Preliminary Specification - Instrument Panel and Process Control computer module
Introduction:Developing electric vehicles presents several challenges which can be efficiently solved by the use of a microprocessor system capable of what is technically referred to as process control.
Those issues are:
1. Battery condition gauging needs to be calculated and presented to the user in a useable form such as miles remaining . --- This can only be done with a computer. Other functions that can be done better with a computer are security, battery history and performance gauging (speed/miles).
2. Vehicle manufacturers must design the entire vehicle electrical system and source all switches, printed circuit boards, fuses etc. --- A computer with all wiring and control facilities included will allow the OEM to simply wire the vehicle to a standard connector which the computer simply plugs in to and performs the functions required. Virtually all switches (and the electro-mechanical design/implementation burden) would be eliminated bringing the initial costs down dramatically.
3. Accessories for electric vehicles are not readily available. --- Accessories for microprocessor are inexpensively available (radios, cellular phone, satellite navigation etc.) and can provide functions not available on many large vehicles.
4. Electric vehicles are foreign to new users. --- Use of clever programs can provide a level of familiarity and sophistication to bring acceptance to virtually all users. In addition, the programmability of the system provides a level of access to sophisticated users that will make the vehicle much more desirable. It will be possible for users to write programs to optimize their system; an option which had great effect on the burgeoning personal computer industry.
5. Use of a full purpose "pc" compatible computer platform that runs Windows allows vehicle users to to perform a myriad of computational or communicational tasks while away from home. With this option and vehicle connectivity (plus power independence!) there is an awesome potential for effective technology utilization. Hmm.. I want one now!.Description:
1. General:
a. Processor Intel 586 code compatible with MSDOS and MS Windows
b. Memory: 4 Mb ram expandable to 64 Mb, 1 to 4 Mb EPROM, 128k EEPROM exp. to 512 kb
c. Power: 10 to 18 Volts @ 25 Watts maximum (+ 25 Watts maximum for audio use)2.Input/Output:
a. VGA compatible video (640 X 480) to LCD display with external vga display optional
b. PCMCIA type 3 port, primary & secondary E IDE ports
c. Ports: 2 serial, 1 parallel, 2 USB, game, audio, PS/2 mouse and PS/2 keyboard
d. Windows compliant stereo audio with 4- 8Watt audio amplifiers
e. 24 parallel I/O lines, 6-16 bit counters, 8 channels of 12 bit ADC, 4 channels 12 bit DAC
f. 8-2 Amp sources, 8-6 amp sources, all current limited and reverse polarity protected
g. Sensors: 2 microphone, 2 light, 2 temperature (pressure and acceleration optional)
h. PC104 capability and Real time clock with battery backup3. Mechanical:
a. Mechanical: Dimensions: 8.25" high, 10.5" wide, 1.5" deep; Weight 4 pounds
b. Configuration: Unit consists of an LCD display with the single 8" by 10" computer mounted 1" behind.
The display bezel is a molded plastic and mates with the drawn aluminum or molded back cover. The back cover has threaded inserts to allow attachment to a vertical surface. All connections except for keyboard (on lower right side) and PCMCIA (left hand side) are located on the bottom of the unit to allow direct plug-in to vehicle or other system.
4. Costs: (10-25k qty.)
a. Display and bezel plate: $ 80
b. Computer board complete: $135
c. Total: $2155. Functional:
A. At power turn on the user is presented with an opening screen which contains all situation
information necessary to operate vehicle. Selecting alternate screen presents user with a
digital presentation of situation data and data normally collected by the system.
B. Selecting setup page(s) allows setting values and modifying behavior of the program.
1. Battery condition estimation (as miles-to-go) and battery history.
2. Power/light control by icon selection on front panel via joystick or other user defined response.
3. Security control by icon selection
4. Full instrument functions in digital and analog representation,
5. Setup page contains a macro language to write new functions or modify old.
C. Additional features possible are:
1. Voice response for emergency or other appropriate functions as desired
2. Optimizing guides for energy use and management
3. Charge system management via PWM control signal and/or parallel port
4. System response to sound and light (train to voice; automatic headlight dimming)
D. System may be used for other tasks possible with a system of this capability while
maintaining minimal situation information on a bar or insert.6. Overview:
This system is a valuable, programmable control element for any vehicle or power system where accurate, inexpensive real-time energy management is required. Programming may be done with a multitude of tools and programs available in the Intel PC community. Thousands of accessories are available that will simply plug in to the PCMCIA ports and be of instant use (satellite navigation, CD audio, cellular phones, etc.). Tens of thousands of programs are available that will install and run in Windows mode. Commercial use with a trackball or joystick on one serial port could fill an important niche in process controls; current cost for this much function is over $800 and must be integrated. This device is also a natural for greenhouses, agriculture processes and energy management in general; it would make an excellent energy-efficient house management system.
Return to Main page