Patent Publication Number: US-2019196587-A1

Title: Portable controller

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to electronically-controlled systems, and more specifically to systems and methods for controlling a plurality of functions within a plurality of electronically-controlled systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may or may not constitute prior art. 
     The quantity of systems and hardware with which an individual interacts on a daily basis continues to grow with rapid pace of technological advancement. Moreover, such systems and hardware have become increasingly complex as the quantity and variety of systems operated or controlled electronically has grown. To manage the parameters associated with each piece of hardware, increasingly complex systems with increasingly numerous operator selectable settings are commonly used. Selectable settings can be managed in individual human-machine interface (HMI) associated with each of the systems, however with the rise of touch-screen interfaces, many of the settings can now be accessed directly through a single HMI, or other such access points. While the ability to manage a wide variety of systems and settings is desirable, navigating through a menu structure that includes settings for a large quantity and variety of systems can be complex, confusing, and require a significant amount of operator attention. This is particularly true in cases where the HMI is primarily a touch-screen interface, because many such touch-screens provide little or no haptic feedback. Without haptic feedback navigating menu structures to access particular functions can be challenging without spending significant amounts of time looking directly at the touch-screen(s). That is, as menu structures to access specific functions become more complicated and/or convoluted, it can be difficult to successfully and accurately access specific functionality for a specific piece of hardware, thereby increasing the amount of time an operator must invest in order to access each desired function. 
     Thus, while current control systems and methods achieve their intended purpose in providing access to a wide variety of applications and selectable functions within a wide variety of hardware devices, there is a need for new and improved systems and methods for accessing functionality within a wide variety of hardware devices. Moreover, there is a need for a system and method which reduces operator time investment, and thereby reduces the potential for operator frustration, while providing consistency and portability with respect to haptic feedback, functionality, and accessibility. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure a system for managing devices includes a portable device with a human-machine interface (HMI) controller having a first input receiving first input data, a movable portion having a movement such as rotary movement and having an adjustable haptic feedback mechanism and a plurality of tactile mechanisms, a second input disposed within the portable device, the second input generating second input data, a third input receiving the second input data from the second input, the third input providing access to a standardized function catalog on each of the devices based on the second input data, wherein based on the first input data received by the first input, the system selectively accesses a subset of the plurality of functions on each of the devices, and the haptic feedback mechanism and the plurality of tactile mechanisms access and select preferences within the plurality of functions on the devices. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure the first input includes a biometric sensor receiving biometric input data. 
     In yet another aspect of the present disclosure the second input further includes an electromagnetic signal emitter transmitting an electromagnetic signal to an electromagnetic signal receiver. 
     In still another aspect of the present disclosure the electromagnetic signal includes an infrared signal. 
     In still another aspect of the present disclosure the second input includes a three dimensional positioning system. 
     In still another aspect of the present disclosure the three dimensional positioning system includes at least one of a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, an electromagnetic signal sensor, an electromagnetic signal emitter, and a three dimensional map. 
     In still another aspect of the present disclosure the third input includes device selection data. 
     In still another aspect of the present disclosure the fourth input includes function selection data. 
     In still another aspect of the present disclosure method for managing devices includes receiving a first input to a portable device with a human-machine interface (HMI) controller having an adjustable haptic feedback mechanism, a rotary access interface, and a plurality of tactile mechanisms, receiving a second input providing location and position data relating to a location and position of the HMI controller, receiving a third input selecting one of a plurality of selectable devices based on the location and position data of the HMI controller, actively adjusting the haptic feedback mechanism in the HMI controller based on a selected device, receiving a fourth input selecting a function on the selected device, actively adjusting the haptic feedback mechanism in the HMI controller based on a selected function within the selected device, and receiving a fifth input selecting a preference within the selected function on the selected device. 
     In still another aspect of the present disclosure the location and position data is determined by a three dimensional positioning system comprising at least one of a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, an electromagnetic sensor, an electromagnetic emitter, and a three dimensional map. 
     In still another aspect of the present disclosure the first input further includes a biometric input. 
     In still another aspect of the present disclosure each of the plurality of selectable devices further includes a selectable function catalog. 
     In still another aspect of the present disclosure the first input generates a profile wherein the profile includes user preferences, solar position data, ambient light data, ambient temperature data, location and movement data, route data, destination data, and path data. 
     In still another aspect of the present disclosure the profile is associated with a subset of the selectable function catalog within each of the selectable devices. 
     15. The method of claim  9  wherein receiving a second input further includes generating within a location sensor disposed within the portable device. 
     In still another aspect of the present disclosure actively adjusting a haptic feedback mechanism in the HMI controller further includes generating a detent in a rotational travel of the rotary access interface of the HMI controller. 
     In still another aspect of the present disclosure the detent varies in quantity, size, and resistance in accordance with the selected device and with the selected function within the selected device. 
     In still another aspect of the present disclosure each of the receiving a third input and receiving a fourth input further includes receiving a tactile input to the tactile feedback mechanisms of the HMI controller. 
     In still another aspect of the present disclosure a portable system for managing devices includes a hand-held device with a human-machine interface (HMI) controller having a biometric input receiving biometric input data, a rotary portion having an adjustable haptic feedback mechanism and a plurality of tactile mechanisms, a three-dimensional location system disposed within the portable device, the three-dimensional location system generating three-dimensional position data, a receiver receiving the three-dimensional position data, and providing access to a standardized function catalog on each of the devices based on the three-dimensional position data, wherein based on the biometric input data received by the biometric input, the system selectively accesses a subset of the plurality of functions on each of the devices, and the haptic feedback mechanism and the plurality of tactile mechanisms access and select preferences within the plurality of functions on the devices. 
     In still another aspect of the present disclosure the adjustable haptic feedback mechanism adjust a haptic feedback by generating a detent in a rotational travel of a rotary access interface of the HMI controller, and wherein the detent varies in quantity, size, and resistance in accordance with each of the devices in accordance with each of the plurality of functions in each of the devices. 
     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. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a system including a portable controller according to one aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a portable controller according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective exploded view of the portable controller of  FIG. 2A  according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial top view of a motor vehicle for use with a portable controller according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4A  is a schematic view of a portable controller interacting with a plurality of in-home devices and systems according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4B  is a second schematic view of a portable controller interacting with a plurality of in-home devices and systems according to another aspect of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 5  and a system diagram depicting a method of using a portable controller according to an aspect of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , a system for managing a wide variety of functions is shown and generally indicated by reference number  10 . The system  10  can be used with a host vehicle  12 , and/or with a plurality of in-home devices and systems such as heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and thermostats  14 , (TVs) and associated TV peripheral devices  16 , gaming systems, Hi-Fidelity (Hi-Fi) systems  18 , lighting systems  20 , computers (not shown), electronic home-management systems (not shown), and the like, hereinafter collectively referred to as in-home devices and systems  22 . The system  10  includes a Human-machine Interface (HMI) controller or portable device  24  that can be moved between and interact with and control the functionality of host vehicles  12  as well as any of the aforementioned in-home devices and systems  22 . 
     The portable device  24  includes a faceplate  26  with a lens or lens cover  28 , the faceplate  26  and a bottom cover  30  sandwiching a plurality of electrical components, with a decorative bezel  31  surrounding a periphery of the portable device  24 . In some aspects, the base plate includes a plurality of switches (not shown), and a movable portion having a movement such as rotary movement. In some aspects, the movable portion is a rotary knob  32 . The rotary knob  32  is disposed overtop a rotary motor  34  in electrical communication with a function control module  36 . In some aspects, the rotary knob  32  may be better described as a capacitive device sensitive to touch. In other words, in some examples, the rotary knob is disposed overtop a first or biometric input  38 . The function control module  36  is in electronic communication with a display  40  and the biometric input  38  of the portable device  24 . The function control module  36  is a non-generalized electronic control device having a preprogrammed digital computer or processor  42 , memory or non-transitory computer readable medium  44  used to store data such as control logic, instructions, image data, lookup tables, etc., and a plurality of input/output peripherals or ports  46 . The processor  42  is configured to execute the control logic or instructions. The function control module  36  may have additional processors  42  or additional integrated circuits in communication with the processor  42 . The function control module  36  is electrically connected to a battery  48 . In some aspects, the portable device  24  includes a wireless charging member  50  for induction charging on an induction charging dock  52 , and an input/output member  54  such as an infrared transmitter and/or receiver. In some aspects, the function control module  36  includes additional componentry and features such as a vibration motor  56  a wireless communications (WiFi) device (not shown), and a security chip (not shown). 
     The function control module  36  can output to the display  40  on the portable device  24  as well as to displays  40  located within the host vehicle  12  or displays  40  in the host vehicle  12  or on the in-home device or system  22  presently being accessed by the portable device  24  user. The display  40  is operable to display and/or access a plurality of functions within a standardized application catalog (not shown). The standardized application catalog includes a plurality of sub-systems and functions associated with each of a plurality of on-board systems in the host vehicle  12 , as well as each of the individual in-home devices and systems  22 . In one aspect, the standardized application catalog of the host vehicle  12  includes, but is not limited to: steering and steering settings, suspension and suspension settings, braking and braking settings, throttle and throttle mappings, audio settings, telephone connection settings, Bluetooth settings, wireless communication (WiFi) and WiFi Hotspot settings, navigational or GPS settings, vehicle status functions and information, climate control information, and the like. In several other aspects, the standardized application catalog of the in-home devices and systems  22  includes, but is not limited to: audio settings for TV  16  and Hi-Fi 18 systems, lighting system  20  settings, telephone connection settings, Bluetooth settings, wireless communication (WiFi) and WiFi Hotspot settings, climate control information for HVAC system thermostats  14 , and the like. 
     Referring back to the biometric input  38 , in several aspects, the biometric input  38  is a biometric sensor, scanner, or other recording apparatus disposed within the portable device  24 . The biometric input  38  records a physical characteristics of a user of the host vehicle  12 , such as a fingerprint, a palm print, a vein scan, iris or retina scan, hand geometry scan, facial structure scan, voice scan, or the like. In another aspect, the biometric input  38  operates to record and catalog a behavioral characteristic, such as a pattern of system  10  usage. In an example of a host vehicle  12 , a pattern of usage may include a driving style, seat position, radio volume or station, or the like. In some aspects, the biometric input  38  in a host vehicle  12 , the biometric input  38  may be internal to the portable device  24  as well as external. For example the biometric input  38  can be located on an exterior door handle  58 , an interior door handle  60 , an arm rest  62 , a steering wheel  64 , a shifter lever  66 , a dashboard  68 , a center console  70 , or an interior or exterior camera (not shown). 
     The biometric input  38  is in electronic communication with the host vehicle  12 , and more specifically, in electronic communication with the standardized application catalog. The function control module  36  receives first or biometric input data from the biometric input  38  of the portable device  24 . The function control module  36  also receives second input data from a second input (not specifically shown). In several aspects, the second input data includes a conditional data, such as a time, a temperature, a location, a solar position, or with reference to a host vehicle  12 : a path designation, a destination, a road type, a vehicle position, a vehicle status, and the like is collected by a plurality of systems associated with each type of conditional data. The second input data further includes locational data. Thus, the second input data is generated in part by at least one of a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, an electromagnetic (EM) location system having at least one EM sensor and at least one EM emitter, and a three dimensional map, or the like. In more general terms, the second input data includes information about the present location of the portable device  24 , such as an attitude, altitude, inclination, declination, rotational position, direction of movement, velocity, acceleration, and the like. In one example, the EM location system includes at least one EM signal transmitter, such as the input/output member  48  within the portable device  24 , the input/output member  48  transmitting an EM signal to an EM signal receiver (not specifically shown). In several aspects, the input/output member  48  is an infrared transmitter, a laser transmitter, a light-emitting diode (LED), or the like. The input/output member  48  is disposed within at least one of the host vehicle  12 , and/or at least one of the individual in-home devices and systems  22 . The EM signal transmitted by the input/output member  48  is received by the EM signal receiver disposed within the portable device  24 . In some aspects, the portable device  24  includes an input/output member  48  capable of both sending and receiving EM signals, thus allowing the portable device  24  to both transmit EM signals to devices and to receive EM signals. That is, for the portable device  24  to control one of the host vehicle  12  systems or one of the in-home devices and systems  22 , the portable device  24  not only transmits EM signals to the devices and systems  12 ,  22 , but receives and responds to EM signals from the devices and systems  12 ,  22 . 
     The function control module  36  of the portable device  24  combines the biometric input data and the conditional data, including the locational data, to selectively provide an operator of the portable device  24  access to a subset of the full standardized application catalog relevant to an a host vehicle  12  system, or in-home device or system  22  towards which the portable device  24  is currently directed. The function control module  36  then maps selectable functions of the subset of applications to the portable device  24  for the operator to access. In one aspect, the function control module  36  also maps selectable functions of the subset of applications to the display  40 . 
     In an example, when the operator uses the portable device  24  within the interior of the host vehicle  12 , the operator&#39;s preferences regarding seating position, climate control, radio station, audio volume, instrument cluster brightness, interior lighting brightness and/or color, and so forth are mapped to the portable device  24  and to the display  40 . As the operator of the host vehicle  12  uses various functions of the host vehicle  12  over time, the function control module  36  accumulates data regarding how the operator/operator uses the various functions. The function control module  36  associates the usage data with a particular biometric input data received by the biometric input  38 . Thus, as the operator/operator accesses the host vehicle  12  and generates biometric input data, the function control module  36  applies preferred settings for the specific operator/operator using the system  10 . In another example, the operator/operator of the host vehicle  12  may directly input applications, functions, and settings to be saved as favorites within the standardized application catalog, thereby manually generating the subset of the full standardized application catalog. 
     In another example, an operator carries the portable device  24  into a living room of his or her home, shown schematically in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the room having an HVAC system thermostat  14 , a TV  16 , a HiFi system  18 , and a lighting system  20  spaced around the room. The operator accesses functionality of each of the above-referenced devices and systems  22  by manipulating the portable device  24 . More specifically, by pointing the portable device  24  at the thermostat  14 , the three-dimensional location system of the portable device  24  creates conditional data and locational data indicating that the portable device  24  is inside the living room of the operator&#39;s home, and that the portable device  24  is currently being pointed at the thermostat  14 . Based on specific operator preferences stored in memory and associated with the biometric input data of the current operator, the portable device  24  selectively accesses a subset of features and functions within the thermostat  14 , and maps these features and functions to the portable device  24 . In a further example, by mapping the subset of features and functions within the thermostat  14  to the portable device  24 , the operator can thereby access such preferred functions as temperature, fan speed, on/off schedule, and the like on a single display  40 , rather than navigating multiple menus. 
     In another specific example, an operator accesses the host vehicle  12  at the end of the work-day via the exterior door handle  58 . A biometric input  38  is disposed in the exterior door handle  58 , and sends biometric input data to the function control module  36  of the portable device  24  which the operator either carries with him/herself or which resides within the host vehicle  12 . The operator has previously set a specific radio station and volume on the host vehicle&#39;s  12  stereo system. Based on the biometric input data transmitted to the function control module  36  of the portable device  24 , the same previously set radio station and volume settings are applied to the host vehicle&#39;s  12  stereo, as well as being depicted on the display  40 , and being made accessible directly via the portable device  24 . In a further example, in addition to the volume and station selections, based on the time of day at which the operator is using the host vehicle  12 , the function control module  38  applies settings to the GPS including route selection to the operator&#39;s home and traffic information including selecting the most time-efficient route and depicts the route and traffic information on the display  40 . In another related, but non-limiting example, the portable device  24  is used by a rear-seat passenger of the host vehicle  12 . Based on biometric input data collected by a biometric input  38  disposed on the rear exterior door handle  58 , or on the portable device  24  itself, the system  10  provides selective access to a rear-seat entertainment system  72 . In other words, based on the biometric input data, conditional data, such as the time of day, and locational data, such as the position of the portable device  24  in the rear-seat portion of the passenger compartment of the host vehicle  12 , the system  10  determines that the subset of the standard application catalog that should be accessible by the operator is limited to certain functions of the rear-seat entertainment system  72 , and a rear-seat climate control system (not specifically shown). 
     In another example, the biometric input  38  is disposed on the shifter lever  66 , and an operator who has previously operated the host vehicle  12  enters and begins to drive the host vehicle  12  to an unfamiliar destination. Based on the completely new destination information input into the GPS, the function control module  36  adjusts settings on the navigation system, stereo system, and phone connection or Bluetooth systems. The function control module&#39;s  36  adjustments improve route clarity, reduce audio volume (except for navigational instructions), and alters operation of the operator&#39;s phone to reduce potential sources of operator distraction, thereby improving driving safety. While in the above discussion, the function control module  36  is described as managing host vehicle  12  stereo and GPS information, it should be understood that the function control module  36  interacts with and controls access to and functions of a wide variety of host vehicle systems  10 , as well as a wide variety of in-home devices and systems  22 . Furthermore, it should be understood that a plurality of applications of the subset of the standardized application catalog may be displayed singly or together, and that the subset of applications may therefore be accessed singly or accessed simultaneously. 
     Referring once more to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , and with continuing reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , the rotary knob  32  is manipulated by an operator&#39;s hand. The rotary knob  32  is mechanically connected to a tactile or haptic feedback mechanism  74 . In some aspects, the haptic feedback mechanism  74  provides multiple feedback types to the operator. In one aspect, the rotary motor  34  provides variable torque to rotational motion of the rotary knob  32 , as depicted specifically by the rotational traces and limits in  FIG. 4B . In an example, as an operator manipulates the rotary knob  32 , the rotary motor  34  provides a torque that resists movement of the rotary knob  32  such that the torque is commensurate with a particular application or function that the operator is accessing within the portable device  24 . In other words, in an example in which the operator is accessing a temperature setting function within a climate control application via the portable device  24 , the function control module  36  directs the rotary motor  34  to provide torque that replicates a plurality of detents in the motion of the rotary knob  32 . In another example, when the operator accesses a radio volume function within an entertainment application via the portable device  24 , the function control module  36  directs the rotary motor  34  to generate a torque that replicates the movement of a smooth heavily-weighted mechanical stereo knob, or other rheostatic device. While the torque provided by the rotary motor  34  has been described above as a plurality of detents, or a smooth heavily-weighted mechanical stereo knob, it should be understood that a wide variety of different torque types can be provided depending on the particular function and application being accessed via the portable device  24 . Furthermore, while the system  10  is shown as having only a single portable device  24  in  FIGS. 1, 2, 4A, and 4B , it should be understood that the system  10  may include a plurality of portable devices  24  without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. For example, the system  10  may include portable devices  24  accessible by operators in each of the seats  76  depicted in  FIG. 3 . The portable devices  24  may be placed in an interior door handle  60 , an arm rest  62 , a steering wheel  64 , a shifter lever  66 , a dashboard  68 , a center console  70 , or the like. 
     In another aspect, the haptic feedback mechanism  74  includes the vibration motor  56  generating vibrations perceptible by the operator via the portable device  24 . In one example, when the operator manipulates the portable device  24  to select an application, a function, or a setting within either, the function control module  36  directs the vibration motor  56  to generate a vibration indicating that a selection has been made. In a more specific example, an operator uses the portable device  24  to select a communications system (not shown), pair the operator&#39;s cellular phone (not shown) with the audio system (not shown) of the host vehicle  12 , select a phone number stored in a memory of the cellular phone, and then call the phone number. For each of the above selections (four selections in this particular example), the vibration motor  56  disposed in the portable device  24  generates a vibration having a short duration, for example, less than a second, indicating that an operator input or selection is being made, thereby transmitting tactile confirmation of the operator&#39;s selections to the operator. While the vibrations generated by the vibration motor  56  have been described as being less than a second in duration, it should be understood that the duration of the vibration generated may vary substantially, but should generally be commensurate with the types of selections the operator of the system  10  makes. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 5  and with continuing reference to  FIGS. 1-4B , a method  100  for managing functions of host vehicle  12  systems and in-home devices and systems  22  depicted. The method begins at block  102  where the biometric input  38  receives biometric input data generated by the operator. At block  104 , the function control module  36  receives conditional data including location data placing the portable device  24  in a host vehicle  12  a home, or any number of other locations. At block  106  the operator physically directs the portable device  24  towards a host vehicle  12  system or an in-home device or system  22 . At block  108 , physical positioning sensors, such as the aforementioned gyroscope, accelerometer, etc., record positioning information about the attitude, altitude, inclination, declination, rotational position, direction of movement, velocity, acceleration, and the like of the portable device  24 , and send the positioning information to the function control module  36 . At block  110 , the function control module  36  combines the biometric input data, the conditional data, the location data, and the positioning information and selects a subset of applications of the standardized application catalog to depict on the display or displays  40 . The subset of applications is associated with preferences, previous selections, and situational information relating to the current operator and situation. At block  112 , the function control module  36  of the system  10  presents an application interface (not shown) on the display  40  of the portable device  24 , and in some examples, on the display  40  of the host vehicle  12  or the in-home device or system  22  as well. At block  114 , the operator selects an application of the subset of applications, and the haptic feedback mechanism  74  generates haptic feedback associated with the application selection. At block  116 , the function control module  36  of the system  10  determines a plurality of selectable functions relating to the selected application, and at block  118 , the function control module  36  presents an application management interface (not shown) having the plurality of selectable functions. At block  120 , the operator selects a function, and the haptic feedback mechanism  74  generates haptic feedback associated with the function selection. At block  122 , the function control module  36  determines information relating to the selected function and displays the information on the display  40  of the portable device  24  and in some aspects, on the display  40  of the host vehicle  12  or the in-home device or system  22  as well. At block  124 , the function control module  36  determines haptic feedback relating to the selected function, and actively adjusts the haptic feedback mechanism  74  in the portable device  24  based on the selected function within the selected application. 
     The portable device  24  and the system  10  of the present disclosure offers several advantages. These include ease of use, portability, broad functionality, simplicity of construction, redundancy, and when used with a host vehicle, improved road safety. The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and variations that do not depart from the gist of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.