Method and device for generating and transmitting signals for controlling an entertainment system in a vehicle

Abstract

Method for controlling an entertainment system in a vehicle, in which the entertainment system comprises at least one control unit which is designed to receive control signals from a mobile terminal, wherein the control signals are selected by the mobile terminal as a function of a reference tone sequence selected by a user and are transmitted to the entertainment system, and wherein the individual settings determined or created by means of the reference tone sequence are adapted to respective vehicle-specific conditions by using predetermined schemes.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a system for controlling or regulating an entertainment system in a vehicle.

[0002] Vehicles offer their users ever more options for entertainment and information. Accordingly, entertainment systems designed to provide information to specific users are becoming increasingly complex to operate. Especially when switching between different vehicles, it becomes difficult to individually configure the entertainment system to meet the specific needs of each user.

[0003] By using a mobile device to control the respective entertainment system, user-specific data can be stored, modified, and, if necessary, transmitted to different vehicles. Devices and methods for controlling vehicle components using mobile devices are described in the prior art.

[0004] For example, German publication DE 10 2011 117 499 A1 discloses a method for remotely applying vehicle control settings. The method involves detecting a vehicle in the vicinity of a mobile radio device and confirming the presence of the vehicle via a secure pairing between a vehicle identifier and a mobile radio device identifier. Furthermore, the settings of the respective driver preferences associated with the vehicle identifier and the mobile radio device identifier are retrieved and transmitted to the vehicle.

[0005] US publication US 2012 / 0 303 178 A1 discloses a system and method for changing settings of at least one vehicle component of a respective vehicle. It is provided to establish a communication connection between a communication module of the respective vehicle and a user's mobile device. The communication connection also provides for receiving settings of the at least one vehicle component from a data storage device included in the vehicle component and modifying them via the communication connection.

[0006] US patent application US 2003 / 0 078 709 A1 discloses a system and method for modifying at least one control parameter of a vehicle component in a vehicle. It is proposed to store previously configured settings on a mobile information storage device and later use them for automatic identification of the same or another vehicle component.

[0007] A method and apparatus for vehicle process emulation and configuration on a mobile platform is disclosed in German document DE 10 2012 214 520 A1. The German document describes a computer-implemented method that includes providing an interface on a wireless device for a vehicle infotainment system controller. The method includes providing simulated functionalities of controls on an interface such that activation of a control informs a user what would happen if the control were activated on a vehicle interface. The method further includes saving at least one user setting input to the interface.The method additionally includes transmitting the saved setting to a vehicle computing system for use in an infotainment system control when the wireless device is in communication with the vehicle computing system.

[0008] An interface system included in a motor vehicle system is disclosed in German publication DE 10 2010 041 771 A1. It is provided that the motor vehicle system contains operating data that represent a setting of the motor vehicle system. Furthermore, an interface module is provided that communicates with the motor vehicle system to directly modify operating data of the motor vehicle system based on personalized data, so that the personalized data is available in a platform-independent format.

[0009] Furthermore, the document US 2006 / 0 038 447 A1 discloses a vehicle control system of a vehicle that is configured to communicate with an external device to receive external data comprising personalized settings of vehicle components of a respective user.

[0010] The document US 2008 / 0 002 839 A1 relates to a method for implementing an equalizer setting of an audio file, comprising the following: determining whether an equalizer setting is set for the audio file; upon determining that the equalizer setting is set, playing the audio file based on the equalizer setting; and upon determining that the equalizer setting is not set, either (i) playing the audio file based on a genre of the audio file, (ii) playing the audio file based on an associated metadata attribute setting, or (iii) playing the audio file without an equalizer.

[0011] US 2009 / 0 047 993 A1 teaches a method for playing a media file with an electronic device having a media player and an equalizer, comprising the following steps: storing equalizer settings for at least one media file; receiving a media file for playback by the media player; determining whether equalizer settings are stored for the received media file; if equalizer settings are stored for the received media file, adjusting the equalizer to correspond to the stored equalizer settings; and playing the media file with the media player according to the equalizer settings made.

[0012] Against this background, a method for controlling an entertainment system in a vehicle with the features of independent patent claim 1 and a corresponding device with the features of independent patent claim 8 are presented. Further embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent patent claims and the description.

[0013] In the method for controlling an entertainment system in a vehicle, it is provided that the entertainment system comprises at least one control unit which is designed to receive control signals from a mobile terminal, wherein the control signals are selected by the mobile terminal as a function of a reference tone sequence selected by a user and transmitted to the entertainment system, and wherein the individual settings determined or created by means of the reference tone sequence are adapted to respective vehicle-specific conditions by using predetermined schemes.

[0014] In the context of the invention presented, "transmission" refers to a process in which respective control signals are sent by a mobile device to or from a respective entertainment system. The transmission process can be carried out, for example, via wireless and / or wired communication, in particular via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, or via data transmission via the Internet or another data network such as 3G or LTE.

[0015] In one possible embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that a transmission between a mobile terminal and a control unit takes place as a function of an identification code, such as a password.

[0016] In the context of the invention presented, an entertainment system is understood to be a system for providing information to the respective users of a vehicle. In particular, an entertainment system is understood to mean an audio and / or video system, such as a radio receiver, infotainment system, CD player, DVD player, navigation system, or a similar technical device.

[0017] In the context of the invention presented, the term "control signals" refers to signals that can be used to change the properties or settings of a particular entertainment system. In particular, control signals can be used to adapt an audio setup, e.g., frequency responses in the high, mid, and low ranges, to the specific needs of the respective user.

[0018] According to the invention, control signals are transmitted, i.e., sent, via a mobile terminal to an entertainment system located in a vehicle. The data sent by the mobile terminal is received by a control unit of the entertainment system, processed, and ultimately used to adjust or control the entertainment system.

[0019] Furthermore, it is provided that the control signals to be transmitted by the mobile device are selected by a user depending on a reference tone sequence. A reference tone sequence can be presented to the user, for example, in the form of a predefined tone sequence, i.e., abstract tone patterns, or in the form of music pieces typical of frequently used entertainment system settings. Thus, for example, to adjust low frequencies, i.e., for fine-tuning a subwoofer, the user can select either bass-heavy music pieces or discrete frequencies in the range between 40 and 300 Hertz in 10-Hertz increments, with the respective frequencies being adapted to the respective pitches.

[0020] By using a reference tone sequence, the user is able to determine a setting program, i.e. independent control signals, that is independent of the respective conditions within a specific vehicle and thereby provide an individual sound scheme that corresponds to the individual preferences of the user, regardless of the vehicle.

[0021] It is also intended to adapt the individual settings determined or created using the reference tone sequence to the respective vehicle-specific conditions, such as a convertible or a large-capacity vehicle such as a bus. For this purpose, adjustments to the user-specified settings can be made by the user themselves or by using predefined schemes. Due to differences between different vehicle types, e.g., due to changed spatial conditions or different materials in a particular interior, a similar sound pattern in different vehicles can lead to different sound experiences for the user. These different sound experiences can be compensated for or eliminated through suitable settings.

[0022] In a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that the control signals are used to adjust frequency and / or amplitude curves of audio signals.

[0023] Adjusting frequency and / or amplitude curves using a mobile device makes it possible to create a sound experience tailored to a specific user within any vehicle equipped with the device according to the invention. Because preselected settings can be saved or stored on the mobile device, the settings selected by the user can be sent or transmitted to any vehicle entertainment system capable of receiving the respective control signals. It is conceivable that the respective control signals used for the adjustment are stored, for example, on a membership card or a chip card.

[0024] By adjusting, ie manipulating frequency and / or amplitude curves, a respective volume level of both an entire frequency spectrum and parts of the frequency spectrum, ie for example of medium or low tones, can be adjusted by means of the method according to the invention.

[0025] In a further possible embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that the reference tone sequence consists of a predefined selection of tone sequences.

[0026] By using a predefined selection of tone sequences as a reference tone sequence, the user can be selectively presented with those tone sequences that are crucial for the sound experience in a particular vehicle. For example, by presenting a low frequency spectrum of 120 Hertz, the user can selectively adjust their preferences for low tones without risking confounding the sound experience with additional tone sequences, such as mid-range or high tones, as is the case in musical pieces.

[0027] It is conceivable that the user will be supported by trained specialists in finding settings that suit him or her.

[0028] Furthermore, by using predefined tone sequences, it is possible to enable the user to compare different loudspeaker configurations or setting profiles of an audio system, regardless of their musical taste.

[0029] In a further possible embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that the reference tone sequence consists of a tone sequence selected by the user.

[0030] Many users find it unreasonable to adjust specific audio settings based on abstract, predefined tone sequences or individual frequency ranges. Particularly in situations where the user lacks trained personnel, it may be sensible to provide the respective control signals based on a reference tone sequence selected by the user. The reference tone sequence selected by the user could, for example, be a piece of music they prefer. By using a piece of music, the user can create their preferred sound experience directly using their preferred music.

[0031] When using predefined tone sequences as well as a tone sequence selected by the user as a reference tone sequence, it may be advisable for the user to have trained service personnel on hand to assist the user in selecting or creating the settings preferred by the user, which are later transmitted as control signals by the mobile device.

[0032] In a further possible embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that the settings are selected or created by the user via an application executed on the mobile terminal.

[0033] By using an application on a respective mobile device, it is possible to configure the mobile device in such a way that the user is presented with an attractive user interface for executing the method according to the invention. Furthermore, by using an application, it is possible to enable the user to manage predefined and / or previously created settings or control signals.

[0034] In a further possible embodiment of the method according to the invention, it is provided that respective control signals are stored as profiles on a mobile terminal device and / or a respective entertainment system and are optionally activated by the user.

[0035] Organizing predefined control signals or settings into profiles enables quick and convenient access to the currently desired entertainment system configuration. Organizing the system into profiles allows users to quickly and conveniently activate control signal settings tailored to a specific situation, such as a meeting mode. Using a mobile device, the user can also be at a distance from the respective entertainment system, for example, in the back seat of a vehicle.

[0036] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a device for controlling an entertainment system in a vehicle, comprising a control unit configured to receive control signals from a mobile terminal. The device comprises a mobile terminal configured to transmit control signals to the entertainment system as a function of a reference tone sequence selected by a user. The control unit is configured to adapt the control signals determined or generated using the reference tone sequence to respective vehicle-specific conditions by using predefined schemes. The device according to the invention serves, in particular, to carry out the method according to the invention.

[0037] In one possible embodiment of the device according to the invention, it is provided that the device according to the invention can be arranged as an additional module or also permanently in a respective entertainment system.

[0038] The control unit can be configured, for example, as an amplifier / power amplifier and / or equalizer with a receiver module. Furthermore, the receiver module can be configured, for example, as a receiver module or receiver / transmitter module that receives 3G, LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or similar data signals.

[0039] The mobile device can be designed in particular as a smartphone, tablet computer, laptop or any other technically suitable device for transmitting control signals.

[0040] In a further possible embodiment of the device according to the invention, it is provided that an application is to be executed on the mobile terminal device, which configures the mobile terminal device in such a way that respective settings are to be selected by the user and corresponding control signals are to be transmitted to the entertainment system.

[0041] By using an application, it is possible to configure a mobile device, for example, in the form of a smartphone, in such a way that the mobile device is converted into a device for executing the method according to the invention. This means that the mobile device is capable of displaying a graphical interface to a respective user, which the user can use to make modifications to an audio configuration of an entertainment system with respect to a reference tone sequence, and transmit these modifications to the control device in the form of control signals.

[0042] In a further possible embodiment of the device according to the invention, it is provided that the application configures the mobile terminal to automatically transmit respective control signals to a respective entertainment system in a vehicle.

[0043] By automatically transmitting the respective control signals, a user of the device according to the invention is able to transmit previously configured settings to a plurality of vehicles or to a particular vehicle within a vehicle fleet without the user having to actively intervene. Consequently, the user can automatically supply any vehicle within a vehicle fleet with the respective preferred settings or corresponding control signals, thereby changing the respective sound experience presented to the user accordingly.

[0044] Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings.

[0045] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0046] The invention is illustrated schematically in the drawing using embodiments and is described schematically and in detail with reference to the drawing.

[0047] Fig. 1 shows a possible embodiment of the device according to the invention, in which a smartphone transmits control signals to an entertainment system in a vehicle.

[0048] An application is executed on a smartphone 3 which configures the smartphone 3 to present a user with a graphical user interface for configuring an entertainment system 17 in a vehicle 11, as indicated by the slider 1 or the frequency response 2.

[0049] The user manipulates the slide controls 1 on the smartphone 3 according to his individual wishes or preferences and, once completed, transmits these in the form of control signals by means of a transmitting device 4 included in the smartphone via a wireless connection, as illustrated by the arrow 5, to a receiver module 13 which is connected to the entertainment system 17 via a control unit 15.

[0050] The control unit 15 reads the control signals provided by the receiver module 13 and controls an audio electronics unit included in the entertainment system 17, such as an amplifier and / or an equalizer, according to the control signals received by the receiver module 13. The regulated audio electronics changes a control current generated by the audio electronics unit to control sound generators 19, for example, in the form of a loudspeaker. The sound generator 19 generates modified tones according to the modified control current, whereby the user's sound experience changes according to the user's wishes, according to the invention.

Claims

[1] Method for controlling an entertainment system in a vehicle, in which the entertainment system comprises at least one control unit which is designed to receive control signals from a mobile terminal, wherein the control signals are selected by the mobile terminal as a function of a reference tone sequence selected by a user and transmitted to the entertainment system, and wherein the individual settings determined or created by means of the reference tone sequence are adapted to respective vehicle-specific conditions by using predetermined schemes. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the control signals are used to adjust frequency and / or amplitude characteristics of audio signals. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reference tone sequence consists of a predefined selection of tone sequences. [4] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reference tone sequence consists of a tone sequence selected by the user. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control signals are selected by the user via an application executed on the mobile terminal. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which respective control signals are stored as profiles on the mobile terminal and / or the entertainment system and are optionally activated by the user. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which respective control signals are adapted by the user by means of a graphical user interface. [8] Device for controlling an entertainment system in a vehicle with a control unit which is designed to receive control signals from a mobile terminal, and the device comprises a mobile terminal which is configured to transmit control signals to the entertainment system as a function of a reference tone sequence to be selected by a user, and wherein the control unit is designed to adapt the control signals determined or created by means of the reference tone sequence to respective vehicle-specific conditions by using predetermined schemes. [9] Device according to claim 8, wherein an application is to be executed on the mobile terminal which configures the mobile terminal to select respective control signals and to transmit them to the entertainment system. [10] The device according to claim 9, wherein the application configures the mobile terminal to automatically transmit respective control signals to a respective entertainment system in a vehicle.

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