`
`
`
`111111111111111111111111111111111I1 12,1111°11!1 ,11111111111111111110110 11110111111
`
`1111111111111111 IIIIII IIIII 11111 1111111111 11111 1111111111 lllll lllll 111111111111111 11111111
`US 20020070852Al
`
`(19) United States
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2002/0070852 Al
`(10) Pub. No.: US 2002/0070852 Al
`Jun. 13, 2002
`Jun. 13, 2002
`Trauner et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Trauner et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) AUTOMOBILE DISPLAY CONTROL
`(54) AUTOMOBILE DISPLAY CONTROL
`SYSTEM
`SYSTEM
`
`(75)
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Kenneth B. Trauner, Sacramento, CA
`Inventors: Kenneth B. Trauner, Sacramento, CA
`(US); Paul J. Weber, Ft. Lauderdale,
`(US); Paul J. Weber, Ft. Lauderdale,
`FL (US); Luiz B. Da Silva, Danville,
`FL (US); Luiz B. Da Silva, Danville,
`CA(US)
`CA (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`Correspondence Address:
`John P. Wooldridge
`John P. Wooldridge
`1334 Ridgestone Court
`1334 Ridgestone Court
`Livermore, CA 94550 (US)
`Livermore, CA 94550 (US)
`
`Assignee: Pearl I, LLC
`(73)
`(73) Assignee: Pearl I, LLC
`
`(21)
`Appl. No.:
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`09/735,825
`09/735,825
`
`(22)
`Filed:
`(22) Filed:
`
`Dec.12, 2000
`Dec. 12, 2000
`
`Publication Classification
`Publication Classification
`
`Int. Cl.7 ....................................................... G06F 3/00
`(51)
` GO6F 3/00
`(51) Int. C1.7
`(52) U.S. Cl. ....................... 340/438; 340/425.5; 340/540
`(52) U.S. Cl.
` 340/438; 340/425.5; 340/540
`
`(57)
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`ABSTRACT
`
`A system is described that improves highway safety by
`A system is described that improves highway safety by
`preventing drivers from viewing a display or entering data
`preventing drivers from viewing a display or entering data
`while the vehicle is in motion. The system monitors the state
`while the vehicle is in motion. The system monitors the state
`of the vehicle and enables or disables the different system
`of the vehicle and enables or disables the different system
`components that may include microphones, speakers, dis(cid:173)
`components that may include microphones, speakers, dis-
`play screens and input devices such as keyboards, a mouse
`play screens and input devices such as keyboards, a mouse
`or a touchscreen. The system allows the vehicle to commu(cid:173)
`or a touchscreen. The system allows the vehicle to commu-
`nicate with cell phones, Internet providers, Bluetooth
`nicate with cell phones, Internet providers, Bluetooth
`enabled devices, and other vehicles. The system allows the
`enabled devices, and other vehicles. The system allows the
`driver to request information or data when the vehicle is
`driver to request information or data when the vehicle is
`stopped that can be downloaded and stored for later viewing
`stopped that can be downloaded and stored for later viewing
`when the vehicle is moving.
`when the vehicle is moving.
`
`Input Device
`Input Device
`40
`40
`
`Wireless
`Wireless
`Communication
`Communication
`70
`70
`
`Motion/State
`Motion/State
`Sensor
`Sensor
`30
`30
`
`Microcomputer
`20
`
`Memory/
`Memory /
`Storage Device
`Storage Device
`80
`80
`
`Display
`Display
`Screen
`Screen
`50
`50
`
`Sound System
`Sound System
`60
`60
`
`FORD EX. 1029, p. 1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 13, 2002 Sheet 1 of 2
`Jun. 13, 2002 Sheet 1 of 2
`
`US 2002/0070852 Al
`US 2002/0070852 Al
`
`Motion/State
`Motion/State
`Sensor
`Sensor
`30
`30
`
`Input Device
`Input Device
`40
`40
`
`Display
`Display
`Screen
`Screen
`50
`50
`
`Wireless
`Wireless
`Communication
`Communication
`70
`70
`
`Microcomputer
`20
`
`_V
`
`Memory/
`Memory /
`Storage Device
`Storage Device
`80
`80
`
`Figure 1
`Figure 1
`
`Sound System
`Sound System
`60
`60
`
`FORD EX. 1029, p. 2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 13, 2002 Sheet 2 of 2
`Jun. 13, 2002 Sheet 2 of 2
`
`US 2002/0070852 Al
`US 2002/0070852 Al
`
`♦ Power
`Power
`
`Speed
`
` .
`
`•1
`
`0•••
`
`••.-1110.•
`
`01-1-~~~-----------'~-r--r----~
`0
`
`Micr;ophqne /
`Microphone /
`•
`,..
`'
`i
`Speakers
`Sufakers
`..,_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ---! _ _ ....,. ·· ·Enable
`Enable
`
`..
`
`A Display
`,._ DisplayV
`KevJ:matjd
`Keyboard
`-
`
`to 11
`
`········ .. ·············· .. ••···························· .. ------·-··-·····
`
`Enable
`
`..
`
`f41-110i
`12
`t3
`At
`
`t4
`
`Figure 2
`Figure 2
`
`FORD EX. 1029, p. 3
`
`

`

`US 2002/0070852 Al
`US 2002/0070852 Al
`
`Jun. 13,2002
`Jun. 13, 2002
`
`1
`1
`
`AUTOMOBILE DISPLAY CONTROL SYSTEM
`AUTOMOBILE DISPLAY CONTROL SYSTEM
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
`[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
`[0002] The present invention relates to a vehicular infor(cid:173)
`[0002] The present invention relates to a vehicular infor-
`mation and display system whose function is dependent on
`mation and display system whose function is dependent on
`the state of the vehicle. In particular this system monitors
`the state of the vehicle. In particular this system monitors
`whether the vehicle is in motion or stopped and activates the
`whether the vehicle is in motion or stopped and activates the
`display only when the vehicle is stopped or moving at a
`display only when the vehicle is stopped or moving at a
`velocity below a minimum that can be imposed by law. The
`velocity below a minimum that can be imposed by law. The
`system can include a computer and input device so that the
`system can include a computer and input device so that the
`user can download information from the internet or other
`user can download information from the internet or other
`sources. The system also includes a large memory buffer to
`sources. The system also includes a large memory buffer to
`collect and store requested information which is downloaded
`collect and store requested information which is downloaded
`during vehicle motion when the display is inhibited. This
`during vehicle motion when the display is inhibited. This
`system improves vehicular safety by preventing the driver
`system improves vehicular safety by preventing the driver
`from watching a display while driving.
`from watching a display while driving.
`[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
`[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
`[0004] The information age has made available a wide
`[0004] The information age has made available a wide
`array of communication tools such as cell phones and
`array of communication tools such as cell phones and
`Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) that enable users to
`Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) that enable users to
`quickly and easily transfer large volumes of data. For
`quickly and easily transfer large volumes of data. For
`example Internet enabled cell phones and PDAs now allow
`example Internet enabled cell phones and PDAs now allow
`wireless access to the internet/web. These devices are now
`wireless access to the internet/web. These devices are now
`used in vehicles to download driving directions, weather
`used in vehicles to download driving directions, weather
`information, e-mails, voice mails, and general data. Cell
`information, e-mails, voice mails, and general data. Cell
`phone, PDAs and information systems are now being inte(cid:173)
`phone, PDAs and information systems are now being inte-
`grated into luxury automobiles. Serious safety hazards are
`grated into luxury automobiles. Serious safety hazards are
`created when drivers use these devices while the vehicle is
`created when drivers use these devices while the vehicle is
`in motion a.
`in motion a.
`[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,541,572 titled "Vehicle On Board
`[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,541,572 titled "Vehicle On Board
`Television System" describes a motion sensing system that
`Television System" describes a motion sensing system that
`inhibits a television during motion, but it lacks an integrated
`inhibits a television during motion, but it lacks an integrated
`data management system that would allow the driver to
`data management system that would allow the driver to
`request information while stopped and have the information
`request information while stopped and have the information
`downloaded while driving.
`downloaded while driving.
`[0006] There is a need for a vehicular system that prevents
`[0006] There is a need for a vehicular system that prevents
`drivers from watching or interacting with communication
`drivers from watching or interacting with communication
`and display devices when the vehicle is in motion. The
`and display devices when the vehicle is in motion. The
`present invention fulfills this need, and further provides
`present invention fulfills this need, and further provides
`related advantages.
`related advantages.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a
`[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a
`vehicular system that allows a driver to safely request and
`vehicular system that allows a driver to safely request and
`read information or data in the vehicle. An embodiment of
`read information or data in the vehicle. An embodiment of
`the system incorporates a vehicle velocity or state sensor, an
`the system incorporates a vehicle velocity or state sensor, an
`input device (e.g., keyboard, mouse, touch screen, and voice
`input device (e.g., keyboard, mouse, touch screen, and voice
`recognition software), a display device, a wireless commu(cid:173)
`recognition software), a display device, a wireless commu-
`nication device, and a large memory buffer to store data. In
`nication device, and a large memory buffer to store data. In
`normal use, the driver when stopped would have complete
`normal use, the driver when stopped would have complete
`access to the system and the information that would be
`access to the system and the information that would be
`downloaded. However, when the vehicle is in motion the
`downloaded. However, when the vehicle is in motion the
`keyboard input and display are inhibited preventing the
`keyboard input and display are inhibited preventing the
`driver from being distracted while driving.
`driver from being distracted while driving.
`[0008] These and other objects will be apparent to those
`[0008] These and other objects will be apparent to those
`skilled in the art based on the teachings herein. Other objects
`skilled in the art based on the teachings herein. Other objects
`and advantages of the present invention will become appar(cid:173)
`and advantages of the present invention will become appar-
`ent from the following description and accompanying draw(cid:173)
`ent from the following description and accompanying draw-
`ings.
`ings.
`
`[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorpo(cid:173)
`[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorpo-
`rated into and form part of this disclosure, illustrate embodi(cid:173)
`rated into and form part of this disclosure, illustrate embodi-
`ments of the invention and together with the description,
`ments of the invention and together with the description,
`serve to explain the principles of the invention.
`serve to explain the principles of the invention.
`
`[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the key components
`[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the key components
`of the system.
`of the system.
`
`[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the operation of
`[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the operation of
`the system.
`the system.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`INVENTION
`
`[0012] FIG. 1 is block diagram showing the key compo(cid:173)
`[0012] FIG. 1 is block diagram showing the key compo-
`nents of an embodiment of the system. The system 10
`nents of an embodiment of the system. The system 10
`includes a microcomputer 20 that controls system operation,
`includes a microcomputer 20 that controls system operation,
`a vehicle state/motion sensor 30, an input device 40, a
`a vehicle state/motion sensor 30, an input device 40, a
`display screen 50, a sound system 60, a wireless commu(cid:173)
`display screen 50, a sound system 60, a wireless commu-
`nication device 70, and a memory buffer ( or alternative
`nication device 70, and a memory buffer (or alternative
`storage media, e.g., hard disk, writeable CD) 80. In a
`storage media, e.g., hard disk, writeable CD) 80. In a
`preferred embodiment, only the display and input devices
`preferred embodiment, only the display and input devices
`are visible and accessible to the driver.
`are visible and accessible to the driver.
`
`[0013] The microcomputer 20 includes a microprocessor,
`[0013] The microcomputer 20 includes a microprocessor,
`memory, and electronics to condition inputs, drive the
`memory, and electronics to condition inputs, drive the
`display, wireless communication device, and memory/stor(cid:173)
`display, wireless communication device, and memory/stor-
`age devices.
`age devices.
`
`[0014] The input device 40 can be any combination of a
`[0014] The input device 40 can be any combination of a
`microphone, a keyboard, a touchscreen, a trackpad, a mouse
`microphone, a keyboard, a touchscreen, a trackpad, a mouse
`or other graphic input device. The input device 40 may
`or other graphic input device. The input device 40 may
`nongraphic input devices such as sound, motion and/or
`nongraphic input devices such as sound, motion and/or
`camera sensors that sense eye motion, nodding or nonverbal
`camera sensors that sense eye motion, nodding or nonverbal
`cues of a given passenger or driver. The system 10 can
`cues of a given passenger or driver. The system 10 can
`include one or a plurality of input devices. These input
`include one or a plurality of input devices. These input
`devices 40 are used to control the system and to generate
`devices 40 are used to control the system and to generate
`voice or data to transmit through wireless communication to
`voice or data to transmit through wireless communication to
`an external receiver.
`an external receiver.
`
`[0015] The display screen 50 can be any type of display
`[0015] The display screen 50 can be any type of display
`including LCD, active matrix, organic light emitting diode,
`including LCD, active matrix, organic light emitting diode,
`electronic ink, and plasma. The display may also incorporate
`electronic ink, and plasma. The display may also incorporate
`a touchscreen. The sound system 60 can use the radio
`a touchscreen. The sound system 60 can use the radio
`vehicle speakers or have separate dedicated speakers.
`vehicle speakers or have separate dedicated speakers.
`
`[0016] The wireless communication device 70 uses stan(cid:173)
`[0016] The wireless communication device 70 uses stan-
`dard cell phone circuitry to allow the system to communi(cid:173)
`dard cell phone circuitry to allow the system to communi-
`cate with cell phones and wireless Internet providers. This
`cate with cell phones and wireless Internet providers. This
`technology is now available for PDA's and can be easily
`technology is now available for PDA's and can be easily
`integrated into the system. The Nextel variant of radio-to(cid:173)
`integrated into the system. The Nextel variant of radio-to-
`radio cell phone technology may be used to move internet
`radio cell phone technology may be used to move internet
`information. Bluetooth wireless technology could also be
`information. Bluetooth wireless technology could also be
`integrated into the communication device 70, to allow the
`integrated into the communication device 70, to allow the
`system to exchange data with portable Bluetooth enabled
`system to exchange data with portable Bluetooth enabled
`electronic devices such as personal computers, PDA's and
`electronic devices such as personal computers, PDA's and
`cell phones. Bluetooth refers to a short-range radio technol(cid:173)
`cell phones. Bluetooth refers to a short-range radio technol-
`ogy aimed at simplifying communications among Net
`ogy aimed at simplifying communications among Net
`devices and between devices and the Internet. It also aims to
`devices and between devices and the Internet. It also aims to
`simplify data synchronization between Net devices and
`simplify data synchronization between Net devices and
`other computers. Products with Bluetooth technology must
`other computers. Products with Bluetooth technology must
`be qualified and pass interoperability testing by the Blue(cid:173)
`be qualified and pass interoperability testing by the Blue-
`tooth Special Interest Group prior to release. The Bluetooth
`tooth Special Interest Group prior to release. The Bluetooth
`1.0 specification consists of two documents: the Foundation
`1.0 specification consists of two documents: the Foundation
`Core, which provides design specifications, and the Faun-
`Core, which provides design specifications, and the Foun-
`
`FORD EX. 1029, p. 4
`
`

`

`US 2002/0070852 Al
`US 2002/0070852 Al
`
`Jun. 13,2002
`Jun. 13, 2002
`
`2
`2
`
`dation Profile, which provides interoperability guidelines.
`dation Profile, which provides interoperability guidelines.
`Bluetooth's founding members include Ericsson, IBM, Intel,
`Bluetooth's founding members include Ericsson, IBM, Intel,
`Nokia and Toshiba.
`Nokia and Toshiba.
`
`[0017] The state/motion sensor 30 can be simply a direct
`[0017] The state/motion sensor 30 can be simply a direct
`electrical connection to the vehicle speedometer, which
`electrical connection to the vehicle speedometer, which
`provides a signal that is proportional to the speed. In this
`provides a signal that is proportional to the speed. In this
`case the microprocessor compares the vehicle speed to the
`case the microprocessor compares the vehicle speed to the
`maximum allowable speed and if the speed is lower, then the
`maximum allowable speed and if the speed is lower, then the
`display and input devices are enabled. In one embodiment,
`display and input devices are enabled. In one embodiment,
`voice input and sound through speakers have a different
`voice input and sound through speakers have a different
`maximum allowable speed than do the display screen or
`maximum allowable speed than do the display screen or
`hand activated input devices (keyboard, mouse etc.). This
`hand activated input devices (keyboard, mouse etc.). This
`would allow regular cell phone communication to occur
`would allow regular cell phone communication to occur
`while the vehicle was moving at normal speeds. The driver
`while the vehicle was moving at normal speeds. The driver
`can request from the system multiple sets of data that are
`can request from the system multiple sets of data that are
`downloaded and displayed only when the display is enabled.
`downloaded and displayed only when the display is enabled.
`However, the driver could request this information through
`However, the driver could request this information through
`voice recognition when the vehicle is moving. For example,
`voice recognition when the vehicle is moving. For example,
`the driver could request his/her email, voice mail, daily
`the driver could request his/her email, voice mail, daily
`calendar, weather information, etc., to be downloaded while
`calendar, weather information, etc., to be downloaded while
`driving. Voice synthesizing software and speakers can allow
`driving. Voice synthesizing software and speakers can allow
`the onboard CPU to "read aloud" the screen-blank-hidden
`the onboard CPU to "read aloud" the screen-blank-hidden
`but in memory data requested by the driver or given pas(cid:173)
`but in memory data requested by the driver or given pas-
`senger. Many types of speech recognition software are
`senger. Many types of speech recognition software are
`known in the art and usable in the present invention. An
`known in the art and usable in the present invention. An
`available commercial voice recognition package from
`available commercial voice recognition package from
`Dragon Systems, known as "Naturally Speaking," is a voice
`Dragon Systems, known as "Naturally Speaking," is a voice
`recognition software that will translate to digital text spoken
`recognition software that will translate to digital text spoken
`words of a user at the normal speeds of human communi(cid:173)
`words of a user at the normal speeds of human communi-
`cation in conversation when operating on conventional
`cation in conversation when operating on conventional
`modem personal computer. Other examples of speech rec(cid:173)
`modem personal computer. Other examples of speech rec-
`ognition software are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,157,906,
`ognition software are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,157,906,
`titled "Method For Detecting Speech In A Vocoded Signal"
`titled "Method For Detecting Speech In A Vocoded Signal"
`incorporated herein by reference.
`incorporated herein by reference.
`
`If the display is disabled, the microprocessor 20
`[0018]
`If the display is disabled, the microprocessor 20
`[0018]
`controls the download of all this information and stores the
`controls the download of all this information and stores the
`requested data into memory 80 ( or alternative storage media,
`requested data into memory 80 (or alternative storage media,
`e.g., hard disk, writeable CD) for later viewing. This ability
`e.g., hard disk, writeable CD) for later viewing. This ability
`allows the driver to request information before starting to
`allows the driver to request information before starting to
`drive, or while driving and review it when he stops. The
`drive, or while driving and review it when he stops. The
`advantage of this is that, with slow data transfer rates, large
`advantage of this is that, with slow data transfer rates, large
`documents can be transferred while driving and then quickly
`documents can be transferred while driving and then quickly
`reviewed or saved.
`reviewed or saved.
`
`In one embodiment, the state/motion sensor 30 can
`[0019]
`In one embodiment, the state/motion sensor 30 can
`[0019]
`include a monitor of the transmission state. In this case the
`include a monitor of the transmission state. In this case the
`microcomputer could monitor whether the car was in neutral
`microcomputer could monitor whether the car was in neutral
`or park and use this to change the state of the system.
`or park and use this to change the state of the system.
`Additional conditions that could be monitored by the state/
`Additional conditions that could be monitored by the state/
`motion sensor 30 include whether the driver has a foot on the
`motion sensor 30 include whether the driver has a foot on the
`break, and whether the parking brake is on. Any of these
`break, and whether the parking brake is on. Any of these
`conditions could be used by the microcomputer to control
`conditions could be used by the microcomputer to control
`system operation in a way to maximize safety or satisfy local
`system operation in a way to maximize safety or satisfy local
`laws or regulations.
`laws or regulations.
`
`[0020] FIG. 2 shows a timing diagram describing how the
`[0020] FIG. 2 shows a timing diagram describing how the
`different states of the system may operate. In the figure,
`different states of the system may operate. In the figure,
`"Power" represents the state when the system is powered on.
`"Power" represents the state when the system is powered on.
`This state can change when the driver powers up the car, or
`This state can change when the driver powers up the car, or
`simply turns the ignition to the accessory power "on"
`simply turns the ignition to the accessory power "on"
`position, or activates a separate system power on switch. The
`position, or activates a separate system power on switch. The
`"Speed" timing diagram shows how the vehicle velocity
`"Speed" timing diagram shows how the vehicle velocity
`might change in a normal trip. The "Microphone/Speakers"
`might change in a normal trip. The "Microphone/Speakers"
`timing diagram represents the state of the voice and sound
`timing diagram represents the state of the voice and sound
`
`components of the system. The "Display/Keyboard" dia(cid:173)
`components of the system. The "Display/Keyboard" dia-
`gram represents the state of the display and hand activated
`gram represents the state of the display and hand activated
`input devices. At time t0 , the driver powers up the system
`input devices. At time to, the driver powers up the system
`and the vehicle is stopped and the speed is 0. In this case the
`and the vehicle is stopped and the speed is 0. In this case the
`"Voice/Sound" and "Display/Keyboard" are both enabled
`"Voice/Sound" and "Display/Keyboard" are both enabled
`and the driver can operate the entire system. At a time t1 , the
`and the driver can operate the entire system. At a time t1, the
`driver starts to move and the "Display/Keyboard" state
`driver starts to move and the "Display/Keyboard" state
`changes to disabled, thereby preventing the driver from
`changes to disabled, thereby preventing the driver from
`looking at the display and using any of the hand activated
`looking at the display and using any of the hand activated
`input devices. At a time t2 , the driver has decelerated and is
`input devices. At a time t2, the driver has decelerated and is
`once again stopped. At a time t3 , which occurs after a
`once again stopped. At a time t3, which occurs after a
`predefined minimum time interval li.t, or when the driver
`predefined minimum time interval At, or when the driver
`changes the driving state (e.g., when the driver puts the
`changes the driving state (e.g., when the driver puts the
`transmission into park, or neutral with a foot on the break,
`transmission into park, or neutral with a foot on the break,
`or just in any gear or idle, but not moving or exceeding a
`or just in any gear or idle, but not moving or exceeding a
`predetermined speed e.g., 2 mph), the "Display/Keyboard"
`predetermined speed e.g., 2 mph), the "Display/Keyboard"
`state changes to enabled, once again allowing the driver to
`state changes to enabled, once again allowing the driver to
`view the display and use the hand activated input devices. At
`view the display and use the hand activated input devices. At
`a time t4 , the driver turns the system off by either powering
`a time t4, the driver turns the system off by either powering
`the vehicle off by turning the ignition key to the off position,
`the vehicle off by turning the ignition key to the off position,
`or deactivating a separate system power switch.
`or deactivating a separate system power switch.
`[0021] While moving, the present system can be put into
`[0021] While moving, the present system can be put into
`a mode to slowly read the downloaded information via
`a mode to slowly read the downloaded information via
`computer voice synthesis. Voice confirmation may be pro(cid:173)
`computer voice synthesis. Voice confirmation may be pro-
`vided that searches have been completed (while the vehicle
`vided that searches have been completed (while the vehicle
`is in motion). Voice prioritization may be used to prioritize
`is in motion). Voice prioritization may be used to prioritize
`searches. In the opposing direction, voice recognition soft(cid:173)
`searches. In the opposing direction, voice recognition soft-
`ware can take verbal command from a given occupant of the
`ware can take verbal command from a given occupant of the
`vehicle and send a command back through the internet A
`vehicle and send a command back through the internet A
`scroll function of completed searches is operated with a
`scroll function of completed searches is operated with a
`bi-directional control button(s) mounted on the steering
`bi-directional control button(s) mounted on the steering
`wheel, computer or other convenient location to allow the
`wheel, computer or other convenient location to allow the
`driver to quickly search through downloaded information
`driver to quickly search through downloaded information
`when the vehicle is at rest. A headpiece/earpiece attachment
`when the vehicle is at rest. A headpiece/earpiece attachment
`may be provided for clear voice interaction with the com(cid:173)
`may be provided for clear voice interaction with the com-
`puter and for privacy. The system allows for preprogrammed
`puter and for privacy. The system allows for preprogrammed
`functions to easily request functions while in transit. For
`functions to easily request functions while in transit. For
`example, "GPS map" plots the current car position, "traffic
`example, "GPS map" plots the current car position, "traffic
`monitor" generates a traffic search for the current GPS
`monitor" generates a traffic search for the current GPS
`position and "check e-mail account x" checks account x
`position and "check e-mail account x" checks account x
`e-mail. A user may verbalize a series of functions for the
`e-mail. A user may verbalize a series of functions for the
`computer to perform while the vehicle is in motion, and the
`computer to perform while the vehicle is in motion, and the
`user can view these function when the vehicle comes to a
`user can view these function when the vehicle comes to a
`stop.
`stop.
`[0022] The system may be guided by the vehicle motion
`[0022] The system may be guided by the vehicle motion
`and by infrared, radar or microwave sensors placed in
`and by infrared, radar or microwave sensors placed in
`vehicle that provide information as to whether traffic or any
`vehicle that provide information as to whether traffic or any
`other thing about the car that may demand the driver's
`other thing about the car that may demand the driver's
`attention. Colored indicator lights inform a user of the
`attention. Colored indicator lights inform a user of the
`system status, search status, etc.
`system status, search status, etc.
`[0023] The above descriptions and illustrations are only by
`[0023] The above descriptions and illustrations are only by
`way of example and are not to be taken as limiting the
`way of example and are not to be taken as limiting the
`invention in any manner. One skilled in the art can substitute
`invention in any manner. One skilled in the art can substitute
`known equivalents for the structures and means described.
`known equivalents for the structures and means described.
`The full scope and definition of the invention, therefore, is
`The full scope and definition of the invention, therefore, is
`set forth in the following claims.
`set forth in the following claims.
`
`We claim:
`We claim:
`1. An apparatus, comprising:
`1. An apparatus, comprising:
`
`a vehicle velocity sensor for operative connection to a
`a vehicle velocity sensor for operative connection to a
`vehicle to sense the velocity of said vehicle;
`vehicle to sense the velocity of said vehicle;
`
`FORD EX. 1029, p. 5
`
`

`

`US 2002/0070852 Al
`US 2002/0070852 Al
`
`Jun. 13,2002
`Jun. 13, 2002
`
`3
`3
`
`at least one peripheral device selected from the group
`at least_ o_ne periph~ral device selected from the group
`consistmg of an mput device, a display device and a
`consisting of an input device, a display device and a
`wireless communication device; and
`wireless communication device; and
`
`a computer operatively connected to said vehicle velocity
`a computer operatively connected to said vehicle velocity
`sensor and said at least one peripheral device wherein
`sensor and said at least one peripheral device, wherein
`said computer comprises memory and ~oftware
`said computer comprises memory and software,
`wherein said_ software monitors said vehicle velocit;
`wherein said software monitors said vehicle velocity
`sensor and disables a selected peripheral device when
`sensor and disables a selected peripheral device when
`said vehicle is moving at least as fast as a selected
`said vehicle is moving at least as fast as a selected
`velocity, wherein said software is operable while said
`velocity, wherein said software is operable while said
`vehicle is moving.
`vehicle is moving.
`2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said input device is
`2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said input device is
`selected from the group consisting of a keyboard, a mouse,
`selected from the group consisting of a keyboard, a mouse,
`a trackpad and a touch screen.
`a trackpad and a touch screen.
`3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said input device
`3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said input device
`comprises sound, motion and/or camera sensors that sense
`comprises sound, motion and/or camera sensors that sense
`eye motion, nodding or nonverbal cues.
`eye motion, nodding or nonverbal cues.
`4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said input device
`4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein sa