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US7035720B2
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In-car computer system and method for selecting and activating option menus
Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
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Filing: 2003-11-12
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Granted: 2006-04-25
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Expires: 2023-11-12
Abstract
Abstract The present invention relates to an in-car computer system which comprises a control device 12 for displaying a main menu and plural sub-menus, each containing at least one selectable menu item, an operating unit 12 for selecting and activating a menu item within the main menu or sub-menu, and a switching member 20 . A repeated operation of the switching member 20 causes the control device to activate the individual menu items HM 1 –HM 4 of the main menu in a predetermined order.
Inventors
- 👤 Heiko Taxis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 15:29
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/048; G06F3/0481; G06F3/0482
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
An in-car computer system comprising: a control device having a display for displaying a plurality of hierarchically arranged menus comprising a main menu having plural items and plural sub-menus, with each sub-menu containing at least one selectable menu item, an operating unit for selecting and activating a menu item within the main menu or one of said sub-menus when said menu item is displayed on said display, and a switching member, its repeated actuation causing the control device to activate the individual menu items of only the main menu in a predetermined order.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
An in-car computer system comprising: a control device having a display for displaying a plurality of hierarchically arranged menus comprising a main menu having plural items and plural sub-menus, with each sub-menu containing at least one selectable menu item, an operating unit for selecting and activating a menu item within the main menu or one of said sub-menus when said menu item is displayed on said display, and a switching member, its repeated actuation causing the control device to activate the individual menu items of only the main menu in a predetermined order.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The in-car computer system of claim 1 , wherein the operating unit is a rotary/push button.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The in-car computer system of claim 1 , wherein an evaluation device is provided which registers the activation of menu items of the main menu and determines a frequency value for each menu item.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The in-car computer system of claim 3 , wherein said control device determines the order according to the frequency values.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The in-car computer system of claim 1 , wherein the order of menu item's activation is adjustable.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The in-car computer system of claim 1 , wherein the menu items intended for being displayed are selectable.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
The in-car computer system of claim 1 wherein the display for each main menu item comprises one or more first sub-menu items and the display for each of said first sub-menu items comprises one or more second sub-menu items.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
The in-car computer system of claim 1 wherein initial actuation of said switching member causes the display of said control device to display the first sub-menu items associated with a first predetermined one of said main menu items.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
40 words
The in-car computer system of claim 8 wherein a second consecutive actuation of said switching member causes the display of said control device to display the first sub-menu items associated with a second predetermined one of said main menu items.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The in-car computer system of claim 1 wherein actuation of the switching member activates the main menu items regardless of the particular menu being displayed when the switching member is actuated.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
80 words
A method for selecting and activating menu items from a plurality of hierarchically arranged menus displayed on the display of an in-car computer system, the plurality of menus comprising a main menu with at least two main menu items and at least a sub-menu with at least two sub-menu items, wherein by actuating a switching member the main menu items only are selected and activated consecutively, regardless of the particular menu being displayed when said switching member is initially actuated.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
80 words
A method for selecting and activating menu items from a plurality of hierarchically arranged menus displayed on the display of an in-car computer system, the plurality of menus comprising a main menu with at least two main menu items and at least a sub-menu with at least two sub-menu items, wherein by actuating a switching member the main menu items only are selected and activated consecutively, regardless of the particular menu being displayed when said switching member is initially actuated.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 11 , wherein said order of selection and activation of the main menu items is adjustable by actuating the switching member.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 12 , wherein said order is determined according to a frequency value of the main menu items used.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 11 , wherein after actuating the switching member and selecting and activating a sub-menu item said order starts again from the beginning with respect to selection and activation of the main menu items.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2009-04-24 | 2009-10-24 | 2010-04-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2013-04-24 | 2013-10-24 | 2014-04-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2017-04-24 | 2017-10-24 | 2018-04-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |