Onboard unit controlling apparatus
US8682536B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 17, 2010 |
| Grant date | Mar 25, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 31, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60K2360/21
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
When an occupant's sight line detected by sight line detector is directed to any one of multiple onboard units (a side mirror, a rear view mirror, a navigation system, an in-vehicle phone, an air blowout port, and a meter panel), a controller allows the onboard unit, to which the sight line is directed, to be operable. Thus, the occupant can select the onboard unit, which the occupant wishes to operate, by the sight line without using the hand and further can operate the onboard unit by use of a common steering switch, thereby enhancing the convenience of operation. In addition, a corresponding one of pilot lamps notifies the occupant that the corresponding one of the onboard units, to which the sight line is directed, is operable. Accordingly, the occupant can avoid operating a wrong onboard unit while reliably recognizing the operable onboard unit even if the multiple onboard units are arranged close to one another.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.