US 4,371,934 AGranted

Vehicle trip computer

AssigneeRobert Bosch GmbH

InventorsJosef Wahl, Peter-Jurgen Schmidt, Jorg Birmelin, Ferdinand Grob, Rolf Kohler, Erich Zabler, Frieder Heintz, Wolfgang Bremer, Viktor Kopernick, Robert Hugel, Andreas Weigl, Gunther Baumann

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Abstract

To provide a suitable number of display fields (e.g. ARRIVAL; TIME; etc.), each of which characterizes and identifies the significance or import or meaning of a displayed numerical value on a display device (16), the display fields are associated in groups or sets (11-15; 42-45) having a particular geometric position (columns; segmental), and a plurality of keys (21-25) are provided with each key being associated with a group or set of the display fields, and connected to a counter (61) to select a particular one of the display fields within the group or set by the number of key operations, the numerical value associated with the display field then being displayed on the numerical display (16). The display and keys are connected to a computer (62) which provides the output data for the numerical indicator (16); an input/output control switch (26) is provided to change the function of the display group selection keys (21-25) to permit data entry into the computer (62), for example of speed limit, driving distance, and the like.

In combination with an automotive vehicle,

a vehicle trip computer having
an optical display device (10, 41) for indicating and presenting data, including
a numerical display device (16) for the display of numerical values and
a plurality of display fields, each characterizing and identifying the significance or import of the displayed numerical value, on said numerical display device;
an operating component (20, 50) for entry and/or retrieval of data including a plurality of keys (20-25);
a data supply computer (62) furnishing a plurality of numerical values, representative of operating parameters and information data relative to at least the then existing operation of the vehicle;
the display fields being adjacently positioned and located in groups or sets (11-15;
42-45);
one key (21-25), each, being assigned to each group or set;
counter means (61) connected to the keys and counting the number of times a key is operated, each key operation being associated with a selected operating parameter relative to at least the then existing operation of the vehicle, or a selected significant information item;
signal transmission link means connecting respective ones of the count output of the counter means to
(a) the data supply computer to provide outputs for display on the display device (16) of numerical values pertaining to the selected operating parameter of the selected significant information item, and
(b) to respective display fields of the group, or set, associated with a respective count to sequentially switch display of a specific display field in the display fields in the group, or set, upon repeated operation of a single key,
whereby the optical display device will display
(a) on the numerical display device, a numerical value representative of the selected operating parameter, or information item selected by a respective key and the respective number of operations of the key, and
(b) on the display fields, a representation of the parameter, or the significance of the information item being shown in form of a numerical value on the numerical display device (16) upon operation of only a single key;
and wherein
the groups or sets (11-15;
42-45) of the display fields are disposed in a predetermined geometric layout:
and the keys (21-25) associated with the sets or groups of said display fields are located in a layout having a similar geometric configuration.

17 more elements

Abstract

Claims25