In-vehicle multifunctional information device

• US 20070063826A1
• Filed: 03/23/2006
• Published: 03/22/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 09/16/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Maxan Company Limited
• Original Assignee: Maxan Company Limited
• Inventors: Baig, Kwang
• Application Number:
  US11/387,418
• Publication Number:
  US 20070063826A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/438
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/11 Instrument graphical user interfaces or menu aspects
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/143 Touch sensitive instrument input devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/1438 Touch screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/55 Remote control arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/11 Graphical user interfaces or menu aspects
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/143 Touch sensitive input devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/1438 Touch screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2370/55 Remote controls
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/00 Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/10 Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/80 Arrangements for controlling instruments

Abstract

An in-vehicle multifunctional information device provides not only an audio function but also a variety of multimedia content to the driver. The device includes a main body, a monitor, and an input panel. The main body includes a main controller for controlling the overall operation of the device, selectively receiving and outputting a broadcast signal, and providing a plurality of user applications. The monitor outputs a broadcast signal provided from the main body or outputs content reproduced by a user application. The input panel is coupled to the front side of the main body such that it is slidably opened and closed. The input panel includes a sub controller for displaying a user application menu provided from the main body, receiving and processing an operating command input by the user, and detecting an operating state of the main body and controlling the operation of the main body.

Claims

1. An in-vehicle multifunctional information device comprising:

a main body including a main controller for controlling overall operations of the in-vehicle multifunctional information device, selectively receiving and outputting a broadcast signal, and providing a plurality of user applications;

a monitor for outputting a broadcast signal output from the main body or outputting content reproduced by a user application; and

an input panel coupled to a front side of the main body such that the input panel opens and closes, the input panel including a sub controller for displaying a user application menu provided from the main body, receiving and processing an operating command input by a user, and detecting an operating state of the main body and controlling an operation of the main body.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the input panel further includes:

at least one navigation key for receiving an operating command from the user;

a touch pad for displaying state information of the main body and a user application menu provided by the main body, receiving and outputting selection information of an application on the menu from the user, and supporting a pointing device function of a user interface provided through the monitor;

a power detector for detecting power supplied to the main body and outputting the detected power,

the sub controller including;

an input signal processor for processing an input signal from the touch pad; and

a power manager for receiving a power detection signal output from the power detector, calculating a power level according to the power detection signal, and controlling an operation of the main body according to the calculated power level.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the input panel further includes a temperature detector for detecting a change in temperature of the main body and outputting a temperature detection signal to the power manager, and

wherein the power manager receives the temperature detection signal output from the temperature detector, determining whether or not the temperature of the main body is out of a suitable temperature range for driving the main body, and controlling an operation of the main body according to the determination.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the main body further includes:

a tuner unit for selectively receiving and outputting a TV or radio signal;

a memory for storing an operating program for the in-vehicle multifunctional information device, a plurality of user applications, and a plurality of content items,

the main controller including;

a broadcast signal processor for extracting video or audio data from a TV or radio signal output from the tuner unit and providing the extracted video or audio data to the monitor; and

a command processor for providing, through the monitor, a user interface provided as the operating program runs and processing an operating command input through the input panel.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the monitor includes:

a touch screen for displaying a user interface or content output from the main body, receiving an operating command through the user interface, and outputting the operating command to the main body; and

at least one audio output unit for outputting audio data output from the main body.

6. The device according to claim 4, wherein the main controller further includes:

a key guide information provider for displaying a navigation key of the input panel for each user application and corresponding key guide information on the monitor.

7. The device according to claim 4, further comprising:

a GPS antenna for receiving and outputting a GPS signal output from a GPS satellite, the GPS antenna being detachably coupled to the main body, and

wherein the main controller further includes a navigation information provider for receiving a GPS signal output from the GPS antenna and calculating a current position of a vehicle, and displaying travel information of the vehicle based on the calculated position on the monitor.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the main body further includes:

a wireless Internet module for transmitting and receiving data to and from a wireless Internet access point installed at a specific position.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the main body further includes:

an interface unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device.

10. The device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a remote controller for transmitting an operating command input by the user to the main body through wireless communication.

11. The device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a GPS antenna for receiving and outputting a GPS signal output from a GPS satellite, the GPS antenna being detachably coupled to the main body, and

wherein the main controller further includes a navigation information provider for receiving a GPS signal output from the GPS antenna and calculating a current position of a vehicle, and displaying travel information of the vehicle based on the calculated position on the monitor.