Abstract: A driver information system for a motor vehicle includes a network which executes one of a number of application programs depending on which function of the system the driver has selected at any given point in time. In response to the driver's selection, the appropriate application program is retrieved from storage for execution. Information regarding the specific hardware interface software objects that are required during that execution are read from the retrieved application program and loaded for execution. Thus only the software that is necessary to implement the selected function is loaded for execution which reduces the complexity of the hardware of the driver information system. A method for verifying the compatibility of each software program and object also is described.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly includes a member by which a user selects one of a plurality of functions. Operation of the member applies different amounts of pressure to a transducer that has an impedance which changes in response to the applied pressure. An input circuit produces an output voltage which varies in relation to changes in the impedance of the pressure transducer. A voltage comparator compares the output voltage to a plurality of voltage ranges and in response to the voltage comparison, an output driver produces at least one electrical signal that indicates which one of plurality of functions the user has selected.