WO2008055117A2 - Ordinateur personnel pour véhicules - Google Patents

Ordinateur personnel pour véhicules Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008055117A2
WO2008055117A2 PCT/US2007/082879 US2007082879W WO2008055117A2 WO 2008055117 A2 WO2008055117 A2 WO 2008055117A2 US 2007082879 W US2007082879 W US 2007082879W WO 2008055117 A2 WO2008055117 A2 WO 2008055117A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
computer
vehicle
display
ultra
mobile
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2007/082879
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English (en)
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WO2008055117A3 (fr
Inventor
Johnny G. Cooper
Original Assignee
Cooper Johnny G
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Cooper Johnny G filed Critical Cooper Johnny G
Publication of WO2008055117A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008055117A2/fr
Publication of WO2008055117A3 publication Critical patent/WO2008055117A3/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R11/02—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
    • B60R11/0252—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof for personal computers, e.g. laptops, notebooks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R2011/0001—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by position
    • B60R2011/0003—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for characterised by position inside the vehicle

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to personal computers. More particularly, the invention relates to personal computers for vehicles.
  • the sound system usually consists of an AM/FM radio, a cassette or CD (compact disk) player, an equalizer/amplifier, and speakers.
  • the radio and player are arranged in a metal casing or housing that is mounted in a dashboard of the vehicle.
  • the housing has a standardized size, often expressed in terms of units called DINs (Deutsches lnstitut fur Normung), to ensure that the sound system is compatible with and can be retrofit into most vehicle dashboards.
  • DINs Deutsches lnstitut fur Normung
  • the security system is usually entirely separate from the sound system.
  • the security system generally consists of security sensors placed throughout the vehicle, and a central application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) to monitor the sensors and determine whether security is being jeopardized. Security systems also control actuators to perform functions such as to lock/unlock doors or windows, and set an alarm or siren.
  • ASIC application-specific integrated circuit
  • head units are used for vehicle audio stereos.
  • the most common and familiar piece of head unit is the radio/tape player/CD player/DVD player.
  • Another popular type of head unit is a CD player with MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 (MP3), Windows Media Audio (WMA), Advanced Audio Coding (AAC), and USB support.
  • MP3 MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3
  • WMA Windows Media Audio
  • AAC Advanced Audio Coding
  • a faceplate of the head unit generally gives a user control over the vehicle's media, such as CD's, Mini Disc's, Cassette Tape's, Mp3's, AM/FM satellite and navigation.
  • the faceplate may also give the user control over functions such as volume, band, frequency, speaker balance, speaker fade, EQ functions and more.
  • the head units control functions such as door chimes and offer vehicle data such as trouble warnings and odometer information. It has become more common for a head unit to be as much an aesthetic addition to a vehicle as it is functional. Many consumers look for a head unit with great looks as well as great features. With the addition of satellite radio and mobile navigation, it is increasingly common to see head units with video monitors built in to them.
  • none of the head units on the market are able to function as a full personal computer or can they be integrated with a personal computer. This may be a desirable feature.
  • Most late model vehicles (1996 or later for OBD II, 1993 or later for OBD I) are also constructed with a diagnostic system that analyzes performance of the vehicle's engine, transmission and fuel system, and other components.
  • the diagnostic system can be coupled to an external computer to download or monitor diagnostic information that is useful to a vehicle mechanic during servicing of the vehicle.
  • the diagnostic system might include dashboard displays that inform the driver of various operating conditions.
  • GPS global positioning system
  • the GPS receiver has an antenna to receive signals from a satellite network.
  • the vehicle navigation system uses satellite positioning signals to compute coordinates that locate the vehicle over the surface of the earth with regard to longitude, latitude, and altitude. Also, with the appropriate map software, the vehicle's location can then be shown on a map.
  • Cellular communications systems have also been added to vehicles. These communications systems enable the vehicle driver or occupant to transact telephone calls from their vehicle. Some of the more sophisticated systems are voice controlled which permit the driver to initiate or receive calls while traveling without removing a hand from the driving wheel, or diverting his/her eyes from the navigation of the vehicle. In addition, users may also want to receive e-mail notifications, stock quotes, and traffic information through the cellular communications systems.
  • the present invention provides a new system that allows an ultra-mobile PC to dock into a head unit of the vehicle and take over the control of the head unit, so the driver can enjoy both the audio system, along with its quality speakers and full computer function in-vehicle.
  • ultra-mobile personal computers ultra-mobile PCs or UMPCs
  • ultra-mobile PCs ultra-mobile PCs
  • an ultra-mobile PC is a mobile device providing full PC capability and versatility.
  • Ultra-mobile PC devices are small enough so as to be easy to carry. They can also deliver long battery life, so users can access information for extended periods.
  • Ultra-mobile PCs have multiple wireless options so users can be connected anytime, and are aware of their, so it can adapt to the users' personal needs.
  • the ultra-mobile PC Users of the ultra-mobile PC can access their favorite online games, videos, music, TV shows and more on the go, all with the quality that users are accustomed to experiencing when users are in front of their desktop PC.
  • the ultra-mobile PC also connects the user to other people via email, VoIP, Instant Messaging and texting. While the ultra-mobile PC is convenient with its mobility, it generally is not equipped with a quality sound system nor should it be used while the driver is driving.
  • the present invention discloses a vehicle personal computer that provides a user with all the functionalities of a personal computer and support in vehicle wireless networking.
  • an aspect of the present invention to integrate many different electronic systems into one computer system that may be either permanently mounted or dockable in a variety of locations within the interior compartment of the vehicle.
  • the computers also incorporate systems that disengage many of the features while the vehicle is being driven. For example, someone would not be able to look down at a stock quote screen on his computer while the car is in gear. However, it is envisioned that voice input and voice activated systems could still be utilized while the car is being driven. Further in accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a voice input system is described so that the driver does not have to use manual input, but rather is using voice recognition and/or voice identification computer systems to activate and input data into the computer.
  • a standard 2DIN radio can be replaced with the computer screen, with the computer being the control for the radio with a touch screen or voice input, as described more fully hereinbelow.
  • the rear view mirror can be fitted with a navigation system on a portion of the mirror facing the driver, such that distraction is reduced when looking at the navigation system.
  • the navigation system can be attached, through FM modulation, bluetooth connections, or the like to the main car speakers so that the voice of the navigation system can be relayed through the car speakers. Imagine driving and receiving information over the speakers for when to turn left and when to turn right, while verifying location by looking up into the rear view mirror.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle personal computer made in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a faceplate of the vehicle personal computer of FIG.1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the vehicle computer of FIG.1 ;
  • FIG. 4 is a rear view of the vehicle computer of FIG.1 ;
  • FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the audio system of the vehicle personal computer of FIG.1 ;
  • FIG. 6 shows a functional block diagram of the vehicle personal computer of FIG.1 ;
  • FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of a vehicle wireless network.
  • FIG. 8A demonstrates a connection between a vehicle stereo system and an ultra-mobile PC made in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a vehicle stereo system made in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 9 shows details of a front view of one ultra-mobile PC
  • FIG. 10 shows the left side view of the ultra-mobile PC of FIG. 9
  • FIG. 1 1 shows the right side view of the ultra-mobile PC of FIG. 9
  • FIG. 12 shows a stylus of an ultra-mobile PC supporting the tilted PC
  • FIG. 13 is a front view of an ultra-mobile PC targeting mobile business functionalities
  • FIG. 14 is a floor stand docking station for the ultra-mobile PC of FIG 7 to dock in a vehicle.
  • FIG. 15 is a rearview mirror mounted application in accordance with the present invention.
  • This invention discloses various aspects of a vehicle computer system that is designed and sized to be able to be mounted permanently on the dashboard or on a docking station within the vehicle compartment.
  • a first aspect disclosed is a computer that will fit inside a 2DIN radio compartment on the dashboard, so that traffic regulatory requirements can be met.
  • the actual computer will preferably be located in the dashboard, with a faceplate attached to act as the display.
  • This computer will replace the radio while the display will replace the radio controls but will also act as the computer display for its other many functions, which is capable of integrating various, diverse and separate electronic systems as well as offering a general-purpose computing platform that allows for easy expandability. Therefore, a first embodiment of the present invention is to provide a vehicle computer system located in the dashboard in the vehicle environment.
  • This aspect of the vehicle computer system replaces a conventional radio compartment and it includes a housing sized to be mounted in a vehicle dashboard.
  • This system provides an open hardware architecture and supports an open platform operating system.
  • the open platform operating system supports multiple different applications that can be supplied by a software vendor. For instance, the operating system can support applications pertaining to Internet access, entertainment, navigation, communications, security, diagnostics, and others.
  • the operating system is a multitasking operating system capable of concurrently running multiple applications.
  • the computer has one or more storage devices (e.g., hard disk drive, DVD drive, or USB flash drive) which permit the user to download programs from a storage medium (e.g., hard disk, DVD, ISP, UWB, USB flash drive) to the computer, and vice versa.
  • a storage medium e.g., hard disk, DVD, ISP, UWB, USB flash drive
  • the user can download programs to the storage medium.
  • the vehicle personal computer disclosed in this invention is capable of running an open platform operating system, which can support multiple applications.
  • the open hardware architecture preferably runs a multitasking operating system that employs a graphical user interface.
  • One preferred operating system is a Windows ® brand operating system sold by Microsoft Corporation, such as Windows XP ® or Windows Vista ® or other derivative versions of Windows ® .
  • a multitasking operating system allows simultaneous execution of multiple applications.
  • the present invention discloses a vehicle personal computer that may be installed in the dashboard. This embodiment will be disclosed in detail herebelow.
  • the radio replacement personal computer can be installed in the dashboard of a vehicle where the radio device is usually located.
  • the power supply of the personal computer is generally from the vehicle battery as the radio device.
  • This "radio device" location provides a great viewing angle for the driver and the passengers since it directly replaces the radio device. In addition, this close location alleviates distractions when operating the computer, which satisfies traffic regulatory requirements.
  • the default location of a radio device in a vehicle is a suitable location to install the radio replacement personal computer of the present invention.
  • FIG.1 is a view of a vehicle personal computer, generally indicated by the numeral 10, which also includes a housing 12 sized to be mounted in a vehicle dashboard, similar to a conventional car stereo, and a faceplate 14.
  • the housing 12 has a form factor of a double DIN (Deutsches lnstitut fur Normung) (180 x 100 mm panel).
  • a standard housing may be 7 inch wide, 4 inch high and 6 inch deep. However, it possibly could be housed in a single DIN (180 x 50 mm panel) unit or other special form factor for an OEM.
  • the housing 12 includes necessary computer hardware, such as central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), buses and any suitable hardware.
  • Faceplate 14 is sized to be attached to the front of the housing 12 and provides input/output (I/O) functional units.
  • An operating system preferably Microsoft Vista ® , executing on the computer 10 controls, not only the faceplate display 16, but also the I/O units as peripheral devices when the faceplate is attached to the housing 12 as a general requirement for operating the computer system.
  • FIG. 2 shows the front view of the faceplate 14.
  • the faceplate 14 of computer 10 includes a display 16 and several other I/O units.
  • the display 16 is preferably a back lit LCD touch sensitive screen with 6.5" wide aspect (16:9 or 16:10 ratio).
  • the scalable brightness may be preferably from 10 to 550 nits.
  • Other suitable displays may include, but were not limited to, a touch screen, an LED display, LCD screen, OLE display, OEM vehicle screen, aftermarket vehicle screen, or a plasma display.
  • display 16 preferably has a 800 RGB X 480 (WVGA) resolution for wide view format with a power supply of about 3.3 V to about 13.2 V.
  • WVGA 800 RGB X 480
  • the low energy consumption is useful in an in- vehicle personal computer because the lower the power required for a display from the vehicle, the more energy saving for the driver.
  • the preferred viewing angle of the display is at 6 o'clock direction.
  • Display 16 also meets the temperature requirement for car operation, which is generally between about -22F° and about 158 0 F (about -30C° and about 70 5 C).
  • various I/O units of the faceplate 14 include a push power knob 21 , a two-button radio tune pad (or radio tune knob) 23, and several functional keys 29 for the radio control.
  • the push power knob 21 also includes the volume switch for easy volume adjustment.
  • the faceplate 14 was equipped with at least one universal serial bus (USB) port 25 and a line-in jack 28.
  • USB universal serial bus
  • the USB port 25 and in-line jack 26 provide physical interfaces for removable electronic devices or media writers, such as printers, keyboards, music players, digital cameras, USB flash drives.
  • An audio source button 28 and an array microphone 27 are also included for hands-free, view-free communication, such as telecommunication, VoIP, and Internet messenger.
  • the array microphone 27 supports hands-free communication while driving.
  • array microphone 27 has many applications, such as extracting voice input from ambient noise, locating objects by sound and high fidelity original recordings.
  • a VCD/DVD slot 31 and an eject button 33 are provided for the VCD/DVD function including audio and video entertainment. All of the I/O units may include backlighting for functional and aesthetic design. The back light and several indicator lights 35 show the status of the functionality to improve contrast and readability.
  • Faceplate 14 may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic, metals and alloys or any combination thereof. Injection molding is preferable for manufacturing a plastic faceplate although any suitable forming technology may be used. Additional painting, plating, laser etching and printing may be applied for various presentations.
  • FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the computer 10, which shows the faceplate 14 and hardware inside the housing 12.
  • computer hardware includes a motherboard or system board, a power supply from the vehicle, a storage controller, a video display controller, computer bus controllers, a removable media writer, internal storage, sound cards, networking devices and other desired peripherals.
  • FIG. 3 shows some of the hardware installed in the computer 10 as an example.
  • the list of the shown hardware includes, but is not limited to, a motherboard, CPU, memory, LCD panel, GPS module, hard disk drive (HDD), media writer, touch screen and controller, USB devices, wireless local area network (WLAN), radio turner, WLAN antenna, GPS antenna, AM/FM radio antenna, Bluetooth devices, video scalar, fan, VGA card, S-video and so on.
  • FIG. 4 shows the rear view of the computer generally denoted by the numeral 10.
  • a rear panel of the computer 10 includes two lockable USB ports, one PCMCIA slot, one DVI port, one composite port, one microphone-in port, one connector jack and two antenna connectors.
  • the buses of the computer may also include a Peripheral Component Interconnect or PCI Standard (PCI), PCI Express (PCI-E), HyperTransport, or a Common System Interface.
  • PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect
  • PCI-E PCI Express
  • HyperTransport or a Common System Interface.
  • Various computer bus controllers such as parallel, serial, USB, and FireWire, are added to connect the computer to external peripheral devices such as media players, webcams, scanners or printers.
  • One advantage of the present invention is that the computer may be able to support various wireless networks.
  • One built-in wireless antenna can support the wireless Local Area Network (LAN), or GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication), which is another type of wireless network.
  • the GSM network is used for cellular phones and is the most common standard used for a majority of cellular providers. After installing necessary components to support the GSM network, the faceplate may also be used for cellular phone communication.
  • the computer of the present invention also preferably supports WiMAX, which is defined as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access by the WiMAX Forum, formed in June 2001 to promote conformance and interoperability of the IEEE 802.16 standard, officially known as WirelessMAN.
  • WiMAX is defined as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access by the WiMAX Forum, formed in June 2001 to promote conformance and interoperability of the IEEE 802.16 standard, officially known as WirelessMAN.
  • the Forum describes WiMAX as "a standards-based technology enabling the delivery of last mile wireless broadband access as an alternative to cable and DSL".
  • WiMAX and 3G+ cellular networks promise high bandwidths, global mobility, quality of service and seamless integration with one another, it is useful for the in-vehicle computers.
  • the advantages of WLAN include convenience, affordability, mobility, and productivity.
  • the WLAN has also proven to have installation flexibility and scalability.
  • the GPS modular preferably uses a GPS engine board, which is available from GPS device manufactures, such as US Globalsat, Inc. of City of Industry, California.
  • the preferred GPS engine board provides advantages include high sensitivity, compact size, fast cold and hot start time, and a wide range of operating temperatures between about -40 0 F to about 185 0 F (about -40 0 C to 85 0 C) and low power input between about 2.8 V to about 8.5 DV.
  • the frequency of the GPS modular is preferably about 1575.42 MHz.
  • the output message can be SiRF binary, or NMEA 0183 GGA, GSA, GSV, RMC, VTG, or GLL
  • the antenna of the GPS is may include wires or connectors having various lengths and RF connector supports.
  • the various length is selected from the group consisted of 2 meter, 3 meter, 5 meter, and 10 meter.
  • the various connector support is selected from the group consisting of subMiniature version A (SMA), subMiniature version B (SMB), subMiniature version C (SMC), FME, MCX or BNC connector. It is also preferred to have about a 1575.42 MHz frequency with about 26 decibels (dB) to about 35 dB LNA support.
  • the AM/FM radio and audio system of the computer may implement an integrated tuner module, which can be programmed through I2C by Windows ® Graphical User Interface (GUI).
  • GUI Graphical User Interface
  • the audio amplifier may support a 35 Watt X 4 channel for vehicle environment.
  • An audio subsystem may control various audio sources such as radios, cellular phones, VCD's and DVD's, so that booting the computer operating system is not required to control the radio and audio media.
  • a radio or video system is disclosed with a fixed 34 dB gain in class B with BTL configuration.
  • the computer may support various radio systems. In addition to the basic support for AM/FM radio, WMA, MP3, and CD, it is optional to have support for satellite radio, such as XM and Sirius, or High-Definition radio.
  • FIG. 5 and 6 show more details of the personal computer 10, such as an amplifier system in the audio and a functional block diagram of the computer.
  • the vehicle computer is made for a unique environmental standard to meet the environmental and regulatory requirements.
  • the temperature rating of the computer is in the range of about -40 0 F to about 185 0 F (about -6O 0 C to 70 0 C) during storage and about -22 0 F to about 185 0 F (about -30 0 C to 70 0 C) in operation.
  • thermal cycling is preferably between about -40 0 F to about 185 0 F (about - 6O 0 C to 7O 0 C) in storage.
  • the humidity specifications are between 10% to 90% whether it is in storage or in operation. While the highest humidity is generally below 90%, with thermal cycling between about -22 0 F and about 185 0 F (about -30 0 C and about 70 0 C).
  • Frequencies are between about 10Hz to about 500 Hz.
  • All of the components of the computer preferably meet safety standard UL 60950, provided by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. of Northbrook, Illinois. Two of the following standards provided by Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) are also preferably satisfied: 1.) EN 55 013 for European limits and methods of measurement of radio disturbance characteristics of broadcast receivers; and 2.) EN 55 022 for European limits and methods of measurement of radio disturbance characteristics of information technology equipment.
  • EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility
  • Computer 10 is equipped with an automatic override function, which automatically disables the display of any non-driving related data when the vehicle is in gear or in motion.
  • an automatic override function which automatically disables the display of any non-driving related data when the vehicle is in gear or in motion.
  • the function may be activated by an electrical switch. When the software senses the vehicle is in motion, the electrical switch is turned on and it only allows permitted information to be displayed on the monitor.
  • vehicle computer 10 can be used to integrate multiple vehicle-related systems onto one open platform hardware and software architecture.
  • vehicle computer 10 can serve as a multimedia entertainment system, a navigation system, a communications system, a security system, and a diagnostics system.
  • vehicle computer 10 provides additional functionality traditionally associated with desktop and laptop personal computers.
  • vehicle computer 10 can support word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, database applications, and appointment/schedule applications.
  • vehicle computer 10 can be configured to operate as a host to other computing units in the vehicle to distribute games, video movies, and the like to passengers.
  • the vehicle computer may also support Wireless USB (WUSB), which is a new short-range, high-bandwidth wireless extension of USB intended to combine the speed and security of wired technology with the ease-of-use of wireless technology.
  • WUSB is based on Ultra-WideBand (UWB) wireless technology, defined by WiMedia Alliance, capable of sending 480 Mbit/s at distances up to 3 meters, and 1 10 Mbit/s at up to 10 meters. It operates in the 3.1-10.6 GHz band-range and spreads communication over an ultra-wideband of frequencies.
  • FIG. 7 shows a vehicle wireless network 80 designed for a vehicle 82.
  • vehicle 82 is a sedan, which seats four occupants.
  • the wireless system 80 has a host computing unit 84 which is docked in place of the radio in the dashboard of the vehicle 82.
  • this host computing unit 84 is implemented as an ultra-mobile PC described above and docked in the vehicle stereo system slot in the dashboard.
  • a host wire adapter 83 installed in the host computing unit 84 acts as a host for a wireless USB system.
  • a mass storage device or database 86 is provided at the host computing unit 84 to store data.
  • the storage device 86 comprises data and programs that was downloaded from the Internet and stored in a hard drive of the ultra- mobile PC. The data and programs can be read using the software of the host computing unit.
  • the storage device 84 can be implemented as a CD or DVD device.
  • the vehicle computer network system 80 has one or more client units 88 equipped with a compatible interface adapter for the wireless network connection, such as a device wire adapter. Once connected to the wireless network, the client unit 88 can receive data and programs from the central storage device 86 via host computing unit 84, vice versa.
  • the client unit 88 preferably has a visual display screen and audio sound card to provide multimedia entertainment.
  • the host computing unit 84 can provide in- car entertainment to passengers. For instance, a movie can be shown to a passenger by downloading from the Internet to the hard drive at the host computing unit 84.
  • the host computing unit becomes a video host distributing video over the wireless network to the client units 82.
  • Other types of entertainment include games and music.
  • the wireless network system can be configured to be interactive in which the client units 88 can request certain entertainment from the host computing unit 84. For example, suppose a game CD having multiple games is loaded in a CD ROM drive. One passenger wants to play a combat video game, while another passenger wishes to play computer chess. Each client unit can request the appropriate game from the host computing unit 84, which retrieves the games and distributes them to the requesting client units. Additionally, since the wireless USB network supports so-called dual-role devices, a client unit can act as a host unit with limited capabilities, too. For example, a digital camera could act as a client when connected to a computer, and as a host when transferring pictures directly to a printer.
  • FIG. 8A A vehicle stereo system 1 10 is shown in FIG. 8A incorporating a head unit located in the dashboard and a dockable ultra-mobile PC 140 supported by connections from the head unit in the vehicle environment.
  • FIG. 8A Another embodiment of the present invention is a dockable ultra-mobile PC with full personal computer functions, for mounting on a floor stand preferring rising up from the floor between the two front seats.
  • FIG. 8B shows a head unit (or equivalent audio equipment) of a vehicle stereo system, generally denoted by the numeral 1 10, with a docking system.
  • the head unit 1 10 includes a housing 1 12 sized to be mounted in a vehicle dashboard and a faceplate 1 14.
  • the housing 1 12 has a form factor of a double DIN (Deutsches lnstitut fur Normung) (180 x 100 mm panel).
  • a standard LCD panel housing may be 7-inch wide, 4-inch high and 6-inch deep. However, it possible could be housed in a single DIN (180 x 50 mm panel) unit or other special form factor for an OEM. In North America and Japan, double DIN is the standard size while in Europe, South America and Australia single DIN is the standard. This invention contemplates any size of stereo component.
  • the housing 1 12 of this aspect includes conventional radio stereo components.
  • Faceplate 1 14 is sized to be attached to the front of the housing 1 12 and provides input/output (I/O) functional units.
  • faceplate 1 12 includes a display 1 16 and several other I/O units.
  • the display 1 16 may be a 7X20 line LCD.
  • the scalable brightness may be preferably from 10 to 550 nits.
  • Other suitable displays may include, but are not limited to, touch screens, LED displays, LCD screens, OLE displays, OEM vehicle screens, aftermarket vehicle screens, and plasma displays.
  • various I/O units of the faceplate 1 14 may include a push power knob 121 , a two- button tune/seek switch 123, a source button 125, several functional keys 122 for the radio presets, or any other common controls desired.
  • the push power knob 121 may also include the volume switch for easy volume adjustment.
  • a VCD/DVD slot 127 and an eject button 128 may be provided for the VCD/DVD function including audio and video entertainment.
  • a menu button 131 and a two-button menu selection 133 may be included to provide easy operation of the head unit 1 10 of the audio system. All of the I/O units may include a backlight for its functional and aesthetic purposes. The backlight would show the status of the functionality to improve contrast and readability.
  • the faceplate 1 14 of the head unit 1 10 may be equipped with a docking connector 135 and a docking switch 137.
  • a docking connector 135 for supporting an external peripheral device, such as the ultra-mobile PC
  • a docking switch 137 for supporting an external peripheral device, such as the ultra-mobile PC, the faceplate 1 14 of the head unit 1 10 may be equipped with a docking connector 135 and a docking switch 137.
  • the present invention contemplates many different types of external peripheral devices, which are too numerous to mention here, the following description will be restricted to an ultra-mobile PC, although the scope of this invention shall not be so limited.
  • Docking connector 135 is an electrical, mechanical and logical connector, which is suitable for docking and interconnection for power transmission, as well as audio and video content playback capabilities for external peripheral devices. Docking connector 135 provides the capabilities for two-way cradling, controlling, and powering functionalities. Generally, the docking connector includes a complementary male or female connector, while the aspect of the present invention including an ultra-mobile PC includes a complementary connector. Once the male connector mates into the female connector, the electrical, mechanical and logical connection is completed. Docking connector 135 provides interactivity for the ultra-mobile PC in an in-vehicle or possible into an in-home environment using conventional means.
  • Docking switch 137 may use a tongue (or a groove) approach for mating to ultra-mobile PC 140.
  • docking switch 137 includes a plurality of locking pins 138 corresponding to receiving apertures in the mating docking connector of the ultra-mobile PC.
  • Docking switch 137 will activate the electro-mechanical components used to facilitate the movement of the locking pins and docking connector.
  • Docking switch 37 may further include a lift for connection.
  • the lift may be between about 3 mm to about 6 mm long.
  • two safety switches may be simultaneously depressed on the tongue, ensuring proper docking.
  • FIG. 9 there is shown a front view of one embodiment of the ultra-mobile PC, indicated by the numerical 140.
  • the front of ultra-mobile PC 140 is kept reasonably uncluttered with the majority of space being taken up by a touch-screen display 141.
  • An ultra-mobile PC which is able to dock on the vehicle system 1 10 of FIG 8B, may have various embodiments.
  • Touch-screen display 141 may be a 20 cm (7-inch) touch sensitive screen at a minimum resolution of 800 x 480 (WVGA) for wide view format.
  • touch-screen display 141 requires a low voltage power supply of about 3.3 V to about 13.2 V.
  • the low power consumption is desirable for an ultra- mobile PC because the lower the power required for a display from the battery, the longer the using time is available to the user.
  • the preferred viewing angle of the display is at the 6 o'clock direction.
  • Touch-screen display 141 should also meet the temperature requirements for car operation, which is generally between about -22F° and about 158 0 F (about -30 5 C and about 70 5 C).
  • the right side of the touch-screen display 41 is home to a power switch 142 and a four-button pad 143.
  • the four-button pad 143 may be used to control a quick launch function.
  • the function of each individual button can be customized.
  • the left buttons include a two-button mouse touch pad 44, an auto sealer button 145 to quickly alter the resolution of the display 141.
  • the auto sealer button 145 can adjust the resolution to 800 x 600 or 1 ,204 x 600, but it is at its clearest at the native 800 x 480 setting.
  • Two stereo speakers 147 are situated at either side of the button of the ultra-mobile PC 140 along with several functional keys 146 in between.
  • a webcam 149 and a docking switch 148 may be located on the top.
  • FIGS. 10, 1 1 and 12 further ports and switches may be located around the edge of the ultra-mobile PC 40.
  • the left side edge may house a power socket 151 , a Bluetooth adapter 152, a VGA connector 153 and a microphone socket 54.
  • the right locates a headset socket 155 and a USB port 156 as shown in FIG. 1 1.
  • a small passive stylus 151 is stored in a pocket 153 on the bottom of the edge of an ultra- mobile PC 150. It not only functions as a normal stylus, but also has a double function as a supporting means. Users can prop the ultra-mobile PC 150 on a desk by pulling out the stylus 151 and then inserting it into a receiving hole (not shown) in the back of the ultra-mobile PC 50 to support as shown in FIG. 12.
  • the ultra-mobile PC embodiments of the present invention should be compatible with various operating systems and software.
  • Windows XP Tablet PC Edition may be used with slight tweaks to the interface to make it more suited for the small form factor.
  • a software suite known as the Touch Pack Interface is included to make the interface more suitable for use with stylus 157 as well as hand operation for data input.
  • the ultra-mobile PC is generally a platform for which manufacturers and users can design any model they desire, provided they meet or exceed the baseline specifications laid down by common hardware and software suppliers, like Intel and Microsoft. Therefore, the ultra-mobile PC disclosed by the present invention is capable of running a full version of most PC operating systems.
  • the upcoming operating system, Microsoft Vista®, is preferred for executing on the ultra-mobile PCs of the present invention.
  • the ultra-mobile PC of the present invention may not feature a physical keyboard, but a virtual keyboard, known as DlalKeys, as provided in the Touch Pack Interface, as shown in FIG. 9.
  • a virtual keyboard known as DlalKeys, as provided in the Touch Pack Interface, as shown in FIG. 9.
  • certain aspects of the disclosed ultra-mobile PC includes at lease standard USB 2.0 connectivity, as shown in FIG. 1 1 , external keyboards and mice can be attached.
  • Ultra-mobile PCs of the present invention may include a 900 MHz Intel Celeron M, Pentium M or VIA C7-M processor, 256 MB to 1 GB (or greater) or RAM, with a 30 to 160 GB (or greater) hard disk, depending on the requirements. They could also feature GPS devices, webcams, fingerprint or voiceprint voice identification readers, stereo speakers, TV tuners, or memory card readers, among other devices. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Ethernet may be supported as well.
  • the ultra-mobile PC of this aspect of the present invention shall have sufficient processing power to support audio, video, and gaming, in addition to having rich support for browsing the Internet as well as for other communication and networking applications.
  • Windows Media Player may be included, with a special skin designed for the present invention to provide a better experience on the relatively small screen.
  • the ultra-mobile PC also features DirectX 8-class graphics, and all applications available and compatible for standard table PCs.
  • the ultra-mobile PC may also include a corresponding and mating docking connector.
  • This corresponding docking connector (not shown) would be located in the back of the ultra-mobile PC.
  • the corresponding docking connector will mate with the docking connector of the stereo system, as shown in FIG. 8A and 8B to provide electrical, logical and mechanical coupling.
  • connection of an in-dash vehicle stereo system 1 10 with the present ultra-mobile PC 150 may require two stages.
  • the first stage enables mechanical connection, while the second stage completes the electrical connection.
  • locking pins 138 of the docking switch 137 rotate (as shown in FIG. 8A), and then mate to aligned, threaded receiving holes on the ultra-mobile PC.
  • the second stage can begin.
  • the second stage will be the docking connector of the vehicle computer mating with the opposing connector on the ultra-mobile PC for the electrical connection.
  • the ultra- mobile PC will be suspended and supported by the locking pins, and interconnected to the onboard logic of the radio by the docking connector specified above.
  • connection of the vehicle stereo system 1 10 and the ultra-mobile PC 150 provides the ultra-mobile PC with direct control over the AM/FM/CD radio functions, including volume, tuner, player, acoustics (bass/treble/equalizer), balance/face, and CD playback functions such as play/pause/next track/previous track/forward/reverse, etc.
  • the second feature of the connection is that it can provide connection from the ultra-mobile PC to a vehicle bus logic stored in the vehicle stereo system. This logic will be non-functional until the docking operation has been completed. After being docked, the ultra-mobile PC will be able to read and write to the vehicle network, enabling features such as diagnostics reporting/clearing, and vehicle component control, such as power seat presets, thermostat presets, and general driver preferences.
  • the third feature of the connection is that it allows the media playback of the ultra-mobile PC via the automotive sound system.
  • the media includes MP3/WMA/MPEG/WMV, Internet radio, voice navigation, voice command or control to name only a few.
  • the fourth feature of the connection is that it can connect the various embedded antennas of the ultra-mobile PC to the vehicle.
  • the antennas may include WiFi, WIMAX, 3G Cellular, Satellite, RD, and GPS. Additionally, this connection allows the power supply of the ultra-mobile PC to be shifted from the build-in battery to the vehicle electrical source for the ultra-mobile PC to recharge in the vehicle between destinations.
  • the docking of the ultra-mobile PC allows the ultra-mobile PC to control the embedded peripherals through the connections of PCI, serial, or USB on the vehicle stereo system.
  • the embedded peripherals may include satellite radio modules, mass storage devices, or other technology items intended to be placed in the vehicle on a semi-permanent basis.
  • An ultra-mobile PC of the present invention not only may be docked into the vehicle stereo system on the dashboard, but may be mounted elsewhere into a suitable place of the vehicle.
  • One embodiment of the ultra-mobile capable of docking in a docking station in the vehicle is called "in-vehicle ultra-mobile PC" as shown in FIG. 13.
  • the in-vehicle ultra-mobile PC preferably runs Windows XP Professional or Windows Vista operating system with full Microsoft office capabilities. These trademarks are registered to Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Washington in the United States of America.
  • the functions of the in-vehicle ultra-mobile PC targets mobile office capabilities, which include job location navigation with GPS, broadband Internet access, printing, work order submission and processing, real time invoicing, payment processing, schematics referencing, and on site video/audio/text conferencing.
  • the ruggedized, fully featured in-vehicle ultra-mobile PC is sized and shaped for being handheld.
  • the size of the UMPC of the present invention may be about 220 mm long, 130 mm wide and 20 mm deep.
  • the hardware of the in-vehicle ultra-mobile PC may be similar to a conventional personal computer, but is desirably more compact in size and more effective and efficacious in design.
  • an in- vehicle ultra-mobile PC may includes an AMDTMh LX800 processor, 512MB SDRAM, 4GB lash or 30GB HDD, PCMCIA, compact flash and standard ports such as USB, PCMCIA, and CF ports.
  • the overall weight of such an in-vehicle ultra-mobile PC would be about 1.5 Ib to 3 Ib.
  • a typical battery for these types of in-vehicle ultra-mobile PCs generally has a long battery life.
  • the unique design of the batter allows an extended battery life from a low batter cell-count.
  • the in-vehicle ultra-mobile PC may use a hot swappable lithium ion battery with a battery life between about 6 to 10 hours, which will satisfy an average use of a full workday.
  • FIG. 13 shows an in-vehicle ultra-mobile PC 170 with a touch-screen display 172 installed in the center of the in-vehicle ultra-mobile PC 170.
  • Touch-screen display 172 may be a high bright 8.4" SVGA display, which allows the display for 800 x 600 pixels or higher on a screen with up to 16 million colors.
  • touchscreen display 172 may require a power supply of about 3.3 V to about13.2 V.
  • the low power consumption is useful to an ultra-mobile PC because the lower the power that is required for a display from the battery, the longer the computing time which is available to the user.
  • One good viewing angle of the display would be at 6 o'clock direction.
  • Touch-screen display 172 shall also meet the temperature requirement for vehicle operation, which is generally between about -22 0 F and about 158 0 F (about -30°C and about 70 0 C).
  • a plurality of programmable external buttons located around the touchscreen display will allow the user to program or control the vehicle ultra-mobile PC.
  • the docking station 180 is compatible with a wide range of vehicles.
  • Docking station 180 includes a supporting arm 182 mounted in the vehicle, a holding plate 184 to receive the in-vehicle ultra-mobile computer 170, a connector 186 located at the button of the holding plate 184, and an extending section 185 for adjustment.
  • docking station 180 may further include a clip 188 and a release switch 189, which releases the in-vehicle ultra-mobile computer 170 from the electrical connection with the vehicle.
  • a keyboard or touch-screen display may not be advantageous.
  • Voice input may be the preferred method of inputing data.
  • Voice input software such as Dragon Naturally Speaking available from Nuance Communications, Inc., or Via Voice from IBM Corporation of Armonk, New York may be useful. Voice input would help to alleviate distractions during driving if the driver needed to input any data.
  • voice input may be advantageous for other applications and instructions.
  • Voice box operational SDK Software can be utilized with modifications for automotive applications.
  • Menlow-Russellville Architecture In order to be able to do voice input, it is another aspect of the invention to provide Intel architecture or Menlow-Russellville Architecture CPU's, chip sets or free scale. These are automotive grade silicon components, and will enable input of data from any method, but will be especially advantageous when utilizing voice input. Menlow-Russellville Architecture is available from Intel- Men low Company of Santa Clara, California. The Menlow-Russellville Architecture will run an optimized embedded Windows Vista or Linux operating system for automotive grade applications.
  • Fig. 15 shows yet another aspect of the present invention where the computer display is incorporated, in one of various embodiments, on the rear-view mirror, or a separate screen attached on top or on the bottom of the rear-view mirror, and being wirelessly connected to the computer on the dashboard.
  • Fig. 15 shows a rear-view mirror generally denoted by the numeral 200, attached to a windshield 202 of a vehicle.
  • the rear-view mirror 200 is adhesively mounted by a stanchion 204 to the windshield in a non-distracting location.
  • the computer display may be extending upwardly into a position 206 above the conventional rear-view mirror, or may downwardly extend from the rear-view mirror 200 into a second position 208.
  • a display may be incorporated directly into the rear-view mirror, with half of the mirror being the computer display 210 while allowing the remainder of the mirror 212 to be a conventional rear-view mirror.
  • the location of the display and the mirror can be transposed, such that mirror 212 is on the left side of the rear-view device 200, with the display being on the right hand side.
  • the display can be connected to the computer system 1 10 of the vehicle by any wireless device, or may also be wired up through the bridge across the top of the windshield and down into the compartment where it will electrically communicate with the computer itself.
  • the present invention discloses a vehicle stereo system located in the dashboard, which can support a dockable ultra-mobile PC in the vehicle environment.
  • the present invention further discloses a dockable ultra-mobile PC with full personal computer function that can take over the control of the audio system of the vehicle.
  • Another disclosure of the present invention is an in-vehicle ultra-mobile PC targeting for business use, which can be docked in a docking station mounted in vehicle.
  • This invention finds particular utility in vehicles, especially cars and trucks.

Abstract

L'invention concerne des ordinateurs personnels pour véhicules comprenant différents moyens pour connecter l'ordinateur au véhicule, y compris, sans que cela soit limitatif, l'installation permanente dans le compartiment radio du tableau de bord, l'installation sur un support dans le plancher dans le poste de conduite du véhicule, l'installation dans le rétroviseur, l'installation au dos d'un appui-tête, l'installation sur un élément inclinable fixé au plafond du véhicule, ou une installation articulée entre les sièges pour que l'appareil s'ouvre dans une configuration de type ordinateur portable. Lesdits ordinateurs portables peuvent être connectés sans fil à Internet, ou à différents systèmes de diagnostic et/ou de navigation. En outre, il est prévu que des systèmes GPS, GSM, ISP, UWB et autres connectivités soient utilisables. Des modes de réalisation de tiges de blocage spécifiques ainsi que les aspects de câblage sont représentés.
PCT/US2007/082879 2006-10-28 2007-10-29 Ordinateur personnel pour véhicules WO2008055117A2 (fr)

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US9104538B2 (en) 2012-06-08 2015-08-11 Airbiquity Inc. Assessment of electronic sensor data to remotely identify a motor vehicle and monitor driver behavior
US9401057B2 (en) 2012-06-08 2016-07-26 Airbiquity Inc. Assessment of electronic sensor data to remotely identify a motor vehicle and monitor driver behavior
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US20140169634A1 (en) * 2012-12-14 2014-06-19 Gyan Prakash System, device, and method for detecting and locating wanted vehicles
CN103076851A (zh) * 2013-01-24 2013-05-01 深圳市合正汽车电子有限公司 基于北斗卫星导航的车载电脑

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