Multimedia information and control system for automobiles

Abstract

In a multimedia information and control system for use in an automobile, at least one interface is employed which enables a user to access information concerning the automobile and control vehicle functions in an efficient manner. The user may select one of a plurality of displayed options on a screen of such an interface. Through audio, video and/or text media, the user is provided with information concerning the selected option and the vehicle function corresponding thereto. Having been so informed, the user may activate the selected option to control the corresponding vehicle function.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . An information system for use in a vehicle comprising:
 an output including at least a display;   a processor unit for providing information related to operation of a plurality of devices in the vehicle and for identifying an event of a plurality of events related to a condition of the vehicle and determining information for coping with the identified event, wherein an audible notification is provided via the output in response to the identified event, the audible notification being an audible notification from a library of audible notifications, at least one of what is pre-selectable by a user, and the notification is provided based on occurrence of the identified event; and   an interface for selection of an option for a user to obtain the information for coping with the identified event.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the option is displayed on the display. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the output includes at least one speaker and the at least one options are provided audibly via the at least one speaker. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein information related to operation of a device related to the identified event is provided via the output in response to selection of the at least one option. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 24  wherein the output includes at least one speaker and the audible notification is output via the at least one speaker. 
     
     
         18 . The system  claim 13  wherein the plurality of devices includes a fuel gauge. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the plurality of devices includes a speedometer. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the plurality of devices includes a tachometer. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the identified event relates to an environmental condition within the vehicle. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the plurality of devices includes a climate control. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the plurality of devices includes an engine. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the identified event relates to the engine overheating. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the identified event relates to a tire pressure of a tire of the vehicle. 
     
     
         26 . A method for use in a system in a vehicle, the system having at least a processor, a display and a speaker, the method comprising:
 providing information concerning status and operation of a plurality of devices in the vehicle;   identifying an event of a plurality of events related to a condition of the vehicle and determining information for coping with the identified event;   providing an audible notification of the identified event, wherein the audible notification is an audible notification from a library of audible notifications, at least one of which is pre-selectable by a user, and the audible notification is provided based on the identified event;   outputting a displayed indication of a selectable option for the user to obtain information to cope with the identified event; and   outputting the information to cope with the identified event in response to selection of the selectable option.   
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26  wherein the audible alert is output via a speaker. 
     
     
         28 . The method  claim 26  wherein the plurality of devices includes a fuel gauge. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 26  wherein the plurality of devices includes a speedometer. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 26  wherein the plurality of devices includes a tachometer. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 26  wherein the identified event relates to an environmental condition within the vehicle. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 26  wherein the plurality of devices includes a climate control. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 26  wherein the plurality of devices includes an engine. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33  wherein the identified event relates to the engine overheating. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 26  wherein the identified event relates to a tire pressure of a tire of the vehicle.