United States Patent
`
`[19]
`
`[11] Patent Number:
`
`5,794,164
`
`Beckert et al.
`
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`Aug. 11, 1998
`
`USOOS794 1 64A
`
`[54] VEHICLE COMPUTER SYSTEM
`
`5,629,626
`
`5/1997 Russel] et al.
`
`324/345
`
`[75]
`
`Inventors: Richard D. Beckert. Lake Stevens;
`Mflfk M. Moeller. DES MOlflCS;
`William W011:-R€dm0Dd~ all of Wash
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`Germany '
`11/1933 United Kingdom.
`
`2 120 424
`
`[73] Assignee: Microsoft Corporation. Redmond,
`wash‘
`
`pn-mmy Emm,-,,e,._MiChae1ZanCm
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Lee & Hayes. PLLC
`
`[571
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A vehicle computer system has a housing sized to be
`mounted in a Vehicle dashboard or other appropriate
`lo.cafion_ a compute] m0un[fid within [hc h0uging_ and an
`open platform operating system which executes on an open
`hardware architecture computer. The open platform operat-
`ing system supports multiple ditferent applications that can
`be supplied by a vehicle user. For instance. the operating
`system can support applications pertaining to entertainment.
`navigation. communications. security. diagnostics. and oth-
`ers. The computer has one or more storage drive (e.g.. CD
`drive. floppy disk drive. cassette player. or hard disk drive)
`which permits the vehicle user to download programs from
`a storage medium (e.g.. CD. diskette. cassette. or hard disk)
`to the computer. In the described implementation. the com-
`puter has two independent processors. One processor. which
`runs the operating system. is mounted in a stationary base
`unit of the housing and the other processor is mounted to a
`faceplate which is detachable from the base unit. When the
`facfiplatcis att3Ch°C1~th'=fiISIPI0C<=SS0rPt0Vid¢S fhcprimary
`control over all operating systems (i.e.. entertainment.
`navigation. communications. security. diagnostics. and
`others) and the faceplate processor is subservient. When the
`faceplate is detached. it forms a portable RF device with the
`faceplate processor providing radio and communications
`°“1"“bm‘1°5'
`
`46 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
`
`[211 App1.No.: 564,586
`
`[22] Filed:
`
`Nov. 29, 1995
`
`Int. CL6 ...................................................
`[52] U.S. Cl.
`......... 701/1; 701/36
`
`[58] Field of Search ................... .. 364/424.045. 423.098;
`455/345. 346; 701/36. 1
`_
`References Cited
`TE} H,
`
`[56]
`
`
`
`3452.239
`5,455,323
`5506.563
`5,546,273
`5,555,172
`5,555,491
`5,S55,5(D
`5,559,707
`5,510,322
`5,527,547
`5,627,974
`
`9/1995 Shanna at al_
`10/1995 Noreen eta].
`4/1996 Ionic ..........
`8/1996 Ham's .
`9/1996 Potter .
`9/1996 Tao
`9/1996
`9/1996
`3/1997
`5/1997
`5/1997 Watts, Jr. et al.
`
`370/32.1
`370/so
`.. 340/426
`...... 361/697
`. 364/424-01
`-----~ 351/635
`'
`
`364/449.5
`. 3427357
`.
`....................... 395/281
`
`DOCUMENTS
`U'S' P
`3/1980 Prince ....................................... 180/90
`4,194,585
`3/1988 Schaefer et al.
`369/6
`4,731,769
`11/1983 An_1eS et a1-
`364/424-01
`4.737.040
`5/1939 Z5115“? --------
`331/43
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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 11, 1993
`
`Sheet 6 of 7
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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 11, 1993
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`Sheet 7 of 7
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`

`
`5.794. I 64
`
`1
`VEHICLE COMPUTER SYSTEM
`
`'l‘l:LCHNICAL FIELD
`
`This invention relates to computer systems for vehicles.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`S
`
`Modern vehicles are typically equipped with several
`independent electronic systems. For instance. most modern
`vehicles have a sound system and a security system. The
`sound system usually consists of an AM/FM radio. a cassette
`or CD (compact disk) player. an equalizer/amplifier. and
`speakers. The radio and player are arranged in a metal casing
`or housing that is mounted in a dashboard of the vehicle. The
`housing has a standardized size. often expressed in terms of
`DINs (Deutsche Industry Normen). to ensure that the sound
`system is compatible with and can be retrofit into most
`vehicle dashboards.
`
`The security system is entirely separate from the sound
`system. The security system generally consists of security
`sensors placed throughout
`the vehicle. and a central
`application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) to monitor the
`sensors and determine whetha security is beingjeopardized.
`Security System also controls actuators to lock/unlock doors
`or windows. and an alarm or siren.
`
`Most late model (1996 or later for OBD II. 1993 or later
`for OBD 1) vehicles are also constructed with a diagnostic
`system that analyzes performance of the vehicle’s engine.
`transmission and fuel system. and other components. The
`diagnostic system can be coupled to an external computer to
`download or monitor diagnostic information that is useful to
`a vehicle mechanic during servicing of the vehicle.
`Additionally. the diagnostic system might include dashboard
`displays that inform the driver of various operating condi-
`tions.
`
`In some recent models. vehicles are being equipped with
`a navigation system that incorporates a global positioning
`system (GPS) receiver. The GPS receiver has an antenna to
`receive signals from a satellite network. The vehicle navi-
`gation system uses the satellite positioning signals to com-
`pute coordinates that locate the vehicle over the surface of
`the earth with regard to longitude. latitude. and altitude.
`Also. with the appropriate map software.
`the Vehicle’s
`location can then be shown on a map.
`Cellular communications systems have also been added to
`vehicles. These communications systems enable the vehicle
`driver or occupant to transact telephone calls from their
`vehicle. Some of the more sophisticated systems are voice
`controlled which permit the driver to initiate or receive calls
`while traveling without removing a hand from the driving
`wheel. or diverting hislher eyes from the navigation of the
`vehicle.
`
`While these various electronics systems have proven
`useful to vehicle users. there is a drawback in that the
`systems are unrelated and incompatible. Each system
`employs separate proprietary dedicated processors or ASICS
`which execute incompatible proprietary software. If a
`vehicle owner would like to add a security system to his/her
`vehicle. the owner must purchase an entire security system
`from one of the vendors and have it customarily installed.
`There is no way to add security functionality to an existing
`electronics system. such as the navigation system or the
`sound system.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention concerns a vehicle computer system that is
`capable of integrating these diverse and separate systems as
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`30
`
`35
`
`45
`
`55
`
`65
`
`2
`well as offering a general purpose computing platform that
`allows for easy expandability. The vehicle computer system
`has a housing sized to be mounted in a vehicle dashboard.
`This system provides an open hardware architecture and
`supports an open platform operating system. The open
`platform operating system supports multiple different appli-
`cations mat can be supplied by a software vendor. For
`instance.
`the operating system can support applications
`pertaining to entertainment. navigation. communications.
`security. diagnostics. and others In the preferred
`implementation.
`the operating system is a multitasking
`operating system capable of concurrently running multiple
`applications. The computer has one or more storage devices
`(e.g.. hard disk drive. CD drive. floppy disk drive. cassette
`player. or smart card reader) which permits the user to
`download programs from a storage medium (e.g.. hard disk.
`CD. diskette. cassette. or smart card) to the computer. Also.
`the user can write data to writeable medium (e.g.. hard disk.
`diskette. cassette. or smart card). In this manner. the vehicle
`owner can easily add new systems to his/her vehicle by
`installing additional programs.
`In one implementation. the vehicle computer system has
`two independent processors. One processor (e.g.. an Intel®
`based microprocessor) is provided on a computer module
`which mounts to a stationary base unit of the housing that
`resides in the vehicle dashboard or other location. The
`operating system runs on this processor to support
`the
`vehicle-related applications and to additionally provide all
`of the functionality typically afforded by a personal com-
`puter. Another processor (e.g.. a digital signal processor) is
`provided on a faceplate module that detachably connects to
`the base unit. The faceplate module has an AM/FM tuner.
`display. keypad. and a CODEC which are controlled by the
`second processor. A third module. known as the support
`module. resides in the stationary base unit. The support
`module contains a storage drive (which also functions as an
`entertainment player). power supply. multimedia audio
`driver for the entertainment system. and a communications
`bus.
`
`The three modules operate cooperatively. or
`independently. of one anotha except that the support mod-
`ule can not operate by itself. The faceplate module can be
`detached from the base unit and operate independently as a
`portable radio with mono—audio sound. By use of the
`CODEC with built in speaker and microphone. the faceplate
`module can further function as a portable phone or a handset
`unit that can communicate with the base unit in the vehicle.
`
`The portable faceplate module can also be used to receive
`paging information. take voice notes. and to remotely oper-
`ate the security system. While detached. the faceplate mod-
`ule is powered by an independent source. such as batteries.
`The faceplate module and support module can operate
`independently of the computer module. The faceplate mod-
`ule is physically connected to the front of the base unit and
`electronically interfaced with the support module. When
`connected and the computer module is not connected. the
`faceplate module totally controls the entertainment system
`of the vehicle. The faceplate processor controls the multi-
`media audio driver and the CD player in the support module.
`The faceplate module derives its power from the vehicle
`batteries via the power supply in the faceplate module.
`When the computer module is also present. the faceplate
`module is controlled as a hot pluggable peripheral device.
`The processor on the computer module has full control of the
`communications bus and is master to the faceplate proces-
`sor. The computer module processor controls systems not
`contained in the faceplate and can indirectly control
`
`Petitioners
`q†•Š•Š†“”
`Exhibit 1007, Page 9
`f™‰ŠƒŠ• RQQXM q‚ˆ† Z
`
`

`
`5.794. l 64
`
`3
`resources contained in the faceplate. Also. the faceplate
`module processor lends signal processing resources to
`enhance the entertainment services and directly controls the
`resources contained in the faceplate.
`The modular computer system affords tremendous flex-
`ibility when installing the system in a vehicle. As a low cost
`base model. the support module and faceplate module are
`installed in place of the conventional sound system. The
`housing is sized to the standard DIN form factor. so that the
`low cost base model can be substituted directly for the
`present sound system. This low cost model gives the owner
`an enhanced sound system with multimedia capabilities.
`plus a portable radio/phone system. The computer module
`can be installed as an upgrade feature to provide full
`computer system functionality. For instance. the computer
`module supports the navigation. security. diagnostics.
`communications. and entertainment systems. as well as any
`other application that
`the vehicle owner would like to
`subsequently install; a standard expansion bus is part of the
`computer module. ‘The expansion bus can be used for adding
`additional peripherals.
`In another implementation. the vehicle computer system
`includes a centralized server located in the dashboard or
`elsewhere in the vehicle and remote client computers located
`at the passengers of the vehicle. The server is connected to
`retrieve data or programs from the storage device. such as
`the CD player. floppy diskette. or hard drive. and to down-
`load such information to the client computers over a data
`network arranged in the vehicle. In this manner. a passenger
`can operate a game application or watch a video from their
`seat in the car without
`interrupting the driver or other
`occupants.
`In yet another application. a single computer module
`could drive two or more graphic displays using separate
`graphic controllers; thus displaying separate images such as
`a moving map for the driver on one display and entertain-
`ment or TV for the passenger on another display.
`BRJEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The same reference numerals are used throughout the
`drawings to reference like components and features.
`FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustrat:ion of a vehicle com-
`puter system
`FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic side view of a base unit and
`detachable faceplate employed in the vehicle computer
`system.
`FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the vehicle computer system
`according to one implementation having a faceplate module.
`a support module. and a computer module.
`FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the support
`module.
`FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the faceplate
`module.
`
`FIG. 6 is a diagrarmnatic side view of the faceplate
`operating as a communications device while detached from
`the base unit of the vehicle computer system
`FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the computer
`module.
`
`FIG. 8 is a diagra.mmatic illustration of the vehicle
`computer system according to another embodiment having a
`centralized server computing unit and one or more client
`computing units distributed on a data network in a vehicle.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`
`FIG. 1 shows a vehicle computer system 20 according to
`one implementation of this invention. Vehicle computer
`
`4
`system 20 has a centralized computer 22 coupled to various
`peripheral devices. including a monitor 24. security sensors
`26. a vehicle diagnostic interface 28. speakers 30. vehicle
`battery 32. and antenna(s) 34. The computer 22 is assembled
`in a housing 36 that is sized to be mounted in a vehicle
`dashboard. similar to a conventional car stereo. Preferably.
`the housing 36 has a form factor of a single DIN (Deutsche
`Industry Norrnen). But. it possibly could be housed in a 2
`DIN unit or other special form factor for an OEM.
`The computer 22 runs an open platform operating system
`which supports multiple applications. Using an open plat-
`form operating system and an open computer system
`architecture. various software applications and hardware
`peripherals can be produced by independent vendors and
`subsequently installed by the vehicle user after purchase of
`the vehicle. This is advantageous in that the software appli-
`cations do not need to be dedicated to specially designed
`embedded systems. The open hardware architecture is pref-
`erably running a multitasking operating system that employs
`a graphical user interface. One preferred operating system is
`a W"1ndows® brand operating system sold by Microsoft
`Corporation. such as Windows 95® or Windows NT® or
`other derivative versions of Windows®. A multitasking
`operating system allows simultaneous execution of multiple
`applications.
`The computer 22 includes at least one storage drive which
`permits the vehicle user to download programs and data
`from storage medium. In the illustrated implementation. the
`computer 22 has a CD ROM drive 38 which reads
`application-related CD5. as well as musical. video. game. or
`other types of entertainment CDs. In this manner. the CD
`ROM drive 38 performs a dual role of storage drive and
`entertainment player. Also. a hard disk drive (not shown in
`FIG. 1) is included on the computer module which can be
`used for storing both application programs and user data.
`The computer 22 has an optional 3.5" floppy diskette drive
`40. a smart card reader 42. and dual PCMCIA card sockets
`44 which accept PCMCIA card types II and III. Hereinafter.
`the acronym “PC—Card" will be used in place of the acronym
`“PCMCIA.”
`The storage drives are mounted in a stationary base unit
`46 of housing 36. The base unit 46 is constructed and sized
`to be fixedly mounted in the dashboard. The housing 36 also
`has a faceplate 48 which is pivotally mounted to the front of
`the base unit 46. The faceplate can be rotated to permit easy
`and convenient access to the storage drives.
`FIG. 2 shows the housing 36 in more detail. Faceplate 48
`has a physical coupling assembly 50 which enables the
`pivotal movement to altmnately cover or expose the storage
`drives within the base unit 46. Additionally. the physical
`coupling assembly 50 enables the faceplate 48 to be attached
`to or detached from the base unit 46. This is represented in
`FIG. 1 in which the faceplate 48 is entirely detached from
`the base unit 46.
`
`With reference again to FIG. 1. the computer 22 has a
`keypad 52 and a display 54 on the faceplate 48. The display
`54 is preferably a back lit LCD. The operating system
`executing on the computer 22 controls the faceplate keys 52
`and the faceplate display 54 as peripheral devices when the
`faceplate is attached to the base unit. Additionally. as will be
`described below in more detail. the computer has a voice
`recognition device situated on the faceplate to permit the
`user to verbally enter commands in a hands—free. eyes-free
`environment. These voice commands can be used for con-
`trolling most operating modes of the vehicle computing
`platform. The computer 22 is also equipped with an IrDA
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`Petitioners
`q†•Š•Š†“”
`Exhibit 1007, Page 10
`f™‰ŠƒŠ• RQQXM q‚ˆ† RQ
`
`

`
`5.794.164
`
`5
`(infrared developers association) transceiver port 56
`mounted on the faceplate 48 to transmit and receive data and
`programs using infrared signals. The entire faceplate unit 48
`behaves as a multifunction peripheral to the computing
`platform.
`To load an application or data onto the computer 22. the
`vehicle user inserts a CD or diskette. if the application is not
`already contained on the hard disk. into the appropriate drive
`and the operating system downloads the application or data
`therefrom. The installation process can be automatically
`handled by the operating system. or with the assistance of
`commands input
`from the user in the form of keyed
`sequences on the keypad 52 or verbal instructions using the
`voice recognition device. Another technique to load data or
`applications or transfer data with other computing devices is
`through the use of the IrDA transceiver port 56.
`The computer 22 can output visual data to the LCD 54 at
`the faceplate. or to the standalone monitor 24. The monitor
`24 is preferably a small flat panel display (e.g.. 6.4" screen)
`that is movably mounted on a stand or yoke and remotely
`located from the computer. The monitor 24 is fully adjust-
`able to different viewing positions that can be seen by the
`driver or other passengers in the vehicle. The type of data
`displayed on the monitor can range widely from word
`instructions concerning the vehicle’s performance. to dia-
`grammatic directions used by the navigation system. to
`video movies for in-car entertainment. The monitor 24 is
`equipped with an automatic override switch 58 which auto-
`matically disables the display of any non-driving related
`data when being viewed by the driver. In the event that the
`monitor is positioned for driver viewing. only information
`supportive and helpful to driving (e.g.. diagnostics. naviga-
`tion directions) is displayed on the monitor. while distracting
`information (e.g.. video movies. games) are blocked from
`display. In one implementation. the switch is an electrical
`cylindrical switch which closes when the display is capable
`of being viewed by the driver; thus. the software can sense
`the display position and only allow permitted information to
`be displayed.
`In general. the vehicle computer system 20 can be used to
`integrate multiple vehicle-related systems onto one open
`platform hardware and software architecture. For instance.
`the vehicle computer system 20 can serve as a multimedia
`entertainment system. a navigation system. a communica-
`tions system. a security system. and a diagnostics system.
`Moreover. the vehicle computer system 20 provides addi-
`tional functionality traditionally associated with desk-top
`and laptop personal computers. For instance. vehicle com-
`puter system 20 can support word processing applications.
`spreadsheet applications. database applications. and
`appointment/schedule applications. Furthermore.
`the
`vehicle computer system 20 can be configured to operate as
`a server to other computing units in the vehicle to distribute
`games. video movies. and the like to passengers.
`FIG. 3 shows the computer 22 according to one imple-
`mentation of the invention. Computer 22 has three primary
`modules: a faceplate module 60. a support module 62. and
`a computer module 64.
`Support Module 62
`The support module 62 resides in the stationary base unit
`46 (FIG. 1) that is mounted in the vehicle dashboard. The
`support module 62 includes a power supply subsystem 66
`and an internal bus 68 for the computer 22. The internal bus
`68 has a first interfacing slot 70 and a second interfacing slot
`72 which provide shared access to the bus from the faceplate
`module 60 and the computer module 64. The support
`
`6
`module 62 also has the CD ROM player 38. .a multimedia
`audio driver 78. audio amplifier. and sound control circuitry.
`FIG. 4 shows the support module in more detail. The
`power supply subsystem 66 derives power from the vehicle
`battery. and transforms the battery voltage level (e. g.. 10-16
`volts) to appropriate chip voltage levels (e.g.. 3.3-5 volts) or
`to a voltage sufficient to run the CD player 38. diskette
`memory drive 40. hard disk drive. and other devices possi-
`bly requiring 12 volts. The internal bus 68 preferably
`comprises two separate buses: an data-related bus 200 (e.g..
`a PCI bus) and a radio-related bus 202 (e.g.. an 12C bus). The
`first and second interfacing slots 70. 72 include the data bus
`interface 204 for bus 200 and the radio bus interface 206 for
`bus 202. The second interfacing slot also includes a power
`interface to supply power to the CPU module. For the
`faceplate module. however. vehicle power is taken directly
`from the vehicle battery and passed to the faceplate module.
`which has its own power regulation circuitry.
`The multimedia audio driver 78 controls the audio sound
`system of the vehicle. It is coupled to control the CD ROM
`76. and parallel sound controllers 208 and 210. The audio
`data coming out of the CD-ROM drive can be selected to
`feed the parallel sound controllers which control the volume.
`treble. bass. and balance for the front and rear speakers.
`respectively. The use of two sound control chips enables
`different audio sources to be selected and played in the front
`and rear of the vehicle. For example. the vehicle driver can
`listen to navigation instructions while the rear seat passen-
`gers can listen to their favorite tunes.
`The audio signals are amplified by power amplifier 212
`and converted to stereo sound by quad-speaker system 214.
`The multimedia audio drive 78 also supports an auxiliary
`microphone input 216. and an auxiliary stereo jack input 218
`for attaching an external tape drive. portable tape player or
`some other external sound sources. A garne/joystick port 220
`is also provided in the support module 62 and coupled to the
`multimedia driver 78.
`
`Faceplate Module 60
`With reference to FIG. 3. the faceplate module 60 resides
`on the detachable faceplate 48 (FIG. 1). The faceplate
`module 60 includes a first processor in the form of a digital
`signal processor (DSP) 80. although other types of proces-
`sors may be employed The faoeplate module 60 further
`includes an elearical interface 82 which compatibly couples
`to the first interfacing slot 70 on support module 62 to permit
`data communication between the faceplate module and the
`support module.
`The faceplate module 60 is primarily dedicated to enta-
`tainment and communications. When the faceplate module
`is coupled to the support module. the DSP 80 uses the
`internal shared bus 68 on the support module 62 to control
`the CD player 38 via the multimedia audio chip 78 when
`playing musical or video CDs and the multimedia audio
`driver 78 to optimize sound and video quality. It should be
`noted that analog or digital cassette players. or other enter-
`tainment players. can be substituted for the CD player or
`added to the system.
`The faceplate module 60 is also equipped with a radio
`tuner 84 which supports radio functionality. The radio tuner
`84 includes an AM/FM tuner. RBDS demodulator. and
`decoder to recover information transmitted on the FM
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`subcairier programming. Additionally. a cellular telephone
`85 or an RF transceiver can optionally be attached to the
`faceplate. The faceplate module 60 includes an audio analog
`to digital converter and digital
`to analog converter (or
`“CODEC”) 86 that converts analog voice signals into data
`
`Petitioners
`q†•Š•Š†“”
`Exhibit 1007, Page 11
`f™‰ŠƒŠ• RQQXM q‚ˆ† RR
`
`

`
`5.794. I64
`
`7
`
`that can be sampled by the DSP 80. Also. the CODEC
`converts DSP sample data into analog signals that can drive
`a small loud speaker. The CODEL‘ 86 in conjunction with
`the cellular phone 85 can be configured to provide fall
`cellular phone functionality. independent of the computer
`module 64. or to operate as a remote handset that commu-
`nicates with the computer module 64 or other phone. The
`CODEC 86 controls a microphone 88 to receive verbal
`input. and a speaker 90 to output voice. A power port 92 is
`also provided on the faceplate module 60 to enable use of an
`external power source (e.g.. cellular battery pack 94) when
`the faceplate module is physically detached from the base
`unit or to regulate the vehicle battery voltage when attached
`to the base unit.
`
`FIG. 5 shows the faceplate module 60 in more detail. It
`has its own power supply subsystem 300 which receives
`power from either the vehicle battery or from a battery pack
`in the event that the faceplate module is detached from the
`base unit. The faceplate power supply subsystem 300 trans-
`forms the input voltage level to a suitable chip voltage level
`of 3.3 volts or 5 volts.
`
`The DSP 80 has an SRAM 302 for data storage and
`buffering and a flash memory 304 for program and voice
`template storage. This flash memory can be updated via the
`data bus and ITAG (Joint Test Action Group) port 305.
`Using the voice template in the flash memory 304. the DSP
`80 operates in conjunction with the CODEC 86 as a voice
`recognition device that records and analyzes voice com-
`mands in relation to the stored voice template to determine
`and execute verbal instructions. In some cases the request
`will need to be sent to the CPU module if present.
`The DSP 80 is coupled to a field programmable gate array
`(FPGA) 306 which coordinates data flow on the faceplate
`module. The FPGA 306 is coupled to the data bus interface
`308 and the radio bus interface 310 which form part of the
`electrical interface 82 that connects to the first interfacing
`slot 70 of the support module 62. The data bus interface 308
`also provides connection to any internal components embed-
`ded in the faceplate module 60, such as the cellphone chipset
`85. The faceplate module 60 also has an IrDA interface port
`312 coupled to the IrDA port 56 to convey the data to the
`computer module 64. as described below. This IrDA inter-
`face 312 is also part of the electrical interface 82.
`The DSP 80 further controls the keypad 52 and display 54
`via the FPGA 306. The DSP 80 scans and interprets inputs
`from the keypad 52. The input data can be acted upon by the
`DSP 80 or sent to the computer module 64 via the data bus
`interface 308. The display 54 is preferably a back lit LCD.
`driven by a backlight circuit 314 and a display driver 316.
`The display is memory mapped to an IIO space in the DSP
`80 for direct control by the DSR Additionally. the computer
`module 64 can send commands to the DSP to indirectly
`control
`the display resources and other DSP controlled
`resources. A watchdog timer 318 is contained on the face-
`plate module gets periodically reset by the DSP If the DSP
`fails to reset this timer. then something is hung and all
`resources on all three modules are reset and the unit recovers
`to a default state.
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`The faceplate module has an AMIFM tuner 320 connected
`to receive an RF signal from an antenna 322. The antenna
`322 can be the vehicle antenna. or a separate remote antenna
`that is used by the faceplate module when detached from the
`base unit. The RF signal received at
`the tuner 320 is
`demodulated by a demodulator 324 to retrieve the informa-
`tion signal from the carrier signal. The information signal is
`flren decoded by a decoder 326 and passed to the DSP 80 via
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`the decoding function
`is noted that
`the FPGA 306. It
`performed by decoder 326 can alternatively be performed by
`logic contained in the FPGA 306. The DSP passes the radio
`signal over the data bus interface 308 to the multimedia
`audio driver in the support module 62 to be played over the
`sound system in high quality. stereo sound.
`A separate mono CODEC 86 is also coupled to receive
`analog sound signals from the microphone 322 or tuner 320.
`The CODEC 86 in conjunction with the microphone 88.
`speaker 90. and cellphone or RF transceiver provides tele-
`communications functionality in the faceplate module. A
`gain/filter 332 and a speaker driver 334 associated with the
`CODEC 86 are optimized to provide premium voice recog-
`nition and playback for use against vehicle and environmen-
`tal noise. The CODEC 86 can also be used to supply voice
`commands to the DSP 80 via FPGA 306. The DSP 80 is
`programmed to recognize certain voice commands using a
`voice template stored in the flash memory 304.
`The faceplate module 60 can be disconnected from the
`base unit and employed as a portable RF device for both
`radio reception and telecommunications with the optional
`cellphone module or RF transceiver module. As shown in
`FIG. 5. the cellphone module 85 is connected to the data bus
`I/F 308 and to an anten