Patent Publication Number: US-2009240845-A1

Title: Audio help system

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a vehicle and, more particularly, to a vehicle audio help system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. 
     Vehicles have an increasing number of features and subsystem components. For instance, vehicles can include wiper systems, interior light systems, exterior light systems, door systems, lock systems, navigation systems, climate control systems, seat adjustment systems, steering column adjustment systems, audio systems, video systems, mirror adjustment systems, safety systems, engine power delivery systems, ignition systems, and many other systems that increase value, safety, and/or convenience for the vehicle. 
     Typically, the vehicle subsystem(s) include a number of features. For instance, a wiper system can have a variety of wiping frequency settings, and/or can include an automatic moisture detection setting for automatically controlling wiping according to detected precipitation on the windshield. The subsystem(s) can even be programmable. For instance, seat position, mirror position, radio stations, and the like can be programmed into computerized memory according to the user&#39;s desires. Then, the user can cause the subsystem to recall the programmed seat position, mirror position, radio station, etc. when desired. 
     As such, learning how to operate the vehicle subsystems can be complex, confusing and frustrating. Vehicles often include a corresponding user manual, which describe the various features of the vehicle subsystems and include various operational instructions and/or warnings about the subsystems. However, consulting the user manual can be inconvenient and time consuming. 
     SUMMARY 
     A communication system is disclosed for a vehicle with at least one subsystem having an input device with which a user supplies an input. The communication system includes a communication device and a controller that detects the input supplied with the input device and consequently causes the communication device to output operational instruction information about the subsystem. 
     A vehicle is also disclosed that includes a communication device and at least one subsystem with an input device with which a user supplies an input. The vehicle further includes a controller that detects the input supplied with the input device and consequently causes the communication device to output operational instruction information about the subsystem. 
     Furthermore, a vehicle is disclosed that includes a communication device with at least one of a speaker and a video screen. The vehicle also includes at least one subsystem. The subsystem can be a wiper system, an interior light system, an exterior light system, a door system, a lock system, a navigation system, a climate control system, a seat adjustment system, a steering column adjustment system, an audio system, a video system, a mirror adjustment system, a safety system, an engine power delivery system, or an ignition system. The subsystem has an input device with which a user supplies an input. The vehicle further includes a portable device and a receiver system that detects when the portable device is within a predetermined range of the vehicle. Moreover, the vehicle includes a controller that activates when the receiver system detects that the portable device is within the predetermined range of the vehicle and that deactivates when the receiver system detects that the portable device is outside the predetermined range of the vehicle. The controller additionally detects the input supplied with the input device and consequently causes the communication device to output operational instruction information about the subsystem. 
     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 schematic illustration of a vehicle with a communication system according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of the communication system of the vehicle of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the communication system of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     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. 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , a vehicle  10  is illustrated. The vehicle  10  includes at least one subsystem  12 . The subsystem  12  includes an input device  14  with which a user (not shown) supplies an input. For example, in one embodiment, the subsystem  12  is a windshield wiper system for wiping the windshield of the vehicle. Also, in one embodiment, the input device  14  includes one or more buttons (not shown) that can be manipulated (i.e., pressed) by the user to supply the input. In one embodiment, the user turns the windshield wipers on and off, adjusts the wiping frequency, and/or adjusts a moisture sensitivity (i.e., supplies an input) for the wiping system by pressing one or more of the buttons of the input device  14 . It will be appreciated that the subsystem  12  could be of any suitable type without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It will also be appreciated that the input device  14  could be of any suitable type (e.g., buttons, knobs, dials, touch screens, etc.) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Furthermore, the vehicle  10  includes a communication system, generally indicated at  16 . The communication system  16  includes a communication device  18 . The communication device  18  outputs information to the user and can be of any suitable type, such as an audio speaker, a video screen, a combination audio/video unit, etc. It will be appreciated that the communication device  18  could be a stand-alone communication device  18  dedicated solely to the communication system, or the communication device  18  could be incorporated in a separate system, such as a speaker or video screen of an entertainment system of the vehicle  10 . Moreover, the communication device  18  could be located inside the vehicle  10  such that information from the communication device  18  is output to the interior of the vehicle. Also, the communication device  18  could be located outside the vehicle  10  so as to output the information to an area outside the vehicle  10 . 
     The communication system  16  also includes a controller  20 . The controller  20  can be of any suitable type, and the controller  20  can include circuitry, a central processing unit (CPU), a processor, programmed logic, computerized memory, and/or the like. It will be appreciated that the controller  20  could be a dedicated system for controlling only the communication system  16 , or the controller  20  could be associated with controllers for other systems of the vehicle  10 , such as the engine control unit, and the like. 
     In general, when the user (not shown) supplies an input using the input device  14 , and the controller  20  detects the input supplied with the input device  14 . The controller  20  consequently outputs a control signal to the communication device  18 , which causes the communication device  18  to output information about the subsystem  12  to the user. In other words, use of the subsystem  12  is detected due to use of the input device  14  by the user, and the communication system  16  responds by outputting information about the subsystem  12  being used. In one embodiment, the communication device  18  outputs operational instruction information about the subsystem  12  being used. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the communication device  18  provides information about how to program the subsystem  12 . Also, in one embodiment, the communication device  18  outputs warning information about the subsystem  12 . As such, the user is automatically provided with helpful information about the subsystem  12  in a convenient and time saving manner. 
     In one embodiment, the controller  20  is in communication with a bus  22 . When the user provides input via the input device  14 , the subsystem  12  becomes active on the bus  22 , and the controller  20  detects that the subsystem  12  is active on the bus  22 . In response, the controller  20  outputs the control signal to the communication device  18 , causing the communication device  18  to output the information about the subsystem  12 . However, it will be appreciated that the controller  20  can detect the input supplied with the input device  14  in any suitable fashion without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Also, in the embodiment shown, the controller  20  includes a counter  21 . The counter  21  records a number of times that the communication device  18  outputs the information. Furthermore, the controller  20  disables output of the information from the communication device after the counter  21  records a predetermined number of times that the information has been outputted. In one embodiment, once the subsystem  12  has been used a predetermined number of times, the information is no longer output from the communication device  18 . It is likely that the user learns how to operate the subsystem  12  after a certain number of uses, and thus, the controller  20  disables output of the operational instruction information once the subsystem  12  has been used the predetermined number of times. 
     More specifically, in one embodiment, when the user first uses the subsystem  12 , the communication device  18  outputs information about the subsystem  12 , and the counter  21  increases its count by one. When the user uses the subsystem  12  a second time, the communication device  18  again outputs information about the subsystem  12 , and the counter  21  increases its count by one. This cycle repeats for a predetermined number of times (e.g., three times). Once the count of the counter  21  reaches the predetermined number, the controller  20  disables output of the information such that the user can subsequently use the subsystem  12  without the communication device  18  outputting information about the subsystem  12 . Thus, the communication system  16  can be useful for learning information about the subsystem  12  when the vehicle  10  is new to the user; however, once the user is better acquainted with the subsystem(s)  12  of the vehicle  10 , the communication system  18  no longer outputs information about the subsystem(s)  12 . 
     In one embodiment, the communication system  16  is incorporated into a vehicle  10  that includes a smart key system, generally indicated at  23 . The smart key system  23  can be of any suitable type, such as those systems described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0119628, published Jun. 24, 2004, to Kumazaki et al., and/or U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0066439, published Mar. 30, 2006, to Keeling et al., which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. The smart key system  23  includes a receiver  24  and a portable device  26 . The portable device  26  can be carried by the user instead of a conventional key. In one embodiment, the portable device  26  includes a transmitter for transmitting signals that are detected by the receiver  24 . The receiver  24  detects whether the portable device  26  is within a predetermined range (illustrated by broken line  28 ) of the vehicle  10 . In other words, the receiver  24  detects whether the user is located near the vehicle  10  by detecting whether the portable device  26  is located near the vehicle  10 . 
     When the receiver  24  detects that the portable device  26  is within the range  28 , the smart key system  23  can affect operation of the vehicle  10  in a variety of ways. For instance, once the portable device  26  is within the range  28 , the door locks (not shown) of the vehicle  10  automatically unlock. In another embodiment, the door locks unlock only once the portable device  26  is within the range  28  and the user touches one of the door handles. Also, in one embodiment, once the portable device  26  is within the range  28 , the user can start the engine of the vehicle  10  by pressing a button (not shown) (i.e., without having to insert a key into the ignition). It will be appreciated that the smart key system  23  can have various other functions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the range  28  can be of any suitable size relative to the vehicle  10  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In the embodiment shown, operation of the communication system  16  depends on whether the receiver  24  detects that the portable device  26  is within the range  28  as will be described in greater detail below. For instance, in one embodiment, the controller  20  includes a central processing unit (CPU) that activates (i.e., energizes) when the portable device  26  is within the range  28 ; also, the CPU of the controller  20  deactivates (i.e., de-energizes) when the portable device  26  is detected outside the range  28  to thereby save energy. Also, in one embodiment, the communication system  16  only outputs the information from the communication device  18  when the portable device  26  is detected within the range  28 . It will be appreciated, however, that the communication system  16  could operate independent of the smart key system  23  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the vehicle  10  does not include a smart key system  23 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , one embodiment of the vehicle  10  and its plurality of subsystems  12   a - 12   o  are illustrated. It will be appreciated that the subsystems  12   a - 12   o  listed are merely exemplary, and the vehicle  10  could include any number of subsystems  12   a - 12   o , and the subsystems  12   a - 12   o  could be of any suitable type without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     The subsystems  12   a - 12   o  each includes at least one corresponding input device  14   a - 14   o . The input device  14   a - 14   o  of each subsystem  12   a - 12   o  is manipulated by the user to turn on the respective sub-system  12   a - 12   o , adjust the operation of the sub-system  12   a - 12   o , or for any other input relating to the respective subsystem  12   a - 12   o . The input device  12   a - 12   o  could be of any suitable type, such as a button, a switch, a dial, a knob, a lever, a touch-screen, and the like. It will also be appreciated that one or more subsystems  12   a - 12   o  could rely on the same input device  14   a - 14   o  for control thereof. 
     In the embodiment shown, the vehicle  10  includes a wiper system  12   a . The wiper system  12   a  can be of any suitable type known in the art. The wiper system  12   a  is used to wipe the windshield of the vehicle  10 . The wiper system  12   a  has a variety of frequency settings. Also, in one embodiment, the wiper system  12   a  includes a moisture detection device, which automatically causes the wipers to wipe the windshield when moisture is detected on the windshield. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the wiper system  12   a  automatically adjusts the frequency of the wiper system according to the amount of moisture detected on the windshield. The input device  14   a  is used to turn the wipers on and off, adjust the wiping frequency, turn the moisture detection device on and off, adjust the sensitivity of the moisture detection device, and the like. When the user manipulates the input device  14   a , the controller  20  detects use of the wiper system  12   a , and the controller  20  causes the communication device  18  to output information about the wiper system  12   a . For instance, in one embodiment, the communication device  18  plays an audio recording and/or plays a prerecorded video describing the features of the wiper system  12   a , explains how the controls work for adjusting operation of the wiper system  12   a , and the like. More specifically, in one embodiment, when the controller  20  detects use of the wiper system  12   a , the communication device  18  outputs an audio message (with or without accompanying video) stating “to change the sensitivity of the moisture detection system, rotate the inner ring on the wiper switch.” Accordingly, the user will be educated about the different features and/or controls of the wiper system for more effective use thereof. 
     In one embodiment, the communication device  18  outputs the information, and the counter  21  increases its count by one. The counter  21  subsequently increases its count every time the wiper system  12   a  is additionally used and the communication device  18  additionally outputs the information. Once the wiper system  12   a  has been used a predetermined number of times, the controller  20  disables output of the information from the communication device  18 . 
     Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the vehicle  10  includes an interior light system  12   b  with one or more input devices  14   b . Once the controller  20  detects use of the interior light system  12   b , the communication device  18  outputs information regarding the interior light system  12   b . In one embodiment, the communication device  18  outputs information about how to turn interior lights on and off. In one embodiment, the interior lights are programmable, and the length of time that the interior lights remain lit after the engine is turned off can be programmed by the user. In this embodiment, the communication device  18  outputs information about how to program the interior light system  12   b . The controller  20  can also limit the amount of times that the communication device  18  outputs information about the interior light system  12   b  using the counter  21  as described above. 
     Moreover, the vehicle  10  includes an exterior light system  12   c  with at least one input device  14   c . The communication device  18  outputs information about the exterior light system  12   c  once use of the exterior light system  12   c  is detected. In one embodiment, the user receives audio and/or video information regarding how to turn the exterior lights of the vehicle  10  on and off, and/or how to program the exterior lights of the vehicle  10 . The controller  20  can also limit the amount of times that the communication device  18  outputs information about the exterior light system  12   c  using the counter  21  as described above. 
     Additionally, the vehicle  10  includes a door system  12   d . The door system  12   d  could be of any suitable type, such as a swinging door, a sliding door, a rear gate, and the like. The door system  12   d  can also include retractable windows and actuators for opening and closing the windows. The door system  12   d  also includes an input device  14   d  such as a door handle, a button, and/or any suitable input device  14   d  that can be manipulated by the user to open and close the doors and/or windows of the door system  12   d . When use of the door system  12   d  is detected, the communication device  18  outputs information about how to operate and about the features of the doors system  12   d . Furthermore, in one embodiment, the door system  12   d  includes one or more actuating systems (not shown) for automatically opening and closing (i.e., actuating) the doors of the vehicle  10 . When the controller  20  detects that the doors of the door system  12   d  are opening or closing automatically, the communication device  18  outputs a warning message to stand clear of the moving door. In one embodiment, this warning information is output from the communication device  18  so that the information can be heard/seen outside and inside the vehicle  10 . The controller  20  can also limit the amount of times that the communication device  18  outputs information about the door system  12   d  using the counter  21  as described above. 
     Furthermore, the vehicle  10  includes a lock system  12   e  with one or more corresponding input devices  14   e . The lock system  12   e  locks and unlocks the doors of the vehicle  10 . When the lock system  12   e  is used, the controller  20  causes the communication device  18  to output information about the lock system  12   e . For instance, the communication device  18  outputs information regarding how to lock and unlock the doors. In one embodiment, once the receiver  24  detects that the portable device  26  is within the range  28  of the vehicle  10 , the communication device  18  outputs information explaining how to unlock the doors of the vehicle  10 . Also, in one embodiment, if the portable device  26  is not detected within the range  28  and a door handle is used to unlock or open a door of the vehicle  10 , the communication device  18  outputs a message stating “the smart key FOB is not detected.” The controller  20  can also limit the amount of times that the communication device  18  outputs information about the lock system  12   e  using the counter  21  as described above. 
     Additionally, the vehicle  10  includes a navigation system  12   f  and at least one input device  14   f . The navigation system  12   f  can display maps of a desired area, can list directions to and from a desired location, list areas of interest surrounding the vehicle  10 , and the like. When use of the navigation system  12   f  is detected, the controller  20  causes the communication device  18  to output information about the navigation system  12   f , such as information on how to use the navigation system  12   f , the different settings of the navigation system  12   f , as well as how to program the navigation system  12   f . The controller  20  can also limit the amount of times that the communication device  18  outputs information about the navigation system  12   f  using the counter  21  as described above. 
     Furthermore, the vehicle  10  includes a climate control system  12   g  and one or more input devices  14   g . The climate control system  12   g  is useful for adjusting the temperature inside the vehicle  10 , activating window defroster systems, and the like. When the controller  20  detects use of the climate control system  12   g  the communication device  18  outputs information on how to use the climate control system  12   g , how to program the climate control system  12   g , and the like. Also, the counter  21  can be used to limit the number times that the information is output as described above. 
     The vehicle  10  also includes an engine power delivery system  12   h  and at least one corresponding input device  14   h . The engine power delivery system  12   h  allows control of the power delivery from the engine of the vehicle  10  to the wheels of the vehicle  10 . For instance, the engine power delivery system  12   h  allows four-wheel drive to be turned on and off, allows a traction control system to be turned on and off, and the like. When the input device  14   h  is manipulated by the user, the controller  20  detects this use and causes the communication device  18  to output information about the engine power delivery system  12   h . For instance, in one embodiment, the communication device  18  outputs information about how to operate and adjust the settings of the engine power delivery system  12   h . Also, in one embodiment, the communication device  18  outputs warning information about the engine power delivery system  12   h , such as warnings about loss of traction under certain driving conditions, warnings against damage to the power train of the vehicle  10 , and the like. Also, the counter  21  can be used to limit the number times that the information is output as described above. 
     The vehicle  10  also includes a seat adjustment system  12   i  and at least one corresponding input device  14   i . The seat adjustment system  12   i  includes an actuator and/or the like for adjusting the position of the seat of the vehicle  10 . When the input device  14   i  is manipulated, the controller  20  causes the communication device  18  to output information about the seat adjustment system  12   i . For instance, the communication device  18  outputs information about the various ways of positioning the seat of the vehicle  10 . In one embodiment, the communication  18  also outputs warning information about how to position seats and headrests for increased safety, proper use of child seats, and the like. In one embodiment, the communication device  18  also includes information on how to program a position of the seat into computerized memory using the seat adjustment system  12   i . Furthermore, the counter  21  can be used to limit the number of times that the information is output as described above. 
     Additionally, the vehicle  10  also includes a steering column adjustment system  12   j  and at least one corresponding input device  14   j . The steering column adjustment system  12   j  includes an actuator and/or other suitable type of system for adjusting the position of the steering column of the vehicle  10 . When the input device  14   j  is manipulated to change the position of the steering column, the controller  20  detects that the system  12   j  is being used, and causes the communication device  18  to output information about the steering column adjustment system  12   j . In one embodiment, for instance, the communication device  18  outputs information about how to change the position of the steering column using the steering column adjustment system  12   j . Also, in one embodiment, the communication device  18  outputs information on how to program a position of the steering column into computerized memory using the steering column adjustment system  12   j . Furthermore, the counter  21  can be used to limit the number of times that the information is output as described above. 
     Moreover, the vehicle  10  also includes an audio entertainment system  12   k  and at least one corresponding input device  14   k . The audio entertainment system  12   k  can include speakers, a compact disc player, a cassette tape player, an MP3 player, and/or any other suitable audio device. When the input device  14   k  is manipulated to operate the system  12   k , the controller  20  causes the communication device  18  to output information about the audio system  12   k . For instance, the communication device  18  can output information on how to turn the audio system on and off, how to adjust volume, how to program stations on the radio of the audio system  12   k , how to change tracks on a CD, and/or any other suitable information for operation of the audio system  12   k . Furthermore, the counter  21  can be used to limit the number of times that the information is output as described above. 
     The vehicle  10  further includes a video entertainment system  12   l  with at least one corresponding input device  14   l . The video entertainment system  12   l  includes a video screen, a DVD player, a video cassette recorder, and/or any other suitable video media player. When the input device  14   l  is manipulated, the controller  20  causes the communication device  18  to output information about the video system  12   l . For instance, the communication device  18  can output information on how to turn the video system on and off, how to adjust volume, how to fast forward video, and/or any other explanation of the operation of the video system  12   l . Furthermore, the counter  21  can be used to limit the number of times that the information is output as described above. 
     Moreover, the vehicle  10  also includes a mirror adjustment system  12   m  with at least one corresponding input device  14   m . The mirror adjustment system  12   m  includes an actuator and/or any other suitable type of component for adjusting the position of one or more mirrors in the vehicle  10 . The input device  14   m  is manipulated by the user to cause the actuator to adjust the position of the mirror adjustment system  12   m . When the input device  14   m  is manipulated, the controller  20  causes the communication device  18  to output information about the mirror adjustment system  12   m . For example, the communication device  18  outputs information on how to change the position of the mirrors using the input device  14   m . Furthermore, in one embodiment, the communication device  18  outputs information about how to program a position of the mirrors into computerized memory using the input device  14   m  of the mirror adjustment system  12   m . Furthermore, the counter  21  can be used to limit the number of times that the information is output as described above. 
     The vehicle  10  further includes a safety system  12   n . The safety system  12   n  can include airbags, seatbelts, belt tensioners, and/or any other suitable safety device. The safety system  12   n  also includes an input device  14   n  such as a button for turning the safety system on and off. When the input device  14   n  is manipulated by the user, the controller  20  causes the communication device  18  to output information about the safety system  12   n . For instance, the communication device  18  explains the purpose of the safety system, how to turn the safety system on and off using the input device  14   n , and/or a warning regarding the use or non-use of the safety system  12   n . Furthermore, the counter  21  can be used to limit the number of times that the information is output as described above. 
     Furthermore, the vehicle  10  further includes an ignition system  12   o . The ignition system  12   o  is useful for starting and stopping the engine of the vehicle  10 . The ignition system  12   o  includes an input device  14   o , such as a button, and/or a turnable keyhole. When the input device  14   o  is manipulated to start the engine, the controller  20  causes the communication device  18  to output information about the ignition system  12   o . For instance, the communication device  18  outputs information about how to start and/or stop the engine of the vehicle  10 . Also, in one embodiment, when the receiver  24  detects that the portable device  26  is within the predetermined range  28 , the communication device  18  outputs information about the smart key system  23  in relation to the ignition system  12   o . For instance, in one embodiment, the communication device  18  states “the portable device  26  has been detected. Please apply pressure to the brake pedal before starting the vehicle.” Furthermore, the counter  21  can be used to limit the number of times that the information is output as described above. 
     Also, in one embodiment, the communication system  16  requires input from a plurality of input devices  14   a - 14   o  before the communication device  18  outputs the information. For instance, information is output from the communication device  18  only after a door handle has been touched and a occupant sensor detects that an occupant is sitting within the vehicle  10 . 
     Moreover, in one embodiment, once the portable device  26  is detected within the range  28 , and the controller  20  detects that the user is sitting in the vehicle  10  (e.g., via an occupant sensor, etc.) the communication device  18  states “Please apply pressure to the brake pedal before starting the vehicle. Otherwise, with your foot off the brake pedal, pressing the start button once will place the vehicle in accessory mode so that you can operate the accessories of the vehicle. Pressing the start button again will place the vehicle in ignition mode so that you can operate all of the systems of the vehicle with the engine off. Pressing the start button once more will return the vehicle to off mode.” 
     In one embodiment, the communication system  16  is adjustable and programmable. In other words, the user can adjust the volume of the information output from the communication device  18 , and/or pause the information, rewind the information, fast forward the information, etc. Additionally, the user can enable or disable the communication system  16  at any time, program which subsystem  12  will trigger the information from the communication system  16 , and the like. Furthermore, the user may activate and obtain the information from the communication system  16  at any time. Also, the user can program how many times use of the subsystem  12  will trigger output of the information from the communication device  18 . More specifically, the controller  20  can be programmed in association with the counter  21  such that the communication device  18  outputs information a desired number of times before information output is disabled. It will be appreciated that the controller  20  could be programmed in this fashion for all subsystems  12  at once, or the controller  20  could be programmed in this fashion for individual subsystems  12  according to the desires of the user. Specifically, in some embodiments, the user can program the controller  20  such that the communication system  16  outputs information about each subsystem  12  five times before output is disabled. In other embodiments, the user can program the controller  20  such that the communication system  16  outputs information about the interior light system  12   b  only once, and the user can program the controller  20  such that the communication system  16  outputs information about the navigation system  12   f  six times. However, it will be appreciated that the controller  20  enables the user to program output of the information to any desired number of times and for any of the subsystems  12 . 
     In addition, in one embodiment, the communication system  16  is user-interactive. More specifically, in one embodiment, the communication system  16  includes voice recognition software, allowing the user to speak commands that are recognized by the communication system  16  for interacting with the information output from the communication device  18 . In another embodiment, the communication system  16  includes a touch screen allowing the user to input commands by touching the touch screen to thereby navigate and thereby control the communication system  16 . For instance, the communication device  18  can ask whether the user understands the information previously output, and the user can specify whether or not the information was understood. The communication device  18  can then repeat the information if the user did not understand. 
     Moreover, in one embodiment, the communication system  16  can communicate with an external computer (e.g., a personal computer) outside of the vehicle  10 . The communication system  16  transmits the information about the subsystems  12   a - 12   o  to the external computer. As such, the user can learn about the subsystems  12   a - 12   o  of the vehicle  10  at their own convenience outside the vehicle  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , one embodiment of a method of controlling the communication system  16  is illustrated. The method begins in decision block  50 , in which it is determined whether the portable device  26  is within the range  28  of the vehicle  10 . If the portable device  26  is detected outside the range  28 , the method repeats decision block  50 . If the portable device  26  is detected within the range  28 , the method continues in step  52 , in which the CPU of the communication system  16  is activated. It will be appreciated that the combination of steps  50  and  52  allow the CPU to deactivate when the portable device  26  is outside the range  28 . In other words, power can be conserved when the user walks away from the vehicle  10 , and the CPU of the communication system  16  can automatically activate when the user approaches the vehicle  10 . 
     The method continues in decision block  54 , in which it is detected whether input is received from any one of the input devices  14   a - 14   o . If no input has been received, the decision block  54  is repeated. Once an input is received, the method continues in decision block  56 . 
     In decision block  56 , it is determined whether the count of the counter  21  exceeds a predetermined limit. In other words, it is determined whether the information about the subsystem  12  should be outputted based on the number of times that the subsystem  12  has been operated by the user. In one embodiment, the count limit is different for one or more subsystems  12   a - 12   o . Also, in one embodiment, the count limit is infinite (i.e., there is no limit) for outputting information regarding certain ones of the subsystems  12   a - 12   o . For instance, warning information is always output from the communication device  18  when a door of the door system  12   d  is opening and/or closing, and/or safety information and warnings are always output from the communication device  18  when the safety device  12   n  is turned on and/or off. 
     If the count exceeds the predetermined limit in decision block  56 , the method ends. However, if the count does not exceed the limit in decision block  56 , step  58  follows. In step  58 , the information is output from the communication device  18  as detailed above. 
     It will be appreciated that the communication system  16  described above provides convenient and helpful information about a subsystem  12   a - 12   o  once use of the subsystem  12   a - 12   o  is detected. This information can be informative and can improve safety of the vehicle  10 . 
     Furthermore, the foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion, and from the accompanying drawings and claims, that various changes, modifications and variations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined in the following claims.