GB2494420A

GB2494420A - Rotary control knob with display

Info

Publication number: GB2494420A
Application number: GB1115433.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wayne Curtis; David Taylor
Original assignee: Jaguar Cars Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2011-09-07
Filing date: 2011-09-07
Publication date: 2013-03-13
Anticipated expiration: 2031-09-07
Also published as: GB2494420B; GB201115433D0

Abstract

A multifunction rotary control device for controlling a system provides control signals to the system responsive to actuation of a manually operable rotary means 112 and a switch 110S. A display 116 displays information of a plurality of operational modes of the system and presents the information to a user for viewing within a circular area of the device, centered on an axis of rotation A of the rotary means and of radius equal to the distance from the axis to its radially outer boundary. The rotary means can be a knob; circular; gripped by a users hand and comprise a lever (fig 8, 212). The switch can be a mechanical switch and operated by pressing the knob, the display or a window 117 through which the display is viewed. The display can comprise a touch screen, which can provide the switch; be fixed in orientation while the rotary means rotates; and be within a circular area inward of the rotary means. Plural user input modes and control functions can be selected and controlled by the switch and rotary means in combination. The control device can control a system such as a climate control, including functions of ventilation, air temperature, and seat heating/cooling temperature in a motor vehicle.

Description

ROTARY CONTROL AND METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to rotary controls, and in particular to multi-function rotary controls.

BACKGROUND

It is known to provide a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system for a motor vehicle operable to maintain a cabin temperature of the vehicle at a prescribed target temperature. A rotary control may be provided for setting the target temperature. A display may be provided for displaying an indication of the target cabin temperature set by the control.

In one arrangement a vehicle is provided having a rotary control for controlling the target cabin temperature in which the target temperature is displayed on a display located coaxial of the rotary control.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a multifunction rotary control device for controlling a system, the device comprising: a manually operable rotary means operable to provide a control signal to the system responsive to rotation of the rotary means; switch means operable to provide a control signal to the system responsive to actuation of the switch means; and display means for displaying information, wherein the display means is operable to display information in respect of each of a plurality of operational modes of the system, the display means being arranged to present the information to a user for viewing on a surface area of the device that is centred on an axis of rotation of the rotary means.

The surface area of the device on which the information is displayed may be substantially circular and/or may be of radius substantially equal to a distance from the axis of rotation to a radially outer boundary of the rotary means.

Embodiments of the invention have the advantage that a single rotary control device may be provided for providing a plurality of different control signals, one in respect of the state of the switch and the other in respect of the state of the rotary means.

Thus for example the switch means may be operable to switch the system between different operational modes, such as between an automatic mode and a manual mode of operation of the system. When in one or more of the operational modes the rotary means may be operable to control a value of one or more parameters associated with the operational mode, such as a fan speed of a HVAC system when in a manual fan speed control mode, a temperature of air delivered by the HVAC system when in an air temperature control mode, a heating oi cooling level of a seat when in a seat temperature control mode, or to change a configuration of any other operational mode of the system.

Furthermore, embodiments of the invention have the advantage that a display means may be viewed at a location within the circular area defined by the rotary means reducing an amount of surface area of a console that is occupied by the rotary means and display means, the display means providing information in respect of a plurality of operational modes.

In the case that the rotary means is circular, the display means is arranged to be visible at a location within a boundary defined by the rotary means. In some arrangements all of the information displayed by the display portion at a given moment in time is visible within this boundary.

In some embodiments the display means does not extend beyond the circular area defined by the rotary means. In some embodiments the substantially circular area of the device is substantially normal to the axis of rotation of the rotary means.

Furthermore, since the display means is operable to display information in respect of a plurality of operational modes of the system, information in respect of each mode may be more conveniently viewed by a user since they do not need to view a display remote from the device. For example in the case of a device for controlling an HVAC system the display may indicate whether the HVAC system is on or off. When the HVAC system is on the display may indicated whether an automatic mode is active or whether a manual mode is active. If automatic mode is active, the display means may provides a suitable indication, for example by displaying a corresponding graphic symbol and/or the word AUTO. It is therefore apparent to a user that automatic mode is active and manual mode is inactive.

If manual mode is active the display means may provide a suitable indication, for example by not displaying the indication in respect of automatic mode and optionally by displaying a fan speed icon showing the selected fan speed in the manual mode. It is therefore apparent to a user that manual mode is active and automatic mode is inactive.

In some embodiments the device may be operable to switch the HVAC system between on and off states by actuation of the switch means. The device may be further operable to switch the HVAC system between automatic and manual operational modes by rotation of the rotary means when the HVAC system is in the automatic mode. As noted above the device may be operable to select a required state of the HVAC system when in manual mode. For example, the device may allow selection of a required fan speed by rotation of the rotary means.

Other arrangements are also useful.

Advantageously the switch means is arranged to be actuated by pressing at least one selected from amongst the rotary means and the display means.

Optionally the device comprises mechanical switch means.

Advantageously the rotary means comprises a grip portion arranged to be gripped by digits of a user's hand.

Further advantageously the rotary means is coupled to a window portion of the device through which the display means is viewed such that the switch means is operable by pressing either one of the rotary means and the window portion.

Advantageously the rotary means comprises a substantially circular knob.

By the word knob is included any suitable rotary means such as a ring, a wheel or dial.

Alternatively the rotary means may comprise a lever.

Thus it is to be understood that the rotary means need not be circular, but may for example be in the form of one or more levers. A single lever may be provided to one side of the display means. Alternatively a plurality of levers may be provided at spaced apart locations around the display moans.

Advantageously the rotary means is rotatable with respect to the display portion such that the display portion remains in a substantially fixed orientation as the rotary means is rotated.

Optionally the display means comprises a touch screen. The touch screen may be operable to provide the switch means.

Thus, the switch means may be provided by a touch-sensitive display. The touch-screen display may provide switch means in addition to or instead of mechanical switch means.

The display may comprise an LCD (liquid crystal display) or OLED (organic light emitting diode) display configured to display preset graphic symbols and/or text formed in the display.

Alternatively the display may comprise a pixellated display operable to display different graphics or text in a given area of the display in the conventional manner.

Further advantageously the display means is arranged only to be visible at locations within the substantially circular area.

Thus in some embodiments the display means is visible only radially inner of the rotary means and does not extend beyond a circular boundary defined by the radially outer boundary of the rotary means.

Advantageously the display means is visible at a location that is substantially coaxial of the rotary means.

This feature provides improved user enjoyment of the device in some embodiments due to improved visual appearance of the device.

Advantageously the display means is provided within the substantially circular area of the device.

Thus the display means which may be a panel is physically located within the area.

The display means is advantageously provided radially inward of the rotary means.

In some embodiments the device is configured to allow scrolling of the display, for example under the control of an external controller or of a controller integrated with the device.

The device may provide haptic feedback.

In some embodiments the display is configurable to allow information in respect of different functions to be displayed sequentially, when required.

For example, by actuating the device (for example pressing and releasing the switch means or rotating and releasing the rotary means) the device may be operable to assume a mode in which control of a different function is allowed. Thus the device may be considered to be bi-stable (in the case two functions are controllable) or multi-stable (in the event more than two functions are controllable) since upon release of the switch means or rotary means the device remains (at least for a period of time) in a mode allowing control of the selected function. This is in contrast to known mechanical devices in which one function may be controlled by rotation of a knob and another function by depressing the knob and rotating the knob whilst the knob is depressed. The mechanical devices are monostable, in contrast to some embodiments of the present invention.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a device according to the preceding aspect in combination with control means for a system, wherein the rotary means is operable by the control means to control each of a plurality of functions associated with the system.

Reference to control of each of the functions is meant that the device may change or adjust a parameter or configuration of the function, for example a target air temperature in the case of an air temperature control function.

The device may be operable sequentially to control each of the plurality of functions.

The device may be operable to assume one of a plurality of user input modes in which a user may provide an input to the device to control each of the plurality of functions.

For example the control means may be operable to assume a mode in which it allows a function of a climate control system to be controlled. For example it may be operable to assume a mode in which a cabin air temperature control function may be set. The control means may be further operable to assume a mode in which it allows a seat heating/cooling function to be set to heat or cool the seat.

Advantageously the device is operable to select the function to be controlled by means of the switch means.

For example, the device may select a cabin air temperature control function, a seat temperature control function and/or any other suitable function by means of the switch means.

In addition or instead the device may be operable to select the function to be controlled by means of the rotary moans.

The device may be operable to control the selected function by means of the switch means.

For example, a parameter associated with the function or a configuration associated with the function.

For example, the device may control the cabin air temperature function to set a target cabin air temperature. The device may control the seat temperature control function to set a heating or cooling level.

In addition or instead the device may be operable to control the selected function by means of the rotary means.

In yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system comprising a device according to a preceding aspect.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a motor vehicle comprising a device according to a preceding aspect.

In a still further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of controlling a system comprising the steps of: rotating rotary means of a multif unction rotary control device; and actuating switch means of the device, the method further comprising displaying on display means of the device information in respect of each of a plurality of operational modes of the system, the method comprising presenting by means of the display means the information to a user for viewing within a surface area of the device that is centred on an axis of rotation of the rotary means.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a multifunction rotary control device for controlling a system, the device comprising: a manually operable rotary portion; integral switch means, the rotary portion and switch means each being operable to provide a control signal to the system; and display means for displaying information in respect of one or more functions of the system, the display means being arranged to be visible at a location substantially coaxial of the rotary portion.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a multifunction rotary control device comprising: a manually operable rotary means; and display means for displaying information, the display means being arranged to be visible at a location substantially coaxial of the rotary means, wherein the device is operable to select one of a plurality of user selectable functions associated with the device, the rotary means being rotatable to control one or more parameters associated with the selected function, wherein the display means is operable to display information associated with the selected function when that function is selected.

The device may be operable wherein when one of the functions is selected the display means only displays information associated with the selected function.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be taken independently or in any combination thereof. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, except where there is incompatibility of features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures in which: FIGURE I is a perspective view of a control panel having three user-operable multi-function control (MFC) devices for controlling a heating, venting and air-conditioning (HVAC) system of a motoi vehicle; FIGURE 2 is a plan view of a motor vehicle having the control panel of FIG. 1 installed therein; FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view of one of the MRC devices of the panel of FIG. 1; FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the panel of FIG. 1 with the HVAC system in one particular configuration; FIGURE 5 shows a portion of a display of one of the MRC devices with the HVAC system in another configuration; FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the panel of FIG. 1 with the HVAC system in a further configuration; FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of the panel of FIG. 1 with the HVAC system in a still further configuration; and FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of a MRC device according to a further embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a control panel 100 of a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) 160 system of a motor vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 10 is illustrated in plan view in FIG. 2.

The control panel 100 has three multifunction rotary control (MRC) devices 110, 120, 130 arranged in a horizontal row across the panel 100. The panel 100 is arranged to be mounted in the dashboard of the motor vehicle across a centreline of the vehicle 10.

Each of the devices 110, 120, 130 has a rotary knob 112, 122, 132 rotatable by digits of a user's hand to control a function of the HVAC system 160. A display panel 116, 126, 136 is mounted coaxial with each knob 112, 122, 132 and radially inner of the knob 112. 122, 132.

Each knob 112, 122, 132 may be rotated about a respective axis of rotation around its respective display panel 116, 126, 136, the display panel 116, 126, 136 not being arranged to rotate or translate with the knob 112, 122, 132.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the left hand device 110. It is to be understood that the other two devices 120, 130 are substantially identical in construction. The following description of the left device 110 also applies to those devices 120, 130. The centre device differs from the left and right devices only in respect of graphics which the display 126 of the device 120 bears.

As shown in FIG. 3, the rotary knob 112 of the device 110 is in the form of a barrel member having a cylinder axis A. In the embodiment shown the barrel member 115 is formed from a plastics material although other materials are also useful.

A grip member 114 is provided around the barrel member 115 over the portion of a length thereof that is presented to a user. The grip member 114 is arranged to be gripped by digits of a user's hand and is formed from a resiliently flexible material. This allows the user to grip the knob 112 in a comfortable manner. In the embodiment shown the grip member 114 is formed on the barrel member 115 by over-moulding of an elastomeric material such as a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber or any other suitable resiliently flexible material. In some embodiments the grip member 114 is not provided.

The knob 112 has a lens (or window) member 117 coupled to the barrel member 115 at a free end thereof, the lens member 117 being in the form of a transparent plastics material.

The lens member 117 is retained at the free end by an annular bezel element 113 that is sandwiched between the grip member 114 and the lens member 117.

It is to be understood that the lens member 117 need not provide an optical focusing function although in some embodiments it may provide a focusing function such as a magnifying function. The lens member 117 provides a protective window for the display panel 116.

The display panel 116 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel 116. The panel 116 is provided behind the lens member 117 and coupled to an electronic driver circuit (not shown). A mask member 118 having an aperture 118A therein is provided between the panel 116 and lens member 117 such that a portion of the panel 116 that is required to be viewed by a user is exposed to the lens member 117. The mask member 188 improves an aesthetic appeal of the device 110 and may in some arrangements bear one or more graphic symbols or text.

In the embodiment shown the knob 112 is arranged to be movable parallel to axis A in the direction of arrow P order to actuate a switch 1105. The knob 112 may be moved by application of pressure to the knob 112 or lens member 117 to depress the knob 112. When pressure is released, a spring element 11 OSP is arranged to urge the knob 112 back to its un-depressed position. The knob 112 is arranged to move relative to the display panel 116 which remains in a fixed position.

In some alternative embodiments, the switch 11 OS is arranged to be actuated by pressing the lens member 117 only and not the knob 112.

An output of the switch 11 OS is provided to a controller 165 of the HVAC system 160.

Rotary movement of the knob 112 causes a corresponding output signal to be provided to the HVAC controller 165.

In some embodiments movement of the knob 112 is detected by detecting electrical contact between a contact pad that rotates with the knob 112 and a respective one of a series of electrical contacts arranged in a circular manner below the rotatable pad. Other arrangements are also useful, for example arrangements that include a rotary encoder.

The display 116 is mounted on a static hub 11OH, the knob 112 (which may also be referred to as a collar' in some embodiments) is arranged to rotate about the hub 1 1OH.

The left and right hand devices 110L, hOP are operable to control a temperature of air supplied by the HVAC system 165 to left and right front seat occupants of the vehicle 10 respectively. The devices ilOL, hOP are also operable to control respective temperatures of the left and right front seats 15L, iSP by means of respective left and right seat temperature control modules 1 68L, 1 68R.

The centrally located device 120 is operable to switch the HVAC system on and off by pressing the rotary knob 122, the controller 165 toggling the system 160 between on and off states each time the knob 122 is depressed.

When switched on the HVAC system 165 is arranged to assume an automatic fan control mode in which the controller 165 determines automatically a required speed of afan unit 167 operable to drive air through the system 160. If the rotary knob 122 is subsequently rotated, the controller 165 switches to a manual fan speed control mode in which the speed of the fan unit 167 is controlled by rotation of the knob 122. In the arrangement shown the speed of the fan is increased if the knob 122 is rotated in a clockwise manner and decreased if it is rotated in an anticlockwise manner.

FIG. 4 shows the control panel 100 with the HVAC system 160 in a particular configuration as indicated by the information displayed on the displays 116, 126, 136 of the devices 110, 120, 130. It can be seen that the system 160 has been set in an automatic fan control mode since the display 126 of the central device 120 has the word AUTO displayed. The display 126 also bears a first icon 126A representing a fan. A second icon 126B representing an on/off switch is also displayed together with the word PUSH below the fan icon 1 26A, indicating that if the knob 122 is pushed the HVAC system 160 will toggle between on and off conditions.

FIG. 5 shows an example of graphics displayed by the display 126 when manual mode is selected by the user (by rotation of the knob 122 as described above). Thus when the knob 122 is rotated the controller 165 controls the display 126 not to display the word AUTO but instead to display one or more bar icons 1260 around a circular marker guide icon 1260.

The marker guide icon 126D is arranged to partially encircle the first (fan) icon 126A. The number of bar icons 1260 displayed indicates the selected speed of the fan unit 167.

In the present embodiment, if the knob 122 is pressed when in manual mode the HVAC system 160 is switched off. In some embodiments a secondary switch may be provided for switching the HVAC system 160 back to automatic fan control mode if required whilst in automatic mode. In some alternative embodiments, if the knob 122 is pressed when in manual mode the HVAC system 160 is switched back to automatic mode. If the knob 122 is subsequently pressed whilst in automatic mode the HVAC system 160 is switched off. Other arrangements are also useful.

The left and right hand devices 110, 130 are operable to control a temperature of respective left and right front occupant zones of the vehicle 10 and respective left and right front seats 1 5L, 1 5R. Operation of the left hand device 110 will be described although it is to be understood that the right hand device 130 operates in a corresponding manner.

When the HVAC system 160 is on, the display 116 of the first device 110 displays a selected temperature of the left front occupant zone and (if a seat temperature control module 168L, 1 68R is active) a heating or cooling level of the left front seat 1 5L. The first device 110 assumes a mode (under the control of the HVAC controller 165) in which it is operable to change the selected temperature of the front occupant zone as described below.

In the configuration of FIG. 4 the display 116 is displaying a temperature level indicator 1161, in this case the number "20.0" indicating that the selected temperature level of the front left zone is 20.0CC. The display 116 also bears the word PUSH beneath the temperature level indicator 11 6T together with a first icon 11 GA representing the left front seat 1 5L of the vehicle 10. Above the temperature level indicator 1161 the display 116 provides rotation sense icons 11 6B, 11 6C in respective upper left and upper right corners of the display 116. The left icon 116B has an arrow pointing in an anticlockwise direction of rotation of the knob 112 and is displayed in blue indicating that anticlockwise rotation of the knob 112 will result in a decrease in the selected temperature of the zone.

The right icon points in the opposite (clockwise) direction and indicates that clockwise rotation of the knob 112 will result in an increase in the selected temperature of the zone.

In this configuration, clockwise or anticlockwise rotation of the knob 112 causes the selected temperature level as represented by indicator 1161 to increase or decrease.

In the configuration of FIG. 4 it can be seen that neither of the seats 15L, 15R has its temperature control module 168L, 168R activated because no seat temperature module status icon is displayed above the respective temperature level indicators 1161, 1 36T.

As indicated by the word PUSH and seat icon 116A, if the rotary knob 112 is depressed, the controller 165 senses actuation of switch liDS and controls the display 116 to display only a left seat temperature module status icon 11 6D and the rotation sense icons 11 6B. 1160 as shown in FIG. 6(a). The temperature level indicator 11GT is thus no longer displayed, nor is the word PUSH and seat icon 116A below the level indicator 1161. Thus the user is made aware that the controller 165 has assumed a left seat temperature control mode.

The controller 165 now allows the rotary knob 122 to allow a user to select heating or cooling of the seat 15L by the seat temperature control module 168L.

The seat temperature control module status icon 11GD incorporates a similar seat graphic to seat icon 11 6A. The display 116 is operable to display 1, 2 or 3 vertical red bars to the right of the seat graphic indicating a required heating level (low, medium or high, respectively) as the knob 112 is turned clockwise. This indicates that the seat temperature control module 168L is in a heating mode.

If the knob 112 is turned anticlockwise the number of red bars decreases until no bars are displayed indicating that the temperature control module 168L is neither heating nor cooling the seat, i.e. it is inactive.

If the knob is turned anticlockwise from this condition, vertical blue bars appear to the left of the seat icon liSA indicating that the temperature control module 168L is in a cooling mode.

The number of bars increases as the knob 122 is turned further anticlockwise. Again 1, 2 or 3 bars may be displayed indicating low, medium and high cooling levels respectively.

The icon Ii GD is shown enlarged in FIG. 6(b) with all of the red and blue bars activated.

If the knob 112 is pressed again, or not moved (i.e. not rotated or pressed) for a prescribed period of time the display 116 reverts to the default mode in which the temperature level indicator 1161 is displayed as shown in FIG. 4(a) and turning of the knob 112 once again changes the selected temperature of the left front occupant zone.

FIG. 7 shows the panel 100 in a similar configuration to that of FIG. 4 except that the display 116 now indicates that the left seat temperature control module 168L has been set to the high heat level. Consequently, the display 116 now shows the left seat temperature module status icon 116D with three red bars to the left of the seat graphic.

Embodiments of the present invention have that advantage that control of an HVAC system of a motor vehicle having multiple operating configurations may be accomplished by means of a single rotary control device. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention have the advantage that multiple functions may be controlled by a single rotary control device without a requirement to provide one or more separate display panels or indicator lights remote from the rotary control.

This is because a rotary control device 110 according to some embodiments of the invention is operable to select a required function (or operational mode) of a system that is to be controlled by actuating a switch lbS. In the present embodiment this is accomplished by pressing the knob 112. The device 110 is further operable to control a parameter or configuration associated with the selected function (such as cabin temperature in the case a cabin temperature control function is selected for control, or seat heating or cooling level in the case a seat temperature control function is selected for control) by rotation of the knob 112. The display 116 is provided coaxial of the knob 112, reducing an amount of vehicle cabin real estate that is taken up by HVAC control apparatus. In some embodiments rotation of the knob 112 may change a configuration of the HVAC system, such as whether air is direct to feet, face or screen zones, or a combination thereof.

In some alternative embodiments, the device 110 may be operable to select a required function that is to be controlled by rotation of the knob 112 and to control a parameter or configuration associated with that function by actuating the switch 1105. For example, when a given function has been selected using the knob 112, repeated pressing of the switch may cycle the parameter or configuration between a plurality of options (such as temperature values, configuration options and the like) in a looped manner. Thus by repeated pressing of the knob 112 the user may select any required option. If the user presses the knob 112 accidentally having selected the required option, one or more repeated pressings of the knob 112 eventually allows the required option to be re-selected. In some embodiments if the user holds down the knob 112 the device 110 is operable to cycle through the allowable options, the user releasing the knob 112 when the desired option appears on the display 116.

In some still further embodiments. the device 110 may in addition or instead be operable by rotation of the knob 112 to select a required function or operational mode that is to be controlled, and to change a parameter value or configuration associated with the junction or mode by rotation of the knob 112. The switch 11 OS may be operable to toggle the device to select an action that the knob 112 is to perform (function selection or function control). In some arrangements the roles of the knob 112 and switch 11OS may be reversed.

Thus, for example, one action of the knob 112 may be that in which rotation of the knob 112 toggles the display 116 between functions that may be controlled (such as cabin temperature control and seat temperature control functions). The user may then actuate the switch 1105 when the required function is indicated on the display 116, to select the function.

The knob 112 may then be operable to allow the user to select an available option in respect of the control function, such as a target cabin temperature, or a heating/cooling level of the seat.

Alternatively the switch liDS may be arranged to select the required mode to be controlled and also to select a required value of a parameter (such as a numerical value of target temperature or selected state of the mode such as low, medium, high) associated with the selected mode. Thus rotation of the knob 112 may be arranged to select the control function that the switch 1105 is to perform when the control function is indicated on the display.

FIG. 8 shows a panel 200 according to a further embodiment of the invention. Like features of the embodiment of FIG. 8 to that of the embodiment of FIG. 1 are shown with like reference signs prefixed numeral 2 instead of numeral 1.

The panel 200 of FIG. 8 differs from that of FIG. 1 in that the rotary control knob 112, 122, 132 of the devices 110, 120, 130 of the embodiment of FIG. 1 is provided by a rotary lever knob 212, 222, 232 in the devices 210, 220, 230 of the panel 200. The lever knobs 212, 222, 232 are operable to rotate through an angle of plus or minus around 30° with respect to the default 9 o'clock' positions of FIG. 8. Other angles of rotation are also useful. Other default positions are also useful.

The lever knobs 212, 222, 232 are resiliently biased to the 9 o'clock position with respect to their respective devices by spring elements. In some embodiments lever knobs 212, 222, 232 are provided on each of respective opposite sides of the devices 210, 220, 230 to assist control by a user's left or right hand depending on their seating position. Thus lever knobs 212, 222, 232 may for example be provided at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions or any other suitable positions. In some embodiments a lever may be provided on one side of one device and on a different side of another device. One device may have a lever on both sides, or a different kind of rotary control means. For example a knob similar to that of the embodiment of FIG. 1, a dial, a ring or any other suitable rotary control means.

The switch means of each device may be operable by movement of the lever. For example by pressing the lever in a direction parallel to axis A, by pressing the lever in a radial direction, for example towards the display means, by rotating the lever about a radial direction of the lever or any other suitable manipulation. Alternatively or in addition the switch means may be actuated by pressing on the grip member 214 and/or the lens member 217.

Other arrangements are also useful.

It is to be understood that embodiments of the invention are suitable for use in a variety of different applications not being limited to automotive applications. For example some embodiments are useful in marine vessels, aircraft, electrical and electronic appliances and devices, audio visual equipment and many other applications.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", means "including but not limited to", and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

Claims

<claim-text>CLAIMS: 1. A multifunction rotary control device for controlling a system, the device comprising: a manually operable rotary means operable to provide a control signal to the system responsive to rotation of the rotary means; switch means operable to provide a control signal to the system responsive to actuation of the switch means; and display means for displaying information, wherein the display means is operable to display information in respect of each of a plurality of operational modes of the system, the display means being arranged to present the information to a user for viewing within a substantially circular area of the device centred on an axis of rotation of the rotary means and of radius substantially equal to a distance from the axis of rotation to a radially outer boundary of the rotary means.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the switch means is arranged to be actuated by pressing at least one selected from amongst the rotary means and the display means.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 comprising mechanical switch means.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the rotary means comprises a grip portion arranged to be gripped by digits of a user's hand.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the rotary means is coupled to a window portion of the device through which the display means is viewed such that the switch means is operable by pressing either one of the rotary means and the window portion.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the rotary means comprises a substantially circular knob.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the rotary means comprises a lever.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the rotary means is rotatable with respect to the display portion such that the display portion remains in a substantially fixed orientation as the rotary means is rotated.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A device as claimed in any preceding claims 1 to 5 wherein the display means comprises a touch screen, the touch screen being operable to provide the switch means.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the display means is arranged only to be visible at locations within the substantially circular area.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. A device as claimed in any preceding claims wherein the display means is visible at a location that is substantially coaxial of the rotary means.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the display means is provided within the substantially circular area.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the display means is provided radially inward of the rotary means.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A device as claimed in any preceding claim in combination with control means for a system, wherein the rotary means is operable by the control means to control each of a plurality of functions associated with the system.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A device as claimed in claim 14 operable sequentially to control each of the plurality of functions.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. A device as claimed in claim 14 or 15 operable to assume one of a plurality of user input modes in which a user may provide an input to the device to control each of the plurality of functions.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. A device as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16 operable to select the function to be controlled by means of the switch means.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. A device as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17 operable to select the function to be controlled by means of the rotary means.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. A device as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 18 operable to control the selected function by means of the switch means.</claim-text> <claim-text>20. A device as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 19 operable to control the selected function by means of the rotary means.</claim-text> <claim-text>21. A device as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 20 operable to control a function of a climate control system.</claim-text> <claim-text>22. A device as claimed in claim 21 operable to control a temperature of air provided by an air temperature control function of the climate control system.</claim-text> <claim-text>23. A device as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 22 operable to control a temperature control function of a seat.</claim-text> <claim-text>24. A device as claimed in claim 23 operable to control a heating and/or cooling level of the seat temperature control function.</claim-text> <claim-text>25. A heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system comprising a device as claimed in any preceding claim.</claim-text> <claim-text>26. A motor vehicle comprising a device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 24.</claim-text> <claim-text>27. A method of controlling a system comprising the steps of: rotating rotary means of a multifunction rotary control device; and actuating switch means of the device, the method further comprising displaying on display means of the device information in respect of each of a plurality of operational modes of the system, the method comprising presenting by means of the display means the information to a user for viewing within a substantially circular area of the device centred on an axis of rotation of the rotary means and of radius substantially equal to a distance from the axis of rotation to a radially outer boundary of the rotary means.</claim-text> <claim-text>28. A device, a HVAC system, a motor vehicle or a method constructed and/or arranged substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.</claim-text>