US 5,513,107 A · Methods and apparatus for controlling operating subsystems of a motor vehicle

Abstract

Parameters for operation of a number of vehicle operating subsystems are stored in a vehicle controller and selected to control and configure the operating subsystems. Control and configuration can be based on individual recognized operators of the vehicle or an operating mode can be selected for the vehicle. For example, sport, cruise, luxury, off-road or other performance modes can be set up and selected. If a vehicle is to be operated by an authorized person who is not a recognized operator or is not authorized to select a mode of operation, default operating characteristic parameters are stored and selected. If the authorized person is to be restricted in the possible operation of the vehicle, a further set of limited operating characteristic parameters are stored and selected, preferably by entry of control signals corresponding to a security code. For example, if a valet is parking the vehicle, the limited operating parameters are selected. For security purposes, the limited operating parameters can be invoked after a defined period of time. Diagnostic and maintenance of the vehicle is provided by monitoring at least the operating subsystems connected to the vehicle controller and recording diagnostic data. The controller communicates accumulated data to a service center on a periodic or as needed basis for analysis by the service center. The service center in turn communicates with the controller regarding service needed by the vehicle. The controller then advises operators of the vehicle of the information received from the service center.

Claims2

Dependent claims

An integrated control system for a motor vehicle comprising:

vehicle controller means for controlling and configuring operating characteristics of said motor vehicle in response to control signals, said vehicle controller means comprising memory means for storing vehicle control characteristic parameters selected by said control signals;
suspension control means connected to and configured by said vehicle controller means for controlling a suspension subsystem of said motor vehicle in response to said vehicle control characteristic parameters;
engine control means connected to and configured by said vehicle controller means for controlling an internal combustion engine of said motor vehicle in response to said vehicle control characteristic parameters;
power train control means connected to and configured by said vehicle controller means for controlling a power train connected between said internal combustion engine and driven wheels of said motor vehicle in response to said vehicle control characteristic parameters;
steering control means connected to and configured by said vehicle controller means for controlling a steering subsystem of said motor vehicle in response to said vehicle control characteristic parameters;
and
input means for generating said control signals, at least some of said vehicle control characteristic parameters being stored and selected as a plurality of ranges with each of said ranges having a plurality of subrange values which are stored and selected within said ranges, currently selected subrange values within a range defining the value of the range, said input means further providing for generation of selection signals for selecting said ranges and said subrange values within said ranges.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Methods and apparatus for controlling operating subsystems of a motor vehicle

Life of this patent

Methods and apparatus for controlling operating subsystems of a motor vehicle

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims2