United Technologies Automotive Systems Inc.

United Technologies Automotive Inc.

John E Lahiff

David L Juzswik

A vehicle steering wheel is provided with a thin reconfigurable display such as an LED, an LCD, an electro-luminescent display, or other types of reconfigurable thin display. Vehicle instrument information such as speedometer, fuel level, vehicle temperature, engine speed, etc. are provided on this display. The reconfigurable display is provided with a control that reconfigures the location of the information on the display. The control is provided with a signal indicative of rotation of the steering wheel, and the control takes that signal and adjusts the information such that the displayed information maintains a particular orientation relative to the horizontal during a turn. With the present invention, the vehicle operator need only consult the vehicle steering wheel to obtain information about the vehicle condition. There are thus less constraints on the design of the steering wheel, and in the requirement of providing visual access to the instrument panel.

Vehicle information display on steering wheel surface

An improved display for steering wheels places display elements on the rim of the steering wheel. In this way, an operator of a vehicle is less likely to ignore display elements such as turn signals or warning lights. In one embodiment, lights are utilized to display the informational element. In a second embodiment a reconfigurable thin display, such as an LED, an LCD or an electro-luminescent display, is utilized. In either embodiment, the displayed information may change with rotation of the steering wheel.

Vehicle signals incorporated into steering wheel rim

A window wiper control system provides accurate regulation and/or profiling of wiper speed. A desired interval corresponding with the preselected speed or speed profile is stored; a reference signal is provided to indicate a reference position of the wiper and is used to measure the actual interval of a wiper stroke or cycle. The actual interval is compared with the desired interval and an appropriate adjustment is made in a pulse-width modulation signal for effecting a desired speed and interval. The pulse-width modulation signal preferably has a relatively-low repetition rate. The wiper speed may be profiled to include acceleration and deceleration, and the intervals of acceleration and deceleration may be lengthened substantially to provide an apparent dwell.

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Farmington Hills, MI, United States of America

John E Lahiff