Vehicle Mount Computer Ignition Switch Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle mount computers often remain powered on after vehicles are shut down, leading to battery drainage and security risks due to unauthorized access, as operators frequently forget to turn them off or log out.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle's ignition switch is logically coupled to the computer, allowing users to configure actions such as shutting down, switching to standby mode, or logging off automatically when the ignition is turned off, and powering on when the vehicle starts, thereby synchronizing the computer's state with the vehicle's ignition status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If operators manually turn off the vehicle mount computer, then battery drainage is prevented, but operators often forget to do so causing battery drainage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vehicle ignition switch control with the computer power control by electrically coupling the ignition switch to the computer's power button input. This integration allows the single ignition switch to simultaneously control both vehicle operation and computer power state, eliminating the need for separate manual intervention and preventing battery drainage while maintaining operator convenience.
2Reliability
If operators manually log out of the computer, then unauthorized access is prevented, but operators often forget to log out creating security risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vehicle ignition off signal with the computer logout trigger. When the ignition switch is turned off, the system automatically sends a logout signal to the computer, ensuring security is maintained without requiring separate operator action. This integration prevents unauthorized access while preserving operator convenience.
3Speed
If the computer remains powered on after vehicle shutdown, then quick restart is enabled, but battery is drained and security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically powering down the computer when the vehicle ignition is turned off. The electrical coupling ensures the computer receives the shutdown signal in advance, allowing it to properly close applications and save data before powering down. This preliminary action prevents battery drainage and security issues while enabling quick restart when the vehicle is started again.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle mount computer having a configurable behavior controlled by a vehicle's ignition switch. A user can configure the computer to perform an action, switch modes, or execute a software application in response to the ignition switch being pressed or the position of the ignition switch being adjusted. For example, the computer can be configured to switch to a standby mode or hibernation mode, shutdown, prompt the user to select an action, or do nothing in response to the ignition switch being placed in an off position. The ignition switch can be electrically coupled to an input of the computer so that the computer's operating system or another application can monitor the status of the ignition switch. The operating system or application can cause the computer to perform the configured response upon detecting a change in the ignition switch's position or an actuation of the ignition switch.