US6161066A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Advanced law enforcement and response technology
Assignee: Texas A&M University System
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Filing: 1999-03-31
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Granted: 2000-12-12
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Expires: 2019-03-31
Abstract
Abstract Improvements for an ALERT®-type vehicle-based control system are described. The improvements encompass the use of a multiple control unit architecture for more efficient processing of user interface functions and device commands. The improved architecture allows one control unit to manage the control functions for a first device set. The second, or subsequent, control unit offloads the management of device control functions from the first control unit. Devices and methods are also described for incorporating the control system into a vehicle data bus, such as the IDB.
Inventors
- 👤 George B. Wright
- 👤 Joseph Morgan
- 👤 John Witz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 19:48
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q1/00; B60Q1/26; B60Q1/2611
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
70 words
An emergency response system for providing coordinated operation among sets of vehicular-based peripheral devices, the system comprising: a first device set for providing user interface with the emergency response system; a first control unit being operably connected for operation of the first device set; a second device set comprising at least one vehicle-based peripheral device; and a second control unit being operably connected for operation of the second device set.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
70 words
An emergency response system for providing coordinated operation among sets of vehicular-based peripheral devices, the system comprising: a first device set for providing user interface with the emergency response system; a first control unit being operably connected for operation of the first device set; a second device set comprising at least one vehicle-based peripheral device; and a second control unit being operably connected for operation of the second device set.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising an interface for operably associating at least one of the control units with a data bus.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 1 further comprises an interconnection between the first and second control units to provide communication between the first and second control units.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 3 wherein the communication provided between the first and second control units comprises transmitting commands, acknowledgements and status information.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the first device set comprises a touch screen interface device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the second device set comprises a night vision camera arrangement.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the second device set comprises a license plate reader.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the first control unit comprises a programmable digital computer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the second control unit comprises a programmable digital computer.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
87 words
A system for controlling a plurality of vehicular-based peripheral subsystems, comprising: a. a first control unit which receives a control command from a user and communicates said control command to a second control unit, said first control unit comprising a programmable digital computer; and b. a second control unit also comprising a programmable digital computer and being in communication with said first control unit which receives messages from said first control unit and, in response thereto, selectively controls the functions of at least one vehicular-based peripheral subsystem.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
87 words
A system for controlling a plurality of vehicular-based peripheral subsystems, comprising: a. a first control unit which receives a control command from a user and communicates said control command to a second control unit, said first control unit comprising a programmable digital computer; and b. a second control unit also comprising a programmable digital computer and being in communication with said first control unit which receives messages from said first control unit and, in response thereto, selectively controls the functions of at least one vehicular-based peripheral subsystem.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The control system of claim 10 further comprising a vehicle bus interface disposed between the control units and the peripheral subsystem.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The control system of claim 10 further comprising a protocol converter interface between a control unit and the peripheral subsystem.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The control system of claim 10 further comprising a touch screen user interface device.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The control system of claim 13 wherein the touch screen user interface provides an individual device control portion.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The control system of claim 13 wherein the touch screen user interface provides a fixed control and display portion.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
The control system of claim 15 wherein the fixed control and display portion comprises a speed button for providing a shortcut key.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
60 words
A method of controlling peripheral devices via a touch screen interface, comprising: a) inputting a control command into the touch screen; b) transmitting the control command to a first control unit; c) parsing the control command; d) transmitting the parsed control command to a second control unit; e) transmitting the parsed control command to a peripheral device to be controlled.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
60 words
A method of controlling peripheral devices via a touch screen interface, comprising: a) inputting a control command into the touch screen; b) transmitting the control command to a first control unit; c) parsing the control command; d) transmitting the parsed control command to a second control unit; e) transmitting the parsed control command to a peripheral device to be controlled.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 17 further comprising the operation of converting the protocol of the control command.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-12-12 | 2004-06-12 | 2004-12-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-12-12 | 2008-06-12 | 2008-12-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-12-12 | 2012-06-12 | 2012-12-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |