Method for seamlessly transferring media content from a terminal device to a vehicle's entertainment system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (12) for seamlessly transferring media content from a user's personal device (13) to an entertainment system (2) of a vehicle (1). The entertainment system (2) is provided with at least two subsystems (3a, 3b), each assigned to a seat (4a, 4b) of the vehicle (1). As soon as the user approaches the vehicle (1), the entertainment system (2) tracks their position. As soon as the user enters the vehicle (1) and takes one of the seats (4a, 4b), the entertainment system (2) detects their position at that seat (4a, 4b). Once the user's position at the seat (4a, 4b) is detected, the entertainment system (2) streams the media content from the user's device (13) to the subsystem (3a, 3b) assigned to their seat (4a, 4b). The invention also relates to the entertainment system (2) for carrying out the method (12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for seamlessly transferring media content from a user's personal terminal device to a vehicle entertainment system according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to the entertainment system for carrying out the method.

[0002] Nowadays, vehicle passengers frequently use personal devices to consume media content. While a modern vehicle typically includes an entertainment system, the transition from using a personal device to the vehicle's entertainment system is often cumbersome and disruptive, and can interrupt the journey.

[0003] US Patent 10,110,332 B2 discloses a method for distributing digital content to vehicle occupants. In the method, digital content is provided to a content distribution system. The digital content is then selectively transmitted by the content distribution system to one or a number of digital content access points connected to seats within the vehicle.

[0004] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved or at least alternative embodiment of a method of the generic type, in which the described disadvantages are overcome. The object of the invention is also to provide an entertainment system for carrying out the method.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0006] The method according to the invention is designed and intended for the seamless transfer of media content from a user's personal device to a vehicle's entertainment system. The personal device can, for example, be the user's smartphone. In this method, the entertainment system is provided with at least two subsystems, each assigned to a seat in the vehicle. As soon as the user approaches the vehicle, the entertainment system tracks their position. This can preferably be achieved through communication between a channel sounding module of the entertainment system and a channel sounding antenna of the user's personal device. As soon as the user enters the vehicle and takes a seat, the entertainment system detects their position at that seat. This can preferably be done using the channel sounding module of the entertainment system.Once the user's position at the seat is detected, the entertainment system streams the media content from the user's personal device to the subsystem assigned to their seat.

[0007] This process allows media content from the user's personal device to be seamlessly transferred to the vehicle's entertainment system. Furthermore, playback of media content from the personal device to the vehicle's entertainment system can also be seamlessly transferred, enabling the entertainment system to provide a high-quality, uninterrupted audio and video experience. This transfer of media content requires no additional user intervention and is therefore simplified and distraction-free. A particularly advantageous feature is the automated localization of the user within the vehicle and the automated transfer of media content to the subsystem assigned to the user's seat. This allows for intuitive operation of the entertainment system and increases user acceptance of the vehicle's entertainment system.

[0008] When streaming media content, the visual content can be displayed on a monitor or screen assigned to the seat within the subsystem, ensuring that the visual display is only perceptible to the user. Alternatively or additionally, when streaming media content, the audio can be played back via a speaker assigned to the seat within the subsystem, again ensuring that the audio is only perceptible to the user. This audio playback can, for example, utilize surround sound technology through speakers of the entertainment system or the vehicle itself. This ensures high sound quality for the user while avoiding or at least minimizing disturbance to other vehicle occupants.

[0009] The system can be configured so that, as soon as the user changes seats within the vehicle, the entertainment system recognizes their position in the new seat. This can preferably be achieved using the entertainment system's channel sounding module. The media content stream can then be transferred from the subsystem associated with the previous seat to the subsystem associated with the new seat. In other words, the entertainment system can also enable a seamless transition of media content from one subsystem to another. For example, if the user moves from the rear right seat to the rear left seat, the entertainment system also transfers the stream from the rear right seat subsystem to the rear left seat subsystem.In this process, the image and sound reproduction of the media content are transmitted, and the transition can be seamless.

[0010] The system may provide that, as soon as a user initiates an input to share their media content with another user in one of the other seats of the vehicle, the entertainment system extends the streaming of the media content to the subsystem assigned to that other seat. The input to share the media content can preferably be made by the user by pointing and / or moving their personal device towards the other seat and / or via a user interface of the entertainment system. The user interface can, for example, be a monitor or screen of the subsystem assigned to the user's seat. This allows the other user to seamlessly receive and use the user's media content. It may also be provided that such sharing of media content to the subsystem or monitor assigned to a driver's seat is possible.The screen is excluded.

[0011] The method may provide that, as soon as the user initiates an input to share their media content with all other users in the vehicle, the entertainment system extends the streaming of the media content to each subsystem assigned to the other user. The input to share the media content can preferably be made by the user via a user interface of the entertainment system. The user interface can, for example, be a monitor or screen of the subsystem assigned to the user's seat. Preferably, the streaming of the media content can occur after consent from the user of the respective other subsystem. This allows all users in the vehicle to seamlessly receive and use the user's media content. It may be provided that such sharing of the media content is directed to the subsystem or monitor assigned to the driver's seat.The screen is excluded.

[0012] The invention also relates to an entertainment system for a vehicle. The entertainment system comprises at least two subsystems, each assigned to a seat in the vehicle, with at least one monitor for displaying media content and / or at least one loudspeaker for playing back sound from media content. The entertainment system further comprises a channel sounding module for communication between the entertainment system and a channel sounding antenna of a user's personal device. The entertainment system also includes an interface with a user interface for receiving user input. According to the invention, the entertainment system is designed to perform the method described above.

[0013] The monitor or screen of each subsystem can be permanently mounted on the respective seat. Each subsystem can preferably have at least one separate monitor or screen. Each subsystem can also have at least one separate loudspeaker. The loudspeaker for playing back media content can be a spatial loudspeaker, providing the user with high-quality spatial sound without disturbing other vehicle occupants. However, it is also conceivable that all subsystems of the entertainment system share the same speakers. In other words, the use of the spatial loudspeakers is not mandatory.

[0014] The channel sounding module can have at least one unit, particularly in the cockpit and / or on the roof of the vehicle, with a direct line of sight to all seats. The channel sounding module can determine the user's position using channel sounding technology. For this purpose, the channel sounding module can utilize a channel sounding antenna integrated into the user's personal device, such as a smartphone. The user interface can be implemented via the respective monitors or screens of the individual subsystems. Through this interface, the user can control the streaming and transmission of media content.

[0015] Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the drawing and the associated description of the figures based on the drawing.

[0016] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and are explained in more detail in the following description.

[0018] The only Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a vehicle 1 with an entertainment system 2 according to the invention. The entertainment system 2 comprises two subsystems 3a and 3b, each assigned to a seat 4a and 4b of the vehicle 1. Seat 4a is located at the rear left and seat 4b at the rear right. Each subsystem 3a and 3b comprises a fixed monitor 5a and 5b and a spatial loudspeaker 6a and 6b, respectively. The entertainment system 2 also includes an interface 7 with a user interface 8, which is formed by the monitors 5a and 5b of the subsystems 3a and 3b. Furthermore, the entertainment system 2 includes a channel sounding module 9 with two units 10, which are arranged on the roof 11 of the vehicle 1.

[0019] The entertainment system 2 is designed and configured to carry out a method 12 according to the invention. As soon as a user approaches the vehicle 1, the entertainment system 2 tracks their position using their personal terminal device 13 via the channel sounding module 9. For this purpose, communication is established between the channel sounding module 9 and a channel sounding antenna 14 of the user's terminal device 13. As soon as the user enters the vehicle 1 and takes up seat 4a or 4b, the entertainment system 2 detects their position at this seat 4a or 4b. Fig.1. The user is seated in the left rear seat 4a. The user's position is detected via their device 13 using the channel sounding module 9. As soon as the user's position in seat 4a is detected, the entertainment system 2 streams the media content from the device 13 to the subsystem 3a assigned to their seat 4a. During streaming, the media content is displayed on the monitor 5a and the audio is played back via the spatial speaker 6a. This allows the user to experience the media content in high quality without disturbing other users – for example, those in the right rear seat 4b. The user can share their media content with other or all users, for example, via the user interface 8 of the interface 7 of the entertainment system 2. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 10 110 332 B2

[0003]

Claims

[1] Method (12) for seamlessly transferring media content from a user's personal terminal device (13) to an entertainment system (2) of a vehicle (1), - wherein the entertainment system (2) is provided with at least two subsystems (3a, 3b) each assigned to a seat (4a, 4b) of the vehicle (1), - wherein, as soon as the user approaches the vehicle (1), the entertainment system (2) tracks his position, preferably via communication between its channel sounding module (9) and a channel sounding antenna (14) of the user's personal terminal device (13), - wherein, as soon as the user enters the vehicle (1) and takes up one of the seats (4a, 4b) of the vehicle (1), the entertainment system (2) detects his position at that seat (4a, 4b), preferably by means of its channel sounding module (9), and - wherein, as soon as the user's position at the seat (4a, 4b) is detected, the entertainment system (2) streams the media content of the user's personal device (13) from the personal device (13) to the subsystem (3a, 3b) assigned to his seat (4a, 4b). [2] Method (12) according to claim 1, characterized by , - that the media content is displayed on a monitor (5a, 5b) of the subsystem (3a, 3b) assigned to the seat (4a, 4b), so that the display can only be perceived by the user, and / or - that the sound reproduction of the media content via a loudspeaker (6a, 6b) of the subsystem (3a, 3b) assigned to the seat (4a, 4b) is such that the sound reproduction can only be perceived by the user. [3] Method (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that as soon as the user within the vehicle (1) changes from the previous seat (4a, 4b) to one of the other seats (4a, 4b), the entertainment system (2) recognizes its position at the other seat (4a, 4b), preferably by means of its channel sounding module (9), and transfers the streaming of the media content from the subsystem (3a, 3b) assigned to the previous seat (4a, 4b) to the subsystem (3a, 3b) assigned to the other seat (4a, 4b). [4] Method (12) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , - that, as soon as the user initiates an input to share their media content with another user at one of the other seats (4a, 4b) of the vehicle (1), preferably by orienting and / or moving their personal device (13) towards the other seat (4a, 4b) and / or via a user interface (8) of an interface (7) of the entertainment system (2), the entertainment system (2) extends the streaming of the media content to the subsystem (3a, 3b) assigned to the other seat (4a, 4b), and / or - that, as soon as the user initiates an input to share his media content with all other users in the vehicle (1), preferably via a user interface (8) of an interface (7) of the entertainment system (2), the entertainment system (2) extends the streaming of the media content to each subsystem (3a, 3b) assigned to the other user, preferably after consent from the respective other user of the subsystem (3a, 3b). [5] Entertainment system (2) for a vehicle (1), - wherein the entertainment system (2) comprises at least two subsystems (3a, 3b) each assigned to a seat (4a, 4b) of the vehicle (1), each with at least one monitor (5a, 5b) for displaying images of media content and / or with at least one loudspeaker (6a, 6b) for displaying sound of media content, - wherein the entertainment system (2) comprises a channel sounding module (9) for communication between the entertainment system (2) and a channel sounding antenna (14) of a user's personal terminal device (13), - wherein the entertainment system (2) has an interface (7) with a user interface (8) for receiving user input, and - wherein the entertainment system (2) is designed to carry out the method (12) according to any of the preceding claims.

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