System for vehicle

Abstract

A system for a vehicle includes: an air conditioning system; a motorized directional airflow control feature; a display; and a controller configured to initiate a variable airflow program. Initiation of the variable airflow procedure causes execution of a predetermined actuation sequence of the motorized directional airflow control feature such that a direction of air flowing from the air conditioning system into a cabin of the vehicle is sequentially changed by the motorized directional airflow control feature. Initiation of the variable airflow program further causes the display to display an airflow pattern having a directional characteristic that corresponds to an orientation of the motorized directional airflow control feature, such that the directional characteristic of the airflow pattern sequentially varies with the direction of air flowing out of the air conditioning system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a system for a vehicle. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a system for a vehicle including an air conditioning system and a motorized directional air flow control feature. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles often include air conditioning systems. A system that controls the direction of air flowing into the vehicle and displays a representation of the air flowing into the vehicle may be desirable. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a system for a vehicle includes: an air conditioning system; a motorized directional airflow control feature; a display; and a controller, the controller being configured to initiate a variable airflow program. Activation of the variable airflow program prompts execution of a predetermined actuation sequence of the motorized directional airflow control feature, such that the direction of conditioned air flowing from the air conditioning system into the cabin of the vehicle is sequentially changed by the motorized directional airflow control feature. Activation of the variable airflow program further prompts the display to display an airflow graphic having a directional quality, the directional quality corresponding to the orientation of the motorized directional airflow control feature, such that the directional quality of the airflow graphic changes sequentially with the direction of the conditioned air flowing out of the air conditioning system.

[0004] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features:

[0005] - activation of said variable airflow program triggers execution of said predetermined actuation sequence for a predetermined duration;

[0006] - the predetermined duration is greater than 10 seconds;

[0007] - the predetermined duration is greater than 30 seconds;

[0008] - execution of the predetermined actuation sequence includes: actuating the motorized directional airflow control feature such that the direction of conditioned air flowing into the cabin is modified in a first direction having a first vehicle directional component; and subsequently actuating the motorized directional airflow control feature such that the direction of conditioned air flowing into the cabin is modified in a second direction having a second vehicle directional component opposite the first vehicle directional component;

[0009] - the first vehicle direction component is a first vehicle transverse direction and the second vehicle direction component is a second vehicle transverse direction opposite to the first vehicle transverse direction;

[0010] - the first vehicle direction component is vehicle upward and the second vehicle direction component is vehicle downward;

[0011] - an input device coupled to the controller and configured to receive a user input, wherein the controller is configured to initiate the variable airflow program in response to the input device receiving the user input; and

[0012] - The input device is a touch screen comprising the display.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a system for a vehicle includes: an air conditioning system that delivers conditioned air into a cabin of the vehicle; a motorized directional airflow control feature that controls the direction of conditioned air flowing from the air conditioning system into the cabin of the vehicle; a touch screen display that receives user input and displays an airflow graphic having directional characteristics; and a controller that is configured to initiate a variable airflow program in response to receiving the user input. Activation of the variable airflow program causes execution of a predetermined actuation sequence of the motorized directional airflow control feature, so that the direction of conditioned air flowing from the air conditioning system into the cabin of the vehicle is sequentially changed by the motorized directional airflow control feature. Activation of the variable airflow program further causes the touch screen display to correspondingly change the directional characteristics of the airflow graphic.

[0014] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features:

[0015] - the predetermined actuation sequence is performed for a predetermined duration greater than 10 seconds

[0016] - execution of the predetermined actuation sequence includes: actuating the motorized directional airflow control feature such that the direction of conditioned air flowing into the cabin is modified in a first direction having a first vehicle directional component; and subsequently actuating the motorized directional airflow control feature such that the direction of conditioned air flowing into the cabin is modified in a second direction having a second vehicle directional component opposite the first vehicle directional component;

[0017] - the first vehicle direction component is a first vehicle transverse direction and the second vehicle direction component is a second vehicle transverse direction opposite to the first vehicle transverse direction; and

[0018] - the first vehicle direction component is vehicle upward and the second vehicle direction component is vehicle downward.

[0019] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operating a system of a vehicle includes the following steps: executing a predetermined actuation sequence of a motorized directional airflow control feature of the vehicle so that the direction of conditioned air flowing from an air conditioning system into a cabin of the vehicle is sequentially changed by the motorized directional airflow control feature; and displaying an airflow graph on a display, the airflow graph including directional characteristics that sequentially change to correspond to the sequentially changing directions of the conditioned air flowing from the air conditioning system into the cabin.

[0020] Embodiments of the third aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or a combination of the following features:

[0021] - the step of executing a predetermined actuation sequence comprises: actuating the motorized directional air flow control feature such that the direction of conditioned air flowing into the cabin is modified in a first direction having a first vehicle directional component; and subsequently actuating the motorized directional air flow control feature such that the direction of conditioned air flowing into the cabin is modified in a second direction having a second vehicle directional component opposite the first vehicle directional component;

[0022] - the first vehicle direction component is a first vehicle transverse direction and the second vehicle direction component is a second vehicle transverse direction opposite to the first vehicle transverse direction;

[0023] - the first vehicle direction component is vehicle upward and the second vehicle direction component is vehicle downward;

[0024] - a step of receiving, on an input device, a user input causing execution of said predetermined sequence of actuations; and

[0025] - said input device is a touch screen comprising said display.

[0026] These and other features, advantages and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by referring to the following description, claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In the attached picture:

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle showing a cabin of the vehicle and an air conditioning system of the vehicle according to one embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a system of a vehicle according to one embodiment;

[0030] Figure 3is a perspective view of a vehicle interior of a vehicle showing an instrument panel and a plurality of motorized directional airflow control features disposed on the instrument panel according to one embodiment;

[0031] Figure 4 is a front view of a touch screen of a system of a vehicle according to one embodiment, the touch screen displaying a vehicle interior graphic and an airflow graphic representing the flow of conditioned air into a cabin of the vehicle;

[0032] Figure 5 is a front view of a touch screen of a system of a vehicle according to one embodiment, the touch screen displaying a vehicle interior graphic and an airflow graphic representing the flow of conditioned air into a cabin of the vehicle;

[0033] Figure 6 is a front view of a touch screen of a system of a vehicle according to one embodiment, the touch screen displaying a vehicle interior graphic and an airflow graphic representing the flow of conditioned air into a cabin of the vehicle;

[0034] Figure 7 is a flow chart of a variable airflow routine for a system of a vehicle according to one embodiment; and

[0035] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating a method of operating a system of a vehicle according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in the following detailed description, and for those skilled in the art, these features and advantages will be apparent from the description or will be recognized by practicing the present disclosure as described in the following description and claims and drawings.

[0037] As used herein, the term "and / or" when used with a list of two or more items means that any one of the listed items may be employed alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition may contain: A alone; B alone; C alone; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0038] In this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second", "top" and "bottom", etc. are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

[0039] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms: coupled, coupled, coupled, etc.) generally refers to the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such a joining may be fixed in nature, or may be removable in nature. Such a joining may be achieved through the two components (electrical or mechanical) and / or any additional intermediate members. Such a joining may include components that are integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another (i.e., integrally coupled) or may refer to the joining of two components. Unless otherwise specified, such a joining may be permanent in nature, or may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0040] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "substantially," and variations thereof are intended to indicate that the feature being described is equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to indicate a planar or approximately planar surface. Additionally, "substantially" is intended to mean that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may indicate that values ​​are within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0041] Unless expressly indicated to the contrary, as used herein, the terms "the," "a," or "an" mean "at least one" and should not be limited to "only one." Thus, for example, reference to "a component" includes embodiments having two or more such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0042] Reference now Figures 1 to 8 , a system 10 for a vehicle 12 includes an air conditioning system 14, a motorized directional air flow control feature 16, a display 18, and a controller 20. The controller 20 is configured to initiate a variable air flow program 22. Activation of the variable air flow program 22 causes: execution of a predetermined actuation sequence of the motorized directional air flow control feature 16 such that the direction of conditioned air 24 flowing from the air conditioning system 14 into a cabin 26 of the vehicle 12 is sequentially changed through the motorized directional air flow control feature 16; and the display 18 displays an air flow graphic 28 having a directional characteristic corresponding to the orientation of the motorized directional air flow control feature 16 such that the directional characteristic of the air flow graphic 28 changes sequentially with the direction of the conditioned air 24 flowing out of the air conditioning system 14.

[0043] Reference now Figure 1 , a vehicle 12 is shown. In various embodiments, the vehicle 12 may be any of a variety of vehicle types (e.g., a truck, a sedan, an SUV, a bus, etc.). The vehicle 12 includes a vehicle interior 30. The vehicle interior 30 generally defines a cabin 26. Now referring to Figure 1 and Figure 3 , the vehicle interior 30 may include an instrument panel 32. Figure 1 As shown in , in various embodiments, the instrument panel 32 can be generally positioned near the vehicle forward end of the vehicle interior 30. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the instrument panel 32 can be positioned at various locations throughout the vehicle interior 30.

[0044] Reference now Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the vehicle 12 may include an air conditioning system 14. The air conditioning system 14 is configured to deliver conditioned air 24 to a cabin 26 of the vehicle 12. The air conditioning system 14 may include a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit, which may include components such as typical components used in a refrigeration cycle, filters, and HVAC fans. However, it is contemplated that in various embodiments, the air conditioning system 14 may be any suitable system configured to move, ventilate, heat, cool, dehumidify, clean, and / or filter air. Therefore, it should be understood that conditioned air 24 refers to air that has been modified by the air conditioning system 14 in at least one of moving, heating, cooling, dehumidifying, cleaning, filtering, and / or a combination thereof.

[0045] In various embodiments, the air conditioning system 14 may include one or more ducts 34 that may be configured to direct the flow of conditioned air 24 toward the cabin 26 of the vehicle 12. In various implementations, the one or more ducts 34 deliver the conditioned air 24 to one or more outlets 36 through which the conditioned air 24 flows into the cabin 26 of the vehicle 12, such as Figure 1 As shown. Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the vehicle 12 includes a plurality of outlets 36 positioned on a dashboard 32 of the vehicle 12. It is contemplated that the outlets 36 may be positioned on various portions of the vehicle interior 30.

[0046] Reference now Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the vehicle 12 includes a motorized directional airflow control feature 16 (i.e., control feature 16) configured to control the direction of conditioned air 24 flowing from the air conditioning system 14 into the cabin 26 of the vehicle 12. In various embodiments, the control feature 16 is positioned proximate to and / or defines an outlet 36 through which conditioned air 24 flows from the air conditioning system 14 into the cabin 26 of the vehicle 12. In some embodiments, the vehicle 12 includes a plurality of control features 16. For example, Figure 3As shown, a plurality of control features 16 are disposed on an instrument panel 32 of a vehicle interior 30. The control features 16 may include one or more flow-affecting features 38 (veins, flaps, etc.) and / or one or more actuators 40 configured to modify the one or more flow-affecting features 38 to control the direction of conditioned air 24 flowing from the air conditioning system 14 into the cabin 26 of the vehicle 12. In various embodiments, the control features 16 may be operable to direct the conditioned air 24 to flow into the cabin 26 in a plurality of vehicle horizontal directions and / or vehicle vertical directions. For example, in some embodiments, actuation of the control features 16 may modify the direction of the conditioned air 24 flowing into the vehicle 12 in any combination of a vehicle-upward direction, a vehicle-downward direction, a first vehicle-lateral direction, and a second vehicle-lateral direction opposite the first vehicle-lateral direction.

[0047] Reference now Figures 1 to 6 In various embodiments, the system 10 of the vehicle 12 may include a human-machine interface 42 (HMI 42). The HMI 42 may include a display 18, such as a navigation or entertainment display 18 mounted on a center console. The HMI 42 may also include an input device 44. The user input device 44 may be implemented by configuring the display 18 as part of a touch screen 46, the touch screen having a circuit for receiving user input typed via a user selecting an input option corresponding to a position on the display 18 of the input device 44, wherein a visual representation of the input option may be displayed. In various embodiments, other forms of input devices 44 may be used instead of or in addition to the touch screen 46, such as one or more joysticks, digital input pads, buttons, dials, etc. In addition, the HMI 42 may include a microphone for receiving user input in the form of voice commands. In some embodiments, the system 10 may communicate with another embodiment of the HMI 42 (such as with a portable electronic device) via wireless communication. The portable electronic device may also include a display 18 for displaying one or more images and other information to the user. The portable electronic device may also be capable of receiving user input via the touch screen 46 circuit and / or other devices. Additionally, portable electronic devices may provide feedback information, such as visual, audible, and tactile alerts.

[0048] The system 10 for the vehicle 12 may include a sensing system 48. The sensing system 48 includes at least one sensor 50. In various embodiments, the sensing system 48 may include various sensors 50 and / or devices that obtain or otherwise provide information related to the status of the vehicle 12 and / or various other entities, such as users of the vehicle 12. For example, in some cases, the sensing system 48 may include one or more imagers 52 or any other vision-based device. In some embodiments, the sensing system 48 may include one or more imagers 52 configured to capture images of the cabin 26 of the vehicle 12. In some embodiments, the sensing system 48 may include one or more imagers 52 configured to capture images of the external environment of the vehicle 12. For example, the sensing system 48 may include one or more of the following: a center high mounted stop light (CHMSL) imager, a front-facing imager, a forward-facing imager near the forward end of the vehicle 12, a left side view imager, and / or a right side view imager. The one or more imagers 52 may include an area-type image sensor, such as a CCD or CMOS image sensor, and image capture optics that capture an image of an imaging field of view defined by the image capture optics.

[0049] In some cases, the various imagers 52 included in the sensing system 48 may be positioned to substantially overlap in their respective fields of view. In this manner, image data from two or more of the imagers 52 may be combined into a single image or image tile via an image processing routine. In such examples, the image data may be used to derive stereo image data that may be used to reconstruct a three-dimensional scene of one or more regions within the overlapping regions of the various fields of view (including any objects therein).

[0050] In one example, two images including the same object may be used to determine the location of the object relative to the two imagers 52, given the known spatial relationship between the imagers 52 resulting from the projection geometry of the imagers 52. In this regard, known programming and / or functionality may be used in the image processing routine to identify objects within the image data from the various imagers 52 within the sensing system 48. The image processing routine may include information regarding the positioning of any imagers 52 present on the vehicle 12, including relative to the center of the vehicle 12.

[0051] Still reference Figure 2 and Figure 4, the sensing system 48 may include at least one of a variety of types of sensors 50 operable to sense the proximity and / or location of one or more objects within the cabin 26 and / or in the external environment of the vehicle 12. For example, in various embodiments, the sensing system 48 may include, but is not limited to, one or more of ultrasonic sensors, radio detection and ranging (radar) sensors, sound navigation and ranging (sonar) sensors, light detection and ranging (lidar) sensors, vision-based sensors, and / or any other type of sensor known in the art.

[0052] In various embodiments, the sensing system 48 includes at least one radar sensor 54. In some embodiments, the at least one radar sensor 54 may include multiple radar sensors 54 that cooperate to provide imaging radar. For example, four radar sensors 54 (e.g., Texas Instruments AWR6843 single-chip 60-GHz to 64-GHz automotive radar sensor) may be combined into a single printed circuit board, and the data collected by the four radar sensors 54 may be used to generate imaging radar.

[0053] In various embodiments, the sensing system 48 may include one or more temperature sensors 56. The one or more temperature sensors 56 may be operable to detect a temperature within the cabin 26 of the vehicle 12 and / or a temperature in the environment external to the vehicle 12. For example, the sensing system 48 may include a temperature sensor 56 operable to detect an ambient air temperature within the cabin 26 of the vehicle 12.

[0054] In some embodiments, the sensing system 48 is operable to sense sunlight. It is contemplated that one or more of the multiple types of sensors 50 of the sensing system 48 can be used to sense sunlight. For example, in some embodiments, the sensing system 48 can include an optical sensor 58 configured to sense sunlight by converting light energy introduced into the optical sensor 58 into an electrical signal. The optical sensor 58 can absorb light energy and sense sunlight using a photoelectric effect, which refers to an electron discharge caused by the absorption of light energy. The optical sensor 58 can transmit the converted electrical signal to the controller 20 of the sensing system 48, which can calculate the amount of light based on the electrical signal converted from the sensed sunlight. In some embodiments, the sensing system 48 is operable to sense the amount of light entering the cabin 26 and / or a portion of the cabin 26. It is contemplated that in various embodiments, the controller 20 can determine the amount of sunlight entering the vehicle 12 and / or the location of the vehicle based on the sensing system 48 sensing one or more effects associated with sunlight. For example, the controller 20 may determine that sunlight is entering a portion of the vehicle interior 26 based on image data received from at least one imager 52 of the vehicle 12 that reveals an illuminated portion of the vehicle 12 adjacent to a shadowed portion of the vehicle 12. Various methods of sensing sunlight and / or determining the presence of sunlight are contemplated.

[0055] Reference now Figure 2 , the system 10 may include a controller 20 and / or communicate with the controller. The controller 20 may be configured with a microprocessor 60 to process logic and programs stored in a memory 62. The controller 20 may receive information from the above-mentioned devices and systems, including the sensing system 48, the HMI 42, one or more actuators 40, and / or various other vehicle sensors 50 and devices. The controller 20 may generate commands to control the operation of various components of the vehicle 12 and / or devices (such as the air conditioning system 14 and the control feature 16) incorporated in the system 10 of the vehicle 12 based on all or part of the information received. The controller 20 may include a microprocessor 60 and / or other analog and / or digital circuits for processing one or more programs. In addition, the controller 20 may include a memory 62 for storing one or more programs.

[0056] It should be understood that the controller 20 can be a stand-alone dedicated controller 20, or can be a shared controller 20 that is integrated with other control functions, such as with the sensing system 48, the air conditioning system 14, the control features 16, the HMI 42, and / or other conceivable on-board or off-board vehicle control systems. It should also be understood that certain functions can be performed by a dedicated processor. For example, image processing can be performed by a dedicated processor, and the results of the image processing can be output to other components and systems of the vehicle 12 (including the microprocessor 60).

[0057] Still reference Figure 2 In some embodiments, the sensing system 48 may sense at least one characteristic of a user located within the cabin 26 or in the external environment of the vehicle 12, and the controller 20 may make one or more determinations based on the at least one sensed characteristic of the user, such as the identity of the user, the type of clothing the user is wearing, the temperature of the user, the breathing rate of the user, or the appearance of the user. The controller 20 is operable to cause various vehicle actions based on the determination. In various embodiments, the controller 20 is configured to control the operation of the air conditioning system 14 and / or the control feature 16 based on the determination. For example, the controller 20 may control the air conditioning system 14 and the control feature 16 to operate according to an operating program associated with a user profile stored in the memory 62 based on a determination that the identity of the user entering the vehicle 12 matches the identity associated with the user profile. In addition, the controller 20 may control the air conditioning system 14 to deliver warm air 24 into the cabin 26 and control the control feature 16 to control the flow of warm air 24 directly onto the steering wheel of the vehicle 12 based on a determination that the user entering the driver's side of the vehicle 12 is wearing gloves. Various implementations are contemplated.

[0058] In some embodiments, the sensing system 48 may sense and / or the controller 20 may determine at least one vehicle 12 and / or environmental condition, and the controller 20 may cause various vehicle actions based on the determination. In various embodiments, the controller 20 is configured to control the operation of the air conditioning system 14 and / or the control feature 16 based on sensing and / or determining the at least one vehicle 12 and / or environmental condition. For example, the controller 20 may control the air conditioning system 14 to deliver conditioned air 24 into the cabin 26 and control the control feature 16 to control the direction in which the conditioned air 24 is delivered into the cabin 26 based on one or more of the vehicle and / or environmental conditions sensed by the sensing system 48 and / or determined by the controller 20, the various vehicle and / or environmental conditions may include, but are not limited to, the ambient air temperature within the cabin 26, the ambient air temperature in the environment outside the vehicle 12, the sunlight shining on the vehicle 12, the movement of the vehicle 12, the presence or absence of one or more users in and / or near the vehicle 12, the identity of one or more users in or near the vehicle 12, the characteristics of the users of the vehicle 12, and / or combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 20 is configured to control the air conditioning system 14 to deliver cooled air 24 into the cabin 26 and control the control feature 16 to direct the cooled air 24 onto the portion of the user of the vehicle 12 based on the sensing system 48 sensing sunlight shining onto the portion of the user.

[0059] In various embodiments, the controller 20 may control the air conditioning system 14 and / or the control features 16 in response to receiving inputs from the input devices 44 of the system 10. For example, the controller 20 may control the air flow rate, the temperature of the conditioned air 24, the direction of the air flow, and / or a combination thereof based on one or more inputs received from the input devices 44. Furthermore, the controller 20 may control the air conditioning system 14 and / or the control features 16 to operate according to predetermined operating parameters associated with a standard or customized usage mode of the system 10, as further described herein.

[0060] Reference now Figure 2 and Figures 4 to 6 In various embodiments, the display 18 of the HMI 42 is operable to display an airflow graphic 28 that represents the flow of conditioned air 24 into the cabin 26 of the vehicle 12. The airflow graphic 28 includes a directional characteristic. In various embodiments, the directional characteristic of the airflow graphic 28 corresponds to the orientation of the control feature 16, such that the directional characteristic of the airflow graphic 28 corresponds to the direction of the conditioned air 24 flowing into the cabin 26, as affected by the control feature 16. In some embodiments, the display 18 of the HMI 42 displays the vehicle interior graphic 64 and the airflow graphic 28. For example, in Figures 4 to 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the display 18 displays a vehicle interior graphic 64 that depicts the vehicle forward end of the cabin 26 of the vehicle 12, including the instrument panel 32, the steering wheel, the plurality of outlets 36, and portions of the seat assembly within the cabin 26. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of airflow graphics 28 extend from the outlets 36 into the cabin 26. Each includes a directional feature that indicates to the viewer the direction in which the conditioned air 24 flows from the outlets 36 to the distal end 66 of the airflow graphic 28. For example, in Figure 4 In the embodiment of the display 18 shown, the directional characteristics of the rightmost airflow graphic 28 (from Figure 4 ) indicates that the conditioned air 24 from the corresponding outlet 36 flows in the vehicle transverse direction outward and in the vehicle transverse direction downward. Figure 6 In the embodiment of the display 18 shown, the directional characteristics of the rightmost airflow graphic 28 (from Figure 6 The airflow pattern 28 is a graph showing the conditioned air 24 flowing from the corresponding outlet 36 in a vehicle lateral inboard direction and a vehicle upward direction (from the perspective of an observer). In some embodiments, the airflow pattern 28 has a magnitude characteristic corresponding to the magnitude and / or velocity of the airflow from the outlet 36. For example, when the magnitude and / or velocity of the conditioned air 24 flowing out of the outlet 36 is relatively high, the distal end 66 of the airflow pattern 28 may be further away from the corresponding outlet 36 than when the magnitude and / or velocity of the conditioned air 24 flowing out of the outlet 36 is relatively low.

[0061] Still reference Figure 2 and Figures 4 to 6 In some embodiments where the display 18 is a touch screen 46, the touch screen 46 may display a plurality of input options for controlling the air conditioning system 14 and / or the control feature 16. The display 18 may include an input option represented by an airflow control icon 68 that may be dragged by a user via a touch event along the display 18 to control the direction in which conditioned air 24 flows into the cabin 26 (responsively causing the control feature 16 to be actuated via the controller 20) and / or the amount and / or rate at which conditioned air 24 flows into the cabin 26 (responsively causing the air conditioning system 14 to be actuated via the controller 20). Figures 4 to 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the display 18 displays a plurality of airflow control icons 68 that correspond to and are proximate to the distal end 66 of the respective airflow graphic 28. It is contemplated that in various embodiments, the touch screen 46 may include input options for controlling a plurality of visual representations of the operation of various aspects of the air conditioning system 14 and / or the control features 16.

[0062] Reference now Figures 2 to 7 , the controller 20 of the system 10 of the vehicle 12 may be configured to initiate a variable airflow program 22. In an exemplary embodiment of the system 10, initiation of the variable airflow program 22 by the controller 20 may trigger a step 200 of executing a predetermined actuation sequence of the control feature 16 so that the direction of the conditioned air 24 flowing from the air conditioning system 14 into the cabin 26 of the vehicle 12 is sequentially changed by the motorized directional airflow control feature 16. In some embodiments, the predetermined actuation sequence is executed for a predetermined duration. For example, in some embodiments, the predetermined duration is greater than 10 seconds. In some embodiments, the predetermined duration is greater than 30 seconds. In some embodiments, executing the predetermined actuation sequence includes: actuating the motorized directional airflow control feature 16 so that the direction of the conditioned air 24 flowing into the cabin 26 is modified along a first direction having a first vehicle direction component; and subsequently actuating the motorized directional airflow control feature 16 so that the direction of the conditioned air 24 flowing into the cabin 26 is modified along a second direction having a second vehicle direction component opposite to the first vehicle direction component. In some embodiments, the first vehicle direction component is a first vehicle lateral direction and the second vehicle direction component is a second vehicle lateral direction opposite the first vehicle lateral direction. In some embodiments, the first vehicle direction component is vehicle upward and the second vehicle direction component is vehicle downward. In various embodiments, step 200 of executing a predetermined actuation sequence of control feature 16 may cause control feature 16 to repeatedly oscillate or follow a cyclic movement pattern.

[0063] The variable airflow routine 22 may proceed to step 202 of displaying an airflow graphic 28 having a directional characteristic corresponding to the orientation of the motorized directional airflow control feature 16 on the display 18 such that the directional characteristic of the airflow graphic 28 changes sequentially with the direction of the conditioned air 24 flowing out of the air conditioning system 14. In various embodiments, steps 200 and 202 may be performed simultaneously. For example, in some embodiments, the airflow graphic 28 having a directional characteristic corresponding to the orientation of the control feature 16 may be displayed within 150 milliseconds of executing a predetermined actuation sequence of the control feature 16. In other words, as the control feature 16 is actuated, in order to change the orientation of the control feature 16, the display 18 may display a corresponding movement of the directional characteristic of the airflow graphic 28 within 150 milliseconds.

[0064] Next, the variable airflow program 22 may proceed to step 204 to determine whether a user input has been received via the input device 44 to terminate the variable airflow program 22. In an exemplary embodiment, the user may select a default operating mode to terminate the variable airflow program 22 via a user input selection on the touch screen 46 of the HMI 42 of the system 10 of the vehicle 12. If the controller 20 determines that a user input has been received to terminate the variable airflow program 22, the variable airflow program 22 ends, as shown. Figure 7 If a program termination input is not received, the variable airflow routine 22 proceeds to step 206 .

[0065] At step 206, the controller 20 determines whether the predetermined duration of the variable airflow program 22 has been met. In some embodiments, the predetermined duration may be greater than 10 seconds. In some embodiments, the predetermined duration may be greater than 30 seconds. If the controller 20 determines that the predetermined duration of the variable airflow program 22 has not been met, the variable airflow program 22 continues to perform steps 200 and 202 simultaneously. If the controller 20 determines that the predetermined duration of the variable airflow program 22 has been met, the variable airflow program 22 ends. In various embodiments, the controller 20 may initiate the variable airflow program 22 in response to an input device 44 of the system 10 receiving a user input. For example, the controller 20 may initiate the variable airflow program 22 in response to a touch event on a touch screen 46 utilized by a user in the system 10. It is contemplated that the variable airflow program 22 may be initiated based on various inputs of the controller 20.

[0066] Reference now Figure 8 The method 300 of operating the system 10 of the vehicle 12 includes a step 310 of receiving user input via the input device 44. In some embodiments, the input device 44 is a touch screen 46 included with the display 18 of the system 10.

[0067] The method 300 may include step 320 of executing a predetermined actuation sequence of the motorized directional air flow control feature 16 of the vehicle 12 such that the direction of the conditioned air 24 flowing from the air conditioning system 14 into the cabin 26 of the vehicle 12 is sequentially changed by the motorized directional air flow control feature 16. In some embodiments, step 320 of executing the predetermined actuation sequence includes: actuating the motorized directional air flow control feature 16 such that the direction of the conditioned air 24 flowing into the cabin 26 is modified along a first direction having a first vehicle direction component; and subsequently actuating the motorized directional air flow control feature 16 such that the direction of the conditioned air 24 flowing into the cabin 26 is modified along a second direction having a second vehicle direction component opposite to the first vehicle direction component. In some embodiments, the first vehicle direction component is a first vehicle lateral direction, and the second vehicle lateral direction component is a second vehicle lateral direction opposite to the first vehicle lateral direction. In some embodiments, the first vehicle direction component is vehicle upward, and the second vehicle direction component is vehicle downward.

[0068] The method 300 may also include step 330 of displaying the airflow graphic 28 on the display 18 of the system 10 , the airflow graphic including directional characteristics that sequentially change to correspond to sequentially changing directions of the conditioned air 24 flowing from the air conditioning system 14 into the vehicle cabin 26 .

[0069] It should be understood that changes and modifications may be made to the aforementioned structures without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and it should be further understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the appended claims unless the claims explicitly state otherwise by their language.

[0070] According to the present invention, a system for a vehicle is provided, the system comprising: an air conditioning system; a motorized directional airflow control feature; a display; and a controller, the controller being configured to start a variable airflow program, wherein the start of the variable airflow program causes: execution of a predetermined actuation sequence of the motorized directional airflow control feature, such that the direction of conditioned air flowing from the air conditioning system into the cabin of the vehicle is sequentially changed through the motorized directional airflow control feature; and the display showing an airflow graph having a directional characteristic, the directional characteristic corresponding to the orientation of the motorized directional airflow control feature, such that the directional characteristic of the airflow graph changes sequentially with the direction of the conditioned air flowing out of the air conditioning system.

[0071] According to an embodiment, activation of said variable air flow program triggers execution of said predetermined actuation sequence for a predetermined duration.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the predetermined duration is greater than 10 seconds.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the predetermined duration is greater than 30 seconds.

[0074] According to an embodiment, execution of the predetermined actuation sequence includes: actuating the motorized directional airflow control feature so that the direction of the conditioned air flowing into the cabin is modified along a first direction having a first vehicle direction component; and subsequently actuating the motorized directional airflow control feature so that the direction of the conditioned air flowing into the cabin is modified along a second direction having a second vehicle direction component opposite to the first vehicle direction component.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the first vehicle direction component is a first vehicle transverse direction and the second vehicle direction component is a second vehicle transverse direction opposite to the first vehicle transverse direction.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the first vehicle direction component is vehicle upward and the second vehicle direction component is vehicle downward.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the present invention is further characterized by an input device coupled to the controller and configured to receive user input, wherein the controller is configured to initiate the variable airflow program in response to the input device receiving the user input.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the input device is a touch screen comprising the display.

[0079] According to the present invention, a system for a vehicle is provided, which has: an air conditioning system, which delivers conditioned air to a cabin of the vehicle; a motorized directional airflow control feature, which controls the direction of conditioned air flowing from the air conditioning system into the cabin of the vehicle; a touch screen display, which is used to receive user input and display an airflow graphic with directional characteristics; and a controller, which is configured to start a variable airflow program in response to receiving the user input, wherein the start of the variable airflow program causes: execution of a predetermined actuation sequence of the motorized directional airflow control feature, so that the direction of conditioned air flowing from the air conditioning system into the cabin of the vehicle is sequentially changed by the motorized directional airflow control feature; and the touch screen display correspondingly changes the directional characteristics of the airflow graphic.

[0080] According to an embodiment, said predetermined actuation sequence is performed for a predetermined duration greater than 10 seconds.

[0081] According to an embodiment, execution of the predetermined actuation sequence includes: actuating the motorized directional airflow control feature so that the direction of the conditioned air flowing into the cabin is modified along a first direction having a first vehicle direction component; and subsequently actuating the motorized directional airflow control feature so that the direction of the conditioned air flowing into the cabin is modified along a second direction having a second vehicle direction component opposite to the first vehicle direction component.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the first vehicle direction component is a first vehicle transverse direction and the second vehicle direction component is a second vehicle transverse direction opposite to the first vehicle transverse direction.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the first vehicle direction component is vehicle upward and the second vehicle direction component is vehicle downward.

[0084] According to the present invention, a method for operating a system of a vehicle includes the following steps: executing a predetermined actuation sequence of a motorized directional airflow control feature of the vehicle so that the direction of conditioned air flowing from an air conditioning system into a cabin of the vehicle is sequentially changed by the motorized directional airflow control feature; and displaying an airflow graph on a display, the airflow graph including directional characteristics that sequentially change to correspond to the sequentially changing directions of the conditioned air flowing from the air conditioning system into the cabin.

[0085] In one aspect of the present invention, the step of executing a predetermined actuation sequence includes: actuating the motorized directional airflow control feature so that the direction of the conditioned air flowing into the cabin is modified along a first direction having a first vehicle direction component; and subsequently actuating the motorized directional airflow control feature so that the direction of the conditioned air flowing into the cabin is modified along a second direction having a second vehicle direction component opposite to the first vehicle direction component.

[0086] In one aspect of the invention, the first vehicle direction component is a first vehicle transverse direction, and the second vehicle direction component is a second vehicle transverse direction opposite to the first vehicle transverse direction.

[0087] In one aspect of the invention, the first vehicle direction component is vehicle upward and the second vehicle direction component is vehicle downward.

[0088] In one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the step of receiving a user input on the input device causing execution of the predetermined sequence of actuations.

[0089] In one aspect of the invention, the input device is a touch screen including the display.

Claims

1. A system for a vehicle, comprising: Air conditioning system; motorized directional airflow control features; monitor; as well as A controller configured to initiate a variable airflow program, wherein initiation of the variable airflow program causes: executing a predetermined sequence of actuations of the motorized directional air flow control features such that the direction of conditioned air flowing from the air conditioning system into a cabin of the vehicle is sequentially changed by the motorized directional air flow control features; as well as The display displays an airflow pattern having a directional characteristic corresponding to an orientation of the motorized directional airflow control feature such that the directional characteristic of the airflow pattern changes sequentially with the direction of conditioned air flowing from the air conditioning system. 2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein initiation of the variable airflow program causes execution of the predetermined actuation sequence for a predetermined duration. The system of claim 2 , wherein the predetermined duration is greater than 10 seconds. The system of claim 3 , wherein the predetermined duration is greater than 30 seconds.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the execution of the predetermined actuation sequence comprises: actuating the motorized directional air flow control feature such that the direction of conditioned air flowing into the cabin is modified in a first direction having a first vehicle directional component; and subsequently actuating the motorized directional air flow control feature such that the direction of conditioned air flowing into the cabin is modified in a second direction having a second vehicle directional component opposite the first vehicle directional component. 6 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the first vehicle direction component is a first vehicle lateral direction and the second vehicle direction component is a second vehicle lateral direction opposite to the first vehicle lateral direction.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the first vehicle direction component is vehicle upward and the second vehicle direction component is vehicle downward.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: An input device is coupled to the controller and configured to receive a user input, wherein the controller is configured to initiate the variable airflow program in response to the input device receiving the user input.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the input device is a touch screen comprising the display.

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