On-board Vehicle Computing, A “Bring Your Own” Approach

On-board vehicle information, navigation, and computing systems traditionally use built-in or embedded computer design strategies. A different approach recently demonstrated on two DaimlerChrysler concept vehicles focuses on the use of a removable or customer supplied computer to do the in-vehicle computing. The use of a “bring your own” computer will help the OEM avoid obsolescence issues that would normally be associated with an embedded computer solution. This in-vehicle computer will allow the merger of both future information and automotive electronics technology to create “Infotronic” systems capable of guiding drivers on future intelligent highway systems. Two such “Infotronic” proposals will be explored. The first system, installed in the Dodge “ESX-2” concept car, employs a removable handheld personal computer (HPC). A second system, installed in the Jeep “Commander” concept vehicle, uses a removable laptop computer and supports the same “bring your own” approach. Thoughts on future Infotronic systems will also be explored.