WO2008027836A2

WO2008027836A2 - Smart mode interface

Info

Publication number: WO2008027836A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/076896
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter W. Mokris; Brian R. Dexter; Sonia L. Wendorf; Eric Haas; Grant Carmichael; Charles C. Saylor; Eric Loehfelm
Original assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
Priority date: 2006-08-28
Filing date: 2007-08-27
Publication date: 2008-03-06
Also published as: WO2008027836A3

Abstract

A more intelligent way is used to present data (e.g. information, controls, etc.) for display to a user of the display system. User profiles can be used to determine which data to present. Vehicle systems can be monitored to determine in what type information a user of a vehicle would be most interested, or, oppositely, would have little or no interest. Rather than using functional modes to present data, the system can use more user friendly modes to present data and control options on a display.

Description

SMART MODE INTERFACE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to US Patent Application 60/840,587 filed Aug. 28, 2006 and US Application 60/876,815, filed December 22, 2006, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicle displays are being used to display more and more types of information.

Common displays may provide information relating to a vehicle's position from a GPS system, may provide information relating to radio controls, and so on. As more information that gets displayed, the system used to present information to a user becomes more complicated and harder to use.

[0003] Display systems for vehicles tend to display information using functional modes.

In other words, the systems display GPS functions in GPS mode, radio functions in radio mode, entertainment functions in entertainment mode, and so on.

[0004] Additionally, displays may not be optimized for use by a user. For example, some users may have more difficulty reviewing information on the display at night than other drivers.

SUMMARY

[0005] Many embodiments relate to more intelligent ways of presenting data (e.g. information, controls, etc.) for display to a user of the display system. These more intelligent ways may include presenting control options to a user that a user may be more likely to use in a given situation, may include providing a user with more useful information when making a decision, and/or may include any number of other features as discussed below.

[0006] For non-limiting examples of contemplated embodiments, see the examples and illustrative embodiments sections below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing of a vehicle display system according to one embodiment;

[0008] Fig. 2 is a diagram of information types usable in a smart interface;

[0009] Fig. 3 is an illustration of a display system according to one embodiment;

[0010] Fig. 4 is a selection tree for a display according to one embodiment;

[0011] Figs. 5, 6 and 18 illustrate additional embodiments of controls 150 and display system 140 for use in a vehicle system; and

[0012] Figs. 7-17 are examples of information displays usable in an exemplary smart mode display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Referring to Fig. 1, a vehicle system 10 includes a display 140 configured to display information to a user. Display 140 may comprise a multi-line text display, may comprise a display screen (e.g. LCD screen, OLED screen, rear projection display, etc.), or may comprise any number of other types of displays. Display 140 may comprise more than one display which may be the same type of display or may be different types of displays. Display 140 may also include the labels for reconfigurable controls 150, 155 in some embodiments that include reconfigurable controls 150, 155.

[0014] Processing circuit 190 is configured to control display 140. Processing circuit 190 may include a display driver, may include a memory 130, may include a microprocessor, may include a vehicle bus interface, and/or may include various other processing circuits. [0015] Processing circuit 190 is configured to receive various information and to control what types of information are displayed on display 140 based on the information it receives. [0016] The information received may include on-board information (information received from vehicle systems), may include "off-board" information (information received from non-vehicle sources such as the internet, personal electronic devices, etc.), and/or may include a user profile. Based on the received information, processing circuit 190 controls the type of information displayed on display 140. On-board Information

[0017] On-board information may include time information such as from a clock circuit 120 (e.g. from a radio system, from a GPS system 100, from a vehicle clock, etc.), date information such as from a calendar 110, location information such as from a GPS system 100, historical route information such as from a GPS system 100, common destination markers (e.g. home, work, etc.) such as from a GPS system 100, trip computer information (vehicle mileage, fuel remaining, fuel economy, vehicle speed, vehicle service needs, vehicle direction, outside temperature, etc.) such as from a trip computer 90 (or other vehicle sensor such as a speed sensor, GPS system 100, etc.), information relating to the presence, number, and/or location of passengers in a vehicle such as from a passenger sensor 80 (e.g. a camera, a weight sensor, etc.), information relating to the identity of people in a car such as from a remote keyless entry (RKE) system 60 having fobs associated with individual users or an ignition system with individually identifiable keys, the presence and/or identity of objects in proximity to the vehicle such as from a proximity sensor 70, temperature (including vehicle interior temperatures and/or outside temperature) such as from temperature sensor 50, vehicle transmission information (transmission in park, neutral, reverse, triptronic, manual control of automatic transmission mode, gear in which a manual transmission is placed, etc.) such as from the vehicle transmission system 160. [0018] Another type of input may be identification information received from an ID circuit 210. ID circuit 210 may be an RFID receiver circuit (which may both transmit and receive in some embodiments) configured to identify RFID tags associated with devices in a vehicle. For example, a user may place RFID tags on common items that the user brings to work in the morning (briefcase, blackberry, PDA, phone, etc.). RFID circuit 210 may identify items by learning the identity of the actual item (e.g. briefcase) or may merely identify that this is a common item in a group (e.g. the group of items brought in the morning).

Off-board Information

[0019] Off-board information may include user off-board information and global off- board information. User off-board information (information more unique to the user) may include information such as schedule information (e.g. a user's personal schedule of events), action items (to-do list), contact information (e.g. phone numbers, addresses, etc.), messages (voice messages, text messages, e-mail messages), personal media libraries, etc. [0020] User off-board information may be obtained from various sources. For example, personal off-board information may be retrieved from a personal electronic device 30 configured to communicate with an interface circuit 170 of system 10. Interface circuit 170 may include a wireless interface circuit such as a Bluetooth wireless circuit. In these and other embodiments, an interface circuit 170 may be configured to interface with a user's home network 40 or user's home device 40 (e.g. computer) to obtain personal off-board information. In these embodiments, interface circuit 170 may include a wireless interface circuit such as a broadband interface circuit (e.g. a WiFi circuit).

[0021] Global off-board information may include information received from sources such as the Internet 20. Information retrievable from the Internet 20 includes information such as route guidance information, directory (e.g. yellow pages) information, emergency services contact information (e.g. 911), service provider information, weather information, traffic information, commerce information, on-line account information, etc. Global information may also be received from other sources. For example, traffic information may be broadcast such that it is retrievable by an antenna of GPS system 100. [0022] Processing circuit 190 may be configured to obtain information from and/or interact with any number of home devices 40. For example, processing circuit 190 may be configured to interact with an HVAC system, a lighting system, a home alarm system, a home monitoring system, etc. Processing circuit 190 may be configured to determine the status of home systems/appliances/devices and report that status to a user. Processing circuit 190 may also be configured to control the home system/appliance/device. [0023] Off-board information could be loaded to an on-board memory (e.g. memory 130). In this case, processing circuit 190 receives the off-board information indirectly from the off-board source (e.g. from the memory 130).

[0024] Any of the on-board information sources may be obtained from an off-board source. For example, time and/or date may be received from a personal electronic device that a user brings into the vehicle, or may be obtained from an Internet source. As another example, the identity of users in a vehicle may be determined by identifying which personal electronic devices are present in the vehicle (e.g. a cellular phone, personal organizer, or other device detected by system 10 which device may be associated with a particular user). User Profile Information

[0025] User profile information may be a user selected profile (i.e. where a user manually selects preferences). The user profile could also be an automatically generated or learned profile (i.e. the system 10 may be configured to observe user actions, identify patterns in a user's tendencies and preferences, and generate a profile based on the identified patterns). [0026] In some embodiments a user profile may be created or edited on-line or at some other off-board location and downloaded to processing circuit 190. In those and other embodiments, the user profile may be created or edited on display 140 using user inputs 150.

[0027] Various preferences can be set in a user profile. Preferences that can be set include preferences about what type of information (categories of e-mail that are displayed, etc.) is displayed and/or the importance of the display of that information; audio preferences such as preferred radio stations, preferred music types, preferred media types (CDs, playlists, radio stations); preferred media types; preferred food types; preferred activities (sports, jazz, etc.); intensity level (i.e. number of and/or rapidity of change of controls and data) of the information displayed in display 140; what alerts to send and importance of alerts (weather, traffic, etc.); method of alerting user (ring tone, size or existence of visual display, etc.); and other settings.

[0028] E-mails, voicemails, and other messages may be filtered by category, based on sender, based on recipient (i.e. if a user gets a message because they were copied, if a user gets the message b/c they were on a distribution list), based on keywords in the message, based on importance or urgency of the message, based on the type of message (voice, e- mail, meeting request, etc.), and so on. See, e.g. Fig. 9. Filtering may be used to exclude display of messages, may be used to determine which messages cause controls or alerts to be brought to the forefront, or other actions.

[0029] Preferences may be different during different times of day, during different days of the week or year, based on the number and/or location of passengers, etc. To simplify these differences, these criteria may be divided into segments (e.g. time of day may be divided into three or four or fewer or more segments - morning, evening, afternoon, night, morning commute, evening commute, etc). The scope of each segment may be adjustable (e.g. a user may adjust the time that they consider to be morning, or the system 10 may adjust the time it considers morning based on when a user goes to work, comes home from work, etc.). [0030] A user profile may also include commerce information. For example, the user profile may include user account information for making purchases, such as on-line purchases, subscriptions to on-line music accounts, retail purchase accounts, etc. The user profile may also include other information such as favorite or frequently visited stores, purchasing habits, and other similar information that would allow system 10 to be more responsive to a user. This commerce information may be obtained from off-board sources. For example, a user may install a program on their home computer 40 to monitor their shopping habits and/or to receive their account information. Computer 40 may then interact with processing circuit 190 to create user profile based on the information permitted to be received by the user.

[0031] System 10 may include multiple user profiles where multiple different users can be identified by the system. Thus, processing circuit 190 could be programmed to select the user profile corresponding to the user that has been identified.

Control of Display

[0032] In response to collecting the various types of information from various sources as discussed above, processing circuit 190 may be configured to control the type of information displayed on display 140. Controlling the type of information displayed may include controlling the type of information displayed within a control system (e.g. controlling the GPS menu options when a GPS system information is being displayed). Controlling the type of information displayed may include controlling the type of control options displayed to select different control systems than the one presently displayed (e.g. displaying phone options while HVAC system information is being displayed), and/or other types of control over the display of information on display 140. Controlling the type of information displayed typically, although need not, include controlling the selection tree 500 (Fig. 4) in a display system (i.e. controlling the type and/or order of options displayed on display 140).

[0033] Controlling the type of information displayed may include controlling the type and/or number of systems supplying information (controls, data, etc.) being displayed on display 140 at a time.

[0034] Controlling the type of information displayed may comprise displaying information relating to more than one system. The information from more than one system may be control options 504-510 (Fig. 4) (e.g. options selectable by a user to control system 10) from more than one system, may be informational data displays 518 (Fig. 4) (e.g. current radio station, route map, contact list, etc.) from more than one system, etc. [0035] Controlling the type of information displayed may include shifting the menu items. Menu items may be shifted such that certain controls and/or information are brought to the forefront of a menu list. Bringing information to the forefront may include displaying control options and/or data directly, or may comprise shifting the menu options such that certain control options can be accessed with fewer steps/selections by a user. [0036] Controlling the type of information displayed may comprise disabling the use of certain information. If all information is always available, controlling the type of information may comprise burying (i.e. shifting items such that they take more steps to access) information. For example, if no rear seat passengers are present in a vehicle, processing circuit 190 may be configured to disable or bury controls for a rear seat entertainment system 105.

[0037] Controlling the type of information that is displayed may comprise displaying suggestions based on preferences of a user. Suggestions may include media suggestions such as music suggestions. See, e.g. Fig. 10. Suggestions may include dining suggestions, activity suggestions, or other types of suggestions.

[0038] Controlling the type of information that is displayed could include controlling the format of the information including the size of information on display 140, the shape of information on display 140, the arrangement of information on display 140, the color of information on display 140, the shading of information displayed on display 140, the contrast between information displayed on display 140, the amount of detail (e.g. intricacy) provided for a type of information displayed, the manner in which a type of information is displayed (e.g. using icons vs. text), etc.

[0039] Controlling the type of information that is displayed could include controlling the intensity of information displayed on display 140. Intensity of information could include the number of commands displayed to a user at a single time, the number of different types of information displayed to a user at a single time, the rate at which information displayed on display 140 is updated, etc.

Display Systems

[0040] Display 140 may be configured to display information (controls, data, etc.) for various systems. This information may include GPS 100 information, HVAC 210 information, entertainment information which includes rear seat entertainment 105 controls, trip computer 90 information, audio system 85 information including radio information such as satellite radio information, camera 95 information which may include rear-seat camera information and may include back-up camera information, may include phone system 30 information, may include compass 90 information, may include e-mail 30 information, may include task 30 information, may include CD 85 information, may include electronic music 85 (e.g. MP3 player) information, may include vehicle lighting 75 information, and/or may include any number of other types of information. It is contemplated that display 140 may be configured to only or at least display each of the possible combinations of these types of information.

[0041] A GPS system 100, for example, might have controls that allow a user to select routes based on different criteria. For example, a user may have a route option that allows a user to choose a fastest route (i.e. least time). A user might have an option to pick an easiest route (such as a route with fewer turns). A user might have an option to choose a scenic route. A user might have a route option to avoid certain areas, such as avoiding downtown during business hours. A user might have a route option to take familiar streets (which may be determined by analyzing prior routes taken by the user). When each route option is presented, processing circuit 190 might also be configured to have display 140 display an estimated route time, estimated time of arrival, estimated fuel usage, or other estimate useful to a user when making a decision about which route to take.

Control Logic of Display 140

[0042] Referring to Figs. 1 and 4, processing circuit 190 may operate to control information displayed on display 140 based on a selection tree 500. Selection tree 500 is the logic that governs which options 502-516 and the order in which these options 502-516 are presented to a user. For example, a main menu 502 may allow the user to select the system to be displayed/controlled (i.e. radio, HVAC, GPS, etc.). When the user selects the system 504 to be displayed in menu 502, processing circuit 190 may move down the tree and present control options from a second level menu 512. Based on a selection from a second level menu, system 514 may open a third level menu 514, and so on. Any level menu 502, 512, 514, 516 may include control options 504-510, data display areas 518, and/or a combination of these types of information. [0043] In traditional systems, selection trees 500 (particularly at the main menu) tended to be static. In some more intelligent systems contemplated by many aspects of the application, selection trees 500 may be reconfϊgurable. In many of these embodiments, the selection trees 500 are reconfϊgurable while the vehicle is in operation such as when ignition and/or accessory is on, when the vehicle is in motion, etc. This includes reconfϊgurable selection trees at multiple levels including the primary (main menu) level, the second level, the third level, the fourth level, etc. While many of the operations discussed above and examples discussed below are generally targeted at reconfiguring the primary level 502 of the selection tree 500 of display 140, they can be equally targeted at other levels of the selection tree 500.

[0044] Reconfiguring a level may include changing which options populate the various controls 504-510, changing the number of controls 504-510 and/or amount of data 518 displayed, etc. In some embodiments, the size and/or shape of controls, icons, and/or data that is displayed may be changed.

[0045] In this manner traditional functional modes (i.e. where the modes - the information and controls displayed - are primarily based on the system - e.g. GPS system 100, audio system 85, trip computer 90, etc. - to be controlled or monitored) can be avoided if desired by a user. Instead, the system 10 can operate using user modes which provide the type and/or amount of information most likely desired/needed by a user in a given situation. As discussed above, these user modes may be governed by a pre-programmed or learned user profile in addition to various on-board and off-board information. In some embodiments, a system 10 may allow both user modes and functional modes. For example, a user may be allowed to select a preference to only use functional modes. In other embodiments, the system 10 may use user modes when conditions indicate that user modes are appropriate and default to functional modes when no specific user mode is indicated. In other embodiments, display system 10 may only use user modes.

[0046] Brining options to the forefront as discussed above may comprise bringing items to the top of the selection tree 500. The location in the selection tree 500 that constitutes the forefront of the selection tree 500 may vary from application to application, but would generally include up to the second or third level depending on where the control option would normally reside. Likewise, burying an option as discussed above may comprise, in a system having a selection tree 500, placing the option as a menu option in a level that is no closer to the top of the selection tree 500 than the third level 514 or fourth level 516. [0047] For selection trees 500 which have more options 504-510 at a given level 502, 514-516 than are displayed on display 140 at a single time, bring an option to the forefront may include making the option one of the initial options displayed on display 140 when the level is entered. Likewise, burying an option may include placing the option such that it is not one of the early items displayed on display 140 when that level is entered. [0048] It is contemplated that some selection trees will have two or more primary 502 or secondary 514 levels where a user can switch between the multiple primary or secondary levels by selecting one of the options 504-510 available on a particular level (e.g. switching between multiple secondary levels could be achieved without revisiting the primary level). [0049] It is also contemplated that user input devices 150, 155 (knobs, buttons, sliders, etc.) may include labels that are reconfϊgurable by processing circuit 190. These labels may be reconfigured based on the information (including selectable control options) displayed on display 140. These controls 150, 155 may be formed from OLEDs, may have clear panels through which labels (such as from an LCD and/or projector behind the control) are visible, may have appliques which are separately illuminated, etc. These controls 150, 155 are preferably tactile controls which are configured to provide a physical feedback to a user of system 10.

[0050] However, the controls 150, 155 for system 10 may be any type of control. For example, controls 150, 155 can be push button switches, rocker switches, other types of switches, knobs, dials, and/or more advanced input devices such as biometric devices (including fingerprint or eye scan devices) voice-actuated input control circuit configured to receive voice signals from a user, etc.

[0051] The selection tree 500 may be configured to control selections available on display 140, and/or may be configured to control selections available on controls 150, 155, particularly when controls 150, 155 are reconfigurable. Selection tree 500 may be configured to control more than one display.

[0052] Processing circuit 190 can include various types of processing circuitry, digital and/or analog, and may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other circuitry configured to perform various input/output, control, analysis, and other functions to be described herein. Processing circuit 190 may be configured to digitize data, to filter data, to analyze data, to combine data, to output command signals, and/or to process data in some other manner. Processing circuit 190 may also include a memory 130 that stores data. Processing circuit 190 could be composed of a plurality of separate circuits and discrete circuit elements. In some embodiments, processing circuit 190 will essentially comprise solid state electronic components such as a microprocessor (e.g. microcontroller). Processing circuit 190 may be mounted on a single board in a single location or may be spread throughout multiple locations which cooperate to act as processing circuit 190, including components connected across a vehicle bus. In some embodiments, processing circuit 190 may be located in a single location and/or all the components of processing circuit 190 will be closely connected.

EXAMPLES

[0053] The following examples illustrate some of the many types of display protocol that can be used by a more intelligent control system for a vehicle display system. [0054] Referring to Fig. 7, exemplary diagrams of information displayed on a display of a system includes a display 1134 that provides a user with information. The display may be configured to provide information in zones 1128-1132. The zones may be organized in columns 1110-1114 of zones that provide a common type of information (e.g. media, directions, messages, etc.). Each column 1110-1114 may include a header 1122-1126 that indicates the type of information displayed in that column and/or provides an additional control. The types of information may be reconfigurable by the system and/or by the user. [0055] The system also includes user inputs 1116-1120 (e.g. roller switches, rocker switches, etc.) associated with but separate from the display 1134 that allow a user to highlight and/or select a particular control displayed by the display. Alternatively (or additionally) the system may include a display 1134 that also acts as a user input device (e.g. a touch screen display, a non-contact inputting display, etc.) which allows a user to select a control directly on the display 1134.

[0056] Display 1134 and its associated controls 1116-1120 may be located in a console area of the vehicle. Controls 1116-1120 could also be located remote from display 1134 (e.g. on a steering wheel, in an area only accessible by a driver, in multiple areas, etc.). Display 1134 could also be divided into multiple locations which each display a portion of the information displayed by display 1134.

[0057] The system may also include a display 1140 located in the area of the instrument cluster and/or a heads-up display 1150. Displays 1140 and 1150 may be reconfigurable and/or may be controlled by the same processing circuit (and/or the same selection tree) that controls display 1134.

[0058] Figures 8-17 are illustrated in a similar configuration to Fig. 7. Items illustrated as being in the same locations in these figures as in Fig. 7 are the same components of the system as discussed above in Fig. 7.

Example 1

[0059] According to a first example, processing circuit 190 monitors whether any passengers are detected in a rear seat area of the vehicle, and displays controls for rear seat options based on this monitoring. For example, processing circuit 190 may be configured to only provide certain options when passengers are present in the rear seats. These options may include display controls for a rear entertainment system 105 (i.e. for entertainment systems whose screen is primarily only visible to passengers behind the level of the driver), a camera 95 configured to monitor the rear seat, and/or a communication system designed to facilitate communication between the driver and rear seat passengers. If no passengers are present, then processing circuit may be configured to disable display of controls for those systems. As another example, processing circuit 190 may be configured to bury controls for rear seat lighting if no passenger is detected in the rear seat.

Example 2

[0060] According to a second example, processing circuit 190 may be configured to monitor temperature (inside and/or outside) information, user profile information, and whether passengers are present information, and be configured to control display of HVAC controls based on this monitoring. For example, if temperatures inside or outside the vehicle are cold (such as below a threshold or below a user preference) processing circuit 190 may display controls for the user to turn on a defrosting system, a vehicle heating system, and other options such as heating elements in a vehicle seat. Processing circuit 190 may also disable or bury cooling options when the temperatures are cold. Oppositely, when temperatures are hot, processing circuit 190 may be configured to display cooling options and disable display of or bury heating options (e.g. disabling controls for a heated seat). [0061] The controls displayed and/or thresholds used might be different depending on whether passengers are present. For example, if a vehicle has a zonal heating/cooling system, processing circuit 190 may only present a single control for temperature when no passengers are present. But if one or more passengers are present then processing circuit

190 might generate a display of multiple controls for temperature; at least one set for each of the zones to be controlled.

[0062] Additionally, processing circuit 190 may identify a driver (e.g. by use of a code sent by an RKE keyfob) and consult a user profile for that driver to determine what inside temperature a user (and potentially an identified passenger) prefers, and what controls that user tends to use most.

[0063] Instead of monitoring temperature directly, processing circuit 190 may infer temperature based on date and location (e.g. in February in Michigan it tends to be cold).

Example 3

[0064] According to a third example, processing circuit 190 may be configured to monitor time of day, day of the week, location, presence of passengers, and/or route information and be configured to control audio programming based on this monitoring. For example, processing circuit may be configured to display different programming options (different playlists, different radio stations, different news selections, etc.) in the morning than in the afternoon or than in the evening. As an example, the user may have certain radio shows that they prefer, which radio shows are only on at certain times of the day. In this case, on-line programming guides may be consulted by processing circuit 190 to determine when programming will be on.

[0065] The programming options displayed (e.g. which ones and the order in which they are displayed) on display 140 may be different if there are passengers in the car. For example, the presence of rear seat passengers may indicate that more family friendly play- lists should be used. See, e.g. Fig. 16.

[0066] The programming options may be based on whether a user is following previous route such as a route to work or a route home. As an example, a user may desire news programming on the way to work and music programming on the drive home from work. Programming played on a route to or from work may be limited to weekdays. [0067] Radio stations that do not broadcast in a certain area may be buried or excluded when a location determining device (e.g. GPS) indicates that the vehicle is out of the service area of that radio station.

[0068] Radio stations displayed to a user may be pre-programmed by a user or may be learned by the system 10. The system may also recommend radio stations based on content (e.g. from internet sources indicating material is similar, from broadcast information such as the radio data service indicating content, etc.). The system may also learn when (time of day, day of the week, etc.), where (city area, etc.), and under what conditions (e.g. passengers present) radio stations or other programming is listened to by the user and may be configured to bring some programming to the forefront and bury other programming based on these observations.

[0069] In a given selection tree, processing circuit 190 may offer both playlist (e.g. MP3 playlist) options, cd options, and radio station options. In addition, processing circuit 190 may offer both frequently used programming options and suggested programming options. Differences between frequently used, uncommonly used, suggested, and other types of programming may be made apparent by colors used to display the information, by folders, by size of information, by location of information, etc.

[0070] System 10 may also be configured to provide a user with more information regarding what songs are playing as well. For example, if a user pre-sets five radio stations then system 10 may be configured to display additional information about the music playing on each station. For example, system 10 can display the song playing and the time remaining on the song for each of the programmed stations. See, e.g. Fig. 11. the information may also be provided for playlists, suggested music, etc.

Example 4

[0071] According to a fourth example, the processing circuit 190 could monitor GPS data, an off-board e-mail source, and user preferences to control display of e-mail information. For example, a user may select to see e-mails on their commute to work in a user profile. Then, a GPS system may be routed to a work location by the user or processing circuit 190 may analyze the route being taken by the user compared to previous routes taken to work, time of day, and day of the week to determine if the user might be heading to a work destination. When this is the case, processing circuit 190 may be configured to display e- mails received from an off-board source of e-mails (e.g. a blackberry, a home network, etc.). E-mails may be filtered by urgency, by recipient, by sender, by type, or by any other source including those discussed above.

[0072] Processing circuit 190 may also be configured to monitor traffic, proximity to other vehicles, complexity of the route or other criteria indicating that use of e-mails would be less likely and that taking space up on a display for e-mail information would be inconvenient.

Example 5

[0073] According to a fifth example, processing circuit 190 monitors route information and time of day to determine that the user is likely on their morning commute. Based on this monitoring and determination, processing circuit 190 may be configured to bury navigation options (since it is a familiar route), review a source of traffic information, check for work related e-mails and voice mails, present e-mail and voicemail options, and/or present favorite morning listening. See, e.g. Fig. 9. Processing circuit 190 may also be configured to present calendar/schedule information and allow a user to select or reject newly requested meeting notices. See, e.g. Fig. 8.

Example 6

[0074] According to a sixth example, processing circuit 190 may be configured to monitor GPS data compared to previous route options to determine that a user is driving off of their normal routine. Based on this monitoring and determination, processing circuit 190 may be configured to bring destination options, routing information, and points of interest (POIs) to the forefront (e.g. in a second level menu). Processing circuit 190 may also be configured to bury e-mail options in response to this determination.

Example 7

[0075] According to a seventh example, processing circuit 190 may be configured to download playlists from a home media server in response to data from a GPS circuit indicating that the vehicle is at a home location.

[0076] Processing circuit 190 may also be configured to allow controls for downloading/ transferring other information when a location is at home. For example, processing circuit

190 may present controls that allow transferring data from a user's video recorder

(particularly a digital video recorder). The type of media transferred may be set or arranged based on a user profile.

[0077] Home system controls may also be enabled when a user is at home. For example, processing circuit 190 may be configured to look for and interact with a home monitoring system when a vehicle is at a home location. See, e.g. Fig. 14. Example 8

[0078] According to an eighth example, processing circuit 190 may be configured to monitor a driver's schedule information, identify that a user is on a route to work (or other destination) based on GPS information, estimate a driver's time to work (or other destination) using GPS information, determine an estimated time of arrival based on the current time and commute time, and determine whether the driver is on time for the destination. If a driver is on-time for work (or appointment, etc.), the driver may want to relax so information is displayed to a user with a lower intensity.

[0079] If the driver is late for work or an appointment, processing circuit 190 may be configured to present call and messaging options to the user. The messaging options may include pre-written messages such as "running late" or "be there at ." The determination of the estimated arrival time may be used to fill in blanks in a pre-written message such as time of arrival or how late the user will be to the appointment. Call options may be sorted such that phone numbers or message information will be brought to the forefront for people with whom the user has early appointments, the user's boss, the user's assistant, the user's team members, etc. See Fig. 17.

[0080] Even when a user is on time to work, the system may display certain information. For example, when on time to a non-work appointment, processing circuit 190 may give a user a phone option to allow the user to call or text message the person with whom they have the appointment to let them know that they are almost there. This same option may be given when a user is routed to go to an address found in their contact list. As another example, if on time to work, processing circuit 190 may cause display 140 to display schedule information for the user and provide more intense display of information.

Example 9

[0081] According to a ninth example, processing circuit may monitor a user profile, route information (such as length, time remaining, etc.) and time of day to suggest dining options for a user. For example, if a user never stops for breakfast or coffee on their way to work, dining options may be buried. Oppositely, if a user always stops, dining options similar to those at which the user has previously stopped in the morning may be brought to the forefront of the selection tree. See, e.g. Fig. 10.

[0082] Further, if a user repetitively stops at a particular location, processing circuit 190 may be configured to learn what a user orders and present control options to a user to allow the user to purchase that item using system 10. If a user frequently makes a stop at that location along a recognized route that the user is on, processing circuit 190 may anticipate a stop at the location and provide the purchasing options. In this way, a user can more quickly place their order and potentially reduce their waiting time. [0083] Even if processing circuit 190 does not know a user's typical order, processing circuit 190 may access a menu for the potential destination (e.g. from the internet), and sort through the menu items based on a user's preferences and/or past orders (e.g. from a user profile) - bring a user's preferred items to the forefront of the given selection level in the selection tree.

[0084] The menu options may also be sorted by time of day, based on a user's schedule (e.g. whether they only have a short time b/c they have an appointment coming up), or based on any other factors. Some menu items can be buried or come with warnings based on other factors such as a user's allergies to a type of food, religious practices, or any other factor the user would find useful when deciding on menu items.

Example 10

[0085] According to a tenth example, if processing circuit 190 determines that a route is planned, traffic is light, a user's calendar shows no urgent appointments, and the driver has not made calls, processing circuit may be configured assume driver wants to relax. This may mean that the driver is presented with entertainment options, e-mail options, note composing options, or other options. In response, processing circuit 190 may also be configured to reduce intensity of information, may subdue the prompts for messages, calls, and other alerts, etc.

Example 11

[0086] According to an eleventh example, processing circuit may monitor traffic information to determine that traffic is heavy and/or monitor calendar information to determine that a user is late. In this case, processing circuit 190 may be configured to present the user with re-routing options, may limit the number of and/or bury entertainment options available to be selected. See, e.g., Fig. 7. If a user profile indicates that the user commonly makes a stop on the particular route taken by the user, POI options may be given along with the re-routing options, which POI options allow the user to make their regular stop, or to make a stop at a similar establishment along the re-routed path. See Figs. 10&11. [0087] If re-routing will cause the user to be late to an appointment, processing circuit 190 may be configured to also include the actions discussed above in the eighth example.

Example 12

[0088] According to a twelfth example, processing circuit 190 may determine that the driver's route is to school, that passengers are present, that the time of day is morning, and that the user's profile has pre-selected no entertainment or voice prompts during school commute with kids. In response, processing circuit 190 may be configured to disable voice prompts and bury entertainment options. When burying entertainment options, processing circuit 190 may keep limited entertainment controls at the forefront such as the ability to control volume of the entertainment system or to turn the entertainment system off.

Example 13

[0089] According to a thirteenth example, processing circuit 190 may determine that a rear seat passenger is present, a non-standard route is being taken and/or the drive time is not a standard school commute. In this case, processing circuit 190 may be configured to bring entertainment controls to a forefront. See, e.g. Fig. 16. Processing circuit 190 may be configured to show separate entertainment controls for the rear seat entertainment 105 and the front seat entertainment 105.

Example 14

[0090] According to a fourteenth example, processing circuit 190 may be configured to control the intensity of information displayed on display 140 based on various factors affecting how convenient the additional information may be at that time. For example, processing circuit 190 may monitor road conditions, proximity to other vehicles, traffic data, construction data, location, whether a route is a common route for the user, complexity of the route at the user's present location, the presence of rain (e.g. from a rain sensor), a user profile, and/or other sources to control intensity level. In one combination, the information may be less intense when the route is complex and not routine. See, e.g. Fig. 11. Example 15

[0091] According to a fifteenth example, a user may be given control options for a headlight and sun roof/ moon roof based on weather conditions received from the Internet by processing circuit 190.

Example 16

[0092] According to a sixteenth embodiment, processing circuit 190 may determine that the user has tasks off a normal route (such as on the way home). Processing circuit 190 may be configured to allow a user to route the most efficient route to take care of the tasks. The routing option may take into account tasks (such as picking up a kid from an event) that should occur at a given time. Routing options such as picking up groceries or returning library books may use a user profile to determine the address to go to, such as a preferred grocery store of the user. See, e.g. Fig. 15. The user profile may be pre-programmed or may be learned based on previous stops of a user. The tasks may be received from a personal electronic device, may be received wirelessly such as from a wireless internet source or from a home network, etc.

Example 17

[0093] According to a seventeenth example, processing circuit 190 is configured to present POI information based on vehicle condition sensors. For example, POI information for a gas station may be presented based on a low fuel indication from a vehicle fuel level sensor. Gas station POIs may be sorted/filtered based on preferences (distance from route, brand, etc.), based on pricing information received from the internet, based on distance or time until the gas station, etc. The fuel level at which gas station POIs are brought up may be controlled based on a user profile (some users may not want options until close to empty, while some may want options at a quarter tank or half tank). The fuel level at which POIs are brought up may also be based on frequency of gas stations in the area or along a vehicle's route (e.g. a lower fuel level may be used when gas stations are more common, and vice versa).

[0094] If a check engine indicator is present, POIs may be sorted based on a user profile. For example, a user may prefer that repair work be done at a dealer-based repair shop. [0095] In any of the examples or embodiments involving POIs, the POI may be added to the route information without losing the end destination of the route (i.e. the POI may be treated as a detour or temporary stop). See, e.g. Fig. 16.

Example 18

[0096] An eighteenth example relates to suggesting POIs in a GPS system. POIs may be suggested based on a user profile. The user profile may be based on distance from the standard route, interest in the type of activity, etc. POIs may also be suggested based on the type of destination. If the destination is a hotel, a user may also be more interested in dining options. If the destination is a sports complex, the user may be interested in parking options, in sports equipment, souvenirs, etc. If the destination is a recreational location, a user may be interested in other recreational activities. See, e.g. Fig. 16.

[0097] If a user chooses to take a scenic route, processing circuit 190 may present the user with more or different types of POIs to choose from than if a user chose a different routing option such as the fastest route or the easiest route. For example, the system may only recommend POIs on or very close to a user's route when a user has chosen the "easiest route" type of routing option.

[0098] POIs may be chosen based on time of day (e.g. meal time), based on time since last rest stop, length of trip, and many other options.

Example 19

[0099] As a nineteenth example, if a new passenger enters the vehicle at or near an end destination that is entered in the GPS system 100, processing circuit 190 may be configured to present the user with new routing options.

Example 20

[0100] According to a twentieth example, new detour routes can be selected based on prior routes taken by a driver when a routing or re-routing option is given. This may allow a user the option to take a course with which they are familiar when taking a detour.

Example 21

[0101] According to a twenty- first example, processing circuit 190 interacts with a home device (e.g. a wireless home device 40) to provide information to a user. For example, processing circuit 190 can interact with a home appliance system to determine that lights are on in the house, and to display an alert to a user. The alert may be limited to a certain time of day, day of the week, base on whether other people are detected in the house, etc. System 10 may then give the user an option to turn the light off remotely from the vehicle. [0102] As another type of this example, processing circuit 190 can interact with a home monitoring system 40 to determine that a window is left open. Processing circuit 190 can also receive information from a source of weather information (e.g. from an internet site accessed through home network 40). If a window is open and the weather forecast calls for rain, system 10 can alert the user that they may want to shut the window. [0103] As another type of this example, processing circuit 190 can interact with a home heating and cooling system to determine the temperature or other environmental settings in the home. If a user profile indicates that the user prefers to have less heating and cooling activity when they are away (e.g. to save on energy costs), system 10 may be configured to give the user the option to change the temperature settings of the HVAC system - which may be controlling the actual setting or setting the HVAC system to default settings (e.g. away from home settings). Processing circuit 190 may be designed to only provide this option to a user if the current HVAC settings are different or more extreme than the user preferred settings. Conversely, system 10 may present options to increase heating or cooling when a user returns home where the current conditions (e.g. temperature, humidity, etc.) are different than the user's preferences.

[0104] As another type of this example, a user may be presented with emergency call information in response to information received from a home security system, a home fire alarm system, etc.

Example 22

[0105] According to a twenty-second embodiment, processing circuit 190 may be configured to provide commerce options to a user based on any number of factors. For example, processing circuit 190 may be configured to provide e-commerce options to a user based on their task list. For instance, if a user's task list includes purchasing shoes, processing circuit 190 may be configured to provide a user with options to navigate the internet to a number of shoe store websites. The websites presented may be based on a user list, based on user preferences, based on past sites used by a user to make shoe purchases, based on key words entered into a search engine, etc. [0106] Processing circuit 190 may present a user with multiple control options in a single screen where one or more options let the user choose e-commerce while another one or more other options let the user choose to use the GPS system to navigate to a retail store. [0107] As another type of this example, a user may purchase an item through the internet to be picked up by a user. Processing circuit 190 may be configured to determine that the user has ordered the item and to add a navigation option to allow the user to navigate to the pick-up location.

[0108] As another of this type of example, as discussed previously, processing circuit 190 may present a user with control options to quickly purchase items commonly bought by a user along a given route, at a given time of day, etc.

[0109] As another of this type of example, system 10 may be configured to determine a user's music purchasing preferences and suggest songs to be previewed and/or purchased by a user. System 10 may be configured to download songs, in response to user inputs, from sites for which a user has included account information in their user profile.

Example 23

[0110] According to a twenty-third embodiment, a user sets their night driving preferences in a set-up menu. The night driving preferences include a preferred intensity level of the information displayed on display at night.

[0111] While driving, processing circuit 190 receives an ambient light level indication from a light sensor. Based on the light level indication and the user's preferences processing circuit 190 adjusts the display. If a user selects a high intensity for night driving, processing circuit 190 may be configured to make no, or only minor, changes to the presentation of information on the display.

[0112] If a user selects a lower intensity for night driving, processing circuit 190 may simplify the display when the light level indicates that night driving conditions are present. Simplifying the display can include one or more of increasing the font size of information displayed on the display, reducing the amount of information displayed on the display (which can include decreasing the number of types of information displayed on the display and can include decreasing the amount of information displayed for any one type of information), increasing the contrast of information displayed on the display, changing the color of information displayed on the display, etc. [0113] An example of decreasing the amount of information displayed for a type of information being displayed is, when a song information (e.g. mp3) is being displayed during the day, various information regarding the song may be displayed such as title, artist, length, album, recording company, links to similar songs, etc. However, at night, the display may only display a subset of this information such as title and artist.

[0114] Another example of decreasing the amount of information displayed for a type of information being displayed is, when displaying GPS information, during the day the display may display information such as a map showing the user's route, the map including names of side streets passed by the user, a direction arrow (or other icon) showing an upcoming turn, time to the destination, time to the next turn, distance to the next turn, name of the street onto which the user is turning, etc. However, at night, the display may only display a subset of this information such as an enlarged and simplified map showing the user's route, a direction arrow showing an upcoming turn, an enlarged distance to next turn text, and the time to destination information.

[0115] As an example of increasing contrast, during day driving, the display may be configured to display information using a color (e.g. deep blue) offset by a shade of that color (e.g. baby blue). During night driving, the display will display the same information using the color (e.g. deep blue) offset by a different color (e.g. white) with which it contrasts.

[0116] As another example of increasing contrast, during day driving, the display may be configured to display information using a color (e.g. deep blue) offset by a shade of that color (e.g. baby blue). At night, the display may be configured to display the same information with a different color (e.g. red) that may be more easy to view while driving at night, and using a background color (e.g. black) which contrasts with the color used to display the information.

[0117] As another example of this, texture and/or detail used to display information during a day driving mode may be removed during a night driving mode.

[0118] In some versions of this embodiment, simplifying the display includes reducing the amount of information displayed, removing at least one color contrast combination, and increasing the size of the information displayed to a user. Example 24

[0119] A twenty- fourth example works as described in Example 23. During a day driving mode an icon is displayed along with text to represent a type of information being displayed. At night, only the icon is used to represent that information.

Example 25

[0120] A twenty-fifth example works as described in Example 23, except that instead of receiving an input from a light sensor, processing circuit 190 receives an input from a switch turned by a user to turn the headlights on for the vehicle. When the switch is turned to the on position, processing circuit 190 switches from day driving mode to night driving mode.

Example 26

[0121] A twenty-sixth example works as described in Example 23, except that instead of receiving an input from a light sensor, processing circuit 190 determines whether to start night driving mode based on location information obtained from a GPS device of the car, the time of day, and off-board information (e.g. from a website) relating to weather conditions and/or daylight schedules for the region in which the vehicle is located.

Example 27

[0122] A twenty-seventh example works as described in any of Examples 23-26. A user may have the ability to control display brightness based on the presence of night driving conditions. A user may prefer not to have a bright display during night driving. If the user chooses this configuration, the display is configured to become brighter in response to a user input, and maintain that brightness for a set period of time (e.g. 5 seconds) before returning to the dim state.

[0123] The control of the brightness of the display may be tied to a user choice of intensity of the display during night driving (e.g. when a lower night driving intensity is chosen, the display is configured to remain dimmer).

Example 28

[0124] An exemplary instrument cluster 800 arrangement for a vehicle includes a first display 802 and a second display 804 with an analog cluster (i.e. pointer) between the displays. Each of the displays 802, 804 may be any of (and have any of the properties of) any of the displays discussed herein. The displays may display vehicle system information 802, 806, a video image 804, navigation information 810, and/or point of interest information 808.

Example 29

[0125] Referring to Fig. 5, a vehicle system includes a segmented display 900. Display 900 may be configured to display permanent icons (e.g. a segmented Led display) or may be reconfϊgurable. Display 900 may also serve as a user input device (e.g. a touch-sensitive device) that allows a user to control vehicle systems and/or functions associated with the icons. Display 900 may be located in one or more of an overhead console, a rear view mirror, in a vehicle console, and/or in some other location.

[0126] The vehicle system also includes three control units 902. Each control portion includes a display 904 configured to display information and a plurality of buttons 906, 908 which may be dedicated buttons configured to control dedicated functions, may be reconfϊgurable buttons, may be configured to select controls displayed by display 904, and/or may be associated with a remote display. Control units 902 may be provided to a driver of the vehicle, a front passenger of the vehicle, and/or a rear passenger of the vehicle.

Example 30

[0127] Referring to Fig. 6, a vehicle includes an instrument cluster portion 1000 which may be arranged in any number of manners such as arrangement 1000 or arrangements

1004-1008.

[0128] The vehicle also includes a display unit 1002. Display unit 1002 includes a reconfϊgurable display and various user input devices 1014, 1016, 1018, 1020, 1024, and

1028. These user input devices may be reconfϊgurable, dedicated to a particular function, used to select controls displayed by the display, and/or some combination of these features.

Further, each user input device may have the same or different feature and/or combination of features.

[0129] The display 1012 of display unit 1002 may provide various types of information such as general information 1026, control options, etc.

[0130] The display unit 1002 may operate on a track 1010 such that a user may move display unit 1002 along the track 1010 to provide further user inputs. For example, movement along track 1010 could be used to allow a user to select an intensity with which information is displayed.

Example 31

[0131] Referring to Fig. 18, a first display 1310 located in an instrument cluster area 1318 and/or heads-up display area of a vehicle is used to provide navigation route instructions, voice confirmations, driver-focused alerts, and/or basic vehicle information (see, e.g. Figs. 3, 6, and 7-17).

[0132] A second display 1316 in a vehicle console area operates on a track 1318 (see, e.g. the discussion of track 1010 of Fig. 6). The second display 1316 provides reconfigurable selection controls (see, e.g. Figs 6-17). Also located in a console area are tactile user input devices 1314 (e.g. switches, buttons, etc.) that are reconfigurable (e.g. contain reconfigurable labels and/or cooperate with controls displayed on display 1316). Devices 1314 may be configured to be mode buttons for selecting a vehicle system mode and/or a display mode.

[0133] The vehicle may also include an additional display 1312 which may be a far- forward display and/or a large community display for incoming information, maps, etc.

ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0134] A number of illustrative embodiments (including illustrative inputs and displayed systems) are discussed below. These illustrative embodiments are provided as an example and are not intended to limit the scope of a claim appended below. A claimed system may use one, more than one, or none of the illustrative embodiments discussed below. [0135] One embodiment is directed to a user display system. The system is configured to learn a user profile based on use of the system and to control display of information on a display based on the user profile.

[0136] Another embodiment is directed to a user display system. The system is configured to monitor a plurality of data, to infer what information a user might want to have on a display based on the plurality of data, and to control a type of information displayed on the display based on the inference. [0137] Another embodiment is directed to a user display system. The system is configured to control a type of information displayed on a display based on a plurality of on-board inputs monitored by the system.

[0138] Another embodiment is directed to a user display system. The system is configured to control a type of information displayed on a display based on off-board information.

[0139] Another embodiment is directed to a user display system. The system is configured to present a mode of operation of a display system based on context.

[0140] Another embodiment is directed to a user display system. The system is configured to control a type of information displayed on a display system based on user profile. The user profile may be a learned user profile or a pre-programmed user profile.

[0141] Another embodiment is directed to a user display system. The system is configured to control a type of information displayed based on a plurality of user modes.

[0142] Another embodiment is directed to a user display system. The system is configured to control a type of information displayed based on a selection tree. The selection tree is configured to be dynamically alterable.

[0143] Another embodiment is directed to a user display system. The system is configured to automatically reconfigure a primary level menu based on monitored data.

[0144] Another embodiment is directed to a user display system. The system is configured to automatically reconfigure a second level menu based on monitored data.

[0145] Another embodiment is directed to a user display system. The system is configured to automatically reconfigure a third level menu based on monitored data.

[0146] Another embodiment is directed to a user display system. The system is configured to disable/exclude display of commands based on monitored inputs. This is particularly true of monitored on-board inputs.

[0147] Another embodiment is directed to a user display system. The system is configured to change a type of information displayed on a display, without user intervention, while the vehicle is moving. Changing a type of information displayed may be based on on-board information.

[0148] Another embodiment is directed to a user display system. The system includes a day driving mode for displaying information and a night driving mode for diaplying information. [0149] Any of these illustrative embodiments can be used in combination with each other and/or with any illustrative input, combination of inputs, information display, and/or combination of information displays discussed below.

[0150] Actions of the system may be controlled and/or acted on by a processing circuit of the system. The system is preferably a vehicle system, and most preferably a land vehicle system. In most embodiments the vehicle system will be a system found in a personal land vehicle such as a car, truck, SUV, van, etc.

[0151] While the displayed information may be controls, data, and other information, in many of the illustrative embodiments, the displayed information that is controlled will be system controls.

Illustrative Inputs

[0152] An illustrative processing circuit can control types of information displayed on a display based on a number of different illustrative inputs. In many embodiments, the processing circuit can be configured to work according to one or more of the illustrative embodiments discussed above. Various illustrative embodiments are directed to control of a type of data displayed based on an input.

[0153] One illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on on-board information.

[0154] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on information relating to passengers such as number, location, identity, etc.

[0155] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on time of day.

[0156] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on tire pressure monitoring information.

[0157] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on date.

[0158] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on temperature which may include outside temperature, inside temperature, temperature in a zone of the vehicle, etc.

[0159] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on location. [0160] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on complexity of a route, particularly complexity at a particular moment.

[0161] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on previous route information.

[0162] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on identity of the driver.

[0163] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on proximity to other cars or objects.

[0164] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on trip computer information.

[0165] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on vehicle speed information.

[0166] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on fuel level information.

[0167] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on gas mileage information.

[0168] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on mode in which the vehicle transmission is located.

[0169] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on off-board information.

[0170] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on personal off-board information.

[0171] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on calendar information.

[0172] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on task information.

[0173] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on messages information, such as voice message information, e-mail message information, and/or text message information.

[0174] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on media library information.

[0175] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on global off-board information. [0176] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on internet information.

[0177] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on route information.

[0178] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on yellow pages information.

[0179] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on service provider information.

[0180] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on weather information.

[0181] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on traffic information.

[0182] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on user profile information.

[0183] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on pre-selected user profile information.

[0184] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on learned user profile information.

[0185] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on incoming call information.

[0186] Another illustrative input embodiment provides control of information displayed based on received e-mail information.

[0187] Another illustrative embodiment provides control of information displayed based on an input from a light sensor.

[0188] Another illustrative embodiment provides control of information displayed based on night driving conditions.

[0189] Providing control of information for each embodiment discussed above may include controlling a type of information displayed and/or controlling the format in which the information is displayed.

[0190] It is contemplated that in varying embodiments according to the disclosure, each illustrative input embodiment discussed above can be used in every combination with other illustrative input embodiments (including a plurality of embodiments, or multiplicity of embodiments) to control one or any combination of illustrative information displays as discussed below, even where not specifically mentioned in the examples or discussion listed above. The systems can be controlled in any of the manners discussed above including bring options to the forefront, burying options, using a reconfigurable selection tree and/or any of the other types of control discussed above.

Illustrative Information Displays:

[0191] One illustrative embodiment of a type of information controllable and displayable is audio system information which may be radio information (satellite radio information, broadcast radio information, etc.), playlist information, media (CD) player information, compressed digital audio file (e.g. MP3) information, type of programming information, volume level and controls, audio system settings (e.g. fade, bass, ...), and/or other audio systems and controls.

[0192] Another illustrative embodiment of a type of information controllable and displayable is camera information which may be a back-up camera, a child or rear seat camera, and/or some other type of camera.

[0193] Another illustrative embodiment of a type of information controllable and displayable is navigation information.

[0194] Another illustrative embodiment of a type of information controllable and displayable is HVAC information.

[0195] Another illustrative embodiment of a type of information controllable and displayable is comfort settings (vehicle seat position, etc.) information.

[0196] Another illustrative embodiment of a type of information controllable and displayable is phone information.

[0197] Another illustrative embodiment of a type of information controllable and displayable is compass information.

[0198] Another illustrative embodiment of a type of information controllable and displayable is POI information.

[0199] Another illustrative embodiment of a type of information controllable and displayable is entertainment system information which may include media player controls, front entertainment controls, rear entertainment controls, images from a media player, and/or other information.

[0200] Another illustrative embodiment of a type of information controllable and displayable is e-mail information. [0201] Another illustrative embodiment of a type of information controllable and displayable is vehicle lights and dimming level information.

[0202] Another illustrative embodiment of a type of information controllable and displayable is vehicle accessory information which may include headlight information, moon roof information, and/or other vehicle accessory information. [0203] Another illustrative embodiment of a type of information controllable and displayable is display intensity settings.

[0204] Another illustrative embodiment of a type of information controllable and displayable is audio note taking system (e.g. TravelNote dictation system) information. [0205] For each of the above listed embodiments, controlling the display of information can include whether the information is displayed, the order in the selection tree in which the information is displayed, the detail of the information displayed, the format in which the information is displayed (e.g. color, contrast, size, text v. icon, texture used to display information, etc.), or any other feature discussed (or not discussed) relating to control of display of information.

[0206] Any of the steps in the illustrative embodiments or combinations of illustrative embodiments discussed above can be executed by a processing circuit, especially using a processing circuit that includes a microprocessor. Illustrative methods can be displayed on and illustrative systems can include a display coupled to the processing circuit, including displays that are directly connected to the processing circuit. Any of the above mentioned illustrative inputs can be obtained using a circuit or system as discussed above, or by any other source unless specifically limited.

[0207] As will be apparent from the discussions and examples above, many of these illustrative embodiments (including the inputs and controlled information types) has subtypes. For every illustrative embodiment discussed above, the sub-types are included even if not specifically mentioned in the illustrative embodiment section of the disclosure. [0208] Where a type of data is listed above without specifically mentioning a circuit, it is contemplated that the data could be gathered by the type of circuit or system discussed in the detailed description section above. However, a claim is not limited to use of that circuit unless specifically recited in the claim.

[0209] While the exemplary and illustrative embodiments illustrated in the FIGS, and described above are described, it should be understood that these embodiments are offered by way of example only. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to a particular embodiment, but extends to various modifications that nevertheless fall within the scope of the claims or the invention as a whole.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A control system for a vehicle display, the control system comprising:

a data input configured to receive user inputs; a processing circuit configured to receive data based on user inputs from the data input, configured to create a user profile based on the data received, and configured to control types of controls displayed on the display based on the user profile.

2. The control system of claim 1, wherein the user profile comprises a user selected profile.

3. The control system of any preceding claim, wherein the data received by the processing circuit is indicative of a user's inputs responsive to information displayed on the vehicle display, and the user profile is a learned profile.

4. A control system for a vehicle display, the control system comprising:

a data input configured to receive user inputs;

a processing circuit configured to receive data based on at least one of on-board and off-board information, configured to control types of controls displayed on the display based on the at least one of on-board and off-board information, and configured to control the display in response to data based on user inputs from the data input.

5. The control system of claim 4, wherein the off-board information comprises user off board information.

6. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the processing circuit is configured to receive data indicative of time information and is configured to control types of controls displayed on the display based on the data indicative of time information.

7. A system according to claim 6, wherein the processing circuit is configured to control display of controls for an audio system based on the time information.

8. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the processing circuit is configured to receive data indicative of location information and is configured to control types of controls displayed on the display based on the data indicative of location information.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the processing circuit is configured to compare a route taken by the user to previous routes taken by the user based on the location information and is configured to control types of controls displayed on the display based on the comparison of routes.

10. The system of claim 8 or 9, wherein the processing circuit is configured to determine whether a user is on time based on the location information and is configured to control types of controls displayed on the display based on the determination of whether a user is on time.

11. The system according to any of claims 8-10, wherein the processing circuit is configured to provide a detour route based on the location information and based on previous routes taken by the user.

12. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the processing circuit is configured to receive data indicative of night driving conditions and is configured to control types of controls displayed on the display based on the data indicative of night driving conditions.

13. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the processing circuit is configured to receive data indicative of at least one of a number of passengers and location of passengers in the vehicle and is configured to control types of controls displayed on the display based on the data indicative of at least one of a number of passengers and location of passengers.

14. A system according to claim 13, wherein the processing circuit is configured to control display of controls for an entertainment system based on the data indicative of at least one of a number of passengers and location of passengers in the vehicle.

15. A system according to claim 13, wherein the processing circuit is configured to control display of controls for at least one of a heating and cooling system based on the data indicative of at least one of a number of passengers and location of passengers in the vehicle.

16. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the processing circuit is configured to receive data indicative of schedule information and is configured to control types of controls displayed on the display based on the data indicative of schedule information.

17. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the processing circuit is configured to receive data indicative of a temperature and is configured to control types of controls displayed on the display based on the data indicative of the temperature.

18. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the processing circuit is configured to receive personal off-board information from a device not connected to the vehicle and is configured to control types of controls displayed on the display based on the personal off-board information.

19. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the processing circuit is configured to receive data representative of a status of at least one home system, and configured to control types of controls displayed on the display based on the status.

20. A system according to claim 19, wherein the processing circuit is configured to provide at least one control configured to facilitate control of the home system by a vehicle system.

21. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein controlling the types of controls displayed on the display comprises controlling a type of information displayed within a control system for controlling a vehicle system.

22. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein controlling the types of controls displayed on the display comprises displaying controls for a different control system than a control system being displayed.

23. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein controlling the types of controls displayed on the display comprises adjusting a selection tree used to determine which controls are displayed on the display.

24. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein controlling the types of controls displayed on the display comprises controlling at least one of a type of systems supplying information that is displayed on the display and a number of systems supplying information that is displayed on the display.

25. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein controlling the types of controls displayed on the display comprises displaying information relating to more than one type of vehicle control system.

26. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein controlling the types of controls displayed on the display comprises shifting menu items such that one or more control options may be accessed by a user in fewer steps.

27. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein controlling the types of controls displayed on the display comprises at least one of disabling and burying control options.

28. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the processing circuit is configured to receive data relating to traffic information, and is configured to at least one of bury control options, disable control options, and control an intensity with which information is displayed on the display based on the data relating to traffic information.

29. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein controlling the types of controls displayed on the display comprises controlling a format in which information is displayed on the display.

30. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein controlling the types of controls displayed on the display comprises controlling an intensity of a display.

31. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the processing circuit is configured to use an automatically reconfigurable selection tree to control types of controls displayed on the display.

32. A system according to claim 31 , wherein the processing circuit is configured to use the automatically reconfigurable selection tree to control types of controls displayed on a plurality of displays.

33. A system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to use user modes to control types of controls displayed on the display.

34. A system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising user input devices separate from the display, the user input devices comprising labels that are reconfϊgurable, the processing circuit configured to control the labels displayed on the user input devices.

35. A system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising the display controlled by the processing circuit, the display comprising a reconfϊgurable display configured to receive user inputs and an output configured to output data based on user inputs to control a vehicle system.

36. A system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising

the display controlled by the processing circuit;

at least one user input device separate from and associated with the display, the user input device comprising an output configured to output data based on user inputs to control a vehicle system and at least one control displayed on the display.