Han C Lin

US Patent:

6703999, Mar 9, 2004

Filed:

Nov 13, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/709721

Inventors:

Hiroyuki Iwanami - Stanford CA
Liba Xia - Mountain View CA
Feng Xue - Stanford CA
Han Lin - Sunnyvale CA

Assignee:

Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha - Toyota

International Classification:

G09G 508

US Classification:

345158, 345 7, 345 8, 345 9, 345156, 345157, 345168, 345175

Abstract:

A computer user interface for use in a transport vehicle ( ), which defines a virtual control panel in the upper open area of the vehicle steering wheel ( ). The user enters inputs by action in appropriate sections of the virtual control panel area. A computer controlled display ( ) illustrates a map to the user of locations of sections in the virtual control panel area, and information that can be input by user action with particular sections. A sensor ( ) monitors the virtual control panel area, and produces electronic information corresponding to user action in the virtual control panel area. Software logic in a computer ( ) analyzes the electronic information to determine if there has been user action and the location thereof, for designating an action as a particular user input. Based upon the designation, the computer produces an appropriate output, such as operating or adjusting vehicle systems.