GB2553223A

GB2553223A - Vehicle graphical user interface arrangement and method of providing graphical user interface functionality

Info

Publication number: GB2553223A
Application number: GB1714926.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: lam Albert
Original assignee: DE Innovation Lab Ltd
Current assignee: DE Innovation Lab Ltd
Priority date: 2017-09-15
Filing date: 2017-09-15
Publication date: 2018-02-28
Also published as: GB201714926D0

Abstract

Disclosed is a vehicle, comprising a driving console that is disposed at a height below a front windscreen of the vehicle, wherein the driving console has a graphical user interface (GUI) 110 in a display. The GUI is coupled to a data processing arrangement of the vehicle for controlling operation of the vehicle. The vehicle is also provided with an additional GUI display 130 that is also coupled to the data processing arrangement. Furthermore, the additional GUI is mounted in a sun-visor 210 or sun-shade above the driving console and is pivotally disposable for use in a folded-down position of the sun-visor and is pivotally folded when not in use in a folded-up position. The additional GUI may be powered using wireless resonant inductive power transfer from an excitation coil arrangement in a roof region of the vehicle. The additional GUI may display front or rear camera information and may further render an augmented reality view 330 of the front and rear regions of the vehicle. The additional GUI may also display GPS or navigation information.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

DE Innovation Lab Limited (56) Documents Cited:

WO 2015/168464 A1 DE 102014206202 A1 US 20170013188 A1

CN 105711385 A JP 2006260011 A US 20160082888 A1

Detroit Electric, Spa Park, 5-6 Harrison Way, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV31 3HJ, United Kingdom (58) Field of Search:

INT CL B60J, B60K, B60R

Other: EPODOC, WPI. Patent Fulltext (72) Inventor(s):

Albert Lam (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Basck Ltd

Saxon Road, CAMBRIDGE, Cambridgeshire, CB5 8HS, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Vehicle graphical user interface arrangement and method of providing graphical user interface functionality

Abstract Title: A vehicle display arrangement with a display screen mounted in a sun-visor of the vehicle (57) Disclosed is a vehicle, comprising a driving console that is disposed at a height below a front windscreen of the vehicle, wherein the driving console has a graphical user interface (GUI) 110 in a display. The GUI is coupled to a data processing arrangement of the vehicle for controlling operation of the vehicle. The vehicle is also provided with an additional GUI display 130 that is also coupled to the data processing arrangement. Furthermore, the additional GUI is mounted in a sun-visor 210 or sun-shade above the driving console and is pivotally disposable for use in a folded-down position of the sun-visor and is pivotally folded when not in use in a folded-up position. The additional GUI may be powered using wireless resonant inductive power transfer from an excitation coil arrangement in a roof region of the vehicle. The additional GUI may display front or rear camera information and may further render an augmented reality view 330 of the front and rear regions of the vehicle. The additional GUI may also display GPS or navigation information.

300

FIG. 3

1/2

100

FIG. 1

FIG. 2

2/2 .300

350

130

340 .110

FIG.3

400

FIG.4

VEHICLE GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD OF PROVIDING GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FUNCTIONALITY

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to electrical vehicles; and more specifically, to an electrical vehicle information system. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a method of providing graphical user interface functionality.

BACKGROUND

Currently, high performance vehicles are equipped with display devices to render various digital contents. Moreover, such display devices have been additionally used for rendering various information pertaining to operation of the vehicle. Typically, such devices are connected to a computing system, for example, carputers. For example, display devices are used to render navigational information, infotainment information, functional and operational information of the vehicle and so forth. Furthermore, such devices are operable to render graphical user interfaces (GUI) to enable a user (for an instance, a driver) to communicate with the aforementioned carputer. Generally, such display devices are positioned directly in front of a driver seat for easy access.

However, rendering of such variety of information has resulted in allocation of a smaller portion of the display area on the device for any specific bit of information. Moreover, such rendering of information is increasingly cluttering the graphical user interface (GUI). For example, in order to render a variety of information, the graphical user interface (GUI) provides cascaded interfaces, through which the user navigates. Furthermore, navigating through such cascaded interfaces distracts the concentration of the user from the road, along which the vehicle is travelling in operation. Such distraction may result in an unpleasant driving experience and/or adversely affect driving safety.

Additionally, navigating through such cascaded interfaces is a cumbersome process, especially for a user that is driving a given vehicle. Moreover, in the conventional high performance vehicles, display devices employed are usually located adjacent to gauges such as speedometers, tachometers, fuel gauges and forth. Such an arrangement restricts a seamless viewing of the user between the display device and the road.

Therefore, there arises a technical problem of how to provide an improved driving experience by eliminating the distraction of a driver from viewing of a display device in order to access information.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure seeks to provide a vehicle with enhanced graphical user interface functionality.

The present disclosure also seeks to provide a method of providing a vehicle with enhanced graphical user interface functionality.

According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a vehicle including a vehicle frame, a wheel arrangement including a plurality of wheels for supporting the vehicle frame on a road surface, a drive train for providing motive power to the wheel arrangement, and a vehicle cabin including a driving seat arrangement for accommodating a driver of the vehicle, wherein the driving seat arrangement is provided with a driving console that is disposed at a height below a front windscreen of the vehicle, the driving console having a graphical user interface (GUI1), and wherein the graphical user interface (GUI1) is coupled to a data processing arrangement of the vehicle for controlling operation of the vehicle, characterized in that the vehicle is provided with an additional graphical user interface (GUI2) that is also coupled to the data processing arrangement, wherein the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is mounted in a sun-visor above the driving console and is pivotally disposable for use in a folded-down position of the sun-visor and is pivotally folded when not in use in a folded-up position.

The present disclosure is of advantage in that the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) provides the driver with additional information, namely with enhanced graphical user interface functionality, when required, without the driver's attention being diverted from a road scene in front of the vehicle, and the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) can be conveniently folded away when not in use to provide the driver with an unimpeded field of view.

According to a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of providing a vehicle with enhanced graphical user interface functionality, wherein the vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a wheel arrangement including a plurality of wheels for supporting the vehicle frame on a road surface, a drive train for providing motive power to the wheel arrangement, and a vehicle cabin including a driving seat arrangement for accommodating a driver of the vehicle, wherein the driving seat arrangement is provided with a driving console including a graphical user interface (GUI1) that is disposed at a height below a front windscreen of the vehicle, and wherein the graphical user interface (GUI1) is coupled to a data processing arrangement of the vehicle for controlling operation of the vehicle, characterized in that the method includes:

(i) providing the vehicle with an additional graphical user interface (GUI2) that is also coupled to the data processing arrangement, wherein the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is mounted in a sun-visor above the driving console; and (ii) arranging for the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) to be pivotally disposable for use in a folded-down position of the sun-visor and to be pivotally folded when not in use in a folded-up position.

According to a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a sun-visor mounted graphical user interface for use with the vehicle of the first aspect, characterized in that sun-visor mounted graphical user interface includes a flat-screen pixel display and associated wireless interface for wirelessly communicating with data processing arrangement of the vehicle, and a resonant inductive power coupling arrangement for receiving resonant inductively coupled power from an excitation coil arrangement disposed in a vehicle cabin of the vehicle.

It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

The present invention is included in the general business context, which aims to substitute vehicles powered by traditional fuels, for example gasoline or diesel, by electric vehicles. In particular, the present invention is intended for use in electric vehicles used within cities, which can be highly beneficial to the local environment due to significant reduction of gaseous emissions as well as significant reduction of noise. Overall environmental benefits can also be significant when electric vehicles are charged from renewable energy sources.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a graphical user interface arrangement for a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a sun-visor mounted with an additional graphical user interface of the arrangement of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary environment depicting implementation of the graphical user interface arrangement of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 illustrates steps of a method of providing a vehicle with enhanced graphical user interface functionality, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In overview, embodiments of the present disclosure are concerned with a vehicle with enhanced graphical user interfaces. Moreover, embodiments of the present disclosure are concerned with methods of providing a vehicle with enhanced graphical user interface functionality

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a block diagram of a graphical user interface arrangement 100 for a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows the various primary components of the graphical user interface arrangement

100. As shown, the arrangement 100 includes a graphical user interface (GUI1) 110, a data processing arrangement 120, an additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130 and a camera 140. Furthermore, the graphical user interface (GUI1) 110 and the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130 are communicably coupled with the data processing arrangement 120.

The vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a wheel arrangement including a plurality of wheels for supporting the vehicle frame on a road surface, a drive train for providing motive power to the wheel arrangement, and a passenger compartment including a driving seat arrangement for accommodating a driver of the vehicle.

Optionally, the term 'vehicle frame'as used herein relates to a framework that supports a body of a vehicle, for example, such as an electrical vehicle. Specifically, the vehicle frame is a chassis of the vehicle that provides a platform on which the bodywork (such as the doors, windshield, sun-visors and so forth) of the vehicle is arranged. Furthermore, the vehicle frame of the vehicle includes other associated parts, for example, such as, brakes, radiator, scuttle, dashboard and so forth. More optionally, the vehicle frame includes engine and drivetrain of the vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicle frame of the vehicle is supported via suspension arrangements onto a wheel arrangement. Additionally, the term 'wheel arrangement' as used herein relates to a configuration of distributing wheels that are operable to support the vehicle frame on a road surface. The wheel arrangement includes a plurality of wheels positioned at the front and the rear the vehicle frame. Additionally, the pair of front wheels of the wheel arrangement is maneuvered using a steering wheel. Moreover, the term 'drive train' as used herein relates to component parts in the vehicle that are operable to generate torque to rotate one or more wheels of the vehicle to propel the vehicle.

Optionally, the term 'vehicle cabin' as used herein relates to an interior of the vehicle that allows a user (such as a driver) to be properly positioned for operating the vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicle cabin is a compartment formed within the vehicle frame and the bodywork of the vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicle cabin includes a driver seat arrangement for accommodating the driver of the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle cabin may include a plurality of seats positioned for passengers excluding the driver within the vehicle. The terms user and driver are intended to be used interchangeably, and both terms can apply to scenarios that do not involve driving.

The driving seat arrangement is provided with a driving console that is disposed at a height below a front windscreen of the vehicle the driving console having a graphical user interface (GUI1) 110. Optionally, the term 'driving console' as used herein relates to a control-bearing surface positioned at the centre of a front section of the vehicle. Specifically, the driving console is arranged on the dashboard that is disposed at a height below a front windscreen of the vehicle. The graphical user interface (GUI1) may be disposed at a height below a front windscreen of the vehicle. Alternatively, the graphical user interface may be disposed at a height level with part of the front windscreen. In the latter arrangement, the graphical user interface (GUI1) may be near a side of the driving seat arrangement, such as to provide the driver with minimal change of viewing direction from the road ahead without obstructing the driver's line of sight of the road ahead.

Optionally the graphical user interface (GUI1) may be retractable into the driving console.

Furthermore, the driving console includes a computing device to enable the driver to perform activities, such as, to access information, provide operational instructions to the vehicle and so forth. Optionally, the computing device is a carputer. Moreover, the computing device includes the electrical components, such as, input means, output means, memories, processors, and so forth.

Additionally, the computing device of the driving console includes programmable and non- programmable hardware components, software components, firmware components, or a combination of these, configured to execute the software application management and infotainment system, thereon. Furthermore, the software application management and infotainment system is a device-functionality software and/or an operating system software configured to execute other application programs and interface between the application programs and associated hardware. Specifically, the software application management and infotainment arrangement may be a computing platform wherein a plurality of computer programs may be installed.

Optionally, the computing device includes a display screen to enable the user to perform aforesaid activities. Furthermore, the display screen is a touch sensitive display to allow the user to provide at least one input on the computing device. Moreover, the display screen is a small-sized screen that is used to render the user interface (such as the graphical user interface (GUI1) 110) on the computing device. More optionally, the driver may provide inputs to the computing device by touching a portion or point on the touch sensitive screen using a finger or a pointing device such as, but not limited to a stylus, a pen, and so forth. For example, the touch sensitive display may display a keypad to the user, and the user can touch/tap keys of the keypad using a stylus to enter an input.

Optionally, the term 'graphical user interface (GUI1)' as used herein relates to a structured set of graphical visual objects (e.g., windows, dialog boxes, frames, panels, menus, buttons, icons, etc.) that are rendered upon the execution of the software application management and infotainment system on a display screen to convey graphical and/or textual information to the driver, and to receive input data from the driver. Additionally, the graphical user interface (GUI1) 110 includes one or more modules through which the user interacts with the computing device. For example, the user interface may include an input for allowing the user to manipulate the computing device, and can include an output for allowing the system to present information and/or data, indicate effects of the user's manipulation, and so forth.

The graphical user interface (GUI1) 110 is coupled to a data processing arrangement of the vehicle for controlling operation of the vehicle. Optionally, the term 'data processing arrangement'as used herein relates to an arrangement including programmable and/or non-programmable hardware and software components that are configured to perform data analysis, strategic control and reporting to a driver of the vehicle. Optionally, the data processing arrangement is operable to control and select the various attributes of the information displayed in the graphical user interfaces 110 and 130. Furthermore, the data processing arrangement is operable to communicate with the software application management and infotainment system to acquire the information related to the vehicle for data analysis. Moreover, the data processing arrangement is communicably coupled to the graphical user interfaces

110 and 130 to acquire inputs from the driver to perform data analysis, and provide strategic control (such as controlling operation) and reporting to the driver.

Additionally, the data processing arrangement includes a communication module to facilitate connection between the graphical user interfaces 110 and 130. Moreover, the communication module includes hardware, software, communication network and so forth. Additionally, the communication network may be an individual network, or a collection of individual networks, interconnected with each other and functioning as a single large network. Such individual networks may be wired, wireless, or a combination thereof. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth®, Internet of things (IoT), Visible Light Communication (VLC), Near Field Communication (NFC), Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), Wireless LANs (WLANs), Wireless WANs (WWANs),

Wireless MANs (WMANs), second generation (2G) telecommunication networks, third generation (3G) telecommunication networks, fourth generation (4G) telecommunication networks, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) networks and so forth. Additionally, the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130 is operable to communicate wirelessly with the data processing arrangement.

The additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130 of the vehicle coupled to the data processing arrangement is mounted in a sun-visor above the driving console. Optionally, the term 'graphical user interface (GUI2)' as used herein relates to a structured set of graphical visual objects (e.g., windows, dialog boxes, frames, panels, menus, buttons, icons, etc.) that are rendered upon the execution of the software application management and infotainment system on a display screen to convey graphical and/or textual information to the driver, and to receive input data from the driver. More optionally, the graphical user interface (GUI2) 130 may include control options, on-screen keyboards and pull-down menus to receive input from the driver. Specifically, the driver may interact with the graphical user interface (GUI2) 130 by employing voice input, keypad input, gesture input, and so forth. For example, the driver may input information to the graphical user interface (GUI2) 130 in the form of a gesture via a keypad input. In such example, the keypad input may be provided via a virtual keyboard and/or a physical keyboard. Furthermore, the graphical users interface (GUI2) 130 may consequently interact with the driver by employing text output, voice output, image output, and so forth. It may be appreciated that the term graphical user interface (GUI) should be interpreted as broadly as possible to refer to a graphical front end to a computer program that allows a user to invoke program commands by using the mouse (and/or keyboard) and a remote control.

Furthermore, the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130 is a secondary display provided to the driver on the sun-visor of the vehicle. The additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130 is pivotally disposable for use in a folded-down position of the sun-visor and is pivotally folded when not in use into a folded-up position, attainable by the driver pulling the sun-visor to flip it upwards. Beneficially, the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130 enables the driver to seamlessly view the information provided by the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130 and also the road on which the vehicle is travelling. Optionally, the sun-visor includes a flat-screen pixel display device with a display surface (display screen) that is operable to render the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130. Additionally, the flat-screen pixel display device rendering the graphical user interface (GUI2) 130 is coupled to a surface of the sun-visor that is positioned to face the driver. Furthermore, the display surface of the flat-screen pixel display device faces upwards when the sun-visor is in the folded-up position. For example, the display surface of the flat-screen pixel display device is positioned to face the roof of the vehicle when the sun-visor is in the folded-up position.

Optionally, the shape of the flat-screen pixel display device rendering the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130 is similar to that of the sun-visor. Moreover, the flat-screen pixel display device is disposed along the surface of the sun-visor. Furthermore, the flat-screen pixel display device rendering the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130 is snugly coupled to the sun-visor. Advantageously, the flat-screen pixel device substantially covers the area of the sun-visor. Additionally, the flat-screen pixel display device includes liquid crystal displays (LCDs), light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light-emitting diode (OLED), electroluminescent display (ELD), plasma display and so forth.

Moreover, the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130 acquires operating power using wireless resonant inductive power transfer from an excitation coil arrangement disposed in a roof region of the vehicle cabin. Optionally, the term 'wireless resonant inductive power transfer' as used herein relates to a wireless transfer of power to inductive coils of a chargeable component, using inductive coils disposed in one or more components of the vehicle. Specifically, the flat-screen pixel display device rendering the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130 is operable to draw electric power using inductive coils disposed in one or more components, such as the roof region of the vehicle cabin. Furthermore, the component is an excitation coil arrangement. The excitation coil arrangement is disposed in the roof region of the vehicle cabin. Optionally, the excitation coil arrangement may draw the power from the main power source of the vehicle, for example, such as a battery unit of an electrical vehicle. Furthermore, the excitation coil arrangement may draw power from another power source, for example, the excitation coil arrangement may be connected to a solar power arrangement disposed on top of the roof region of the vehicle cabin.

Optionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle includes resonant inductive coils as a part of its structure that, when held in proximity to other resonant inductive coils (included in the flat-screen pixel display device). Such resonant inductive coupling enables the flat-screen pixel display device to operate optimally. Such inductively coupled coils beneficially are implemented as a series of mutually matched series resonant LC circuits whose windings are overlapping and shielded externally by a thin Aluminium or Copper screen to contain stray magnetic fields, to prevent persons being exposed to a resonant inductive magnetic field generated when coupling power.

Optionally, the sun-visor of the vehicle includes a camera 140 that is orientated to image a front region of the vehicle and wherein the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is operable to show to the driver a view of the front region of the vehicle when in the folded-down position. It may be appreciated that the front region of the vehicle refers to a portion of the road which is in front of the vehicle while the vehicle is travelling on the road. More optionally, the term 'camera' as used herein relates to a device that consists of one or more lightproof chambers with one or more apertures fitted with one or more in combination lens or other optical component through which the image of an object is projected and focused onto a surface for recording or for translation into electrical impulses or data, for display or recording and transferring visual data created to a computing device in a digital information form. Optionally, the camera 140 is a digital camera with a wide angle view. Furthermore, the camera 140 is coupled to a surface of the sun-visor that is opposite to the surface on which the flat-screen pixel display is attached. Moreover, the camera 140 is positioned in a manner that when the sun-visor is deployed (folded-down position) the camera 140 is enabled to focus and/or capture a portion of the road that is ahead of the vehicle. More generally, the camera 140 may be substituted or supplemented by a camera arrangement that is orientated to image a front region of the vehicle, by positioning a camera in a suitable forwarddirected orientation.

Additionally, optionally, the camera 140 is operable to transfer the captured or recorded image and/or video to the data processing arrangement 120. Furthermore, the camera 140 is communicably coupled with the data processing arrangement 120 via wired means, wireless means and/or by a means that is a combination of wired and wireless means. For example, such as, the camera 140 may be WIFI® enabled and may transfer the image and/or video captured or recorded to the data processing arrangement 120 wirelessly. Furthermore, the data processing arrangement 120 is operable to transfer the image and/or video captured or recorded by the camera 140 to the flat-screen pixel display device to be rendered within the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130. Optionally, the data processing arrangement 120 is operable to provide visual navigation system along with the image and/or video rendered within the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130. Additionally, the visual navigation system includes GPS and/or GPRS navigation. Furthermore, the visual navigation system may include satellite navigation. Optionally the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130 is operable to display visual navigation in an event wherein the sun-visor is in a folded-down position (deployed position).

Furthermore, the vehicle is provided with a camera arrangement that is orientated to image a rear region of the vehicle, and wherein the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is operable to show to the driver a view of the rear region of the vehicle when in the folded-down position. It may be appreciated that the rear region of the vehicle refers to a portion of the road which is in the rear of the vehicle while the vehicle is travelling on the road. Optionally, the camera arrangement includes a plurality of cameras disposed on the rear portion of the vehicle. Furthermore, the cameras disposed on the rear portion are operable to capture or record images and/or video. Moreover, the camera arrangement is communicably coupled with the data processing arrangement 120 via wired means, wireless means and/or by a means that is a combination of wired and wireless means. Furthermore, the data processing arrangement 120 is operable to transfer the image and/or video captured or recorded by the arrangement to the flat-screen pixel display device to the rendered within the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130.

Optionally, driver is enabled to choose the digital content rendered on the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130. For example, the driver may select the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130 to display the front view of the vehicle or the rear view of the vehicle. In another example, the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130 may be operable to display a view that is ahead of the direction in which the vehicle is travelling, such as, in an instance wherein the vehicle is moving forward the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130 may render the front view of the vehicle, in another instance wherein the vehicle is moving backwards the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130 may render the rear view of the vehicle.

Optionally, the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130 is operable to render an augmented reality view of any one of the front region and the rear region of the vehicle when in the folded-down position.

Furthermore, the term 'augmented reality’ as used herein relates to digital content rendering real time content with additional content (superimposed on the real time digital content). Specifically, the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130 is operable to superimpose digital content such as the GPS and/or GPRS navigation to provide the driver with the augmented reality view. Additionally, the augmented reality view is operable to include various digital contents to be superimposed on the views of the front and/or the rear region of the vehicle. For example, the front view including the image and/or video captured or recorded by the camera 140 may be superimposed with visual navigational indicator to instruct and assist the driver to navigate along a route. Furthermore, in such an example, the front view may include plurality of other information, such as the state of charge of the battery, the amount of time needed to reach the destination, diners/ restaurants on the driving route, recharging stations and so forth. In another example, such as, the rear view including the image and/or video captured or recorded by the camera 140 may be superimposed with instruction of driving the vehicle backwards while parking. In such example, the instruction may include visual indicators depicting the directions for parking the vehicle, visual indicators instructing the driver to stop moving the vehicle in a direction that may result into a collision and so forth.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a side view of a sun-visor 210 mounted with an additional graphical user interface 130 of the arrangement 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, in FIG. 2, there is shown the various primary components of sun-visor 210. As shown, the sun-visor 210 is coupled with the additional graphical user interface 130 of the arrangement 100 and a camera 140.

Optionally, the sun-visor 210 is coupled with a flat-screen pixel display device that is operable to render the additional graphical user interface 130. Furthermore, the flat-screen pixel display device is coupled to the sun-visor 210 by various means, for example, such as the flat-screen pixel display device may be mechanically coupled with the sun-visor 210. Furthermore, the camera 140 is coupled to the sun-visor 210 by various means, for example, such as the flat-screen pixel display device may be mechanically coupled with the camera 140. Optionally, the camera 140 may be coupled to the sun-visor 210 that allows for movement of the camera for capturing a wind angle view. Additionally, the additional graphical user interface 130 and the camera 140 is coupled to the two opposite surfaces of the sun-visor 210.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a detailed view of the exemplary environment 300 depicting implementation of the graphical user interface arrangement 100 of Fig. 1. Additionally, as shown, the exemplary environment 300 includes the graphical user interface (GUI1)

110, the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130 and the travelling route 310 of the vehicle 320. Furthermore, the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130 is operable to display a view 330 of the travelling route 310 of the vehicle. Moreover, as shown the graphical user interface (GUI1) 110 is attached to a dashboard 340 of vehicle 320 and the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130 is attached to the sunvisor 210 (as shown in FIG.2).

Optionally, the travelling route 310 of the vehicle in the exemplary environment 300 includes various elements, for example, the road, forestation along the two sides of the road, cars moving in the opposite direction. Optionally, a camera (such as the camera 140 of FIG.l) is operable to capture and/or record a real time view of the travelling route 310 and transfer the real time view to the data processing arrangement (not shown). Furthermore, the data processing arrangement is operable to generate the view 330, to be displayed on the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) 130, from the real time view provide by the camera 140. Furthermore, the view 330 may be an augmented view of the real time view captured and/or recorded by the camera 140. Furthermore, the augmented view may include graphical indicator 350 showing the directions to the driver for travelling. For example, the view 330 may include graphical indicator 350 showing driver to move in a straight direction.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown steps of a method 400 of providing a vehicle with enhanced graphical user interface functionality, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a wheel arrangement including a plurality of wheels for supporting the vehicle frame on a road surface, a drive train for providing motive power to the wheel arrangement, and a vehicle cabin including a driving seat arrangement for accommodating a driver of the vehicle, wherein the driving seat arrangement is provided with a driving console that is disposed at a height below a front windscreen of the vehicle the driving console having a graphical user interface (GUI1), and wherein the graphical user interface (GUI1) is coupled to a data processing arrangement of the vehicle for controlling operation of the vehicle. At a step 402 the vehicle is provided with an additional graphical user interface (GUI2) that is also coupled to the data processing arrangement, wherein the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is mounted in a sun-visor above the driving console. At a step 404, the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is arranged to be pivotally disposable for use in a folded-down position of the sun-visor and to be pivotally folded when not in use in a folded-up position.

The steps 402 to 404 are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein. For example, the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) of the method 400 is operable to communicate wirelessly with the data processing arrangement, and operating power is provided to the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) using wireless resonant inductive power transfer from an excitation coil arrangement disposed in a roof region of the vehicle cabin.

In another example, the sun-visor includes a flat-screen pixel display device that is orientated with its major display surface facing upwards when the sun-visor is in the folded-up position. In yet another example, the vehicle is provided with a camera that is orientated to image a front region of the vehicle and wherein the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is operable to show to the driver a view of the front region of the vehicle when in the folded-down position. Additionally, in another example, the vehicle is provided with a camera arrangement that is orientated to image a rear region of the vehicle, and wherein the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is operable to show to the driver a view of the rear region of the vehicle when in the folded-down position. Furthermore, in an example, the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is operable to provide visual GPS and/or GPRS navigation to the driver when the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is in the folded-down position. Furthermore, in yet an example, the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is operable to render an augmented reality view of any one of the front region and the rear region of the vehicle when in the folded-down position.

The aforementioned vehicle and method of providing a vehicle with enhanced graphical user interface functionality employ a plurality of displays. Furthermore, such arrangement of employing a plurality of displays allows for rendering various digital contents in an uncluttered manner. Furthermore, the vehicle includes an additional graphical user interface on a sun-visor. Beneficially, the plurality of displays allows for a driver to drive a vehicle while seamlessly viewing the road and the digital content rendered on a graphical user interface. Moreover, the vehicle may include a camera attached to the sun-visor that records the view of the driver obstructed by the sun-visor and displays on the graphical user interface. Beneficially, such arrangement allows for driver to have an enhanced view of the road. Furthermore, the vehicle may include a camera arrangement positioned at a rear position. Beneficially, the camera arrangement allows for a driver to drive a vehicle backwards with a lessened probability of collision while driving backwards. Moreover, the graphical user interface provides an augmented view of both the front region and the rear region of the vehicle with added graphical element.

Modifications to embodiments of the invention described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as including, comprising, incorporating, consisting of, have, is used to describe and claim the present invention are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural. Numerals included within parentheses in the accompanying claims are intended to assist understanding of the claims and should not be construed in any way to limit subject matter claimed by these claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle including a vehicle frame, a wheel arrangement including a plurality of wheels for supporting the vehicle frame on a road surface, a drive train for providing motive power to the wheel arrangement, and

5 a vehicle cabin including a driving seat arrangement for accommodating a driver of the vehicle, wherein the driving seat arrangement is provided with a driving console that is disposed at a height below a front windscreen of the vehicle the driving console having a graphical user interface (GUI1), and wherein the graphical user interface (GUI1) is

10 coupled to a data processing arrangement of the vehicle for controlling operation of the vehicle, characterized in that the vehicle is provided with an additional graphical user interface (GUI2) that is also coupled to the data processing arrangement, wherein the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is mounted in a sun-visor above the driving console and

15 is pivotally disposable for use in a folded-down position of the sun-visor and is pivotally folded when not in use in a folded-up position.

2. A vehicle of claim 1, characterized in that the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is operable to communicate wirelessly with the data processing arrangement, and operating power is provided to the

20 additional graphical user interface (GUI2) using wireless resonant inductive power transfer from an excitation coil arrangement disposed in a roof region of the vehicle cabin.

3. A vehicle of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sun-visor includes a flat-screen pixel display device that is orientated with its major

25 display surface facing upwards when the sun-visor is in the folded-up position.

4. A vehicle of claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the vehicle is provided with a camera that is orientated to image a front region of the vehicle and wherein the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is operable to show to the driver a view of the front region of the vehicle when in the folded-down position.

5. A vehicle of claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the vehicle is provided with a camera arrangement that is orientated to image a rear

5 region of the vehicle, and wherein the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is operable to show to the driver a view of the rear region of the vehicle when in the folded-down position.

6. A vehicle of claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is operable to provide visual GPS and/or

10 GPRS navigation to the driver when the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is in the folded-down position.

7. A vehicle of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is operable to render an augmented reality view of any one of the front region and the rear region

15 of the vehicle when in the folded-down position.

8. A method of providing a vehicle with enhanced graphical user interface functionality, wherein the vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a wheel arrangement including a plurality of wheels for supporting the vehicle frame on a road surface, a drive train for providing motive power

20 to the wheel arrangement, and a vehicle cabin including a driving seat arrangement for accommodating a driver of the vehicle, wherein the driving seat arrangement is provided with a driving console that is disposed at a height below a front windscreen of the vehicle the driving console having a graphical user interface (GUI1), and wherein the

25 graphical user interface (GUI1) is coupled to a data processing arrangement of the vehicle for controlling operation of the vehicle, characterized in that the method includes:

(i) providing the vehicle with an additional graphical user interface (GUI2) that is also coupled to the data processing arrangement, wherein the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is mounted in a sun-visor above the driving console; and

5 (ii) arranging for the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) to be pivotally disposable for use in a folded-down position of the sun-visor and to be pivotally folded when not in use in a folded-up position.

9. A sun-visor mounted graphical user interface for use with the vehicle of claim 1, characterized in that sun-visor mounted graphical user interface includes a flat-screen pixel display and associated wireless interface for wirelessly communicating with data processing arrangement of the vehicle, and a resonant inductive power coupling arrangement for receiving resonant inductively coupled power from an excitation coil arrangement disposed in a vehicle cabin of the vehicle

9. A method of claim 8, characterized in that the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is operable to communicate wirelessly with the data

10 processing arrangement, and operating power is provided to the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) using wireless resonant inductive power transfer from an excitation coil arrangement disposed in a roof region of the vehicle cabin.

10. A method of claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the sun-visor

15 includes a flat-screen pixel display device that is orientated with its major display surface facing upwards when the sun-visor is in the folded-up position.

11. A method of claim 8, 9 or 10, characterized in that the vehicle is provided with a camera that is orientated to image a front region of the

20 vehicle and wherein the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is operable to show to the driver a view of the front region of the vehicle when in the folded-down position.

12. A method of claim 8, 9 or 10, characterized in that the vehicle is provided with a camera arrangement that is orientated to image a rear

25 region of the vehicle, and wherein the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is operable to show to the driver a view of the rear region of the vehicle when in the folded-down position.

13. A method of claim 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, characterized in that the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is operable to provide visual GPS and/or GPRS navigation to the driver when the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is in the folded-down position.

5

14. A method of claim 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13, characterized in that the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is operable to render an augmented reality view of any one of the front region and the rear region of the vehicle when in the folded-down position.

15. A sun-visor mounted graphical user interface for use with the

10 vehicle of claim 1, characterized in that sun-visor mounted graphical user interface includes a flat-screen pixel display and associated wireless interface for wirelessly communicating with data processing arrangement of the vehicle, and a resonant inductive power coupling arrangement for receiving resonant inductively coupled power from an excitation coil

15 arrangement disposed in a vehicle cabin of the vehicle.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows :CLAIMS (Clean copy version)

We claim:

1. A vehicle including a vehicle frame, a wheel arrangement including a plurality of wheels for supporting the vehicle frame on a road surface, a drive train for providing motive power to the wheel arrangement, and a vehicle cabin including a driving seat arrangement for accommodating a driver of the vehicle, wherein the driving seat arrangement is provided with a driving console that is disposed at a height below a front windscreen of the vehicle the driving console having a graphical user interface (GUI1), and wherein the graphical user interface (GUI1) is coupled to a data processing arrangement of the vehicle for controlling operation of the vehicle, characterized in that the vehicle is provided with an additional graphical user interface (GUI2) that is also coupled to the data processing arrangement, wherein the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is mounted in a sun-visor above the driving console and is pivotally disposable for use in a folded-down position of the sun-visor and is pivotally folded when not in use in a folded-up position, wherein the vehicle is provided with a camera that is orientated to image a front region of the vehicle, and wherein the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is operable to show to the driver a view of the front region of the vehicle when in the folded-down position, wherein the vehicle is provided with a camera arrangement that is orientated to image a rear region of the vehicle, and wherein the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is operable to show to the driver a view of the rear region of the vehicle when in the folded-down position, wherein the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is operable to render an augmented reality view of any one of the front region and the rear region of the vehicle when in the folded-down position.

2. A vehicle of claim 1, characterized in that the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is operable to communicate wirelessly with the data processing arrangement, and operating power is provided to the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) using wireless resonant inductive power transfer from an excitation coil arrangement disposed in a roof region of the vehicle cabin.

3. A vehicle of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sun-visor includes a flatscreen pixel display device that is orientated with its major display surface facing upwards when the sun-visor is in the folded-up position.

4. A vehicle of claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is operable to provide visual GPS and/or GPRS navigation to the driver when the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is in the folded-down position.

5. A method of providing a vehicle with enhanced graphical user interface functionality, wherein the vehicle includes a vehicle frame, a wheel arrangement including a plurality of wheels for supporting the vehicle frame on a road surface, a drive train for providing motive power to the wheel arrangement, and a vehicle cabin including a driving seat arrangement for accommodating a driver of the vehicle, wherein the driving seat arrangement is provided with a driving console that is disposed at a height below a front windscreen of the vehicle the driving console having a graphical user interface (GUI1), and wherein the graphical user interface (GUI1) is coupled to a data processing arrangement of the vehicle for controlling operation of the vehicle, characterized in that the method includes:

(i) providing the vehicle with an additional graphical user interface (GUI2) that is also coupled to the data processing arrangement, wherein the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is mounted in a sun-visor above the driving console;

(ii) arranging for the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) to be pivotally disposable for use in a folded-down position of the sun-visor and to be pivotally folded when not in use in a folded-up position; and (iii) orienting a camera and camera arrangement to image a front region of the vehicle and a rear region of the vehicle, and wherein the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is operable to show to the driver a view of the front region of the vehicle when in the folded-down position, and wherein the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is operable to show to the driver a view of the rear region of the vehicle when in the folded-down position, wherein the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is operable to render an augmented reality view of any one of the front region and the rear region of the vehicle when in the folded-down position.

6. A method of claim 5, characterized in that the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is operable to communicate wirelessly with the data processing arrangement, and operating power is provided to the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) using wireless resonant inductive power transfer from an excitation coil arrangement disposed in a roof region of the vehicle cabin.

7. A method of claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the sun-visor includes a flatscreen pixel display device that is orientated with its major display surface facing upwards when the sun-visor is in the folded-up position.

8. A method of claim 5, 6, or 7 characterized in that the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is operable to provide visual GPS and/or GPRS navigation to the driver when the additional graphical user interface (GUI2) is in the folded-down position.