Abstract:
Methods and an apparatus are provided for producing owners manual information related to operation of a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a display system, an input device configured to generate a control signal in response to actuation by an operator of the vehicle, and a control module that is configured to sense an event of the vehicle and generate an output signal corresponding to the event. In addition, the apparatus further comprises a display control module configured to receive the control signal generated by the input device and the output signal generated by the control module. The display control module is further configured to control the display system in order to produce a visual representation of the owners manual information related to operation of the vehicle in response to the control signal and the outputsignal.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention generally relates to electronically processing and interactively providing owners manual information related to a vehicle, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for displaying selected items of such information that have been tailored to the operation and maintenance of a specific vehicle type including the vehicle specific accessories. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Operators of vehicles (e.g., a motor or automotive vehicle) are often provided with information related to the operation and maintenance of such vehicles and the vehicle accessories. To meet this need, some vehicles include an owners manual in book form and a vehicle introduction or orientation tape suitable for being played on a video cassette recorder (VCR). Although the video cassette tape and book include useful information about the operation and maintenance of the vehicle and vehicle accessories, there are many disadvantages associated with this approach. For example, the book and video cassette tend to provide information generic to a vehicle model that is not tailored to address the particular equipment, accessories and/or options of a specific vehicle. This generic character of the book and tape can result in the user needlessly reviewing material unrelated to the equipment on the specific vehicle and unrelated to the users interest at the time. Furthermore, it is difficult and expensive for the vehicle manufacturer to provide updates to such books and tapes. Moreover, the book and video cassette are not interactive and such media does not provide real time data related to the present operation and condition of the vehicle. In addition, the video cassette and owners book often undesirably take up over half of the average glove box volume of a vehicle. 
     In view of the foregoing, it should be appreciated that it is desirable to provide inexpensive methods and apparatus for providing a modern replacement of the prior art owners books and video cassette orientation tapes. In particular it is desired to provide a graphical user interface (GUI) or display system for interacting with the user to display selected information related to the operation and maintenance of a vehicle including the vehicle accessories in a new, enjoyable, and meaningful way. It is also desirable for such a GUI to provide a teaching tool for vehicle sales people, drivers, potential customers and/or other vehicle users. Furthermore it is desirable for the apparatus and method to provide real-time data to the vehicle users. Furthermore it is desirable that such methods and apparatus utilize existing displays that can be readily reprogrammed as the need arises to decrease costs and provide flexibility. Additionally, it is desired to electronically provide information about the operation and maintenance of a vehicle and vehicle accessories that replaces the present-day owners manuals and video cassette tapes. Furthermore it is desired that such information be specific to the equipment of the specific vehicle and be easily updateable at locations other than the manufacturing facility. It is also desired that the owners manual information media minimize the storage of video cassette tapes and/or owners books in the vehicles to thereby free up the space therein for other uses. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent brief summary, detailed description, appended claims, and abstract, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     An apparatus is arranged to produce owners manual information related to operation of a vehicle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus comprises a display system, an input device configured to generate a control signal in response to actuation by an operator of the vehicle, and a control module that is configured to sense an event of the vehicle and generate an output signal corresponding to the event. The apparatus also comprises a display control module configured to receive the control signal generated by the input device and the output signal generated by the control module. The display control module is further configured to control the display system in order to produce a visual representation of the owners manual information related to operation of the vehicle in response to the control signal and the output signal. 
     In addition to the apparatus, methods for producing owners manual information related to operation of a vehicle are provided in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The method comprising the steps of generating a control signal in response to actuation of an input device by an operator of the vehicle and generating an output signal upon sensing an event of the vehicle. In addition, the method comprises the steps of controlling a display system in order to produce a visual representation of the owners manual information related to the operation of the vehicle in response to said control signal and said output signal. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers denote like elements, and 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of the screen of a display system having an operator actuated input device; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an automotive information system including the display screen of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a display control module included in the automotive information system of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic view of an assembly line having apparatuses arranged to download programs to the memory module of the automotive information system of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a flow chart of a method for downloading programs to a memory module of the automotive information system of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a flow chart of a method for providing graphical representations relating to the display of a video file and the broadcast of an audio file; 
         FIG. 7  is flow chart of a method related to initiating the display of a procedure for adjusting a vehicle clock to reflect a change in the time of day caused by a daylight savings time change; 
         FIG. 8  is flow chart of a method related to initiating a display of a procedure for adjusting a vehicle clock to reflect a change in the time of day caused by the vehicle traveling into a different time zone; 
         FIG. 9  is flow chart of a method related to initiating graphical representations relating to the display of a recommended vehicle tire air pressure; and 
         FIG. 10  is flow chart of a method for enabling graphical representations relating to the display of a recommended grade for the oil lubricating the power source of a vehicle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an Interactive Owners Manual (IOM) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention utilizes display system  10  having a screen  12  and an operator actuated input touch screen device  14 . Display system  10  provides inexpensive numerous benefits, including methods and an electronic apparatus for facilitating a modern replacement of prior art owners manuals in book form and prior art video cassette orientation tapes, for example. Interactive display system  10  can utilize the navigation system display screen commonly installed in the dashboards located in the interiors of the cabins of present day automotive vehicles or other suitable displays. Specifically, screen  12 , which is utilized to display navigational information, can be also utilized to display predetermined graphical representations related to the operation and maintenance of a specific motor vehicle including the accessories for the vehicle (e.g. vehicle clock (not shown)). Such vehicle and vehicle accessories are generally well known in the art. Screen  12  includes the also well known touch screen  14  with topics such as those indicated on the screen surface areas or portions indicated by boxes  16  that can be selected by an operator touching a desired box or icon. Specific items can also be found by using an index feature. After touching, the left box  18  activates the index feature and an alphabetical keyboard is displayed in a known manner on screen  12 , for example. The operator then types in a key word and the display system  10  brings up on screen  12  topics based on the key word. The operator then can select the topic of interest. The image on screen  12  as shown  FIG. 1  is an example indicating that a primary introduction video relating to the vehicle is available for display. A displayed image remains until either screen  12  is touched again or the display system  10  is turned off. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an automotive information system  20  including the display system  10  and the operator actuated input device  14  of  FIG. 1 . Device  14  provides control signals to display system  10  on conductor  21 . A display control module or Interactive Owners Manual Module (IOMM)  22  is preferably connected to display system  10  by two way conductor  23 . IOMM is also coupled to vehicle control modules powertrain control module  24 , engine control module  26 , body control module  28  and a Global Positioning System (GPS) module  30 . For instance, GPS module  30  can be included in either an onboard navigation system or an OnStar® system, both of which have configurations and functions that are all well known in the art. Audio subsystem  32  is connected to control the broadcast of audio files through the sound system of the vehicle. Oil life sensor  34 , oil pressure sensor  36  and wheel speed sensor  38  are all connected to engine control module  26  and provide output signals corresponding to the events monitored by the sensors. Moreover, tire pressure sensor  40  and outside temperature sensor  42  are connected to body control module  28  and provide output signals in response to the events monitored by such sensors. 
     Programs and data storage for IOMM  22  is provided by memory module  44 . Memory module  44  can include memory components such as Read Only Memory (ROM) and/or Random Access Memory (RAM) of known configurations for storing both data and software operating programs for IOMM  22  and the other subsystems of information system  20 . Battery backup subsystem bus  46  and vehicle power bus  48  are connected to IOMM  22 . Battery back up  46  provides power to IOMM  22  and associated subsystems such as memory  44  if the main source of vehicle electrical power fails. Such backup facilitates the display on screen  12  of how to open the vehicle hood and/or how to jump-start the vehicle in the case of main battery failure, for example. 
     Controller Area Network (CAN)  50  interconnects the vehicle control modules  24 ,  26 ,  28 , and  30  with audio module  32 , memory module  44  and IOMM  22  so that signals and data can be appropriately shared between these subsystems in a known manner. Specifically, two-way conductor  45  enables storage or memory module  44  to receive and store data and to download programs applied to CAN input terminal  52  by a program transfer device of  FIG. 4 . Conductor  45  also enables storage module  44  to store other data conducted by CAN bus  50  from control modules  24 ,  26 ,  28 , and  30 , for example. Moreover, storage module  44  utilizes CAN bus  50  to provide both data and program control signals to IOMM  22 . 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram of the display controller module  54  that is included in IOMM  22  of the automotive information system  20  of  FIG. 2 . Electrical power is applied to module  54  by power bus  48 . CAN bus  50  is connected to Input/Output (I/O) circuit  56 . I/O  56  couples Central Processing Unit (CPU)  60  of module  54  through CAN  50  so that controller module  54  can receive input signals from memory module  44 , vehicle control modules  24 ,  26 ,  28  and  30  and audio subsystem module  32 , for instance. CPU  60  includes one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers of known configurations. CPU  60  exchanges data on two-way conductor  62  with memory  66 , which can include RAM and ROM components, and through two way conductor  58  and I/O  56  with IOM memory  44 . CPU  60  responds to input signals from I/O  56  to provide output signals through I/O  56  and output conductor  23  for operating display system  10 . Screen  12  is operated by system  10  under the direction of controller  60  to provide the predetermined graphical representations for viewing by an operator of vehicle information system  20 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a diagrammatic view is shown of a vehicle assembly line  70  of an automotive vehicle assembly plant. Line  70  has a number of work spaces, such as physical space  72 , each arranged to facilitate the performance of assigned tasks related to the manufacture of a vehicle, such as vehicle  74 , which can be an automobile, truck or sports utility vehicle, for instance. Dashed lines  76  and  78  and respective arrowheads  80  and  82  indicate the direction of the workflow through the assembly line spaces. For example, one of the manufacturing steps includes the installation of a battery in space  83 . Other steps involve the performance of the software programming method  100  of  FIG. 5  of IOM memory module  44  included in information system  20  that is installed in each of the vehicles, such as vehicle  74 . A readable Bill Of Materials (BOM) is included on each vehicle, such as vehicle  74 , in a known manner. The BOM lists the specific equipment, including the accessories of the associated vehicle. 
     Referring to step  102  of method  100 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , the BOM is read as vehicle  74  of  FIG. 4  passes the input of BOM reader  104  located at point  105  of space  72 . In accordance with step  106 , BOM reader  104  determines and stores the predetermined content and the interior trim level of the vehicle  74 , including the accessories thereof. Computer  107  then configures the IOMM  22  and memory module  44  of vehicle  74  per step  108  to conform to the specific equipment of vehicle  74 . Program transfer device  110  transmits the IOM programs per step  112  into memory  44  when vehicle  74  passes point  111  of assembly line  70 , for example. Transfer device  110  can download the programs through either a cable connection to the diagnostic port of a vehicle, via a Radio Frequency (RF) link or other communication link, which can be received at the input terminal  52  of CAN  50  of  FIG. 2 . The download step  112  provides the programs that are stored by memory module  44  per step  114 . Programs and/or data related to items, components or accessories installed later on a vehicle can be added to a memory  44  of the vehicle at a location other than the manufacturing facility (e.g. vehicle dealership) through terminal  52  at the time of installation. 
     The following methods to be described herein are performed under the direction of the controller  60  of  FIG. 3  in accordance with the software programs and data stored in memory module  44  of IOMM  22 . Each method is individually actuated in response to an interrupt routine in a known manner.  FIG. 6  is a flow chart of a method  120  for initiating the display on screen  10  of an introductory video file for a vehicle that is stored in memory  44  along with the broadcast of an audio file under the control of audio subsystem  32 . A vehicle door being opened per step  122  activates a door jam switch, which in turn conducts a current that provides vehicle interior lighting. This current flow also signals the body control module  28  of  FIG. 2  that a door has been opened per step  124 . Module  28  then sends a signal to direct IOMM  22  per step  126  to retrieve the vehicle mileage from powertrain module  24  per step  128 . The IOMM  22  provides the Yes control signal indicated by decision line  132  if the number of miles traveled by the vehicle is more than a predetermined threshold “X” such as 25 miles. The Yes indicates that the mileage is more than an expected showroom level. The Yes signal causes the controller  60  to direct that the display of the interactive vehicle introduction video remains in a standby mode as indicated by step  134 . Alternatively, a No signal of decision line  136  from IOMM  22  is provided by controller  60  if the number of miles traveled by the vehicle is less than the predetermined threshold which indicates that the mileage is less than an expected showroom level. Preferably, the dealer can change this threshold mileage. 
     The IOMM  22  then determines whether the vehicle is in a predetermined operating mode, such as in a parked mode. For instance, in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, the transmission status is retrieved from the module  24  to determine if the transmission is in predetermined “park” position per step  138 . Alternatively, if the vehicle has a manual transmission then the setting of the parking brake can provide a signal that the vehicle is parked per step  138 , for example. If the vehicle is not parked then module  24  provides the No output signal indicated by decision line  140  to continue the standby mode for method  120  of step  134 . Alternatively, if the transmission is in park then module  24  provides the Yes output signal indicated by decision line  142  to activate the data storage module  44  per step  144 . The storage module  44  then enables IOMM  22  to retrieve the video, audio and “video availability message” files in accordance with step  146 . The screen  12  is then powered per step  148  and provides the message to the user or customer that the video is available. The user can then utilize touch screen feature  14  to choose or select whether to play the video and/or broadcast the sound. A sound mute touch control area can also be provided on screen  12  to allow only the video to be played. A selection to play provides the Yes decision line  150  of step  152  that operates controller  60  to direct IOMM  22  of system  10  to display the video clip on screen  12  and/or the audio to be broadcasted through the vehicle speakers in accordance with step  154 . Alternatively, the user can choose to not have the introduction displayed as indicated by the No decision line  156  and the interactive introduction will then remain in the standby mode per step  134 . The introductory video and/or audio can also be enabled at any time the vehicle is parked through the IOM function at the request of an operator or customer. 
       FIG. 7  shows the flow chart of a method  160  relating to providing the display of a procedure for adjusting a vehicle clock, which is one example of numerous vehicle accessories to reflect a change in the time of day in response to a daylight savings time change. In accordance with step  162 , IOMM retrieves and reviews the time of day and the date data files from GPS module  30  of  FIG. 2  so that processor  60  can determine whether the time of day has changed because of a day light savings time change per step  164 . Such change can occur on the two days a year when the time shown by clocks of some states or geographical areas are adjusted to daylight savings time. If step  164  determines the time has not changed then decision step  164  provides a No as indicated by line  166  and method  160  remains in a standby mode as indicated by step  168 . Alternatively, if the time has changed then a Yes is provided by processor  60  per step  164  as indicated by line  170 , which results in the location of the vehicle being determined per step  172  from data provided by GPS module  30 . 
     Processor  60  compares this location data with the data of a data base stored in memory  44  of the states or areas that have daylight savings time changes to identify in step  174  whether the clock need to be changed. If the answer is No as indicated by line  176  then the method  160  remains in the standby mode. On the other hand, if the answer is Yes as indicated by line  180  then the time and a message recommending a time change is provided per step  182  on display  112 . 
     Decision block  184  then determines whether vehicle is parked as previously described for step  138  of  FIG. 6 , for instance. If the answer is No as indicated by line  186  then method  160  remains in the standby mode as indicated by step  168 . However, if the vehicle is parked the Yes on line  188  causes a query on the display screen  12  as to whether to display the clock adjustment procedure per decision step  189 . If the answer selected by the user is No as indicated by line  190  then method  160  remains in the standby mode. But if the answer is Yes as indicated by decision line  192  then the clock adjustment procedure portion of the electronic owners manual pertaining to adjusting the clock is displayed per step  194 . Display  12  as directed by processor  60  then guides the user through the steps to be performed by the user to make the desired day light savings time adjustment. 
       FIG. 8  shows a flow chart of a method  200  related to displaying a procedure for adjusting a vehicle clock to reflect a change in the time of day caused by the vehicle traveling into a different time zone. GPS module  30  determines and provides vehicle location and time of day data to IOMM  22  per step  202 . Processor  60  determines whether the vehicle is in the correct or determined time zone. If the answer is Yes then the method  200  remains in the standby mode as indicated by decision line  206  and step  208 . However, if the vehicle moves out of the correct time zone then a No is provided as indicated by decision line  210 . Per step  212 , the driver is notified of the change in time zone by a display on screen  12 . Next decision step  214  determines whether the vehicle is parked as previously described with respect to step  138  of  FIG. 6 , for instance. If the vehicle is not parked then a No is indicated by line  216  and the method  200  remains in the standby mode. On the other hand if the transmission is in park, for example, the Yes of line  218  is provided and processor  60  directs display  12  to query whether the driver wants to control the clock adjustment procedure per step  220 . If the driver chooses to control the procedure then the No decision on line  222  causes method  200  to remain in the standby mode. Alternatively, a Yes decision  224  provides the driver with two choices. The driver can choose to cause processor  60  to have screen  12  display the portion of the owner manual pertaining to a clock adjustment procedure of step  226 . Alternatively per “Or” step  228  the driver can choose to disable the time zone function per step  229  if the driver desires to not be notified when the vehicle changes time zones. For instance, a driver may choose to disable the time zone function if the vehicle frequently is driven into different time zones such as to and from work. 
       FIG. 9  is a flow chart of a method  230  for providing graphical representations relating to the display of a recommended vehicle tire air pressure. Per step  232 , the IOMM  22  monitors the air pressure of the tires of the vehicle utilizing tire pressure sensor  40  of  FIG. 2 . Decision step  234  determines whether the tire pressure is within a normal operating range. If the pressure is within the normal range then the Yes on line  236  causes method  230  to remain in the standby mode per step  238 . If the pressure is not within the normal range, then the No of line  240  causes the display of a low tire message in accordance with step  242 . Decision step  248  then determines whether the vehicle is parked in the manner previously described with respect to step  138  of  FIG. 6 . If the vehicle is not parked then the No on decision line  250  again instructs method  230  to remain in the standby mode per step  238 . 
     If the vehicle is parked then the Yes of line  252  instructs controller  60  to retrieve per step  254  the parameters from the vehicle control modules such as modules  26  and  28  from memory  44  necessary to enable the calculation of a recommended tire pressure per step  255 , using any number of equations such as the following equation:
 
 T=T ( r )×(( T ( a )−70° F.)× T ( c ))+( t×t ( c ))+( V ( a )× V ( c ))  (1)
 
Where T is the recommended tire pressure, T(a) is the ambient temperature, V(a) is the average speed, t(c) is the time coefficient, T(r) recommended cold tire pressure, t is the time driven, V(c) is the speed coefficient, and T(c) is the temperature coefficient. T(c), t(c) and V(c) can be determined through testing and stored in tabular or equation form in memory  44 . Even if the vehicle is not equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system, the results of the recommended tire pressure calculation can still be accessed through the interactive IOM touch screen feature  14 . Next per step  256 , method  230  inquires whether the operator desires to display the recommended tire pressure. A No response of line  257  causes the method  230  to remain in the standby mode per step  238 . A Yes response per line  258  causes controller  60  to instruct display system  10  to display the recommended tire pressure (T) per step  259 .
 
       FIG. 10  is a flow chart of a method  260  for providing graphical representations relating to the display of a recommended grade for the oil lubricating the power source such as the internal combustion engine or an electric motor of a vehicle. The representations can also relate to how to fill and check the oil level. Per step  261  controller  60  interrogates the oil monitoring system of the vehicle. By collecting data from oil level sensor  33  IOMM  22  determines whether the lubricating oil level is within normal limits per step  262 . The Yes of line  264  indicates that the oil level is within normal range and method  260  remains in the standby mode per step  266 . The No of line  268  causes the display of a low oil message per step  270 . 
     Next per step  272 , module  24  then determines whether the vehicle is parked as previously explained with respect to step  138  of  FIG. 6 . A No indicated by decision line  274  causes the standby mode to continue per step  266 . A Yes per line  276  causes retrieval per step  278  of vehicle parameters related to ambient temperature and average driving conditions, for instance. This information is used by controller  60  to calculate per step  280  the correct oil viscosity in a known manner. The oil viscosity recommendation can be either calculated or retrieved from data stored in tabular form in memory  44 . IOMM  22  can also evaluate the oil life, and if the oil is near the end of its life, the IOMM  22  can utilize controller  60  to calculate and direct the display of the estimated number of miles left per step  280  along with the recommended oil viscosity or grade. This display can allow the driver to decide whether to either add oil to the power source for the vehicle or to change oil early. The driver can then choose per decision step  282  whether to display a video on how to open the hood, and fill and check to oil level. If the decision is No per line  284  then the standby mode for method  260  is maintained per step  266 . If the decision is Yes per line  285  then the video file along with any accompanying audio file, if desired, is retrieved from memory  44  under the direction of controller  60  and displayed on screen  12  per step  286 . The audio file can be broadcasted through the audio system of the vehicle. 
     Thus several example methods  100 ,  120 ,  160 ,  200 ,  230  and  260  and electronic apparatus  20  for providing a modern replacement for the prior art book type of owners manuals and the video cassette tapes have been described. In particular these methods and apparatus provide a (GUI) or display system  10  for interacting with the user to display selected information on screen  12  related to the operation and maintenance of a motorized vehicle including the accessories thereof in a new, enjoyable and meaningful way. Automotive information system  20  provides a teaching tool for vehicle sales people, drivers, potential customers and other vehicle users. Furthermore, the apparatus and methods provide real time data on screen  12  to the users. Such methods and apparatus require only minimal changes in the other portions of the overall vehicle system. Changes such as either wiring changes or the redesigns of the vehicle and the expenses associated therewith are substantially avoided by system  20 . For instance, the described apparatus and methods utilize the already existing navigation display and includes a memory  44  that can be readily reprogrammed as the need arises to decrease costs and provide flexibility. The disclosed interactive electronic media utilizes touch screen feature  14 . The electronic manual of the apparatus and method replaces the present day owners books and VCR tapes and provides the information about the operation and maintenance of the vehicle and accessories that is specific to the equipment of the vehicle. Such information is easily updateable by either the vehicle manufacturer or a dealer, for example. This electronic apparatus enables the removal of the prior art video cassette tapes and/or owners books from vehicles to free up the space therein for other uses while the electronic owners manual remains with the vehicle so that it is available when needed. 
     While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that these exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description provides those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in any exemplary embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.