Vehicle information system with remote communicator
First Claim
1. A vehicle information system comprising:
- a computer for handling informational data including vehicle data corresponding to operation of a vehicle and associated vehicle systems;
a remote communicator operatively connected to said computer and movable about the vehicle;
said remote communicator including a secondary display for changeably displaying the informational data to an occupant of the vehicle;
said remote communicator also including a secondary input device for sending commands to said computer and controlling said secondary display; and
an internal wireless interface for linking said remote communicator to said computer for communication of the informational data.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An information system for a vehicle includes a computer for handling informational data. This information data includes vehicle data corresponding to operation of the vehicle and external data such as internet web pages and email. A primary display is connected to the computer and in a position to be viewed by a driver of the vehicle. A primary input device allows input to the computer and manipulation of the primary display. A remote communicator is also operatively connected to the computer and movable about the vehicle. The remote communicator includes a secondary display and a secondary input device for sending input to the computer and manipulating the secondary display. The secondary input device is also programmed to control the primary display for manipulating the informational data that is displayed to the driver. The remote communicator may be a programmable handheld computer or PDA interfacing with the vehicle computer through an internal wireless network.
71 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A vehicle information system comprising:
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a computer for handling informational data including vehicle data corresponding to operation of a vehicle and associated vehicle systems;
a remote communicator operatively connected to said computer and movable about the vehicle;
said remote communicator including a secondary display for changeably displaying the informational data to an occupant of the vehicle;
said remote communicator also including a secondary input device for sending commands to said computer and controlling said secondary display; and
an internal wireless interface for linking said remote communicator to said computer for communication of the informational data. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for controlling at least one vehicle system through a handheld wireless device, said method comprising the steps of:
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providing a remote communicator having a reconfigurable display screen and an interface responsive to contact pressure;
linking the remote communicator to an on-board vehicular computer through an internal wireless interface;
triggering a vehicle system control setting session via the computer by contact pressure with the remote communicator;
displaying a plurality of vehicle control function choices on the display screen;
selecting a vehicle control function by contact pressure with the remote communicator;
requesting a change in a vehicle control setting by contact pressure with the remote communicator;
receiving the change request in the vehicular computer; and
initiating the change request. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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Specification