Patent Publication Number: US-8536996-B2

Title: Vehicle information display and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/259,474, filed Oct. 28, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,207,841. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The following relates to a hierarchical information display system and method for a vehicle for displaying vehicle information including an information display configured to display at least one of a plurality of selectable information display levels. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a simplified, exemplary schematic representation of a hybrid electric vehicle including a hierarchical information display system according to an embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 2   a  is simplified, exemplary diagram depicting an information display system displaying a first selectable information display level according to an embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 2   b  is a simplified, exemplary diagram depicting the information display system displaying a second selectable information display level; 
         FIG. 2   c  is a simplified, exemplary diagram depicting the information display system displaying a third selectable information display level; 
         FIG. 2   d  is a simplified, exemplary diagram depicting the information display system displaying a fourth selectable information display level; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a simplified, exemplary diagram depicting an accessory load gauge according to an embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 3   b  is a simplified, exemplary diagram depicting a vehicle power gauge according to an embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 3   c  is a simplified, exemplary diagram depicting a split power gauge according to an embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 3   d  is a simplified, exemplary diagram depicting an electrical vehicle (EV) mode gauge according to an embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 3   e  is a simplified, exemplary diagram depicting a tachometer according to an embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 3   f  is a simplified, exemplary diagram depicting a battery state of charge gauge according to an embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 3   g  is a simplified, exemplary diagram depicting a battery state of charge gauge according to an alternate embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 3   h  is a simplified, exemplary diagram depicting a fuel level gauge according to an embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 3   i  is a simplified, exemplary diagram depicting an instantaneous fuel economy gauge according to an embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 3   j  is a simplified, exemplary diagram depicting an efficiency gauge according to an embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 4   a  is a simplified, exemplary diagram depicting the information display system displaying a setup menu according to an embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 4   b  is a simplified, exemplary diagram depicting the information display system displaying a display settings menu according to an embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 5  is a simplified, exemplary flowchart depicting a methodology according to an embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 6  is a simplified, exemplary flowchart depicting an alternate methodology according to an embodiment of the present application; and 
         FIG. 7  is a simplified, exemplary flowchart depicting yet another alternate methodology according to an embodiment of the present application. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-7 , a more detailed description of embodiments of the system and method and various components thereof will now be provided. 
     All vehicles, whether passenger or commercial, include a number of gauges, indicators, and various other displays to provide the vehicle operator with information regarding the vehicle and its surroundings. With the advent of new technologies, such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), has come a variety of new gauges and information displays that help drivers to better learn the operation of these vehicles that utilize new technology. For example, many HEVs incorporate gauges that attempt to provide the driver with information on the various hybrid driving states. For example, some gauges will indicate to the driver when the vehicle is being propelled by the engine alone, the motor alone, or a combination of the two. Similarly, a display may indicate when the motor is operating as a generator, and is recharging an energy storage device, such as a battery. 
     With regard to HEVs, it is known that some drivers may not be able to achieve desired fuel economy numbers, in part because of driving habits. In many cases, drivers are willing to modify their behavior, but are unable to translate recommended techniques into real changes in their driving habits. Moreover, gauges or displays that merely indicate when the engine is on or off, provide information that is not timely—i.e., once the indicator signals that the engine is on, it is too late for the driver to modify his or her driving to keep the engine off. 
     With the advent of sensing electronics, computers and other vehicle related technology, the amount of vehicle information that can be communicated to the driver is virtually limitless. Often, the driver may not even know of all the features and capabilities their vehicles have to offer. Displaying certain types of information, particularly information relevant to HEVs, can help facilitate economical driving choices by a driver. 
     However, there is often a learning curve associated with the various informative content available to a driver. This learning curve may be exacerbated as drivers are introduced to more advanced vehicle technologies, capabilities and features, particularly with respect to HEVs. Displaying much of the vehicle information available to a driver can be overwhelming, particularly information designed to influence driving habits. Moreover, many drivers may not want to have an extensive amount of the available vehicle information communicated to them. Rather, for some drivers, less is more. 
     Therefore, a need exists for an information display for a vehicle, and a method for displaying such information, that provides content that will help a driver increase fuel economy and other energy efficiencies while offering a driver choices relating to the amount and type of content to be displayed through a plurality of selectable information display levels arranged hierarchically. 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  is a simplified, exemplary schematic representation of a vehicle  10 , which includes an engine  12  and an electric machine, or generator  14 . The engine  12  and the generator  14  are connected through a power transfer arrangement, which in this embodiment, is a planetary gear arrangement  16 . Of course, other types of power transfer arrangements, including other gear sets and transmissions, may be used to connect the engine  12  to the generator  14 . The planetary gear arrangement  16  includes a ring gear  18 , a carrier  20 , planet gears  22 , and a sun gear  24 . 
     The generator  14  can also output torque to a shaft  26  connected to the sun gear  24 . Similarly, the engine  12  outputs torque to a crankshaft  28 , which is connected to a shaft  30  through a passive clutch  32 . The clutch  32  provides protection against over-torque conditions. The shaft  30  is connected to the carrier  20  of the planetary gear arrangement  16 , and the ring gear  18  is connected to a shaft  34 , which is connected to a first set of vehicle drive wheels, or primary drive wheels  36 , through a gear set  38 . 
     The vehicle  10  includes a second electric machine, or motor  40 , which can be used to output torque to a shaft  42  connected to the gear set  38 . Other vehicles within the scope of the present application may have different electric machine arrangements, such as more or fewer than two electric machines. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the electric machine arrangement—i.e., the motor  40  and the generator  14 —can both be used as motors to output torque. Alternatively, each can also be used as a generator, outputting electrical power to a high voltage bus  44  and to an energy storage system  46 , which includes a battery  48  and a battery control module (BCM)  50 . 
     The battery  48  is a high voltage battery that is capable of outputting electrical power to operate the motor  40  and the generator  14 . The BCM  50  acts as a controller for the battery  48 . Other types of energy storage systems can be used with a vehicle, such as the vehicle  10 . For example, a device such as a capacitor can be used, which, like a high voltage battery, is capable of both storing and outputting electrical energy. Alternatively, a device such as a fuel cell may be used in conjunction with a battery and/or capacitor to provide electrical power for the vehicle  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the motor  40 , the generator  14 , the planetary gear arrangement  16 , and a portion of the second gear set  38  may generally be referred to as a transmission  52 . To control the engine  12  and components of the transmission  52 —i.e., the generator  14  and motor  40 —a vehicle control system, shown generally as controller  54 , is provided. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the controller  54  is a vehicle system controller/powertrain control module (VSC/PCM). Although it is shown as a single controller, it may include multiple controllers. For example, the PCM portion of the VSC/PCM  54  may be software embedded within the VSC/PCM  54 , or it can be a separate hardware device. 
     A controller area network (CAN)  56  allows the VSC/PCM  54  to communicate with the transmission  52  and the BCM  50 . Just as the battery  48  includes a BCM  50 , other devices controlled by the VSC/PCM  54  may have their own controllers. For example, an engine control unit (ECU) may communicate with the VSC/PCM  54  and may perform control functions on the engine  12 . In addition, the transmission  52  may include a transmission control module (TCM), configured to coordinate control of specific components within the transmission  52 , such as the generator  14  and/or the motor  40 . Some or all of these various controllers can make up a control system in accordance with the present application. Although illustrated and described in the context of the vehicle  10 , which is an HEV, it is understood that embodiments of the present application may be implemented on other types of vehicles, such as those powered by an engine or electronic motor alone. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 1  are simplified schematic representations of a braking system  58 , an accelerator pedal  60 , and an air conditioning system  62 . The braking system  58  may include such things as a brake pedal, position sensors, pressure sensors, or some combination of the two, as well as a mechanical connection to the vehicle wheels, such as the wheels  36 , to effect friction braking. The braking system  58  may also include a regenerative braking system, wherein braking energy is captured and stored as electrical energy in the battery  48 . Similarly, the accelerator pedal  60  may include one or more sensors, which, like the sensors in the braking system  58 , communicate with the controller  54 . 
     The air conditioning system  62  also communicates with the controller  54 . The on/off status of the air conditioning system can be communicated to the controller  54 , and can be based on, for example, the status of an operator actuated switch, or the automatic control of the air conditioning system  62  based on related functions such as window defrost. In addition to the foregoing, the vehicle  10  includes a hierarchical information display system  64 , which, as explained in detail below, provides vehicle content to an operator of the vehicle  10 . 
       FIGS. 2   a - 2   d  show the information display system  64  in greater detail. The information display system  64  includes an information display  66  disposed within an instrument panel  68  of the vehicle  10 . The information display  66  may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, an organic light emitting display (OLED), or any other suitable display. The information display system  64  may further include an analog or digital speedometer  70 . In this regard, the information display  66  may be divided into two portions, a left display portion  72  and a right display portion  74 , and the speedometer  70  may be centrally disposed between the two display portions. Alternatively, the speedometer  70  may be part of the information display  66 . 
     In addition to the information display  66  and the speedometer  70 , the information display system  64  may further include one or more signaling portions  76  embedded in the instrument panel  68 . The one or more signaling portions  76  generally comprise an assortment of telltales, warning lights or indicators. Each telltale, warning light or indicator may illuminate, via an arrangement of light emitting diodes (LEDs), in response to a signal from the controller  54 . For example, the one or more signaling portions  76  may include a left turn signal indicator and a right turn signal indicator (not shown) that illuminate continuously or repeatedly upon the activation of a turn signal. As another example, the one or more signaling portions  76  may include a telltale indicating that the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) needs servicing. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the present application, the information display  66  can provide a plurality of selectable information display levels  78 . Each selectable information display level  78  may include one or more visual gauges  80  for conveying vehicle content to a driver. The information display  66  can be configured to display only one selectable information display level  78  at a time. The plurality of selectable information display levels  78  can be arranged hierarchically with varying levels of vehicle content. To this end, each successive selectable information display level  78  may provide an increasing amount of vehicle content or additional content detail than that of a preceding information display level. The hierarchically arranged information display system  64  can provide an information display with sufficient flexibility to meet the preferences of a wide range of drivers. 
     Accordingly,  FIGS. 2   a - 2   d  depict exemplary embodiments of the plurality of selectable information display levels  78  illustrating how varying levels of vehicle content can be communicated in a hierarchical fashion. Each of four exemplary selectable information display levels  78  will be described in greater detail below. However, it is to be understood that less than or more than four selectable information display levels  78  may be employed without departing from the scope of the present application. Moreover, it is to be understood that the content, type and quantity of vehicle information conveyed in each selectable information display level  78  may vary without departing from the scope of the present application. 
     Referring specifically to  FIG. 2   a , the information display  66  presents a first selectable information display level  78  (Level  1 ) that may provide a simple, basic level of content conveying relatively minimal feedback information to the driver. Correspondingly, the first selectable information display level  78  of  FIG. 2   a  may include a fuel level gauge  82  and a battery state of charge gauge  84 . The fuel level gauge  82  may include an indicator arrangement for informing the driver of the amount of fuel remaining in a fuel tank. The indicator arrangement of the fuel level gauge  82  may include a fuel level line  86  representing the quantity of fuel remaining. The area  88  below the fuel level line  86  may be semi-transparently shaded for further conveying the quantity of fuel remaining in the fuel tank. For example, the area  88  below the fuel level line  86  may be shown in a particular color such as a shade of green or orange. 
     According to an embodiment of the present application, once the fuel level line  86  reaches a particular predetermined fuel level, the area  88  underneath the fuel level line  86  may change colors or shades. For example, when the fuel level reaches 1/16 of a fuel tank or less, the area  88  underneath the fuel level line  86  may turn a shade of semi-transparent yellow. Further, when the fuel level line  86  reaches empty or nearly empty, the area  88  below the fuel level line  86  may turn to a shade of red. 
     The battery state of charge gauge  84  may include an indicator arrangement providing information to the driver relating to the amount of charge remaining in the battery  48 . Similar to the fuel level gauge  82 , the indicator arrangement of the battery state of charge gauge  84  may include a battery charge level line  90  with a similar semi-transparent shaded area  92  beneath. As battery charge increases, so too may the battery charge level line  90 . As the battery  48  loses charge, the battery charge level line  90  may move downward. Additional functionality of the battery state of charge gauge  84  will be described below in greater detail with respect to alternate selectable information display levels  78 . 
     The fuel level gauge  82  may be provided on the information display  66  adjacent to the right-hand side of the speedometer  70 , while the battery state of charge gauge  84  may be provided on the information display  66  immediately adjacent the left-hand side of the speedometer  70 . It should be noted that the arrangement and location of the one or more visual gauges  80  within a particular selectable information display level can be varied without departing from the scope of the present application. 
     Each of the plurality of selectable information display levels  78  may include a minimum amount of content that may be present regardless of which selectable information display level the driver chooses. For example, each information display level may include an engine coolant temperature (ECT) gauge  94 , a transmission selection (PRNDL) gauge  96 , an information message center  98 , and/or one or more fuel consumption readouts  100 . 
     The ECT gauge  94  may include an indicator arrangement that can convey the relative engine coolant temperature. As the engine coolant temperature increases, an engine coolant temperature indicator line  102  likewise increases. As the engine coolant temperature decreases, so too does the engine coolant temperature indicator line  102 . The ECT gauge  94  may also include an engine coolant temperature telltale  104  that may signal when the engine coolant temperature reaches a predetermined value. The predetermined value may correspond to a temperature in which it is acceptable to turn the engine  12  off. For example, it may not be desirable to turn the engine off—even though the other driving conditions do not require engine power to propel the vehicle—when the engine  12  is not sufficiently warm. In that regard, activation of the engine coolant temperature telltale  104  may inform the driver that the engine  12  is ready to shut down if current driving conditions do not require engine power. It should be noted that the predetermined value may be fixed or may vary based upon a predefined algorithm. 
     The PRNDL gauge  96  may include an indicator arrangement that identifies which gear the vehicle  10  is currently in. For example, when the vehicle  10  is in park, the “P” may be encircled or otherwise highlighted. The same may likewise occur for other gears. It should be noted that although the transmission selection gauge  96  is depicted as a PRNDL gauge, other drive gears are fully contemplated by the present application. 
     The information message center  98  may provide text corresponding to several different types of vehicle content. For example, the information message center  98  may display an overall odometer, as well as one or more trip odometers, one or more timers, and/or an average fuel economy readout that may be reset by the driver. The fuel consumption readouts  100  may provide information such as overall fuel economy in miles per gallon, the remaining number of miles until the fuel tank is empty, or the like. While the ECT gauge  94 , the PRNDL gauge  96 , the information message center  98 , and the fuel consumption readouts  100  may be provided in various locations on the information display  66 , they are generally provided in the same location within each of the plurality of selectable information display levels  78 . 
     The information display system  64  may further include at least one display control button  106  for navigating through various display settings and selecting particular information display levels. As shown in  FIGS. 2   a - 2   d , the at least one display control button  106  comprises three display control buttons labeled INFO, SETUP, and RESET. However, it should be noted that additional or alternate display control buttons may be provided without departing from the scope of the present application. The at least one display control button  106  may be disposed on or near the instrument panel  68  as shown in  FIGS. 2   a - 2   d . Alternatively, the at least one display control button  106  may be provided elsewhere. For example, the at least one display control button  106  may be disposed on a steering column, steering wheel, control head unit, or the like (not shown). As another example, the at least one display control button  106  may be provided on the information display  66  itself in a region that is responsive to touch. Correspondingly, the controller  54  may be configured to receive an at least one driver input in response to a touch of the at least one display control button  106  in the region of the information display  66  responsive to touch. Generally, it is to be understood that the controller  54  may be configured to receive the at least one driver input corresponding to the selection of the at least one display control button  106  regardless of its location. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2   b , the information display  66  is shown having a second selectable information display level  78 ′ (Level  2 ), which may provide more vehicle content than Level  1  although Level  2  may still be relatively streamlined. As seen therein, Level  2  may still include the fuel level gauge  82  and the battery state of charge gauge  84 , as well as the ECT gauge  94 , PRNDL gauge  96 , information message center  98  and fuel consumption readouts  100 . Additionally, the second selectable information display level  78 ′ may provide a tachometer/electric vehicle (EV) mode gauge  108  adjacent to and left of the battery state of charge gauge  84 . The tachometer/EV mode gauge  108  may automatically alternate between two types of indicator arrangements depending upon operating conditions of the vehicle  10 . For example, an “EV Mode” indicator arrangement conveying that the engine  12  is turned off may be displayed as shown in  FIG. 2   b . On the other hand, when the engine  12  is on, an indicator arrangement corresponding to the current engine speed may be displayed (see  FIG. 3   e ). 
     In addition to including additional or alternative visual gauges  80  at each of the plurality of selectable information display levels  78 , particular visual gauges may have a plurality of content states. For example, a visual gauge may have a first content state and a second content state, wherein the second content state includes more vehicle information than the first content state. With reference to  FIG. 2   a , for example, the battery state of charge gauge  84  may be depicted in a first content state. Referring now to  FIG. 2   b , the battery state of charge gauge  84  may be depicted in a second content state in which a direction indicator  110  is provided. The direction indicator  110  is operable to inform the driver when the battery  48  is receiving charge, depicted by an up arrow (not shown), or losing charge, depicted by a down arrow. 
     Thus, selecting an information display level higher up in the information display hierarchy may display not only additional visual gauges, but also one or more of the same visual gauges in a different content state. Additionally or alternatively, the driver may select between the various content states of a particular visual gauge within a particular selectable information display level. It should be noted that more than two content states may be displayed by a particular visual gauge as will be described in greater detail below with respect to the battery state of charge gauge  84 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2   c , the information display  66  is shown having a third selectable information display level  78 ″ (Level  3 ), which may provide additional or alternative vehicle content than Level  2 . Level  3  may be designed to convey vehicle content to further encourage or help the driver in more efficient driving. As seen therein, Level  3  may still include the fuel level gauge  82  and the battery state of charge gauge  84 , as well as the ECT gauge  94 , PRNDL gauge  96 , information message center  98  and fuel consumption readouts  100 .  FIG. 2   c  also depicts the battery state of charge gauge  84  in yet another content state. As shown therein, the battery state of charge gauge  84  may include a regenerative braking indicator  124  that can illuminate or otherwise appear when the battery  48  is receiving charge due to a regenerative braking event. 
     Additionally, the third selectable information display level  78 ″ may include a split power gauge  112  adjacent to and left of the battery state of charge gauge  84 . The split power gauge  112  may include an indicator arrangement depicting the amount of power being provided by the battery  48  as well as the amount of power being supplied by the engine  12 . In addition, when the vehicle  10  is operating without the engine  12  turned on, an “EV” indicator may be displayed. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the third selectable information display level  78 ″ may further provide an instantaneous fuel economy gauge  114  which can be provided adjacent and to the right of the fuel level gauge  82 . The instantaneous fuel economy gauge  114  can be used to inform the driver of the instantaneous fuel economy of the vehicle  10 . 
     Further, the third selectable information display level  78 ″ may provide an efficiency gauge  116  adjacent and to the right of the instantaneous fuel economy gauge  114 . The efficiency gauge  116  may provide feedback to the driver corresponding to how efficiently the vehicle  10  is being operated over a particular range (e.g., a period of time, a number of gallons of fuel, a tank of fuel, etc.). The efficiency feedback conveyed may be associated with driving habits of the driver, as well as other factors such as weather, terrain, accessory usage, or the like. As depicted in  FIG. 2   c , the efficiency gauge provided therein includes an indicator arrangement corresponding to an “efficiency forest” having a varying number of efficiency indicators  118 . As shown, the efficiency indicators  118  may be depicted as leaves, however other efficiency indicators are contemplated by the present application. To this end, the more efficiency indicators  118  displayed by the efficiency gauge  116 , the more energy-efficient the vehicle  10  is being operated. 
     The efficiency gauge  116  may be time-dependent. In that regard, the efficiency indicators  118  displayed corresponding to the driver&#39;s driving habits may be based upon a period of time. Moreover, the period of time may be selected by the driver via the at least one display control button  106 , as will be described in greater detail below. 
     According to an embodiment of the present application, while certain visual gauges may only be available within a particular selectable information display level within the information display hierarchy, one or more visual gauges  80  may be displayed at the driver&#39;s discretion within any of the plurality of selectable information display levels  78 . For example, the instantaneous fuel economy gauge  114  illustrated in  FIG. 2   c  may only be provided for the first time in the third selectable information display level  78 ″ (Level  3 ), or perhaps for the first time in the second selectable information display level  78 ′ (Level  2 ) (not shown). Alternatively, the driver may select the instantaneous fuel economy gauge  114  to be displayed within any of the plurality of selectable information display levels  78  via the at least one display control button  106 . Likewise, the efficiency gauge  116  illustrated in  FIG. 2   c  may be provided only within certain selectable information display levels  78 , or may be turned on and off by the driver within each or some of the plurality of selectable information display levels  78 . Moreover, within a selectable information display level, the driver may be able to select between different content states of a particular visual gauge, in addition to whether or not to display the visual gauge at all. For example, the driver may be able to choose between displaying the “efficiency forest”, as depicted in  FIG. 2   c , a “fuel economy history bar graph,” as depicted in  FIG. 2   d  and described in greater detail below, or no efficiency gauge at all. 
       FIG. 2   d  will now be described in greater detail.  FIG. 2   d  illustrates the information display  66  providing a fourth selectable information display level  78 ′ (Level  4 ) that may be designed to convey vehicle content for optimal driving performance. As seen therein, Level  4  may still include the fuel level gauge  82  and the battery state of charge gauge  84 , as well as the ECT gauge  94 , PRNDL gauge  96 , information message center  98  and fuel consumption readouts  100 . Additionally, the fourth selectable information display level  78 ′″ may provide even more vehicle content than the third selectable information display level  78 ″. To this end, the fourth selectable information display level  78 ′″ may include a vehicle power gauge  120  adjacent and to the left of the battery state of charge gauge  84 . The vehicle power gauge  120  may include an indicator arrangement for providing vehicle information related to a driver demand threshold and a current driver demand, and indicate a relationship between the driver demand and an engine-on event. In addition, when the vehicle  10  is operating without the engine  12  turned on, the vehicle power gauge  120  may display an “EV” indicator. Moreover, an accessory load gauge  122  may be provided adjacent and to the left of the vehicle power gauge  120 . The accessory load gauge  122  may include an indicator arrangement providing vehicle information corresponding to the current amount of power needed to run certain vehicle accessories such as the air conditioning system  62 . 
       FIG. 2   d  also depicts the battery state of charge gauge  84  in still yet another content state. As shown therein, the direction indicator  110  may change color when the charge being supplied to the battery  48  is due at least in part to a regenerative braking event. Although it is contemplated that the regenerative braking indicator  124  may also be displayed in this content state, it is equally contemplated that the regenerative braking indicator  124  may be absent from this content state. 
       FIG. 2   d  also depicts the efficiency gauge  116  described in  FIG. 2   c . However, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2   d , the efficiency gauge  116  is represented by the aforementioned “fuel economy history bar graph.” This particular content state of the efficiency gauge can provide a history of the vehicle&#39;s fuel economy in bar segments over a period of time. As previously described, the period of time may be selected by the driver through the at least one display control button  106 . In the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2   d , the selectable period of time may correspond to a ten-minute interval (i.e., the most recent ten minutes of driving). As shown, the fuel economy history bar graph may include ten bars. Accordingly, each bar  126  shown in  FIG. 2   d  can represent the fuel economy attained over a one-minute period. Thus, the fuel economy history bar graph shown in  FIG. 2   d  can convey a discrete value of the fuel economy attained in each of the last ten minutes of driving. If, however, the selectable period of time corresponds to a twenty-minute interval, then each bar  126  may indicate a discrete fuel economy value provided in two-minute segments. Similarly, if the selectable time period corresponds to a sixty-minute interval, then each bar  126  may indicate a discrete fuel economy value provided in six-minute segments. It should be understood that time periods other than ten, twenty and sixty minutes may be provided. Further, the fuel economy history bar graph may include less than or more than ten distinct bars without departing from the scope of the present application. 
     Therefore, with reference to  FIGS. 2   a - 2   d , collectively, an information display system including an information display is illustrated providing a plurality of selectable information display levels  78 . Each successive selectable information display level may provide additional vehicle content through one or more visual gauges. When moving through the information display hierarchy from one selectable information display level to the next successive selectable information display level, the information display may provide additional or alternative visual gauges that can provide an increasing amount of vehicle content. Moreover, the one or more visual gauges may be provided in a plurality of different content states. A driver may also select between different content states within each of the plurality of selectable information display levels  78 . Further, a driver may select whether or not to display a particular visual gauge within any of the plurality of selectable information display levels  78 . Finally, a minimum level of vehicle content may be displayed in each of the plurality of selectable information display levels  78  (e.g., engine coolant temperature, transmission selection, fuel level, battery state of charge, etc). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3   a - 3   j , a non-exhaustive list of exemplary visual gauges  80  that may be displayed within a particular information display level is provided. It should be noted that additional or alternative visual gauges providing vehicle content to the driver is fully contemplated without departing from the scope of the present application. Referring specifically to  FIG. 3   a , an exemplary embodiment of the accessory load gauge  122  is depicted. The accessory load gauge  122  may include an indicator arrangement providing vehicle information corresponding to the current amount of power needed to run certain vehicle accessories such as the air conditioning system.  FIG. 3   b  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the vehicle power gauge  120 . The vehicle power gauge  120  may include an indicator arrangement for providing vehicle information related to a driver demand threshold and a current driver demand, and indicate a relationship between the driver demand and an engine-on event. 
       FIG. 3   c  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the split power gauge  112 . The split power gauge  112  may include an indicator arrangement depicting the amount of power being provided by the battery  48  to propel the vehicle  10  as well as the amount of power being supplied by the engine  12  to propel the vehicle  10 . In addition, when the vehicle  10  is operating without the engine  12  turned on, an “EV” indicator may be displayed.  FIG. 3   d  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the tachometer/EV mode gauge  108  showing that the engine  12  is turned off.  FIG. 3   e  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the tachometer/EV mode gauge  108  showing that the engine  12  is turned on. As described above, the visual gauges represented in  FIGS. 3   d  and  3   e  may comprise the same visual gauge that can alternate from one indicator arrangement to another depending upon whether the engine  12  is on (tachometer) or off (EV mode). 
       FIGS. 3   f  and  3   g  depict exemplary embodiments of the battery state of charge gauge  84  in different content states. In one content state the regenerative braking indicator  124  may illuminate upon a regenerative braking event, for example, as shown in  FIG. 3   g .  FIG. 3   h  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the fuel level gauge  82 . The fuel level gauge  82  may include an indicator arrangement for informing the driver of the amount of fuel remaining in a fuel tank.  FIG. 3   i  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the instantaneous fuel economy gauge  114 . The instantaneous fuel economy gauge  114  can be used to inform the driver of the instantaneous fuel economy of the vehicle  10 .  FIG. 3   j  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the efficiency gauge  116  according to an embodiment of the present application. In the example shown in  FIG. 3   j , the “fuel economy history bar graph” is illustrated. Of course, as described above, the efficiency gauge  116  of  FIG. 3   j  may include one or more selectable content states including, for example, the “efficiency forest” in addition to the fuel economy history bar graph. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4   a , the information display  66  is shown providing a setup menu  128  for configuring a variety of information display settings. The setup menu  128  may be accessed by the driver through the at least one display control button  106 . As seen therein, the left portion  72  of the information display  66  may provide a list of display setting options including, but not necessarily limited to, display mode, fuel economy, efficiency gauge, fuel economy history length, language, and units. The right portion  74  of the information display  66  may provide such things as instructions, definitions, and/or explanations corresponding to the various options provided by the setup menu  128 . Accordingly, the right portion  74  of the information display  66  can provide contextual help to the driver. The controller  54  may be configured to dynamically display select help content corresponding to the various options or menus provided by the left portion  72  of the information display  66  and in response to driver input received via the at least one display control button  106 . 
     As an example, selection of the display mode may provide a list of the plurality of selectable information display levels  78  that may be selected by the driver according to the driver&#39;s preferences as they relate to the amount and content of the vehicle information the driver desires to be displayed. Further details regarding the display mode will be provided below in greater detail with respect to  FIG. 4   b . The fuel economy option can, for example, provide the driver an opportunity to select whether or not to display the instantaneous fuel economy gauge  114  within each of the plurality of selectable information display levels  78 . 
     The efficiency gauge option can provide the driver the opportunity to select between whether or not to display, for example, the efficiency gauge  116  displaying the efficiency forest, the fuel economy history bar graph, or no efficiency gauge at all, within each of the plurality of selectable information display levels  78 . The fuel economy history length option can provide the driver the opportunity to select a desired time interval in which the vehicle content conveyed by the efficiency gauge corresponds. For example, a driver may choose the efficiency gauge  116  to display vehicle efficiency content relating to the driver&#39;s driving habits over the last 10 minutes, 20 minutes, or 60 minutes, etc. The language option can provide the driver a choice of language for various display text (e.g., English, Spanish, French, etc.). Similarly, the units option can provide the driver a choice between displaying English units or metric units. 
     Through the setup menu  128 , a driver or other user may access a tutorial (not shown). The tutorial may provide a self-paced guide that offers a brief overview of the information display system features. The user may select a desired information display level and then step through each visual gauge for details on the content and appearance of each visual gauge under different operating conditions. Additionally or alternatively, a demonstration mode may be accessed from the setup menu  128 . The demonstration mode may briefly present each of the plurality of selectable information display levels. Each selectable information display level may be displayed for a brief period of time to demonstrate the visual organization of the content in that level. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4   b , the information display  66  is shown having a display settings menu  130  with the display mode option expanded. Selecting the display mode may provide a list of the plurality of selectable information display levels  78 . As seen therein, display levels  1 - 4  corresponding to  FIGS. 2   a - 2   d , respectively, are shown. From the display settings menu  130 , a driver may select the information display level that best suits the driver&#39;s preferences. As previously described, each successive selectable information display level can provide an additional or increasing level of vehicle content corresponding to the information display hierarchy. Accordingly, as a driver learns more about the vehicle and how it operates, the driver may choose to move to a higher level that provides additional vehicle content or feedback to the driver to help the driver alter driving habits for increased fuel economy. Of course, even though a particular driver may be savvy to the expansive content of the vehicle information available, the driver may not prefer much of that content to be displayed. Therefore, the driver may select a particular information display level corresponding to the driver&#39;s particular tastes. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a simple, exemplary flow chart depicting a method  200  for displaying particular selectable information display levels is shown. Step  205  may provide an entry to the method. As seen therein, at step  210 , the controller  54  may determine whether a vehicle ignition switch (not shown) is in the run/start position. If it is determined that the ignition switch is not in the run/start position, step  210  may be repeated. If, however, it is determined that the ignition switch is in the run/start position, the method proceeds to step  220 . At step  220 , the controller  54  may cause the information display  66  to be activated. To this end, the information display  66  turns on so that the vehicle content may be displayed. 
     It is contemplated that when the information display  66  initially turns on, a trip summary screen may be displayed. The trip summary screen may display select vehicle content from the most recent ignition cycle (i.e., the driver&#39;s last drive or “trip”). For example, the trip summary screen may display such prior trip information as distance traveled, fuel economy, fuel used, and trip efficiency. The trip efficiency can include a display of the efficiency gauge  116  conveying how efficiently the vehicle was operated during the previous ignition cycle. The trip efficiency may be displayed using the “efficiency forest,” as previously described. Further, a long-term fuel economy may also be displayed with the trip summary screen, showing the vehicle&#39;s fuel economy since the last driver reset. 
     The trip summary screen may be displayed briefly when the ignition is cycled on to remind the driver of the fuel economy and energy efficiency attained during the most recent trip. To this end, the trip summary screen may likewise be briefly displayed when the ignition switch is cycled off thereby providing the driver immediate feedback regarding how efficient and economical the vehicle was operating over the course of the trip that was just completed. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 5 , at step  230 , the information display  66  may display the most recent selectable information display level. In that regard, the selectable information display level that was active prior to when the ignition switch was last in the run/start position may be the selectable information display level displayed. 
     Alternatively, once the information display  66  is activated, a default information display level may be displayed as depicted by step  240 . In that regard, if for example the first selectable information display level  78  (Level  1 ) is the default information display level, then Level  1  may be the selectable information display level that is displayed each time the ignition switch is turned to the run/start position. In yet another alternative embodiment, the information display system  64  may be configured to provide multiple user profiles, each of which may recall settings or preferences for one or more drivers of the vehicle  10 . Further, the vehicle  10  may be able to identify the one or more drivers upon entry of the vehicle or an ignition switch event. In that regard, the most recent selectable information display level displayed for a particular driver may correspond to the selectable information display level that was active the last time that particular driver operated the vehicle  10 . 
     Next, at step  250 , the controller  54  may determine whether an information display level change input has been received. For example, the controller  54  may determine whether a driver input has been received from the at least one display control button  106  corresponding to one of the plurality of selectable information display levels  78 . If the controller  54  determines that an information display level change input has not been received, the method returns to step  230  in which the information display  66  displays the most recent selectable information display level. If, however, the controller  54  determines that an information display level change input has been received, the controller  54  may transmit a signal to the information display  66  instructing the information display  66  to display the selected information display level at step  260 . The action may then end at step  270 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a slightly more detailed, exemplary flowchart depicting a methodology  300  for displaying particular selectable information display levels is shown. Step  305  may provide an entry to the method. As seen therein, the controller  54  may instruct the information display  66  to display a list of the plurality of selectable information display levels  78  at step  310 . The list of selectable information display levels may correspond to the display settings menu  130  under the display mode option as illustrated in  FIG. 4   b . Accordingly, the list of selectable information display levels may be displayed in response to driver input via the at least one display control button  106 . 
     Next, at step  320 , the controller  54  may determine whether the first selectable information display level  78  corresponding to Level  1  has been selected via driver input received from the at least one display control button  106 . If it is determined that Level  1  has been selected, the controller  54  may send a signal to the information display  66  instructing the information display  66  to display the first selectable information display level  78  as provided at step  330 . The method may then proceed to step  340  in which the controller  54  may determine whether a driver input has been received requesting that the display settings menu  130  be exited. If it is determined that a request to exit the display settings menu  130  has been received, the menu may be deactivated or otherwise closed and the selected information display level is displayed at step  350 . If, however, it is determined that a request to exit the display settings menu  130  has not been received, then the method returns to step  310 , wherein the list of selectable information display level choices is provided. 
     Returning to step  320 , if it is determined that Level  1  has not been selected, the controller  54  may then determine whether the second selectable information display level  78 ′ corresponding to Level  2  has been selected at step  360 . If Level  2  has been selected, then the controller  54  may transmit a signal to the information display  66  to display the second selectable information display level  78 ′ at step  370 . The controller  54  may then determine whether a request to exit the display settings menu  130  has been received at step  340 . If it is determined that a request to exit the display settings menu  130  has been received, then the display settings menu  130  may be closed (step  350 ). If, however, it is determined that a request to exit the display settings menu  130  has not been received, then the method may return to step  310  where the list of selectable information display level choices is provided. 
     Returning to step  360 , if the controller  54  determines that Level  2  has not been selected, the controller  54  may next determine whether the third selectable information display level  78 ″ corresponding to Level  3  has been selected at step  380 . If the controller  54  determines that Level  3  has been selected, then the controller  54  may transmit a signal to the information display  66  to display the third selectable information display level  78 ″ at step  390 . Again, the controller  54  may then determine whether a request to exit the display settings menu  130  has been received at step  340 . If it is determined that a request to exit the display settings menu  130  has been received, then the display settings menu  130  may be closed (step  350 ). If, however, it is determined that a request to exit the display settings menu  130  has not been received, then the method may return to step  310 , wherein the list of selectable information display level choices is provided. 
     Returning to step  380 , if the controller  54  determines that Level  3  has not been selected, the controller  54  may next determine whether the fourth selectable information display level  78 ′″ corresponding to Level  4  has been selected at step  400 . If it is determined that Level  4  has been selected, the controller  54  may send a signal to the information display  66  instructing the information display  66  to display the fourth selectable information display level  78 ′″ at step  410 . Then, the controller  54  may determine whether a request to exit the display settings menu  130  has been received at step  340 . If it is determined that a request to exit the display settings menu  130  has been received, then the display settings menu  130  may be closed at step  350  and the selected information display level is displayed. If, however, it is determined that a request to exit the display settings menu  130  has not been received, then the method may return to step  310 , wherein the list of selectable information display level choices is provided. 
     Returning to step  400 , if the controller  54  determines that Level  4  has not been selected, the controller  54  may then determine whether a request to exit the display settings menu  130  has been received at step  340 . If it is determined that a request to exit the display settings menu  130  has not been received, then the method may return to step  310 , wherein the list of selectable information display level choices is provided. If, however, it is determined that a request to exit the display settings menu  130  has been received, then the controller  54  may instruct the information display  66  to close the display settings menu  130  and display the selected information display level at step  350 . The action may then end at step  420 . 
     Thus, the methodology  300  provided in  FIG. 6  presents an exemplary embodiment in which the plurality of selectable information display levels  78  may be selected and displayed through a display settings menu  130  accessible by driver input through the at least one display control button  106 . The at least one display control button  106  may be employed to allow the driver to navigate through one or more menus displayed by the information display  66  and send signals to the controller  54  corresponding to one or more driver inputs. The controller  54  may be further configured to transmit signals so that the information display  66  displays vehicle content or menus corresponding to the received driver input. To this end, a driver may navigate through the information display hierarchy provided to select a desired information display level to be displayed. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a simplified, exemplary flowchart depicting an alternate methodology  500  for displaying particular selectable information display levels is shown. Flowchart  500  may provide a methodology for selecting a particular information display level by toggling through the plurality of selectable information display levels  78  according to the information display hierarchy via the at least one display control button  106 . Step  505  may provide an entry to the method. As seen therein, at step  510 , the controller  54  may determine whether the vehicle ignition switch is in the run/start position. If the controller  54  determines that the ignition switch is not in the run/start position, step  510  may be repeated. If, however, the controller  54  determines that the ignition switch is in the run/start position, a step  520  may be performed in which the information display  66  is activated. 
     Next, the information display  66  may display the most recent selectable information display level corresponding to the last ignition off command at step  530 . Thereafter, the controller  54  may determine whether a selectable information display level change input has been received at step  540 . In that regard, a driver may toggle between the plurality of selectable information display levels  78  via the at least one display control button  106 . Accordingly, a driver input may be received at the controller  54  corresponding to the toggling operation. If it is determined that an information display level change input has not been received, then the method may return to step  530 , wherein the most recent selectable information display level continues to be displayed. If, however, it is determined that a selectable information display level change input has been received corresponding to the toggling of the at least one display control button  106 , then the next successive selectable information display level may be displayed at step  550 . The action may then return to step  540 , wherein the controller  54  can determine whether another information display level change input has been received. The action may otherwise end at step  560 . 
     Accordingly, a driver may select a particular information display level to be displayed by repeatedly pressing the at least one display control button  106  configured to toggle through the information display hierarchy. The driver may stop toggling the at least one display control button  106  once the desired selectable information display level is displayed. Thus, methodology  500  can provide the driver the ability to select a particular information display level without navigating through one or more setup menus. A similar methodology (not shown) may be employed allowing the driver to toggle between whether or not select visual gauges are to be displayed within a particular selectable information display level. Likewise, a similar methodology may be employed allowing the driver to choose between a plurality of different content states of particular visual gauges within a particular selectable information display level. 
     It should be noted that the methods of  FIGS. 5-7  as described herein are exemplary only, and that the functions or steps of the methods could be undertaken other than in the order described and/or simultaneously as may be desired, permitted and/or possible. It should also be noted that the various embodiments provided herein are generally described with reference to a hybrid electric vehicle. However, it is to be understood that the information display system and methods contained herein may be equally applicable to other types of vehicles. 
     While the best mode for carrying out the invention has been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention as defined by the following claims. 
     As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.