Automated vehicle shutdown sequence
US6516251B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 23, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F1/1632
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a system for automatically shutting down a vehicle. The system includes a vehicle system for performing a vehicle function such as brakes for performing braking of the vehicle. A vehicle control system controls the vehicle system by controlling valve switches or actuators to manipulate the vehicle system. A portable handheld computing device includes a program defining a vehicle shutdown sequence. Preferably, the portable handheld computing device is what is known as a personal digital assistant (PDA), such as a Handspring® or Palmpilot®. A cradle removably receives the portable handheld computing device to connect the portable handheld computing device with the vehicle control system, such as through the vehicle databus. A switch enables the portable handheld computing device to command the vehicle control system to perform the vehicle shutdown sequence. The switch may be an ignition switch, a dedicated vehicle shutdown sequence switch, or an icon on a PDA display touch screen. Once the switch has been actuated, the program residing on the portable handheld computing device commands the vehicle control systems to perform the vehicle shutdown …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.