Paccar Inc.

Christopher Tarte

Wesley Mays

Paul Stephen Crowe

Shawn Brewer

Matthew A Cullum

Erik M Binns

Aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to a graphical display that efficiently conveys information to a vehicle operator. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that presents scrollable graphical elements on a shared screen area. More specifically, the method includes assigning a priority level to scrollable graphical elements that convey vehicle readings on the graphical display. Then, the one or more scrollable graphical elements are rendered on the graphical display at locations that change locations periodically. When an abnormal vehicle reading is identified, the method dynamically assigns an enhanced priority level to the scrollable graphical element that is configured to convey the abnormal vehicle reading. If the scrollable graphical element is currently assigned an off-screen location, the method causes the scrollable graphical element to be rendered.

Graphical display with scrollable graphical elements

Generally described, aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to managing communications from a mobile device. In accordance with one embodiment, a method for establishing a communication session with a contact is provided. The method includes causing information about at least one contact associated with the user to be displayed on the mobile device and receiving input to initiate a communication session with the contact. Then, if the identified contact is associated with a CB radio, a CB based communication session is established in which audio is transmitted and received from the mobile device using a CB radio communication unit. On the other hand, if the identified contact is associated with a remote device capable of performing data-based communications, a data-based communication session is established and which data is transmitted and received in accordance with IP-based protocols.

In-vehicle communication device with social networking

A tool is provided to allow a user to customize the components of a vehicle instrument panel from an Internet-enabled Web site. A user can navigate to a Web site and select a vehicle for configuration. From the Web site, input may be obtained regarding the components and appearance of an instrument panel such as selecting particular types of components (e.g., display panels, gauges, etc.) and arranging where the selected components are to be located. The input generated by a user is translated into a build specification for assembling the instrument panel at the manufacturer. Accordingly, the system and method serve as an interface between the Web site that obtains user configuration data and a manufacturer's system that manages assembly of the vehicle.

Customized instrument evaluation and ordering tool

Aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to a graphical display that provides a visual enhancement in conveying a vehicle reading. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that causes the graphical display to render a border of an instrument with a distinguishing visual attribute. More specifically, the method includes assigning a priority level to an instrument used to convey a vehicle reading. When an abnormal condition is identified, the instrument is assigned an enhanced priority level that corresponds to the abnormal condition. Then, the method causes the graphical display to render the instrument, wherein that border of the instrument is depicted with an enhanced visual attribute indicative of the abnormal condition. In this regard, the enhanced visual attribute distinguishes the instrument from one or more other instruments depicted on the graphical display that are not assigned an enhanced priority level.

Visual enhancement for instrument panel

Aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to customizing the colors of instruments that are used to convey vehicle readings. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that obtains input to perform a color change to one or more instruments presented on a graphical display. For each instrument affected by the color change, a determination is made regarding whether a threshold level of contrast exists between a symbol graphic of the instrument and one or more background colors. If a threshold level of contrast does not exist, the contrast ratio between the symbol graphic and one or more background colors is adjusted to at least the threshold level. Then the method causes the graphical display to render the one or more instruments in accordance with the received color selections.

Customizable graphical display

An entertainment systems having enhanced functionally and methods therefor are provided. Embodiments of the system allow an operator to assign multiple groups of radio stations to the radio station presets of the system according to different geographical regions located along a calculated route. As the system travels along the calculated route, the radio station presets of the system are updated to correspond to the present location of the system.

Growing community of inventors

Roanoke, TX, United States of America

Christopher Tarte