Vehicle electronic control apparatus
First Claim
1. A vehicle electronic control apparatus for controlling the operation of one or more electronic devices for optional use in a vehicle provided either with a local area network (LAN) or a non-LAN wiring system, comprising:
- an electronic control section for a common use received in an accommodating cavity in an instrument panel in said vehicle; and
a switch section electrically connected to and separate from said electronic control section and said electronic devices, and having manual switches by which a driver gives command signals to said electronic control section and said electronic devices, said switch section being provided with a communication function part so that, together with said electronic control section, said switch section can control said electronic devices either through said LAN or through said non-LAN wiring system, said switch section being configured to accommodate an optional use of said electronic devices.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A vehicle electronic control apparatus (1) includes an electronic control section (2) received in an accommodating cavity (23) in an instrument panel (22) in an automotive vehicle for controlling electronic equipments in the vehicle and a switch section (3) detachably attached to the electronic control section (2) for applying command signals to the electronic control section (2). The switch section (3) is provided with a communication function part (27) which serves as a local area network (LAN) manager so that the electronic control section (2) can control the electronic equipments. This construction enables an expensive electronic control section (2) to be used in common in different types of automotive vehicle regardless of presence or absence of the vehicle LAN. The switch section (3) having the communication function part (27) can utilize the vehicle LAN.
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Citations
4 Claims
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1. A vehicle electronic control apparatus for controlling the operation of one or more electronic devices for optional use in a vehicle provided either with a local area network (LAN) or a non-LAN wiring system, comprising:
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an electronic control section for a common use received in an accommodating cavity in an instrument panel in said vehicle; and
a switch section electrically connected to and separate from said electronic control section and said electronic devices, and having manual switches by which a driver gives command signals to said electronic control section and said electronic devices, said switch section being provided with a communication function part so that, together with said electronic control section, said switch section can control said electronic devices either through said LAN or through said non-LAN wiring system, said switch section being configured to accommodate an optional use of said electronic devices. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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Specification