(i9) United States
(12) Patent Application Publication oo) Pub. No.: US 2006/0155431 Al
Berg et al. (43) Pub. Date: Jul. 13,2006
(54) VEHICLE INFORMATION SYSTEM WITH REMOTE COMMUNICATOR
Publication Classification
(76) Inventors: Frederick J. Berg, Auburn, MI (US);
Remon S. Jiddou, Oak Park, MI (US);
Ronald H. Dybalski, Oxford, MI (US);
Jason L. Grander, Midland, MI (US);
Timothy J. Bennett, Kawkawlin, MI
(US); Richard K. Riefe, Saginaw, MI
(US)
An information system for a vehicle includes a computer for handling informational data. This information data includes vehicle data corresponding to operation of the vehicle and external data such as internet web pages and email. A primary display is connected to the computer and in a position to be viewed by a driver of the vehicle. A primary input device allows input to the computer and manipulation of the primary display. A remote communicator is also operatively connected to the computer and movable about the vehicle. The remote communicator includes a secondary display and a secondary input device for sending input to the computer and manipulating the secondary display. The secondary input device is also programmed to control the primary display for manipulating the informational data that is displayed to the driver. The remote communicator may be a programmable handheld computer or PDA interfacing with the vehicle computer through an internal wireless network.
