In-vehicle infotainment control system and method

Abstract

Example in-vehicle infotainment control systems and methods are described. In one embodiment, a method receives a request from a mobile device to control an in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system of a vehicle. The method determines whether a speed of the vehicle exceeds a threshold and whether the mobile device is operated by a passenger of the vehicle. If the speed of the vehicle exceeds the threshold and the mobile device is operated by a passenger, the mobile device is allowed to control the IVI system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicle systems, and more particularly to systems and methods of controlling an infotainment system of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Motor vehicles and other vehicles provide a significant portion of transportation for commercial, governmental, and private entities. In addition, modern vehicles perform many functions beyond basic transportation. For example, a vehicle may include a sound system, a climate control system, a navigation system, an entertainment system, an interface to mobile devices, a communication system for communicating with devices and systems outside the vehicle, etc. These additional functions may be used by the driver or passengers in the vehicle.

[0003] In some cases, the driver is prevented from making certain changes to the navigation system and other systems while the vehicle is in motion. This restriction is intended to reduce driver distraction while the vehicle is being operated by the driver. However, it may be desirable to allow passengers in the vehicle to make changes to the navigation system and other systems in the vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to the present invention, there is provided a method comprising:

[0005] receiving a request from a mobile device to control an in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system of a vehicle;

[0006] determining whether a speed of the vehicle exceeds a threshold;

[0007] Determining whether the mobile device is operated by an occupant of the vehicle; and

[0008] In response to determining that the speed of the vehicle exceeds the threshold and the mobile device is operated by the passenger, the mobile device is allowed to control the IVI system.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, allowing the mobile device to control the IVI system includes receiving approval from a driver of the vehicle before implementing the proposed control of the IVI system.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein receiving approval from a driver of the vehicle comprises receiving an audible approval.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, receiving approval from a driver of the vehicle includes receiving a physical input to a display screen associated with the IVI system.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, allowing a mobile device to control an IVI system includes:

[0013] Receive control requests for the IVI system from the mobile device;

[0014] Requesting the driver of the vehicle to approve the proposed control of the IVI system; and

[0015] The proposed control of the IVI system is implemented in response to receiving approval from the driver of the vehicle.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, determining whether the speed of the vehicle exceeds a threshold comprises receiving a current vehicle speed from a CAN bus.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, determining whether the mobile device is operated by a passenger of the vehicle includes determining a location of the mobile device within the vehicle.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises determining whether the location of the mobile device within the vehicle is associated with a passenger seat area.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, controlling an IVI system of a vehicle includes mirroring controls of the IVI system on a mobile device.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises preventing the mobile device from controlling the IVI system if the mobile device is not operated by the passenger.

[0021] According to the present invention, there is provided a method comprising:

[0022] receiving a request from a mobile device to control an in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system of a vehicle;

[0023] determining whether a speed of the vehicle exceeds a threshold;

[0024] Determine the location of the mobile device within the vehicle; and

[0025] In response to determining that the speed of the vehicle exceeds the threshold and the mobile device is located in a passenger seat area of ​​the vehicle:

[0026] Receive control requests for the IVI system from the mobile device;

[0027] Requesting the driver of the vehicle to approve the proposed control of the IVI system; and

[0028] The proposed control of the IVI system is implemented in response to receiving approval from the driver of the vehicle.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein receiving approval from a driver of the vehicle comprises receiving an audible approval.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, receiving approval from a driver of the vehicle includes receiving a physical input to a display screen associated with the IVI system.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, determining whether the speed of the vehicle exceeds a threshold comprises receiving a current vehicle speed from a CAN bus.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes allowing the mobile device to control the IVI system of the vehicle by mirroring control of the IVI system on the mobile device.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes preventing the mobile device from controlling the IVI system if the mobile device is not located in a passenger seat area of ​​the vehicle.

[0034] According to the present invention, there is provided a device comprising:

[0035] a communication manager configured to receive a request from a mobile device to control an in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system of a vehicle;

[0036] a vehicle data processing module configured to receive data associated with a speed of the vehicle and determine whether the speed of the vehicle exceeds a threshold;

[0037] a location identification module configured to determine whether the mobile device is operated by a passenger of the vehicle; and

[0038] A driver approval manager is configured to receive a proposed control of the IVI system from a mobile device and request approval from a driver of the vehicle if a speed of the vehicle exceeds a threshold and the mobile device is operated by a passenger of the vehicle.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the driver approval manager is further configured to receive a response from the driver regarding whether to implement the proposed control of the IVI system.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device further comprises a data mirroring module configured to mirror the controlled IVI system on the mobile device.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the driver approval manager is further configured to prevent the mobile device from controlling the IVI system if the mobile device is not operated by a passenger of the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified.

[0043] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of various vehicle systems including an in-vehicle infotainment control system;

[0044] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an in-vehicle infotainment system and associated control system;

[0045] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an in-vehicle infotainment control system;

[0046] Figure 4 An embodiment of a method for determining whether a mobile device is available to control an in-vehicle infotainment system is shown;

[0047] Figure 5 is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a computing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] In the following disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and in which specific embodiments in which the present disclosure may be implemented are shown by way of illustration. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References in the specification to "one embodiment," "embodiment," "example embodiment," etc. indicate that the described embodiment may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but each embodiment may not necessarily include the specific features, structures, or characteristics. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is considered to be within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0049] The implementation of the systems, devices and methods disclosed herein may include or utilize a special or general-purpose computer including computer hardware (such as, for example, one or more processors and system memory), as discussed herein. Implementations within the scope of the present disclosure may also include physical and other computer-readable media for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and / or data structures. Such computer-readable media may be any available media that can be accessed by a general or special-purpose computer system. A computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions is a computer storage medium (device). A computer-readable medium carrying computer-executable instructions is a transmission medium. Therefore, by way of example and not limitation, the implementation of the present disclosure may include at least two distinct computer-readable media: a computer storage medium (device) and a transmission medium.

[0050] Computer storage media (devices) include RAM (random access memory), ROM (read only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), CD-ROM (compact disk-read only drive), solid-state drive ("SSD") (e.g., RAM-based), flash memory, phase change memory ("PCM"), other memory types, other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.

[0051] The implementation of the device, system and method disclosed herein can communicate through a computer network. "Network" is defined as one or more data links that can transmit electronic data between a computer system and / or module and / or other electronic device. When information is transmitted or provided to a computer through a network or other communication connection (hardwired, wirelessly connected or any combination of hardwired or wirelessly connected), the computer can correctly regard the connection as a transmission medium. The transmission medium may include a network and / or a data link, which may be used to carry the desired program code means in the form of a computer executable instruction or a data structure and may be accessed by a general or special purpose computer. The above combination should also be included in the scope of computer-readable media.

[0052] Computer executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data that, when executed at a processor, cause a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or a special-purpose processing device to perform a specific function or group of functions. Computer executable instructions may be, for example, binary files, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, or even source code. Although the subject matter is described in a language dedicated to structural features and / or method actions, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the described features or actions described herein. On the contrary, the described features and actions are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

[0053] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure can be practiced in a network computing environment with many types of computer system configurations, including onboard computers, personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, message processors, hand-held network devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs (personal computers), minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile phones, PDAs (personal digital assistants), tablet computers, pagers, routers, switches, various storage devices, etc. The present disclosure can also be implemented in a distributed system environment, where local and remote computer systems (either through hardwired data links, wireless data links, or through a combination of hardwired and wireless data links) connected via a network all perform tasks. In a distributed system environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote storage devices.

[0054] In addition, where appropriate, the functions described herein may be performed in one or more of the following: hardware, software, firmware, digital components, or analog components. For example, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) may be programmed to perform one or more of the systems and procedures described herein. Certain terms are used throughout the specification and claims to refer to specific system components. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, components may be referred to by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that have different names but the same function.

[0055] It should be noted that the sensor embodiments discussed herein may include computer hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof to perform at least a portion of their functionality. For example, the sensor may include computer code configured to be executed in one or more processors, and may include hardware logic / circuitry controlled by the computer code. These example devices are provided herein for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting. As known to those skilled in the relevant art, embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in other types of devices.

[0056] At least some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a computer program product containing such logic (e.g., in the form of software) stored on any computer usable medium. Such software, when executed in one or more data processing devices, causes the devices to operate as described herein.

[0057] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of various vehicle systems including an in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system 102 and an IVI control system 104. The IVI system 102 may also be referred to as an in-vehicle entertainment system. The IVI system 102 controls various vehicle systems and supports user interaction to control these vehicle systems. For example, the IVI system 102 may control (and allow a user to interact with) a vehicle sound system, a climate control system, a navigation system, an entertainment system, a communication system, etc. As discussed herein, the IVI control system 104 allows an independent device (such as a mobile device operated by a vehicle occupant) to control various functions supported by the IVI system 102. Although the IVI control system 104 is Figure 1 1 and 2. Although shown as a separate component in FIG. 1 , in alternative embodiments, the IVI control system 104 may be incorporated into the IVI system 102 or any other vehicle component.

[0058] The IVI system 102 interacts with other vehicle systems and components, such as to receive user input and receive other data associated with the vehicle and its occupants. For example, the IVI system 102 receives user input from one or more input devices 106 (such as a touch screen, physical interface buttons, etc.). The IVI system 102 also receives user input and other auditory data from one or more microphones 108. For example, a user can provide voice commands to the IVI system 102 through the microphone 108. In addition, the IVI system 102 can receive other auditory data related to sounds inside the vehicle through the microphone 108.

[0059] The IVI system 102 also receives image data from one or more cameras 110. The camera 110 may be located inside the vehicle to capture image data associated with the interior of the vehicle, or may be located outside the vehicle to capture image data associated with the exterior surrounding area of ​​the vehicle. For example, the camera 110 may determine where the occupants are located within the vehicle, such as where each occupant is seated. Additionally, the IVI system 102 receives data from one or more mobile device sensors 112. The mobile device sensor 112 may sense the presence of one or more mobile devices within the vehicle.

[0060] The IVI system 102 also receives information from one or more vehicle data systems 114, such as a data repository, a CAN (controller area network) bus, etc. In some embodiments, the information received from the vehicle data system 114 includes the current speed of the vehicle. The IVI system 102 is also connected to a data storage device 116 for storing relevant or useful data for the operation of the IVI system 102, such as IVI data related to settings and user profiles, map data, driving history, or other data. The IVI system 102 can also be connected to a transceiver 118 for wireless communication with a mobile or wireless network, other vehicles, infrastructure, or any other communication system. In some embodiments, the transceiver 118 communicates with one or more mobile devices within the vehicle.

[0061] The IVI system 102 may be further connected to one or more vehicle control systems 120 that control various vehicle functions, such as braking, steering, etc. The IVI system 102 may also include one or more displays 122, speakers 124, or other devices so that notifications can be provided to a human driver or passenger. The display 122 may include a head-up display, a dashboard display or indicator, a display screen, or any other visual indicator that can be seen by a driver or passenger of the vehicle. The speaker 124 may include one or more speakers of the vehicle's sound system, or may include a speaker dedicated to driver or passenger notifications.

[0062] It should be understood that Figure 1The embodiments shown are given as examples only. Other embodiments may include fewer or additional components without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the components shown may be combined or included in other components without limitation.

[0063] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment 200 of an IVI system 102 and an associated IVI control system 104. Figure 2 As shown, the IVI system 102 communicates with various systems and components within the vehicle to support the functionality provided by the IVI system 102. For example, the IVI system 102 interacts with the sound system 202, the navigation system 204, the climate control system 206, and the entertainment system 208. Figure 2 The boxes 202 to 208 shown in the figure represent the interaction with these systems-the specific system itself is usually located in a position separate from (but connected to) the IVI system 102. In some embodiments, one or more vehicle occupants (e.g., drivers and / or passengers) can interact with the IVI system 102 to control the sound system 202, the navigation system 204, the climate control system 206, or the entertainment system 208. As discussed herein, a specific vehicle occupant can interact with the IVI system 102 using a mobile device 216 that communicates wirelessly (or wired) with the IVI system 102 via a communication link 218. The mobile device 216 includes any type of mobile computing device, such as a tablet computer, a smart phone, a notebook computer, a handheld computer, a laptop computer, etc. In some embodiments, the communication link 218 is a WiFi (wireless local area network) communication link, a Bluetooth communication link, or any other wireless communication link. In other embodiments, the communication link 218 includes a physical cable connecting the mobile device 216 to the IVI system 102.

[0064] The IVI system 102 also includes, for example, a mobile device interface 210 that communicates with a mobile device 216 to receive IVI commands from a user of the mobile device 216. In addition, the IVI system 102 includes one or more applications (i.e., applications) 212 that perform various functions, such as the functions and operations discussed herein. One or more communication systems 214 support communication between the IVI system 102 and other systems located inside or outside the vehicle. For example, the communication system 214 can receive vehicle data, such as vehicle speed, from other vehicle systems.

[0065] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an IVI control system 104. Figure 3As shown, the IVI control system 104 includes a communication manager 302, a processor 304, and a memory 306. The communication manager 302 allows the IVI control system 104 to communicate with other systems (such as the IVI system 102), as discussed herein. The processor 304 executes various instructions to implement the functions provided by the IVI control system 104, as discussed herein. The memory 306 stores these instructions and other data used by the processor 304 and other modules and components included in the IVI control system 104.

[0066] In addition, the IVI control system 104 includes a vehicle data processing module 308 that receives vehicle data from one or more vehicle sensors, vehicle systems, CAN buses, etc. In some embodiments, the vehicle data processing module 308 receives data associated with the current speed of the vehicle from the vehicle sensors, vehicle systems, or CAN buses. As discussed herein, the current speed of the vehicle is used to determine whether the driver of the vehicle is allowed to interact with the IVI system 102.

[0067] The location identification module 310 determines the location of the mobile device and / or occupants within the vehicle. For example, the location identification module 310 can determine whether a particular mobile device is being operated by an occupant in a passenger seat or by an occupant in a driver's seat. Various systems can be used to determine the location of a mobile device within a vehicle. In some embodiments, different audio signals are sent from a speaker of the vehicle and received by the mobile device. Based on the received audio signals, the mobile device can determine its location within the vehicle (e.g., whether the device is located in the passenger seat area or the driver's seat area). The location determination is then transmitted to the location identification module 310. In other embodiments, the received audio signal is sent from the mobile device to the location identification module 310 for processing.

[0068] In alternative embodiments, other types of systems and techniques may be used to determine the location of the mobile device within the vehicle. For example, the mobile device may be "tethered" to a passenger door using a cable (e.g., a USB (Universal Serial Bus) communications cable) having a specific length that prevents the mobile device from being used by the driver. In some embodiments, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader (or other type of ID reader) located in each passenger position may be used to determine the location of the mobile device within the vehicle, such that only mobile devices within a limited range of the RFID reader will be sensed.

[0069] If a mobile device requests access to the vehicle's IVI system while the vehicle is moving, the driver may be restricted from accessing the IVI system because it is a distraction from driving the vehicle. Therefore, the location identification module 310 determines the location of the mobile device. If the mobile device is being operated by an occupant in a passenger seat, the system may allow the mobile device to access and interact with the IVI system while the vehicle is moving. Additional details related to providing IVI system access to a mobile device are discussed herein.

[0070] The IVI control system 104 also includes a data mirroring module 312 that mirrors data from the IVI system 102 on the mobile device. For example, the current display on the IVI system 102 can be mirrored (i.e., copied) on the mobile device display so that the user of the mobile device can interact with the IVI system 102 using the mirrored data on the mobile device display. The data mirroring module 312 manages the communication of data and user input between the IVI system 102 and the mobile device. In some embodiments, an application (also referred to as an "app") installed on the mobile device communicates with the IVI system 102 and simulates the appearance of a user interface associated with the IVI system 102.

[0071] The driver approval manager 314 requests approval from the vehicle driver for changes to the IVI system 102 input by the user via the mobile device. For example, if the user has entered changes to the climate control settings of the IVI system 102, the driver approval manager 314 can request approval from the driver before implementing the climate control changes. The requested approval from the driver may be a visual or auditory request. In some embodiments, when a user requests to change a setting in the IVI system 102, the driver approval manager 314 presents a simple message on the display screen of the IVI system 102, requiring the driver to touch a button on the display screen (or speak a specific command) to approve the requested change. The request manager 316 performs various tasks associated with implementing a user's request to change the settings in the IVI system 102. For example, the request manager 316 can manage changes to the settings in the IVI system 102 requested by the user and approved by the driver.

[0072] Figure 4 An embodiment of a method 400 for determining whether a mobile device can be used to control an in-vehicle infotainment system is shown. Initially, at box 402, the IVI control system receives a request from a mobile device to control an IVI system in a vehicle. At box 404, the IVI control system then determines the current speed of the vehicle. In some vehicles, when the vehicle is traveling above a certain speed (e.g., more than 5 miles per hour), the driver of the vehicle is prevented from operating the IVI system of the vehicle. This restriction can prevent the driver from operating the IVI system when they should be concentrating on driving the vehicle.

[0073] If at 406, the speed of the vehicle is not above the threshold, the method 400 does not allow the mobile device to control the IVI system at box 418. In this case, the vehicle is not moving (or is moving at a very slow speed) and the driver still controls the IVI system. In some embodiments, the driver can allow the mobile device to access the IVI system even when the vehicle is moving below the threshold speed.

[0074] If at 406, the speed of the vehicle exceeds the threshold, the method 400 continues to determine whether the mobile device is operated by the driver or passenger in the vehicle at the IVI control system at box 408. As described above, when the vehicle is moving at a speed faster than the threshold speed, the driver may be restricted from operating the IVI system. This restriction also prevents the driver from operating the mobile device that is controlling (or requesting control of) the IVI system. The method 400 determines whether the mobile device is operated by the driver or the passenger based on the position of the mobile device in the vehicle. If the mobile device is located at the driver's position, it is considered that the mobile device is operated by the driver. However, if the mobile device is located at the passenger position of the vehicle, it is considered that the mobile device is operated by the passenger. If at 410, the mobile device is not operated by the passenger (i.e., operated by the driver), the method 400 does not allow the mobile device to control the IVI system at box 418.

[0075] If at 410, the mobile device is being operated by a passenger, then at box 412 the IVI control system requests approval of the IVI control request from the mobile device. In some embodiments, an audible or visual message or notification is used to request driver approval. For example, an audible message may request the driver to approve the proposed changes to the vehicle's IVI system. The driver may respond to the audible message by saying a confirmation response, such as "yes" or "approval." Alternatively, a visual message may be displayed on the display screen of the IVI system, requesting the driver to approve the proposed changes to the vehicle's IVI system. The driver may respond to the visual message by touching an "approval" or "agree" button on the IVI system display screen or saying an audible confirmation response.

[0076] If at 414, the driver does not approve the IVI control request from the mobile device, then at frame 418, method 400 does not allow the mobile device to control the IVI system. However, at frame 414, if the driver approves the IVI control request from the mobile device, then at frame 416, the mobile device is allowed to control the IVI system by mirroring the IVI display screen on the mobile device. For example, the current display on the IVI system can be mirrored (i.e., copied) on the mobile device display so that the user of the mobile device can interact with the IVI system using the mirroring data on the mobile device display. When the user presses the button on the mirroring display, the corresponding input is transmitted to the IVI system for the IVI system to realize. As discussed herein, the changes implemented using the mobile device may require driver approval. In this case, the IVI system can receive the proposed changes from the mobile device, but the implementation of the changes is delayed until the driver approves the proposed changes, as discussed herein.

[0077] In some embodiments, passenger-specific settings (such as passenger climate control settings or passenger music changes) do not require driver approval. In these embodiments, the passenger-specific setting changes are entered by the passenger via a mobile device. The mobile device transmits the changes to the IVI system, and the IVI system enters the passenger's changes without initiating any driver approval.

[0078] In other embodiments, passengers cannot change certain driver-specific settings. For example, passengers cannot change driver seat settings (heating, cooling, and seat position), heated steering wheel settings, heated mirror settings, etc. In certain embodiments, these driver-specific settings are not presented on the mobile device display, so they are not available for selection or adjustment by the mobile device user.

[0079] In a specific example, a passenger in a moving vehicle may want to enter an address associated with a desired destination into the vehicle's IVI system. The vehicle is moving at a significant speed, so the driver is not allowed to access the IVI system to enter the address. The passenger uses a mobile device with an application that communicates with the IVI system. Using the application on the mobile device, the user enters the desired destination address into the navigation portion of the application and submits the proposed address to the IVI system. The IVI system detects that the vehicle is in motion and determines that the requested change in the IVI system is received from a mobile device operated by a passenger. Therefore, as discussed herein, the IVI system requests approval of the change from the vehicle driver. If the driver approves the change, the IVI system provides the destination address to the navigation portion of the IVI system so that the navigation portion can determine the route to the destination address. Similar methods are used to make other changes to the IVI system, such as sound system changes, climate control changes, entertainment system changes, communication changes, etc.

[0080] Figure 5 is a block diagram depicting an example computing device 500. Computing device 500 can be used to execute various programs, such as those discussed herein. Computing device 500 can be used as a server, client, IVI system, or any other computing entity. Computing device 500 can be any of a variety of computing devices, such as a desktop computer, a notebook computer, a laptop computer, a server computer, a handheld computer, a tablet computer, a mobile device, etc.

[0081] Computing device 500 includes one or more processors 502, one or more memory devices 504, one or more interfaces 506, one or more mass storage devices 508, and one or more input / output (I / O) devices 510, all of which are connected to a bus 512. Processor 502 includes one or more processors or controllers that execute instructions stored in memory device 504 and / or mass storage device 508. Processor 502 may also include various types of computer-readable media, such as cache memory.

[0082] The memory device 504 includes various computer-readable media such as volatile memory (eg, random access memory (RAM)) and / or nonvolatile memory (eg, read-only memory (ROM)). The memory device 504 may also include a rewritable ROM such as a flash memory.

[0083] The mass storage device 508 includes various computer-readable media, such as magnetic tapes, magnetic disks, optical disks, solid-state memory (e.g., flash memory), etc. Various drives may also be included in the mass storage device 508 to enable reading from and / or writing to various computer-readable media. The mass storage device 508 includes removable media and / or non-removable media.

[0084] I / O devices 510 include various devices that allow data and / or other information to be input into or retrieved from computing device 500. Example I / O devices 510 include a cursor control device, a keyboard, a keypad, a microphone, a monitor or other display device, a speaker, a printer, a network interface card, a modem, a camera, a CCD (charge coupled device) or other image capture device, and the like.

[0085] Interfaces 506 include various interfaces that allow computing device 500 to interact with other systems, devices, or computing environments. Example interfaces 506 include any number of different network interfaces, such as interfaces to a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless network, a CAN bus, and the Internet.

[0086] The bus 512 allows the processor 502, memory device 504, interface 506, mass storage device 508, and I / O device 510 to communicate with each other and with other devices or components connected to the bus 512. The bus 512 represents one or more of several types of bus structures, such as a system bus, a PCI (Programmable Communications Interface) bus, an IEEE 1394 bus, a USB bus, etc.

[0087] For purposes of illustration, programs and other executable program components are shown herein as discrete boxes, but it should be understood that such programs and components may reside in different storage components of computing device 500 at various times and be executed by processor 502. Alternatively, the systems and processes described herein may be implemented in hardware, or a combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. For example, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) may be programmed to perform one or more of the systems and programs described herein.

[0088] Although various embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein, it should be understood that they are presented as examples only, not limitations. It will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any described exemplary embodiments, but should only be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. The specification herein is presented for the purpose of illustration and description. This is not exhaustive or limits the present disclosure to the exact form disclosed. In view of the disclosed teachings, many modifications and variations are possible. In addition, it should be noted that any or all of the alternative embodiments discussed herein may be used in any desired combination to form additional hybrid embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A control method for an in-vehicle infotainment system, comprising: receiving a request from a mobile device to control an in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system of a vehicle; determining whether a speed of the vehicle exceeds a threshold; determining whether the mobile device is operated by an occupant of the vehicle; and in response to determining that the speed of the vehicle exceeds the threshold and the mobile device is operated by the passenger, allowing the mobile device to control the IVI system; Wherein, determining whether the mobile device is operated by a passenger of the vehicle comprises: sending different audio signals from the vehicle's speakers and receiving them by the mobile device, Based on the received audio signal, it is determined whether the location of the mobile device within the vehicle is a passenger seat area of ​​the vehicle. 2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein allowing the mobile device to control the IVI system comprises receiving approval from a driver of the vehicle before implementing the proposed control of the IVI system.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein allowing the mobile device to control the IVI system comprises: receiving a control request for the IVI system from the mobile device; requesting a driver of the vehicle to approve a proposed control of the IVI system; and Proposed control of the IVI system is implemented in response to receiving approval from the driver of the vehicle. The method of claim 2 , wherein receiving approval from the driver of the vehicle comprises receiving an audible approval. 5 . The method of claim 2 , wherein receiving approval from the driver of the vehicle comprises receiving physical input to a display screen associated with the IVI system. The method of claim 1 , wherein controlling the IVI system of the vehicle comprises mirroring control of the IVI system on the mobile device. 7 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising preventing the mobile device from controlling the IVI system if the mobile device is not being operated by a passenger. 8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein determining whether the speed of the vehicle exceeds a threshold comprises receiving a current vehicle speed from a CAN bus.

9. A method for controlling an in-vehicle infotainment system, comprising: receiving a request from a mobile device to control an in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system of a vehicle; determining whether a speed of the vehicle exceeds a threshold; determining a location of the mobile device within the vehicle; and In response to determining that the speed of the vehicle exceeds the threshold and the mobile device is located in a passenger seat area of ​​the vehicle: receiving a control request for the IVI system from the mobile device; requesting a driver of the vehicle to approve a proposed control of the IVI system; and implementing proposed control of the IVI system in response to receiving approval from the driver of the vehicle; Wherein, determining the position of the mobile device in the vehicle comprises: sending different audio signals from the vehicle's speakers and receiving them by the mobile device, Based on the received audio signal, it is determined whether the location of the mobile device within the vehicle is a passenger seat area of ​​the vehicle. 10 . The method of claim 9 , wherein receiving approval from the driver of the vehicle comprises receiving an audible approval. 11 . The method of claim 9 , wherein receiving approval from the driver of the vehicle comprises receiving physical input to a display screen associated with the IVI system. 12 . The method of claim 9 , wherein determining whether the speed of the vehicle exceeds a threshold comprises receiving a current vehicle speed from a CAN bus. 13 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising allowing the mobile device to control the IVI system of the vehicle by mirroring control of the IVI system on the mobile device. 14 . The method of claim 13 , further comprising preventing the mobile device from controlling the IVI system if the mobile device is not located in a passenger seat area of ​​the vehicle.

15. An in-vehicle infotainment control device, comprising: a communication manager configured to receive a request from a mobile device to control an in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system of a vehicle; a vehicle data processing module configured to receive data associated with a speed of the vehicle and determine whether the speed of the vehicle exceeds a threshold; a location identification module configured to determine whether the mobile device is operated by a passenger of the vehicle; and a driver approval manager configured to receive a proposed control of the IVI system from the mobile device and request approval from a driver of the vehicle if a speed of the vehicle exceeds the threshold and the mobile device is operated by a passenger of the vehicle; The location recognition module sends different audio signals from the vehicle's speakers and the mobile device receives them. Based on the received audio signal, the mobile device determines whether the location of the mobile device within the vehicle is a passenger seating area of ​​the vehicle and sends the determination of the location to the location identification module.

16. The device of claim 15, further comprising a data mirroring module configured to mirror control of the IVI system on the mobile device.

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