Vehicle countdown timer and user interface
US8049605B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 21, 2011 |
| Grant date | Nov 1, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 21, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02D2200/604
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Aspects of the present invention are directed at allowing a vehicle to idle for a predetermined amount of time before shutdown. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that accepts input from the vehicle operator to initiate a countdown to vehicle shutdown. When the input is received, a countdown is initiated that is regularly updated to reflect the passage of time. During the countdown, a vehicle ignition bus is maintained in an active state and a countdown value that reflects the time remaining before shutdown is presented on a graphical display. Then, in response to expiration of the countdown, the method allows the vehicle ignition bus to transition into an inactive state.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.