System and method for enabling touchscreen by passenger in moving vehicle

摘要

Disclosed is a system and method for controlling the performance of complex operations via a dashboard-mounted touchscreen in a vehicle moving above a predetermined minimal speed. The system includes a sensor for determining who of the driver and/or the front seat passenger is intended or going to be touching the touchscreen. A control, responsive to operation of the sensor, disallows or allows the touchscreen to be responsive to a touch. The touchscreen is not allowed to perform a complex operation when the vehicle is moving above the minimal speed if the touchscreen is touched by the driver. The touchscreen is allowed to perform a complex operation when the vehicle is moving above the minimal speed if the touchscreen is touched by the passenger and is not going to be touched by the driver. The system might also detect if the passenger seat is occupied by sensing if the seat belt is buckled or by using a occupant classification system (OCS) to sense that the passenger seat is being used.