GB2361075A - Control arrangement for electronic audio or visual user interfaceable system - Google Patents
Control arrangement for electronic audio or visual user interfaceable system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2361075A GB2361075A GB0008608A GB0008608A GB2361075A GB 2361075 A GB2361075 A GB 2361075A GB 0008608 A GB0008608 A GB 0008608A GB 0008608 A GB0008608 A GB 0008608A GB 2361075 A GB2361075 A GB 2361075A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- control
- memory device
- input stage
- control input
- stage
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
- H04B1/06—Receivers
- H04B1/16—Circuits
- H04B1/20—Circuits for coupling gramophone pick-up, recorder output, or microphone to receiver
- H04B1/205—Circuits for coupling gramophone pick-up, recorder output, or microphone to receiver with control bus for exchanging commands between units
Abstract
An electronic audio or visual user interfaceable system (particularly for onboard automotive use), is controlled by a dual stage controller in which a user interfaceable control input stage 3, including a user input memory device 9 is operatively connected to a controller module stage 2 enabling reading of data stored on the memory device of the control input stage, and output of instructions to operate one or more devices in response to control inputs via the control input stage.
Description
2361075 Electronic Audio or Visual user Interfaceable System and Control
Arrangement Therefor The present invention relates to an electronic audio or visual user interfaceable system and control arrangement therefor, and in particular to such a system for use in vehicular applications.
According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an electronic audio or visual user interfaceable system, including a control arrangement comprising:
a control input stage including user input means and a memory device; is ii) a controller module stage arranged to be operatively connected to the control input stage, the control module including means for reading data stored on the memory device of the control input stage, and means for outputting instructions to operate one or more devices in response to control inputs via the user input means of the control input stage.
the devices operated by the control module may be signal receiving, transmission and/or processing means such as frequency dependent receiving transmission - and/or processing means including infra-red, R.F. or VHF tuners/receivers of audio/video or other apparatus, or signal amplifiers or data carrier readers such as CD tape F:\Markd\Specs\p46613.wpd -2 Cz or disc players or visual output displays, media processing devices such as digital or analogue devices. Such devices may include switching devices permitting the appropriate circuit connection configuration to be achieved to render the required performance capability for the system.
The sending of output instructions to a respective device is desirably dependent upon confirmatory data being carried by the memory device of the control input stage.
The output means to one or more devices is preferably debarred or restricted depending upon the data stored on the memory device of the control input device.
is The memory device of the control input stage beneficially contains system data concerning:
devices to be controlled by the system; and/or; ii) the user input means of the control input stage.
The memory device of the control input stage preferably comprises a programmable memory device.
The memory device of the control input stage preferably comprises an electronic memory device.
The controller module stage desirably includes a processor means for reading data stored on the memory device of the control input stage, and preferably for outputting F:\Markd\Specs\p46613.wpd instructions to operate one or more devices. The processor means comprises a microprocessor. The processor means beneficially is programmed to enable possible operation of all devices connected, the actual operation permitted being dependent upon the data carried by the memory means of the control input stage.
The control arrangement is particularly suited to control one or more devices of an audio or visual entertainment 10 system.
Preferably the control input stage and controller module stage are manufactured as separate sub-units, being connectable to form a unitary assembly. Assembly of. the is control input stage and controller module stage to the connected condition beneficially facilitates electrical connection between the memory device of the control input stage and the data reading means of the controller module stage.
F:\Markd\Specs\p46613.wpd According to a further aspect, the invention provides a method of rendering the performance capability of an electronic audio or visual user interfaceable system, the method comprising:
connecting a control input stage including user input means to a controller module stage, the k, controller module stage having the facility to control one or more specific system devices; ii) reading data stored by a memory device carried by a control input stage; and, i) either enabling operation of a specific system device or disabling/restricting operation of the device, depending upon the data stored by the memory device.
Prior to step i) the programmed.
memory device preferably The invention will now be further described in specific embodiments, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
is Figure 1 is a schematic representation of electronic audio/visual user interfaceable system in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a more detailed, schematic view of the system of Figure 1; and Figure 3 gives exemplary perspective views of a variety of differing systems in accordance with the invention.
Referring to the drawings, and initially Figure 1, there is shown an invehicle audio entertainment system 1 (for example, a RF tuner and CD player system) which includes a common base module 2 and a user interfaceable control input stage 3a, 3b, 3c. The essence of the invention is that the F:\Markd\Specs\p46613.wpd -5 user interfaceable control input stages 3a, 3b, 3c are interchangeable depending upon the functionality to be permitted of the system. In the example shown in Figure 1, the common base module controls output to speakers 4.
is Referring now to Figure 2, common base module 2 is manufactured as a standard unit including a predetermined configuration of media processor and audio stages 5, including devices such as audio amplifier apparatus, audio generator apparatus (as for example CD player, radio tuner, etc). The media processor and audio stages are connected to a micro-processor 6 which holds instructions to control the output from the media processor and audio stages 5 as will be described in greater detail hereafter.
Customer user interface 3 includes a display 7 and input controls 8 (such as dials keys or buttons). The user interfaceable input stage 3 also includes a programmable memory device 9 which is programmed with unique information relating to permitted functionality of the system.
when the user interfaceable control input stage 3 is fitted as a facia to the base module 2, electrical connection between the input stage 3 and base module 2 is established by connecting communication buses 10, 11 via respective interface connectors.
The programmed data on memory device 9 is read by microprocessor 6 to determine the permitted functionality of the system. In other words the micro-processor 6 determines F:\markd\Specs\p46613.wpd the output devices of the system which are connected, and also the permitted mode of operation of the device by interrogating the data stored on memory device 9. Systems comprising identical hardware are therefore permitted to have different functionality capabilities depending upon the "permitted access" data stored on memory device 9, and therefore identical base modules may be provided for different grades or specifications of permitted output or system functionality.
The programmable memory device 9 of control input stage 3 also carries data concerning the input devices (switches 8) and display 7 present on the control input stage.
is By way of example, system functionality may be modified by microprocessor 6 depending upon the data downloaded f rom memory device 9 by, for example, setting radio channel decoding for analogue or digital reception, setting amplification parameters for audio amplification of audio signals, setting device drivers for track memory storage or other playback features for recorded media (for example, CD player/cassette player/Mpeg 3 player).
In an exemplary system, the base module 2 may include the following:
Input/outputs 12(analogue & digital) Power supply 13, suitable for functioning over a wide range of voltage.0 - 100 volts d.c.
Microprocessor 6 with internal or external memory 14 Display driver 15 F:\Markd\Specs\p46613.wpd Communications bus 10 Interface connector The user interfaceable includes the following: Dials Lever switches Push switches Displays 7 Interface connector Programmable memory device 9 control input stage typically When the base module 2 is manufactured it is programmed with information concerning the level of user interface is permitted to be fitted i.e...low to medium specification or high specification (dependant on number of features). The user interface input stage 3 is programmed (either at manufacture or subsequently) with not only feature information but also with a code, identifying base modules to which connection is permissible.
The base module 2 also contains additional features for security. When a user interface input stage 3 is removed it retains the user interface stage 3 ID code. When a user upgrades to a new user interface, he/she presses a set sequence of inputs on the user interface tell the base unit that the next user interface to be fitted will have a new ID code and additional features. The base module then stores the ID code from the original user interface and the new one; this is done each time a new user interface has F:\Markd\Specs\p46613.wpd -8 been added.
The arrangement is particularly suitable for use with onboard vehicle mounted or fitted user interfaceable systems such as, for example but without limitation, TV, audio cassette player, CD player, Mpeg 3 player and other entertainment apparatus, and also audio or visual apparatus and/or user interfaceable electronic geographic location/traffic management systems which are becoming more prevalent in on-board vehicle situations.
communications Due to the increasing amount of vehicle electronic systems, the requirement to achieve cost effective designs is paramount, this is critical in reducing the overall vehicle cost. A major problem exists each time a new pro]ect comes about the normal method of product development is to develop a new design from scratch, this results in additional product development and new facility costs. The present invention addresses the need to develop a system which can be used for a range of customer vehicles, with the ability to standardise on the base system and allow the vehicle manufacturer to only develop the user interface. This modular system reduces development costs, increases production volumes of one particular component thus reducing overhead costs.
The manufacturer can select a different user interface for each vehicle model and derivative, the manufacturer also has the ability to offer special models by changing the F:\Markd\Specs\p46613.wpd user interface for one with new styling features, colour, function, etc. Model face lifts become easier to undertake as only a new user interface is required.
F:\Markd\Specs\p46613.wpd
Claims (1)
- Claims:1. A control arrangement for an electronic audio or visual user interfaceable system, the control arrangement comprising:a control input stage including user input means and a memory device; a controller module stage arranged to be operatively connected to the control input stage, the control module including means for reading data stored on the memory device of the control input stage, and means for outputting instructions to operate one or more devices in response to control inputs via the user input means of the control input stage.2. A control arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the sending of output instructions to a respective device is dependent upon confirmatory data being carried by the memory device of the control input stage.3. A control arrangement according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the output means to one or more devices is debarred or restricted depending upon the data stored on the memory device of the control input device.F:\Markd\Specs\p46613.wpd 11- A control arrangement according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the memory device of the control input stage contains system data concerning:i) devices to be controlled by the system; and/or; ii) the user input means of the control input stage.5. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the memory device of the control input stage comprises a programmable memory device.6. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the memory device of the control input stage comprises an electronic memory device.A control arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller module stage includes a processor means for reading data stored on the memory device of the control input stage, and for outputting instructions to operate one or more devices.8. A control arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the processor means comprises a microprocessor.9. A control arrangement according to claim 7, or claim 8, wherein the processor means includes is programmed to enable possible operation of all devices connected, the actual operation permitted being dependent upon the data carried by the memory means of the control F:\Markd\Specs\p46613.wpd - 1 input stage.1) - 10. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim connected to control one or more devices of an audio or visual entertainment system.11.is A control arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the control input stage and controller module stage are manufactured as separate sub-units, being connectable to form a unitary assembly.12. A control arrangement according to claim 11, wherein assembly of the control input stage and controller module stage to the connected condition facilitates electrical connection between the memory device of the control input stage and the data reading means of the controller module stage.A method of rendering the performance capability of an electronic audio or visual user interfaceable system, the method comprising:connecting a control input stage including user input means to a controller module stage, the controller module stage having the facility to control one or more specific system devices; ii) reading data stored by a memory device carried by a control input stage; and, F:\Markd\Specs\p46613.wpd iii) either enabling operation of a specific device or di sabl ing/re strict ing operation of the device, depending upon the data stored by the memory device.14. A method according to claim 13, wherein, prior to step i) the memory device is programmed.15. An electronic audio or visual user interfaceable system comprising a control arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 12.F:\Markd\Specs\p46613.wpd
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0008608A GB2361075B (en) | 2000-04-08 | 2000-04-08 | Electronic audio or visual user interfaceable system and control arrangement therefor |
EP01917300A EP1273103A2 (en) | 2000-04-08 | 2001-04-04 | Electronic audio or visual user interfaceable system and control arrangement therefor |
PCT/GB2001/001513 WO2001078452A2 (en) | 2000-04-08 | 2001-04-04 | Electronic audio or visual user interfaceable system and control arrangement therefor |
AU2001244381A AU2001244381A1 (en) | 2000-04-08 | 2001-04-04 | Electronic audio or visual user interfaceable system and control arrangement therefor |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0008608A GB2361075B (en) | 2000-04-08 | 2000-04-08 | Electronic audio or visual user interfaceable system and control arrangement therefor |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB0008608D0 GB0008608D0 (en) | 2000-05-31 |
GB2361075A true GB2361075A (en) | 2001-10-10 |
GB2361075B GB2361075B (en) | 2004-05-12 |
Family
ID=9889452
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB0008608A Expired - Lifetime GB2361075B (en) | 2000-04-08 | 2000-04-08 | Electronic audio or visual user interfaceable system and control arrangement therefor |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1273103A2 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2001244381A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2361075B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2001078452A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2007037058A1 (en) | 2005-09-28 | 2007-04-05 | Clarion Co., Ltd. | On-vehicle acoustic apparatus |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1999038728A1 (en) * | 1998-01-28 | 1999-08-05 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Car radio with a removable control panel |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4513405A (en) * | 1982-10-25 | 1985-04-23 | Jimmy's Radio & Television Corp. | Automotive sound system |
US5175926A (en) * | 1988-12-22 | 1993-01-05 | Ford Motor Company | Method of manufacturing an automotive sound system |
US5794164A (en) * | 1995-11-29 | 1998-08-11 | Microsoft Corporation | Vehicle computer system |
DE19643282A1 (en) * | 1996-10-21 | 1998-04-23 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Radio receiver |
DE19804476B4 (en) * | 1998-02-05 | 2004-04-29 | Grundig Car Intermedia System Gmbh | Car radio with removable control panel |
WO1999065151A1 (en) * | 1998-06-09 | 1999-12-16 | Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc. | Auto pc compliant audio system |
-
2000
- 2000-04-08 GB GB0008608A patent/GB2361075B/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2001
- 2001-04-04 EP EP01917300A patent/EP1273103A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2001-04-04 WO PCT/GB2001/001513 patent/WO2001078452A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2001-04-04 AU AU2001244381A patent/AU2001244381A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1999038728A1 (en) * | 1998-01-28 | 1999-08-05 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Car radio with a removable control panel |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2007037058A1 (en) | 2005-09-28 | 2007-04-05 | Clarion Co., Ltd. | On-vehicle acoustic apparatus |
EP1939884A1 (en) * | 2005-09-28 | 2008-07-02 | Clarion Co., Ltd. | On-vehicle acoustic apparatus |
EP1939884A4 (en) * | 2005-09-28 | 2010-08-25 | Clarion Co Ltd | On-vehicle acoustic apparatus |
US8130975B2 (en) | 2005-09-28 | 2012-03-06 | Clarion Co., Ltd. | On-vehicle acoustic apparatus |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2001078452A2 (en) | 2001-10-18 |
GB0008608D0 (en) | 2000-05-31 |
EP1273103A2 (en) | 2003-01-08 |
AU2001244381A1 (en) | 2001-10-23 |
WO2001078452A3 (en) | 2002-06-13 |
GB2361075B (en) | 2004-05-12 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP1285819B1 (en) | Removable front panel for an entertainment device | |
EP0124331B1 (en) | Remote control transmitter arrangement for one or more television devices | |
US6430165B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for performing satellite selection in a broadcast communication system | |
US20050239434A1 (en) | Multimedia device integration system | |
US5625350A (en) | Audio/video communication system and method | |
CN1779850B (en) | Burglar proof car audio system capable of attaching and detaching portable MP3 player and control method thereof | |
US5574514A (en) | Audio/video device for a communication system | |
US20060190144A1 (en) | On-vehicle device control system | |
EP1138157B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for displaying a colorized audio/visual program | |
EP0375128B1 (en) | An automotive sound system | |
US5175926A (en) | Method of manufacturing an automotive sound system | |
US6492909B1 (en) | Audio signal processing apparatus | |
US20020057378A1 (en) | Method for selecting signals in television receiver | |
GB2361075A (en) | Control arrangement for electronic audio or visual user interfaceable system | |
US5420931A (en) | Low and high quality entertainment system for playing low and high quality communication media for an automobile | |
JPH04326898A (en) | On-vehicle data communication system | |
WO2001006379A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for generating a control signal bitstream | |
CN2932560Y (en) | Multifunctional vehicle-mounted digital AV host | |
EP1026886A3 (en) | Screen display | |
JPH11175457A (en) | On-vehicle device information display method, on-vehicle information processor and automobile | |
WO2005090126A1 (en) | Audio device interface system | |
WO2005100919A1 (en) | Automotive on-vehicle multimedia unit | |
JP3100997B2 (en) | In-vehicle data communication system | |
EP1966007A2 (en) | Electronic unit for a vehicle | |
MANUAL | KDC-MP2032 KDC-MP2032CR KDC-MP232 KDC-MP202 KDC-232MR |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PE20 | Patent expired after termination of 20 years |
Expiry date: 20200407 |