Apple has just won a patent on an in-car screen that may be placed in the center of a steering wheel and still allow the air bag to deploy.
The screen, which may also install in the dash, can be linked to cameras and other sensors to control a heads up display, as well as basic heat, AC and radio functions. The screen may also have a “seam” that would break apart in the case that the airbag deployed.
Apple describes a single screen interface that can be used by many car makers, with room to individualize it by each car company. It also says the screen can provide “after market business opportunities associated with vehicle sales.”
The screen relies heavily on cameras that can “see” what the driver is touching on the screen to react. It also relies very heavily on touch with “feedback”you can feel when you press on the touch controls so users don’t need to look down. The screen might have indentations and grooves that help the user “know” what he’s touching. And the touch displays change as needed so the groove might represent the heat control on one screen (where you slide your finger for controls) or a slider control for stock updates in another screen.
Apple points out that voice alone in the car is unreliable and frustrating to drivers who must often repeat commands. The patented screen, however, can work in combination with voice. So the system is doubly sure of your command if you swipe the heating controls and state a command to raise the heat.
The screen also works with gesture control and even facial control. It is used with camera sensors also for traffic safety.
In one case, Apple describes an on screen slider wheel with bumps and groves the user can feel that becomes one type of on-screen control.
The 69-page patent is Apple’s answer to today’s dashboard which it calls “a confused array of switches, knobs, dials, gauges, and other tactile physical selection or adjustment means and instruments.”
The screen is programmable to switch to different interfaces as needed. Some different screens are listed as: “a. Standard screen b. Highway screen c. City Traffic screen d. Audio enjoyment screen e. Night vision and fog screen f. A Difficult driving or “Crisis” screen, where all functions relate to navigating or recovering from a difficult situation–such as very heavy traffic, ice conditions, etc. g. Malfunction and alarm screen, including Automatic switch to a “trouble mode” so to speak when something wrong is detected h. Telephoning faxing and Email screen i. Climate control optimization screen… “ It lists about 2 dozen other screens as well.
Apple also lists many goals of the screen which include to “provide means by which complex instructions for use can be presented in easily readable form co-located with the control function whose instruction is needed.”
Photo from USPTO via CNET
Get the news before your competitors do. CEoutlook is the daily brief read by over 6,500 dealers, reps and manufacturers across the mobile electronics industry. Subscribe free.
How can this be a new Idea its been in movies!