Carputer

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Carputer is a term sometimes used to refer to a computer installed in a car. Another term for Carputer is 'CarPC'. Carputer systems can be composed of a larger desktop computer, a laptop, or other smaller form-factor computer. Carputer enthusiasts are the hobbyist class of the commercial telematics industry.

Below is a list of things that a carputer can (possibly) do. This list is by nature never complete.

Contents

[edit] Typical system

A typical Carputer system is composed of four parts:

  • Machine
  • Display
  • Interface hardware
  • Power Supply

[edit] Machine

The machine is the heart of a carputer system. Based on budget, enthusiasts can easily incorporate and install essentially any computer. Back in 2000 - when hardware prices were still pretty high and laptops were thousands of dollars, the first carputer systems were based on hardware such as 400 MHz eMachine desktops. Prices have come down so much on small form motherboards that even those on a budget can build a small machine for little money. Also, there's a growing market of used carputer hardware for sale - which helps the beginner afford a system and learn the ropes.

In 2006, the average carputer runs at CPU speeds approximating 1 GHz. Typical memory usage varies from 256MB to 1GB. As always, performance and flexibility will be a function of the available processor and memory resources.

[edit] Screen

You have to be able to command your carputer system. Preferably, this process should be as easy as possible. Initial carputers (pre-2000) typically used LCD character displays to interface and play music. Commands were typically sent to the carputer by means of a keyboard. Not far after the initial advent of the carputer, many people started using a wireless serial port remote to control their machines. This was about the time that small TV screens became affordable. The majority of the first (affordable) carputer screens were RCA video input only.

This awkward phase of sub-par display devices was frustrating to the carputer community. Users had difficulty justifying $1000+ for a nice screen, and for the most part, screens that nice were rare or just unavailable. Modern screens are leaps and bounds better than those just a few years ago.

The most common modern-day screen that people use is the 7 inch VGA touch screen. Typical models used are Lilliput or Xenarc screens. Here are pictures of each model:

Image:XenarcScreen.jpgImage:LilliputScreen.jpg (Images provided by Mobile-Effects.com)

[edit] Interface Hardware

In addition to the display unit, many other options exist to interact with a CarPC in a manner that does not distract the driver from the most important task - keeping the car on the road.

In 2005, users were beginning to experiment with Heads Up Display options, although these are typically custom built rather than mass produced.

Bluetooth devices are commonly used in the CarPC environment to wirelessly connect to GPS devices, mobile phones, or keyboards used to manage and maintain the system.

Other alternatives for control involve the use of either IR or RF connected remote controls for hands-only, driving-friendly control.

[edit] Power

The most basic question those new to Carputers have is how to power the machine. Laptop users have an easier option, use of internal batteries. All other Carputer machines need one of two methods for power. One method is the use of an inverter, the other is the use of a DC-DC power supply.

[edit] Basic features

(these are available in off the shelf systems)

NOTE: Some of the features/ideas below may be illegal to run while a vehicle is in operation.

  • Play music from CDs, harddrive (MP3s, other compressed files) or external device (USB/PCI FM radio receiver, etc)
  • Play video from DVDs, VCDs or from the harddrive
  • GPS: Provide location tracking, route planning/navigation, etc. (Note: Hard drives are sensitive to vibration, so driving with your carputer turned on may shorten the life of the hard drive. Because laptop (2.5") hard drives are designed for such a portable device, they are generally more tollerant of shock and are an ideal choice over desktop (3.5") hard drives. More information is needed on this topic.)
  • Satellite radio radio through external receivers. (Both Sirius and XM available)
  • Ease of operation through touchscreen display
  • Internet browsing through an eligible cell phone or wireless 802.11 connection
  • Hands free cell phone control via software with bluetooth
  • Other external application support

[edit] Intermediate features

  • Display video from car mounted camera for backing up. (infrared cameras are available for backing up at night)
  • Record video from a webcam/mini-dv camera and store it to the carputer for later perusal. (good for recording close calls on the freeway - setup a rolling buffer which stores the last X minutes on button press)
  • Connect with your cars OBD-II interface and display real-time data on all diagnostic information available. (RPM/Temps/Speedo/etc.) Pull error codes immediately. Never wonder what a check-engine light is for again.
  • Wardriving: Using your 802.11b or g wireless connection and GPS, locate and log locations of wireless routers.
  • Play video games: Run an emulator and have every Atari game. Alternately include actual gaming system in the car.
  • Download traffic/weather information from internet. (use home WIFI or connect through mobile phone)
  • Connect to a mobile phone or other device using Bluetooth (useful for voice and data comms and synchronizing with PDAs, etc.)
  • Interfacing with factory steering wheel buttons or equivalent.
  • Provide nightvision capability with infrared cameras.
  • Wireless synchronization of files between desktop and carputer
  • Use broadband internet phone options with cellular data card

[edit] Advanced features

  • Process video from car in real-time using image recognition software. Capture license plates and store in database with GPS location.
  • Using your GPS receiver, store logs of locations vs speed and time of day. This could be uploaded to a collaborative site for predicting travel times vs time of day. (very useful in areas where freeway congestion is variable)
  • Provide realtime tracking of vehicle location.

[edit] External links

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