Patent Publication Number: US-2004048598-A1

Title: Onboard communications system for a recreational vehicle

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] 1. Field of the Invention  
       [0002] The present invention relates to communications systems for personal recreational vehicles such as personal watercraft (PWCs), all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and snowmobiles.  
       [0003] 2. Description of Related Art  
       [0004] Conventional recreational vehicles such as PWCs, ATVs, and snowmobiles typically do not include onboard communications systems.  
       [0005] It is known to place rudimentary communications systems in PWCs. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,125,782 discloses a PWC with an onboard global positioning system (GPS). While the GPS system receives signals from GPS satellites, the GPS system does not send any signal.  
       [0006] It is known to place communications systems like GMC&#39;s (General Motors Corporation&#39;s) On Star system in automobiles. It is also known to place GMC&#39;s On Star system onto an ATV.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007] According to one aspect of embodiments of the present invention, a recreational vehicle such as an ATV, a PWC, or a snowmobile is provided with an improved onboard communications system.  
       [0008] Another aspect of embodiments of the present invention provides, in combination with a vehicle, a communications network that includes a wireless communications system having a receiver. The vehicle has a frame, a straddle-type seat supported on the frame, and an onboard communications system mounted to the frame. The onboard communications system has a global positioning system and a wireless transmitter operatively connected to the global positioning system. The global positioning system transmits location to the receiver of the wireless communications system.  
       [0009] The communications network may also include a second vehicle that has a second frame and a second onboard communications system mounted to the second frame. The second onboard communications system includes a second global positioning system, the wireless communications system, and a display operatively connected to the second global positioning system. The display plots the relative locations of the vehicle and second vehicle.  
       [0010] The vehicle and second vehicle may be ATVs, snowmobiles, PWCs, sport boats, watercraft, or any other type of land, air, or water vehicles.  
       [0011] An alternative aspect of embodiments of the present invention provides, in combination with a vehicle, a communications network that includes a wireless communications system with a receiver. The vehicle includes a frame, a straddle-type seat supported on the frame, and an onboard communications system mounted to the frame. The onboard communications system includes an emergency distress system and a wireless transmitter operatively connected to the emergency distress system to selectively transmit a distress signal to the receiver of the wireless communications system.  
       [0012] The emergency distress system may include a rider-activated distress switch. The emergency distress system transmits the distress signal to the receiver of the wireless communications system when the distress switch is activated.  
       [0013] The emergency distress system may include a vehicle orientation sensor. The emergency distress system transmits the distress signal to the receiver of the wireless communications system when the orientation sensor senses that the vehicle is overturned (or otherwise disposed in a non-operating position). Alternatively, the emergency distress system may transmit the distress signal when the vehicle is left unoperated for a predetermined period of time after the engine is not stopped in a proper manner.  
       [0014] The wireless communications system and the onboard communications system may have interacting, two-way, wireless, voice communications systems.  
       [0015] A further alternative aspect of embodiments of the present invention provides, in combination with a vehicle, a communications network that includes a wireless communications system that includes a receiver. The vehicle includes a frame, a straddle-type seat supported on the frame, and an onboard communications system mounted to the frame. The onboard communications system has at least one sensor that monitors at least one operational characteristic of the vehicle. The onboard communications system also has a wireless transmitter operatively connected to the at least one sensor to transmit operational data sensed by the at least one sensor to the receiver of the wireless communications system.  
       [0016] The at least one sensor may be a speed sensor that monitors a speed of the vehicle such that the wireless transmitter transmits a signal corresponding to the vehicle speed to the wireless communications system. The vehicle may have a battery and the at least one sensor may be a battery charge level detector.  
       [0017] The vehicle may include a fluid tank, and the at least one sensor may be a fluid level gauge that senses a fluid level in the fluid tank. The wireless transmitter transmits a signal corresponding to the fluid level to the receiver of the wireless communications system. The power plant may be an engine and the fluid may be fuel for the engine.  
       [0018] An alternative aspect of embodiments of the present invention provides, in combination with a vehicle, a communications network that includes a wireless communications system that includes a transmitter that selectively transmits a power-plant-on signal. The vehicle includes a frame, a power plant having an ON/OFF switch, a straddle-type seat supported on the frame, and an onboard communications system mounted to the frame. The onboard communications system has a switch controller operatively connected to the ON/OFF switch to control the ON/OFF switch, and a wireless receiver operatively connected to the switch controller to selectively position the ON/OFF switch in the on mode when the wireless receiver receives the power-plant-on signal. The ON/OFF switch may be key-activated but allow the switch controller to turn on the ON/OFF switch without a key.  
       [0019] A further alternative aspect of embodiments of the present invention provides a communications network that includes a wireless communications system having a transmitter that broadcasts a global positioning signal and a vehicle. The vehicle has a frame, a straddle-type seat supported on the frame, and an onboard communications system mounted to the frame. The onboard communications system includes a global positioning system, and an antenna operatively connected to the global positioning system. The antenna receives the global positioning signal and relays it to the global positioning system.  
       [0020] The vehicle may be a snowmobile. The antenna may be mounted onto the snowmobile&#39;s front fairing. Alternatively, the antenna may be mounted onto a rear fairing of the snowmobile. The antenna may also be mounted onto the snowmobile&#39;s windshield. The antenna may alternatively be mounted onto the snowmobile&#39;s helm assembly. The antenna may also be mounted onto the snowmobile&#39;s bumper.  
       [0021] The communications network may also include a second wireless communications system having a transmitter that broadcasts a weather information signal. The onboard communications system may further include a receiver that receives the weather information signal. The onboard communications system may further include a display operatively connected to the receiver and the global positioning system to display location data provided by the global positioning system and weather information received by the receiver. The global positioning system may generate a positional map that is displayed on the display. The weather information signal may include real-time weather map information. The display may overlay the real-time weather map on the positional map.  
       [0022] The onboard communications system may further include an operatively interconnected display, rider interface, and transceiver. The communications network may also include a second wireless communications system that includes a transceiver that is operatively connected to the internet such that the transceivers of the onboard communications and the second wireless communications system interact to provide the vehicle with wireless internet access that is displayed on the display.  
       [0023] The onboard communications system may be detachable from the vehicle and have its own power source.  
       [0024] Embodiments of the present invention are also directed to a vehicle that may be used as part of the above-described communications networks.  
       [0025] A further alternative aspect of embodiments of the present invention is directed toward a vehicle that includes a frame, a straddle-type seat supported on the frame, and at least one sensor that monitors at least one operational characteristic of the vehicle. The vehicle also has an onboard communications system mounted to the frame. The onboard communications system is constructed and arranged to receive a wireless signal. The vehicle also includes a display mounted to the frame. The display is operatively connected to the at least one sensor and to the onboard communications system and displays information associated with (a) the at least one operational characteristic monitored by the at least one sensor, and (b) the wireless signal.  
       [0026] The display may be a single liquid crystal display screen. A cross-sectional area of the viewable display may be less than 150 cm 2 . The display may either selectively or simultaneously display the information associated with (a) the at least one operational characteristic monitored by the at least one sensor, and (b) the wireless signal.  
       [0027] The vehicle may be used in combination with a communications network that includes a wireless communications system having a transmitter that broadcasts a wireless signal.  
       [0028] The at least one sensor may include a thermometer such that the display shows the temperature measured by the thermometer. The at least one sensor may include a speed sensor that monitors a speed of the vehicle such that the display shows the speed of the vehicle. The at least one sensor may include a battery charge level detector that measures a charge level of the vehicle&#39;s battery such that the display shows the battery charge level. The at least one sensor may include a fluid level sensor that senses a fluid level in a fluid tank of the vehicle such that the display shows the fluid level in the fluid tank.  
       [0029] The onboard communications system may include a global positioning system that determines location information such that the display shows the location information. The onboard communications system further include a wireless receiver that is constructed and arranged to receive location data from a second onboard communications system of a second vehicle so that the display can show the location of the second vehicle relative to the vehicle.  
       [0030] The onboard communications system may include an emergency distress system operatively connected to a wireless transmitter to selectively broadcast a distress signal. The display may indicate when the distress signal is being broadcast.  
       [0031] A further aspect of embodiments of the present invention provides a vehicle that includes a frame, a straddle-type seat supported on the frame, at least one sensor that monitors at least one operational characteristic of the vehicle, and an onboard communications system mounted to the frame. The onboard communications system includes first and second stacked, operatively interconnected circuit boards, a global positioning system having a global positioning system chip mounted on one of the circuit boards, and an electronics chip associated with the at least one sensor, the electronics chip being mounted on to one of the circuit boards. The onboard communications system may also include a two-way voice communications system that includes a voice communications chip mounted on one of the circuit boards.  
       [0032] Additional and/or alternative objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0033] For a better understanding of the present invention as well as other objects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:  
     [0034]FIG. 1 illustrates an onboard communications system according to the present invention as incorporated into a snowmobile;  
     [0035]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the communications system of FIG. 1;  
     [0036]FIG. 3 is a front view of a display portion of one embodiment of the communications system of FIG. 1;  
     [0037]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a display and electrical circuitry portion of the communications system of FIG. 1, taken along the line  4 - 4  in FIG. 3;  
     [0038]FIG. 5 illustrates two of the communications systems of FIG. 2 incorporated into two snowmobiles;  
     [0039]FIG. 6 illustrates the communications system of FIG. 2 incorporated into a PWC; and  
     [0040]FIG. 7 illustrates the communications system of FIG. 2 incorporated into an ATV. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
     [0041] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a snowmobile  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a frame  15  that supports a pair of selectively steerable skis  20 . An endless track  30  is supported by the frame  15  through a slide rail suspension system  40 . The frame  15  also supports a straddle-type seat  50 . The selectively steerable skis  20  are operatively connected to handlebars  55  that are disposed on a helm assembly  60 . The snowmobile  10  includes a power plant  65  (shown in phantom), such as an internal combustion engine, that is operatively connected to the endless track  30  to drive the snowmobile  10 .  
     [0042] A communications system  100  is mounted to the helm assembly  60 . The communications system  100  may alternatively be mounted to any other convenient location on the snowmobile  10 . For example, the communications system  100  could alternatively be disposed between the helm assembly  60  and a windshield  110  of the snowmobile  10 . As described in greater detail below, the communications system  100  may include any one or more of a variety of wireless communications tools that receive and/or send wireless signals.  
     [0043] The communications system includes an antenna  115  that receives and transmits signals. The antenna  115  may be positioned at any convenient location on the snowmobile  10 , but is preferably disposed at a location the maximizes its sending and receiving power. As illustrated, the antenna  115  is mounted onto a front fairing  116  of the snowmobile  10 . Alternatively, the antenna  115  may be mounted to the windshield  110 , a display  126  of the communications system  100 , the helm assembly  60 , a rear fairing  117 , a forward or rearward bumper  118 ,  119 , respectively, etc.  
     [0044] While the antenna  115  is illustrated as a single antenna, the antenna  115  may alternatively comprise a plurality of antennae that are each specifically designed to transmit and/or receive specific types of wireless signals. For example, because different components of the communications system  100  transmit and/or receive wireless signals of varying frequency and/or amplitude, the antenna  115  may comprise a plurality of individual antennae, each one of which is specifically designed to be utilized by one or more of the components of the communications system  100 . Each of the antennae making up the antenna  115  may be positioned in different places on the snowmobile  10  or may alternatively be disposed together in an antenna cluster.  
     [0045] The communications system  100  receives signals from and sends signals to an external communications system  120 . While the illustrated external communications system  120  is an immovable, land-based transceiver, the external communications system  120  may alternatively comprise a variety of other types of communications systems without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the external communications system  120  may include global positioning satellites, land-based global positioning transmitters, radio stations, wireless receivers, other communications systems  100 , cellular phone base stations, radio beacons, radio transceivers, etc. The communications system  100  and the external communications system  120  together form a communications network  121 .  
     [0046] As schematically illustrated in FIG. 2, the communications system  100  has an electronic control unit (ECU)  122  that processes and responds to the information received from the various communications system  100  components. It is to be understood that the communications system  100  components could alternatively be stand-alone units that either include their own ECUs or do not require an ECU.  
     [0047] The communications system  100  also includes a user interface such as a keyboard or keypad  124 . The rider of the snowmobile  10  may input various data into the keyboard  124  to control the ECU  122  of the communications system  100 . Alternatively, the user interface  124  may include voice-actuation, foot operated controls, etc. Alternatively, the communications system  100  may operate totally independently of the rider of the snowmobile  10  and not include a user interface  124 .  
     [0048] The ECU  122  transforms the received and processed data into a visual format on a display  126  (LCD (liquid crystal display) screen, digital display, etc.). The communications system  100  may alternatively include speakers  128  that audibly communicate signals to the rider of the snowmobile  10 . Alternatively, the communications system  100  may relay information to the rider of the snowmobile  10  using any other method such as tactile (including, for example, a vibrate mode incorporated into the grips of the handle bars  55  or incorporated into the seat  50 ).  
     [0049] As described below, the communications system  100  preferably includes one or more communications system  100  components that receive wireless signals from the external communications system  120 .  
     [0050] The communications system  100  includes a global positioning system (GPS)  130  that receives signals from global positioning satellites (and/or land-based global positioning transmitters, land-based radio-triangulation positioning systems, etc.)  120 ′ to determine the location of the snowmobile  10 . The GPS system  130  may include real-time mapping that either creates a map as the snowmobile  10  travels or plots the position of the snowmobile  10  on a map that is stored in a local memory of the GPS system  130 . Alternatively, the GPS system  130  may determine the latitude and longitude of the snowmobile  10 .  
     [0051] The communications system  100  may include a weather radio  132 . The communications system  100  may audibly broadcast weather advisories to the rider of the snowmobile  10  through the speakers  128  when the weather radio  132  receives such advisories from the external communications system  120 . The weather radio  132  may also receive real-time digital weather information. For example, if the external communications system  120  sends real-time weather information or maps to the weather radio  132  of the communications system  100 , the display  126  could overlay such weather maps or information on a map provided by the GPS system  130 . This combination provides the rider of the snowmobile  10  with a real-time weather map of the surrounding area. Using these weather maps, the rider of the snowmobile  10  can avoid or prepare for severe weather before the severe weather reaches the snowmobile  10 .  
     [0052] As described hereinafter, the communications system  100  also preferably includes one or more components that send signals to external communications systems  120  using a transceiver  134 . The transceiver  134  may comprise a distinct transmitter and receiver or may alternatively be replaced by just a transmitter or just a receiver. The transceiver  134  may transmit and/or receive any type of conventional wireless signal(s) (e.g., FRS (family radio service), GSM (global system for mobile communication), cellular, GMRS (general mobile radio service), bluetooth, wi-fi (IEEE 802.11 standard), etc.).  
     [0053] The communications system  100  includes an emergency distress system  136  that may be automatically and/or manually activated. If the emergency distress system  136  is automatically activated, the communications system  100  sends out a distress signal using the transceiver  134  when the emergency distress system  136  senses that the snowmobile  10  has crashed, is inoperable, etc. The emergency distress system  136  includes an orientation sensor  138  such as a mercury switch that sends an overturned signal (or an inoperable position signal) to the ECU  122  when the switch is activated for more than a predetermined period of time. When the orientation sensor  138  signals to the ECU  122  that the snowmobile  10  is overturned (or is disposed in an inoperable position), the ECU  122  instructs the transceiver  134  to send out a distress signal. The emergency distress system  136  may also include a manually activated distress button  140  that is conveniently positioned on the snowmobile  10  (see FIG. 1). When the distress button  140  is activated by the rider of the snowmobile  10 , the communications system  100  sends out a distress signal.  
     [0054] When a distress signal is sent out by the emergency distress system  136 , the display  126  illustrates that the emergency distress system  136  is functioning and broadcasting an emergency signal. The display  126  may indicate the operation of the emergency distress system  136  in any of a variety of ways such as flashing a warning message (i.e., “DISTRESS SIGNAL BROADCASTING,” “EMERGENCY DISTRESS SYSTEM ACTIVATED,” etc.) or illuminating an LED or other indicator light that is next to an identifying text/graphic message. Alternatively, the emergency distress system  136  may audibly notify the rider of the activation of the emergency distress system  136  using the speakers  128 . While a rider notification system is preferred, an emergency distress system  136  according to the present invention need not include a rider notification system.  
     [0055] The emergency distress system  136  also includes an ON/OFF switch  139 . The ON/OFF switch may be rider actuated or may automatically turn on when the snowmobile  10  is turned on (e.g., when the power plant  65  is turned on by the ignition system  142 , which is described in greater detail below). When the ON/OFF switch  139  is off, the emergency distress system  136  is deactivated and therefore incapable of sending out a distress signal. The ON/OFF switch  139  prevents false distress signals from being accidentally transmitted. The ON/OFF switch  139  may alternatively be automatically turned on only after the snowmobile  10  begins moving. The ON/OFF switch  139  may then automatically turn off after the snowmobile  10  has stopped for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour, etc.). The display  126  may include an indicator light, text, graphic, etc. that notifies the rider when the emergency distress system  136  is on.  
     [0056] The distress signal sent by the communications system  100  may be generally broadcast or may be specifically sent to an external communications system  120  such as an emergency dispatch center. Upon receiving the distress signal, the emergency dispatch center can then send rescue/EMT (emergency medical technician) crews to the snowmobile  10 . The communications system  100  may send location data from its GPS system  130  to the external communications system  120  so that the dispatch center knows where to send rescue crews. The emergency distress system  136 , transceiver  134 , and GPS system  130  may cooperate in a similar manner as Garmin&#39;s integrated GPS/FRS/GMRS Rino  110  radios, which transmit GPS location data to each other over FRS and GMRS frequencies. If the GPS system  130  maps the path of the snowmobile  10  during use, the communication system  100  may also send the external communications system  120  information that explains the path that the snowmobile  10  took to get to its present position. Such path information may help rescuers quickly and easily get to the snowmobile  10 .  
     [0057] The communications system  100  also allows the external communications system  120  to selectively or continuously monitor various snowmobile  10  systems and/or the rider of the snowmobile  10 . The external communications system  120  may request the communications system  100  to send location data to the external communications system  120  on command. Consequently, if the snowmobile  10  is stolen or lost, the owner of the snowmobile  10  may contact on operator of the external communications system  120  to find out where the lost snowmobile  10  is located. Alternatively, the communications system  100  may simply continuously send out location data even without a request from the external communications system  120 .  
     [0058] The communications system  100  includes a switch controller  141  connected to an ON/OFF switch of an ignition/starter system  142  of the power plant  65  of the snowmobile  10 . Accordingly, the external communications system  120  can remotely start and/or stop the power plant  65  of the snowmobile  10 . Generally, the rider of the snowmobile  10  can only start the power plant  65  of the snowmobile  10  by using a key. If the rider of the snowmobile  10  loses his/her keys, the rider can call the operator of the external communications system  120  to have the external communications system  120  start the snowmobile  10  remotely without the key. Similarly, if the snowmobile  10  is lost or stolen, the external communications system  120  can remotely disable the snowmobile  10 .  
     [0059] The communications system  100  also includes a cellular phone or other two-way voice communications system (such as a CB, GMRS, or FRS radios)  144  that allows the rider of the snowmobile  10  to communicate with the operator of the external communications system  120 , which includes a corresponding two-way voice communications system. The display  126  may indicate the operational state of the communication system  144  (e.g., on, off, transmitting, receiving, etc.) via a light, an LED, a text message, a graphic, etc. The communications system  100  may also send positional data from the GPS system  130  to the external communications system  120  so that the dispatcher/operator of the external communications system  120  can provide the rider of the snowmobile  10  with real-time, continuous directions over the two-way voice communications system  144 . Because snowmobiles are commonly used in wilderness areas with few landmarks or roads, the rider of the snowmobile  10  can use the real-time directions if he/she gets lost.  
     [0060] The communications system  100  is also operatively connected to various sensors  146  that monitor components of the snowmobile  10  such as the power plant  65 , battery (not shown), fuel tank (not shown), fuel injectors, damage sensors, etc. The sensors  146  preferably include a fuel level sensor in the fuel tank of the snowmobile  10 , a speedometer or tachometer of the snowmobile  10 , and a battery sensor that senses a charge level of the battery of the snowmobile  10 . The sensors  146  may monitor the speed of the snowmobile  10  by sensing any one of the following operational parameters: engine  65  speed, track  30  speed, etc. The sensors  146  may also monitor the fluid level of any other fluid tank in the snowmobile  10  (e.g., coolant tank, oil tank, etc.). The communications system  100  can then send such diagnostic information to the external communications system  120 .  
     [0061] If the communications system  100  signals to the external communications system  120  that the fuel level in the fuel tank is low, an operator of the external communications system  120  can send a warning signal back to the snowmobile  10 . For example, the operator of the external communications system  120  may use the two-way voice communications system  144  to ask the rider of the snowmobile  10  if he/she needs assistance. The operator of the external communications system  120  can even direct a third party to deliver fuel to the snowmobile  10 .  
     [0062] Even absent external intervention, the communications system  100  directly notifies the rider when any of the sensed snowmobile  10  operational characteristics indicate a malfunction or other problem. The communications system  100  may notify the rider of such a problem visually on the display  126  (using, for example, a warning light, LED, text message, etc.), audibly using the speaker  128 , or by using any other conventional notification system. The communications system  100  also operatively connects the sensors  146  to the display  126  such that the display  126  shows the sensed snowmobile  10  operational characteristics (e.g., snowmobile  10  speed, power plant  65  rotational speed, fuel level, battery level, etc.).  
     [0063] The emergency distress system  136  is also operatively connected to one or more of the sensors  146  and to the ignition system  142  such that the emergency distress system  136  and the ECU  122  automatically send out a distress signal if the ECU  122  and emergency distress system  136  determine that the power plant  65  of the snowmobile  10  has become inoperative. When operating normally, the power plant  65  may be shut off by shutting off the ignition system  142  (e.g., by removing a key, activating a kill switch, etc.). The ECU  122  monitors the ignition system  142  to determine whether the ignition system  142  has been switched off (e.g., by sensing whether a key has been removed, sensing whether the kill switch is activated, etc.). The ECU  122  also monitors a speed of the power plant  65  using the sensor  146  that monitors the speed of the power plant  65 . When the ECU  122  determines that the power plant  65  has stopped but that the ignition system  142  has not been normally shut off, the ECU  122  waits for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 1 minute, 5 minutes, 15 minutes, etc.) to allow the rider to correct any problem with the power plant  65 . If the predetermined period of time elapses without the power plant  65  being successfully restarted, the emergency distress system  136  transmits a distress signal.  
     [0064] The operator of the external communications system  120  may use the communications system  100  to track snowmobile  10  use in real time. For example, if the operator of the external communications system  120  rents snowmobiles  10 , the operator can track where and how the rented snowmobiles  10  are being used in real time to ensure that the rented snowmobiles  10  are not being improperly used. For example, the operator may track the location, speed, etc. of the snowmobile  10  in real time as the communications system  100  sends signals from the sensors  146  to the external communications system  120  through the transceiver  134 .  
     [0065] The communications system  100  may also be equipped with wireless internet access. Web information may be shown on the display  126 . The communications system  100  may provide limited internet access (as on conventional internet-equipped cell phones and PDAs) or full, high-speed internet access (as on personal computers that are connected to high speed wireless networks). Such internet access may give the rider of the snowmobile  10  the ability to find real-time information about an almost infinitely large variety of topics. The rider of the snowmobile  10  may be able to make hotel, transportation, or restaurant reservations using the communication system  100 . The internet access capability may be linked to the GPS system  130  so that the rider of the snowmobile  10  can quickly learn about restaurants, hotels, landmarks, attractions, etc. that are near the snowmobile  10 .  
     [0066] The communications system  100  may also provide any of the features of conventional automotive communications systems (e.g., On-Star, RESCU, etc.). Such features may include emergency services, personal concierge services, roadside assistance, accident assistance, information services, virtual web-based information, online concierge, etc. The operator of the external communications system  120  may charge the rider of the snowmobile  10  a monthly or yearly fee for using the external communications system  120  in any of the above-identified ways.  
     [0067] While the communications system  100  has been described as included a plurality of components (e.g., a GPS system  130 , an emergency distress system  136 , a snowmobile  10  orientation sensor  134 , fuel level/engine speed/battery sensors  146 , a weather radio  132 , a transceiver  134 , an ignition control system, a two-way voice communications system  144 , etc.), all of these communications system  100  components are not required to practice the present invention. Rather, a communications system according to the present invention may include just one of the communications system  100  components or any combination of two or more of the communications system  100  components.  
     [0068] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the components of the communications system  100  and the display  126  are mounted preferably adjacent to each other. The circuitry for the various components of the communications system  100  are mounted onto one of three stacked circuit boards  160 ,  162 ,  164 . A variety of basic electronics chips  166  are disposed on the circuit board  160 . The basic electronics chips  166  may include chips that control or receive signals from various electronic components of the snowmobile  10  (e.g., lights, speedometer, tachometer, ignition system  142 , engine temperature gauge, electronic compass, display  126  controller chip, etc.). The circuit board  162  includes a bluetooth chip  168  for the transceiver  134 , a GPS chip  170  for the GPS system  130 , and an engine communications chip  172  for the sensors  146 . The circuit board  164  includes a voice communications chip  174 . While the illustrated communications system  100  includes three circuit boards  160 ,  162 ,  164 , the communications system  100  could alternatively include greater or fewer circuit boards without deviating from the scope of the present invention. In fact, it is envisioned that a circuitboardless communications system  100  could also be used. The relative locations of the various chips could be altered without deviating from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, additional chips could be added or existing chips could be omitted without deviating from the scope of the present invention. For example, an additional chip could monitor the number of hours that the snowmobile  10  is in use. A further chip could record and enable the display  126  to display the serial number of the snowmobile  10  or the software versions of various software components used in the snowmobile  10 .  
     [0069] The display  126  is operatively connected to many or all of the communications system  100  components and snowmobile  10  gauge components so that the display  126  can selectively or simultaneously display information from these snowmobile  10  components. Because the most convenient display space (e.g., the available space around the helm assembly  60 , windshield  110 , handlebars  55 , etc.) on recreational vehicles such as the snowmobile  10  is limited, the single display  126  can display a variety of information, thereby eliminating the need for multiple, space-consuming, displays. The display  126  preferably comprising a single display cluster that preferably includes a single LCD screen, but may alternatively include a plurality of distinct needle gauges, LCD screens, etc. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the display  126  is circular. However, the display  126  could also be rectangular to more easily accommodate one or more LCD screens. The viewable area of the display  126  is preferably less than 150 cm 2 , but may alternatively be larger if space permits. To the extent that space permits on a vehicle, each communication system  100  component could have its own distinct display without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
     [0070] The three circuit boards  160 ,  162 ,  164  are stacked to conserve space. Because the instrument panel on the snowmobile  10  is small and somewhat cramped, many or all of the communications system  100  components and their associated display  126  are compactly fit together in the communications system  100  cluster shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Alternatively, to the extent that space permits on a vehicle, each communication system  100  component could have its own distinct circuit board without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
     [0071] While the illustrated display  126  is mounted directly to the components of the communications system  100 , the location of the display  126  is not limited to this location. Rather, the display  126  may be disposed at any convenient position on the snowmobile  10  without deviating from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the display  126  would be operatively connected to the components of the communications system  100  but be indirectly physically connected to the components of the communications system  100 . For example, the display  126  may alternatively be disposed on the handlebars  55 , on or near the windshield  110 , etc.  
     [0072] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the communications system  100  on the snowmobile  10  may also function as an external communications system  120 ′ for a second communications system  100 ′ on a second snowmobile  10 ′. Similarly, the communications system  100 ′ on the second snowmobile  10 ′ may function as the external communications system  120  for the communications system  100 . Because the snowmobiles  10 ,  10 ′ are generally identical to each other, only the snowmobile  10  will be described in detail. It is to be understood that the description of the snowmobile  10  is equally applicable to the snowmobile  10 ′.  
     [0073] The communication systems  100 ,  100 ′ may send each other their respective location data from their GPS systems  130 . Accordingly, the communications system  100  can display the relative position of the other snowmobile  10 ′ on its display  126 . The relative positioning display makes it easy for the rider of the snowmobile  10  to find the snowmobile  10 ′. The communications system  100  may also receive distress signals from the emergency distress system  136  of the communications system  100 ′ and notify the rider of the snowmobile  10  that the other snowmobile  10 ′ or its rider are in distress.  
     [0074] While only two communications systems  100 ,  100 ′ are illustrated as interacting with each other, it is contemplated that numerous communications systems  100  could simultaneously interact with each other without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, if every communications system  100  on every snowmobile  10  includes a GPS system  130 , each communications system  100  could send location information to every other communications system  100  in its vicinity so that the relative positions of all other snowmobiles  10  are plotted on the displays  126  of each communication system  100 .  
     [0075] The illustrated communications system  100  is rigidly mounted to the snowmobile  10  and is preferably powered by the battery (not shown) of the snowmobile  10 . Alternatively, the communications system  100  could be detachable from the snowmobile  10  and include its own battery source. Accordingly, if the snowmobile  10  becomes inoperable, the rider of the snowmobile  10  can detach the communications system  100  and take it with him/her when the rider leaves the snowmobile  10 . For example, if the snowmobile  10  becomes inoperable in a remote section of wilderness, the rider of the snowmobile  10  can take the communications system  100  with him/her to help guide the rider out of the wilderness while maintaining continuous communication with the operator of the external communications system  120 .  
     [0076] While the communications system  100  has been described as an integral unit, the various components of the communications system may be discrete. Interrelated components may be operatively connected to each other despite being physically separated from each other.  
     [0077] While the above-described communications system  100  is mounted to the snowmobile  10 , the communications system  100  may alternatively be used on any of a variety of other vehicles. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the communications system  100  may be mounted onto a PWC  500 .  
     [0078] The PWC  500  includes a frame that is made of two main parts, a hull  504  and a deck  502  mounted on top of the hull  504 . The hull  504  buoyantly supports the watercraft  500  in the water. The deck  502  includes a straddle-type seat  506  designed to accommodate a rider and, in some watercraft, one or more passengers. The PWC includes a propulsion system that includes a power plant  508  that is supported by the hull  504  and operatively connected to a propulsion unit  510 . The power plant  504  is preferably an internal combustion engine but may alternatively comprise any other type of power plant (i.e., electric motor, hydraulic motor, etc.). The propulsion unit  510  is preferably a jet propulsion unit that has an impeller and a selectively steerable nozzle, but may alternatively comprise any other type of propulsion unit such as a propeller. The PWC  500  also includes a helm assembly  512  that includes a variety of displays and handlebars  514  that control the propulsion unit  510 .  
     [0079] The communications system  100  is mounted onto the helm assembly  512 . The display  126  of the controller is mounted onto a display panel  516  on the deck  502  of the PWC  500 . The antenna  115  of the communications system  100  is mounted to the deck  502 . While the communications system  100 , antenna  115 , and display  126  are positioned at specific locations on the PWC  500 , the communications system  100 , antenna  115 , and display  126  may alternatively be mounted onto any other convenient portion of the PWC  500 . For example, the communications system  100  and antenna  115  could be positioned within a cavity formed between the hull  504  and the deck  502 . The display  126  could be disposed on the helm assembly  512 .  
     [0080] If the GPS system  130  includes mapping capability, the PWC  500  rider can use the communications system  100  to guide the PWC  500  when the PWC  500  is far from shore or other landmarks, at night, or in severe weather (e.g., fog, storms, etc.). If additional watercraft (e.g., other PWCs, sport boats, yachts, zodiacs, sail boats, ships, etc.) are also equipped with a communications system  100 , the communications systems  100  may interact so that the communications system  100  can plot the locations of nearby watercraft on the display  126 . By plotting the positions of nearby watercraft, the communications system  100  may supplement or replace existing watercraft radar systems.  
     [0081] PWCs like the PWC  500  are often used in connection with larger yachts. The PWC  500  may be stored on the deck of a yacht and launched from the yacht. The yacht may also be equipped with a communications system  100  that enables interaction between the yacht and the PWC  500 . For example, the communications system  100  may continuously display the real-time position of the yacht relative to the PWC  500  to easily guide the PWC  500  back to its home base yacht.  
     [0082] If the PWC  500  breaks down or encounters some other trouble, the communications system  100  on the PWC  500  may automatically send a distress signal that includes location data to the yacht so that the yacht can rescue the PWC  500  rider. The PWC  500  rider may alternatively activate the distress button  140  of the distress system  136  of the communications system  100  to send such a distress signal to the yacht. Alternatively, the communications system  100  of the PWC  500  may send a general distress signal to all other local watercraft that are equipped with a communications system  100 . The communications system  100  may alternatively send a distress signal over open radio frequencies or even directly call emergency services (e.g., 911) using an onboard cellular phone or other two-way voice communications system  144  (see FIG. 2).  
     [0083]FIG. 7 illustrates an ATV  600  that is equipped with the communications system  100 . The ATV  600  includes a frame  602  that supports four wheels  604  via a suspension system  606 . The ATV  600  may alternatively include greater than or fewer than four wheels  604 . A power plant (not shown) is operatively connected to at least one o the wheels  604  to drive the ATV  600 . A straddle-type seat  608  is supported by the frame  602  and is designed to support an ATV  600  rider. A helm assembly  610  is disposed in front of the seat  608 . The helm assembly includes handlebars  612  that are operatively connected to the front wheels  604  to steer the ATV  600 . The communications system  100  is mounted onto the helm assembly  610 . The display  126  and the antenna  115  of the communications system  100  are also preferably mounted onto the helm assembly  610 . However, the communications system  100 , display  126 , and antenna  115  may alternatively be disposed on any other convenient location on the ATV  600  without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
     [0084] The foregoing illustrated embodiments are provided to illustrate the structural and functional principles of the present invention and are not intended to be limiting. To the contrary, the principles of the present invention are intended to encompass any and all changes, alterations and/or substitutions within the spirit and scope of the following claims.