Control systems involving novel physical controls and touch screens

Abstract

Disclosed are methods and apparatus, which enable the reconfigurable control of vehicles, homes, computers and other applications. Physical controls and virtual displayed controls on single and multipoint touch screens are used, separately or in combination to enable higher visibility and understanding of control information and easier operation of controls, particularly useful in stressful situations. Some embodiments use optical sensors and rear projection of displayed embodiments, and are advantageous where curved screens are desired such as in a car.

Description

[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 980,721, filed Oct. 31, 2007 (now U.S. Pat. No. ______), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 611,814 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,489,303), filed Jul. 2, 2003, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60 / 458,434, filed Mar. 31, 2003, and U.S. Provisional Application 60 / 393,130, filed Jul. 3, 2002. The disclosures of the above patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS BY THE INVENTOR[0002]1. Programmable Tactile Touch Screen Displays and Man-Machine Interfaces for Improved Vehicle Instrumentation and Telematics, Ser. No. 09 / 789,538;[0003]2. Touch TV and other Man Machine Interfaces, Ser. No. 09 / 435,854 a continuation of application Ser. No. 07 / 946,908, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,982,352, which was a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08 / 290,516, filed Aug. 15, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,008,000;[0...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a new type of touch screen for cars that can be used as a control surface for drivers. This touch screen is larger and more efficient than traditional displays, and can display video, text, and graphics. It is designed to be easily reconfigurable and improve safety and efficiency in driving. The touch screen is made up of a display and a control detail, which can be programmed to indicate where to touch or what to do with the control. The driver can interact with the touch screen using their eyes, voice, and feel, making it easier to control the vehicle's functions. The touch screen can also be used in aircraft and other control applications."

Problems solved by technology

However, as described above, no prior art touch screen type device has a “feel” or “tactile” quality to enable use by a driver of a vehicle without undue visual concentration.

One has to physically study the display to obtain this information, which may be difficult or impossible in certain driving conditions.

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