Project Abstract

The scope of this project is to design and build a mobile wireless car mp3 player (MWMP). Current typical car MP3 players are limited by their method of file transfer and their user interface. Our project addresses these issues by using wireless networking as a means to provide a more expedient approach to communication with the device. The use of an external antenna will provide more connectivity; simply parking the car in front of the house will permit usage. The display unit of our project will use a 6.4-inch LCD panel with a touch screen interface. Current units on the market only use 2x40 character displays that severely hinder functionality. Simple and intuitive hardwired buttons will provide immediate access to the most used functions of a car media player, greatly limiting hazardous driver distraction. The project will consist of three major components: the home unit, the central processing unit (CPU), and the front end. The home unit will consist of the wireless network hub that will interface with the home computer; the CPU will consist of a PC104 embedded computer running Windows 98; and the front end will consist of the LCD touch screen panel and the associated software for the user interface. At the end of the scheduled project deadline, we will have a completed prototype ready for demonstration.