Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02523213 2002-10-28
CONTROL CONSOLE FOR AN AUTOMOBILE
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to devices and methods for controlling a
plurality of user appliances or equipment. This application is a division of
copending
Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 2,409,801 filed October 28, 2002.
BACKGROUND
Emergency service vehicles today contain a large collection of
electronic equipment such as, communication radios, warning lights, computers,
video systems, radar, etc. The current state of the art is to provide a
control head
(containing switches, displays, etc.) for each piece of equipment. In rare
cases a
computer with a touch screen will control a set of devices. In the absence of
a
computer, the passenger compartment is cluttered with control heads, and often
witf~
the equipment itself since the control head is often integral with the
equipment.
While the prior art achieves its intended purpose significant problems
still exist. For example, the many devices and control heads occupy and
compete for
space within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Additionally, the
distribution
and clutter created by the positioning of the devices within the vehicle
creates an
inefficient environment for the operator since the operator must search for
the correct
switch to activate each function.
However, if the vehicle is equipped with a computer, the touch screen
is generally awkward since it is, typically, poorly placed (to avoid the
airbag
deployment zone). Moreover, the conventional screens provide no tactile
feedback
regarding control locations on the screen.
CA 02523213 2002-10-28
Therefore, there is a need for a new and improved device and method
for controlling a plurality of user appliances. The new and improved device or
method should be ergonomically designed to enforce hand placement and thus
eliminate the problem of finding the correct switch. Additionally, the
controls on the
new and improved device should have software-defined functions, enabling the
key
functions of a plurality of equipment to be managed from a single device.
These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the
invention in
combination with the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY
In an embodiment of the present invention, a control device for
controlling a plurality of user appliances is provided. The device is
ergonomically
designed to enforce hand placement and eliminate the problem of finding the
correct
switch to manipulate. Additionally, the controls on the device have software-
defined
functions, enabling the functions of a plurality of equipment to be managed
from a
single device. The device has a hand positioning portion having a first set of
user
actuatable switches fUr changing an operation of at least one of the plurality
of user
appliances. T he hand positioning portion is configured to align a user's hand
with the
first set of user actuatable switches. Additionally, the device has a switch
pad
portion in juxtaposition with the hand positioning portion having a second set
of user
actuatable switches for changing an operation of at least one of another of
the
plurality of user appliances.
In another embodiment of the device, a display is provided for
displaying system cue; Gc~, in accordance an~it a the present invention.
P~ vea--w.°~er em~ocimen~, =_;~e device, G control pod is provided
moor, e~.: tl~e ce~;~ cJ<<soie via an G:ai::uiaWu arm, allowing it to be
positionec;
coc~ve;3ie~~i~~ cr tre c-ve- cr the vei-~icie, i~~ accordance wit the present
invention.
in anoti~er embodiment of ihc: aevice, the hand positioning poriior~
includes an elevated portion for accommodating a user's palm and has a padded
member Detached to the hand positioning portion to accommodate a user's arm.
CA 02523213 2002-10-28
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the device has a
host computer in communication with the actuatable switches and the user
appliances and has a display for displaying system operations. The display is
located in the switch pad portion.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the plurality of
user appliances includes at least one of a warning light, a siren, a radio, a
computer,
and a radar. The hand positioning portion includes depressions to align the
user's
hand with the first set of actuatable switches and is at least one of push
button
switches, slide switches, toggle switches, and knobs.
Another embodiment of the present invention, a control system for a
vehicle has a plurality of user appliances is provided. The control system has
a
moveable shaft having first and second ends, the first end being affixed to
the
vehicle and a control console having a generally planar surface. Additionally,
the
surface includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, the
first portion
having depressions for accommodating fingers of a user, the second portion
beinc
elevated slightly above the planar surface for accommodating a user's palm,
and the
third portion having a plurality of actuators for controlling the user
appliances. The
control console is attached to the second end of the moveable shaft enabling
the
control console to be positioned relative to the user.
in another embodiment of the control systems, a padded member
attached to the control console accommodates a user's arm. T he system
includes a
host computer in communication with the control console and the user
appliances
and has a display for displaying system operations. The display is located in
the
third portion and the control console is located between a passenger seat and
a
driver seat.
In yet another embodiment of the control system, the plurality or' user
appliances includes at least one of a warning light, a siren, ~ radio, a
compute. , and
a radar. A moveable shaft is attached to the vehicle with a ball and socket T
he
control console is attached to the moveable shaft with a ball and socket. The
system includes depressions in the upper portion include actuators for
controlling the
user appliances. The actuators are at least one of push button switches, slide
switches, toggle switches, and knobs.
CA 02523213 2002-10-28
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a control console
includes a first portion having a generally planar top surface, the surface
'having
depressions for accommodating fingers of a user. The consoled includes a
second
portion having a top surface elevated slightly above the generally planar
surface of
the first portion for accommodating a palm of the user and a third portion
having a
generally planar top surface, the surface having a plurality of actuators for
controlling
a plurality of user appliances.
In still another embodiment of the present invention includes a control
console having a padded member attached to the third portion to accommodate a
user's arm. The control console includes a display for displaying system
operations.
The display is located in the third portion.
In another embodiment of the control console, the plurality of user
appliances includes at least one of a warning light, a siren, a radio, a
computer, and
a radar. Depressions in the first portion include actuators for controlling
the user
appliances. The actuators are at least one of push button switches, slide
switches,
toggle switches, and knobs.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a control device
for controlling a plurality of user appliances from a single location includes
a hand
positioning portion having a first set of uses actuatable switches for
changing an
operation of at least one of the plurality of user appliances, wherein the
hand
positioning portion is configured to align a user's hand with the first set of
user
actuatable switches. T he switch pad portion in juxtaposition with the hand
positioning portion includes a second set of user actuatable switches for
changing
an operation of at least one of another of the plurality of user appliances.
These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent ~pc~ s ending the followir~e detailed description of the
invention in
combin ~t104; with t he eccompanying drawi;~g.
CA 02523213 2002-10-28
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a vehicle having a control pod for
controlling a plurality of user appliances from a single location, in
accordance with
the present invention;
FIGURE 2 is a schematic diagram of system having a plurality of user
appliances connected to a control pod for controlling the appliances from a
single
location, in accordance with the present invention;
FIGURE 3 is a schematic diagram of system having a plurality of user
appliances connected to a host computer that is in communication with a
control pod
for controlling the appliances from a single location, in accordance with the
present
invention;
FIGURE 4 is a plan view of a control pod for controlling a plurality of
user appliances from a single location, in accordance with the present
invention; and
FIGURE 5 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the control
pod, in accordance with the present invention; and
FIGURE 6 is a side view of a control pod, in accordance with the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
With reference to Figure 1, a vehicle 10 having a control console or
pod 12 is illustrated, in accordance with the present invention. The control
pod 12 is
generally positioned between a driver 14 and passenger seat 16. An operator of
vehicle 10 or a passenger may use control pod 12 to active, manipulate, and/or
adjust the operation of a plurality of user appliances 18 (see Figure 2)
located within
or on vehicle 10. In an embodiment of the present invention control pod 12 is
located in an emergency vehicle such as, a police cruiser or fire department
vehicle.
Pod 12 may interface to a host computer 20 than communicates control
signals to the plurality of user appliances 18 (as iliustrate~ ie as Figure
2), or pod 12
may communicate directly with the plurality of user appliances 18, as
illustrated in
Figure 3. Preferably control pod 12 communicates with host computer 20 or
directly
with appliances 18 through a network interface 21 (e.g., CAN Network).
J
CA 02523213 2002-10-28
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, pod 12
interfaces to host computer 20 through individual signal lines for each
control or via
a resistor ladder, among other ways.
In an emergency vehicle environment, appliances 18 may include
radios, horns or sirens, light bars, video cameras, and other emergency
equipment,
for example.
As illustrated in Figure 4, control pod 12 has a hand positioning portion
30 and a switch panel portion 32. The hand positioning portion 30 of control
pod 12
has of a set of controls 34 integrated into a capsule 36. Capsule 36 is formed
or
configured to facilitate positions of an operator's hand to easily manipulate
controls
34. More specifically, capsule 36 includes a plurality of ribs 37 that define
finger
placement portion 39. The controls 34 in the hand positioning portion 30,
finger
placement portion 39 and in switch panel portion 32 include both input and
output
devices including, but not limited to pushbutton switches, slide switches,
toggle
switches, rotary encoders, light emitting diodes (LEDs), potentiometers, and
haptic
knobs. Further, a small liquid crystal display 41 (LCDs), and fingerprint
reader 442
are provided in switch panel portion 32. LCD 41 is capable of displaying text
or
graphics related to system operation information as well as appliance
operation
information. For security purposes and to limit access to the operation of
control pod
12, G biometric identification device 42 is provided such as a thumb or
fingerprint
reader for screening potential users of pod 12. A fingerprint reader may be of
the
type offered by Siemens Ag. of Munich, Germany or a fingerprint reader offered
by
Applied Biometrics Corp.
In operation, the user places his or her hand on pod 12 (normally the
right hand in a U.S. vehicle) the contours of hand positioning portion 30 and
ribs 37
of pod 12 naturally position an operator's riggers next to a consistent set of
controls
34;x. Additional cot3 ois ~~ ! esiding on sv~~l~e'~, ~Ggei portions 32 are
easily found by
an operator whe3 ~ tl~~e o~eF ator mOVeS tha' '; an ad a fixed distance offset
from the
hand positioning pcrtio~ 3C, using a surface ~~ of pod 12 as a guide.
in an embodiment of the present invention application software is
provided that is executable on host computer 20 or directly on control pod 12.
The
application software defines the purpose of each control and manages the
device.
6
CA 02523213 2002-10-28
This allows the function of each control 34 to be changed as needed, without
affecting the pod confirmation.
The present invention contemplates mounting pod 12 to an articulating
arm 50 having a ball and socket joint, as shown in Figures 1 and 6. The arm 50
allows pod 12 to be positioned so that the user's hand naturally drops into
position to
use the pod 12. This mounting scheme will allow pod 12 to be located outside
of the
airbag deployment Zone; but otherwise allow considerable freedom in
positioning
and orienting pod 12 adjacent an operator. This flexibility is the direct
result of
separating the controls from the equipment they control and using a single pod
12 to
control multiple pieces of equipment, both features of the present invention
free up
critical space in the passenger compartment.
Referring now to Figure 5, a plan view of an alternative embodiment of
a control pod 60 of the present invention is illustrated. Control pod 60
includes a
generally planar longitudinal body 62 having a top surface 64. Top surface 64
generally includes two areas or portions, a hand positioning portion 66 and a
switch
pad portion 68. Hand positioning portion 66 is configured to facilitate the
placement
of an operator's fingers along a series of controls or actuators 70 disposed
on top
surface 64. Controls 70 are recessed into surface 64 to further align the
fingers of
an operator's hand with the controls. Controls 70 establish a first row of
controls
along a periphery of control pod 60. A second row of controls 72 are
positioned
inward of controls 70 and are easily locatable by an operator once the
operator has
positioned their fingers on controls 70. Similarly, a third row of controls 74
are
positioned a fixed distance from controls 72 and likewise are easily locatable
by a
vehicle operator since they are a fixed distance from controls 70.
Other actuators are further provided on control pod 60 providing
additional control functions to an operator. For example, a voice command
pushed
to talk actuator 76 is disposed on top surface 64 adjacent controls 70, 72 dnd
74.
Further, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the side surfaces of control pod
60 may
incorporate additional controls such as a rotary switch control 78 and a push
button
control 80.
The switch pad portion 68 located proximate to hand positioning
portion 66 similarly includes a plurality of switches or buttons 82.
Generally, buttons
i
CA 02523213 2002-10-28
82 are arranged in rows along top surface 64 for convenient access by an
operator.
While two rows of three buttons are illustrated, the present invention
contemplates
the use of additional rows and buttons as well as buttons having different
shapes
and configurations.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, control pod 60
includes an arm rest portion 90 fixed to control pod 60 and positioned
adjacent
switch pad portion 68. Arm rest portion 90 includes a raised cushion 92 that
provide
a comfortable surface on which an operator may rest their arm. The present
invention contemplates use of cushions 92 configured to guide an operator's
arm
along a parallel orientation with respect to a longitudinal axis of control
pod 60.
Control pod 60 as well as the previous control pod embodiment
(control pod 12) may be configured for use in emergency vehicles such as a
police
cruiser. An example of the type of controls as well as the control functions
associated with the actuators and buttons for the emergency vehicle
environment
will now be described. Control 70 may include push buttons having various
functions for actuating an air-horn and various lights and sirens. Control 72
may
also be push buttons and may control the operation of the sirens and lights.
Further,
control 74 may be assigned to radio functions. Rotary dial 68 may, for
example,
control the volume of the in-vehicle audio system. Additionally, a pair of
actuators
94 and 96 may be located at an intermediate location along longitudinal member
62.
Further, this intermediate location may have a reduced cross-section to
facilitate
locating actuator 94 and 96. Actuator's 94 and 96 may be assigned a function
of
higher importance such as emitting emergency beacon or powering down all
vehicle
lights.
With respect to switch pad portion 68, the plurality of controls 82 may
be reconfigured depending on the selection w:' a particular mode. For
instance, in a
police cruiser, there ma4- be a video mode, a screen navigation mode, a radar
mode,
and a lights rode, ~epeocing on the par tic~oar is~ mode selected, the
operation and
function cf that syserr.. selected may be manipulated. For example, if the
video
mode is selected the ir< controls 82 may operate various video functions such
as
reverse, play, fast forward, stop, record and pause. If the screen navigation
mode is
selected, functions related to screen navigation may be assigned to the
various
8
CA 02523213 2002-10-28
controls 82, such as, back, up arrow, enter, left arrow, down arrow, and right
arrow.
Further, if a radar mode is selected, controls 82 may be assigned to various
radar
control functions such as moving, front, monitor, stationary, rear, and
transmit
functions. Likewise, if a fights mode is selected, various functions related
to the
vehicle lights may be assigned to the various control actuators 82, such as,
jog left,
off, jog right, left alley, take down, and right alley.
As any person skilled in the art of devices for controlling a plurality of
user appliances or equipment will recognize from the previous detailed
description
and from the figures and claims, modifications and changes can be made to the
preferred embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of
this
invention defined in the following claims.
g
