US 6,633,482 B2 · System for adapting driver information systems to existing vehicles

Abstract

A system for installing an interactive driver information system into an existing vehicle is disclosed. An off-the-shelf driver-to-vehicle interface device such as a PDA is received in a corresponding docking station. A custom adapter device mechanically and electrically receives the PDA components and enables a mechanical and electrical connection from the PDA components to the vehicle. The custom adapter device is configured in a variety of embodiments to interfit with a pre-existing cavity in the vehicle such as a cup holder, ashtray cavity, coin holder, or seam in the dashboard. The custom adapter device further provides an electrical connection from the PDA components to the power system of the vehicle and to an electronic on board controller. The PDA docking station may be structurally integrated with a microphone, a speaker, and a control panel of manually operable elements to be manipulated by a driver.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A system for installing an interactive driver information system into an existing vehicle comprising:

a PDA,
a corresponding PDA docking station for mechanically and electrically receiving said PDA, and
a custom adapter device for mechanically and electrically receiving said PDA received in said docking station said custom adapter device creating end maintaining a mechanical and providing an electrical data connection from said PDA received in said docking station to said vehicle.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System for adapting driver information systems to existing vehicles

Life of this patent

System for adapting driver information systems to existing vehicles

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17