Method for establishing a connection between an infotainment system and a plurality of mobile devices and infotainment system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for managing the connections between an infotainment system (10) and a plurality of mobile devices (12, 14). The method involves establishing a wireless

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of automobiles. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for establishing a connection between an infotainment system and a plurality of mobile devices according to claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system, a corresponding computer program product, and a corresponding non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] The objective of the invention is to provide a method for connecting an infotainment system with a plurality of mobile devices, whereby the quality of the connection is intended to be improved and reliably provided.

[0003] This objective is achieved by means of a method with the features of claim 1 an by means of an infotainment system. Advantageous embodiments of the infotainment system are considered advantageous implementations of the method, wherein the means of the infotainment system are used to perform the procedural steps. Furthermore, advantageous developments of the invention are described by the dependent claims, the following description, and the figures. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for establishing a connection between an infotainment system and a plurality of mobile devices, wherein the respective mobile devices are connected to the infotainment system via a wireless connection. The infotainment system records the connection parameters of the respective connections and creates a prioritization of the connected mobile devices based on these connection parameters. Furthermore the infotainment system, depending on the highest prioritization, interrupts the wireless connections to all mobile devices with a lower prioritization.

[0005] In other words the method connects multiple mobile devices wirelessly to the infotainment system. In this method, a connection to the infotainment system is first established for each mobile device. Subsequently, the relevant connection parameters of each mobile device are recorded, such as network signal strength, available data volume, connection speed, battery level, and data usage cost. The infotainment system then creates a prioritization of the connected mobile devices based on the recorded parameters. The wireless connections to mobile devices with lower prioritization are interrupted, ensuring that only the connection with the highest priority remains active. The relationship between the mobile devices and the infotainment system is characterized by continuous monitoring and evaluation of the connections.

[0006] To achieve the objective of the invention and thereby select the connection with the best quality, it is provided according to the invention that the infotainment system records the relevant connection parameters after establishing the connections and performs a prioritization. The recorded connection parameters include network signal strength, available data volume, connection speed, battery level of the mobile device, and / or data usage cost. The technical implementation is carried out by an evaluation module, which analyzes the recorded parameters and creates a priority list. This priority list is continuously updated, enabling the infotainment system to dynamically respond to changes in connection quality. One advantage of this solution is that the best possible connection is provided at all times, thereby allowing uninterrupted use of data-intensive applications such as streaming and / or navigation.

[0007] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the recorded connection parameters are combined to allow a more accurate assessment of connection quality. In this case, a weighting factor may be assigned to each parameter to adjust its influence on the prioritization, depending on the specific situation and user requirements. For example, in a scenario where the vehicle is in a remote area with limited network coverage, the weighting factor for network signal strength may be increased to prioritize a stable connection over other parameters such as cost or data availability. This ensures that the infotainment system maintains connectivity for essential services like navigation or emergency communication. Conversely, when driving in an urban environment where multiple high-speed networks are available, the weighting factor for connection speed and data usage cost might be given more importance to ensure smooth streaming or gaming experiences while minimizing expenses. Additionally, the battery level of the connected devices may play a more significant role when a device’s battery is critically low. In such cases, the infotainment system may temporarily deprioritize that device to conserve its remaining power, unless it is the only device with a reliable network connection. The combination of parameters may also be chosen based on the type of application being used. For instance, if a user is streaming video content, the infotainment system might prioritize connection speed and data volume to ensure uninterrupted playback. On the other hand, for a voice call or messaging application, network signal strength and low latency might be given greater priority to ensure clear communication.

[0008] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the connection parameters are selected by an entity, such as the infotainment system itself, a centralized control unit, and / or a user. This selection process allows for greater flexibility in adapting the connection prioritization to different use cases, vehicle environments, or user preferences. When the entity is the infotainment system, the parameters may be automatically selected based on predefined rules or machine learning algorithms that analyze historical data and current conditions. If the user is the entity selecting the parameters, the infotainment system may provide an interface that allows manual selection of relevant parameters. For example, a user might choose to prioritize costefficiency by selecting data usage cost as the most important parameter. Alternatively, another user may focus on maintaining high-speed internet access for work-related tasks, in which case connection speed would be given the highest priority. In some cases, a centralized control unit or cloud-based service may act as the entity, selecting the parameters based on broader network data and insights. This might include information about network availability in specific geographic regions or real-time traffic conditions that could influence connectivity needs. By using external data, the infotainment system may further enhance its ability to maintain a high-quality connection across varying locations and conditions.

[0009] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that in the event of a disruption to the active connection, all previously disconnected mobile devices are reconnected to the infotainment system, and the connections are reprioritized. This ensures that the infotainment system quickly restores the best possible connection even in the event of a connection loss. By immediately reconnecting all devices and re evaluating the connection parameters, the infotainment system ensures that the best available connection is always selected, minimizing potential disruptions to data-intensive applications such as video streaming, voice communication, and / or navigation. The reprioritization process involves reassessing the connection parameters used or chosen.

[0010] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the prioritization of connections is re-evaluated at predetermined time intervals. This allows the infotainment system to respond to changes in connection quality even if no disruption to the active connection occurs.

[0011] In other words, it is provided that the infotainment system continuously monitors the connection quality of the mobile devices and automatically selects the connection with the best quality, considering parameters such as network signal strength, data availability, connection speed, battery level, and data usage cost. Through continuous evaluation and prioritization of the connections, a stable and high-quality connection is provided, improving the use of data-intensive applications in the vehicle.

[0012] Another aspect of the invention relates to an infotainment system for a vehicle, which is configured to establish wireless connections with a plurality of mobile devices and manage these connections based on defined connection parameters. The infotainment system includes a communication interface for connecting with mobile devices, an evaluation module for assessing the connection parameters, and a control unit for prioritizing and managing the connections. The communication interface enables the infotainment system to establish and maintain wireless connections with mobile devices via technologies such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Once the connections are established, the evaluation module collects connection parameters from the connected devices, such as network signal strength, data availability, connection speed, battery level, and / or data usage cost. Based on the collected parameters, the control unit dynamically prioritizes the connections by assigning a prioritization score to each device. The prioritization score is determined by combining the parameters, where each parameter may be weighted differently depending on current conditions or user preferences. The control unit ensures that only the mobile device with the highest prioritization remains connected, while the connections to devices with lower prioritization are temporarily disconnected.

[0013] Furthermore, in the event of a connection loss, the control unit is configured to automatically reconnect all previously disconnected devices and repeat the prioritization process to restore the best possible connection. This ensures that the infotainment system can adapt to changes in network availability or device status without user intervention, providing a consistent and high-quality connectivity experience.

[0014] This aspect of the invention offers significant advantages in environments where network conditions are variable, ensuring that the infotainment system consistently selects the best available connection while minimizing disruptions. Additionally, by providing flexibility in parameter selection and weighting, the infotainment system may adapt to meet the specific connectivity needs of the vehicle occupants.

[0015] Another aspect of the invention relates to a computer program product containing program code for executing the method. Additionally, the invention includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0016] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention derive from the following description of preferred embodiments as well as from the drawings. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figures and / or shown in the figures alone can be employed not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system and / or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0018] The drawings show in:

[0019] Fig. 1 a schematic flow diagram of a method for establishing a connection between an infotainment system for a vehicle and multiple mobile devices located inside the vehicle; and

[0020] Fig. 2 a simplified representation of the method.

[0021] In the figures the same elements or elements having the same function are indicated by the same reference signs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0023] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawing and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0024] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion so that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “comprises” or “comprise” does not or do not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

[0025] In the following detailed description of the embodiment of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawing that forms part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the disclosure may be practiced. This embodiment is described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0026] Fig 1 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for establishing a connection between an infotainment system 10 for a vehicle and multiple mobile devices 12, 14 located inside the vehicle.

[0027] A first block A1 describes the initial step, where the application in the vehicle attempts to establish a connection with all mobile devices 12, 14 present inside the vehicle via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi as examples. This step forms a start for further data exchange by ensuring that the infotainment system 10 recognizes and connects with all available devices.

[0028] In a second block A2, once each mobile device 12, 14 allows the connection, the application requests relevant data from the connected mobile devices 12, 14, including network availability, cost information, and usage statistics.

[0029] A third block A3 represents an algorithm used to analyze key parameters such as network strength, cost, network speed, battery level, and / or data availability. Based on the analysis, the algorithm selects the best available network for use. The selection process relies on a weighted evaluation of the parameters to balance connectivity quality and costs as examples

[0030] A fourth block A4 represents further optimization of the connection process by considering the type of applications that require data. This includes specific application categories such as maps, gaming, video streaming, music streaming, and / or messaging / calling.

[0031] In a fifth block A5, after establishing the connection, the application disconnects all unused mobile devices 12, 14 to conserve power while keeping a record of the connected devices. This ensures that only the necessary mobile devices 12, 14 consume network and battery resources, enhancing energy efficiency.

[0032] A sixth block A6 outlines the procedure in case of a loss of connectivity. If the connection is lost, the application automatically re-establishes Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections to all previously remembered devices and repeats the connection selection algorithm. This guarantees that the infotainment system 10 can quickly recover and continue providing optimal connectivity without user intervention.

[0033] Overall, the fig. 1 illustrates a method for utilizing the network connections of multiple mobile devices 12, 14 within a vehicle. It ensures a seamless user experience by dynamically selecting the best network, optimizing power consumption, and providing automatic reconnection in case of network interruptions.

[0034] Fig. 2 shows a simplified representation of the block diagram with three blocks, labeled B1, B2, and B3.

[0035] In a first block B1, the process begins by connecting the mobile devices 12, 14 or phones of all passengers to the infotainment system 10 and adding them to the non-user list. This ensures that the infotainment system 10 has access to the network information of all available mobile devices 10 inside the vehicle.

[0036] A second Block B2 represents the next step, where the infotainment system 10 disconnects the Bluetooth connection or other connection from all mobile devices 12, 14 except the one with the strongest network. This step optimizes network usage by selecting the mobile device 12, 14 that offers the best connectivity for data-intensive applications while minimizing power consumption from unused mobile devices 12, 14.

[0037] A third Block B3 represents the procedure in case of a detected loss of signal. If the infotainment system 10 detects a signal interruption, it reconnects Bluetooth to all previously paired mobile devices 12, 14 and repeats the network selection process. This ensures that the infotainment system 10 can quickly recover and maintain an optimal connection even under changing network conditions.

[0038] The Blocks B2 and B3 are shown in a loop, indicating a continuous process where the connection between the mobile devices 12, 14 and the infotainment system 10 is maintained. This loop guarantees that the infotainment system 10 dynamically adapts to changes in network conditions, ensuring reliable connectivity for all in-car applications.

[0039] In summary, the invention proposes a method for connecting to the best available network in a vehicle, where multiple mobile devices 12, 14 are wirelessly connected to an infotainment system 10. Reference signs list 10 12 14 A1-A6 B1-B3 Infotainment system Mobile device Mobile device Blocks Blocks

Claims

1. A method for establishing a connection between an infotainment system (10) and a plurality of mobile devices (12, 14), wherein the respective mobile devices (12, 14) are connected to the infotainment system (12, 14) via a wireless connection, wherein the infotainment system (10) records the connection parameters of the respective connections and creates a prioritization of the connected mobile devices (12, 14) based on these connection parameters, and wherein the infotainment system (10), depending on the highest prioritization, interrupts the wireless connections to all mobile devices (12, 14) with a lower prioritization.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection parameters include network signal strength and / or available data volume and / or connection speed and / or battery level of the mobile device and / or data usage cost.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in thatthe connection parameters are combined with each other.

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe connection parameters are selected by an entity.

5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in thatin case of a connection interruption, all connections are re-established and reprioritized.

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe prioritization is re-evaluated at predetermined time intervals.

7. An infotainment system (10) for a vehicle, comprising:- a communication interface configured to establish a wireless connection with a plurality of mobile devices (12, 14),- an evaluation module configured to capture connection parameters of the connected mobile devices (12, 14) and to create a prioritization of the connected mobile devices (12, 14) based on the connection parameters,- a control unit configured to disconnect the wireless connections to mobile devices (12, 14) with lower prioritization based on the highest prioritization, wherein the evaluation module is configured to consider connection parameters such as network signal strength, available data volume, connection speed, battery level of the mobile device (12, 14), and data usage cost, and wherein the control unit is further configured to reconnect all mobile devices (12, 14) and re-execute the prioritization in case of a connection loss.

8. A computer program product comprising program code means for performing a method according to claim 1 to 6.

9. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising at least the computer program product according to claim 8.12

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