Control systems and operating methods for vehicles

Abstract

A vehicle control system includes a controller comprising a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions. The system includes first, second, and third input devices configured to be operated by an operator. The system includes a first display, a second display, and a third display adjacent to the first, second, and third input devices, respectively. The first, second, and third displays are configured to display first, second, and third markers, respectively. Operator manipulation of the first input device sends a selection input signal to the controller. The controller receives the selection input signal. The processor compares the selection input signal with instructions in the non-transitory computer-readable medium, sends a selection output signal to the second and third displays, removes the second and third markers from the second and third displays, and displays a first sub-selection marker on the second display and a second sub-selection marker on the third display.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a control system, and more specifically, to a control system comprising a first input device, a second input device, and a third input device, and a first display, a second display, and a third display. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the number and functionality of electronic control systems in vehicles have increased. These control systems require input from the operator inside the vehicle (typically via buttons, toggles, levers, knobs, touchscreens, etc.). Control systems can operate various vehicle features, such as radio, HVAC, electronic communications, driving controls, and transmissions. Each of these systems typically includes various selections and sub-selections, requiring the use of multiple buttons, toggles, etc., to support a large array of functions. However, modern vehicle design tends towards a minimalist approach, reducing overall interior complexity and being aesthetically pleasing to the operator.

[0003] Therefore, while current control systems have achieved their intended purpose, a new type of control system is needed to address these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to several aspects of this disclosure, a control system for a vehicle includes a controller comprising at least one processor and at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions. The control system also includes a first input device, a second input device, and a third input device configured to be operated by an operator and to communicate electronically with the controller. The control system further includes a first display, a second display, and a third display, which are respectively adjacent to the first input device, the second input device, and the third input device and communicate electronically with the controller. The first display, the second display, and the third display are configured to display a first mark, a second mark, and a third mark, respectively. Operator manipulation of the first input device sends a selection input signal to the controller. The controller is configured to receive the selection input signal. The processor is programmed to compare the selection input signal with instructions in at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium, send selection output signals to the second display and the third display, remove the second mark and the third mark from the second display and the third display, and display a first sub-selection mark on the second display and a second sub-selection mark on the third display.

[0005] In one aspect, operator manipulation of one of the second and third input devices sends a sub-selection input signal to a controller. The controller is configured to receive the sub-selection input signal, and the processor is programmed to compare the sub-selection input signal with instructions in the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium, send a sub-selection output signal to the first, second, and third displays, remove the first marker from the first display, remove the first sub-selection marker and the second sub-selection marker from the second and third displays respectively, display one of the first and second sub-selection markers corresponding to the sub-selection input signal on the first display, and display the second and third markers on the second and third displays respectively.

[0006] On the other hand, the processor is programmed to display a first sub-selection mark on a second display and a second sub-selection mark on a third display within a certain time period.

[0007] On the other hand, the processor is programmed to remove the first sub-selection mark and the second sub-selection mark from the second display and the third display respectively after the time limit expires, and to display the second mark and the third mark on the second display and the third display respectively.

[0008] On the other hand, this time limit is determined by the vehicle input corresponding to the operator's concentration while driving the vehicle.

[0009] On the other hand, vehicle inputs include at least one of the following: visual requirements for driving the vehicle, vehicle motion behavior, operator gaze behavior, navigation inputs, number of sub-selection markers, and memories of past interactions between the operator and the control system stored in at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0010] On the other hand, the control system also includes an output device that is electronically communicated with the controller and arranged to change between at least a first setting and a second setting. The controller is configured to receive a sub-selection input signal, and the processor is programmed to compare the sub-selection input signal with instructions in the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium and send a device signal to the output device to change the output device to one of the first setting and the second setting.

[0011] On the other hand, the output device also includes a cab comfort module configured to change the environment inside the vehicle between a first comfort mode and a second comfort mode, wherein the first comfort mode corresponds to the first setting and the second comfort mode corresponds to the second setting.

[0012] According to several aspects of this disclosure, a method for operating a vehicle control system is proposed. The control system includes a controller comprising at least one processor and at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions. The control system includes a first input device, a second input device, and a third input device in electronic communication with the controller, and a first display, a second display, and a third display respectively adjacent to and in electronic communication with the controller. The method includes: displaying a first mark, a second mark, and a third mark on the first display, the second display, and the third display respectively; performing manipulation of the first input device by an operator; transmitting a selection input signal from the first input device to the controller; and receiving the selection input signal by the controller. The method further includes: comparing the selection input signal with instructions in at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium using the processor; transmitting a selection output signal from the controller to the second display and the third display; removing the second mark and the third mark from the second display and the third display; and displaying a first sub-selection mark on the second display and a second sub-selection mark on the third display.

[0013] In one aspect, the method includes: an operator performing manipulation of one of a second input device and a third input device; sending a sub-selection input signal to a controller; receiving the sub-selection input signal by the controller; and comparing the sub-selection input signal with instructions in at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium by a processor. The method further includes sending a sub-selection output signal from the controller to a first display, a second display, and a third display; removing a first mark from the first display, and removing a first sub-selection mark and a second sub-selection mark from the second and third displays, respectively; displaying one of the first sub-selection mark and the second sub-selection mark corresponding to the sub-selection input signal on the first display, respectively; and displaying the second mark and the third mark on the second and third displays, respectively.

[0014] On the other hand, displaying the first sub-selection mark on the second display and the second sub-selection mark on the third display is further defined as displaying the first sub-selection mark on the second display and the second sub-selection mark on the third display within a time limit.

[0015] On the other hand, the method also includes removing the first sub-selection mark and the second sub-selection mark from the second display and the third display respectively after the time limit expires, and displaying the second mark and the third mark on the second display and the third display respectively.

[0016] On the other hand, the method also includes receiving vehicle input corresponding to the operator's attention level while driving the vehicle, and using a processor to determine the time limit based on the vehicle input.

[0017] On the other hand, the time limit is determined by the processor based on the vehicle input before the sub-selection output signal is sent from the controller to the first display, the second display and the third display.

[0018] On the other hand, the processor determines the time limit based on the vehicle input and sends the sub-selection output signal from the controller to the first display, the second display, and the third display simultaneously.

[0019] On the other hand, vehicle inputs include at least one of the following: visual requirements for driving the vehicle, vehicle motion behavior, operator gaze behavior, navigation inputs, the number of sub-selection markers, and memories of past interactions between the operator and the control system stored in at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0020] On the other hand, the control system also includes an output device that is electronically communicated with the controller and arranged to change between at least a first setting and a second setting. The method further includes sending a device signal to the output device after comparing the sub-selection input signal with instructions in the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium to change the output device to one of the first setting and the second setting.

[0021] On the other hand, the output device also includes a cab comfort module configured to change the environment inside the vehicle between a first comfort mode and a second comfort mode, wherein the first comfort mode corresponds to the first setting and the second comfort mode corresponds to the second setting. Sending a device signal to the output device to change the output device to one of the first and second settings is also defined as sending a device signal to the cab comfort module to change the cab comfort module to one of the first and second comfort modes.

[0022] According to several aspects of this disclosure, a method for operating a vehicle control system is proposed. The control system includes a controller comprising at least one processor and at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions. The control system includes a first input device, a second input device, and a third input device in electronic communication with the controller, and a first display, a second display, and a third display respectively adjacent to and in electronic communication with the controller. The method includes: displaying a first mark, a second mark, and a third mark respectively on the first display, the second display, and the third display; performing manipulation of the first input device by an operator; sending a selection input signal from the first input device to the controller; receiving the selection input signal by the controller; and comparing the selection input signal with instructions in the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium by the processor. The method further includes sending a selection output signal from the controller to the second display and the third display, removing the second mark and the third mark from the second display and the third display, and displaying a first sub-selection mark on the second display and a second sub-selection mark on the third display for a period of time. The method further includes: an operator performing manipulation of one of the second and third input devices; sending a sub-selection input signal to a controller; receiving the sub-selection input signal by the controller; and comparing the sub-selection input signal with instructions in at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium by a processor. The method also includes sending a sub-selection output signal from the controller to a first display, a second display, and a third display; removing a first marker from the first display and removing a first sub-selection marker and a second sub-selection marker from the second and third displays, respectively; displaying one of the first and second sub-selection markers corresponding to the sub-selection input signal on the first display; and displaying the second and third markers on the second and third displays, respectively.

[0023] In one aspect, the method further includes receiving vehicle input corresponding to the operator's attention level while driving the vehicle, and using a processor to determine a time limit based on the vehicle input.

[0024] Other application areas will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the specification and specific embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an example vehicle including a control system, which includes a controller, output devices, vehicle inputs, input devices, and a display.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a front view of an example control system, showing a first input device, a second input device, and a third input device, as well as a first display, a second display, and a third display, each with a first mark, a second mark, and a third mark, respectively.

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The front view of the control system shows the first input device, the second input device, and the third input device, as well as the first display, the second display, and the third display. The first display shows the first mark, and the second and third displays show the first sub-selection mark and the second sub-selection mark, respectively.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for operating and controlling a system. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit this disclosure, application, or use.

[0031] refer to Figure 1 The control system is generally shown as 20. Control system 20 is configured for use with vehicle 22. Control system 20 includes a controller 24, which includes at least one processor 26 and at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium 28 including instructions. At least one non-transitory computer-readable medium 28 may include other data, such as control logic, software applications, instructions, computer code, data, lookup tables, etc. Computer-readable medium includes any type of media accessible by a computer, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), hard disk drive, compact disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of storage. "Non-transitory" computer-readable medium does not include wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transmit transient electrical or other signals. Non-transitory computer-readable medium 28 may include media in which data can be permanently stored and media in which data can be stored and later rewritten, such as rewritable optical discs or erasable storage devices. Computer code includes any type of program code, including source code, object code, and executable code. Processor 26 is configured to execute code or instructions.

[0032] The control system 20 also includes a first input device, a second input device, and a third input device 30A-C configured to be operated by an operator and to communicate electronically with the controller 24. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first, second, and third input devices 30A-C are configured as toggle switches arranged to pivot when operated by an operator. However, the first, second, and third input devices 30A-C can also be configured as buttons, sliders, knobs, etc., configured to move linearly along an axis, translate along a surface, rotate about an axis, etc. Furthermore, operation of the first, second, and third input devices 30A-C can include engagement with the first, second, and third input devices 30A-C that does not involve movement, such as the first, second, and third input devices 30A-C being configured as touch sensors.

[0033] Back Figure 1 The control system 20 also includes a first display, a second display, and a third display 32A-C, which are adjacent to the first input device, the second input device, and the third input device 30A-C, respectively, and are in electronic communication with the controller 24. The first display, the second display, and the third display 32A-C are configured to display a first mark, a second mark, and a third mark 34A-C, respectively. (Reference) Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first, second, and third displays 32A-C can be configured as one or more screens capable of displaying images. The first, second, and third displays 32A-C can also be backlit displays or any other suitable mechanism for displaying the markings 34. The markings 34 can include text, icons, etc. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the example shown, the input device 30 and display 32 are located inside the vehicle 22. More specifically, the input device 30 and display 32 are mounted to a portion of the vehicle 22 within the reach of the operator of the vehicle 22, such as along the dashboard or center console of the vehicle 22. However, the input device 30 and display 32 can be used in any suitable location on the vehicle 22.

[0034] The operator's manipulation of the first input device 30A sends a selection input signal to the controller 24. The controller 24 is configured to receive this selection input signal. The processor 26 is programmed to compare the selection input signal with instructions in at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium 28, send a selection output signal to the second and third displays 32A-C, and output a selection output signal from the second and third displays 32A-C. Figure 2 (As shown) Remove the second mark 34B and the third mark 34C, and display the first sub-selection mark 36A on the second display 32B and the second sub-selection mark 36B on the third display 32C. Figure 3(See diagram). Furthermore, operator manipulation of one of the second input device 30B and the third input device 30C sends a sub-selection input signal to the controller 24. The controller 24 is configured to receive the sub-selection input signal, and the processor 26 is programmed to compare the sub-selection input signal with instructions in at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium 28, send a sub-selection output signal to the first display, the second display, and the third display 32A-C, remove the first mark 34A from the first display 32A, and remove the first sub-selection mark 36A and the second sub-selection mark 36B from the second display 32B and the third display 32C respectively, and display one of the first sub-selection mark 36A and the second sub-selection mark 36B corresponding to the sub-selection input signal on the first display 32A respectively, and display the second mark 34B and the third mark 34C on the second display 32B and the third display 32C respectively (see diagram). Figure 2 ).

[0035] refer to Figure 1 The control system 20 also includes an output device 38, which is electronically communicated with the controller 24 and arranged to change between at least a first setting and a second setting. The controller 24 is configured to receive a sub-selection input signal, and the processor 26 is programmed to compare the sub-selection input signal with instructions in at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium 28 and send a device signal to the output device 38 to change the output device 38 to one of the first and second settings. In one example, the output device 38 also includes a cab comfort module 40, which is configured to change the environment within the vehicle 22 between a first comfort mode and a second comfort mode, wherein the first comfort mode corresponds to the first setting and the second comfort mode corresponds to the second setting. More specifically, the cab comfort module 40 may control radio, HVAC, and other systems that change the environment within the vehicle 22. However, the output device 38 may include any other suitable vehicle components, such as a ride comfort control module and a transmission.

[0036] Therefore, the operator's manipulation of the first input device 30A and the transmission of the selection input signal to the controller 24 causes the removal of the second mark 34B and the third mark 34C from the second display 32B and the third display 32C, respectively. Subsequently, the first sub-selection mark 36A and the second sub-selection mark 36B are displayed on the second display 32B and the third display 32C, respectively. This allows the control system 20 to function beyond the number of input devices 30. More specifically, manipulation of the first input device 30A opens a menu of additional functions that can be performed, reducing the number of input devices 30 that must be displayed in the vehicle 22. This is aesthetically pleasing, reduces clutter, and follows a minimalist design philosophy. Figure 2In the example shown, the first input 30A and the first display 32A correspond to the selection of air vents leaving the HVAC system. The second input 30B and the second display 32B correspond to the heating control of the HVAC system. The third input 30C and the third display 32C correspond to the air conditioning control of the HVAC system. The control system 20 also includes a fourth input 30D and a fourth display 32D displaying a fourth mark 34D. The fourth input 30D and the fourth display 32D correspond to the synchronization of HVAC controls throughout the vehicle 22. Figure 3 As shown, operation of the first input device 30A removes the second, third, and fourth markers 34B-C from the second, third, and fourth displays 32B-D. A first sub-selection marker 36A and a second sub-selection marker 36B are displayed on the second and third displays 32B and 32C, respectively, and a third sub-selection marker 36C is displayed on the fourth display 32D. The first sub-selection marker 36A indicates that operation of the second input device 30B corresponds to selecting ventilation directed towards the occupant's feet. The second sub-selection marker 36B indicates that operation of the third input device 30C corresponds to selecting ventilation directed towards the occupant's torso. The third sub-selection marker 36C indicates that operation of the fourth input device 30D corresponds to selecting ventilation directed towards the windshield for defrosting. Therefore, the functions of the second, third, and fourth input devices 30B-D have been changed from being associated with heating, air conditioning, and synchronization systems to sub-selection of the ventilation system.

[0037] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc., are general and not associated with any particular display 32 or input device 30, nor with any particular order or importance. Although some input devices 30 and displays 32 are... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The terms "first", "second", "third" and "fourth" are used (see the description above), but this is for the purposes of the specific example mentioned above. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Any input device 30 and display 32 shown can be a first input device and a first display. More specifically, a first input device corresponds to any input device 30 that can be manipulated, causing the removal of mark 34 and its replacement with sub-selection mark 36 on other input devices 30. For example, with Figure 2 The input device 30 corresponding to the illustrated thermal system can be used as the first input device. More specifically, manipulation of the input device 30 for the heating system can result in the removal of other markings 34 (such as those shown on the display 32 for ventilation systems, air conditioning systems, synchronization systems, etc.) and their replacement with sub-selection markings 36 (such as heating range selection). Furthermore, although four input devices 30 and four displays 32 are described in the above example, any number of input devices 30 and displays 32 can exist. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The example shown illustrates ten input devices 30 and ten displays 32. Thus, in this example, selecting any input device 30 can result in the removal of up to nine markers 34 on other input devices 30 and their replacement with up to nine sub-selection markers 36.

[0038] Back Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the example shown, manipulation of any of the second, third, and fourth input devices 30B-D displaying the first, second, and third sub-selection markers 36A-C will cause the corresponding sub-selection marker 36 to be displayed on the first display 32A (i.e., a marker 34 indicating foot ventilation, torso ventilation, or windshield defrosting ventilation). The second, third, and fourth displays 32B-D will then return to displaying the second, third, and fourth markers 34B-D (i.e., heating system, air conditioning system, and synchronization system). In another example, selecting any of the second, third, and fourth displays 32B-D will turn the system on or off. Thus, the first display 32A can display, for example, markers 34 indicating two or more of the selected and activated foot ventilation, torso ventilation, and windshield defrosting.

[0039] refer to Figure 3 The processor 26 can be programmed to display a first sub-selection marker 36A on the second display 32B and a second sub-selection marker 36B on the third display 32C for a specified time period. The processor 26 is programmed to remove the first sub-selection marker 36A and the second sub-selection marker 36B from the second display 32B and the third display 32C respectively after the specified time period ends, and to display a second marker 34B and a third marker 34C on the second display 32B and the third display 32C respectively. More specifically, if no sub-selection is made within the specified time period, the control system 20 will return to displaying the first, second, and third displays (etc.) 32 to prevent indefinite display of the sub-selection and allow the operator to access the initial selection. The time period can be determined by vehicle input 42 corresponding to the operator's attention level on the driving vehicle 22 (see [link to vehicle input 42]). Figure 1For example, vehicle input 42 may include at least one of the following: visual requirements of driving vehicle 22, motion behavior of vehicle 22, operator gaze behavior, navigation input, the number of sub-selection markers 36, and memories of past interactions between the operator and control system 20 stored in at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium 28. Visual requirements of driving vehicle 22 may refer to traffic conditions, pedestrian conditions, road obstacles, road conditions, etc., which can be determined from systems such as LiDAR, forward-facing vehicle cameras, etc. Motion behavior of vehicle 22 may refer to dynamic vehicle conditions such as acceleration, braking, and steering. Operator gaze behavior may be obtained through one or more cameras within vehicle 22, which focus on the operator and monitor the positioning of the operator's face, eyes, etc., to determine where the operator is looking, intending to maintain the operator's focus on the road. Navigation input refers to the characteristics of the expected path of vehicle 22, which may require additional operator focus (such as turning), which can be determined from the navigation system of vehicle 22. The number of sub-selection markers 36 refers to the number of sub-selections displayed on display 32 after selection. More sub-selection markers 36 require more operator focus. The processor 26 can determine the time limit by referencing the vehicle input 42. More specifically, if the operator and / or vehicle 22 are engaged in driving activities that divert more attention from the display 32 compared to "normal" driving conditions, the resulting delay and time limit will be longer. Furthermore, the greater the number of sub-selections, the longer the time limit. The time limit changes dynamically with conditions to ensure that the sub-selection markers 36 are displayed for a sufficient amount of time to allow the operator to analyze the sub-selection markers 36 and manipulate the corresponding input device 30, while preventing the sub-selection markers 36 from being displayed indefinitely.

[0040] The method 200 for operating the control system 20 is also disclosed herein and Figure 4The method 200 includes displaying a first mark, a second mark, and a third mark 34A-C on a first display, a second display, and a third display 32A-C respectively (see box 202); performing manipulation of a first input device 30A by an operator (see box 204); sending a selection input signal from the first input device 30A to a controller 24 (see box 206); and receiving the selection input signal by the controller 24 (see box 208). The method 200 further includes: comparing the selection input signal with instructions in at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium 28 via a processor 26 (see box 210); sending a selection output signal from the controller 24 to the second display 32B and the third display 32C (see box 212); removing the second mark 34B and the third mark 34C from the second display 32B and the third display 32C (see box 214); and displaying a first sub-selection mark 36A on the second display 32B and a second sub-selection mark 36B on the third display 32C (see box 216).

[0041] Method 200 may further include: an operator performing manipulation of one of the second input device 30B and the third input device 30C (see box 218); sending a subselect input signal to a controller 24 (see box 220); receiving the subselect input signal by the controller 24 (see box 222); and comparing the subselect input signal with instructions in at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium 28 via a processor 26 (see box 224). Method 200 may further include sending a subselection output signal from controller 24 to a first display, a second display, and a third display 32A-C (see box 226), removing a first mark 34A from the first display 32A, removing a first subselection mark 36A and a second subselection mark 36B from the second display 32B and the third display 32C respectively (see box 228), displaying one of the first subselection mark 36A and the second subselection mark 336B corresponding to the subselection input signal on the first display 32A respectively, and displaying a second mark 34B and a third mark 34C on the second display 32B and the third display 32C (see box 230).

[0042] In one example, displaying a first sub-selection marker 36A on the second display 32B and a second sub-selection marker 36B on the third display 32C (see box 216) is further defined as displaying the first sub-selection marker 36A on the second display 32B and the second sub-selection marker 36B on the third display 32C within the specified time limit. Method 200 may also include removing the first sub-selection marker 36A and the second sub-selection marker 36B from the second display 32B and the third display 32C respectively (see box 232) after the time limit ends, and displaying a second marker 34B and a third marker 34C respectively on the second display 32B and the third display 32C (see box 234). In one example, method 200 further includes receiving a vehicle input 42 corresponding to the operator's attention level while driving the vehicle 22 (see box 236), and using the processor 26 to determine a time limit based on the vehicle input 42 (see box 238). Vehicle input 42 may include at least one of the following: visual requirements for driving vehicle 22, motion behavior of vehicle 22, gaze behavior of operator, navigation input, number of sub-selection markers 36, and memory of past interactions between operator and control system stored in at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium 28.

[0043] In one example, the processor 26 may determine a time limit based on vehicle input 42 (see box 238) before sending the sub-selection output signal from controller 24 to the first, second, and third displays 32A-C (see box 226). In another example, the processor 26 determining the time limit based on vehicle input 42 (see box 238) occurs simultaneously with sending the sub-selection output signal from controller 24 to the first, second, and third displays 32A-C (see box 226).

[0044] Method 200 may further include, after comparing a sub-selection input signal with instructions in at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium 28 (see box 224), sending a device signal to an output device 38 to change the output device 38 to one of a first setting and a second setting (see box 240). In one example, the output device 38 further includes a cab comfort module 40. In this example, sending a device signal to the output device 38 to change the output device 38 to one of a first setting and a second setting (see box 240) is also defined as sending a device signal to the cab comfort module 40 to change the cab comfort module 40 to one of a first comfort mode and a second comfort mode.

[0045] Therefore, the control system 20 offers several advantages. Manipulating the first input device 30A to display the first sub-selection mark 36A and the second sub-selection mark 36B activates additional functions that can be performed by the control system 20. This reduces the number of input devices 30 that must be displayed in the vehicle 22 to perform these functions, which is aesthetically pleasing to the operator, reduces clutter within the vehicle, and adheres to a minimalist design philosophy.

[0046] The description in this disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and any changes that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this disclosure are intended to fall within its scope. Such changes should not be considered as departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A control system for a vehicle, the control system comprising: A controller, comprising at least one processor and at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions; A first input device, a second input device, and a third input device are configured to be operated by an operator and to communicate electronically with the controller; A first display, a second display, and a third display are respectively adjacent to the first input device, the second input device, and the third input device and are in electronic communication with the controller, wherein the first display, the second display, and the third display are configured to display a first mark, a second mark, and a third mark, respectively; The operator's manipulation of the first input device will send a selection input signal to the controller; The controller is configured to receive the selection input signal and the processor is programmed to: The selection input signal is compared with the instructions in the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium; Send a selection output signal to the second display and the third display; Remove the second mark and the third mark from the second display and the third display; A first sub-selection mark is displayed on the second display, and a second sub-selection mark is displayed on the third display; The processor is programmed to display the first sub-selection mark on the second display and the second sub-selection mark on the third display within a time limit. The time limit is determined by vehicle input corresponding to the operator's concentration while driving the vehicle, wherein the vehicle input includes: Visual requirements for driving the vehicle; The vehicle's motion behavior; The operator's gaze behavior; Navigation input; The number of sub-selection tags; and The memory of past interactions between the operator and the control system stored in the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium. The visual requirements also include: traffic conditions, pedestrian conditions, road obstacles, and road conditions; these are determined using LIDAR and forward-facing vehicle cameras. The number of sub-selection markers further includes the number of sub-selections displayed on the display after selection input, wherein more sub-selection markers require more attention from the operator, and wherein the processor determines the time limit by jointly referencing the vehicle input, such that the time limit dynamically changes with conditions to ensure that the sub-selection markers are displayed for a sufficient amount of time to allow the operator to analyze the sub-selection markers and manipulate the corresponding input devices, while preventing the sub-selection markers from being displayed indefinitely.

2. The control system according to claim 1, wherein, The operator's manipulation of one of the second and third input devices sends a sub-selection input signal to the controller. as well as The controller is configured to receive the sub-selection input signal, and the processor is programmed to: The sub-selection input signal is compared with the instructions in the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium; The sub-selection output signal is sent to the first display, the second display, and the third display; Remove the first marker from the first display, and remove the first sub-selection marker and the second sub-selection marker from the second display and the third display, respectively; and One of the first sub-selection mark and the second sub-selection mark corresponding to the sub-selection input signal is displayed on the first display, and the second mark and the third mark are displayed on the second display and the third display, respectively.

3. The control system according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is programmed to remove the first sub-selection mark and the second sub-selection mark from the second display and the third display respectively after the time limit expires, and to display the second mark and the third mark on the second display and the third display respectively.

4. The control system of claim 2 further includes an output device, the output device being in electronic communication with the controller and arranged to change between at least a first setting and a second setting; in, The controller is configured to receive the sub-selection input signal and the processor is programmed to: The sub-selection input signal is compared with the instructions in the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium; as well as A device signal is sent to the output device to change the output device to one of the first setting and the second setting.

5. The control system according to claim 4, wherein, The output device further includes a cab comfort module configured to change the environment inside the vehicle between a first comfort mode and a second comfort mode, wherein the first comfort mode corresponds to the first setting and the second comfort mode corresponds to the second setting.

6. A method for operating a control system for a vehicle, The control system includes: A controller, the controller including at least one processor and at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium, the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions; A first input device, a second input device, and a third input device that communicate electronically with the controller; A first display, a second display, and a third display are respectively located adjacent to the first input device, the second input device, and the third input device and are in electronic communication with the controller; The method includes: The first mark, the second mark, and the third mark are displayed on the first display, the second display, and the third display, respectively; The operator performs manipulation of the first input device; The selection input signal is sent from the first input device to the controller; The controller receives the selection input signal. The processor compares the selection input signal with the instructions in the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium. The selection output signal is sent from the controller to the second display and the third display; Remove the second mark and the third mark from the second display and the third display, respectively; and A first sub-selection mark is displayed on the second display, and a second sub-selection mark is displayed on the third display; Within a certain time limit, the first sub-selection mark is displayed on the second display and the second sub-selection mark is displayed on the third display; The time limit is determined by vehicle input corresponding to the operator's level of concentration while driving the vehicle, wherein the vehicle input includes: Visual requirements for driving the vehicle; The vehicle's motion behavior; The operator's gaze behavior; Navigation input; The number of sub-selection tags; and The memory of past interactions between the operator and the control system stored in the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium; The visual requirements also include: traffic conditions, pedestrian conditions, road obstacles, and road conditions; these are determined using LIDAR and forward-facing vehicle cameras. The number of sub-selection markers further includes the number of sub-selections displayed on the display after selection input, wherein the processor determines the time limit by jointly referencing the vehicle input, such that the time limit dynamically changes with conditions to ensure that the sub-selection markers are displayed for a sufficient amount of time to allow the operator to analyze the sub-selection markers and manipulate the corresponding input devices, while preventing the sub-selection markers from being displayed indefinitely, and wherein more sub-selection markers require more concentration from the operator.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: The operator performs manipulation on one of the second input device and the third input device; Send a sub-select input signal to the controller; The controller receives the sub-selection input signal. The processor compares the sub-selection input signal with the instructions in the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium. The sub-selection output signal is sent from the controller to the first display, the second display, and the third display; Remove the first mark from the first display, and remove the first sub-selection mark and the second sub-selection mark from the second display and the third display, respectively; as well as One of the first sub-selection mark and the second sub-selection mark corresponding to the sub-selection input signal is displayed on the first display, and the second mark and the third mark are displayed on the second display and the third display, respectively.

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