Karputer Awarded UK Patent for Vehicle-mounted Computers

Innovation from sector pioneer will drive development of next-generation in-car computing platforms

[ClickPress, Thu Nov 01 2007] Karputer, the European leader in advanced in-car computing systems, has been awarded a patent for vehicle-mounted computer systems.

The UK Patent GB 2 412 789 covers vehicle-mounted computers that are integrated with the vehicle’s existing electrical and audio systems, fitted into the vehicle’s interior and controlled by touch-screen or voice recognition.

The newly patented invention gives automotive manufacturers, aftermarket suppliers and vehicle owners a full-function, in-car Windows computer that runs office, multimedia, Internet communications, and GPS navigation software. This enables Karputer platforms to uniquely support a complete range of business, logistics, entertainment and driver-aid applications.

Matt Thornhill, Karputer product director said: “It’s gratifying to be awarded this patent and recognised for our innovation in this sector. Karputer platforms deliver rich in-vehicle computing applications without compromise, making them ideal for business or entertainment functions with easy, ergonomic control. This patent reinforces our commitment to providing the most advanced, comprehensive in-vehicle computing solutions for OEMs and end-users.”

Karputer is currently developing its new, modular in-vehicle computer for introduction in 2008. The company launched Europe’s first in-car Windows computer, ICEPAC, in 2004, combining Wi-Fi / 3G web access and voice-guided satellite navigation with touchscreen control of office and entertainment software. This was supplemented in 2005 by the ICEPAC2, which offered enhanced functionality and performance.

Earlier in 2007 Karputer announced its Ranger user interface for all in-car computing devices. Ranger gives easy, touchscreen-friendly access to media, navigation and other computing applications for drivers.

Featuring a simple intuitive interface, plug-in modular functionality and an SDK for 3rd party plug-ins, the Ranger UI is supplied complete with the advanced VESPA navigation system and routing engine.

VESPA features tracking and location-based services, enabling person-to-person or car-to-car navigation, not just point-to-point, providing extra safety and security in unforeseen circumstances, by sending the user’s GPS location to a pre-set contact list.

Ranger UI software can be used on any in-vehicle Windows computing platform, and is fully compatible with laptops and UMPC handheld devices.

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