From Snowulf

Project Christine - Car Intelligence System

Contents 1 Basic Goal 2 Stages 2.1 Stage 1 2.2 Stage 2 2.3 Stage 3 2.4 Stage 4 2.5 Beyond 3 Topic Breakdown 3.1 Anti-Theft 3.2 Profiles/Pin Based Login 3.3 Remote Starting 3.4 War driving 3.5 Wifi Data Access 3.6 Cell Data Access 3.7 Hands Free Calling 3.8 Data Collection 3.9 Data Entry 3.10 GPS 3.11 OBD-II 4 Additional 4.1 Notes 4.2 Software 4.3 Vehicular Improvements 5 Possible Alternatives 5.1 Asus Eee PC

Basic Goal

To build a car base computer that is designed around utility, rather than media.

Stages

The system will not be built all at once in all likelihood. It will need to be built in stages depending on complexity of software and hardware availability.

Stage 1

• GPS
• Integrated into vehicle sound system
• Bluetooth
  • Hands free calling
• Audio
  • MP3
• Touchscreen display

Stage 2

• WIFI
  • Internet Access
• Bluetooth
  • GPRS/3G access
• Audio
  • AM
  • FM

Stage 3

• OBD-II Reader [1]
• Audio
  • XM

Stage 4

• Audio
  • HD [2]
• Tank Battery [3]
• Sensors [4] [5]
  • Tire PSI
  • Temp - Inside/Outside
  • Accelerometers
  • Rear distance

Beyond

• Multiple independent screens. Passengers?

Topic Breakdown

Anti-Theft

• A vehicle w/o permanent 'net connection will only be able to do so much
• 4+ digit Pin based login. Multiple wrong attempts will allow login, but acting in "theft" mode
• Theft mode outwardly normal, in the background searching for useable WIFI for databurst
• HTTP post (fastest possible proto) GPS and misc vehicle data to remote server.
  • Example: http://www.popsci.com/diy/article/2006-04/track-anyone-cell
• Remote server can reply with additional info/instructions for car.
• Hijacking mode?

Profiles/Pin Based Login

• Allows for multiple "profiles" w/o special user selection
• Layer of security for Anti-Theft
• special "emergency pin" to activate hijacking mode
• Will need temporary (expiring) profiles if vehicle on loan.
• Possibility of Bluetooth for profile selection - based on "trusted" phones
• Bluetooth could be used to defeat anti-theft though

Remote Starting

• Possible to use an RFID keyfob to cause the computer to begin booting before even getting in the car

War driving

• Constant recording
• Automatic upload

Wifi Data Access

• Normally don't use any old wifi connection
• Emergency mode to search for any available wifi
• High speed = bad for wifi usage
• "Trusted" AP's when seen automatically connect
• Only download "updated" on trusted AP's

Cell Data Access

• Allow only critical transfers & web browsing

Hands Free Calling

• Upon incoming call automatically:
  • Switch to phone "tab"
  • Display number / name (if possible)
  • Pause/mute all music
• Allow normal system operation until outgoing actually placed, then suspend all activity
• Upon disconnection of call, resume system
• Possible volume lower / music fade back in on resume.

Data Collection

• Alot of data could possibly be collected and stored
• Local MySQL Database?
• Sensor Data
  • Temp
  • Accel
• GPS Data
  • Location
  • Altitude
  • Speed
• Vehicle data from OBD-II
• Would need to be archived & offload periodically - assuming smaller HD
• Ability to post to server?

Data Entry

• Default to "fast" data entry needed for any time car in motion
• Default to "detailed" data entry when car stopped
• Allow override (Passenger could be using system)
• Example: GPS in "fast" would give list of previous destinations/POS. "Detailed" would also show address entry/POI search.

GPS

• Keep previous location to use for lock on reboot?
• What software?
• Need current location mapping
• Need destination based routing
• POI Database preferred
• Ability to include dead reckoning?
  • OBD-II contains vehicle speed
  • Where would directional info come from?

OBD-II

• Is it possible to get fuel economy? or calculate?
• Pop-up on engine warning light
• Vehicular "overview"
• PIDs of interest
  • Coolant Temp
  • Engine RPM
  • Vehicle Speed
  • Fuel Level Input?
  • Barometric pressure
  • Ambient air temperature
  • VIN
• Bluetooth interface
• Splitter

Additional

Notes

• Should be very quick to start up
• Probably solid state OS disk. CompactFlash over SATA?
• Hibernate instead of shutdown?
• Ability to override car-off shutdown control.

Software

• Fill up / MPG Recorded
• Maint Recorder
• Simple Calc

Vehicular Improvements

• http://www.sounddeadenershowdown.com/

Possible Alternatives

Asus Eee PC

Utilize an Asus Eee PC (which has a solid state hard drive).

This allows for the following:

1. Use existing Garmin GPS system
   • Need new software though
2. Purchase a touchscreen modification to allow for ease of use while driving (no one should mouse and drive)
3. Utilize an FM transmitter to route the sound through your stereo
   • Alternatively, purchase a stereo that allows for Line In
4. Using an EV-DO connection would grant internet access, and through skype you could have hands free calling
   • I am sure there is software out there to utilize the laptops bluetooth connection to "handle" the phone, though I don't know any off hand.