US6032089A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicle instrument panel computer interface node
Assignee: FCA US LLC
•
Filing: 1997-12-01
•
Granted: 2000-02-29
•
Expires: 2017-12-01
Abstract
Abstract A communication system includes a miniaturized palmtop computer which is information-coupled to a programmable node positioned in an instrument panel of a vehicle. The computer is removably resident in a pod or pocket of the instrument panel and communicates with a node either wirelessly or via a connectorized bus. Redundant radio and HVAC displays form at least one surface of the pod for use by vehicle operators not using the computer option.
Inventors
- 👤 Stephen J. Buckley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 15:43
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F7/00; B; B60; B60K; B60K35/00; B60K35/10; B60K35/20; B60K35/21; B60K35/22; B60R; B60R11/00; B60R11/02; B60R11/0229; B60R11/0235; B60R11/0252; G16; G16Z; G16Z99/00; B60K35/28; B60R2011/0001; B60R2011/0003; B60R2011/0005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
A system for enabling communication between a stand-alone computer and an electrical system of a vehicle, the system comprising: a communication interface node mounted to an instrument panel of the vehicle and operative to exchange information with a computer; and a mounting pod positioned in the instrument panel adapted for removable receipt of the computer, the mounting pod including at least one wall for mounting display apparatus visible to an operator whenever the computer is not positioned in the pod.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
80 words
A system for enabling communication between a stand-alone computer and an electrical system of a vehicle, the system comprising: a communication interface node mounted to an instrument panel of the vehicle and operative to exchange information with a computer; and a mounting pod positioned in the instrument panel adapted for removable receipt of the computer, the mounting pod including at least one wall for mounting display apparatus visible to an operator whenever the computer is not positioned in the pod.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the interface node exchanges information with the computer via a wireless transmission medium.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 2, wherein the medium comprises infrared radiation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the interface node exchanges information with the computer via a connectorized wire bus.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the communication interface node is programmable thereby enabling use of a plurality of different types of computers.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the instrument panel is located in a dashboard of the vehicle.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 1, wherein the communication interface node is coupled to a vehicular control system for exchange of information therebetween.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 7, wherein the vehicular control system comprises an audio system.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 7, wherein the vehicular control system comprises an HVAC system.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
80 words
A system for enabling communication between a stand-alone computer and an electrical system, including an ignition starting system, of a vehicle, the system comprising: a communication interface node mounted to an instrument panel of the vehicle and operative to exchange information with a computer; and a mounting pod positioned in the instrument panel adapted for removable receipt of the computer; wherein the system is operative to disable the ignition starting system whenever the computer is not positioned in the pod.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
80 words
A system for enabling communication between a stand-alone computer and an electrical system, including an ignition starting system, of a vehicle, the system comprising: a communication interface node mounted to an instrument panel of the vehicle and operative to exchange information with a computer; and a mounting pod positioned in the instrument panel adapted for removable receipt of the computer; wherein the system is operative to disable the ignition starting system whenever the computer is not positioned in the pod.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 10, wherein the interface node exchanges information with the computer via a wireless transmission medium.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 11, wherein the medium comprises infrared radiation.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 10, wherein the interface node exchanges information with the computer via a connectorized wire bus.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 10, wherein the communication interface node is programmable, thereby enabling use of a plurality of different types of computers.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 10, wherein the instrument panel is located in a dashboard of the vehicle.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 10, wherein the communication interface node is coupled to a vehicular control system for exchange of information therebetween.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 16, wherein the vehicular control system comprises an audio system.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 16, wherein the vehicular control system comprises an HVAC system.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US5289378A
Cited
US5636118A
Cited
US5859628A
Cited
US5417222A
Cited
US5664013A
Cited
US5819227A
Cited
US5794164A
Cited
US5732074A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-02-28 | 2003-08-30 | 2004-02-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-02-28 | 2007-08-30 | 2008-02-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-02-28 | 2011-08-30 | 2012-02-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |