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US 11,152,167 B2Granted
Reconfigurable control device
AssigneeContinental Automotive GmbH
InventorsLing Chih Teng, Jason Choon Leng Tan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A reconfigurable control device, in particular for use in a vehicle. Input keys on the reconfigurable control device allow a user to trigger different selection of modes. The control device is reconfigured by performing a first step of selecting a function mode by pressing one of the at least two input keys on the control device and a second step of selecting a function displayed on an array of mechanical switches. The selection of functions is refreshed with user trigger a fresh selection of mode.
Claims10
A reconfigurable control device, for use in vehicles, comprising:
- a display for supplying text and/or graphic information;
- an array of mechanical switches,
- a housing unit, a surface of the housing unit comprising:
- a display opening for viewing a second section of the display;
- a recess for receiving the array of mechanical switches;
- at least two outlets, each of the at least two outlets for retaining at least one input key;
- and
- an electronic control unit comprising a plurality of switches for receiving information from the array of mechanical switches and the input keys, wherein the at least one input key is configured for selecting a plurality of predetermined modes, and the array of mechanical switches are each configured for supplying a plurality of predetermined functions, and
- wherein the array of mechanical switches partially covers a first section of the display and the electronic control unit, and
- each of the mechanical switches has at least a portion formed by a material which allows underlying information of the display to be visible through the respective mechanical switch,
- wherein the array of mechanical switches are arranged with respect to the first section of the display and the electronic control unit in such a way that the portion of each mechanical switch formed by the material which allows underlying information of the display to be visible covers the first section of the display and another portion of each mechanical switch covers a section of the electronic control unit, and
- wherein each of the array of mechanical switches is coupled to a respective one of an array of plungers, each of the plungers configured to press a corresponding one of the plurality of switches of the electronic control unit, and
- wherein a length of the plunger is selected such that the display is positioned closer to the array of mechanical switches than the electronic control unit, and the electronic control unit at least partially overlays the display.
10 more elements
A method for reconfiguring a control device, for use in vehicles, wherein the control device comprises:
- a housing unit having a display;
- an array of mechanical switches, each of the mechanical switches having at least a portion formed by a material which allows underlying information of the display to be visible through the respective mechanical switch, each of the array of mechanical switches being coupled to a respective one of an array of plungers, each of the plungers configured to press a corresponding one of a plurality of switches of an electronic control unit;
- and
- at least two input keys, wherein the array of mechanical switches are arranged with respect to the display in such a way that the portion of each mechanical switch formed by the material which allows underlying information of the display to be visible covers a first section of the display and another portion of each mechanical switch does not cover any portion of the display, wherein a length of the plunger is selected such that the display is positioned closer to the array of mechanical switches than the electronic control unit, and the electronic control unit at least partially overlays the display;
- the method comprising:
- selecting a function mode by pressing one of the at least two input keys on the control device;
- selecting a function displayed on the array of mechanical switches for selection of a desired function from a plurality of predetermined functions, and
- reconfiguring the array of mechanical switches for selection of the desired function upon selecting the function mode by pressing one of the at least two input keys on the control device.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.