Multi-functional control and entertainment systems
View Patent ↗For use in vehicles, it is desirable to have multi-functional (also known as reconfigurable) controls in the center stack portion of the instrument panel in order to best provide electronic and telematic functions to the driver. Disclosed are methods and apparatus to allow reconfiguration of classical controls such as knobs, sliders, and switches most familiar to the vast majority of the motoring public which may, if desired, utilize conventional flat panel displays (e.g., LCD based) and conventional readout electronics and switching. Also disclosed are projection based controls and new forms of rear seat entertainment controls and related apparatus for minivans and other vehicles.
1. An instrument panel for vehicles or other applications comprising:
a rear projection screen and controls surface having a plurality of physical controls affixed thereto
a fixed image projector for projecting fixed image data onto a rear projection screen and control surface, said fixed image data relating to a control function of at least one of said physical controls,
means to sense a user input command on said control surface, and computer means for determining a control function from said input command.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 further including an additional fixed image projector.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 further including a programmable optical image writing device to write information over said projected fixed image.
4. Apparatus according to claim 1 further including a variable display for displaying variable image information.
5. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said input command is a finger touch location.
6. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said input command is a control detail position.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said control detail position comprises the position of one of a central knot and a slider.
8. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said input command comprises a physical touching of the screen by a user.
9. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said input command comprises physical touching of a central detail by a user.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said control detail comprises one of a control knob and slider.
11. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said fixed image projection comprises a slide projector.
12. An instrument panel for vehicles or other applications comprising:
a plurality of fixed image projectors each projecting fixed and unchangeable image data onto a rear projection screen and control surface of said instrument panel, only one of said projectors being substantially operable at any one time,
means to sense a user input command on said control surface,
computer means for determining a control function from said input command.