Patent ID: 12208685

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in the detailed description which follows and will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description, or recognized by practicing the invention as described in the following description, together with the claims and appended drawings.

As used herein, the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms: couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and/or any additional intermediate members. Such joining may include members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another (i.e., integrally coupled) or may refer to joining of two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature, or may be removable or releasable in nature, unless otherwise stated.

The terms “substantial,” “substantially,” and variations thereof as used herein are intended to note that a described feature is equal or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a “substantially planar” surface is intended to denote a surface that is planar or approximately planar. Moreover, “substantially” is intended to denote that two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, “substantially” may denote values within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

As used herein the terms “the,” “a,” or “an,” mean “at least one,” and should not be limited to “only one” unless explicitly indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to “a component” includes embodiments having two or more such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

As exemplified inFIGS.1-9, reference numeral10generally refers to a selector interface that is incorporated within the passenger cabin12for a vehicle. A console14is positioned within the passenger cabin12and typically extends across the front of the passenger cabin12near the driver and front passenger seating arrangements. An operating system16, such as a transmission, suspension system, traction control system, or other similar mechanical system or electrical system is controllable via an action of a user18of the vehicle within the passenger cabin12. Typically, with respect to the operating systems16, the user18will be the driver of the vehicle, but can also be any one of the occupants of the vehicle. The selector interface10is incorporated within the console14. The selector interface10is operated through a specific gesture20or movement by the user18in relation to the selector interface10of the console14. As will be discussed herein, the gestures20can be in the form of at least one designated user gesture90that is performed relative to the selector interface10and the console14as well as at least one designated control gesture92that is performed relative to the selector interface10.

As exemplified inFIGS.1-3, the selector interface10includes a plurality of selector portions30that can be in the form of buttons, switches, touchscreens100, or other similar interface mechanisms. These selector portions30are integrated within the console14. Typically, the selector portions30are incorporated within a handle32or other similar ergonomic feature34that is located for easy access by the user18of the vehicle. The selector portions30of the selector interface10include an engaging actuator36. This engaging actuator36must first be depressed or selected by the user18before various other selectable features of the selector interface10can be selected. By way of example, and not limitation, the engaging actuator36must first be depressed before the user18can select drive or reverse38,40for operating the transmission or other operating system16. In the case of a shift-by-wire mechanism102that controls a transmission for the vehicle, only when the engaging actuator36is first depressed and remains depressed can the user18then activate the two-stage sections110that can include drive and reverse38,40of the selector interface10. Once drive or reverse38,40are selected, the user18can then disengage the engaging actuator36.

It is contemplated that other features of the selector interface10such as park42, neutral44or other similar features of the selector interface10may be engaged without first depressing the engaging actuator36. The location of the selector portions30coincides with the ergonomic configurations of a hand of a user18so that the engaging actuator36and the various other selector portions30can be easily manipulated during operation of the vehicle. This configuration of the selector interface10allows for easier gear actuation without having to look down at a selector interface10for the vehicle. Selector portions30such as drive38and reverse40can be positioned where certain fingers of the hand of the user18may typically be located. In addition, the incorporation of the engaging actuator36limits the occurrence of inadvertent actuating because of the need to depress the engaging actuator36before operating the selector portions30corresponding to drive and reverse38,40. This two-part actuation operates as an at least partial failsafe to prevent inadvertent actuation of drive and reverse38,40of the selector interface10.

Referring again toFIGS.1-3, the vehicle includes the console14that is positioned within the passenger cabin12. The selector interface10is defined within the console14. The operating system16is controlled via the selector interface10. The selector interface10includes the plurality of selector portions30that are positioned within the console14. A two-stage section110of the plurality of selector portions30can be placed in an activating state112when the engaging actuator36is activated by the user18. Typically, the two-stage section110of the plurality of selector portions30requires that the engaging actuator36be depressed or otherwise activated by a user18. This action performs the first stage that places the two-stage section110in the activating state112. This allows the user18to make a selection within the two-stage section110that completes the second stage of the selecting operation. When the first stage has not been completed, the two-stage section110is configured to be in an idle state114, such as when the engaging actuator36is idle. As discussed herein, the idle state114is typically a default state that occurs before and after the engaging actuator36has been depressed or otherwise activated by a user18.

Referring again toFIGS.1-3, the two-stage sections110of the plurality of selector portions30that are placed in the activating state112are done so by activation of the engaging actuator36. This two-stage section110of the selector portions30is typically in communication with the shift-by-wire mechanism102that is in communication with a vehicle transmission. In addition, the two-stage section110of the selector portions30that is operable through activation of the engaging actuator36is typically positioned near the driver seat120of the vehicle so that these selector portions30can be easily accessed by the driver during operation of the vehicle. This is particularly true where the selector portions30are in communication with the shift-by-wire mechanism102for the vehicle, or other components of the drive train for the vehicle. In this manner, a center portion122of the console14extends between the driver seat120and the passenger seat124. Within this center portion122of the console14, the engaging actuator36and the section of the selector portions30are positioned within easy reach of an operator for the vehicle. As discussed herein, the selector interface10is defined within a handle32that extends from the center portion122of the console14. In various aspects of the device, an outer surface of the handle32can include the selector portions30for the selector interface10. Within these selector portions30is the two-stage section110that is in communication with the shift-by-wire mechanism102for the vehicle. Typically, the two-stage section110of the selector interface10includes selectors for drive38and reverse40. As exemplified inFIGS.2-3, the selectors for park42and neutral44may be operable without use of the engaging actuator36.

As exemplified inFIGS.2and3, the engaging actuator36can be positioned within a top portion130of the handle32. In this position, the engaging actuator36can be depressed by the thumb of the operator for completing the first stage of the two-stage operation for the two-stage section110. Contemporaneously, while the engaging actuator36is depressed by the thumb of the operator, the two-stage section110of the selector portions30can be positioned beneath or on an underside132of the handle32so that the non-thumb fingers of the operator can be used to conveniently engage the two-stage section110. As discussed herein, this can be done to select various gear settings that can be engaged through the shift-by-wire mechanism102. Through this configuration, the user18can maintain a grasp on the handle32to steady themselves while operating the vehicle, including operating the steering wheel140for the vehicle.

According to various aspects of the device, the selector portions30, including the two-stage section110of the selector portions30that are coupled with the engaging actuator36, can be in the form of buttons, touchscreens100, switches, and other similar tactile or haptic interfaces. It is contemplated that absent activation of the engaging actuator36, the two-stage sections110of the selector portion30are typically incapable of being selected or otherwise activated. Once the engaging actuator36is depressed, or otherwise engaged by the operator, only then can the operator operatively interface with the two-stage section110of the selector portions30. It is also contemplated that certain sections of the selector portion30may not be engageable when a certain gear setting is activated. By way of example, and not limitation, when the vehicle transmission is set to drive38and moving forward, the interface for reverse40within the two-stage section110cannot be selected until such time as the car has come to a complete stop. The same would be true with respect to a user18selecting reverse40and operating the vehicle in a rearward direction. The interface for drive38would not be selectable in this situation until the vehicle were to come to a stop. Other portions of the selector interface10can be selected without first operating the engaging actuator36, as discussed herein. These sections, as exemplified inFIGS.1-3, can include the selectors for park42and neutral44, which are adapted to be engaged with the thumb of the user18.

According to various aspects of the device, the selector portions30of the selector interface10and the two-stage section110of the selector portions30that is coupled with the engaging actuator36can be positioned in other portions of the console14. In certain aspects, the selector portions30can be coupled with a planar surface72of the console14, a particular operable handle32of the console14, a portion of the steering wheel140, and other similar services within the vehicle.

Referring now toFIGS.4-8, the console14can include an articulating element60that extends upward or emerges from a portion of the console14after the vehicle has been started. In addition, the articulating element60can move to an upward actuating position150through the surface72of the console14when a body part or other portion of the user18is sensed by the selector interface10. When at rest, the articulating element60is in a concealed stowed position152within a console14. When activated, the articulating element60moves to the actuating position150that extends through a surface72of the console14to allow for engagement or other operation by the user18of the vehicle. In certain aspects of the device, the articulating element60can operate vertically. In addition, the articulating element60can also operate rotationally, and in various angular configurations, to reveal only those selector portions30of the selector interface10that are able to be engaged based upon the conditions of the vehicle. Other portions of the selector interface10can remain concealed by the positioning of the selector interface10and the selector portions30in relation to the articulating element60.

By way of example, and not limitation, when the vehicle is operated and set to drive38, the articulating element60can be positioned such that the interface for selecting reverse40of the selector interface10remains concealed in the stowed position152or is otherwise unselectable. In this condition of the vehicle, this feature cannot be selected until such time that the vehicle comes to a complete stop and certain predetermined protocols are met. Similarly, there are certain times when only park42of the selector interface10is revealed so that the vehicle can be placed in park42or removed from park42. In a further aspect of the device, when the user18first enters the vehicle, the articulating element60can extend to the actuating position150and can reveal only the start/stop portion of the selector interface10, which can coincide with the interface for selecting park42.

Surrounding the articulating element60are a series of flaps62, such as articulating panels160, that can be manipulated with the articulating element60to reveal certain features or selector portions30of the selector interface10, as needed during use of the vehicle. When not in use, the flaps62can enclose the articulating element60within the console14. The articulating element60can be operated through various gestures20or hand movements over the console14, or can simply be operated based upon the positioning of a user18within the vehicle, as well as the conditions of the vehicle, during operation. Positioning of the articulating element60places the selector interface10in a unique plane within the vehicle and only provides access to those features that are able to be accessed at any given time. In addition, the selector interface10is able to be concealed by the flaps62when not in use, or when the vehicle is deactivated. This can provide an additional anti-theft or security feature for the vehicle that prevents an unwanted or unauthorized engagement of the selector interface10when the vehicle is not in use.

Referring again toFIGS.4-8, the selector interface10defined within the console14can be selectively operable between the stowed position152within the console14or flush with the console14and an actuating position150that exposes control surfaces170of the selector interface10relative to the console14. The now-exposed control surfaces170can be hidden in the stowed position152and revealed as the selector interface10is moved to the actuating position150. In addition, certain exposed control surfaces170can be visible in each of the1and the actuating position150, with the exposed control surface170being operatively engaged when the selector interface10moves to the actuating position150. Conversely, in the stowed position152, the control surfaces170may be visible, but may be rendered idle and typically unusable until such time as the selector interface10moves to the actuating position150.

According to the various aspects of the device, as exemplified inFIGS.4-8, the operating system16for the vehicle can be placed in communication with the selector interface10. Operative communication between the operating system16and the selector interface10can be achieved when the selector interface10is moved to the actuating position150. It is contemplated that an articulating element60operates the selector interface10between the stowed position152and the actuating position150. The articulating element60can be activated through a designated stowed position152user gesture90relative to the console14. The designated user gesture90can be in the form of placing a body part over the selector interface10in the stowed position152, or moving an object or a body part of the user18in a particular direction, orientation or pattern over the selector interface10in the stowed position152. By way of example, and not limitation, moving the selector interface10from the stowed position152to the actuating position150can be achieved by the user18holding their hand over the selector interface10for a designated period of time. When the designated user gesture90is performed, the selector interface10, via the articulating element60, moves from the stowed position152to the actuating position150.

According to various aspects of the device, as exemplified inFIGS.4-8, the articulating element60can include a plurality of articulating panels160that are operably attached to an outer panel156of the console14. In the stowed position152, these articulating panels160can be generally flush or co-planar of with a surrounding surface72of the outer panel156of the console14. These articulating panels160can be in the form of deflecting panels, rigid panels, flexible members, or other similar panels that can move with the selector interface10between the stowed position152and the actuating position150. The articulating panels160can rotate, bend, or otherwise deflect relative to a surface72of the console14, to the actuating position150. The articulating panels160in the actuating position150open and allow for the selector interface10to move to a position that is accessible to the user18.

According to the various aspects of the device, the various actuating panels can rotate or otherwise deflect relative to hinging portions196of the console14. As these articulating panels160rotate at the hinging portions196, various gaps190between the articulating panels160can be exposed or become larger. Within these gaps190that are defined between the articulating panels160in the actuating position150, the various control surfaces170that are exposed in the actuating position150can be revealed, or become operable.

Referring again toFIGS.4-8, the designated user gesture90that is used to operate the articulating element60between the stowed position152and the actuating position150is typically performed within a gesture area210adjacent to a surface72of the console14. By way of example, and not limitation, a user18can operate at least a portion of the selector interface and the articulating element60to the actuating position150by placing their hand or move their hand over the selector interface10and within the gesture area210. This movement can be tracked within the gesture area210by various positioning sensors and/or motion sensors. Such sensors can include, but are not limited to, time of flight (TOF) sensors, proximity sensors, cameras, and other similar motion and proximity sensors. Voice commands can also be used for operating the articulating element60between the stowed position152and the actuating position150. Gestures20can also be used for manipulating portions of the selector interface10. In such an aspect of the device, portions of the selector interface10, while in the actuating position150, can be operated through designated control gestures92that are made relative to the selector interface10. These control gestures92can be physical interactions242with the selector interface10or movements made in proximity to the selector interface10. Such control gestures92can be movements of a hand, various hand gestures or hand movements, and other similar gestures20that can be made by the user18with respect to the gesture area210or the selector interface10for achieving a certain control result. The control result can be in relation to the transmission for the vehicle (via the shift-by-wire mechanism102), adjusting a comfort setting with the vehicle, adjusting an entertainment system within the vehicle, and other various vehicle-related controls.

Referring again toFIGS.6-8, as the articulating element60moves between the stowed position152and the actuating position150, the articulating panels160in the stowed position152can be oriented to be flush with the surface72of the console14. Such configuration provides a generally hidden configuration of certain portions of the selector interface10when the articulating element60is in the stowed position152. As the articulating element60moves to the actuating position150, portions of the selector interface10are revealed and typically stand proud of the surface72of the console14. It is also contemplated that certain portions of the selector interface10are accessible and operative in each of the stowed position152and the actuating position150. Such portions of the selector interface10would be those portions that are typically accessed repeatedly or most frequently during operation of the vehicle and while the vehicle may be idle, or where these portions may need to be readily accessible at all times. By way of example, and not limitation, these continuously accessible portions of the selector interface10may be related to a power control, certain safety features, such as hazard lights, certain comfort and entertainment controls and a gear shift mechanism, and in particular, a park setting of the vehicle, and other vehicle-related interface mechanisms.

Referring again toFIGS.4-8, the plurality of articulating panels160of the articulating element60can include a number of articulating panels160. As exemplified inFIGS.4-8, the articulating element can include three or four articulating panels160with gaps190defined between each of the panels, at least in the actuating position150. As discussed herein, the selector interface10can include various gaps190that are defined between the articulating panels160when the selector interface10is in the actuating position150. When moved to the actuating position150, the various articulating panels160deflect away from one another and increase the size of various gaps190defined between these articulating panels160. Within these gaps190, certain control surfaces170of the selector interface10emerge and become operatively accessible to the user18within the vehicle.

In addition to the gaps190that are defined between the various articulating panels160, operable doors220can also be positioned within these gaps190. As these doors220operate relative to the selector interface10, additional features within the selector interface10can become visible. It is contemplated that these doors220can be in the form of a plurality of doors220that operate independently or collectively while the articulating element60is in the stowed position152. Accordingly, the selector interface10can include a number of operable mechanisms that can actuate to provide different functionality to the user18for operating the selector interface10.

By way of example, and not limitation, where a user18desires to engage only a portion of the control surfaces170of the selector interface10, one of the doors220can slidably operate within the gaps190to reveal a particular and desired control surface170of the selector interface10. Where a more comprehensive selection of features may be needed or desired, the articulating element60can operate to the actuating position150to provide more accessibility with respect to the control surfaces170of the selector interface10. Greater accessibility to the selector interface10may be desired where the car is placed in park, stopped in traffic, wherein the vehicle is operated autonomously, or other situations where the user18of the vehicle is able to devote a certain amount of attention to the selector interface10. During operation of the vehicle, more discrete and limited numbers of functions may be accessible via the selector interface10so that the operator can devote more attention to other tasks at hand.

It is contemplated that certain gaps190, for aesthetic purposes, may be visible when the articulating element60is in each of the stowed position152and the actuating position150. As the articulating element60moves to the actuating position150, the gaps190can be increased in size to provide additional functionality for the selector interface10.

Referring now toFIG.9, the selector interface10can include a virtual display70that is incorporated within a surface72of the console14. Actuating the selector interface10through the virtual display70can be addressed through a gesture20or other movement of the user18. By way of example, and not limitation, shifting gears of the transmission for the vehicle, via the shift-by-wire mechanism102, can be accomplished by sliding a virtual selector portion30from a starting position74to an engaged position76. Using the virtual display70, only those features of the selector interface10that are able to be operated at that time will appear on the virtual display70. These inaccessible features may also be visible and visually muted or otherwise obfuscated and unable to be selected. As discussed previously, as a non-limiting example, when the vehicle is operating in drive38and is moving forward, the selection icon for reverse40of the selector interface10will not typically be visible and/or selectable until the vehicle comes to a complete stop, and other various protocols occur with respect to the vehicle. Only after all of the protocols are achieved will certain selector portions30of the selector interface10appear for selectable engagement by the user18of the vehicle. In addition, various motions or gestures20by the user18can be utilized for engaging different selector portions30of the selector interface10. These gestures20can be defined based upon the current situation of the vehicle, preferences of one or more users18, the overall design of the vehicle, and other similar considerations.

Using the selector interface10, various aspects, as described herein, can be used for providing an ergonomic configuration of the selector interface10within the passenger cabin12. Accordingly, the console14can be utilized as a surface72that is easily accessed by the user18for engaging the selector interface10and making various modifications to the vehicle during its operation.

Referring again toFIG.9, the selector interface10is defined within an interface surface72of the console14that can be in the form of a virtual display70incorporated within the surface72of the console14. This virtual display70can be within the center portion122of the console14, along the front portion250(shown inFIG.1) of the console14that extends in front of and between the driver seat120and the passenger seat124, as well as other portions of the passenger cabin12for the vehicle. The selector interface10is in the form of a graphic user interface240that is activated through a designated control gesture92performed by one or more of the users18of the vehicle in relation to the interface surface72of the console14. This use of the control gesture92provides instructions that are delivered from the selector interface10to an operating system16for the vehicle that is controllable via the graphic user interface240. The particular designated control gesture92can be a physical interaction242with the graphic user interface240or some other gesture20that is made over, adjacent or near to the interface surface72for the console14. Typically, the selector interface10includes a tactile interface portion that includes a touchscreen100that the user18can interface with in a physical manner. A display can also be incorporated within the interface surface72so that the user18can visualize, through the use of the graphic user interface240, the designated control gesture92that has been performed relative to the selector interface10, such as within a gesture area210adjacent to the console14.

Referring again toFIG.9, as discussed herein, one of the operating systems16that can be controlled using the selector interface10is a shift-by-wire mechanism102that is used to convert instructions from the selector interface10into mechanical operations of the transmission for the vehicle. The shift-by-wire mechanism102is a digital interface that controls a transmission for the vehicle during operation. Typically, at least a portion of the graphic user interface240that controls the shift-by-wire mechanism102is continually accessible to a user18of the vehicle. Alternatively, certain aspects of the selector interface10may be hidden or otherwise rendered inoperative at certain times. These times can include occasions when certain portions of the selector interface10may be unnecessary or undesirable at that particular point in time.

Referring again toFIG.9, it is contemplated that the interface surface72of the console14can include a wireless battery charging interface. Such an interface can utilize wireless charging technology to provide charging to various devices, such as cell phones, tablets, and other devices.

The graphic user interface240can include a selectively accessible portion that is revealed upon performance of a particular designated control gesture92or a designated user gesture90. The use of these gestures20can modify the graphic user interface240to reveal or hide certain features incorporated within the selector interface10. As discussed herein, these gestures20can be physical interactions242with the interface surface72or gestural motions made adjacent to the interface surface72.

During use of the selector interface10, portions of the graphic user interface240may be movable within the virtual display70. In this manner, icons or other portions of the graphic user interface240may be movable within the virtual display70to highlight those options and features that may be selectable by the user18of the vehicle. When the vehicle is in part, certain portions of a gear selection interface may be moved or adjusted to a prominent position within the virtual display70. Other features may be moved to a less prominent positon or adjusted to be at least partially obfuscated.

According to the various aspects of the selector interface, as described herein, portions of the selector interface can be placed within different portions of the vehicle. In the case of the passenger seats124, the selector interface can be used to control certain entertainment and comfort settings that relate to a corresponding seating position of the passenger cabin12or the entire passenger cabin12. In the case of an autonomous vehicle, it is contemplated that any one of the seating positions can be designated as a control position260with access to a more comprehensive set of features and control surfaces170of the selector interface10. This control position260of the selector interface10can also have override control to supersede the controls of any of the other seating positions. Typically, this control position260will be located in the front row of the vehicle and usually near the driver seat120.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.