VEHICULAR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

• US 20110035120A1
• Filed: 10/20/2010
• Published: 02/10/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 03/02/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Taylor, David W., McCarthy, Kevin C., Schofield, Kenneth, Lynam, Niall R.
• Granted Patent: US 8,000,894 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/49
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/0408 transmitting the signals by non-mechanical means from the wheel or tyre to a vehicle body mounted receiver
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/976 massaging systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2665 on rear-view mirrors lighting devices for vehicle interior on or for rear-view mirrors B60Q3/258
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 5/006 indicating risk of collision between vehicles or with pedestrians
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/00 Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00 , e.g. haptic signalling
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/088 using a cell of electrically changeable optical characteristic, e.g. liquid-crystal or electrochromic mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/28 with an adjustable field of view
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/04 Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1215 with information displays
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/105 using multiple cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/207 using multi-purpose displays, e.g. camera image and navigation or video on same display
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/301 combining image information with other obstacle sensor information, e.g. using RADAR/LIDAR/SONAR sensors for estimating risk of collision
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/406 using wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/806 for aiding parking
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8066 for monitoring rearward traffic
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8093 for obstacle warning
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/20 Instruments for performing navigational calculations G01C21/24, G01C21/26 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/26 specially adapted for navigation in a road network
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/36 : Input/output arrangements for on-board computers
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/365 : Guidance using head up displays or projectors, e.g. virtual vehicles or arrows projected on the windscreen or on the road itself
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/862 : Combination of radar systems with sonar systems
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/865 : Combination of radar systems with lidar systems
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/867 : Combination of radar systems with cameras
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 2207/30252 : Vehicle exterior; Vicinity of vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 5/80 : Geometric correction
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/58 : Recognition of moving objects or obstacles, e.g. vehicles or pedestrians; Recognition of traffic objects, e.g. traffic signs, traffic lights or roads
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/90 : Arrangement of cameras or camera modules, e.g. multiple cameras in TV studios or sports stadiums
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/265 : Mixing
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/181 : for receiving images from a plurality of remote sources
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/183 : for receiving images from a single remote source

Abstract

A vehicular wireless communication system includes a control in a vehicle operable to communicate with an external service provider via a wireless communication link between the equipped vehicle and the external service provider. The control may receive a user input and responsive thereto, may establish the wireless communication link between the equipped vehicle and the external service provider. Data from the external service provider is downloaded to the control via the wireless communication link. The control controls at least one accessory of the vehicle, and the control may control the accessory responsive to at least one of (a) a geographic location of the vehicle as determined by a global positioning system of the equipped vehicle and (b) a biometric characteristic of an occupant of the equipped vehicle.

Claims

1. A vehicular wireless communication system for a vehicle, said vehicular wireless communication system comprising:

a control in an equipped vehicle operable to communicate with an external service provider via a wireless communication link between the equipped vehicle and the external service provider, wherein said control receives a user input from the driver of the equipped vehicle, and responsive thereto, establishes said wireless communication link between the equipped vehicle and the external service provider;

wherein data from the external service provider is downloaded to said control via said wireless communication link;

said control comprising memory for storing downloaded data at least after said wireless communication link established between said control and the external service provider is disconnected; and

wherein said control controls at least one accessory of the vehicle responsive to at least one of (a) a geographic location of the vehicle as determined by a global positioning system of the equipped vehicle and (b) a biometric characteristic of an occupant of the equipped vehicle.

2. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 1, wherein said control controls at least one accessory of the vehicle responsive to a biometric characteristic of an occupant of the equipped vehicle.

3. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 2, wherein said at least one accessory comprises a seat adjustment system operable to adjust a seat of the equipped vehicle responsive to a biometric characteristic of an occupant of the equipped vehicle.

4. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 3, wherein said seat adjustment system is operable to adjust a seat of the equipped vehicle in response to biometric data, said biometric data pertaining to the occupant of the seat of the equipped vehicle.

5. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 4, wherein said at least one accessory comprises a mirror adjustment system that is operable to at least one of (a) adjust a setting of an interior rearview mirror of the equipped vehicle responsive at least in part to said biometric data and (b) adjust a setting of an exterior rearview mirror of the equipped vehicle responsive at least in part to said biometric data.

6. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 2, wherein said at least one accessory comprises a mirror adjustment system that is operable to at least one of (a) adjust a setting of an interior rearview mirror of the equipped vehicle responsive to a biometric characteristic of an occupant of the equipped vehicle and (b) adjust a setting of an exterior rearview mirror of the equipped vehicle responsive to a biometric characteristic of an occupant of the equipped vehicle.

7. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 1, wherein said at least one accessory comprises a mirror adjustment system that is operable to at least one of (a) adjust a setting of an interior rearview mirror of the equipped vehicle and (b) adjust a setting of an exterior rearview mirror of the equipped vehicle.

8. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 1, wherein said downloaded data comprises downloaded driving instruction data useful for instructing the driver of the equipped vehicle how to drive from an initial location to a destination location, and wherein driving instructions derived at least in part from said downloaded driving instruction data are displayed by a display device of the equipped vehicle for viewing by the driver of the equipped vehicle.

9. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 8, wherein said driving instructions are displayed by said display device in a step-by-step manner, with at least some driving instruction steps being displayed by said display device after said wireless communication link between said control and the external service provider is disconnected.

10. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 8, wherein said driving instructions comprise at least two driving instructions with each of said at least two driving instructions being coded or associated with or linked to a respective geographic location, and wherein each driving instruction is displayed by said display device only when the then current actual geographic position of the equipped vehicle at least generally corresponds to the particular geographic location coded or associated with or linked to said each driving instruction.

11. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 8, wherein said control provides an alert to the driver of the equipped vehicle when the actual geographic position of the equipped vehicle is not where it should be.

12. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 1, wherein said control comprises, at least in part, an element of a vehicular telematics system.

13. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 1, wherein said control comprises, at least in part, a link to an element of a portable accessory in the equipped vehicle.

14. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 1, wherein said user input comprises a vocal input from the driver of the equipped vehicle.

15. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 1, wherein said at least one accessory comprises a display device of the equipped vehicle and wherein said display device is operable to display information derived from said downloaded data.

16. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 15, wherein said display device is operable to display at least one of alphanumeric information, textual information, graphical information and icon information.

17. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 15, wherein said display device comprises one of (a) a multi-pixel display device, (b) a multi-pixel vacuum fluorescent display device, (c) a multi-pixel display device backlit by a plurality of organic light emitting diodes, and (d) a multi-pixel field emission display device.

18. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 15, wherein said display device is disposed in an interior rearview mirror assembly comprising an electrochromic transflective element having a transflective mirror reflector, and wherein said display device is disposed to the rear of said transflective element and wherein, when said display device is operated, said display device emits light that passes through said transflective mirror reflector of said transflective element, and wherein the presence of said display device is discernible to the driver of the equipped vehicle viewing said transflective element only when said display device is operated.

19. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 15, wherein said display device comprises a video display device and wherein said video display device comprises a thin film transistor liquid crystal display video screen.

20. A vehicular wireless communication system for a vehicle, said vehicular wireless communication system comprising:

a control in an equipped vehicle operable to communicate with an external service provider via a wireless communication link between the equipped vehicle and the external service provider;

wherein data from the external service provider is downloaded to said control via said wireless communication link;

wherein said data downloaded from the external service provider to said control comprises downloaded driving instruction data useful for instructing the driver of the equipped vehicle how to drive from an initial location to a destination location;

a global positioning system of the equipped vehicle;

at least one accessory of the equipped vehicle comprises a display device of the equipped vehicle and wherein said display device is operable to display driving instructions derived at least in part from said downloaded driving instruction data for viewing by the driver of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said display device is disposed in an interior rearview mirror assembly comprising an electrochromic transflective element having a transflective mirror reflector, and wherein said display device is disposed to the rear of said transflective element and wherein, when said display device is operated, said display device emits light that passes through said transflective mirror reflector of said transflective element, and wherein the presence of said display device is discernible to the driver of the equipped vehicle viewing said transflective element only when said display device is operated; and

wherein said display device comprises a video display device and wherein said video display device comprises a thin film transistor liquid crystal display video screen.

21. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 20, wherein said control receives a user input from the driver of the equipped vehicle, and responsive thereto, establishes said wireless communication link between the equipped vehicle and the external service provider.

22. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 20, wherein said control comprises memory for storing downloaded data at least after said wireless communication link established between said control and the external service provider is disconnected.

23. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 20, wherein said control controls said at least one accessory of the vehicle responsive to a geographic location of the vehicle as determined by said global positioning system of the equipped vehicle.

24. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 23, wherein said at least one accessory comprises a mirror adjustment system that is operable to at least one of (a) adjust a setting of an interior rearview mirror of the equipped vehicle and (b) adjust a setting of an exterior rearview mirror of the equipped vehicle.

25. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 20, wherein said driving instructions are displayed by said display device in a step-by-step manner, with at least some driving instruction steps being displayed by said display device after said wireless communication link between said control and the external service provider is disconnected.

26. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 20, wherein said driving instructions comprise at least two driving instructions with each of said at least two driving instructions being coded or associated with or linked to a respective geographic location, and wherein each driving instruction is displayed by said display device only when the then current actual geographic position of the equipped vehicle at least generally corresponds to the particular geographic location coded or associated with or linked to said each driving instruction.

27. A vehicular wireless communication system for a vehicle, said vehicular wireless communication system comprising:

a control in an equipped vehicle operable to communicate with an external service provider via a wireless communication link between the equipped vehicle and the external service provider;

wherein data from the external service provider is downloaded to said control via said wireless communication link;

wherein said control controls at least one accessory of the vehicle at least in part responsive to said data downloaded from the external service provided to said control; and

wherein said at least one accessory comprises an accessory selected from the group comprising (a) an interior rearview mirror assembly of the equipped vehicle, (b) an exterior rearview mirror assembly of the equipped vehicle, (c) a seat of the equipped vehicle, (d) a video display device of the equipped vehicle and (e) an interior video mirror rearview mirror assembly of the equipped vehicle.

28. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 27, wherein said control controls said at least one accessory of the vehicle at least in part responsive to a geographic location of the vehicle as determined by a global positioning system of the equipped vehicle.

29. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 27, wherein said control receives a user input from the driver of the equipped vehicle, and wherein said user input comprises a vocal input from the driver of the equipped vehicle.

30. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 29, wherein said control, responsive to said user input from the driver of the equipped vehicle, establishes said wireless communication link between the equipped vehicle and the external service provider.

31. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 27, wherein said at least one accessory comprises a video display device of the equipped vehicle and wherein said video display device is operable to display video information derived from said data downloaded from the external service provided to said control.

32. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 27, wherein said control comprises memory for storing downloaded data at least after said wireless communication link established between said control and the external service provider is disconnected.

33. A vehicular wireless communication system for a vehicle, said vehicular wireless communication system comprising:

a control in an equipped vehicle operable to communicate with an external service provider via a wireless communication link between the equipped vehicle and the external service provider;

wherein said control receives a user input from the driver of the equipped vehicle;

wherein data from the external service provider is downloaded to said control via said wireless communication link;

wherein said control controls at least one accessory of the vehicle;

wherein said at least one accessory comprises a display device of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said display device is disposed in an interior rearview mirror assembly comprising an electrochromic transflective element having a transflective mirror reflector, and wherein said display device is disposed to the rear of said transflective element and wherein, when said display device is operated, said display device emits light that passes through said transflective mirror reflector of said transflective element, and wherein the presence of said display device is discernible to the driver of the equipped vehicle viewing said transflective element only when said display device is operated; and

wherein said display device comprises a video display device and wherein said video display device comprises a thin film transistor liquid crystal display video screen.

34. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 33, wherein said data downloaded from the external service provided to said control comprises downloaded driving instruction data useful for instructing the driver of the equipped vehicle how to drive from an initial location to a destination location.

35. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 34, wherein said display device is operable to display driving instructions derived at least in part from said downloaded driving instruction data for viewing by the driver of the equipped vehicle.

36. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 33, wherein said control controls said display device responsive to a geographic location of the vehicle as determined by a global positioning system of the equipped vehicle.

37. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 33, wherein said user input comprises a vocal input from the driver of the equipped vehicle.

38. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 33, wherein said control, responsive to said user input from the driver of the equipped vehicle, establishes said wireless communication link between the equipped vehicle and the external service provider.

39. The vehicular wireless communication system of claim 38, wherein said control comprises memory for storing downloaded data at least after said wireless communication link established between said control and the external service provider is disconnected.