JP4792522B2 - Portable adapter and software for use with head-up display devices - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to adapting existing or additional vehicle computer hardware and software to be used in combination with existing vehicle head-up display (HUD) devices. Such a system may be used with mobile phones, personal digital assistant (PDA) devices and other peripheral devices in a traveling vehicle. More particularly, the present invention enables an existing HUD device to allow a driver to quickly and securely access a mobile phone call, email or other information list while holding the vehicle handle with both hands while driving. It is adapted to project the screen of a mobile phone, PDA or other peripheral device onto the windshield of the vehicle. The present invention provides a portable HUD adapter and software for use with an existing HUD device in a vehicle.

  Information retrieval during operation is very useful and necessary. Vehicle drivers want to be well informed about travel destinations, weather information, road conditions and other data. Drivers therefore have to rely on their cell phones, PDA pagers, portable GPS satellite receivers, radios and laptop computers that can access and relay relevant data.

  Project existing mobile phone, PDA and computer screens onto the windshield of a vehicle to receive and relay data, e-mail or computer information, and replace existing head-up display (HUD) devices with mobile phones, PDAs, GPS There is a need for use with a variety of peripheral devices comprising satellite receivers, computers and other electronic products. In this way, the driver can hold information on the information or data from any peripheral device, including mobile phone calls, e-mail, map directions, destination data, etc. while holding the vehicle handle with both hands while driving. Can be accessed quickly and safely. More specifically, existing HUD devices need to include one or more heads up display (HUD) adapters for use with various electronic peripheral devices such as mobile phones, GPS satellite receivers or laptop computers. There is.

[Prior art]
Display systems for traveling vehicles and the like having various designs and configurations are disclosed in the prior art. For example, Patent Document 1 by OBRADOVICH discloses a camera and a GPS data exchange device that are arranged. This device is a personal communication device having an electromagnetic communication performance, including a GPS receiver and a screen. This prior art patent does not disclose the design, configuration and structure of an existing head-up display (HUD) device for use with the portable HUD adapter of the present invention.

  Patent Document 2 by OBRADOVICH discloses a personal communication system for communicating voice data position information. This system searches for GPS satellite information in position related data using a search and classification scheme to query a database that automatically transmits data to the PCD device and display screen. This prior art patent does not disclose the design, configuration and structure of an existing head-up display (HUD) device for use with the portable HUD adapter of the present invention.

Any prior art patent is used with a portable HUD adapter for accepting a cell phone, PDA, computer or other electronic peripheral device to display a cell phone message or other information on the screen of a vehicle windshield. A head-up display device is not disclosed.
US Pat. No. 6,525,768 US Pat. No. 6,529,824

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a portable head-up display adapter for use in conjunction with an existing vehicle head-up display (HUD) device. The adapter of the present invention is plugged into a mobile phone, PDA, computer or other peripheral device for displaying and relaying mobile phone messages or other information on the screen of the windshield of the vehicle, thereby enabling the driver Can use the portable HUD adapter and software along with the vehicle's existing HUD device to quickly and safely access and relay information while holding the handle of the vehicle with both hands.

  Another object of the present invention is, for example, iPod (registered trademark), laptop / portable computer, mobile phone, palm pilot, PDA, GPS satellite receiver, CD player, portable TV, VCR player, DVD player. It is to provide a HUD adapter for use in conjunction with various peripheral devices such as car radios, air conditioners, printers, recording devices, satellite radios, pagers or other communication / electronic devices.

  Another object of the present invention is to receive the required data from each of the electronic peripheral devices, transmit it to the existing HUD device, and use the HUD control device on the handle of the user's vehicle to pass the required information to the windshield of the vehicle. The object is to provide a HUD adapter that can be displayed on an existing HUD screen of a window.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a HUD adapter that can integrate a portable peripheral device into a vehicle when in use.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a HUD adapter that allows the replacement of many existing buttons in a vehicle and the coupling of a control device to a control pad and HUD system.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a HUD adapter that allows for the elimination of bulky electronic equipment and allows replacement of inexpensive electronic equipment on a computer processing board.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a HUD adapter with less accidents and low insurance premiums.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a HUD adapter for use in conjunction with an existing HUD device that can be mass-produced in an automated and economical manner and is readily available to the user. is there.

  According to the present invention, a head-up display (HUD) adapter 10 for use in combination with an existing head-up display (HUD) device 20 is provided. The HUD adapter of the present invention accepts an electronic peripheral device, such as a mobile phone 40, for displaying electronic data and information from the peripheral device on the screen 24 of the existing HUD device 20 on the windshield 14 of the vehicle. The HUD adapter 10 includes a proximal end 52, a distal end 54, and a cable 56 therebetween. The proximal end portion has a first adapter plug 58 and the distal end portion has a second adapter plug 62. The head-up display control device 26 is positioned in the control panel 28 of the handle 15 of the vehicle 12 to control each of the electronic peripheral devices such as the mobile phone 40. The HUD device 20 further includes a USB panel member 30 having a plurality of USB receiving ports 32a, 32b, 32c and 32d for receiving one or more of the HUD adapters 10. The first adapter plug 58 of the HUD adapter is received in the receiving port 60 of an electronic peripheral device such as the mobile phone 40. The second adapter plug 62 of the HUD adapter is received by one of the plurality of USB receiving ports 32 a-32 d of the USB panel member 30 for electrically connecting the HUD adapter 10 to the HUD control device 26.

  Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

  The portable head-up display (HUD) adapter device 10 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in detail in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, the HUD adapter device 10 is used in conjunction with the existing head-up display device 20 and the internal vehicle computer 11 in the traveling vehicle 12.

  “Vehicle” is defined as any form of transportation, including automobile, jeep, SUV, RV, pickup truck, truck, bus, motorboat, yacht, airplane, military transport, snowmobile, motorcycle, and the like.

  A “processor” is defined as an existing or new computer processor 11 for a vehicle that is dedicated to the execution of all peripheral devices for the vehicle 12.

  A “port” is defined as an electronic connection obtained by internal wiring by hardware or external wiring by software in the form of USB, telephone, wireless and similar connections.

  A “peripheral device” is defined as an electronic device, product, or device that is visible or hidden and used as needed by an operator. Peripherals are attached to receiving ports (hard and soft) connected to the processor. The peripheral device is controlled by the control pad via the processor. Operations performed by the operator using the control pad are transmitted to a processor that communicates with the peripheral device and reflects the operator's operations in the HUD. The list of electronic devices is as follows. Mobile phone, PUD, Palm Pilot Organizer, Global Positioning System (GPS), iPod (registered trademark), radio, satellite radio, tape player, CD player, DVD player, laptop, printer, fax, digital camera , Pager, cruise control, side mirror control, seat control, seat memory control, garage door opener, recording device, air conditioner, climate hover control, internal security, alarm, tracking system, vehicle gauge control, door control, Window controls, defrost controls, interactive games, and other fixed or portable communication devices.

  A “control pad (with controls)” is defined as a control placed on a handle, dashboard or armrest that controls all of the peripheral devices. The control pad can be a key, button, switch, joystick or touchpad combination. The control pad can be fixed, retractable, movable, or wireless. Any additional key control pad is available with certain restrictions on the front occupant side of the dashboard, front panel, armrest, or central console.

  “HUD” is defined as a head-up display that projects all the information that the peripheral device transmits via the processor. This display is on the driver's side with any display on the front passenger side (with certain limitations).

  The head-up display device 20 is placed in a head-up display projector 22 placed on the dashboard 13 of the vehicle 12, a head-up display screen 24 of the front windshield 14 of the vehicle 12, and a compartment 28 of the handle 15 of the vehicle 12. And a head-up display control panel member 26. The head-up display device 20 also includes a USB panel member 30 having a plurality of USB receiving ports 32a-32d for receiving one or more of the head-up display adapter devices 10A, 10B, 10C and / or 10D, and a headset of the headset 38. It also includes a headset jack receiving port 34 that accepts a jack cable 36. The USB panel member 30 is placed in the central operating portion 16 of the vehicle 12 adjacent to the vehicle radio 17 and armrest 18. The armrest 18 holds various peripheral devices and electronic products such as a mobile phone 40, a portable computer 42, an ipod (interface protocol option device) 44, a portable TV set 46, a palm pilot 48, a PDA 50, and the like. It includes a pair of cradle holder members 19a and 19b for storage. It should be understood that the HUD control panel member 26 may also be placed on the dashboard 13 or armrest 18 of the vehicle 12. Furthermore, the sun visor 14v in the upper part 14u of the front windshield window 14 may include a microphone 64 in order to capture the user's voice when the mobile phone 40 is used.

  Each of the head-up display adapter devices 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D includes a proximal end 52, a distal end 54, and a cable or cord 56 therebetween. The proximal end portion 52 of the HUD adapter device 10 includes a first adapter plug 58. The first adapter plug 58 is received in an electrical product receiving port 60 for an electronic product such as the mobile phone 40. The distal end portion 54 of the HUD adapter device 10 includes a second adapter plug 62. The second adapter plug 62 is received in one of the plurality of USB receiving ports 32 a to 32 d of the USB panel member 30 as shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5.

  The head-up display control panel member 26 has a first compartment 70 that receives an adjustment control pad 72 for adjusting the size and focus of the head-up display screen 24 of the windshield 14 of the vehicle, as shown in FIGS. A second compartment 74 for receiving a speedometer gauge switch 76 for displaying the speedometer gauge 78 from the vehicle dashboard 13 on the HUD screen 24 of the windshield 14 of the vehicle, and a radio system 102 ( A third compartment 98 that receives a volume control pad 100 for raising and lowering the sound level of a CD, tape deck, video, mobile phone, etc.). The head-up display control panel member 26 further includes a fourth compartment 104 that receives the cursor movement control member 106.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the cursor movement control member 106 is used to control various functions used in the HUD device 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the cursor movement control member 106 includes a function key button 86, a peripheral device on / off button 88, a cursor movement control pad 108, an accept button 110, a HUD cursor movement control member on / off button 112, A menu button 114, a keypad 118, and a record button 120 are included. The recording chip for the button 120 may be an additional function for use with the vehicle computer system 11. The cursor movement control member 106 can be detachably connected to the fourth compartment 104 of the HUD control panel member 26. The adjustment control pad 72 is attached to the handle 15 as shown in FIG. The cursor movement control member 106 is detachably connected to the handle 15 as shown in FIGS. If it is removable, it operates wirelessly. It may be a touchpad instead of a hard keypad.

[Operation of the present invention]
During operation, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the HUD adapter device 10 operates as follows. When the vehicle driver turns on the HUD adapter device 10 by the on / off switch 112 on the handle 15 or, optionally, by a passenger, the computer recognizes all peripheral devices (hardware and software) that are installed. A menu showing all recognized peripheral devices is then projected on the HUD screen 24, and the operator, driver or passenger uses the cursor movement control member 106 to command their request with one or more key combinations. be able to.

  Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the first adapter plug 58 of the base end portion 52 of the HUD adapter device 10 </ b> A is received in the mobile phone receiving port 60 of the mobile phone 40. The first adapter plug 58 is received in a number of different receiving ports 60 of various electronic peripheral devices, such as portable computers, palm pilots, iPods, personal digital assistants (PDAs), etc. that can be connected simultaneously. In the next stage, the second adapter plug 62 of the distal end portion 54 of the HUD adapter device 10A is received in the USB receiving port 32a of the USB panel member 30. Next, in order to select the function of the mobile phone 40, the user selects the USB receiving port 32a using the control switches 108 and 110. Next, this selection activates the head-up display projector 22, and displays the image 40s of the mobile phone 40 on the HUD screen 24 of the front windshield 14 of the vehicle 12, as shown in FIG. Optionally, the user adjusts the adjustment control pad 72 to adjust the size and focus of the cell phone image 40 s of the HUD screen 24 of the windshield 14. The user may also make other adjustments using the cursor movement control member 106 for various cellular phone 40 functions, such as making a telephone call with the keypad 118 or using function keys and buttons. it can. Although the cursor movement control member 106 can control all recognized peripheral devices, the peripheral device can also be operated manually.

  Alternatively, the PDA receiving port 60 of the PDA device 50 can receive the first adapter plug 58 of the HUD adapter 10B as shown in FIGS. In such a case, the second adapter plug 62 of the HUD adapter 10B is received in the USB receiving port 32b of the USB panel member 30. Next, in order to select the function of the PDA device 50, the user selects the USB receiving port 32 b using the control switches 108 and 110 of the HUD control panel member 26. Then, this selection activates the HUD projector 22 and displays the image 50 s of the PDA device 50 on the HUD screen 24 of the front windshield window 14 of the vehicle 12.

  The foregoing steps are for electrically connecting to other electronic peripheral devices such as a laptop computer 42, iPod 44, television set 46, palm pilot 48, GPS satellite receiver 84, wireless system 102, or air conditioning system 94. It is understood that can also be used. The automobile 12 can have many USB receiving ports 32, so that the radio, CD and tape deck can be connected by wiring, can be assigned to the first USB port, and the air conditioner is connected by wiring. Can be assigned to the second USB port, the GPS satellite receiver can be wired and can be assigned to the third USB port, the cruise control must be wired and assigned to the fourth USB port It is also understood that side mirrors, rearview mirrors and window controls can be wired and assigned to the fifth USB port, as well as other electronic peripheral devices.

  The vehicle computer and HUD control panel member 26 includes control key members 86, 88, 108, 110, 112, 114, 118, 120, and the HUD adapter device 10 provides various screens 24 of the electronic peripheral devices used. Is projected onto the windshield 14 of the vehicle so that the driver can quickly and safely hold the handle 15 of the vehicle 12 with both hands when driving or stopping, for example when using a mobile phone. To the mobile phone, hang up, access the list of mobile phone numbers, call that specific phone number automatically, appointments, previous phone messages and phone numbers, emails, favorite songs, etc. You can ASSESS.

  It should be understood that the vehicle 12 can cope with “Bluetooth” technology. Bluetooth technology is a cable replacement technology. That is, a Bluetooth chip is designed to replace a cable by taking information normally carried by the cable and transmitting it to a receiving Bluetooth chip at a special frequency. The reception Bluetooth chip gives received information to the computer 11, the mobile phone 40, a printer and other electronic devices.

  The vehicle 12 can have as many receiving ports as needed, such as car gauge, car radio, CD player, tape deck, air conditioner, GPS, cruise control, television, DVD, Wiring for use with any fixed peripheral device, including those internally wired to vehicle computers such as side mirrors and window controls, garage door openers, fixed car phones, and electronic cradle It should be understood that they are connected by.

  The vehicle 12 is also with all portable peripheral devices such as mobile phones, palm pilots, ipods, televisions, VCRs, DVDs, laptop computers, printers, faxes, recording devices, or other peripheral devices that may be connected by cable. You can have as many incoming ports as you need, which are externally wired by software.

[Advantages of the present invention]
Accordingly, an advantage of the present invention is that it provides a portable head-up display adapter for use in conjunction with existing vehicle head-up display (HUD) devices. The adapter is plugged into a cell phone, PDA, computer, or other peripheral device to display a cell phone message or other information on the screen of the vehicle's windshield so that the driver can Use the portable HUD adapter and software with existing HUD devices to quickly and safely access information while holding the vehicle handle with both hands.

  Another advantage of the present invention is that various peripheral devices such as iPods, laptops / portable computers, palm pilots, PDAs, GPS satellite receivers, CD players, satellite radios, pagers, or other communication / electronic devices. To provide a HUD adapter to be used in conjunction with the above.

  Another advantage of the present invention is that it receives the required data from each of the electronic peripheral devices, transmits it to the existing HUD device, and uses the HUD controller on the user's vehicle handle to pass the required information to the vehicle windshield. It is to provide a HUD adapter that can be displayed on an existing HUD screen of a window.

  Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a HUD adapter that allows a portable peripheral device to be integrated into the vehicle when in use.

  Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a HUD adapter that allows replacement of many existing buttons in the vehicle and coupling of the control device to the control pad and HUD system.

  Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a HUD adapter that allows for the elimination of bulky electronics and allows replacement of computer processing boards with inexpensive electronics.

  Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a HUD adapter with fewer accidents and lower insurance premiums.

  Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a HUD adapter for use in conjunction with existing HUD devices that can be mass produced in an automated and economical manner and is readily available to users. is there.

  The scope of modifications, alterations and substitutions is intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in some examples some features of the invention will be used without other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and as construed consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention.

1 is a front view of a head-up display adapter device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the interior of a vehicle dashboard, armrest and windshield window used with a head-up display device and a HUD adapter device. It is a front view of the head up display adapter device of the present invention showing the handle of a vehicle provided with a radio control device, cruise control, an air bag, and a head up display control member. It is an assembly front view of the head up display adapter device of the present invention showing a head up display control member provided with a cursor movement control compartment which receives a cursor movement control member. Head-up display adapter device of the present invention showing a radio, a USB port, a head set jack port, a power control button and a front operating part with a plurality of HUD adapter devices, and an armrest with a pair of cradle members attached FIG. It is the schematic of the head-up display adapter apparatus of this invention which shows the electrical connection for carrying out head-up display of the mobile telephone screen on the windshield of a vehicle.

Claims (5)

A head-up display (HUD) adapter used in combination with an existing head-up display (HUD) device in a vehicle, and displays electronic data and information from an electronic peripheral device on the screen of the HUD device on a windshield of the vehicle A head up display (HUD) adapter capable of accepting the electronic peripheral device,
a) each of the one or more HUD adapters has a proximal end including a first adapter plug, a distal end including a second adapter plug, and a cable between the ends;
b) An existing HUD device includes a head-up display screen on the front windshield of the vehicle and is placed in the vehicle handle or console console to control each of the electronic peripheral devices A head-up display (HUD) control device;
c) the HUD device includes a USB panel member having a plurality of USB receiving ports for connecting one or more of the HUD adapters;
d) the first adapter plug of the HUD adapter is received in a receiving port of the electronic peripheral device;
e) The second adapter plug of the HUD adapter is received by one of the plurality of USB receiving ports of the USB panel member for electrically connecting the HUD adapter to the HUD control device. And
f) The HUD control device controls the electronic peripheral device to display electronic data or information from the electronic peripheral device on the screen of the HUD device of the windshield of the vehicle ,
g) the HUD control device comprises a first compartment for receiving an adjustment control pad for adjusting a screen size and focus of the HUD device of the windshield of the vehicle;
h) the HUD control device comprises a second compartment for receiving a speedometer gauge switch for displaying a speedometer gauge from the vehicle dashboard on the screen of the HUD device of the vehicle windshield;
i) The HUD control device comprises a third compartment that receives a volume control pad to raise and lower one sound level of the electronic communication device
j) the HUD control device comprises a fourth compartment for receiving a cursor movement control member for controlling various functions used in the HUD device;
A head-up display (HUD) adapter. The electronic peripheral devices are cellular phones , global positioning systems (GPS) , radios, satellite radios, tape players, CD players, DVD players, laptops, printers, fax machines, digital cameras, pagers, cruise controls, side mirror controls. , Seat control, seat memory control, garage door opener, recording device, air conditioner, climate hover control, internal security, alarm, tracking system, vehicle gauge control, door control, window control, defrost control, interactive game, And a head-up display (HUD) adapter according to claim 1, comprising a fixed or portable other communication device. The head-up display (HUD) adapter of claim 1, wherein the USB panel member comprises a headset microphone jack receiving port for receiving a headset microphone jack cable of a headset. A power button, menu button, cursor movement control pad, accept button, peripheral device on / off button, record button, function key, and keypad for use by the cursor movement control member with one of the electronic communication devices includes, a head-up display (HUD) adapter of claim 1. The head-up display (HUD) adapter according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second adapter plugs is a USB type adapter.

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