Data processing: vehicles – navigation – and relative location – Navigation – Employing position determining equipment
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-06
2001-06-19
Cuchlinski, Jr., William A. (Department: 3661)
Data processing: vehicles, navigation, and relative location
Navigation
Employing position determining equipment
C701S200000, C701S207000, C701S208000, C345S905000, C340S988000, C340S990000, C342S357490, C342S357490
Reexamination Certificate
active
06249744
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a motorcycle with a navigation system carried thereon. In particular the present invention relates to a motorcycle on which a navigation system which makes use of a personal digital assistance (hereinafter referred to as “PDA”) is carried.
2. Description of Background Art
The use of navigation systems is known, wherein map information and a position detection apparatus (GPS) which makes use of satellite radio waves are combined to display the present location of a vehicle on a map so as to guide the vehicle to a destination. Conventionally, a navigation system for a vehicle has been used principally in four-wheeled cars. In recent years, however, also it has been investigated to carry a navigational system on a motorcycle. For example, in the official gazette of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 6-95276, a motorcycle having a navigation system carried thereon is proposed wherein the mounted position of a direction sensor is taken into consideration so that satellite radio waves may be received readily. Furthermore, in the navigation system disclosed in the official gazette mentioned, a sun visor and an openable and closeable cover are provided on a display unit.
The conventional navigation system still has the following problems where it is attempted to incorporate it suitably in a motorcycle. First, since a motorcycle is generally smaller in size than a four-wheeled car, the space in which a navigation system is carried is limited severely. Second, on a motorcycle, a navigation system is carried in a state wherein it is exposed to the elements.
In particular, the conventional navigation system is too large when used as a system for use with a motorcycle. In addition, no sufficient attention is paid to the position or the manner at or in which the system is carried. Accordingly, further improvement regarding ease of observation of a display screen of the system, protection from dust and water, etc. is demanded.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a motorcycle on which a navigation system which solves the above-described deficiencies and is improved in utility is carried.
In order to achieve the object described above, a first embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a GPS sensor for receiving GPS satellite radio waves and outputting measurement position data, a box member capable of accommodating a PDA which is capable of providing navigation information based on the measurement position data by means of a display panel, and a system controller for repeating the measurement position data to the PDA accommodated in the box member to cause the PDA to perform a navigation operation, and that the box member includes a lid member openable and closeable for allowing the PDA to be inserted into and removed from the box member, a connector connected to input/output terminals of the PDA, and a window for allowing a display panel of the PDA accommodated in the box member to be observed therethrough.
Furthermore, the first embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that a switch for inputting a controlling instruction for the PDA is provided on the box member. Furthermore, the first embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the PDA includes storage means for acquiring necessary map information from the outside and storing the map information, that the PDA and the system controller are connected to each other in the inside of the box member, that the box member is mounted for upward and downward pivotal motion at a substantially central portion of a handlebar and is formed for displacement between a use position in which the box member extends substantially in parallel to a face of an instrument panel of the motorcycle and a retracted position in which the box member extends along the vehicle body, and that the box member is capable of being latched and unlatched by a key of the vehicle.
According to the characteristics described above, navigation information can be displayed making use of a function of the PDA based on measurement position data detected by the GPS sensor. Furthermore, since the PDA can be accommodated in the box member and utilized, protection from dust and water can be anticipated. In addition, since the PDA is removably mounted on the motorcycle through the box, when it is not used for navigation, it can be removed from the motorcycle and carried to prevent burglary or to use the PDA for an application other than navigation.
According to a second embodiment of the present invention for achieving the object described above, a first characteristic of the second embodiment is characterized in that it comprises a GPS sensor for receiving GPS satellite radio waves and outputting measurement position data, an instrument panel for a vehicle provided on a front face of a vehicle body, and a display unit for causing navigation information to be displayed on a display panel based on the measurement position data, and that the display unit is supported on the vehicle body for pivotal motion between a first position set so that a display face of the display unit is substantially parallel to a face of the instrument panel and a second position wherein the display face is retracted at a predetermined angle with respect to the instrument panel.
Furthermore, the second embodiment of present invention has a second characteristic in that the display unit is disposed on the instrument panel, and that the display unit is supported on the vehicle body for posture variation between a first position wherein a display face of the display unit rises along the instrument panel and a second position wherein the display face is directed downwardly along an upper face of the instrument panel.
Furthermore, the second embodiment of the present invention has a third characteristic in that the display unit includes a box member capable of accommodating therein a PDA which is capable of providing navigation information based on the measurement position data by means of the display panel, and a system controller for repeating the measurement position data to a PDA accommodated in the box member to cause the PDA to perform navigation operation, and that the box member is supported on the vehicle body for posture variation between the first position and the second position.
According to the first and second characteristics described above, since the display unit for causing navigation information to be displayed extends, at the first position thereof, along the face of the instrument panel, a driver can recognize the navigation information in a similar sense to that when it looks at the instrument panel. Furthermore, since the display unit is pivoted, at the second position thereof, to the predetermined angle with respect to the instrument panel, the location around the instrument panel is simplified except when navigation information is to be acquired.
According to the third characteristic, essential part of the display unit for navigation information can be formed from a PDA. Furthermore, the box member for accommodating a PDA can be supported for posture variation between the first and second positions on the vehicle body. In particular, navigation information can be displayed using a function of the PDA based on measurement position data detected by the GPS sensor. Then, since the PDA can be used while it is accommodated in the box member, protection from dust and water can be anticipated. Furthermore, since the PDA can be removably mounted on the motorcycle through the box member, when it is not used for navigation, it can be removed from the motorcycle and carried to prevent burgulary or for use in an application other than navigation.
Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the inventio
Arthur Gertrude
Birch & Stewart Kolasch & Birch, LLP
Cuchlinski Jr. William A.
Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
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