DE 197 55 470 A1
`
`(12) Published unexamined
`German patent document
`(10) DE 197 55 470 A1
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`G 01 D 13/10
`G 01 P 1/08
`G 08 G 1/0962
`B 60 D 35/00
`(21) Application number: 197 55 470.9
`(22) Filing date: December 3, 1997
`(43) Date of publication: September 24, 1998
`
`
`
`
`
`
`(19) FEDERAL REPUBLIC
`OF GERMANY
`
`GERMAN PATENT OFFICE
`
`
`
`(66) Domestic priority:
`
`
`
`297 03 902.4
`297 03 903.2
`297 03 904.0
`297 04 844.9
`297 09 563.3
`297 10 675.9
`
`24 Feb 97
`24 Feb 97
`24 Feb 97
`7 Mar 97
`25 May 97
`16 Jun 97
`
`
`DE-AS 22 41 427
`DE 196 21 896 A1
`DE 196 15 249 A1
`DE 195 07 360 A1
`DE 44 09 422 A1
`DE 43 21 146 A1
`DE 43 07 367 A1
`DE 42 40 465 A1
`DE 42 30 299 A1
`DE 40 15 170 A1
`DE 40 11 840 A1
`DE 37 32 144 A1
`DE 36 22 458 A1
`DE 35 37 364 A1
`DE 33 15 386 A1
`DE 32 40 525 A1
`DE 32 38 487 A1
`DE 31 38 154 A1
`DE-OS 15 06 630
`DE 297 11 094 U1
`DE 297 04 844 U1
`DE 296 07 905 U1
`GB 23 04 658 A
`US 54 37 185 A
`EP 03 96 071 A2
`The following information is taken from the documents provided by the inventor
`(54) Display system for vehicles
`(57) A display system (1) for vehicles is
`proposed, which contains a screen (37) and
`an image generating computer (33) and is
`connected to information-providing
`elements (31) of the vehicle and which
`shows the information on the screen (37)
`with the aid of at least one pointer and at
`least one scale. At least one additional
`marking for showing additional information
`is displayed on the scale.
`
`(71) Applicant:
`Tegethoff, Marius, Dipl.-Ing., 10559 Berlin, DE
`(74) Agent:
`PFENNING MEINIG & PARTNER, 10707 Berlin
`(72) Inventor:
`Same as applicant
`(56) Printed publications to be taken into consideration for
`evaluating patentability:
`DE 38 29 803 C1
`DE 37 14 072 C2
`DE 36 22 632 C2
`DE 34 29 882 C3
`
`
`
`1
`
`PETITIONER FORD MOTOR COMPANY EX. 1010-1
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`

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`DE 197 55 470 A1
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`
`Specification
`
`The present invention relates to a display
`system
`for vehicles according
`to
`the
`preamble of the main claim.
`
`The advent of new technologies in field of
`motor vehicles also covers a redesign of the
`automobile/driver interface, in particular the
`display
`technology
`with
`screens.
`Supplementing
`the hitherto conventional
`analog
`indicator
`instruments, which are
`easily legible and generally accepted, for
`example, most newly introduced navigation
`systems require a screen as graphic output
`unit. While screens are still mostly used in
`the secondary instrumentation field (such as
`in the center console), a tendency towards
`the complete substitution of analog indicator
`instruments by a central screen can be
`observed. Here chiefly display and operation
`concepts are adopted from
`information
`technology.
`
`The use of menu structures known from the
`field of home computers
`should be
`referenced here in particular. The free
`programmability of the screen has led to a
`representation of primary drive information,
`such as the speed of a vehicle, that is a
`marked change compared
`to
`traditional
`instruments,
`(e.g.,
`the superposition of
`digital numbers instead of analog pointer
`instruments to display speed). However, the
`superposition of digital numbers requires an
`increased abstraction ability of the part of
`the driver, which can keep the driver’s
`attention from other important things (the
`conversion of a digital number into a
`graphic value representing it requires a
`special cognitive power of the driver, which
`he consequently
`lacks for other more
`important things). In addition, there is a
`danger that due to the superposition of
`unimportant additional information, display
`surface on the screen for the representation
`of particularly
`important
`information
`is
`replaced. It is therefore desirable to design
`display systems with screens such that
`primary
`driving
`information
`can
`be
`
`
`
`2
`
`the
`understood clearly and furthermore
`driver can be provided with useful additional
`information.
`
`From EP 0 771 686 A2 a display system for
`vehicles is known, which contains a screen
`and an image generating computer and is
`connected
`to
`information-providing
`elements of the vehicle and which shows the
`information on the screen with, among other
`things, the aid of at least one pointer and at
`least one scale. This display system shows
`respectively relevant information
` on a
`screen in a drive phase-dependent manner,
`for example, the image surface of the
`tachometer is larger at high speeds, etc. (the
`importance gradation of relevant driving
`information is thus shown by its visual
`dominance, this is achieved with variable
`area
`ratios of
`the
`image surfaces of
`individual driving information). This display
`system thus uses the variability of the screen
`representation to limit information to the
`driver in a specific driving situation to the
`extent of analog pointer instruments. This
`display system according to the prior art,
`however, has the disadvantage that useful
`additional information that could facilitate
`the safe and economical operation of the
`vehicle, is thus hidden. Moreover, the driver
`can be unsettled by the constant change of
`the size of the image surfaces for individual
`driving information.
`
`The object of the present invention is to
`create a display system that has the good
`readability of analog pointer instruments
`and, moreover, in an easily understandable
`manner provides additional information that
`facilitates the safe and economical operation
`of the vehicle. This object is attained with a
`display system according to the main claim.
`
`Because in a display system according to the
`preamble at least one additional marking is
`displayed on the scale to represent additional
`information, on the one hand the standards
`known to drivers can be maintained by the
`imitation of analog pointer instruments and,
`moreover,
`the possibility of
`showing
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`PETITIONER FORD MOTOR COMPANY EX. 1010-2
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`DE 197 55 470 A1
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`additional information inherent in screen
`technology can be used. Due
`to
`the
`provision of the additional information on
`the scale itself, this is in the driver’s direct
`field of view. In contrast to separate
`instruments
`for
`additional
`information,
`awareness is thus considerably facilitated for
`the driver. Moreover, connections between
`different driving parameters can be clarified
`to the driver in a very clear and intuitively
`comprehensible manner (such as by the
`integration of a marking that displays a
`braking distance or stopping distance in a
`display for showing the vehicle speed.
`While a very high abstraction effort by the
`driver for recognizing such connections is
`demanded
`in
`the case of
`separate
`instruments, the display system according to
`the invention makes it possible to clarify a
`connection of this type even to a driver
`without
`technical
`expertise. Thus
`a
`particularly safe and economical operation
`of his vehicle is significantly facilitated even
`for this type of driver.
`
`Advantageous further developments of the
`present invention are given in the dependent
`claims.
`
`An advantageous further development of the
`invention provides that the marking can be
`shown as a mark marking any desired scale
`point within a range covered by the scale
`and is contrasted to the scale by shape
`and/or color. Accordingly, the representation
`of a display band, either in the form of a bar,
`a circle sector or a circular ring sector is also
`possible for marking a specific range.
`Depending on the required use, it is also
`possible for the marking to follow the
`movement of the pointer. Moreover, it is
`possible
`for
`the marking,
`retaining
`its
`position and shape, to be shown in different
`colors and/or thicknesses, for instance, in
`order to indicate the relevance of specific
`additional
`information. This diversity of
`imaging possibilities ensures
`that in the
`range of the scale any additional information
`can be conveyed in a form particularly
`accessible for the driver.
`
`
`
`3
`
`further
`advantageous
`particularly
`A
`development of the invention provides that
`the
`information-providing elements are
`respectively embodied at least as elements
`for measuring speed, for measuring rpm, for
`measuring the inlet manifold pressure, for
`measuring fuel consumption, for measuring
`the fuel tank contents, for measuring the
`power and the temperature of a drive engine
`of the vehicle, for measuring a distance, for
`receiving
`transmitters for traffic control
`external to the vehicle, etc.. This makes it
`possible
`to display known
`instruments
`composed of pointer and scale in connection
`with
`the embodiments of the markings
`described above. This also makes it possible
`to display connections between different
`parameters particularly easily. Moreover, it
`is advantageous to connect the display
`system to an on-board computer, which in
`turn
`is connected
`to
`the
`information-
`providing elements, since this makes it
`possible to display calculated values, such as
`mean values, for example, with the aid of
`markings.
`
`embodiment
`advantageous
`further
`A
`respectively at
`least
`the
`provides
`that
`position, extent, shape or color of the
`markings represent information on other
`physical values than the information shown
`with the aid of scale and pointer represents.
`This makes it possible to inform even the
`technically
`inexperienced driver of
`the
`connections between different basic driving
`parameters in an intuitively comprehensible
`manner,
`such as by means of
`the
`representation
`of markings
`for
`fuel
`consumption in a display composed of scale
`and pointer for the speed of the vehicle.
`
`A particularly advantageous embodiment
`provides that at least the representation of
`the scale, the pointer, the marking or other
`information respectively can be changed by
`a control device switched by an operator
`and/or
`according
`to
`the
`information-
`providing elements. This ensures that in
`certain driving situations
`in which
`the
`displays based on scale and pointer are not
`necessary or are necessary only to a limited
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`PETITIONER FORD MOTOR COMPANY EX. 1010-3
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`extent, further displays such as, for example,
`a map according to a navigation system or a
`parking aid or the operation of a car radio
`can be shown. It is an advantage hereby that
`a base setting of the representation of the
`scale, the pointer and the marking and/or
`further
`information can be shown by
`actuating a reset button, and/or that the
`markings can be faded out. This ensures that
`in an emergency situation, for instance, an
`unsuitable display on the screen triggered by
`the operator or the information-providing
`elements can be switched immediately back
`to a preset base setting. The entanglement in
`menu hierarchies possible with display
`systems according to the prior art under
`some circumstances and a
`traffic risk
`associated therewith is thus prevented.
`
`A particularly advantageous embodiment of
`the display
`system according
`to
`the
`invention provides that the connection to the
`information-providing
`elements
`can be
`produced via a standard interface and/or a
`display method of the scale, the pointer and
`the marking as well as the output of any
`information-providing
`elements
`can be
`freely determined by a free programing
`ability of the image generating computer.
`This ensures
`that
`the display system
`according to the invention can be used for a
`plurality of different vehicle types, without a
`replacement of hardware being necessary.
`On the one hand, this has a cost-reducing
`effect;
`on
`the other hand, vehicle
`manufacturers who offer a wide range of
`different models
`depending
`on
`the
`equipment variant and destination country
`can freely program the image generating
`computer (no high costs are incurred for
`purchasing or stocking different models).
`
`Further advantageous embodiments are
`given in the other dependent claims.
`
`the
`Several exemplary embodiments of
`present invention are explained below based
`on figures.
`
`They show:
`
`
`
`4
`
`Fig. 1 a display system according to the
`invention installed in a vehicle,
`
`Fig. 2 a display according to the invention
`of the current speed of the vehicle and of
`additional information,
`
`Fig. 3 a display according to the invention
`of the current speed of a drive engine of the
`vehicle and of additional information,
`
`Fig. 4 a display according to the invention
`of the current fuel consumption of a drive
`engine of the vehicle as well as additional
`information,
`
`Figs. 5a, 5b and 5c a display according to
`the
`invention for graphic illustration of
`distances.
`
`Fig. 1 shows a display system 1 according to
`the invention with a screen 37 and an image
`generating computer 33, which is connected
`to
`information-providing elements 31 as
`well as an on-board computer 32. There is a
`further connection between the information-
`providing elements 31 and the on-board
`computer 32. Depending on the embodiment
`of the display system 1, it is also possible to
`connect the information-providing systems
`31 only via the on-board computer 32 to the
`image generating computer 33. The screen
`37 is attached in the direct field of vision of
`a driver operating the steering wheel 36.
`Naturally, it is also possible to project the
`information
`generated on
`the
`image
`generating computer 33 directly on the
`windscreen 30.
`
`The representation of the screen 37 covered
`in Fig. 1 comprises a round instrument 34
`composed of a scale and pointer which is
`designed
`based
`on
`analog
`pointer
`instruments and in its basic form cannot be
`distinguished
`outwardly
`from
`purely
`mechanical devices. However, in the present
`case “round
`instrument” by no means
`indicates a limitation to a purely circular
`shape, any rounded shapes and also ellipsoid
`designs are also possible. Moreover, on the
`screen 37 a bar instrument 35 is shown
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`PETITIONER FORD MOTOR COMPANY EX. 1010-4
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`DE 197 55 470 A1
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`which likewise is composed of a scale and
`pointer. By means of a control device, not
`shown in further detail here, switched by an
`operator
`and/or
`according
`to
`the
`information-providing
`instruments
`31,
`respectively at least the image of the scale,
`of the pointer, of the marking or other
`information can be changed on the screen
`37, which is designed, for example, as a
`high-resolution LCD display and renders
`possible multicolored
`images. Thus, for
`example, by superposition and masking of
`the shown round instrument 34 and of the
`bar instrument 35, further information can
`be shown, such as a scale for showing a
`stylized image of a vehicle 23. Furthermore,
`traffic control information can be displayed,
`which,
`for
`example,
`is
`supplied by
`information-providing
`elements
`31
`embodied as elements for the reception of
`transmitters for traffic control outside the
`vehicle. Of course, information of further
`information-providing elements 31, such as
`camera devices or a car radio, can also be
`displayed.
`
`Moreover, Fig. 1 shows a reset button 38.
`By pressing this reset button a base setting
`of the image on the screen 37 can be
`generated. This is advantageous in particular
`in situations in which, for instance by
`manual influence of the information shown
`on the screen 37, an original image is to be
`quickly
`reestablished,
`for example,
`in
`dangerous situations. An entanglement in
`hierarchies, such as is possible in other
`display systems that are strongly based on
`user guidance in computers, is thus ruled
`out. It
`is moreover provided
`that
`the
`connection
`to
`the
`information-providing
`elements can be established via a standard
`interface. This can take place directly by
`connection
`to
`the
`image
`generating
`computer 33 as well as indirectly, for
`example, by connection to the on-board
`computer 32. This means that the image
`generating computer 33 as well as the screen
`37 can be used independently of a specific
`vehicle
`type. Furthermore,
`the
`image
`generating computer 33 can be embodied
`such that the representation on the screen,
`
`
`
`5
`
`such as of pointers, markings and scales, can
`be programmed completely freely. This
`ensures that a desired imaging method can
`be set for a plurality of vehicle types as well
`as for vehicles of the same type that are
`intended for a different destination country.
`This requirement results, for example, from
`the fact that in the Federal Republic of
`Germany the speed display is usually in
`kilometers per hour, in the U.S., however,
`the speed is displayed in miles per hour.
`
`information-providing
`the
`principle,
`In
`elements31 can be embodied as any desired
`elements, for example, as elements for
`measuring speed, for rpm measurement, for
`measuring fuel consumption, for measuring
`the fuel tank contents, for measuring the
`power and the temperature of a drive engine
`of the vehicle, for measuring a distance, for
`the reception of transmitters outside the
`vehicle for traffic control, for odometer
`measurement, as a database with traffic
`control information, as a database for giving
`the achievable maximum power depending
`on the rotational speed and the load situation
`of the drive engine of the vehicle, sensors
`for determining external
`influences, car
`radio, camera device or installation for
`speed regulation.
`
`Fig. 2 shows a display according to the
`invention for the current speed of the vehicle
`as well as additional
`information. The
`pointer for speed measurement 2 shows a
`current speed 39 of the vehicle on the scale
`for speed measurement 29. The speed is
`given in kilometers per hour. Furthermore,
`an odometer 6 is provided, which counts in
`kilometer units. This can be embodied
`mechanically and be readable through a
`corresponding transparent section of the
`screen 37, however, it is advantageous to
`display the odometer 6 as a simulation of a
`mechanical odometer with the aid of the
`image generating computer 33 according to
`a
`corresponding
`information-providing
`element (odometer element).
`
`A marking embodied as a mark for
`indicating an average speed 3 indicates the
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`PETITIONER FORD MOTOR COMPANY EX. 1010-5
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`DE 197 55 470 A1
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`average speed of the vehicle calculated by
`an on-board computer for a previously
`selected reference period or a reference
`distance. This marking, which is embodied
`as a mark marking any scale point in a range
`covered by the scale, stands out from the
`scale by
`its
`shape and additionally
`preferably by its color.
`
`currently
`a
`indicating
`for
`A mark
`permissible maximum speed 5 shows a
`permissible maximum speed for the road
`section where the car is currently located.
`This maximum speed can either be set
`manually or according to an element for
`navigation and a database with traffic
`control information or by an element for
`receiving transmitters outside the vehicle for
`traffic control. Naturally, it is also possible
`to display a desired speed that can be set by
`the operator or a desired speed determined
`by a system for speed control, such as
`according to consumption targets, with a
`corresponding mark on the scale for speed
`measurement 29. This is regardless of
`whether
`the system for speed control
`contains the desired speed or the driver
`intervenes directly in the speed control.
`
`In Fig. 2 a mark embodied in a triangular
`manner for indicating a desired speed 4
`determined by the system for speed control,
`in which a consumption of 7.5 l per 100 km
`is achieved, is shown. A consumption limit
`of this type, such as 7.5 l for 100 km, can be
`set by the operator before the start of the
`trip. It is used for simply clarifying the
`connection between the fuel consumption
`and the current speed of the vehicle. It is
`useful to couple these two values in a clearly
`visible and easily comprehensible manner
`on a common instrument, even if the two
`data have different physical units. By
`orientation to a mark of this type, the driver
`can adjust his way driving such that he does
`not exceed a consumption mark set by him.
`Furthermore, in the running operation of the
`vehicle without having to look at a separate
`consumption display and thus taking his
`attention from other things, he can check
`whether he is currently above a consumption
`
`
`
`6
`
`target set by him or is below it. Without
`being aware of it, the driver is hereby taught
`to maintain an economic driving style. It is
`likewise possible
`to show a moveable
`display band (not shown here), that is
`embodied as a consumption scale section,
`below the pointer for speed measurement
`(the display band hereby changes its position
`according to the pointer movement).
`
`Furthermore, Fig. 2 shows a display band
`embodied as a circular ring sector for
`identifying a distance 7 that indicates the
`length of the distance from a vehicle ahead.
`The display band 7 indicating the distance
`extends from the left start of the scale to a
`first end point 8. The distance from the
`vehicle ahead is hereby supplied by an
`information-providing element
`(e.g., an
`element
`for
`receiving
`traffic
`control
`transmitters outside
`the vehicle or an
`element for measuring a distance). A
`display band embodied as a circular ring
`sector for indicating a braking distance or a
`stopping distance runs between the left end
`of the scale and a second end point 10. The
`braking distance or stopping distance is
`determined by the on-board computer in
`interaction
`with
`information-providing
`elements (e.g., an element for measuring a
`distance or sensors for determining external
`influences, elements of a system for traction
`control, anti-lock braking system, system for
`temperature measuring etc. already present
`in the vehicle can be used hereby). If the
`distance determined, for example, by the
`element
`for measuring a distance
`is
`exceeded by
`the braking distance or
`stopping distance determined, in the present
`case the determined braking distance or
`stopping distance is shown such that a part
`showing how much is exceeded (between
`the first end point 8 and the second end
`point 10 in a marking representing the
`braking distance or stopping distance) is
`shown in a different color and/or thickness
`than the other part (in this case the display
`band for indicating a distance 7). The above-
`mentioned distance
`information,
`i.e. the
`distance or the braking distance or stopping
`distance, is measured in a different physical
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`PETITIONER FORD MOTOR COMPANY EX. 1010-6
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`unit from the speeds entered on the scale. To
`achieve a safe driving style that helps to
`maintain crucial distances,
`it
`is not
`absolutely necessary to quantify the distance
`or the braking distance or the stopping
`distance exactly. The statement of a physical
`unit (such as meters, as the legend of the
`additional information 11 in the present
`example shows) is not absolutely necessary.
`Instead, the driver should be encouraged to
`drive so
`that
`the braking distance or
`stopping distance does not exceed the
`distance from the vehicle ahead, which is
`easily
`possible
`by
`display
`bands
`distinguished in different colors. In cases in
`which no distance is shown, the driver can
`be warned in that the marking indicating the
`braking distance or
`stopping distance
`changes color, thickness or also shape when
`a predetermined critical value is exceeded
`(also while maintaining its position).
`
`A distance warning without marking for the
`braking distance or stopping distance can
`also be carried out in that the marking 5 for
`the maximum speed is tracked on that speed
`value at which the resulting braking distance
`or stopping distance would remain below the
`critical distance.
`
`In order to avoid confusing the driver by too
`many markings, it is possible to superpose
`or mask certain markings by means of a
`control device (not shown). The situation
`presented above for a round instrument can
`also be applied analogously
`to a bar
`instrument or other types of instruments. In
`this case the shapes of the markings are to
`be adapted accordingly, but the function
`remains the same. With the markings shown
`above in the shape of marks or display bars,
`the
`coloring
`can
`also help quicker
`classification of information by the driver.
`Thus, for example, warnings that require
`immediate action or represent a critical
`technical or legislative limit, can appear in
`the color red (e.g., a maximum speed or the
`part of the braking distance or stopping
`distance that exceeds the distance to the
`vehicle ahead). Indications
`that require
`special attention but do not show a critical
`
`
`
`7
`
`limit is exceeded can appear in the color
`yellow or orange (e.g. braking distance or
`stopping distance when a critical distance is
`not exceeded). Indications that have the
`nature of a recommendation of an action can
`appear in the color green. Information that
`has the nature of optional neutral additional
`information appears in blue (e.g., average
`speed).
`
`The shape of the marks is also designed so
`the displayed additional information can be
`easily
`distinguished.
`Such
`additional
`information that has a quasi-static nature,
`appears for example as an additional partial
`line on the scale. A partial line of this type
`stands out only in color or thickness from
`the rest of the scale (e.g., maximum or
`average speed). Marks that designate, for
`example, desired values
`for automatic
`control systems, however, (such as with
`round instruments) are shown as a triangle
`pointing radially inwards (desired speed of
`the system for speed regulation 5).
`
`Fig. 3 shows a scale for rpm indicator 12,
`which together with a pointer for the rpm
`indicator 13 displays a current rpm 40. The
`mark for indicating a minimum desired rpm
`15 extending from the center point of the
`scale to the edge of the scale shows a
`desired rpm at which a currently indicated
`power of the drive engine is available. A
`recommendation can be herewith be made
`for setting a longer transmission ratio of a
`transmission connected to the drive engine,
`for instance, in order to save fuel. The
`display of
`this minimum desired
`rpm,
`however, can also be carried out in a
`different way, for example, by means of a
`display band that is embodied as a curved
`arrow-shaped auxiliary pointer 14.
`
`The display system 1 contains information-
`providing elements that are embodied as a
`database
`for
`showing
`the achievable
`maximum power depending on the rpm and
`the load situation of the drive engine of the
`vehicle. Moreover, the current rpm and the
`current induction pipe pressure are known
`from the elements for rpm measurement as
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`PETITIONER FORD MOTOR COMPANY EX. 1010-7
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`
`
`inlet manifold
`the
`well as measuring
`pressure. With the aid of these current
`values as well as the engine map given in
`the database, for example, the on-board
`computer or also the image generating
`computer can determine
`the currently
`provided power. Naturally, it is also possible
`to extrapolate the load situation instead of
`by direct measurement of the inlet manifold
`pressure, for instance, by means of the
`throttle valve position. Moreover, it is also
`possible to directly determine the current
`power by means of an element
`for
`measuring the power. Based on the known
`engine map the minimum desired rpm is
`now determined at which in the case of a
`fully opened throttle valve the currently
`provided power
`is achieved. Now
`the
`difference between the minimum desired
`rpm and the current rpm is determined, for
`example, by
`the on-board computer.
`Moreover, the on-board computer knows
`which transmission ratio (that is, lower rpm
`level with same current speed of the vehicle)
`of a transmission connected to the drive
`engine
`is currently set
`(this can be
`determined either from the ratio of current
`rpm to current speed or also by suitable
`sensors, such as on the shift lever). Now the
`computer can determine with the aid of the
`engine map stored in the database which
`rpm would result if a longer transmission
`ratio were set. If this rpm is above the
`minimum desired rpm, this is displayed by
`the display of a corresponding marking, for
`example a display band, which is embodied
`as a curved, arrow-shaped auxiliary pointer
`14.
`
`This shift recommendation for achieving a
`minimum rpm that is sufficient for an
`estimated desired power gives the driver a
`general visual
`report on whether his
`selection of the transmission is useful for the
`current driving maneuver – with the desired
`acceleration as indicator – or furthermore
`gives him gradual information on which
`gear
`is more
`sensible. This
`shift
`recommendation for achieving a minimum
`desired rpm which is sufficient for achieving
`
`
`
`8
`
`an estimated desired power, contributes to a
`lower rpm driving method.
`
`the above-mentioned manner further
`In
`desired rpms can also be identified, for
`example, those that identify an estimated
`power
`for achieving a predetermined
`acceleration state.
`
`(gas pedal
`throttle valve setting
`The
`position) is hereby determined, for example,
`by the computer and interpreted as a power
`demand by the driver from the drive engine
`in order to achieve a desired acceleration
`state. Then with the aid of the information-
`providing element, which is embodied as a
`database for giving the achievable maximum
`power depending on the rpm and the load
`condition of the drive engine of the vehicle,
`a minimum desired rpm is determined from
`the power full load curve with which a
`desired power corresponding to this power
`demand is achieved. An “rpm difference 1”
`is thereupon formed from the current rpm
`minus
`this determined minimum desired
`rpm. Since, for example, the on-board
`computer also knows at which transmission
`ratio a transmission linked to the drive
`engine is currently driven (such as by
`forming a ratio from current rpm and current
`speed or by sensors on the gear stick) the
`following
`case differentiation
`is now
`possible:
`
`The rpm difference 1 is positive (the desired
`rpm is below the current rpm): if the highest
`possible
`transmission
`ratio
`is set, no
`marking
`is shown on
`the
`tachometer.
`Otherwise, the computer establishes which
`rpm would result if a higher gear (for
`example, the next highest) were set. The
`difference from this calculated rpm and the
`current rpm is the “rpm difference 2.”
`
`The rpm difference is negative (the desired
`rpm is above the current rpm): if the lowest
`possible
`transmission
`ratio
`is set, no
`marking
`is shown on
`the
`tachometer.
`Otherwise, the computer establishes which
`rpm would result if a lower gear (for
`example, the next lowest) were set. The
`
`PETITIONER FORD MOTOR COMPANY EX. 1010-8
`
`

`
`DE 197 55 470 A1
`
`
`
`difference from this calculated rpm and the
`current rpm in turn is referred to as “rpm
`difference 2.”
`
`If the rpm difference 2 is greater in terms of
`amount than the rpm difference 1, a marking
`appears in the tachometer, which indicates
`the minimum desired rpm. If the rpm
`difference 1 was positive, a lower rpm is
`marked (recommendation to upshift), if it
`was negative, a higher rpm is marked
`(recommendation to downshift).
`
`Furthermore, a display band embodied as a
`circular ring sector for identifying a critical
`rpm 16 is used in Fig. 3 to identify a critical
`rpm range. It is possible to vary the size of
`this display band, which extends from a
`limit
`rpm 43
`to
`the right scale end,
`depending on other parameters, such as, for
`example,
`the
`temperature of
`the drive
`engine. This makes it possible in a simple
`manner to achieve a longer service life of
`the engine. The driver does not hereby need
`to make any abstraction effort (reading two
`separate instruments). The display band for
`displaying the critical rpm, of course, can
`also have other shapes, for example, that of
`a circle segment.
`
`In addition to the types of marking described
`above, naturally others are possible, for
`example, shapes known from the above
`figures. With the display of markings for
`indicating desired rpms it is advantageous,
`for example, that the superposition of the
`markings does not take place until an rpm
`difference between the current rpm of the
`drive engine and the desired rpm is at least
`so large as an rpm difference that would
`result from the selection of a different
`transmission
`ratio
`of
`a
`transmission
`connected to the drive engine. Unnecessary
`additional information is hereby kept away
`from the driver.
`
`In Fig. 4 a current fuel consumption 41 of
`the drive engine is displayed with the aid of
`a scale for consumption display 17 and the
`pointer for consumption display 18. A mark
`preferably d