Vehicle Data Acquisition Display System with Bi-directional Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle display systems, including factory-installed GPS devices, are cumbersome, expensive, and difficult to install, requiring drivers to divert attention from the road for accurate readings, and aftermarket systems are complicated to connect and customize, posing safety and usability issues.
Innovation Solution
A data acquisition and display system that integrates a GPS receiver with the vehicle's on-board computer via a data link connector, featuring a full-color touch screen monitor for user-configurable displays, bi-directional communication, and customizable gauge skins, allowing for simultaneous display of vehicle and GPS data, with automatic adjustments based on ambient light and signal values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If factory-installed GPS devices are mounted within the vehicle's center stack, then the GPS is integrally mounted and presents an appealing appearance, but valuable space is taken up which may be needed for other components such as stereo receivers and climate controls
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument panel is divided into multiple sections including a first section for traditional gauges and a second section for the GPS display. This segmentation allows the GPS to be integrated into the instrument panel without occupying the center stack space, resolving the contradiction between appearance and space utilization.
2Measurement precision
If traditional gauge-type instruments are used in the instrument panel, then the driver can view vehicle parameters, but the driver must divert attention from the road for extended time periods to accurately read the gauges
Solution Approach 1:
The display format dynamically changes based on vehicle speed. At low speeds, traditional gauge displays are used. At high speeds (above threshold), the display automatically switches to large digital readouts with enhanced contrast and simplified information presentation, reducing the time needed to extract critical information safely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes display parameters including font size, contrast, brightness, and information density based on vehicle operating conditions. This allows the same physical display to adapt its characteristics to minimize reading time while maintaining accuracy under different driving conditions.
3Ease of operation
If aftermarket GPS devices are mounted on the dash, then the GPS is accessible, but the ability to mount gauges in that position is eliminated and installation is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The GPS receiver and display are merged with the instrument panel assembly, creating a unified system. This integration allows both GPS functionality and gauge mounting capabilities to coexist in the same location, eliminating the need to choose between aftermarket GPS mounting and gauge installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument panel is designed with universal mounting provisions that can accommodate both traditional analog gauges and digital GPS displays. The system provides multi-functionality by supporting multiple display types and configurations within the same panel structure, maintaining versatility while enabling GPS integration.
4Ease of manufacture
If the instrument panel uses a pre-set design with fixed gauge arrangements, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the system cannot be customized to different vehicle personalities or competition requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The display configuration is dynamically reconfigurable through software control. Users can change display layouts, gauge types, color schemes, and information priorities to match different vehicle personalities or competition disciplines. This dynamic adaptability is achieved through programmable display controllers that can switch between pre-configured themes and custom layouts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows modification of numerous display parameters including font styles, colors, background patterns, gauge face designs, and information hierarchy. These parameter changes enable extensive customization without requiring physical panel modifications, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed toward a data acquisition and display system for vehicles that includes a GPS receiver and connects to the vehicle's on-board computer(s) via a data link connector. The system includes a display module suitable for permanent or temporary attachment within the interior of a vehicle. The display module includes a display computer including a suitable processor, operating system, software and tangible data storage media to allow multiple user configurable functions for display on a full color monitor that also functions as a touch screen for inputting commands to the computer. The display module collects information from the GPS receiver via direct electrical communication and/or vehicle via multiple busses and senders through the data link connector and displays the information on the screen of the display module in a user configured graphics format. The direct connection between the display module and the data link facilitates bi-directional communication with the vehicle's on-board computer(s) for diagnostics as well as reprogramming of the on-board computer(s) which may be accomplished in real-time.