US Patent:
20110169755, Jul 14, 2011
Inventors:
MICHAEL SEAN MURPHY - CLEARWATER FL, US
DAWN ANNE BARKER - CLEARWATER FL, US
International Classification:
G06F 3/041
G09G 5/00
Abstract:
Various embodiments of computer systems, methods, and computer programs are disclosed for implementing an integrated vehicle entertainment/navigation (IVEN) computer system. One embodiment is an integrated vehicle entertainment and navigation system comprising a central computer, a primary display device, a first secondary display device, a second secondary display device, and a multi-zone configuration module. The central computer is powered by a power source of a vehicle, and comprises a processor and a memory. The primary display device is located in a first zone in the vehicle and is in communication with the central computer. The first secondary display device is located in a second zone in the vehicle and the second secondary display device is located in a third zone in the vehicle. The first and second secondary display devices are in communication with the central computer via a multi-zone hub. The multi-zone configuration module is embodied in the memory of the central computer and executed by the processor. The multi-zone configuration module comprises logic configured to present a multi-zone control menu to the primary display device via a graphical user interface. The multi-zone configuration module further comprises logic configured to selectively control, via the multi-zone control menu presented to the primary display device, access by the first and second secondary display devices to media or applications stored in the memory of the central computer.
