PARFITT, Anthony (Futronics Group Limited, Nepicar HouseLondon Road,Wrotham Heath, Kent TN15 7RS, GB)
| CLAIMS 1. A control device, particularly a control device enabling user control of systems associated with a vehicle, which device includes a plurality of buttons each of which is programmable so as to control a respective external system, for displaying a legend or image indicative of the respective external system and/or its function, and which can be re-programmed to control a different respective external system. 2. A device according to claim 1 , wherein the device is provided as a single physical module or unit. 3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the single unit is dimensioned to locate within a DIN aperture of a vehicle. 4. A device according to claim 2, wherein the single unit is provided as a hand-held unit having a lead or wire connected to an input within the vehicle connected to a central control system or computer which converts control signals received from the device into appropriate outputs for the external system. 5. A device according to claim 2, wherein the single unit is provided as a hand-held unit in the form of a wireless device for communicating with an external vehicle controller. 6. A device according to claim 3, wherein the unit is arranged in use to be removed and operated in a hand-held fashion. 7. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the buttons are physical buttons requiring user force to initiate a control signal. 8. A device according to any preceding claim or any claim, wherein the buttons include an electronic display portion for visually indicating the control function assigned to that button, and in which the device enables said indication to be modified in accordance with a re-programming operation to assign a different function to that button. 9. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is operable to assign sub-menus to particular functions so that, in response to user-selection of a given button, the device is operable to change the current function associated with one or more of the button(s) to provide sub-menu options associated with the function so selected. 10. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is operable such that user-selection of a function associated with one of the buttons causes a change in the visual indication displayed by said button to indicate said operation. 11. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the buttons comprise a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel as part of the button. 12. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the buttons comprise a LED panel, for example an OLED panel. 13. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is operable to assign a control function the condition in which, in use, a plurality of buttons are operated simultaneously by a user. 14. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is operable to assign a particular control function to the condition in which, in use, a plurality of buttons are operated in a predetermined sequence by a user. 15. A device according to any preceding claim, comprising a processor operating under the control of a program arranged to provide the programming and re-programming functionality. 16. A device according to claim 15, wherein the processor operates independently of any external computer, for example a computer controlling other aspects of a vehicle's operation. 17. An on-board computer system for an emergency vehicle, the computer system comprising a main computer running one or more programs, a control system independent of the main computer for controlling the operation of any one of lights, sirens or a display system associated with the vehicle, and a programmable control device according to any of the previous claims. 18. An emergency vehicle control system comprising: a plurality of user- operable buttons, each having a LCD or OLED panel thereon, and a processing system arranged to output to each of said buttons a respective image or legend indicative of a function associated with each button, and in response to user selection of a particular button, to output to one or more of said buttons a different respective image or legend indicative of sub-menu functions associated with the selected function. |
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a control device, particularly, though not exclusively for use in an emergency vehicle such as a police, ambulance or fire vehicle.
Background of the Invention
Modern emergency vehicles, for example police cars, comprise in-situ computer systems providing a plurality of applications commonly employed by operators in the course of their duties. Applications running on the computer system may include a GPS navigation program, a digital radio, a license plate recognition program and video playback facilities utilising external cameras. This list is non-exhaustive. Operation and display of said applications can be performed using a touch screen device mounted in the vehicle and which is connected to the computer system, usually stowed securely in the vehicle boot or trunk.
Mission-critical functions, such as activation of the sirens, beacons, strobe lighting and matrix displays provided on such vehicles are usually controlled by a physically separate unit, usually having mechanical buttons dedicated to each function.
The unit controlling said mission-critical functions is generally hard-wired to perform a predetermined function, i.e. with one button being assigned to front strobe lights, another button to the roof lights, another button to the sirens and so on. There is therefore zero, or limited scope for changing or adding functionality without providing a new controller or re-wiring the existing one and labelling the buttons accordingly. Furthermore, where one or more button(s) is/are selected to activate a system, it can be difficult for a user inside the vehicle to recognise which of the systems is currently active, possibly resulting in confusion and potentially dangerous situations on the road. Summary of the Invention
In the broad sense, the invention provides a control device, particularly a control device enabling user control of systems associated with a vehicle, which device includes a plurality of buttons each of which is programmable so as to control a respective external system, for displaying a legend or image indicative of the respective external system and/or its function, and which can be re-programmed to control a different respective external system. An emergency vehicle control system comprising: a plurality of user-operable buttons, each having a LCD or OLED panel thereon, and a processing sytem arranged to output to each of said buttons a respective image or legend indicative of a function associated with each button, and in response to user selection of a particular button, to output to one or more of said buttons a different respective image or legend indicative of sub-menu functions associated with the selected function.
The term 'external system' is intended to mean an electrical or electronic system external to the control device itself.
Thus, the function of the separate buttons is interchangeable to cater for new external systems, or simply to allow certain systems to be controlled using a button in a more prominent position, e.g. at the top of a column of buttons. The device is preferably provided as a single unit. The single unit may be dimensioned to locate within a DIN aperture of a vehicle. Alternatively, the single unit may be provided as a hand-held unit having a lead or wire connected to an input within the vehicle, for example to a central control system or computer which converts control signals received from the device into the appropriate outputs to the external system, e.g. a matrix display or light bar. The hand-held unit may alternatively be a wireless device communicating with an external vehicle controller, e.g. using Bluetooth or another wireless protocol. Alternatively still, the unit may be dimensioned to locate within a DIN aperture of a vehicle but can also be removed and operated in a hand-held fashion, e.g. using a lead of sufficient length or a wireless protocol.
The separate buttons may be physical buttons, that is buttons requiring user force to initiate a control signal to the computer or independent system.
The separate buttons may include an electronic display portion for visually indicating the control function assigned to that button, and in which the module enables said indication to be modified in accordance with a re- programming operation to assign a different function to that button. Submenus can be assigned to particular functions so that, in response to selecting a given button, the button assignments change to provide sub-menu options.
The device may be arranged such that operation of a function associated with one of the buttons causes a change in the visual indication displayed by said button to indicate said operation. Thus, an operator is presented with a clear visual reminder of what systems are in operation even as other systems are being operated or monitored.
The buttons may comprise a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel provided as part of the button, capable of showing any appropriately scaled text and dynamic graphics over a choice of backlit coloured backgrounds. Alternatively, the buttons may comprise a LED panel provided as part of the button for example OLED panels. The panels may display the legends or images in colour, preferably using a plurality of colours for respective functions.
The device may be arranged such that a particular control function can be assigned to the condition in which a plurality of buttons are operated simultaneously. Thus, the number of functions assigned to the buttons is not limited by the actual number of buttons. Operating two keys simultaneously can be assigned to a further function, for example. The device may be arranged such that a particular control function can be assigned to the condition in which a plurality of buttons are operated in a predetermined sequence. The device preferably comprises a processor operating under the control of a program arranged to provide the programming / re-programming functionality. The processor operates independently of any external computer, for example a computer controlling other aspects of the vehicle's operation. Where a control function relates to a program on the external computer, the device's processor passes control signals to the external computer, whereas where a function relates to the control of an external system independent from the computer system, the processor passes control signals to the external system independently, i.e. without any interaction with the computer. According to a further aspect, there is provided an on-board computer system for an emergency vehicle, the computer system comprising a main computer running one or more programs, a control system independent of the main computer for controlling the operation of any one of lights, sirens or a display system associated with the vehicle, and a programmable control device according to any of the previous statements.
The control device is preferably provided in the form of a rectangular unit dimensioned to fit within a DIN aperture of a vehicle. The rectangular unit may have a bezel of greater dimensions on the front face which supports the unit within the underlying aperture. The buttons may be arranged in a variety of configurations, for example as a single row of buttons or two or more parallel rows of buttons.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a control device in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a control device in accordance with a second embodiment;
Figure 3 is a network diagram indicating how the control device of Figures 1 and/or 2 can be incorporated within an emergency vehicle's overall control system; and
Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of the control device of Figure 1, shown from behind.
Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment
Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a Programmable Switch Module (PSM) 1 for use in an emergency vehicle, for example a police car, ambulance or fire vehicle. The PSM 1 comprises a rectangular body 3, and a front bezel 5 of slightly larger rectangular dimensions. The rectangular body 3 is dimensioned to fit closely within a DIN vehicle aperture, with the bezel providing mechanical support with the buttons substantially flush with the aperture frame or surround. Projecting from the bezel 5 are two rows of mechanical buttons 7, in this case two rows of eight buttons. Each button 7 comprises its own digital display portion, specifically an LCD or LED panel capable of displaying an image in colour.
The specific digital image to be displayed is controlled by an internal control module (not shown) housed within the body 3. The internal control module includes a processor and programmable memory which stores data relating to the function of each button, including a legend or image to be presented in the display portion of each button. Programming of the internal control module can be achieved by direct programming, e.g. by connecting a laptop or other computer to an input connector in the rear of the device (see Figure 4) and uploading the control data to the PSM 1. Alternatively, where an external vehicle controller is used, as shown in Figure 3, this external controller may be programmed separately with the aforementioned data and the data uploaded to the PSM 1 , 11 subsequently.
At the basic level, each button 7 is assigned to a specific function, e.g. a 999 function, an arrival mode function, a siren on/off function and so on. The device 1, 11 may be arranged such that operation of a function associated with one of the buttons 7 causes a change in the visual indication displayed by said button to indicate said operation. Thus, an operator is presented with a clear visual reminder of what systems are in operation even as other systems are being operated or monitored. The PSM 1 , 11 may be arranged such that a particular control function can be assigned to the condition in which a plurality of buttons 7 are operated simultaneously. Thus, the number of functions assigned to the buttons 7 is not limited by the actual number of buttons. Operating of two buttons 7 simultaneously can be assigned to a further function, for example.
The PSM 1 , 11 may be arranged such that a particular control function can be assigned to the condition in which a plurality of buttons 7 are operated in a predetermined sequence.
Figure 2 shows an alternative configuration of the PSM 1 shown in Figure 1. This PSM 7 is exactly the same other than it provides two rows of four buttons 7. Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a system diagram indicating functional components of an overall in-vehicle control system 20. At the heart of the overall control system 20 is an Electronic Vehicle Controller (EVC) 21 , and there is the option of linking additional EVCs 23 for greater flexibility. The EVC 21 is connected to the PSM 1 , 1 (depending on the number of buttons required), a Communications Module (CM) 25 and one or more external systems of the vehicle, for example indicator and siren systems. Examples shown in this case include a light bar 27 and a display matrix 29, though this list is non-exhaustive.
The EVC 21 is a stand-alone module that controls mission-critical vehicle operations independent of, or in conjunction with, other processors which may operate within the vehicle, e.g. computers controlling software relating to navigation, radios and PNC systems. The EVC 21 provides power management and control of the lights 27 and display matrix 29 and also takes in vehicle inputs from the vehicle handbrake and door inputs. The EVC 21 includes fully programmable outputs; volt free changeover contacts, high sided fused and monitored outputs, a programmable intelligent interface to light bars and matrix signs, programmable voice storage and announcements and an on-board PC audio speaker driver.
In terms of inputs, the EVC 21 includes dedicated handbrake, footbrake, ignition, door, 999 and arrive scene inputs. The latter two inputs enable different predetermined combinations of lights to be displayed in accordance with a selected one of the inputs being enabled. For example, when the 999 input is enabled (this being an emergency condition) the EVC 21 causes all strobe (front and rear) and the roof light bar 27 to be switched on. The siren may also be initiated. When the 'arrive scene' input is enabled (appropriate when the vehicle arrives at a scene following a 999 emergency condition) the EVC 21 causes the front strobes to be switched off whilst keeping the rear strobes and light bar operating to warn vehicles approaching the scene. The siren is switched off in this mode. Thus, the EVC 21 not only allows individual lights, sirens and other external indicating systems to be individually controlled, but also has programmable functionality to allow different combinations of said indicators to be initiated in response to a dedicated control signal. As will be appreciated from the foregoing, control signals for the individual indicating systems and the programmable combinations are received from the PSM 1 , 11.
The aforementioned communications module (CM) 25 comprises one or more antenna or antenna feeds and one or more modems (e.g. GPRS, 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth) enabling bidirectional wireless data transmission between the EVC 21 and other modules, for example to upload status data to a police station or to download information. The CM 5 also comprises a GPS antenna and engine. To recap, the PSMs 1, 11 are single-unit modules comprising a casing 3 housing one or more rows of buttons or keys 7. Each of the buttons 7 is a physical button, similar to those provided on a conventional computer keyboard, requiring applied force to mechanically depress the button onto an underlying contact. Each button 7 includes, as part of its upper exposed surface, a LCD or LED panel for displaying the function assigned to that button. Each LCD or LED panel 26 is connected to a processor-based control module internal to the PSM 1 , 11 which outputs the particular image or icon to be displayed in accordance with a programming operation.
The functionality of the buttons 7 is re-programmable in use and hence the legend, image or icon displayed by the buttons in use is also reprogrammable, e.g. to display a different legend, image or icon.
User-programming of the functionality of the buttons 7 is handled by means of accessing a processor internal to the PSM 1 , 11 , either directly through a port 31 in the rear of the PSM (see Figure 4) using a laptop or other computer, or by transferring data from the EVC 21. This PSM processor enables the buttons 7 to be assigned to a function operated by the EVC 21. The processor is infinitely re-programmable so that a button 7 can be subsequently re-programmed so that it is assigned to control a different EVC function. Control signals are output from the PSM processor via an EVC bus connected via port 31 to the EVC 21.
In the example configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2, the buttons 7 are programmed to provide a number of mission critical functions, including (i) an 'emergency response' function, referred to as a 999 mode and (ii) an 'arrive at scene' function, referred to hereafter as an ARR mode.
As mentioned previously, the 999 and ARR modes correspond to different predetermined combinations of lights. For example, the 999 mode corresponds to all strobe (front and rear) and the roof light bar being switched on. The siren may also be initiated. The 'arrive scene' modes corresponds to the front strobes being switched off whilst keeping the rear strobes and light bar operating to warn vehicles approaching the scene. The siren is switched off in this mode. It is the EVC 21 that is pre-programmed to initiate the appropriate combination in response to a control signal from the PSM 7, 11. applications running in parallel on said PC 1. The EVC 21 can initiate the 999 and ARR modes immediately upon receiving the appropriate control signal from the PSM 7, 11.
Thus, the first two buttons 7 of the PSM 1 , 1 are in this case programmed to send either a 999 control signal or an ARR control signal direct to the EVC 21.
The buttons 7 are repeatedly re-programmable so that different or new functions can be assigned to buttons. For example, the 999 function could be moved from the upper left button (in the Figure 1 embodiment) to the button adjacent to it on the right hand side. All that is required is for a user to reprogram the PSM 1, 11.
As part of the programming and re-programming operation, the user is able to specify to the PSM 1 , 11 the image to be displayed on each LCD or LED display. The user may simply type-in a word or legend to be displayed, select one of a predetermined number of icons, or upload an image from an external computer system. In this case, simple text legends are used.
In response to selecting a particular function using one or more of the buttons 7 the processor of the PSM 1, 11 is arranged to indicate, by means of the LCD or LED display, the or each function currently in operation. This may be by means of changing the colour of the image assigned to a button, underlining the image or causing it to flash. For example, if the 999 button is pressed to initiate the 999 mode via the EVC 21 , the LCD or LED display for the 999 button may blink and continue to do so regardless of what other buttons are pressed. In a multitasking environment, this means that a clear and visible indication is continually given to the user as to which function(s) are in operation. As well as enabling each individual one of the buttons 7 to be assigned to a particular function, the PSM 1, 11 also enables combinations of buttons to be assigned to additional functions. This means that the number of functions is not limited to the number of buttons 7. In one case, pushing two or more buttons simultaneously can be interpreted by the PSM processor as a different function; for example pushing the 999 and ARR buttons simultaneously may be used to control the brightness of the screen or the volume of the audio output. In another case, pushing a plurality of buttons in a predetermined sequence may be assigned to another function; for example, pushing the 999 button, followed in quick succession by the ARR button can be assigned to power-down the PSM 1 , 1.
In addition, when one of the buttons 7 is selected, the PSM 1 , 11 may be configured to assign one or more sub-options to the buttons. Thus, if for example, the 999 button is pushed, the current button assignments may change to show different selectable options relevant to the 999 mode, perhaps enabling one of the predetermined combination of lights operated by the EVC 21 to be manually turned off. The current sub-menu may be exited automatically after a predetermined period of time or in response to an 'exit' function assigned to one of the buttons in the sub-menu. The previous 'next level up' menu is then displayed again.
Programming and re-programming of the PSM processor is performed either by connecting a computer, e.g. an external laptop, to the port 31 over a wired or wireless link. An application providing a GUI allowing assignment of the buttons 7 to particular functions and for specifying the legend, image or image upload to be displayed on the LED screen of a button can be pre-stored on memory or provided as a separate application for use on the external computer. As indicated previously, uploading of this data can be achieved via the EVC 21.
In a further embodiment, the buttons 7 are provided in the form of a touch- sensitive buttons rather than physical buttons requiring mechanical displacement to cause selection. In a yet further embodiment, the EVC 21 can be employed as part of a Controller-Area Network (CAN) and connected to other devices and controllers, for example those shown in Figure 3, by a CAN-bus. As will be appreciated, CAN is an data communications message-based protocol designed for vehicles. Programming of the EVC 21 can be achieved via the CAN-bus and command signals from the EVC can be transmitted over the CAN-bus.