The present invention provides a vehicle information display and communication
system having a plurality of operative modules, the system includes a control processing
unit adapted to provide an interface among the plurality of operative modules.
The operative modules include a display module adapted to provide visual information
to the occupants of the vehicle, a navigation module adapted for global positioning
satellite reception to provide vehicle position information to the control processing
unit, and a telecommunications module adapted for wireless communication to provide
communication between the control processing unit and a wireless telecommunications
network and between the control processing unit and any one of a plurality of local
wireless devices. The system further includes a local network interface module
adapted to provide communication between a vehicle control bus and the control
processing unit, and an antenna array including a GPS antenna mounted in an overhead
console, the overhead console adapted to extend forward over the upper edge of
the vehicle windshield such that GPS antenna maintains line-of-sight with at least
one global positioning satellite transmitter at all times.