ELECTRONIC AUDIO OR VISUAL USER INTERFACEABLE SYSTEM AND CONTROL ARRANGEMENT THEREFOR

Abstract: An electronic audio or visual user interfaceable system (particularly for onboard automotive use), is controlled by a dual stage controller in which a user interfaceable control input stage, including a user input memory device, is operatively connected to a controller module stage enabling reading of data stored on the memory device of the control input stage, and output of instructions to operate one or more devices in response to control inputs via the control input stage.

Description: Electronic Audio or Visual user Interfaceable System and Control Arrangement Therefor The present invention relates to an electronic audio or visual user interfaceable system and control arrangement therefor, and in particular to such a system for use in vehicular applications. According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an electronic audio or visual user interfaceable system, including a control arrangement comprising: i) a control input stage including user input means and a memory device; ii) a controller module stage arranged to be operatively connected to the control input stage, the control module including means for reading data stored on the memory device of the control input stage, and means for outputting instructions to operate one or more devices in response to control inputs via the user input means of the control input stage . the devices operated by the control module may be signal receiving, transmission and/or processing means such as frequency dependent receiving transmission and/or processing means including infra-red, R.F. or VHF tuners/receivers of audio/video or other apparatus, or signal amplifiers or data carrier readers such as CD tape or disc players or visual output displays, media processing devices such as digital or analogue devices. Such devices may include switching devices permitting the appropriate circuit connection configuration to be achieved to render the required performance capability for the system. The sending of output instructions to a respective device is desirably dependent upon confirmatory data being carried by the memory device of the control input stage . The output means to one or more devices is preferably debarred or restricted depending upon the data stored on the memory device of the control input device . The memory device of the control input stage beneficially contains system data concerning : i) devices to be controlled by the system; and/or; ii) the user input means of the control input stage. The memory device of the control input stage preferably comprises a programmable memory device. The memory device of the control input stage preferably comprises an electronic memory device. The controller module stage desirably includes a processor means for reading data stored on the " memory device of the control input stage, and preferably for outputting instructions to operate one or more devices . The processor means comprises a microprocessor. The processor means beneficially is programmed to enable possible operation of all devices connected, the actual operation permitted being dependent upon the data carried by the memory means of the control input stage. The control arrangement is particularly suited to control one or more devices of an audio or visual entertainment system. Preferably the control input stage and controller module stage are manufactured as separate sub-units, being connectable to form a unitary assembly. Assembly of the control input stage and controller module stage to the connected condition beneficially facilitates electrical connection between the memory device of the control input stage and the data reading means of the controller module stage. According to a further aspect, the invention provides a method of rendering the performance capability of an electronic audio or visual user interfaceable system, the method comprising: i) connecting a control input stage including user input means to a controller module stage, the controller module stage having the facility to control one or more specific system devices; ii) reading data stored by a memory device carried by a control input stage; and, iii) either enabling operation of a specific system device or disabling/restricting operation of the device, depending upon the data stored by the memory device . Prior to step i) the memory device is preferably programmed. The invention will now be further described in specific embodiments, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of electronic audio/visual user interfaceable system in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a more detailed, schematic view of the system of Figure 1 ; and Figure 3 gives exemplary perspective views of a variety of differing systems in accordance with the invention. Referring to the drawings, and initially Figure 1, there is shown an in-vehicle audio entertainment system 1 (for example, a RF tuner and CD player system) which includes a common base module 2 and a user interfaceable control input stage 3a, 3b, 3c. The essence of the invention is that the user interfaceable control input stages 3a, 3b, 3c are interchangeable depending upon the functionality to be permitted of the system. In the example shown in Figure 1, the common base module controls output to speakers 4. Referring now to Figure 2, common base module 2 is manufactured as a standard unit including a predetermined configuration of media processor and audio stages 5, including devices such as audio amplifier apparatus, audio generator apparatus (as for example CD player, radio tuner, etc) . The media processor and audio stages are connected to a micro-processor 6 which holds instructions to control the output from the media processor and audio stages 5 as will be described in greater detail hereafter. Customer user interface 3 includes a display 7 and input controls 8 (such as dials keys or buttons) . The user interfaceable input stage 3 also includes a programmable memory device 9 which is programmed with unique information relating to permitted functionality of the system. When the user interfaceable control input stage 3 is fitted as a facia to the base module 2, electrical connection between the input stage 3 and base module 2 is established by connecting communication buses 10, 11 via respective interface connectors . The programmed data on memory device 9 is read by microprocessor 6 to determine the permitted functionality of the system. In other words the micro-processor 6 determines the output devices of the system which are connected, and also the permitted mode of operation of the device by interrogating the data stored on memory device 9. Systems comprising identical hardware are therefore permitted to have different functionality capabilities depending upon the "permitted access" data stored on memory device 9, and therefore identical base modules may be provided for different grades or specifications of permitted output or system functionality. The programmable memory device 9 of control input stage 3 also carries data, concerning the input devices (switches 8) and display 7 present on the control input stage. , By way of example, system functionality may be modified by microprocessor 6 depending upon the data downloaded from memory device 9 by, for example, setting radio channel decoding for analogue or digital reception, setting amplification parameters for audio amplification of audio signals, setting device drivers for track memory storage or other playback features for recorded media (for example, CD player/cassette player/Mpeg 3 player) . In an exemplary system, the base module 2 may include the following: - Input/outputs 12 (analogue & digital) - Power supply 13, suitable for functioning over a wide range of voltage .0 - 100 volts d.c. - Microprocessor 6 with internal or external memory 14 - Display driver 15 - Communications bus 10 - Interface connector The user interfaceable control input stage typically includes the following: - Dials - Lever switches - Push switches - Displays 7 - Interface connector - Programmable memory device 9 When the base module 2 is manufactured it is programmed with information concerning the level of user interface permitted to be fitted i.e. low to medium specification or high specification (dependant on number of features) . The user interface input stage 3 is programmed (either at manufacture or subsequently) with not only feature information but also with a code, identifying base modules to which connection is permissible. The base module 2 also contains additional features for security. When a user interface input stage 3 is removed it retains the user interface stage 3 ID code . When a user upgrades to a new user interface, he/she presses a set sequence of inputs on the user interface tell the base unit that the next user interface to be fitted will have a new ID code and additional eatures. The base module then stores the ID code from the original user interface and the new one ; this is done each time a new user interface has been added . The arrangement is particularly suitable for use with onboard vehicle mounted or fitted user interfaceable systems such as, for example but without limitation, TV, audio cassette player, CD player, Mpeg 3 player and other entertainment apparatus, and also audio or visual communications apparatus and/or user interfaceable electronic geographic location/traffic management systems which are becoming more prevalent in on-board vehicle situations . Due to the increasing amount of vehicle electronic systems, the requirement to achieve cost effective designs is paramount, this is critical in reducing the overall vehicle cost. A major problem exists each time a new project comes about the normal method of product development is to develop a new design from scratch, this results in additional product development and new facility costs. The present invention addresses the need to develop a system which can be used for a range of customer vehicles, with the ability to standardise on the base system and allow the vehicle manufacturer to only develop the user interface. This modular system reduces development costs, increases production volumes of one particular component thus reducing overhead costs . The manufacturer can select a different user interface for each vehicle model and derivative, the manufacturer also has the ability to offer special models by changing the user interface for one with new styling features, colour, function, etc. Model face lifts become easier to undertake as only a new user interface is required.

Claims: Cl aims : 1. A control arrangement for an electronic audio or visual user interfaceable system, the control arrangement comprising: i) a control input stage including user input means and a memory device; ii) a controller module stage arranged to be operatively connected to the control input stage, the control module including means for reading data stored on the memory device of the control input stage, and means for outputting instructions to operate one or more devices in response to control inputs via the user input means of the control input stage . 2. A control arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the sending of output instructions to a respective device is dependent upon confirmatory data being carried by the memory device' of the control input stage . 3. A control arrangement according to claim 1 or claim 2 , wherein the output means to one or more devices is debarred or restricted depending upon the data stored on the memory device of the control input device. 4. A control arrangement according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the memory device of the control input stage contains system data concerning: i) devices to be controlled by the system; and/or; ii) the user input means of the control input stage. 5. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the memory device of the control input stage comprises a programmable memory device. 6. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the memory device of the control input stage comprises an electronic memory device. 7. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller module stage includes a processor means for reading data stored on the memory ■ device of the control input stage, and for outputting instructions to operate one or more devices. 8. A control arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the processor means comprises a microprocessor. 9. A control arrangement according to claim 7 , or claim 8, wherein the processor means includes is programmed to enable possible operation of all devices connected, the actual operation permitted being dependent upon the data carried by the memory means of the control input stage . 10. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim connected to control one or more devices of an audio or visual entertainment system. 11. A control arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein the control input stage and controller module stage are manufactured as separate sub-units, being connectable to form a unitary assembly. 12. A control arrangement according to claim 11, wherein assembly of the control input stage and controller module stage to the connected condition facilitates electrical connection. between the memory device of the control input stage and the data reading means of the controller module stage. 13. A method of rendering the performance capability of an electronic audio or visual user interfaceable system, the method comprising: i) connecting a control input stage including user input means to a controller module stage, the controller module stage having the facility to control one or more specific system devices; ii) reading data stored by a memory device carried by a control input stage; and, iii) either enabling operation of a specific device or disabling/restricting operation of the device, depending upon the data stored by the memory device . 14. A method according to claim 13, wherein, prior to step i) the memory device is programmed. 15. An electronic audio or visual user interfaceable system comprising a control arrangement according to any of claims 1 to 12.

Inventors: THOMAS GARETH, THOMAS, GARETH
Applicants: LLANELLI RADIATORS LTD, THOMAS GARETH, LLANELLI RADIATORS LIMITED, THOMAS, GARETH
Application year: 2001
Main classification: H04S7
IPC codes: H04B1