Abstract:
A control interface system for a driver of a vehicle comprises a touchscreen, a control module, and a display. The touchscreen is located proximate to the driver of the vehicle and upon driver interaction therewith is operable to generate a sensor signal. The control module is adapted to receive the sensor signal from the touchscreen and is operable to initiate control of a vehicle function and to generate a haptic feedback signal in response thereto. The touchscreen is adapted to receive the haptic feedback signal from the control module and is operable to provide haptic feedback to the driver of the vehicle in response thereto. The display is embedded in an instrument panel of the vehicle and provides an indicia of the vehicle function controlled by the touchscreen and of driver interaction therewith.

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to human machine interfaces and, more particularly, to an improved control interface for a driver of a vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. Indicating instruments or gauges for viewing by drivers of vehicles generally include an analog portion for displaying and/or controlling vehicle operating conditions, such as the temperature of the interior cabin of a vehicle. In more recent vehicles, indicating instruments generally include a liquid crystal display (LCD) for displaying and/or controlling the vehicle operating conditions. An analog device typically includes a faceplate having indicia adjacent a scale to denote levels of the scale and a pointer for rotating to the indicia and scale numbers, such as mile per hour markings. While such analog and LCD devices have generally proven satisfactory for their intended purposes, they have been associated with their share of limitations. 
     One such limitation of current vehicles with analog and/or LCD devices relates to their safety. Because such analog and LCD devices are normally located in separate, side-by-side locations on a dash of a vehicle, a driver of the vehicle may have to remove his or her hands a far distance from a steering wheel of the vehicle to reach and adjust vehicle operating conditions. While adjusting the vehicle operating conditions on the analog and LCD devices, the driver may not be ready to make a sudden, emergency turn, for example. 
     Another limitation of current vehicles employing analog and/or LCD devices is related to their accuracy of use. To avoid accidents, the driver has to preferably adjust vehicle operating conditions on the analog and LCD devices while keeping his or her eyes on the road. Without being able to look at the analog and LCD devices, the driver may incorrectly adjust the vehicle operating conditions. 
     What is needed then is a device that does not suffer from the above disadvantages. This, in turn, will provide an LCD device that is safe for the driver to control. In addition, the LCD device should lead to accurate use even without having to see the LCD device. 
     SUMMARY 
     A control interface system for a driver of a vehicle comprises a touchscreen, a control module, and a display. The touchscreen is located proximate to the driver of the vehicle and upon driver interaction therewith is operable to generate a sensor signal. The control module is adapted to receive the sensor signal from the touchscreen and is operable to initiate control of a vehicle function and to generate a haptic feedback signal in response thereto. The touchscreen is adapted to receive the haptic feedback signal from the control module and is operable to provide haptic feedback to the driver of the vehicle in response thereto. The display is embedded in an instrument panel of the vehicle and provides an indicia of the vehicle function controlled by the touchscreen and of driver interaction therewith. 
     In other features, the control module is in data communication with the display and operable to initiate control of the vehicle function as indicated on the display. The touchscreen includes at least one control icon upon driver interaction therewith operable to generate the sensor signal. The display provides an indicia of the control icon currently selectable via the touchscreen. 
     In still other features, the control module determines an applied force on the touchscreen based on the sensor signal. The control module generates the haptic feedback signal when the applied force is applied to the control icon. The display provides an indicia of the control icon currently selected via the touchscreen. 
     In other features, the control module initiates control of the vehicle function when the applied force is applied to the control icon, removed from the control icon, and reapplied to the control icon within a predetermined time. The control module generates the haptic feedback signal. The display provides an indicia of the control icon currently executed via the touchscreen. 
     In still other features, the control module initiates control of the vehicle function when the applied force is applied to the control icon and is greater than a predetermined value. The control module generates the haptic feedback signal. The display provides an indicia of the control icon currently executed via the touchscreen. 
     In other features, the touchscreen includes at least one imbedded switch operable to generate the sensor signal upon actuation thereof. The touchscreen includes at least one imbedded piezo device operable to generate the sensor signal upon driver interaction therewith, adapted to receive the haptic feedback signal from the control module, and operable to provide haptic feedback to the driver of the vehicle in response thereto. 
     Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an interior cabin of a vehicle depicting a location of a display information center (DIC) and a haptic tracking remote; 
         FIG. 2  is a functional block diagram of a control interface system that includes a DIC module of the DIC of  FIG. 1  and a remote haptic module (RHM) of the haptic tracking remote of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the RHM of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the RHM of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of switches of the RHM of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of an embodiment of the RHM of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of an embodiment of the RHM of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of a input module interface and a feedback module of the RHM of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9A  is a graph depicting a applied force over a time for a piezo sensor of the input module interface of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 9B  is a graph depicting a sensor voltage over a time for the piezo sensor of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 9C  is a graph depicting an actuator voltage over a time for a piezo actuator of the feedback module of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 9D  is a graph depicting an actuator force over a time for the piezo actuator of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10A  is a flowchart depicting exemplary steps performed by a control module of the control interface system of  FIG. 2  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10B  is a portion of the flowchart of  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIG. 11A  is a screenshot illustrating an input module of the RHM of  FIG. 2  when the mode is a search mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11B  is a screenshot illustrating a display of the DIC module of  FIG. 2  when the mode is the search mode in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12A  is a screenshot illustrating the input module of  FIG. 2  when the mode is a select mode; 
         FIG. 12B  is a screenshot illustrating the display of  FIG. 2  when the mode is the select mode; 
         FIG. 13A  is a screenshot illustrating the input module of  FIG. 2  when the mode is an execute mode; and 
         FIG. 13B  is a screenshot illustrating the display of  FIG. 2  when the mode is the execute mode. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features. As used herein, the term module refers to an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1-13 , the teachings of the present invention will be explained. With initial reference to  FIG. 1 , depicted is a vehicle  10  having a dash  12  and an instrument panel  14 , both of which may be situated in front of a driver&#39;s seat  16  in an interior cabin  18  of the vehicle  10 . As part of the instrument panel  14 , a display information center (DIC)  20  is depicted and may be exemplified by an indicating instrument or gauge, such as, but not limited to, a thermometer for the interior cabin  18 . The DIC  20  is connected to a haptic tracking remote  22  that controls the DIC  20  as described herein. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , an exemplary control interface system  100  is shown. The control interface system  100  includes a DIC module  102  of the DIC  20  and a remote haptic module (RHM)  104  of the haptic tracking remote  22 . The DIC module  102  includes a display  106 , a video graphics controller  108 , a flash memory  110 , a video random access memory (VRAM)  112 , a central processing unit  114 , and a network interface  116 . The RHM  104  includes an input module  120 , an input module interface  122 , switches  124 , a feedback module  126 , a video graphics controller  128 , a central processing unit  130 , a control module  118 , and a network interface  132 . In other embodiments of the present invention, the control module  118  may be located in only the DIC module  102 , or in both the DIC module  102  and the RHM  104 . 
     The input module  120  may be, but is not limited to, a touchpad or a touchscreen. For example only, the touchscreen may be a thin film transistor liquid crystal display. The input module  120  includes at least one control icon centered at coordinates (i.e., control icon coordinates) on the surface of the input module  120 . A driver of the vehicle  10  touches the control icon to control the DIC module  102 . The input module  120  further includes at least one value of the instrument panel  14  (i.e., a control value). 
     The control icon&#39;s data and image may be predetermined and may reside in the flash memory  110  and be downloaded to the RHM  104 , or vice versa (not shown). For example only, the control icon&#39;s image may be in one of different geometric shapes. In addition, the control icon&#39;s image (i.e., shape and color) may be customized by the driver via a graphical user interface. 
     For example only, several control icon images may be predetermined and selected by the driver. Alternatively, the control icon images may be created by the driver on a web site and downloaded to the RHM  104  or the DIC module  102 . The driver&#39;s image settings may be stored in local memory (not shown). 
     If the driver wants to execute a command of the control icon, the driver may do any of the following three options (individual or combined). For example only, the command may be to set, increase, or decrease a value of the instrument panel  14 , such as a temperature of the interior cabin  18 . One, the driver may touch the control icon with an applied force, remove his or her touch, and touch the control icon again within a predetermined time (i.e., perform an “OFF-ON sequence”). Two, the driver may touch the control icon with an applied force that is greater than a predetermined value (i.e., a hard force). Three, the driver may activate a voice recognition module (not shown) and voice the command. 
     The input module interface  122  detects the applied force, a location of the applied force on the surface of the input module  120  (i.e., an applied force location), and voice commands of the driver. To detect the applied force, the input module interface  122  may include a piezo device, a standard force/displacement gauge, a hall-effect switch, and/or a shock detection accelerometer transducer. To detect the voice commands, the input module interface  122  may include the voice recognition module. The input module interface  122  generates a sensor signal based on the detected applied force, the detected applied force location, and/or the detected voice commands. The central processing unit  130  receives the sensor signal and processes the sensor signal. 
     The switches  124  may be used to detect the applied force that is greater than the hard force. The switches  124  include mechanical switches. When the applied force is greater than the hard force, the input module  120  moves completely to toggle the mechanical switches. When toggled, the mechanical switches connect or disconnect a circuit between a voltage source (not shown) and the central processing unit  130 . The voltage source may be located within the input module  120  and generates a sensor signal that indicates that the applied force is greater than the hard force. When the circuit is connected, the central processing unit  130  receives the sensor signal that indicates that the applied force is greater than the hard force. 
     The video graphics controller  128  may generate and output images of the control icon, the control value, other data of the vehicle  10 , and/or a graphical user interface to the input module  120 . The images may be predetermined and may reside in the flash memory  110  and be downloaded to the RHM  104 , or vice versa (not shown). In addition, the images may be customized by the driver via the graphical user interface. The driver&#39;s image settings may be stored in local memory. 
     For example only, the display  106  may be a thin film transistor liquid crystal display. The display  106  includes at least one display icon centered at coordinates (i.e., display icon coordinates) on the surface of the display  106  and at least one value of the instrument panel  14  (i.e., a display value). The display icon&#39;s data and image may be predetermined and may reside in the flash memory  110  and be downloaded to the RHM  104 , or vice versa (not shown). For example only, the display icon&#39;s image may be in one of different geometric shapes. 
     In addition, the display icon&#39;s image may be customized by the driver via a graphical user interface. For example only, several display icon images may be predetermined and selected by the driver. Alternatively, the display icon images may be created on a web site and downloaded to the DIC module  102  or the RHM  104 . The driver&#39;s image settings may be stored in local memory. 
     The surface of the input module  120  is mapped onto the surface of the display  106 . In other words, the surface of the display  106  is a virtual image of the surface of the input module  120 . The surface of the input module  120  may have to be scaled in order to be mapped onto the surface of the display  106 . An amount of horizontal pixels of the surface of the display  106  H may be determined according to the following equation:
 
H=h*s,   (1)
 
where h is an amount of horizontal pixels of the surface of the input module  120  and s is a horizontal scale factor. An amount of vertical pixels of the surface of the display  106  V may be determined according to the following equation:
 
V=v*t,   (2)
 
where v is an amount of vertical pixels of the surface of the input module  120  and t is a vertical scale factor.
 
     The control icon is mapped into the display icon. The control icon coordinates may have to be scaled in order to be mapped into the display icon. The video graphics controller  108  and the VRAM  112  generate and output images of the display icon, the display value, other data of the vehicle  10 , and/or the graphical user interface to the display  106 . 
     The images may be predetermined and may reside in the flash memory  110  and be downloaded to the RHM  104 , or vice versa (not shown). In addition, the images may be customized by the driver via the graphical user interface. The driver&#39;s image settings may be stored in local memory. 
     The control module  118  receives the processed sensor signal from the central processing unit  130  and determines the applied force based on the processed sensor signal. The control module  118  determines whether the applied force is greater than a minimum force. The minimum force is less than the hard force and a predetermined value. If the applied force is greater than the minimum force, the control module  118  sets a mode of the control interface system  100  to a search mode. 
     The control module  118  sets a display signal to an initial signal that commands the DIC module  102  and the RHM  104  to display the images of the display and the control icons, the display and the control values, and the graphical user interface. The network interface  132  receives the display signal and transfers the display signal to the network interface  116  via a network bus  134 . For example only, the network interfaces  116  and  132  and the network bus  134  may be parts of a Controller Area Network, a Local Interconnect Network, and/or a wireless network. 
     The central processing unit  114  receives and processes the display signal from the network interface  116 . The video graphics controller  108  and the VRAM  112  receive the processed display signal and generate and output the images of the display icons and the display values to the display  106 . The central processing unit  130  receives and processes the display signal from the control module  118 . The video graphics controller  128  receives the processed display signal and generates and outputs the images of the control icons and the control values to the input module  120 . 
     The control module  118  determines coordinates of the driver&#39;s touch on the surface of the input module  120  (i.e., touch coordinates) based on the processed sensor signal. The control module  118  determines an area of the driver&#39;s touch centered at the touch coordinates (i.e., a touch area). The control module  118  determines an area of the driver&#39;s touch on the surface of the display  106  (i.e., a virtual touch area) centered at coordinates on the surface of the display  106  (i.e., virtual touch coordinates). The control module  118  determines the virtual touch area based on mapping the touch area into the virtual touch area. For example only, the image of the virtual touch area may be of, but is not limited to, a pointer or a finger on the display  106 . 
     The control module  118  determines the display signal based on the mode and the virtual touch area. When the mode is the search mode, the display signal commands the DIC module  102  to display the image of the virtual touch area along with the images of the display icons, the display values, and the graphical user interface. In other words, the driver&#39;s touch on the surface of the input module  120  is tracked, or indicated, on the display  106 . 
     The control module  118  may determine whether the touch coordinates are above the control icon. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present invention, the control module  118  may determine whether the virtual touch coordinates are above the display icon. If the touch coordinates are above the control icon, or if the virtual touch coordinates are above the display icon, the control module  118  sets the mode to a selection mode. 
     The control module  118  determines a feedback signal based on the mode and the touch coordinates to provide feedback to the driver to indicate that the control icon has been touched with at least the minimum force. For example only, the intensity of the feedback may change depending on the mode and the control icon the driver touches. The central processing unit  130  receives and processes the feedback signal. The feedback module  126  receives the processed feedback signal. 
     The feedback module  126  may include a haptic actuator module or a piezo device that provides haptic feedback, such as a haptic vibration, to the driver when the feedback module  126  receives the processed feedback signal. The feedback module  126  may include an audio module (not shown) that provides audio feedback, such as audio of the command of the control icon, to the driver when the feedback module  126  receives the processed feedback signal. The feedback module  126  may provide both haptic and audio feedback at the same time. In addition, the driver may select whether he or she wants haptic feedback, audio feedback, both haptic and audio feedback, or no feedback. The driver&#39;s feedback settings may be stored in local memory and/or downloaded to the DIC module  102 . 
     The control module  118  determines the display signal based on the mode, the touch coordinates, and the virtual touch area to change the virtual image to indicate to the driver that the control icon has been touched with at least the minimum force. For example only, the images of the selected display icon and/or the virtual touch area may change in color and/or animation depending on the mode and the control icon the driver touches. When the mode is the select mode, the display signal commands the DIC module  102  to display the changed images of the selected display icon and/or the virtual touch area along with images of any other display icons, the display values, and the graphical user interface. 
     The control module  118  determines whether the driver executes the command of the control icon based on the processed sensor signal. If the driver executes the command, the control module  118  sets the mode to an execute mode. The control module  118  starts a timing module (not shown). The timing module may be located within the control module  118  or at other locations, such as within the RHM  104 , for example. 
     The timing module includes a timer that begins to increment when the timing module is started. The timing module determines a timer value based on the timer. The control module  118  determines a command signal based on the touch coordinates to execute the command of the control icon. 
     The amount of times the command is executed is determined based on the timer value. Other vehicle modules  136 , such as for example a temperature control module (not shown), receive the command signal from the control module  118  via the network interface  132 . The other vehicle modules  136  act accordingly to execute the command of the control icon. 
     The control module  118  determines the feedback signal based on the mode and the command signal to change the feedback to the driver to indicate that the command of the control icon has been executed. The control module  118  determines the display signal based on the mode, the virtual touch area, and the command signal. The control module  118  changes the images of the executed display icon, the virtual touch area, and/or the corresponding display and the control values to indicate to the driver that the command has been executed. 
     The display and the control values change depending on the control icon the driver touches. When the mode is the execute mode, the display signal commands the DIC module  102  to display the changed images of the executed display icon, the virtual touch area, and the corresponding display value along with images of any other display icons and display values. In addition, the display signal commands the RHM  104  to display the image of the changed control value along with images of the control icons and any other control values. 
     The control module  118  determines whether the driver continues to execute the command of the control icon based on the updated processed sensor signal. If the driver continues to execute the command, the control module  118  receives the timer value from the timing module. The control module  118  determines a predetermined maximum period for the command to execute (i.e., a maximum command period). The control module  118  determines whether the timer value is less than the maximum command period. 
     If the timer value is less than the maximum command period, the control module  118  continues to determine the command signal, the feedback signal, and the display signal. If the timer value is greater than or equal to the maximum command period, the control module  118  resets the timing module and sets the display to a final signal. The final signal commands the DIC module  102  to display the display icons and the display values and commands the RHM  104  to display the control icons and the control values. 
     The control module  118  receives the timer value. The control module  118  determines whether the timer value is greater than a predetermined period for the DIC module  102  to display the display icons and for the RHM  104  to display the control icons (i.e., a maximum display period). If the timer value is less than the maximum display period, the control module  118  continues to set the display signal to the final signal. If the timer is greater than the maximum display period, the control module  118  sets the display signal to a standby signal. The standby signal may command the DIC module  102  to display only the display values and/or command the RHM  104  to display only the control values. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , an embodiment of the RHM  104  and associated structure is shown. The switches  124  include mechanical switches  202 - 1 ,  202 - 2  (referred to collectively as mechanical switches  202 ). The mechanical switches  202  may be pushbuttons. 
     The RHM  104  includes a hard frame  204  that may be a printed circuit board. The mechanical switches  202  are placed on the hard frame  204 . The RHM  104  includes springs  206 - 1 ,  206 - 2  (referred to collectively as springs  206 ) that are placed between the hard frame  204  and the input module  120 . When uncompressed, the springs  206  prevent the input module  120  from touching the mechanical switches  202 . The input module  120  includes a touchscreen  208  that is placed within a support structure  210 . The support structure  210  may be used to provide the haptic feedback to the driver. 
     When the driver touches the input module  120  with an applied force that is less than or equal to the hard force, the input module  120  moves a displacement  212  toward the mechanical switches  202 . When moved the displacement  212 , the input module compresses the springs  206 . When the driver touches the input module  120  with an applied force that is greater than the hard force, the input module  120  moves a displacement  214  that is greater than the displacement  212  toward the mechanical switches  202 . When moved the displacement  214 , the input module  120  compresses further the springs  206  and toggles the mechanical switches  202  to indicate that the applied force is greater than the hard force. 
     Continuing with  FIG. 4 , a top view of the RHM  104  and the associate structure is shown. The switches  124  include mechanical switches  302 - 1 ,  302 - 2 ,  302 - 3 ,  302 - 4 ,  302 - 5 ,  302 - 6 ,  302 - 7 ,  302 - 8  (referred to collectively as mechanical switches  302 ). The mechanical switches  302  may be pushbuttons. 
     The mechanical switches  302  are placed on the hard frame  204 . The RHM  104  includes springs  304 - 1 ,  304 - 2 ,  304 - 3 ,  304 - 4  (referred to collectively as springs  304 ). The springs  304  are placed between the hard frame  204  and the input module  120 . When uncompressed, the springs  304  prevent the input module  120  from touching the mechanical switches  302 . The input module  120  includes the touchscreen  208 . 
     Continuing with  FIG. 5 , an exemplary functional block diagram of the switches  124  is shown. The switches  124  include a resistor  402  that receives and drops a positive supply voltage (V cc ). The positive supply voltage may be from, but is not limited to being from, the input module  120 . 
     The switches  124  further include electrical switches  404 - 1 ,  404 - 2 ,  404 - 3 ,  404 - 4 ,  404 - 5 ,  404 - 6 ,  404 - 7 ,  404 - 8  (referred to collectively as electrical switches  404 ) and a resistor  406 . When toggled, the electrical switches  404  connect or disconnect the circuit between the resistor  402  and the resistors  406 . The electrical switches  404  are in an “or” configuration, so any one of the electrical switches  404  may be toggled to connect a circuit between the resistor  402  and the resistor  406 . If the circuit is connected, the resistor  406  receives and drops further the positive supply voltage. The central processing unit  130  of the RHM  104  receives the dropped positive supply voltage as the sensor signal that indicates that the applied force is greater than the hard force. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 6 , another embodiment of the RHM  104  and associated structure is shown. The switches  124  include contacts  502 - 1 ,  502 - 2  (referred to collectively as contacts  502 ). The RHM  104  includes a hard frame  504  that may be a printed circuit board. The contacts  502  are placed on the hard frame  504 . 
     The switches  124  further include spring blades  506 - 1 ,  506 - 2  (referred to collectively as spring blades  506 ) that are welded or soldered onto the hard frame  504 . The spring blades  506  are placed between the hard frame  504  and the input module  120 . The spring blades  506  may also be welded or soldered onto the bottom surface of the input module  120 . When uncompressed, the spring blades  506  prevent the input module  120  from touching the contacts  502 . 
     The input module  120  includes a support structure  508  that may be used to provide the haptic feedback to the driver. When the applied force is greater than the hard force, the input module  120  moves toward the contacts  502  and compresses the spring blades  506 . The input module  120  causes the spring blades  506  to touch the contacts  502 . When touched, the contacts  502  connect a circuit between the input module  120  and the central processing unit  130  of the RHM  104 . When connected, the input module  120  outputs the sensor signal that indicates that the applied force is greater than the hard force to the central processing unit  130 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 7 , another embodiment of the RHM  104  and associated structure is shown. The input module interface  122  includes a piezo device (i.e., a piezo sensor  602 ) and copper traces  604 . The feedback module  126  includes a piezo device (i.e., a piezo actuator  606 ) and copper traces  608 . Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present invention, the RHM  104  may include a piezo device (i.e., a piezo transducer) that acts as both the piezo sensor  602  and the piezo actuator  606 . 
     The copper traces  604 ,  608  are placed on the surface of a hard frame  610 . The piezo sensor  602  is placed on top of the copper traces  604 , while the piezo actuator  606  is placed on top of the copper traces  608 . The input module  120  is placed on top of the piezo sensor  602  and the piezo actuator  606 . The input module  120  includes a supporting structure  612  that may be used by the feedback module  126  to provide the haptic feedback to the driver. The supporting structure  612  includes indium tin oxide (ITO) traces  614  and ITO traces  616  that electrically and mechanically connect the piezo sensor  602  and the piezo actuator  606 , respectively, to the supporting structure  612 . 
     When the driver touches the input module  120  with the applied force, the piezo sensor  602  receives the applied force via the ITO traces  614  and the copper traces  604 . The piezo sensor  602  generates a sensor voltage signal based on the applied force. The ITO traces  614  and the copper traces  604  receive the sensor voltage signal for use by the control interface system  100 . For example only, the input module interface  122  may determine the sensor signal based on the sensor voltage signal. 
     To provide the haptic feedback to the driver via the piezo actuator  606 , the control interface system  100  determines an actuator voltage signal. For example only, the feedback module  126  may determine the actuator voltage signal based on the feedback signal from the control module  118 . The piezo actuator  606  receives the actuator voltage signal via the ITO traces  616  and the copper traces  608 . The piezo actuator  606  produces an actuator force based on the actuator voltage signal and outputs the actuator force through the ITO traces  616  and the copper traces  608 . The actuator force via the supporting structure  612  provides the haptic feedback to the driver. 
     Continuing with  FIG. 8 , an exemplary functional block diagram of the input module interface  122  and the feedback module  126  of the RHM  104  is shown. The input module interface  122  includes a piezo sensor  602  and an amplifier  702 . The feedback module  126  includes an amplifier  704  and a piezo actuator  606 . Alternatively, in another embodiment of the present invention, the RHM  104  may include a piezo transducer that acts as both the piezo sensor  602  and the piezo actuator  606 . 
     The piezo sensor  602  receives the applied force from the input module  120  and determines the sensor voltage signal based on the applied force. The amplifier  702  receives the sensor voltage signal and amplifies the sensor voltage signal. The central processing unit  130  receives the amplified sensor voltage signal for use by the control interface system  100 . 
     The central processing unit  130  generates the actuator voltage signal. The amplifier  704  receives the actuator voltage signal and amplifies the actuator voltage signal. The piezo actuator  606  receives the amplified actuator voltage signal and produces the actuator force based on the actuator voltage signal. The input module  120  receives the actuator force and is displaced by the actuator force. A change in actuator force ΔF a  may be determined according to the following equation:
 
Δ F   n   =k*ΔL,    (3)
 
where k is a predetermined displacement constant and ΔL is a displacement of the input module  120 .
 
     Continuing with  FIG. 9A , a graph  800  depicts an applied force  802  versus a time for the piezo sensor  602 . The applied force  802  is initially a value below a hard force  804 . The applied force  802  increases to a value greater than the hard force  804 . 
     Continuing with  FIG. 9B , a graph  900  depicts a sensor voltage  902  versus a time for the piezo sensor  602 . The graph  900  is correlated to the graph  800 . The sensor voltage  902  is initially a value below a voltage value that is correlated to the hard force  804  (a hard voltage  904 ). When the applied force  802  increases to a value greater than the hard force  804 , the sensor voltage  902  increases to a value greater than the hard voltage  904 . The sensor voltage  902  may be sampled and/or filtered to reduce the noise of the sensor voltage  902  and convert the alternating current signal to a direct current signal. 
     Continuing with  FIG. 9C , a graph  1000  depicts an actuator voltage  1002  versus a time for the piezo actuator  606 . Each pulse of the actuator voltage  1002  is a command from the control interface system  100  for the piezo actuator  606  to provide the haptic feedback to the driver. The value of the actuator voltage  1002  when the applied force is less than or equal to the hard force may be different than the value when the applied force is greater than the hard force (not shown). 
     Continuing with  FIG. 9D , a graph  1100  depicts an actuator force  1102  versus a time for the piezo actuator  606 . The graph  1100  is correlated to the graph  1000 . When the actuator voltage  1002  pulses (i.e., increases), the actuator force  1102  pulses. The value of the actuator force  1102  when the applied force is less than or equal to the hard force may be different than the value when the applied force is greater than the hard force (not shown). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10A  and  FIG. 10B , a flowchart  1200  depicts exemplary steps performed by the control module  118  of the control interface system  100 . Control begins in step  1202 . In step  1204 , the sensor signal (i.e., Sensor) is determined. 
     In step  1206 , the applied force is determined based on the sensor signal. In step  1208 , control determines whether the applied force is greater than the minimum force. If true, control continues in step  1210 . If false, control continues in step  1212 . 
     In step  1210 , the mode is set to the search mode (i.e., Search). In step  1214 , the display signal (i.e., Display) is set to the initial signal (i.e., Initial). In step  1216 , the touch coordinates are determined based on the sensor signal. In step  1218 , the touch area is determined based on the touch coordinates. 
     In step  1220 , the virtual touch area is determined based on the touch area. In step  1222 , the display signal is determined based on the mode and the virtual touch area. In step  1224 , control determines whether the touch coordinates are on the control icon. If true, control continues in step  1226 . If false, control continues in step  1204 . 
     In step  1226 , the mode is set to the select mode (i.e., Select). In step  1228 , the feedback signal (i.e., Feedback) is determined based on the mode and the touch coordinates. In step  1230 , the display signal is determined based on the mode, the touch coordinates, and the virtual touch area. 
     In step  1232 , control determines whether the applied force is greater than the hard force. If true, control continues in step  1234 . If false, control continues in step  1204 . In step  1234 , the mode is set to the execute mode (i.e., Execute). 
     In step  1236 , the timing module is started. In step  1238 , the timer value is determined. In step  1240 , the command signal is determined based on the touch coordinates and the timer value. In step  1242 , the feedback signal is determined based on the mode and the command signal. 
     In step  1244 , the display signal is determined based on the mode, the virtual touch area, and the command signal. In step  1246 , the applied force is determined. In step  1248 , control determines whether the applied force is greater than the hard force. If true, control continues in step  1250 . If false, control continues in step  1204 . 
     In step  1250 , the timer value is determined. In step  1252 , the maximum command period (i.e., Max Command Period) is determined based on the command signal. In step  1254 , control determines whether the timer value is less than the maximum command period. If true, control continues in step  1240 . If false, control continues in step  1256 . 
     In step  1256 , the timing module is reset. In step  1258 , the display signal is set to the final signal (i.e., Final). In step  1260 , the timer value is determined. In step  1262 , control determines whether the timer value is greater than the maximum display period. If true, control continues in step  1264 . If false, control continues in step  1258 . In step  1264 , the display signal is set to the standby signal (i.e., Standby). Control ends in step  1212 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11A , an exemplary screenshot  1300  depicts the input module  120  of the RHM  104  when the mode is the search mode. The input module  120  includes images of a default temperature control icon  1302 - 1 , an increase temperature control icon  1302 - 2 , a decrease temperature control icon  1302 - 3 . The input module  120  further includes images of a default fan control icon  1302 - 4 , an increase fan control icon  1302 - 5 , and a decrease fan control icon  1302 - 6  (referred to collectively as control icons  1302 ). 
     The input module  120  further includes images of a temperature control value  1304 - 1  and a fan control value  1304 - 2  (referred to collectively as control values  1304 ). When a driver  1306  touches the input module  120  with the applied force that is greater than the minimum force, the mode is set to the search mode. The display signal is set to the initial signal that commands the input module  120  to display the images of the control icons  1302  and the control values  1304 . 
     Continuing with  FIG. 11B , an exemplary screenshot  1400  depicts the display  106  of the DIC module  102  when the mode is the search mode. The display  106  includes images of a default temperature display icon  1402 - 1 , an increase temperature display icon  1402 - 2 , a decrease temperature display icon  1402 - 3 . The display  106  further includes images of a default fan display icon  1402 - 4 , an increase fan display icon  1402 - 5 , and a decrease fan display icon  1402 - 6  (referred to collectively as display icons  1402 ). The display  106  further includes images of a temperature display value  1404 - 1  and a fan display value  1404 - 2  (referred to collectively as display values  1404 ). The display  106  further includes an image of a virtual touch area  1406 . 
     When the driver  1306  touches the input module  120  with the applied force that is greater than the minimum force, the display signal is set to the initial signal. The initial signal commands the display  106  to display images of the display icons  1402  and the display values  1404 . After the virtual touch area  1406  is determined, the display signal is determined based on the mode and the virtual touch area  1406 . When the mode is the search mode, the display signal commands the display  106  to display the images of the display icons  1402 , the display values  1404 , and the virtual touch area  1406 . 
     Continuing with  FIG. 12A , an exemplary screenshot  1500  depicts the input module  120  of the RHM  104  when the mode is the select mode. When the driver  1306  touches the increase temperature control icon  1302 - 2  with the applied force that is greater than the minimum force, the mode is set to the select mode. The feedback signal is determined based on the mode and the touch coordinates and commands the feedback module  126  to provide the feedback to the driver  1306 . 
     Continuing with  FIG. 12B , an exemplary screenshot  1600  depicts the display  106  of the DIC module  102  when the mode is the select mode. The display  106  includes a help image  1602  and an image of a virtual touch area  1604  that is centered at different virtual touch coordinates than those of the virtual touch area  1406 . The display  106  further includes an image of an increase temperature display icon  1606  of a different color than the increase temperature display icon  1402 - 2 . 
     When the driver  1306  touches the increase temperature control icon  1302 - 2  with the applied force that is greater than the minimum force, the display signal is determined based on the mode, the touch coordinates, and the virtual touch area  1604 . When the mode is the select mode, the display signal commands the display  106  to display the images of the display icons  1402  and the display values  1404 . The display signal further commands the display  106  to display the help image  1602  and the images of the virtual touch area  1604  and the increase temperature display icon  1606 . 
     Continuing with  FIG. 13A , an exemplary screenshot  1700  depicts the input module  120  of the RHM  104  when the mode is the execute mode. When the driver  1306  executes the command of the increase temperature control icon  1302 - 2 , the mode is set to the execute mode. The feedback signal is determined based on the mode and the command signal and commands the feedback module  126  to provide the feedback to the driver  1306 . 
     Continuing with  FIG. 13B , an exemplary screenshot  1800  depicts the display  106  of the DIC module  102  when the mode is the execute mode. The display  106  includes a help image  1802  that is different than the help image  1602 . When the driver  1306  executes the command of the increase temperature control icon  1302 - 2 , the display signal is determined based on the mode, the virtual touch area  1604 , and the command signal. When the mode is the execute mode, the display signal commands the display  106  to display the images of the display icons  1402 , the display values  1404 , the virtual touch area  1604 , and the increase temperature display icon  1606 . The display signal further commands the display  106  to display the help image  1802 . 
     In addition, the display signal commands the display  106  to increase the temperature display value  1404 - 1  in accordance with the command of the increase temperature control icon  1302 - 2 . The display signal further commands the input module  120  of  FIG. 13A  to increase the temperature control value  1304 - 1  in accordance with the command of the increase temperature control icon  1302 - 2 . 
     The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.