David Edward Kappler

US Patent:

6411874, Jun 25, 2002

Filed:

Jan 18, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/764924

Inventors:

Joseph Morgan - College Station TX
Johnny R. Hausman - College Station TX
Shawn Chilek - Bryan TX
Greg Hubenak - Euless TX
David Kappler - Bryan TX
John Witz - College Station TX
George B. Wright - College Station TX

Assignee:

Texas AM University Systems - College Station TX

International Classification:

G06F 700

US Classification:

701 36, 340902, 340468

Abstract:

A central control system is described that affords intuitive and easy control of numerous subsystems associated with a police car or other emergency vehicle and reduces the cockpit clutter associated with present control systems. A single user interface device is associated with a central controller capable of receiving input commands and outputting device control commands to a plurality of controlled devices or subsystems. Preferably, the central controller comprises a programmable digital computer. An emergency response system is also described which rapidly coordinates and controls operation of a plurality of emergency subsystems associated with the vehicle in accordance with a predetermined scheme of operation for the devices. In one preferred embodiment, the controller receives a single input command and, in response, provides specific device control commands to several individual controlled devices on a relatively simultaneous basis. A hierarchical device command structure is also taught which permits individual control of features among each of the controlled subsystems.

US Patent:

61889393, Feb 13, 2001

Filed:

Aug 18, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/912676

Inventors:

Joseph Morgan - College Station TX
Johnny R. Hausman - College Station TX
Shawn Chilek - Bryan TX
Greg Hubenak - Vanderbilt TX
David Kappler - Bryan TX
John Witz - College Station TX
George B. Wright - College Station TX

Assignee:

The Texas A&M University System - College Station TX

International Classification:

G06F 700

US Classification:

701 36

Abstract:

A central control system that affords intuitive and easy control of numerous subsystems associated with a police car or other emergency vehicle and reduces the cockpit clutter associated with present control systems. An emergency response system is described that rapidly coordinates and controls operation of a plurality of emergency subsystems associated with a predetermined scheme of operation for the devices. In one preferred embodiment, the controller receives a single input command and, in response, provides specific device control commands to several individual controlled devices on a relatively simultaneous basis.