The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 16, 2003
Filed:
Aug. 28, 2000
Chikao Nagasaka, Aichi-ken, JP;
Yoshihiro Ohkura, Aichi-ken, JP;
Hiroshi Tsuge, Aichi-ken, JP;
Toru Nakamura, Aichi-ken, JP;
Abstract
An input device for use in a vehicle for inputting settings pertaining to a driver's intention of acceleration and deceleration includes a running mode selection switch and an acceleration/deceleration switch. A plurality of modes, for example, a manual speed change mode, an automatic speed change mode, a speed setting mode, and a distance-between-cars setting mode, are selectively set in the running mode selection switch. The acceleration/deceleration switch allows an accelerating or decelerating operation in correspondence to the selected mode. Operation switches which have been conventionally provided separately for each of functions are integrated into two parts, that is, the running mode selection switch and the acceleration/deceleration switch. After a desired mode has been selected, a desired function can be realized only by operation corresponding to a driver's intention of acceleration or deceleration. Accordingly, even if the driver is not experienced in using a plurality of functions, more reasonable operation suited for human perception and reaction allows the driver to become easily accustomed to use the device.