Abstract:
An apparatus and system are provided to allow for increased flexibility in the use of portable computers in conjunction with automobiles. By having a coupling device within an automobile that allows a portable computer to access a plurality of internal features as well as perform additional functions, the system allows passengers to better and more fully utilize otherwise wasted time in transit. Hence, the overall utility of automobiles and portable computers can be increased versus any other commercially available system.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/677,954, entitled “MECHANISM FOR USING A LAPTOP IN AN AUTOMOBILE,” filed on behalf of inventor Gene Isabell, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     The invention relates generally to mobile computing and, more particularly, to use of laptop or portable computers in automobiles.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     The advent of more compact and powerful computing systems has resulted in increased usage in applications relating to automobiles. For example, Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) players coupled to foldable Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) have become more ubiquitous in automobiles. Remote satellite communication systems, such as XM® Radio, and satellite television installations in automobiles have also become more popular. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) have also become increasingly and widely used in automobiles for emergency situations, navigation and so forth.  
         [0004]     Typically, though, these features are integrated into the automobile. Devices like the DVD players are built into the automobiles themselves. Either custom manufacturing or custom installation is required, and if a change is desired, then it can become costly to make any substantive changes.  
         [0005]     In addition, there is a steadily increasing number of additional devices that can be added individually, with the advent of satellite radio and specialized audio systems, which are commercially available. In such cases, enthusiasts would have to purchase devices piecemeal.  
         [0006]     To date, there has not been a unified, multipurpose device that could be integrated into an automobile. Mostly, the introduction of such a multipurpose device having increased versatility has been hampered by price. However, with the lower cost and increased computing power, the demand for such versatile devices has increased.  
         [0007]     Therefore, there is a need for a method and/or apparatus for integrating a more flexible computing system into an automobile that addresses at least some of the problems associated with conventional systems. Additionally, the ability to utilize a computing system in both the automobile and as a separate stand-alone unit apart from the automobile provides greater flexibility and cost-justification for such a system.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The present invention, accordingly, provides a system comprising an automobile having at least one auxiliary hardware module with at least one intended function and having a coupler adapted to communicate with the hardware module. A portable computer is also included that is adapted to be removably secured to the coupler so as to provide processing and software to the hardware module to enable the hardware to perform the intended function, the portable computer being fully functional whether secured to the coupler or not.  
         [0009]     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hardware module further comprises a satellite radio antenna and audio equipment. Also, in yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the portable computer processes a signal received by the satellite radio antenna and outputs audio data to the audio equipment.  
         [0010]     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hardware module further comprises a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) player and audio equipment. Also, in yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the portable computer processes a signal from the DVD player, outputs video, and outputs audio data to the audio equipment.  
         [0011]     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hardware module is Radio Frequency (RF) equipment. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the RF equipment is a Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna, and another preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises the portable computer processing a signal from the GPS antenna and outputs indicia of GPS data. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the RF equipment is selected from the group consisting of Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), cellular, and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) equipment, and another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the portable computer that provides wireless Internet Access.  
         [0012]     In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided for coupling a portable computer to an automobile. The apparatus includes a mounting bracket for removably securing the portable computer. Also included is at least one communication channel adapted to interconnect the portable computer to at least one auxiliary hardware module with at least one intended function.  
         [0013]     In another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for coupling a portable computer to an automobile is provided. The apparatus comprises a mounting bracket for mechanically connecting and supporting the portable computer, and at least one interface unit that is at least configured to interconnect the portable computer to at least one on-board automobile feature. Specifically, though, by means of the interface unit, the portable computer can be used to perform a variety of functions, or can be coupled to a variety of on-board automobile equipment that performs the functions, including, but not limited to, wireless network communications equipment (such as WiFi and other wireless means of connecting to the Internet or another computer network), a GPS antenna, satellite communication systems (such as OnStar®, satellite radio and satellite television), Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs), DVD players, and audio equipment. This will enable passengers to access the Internet, check e-mail, download audio and video files, play audio and video files, and request traffic or other information. Additionally, the portable computer can be used as a stand-alone device when removed from the coupling apparatus or with another docking mechanism in a different location, such as at a person&#39;s home or office.  
         [0014]     The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an automobile and computer system integration embodying features of the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram depicting an integration system embodying a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram depicting a system which is another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0019]     In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. In other instances, well-known elements have been illustrated in schematic or block diagram form in order not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail.  
         [0020]     It is further noted that, unless indicated otherwise, all functions described herein are performed by a processor such as a computer or electronic data processor in accordance with code such as computer program code, software, or integrated circuits that are coded to perform such functions.  
         [0021]     Referring to  FIG. 1  of the drawings, the reference numeral  100  generally designates an automobile and computer system integration embodying features of the present invention. The system  100  comprises an automobile  102 , a coupling device  104 , and a portable computer  106 .  
         [0022]     Within the passenger compartment of the automobile  102 , the coupling device  104  is accessible to passengers. In one embodiment, the coupling device  104  is mounted to the interior roof or ceiling  108  of the automobile  102 , and the display of the portable computer  106  opens downward so it can be viewed by at least one passenger in the automobile  102 . In another arrangement of the present invention, the coupling device  104  is mounted in an opening in the console  110  between the front seats of the automobile  102 , and the portable computer  106  is inserted in the coupling device  104  such that the display extends above the top of the console  110  so that it can be viewed by at least one passenger in the automobile  102 . Note that it is possible to mount the coupling device  104  to any fixture within the passenger compartment, such as a center panel, seat back, dashboard, and so forth. Also in another embodiment, the coupling device  104  can be mounted in a trunk or other auxiliary compartment.  
         [0023]     A portable computer  106  is then inserted into the coupling device  104 . Typically, laptop computers are utilized as portable computers  106 ; however, in other embodiments, it is possible to employ tablet computers, or other portable computer systems. It can be appreciated that devices such as portable computers  106  can be operated separately from the coupling device  104 , or in conjunction with other docking stations or coupling devices in other locations. Thus, a single portable computer  106  could be used in a home, office, and vehicular setting, reducing the need to have multiple computers in different geographic locations.  
         [0024]     Once the portable computer  106  is coupled to the automobile  102  by means of the coupling device  104 , a variety of functions can be performed. Typically, portable computers  106  have large memory storage areas and have general purpose applicability. For example, portable computers  106  can play music and/or videos, perform word processing functions, and so forth. All of these functions can be performed while the portable computer  106  is coupled to the automobile  102  via the coupling device  104 .  
         [0025]     In one arrangement of the present invention, the coupling device  104  also contains one or more information storage devices, such as a hard drive, compact disk drive, flash card drive, or DVD drive, that can be used in conjunction with the portable computer  106 . It can be appreciated that some of the portable computers  106  can also contain one or more of these drives.  
         [0026]     In another arrangement of the present invention, the coupling device  104  also incorporates one or more security devices (not shown) for retaining the portable computer  106  in the coupling device  104 . The security devices can be mechanical, electronic, or a combination of both. They can be used to secure the portable computer  106  in the automobile  102  to reduce the possibility that the portable computer  106  would be the target of thieves when the automobile  102  is left unattended. While it can be appreciated that the portable computer  106  can be removed from the coupling device  104  and taken away from the automobile  102 , it may not always be practical or desirable to do so. To that end, the security devices (not shown) enable the portable computer to be folded into a closed position (to reduce visibility) and locked in place. In one arrangement of the present invention, the security device (not shown) used in conjunction with the coupling device  104  is configured such that if the portable computer  106  is removed from the coupling device  104  by an unauthorized person, the portable computer  106  will be rendered inoperative.  
         [0027]     Referring to  FIG. 2  of the drawings, the reference numeral  100  generally designates an integration system embodying a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The system  100  comprises a portable computer  106 , a coupling device  104 , and in this case, an automobile computer  204 , a satellite  208 , Radio Frequency (RF) communication equipment  206 , an RF station  212 , LCDs  214 , a keyboard  216 , a mouse  218 , and other input mechanisms  220 , such as game controllers or other devices.  
         [0028]     When the system  100  is functioning, the portable computer  106  is coupled to the automobile  102  by means of the coupling device  104 , as depicted in  FIG. 1  or otherwise similarly coupled. When the portable computer  106  is in use within the automobile  102 , there are multiple configurations in which the portable computer  106  can operate. If, for example, the coupling device  104  is mounted to the ceiling or roof of the automobile  102 , then the display of the portable computer  106  can be folded down for usage. Software or hardware means can then be advantageously employed to invert the visual data on the screen of the portable computer  106 , so that passengers within the automobile  102  can utilize the display of the portable computer  106 . It can be appreciated that in arrangements of the system  100  in which the coupling device  104  is configured such that the display of the portable computer  106  is used in an upright position, such as when the coupling device  104  is in the console  110 , there is not necessarily a need to invert the visual data.  
         [0029]     Additionally, the coupling device  104  can be configured to output visual data to alternate display mediums  214 , such as LCDs, within the automobile  102 , either in place of the display on the portable computer  106 , or simultaneously with output to the portable computer  106  display. Communication with the alternate display mediums  214  is accomplished by employing a communication channel  232  that allows the portable computer  106  docked in the coupling device  104  to transmit visual and/or audio data to the alternate display mediums  214 .  
         [0030]     In addition to being able to communicate to alternate display devices  214 , the portable computer  106  can be configured to communicate with the automobile computer(s)  204  through the communication channel  222 . A variety of pieces of data can be intercommunicated between the automobile computer  204  and the portable computer  106 , such as telemetry data, vehicle information, or audio channel communications.  
         [0031]     The portable computer  106  can be coupled to RF communication equipment  206  through communication channel  224  when mounted in the coupling device  104 . There are various types of RF equipment and technologies that can be employed, such as cellular communication equipment, CDMA communication equipment, patch antennas, and so forth. In such cases, information can be intercommunicated from either a RF station  212 , a satellite  208 , or both through RF links  228  and  226 , respectively. There are also a variety of services that can be provided through the RF links  228  and  226 . For example, GPS data, webpage data, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) data, and other network data can be provided. The computer networks for which the portable computer  106  can be connected include, but are not limited to, the Internet.  
         [0032]     In addition to being able to have access to external devices and networks, the portable computer  106  is also capable of receiving data from other/multiple, or transmitting data to, devices contained within the automobile. Most notably, keyboards  216  and mice  218  can be used in conjunction with the portable computer  106 . Each of the keyboards  216  and mice  218  can communicate with the portable computer  106  through communication channels  234  and  236 , respectively, which can be wired or wireless channels. There are also a variety of other devices  220  that are capable of communicating with the portable computer  106  as well, such as scanners and external memory devices, which communicate with the portable computer  106  through communication channel  238 .  
         [0033]     Now turning to  FIG. 3  of the drawings, the reference numeral  100  generally designates an example integration system. The system  100  comprises a coupling device  104 , a portable computer  106 , a DVD player  304 , a CDMA receiver/transmitter  306 , LCD  214 , automotive sound system  312 , and mouse/keyboard  216 ,  218 .  
         [0034]     The portable computer  106  in this embodiment is coupled to the coupling device  104 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The portable computer  106  contains a DVD player  304 , which is tied into the automobile  102  by means of the coupling device  104 . It can be appreciated that the DVD player  304  could also be in the coupling device  104  as well as a stand-alone device integrated with the coupling device  104 . The portable computer  106  can also be coupled to a remote LCD  214  which allows a DVD to be played, and the image projected on the remote LCD  214 . Additionally, the portable computer  106  is tied into the sound system  312  of the automobile  102  via the coupling device  104  so that the audio from the DVD player  304  can be transmitted through the automobile sound system  312 , rather than or in addition to the sound system on the portable computer  106 , for an increased audio experience. In another arrangement of the device, the sound can be played through the portable computer  106  sound system, to which headphones (not shown) can be connected.  
         [0035]     In addition to playing a DVD, the system  100  simultaneously or nearly simultaneously allows for wireless computer network access. The portable computer  106  is coupled to a CDMA receiver/transmitter  306  through the communication channel  318 . The CDMA transmitter/receiver  306 , then, can wireless communicate through the RF link  228  to the RF station  212 . The RF station  212  allows for intercommunication with a computer network  330  that can include, but is not limited to, the Internet. The portable computer  106  can then display information on its own display, and/or the remote LCD  214 , by transmitting information through the communication channel  232 . A mouse/keyboard  216 / 218  can then allow a passenger to operate the portable computer  106  and browse the computer network  330 . Additionally, the portable computer  106  can transmit audio information to an auxiliary audio device (not shown), such as a pair of headphones.  
         [0036]     The increased applicability of the system  100  allows for a high degree of flexibility that was not previously provided in conventional systems. A user can easily transfer a portable computer  106  between an automobile, home, and office. Specifically, a user can employ the flexibility inherent in a portable computer  106  in an increased number of locations, allowing a user to both work and play at home, in the office, or on the road. In essence, a person need not be disconnected at any time with the increased flexibility. Moreover, the portable computer  106  can be added as part of an entertainment package or option during the sale of a vehicle. Specifically, the cost of the portable computer  106  can be included when a vehicle is purchased.  
         [0037]     Additionally, the addition of a portable computer  106  can allow for easy updating and/or modifying vehicle computer information. In nearly all vehicles manufactured today, computer controls are integral to the operation of the engine, and depending on the desired performance, different performance curves can be uploaded to a vehicle computer. By having a portable computer  106  integrated into the vehicle, the performance characteristics of the vehicle can be modified by the user by allowing the portable computer  106  to wirelessly download the desired performance curves from the manufacturer. For example, if a vehicle is going to be towing, towing specific curves can be wirelessly downloaded.  
         [0038]     It is understood that the present invention can take many forms and embodiments. Accordingly, several variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. For example, there can be a variety of coupling and communication channels that can include both wireless and wireline communications (RS232, optical, coaxial, ethernet, and so forth).  
         [0039]     Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain of its preferred embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.