Abstract: Information display systems capable of iconically representing the components of a hybrid powertrain and method thereof. In operation, the information display systems indicate the specific powertrain components in the hybrid system that are active in various hybrid operational modes (e.g., electric launch, blended torque, etc.). In particular, active components are highlighted (i.e., increased intensity) by the display and non-active components are faded (i.e., decreased intensity). In one embodiment, the vehicle wheels are depicted with a static intensity in-between that of the active components and the non-active components. This allows the vehicle operator to clearly see which components are active during each hybrid system mode, and to gain a simplified picture of hybrid system behavior during normal operation at a glance.

Abstract: Information display systems capable of iconically representing the components of a hybrid powertrain and method thereof. In operation, the information display systems indicate the specific powertrain components in the hybrid system that are active in various hybrid operational modes (e.g., electric launch, blended torque, etc.). In particular, active components are highlighted (i.e., increased intensity) by the display and non-active components are faded (i.e., decreased intensity). In one embodiment, the vehicle wheels are depicted with a static intensity in-between that of the active components and the non-active components. This allows the vehicle operator to clearly see which components are active during each hybrid system mode, and to gain a simplified picture of hybrid system behavior during normal operation at a glance.

Abstract: An information display system is provided that presents the configuration of a vehicle's axles along with one or more other powertrain components in iconic format to the vehicle operator. The information display system may also present information that allows the driver to increase fuel efficiency.

Abstract: Information display systems present information that allows the driver to increase fuel efficiency of a vehicle, such as a hybrid vehicle. In one example, the systems present information in a manner that allows the driver to maximize the time that the hybrid vehicle is able to operate in electric launch mode. One manner is employing a graphical display that generates visual indicators and easily understood graphical representations that display the actual fuel efficiency currently being achieved in comparison to the driver's application of the throttle. As a result, the driver may be able to modify driving habits in order to keep the hybrid vehicle in electric launch mode for as long as possible.

Abstract: A vehicle display system includes a plurality of sensors mounted to a vehicle for sensing vehicle operating conditions and a vehicle display controller in communication with the sensors. The controller is capable of receiving signals transmitted from the sensors and prioritizing vehicle operating conditions indicated by received signals according to predetermined criteria. The system further includes a display screen adapted to display warning signals according to signals received from the vehicle display controller. The display screen arranges the displayed warning signals according to one of a plurality of display masks. The display mask is determined by the number of displayed warning signals. The display mask has a first warning signal display area for displaying warning signals having priorities greater than a predetermined level and a second warning signal display area for displaying warning signals having priorities less than the predetermined level.

Abstract: A vehicle display system includes a plurality of sensors mounted to a vehicle for sensing vehicle operating conditions and a vehicle display controller in communication with the sensors. The controller is capable of receiving signals transmitted from the sensors and prioritizing vehicle operating conditions indicated by received signals according to predetermined criteria. The system further includes a display screen adapted to display warning signals according to signals received from the vehicle display controller. The display screen arranges the displayed warning signals according to one of a plurality of display masks. The display mask is determined by the number of displayed warning signals. The display mask has a first warning signal display area for displaying warning signals having priorities greater than a predetermined level and a second warning signal display area for displaying warning signals having priorities less than the predetermined level.