Apparatus and method for a mobile computer architecture and input/output management system

• US 6,324,592 B1
• Filed: 02/24/1998
• Issued: 11/27/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 02/25/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: George W. Hindman
• Original Assignee: Keystone Aerospace
• Inventors: Hindman, George W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee, Thomas
• Assistant Examiner(s): Cao, Chun
• Application Number:
  US09/028,590
• Time in Patent Office: 1,372 Days
• Field of Search: 710/2, 710/3, 710/5, 710/62, 710/64, 701/29, 701/207, 701/211, 701/216, 701/217, 701/220
• US Class Current: 710/3
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/0315 using multiplexing techniques multiplexing for transmission of signals G08C15/00; multiplexing for electrical communication in general H04J
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/10 by using measurements of speed or acceleration G01C21/24, G01C21/26 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/20 Instruments for performing navigational calculations G01C21/24, G01C21/26 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01P 15/00 Measuring acceleration; Measuring deceleration; Measuring shock, i.e. sudden change of acceleration
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/16 Constructional details or arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/409 Mechanical coupling back panels H05K7/1438

Abstract

The present invention provides a system, apparatus, and method for a robust and configurable computer architecture which combines standard Amplitude Modulation (AM)/Frequency Modulation (FM) radio and Compact Disk Read Only Memory (CDROM) features with mobile computational capabilities. The present invention further provides a unique bus network which allows for an efficient and durable Input/Output (I/O) management system. The I/O management system has configurable data bus and discrete line connections to allow for modular addition, expansion, or replacement of navigation, crash detection, and communication line replacement units (LRUs). Additional I/O device connections allow several modes of input into the computational system. The present invention is a single, self-contained enclosure which easily installs into most existing vehicles with minimum time and effort. Furthermore the present invention provides an accessible user interface for the computer system and possesses several theft protection features.

Claims

1. An apparatus for computation and input/output management in a mobile environment comprising:

a computer system with processing means, I/O processing means, input means, and output means, wherein the computer system performs operations responsive to data from the input means and outputs data to the output means;

one or more line replacement units, wherein each of the line replacement units performs a dedicated function in the mobile environment in cooperation with the processing means of the computer system;

data bus means coupled to the I/O processing means of the computer system and said one or more line replacement units for transferring a combination of address, control, and data information;

discrete line means coupled to the I/O processing means of the computer system and said one or more line replacement units for transferring discrete information; and

the I/O processing means is required to recognize a unique address in order to communicate with the one or more line replacement units, wherein said I/O processing means uses the data bus means in conjunction with the discrete line means to address said one or more line replacement units.

2. The apparatus for computation and input/output management of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is coupled to an AM/FM radio.

3. The apparatus for computation and input/output management of claim 1, the apparatus further providing means for user applications wherein the applications are audio, visual or multi-media.

4. The apparatus for computation and input/output management of claim 1, wherein the apparatus interfaces with one or more data input or output devices.

5. The apparatus for computation and input/output management of claim 1, wherein data can be entered into or outputted from said computer system by vocal means.

6. The apparatus for computation and input/output management of claim 1, the apparatus further providing input and output of navigation information wherein the navigation information may include route guidance.

7. The apparatus for computation and input/output management of claim 1, wherein the apparatus interfaces with a vehicle'"'"'s internal components to access data associated with one or more of the following:

vehicle operational status, diagnostic capabilities, theft deterrent devices, collision detection systems, vehicle lock mechanisms, or any other vehicle safety, maintenance, or caution and warning systems.

8. The apparatus for computation and input/output management of claim 1, wherein the apparatus interfaces with wireless communication means for the reception of data.

9. The apparatus for computation and input/output management of claim 1, wherein the apparatus interfaces with wireless communication means for the purposes of two way communication of data to a mobile user.

10. The apparatus for computation and input/output management of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is contained within one enclosure for ease of use or installation.

11. The apparatus for computation and input/output management of claim 10, wherein the display is deployable from the enclosure and contains means for entering data into the computer system.

12. The apparatus for computation and input/output management of claim 1, wherein a faceplate is removable and interchangeable with similarly designed faceplates.

13. The apparatus for computation and input/output management of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a self-contained hand-held unit.

14. A method for computation and input/output management of a computer system in a mobile environment, wherein said computer system has processing means, I/O processing means, input means, output means, data bus means, and discrete line means, comprising the steps of:

performing operations responsive to data from the input means and outputting data to the output means;

communicating with one or more line replacement units, wherein each of the line replacement units performs a dedicated function in the mobile environment in cooperation with the processing means of the computer system;

transferring a combination of address, control, and data information between the one or more line replacement units and the I/O processing means of the computer system via the data bus means;

transferring discrete information between the one or more line replacement units and the I/O processing means of the computer system via the discrete line means;

requiring the I/O processing means to recognize a unique address in order to communicate with the one or more line replacement units; and

using the data bus means in conjunction with the discrete line means by the I/O processing means to address the one or more line replacement units.

15. A computer readable medium for storing computer executable instructions for computation and input/output management of a computer system in a mobile environment, wherein said computer system has processing means, I/O processing means, input means, output means, data bus means, and discrete line means, and the computer executable instructions comprise the steps of:

performing operations responsive to data from the input means and outputting data to the output means;

communicating with one or more line replacement units, wherein each of the line replacement units performs a dedicated function in the mobile environment in cooperation with the processing means of the computer system;

transferring a combination of address, control, and data information between the one or more line replacement units and the I/O processing means of the computer system via the data bus means;

transferring discrete information between the one or more line replacement units and the I/O processing means of the computer system via the discrete line means;

requiring the I/O processing means to recognize a unique address in order to communicate with the one or more line replacement units; and

using the data bus means in conjunction with the discrete line means by the I/O processing means to address the one or more line replacement units.