Abstract: A setting system for a vehicle air-conditioner is provided. The setting system allows for individual settings coupled with ergonomic functionality. The setting system comprises a control panel with a touch-sensitive display screen connected to a microcomputer-based controller having control outputs at least to a fan unit, to air distribution valves and to temperature adjusters of the air-conditioner. The display screen is adapted to display current settings and available setting options of at least (i) air flow rate, (ii) air distribution and (iii) air temperature, in the form of analog symbol representations that respond to tactile contact to vary current settings.

Abstract: The operating means has a touch-sensitive control surface with an alpha-numeric input field (12) onto which at least one number can be entered by tracing. The number thus entered is transmitted as a setpoint value to the cruise control by a setting function.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device that facilitates the control of units forming part of the equipment of a vehicle. The device comprises an input device for the purpose of inputting actions (such as communication, entertainment, . . . ) that are part of a set of pre-determined actions that can be realised by at least one of the units, and to transform the inputs into a signal representing the action, a memory in which is filed a relational database in which each action from the set is allocated to at least one unit that can realise that action, and a control unit that is connected to the input device, the memory and the units.

Abstract: A setting system for a vehicle air-conditioner is provided. The setting system allows for individual settings coupled with ergonomic functionality. The setting system comprises a control panel with a touch-sensitive display screen connected to a microcomputer-based controller having control outputs at least to a fan unit, to air distribution valves and to temperature adjusters of the air-conditioner. The display screen is adapted to display current settings and available setting options of at least (i) air flow rate, (ii) air distribution and (iii) air temperature, in the form of analog symbol representations that respond to tactile contact to vary current settings.

Abstract: The control system has a touch-sensitive input field (touchpad). Symbols are entered on the surface of the touchpad by tracing rough lines. The lines are interpreted in relation to a particular control context. In each particular control context, only a limited set of a few symbols are valid, thereby permitting symbols to be reliably recognised even when they are traced with a fingertip.

Abstract: The command input system has a display screen and a touch-sensitive input field. On the input field, there is a spatial relationship with options shown on the display field of the display screen. The input field conveys tactile feedback about the available and/or executed actions. The command input system is especially well-suited for use in vehicles since it does not require constant eye contact with the display field.

Abstract: For time-shifted reproduction of broadcast audio/video information that is received continuously and, from case to case, suppressed from reproduction by information of a higher priority such as a traffic announcement, the temporarily suppressed information continues to be received and is buffered on a storage medium. The stored information is kept on standby for time-shifted reproduction at the user's discretion.