Vehicle docking station for portable handheld computing device

• US 20020152027A1
• Filed: 04/03/2002
• Published: 10/17/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/03/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: MiTAC International Corporation (MiTAC Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: MiTAC International Corporation (MiTAC Holdings Corp.)
• Inventors: Allen, David W.
• Granted Patent: US 7,853,404 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/213
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/26 specially adapted for navigation in a road network
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/3688 Systems comprising multiple parts or multiple output devices (not client-server), e.g. detachable faceplates, key fobs or multiple output screens
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096827 where the route is computed onboard
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096861 where the immediate route instructions are output to the driver, e.g. arrow signs for next turn

Abstract

A vehicle navigation system includes a base and a handheld device which is portable relative to the base and dockable to the base. The handheld device includes a GPS receiver, display and user input devices and provides limited navigation capability when detached from the base. The base includes additional databases and navigation sensors which provide a full function navigation system when the handheld device is docked to the base station, including turn-by-turn navigation.

Claims

1. A navigation system comprising:

a base including at least one navigation sensor;

a portable device selectively in communication with the base, said portable device including a power supply, a display and a position-determining receiver.

2. The navigation system of claim 1 wherein said base is adapted to be installed in a DIN slot of a vehicle.

3. The navigation system of claim 2 wherein said base is installed in a DIN slot of a vehicle.

4. The navigation system of claim 3 wherein the base includes an accelerometer.

5. The navigation system of claim 4 wherein the base includes a database of roads.

6. The navigation system of claim 5 wherein the portable device includes a processor and memory.

7. The navigation system of claim 6 wherein the portable device includes a GPS receiver.

8. The navigation system of claim 7 wherein the base includes a cd player, the display of the portable device providing a user interface for operating the cd player when the portable device is in communication with the base.

9. The navigation system of claim 1 wherein the base includes a connector for selectively connecting to the portable device.

10. The navigation system of claim 1 wherein the portable device includes cell phone circuitry.