GB2481597A

GB2481597A - A programmable control device for controlling a computer and a system independent from the computer

Info

Publication number: GB2481597A
Application number: GB1010883.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Parfitt
Original assignee: FUTRONICS GROUP Ltd
Current assignee: FUTRONICS GROUP Ltd
Priority date: 2010-06-29
Filing date: 2010-06-29
Publication date: 2012-01-04
Also published as: GB201010883D0; WO2012013917A1; GB201018404D0; GB201014815D0; WO2012001349A1; GB201111046D0

Abstract

A programmable control device 3 suitable for enabling user control of systems associated with a vehicle, for example an emergency vehicle. The device may include a touch screen display 23 enabling control of an external computer system 1 and the display of information. The device has buttons 25 separate from the touch screen. The device is arranged such that each of said buttons 25 can be assigned to control a program running on the computer system or a system 7 independent from the computer system, and wherein each button is re-programmable to control an alternative program or the system independent from the computer system. The function of a button may be displayed using an OLED panel 26.

Description

Control Device

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a control device, particularly, though not exclusively for use in an emergency vehicle such as a police, ambulance or fire vehicle.

Backciround of the Invention Modern emergency vehicles, for example police cars, comprise in-situ computer systems providing a plurality of applications commonly employed by operators in the course of their duties. Applications running on the computer system may include a GPS navigation program, a digital radio, a license plate recognition program and video playback facilities utilising external cameras.

This list is non-exhaustive. Operation and display of said applications can be performed using a touch screen device mounted in the vehicle and which is connected to the computer system, usually stowed securely in the vehicle boot or trunk.

The sirens, beacons, strobe lighting and matrix displays provided on such vehicles are usually controlled by a physically separate unit, usually having mechanical buttons associated with each function.

The use of the separate units has disadvantages in that two mounting units have to be provided within the limited interior space and with separate leads extending to the various external units such as the computer and the control units associated with the lights, sirens and so on.

Furthermore, the unit controlling the lights, sirens, beacons and so on is generally hard-wired to perform a predetermined function, i.e. with one button being assigned to front strobe lights, another button to the roof lights, another button to the sirens and so on. There is therefore zero, or limited scope for changing or adding functionality without providing a new controller or re-wiring the existing one and labelling the buttons accordingly.

Furthermore, where one or more button(s) is/are selected to activate a system, it can be difficult for a user inside the vehicle to recognise which of the systems is currently active, possibly resulting in confusion and potentially dangerous situations on the road.

Summary of the Invention

In the broad sense, the invention provides a control device, particularly a control device enabling user control of systems associated with a vehicle, which includes a plurality of buttons each of which is programmable so as to control a program running on a computer system and which can be reprogrammed to enable control of a system independent of the computer system.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a programmable control device enabling user control of a plurality of systems associated with a vehicle, the device comprising a touch screen display enabling control of a computer system and the display of information therefrom, and a plurality of buttons separate from the touch screen, wherein the module is arranged such that each of said buttons can be assigned to control a program running on the computer system, and in which each button is re-programmable to control a system independent from the computer system.

Thus, there is provided a programmable control device which integrates the control of a computer system provided in a vehicle, for example an emergency vehicle's computer system, as well as other independent systems such as those controlling the display of external lights, strobes, sirens and matrix displays. The function of the separate buttons is interchangeable to cater for new programs or independent systems, or simply to allow more critical programs or systems to be controlled using button in a more prominent position, e.g. at the top of a column of buttons.

Programs running on the computer system can be operated using the touch screen or the separate buttons, if the latter are programmed accordingly.

Conversely, systems independent of the computer system can be controlled by the touch screen or the separate buttons.

By making the buttons re-programmable to perform alternative control functions, the module provides versatility in terms of adding new programs or independent systems.

By enabling the control of systems independent of the computer system, e.g. the lights, sirens, displays and so on, using the separate keys, more time critical control functions, such as turning on strobe lights and/or roof lights and/or sirens can be initiated whilst the computer system is booting up when the car is started. Booting of a computer system can take an appreciable amount of time, i.e. a matter of minutes, during which valuable response time can be lost. If these functions are controlled independently of the computer system, they can be initiated immediately as the computer is booting in the

background.

The device is preferably provided as a single unit. The separate buttons may be physical buttons, that is buttons requiring user force to initiate a control signal to the computer or independent system.

The separate buttons may include an electronic display portion for visually indicating the control function assigned to that button, and in which the module enables said indication to be modified in accordance with a re- programming operation to assign a different function to that button. Sub-menus can be assigned to particular functions so that, in response to selecting a given button, the button assignments change to provide sub-menu options.

The device may be arranged such that operation of a function associated with one of the buttons causes a change in the visual indication displayed by said button to indicate said operation. Thus, an operator is presented with a clear visual reminder of what systems are in operation even as other systems are being operated or monitored.

The buttons may comprise a LED panel provided as part of the button, for example an organic LED (OLED) panel.

The device may be arranged such that a particular control function can be assigned to the condition in which a plurality of buttons are operated simultaneously. Thus, the number of functions assigned to the buttons is not limited by the actual number of buttons. Operating of two keys simultaneously can be assigned to a further function, for example.

The device may be arranged such that a particular control function can be assigned to the condition in which a plurality of buttons are operated in a predetermined sequence.

The device preferably comprises a processor operating under the control of a program arranged to provide the programming I re-programming functionality.

The processor operates independently of the external computer. Where a control function relates to a program on the external computer, the device's processor passes control signals to the external computer, whereas where a function relates to the control of an external system independent from the computer system, the processor passes control signals to the external system independently, i.e. without any interaction with the computer.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a programmable control device enabling user control of systems associated with a vehicle, the device comprising a touch screen display enabling control of an external computer system running one or more programs and the display of information therefrom, and a plurality of buttons separate from the touch screen, wherein the device is arranged such that each of said buttons can be assigned to control a program running on the computer system and subsequently re-programmed to control an external system independent from the computer system.

S

There may be provided a programmable control device as defined above adapted for specific use in an emergency vehicle.

According to a further aspect, there is provided an on-board computer system for an emergency vehicle, the computer system comprising a main computer running one or more programs, a control system independent of the main computer for controlling the operation of any one of lights, sirens or a display system associated with the vehicle, and a programmable control device comprising (i) a touch screen display enabling control of programs on the main computer and the display of information therefrom and (ii) a plurality of buttons separate from the touch screen, in which the programmable control device is arranged such that each of said buttons can be assigned to control a program running on the computer system and subsequently re-programmed to control the operation of the lights, sirens or display system via the independent control system.

Each button may comprise a display panel for displaying an indication of the function currently assigned to it. Said displayed indication can be changed in accordance with a re-programming operation. Said displayed indication can change during operation of its associated function to indicate said operation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of an in-vehicle computer system comprising a plurality of system devices including a main computer and a programmable display system enabling control of programs and other functions; Figures 2(a) and 2(b) are plan views of the front of the programmable display system in Figure 1, the latter showing an exemplary assignment of functions displayed thereon; and Figure 3 is a system diagram showing functional components within the programmable display system in Figures 1 and 2.

Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a system diagram indicating functional components of an in-vehicle computer system, in this case a computer system designed for use in a police vehicle.

An in-car personal computer (PC) 1 provides the core processing capability for running a plurality of computer programs or applications for assisting police officers in the course of their duties. Such programs may include, for example, a digital radio, a GPS navigation system, an automatic number plate reader (ANPR) program, and a digital video recorder (DVR) program. This list is non-exhaustive. The PC 1 may be of the type provided by the applicant under the brand eMC1 or one of its derivatives, this computer using anything ranging from a 2GHz Celeron processor to a Core 2 Quad 2.53 GHz Extreme processor in the current range. Memory and input/output capabilities are comparable with the more powerful PC5 available on the market. The PC 1 is, in practice, securely fitted into the vehicle, for example in the boot or trunk.

Connected to the PCi is a programmable display system (PDS) 3, which is mounted in the interior of the vehicle, in or adjacent to the dashboard thereby enabling easy access by a police driver or front passenger. The arrangement of the PDS 3 and its functionality will be explained in greater detail below.

A communications module (CM) 5 is also connected to the PC 1. The CM 5 comprises one or more antenna or antenna feeds and one or more modems (e.g. GPRS, 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth) enabling bidirectional wireless data transmission between the PC 1 and other modules, for example to upload status data to a police station or to download information for the radio application, the ANPR program or other information from a National Police Database (NPD). The CM 5 also comprises a GPS antenna and engine to provide data required by the GPS navigation program running on the PC 1.

An electronic vehicle controller (EVC) 7 is connected to the CM 5 and the PDS 3, as well as the vehicles external indicator and siren systems comprising lights 9 (front and rear strobes and a roof light bar), sirens 11 and a display matrix 13. The EVC 7 is a stand-alone module that controls mission-critical vehicle operations independent of, or in conjunction with, the processor of PC 1. The EVC 7 provides power management and control of the lights 9, sirens 11, and the display matrix 13, audio and also takes in vehicle inputs from the vehicle handbrake and door inputs. The unit includes fully programmable outputs; volt free changeover contacts, high sided fused and monitored outputs, a programmable intelligent interface to light bars and matrix signs, programmable voice storage and announcements and an on-board PC audio speaker driver.

In terms of inputs, the EVC 7 includes dedicated handbrake, footbrake, ignition, door, 999 and arrive scene inputs. The latter two inputs enable different predetermined combinations of lights to be displayed in accordance with a selected one of the inputs being enabled. For example, when the 999 input is enabled (this being an emergency condition) the EVC 7 causes all strobe (front and rear) and the roof light bar to be switched on. The siren may also be initiated. When the arrive scene' input is enabled (appropriate when the vehicle arrives at a scene following a 999 emergency condition) the EVC 7 causes the front strobes to be switched off whilst keeping the rear strobes and light bar operating to warn vehicles approaching the scene. The siren is switched off in this mode.

Thus, the EVC 7 not only allows individual lights, sirens and other external indicating systems to be individually controlled, but also has programmable functionality to allow different combinations of said indicators to be initiated in response to a dedicated control signal. As will be explained below, control signals for the individual indicating systems and the programmable combinations are received from the PDS 3.

As also indicated in Figure 1, a number of further electronic systems 15 are connected to the PC 1, for example a printer, fingerprint reader and one or more cameras. These peripherals' are used by programs running on the PC 1. A first camera, for example, may be used to record video from the front of the vehicle, the video being stored on a hard drive of the PCi with the PVR application providing an interface enabling playback of the video to offending motorists or as evidence in subsequent proceedings. The video may also be fed to the ANPR program which uses image processing technology to identify license plates and access external databases through the CM 5 to identify the registered user and/or stolen vehicle reports.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the PDS 3 will now be described in greater detail.

Referring to Figure 2, the PDS 3 is a single-unit module comprising a casing 21 housing a touch-screen 23 and, separate therefrom, a column of buttons or keys 25. In this case, six buttons are shown. Each of the buttons 25 is a physical button, similar to those provided on a conventional computer keyboard, requiring applied force to mechanically depress the button onto an underlying contact. Each button 25 includes, as part of its upper exposed surface, an OLED panel 26 for displaying the function assigned to that button.

Each OLED panel 26 is connected to a processor which outputs the particular image or icon to be displayed in accordance with a programming operation.

As will be explained below, the functionality of the buttons 25 is re-programmable in use and hence the image or icon displayed by the buttons in use is also re-programmable, e.g. to display a different image or icon.

User programming of the functionality of the buttons 25 is handled by means of accessing a processor internal to the PDS 3 and which operates independently of the PC 1. This processor enables the buttons 25 to be assigned to a function associated with the PC 1, for example to initiate an application running on the PC, or, alternatively, to a function independent of the PC, for example to initiate a function operated by the EVC 7. The processor is infinitely re-programmable so that a button 25 currently assigned to control a PC 1 application can be subsequently re-programmed so that it is assigned to control an EVC 7 function, and vice-versa. Control signals are output from the processor via different buses or channels 27, 29, corresponding to, respectively, an EVC data bus and a PC data bus.

Figure 2(b) shows an example configuration of the PDS 3. The touch screen 23 shows a first level menu indicative of programs or applications running on PC 1. Each program has a corresponding icon displayed on the touch screen 23 and the corresponding program is initiated by means of a user touching the capacitive screen; said selection results in a corresponding control signal being sent via the PC data bus 29 to the PC 1. Output data resulting from the initiation of the selected program is received back over the PC data bus 29 and displayed on the touch screen 23, for example to show a graphical user interface (GUI) associated with the program and/or to show a sub-menu associated with the program.

It will be noted that a blank screen' icon is displayed on the touch screen 23.

This function results in the touch screen 23 displaying only approved applications whilst the vehicle is moving, although other mission-critical programs can run in the background. The GPS SatNav program is an example of an approved program that can be displayed safely whilst the vehicle is moving.

In this example configuration, the buttons 25 are programmed to provide a number of mission critical functions, namely (i) a emergency response' function, referred to hereafter as a 999 mode (ii) an arrive at scene' function, referred to hereafter as an ARR mode (iii) an LTS function, (iv) a GPS SatNav function, (v) a PNC function and (vi) an ANPR function.

As mentioned previously, the 999 and ARR modes correspond to different predetermined combinations of lights. For example, the 999 mode corresponds to all strobe (front and rear) and the roof light bar being switched on. The siren may also be initiated. The arrive scene' modes corresponds to the front strobes being switched off whilst keeping the rear strobes and light bar operating to warn vehicles approaching the scene. The siren is switched off in this mode. Rather than using the PC 1 to control the lights and sirens when one of these modes is selected, it is the EVC 7 that is pre-programmed to initiate the appropriate combination in response to a control signal from the PDS 3. This is because the PC 1 will take a finite, and often significant period of time to boot-up when the vehicle is initially switched on, and, further, its operation can also be affected by processor performance and the number of other applications running in parallel on said PC 1. The EVC 7 uses a processor which runs independently of the PC 1 and so can initiate the 999 and ARR modes immediately upon receiving the appropriate control signal from the PDS 3.

Thus, the first two buttons 31 of the PDS 3 are in this case programmed to send either a 999 control signal or an ARR control signal direct to the EVC 7, independently from the PC 1. The control signals in this case are transmitted through the EVC bus 27. The remaining four buttons 33 of the PDS 3 are programmed to send a control signal for initiating or controlling a respective application (LTS, NAV, PNC and AN PR) to the PC 1 via the PC bus 29.

The buttons 31, 33 are repeatedly re-programmable so that different or new functions can be assigned to buttons. For example, the 999 function could be moved from the uppermost button to the lowermost button. All that is required is for a user to reprogram the PDS 3.

As part of the programming and re-programming operation, the user is able to specify to the PDS 3 the image to be displayed on each OLED display 26.

The user may simply type-in a word or legend to be displayed, select one of a predetermined number of icons, or upload an image from an external computer system. In this case, simple text legends are used.

In response to selecting a particular function using one or more of the buttons 31, 33 the processor of the PDS 3 is arranged to indicate, by means of the OLED display 26, the or each function currently in operation. This may be by means of changing the colour of the image assigned to a button, underlining the image or causing it to flash. For example, if the 999 button is pressed to initiate the 999 mode via the EVC 7, the OLED display 26 for the 999 button may blink and continue to do so regardless of what other buttons are pressed or whichever other programs are being controlled via the touch screen 23. In a multitasking environment, this means that a clear and visible indication is continually given to the user as to which function(s) are in operation.

Referring to Figure 3, the components of the PDS 3 will now be described.

The aforementioned touch screen 23 and buttons 25 are connected to a dedicated PDS processor 41 which operates under the control of a control program 43 stored on memory. The PDS processor 41 can be programmed and monitored via an interface 45 (which can be wired or wireless, e.g. using Bluetooth, WiFi, 3G, SMS, GPRS) which interfaces to said PDS processor overabus47.

The PDS processor 41 is, in use, connected to the PC 1 and the EVC 7 using, respectively, the PC bus 29 and EVC bus 27 previously described.

Depending on which of the buttons 26 is pressed, the PDS processor 41 outputs a corresponding control signal either to the PC 1, or to the EVC 7 independently of the PC 1.

As well as enabling each individual one of the buttons 25 to be assigned to a particular function, the PDS 3 also enables combinations of buttons to be assigned to additional functions. This means that the number of functions is not limited to the number of buttons 25. In one case, pushing two or more buttons simultaneously can be interpreted by the PDS processor 41 as a different function; for example pushing the PNC and ANPR buttons simultaneously may be used to control the brightness of the screen or the volume of the audio output. In another case, pushing a plurality of buttons in a predetermined sequence may be assigned to another function; for example, pushing the ANPR button, followed in quick succession by the PNC button can be assigned to power-down the PDS 3.

In addition, when one of the buttons 25 is selected, the PDS 3 may be configured to assign one or more sub-options to the buttons. Thus, if for example, the 999 button is pushed, the current button assignments shown in Figure 2(b) may change to show different selectable options relevant to the 999 mode, perhaps enabling one of the predetermined combination of lights operated by the EVC 7 to be manually turned off. The current sub-menu may be exited automatically after a predetermined period of time or in response to an exit' function assigned to one of the buttons in the sub-menu. The previous next level up' menu is then displayed again.

Programming and re-programming of the PDS processor 41 is performed either by connecting a computer, e.g. an external laptop, to the interface 45 over the wired or wireless link. An application providing a GUI allowing assignment of the buttons 25 to particular functions and for specifying the legend, image or image upload to be displayed on the OLED screen 26 of a button can be pre-stored on memory 43 or provided as a separate application for use on the external computer.

In a further embodiment, the buttons 25 are provided in the form of a touch-sensitive buttons rather than physical buttons requiring mechanical displacement to cause selection. A separate touch screen may be provided for displaying individual buttons, i.e. distinct from the main touch screen 23.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A control device, particularly a control device enabling user control of systems associated with a vehicle, which includes a plurality of buttons each of which is programmable so as to control a program running on a computer system and which can be reprogrammed to enable control of a system independent of the computer system.
2. A programmable control device for enabling user control of a plurality of systems associated with a vehicle, the device comprising a touch screen display enabling control of a computer system and the display of information therefrom, and a plurality of buttons separate from the touch screen, wherein the device is arranged such that each of said buttons can be assigned to control a program running on the computer system, and in which each button is re-programmable to control a system independent from the computer system.
3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the control device is provided as a single unit.
4. A device according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the separate buttons are physical buttons requiring user force to initiate a control signal.
5. A device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the separate buttons include an electronic display portion for visually indicating the control function assigned to that button, and in which the device enables said indication to be modified in accordance with a re-programming operation to assign a different function to that button.
6. A device according to claim 5, arranged such that operation of a function associated with one of the buttons causes a change in the visual indication displayed by said button to indicate said operation.
7. A device according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the buttons comprise a LED panel provided as part of the button.
8. A device according to any one of claim 2 to 7, arranged such that a control function can be assigned to the condition in which a plurality of buttons are operated simultaneously.
9. A device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, arranged such that a control function can be assigned to the condition in which a plurality of buttons are operated in a predetermined sequence.
10. A programmable control device enabling user control of systems associated with a vehicle, the device comprising a touch screen display enabling control of an external computer system running one or more programs and the display of information therefrom, and a plurality of buttons separate from the touch screen, wherein the device is arranged such that each of said buttons can be assigned to control a program running on the computer system and subsequently re-programmed to control an alternative external system independent from the computer system.
11. A device according to claim 10, adapted for specific use in an emergency vehicle.
12. A programmable control device, particularly a control device enabling user control of systems associated with a vehicle, which device includes a plurality of buttons each of which is programmable so as to control a particular program running on a computer system or a system independent of the computer system, and in which each said button can be reprogrammed to enable control of a different program or independent system.
13. A programmable control device enabling user control of systems associated with a vehicle, the device comprising a touch screen display enabling control of an external computer system and the display of information therefrom, and a plurality of buttons separate from the touch screen, wherein the device is arranged such that each of said buttons can be assigned to control a program running on the computer system or a system independent from the computer system, and wherein each button is re-programmable to control a alternative program or system independent from the computer system.*.:r: INTELLECTUAL 16 . ... PROPERTY OFFICE Application No: GB 1010883.5 Examiner: Dr Russell Maurice Claims searched: 1-13 Date of search: 25 October 2011 Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17 Documents considered to be relevant: Category Relevant Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance to claims X 1-13 DE 19807410 Al (VOLKSWAGEN AG) see e.g. WPI Abstract Accession Number 1999-55 1967 [47] X l&12 EP1714822A2 (CNH UK LTD) see e.g. paragraphs 12, 20-23 X 1 & 12 US 2001/034573 Al (TEXAS A & M UNIV SYS) see e.g. paragraphs 50-70 & 92 X 1 & 12 DE 102006059057 Al (DAIMLER CHRYSLER AG) see the WPI Abstract Accession Number 2008-G60349 [42] Categories: X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive A Document indicating technological background and/or state step of the art.Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of before the filing date of this invention.same category.& Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after. hut with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:Search of GB, EP. WO & US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKCX Worldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC B6OK; B6OR; GO6F The following online and other databases have been used in the preparation of this search report WPI, EPODOC International Classification: Subclass Subgroup Valid From B6OK 0037/06 01/01/2006 GO6F 0003/023 01/01/2006 Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk