Electrical transmission or interconnection systems – Vehicle mounted systems – Automobile
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-06
2001-10-23
Paladini, Albert W. (Department: 2841)
Electrical transmission or interconnection systems
Vehicle mounted systems
Automobile
C307S010200, C307S010300
Reexamination Certificate
active
06307280
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to vehicle controls and more particularly, to a device and method for disabling vehicle electrical controls.
BACKGROUND ART
One of the recent trends in designing automobiles is to add various information and convenience features, including additional instruments and accessories. To accommodate these additional features, the number of switches and electronic controls to operate these features has also increased. One of the results of this trend is a proliferation of ancillary controls. This makes it more challenging for the driver to operate and adjust functions, which could result in distracting the driver from their main task of driving.
To alleviate this, many automobiles have switches mounted on, or in close proximity to, the steering wheel. These switches are used to control various functions, including radio settings, climate control settings, display settings, cruise control, windshield wipers, head up display, navigation, mobile multimedia and cellular phone along with many others. These switches allow the driver to change various settings while keeping their hands on the steering wheel without having to reach over to the instrument panel controls and with less possible distraction.
Unfortunately, because of the proximity of these switches and controls to the driver's hands, it is possible that one or more may be activated inadvertently during a vehicle event. Inadvertent switch activation can occur when the steering wheel is being turned or when the driver is honking the horn. Changing the settings of one of the above functions accidentally, such as sudden increases in radio volume is undesirable. The driver must also determine which switch was accidentally activated so the situation can be corrected. It would, therefore, be desirable to prevent these functions from changing during vehicle events.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide an improved and reliable means for preventing certain vehicle systems from changing during a vehicle event. Another object of the invention is to provide a device and method for disabling vehicle controls in such situations.
In one aspect of the invention, a device for disabling vehicle controls includes one or more switches that control a function. This device also has a sensor to detect a vehicle event. When the sensor detects a certain vehicle event, a controller disables the switches responsible for controlling the ancillary vehicle function. In this way the ancillary vehicle function can not be accidentally or inadvertently changed during the vehicle event.
The present invention thus achieves an improved and reliable means for preventing functions from being accidentally or inadvertently changed during a vehicle event by disabling certain vehicle controls. Also, the present invention is advantageous in that it prevents the driver from being distracted in the middle of a vehicle event.
Additional advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the description that follows, and may be realized by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4896267 (1990-01-01), Frantz et al.
patent: 5412378 (1995-05-01), Clemens
patent: 5893582 (1999-04-01), Allen et al.
patent: 5955854 (1999-09-01), Zhang et al.
Harrington Marie Irene
Troxell John Richard
Zuraski Jeffery Alan
Delphi Technologies Inc.
Funke Jimmy L.
Paladini Albert W.
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