Multimedia information and control system for automobiles

Abstract

In a multimedia information and control system for use in an automobile, at least one interface is employed which enables a user to access information concerning the automobile and control vehicle functions in an efficient manner. The user may select one of a plurality of displayed options on a screen of such an interface. Through audio, video and/or text media, the user is provided with information concerning the selected option and the vehicle function corresponding thereto. Having been so informed, the user may activate the selected option to control the corresponding vehicle function.

1 - 128 . (canceled) 
     
     
         129 . A method for conveying information about a vehicle part to a user in a vehicle, comprising:
 a display element of a user interface displaying an image, the image at least partially visually resembling an interior of a vehicle and depicting at least a first vehicle part;   maintaining multimedia information about the vehicle in a memory, the multimedia information being configured to convey information about one or more vehicle parts, a first multimedia information being configured to convey information about the first vehicle part and including one or more presentation images that convey information about the first vehicle part;   receiving a selection input;   determining an initial selection of the first vehicle part based on the selection input;   changing a visual effect in the image in response to the initial selection of the first vehicle part;   at or after the initial selection of the first vehicle part, displaying a message in the image to indicate that the first multimedia information is available;   receiving an activation input; and   delivering the first multimedia information to the user interface in response to receiving the activation input;   wherein delivering the first multimedia information to the user interface comprises the display element displaying the one or more presentation images that convey information about the first vehicle part.