HANDS-FREE SYSTEM FOR ONE VEHICLE

Abstract

Hands-free system for one vehicle (100), including: a Bluetooth transceiver module (212) configured to pair with a mobile electronic device (150) configured to communicate with a mobile network; and a hands-free module (120), configured while the mobile electronic device (150) is paired, to selectively generate attention commands for transmission to the mobile electronic device (150), wherein the attention commands include: Standard attention commands defined by a Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile (HFP) specification; and Non-standard attention commands that are not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification, the Bluetooth transceiver module (212) is further configured to: Transmitting attention commands to the mobile electronic device (150); from the mobile electronic device (150), Receiving: first responses to the standard attention commands defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification; and second responses to non-standard attention commands not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification; and in response to receiving one of the second responses to a non-standard attention command not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification, forwarding one of the second responses to the hands-free module (120); and in response to receiving one of the second answers: not to automatically disconnect from the mobile electronic device (150) and end the pairing; Comparing one of the second responses with a stored list containing only the first responses to attention commands as defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification; and Forwarding one of the second answers to the hands-free module (120) based on one of the second answers that is not in the stored list.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a hands-free system for a vehicle.

[0002] For general background information, reference is made in advance to US 2014 / 0 073 256 A1.

[0003] As the use of mobile electronic devices (e.g., mobile phones and tablets) has increased, vehicles have been increasingly designed to accommodate and interact with these devices. For example, some vehicles include ports (e.g., USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports) that can be used to connect mobile electronic devices to the vehicle via a wired connection. A user might connect a mobile electronic device to a vehicle to charge its battery, facilitate interaction between the device and the vehicle, or for other reasons.

[0004] Some vehicles also contain wireless transceivers that can be used to wirelessly connect to mobile electronic devices. For example, some vehicles contain one or more Bluetooth transceivers that can be used to pair with mobile electronic devices for wireless communication between the vehicle and the mobile device. For instance, when a mobile device is wirelessly paired with a vehicle via a Bluetooth transceiver module, one or more of the vehicle's user input devices (such as buttons, switches, microphones, etc.) can be used to request the mobile device to perform various actions without the user directly interacting with the mobile device. SUMMARY

[0005] According to the invention, a hands-free system for a vehicle is presented, characterized by the features of claim 1.

[0006] A Bluetooth transceiver module is configured to pair with a mobile electronic device that is configured to communicate with a cellular network. A hands-free module is configured to selectively generate attention commands for transmission to the mobile electronic device while it is paired. These attention commands include: standard attention commands defined by a Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile (HFP) specification; and non-standard attention commands not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification.The Bluetooth transceiver module is further configured to: transmit attention commands to the mobile electronic device; receive from the mobile electronic device: first, responses to the standard attention commands defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification; and second, responses to non-standard attention commands not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification; and, in response to receiving one of the second responses to a non-standard attention command not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification, forward one of the second responses to the hands-free module.The Bluetooth transceiver module is configured to not automatically disconnect from the mobile electronic device and terminate pairing in response to receiving one of the second responses; to compare one of the second responses with a stored list that contains only the first responses to attention commands defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification; and to forward one of the second responses to the hands-free module based on the one of the second responses that is not included in the stored list.

[0007] In other features, the hands-free module is also configured to process one of the second answers.

[0008] In further features, the hands-free module is configured to selectively command the Bluetooth transceiver module to disconnect from the mobile electronic device and terminate the pairing in response to one of the second answers; and the Bluetooth transceiver module is configured to disconnect from the mobile electronic device and terminate the pairing in response to the command.

[0009] In other features, the Bluetooth transceiver module is configured to: compare the non-standard attention command, which is not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification, with a stored list containing only attention commands defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification; and forward one of the second responses to the hands-free module based on the non-standard attention command that is not in the stored list.

[0010] In other features, the Bluetooth transceiver module is configured to: compare a command segment of the non-standard attention command with a stored list containing only predetermined command segments of attention commands defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification; and forward one of the second responses to the hands-free module based on the command segment of the non-standard attention command that is not included in the stored list.

[0011] In other features, the Bluetooth transceiver module is configured to: compare a response segment of one of the second responses with a stored list containing only predetermined segments of attention commands defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification; and forward one of the second responses to the hands-free module based on the response segment of one of the second responses that is not included in the stored list.

[0012] In other features, the non-standard attention command includes an attention command that is specific to a manufacturer of mobile electronic devices.

[0013] In other features, the non-standard attention command includes an attention command that is specific to an operating system.

[0014] Further features of the Bluetooth HFP specification include Bluetooth HFP specification version 1.7.X, where X is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

[0015] One feature of a system includes: the hands-free system; and the mobile electronic device configured to communicate with the mobile network.

[0016] In other features, the mobile electronic device is configured during pairing to: receive standard attention commands defined by a Bluetooth HFP specification; receive non-standard attention commands not defined by a Bluetooth HFP specification; generate the first responses to the standard attention commands, each defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification; generate the second responses to the non-standard attention commands not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification; and transmit the first and second responses to the Bluetooth transceiver module.

[0017] In other features, the mobile electronic device is configured to generate second responses to indicate a predetermined error in response to stipulations that the non-standard attention commands are not included in a stored list containing only attention commands defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification.

[0018] In further features, the mobile electronic device is configured to: process the standard attention commands according to predetermined rules in response to detections that the standard attention commands are included in the stored list; and to generate initial responses based on the processing of the standard attention commands.

[0019] In one feature, a hands-free system includes: a mobile electronic device configured to communicate with a cellular network; and a vehicle, including: a Bluetooth transceiver module configured to pair with the mobile device; and a hands-free module configured to, while the mobile electronic device is paired, generate selective attention commands for transmission to the mobile electronic device, wherein the attention commands include: standard attention commands defined by a Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile (HFP) specification; and non-standard attention commands not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification, wherein the Bluetooth transceiver module is further configured to: transmit the attention commands to the mobile electronic device;For receiving from the mobile electronic device: first, responding to the standard attention commands defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification; and second, responding to non-standard attention commands not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification; and in response to receiving one of the second responses to a non-standard attention command not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification: not automatically disconnecting from the mobile electronic device and terminating the pairing; and forwarding one of the second responses to the hands-free module, the hands-free module being further configured to selectively process one of the second responses;and to instruct the Bluetooth transceiver module to disconnect from the mobile electronic device and terminate pairing, wherein the Bluetooth transceiver module is further configured to compare a response portion of one of the second responses with a stored list containing only predetermined portions of attention commands defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification; and forwarding one of the second responses to the hands-free module based on the response portion of one of the second responses that is not included in the stored list, wherein the non-standard attention command contains an attention command specific to one of: a mobile electronic device manufacturer; and an operating system, wherein the Bluetooth HFP specification includes Bluetooth HFP specification version 1.7.X, where X is an integer greater than or equal to 0.;

[0020] In one feature, a hands-free procedure for a vehicle includes: pairing, by means of a Bluetooth transceiver module of the vehicle, with a mobile electronic device configured to communicate with a cellular network; selectively generating attention commands for transmission to the mobile electronic device, wherein the attention commands include: standard attention commands defined by a Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile (HFP) specification; and non-standard attention commands not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification; by means of the Bluetooth transceiver module: transmitting the attention commands to the mobile electronic device; receiving from the mobile electronic device first responses to the standard attention commands defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification; and second responses to non-standard attention commands not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification;and, through the Bluetooth transceiver module, in response to receiving one of the second responses to a non-standard attention command not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification, forwarding one of the second responses to a hands-free module of the vehicle.

[0021] Other features of the hands-free procedure in response to receiving one of the second answers include: no automatic disconnection from the mobile electronic device and no termination of the pairing.

[0022] Other features of the hands-free procedure include the processing of one of the second answers by the hands-free module.

[0023] Further features of the Bluetooth HFP specification include Bluetooth HFP specification version 1.7.X, where X is an integer greater than or equal to 0.

[0024] Further applications of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description, the claims, and the drawings. The detailed description and the specific examples serve only for illustration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The present invention will be more easily understood with the aid of the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, whereby the following applies: Fig. Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary vehicle system with a hands-free system. Fig. Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary hands-free system including a vehicle and a mobile device. Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an exemplary procedure for a vehicle to transmit attention commands and receive responses to attention commands. Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an exemplary procedure for receiving attention commands and transmitting responses to attention commands by a mobile device.

[0026] The same reference symbols are used in the drawings for similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] A vehicle includes a hands-free system that allows a user to request a mobile electronic device paired with the vehicle to perform various functions without the user directly interacting with the mobile electronic device. Mobile electronic devices include mobile phones (e.g., smartphones) and other types of mobile electronic devices (e.g., tablets) with one or more cellular network transceivers configured to communicate with one or more cellular networks. For example, the hands-free system allows the user to request the mobile electronic device to make, end, join, and hold calls over a cellular network.

[0028] The hands-free system includes a Bluetooth transceiver that communicates with mobile electronic devices via the Bluetooth communication protocol. When the mobile electronic device is paired with the vehicle, the Bluetooth transceiver sends attention commands (AT commands) to the mobile electronic device, prompting it to perform specific functions. All possible attention commands that the Bluetooth transceiver can transmit are defined by Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile (HFP) specifications, such as Bluetooth HFP specification version 1.7.1 or later. The attention commands defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification can be referred to as standard attention commands.

[0029] However, the attention commands defined in the Bluetooth HFP specification are not device-, manufacturer-, or vendor-specific. For example, the Bluetooth HFP specification does not include attention commands specific to a brand of mobile electronic device manufactured by a specific manufacturer (e.g., Apple, Inc., Alphabet, Inc., etc.), to a particular type of code (e.g., iOS, Android, etc.) executed by mobile electronic devices, or to specific features or components of mobile electronic devices.

[0030] Mobile electronic devices that can be paired with a vehicle are configured to process the attention commands defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification and transmit corresponding responses. However, if the vehicle sends an attention command to the mobile electronic device that is not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification, the mobile electronic device may or may not be able to process this attention command. Regardless of whether the mobile electronic device is configured to process the attention command not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification, the Bluetooth HFP specification requires that the mobile electronic device return a response containing a predefined error message.

[0031] In response to the reply containing the predetermined error message, the vehicle can terminate the pairing with the mobile electronic device and disconnect from it. However, this does not allow the sending and receiving of attention commands other than the standard attention commands defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification. It also results in an automatic disconnection and termination of the connection in response to the transmission of an attention command not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification.

[0032] There is a need for systems and methods to send and receive non-standard attention commands that are not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification. There is also a need for systems and methods to send and receive responses to non-standard attention commands without automatically causing the termination of pairing and disconnection between vehicles and mobile electronic devices.

[0033] According to the present invention, the Bluetooth transceiver of a vehicle is configured to transmit standard attention commands defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification and non-standard attention commands not defined by (and not included in) the Bluetooth HFP specification. A mobile electronic device paired with the vehicle is configured to receive both standard attention commands defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification and non-standard attention commands not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification.

[0034] When a non-standard attention command is received, the mobile electronic device can determine whether it is configured to process the non-standard attention command instead of automatically generating a response containing the predetermined error message. If so, the mobile electronic device can process the non-standard attention command and send an appropriate response to the vehicle. Because the received attention command was non-standard, the response is also non-standard and not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification. If the mobile electronic device is not configured to process the non-standard attention command, it can send a response, including the predetermined error message, to the vehicle.

[0035] In response to receiving a reply containing the predetermined error message or a non-standard response, the vehicle's Bluetooth transceiver is configured not to automatically terminate pairing and disconnecting with the mobile electronic device. Instead, the Bluetooth transceiver forwards the reply to a hands-free application. The hands-free application is configured to process non-standard responses received in response to non-standard attention commands. Upon receiving a reply containing the predetermined error message, the hands-free application may be configured to terminate pairing and disconnect under certain circumstances and to perform one or more other actions under other circumstances.

[0036] This increases user accessibility to features / functions that the mobile electronic device can perform. It also enhances user awareness of the vehicle's hands-free system by preventing it from automatically disconnecting upon receiving a non-standard response or a response containing the predetermined error message.

[0037] Fig. Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary vehicle system 100 with a hands-free system. The hands-free system comprises a Bluetooth transceiver module 110, a hands-free module 120, an antenna 130, and one or more user input devices, such as the user input device 140. Examples of user input devices include touchscreen displays (e.g., of infotainment systems), physical buttons, switches and knobs, microphones, and other types of user input devices of the vehicle 100.

[0038] The Bluetooth transceiver module 110 is configured to communicate bidirectionally with mobile electronic devices, such as the mobile device 150, via the antenna 130. Examples of mobile devices include a mobile (cellular) phone, a tablet, and other types of mobile electronic devices configured to communicate over one or more cellular networks. The Bluetooth transceiver module 110 and the mobile device 150 communicate according to a Bluetooth protocol (i.e., a protocol defined by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group), such as the Bluetooth Core Specification v2.0.

[0039] The mobile device 150 pairs with the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 using a Bluetooth pairing procedure. The pairing procedure can be initiated via the mobile device 150 or the hands-free module 120. For example, the pairing procedure can be initiated manually in response to user input to the mobile device 150 or one or more of the user input devices displaying a request to initiate pairing. Typically, the manual (user-initiated) pairing procedure involves initiating the pairing procedure using the vehicle 100 and selecting the vehicle 100 at an interface of the mobile device 150, or vice versa.

[0040] Additionally or alternatively, pairing can be initiated automatically (without user input), for example, in response to the detection of the mobile device 150 by the hands-free module 120, or in response to the detection of the hands-free module 120 by the mobile device 150. Some pairing procedures may require the entry of a password or key, which is entered into the vehicle 100 or the mobile device 150.

[0041] Once the mobile device 150 is paired with the Bluetooth transceiver module 110, the hands-free module 120 communicates with the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 to wirelessly control the mobile device 150 via the hands-free module 120 using user voice commands / voice commands.

[0042] Fig. Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary hands-free system comprising the hands-free module 120, the Bluetooth transceiver module 110, and the mobile device 150. While the following discussion relates to the example of the mobile device 150, the present application is also applicable to other mobile devices. The following discussion relates to the example of Fig. 2 occurs while the mobile device 150 is paired with the Bluetooth transceiver module 110.

[0043] The hands-free module 120 selectively transmits attention commands (AT commands) 204 to the Bluetooth transceiver module 110. The transmission of a set of one or more attention commands 204 can be event-based (in response to the occurrence of one or more predetermined events), user-input-based (in response to receiving one or more inputs indicating predetermined user inputs), or time-based (at any predetermined interval or at one or more predetermined times). Attention commands include the prefix AT+, followed by a command section and associated data, parameters, and / or requirements.

[0044] The Bluetooth transceiver module 110 transmits the attention commands via the mobile device 150 according to the Bluetooth protocol using the antenna 130. While the example of the antenna 130 is provided, the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 can transmit and receive signals via one or more antennas.

[0045] A list 208 containing or consisting of standard attention commands is stored in memory, for example, in the memory of the Bluetooth transceiver module 110. The standard attention commands contain or consist of all attention commands defined in the Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile (HFP) specification version 1.7.1 or later. Examples of standard attention commands include: AT+CCWA=[XXX], AT+CHLD=[XXX], AT+CHUP=[XXX] and AT+CIND=[XXX], where AT+ denotes an attention command, CCWA denotes the standard call waiting notification request command defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification, CHLD denotes the standard call hold and multi-party handling attention command defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification, CHUP denotes the standard hang up attention command defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification, CIND denotes the standard indicator update command defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification, and [XXX] denotes associated data, parameters, and / or requests. While the four examples above are provided, the HFP specification also contains other standard attention commands. In the examples above, CCWA, CHLD, CHUP, and CIND are the command sections. For example, list 208 could include or consist of all command sections of attention commands defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification.The Bluetooth transceiver module 110 can compare the command section of an attention command to be sent with the list of predefined command sections defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification.

[0046] The standard attention commands are not specific to mobile device manufacturers. The standard attention commands are not specific to a carrier.

[0047] Non-standard (e.g., manufacturer-specific, vendor-specific, device-specific, etc.) attention commands (e.g., the command sections) are not included in List 208 because they are not part of the Bluetooth HFP specification. An example of a non-standard attention command includes the following attention commands: AT+XAPL=[XXX] and AT+APLSIRI? where AT+ denotes an attention command, XAPL denotes a non-standard attention command specific to devices manufactured by Apple, Inc., of Cupertino, California, APLSIRI denotes a non-standard attention command specific to devices manufactured by Apple, Inc., of Cupertino, California, and queries whether the receiving device has the Siri function available, and [XXX] denotes associated parameters / requirements. While these examples are provided, other non-standard attention commands are possible. Based on the omission of an attention command from the hands-free module 120 from the list, the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 can relay a response to the non-standard attention command received from the mobile device 150 to the hands-free module 120.

[0048] The mobile device 150 includes a Bluetooth transceiver module 212 and an antenna 216. The Bluetooth transceiver module 212 receives attention commands transmitted via the antenna 216. While the example of the antenna 216 is provided, the Bluetooth transceiver module 212 can transmit and receive signals via one or more antennas.

[0049] A list 220 containing or consisting of the standard attention commands (e.g., the command sections) is stored in the memory of the mobile device 150, for example, in the memory of the Bluetooth transceiver module 212. List 220 may contain or consist of the same data as list 208. As mentioned above, the standard attention commands include or consist of all attention commands defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification, version 1.7.1 or later. Non-standard (e.g., manufacturer-specific, vendor-specific, device-specific, etc.) attention commands are not included in list 220 because they are not included in the Bluetooth HFP specification. The Bluetooth transceiver module 212 identifies attention commands based on the inclusion of the AT+ prefix.

[0050] When an attention command is received, the Bluetooth transceiver module 212 compares the received attention command (e.g., the command snippet) with list 220. Based on this comparison, the Bluetooth transceiver module 212 determines whether the received attention command is a standard attention command (included in list 220) or a non-standard attention command (not included in list 220). The Bluetooth transceiver module 212 performs this process for each received attention command.

[0051] If the received attention command (e.g., the command segment) is a standard attention command and is included in list 220, the Bluetooth transceiver module 212 executes the received attention command and transmits a corresponding response to the vehicle 100 according to predefined execution and response rules 224. For example, in response to the standard attention command AT+CCWA=[XXX], the Bluetooth transceiver module 212 can issue a call waiting notification from the mobile device 150 (e.g., audible and / or visual). Responses are referred to as result codes in the Bluetooth HFP specification.

[0052] The format of responses is defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification. Responses to attention commands remove the AT+ prefix, include the command portion of the received attention command, and follow with responses to the data, parameters, and / or requests. For example, a response to the standard attention command AT+CCWA=[XXX] might be: CCWA=[YYY], where the AT+ attention command has been removed, CCWA denotes the response to the standard Call Waiting notification request command CCWA defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification, and [YYY] denotes parameters / data in response to the parameters / requests contained in the ATTENTION command [XXX].

[0053] If the received attention command is a non-standard attention command and therefore not in list 220, the Bluetooth transceiver module 212 might simply not execute the non-standard attention command due to rules 224, which do not contain any rules for executing non-standard attention commands. The Bluetooth transceiver module 212 might also send a response containing a predetermined error message back to the vehicle 100 in response to receiving a non-standard attention command.

[0054] According to the present invention, if the received attention command is a non-standard attention command and not listed in List 220, the Bluetooth transceiver module 212 can transmit the received attention command to an application module 228. The application module 228 can determine whether it recognizes the received attention command. If the application module 228 recognizes the received attention command, it can execute the received attention command and send a response to the Bluetooth transceiver module 212 for transmission to the vehicle 100, which does not contain the predetermined error message.

[0055] For example, in response to the non-standard attention command AT+XAPL=[XXX], the application module 228 can determine the requested parameters of the mobile device 150 and send a response including the requested parameters to the Bluetooth transceiver module 212, instead of the default error message. An example of a response to the non-standard attention command, where the attention command contains AT+XAPL=[XXX]: XAPL=[YYYY], where the attention command AT+ has been removed, XAPL denotes the response to the non-standard attention command AT+XAPL, and [YYY] denotes parameters / data as a response to the parameters / requests [XXX] contained in the non-standard attention command AT+XAPL.

[0056] An example of a response to the non-standard attention command, where the attention command includes AT+APLSIRI?: APLSIRI=[YYY], where the attention command AT+ has been removed, APLSIRI denotes the response to the non-standard attention command AT+APLSIRI, and [YYY] denotes parameters / data as a response to the non-standard attention command AT+APLSIRI?.

[0057] The Bluetooth transceiver module 212 sends responses to the vehicle 100 via the antenna 216 or one or more other antennas. In various implementations, the vehicle 100 may include separate transmit and receive antennas and / or the mobile device 150 may include separate transmit and receive antennas.

[0058] If the application module 228 does not recognize the received attention command, the application module 228 can instruct the Bluetooth transceiver module 212 to transmit a response, including the predetermined error message, to the vehicle 100 in response to the non-standard attention command.

[0059] The Bluetooth transceiver module 110 receives responses to attention commands from the Bluetooth transceiver module 212. A list 232 containing or consisting of standard responses to attention commands can be stored in a memory, for example, in the memory of the Bluetooth transceiver module 110. The standard responses include or consist of all standard responses (e.g., the command segments) defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification for standard attention commands. Example standard responses include: CCWA=[YYY], CHLD=[YYYY], CHUP=[YYYY] and CIND=[YYYY], where CCWA denotes the default response to the standard call waiting notification request command AT+CCWA, CHLD denotes the default response to the standard call hold and multi-party handling attention command AT+CHLD, CHUP denotes the default response to the standard hang up attention command AT+CHUP, CIND denotes the default response to the standard indicator update command AT+CIND, and [YYY] denotes parameters / data as a response to the associated standard attention command. While the above four examples are provided, the HFP specification also includes other default responses.

[0060] The standard responses are not specific to any mobile device manufacturer. Nor are they specific to any carrier. Non-standard (e.g., manufacturer-specific, carrier-specific, device-specific, etc.) responses to non-standard attention commands are not included in List 232 because they are not part of the Bluetooth HFP specification.

[0061] When a response is received, the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 can compare the received response with list 232. Based on this comparison, the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 can determine whether the received response is a standard response (included in list 232) or a non-standard response (not included in list 232). In some implementations, list 232 can be omitted, and the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 can compare the response portion (e.g., CCWA, CHLD, CHUP, CIND) of each received response with list 208. The Bluetooth transceiver module 110 performs this comparison for each received response.

[0062] If the received response is a standard response, the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 continues and can, for example, process or execute based on the standard response. If the received response is a non-standard response, the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 could disconnect and terminate the pairing between the vehicle 100 and the mobile device 150 (and, in particular, between the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 and the Bluetooth transceiver module 212).

[0063] If, according to the present invention, the received response is a non-standard response, the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 does not automatically disconnect and terminate the pairing. Instead, the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 forwards the received response to the hands-free module 120. The communication of received responses to the hands-free module 120 is described in Fig. 2 is represented by 236. The hands-free module 120 can determine whether it recognizes the received response.

[0064] When the hands-free module 120 recognizes the received response, it can perform one or more predefined actions based on that response. For example, in response to the non-standard response XAPL=[YYY], the hands-free module 120 can transmit a predefined attention command (e.g., AT+APLSIRI?) to the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 for transmission to the mobile device 150.

[0065] If the hands-free module 120 does not recognize the received response, it can instruct the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 to disconnect and terminate the pairing between the vehicle 100 and the mobile device 150 (more precisely, between the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 and the Bluetooth transceiver module 212). The Bluetooth transceiver module 110 then disconnects and terminates the pairing between the vehicle 100 and the mobile device 150 in response to this command.

[0066] In response to a reply containing the predetermined error message, the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 could disconnect and terminate the pairing between the vehicle 100 and the mobile device 150. According to the present invention, the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 does not automatically disconnect and terminate the pairing. Instead, the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 forwards the received reply, including the predetermined error message, to the hands-free module 120. Based on the received reply, including the predetermined error message, the hands-free module 120 performs one or more predetermined actions.

[0067] For example, in response to the received response, including the predetermined error message, the hands-free module 120 can transmit a predetermined attention command to the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 for transmission to the mobile device 150. The predetermined attention command can be a predetermined standard attention command or a predetermined non-standard attention command. The predetermined attention command can be the same as, or different from, the transmitted attention command that resulted in the receipt of the response, including the predetermined error message. As an alternative to transmitting a predetermined attention command in response to the received response, including the predetermined error message, the hands-free module 120 instructs the Bluetooth transceiver 110 to disconnect and terminate the pairing between the vehicle 100 and the mobile device 150.The Bluetooth transceiver module 110 disconnects and terminates the pairing between the vehicle 100 and the mobile device 150 in response to the command.

[0068] Fig. Section 3 includes a flowchart illustrating an exemplary procedure for the transmission of attention commands and the receipt of responses to attention commands by the vehicle 100. The control process begins at 304, where the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 determines whether a pairing request has been received. A pairing request can be received automatically (e.g., in response to the vehicle 100 being detected by the mobile device 150, or vice versa) or manually (e.g., in response to user input into the mobile device 150, or in response to user input to one or more of the user input devices 140). If 304 is true, at 308 the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 pairs with the Bluetooth transceiver module 212 of the mobile device 150, and the control process continues at 312. If 304 is false, the control remains at 304.

[0069] At 312, the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 determines whether it is still paired with the mobile device 150. If 312 is true, control continues to 316. If 312 is false, control returns to 304. At 316, the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 determines whether an attention command has been received. As discussed above, the hands-free module 120 can transmit attention commands when one or more events occur, in response to receiving one or more user inputs (e.g., via one or more of the user input devices 140) and / or at one or more predetermined times. If 316 is true, control continues to 320. If 316 is false, control returns to 312.

[0070] At 320, the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 compares the received attention command (e.g., the command snippet) with list 208, which contains the standard attention commands (e.g., command snippets) defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification. At 324, the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 determines whether the received attention command (e.g., the command snippet) is in list 208. If 324 is true, at 328 the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 transmits the standard attention command to the mobile device 150 via antenna 130, and the control process continues at 336. If 324 is false, at 332 the Bluetooth transceiver module transmits the non-standard attention command via antenna 130 to the mobile device 150, and the control continues at 336.

[0071] At 336, the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 determines whether a response to the transmitted attention command has been received from the mobile device 150. If 336 is false, the controller can remain at 336. The controller may wait a certain time and receive a response to the transmitted attention command within a predetermined period after the transmission of the attention command [missing word in original text]. If 336 is true, the controller can proceed to 340.

[0072] At 340, the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 compares the received response (e.g., the response segment) with list 232 or list 208. At 344, the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 determines whether the received response (e.g., the response segment) is in list 232 or list 208. If 340 is true, at 348 the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 processes the received response, and the controller returns to 312. If 340 is false, the received response is a non-standard response, and the controller proceeds to 352.

[0073] At 352, the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 does not automatically disconnect and terminate the pairing with the mobile device 150. Instead, at 352, the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 transmits the received response to the hands-free module 120. The hands-free module 120 processes the received response, either by recognizing it or by instructing the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 to disconnect and terminate the pairing.

[0074] The above enables the transmission of non-standard attention commands not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification, and the reception of non-standard responses. It also allows the hands-free module to process 120 non-standard responses to non-standard attention commands, potentially preventing a pairing disconnection / termination.

[0075] Fig.Section 4 includes a flowchart illustrating an exemplary procedure for receiving attention commands and transmitting responses to attention commands by the mobile device 150. The controller begins with 404, where the Bluetooth transceiver module 212 determines whether a pairing request has been received. A pairing request can be received automatically (e.g., in response to the mobile device 150 detecting the vehicle 100, or vice versa) or manually (e.g., in response to user input into the mobile device 150 or to user input to one or more of the user input devices 140). If 404 is true, the Bluetooth transceiver module 212 of the mobile device 150 pairs with the Bluetooth transceiver module 110 of the vehicle at 408, and the controller proceeds to 412. If 404 is false, the control remains at 404.

[0076] At 412, the Bluetooth transceiver module 212 determines whether it is still paired with the vehicle 100. If 412 is true, the controller proceeds to 416. If 412 is false, the controller returns to 404. At 416, the Bluetooth transceiver module 212 determines whether an attention command has been received from the vehicle 100. As discussed above, the hands-free module 120 can transmit attention commands when one or more events occur, in response to receiving one or more user inputs (e.g., via one or more of the user input devices 140) and / or at one or more predetermined times. If 416 is true, the controller proceeds to 420. If 416 is false, the controller returns to 412.

[0077] At 420, the Bluetooth transceiver module 212 compares the received attention command (e.g., the command snippet) with list 220, which contains the standard attention commands defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification. At 424, the Bluetooth transceiver module 212 determines whether the received attention command (e.g., the command snippet) is in list 220. If 420 is true, the Bluetooth transceiver module 212 executes the received attention command according to rules 224 and generates a response at 428 that complies with the received attention command. The Bluetooth transceiver module 212 transmits the response to vehicle 100 at 428, and the control returns to 412. If 420 is false, the received attention command is a non-standard attention command.Instead of sending a response containing the predetermined error message, the Bluetooth transceiver module 212 can transmit the received attention command to the application module 228, and the control can then proceed to module 432. Alternatively, the Bluetooth transceiver module 212 can send a response including the predetermined error message to the vehicle 100, and the control can then return to module 412.

[0078] At 432, the application module 228 can determine whether it recognizes the received attention command and can process it. If 432 is true, the application module 228 processes the received attention command and, at 436, generates a response that complies with the received attention command. The Bluetooth transceiver module 212 transmits the response (including the response / command portion, which is not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification) to the vehicle 100. The response in this example is non-standard because the attention command itself was non-standard. If 432 is false, the application module 228 might not be able to process the received attention command. Therefore, at 440, the application module 228 can instruct the Bluetooth transceiver module 212 to send a response, including the predetermined error message, to the vehicle 100.The Bluetooth transceiver module 212 transmits the response, including the predetermined error message, to the vehicle 100 in response to the command.

[0079] The above enables the reception of non-standard attention commands and the transmission of non-standard responses not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification. This allows the application module 228 to process and respond to non-standard attention commands and potentially avoid a pairing disconnection / termination.

Claims

[1] Hands-free system for a vehicle (100), comprising: a Bluetooth transceiver module (212) configured to pair with a mobile electronic device (150) configured to communicate with a mobile network; and a hands-free module (120), configured while the mobile electronic device (150) is paired, to selectively generate attention commands for transmission to the mobile electronic device (150), wherein the attention commands include: Standard attention commands defined by a Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile (HFP) specification; and Non-standard attention commands that are not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification, the Bluetooth transceiver module (212) is further configured to: Transmitting attention commands to the mobile electronic device (150); from the mobile electronic device (150), Receiving: first responses to the standard attention commands defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification; and second responses to non-standard attention commands not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification; and in response to receiving one of the second responses to a non-standard attention command not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification, forwarding one of the second responses to the hands-free module (120); and in response to receiving one of the second answers: not to automatically disconnect from the mobile electronic device (150) and end the pairing; Comparing one of the second responses with a stored list containing only the first responses to attention commands as defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification; and Forwarding one of the second answers to the hands-free module (120) based on one of the second answers that is not in the stored list. [2] Hands-free system according to claim 1, wherein the hands-free module (120) is further configured to process one of the second answers. [3] Hands-free system according to claim 1, wherein: the Bluetooth transceiver module (212) is further configured to selectively command the Bluetooth transceiver module (212) to disconnect from the mobile electronic device (150) and terminate the pairing in response to one of the second answers; and The Bluetooth transceiver module (212) is configured to disconnect from the mobile electronic device (150) and terminate the pairing in response to the command. [4] Hands-free system according to claim 1, wherein the Bluetooth transceiver module (212) is configured to: Comparing a non-standard attention command, not defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification, with a stored list containing only attention commands defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification; and Forwarding one of the second responses to the hands-free module (120) based on the non-standard attention command that is not in the stored list. [5] Hands-free system according to claim 1, wherein the Bluetooth transceiver module (212) is configured to: Comparing a command snippet of the non-standard attention command with a stored list containing only predetermined command snippets of attention commands defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification; and Forwarding one of the second responses to the hands-free module (120) based on the command section of the non-standard attention command that is not in the stored list. [6] Hands-free system according to claim 1, wherein the Bluetooth transceiver module (212) is configured to: Comparing a response segment from one of the second responses with a stored list containing only predetermined parts of attention commands defined by the Bluetooth HFP specification; and Forwarding one of the second answers to the hands-free module (120) based on the answer section of one of the second answers that is not in the stored list. [7] Hands-free system according to claim 1, wherein the non-standard attention command includes an attention command that is specific to a manufacturer of mobile electronic devices (150). [8] Hands-free system according to claim 1, wherein the non-standard attention command includes an attention command that is specific to an operating system.

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