System for controlling vehicle functions with a mobile device

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for controlling vehicle functions (1) using an application (3) running on a mobile device (2), wherein the mobile device (2) is coupled to a vehicle (4) providing the vehicle function (1). The invention is characterized in that the mobile device (2) is wired to a telematics unit (5) of the vehicle (4), wherein a USB-C port (6) of the mobile device (2) is connected via an adapter (7) to an Ethernet port (8) of the telematics unit (5); wherein the telematics unit (5) executes an MCP server (9) for exposing vehicle APLs suitable for interaction with vehicle functions (1); and the application (3) in the mobile terminal (2) forms an MCP client configured to interact with the MCP server (9) in the telematics unit (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for controlling vehicle functions according to the type defined in more detail in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] With increasing digitalization, the proportion of computing units in vehicles also increases. A wide variety of data is processed in a vehicle, such as sensor data, control signals for the vehicle's actuators, diagnostic data, and the like. This allows for a wide range of functions to be provided to increase comfort and driving safety while using the vehicle.

[0003] Since the driver must concentrate on the road while driving, interaction with the vehicle's functions should be as simple and natural as possible. Natural interaction is possible using voice assistants, which, thanks to the integration of AI agents based on large language models (LLMs), allow for conversations in natural language. However, the integration effort for such systems into the vehicle's electronics is considerable.

[0004] AI agents based on large language models are increasingly becoming established in everyday life, taking over a wide variety of tasks. To enable such AI agents to interact with applications and systems, interfaces for data exchange are required. Developing specific application programming interfaces (APIs) for each use case is complex and error-prone. To simplify the implementation of such interfaces, the Model Context Protocol (MCP) was developed. This is an open standard and an open-source framework designed to facilitate the integration and interaction between AI agents and external tools.

[0005] MCP is based on a classic client-server model. A host serves to run an AI application, which relies on external resources. A client is implemented within the host, acting as a link to a server that provides the necessary resources. MCP thus represents a type of middleware. The functions provided to the AI ​​application, for example, an AI agent, are also referred to as "tools." MCP servers can also be run on local systems.

[0006] German patent DE 10 2017 206 478 A1 discloses the simplification of mobile device application installation using a vehicle. Applications that enable interaction with vehicle functions can be run on a mobile device, such as a smartphone. To make it easier for users to install such applications on their mobile devices, the vehicle checks for a paired mobile device whether the respective user is authorized to control vehicle functions and whether the application is installed on the mobile device. If the application is not installed, the vehicle can display instructions to the user to install it.

[0007] The present invention is based on the objective of providing an improved system for controlling vehicle functions with a mobile device, which is easy to implement.

[0008] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a system for controlling vehicle functions with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] A system for controlling vehicle functions using an application running on a mobile device, wherein the mobile device is coupled to a vehicle providing the vehicle function, is further developed according to the invention in that the mobile device is wired to a telematics unit of the vehicle, wherein a USB-C port of the mobile device is connected via an adapter to an Ethernet port of the telematics unit; wherein the telematics unit executes an MCP server for exposing vehicle APLs suitable for interaction with vehicle functions; and The application in the mobile device forms an MCP client, configured to interact with the MCP server in the telematics unit.

[0010] The system according to the invention enables a user to control vehicle functions using a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, or similar device. Thanks to the use of the Model Context Protocol (MCP), the vehicle manufacturer no longer needs to develop the necessary interfaces in the telematics unit. Only a suitable MCP server needs to be implemented in the telematics unit, which then enables the use of the existing interfaces of the AI ​​application in the mobile device. The technical effort required for this is minimal thanks to the use of the standardized framework. In addition, a corresponding application must be implemented in the mobile device. The application can be rolled out via established channels, such as the manufacturer's app store.

[0011] According to the invention, communication between the mobile device and the telematics unit is wired. Since the mobile device must therefore be physically connected to the telematics unit, the risk of misuse, for example in connection with cyberattacks, is minimal. Only a user with access to the vehicle interior can establish the connection. The telematics unit has various communication interfaces for this purpose. Communication primarily takes place via Ethernet. Mobile devices usually do not have a dedicated Ethernet port, but rather a USB-C port. According to the invention, the USB-C port of the mobile device can be connected to the Ethernet port of the telematics unit using a suitable adapter, such as a USB-C to Ethernet adapter cable.Any Ethernet port available in the vehicle interior can be used for this purpose, provided it is connected to a communication line with the telematics unit. It is therefore not necessary to use a physical port on the telematics unit itself. The use of USB-C and Ethernet allows for stable communication at comparatively high data rates.

[0012] Before an interaction between the MCP client and MCP server is enabled, the invention provides that the client and server perform a joint authentication process. For example, the user can log in to the application on the mobile device using personal login credentials. The mobile device can download the information required for the authentication process, for example, using a mobile data connection from an external computing unit, such as a server or "backend" operated by the vehicle manufacturer. The mobile device's own mobile data connection or that of the telematics unit can be used for this purpose.After authentication between MCP server and MCP client, the user can then use the application to read information processed in the vehicle, such as the current setting of an air conditioning system or the mileage, as well as control functions, such as functions related to the infotainment system, like changing the radio station, setting a comfort temperature, and the like.

[0013] A further advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention provides that the application on the mobile device can be controlled by an AI agent. This further simplifies operation for the user. For example, the user can program routines into the application that are then executed by the AI ​​agent. For instance, the user can specify which person typically uses the vehicle on which days of the week and at what times, so that a preferred radio station and climate control setting are automatically selected, and the driver's seat and steering column are ergonomically adjusted for that person. The AI ​​agent can also access external resources, such as a weather report, and, for example, open an electronically operated convertible top shortly before use if the weather is good.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention, the AI ​​agent is implemented as a speech dialogue system. This further simplifies interaction with the application for the user, as information can be requested and commands issued via voice, and natural language can be used without the need for predefined keywords. Such speech dialogue systems are typically already implemented in modern mobile devices, which can therefore be used.

[0015] Further advantageous embodiments of the system according to the invention for controlling vehicle functions also result from the exemplary embodiment, which is described in more detail below with reference to the figure.

[0016] This shows Fig. 1 A schematic representation of a system according to the invention for controlling vehicle functions using an application running on a mobile device.

[0017] Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle 4 of a system according to the invention. In the vehicle 4, vehicle functions 1, such as opening a glass roof or the windows, can be controlled by means of an application 3 that runs on a mobile device 2, here in the form of a smartphone. For this purpose, the mobile device 2 is wired to a telematics unit 5 in the vehicle 4.

[0018] According to the invention, the mobile device 2 is connected via a USB-C port 6 and an adapter 7 in the form of a USB-C to Ethernet cable to an Ethernet port 8 of the telematics unit 5. In the upper part of Fig. Figure 1 shows the scenario in a photorealistic rendering and in the lower part as a diagram. As in the upper part of Fig.As can be seen from 1, adapter 7 can be connected to a suitable Ethernet socket in the vehicle interior.

[0019] Telematics unit 5 incorporates an MCP server 9 for exposing vehicle APLs suitable for interaction with vehicle functions 1. Application 3 acts as an MCP client. The mobile device 2 thus serves as the host for the MCP client. The technical effort required to enable the use of the vehicle APLs for application 3 is therefore minimal.

[0020] Application 3 can be controlled particularly favorably by an AI agent 10. This is especially possible via voice commands. Thus, as indicated by a speech bubble, a user 11 can issue voice commands to control vehicle functions 1. 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] DE 10 2017 206 478 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] System for controlling vehicle functions (1) using an application (3) running on a mobile device (2), wherein the mobile device (2) is coupled to a vehicle (4) providing the vehicle function (1), characterized by , that the mobile device (2) is wired to a telematics unit (5) of the vehicle (4), wherein a USB-C port (6) of the mobile device (2) is connected via an adapter (7) to an Ethernet port (8) of the telematics unit (5); wherein the telematics unit (5) executes an MCP server (9) for exposing vehicle APLs suitable for interaction with vehicle functions (1); and The application (3) in the mobile device (2) forms an MCP client, configured to interact with the MCP server (9) in the telematics unit (5). [2] System according to claim 1, characterized by, that the application (3) in the mobile device (2) can be controlled by an AI agent (10). [3] System according to claim 2, characterized by , that the AI ​​agent (10) is implemented as a speech dialogue system.

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