Displaying vehicle features

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-11447008-B2
Application number	US-201716482767-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Feb 3, 2017
Priority date	Feb 3, 2017
Publication date	Sep 20, 2022
Grant date	Sep 20, 2022

Abstract

A computer that includes a processor and memory storing instructions executable by the processor. The computer may be programmed to: determine feature-selection data; determine that a mobile device is within a proximity threshold of a vehicle; and in response to the determinations, control a vehicle display in accordance with the feature-selection data.

First claim

The invention claimed is:

1. A computer, comprising a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor such that the computer is programmed to:
determine feature-selection data;
determine that a mobile device is within a proximity threshold of a vehicle; and
in response to the determinations, control a vehicle display in accordance with the feature-selection data, wherein the display is carried by a vehicle body, wherein a feature checklist screen of the display faces vehicle-outwardly.

2. The computer of claim 1 , wherein the computer further is programmed to determine the feature-selection data using reservation data received at the vehicle.

3. The computer of claim 2 , wherein the computer further is programmed to receive the reservation data from a mobile device, a server, or a touch-sensitive device in the display.

4. The computer of claim 1 , wherein the computer further is programmed to control broadcasting a homing signal when the mobile device is within the proximity threshold.

5. The computer of claim 1 , wherein the computer further is programmed to control broadcasting a homing signal when the mobile device is located at a different proximity threshold with respect to the vehicle.

6. The computer of claim 4 , wherein the homing signal includes an identification sequence emitted by the display.

7. The computer of claim 6 , wherein the broadcasting of the homing signal includes emitting light pulses having different emission frequencies, different intensities, or both.

8. The computer of claim 4 , wherein the homing signal comprises a visual signal, an audible signal, a tactile signal, or a combination thereof.

9. The computer of claim 1 , wherein the display is located on a B-pillar.

10. The computer of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the feature checklist screen is illuminated in accordance with the feature-selection data.

11. The computer of claim 1 , wherein the feature-selection data is associated with at least one of: one of a plurality of levels of autonomous vehicle control, an advanced vehicle snow system, advanced vehicle map system, automotive theater system, or a vehicle disinfection system.

12. The computer of claim 1 , wherein the computer further is programmed to determine that the device is within the proximity threshold using a short-range wireless communication protocol.

13. The computer of claim 1 , wherein the computer further is programmed to determine an end of a rental period, and based on determining the end, control the display to provide an indication of the end.

14. A method, comprising:
determining feature-selection data associated with features available on a vehicle;
determining that a mobile device is within a proximity threshold of the vehicle; and
in response to the determinations, controlling a vehicle display to communicate at least some of the feature-selection data to a user, wherein the display is carried by a vehicle body, wherein a feature checklist screen of the display faces vehicle-outwardly.

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the display is located on a B-pillar.

16. The method of claim 14 , wherein at least a portion of the feature checklist screen is illuminated in accordance with the feature-selection data.

17. The method of claim 14 , further comprising controlling broadcasting a homing signal when the mobile device is located at a different proximity threshold with respect to the vehicle.

18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the homing signal includes an identification sequence emitted by the display.

19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the broadcasting of the homing signal includes emitting light pulses having different emission frequencies, different intensities, or both.

20. The method of claim 17 , wherein the homing signal comprises a visual signal, an audible signal, a tactile signal, or a combination thereof.

Assignees

• Ford Global Tech Llc

Inventors

• Salter Stuart C
• Huebner Annette Lynn
• Dellock Paul Kenneth
• Surman James J

Classifications

• G06Q10/02 Primary

  Reservations, e.g. for tickets, services or events · CPC title

• B60K35/26

  using acoustic output · CPC title

• B60K35/25

  using haptic output · CPC title

• B60K35/10

  Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor · CPC title

• B60K35/22

  Display screens · CPC title