System and method for vehicle seat-based companion device

Abstract

In at least one embodiment, a multimedia system is provided. The multimedia system includes a first mobile device. The first mobile device includes at least one first controller programmed to receive first information indicating the location of a second mobile device situated around a vehicle, and to receive second information corresponding to a first multimedia signal. The at least one first controller is further programmed to generate a user prompt on its display indicating (i) the first multimedia signal available to the first mobile device from the second mobile device; and (ii) the location of the second mobile device situated around the vehicle based on the second information. The at least one first controller is further programmed to send a command to receive the first multimedia signal from the second mobile device in response to a user selection at the user prompt.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 615,629, filed December 28, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The aspects disclosed herein generally relate to systems and methods for vehicle seat-based companion devices. These and other aspects will be discussed in more detail herein. Background Technology

[0004] Beyond the seat-centric functions, vehicles now offer personalized features. In today's vehicles, this requires adjustments to the main user interface, typically located on the dashboard. Some vehicles offer applications that the driver or passengers can access from a location away from the vehicle. Passengers do not have access to the vehicle's main user interface and therefore may not be able to experience media-related parameters provided by the vehicle's multimedia system. Similarly, the vehicle's multimedia system may not allow passengers to share their content with the vehicle, which could then be sent or distributed to other passengers in the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In at least one embodiment, a multimedia system is provided. The multimedia system includes a first mobile device for positioning within a vehicle. The first mobile device includes at least one first controller programmed to receive first information indicating the location of a second mobile device positioned around the vehicle, and to receive second information from the second mobile device corresponding to a first multimedia signal available to the first mobile device. The at least one first controller is further programmed to generate a user prompt on its display indicating (i) the first multimedia signal available to the first mobile device from the second mobile device based on the first information; and (ii) the location of the second mobile device positioned around the vehicle based on the second information. The at least one first controller is further programmed to send a command to receive the first multimedia signal from the second mobile device in response to a user selection at the user prompt.

[0006] In at least another embodiment, a method for a multimedia system is provided. The method includes: receiving at a first mobile device the first information indicating the location of a second mobile device situated around a vehicle; and receiving at the first mobile device, from the second mobile device, the second information corresponding to a first multimedia signal available to the first mobile device. The method further includes generating a user prompt on a display at the first mobile device indicating: (i) the first multimedia signal available to the first mobile device from the second mobile device based on the first information; and (ii) the location of the second mobile device situated around the vehicle based on the second information. The method further includes sending a command to receive the first multimedia signal from the second mobile device in response to a user selection based on the user prompt.

[0007] In at least another embodiment, a computer program product is provided, embodied in a non-transitory computer-readable medium stored in memory and programmed and executable by at least one controller in a multimedia system. The computer program product includes instructions for: receiving, at a first mobile device, first information indicating the location of a second mobile device positioned around a vehicle; and receiving, at the first mobile device, second information corresponding to a first multimedia signal available to the first mobile device from the second mobile device. The computer program product further includes instructions for: generating, at the first mobile device, a user prompt on its display indicating: (i) the first multimedia signal available to the first mobile device from the second mobile device based on the first information; and (ii) the location of the second mobile device positioned around the vehicle based on the second information. The computer program product further includes instructions for: sending a command to receive the first multimedia signal from the second mobile device in response to a user selection at the user prompt. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The embodiments of this disclosure are particularly pointed out in the appended claims. However, other features of the various embodiments will become more apparent and will be best understood by referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 A vehicle multimedia system in a vehicle according to one or more embodiments is generally illustrated;

[0010] Figure 2 A more detailed view of various aspects related to a vehicle multimedia system according to one or more embodiments is generally shown;

[0011] Figure 3A pairing mechanism according to one or more embodiments is illustrated, which can be used to pair a remote mobile device with a vehicle multimedia system;

[0012] Figure 4 Various user interfaces on a passenger mobility device according to one or more embodiments are shown;

[0013] Figure 5 Depicting a method for using one or more embodiments in the context of... Figure 1 and Figure 2 A method for sharing information between the multimedia controller of a vehicle multimedia system and one or more mobile devices; and

[0014] Figure 6 Depicting according to one or more embodiments in Figure 1 and Figure 2 Another method for sending information between one or more mobile devices and a multimedia controller. Detailed Implementation

[0015] As requested, detailed embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention that may be embodied in various alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; some features may be enlarged or minimized to show details of specific components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ the invention in different ways.

[0016] Overall, vehicles today are driver-centric, as drivers control many of the vehicle's entertainment-related aspects involving audio and / or video. Typically, all audio-related decisions are routed and derived from a main graphical user interface (GUI) located on the front panel of the vehicle's dashboard. Due to the position of rear-seat passengers relative to the dashboard, their access to the multimedia controller (or multimedia player) is more or less restricted. Current vehicles are not personalized and can be disruptive to passengers' media content. Similarly, current vehicles often result in an interrupted experience, requiring passengers to use a full-screen application (e.g., an app) to adjust and then return to the content. The aspects disclosed herein generally provide a seat-companion mechanism (or application) for passengers in the vehicle. For example, mobile devices belonging to vehicle passengers can typically display a pop-up GUI that operates as a floating widget for easy and seamless access to the vehicle's head unit providing multimedia functionality. In this respect, passengers can access multimedia content from within the vehicle, while other vehicle passengers who have paired their respective mobile devices with the vehicle can access each other's multimedia content.

[0017] Once a passenger's mobile device is paired with the vehicle, the vehicle can monitor the passenger's specific location in any corresponding seat within the vehicle, even if the passenger moves to a different seat. Once a passenger has paired their mobile device with the vehicle, the vehicle automatically connects to the seat companion component each time a passenger with a paired mobile device enters the vehicle. The seat-based companion component (or seat companion module) allows the passenger to play back audio provided by the vehicle, enabling the passenger to personalize audio and / or video playback on their respective mobile device using controls on the component. Various controls selectable by the seat companion component on the mobile device can include, but are not limited to, in-vehicle communication, broadcasting, personal assistants, and other communication solutions. Similarly, the seat companion component on the passenger's mobile device can also provide audio / video seat-based solutions, including seat volume and tone control, audio feature on / off and adjustment handling, audio / video content sharing, playlist generation, and source selection.

[0018] Furthermore, the seat-associated components can control various aspects related to each seat throughout the vehicle. For example, seat-based vehicle control elements include seat position, temperature, ventilation, and comfort adjustments. Vehicle control elements provided by the seat-associated components may also include window opening / closing, sunshade raising / lowering, window dimming, reading lights, and ambient lighting settings. In addition, the vehicle control elements are configured to set personal presets and favorite settings for passenger seats, which can also be stored on the passenger's mobile device.

[0019] The disclosed systems and methods generally provide, but are not limited to, easy and seamless vehicle and media control from the passenger's own mobile device, as well as improved integration for accompanying app users, providing sustained media enjoyment and immersion throughout the driving process. The disclosed systems and methods also provide basic controls accessible to passengers at any time while in the vehicle, as well as automatic pairing with the vehicle and passenger seats upon entry. Due to smart device integration, the disclosed systems and methods offer improved and personalized vehicle control while watching media.

[0020] Figure 1The following generally depicts a vehicle multimedia system 10 in a listening environment 12 of a vehicle 14 according to one embodiment. The listening environment 12 includes a plurality of seats 16 (e.g., first seat 16a, second seat 16b, third seat 16c, and fourth seat 16d) positioned in rows 18 (e.g., first row 18a and second row 18b) of the vehicle 14. It should be appreciated that the number of seats 16 and rows 18 in the vehicle 14 can vary based on a particular implementation of the vehicle 14. The first seat 16a is substantially adjacent to the second seat 16b. The first seat 16a may be a driver's seat, and the second seat 16b may be a front passenger seat. The third seat 16c may be a left rear passenger seat, and the fourth seat 16d may be a right rear passenger seat. As shown, the first seat 16a and the second seat 16b may be substantially aligned in the first row 18a. In the vehicle 14, the second row 18b is generally positioned behind the first row 18a.

[0021] Vehicle 14 includes a plurality of speakers 20 (e.g., a first speaker 20a, a second speaker 20b, a third speaker 20c, and a fourth speaker 20d) positioned within a listening environment 12. The first speaker 20a may be located near the first seat 16a and away from the second seat 16b. The second speaker 20b may be located near the second seat 16b and away from the first seat 16a. The first speaker 20a may be located in the left-hand door (not shown) or positioned within the headrest (not shown) of the first seat 16a. The second speaker 20b may be located in the right-hand door (not shown) or positioned within the headrest (not shown) of the second seat 16b. A first transverse axis 22 extending from the left side of vehicle 14 to the right side of vehicle 14 may intersect the first speaker 20a and the second speaker 20b. The first transverse axis 22 may extend perpendicularly to the centerline 24 of vehicle 14.

[0022] Alternatively, the first speaker 20a and the second speaker 20b may be aligned on a first plane (not shown). The first plane may extend perpendicular to the center plane of the vehicle 14. A centerline 24 may lie on the center plane. Alternatively, the first speaker 20a may be located at a position mirrored with respect to the second speaker 20b. The centerline 24 (and / or the center plane) may extend from the front of the vehicle 14 to the rear of the vehicle 14 and serve as a mirror line and / or mirror plane for the first speaker 20a and the second speaker 20b, respectively. In one example, the orientation of the first speaker 20a in the vehicle 14 may therefore be a mirror orientation of the orientation of the second speaker 20b. It should be appreciated that this may vary, and the first speaker 20a in the vehicle may be in a non-mirror orientation with respect to the second speaker 20b. Generally, the first speaker 20a and the second speaker 20b may each be positioned on similar three-dimensional coordinate axes on each of the first and second doors to provide a mirror orientation. Similarly, the third speaker 20c and the fourth speaker 20d may be positioned on similar three-dimensional coordinate axes on each of the third and fourth doors, respectively, to provide a mirror orientation.

[0023] At least one multimedia controller 26 (“Multimedia Controller 26”) is operatively coupled to speaker 20. Multimedia Controller 26 sends audio signals to speaker 20. Speaker 20, in response to the audio signals, plays back audio data in listening environment 12. Multimedia Controller 26 typically handles information used in conjunction with AM radio, FM radio, satellite radio, navigation systems, user interfaces, displays, and wireless communication with mobile device 28 via Bluetooth, WiFi, or other wireless protocols. Mobile device 28 may be a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, etc. Audio amplifier 27 is operatively coupled to multimedia controller 26. Audio amplifier 27 may be integrated with multimedia controller 26. In another embodiment, audio amplifier 27 may be located external to multimedia controller 26. Audio amplifier 27 is typically configured to receive audio output from multimedia controller 26 and amplify the amplitude of the audio output to a level sufficient to drive various speakers 20. It should be appreciated that multimedia controller 26 may typically include any number of hardware-based processors and memories. The multimedia controller 26 can use various hardware-based processors to execute any number of software algorithms stored in memory to provide surround sound, audio tuning (such as gain, equalization, etc.), or any number of various audio adjustments to enhance the listening experience in the listening environment. The multimedia controller 26 can include any number of channels, with each corresponding channel coupled to a corresponding speaker 20 via an audio amplifier 27 for sending audio signals to the corresponding speaker 20. The multimedia controller 26 can also store / provide video content that can be played back into the listening environment 12 along with the audio.

[0024] As described above, the multimedia controller 26 can wirelessly communicate with any number of mobile devices 28 (or 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d) located in the vehicle 14 via BLUETOOTH, Bluetooth, WiFi, or other wireless protocols. Each mobile device 28 includes one or more controllers (not shown) operatively coupled to a component for performing a seat accompaniment component (or app) to communicate with the multimedia controller 26. It is known that a driver with mobile device 28a can be positioned in the first seat 16a, while passengers with mobile devices 28b, 28c, and 28d can be positioned in at least one of the second seat 16b, third seat 16c, and fourth seat 16d, respectively. The driver may include mobile device 28a to participate in wireless, bidirectional communication with the multimedia controller 26. Similarly, each passenger may include a corresponding mobile device 28 that participates in bidirectional communication with the multimedia controller 26. Each of the mobile devices 28 includes one or more processors and memory to execute seat-accompaniment applications (or components) to enable passengers, when positioned in any one or more of the second seats 16b, 16c, and 16d, to access and control aspects associated with the multimedia controller 26, allowing their mobile devices 28 to play back audio / video (e.g., multimedia data) in a customizable format. These aspects will be combined Figure 2 A more detailed discussion follows.

[0025] Figure 2 A more detailed view of various aspects related to a vehicle multimedia system 10 according to one embodiment is shown in general. Figure 2 As shown, a driver, including mobile device 28a, is positioned in a first seat 16a; a first passenger, including mobile device 28b, is positioned in a second seat 16b; a second passenger, including mobile device 28c, is positioned in a third seat 16c; and a third passenger, including mobile device 28d, is positioned in a fourth seat 16d. Each of mobile devices 28a-28d includes at least one controller 29a-29d (or “controller 29”) and can be electrically paired with a multimedia controller 26 to control any number of aspects related to multimedia playback. Each of mobile devices 28a-28d may include a seat accompaniment component to enable the transmission of information (e.g., control signals) from mobile devices 28a-28d to the multimedia controller 26 to control any number of aspects related to the multimedia controller 26. Furthermore, passengers can upload (or share) multimedia content from their respective mobile devices 28b, 28c, and / or 28d to the multimedia controller 26, allowing other passengers to access shared content.

[0026] Each of the mobility devices 28a-28d (for any one or more of the driver and / or passenger (“or occupant”)) can undergo a pairing operation with vehicle 14 (or multimedia controller 26) such that vehicle 14 automatically detects the mobility devices 28a-28d when they enter vehicle 14. After pairing any one or more of the occupant’s mobility devices 28a, 28b, 28c, and / or 28d with vehicle 14, vehicle 14 (e.g., multimedia controller 26) is able to monitor the occupant’s specific position in any corresponding seat 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d within vehicle 14, even if the occupant moves to a different seat 16a, 16b, 16c, and / or 16d. Once the occupant has paired his / her mobility device 28a-28d with vehicle 14, multimedia controller 26 automatically connects to the seat companion component (or app) performed on mobility device 28a-28d each time a passenger with a paired mobility device enters vehicle 14. The seat-based companion components, implemented by the mobile devices 28a, 28b, 28c, and / or 28d, enable occupants to play back audio provided by the vehicle 14. This allows occupants to utilize controls on the seat-based companion components via the mobile devices 28a–28d to individually customize audio and / or video playback on their respective mobile devices 28a–28d. Various controls selectable by the seat-based companion components on any one or more of the mobile devices 28a–28d may include, but are not limited to, in-vehicle communication, broadcasting, personal assistants, and other communication solutions. Similarly, the seat-based companion components on the occupants' mobile devices 28a, 28b, 28c, and / or 28d may also provide seat-based audio / video solutions, including seat volume, tone control, audio feature on / off and adjustment handling, audio / video content sharing, playlist generation, and source selection, etc. In this respect, passengers can listen to audio at corresponding seats 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d with audio volumes and / or tone controls different from those heard by another passenger positioned in different seats 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d. Because system 10 employs individual sound zones around each seat 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d, volume, tone control, etc., can be individually controlled, enabling different audio playback for each occupant at any of seats 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d. Therefore, occupants can listen to (or watch) different content than occupants positioned in different seats 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d, and system 10 allows each occupant to independently adjust the volume for each seat 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d.

[0027] Furthermore, the seat-accompanying components can also control aspects related to the individual seats 16a-16b located throughout the vehicle 14. For example, each seat 16a-16b may include a heated / cooled seat system 50, which includes heating elements, cooling ducts located at the seat bottom and seat back, etc., to provide heating or cooling to the driver and / or passenger. Similarly, each seat 16a-16b may also include a seat positioning assembly 52 to adjust overall height, tilt (fore-and-aft position), etc. Thus, in this respect, the driver and / or passenger select seat-based vehicle control elements, such as seat position, temperature, ventilation, comfort adjustment, etc., via the seat-accompanying components on the mobility devices 28a-28d. The vehicle control elements provided by the seat-accompanying components on the mobility devices 28a, 28b, 28c and / or 28d may also include window opening / closing, sunshade raising / lowering, window dimming, reading lights, ambient lighting settings, etc.

[0028] The multimedia controller 26 can wirelessly receive control signals indicating commands selected by the driver and / or passengers via their respective mobile devices 28a-28d. The multimedia controller 26 can then process these commands and transmit information indicating these commands via a data communication bus (e.g., Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, Local Interconnect Network (LIN) bus, etc.) to any one or more of the heated / cooled seat system 50 and seat positioning assembly 52 to execute the desired commands. Similarly, the vehicle 14 may also include a lighting system 53 having a lighting controller (not shown) and lighting devices (e.g., light-emitting devices (LEDs)) positioned around the respective seats 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d. Mobile devices 28a-28d can transmit commands via the seat accompaniment assembly to control ambient lighting (e.g., change color, duration, etc.) for the lighting devices. Similarly, the body electronic controller (not shown) can also receive commands from the multimedia controller 26 via a data communication bus to control window opening / closing, sunshade raising / lowering, window dimming, reading lights, etc. The vehicle 14 also includes a camera 60 located within the listening environment 12. In addition to creating accounts for linking users (i.e., passengers) associated with the seat accompaniment components to the vehicle 14, the camera 60 can also be used to identify the driver and / or passengers in the vehicle 14.

[0029] To link the seat companion component of mobile device 28 to vehicle 14, the driver and / or passenger may take the following actions. For example, the driver and / or passenger may download the seat companion component to their respective mobile device. In this regard, the seat companion component may be stored outside vehicle 14 and may be available for download from the Apple Store®, etc. Once downloaded, the seat companion component may prompt the driver and / or passenger to create an account for registration and provide login and password credentials. An example of how the driver may create an account may involve (i) the camera 60 taking photos / videos of the driver and / or passenger from different angles, and (ii) prompting the driver and / or passenger to read prompts for the voice recognition function. It should be recognized that vehicle 14 may include any number of microphones positioned around the passenger compartment to capture audio input provided by the driver and / or passenger. Therefore, for the purpose of authenticating the driver and / or passenger and their respective mobile devices 28a-28d (including the respective seat companion component), the vehicle (e.g., multimedia controller 26) may compare the captured images and / or captured audio with previously stored facial images and / or audio recordings to authenticate the driver and / or passenger to vehicle 14. In addition, pairing may also involve the driver and / or passengers scanning a code visible on the display 72 of vehicle 14 (e.g., QR code 70) (see [link]). Figure 3 ).

[0030] After the driver and / or passenger pair their mobile devices 28a-28d with vehicle 14 and then enter vehicle 14 at a later time, camera 60 captures images of the driver and passenger in their seats 16 to determine which seat 16 each is positioned in. Each mobile device 28 in the vehicle wirelessly communicates with multimedia controller 26. When paired with the correct seat 16, or when multimedia controller 26 determines which mobile device (or driver and / or passenger) is located in a particular seat 16, seat accompaniment components automatically activate on the mobile device 28 for each access to vehicle control. Depending on the number of occupants in vehicle 14 (e.g., paired mobile devices 28a-28d), each paired mobile device 28 (or the main display attached to vehicle 14) will display relevant features. For example, assuming there are only two occupants in vehicle 14, each mobile device 28 for a given occupant may display audio / video content (or other aspects) from the other mobile device 28 for possible selection or use. It should be appreciated that other relevant features may be applied based on the number of paired mobile devices 28 attached to vehicle 14.

[0031] It should be recognized that the display 72 can be operatively coupled to the multimedia controller 26, and the driver can view in real time which passenger mobile devices 28 are paired with the multimedia controller 26. The driver can communicate by selecting options on the display 72 to send information (or media) to select passengers in the individual seats 16. Furthermore, passengers can also see via their respective mobile devices 28 which passengers in the vehicle 14 have been paired with the multimedia controller 26 and established a real-time connection. In this regard, passengers can freely distribute or send media content from their mobile devices 28 to the multimedia controller 26 and / or other mobile devices 28 via the seat accompaniment components.

[0032] Figure 4 Various user interfaces 80a, 80b, 80c according to one embodiment are illustrated, depicting aspects of the seat control mechanism on the mobile device 28. User interface 80a typically depicts the seat-accompanying components as a small interface, allowing other aspects, which may or may not be related to vehicle control, to be displayed on the mobile device 28. Typically, user interface 80a includes a first control panel area 102a that allows the driver and / or passenger to select various quick-select features 104a (or “select feature 104a”). In one example, selection feature 104a may correspond to volume selection, play operation, pause / stop operation, mute operation, media selection (e.g., channel selection, library selection, etc.) relative to multimedia features shared by the mobile device 28 to or from the vehicle 14 to the mobile device 28. The first control panel area 102a may remain visible on user interface 80a at all times the mobile device 28 is paired with the vehicle 14 (or multimedia controller 26) to allow the user to select the desired operation from the first control panel area 102a. Users can move the first control panel area 102a to any location on the user interface 80a to avoid distraction or obstruction of other aspects that may be selected on the mobile device 28. In one example, a user can move the first control panel area 102a to the display of the mobile device 28 without interfering with the position of games, movies, etc., currently displayed on the mobile device 28.

[0033] User interface 80b typically depicts the seat-accompanying components as “extended widgets” (or second control panel area 102b), presenting the driver and / or passengers with additional options for selection relative to the vehicle. In addition to viewing grids 106 (or 106a–106d), second control panel area 102b includes selection features 104a. Viewing grids 106 allows the driver and / or passengers to see what other passengers in vehicle 14 are watching and / or listening to. For example, grid 106a may display audio content (e.g., artists and songs) being consumed by the driver, grid 106b may display video and / or audio content being consumed or experienced by front-seat passengers, grid 106c may display video and / or audio content being consumed or experienced by second-row left-seat passengers, and grid 106d may display video and / or audio content being consumed or experienced by second-row right-seat passengers. It should be appreciated that either the driver and / or passengers can select the audio and / or video content being consumed by the driver and / or individual passengers by selecting grids 106a–106d of interest. In this regard, after selection, the mobile device 28 can play back the audio and / or video being consumed by the first vehicle passenger to the second vehicle passenger in response to the second vehicle passenger selecting the appropriate grid 106a, 106b, 106c and 106d corresponding to the first vehicle passenger.

[0034] The multimedia controller 26 typically stitches or stitches together all audio and / or video content being consumed by the driver and / or passenger, providing information corresponding to which audio and / or video is being consumed by the driver and / or passenger with the respective mobile device 28 paired with vehicle 14. Similarly, the multimedia controller 26 provides information about the position of the mobile device 28 (i.e., when paired with vehicle 14) relative to seat 16 (e.g., left front seat 16a, right front seat 16b, left rear seat 16c, right rear seat 16d, etc.). Thus, in this respect, the multimedia controller 26 provides information about the position of the mobile device 28 (e.g., left front seat 16a, right front seat 16b, left rear seat 16c, right rear seat 16d, etc.), along with multimedia content provided by each of the mobile devices 28 to other mobile devices 28. Each mobile device 28 in the vehicle processes the information provided by the multimedia controller 26 to provide an indication of what audio and / or video is being consumed by other mobile devices 28 in vehicle 14. In addition, each mobile device 28 processes information provided by the multimedia controller 26 to determine the location of other mobile devices 28 in the vehicle 14 and provides an indication of which mobile device 28 is providing multimedia content on the corresponding grid 106 indicating the location of the seat 16 in the vehicle 14.

[0035] User interface 80c typically depicts the seat-accompaniment component as a “full app” (or third control panel area 102c), where any number of options (including more advanced controls) are presented and selectable by the driver and / or passenger for control of the vehicle. Advanced controls in “full app” mode may involve adjustments to various predefined equalizer presets. For detailed adjustments to the predefined equalizers, occupants may need to perform such tasks when the seat-accompaniment component is in full app mode. Generally, the third control panel area 102c typically includes selection feature 104a, viewing grid 106 (or 106a–106d), and equalizer selection area 108. Selection feature 104a and grid 106 operate or function in the same manner as disclosed in conjunction with user interfaces 80a and / or 80b. The equalizer selection area 108 allows the driver and / or passenger to select various equalizer settings or parameters by selecting one or more of the equalizer selection areas 108. For example, the driver and / or passenger can select various equalizer settings to control bass, treble, left / right settings, etc.

[0036] Figure 5 A description is provided for use in one embodiment. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Method 200 for sharing information between the multimedia controller 26 of the vehicle multimedia system 10 and one or more mobile devices 28.

[0037] In operation 202, the multimedia controller 26 receives a first image signal from camera 60, which provides an image of a first vehicle occupant positioned in the first seat 16a of vehicle 14. The multimedia controller 26 receives a second image signal from camera 60, which provides an image of a second vehicle occupant positioned in the second seat 16b of vehicle 14. The multimedia controller 26 receives a third image signal from camera 60, which provides an image of a third vehicle occupant positioned in the third seat 16c. In response to the first image signal, the multimedia controller 26 determines that the first vehicle occupant is the driver positioned in the first seat 16a. The multimedia controller 26 determines that the second vehicle occupant is a passenger positioned in the second seat 16b. The multimedia controller 26 determines that the third vehicle occupant is a passenger positioned in the third seat 16c. In this case, the driver and both passengers have previously created accounts with vehicle 14 and have previously paired their respective mobile devices 28a, 28b, and 28c, as described above.

[0038] In operation 204, the multimedia controller 26 receives a first multimedia signal from a mobile device 28a belonging to the driver in the first seat 16a, a second multimedia signal from a mobile device 28b belonging to a passenger in the second seat 16b, and a third multimedia signal from a mobile device 28c belonging to a passenger in the third seat 16c. As described above, the multimedia signals may include video and / or audio data. The first multimedia signal may correspond to multimedia data being played back in real time by the first mobile device 28a. The second multimedia signal may correspond to multimedia data being played back in real time by the second mobile device 28b. The third multimedia signal may correspond to multimedia data being played back in real time by the third mobile device 28c. It should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the multimedia controller 26 may receive additional information corresponding to available multimedia content available from one or more of the mobile devices 28a, 28b, 28c, for sharing with other mobile devices 28a, 28b, 28c in the vehicle 14. For example, each of the mobile devices 28a, 28b, 28c can provide a list of available movies, songs, etc. to the multimedia controller 26, so that the multimedia controller 26 can provide the list of available movies and songs to other mobile devices 28a, 28b, 28c in the vehicle 14 that may not have this multimedia content.

[0039] In operation 206, the multimedia controller 26 sends first information indicating that the first mobile device 28a is playing a first multimedia signal to the second and third mobile devices 28b and 28c (e.g., to the first and second passengers) to indicate what the driver's mobile device 28a is playing. The multimedia controller 26 sends second information indicating that the second mobile device 28b is playing a second multimedia signal to the first mobile device 28a and the third mobile device 28c (e.g., to the driver and the third passenger). The multimedia controller 26 sends third information indicating that the third mobile device 28c is playing a third multimedia signal to the first mobile device 28a and the second mobile device 28b (e.g., to the driver and the first passenger). In view of the above, the first mobile device 28a, belonging to the driver, displays the second and third information on its respective grids 106; the second mobile device 28b, belonging to the first passenger, displays the first and third information on its respective grids 106; and the third mobile device 28c, belonging to the second passenger, displays the first and second information on its respective grids 106. It should be recognized that, in other embodiments, the multimedia controller 26 may also send information or a list corresponding to available multimedia content (see operation 204 above), which may be shared with other mobile devices 28a, 28b, 28c for selection, storage and playback by any one or more of the mobile devices 28a, 28b, 28c at a later time.

[0040] As described above, the multimedia controller 26 provides information about the position of the mobile device 28 (i.e., when paired with the vehicle 14) relative to the seat 16 (e.g., left front seat 16a, right front seat 16b, left rear seat 16c, right rear seat 16d, etc.). Therefore, in this respect, the multimedia controller 26 provides information about the position of the mobile device 28 (e.g., left front seat 16a, right front seat 16b, left rear seat 16c, right rear seat 16d, etc.), along with multimedia content provided by each of the mobile devices 28 to other mobile devices 28. Each mobile device 28 processes the information provided by the multimedia controller 26 to determine the position of other mobile devices 28 in the vehicle 14 and provides an indication of which mobile device 28 is providing multimedia content on a corresponding grid 106, which indicates the position of the seat 16 in the vehicle 14 or which mobile device 28 can provide multimedia content to for retrieval, storage, and playback at a later time.

[0041] In operation 208, the multimedia controller 26 may receive commands from any one or more of the first mobile device 28a, the second mobile device 28b, and the third mobile device 28c to provide it with a first multimedia signal, a second multimedia signal, and / or a third multimedia signal. For example, the first mobile device 28a may send a command to the multimedia controller 26 to receive the second multimedia signal or the third multimedia signal for playback thereon; the second mobile device 28b may send a command to the multimedia controller 26 to receive the first multimedia signal and the third multimedia signal for playback thereon; or the third mobile device 28c may send a command to the multimedia controller 26 to receive the first multimedia signal and the second multimedia signal for playback thereon. In another embodiment, the multimedia controller 26 may receive commands from any one or more of the mobile devices 28a, 28b, and 28c indicating a request to provide available multimedia content from one mobile device 28 to another mobile device 28. The multimedia controller 26 may send this request or command to the mobile device 28, which includes the requested available multimedia content, to directly transmit the requested available multimedia content to the requesting mobile device 28 in the vehicle 14, or to enable the multimedia controller 26 to send the available multimedia content from the mobile device 28 to the requesting mobile device 28.

[0042] Figure 6 Depicting according to one or more embodiments in Figure 1 and Figure 2 Another method 250 for sending information between one or more mobile devices 28 and multimedia controller 26.

[0043] In operation 252, the first mobile device 28a receives information (e.g., first information) indicating the location of the second mobile device 28b positioned around the vehicle 14. In this case, it should be recognized that the first mobile device 28a and the second mobile device 28b have been electronically paired with the vehicle 14 before this operation is performed.

[0044] In operation 254, the first mobile device 28a receives from the second mobile device 28b information (e.g., second information) corresponding to a first multimedia signal (e.g., video and / or audio data) available to the first mobile device 28a. In one example, the second mobile device 28b provides the first multimedia signal to the media controller 26. The media controller 26 then provides (or wirelessly transmits) the first multimedia signal to the first mobile device 28a.

[0045] In operation 256, the first mobile device 28a generates a user prompt (e.g., grid 106) on its display indicating (i) a first multimedia signal that the first mobile device 28a can obtain from the second mobile device 28b based on first information, and (ii) the location of the second mobile device 28b located around the vehicle 14 based on second information.

[0046] In operation 258, in response to a user selection prompted by the user, the first mobile device 28a sends a command to receive a first multimedia signal from the second mobile device 28b.

[0047] Typically, the seat companion component (or app) running on mobile device 28 enables the selection of any number of vehicle controls directly from the app. The seat companion component can be expanded to provide more detailed control over the selection of multimedia-related features. The seat companion component can be dragged on the display of mobile device 28 to avoid interfering with other mobile device features, thus providing a truly personalized experience where the user can watch movies, play games, conduct conference calls, or similar activities while still controlling the relevant vehicle features through the seat companion component.

[0048] It should be understood that the controllers / devices disclosed herein and in the appendices may include any number of microprocessors, integrated circuits, memory devices (e.g., flash memory, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or other suitable variations thereof), and software that cooperate with each other to perform the operations disclosed herein. Additionally, such controllers as disclosed herein may utilize one or more microprocessors to execute a computer program embodied in a non-transitory computer-readable medium programmed to perform any number of the disclosed functions. Furthermore, the controllers provided herein include a housing and various numbers of microprocessors, integrated circuits, and memory devices (e.g., flash memory, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)) located within the housing. One or more controllers as disclosed may also include hardware-based inputs and outputs for receiving data from and sending data to other hardware-based devices discussed herein.

[0049] Although exemplary embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the terms used in this specification are descriptive rather than limiting, and it should be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, features of the various embodiments may be combined to form other embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A multimedia system, comprising: A first moving device, configured for positioning within a vehicle, comprising: At least one first controller, said at least one first controller being programmed to: Receive first information indicating the location of a second mobile device positioned around the vehicle; Receive second information from the second mobile device that corresponds to the first multimedia signal available to the first mobile device; Generate a user prompt on the display of the first mobile device indicating the following: The first mobile device obtains the first multimedia signal from the second mobile device based on the first information; and Based on the second information, the location of the second mobile device around the vehicle is determined, and In response to a user selection at the user prompt, a command is sent to receive the first multimedia signal from the second mobile device.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one first controller is further programmed to receive the first information and the second information from a multimedia controller located in the vehicle.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one first controller is further programmed to generate a plurality of grids positioned on the display.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the plurality of grids correspond to a plurality of seats located in corresponding rows of the vehicle.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the user prompt corresponds to a first grid selectable by the user among the plurality of grids, and wherein the first grid indicates the position of the second mobility device located around the seat of the vehicle.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one first controller is further programmed to send a second multimedia signal to a media controller located in the vehicle for selection by the second mobile device.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one first controller is further programmed to generate a control panel area, the control panel area including selection features to enable one or more of volume selection, play operation, pause / stop operation, mute operation, and media selection.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the at least one first controller is programmed to control the selection feature to remain visible on the display when the first mobile device is operatively coupled to a multimedia controller located in the vehicle.

9. A method for a multimedia system, the method comprising: The first mobile device receives first information indicating the location of the second mobile device positioned around the vehicle. At the first mobile device, second information corresponding to a first multimedia signal available on the first mobile device is received from the second mobile device. At the first mobile device, a user prompt is generated on the display of the first mobile device, indicating the following: The first mobile device obtains the first multimedia signal from the second mobile device based on the first information; as well as Based on the second information, the location of the second mobile device around the vehicle is determined, and In response to a user selection at the user prompt, a command is sent to receive the first multimedia signal from the second mobile device.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the second information is received at the first mobile device from a multimedia controller located in the vehicle.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising generating a plurality of grids positioned on the display.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the plurality of grids correspond to a plurality of seats positioned in corresponding rows of the vehicle.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the user prompt corresponds to a first grid selectable by the user among the plurality of grids, and wherein the first grid indicates the position of the second mobility device located around the seat of the vehicle.

14. The method of claim 9, further comprising sending a second multimedia signal from the first mobile device to a media controller located in the vehicle for selection by the second mobile device.

15. The method of claim 9, further comprising generating a control panel area, the control panel area including selection features to enable one or more of volume selection, playback operation, pause / stop operation, mute operation, and media selection.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising controlling the selection feature to remain visible on the display when the first mobile device is operatively coupled to a multimedia controller located in the vehicle.

17. A computer program product embodied in a non-transitory computer-readable medium stored in a memory and programmed and executable by at least one controller in a multimedia system, said computer program product comprising instructions for: The first mobile device receives first information indicating the location of the second mobile device positioned around the vehicle. At the first mobile device, second information corresponding to a first multimedia signal available on the first mobile device is received from the second mobile device. At the first mobile device, a user prompt is generated on the display of the first mobile device, indicating the following: The first mobile device obtains the first multimedia signal from the second mobile device based on the first information; as well as Based on the second information, the location of the second mobile device around the vehicle is determined, and In response to a user selection at the user prompt, a command is sent to receive the first multimedia signal from the second mobile device.

18. The computer program product of claim 17, further comprising generating a plurality of grids positioned on the display.

19. The computer program product of claim 18, wherein the plurality of grids correspond to a plurality of seats located in corresponding rows of the vehicle.

20. The computer program product of claim 19, wherein the user prompt corresponds to a first grid selectable by the user among the plurality of grids, and wherein the first grid indicates the position of the second mobility device located around the seat of the vehicle.

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