| 摘要 |
A system for integrating components into a vehicle wherein the components comprise devices coupled to an in-car network. The network provides for easy re-configuration and upgrading of the vehicle, as well as improved communication of information between the vehicle's systems and integration of the vehicle network into external networks. The network may include one or more devices which are addressable using IP addresses or object terminology. The devices may include various servers and clients, such as microphones, cameras, GPS receivers, interfaces to on-board diagnostic systems, communication devices, displays, CD players, radios, speakers, security devices and LANs (local area networks). Devices may easily be connected or disconnected to upgrade or reconfigure the vehicle's systems, and software and services can easily be provided to the various devices through the network. The network can enable the interaction of various network devices to increase the capabilities or utility of devices which may otherwise be limited. The system therefore provides an easy and inexpensive means to improve or otherwise modify the functionality of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the in-vehicle network comprises an ethernet, although other embodiments can be implemented in any other type of network. Communication devices such as wireless modems and wireless ethernet allow communications with devices and networks external to the in-vehicle network so that data, software, services and other information can be downloaded from or uploaded to these external sources. The in-vehicle network can also be coupled to an external network through these communication devices so that it can function as a device (a sub-network) on the external network. Traditional vehicle components may be replaced by network devices, thereby providing extended functionality to the driver. For example, the vehicle's dashboard may be replaced by a monitor, which displays images of dashboard instruments, vehicle data and other information to the driver. Graphics generated by a server on the network may be designed to emulate digital or analog gauges which are normally found on a dashboard.
|
