Communication system and vehicle infotainment device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a communication system and a vehicle information entertainment device. The utility model relates to a vehicle-mounted communication system in a vehicle, which comprises a plurality of different areas, and each area comprises a multimedia system. The communication system is connected to the multimedia system and includes a radio communication module including a radio transceiver to estimate a location of a mobile device and infer therefrom a zone associated with the device, the zone having a minimum distance to the location, a control module configured to control the radio communication module to communicate with the mobile device. The control module is configured to connect the mobile device to the multimedia system of the associated zone if the distance is less than a first threshold and only if no other device has connected to the multimedia system of the associated zone, and then disconnect the connection of the device if the distance is greater than a second threshold, and disconnect the mobile device to the multimedia system of the associated zone if the distance is less than a second threshold. Wherein the second threshold value is greater than the first threshold value.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to a communication system intended to be carried on a vehicle, said vehicle comprising several distinct zones, the distinct zones comprising at least one multimedia system, the communication system being intended to be connected to at least one multimedia system carried on said vehicle.

[0002] The utility model also relates to an infotainment device for a vehicle, the vehicle comprising several distinct zones, the infotainment device comprising at least one multimedia system arranged in a respective zone, and a communication system as described above.

[0003] The utility model relates to the field of vehicles, in particular to the field of automobiles, and more particularly to the field of communication systems between mobile devices and on-board multimedia systems. BACKGROUND

[0004] Document US2018 / 0060253 A1 discloses a method for pairing a set of display devices of an infotainment system of a vehicle with a mobile device entering said vehicle. The mobile device is then linked to one of the display devices, typically via a short-range radio link such as Bluetooth, in several possible communication modes.

[0005] However, using such a system, the management of the connection between the infotainment system and the mobile device is not always optimal. SUMMARY

[0006] The object of the utility model is to provide a communication system for use on a vehicle, thereby enabling to improve the connection management of mobile devices.

[0007] To this end, the utility model relates to a communication system intended to be carried on a vehicle, said vehicle comprising several distinct zones, the distinct zones comprising at least one multimedia system, the communication system being intended to be connected to at least one multimedia system carried on said vehicle, and comprising:

[0008] - a radio communication module comprising a radio transceiver, the radio communication module being configured to estimate the position of the mobile device and to deduce therefrom the zone of the distinct zones associated with the mobile device, said associated zone being the zone at the smallest distance from the estimated position of the mobile device,

[0009] - a control module configured to connect the mobile device to the at least one multimedia system of the associated zone if the distance between the estimated position of the mobile device and the associated zone is less than a first threshold, the control module being configured to connect the mobile device to the at least one multimedia system of the associated zone only if no other mobile device has already connected to the at least one multimedia system of the associated zone, and to subsequently disconnect the mobile device if the distance between the estimated position of the mobile device and the associated zone is greater than a second threshold, the second threshold being greater than the first threshold.

[0010] According to other advantageous aspects of the application, the communication system comprises one or more of the following features, taken separately or in any technically feasible combination:

[0011] - the first threshold is substantially equal to 1 meter;

[0012] - the control module is configured to limit the connection of the mobile device to a single multimedia system of the at least one multimedia system;

[0013] - the control module is configured to limit the connection of each at least one multimedia system to a single mobile device;

[0014] - the radio communication module is located in the same zone as the at least one multimedia system;

[0015] - the second threshold is greater than the distance between the radio communication module and the point on the vehicle farthest from the radio communication module;

[0016] The second threshold is preferably substantially equal to 3 meters;

[0017] - the control module is configured to disconnect the mobile device from the at least one multimedia system of the associated zone upon request from the user;

[0018] - the control module is configured to disconnect the mobile device upon request from the user only if the distance between the estimated position of the mobile device and the associated zone is less than the second threshold; and

[0019] - the radio communication module is configured to estimate the estimated position of the mobile device with an error of less than 50 cm according to a telecommunication standard.

[0020] The application also relates to an infotainment device for a vehicle comprising a plurality of distinct zones, the device comprising at least one multimedia system arranged in a respective zone, and a communication system as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] These features and advantages of the present utility model will become more apparent on reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle comprising a plurality of different zones and an infotainment device comprising a plurality of multimedia systems and a communication system comprising a radio communication module and a control module; and

[0023] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a schematic view of the zones of the vehicle and of the multimedia systems of the vehicle shown in DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In the rest of the present utility model, the expression "substantially equal to" defines a relationship equal to plus or minus 20%, preferably equal to plus or minus 10%, even more preferably equal to ± 5%.

[0025] In Figure 1 , the vehicle 10 comprises a passenger cabin 12 and, within the passenger cabin 12, a seat 14 for a driver 16 and a steering wheel 18 for driving the vehicle 10, as is well known.

[0026] The vehicle 10 comprises several different zones 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D and an infotainment device 22.

[0027] The person skilled in the art will understand that the vehicle 10 is to be understood broadly as meaning a vehicle 10 in which the driver 16, also called pilot, and one or more passengers can travel. The vehicle 10 is then generally chosen from the group comprising: a motor vehicle, such as a car, a bus or a truck; a rail vehicle, such as a train or a tram; a naval vehicle, such as a boat; and an aerial vehicle, such as an airplane.

[0028] In Figure 2 the example shown, the vehicle 10 has four different zones 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, generally corresponding to four seats in the vehicle 10. The definition of the different zones 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D is not limited to the respective seats of the vehicle, but represents, for example, a row of seats, a cabin or an open space.

[0029] The zones 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D are different from one another and do not overlap one another. The zones 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D are preferably separated from one another. The zones 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D are advantageously adjacent to one another to form a total zone corresponding at least substantially to the interior of the passenger cabin 12.

[0030] The infotainment device 22 includes a set of multimedia systems 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D and a communication system 30.

[0031] One of the multimedia systems 25A, 25B, 25C, and 25D exists in each of the different zones 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D. Each multimedia system 25A, 25B, 25C, and 25D is, for example, a speaker, such as a speaker integrated into the seat 14 or upright trim panel, jack, USB-C, or HDMI connector.

[0032] Alternatively, each multimedia system 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D is a screen for displaying infotainment content. Such screens are typically located behind the front seats and / or on the dashboard of the vehicle 10.

[0033] Multimedia systems 25A, 25B, 25C, and 25D are connected to communication system 30 in different ways. The connection is a physical connection, such as a wired connection; or a wireless connection, such as a radio connection.

[0034] The communication system 30 is on the vehicle 10 and includes a control module 32 and a radio communication module 34, which includes a radio transceiver 36.

[0035] For example, the communication system 30 is arranged in corresponding areas 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D, which include corresponding multimedia systems 25A, 25B, 25C, and 25D.

[0036] The communication system 30 is configured to automate the connection between one of the multimedia systems 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D of the vehicle 10 and a mobile device 38 that enters or approaches the vehicle 10.

[0037] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the communication system 30 includes, for example, an information processing unit 40 formed by a processor 42 and a memory 44 associated with the processor 42.

[0038] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the control module 32 is implemented as software or a software block executable by the processor 42. The memory 44 is then able to store the control software.

[0039] In variations not shown, the control module 32 may take the form of a programmable logic component, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an integrated circuit, such as an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0040] If the mobile device 38 is located in the zone delimited by the first threshold S1, the control module 32 is able to connect one of the multimedia systems 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D and the mobile device, as illustrated in Figure 2

[0041] In other words, if the estimated position of the mobile device 38 is at a distance DZ from the associated zone 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D that is less than the first threshold S1, the control module 32 is configured to connect the mobile device 38 to at least one multimedia system 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D of the associated zone 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D. The position of the mobile device 38 is disclosed below.

[0042] Any connection between the communication system 30 and the mobile device 38 will be automatic as soon as the connection condition disclosed below is satisfied.

[0043] According to the invention, the control module 32 is configured to connect a mobile device 38 to at least one multimedia system 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D of the associated zone 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D only if no other mobile device 38 is already connected to at least one multimedia system 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D of the associated zone 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D.

[0044] If the mobile device 38 is outside the zone delimited by the second threshold S2, the control module 32 is able to disconnect the connection of one of the multimedia systems 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D previously connected to the mobile device 38, as illustrated in Figure 2

[0045] In other words, the control module 32 is configured to subsequently disconnect the connection of the mobile device 38 if the estimated position of the mobile device 38 is at a distance DZ from the associated zone 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D that is greater than the second threshold S2, the second threshold S2 being greater than the first threshold S1.

[0046] The control module 32 is configured so that the number of connections between one of the multimedia systems 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D and the mobile device 38 is limited to a single connection, in order to prevent several sources, such as several mobile devices 38, from trying to broadcast content simultaneously on the same multimedia system 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D. The control module 32 is then configured to limit the connection of the mobile device 38 to a single one of the at least one multimedia system 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D.

[0047] ​​The number of connections between the mobile device 38 and one of the multimedia systems 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D is therefore also limited to a single connection, to prevent the mobile device 38 from preventing the availability of the plurality of multimedia systems 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D.

[0048] As an optional additional function, the control module 32 is configured to disconnect, upon user request, i.e. upon request from the user, the connection between the mobile device 38 and one of the multimedia systems 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D. This request can be made in a variety of different ways, for example via an icon displayed on the display screen of one of the multimedia systems 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D, or via a physical button, or via an option offered by the mobile device 38.

[0049] Alternatively or in addition, the control module 32 is configured to disconnect, upon user request, the connection between the mobile device 38 and one of the multimedia systems 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D only if the estimated position of the mobile device 38 is at a distance DZ from said associated zone 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D which is less than a second threshold value S2.

[0050] Alternatively or in addition, the control module 32 is configured to request user confirmation before disconnecting, via a downloadable application on the mobile device 38 or on one of the multimedia systems 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D, the connection between the mobile device 38 and the multimedia system 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D.

[0051] Alternatively, the control module 32 generates a text and / or voice message on the mobile device 38 and / or on one of the multimedia systems 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D to indicate that the connection is active.

[0052] The radio transceiver 36 is capable of performing a connection protocol between the communication system 30 and the compatible mobile device 38 via a short-range radio link, such as a Bluetooth® link. The connection protocol is a Bluetooth® connection protocol.

[0053] The first threshold value S1 corresponds to a distance between one of the different zones 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D and the mobile device 38 below which the control module 32 connects said mobile device 38 to one of the multimedia systems 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D contained in this zone 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D. For example, the first threshold value S1 is substantially equal to 1 meter.

[0054] The person skilled in the art will understand that the first threshold value S1 is less than or equal to the radio range of the radio transceiver 36.

[0055] Moreover, in order to maintain a stable connection, the whole area covered by the first threshold S1 advantageously comprises at least the whole vehicle 10, to avoid that a mobile device 38 already connected to one of the multimedia systems 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D and still present in the vehicle 10, is disconnected.

[0056] Moreover, the area covered by the first threshold S1 is not limited to the area of the vehicle 10 and the control module 32 is able to connect a mobile device 38 to one of the multimedia systems 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D even if it is not on board the vehicle, if said mobile device 38 is located at a distance from one of the different zones 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D of the vehicle 10 lower than the first threshold S1.

[0057] Therefore, it can be understood that the area covered by the first threshold S1 does not have a predefined shape and is for example square, rectangular, elliptical or circular.

[0058] The second threshold S2 corresponds to a distance between one of the different zones 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D and a mobile device 38, the control module 32 disconnecting said mobile device 38 already connected to one of the multimedia systems 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D contained in the zone 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D from the distance. Advantageously, this second threshold S2 can be configured to suit each possible use of the communication system 30. In order to maintain a stable connection, the second threshold S2 is strictly higher than the first threshold S1.

[0059] Moreover, in order to maintain a stable connection, the area covered by the second threshold S2 comprises the whole vehicle 10, to prevent a mobile device 38 still present in the vehicle from being disconnected.

[0060] For example, the second threshold S2 is set in such a way that the two mobile devices 38 of two users exchanging places when leaving the vehicle 10 are initially disconnected from the multimedia systems 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D to which they are connected. The control module 32 is configured to implement this disconnection. Then, once the users re-enter the vehicle 10, the control module 32 connects their mobile devices 38 to one of the multimedia systems 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D corresponding to their new different zone 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D in the vehicle 10. In view of this, the second threshold S2 is set so that the area covered by this second threshold S2 is very close to the boundaries of the vehicle 10, while remaining higher than the first threshold S1.

[0061] Advantageously, the second threshold S2 is greater than the distance between the radio communication module 34 and the point on the vehicle 10 farthest from the radio communication module 34.

[0062] It can thus be understood that the area covered by the second threshold S2 does not have a predefined shape and is for example square, rectangular, elliptical or circular.

[0063] Moreover, in Figure 2 The areas delimited by the first threshold S1 and the second threshold S2 are only for reference, since these first and second thresholds S1 and S2 can also be optionally configured by the user.

[0064] For example, the first threshold S2 is substantially equal to 3 meters.

[0065] The radio communication module 34 is configured to estimate the position of the mobile device 38. For example, the estimated position is expressed in the form of polar coordinates D and Θ in a reference system having a longitudinal axis X along the direction of extension of the vehicle 10 and a transverse axis Y perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, the reference system being centered on the communication system 30, in particular on the radio transceiver 36 comprised in the radio communication module 34.

[0066] The radio communication module 34 estimates the position of the mobile device 38 using, for example, a radio link telecommunication standard between the mobile device 38 and the radio transceiver 36. Advantageously, this telecommunication standard allows an estimation accuracy of less than 50 cm, in order to avoid any detection problems of the different zones 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D having an area of about one square meter, such as the seats 14 of the vehicle 10.

[0067] For example, the telecommunication standard chosen is Bluetooth, Ultra Wide Band or Mmwave 5G.

[0068] Moreover, the radio communication module 34 is configured to deduce from the estimated position of the mobile device 38 the respective distance of the mobile device 38 from each predefined different zone 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D. The radio communication module 34 is also configured to deduce the distance DZ between the estimated position of the mobile device 38 and the zone associated with the mobile device 38, which is the zone 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D closest to the mobile device 38. Moreover, the distance DZ is considered to be zero if the mobile device 38 is located in the associated zone. The skilled person will of course understand that, if the estimated position of the mobile device 38 is located within one of the predefined different zones 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, the zone associated with the mobile device 38 is the zone in which the estimated position is located and then the distance DZ between the estimated position of the mobile device 38 and said associated zone is zero.

[0069] Thus, the radio communication module 34 is configured to estimate the position of the mobile device 38 and to deduce the zone associated with the device 38, the distance DZ of which to said position being minimal.

[0070] Then, the control module 32 is configured to connect the mobile device 38 to the multimedia system 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D of the associated zone 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D if the distance DZ is less than a first threshold S1 and only if no other device has already connected to the multimedia system 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D of the associated zone 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, and then to disconnect said device 38 if the distance DZ is greater than a second threshold S2, the second threshold being greater than the first threshold S1.

[0071] Advantageously, the radio communication module 34 is located in the same zone 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D as at least one of the multimedia systems 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D.

[0072] The mobile device 38 is able to receive information and to send information to a user. Said mobile device 38 is for example a telephone, a tablet or a computer.

[0073] As an optional additional function, the mobile device 38 is provided with an application linked to the communication system 30 from which at least the first threshold S1 and / or the second threshold S2 can be configured.

[0074] Furthermore, the application on the mobile device 38 is configured to provide information on the status of the communication system 30, such as the availability status of all the multimedia systems 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D in the vehicle 10, or the list of supported mobile devices.

[0075] The radio transceiver 36 is a device able to exchange short-range signals. For example, the transceiver 36 exchanges signals from the control module 32. Furthermore, the transceiver 36 sends signals to the mobile device 38 and receives signals from said mobile device 38.

[0076] Thus, it can be envisaged that the communication system 30 according to the application can refuse the connection of a mobile device 38 to one of the multimedia systems 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D on board the vehicle 10 if said multimedia system 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D is already connected to another mobile device 38.

[0077] Furthermore, the application also makes it possible for the mobile device 38 and the previously connected one of the multimedia systems 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D to disconnect if they are too far apart.

Claims

1. A communication system (30) intended to be mounted on a vehicle (10) comprising a plurality of different zones (20A, 20B, 20C, 20D), each of the different zones (20A, 20B, 20C, 20D) comprising at least one multimedia system (25A, 25B, 25C, 25D), the communication system (30) intended to be connected to the at least one multimedia system (25A, 25B, 25C, 25D) mounted on the vehicle (10) and comprising: - A radio communication module (34), comprising a radio transceiver (36), configured to estimate the location of a mobile device (38) and infer from there a zone among different zones (20A, 20B, 20C, 20D) associated with the mobile device (38), wherein the associated zone (20A, 20B, 20C, 20D) is the zone with the smallest distance (DZ) to the estimated location of the mobile device (38). - A control module (32) configured to connect the mobile device (38) to at least one multimedia system (25A, 25B, 25C, 25D) in the associated zones (20A, 20B, 20C, 20D) if the distance (DZ) between the estimated location of the mobile device (38) and the associated zones (20A, 20B, 20C, 20D) is less than a first threshold (S1). The control module (32) is characterized in that the mobile device (38) is connected to the at least one multimedia system (25A, 25B, 25C, 25D) of the associated zone (20A, 20B, 20C, 20D) only if no other mobile device has been connected to the at least one multimedia system (25A, 25B, 25C, 25D) of the associated zone (20A, 20B, 20C, 20D), and the connection of the mobile device (38) is subsequently disconnected if the distance (DZ) between the estimated location of the mobile device (38) and the associated zone (20A, 20B, 20C, 20D) is greater than a second threshold (S2), wherein the second threshold (S2) is greater than the first threshold (S1).

2. The communication system (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first threshold (S1) is approximately equal to 1 meter.

3. The communication system (30) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control module (32) is configured to restrict the connectivity of the mobile device (38) to a single multimedia system among the at least one multimedia system (25A, 25B, 25C, 25D).

4. The communication system (30) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control module (32) is configured to restrict the connection of each of at least one multimedia system (25A, 25B, 25C, 25D) to a single mobile device (38).

5. The communication system (30) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The radio communication module (34) is arranged in the same area (20A, 20B, 20C, 20D) as the at least one multimedia system (25A, 25B, 25C, 25D).

6. The communication system (30) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second threshold (S2) is greater than the distance between the radio communication module (34) and the point on the vehicle (10) farthest from the radio communication module (34); The second threshold (S2) is essentially equal to 3 meters.

7. The communication system (30) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control module (32) is configured to disconnect the mobile device (38) of the at least one multimedia system (25A, 25B, 25C, 25D) from the associated area (20A, 20B, 20C, 20D) upon request from the user.

8. The communication system (30) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control module (32) is configured to disconnect the mobile device (38) from the user's request only if the distance (DZ) between the estimated location of the mobile device (38) and the associated zone (20A, 20B, 20C, 20D) is less than the second threshold (S2).

9. The communication system (30) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The radio communication module (34) is configured to estimate the estimated position of the mobile device (38) with an error of less than 50 cm according to telecommunications standards.

10. A vehicle infotainment device, the vehicle infotainment device comprising a plurality of different zones (20A, 20B, 20C, 20D), the vehicle infotainment device comprising at least one multimedia system (25A, 25B, 25C, 25D) arranged in the respective zones (20A, 20B, 20C, 20D), and a communication system (30), Its features are, The communication system (30) is the communication system according to any one of claims 1-9.

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