situation, while allowing him to obtain extensive information concerning the condition of the vehicle and the traffic situation.