System and method for connecting multiple devices to a vehicle system

Abstract

A system and method for connecting multiple devices to a vehicle system. [Solution] A system and method for managing the connection of multiple devices to a vehicle system are described herein. In one example, the system includes a processor and memory that communicates with the processor. When executed by the processor, the memory includes instructions that cause the processor to connect the most recently used device to the vehicle system based on its connection history, so that the most recently used device can access a first set of services. In addition, the instructions cause the processor to connect previously used devices to the vehicle system, so that previously used devices can access a second set of services, when a conflict resolution flag is set to true.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter described herein generally relates to systems and methods for connecting multiple devices to a vehicle system.

Background Art

[0002] The provided background description is generally for presenting the context of the present disclosure. Neither the achievements of the inventors within the scope that may be described in the background section nor aspects of the description that may not fall within the prior art at the time of filing are to be recognized as the prior art for the present technology, either explicitly or implicitly.

[0003] Some vehicles can connect to devices such as mobile phones and tablets. Connecting to these devices enables these devices to provide many benefits to the vehicle occupants, including the ability to utilize applications of the portable devices in these vehicles. For example, CarPlay (registered trademark) provided by Apple in Cupertino, California, and Android Auto provided by Google LLC in Menlo Park, California, enable the vehicle head unit to serve as a display and controller for the portable device.

[0004] There can be several situations where multiple devices attempt to connect to a vehicle system. For example, two family members sharing the same vehicle may be in a situation where they and their devices are present in the vehicle simultaneously. At this time, in prior art solutions, generally, the most recently connected device is connected to the vehicle system, and the other portable device may remain unconnected.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] This section provides an overview of the present disclosure, but this section is not an exhaustive description of the entire scope or all features of what is disclosed.

[0006] In one embodiment, the system includes a processor and memory that communicates with the processor. When executed by the processor, the memory includes instructions that cause the processor to connect the most recently used device to the vehicle system based on its connection history, so that the most recently used device can use a first set of services. In addition, the instructions cause the processor to connect a less recently used device to the vehicle system, so that the less recently used device can use a second set of services, when the conflict resolution flag is set to true.

[0007] In another embodiment, the method includes the step of using a first connection method to connect the most recently used device among a group of devices to the vehicle system, based on the connection history, so that the most recently used device can use a first set of services. As before, when the conflict resolution flag is set to true, the method uses a second connection method to connect a device that was used before the most recently among a group of devices to the vehicle system, so that the device that was used before the most recently can use a second set of services.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, a non-temporary computer-readable medium, when executed by the processor, stores instructions for the processor to connect the most recently used device to the vehicle system based on its connection history, and for the most recently used device to use a first set of services. As before, the instructions for the processor, when the conflict resolution flag is set to true, to connect a previously used device to the vehicle system, and for the previously used device to use a second set of services.

[0009] Further areas of application and various ways to enhance the disclosed technology will become apparent from the provided description. The descriptions and specific examples in this summary are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and constitute part of the specification and illustrate various systems, methods, and other embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be understood that the boundaries of the illustrated elements (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) represent one embodiment of the boundary. In some embodiments, one element may be designed as multiple elements, or multiple elements may be designed as a single element. In some embodiments, an element shown as an internal component of another element may be implemented as an external component, and vice versa. Furthermore, components may not be drawn to scale. [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the interior of a vehicle that utilizes a device connectivity system to manage the connection of multiple devices to the vehicle system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a block diagram of a vehicle incorporating a device connectivity system for managing the connection of multiple devices to the vehicle system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a more detailed diagram of the vehicle connection system. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the connection history used by the connection system. [Figures 5A-5C] Figures 5A–5C show different examples of applications performed by connected devices and mirrored by the vehicle system. [Figure 6] Figure 6 illustrates a method for managing the connection of multiple devices to a vehicle system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Systems and methods for managing the connection of multiple devices to a vehicle system are described. For example, Figure 1 shows a vehicle 100 having a cabin 102 in which the occupants of the vehicle 100 may reside. Within the cabin 102 of the vehicle 100 is a vehicle head unit 130 which may include both an input system 132 and an output system 134, and the input system 132 and output system 134 may be in the form of touchscreens that allow the occupants of the vehicle 100 to visually receive outputs from the vehicle head unit 130 and provide inputs to the vehicle head unit 130. It should be understood that the vehicle head unit 130 is one type of vehicle system which may be connected to multiple devices such as devices 200 and 202 using the systems and methods described herein. Thus, the vehicle head unit 130 is just one example of a vehicle system which can take many different forms.

[0012] As described later in this specification, when multiple devices attempt to connect to a vehicle system such as the vehicle head unit 130 and / or other vehicle systems, the system and method described herein utilizes connection history to determine which of device 200 and device 202 was most recently connected to the vehicle system. Once the most recently connected device is determined, the system and method described herein connects the most recently connected device, in this example device 200, to the vehicle system such as the vehicle head unit 130. Generally, this connection includes services such as application mirroring services, such as Apple CarPlay® and / or Android Auto. Thus, occupants of vehicle 100 can engage with applications running on device 200 while utilizing the input system 132 and output system 134 of the vehicle head unit 130.

[0013] In addition, the system and method can determine when the conflict resolution flag is set to true, which may be a user-specified setting, and the flag being true indicates that the system and method described herein should resolve conflicts between multiple devices that may be connected to the vehicle system. Assuming that conflict resolution is set to true, the system and method then connects later connected devices, such as device 202, to the vehicle system so as not to conflict with the operation of the more recently connected device, defined as device 200. In fact, device 200 may continue to provide application mirroring services and other services, and device 202 may provide a different set of services, such as Bluetooth® hands-free phone and / or music streaming. In doing so, multiple devices can communicate with the vehicle system, such as the vehicle head unit 130, without causing conflicts that could interfere with the operation and benefits provided by connecting devices 200, 202 to the vehicle system.

[0014] Referring to Figure 2, a block diagram showing various components of the vehicle 100 is shown. As used herein, “vehicle” refers to any form of powered transport device. In one or more embodiments, the vehicle 100 is an automobile. While configurations relating to automobiles are described herein, it should be understood that embodiments are not limited to automobiles. In some embodiments, the vehicle 100 may be any robotic device or any form of powered transport device.

[0015] Furthermore, the vehicle 100 includes various elements. It should be understood that in various embodiments, the vehicle 100 does not need to have all the elements shown in Figure 2. The vehicle 100 can have any combination of the various elements shown in Figure 2. In addition, the vehicle 100 may have additional elements to the various elements shown in Figure 2. In some configurations, the vehicle 100 may be implemented without having one or more of the elements shown in Figure 2. Although the various elements are shown to be located within the vehicle 100 in Figure 2, it should be understood that one or more of these elements may be located outside the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the shown elements may be physically separated by a considerable distance and may be provided as a remote service (e.g., a cloud computing service).

[0016] As previously stated, the vehicle 100 may be an automobile and therefore may include various motion systems 120 that enable the vehicle 100 to move from place to place. In this example, the vehicle 100 may include a propulsion system 121, a braking system 122, a steering system 123, a throttle system 124, and a transmission system 125. Naturally, as previously stated, each of these systems may include one or more devices, components, and / or combinations thereof that are currently known or will be developed in the future. For example, if the vehicle 100 is autonomous or partially autonomous, the vehicle 100 may have other systems or subsystems that perform functions.

[0017] As previously stated, the vehicle system of vehicle 100 may also include a vehicle head unit 130. The vehicle head unit 130, also called an infotainment system, may be a vehicle audio / video component that provides a unified hardware interface for the system, including the input system 132 and output system 134 described above. As previously stated, the vehicle head unit 130 may utilize a touchscreen that can operate as both the input system 132 and the output system 134. However, the output system 134 may also include other outputs such as audio and haptics. The input system 132 may also include buttons, switches, knobs, etc. that complement or replace the touchscreen.

[0018] Furthermore, the vehicle 100 may include a network access device 140, which is one type of hardware device, enabling various vehicle systems, including the vehicle head unit 130, to communicate with other components, including devices such as mobile phones, tablet-based computers, laptop computers, and portable game systems. In this example, the network access device 140 may include a Bluetooth® communication component 142 and a Wi-Fi communication component 146, which enable communication via a Bluetooth® communication method through an antenna 144 and a Wi-Fi communication method through an antenna 148, respectively. Additionally, it should be understood that devices may be connected to the vehicle using a wired connection or a combination of wired and wireless connections.

[0019] Generally speaking, Bluetooth® is a standard of short-range wireless technology used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances and for building personal area networks. Another wireless technology standard, Wi-Fi, has a wider range and larger capacity than Bluetooth®. Due to the differences between these different communication methods, Bluetooth® may be suitable for providing hands-free phone services and music streaming services, while Wi-Fi is more suitable for enabling more advanced services such as application mirroring services, including Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto.

[0020] Furthermore, the vehicle 100 includes a device connection system 150 that manages the connection between one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle 100 and multiple devices such as wireless devices 200, 202. Naturally, the wireless devices 200, 202 may be connected using wired connection methods or a combination of wired and wireless connection methods. Referring to Figure 3, an example of the device connection system 150 is further shown. As shown, the device connection system 150 includes one or more processors 110. Thus, the processors 110 may be part of the device connection system 150, or the device connection system 150 may access the processors 110 through a data bus or another communication path.

[0021] In the above embodiments, the processor 110 is an application-specific integrated circuit configured to perform functions related to the instruction module 162. Generally, the processor 110 is an electronic processor, such as a microprocessor, that can perform various functions as described herein. In certain embodiments, the device connection system 150 includes a memory 160 that stores the instruction module 162. The memory 160 is a random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk drive, flash memory, or any other suitable memory for storing the instruction module 162. The instruction module 162 is, for example, computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor 110, cause the processor 110 to perform the various functions described herein.

[0022] Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the device connection system 150 includes one or more data stores 170. The data store 170 is, in certain embodiments, an electronic data structure, such as a database, stored in the memory 160 or another memory and configured to have routines that can be executed by the processor 110 for purposes such as analyzing stored data, providing stored data, and organizing stored data. Thus, in certain embodiments, the data store 170 stores data used by the instruction module 162 when performing various functions.

[0023] In one embodiment, the data store 170 may store connection history 300 and conflict resolution flags 310. The connection history 300 describes the connection history of a device connected to one or more vehicle systems, such as a vehicle head unit 130. Furthermore, in one example, the connection history 300 may indicate the device's identity, when the device was connected to a vehicle system, which vehicle system the device was connected to, and what services the device provided and / or used. The services used and / or provided stored in the connection history 300 may include services such as Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto, hands-free phone operation, and audio / video streaming. In addition, connection methods such as Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth® may also be stored in the connection history 300. Thus, the connection history 300 can be used to determine which device was most recently connected to a vehicle system such as a vehicle head unit 130, what services were provided / used, and what connection method was used to connect the device to a particular vehicle system.

[0024] The conflict resolution flag 310 may be set by a user, for example, by using the input system 132 of the vehicle head unit 130, as will be described later. The conflict resolution flag 310 indicates whether the device connection system 150 should proceed with an attempt to resolve a conflict when multiple devices are connected to / attempting to connect to a specific vehicle system such as the vehicle head unit 130. In this example, if the conflict resolution flag 310 is set to true, the device connection system 150 resolves the conflict. Conversely, if the conflict resolution flag 310 is set to false, the device connection system 150 does not proceed with conflict resolution and does not connect the device using the connection history 300 as described later. Additionally, it should be understood that the "true" setting / "false" setting are merely examples of different settings. In some cases, these settings may be reversed, at which time the false setting means resolving the conflict and the true setting means the opposite. Further, the conflict resolution flag 310 can take many different forms and does not necessarily have to be a simple true / false setting. Thus, the true / false setting should be broadly interpreted as an indicator of whether a conflict should be resolved.

[0025] With respect to instruction module 162, as described above, when executed by processor 110, instruction module 162 includes instructions that cause processor 110 to perform any one of the methods described herein. In one example, instruction module 162 includes instructions that cause processor 110 to determine when one or more devices, such as device 200 and / or device 202, are attempting to connect to one or more vehicle systems, such as vehicle head unit 130. Furthermore, in one example, multiple devices 200 and / or device 202 may initially communicate with processor 110 via network access device 140. In some cases, the initial communication between devices 200 and / or device 202 may be performed via a Bluetooth® communication component using antenna 144. This initial communication may be general communication to provide initial setup information and handshake information.

[0026] When multiple devices attempt to connect to one or more vehicle systems, instructions in instruction module 162 cause processor 110 to determine which of the multiple devices 200, 202 is the most recently connected device. This can be achieved by examining the connection history 300. For example, Figure 4 shows connection histories 300A–300C at different points in time. Here, connection histories 300A–300C include device identifiers 302A–302C that identify different devices, and the order in which the different devices were connected, with the most recently connected devices located near the top and later connected devices located below. Therefore, in this example, device A, which is the identifier for device 200, is more recently connected than device B, which is also the identifier for device 200. In addition, the types of services 304A–304C are also shown. In this case, connection history 300A indicates that device A is connected to one or more vehicle systems using the Android Auto service, and device B is connected to one or more vehicle systems using the Apple CarPlay® service.

[0027] After determining which of several devices the most recently connected device is, the instruction module 162 instructs the processor 110 to connect the most recently connected device, in this case device A (device 200), to one or more vehicle systems, such as the vehicle head unit 130, using Android Auto. When this occurs, the connection history 300 may be updated (if necessary) to indicate that device A is the most recently connected device and the services used. Thus, at this moment in the method, device 200 (device A) is currently connected to the vehicle head unit 130 and can use the Android Auto service.

[0028] For example, referring to Figures 5A–5C, screenshots 400A–400C are shown, which are different examples of different applications running on device 200 but mirrored on vehicle head unit 130. Example screenshot 400A shows the Android Auto menu screen where the vehicle occupant can select a different application. Example screenshot 400B shows a navigation application running on device 200 but mirrored on vehicle head unit 130. Example screenshot 400C shows a meeting application running on device 200 but mirrored on vehicle head unit 130. It should be understood that there are many types of applications that can be mirrored on vehicle head unit 130 using device 200, and should not be limited to the examples provided.

[0029] Furthermore, it is worth noting that when application mirroring services such as Android Auto or Apple CarPlay® are being used, device 200 may connect using the Wi-Fi component 136. Thus, device 200 communicates with the antenna 148 of the Wi-Fi communication component 146 to connect with the vehicle head unit or any other vehicle system. Generally, application mirroring services utilize the Wi-Fi connection method due to bandwidth and other requirements that make the use of the Wi-Fi connection method more appropriate.

[0030] When device 200 is connected to the vehicle system, the processor 110 can determine the setting of the conflict resolution flag 310 based on instructions stored in the instruction module 162. In this example, if the conflict resolution flag 310 is set to false, the instruction module 162 causes the processor 110 to determine whether the connection of a later connected device, in this case device 202 (device B), will cause a conflict. In this case, the connection history 300A indicates that device 202 (device B) used Apple CarPlay®, and since Apple CarPlay® requires the same connection method (i.e., Wi-Fi), this device will not connect to the vehicle head unit 130 and / or any other vehicle system. Conversely, if the connection history 300A indicates that device 202 (device B) will use a non-conflict service, for example, a hands-free telephone service via Bluetooth® using the Bluetooth® communication component 142, then the instruction module 162 will instruct the processor 110 to connect device 202 (device B) using only the Bluetooth® communication component 142.

[0031] The above paragraph describes an example of what can happen when conflict resolution is set to false. However, when conflict resolution is set to true, the instructions in instruction module 162 cause processor 110 to connect device 202 (device B) using a non-conflict service. As described above, connection history 300A indicates that device 202 (device B) can connect to the vehicle system of vehicle 100 to use Apple CarPlay® services. Normally, under the prior art solution, this would result in device 202 (device B) not connecting to the vehicle system of vehicle 100 when the most recently connected device, in this case device 200 (device A), has connection priority. However, the device connection system 150 can substantially manage the connection of device 202 (device B) to prevent conflict with device 200 (device A).

[0032] Furthermore, instructions in instruction module 162 cause processor 110 to connect device 202 (device B) using different connection methods for different sets of services not specifically detailed in connection history 300A. In this example, instruction module 162 causes processor 110 to connect device 202 (device B) via Bluetooth® communication component 142 and enable certain services such as hands-free telephone services and / or audio / video streaming services. Thus, two different devices can be connected to the vehicle head unit 130 and / or other vehicle systems using two different connection methods, enabling two different types of services. In this way, the driver of vehicle 100 can connect device 200 to use a map application mirrored on the vehicle head unit 130, while a passenger of vehicle 100 can connect device 202 to use hands-free telephone and / or music streaming services. As mentioned above, prior art systems generally only allowed devices directly connected to the vehicle system, preventing any other devices or their users from enjoying any services.

[0033] As described above, when it is device 200 (device A), the connection history 300C may be updated (if necessary) to indicate that device 200 was the most recently used device. When conflict resolution is set to true and a second device such as device 202 (device B) is connected to one or more vehicle systems of vehicle 100, the connection history 300C for device 202 is intentionally not updated. Furthermore, by not updating the connection history 300C to indicate that device 202 (device B) was connected via Bluetooth® hands-free telephone service (BT-HFP), the user's preference to connect device 202 (device B) to use Apple CarPlay® when device A is not nearby is preserved.

[0034] To better understand why the device history for device 202 (device B) is not updated when conflict resolution is set to true, consider the following scenario: Assume there is a person who uses a particular vehicle infrequently and prefers to use Apple CarPlay® when using that vehicle. Also assume another person who uses the vehicle more regularly and more recently prefers to use Android Auto. If both people are in the same vehicle at the same time, the method described above would connect to the device of the more recent user using Android Auto, while the other person would be connected to a non-conflict service such as Bluetooth® hands-free phone service.

[0035] If the connection history is updated to show that a person who primarily prefers to use Apple CarPlay® recently connected using the Bluetooth® hands-free phone service, then the next time this particular person uses this vehicle, their device will connect to the vehicle's system to use the Bluetooth® hands-free phone service instead of their preferred Apple CarPlay®, regardless of whether there are other passengers with devices in the vehicle. Therefore, to prevent this inconvenience, the connection history for device 202 (device B) will not be updated when conflict resolution is truly enabled.

[0036] Referring to Figure 6, a method 500 for managing the connection of multiple devices to a vehicle system is shown. Method 500 is described in terms of the vehicle 100 in Figure 2 and the device connection system 150 in Figure 3. However, it should be understood that this is only one example of how Method 500 can be implemented. Although Method 500 is described in combination with the device connection system 150, it should be understood that Method 500 is not limited to being implemented within the device connection system 150, but rather that the device connection system 150 is merely one example of a system in which Method 500 can be implemented.

[0037] In step 502, the instructions of the instruction module 162 cause the processor 110 to connect a first device, such as device 200, to a vehicle system, such as a vehicle head unit 130, in order of the connection history 300, in order to use the first set of services. When requests for multiple devices are received, the instruction module 162 causes the processor 110 to determine which device was most recently connected, and then connects the specific wireless device to the vehicle system using one of the connection methods, such as Wi-Fi.

[0038] In step 504, the instruction in instruction module 162 causes the processor 110 to update the connection history 300 to indicate that the first device is the most recently connected device. In some cases, this is not necessarily required when the connection history 300 can already indicate that the first device is the most recently connected device. However, there may be cases where another device is indicated as the most recently connected but is no longer so, in which case the connection history 300 needs to be updated.

[0039] In step 506, the instruction of instruction module 162 may cause processor 110 to determine whether to set conflict resolution flag 310. If conflict resolution flag 310 is set to false, it is determined whether the connection history 300 of the second device indicates the use of the same / similar service as the first device, as shown in step 512. In this case, method 500 proceeds to step 516, where the second device is not connected to the vehicle system. If the services are not in conflict, method 500 proceeds to step 514, where the second device is connected to the vehicle system in the order of the connection history. For example, if the connection history 300 indicates that the second device is using a non-conflict service such as Bluetooth® hands-free phone service and the first device is using Android Auto, then processor 110 can connect the second device without creating a conflict. After that, method 500 may terminate.

[0040] Returning to step 506, if the conflict resolution flag 310 is set to true, the instructions of the instruction module 162 cause the processor 110 to connect the second device to a vehicle system, such as the vehicle head unit 130, to use a second set of services different from the first set of services used by the first device, as shown in step 508. In addition, the second device may be connected using a different connection method than that of the first device, such as Bluetooth®. In this way, two different devices using two different non-conflict services (i.e., Android Auto and Bluetooth® hands-free phone) and different connection methods (i.e., Wi-Fi and Bluetooth®) can be connected to the vehicle system of vehicle 100.

[0041] In step 510, the connection history 300 for the second device is not updated. As previously stated, this is to preserve any preferred settings regarding the second device and how it is connected to one or more vehicle systems. This is useful in situations where the second device is the only device attempting to connect to the vehicle system of vehicle 100. By not updating the connection history 300 when the conflict resolution flag 310 is set to true, the preferred settings can be preserved.

[0042] Detailed embodiments are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are intended to be illustrative only. Accordingly, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather as representative standards to teach those skilled in the art how to apply the embodiments herein in various suitable and detailed structures. Furthermore, the terms and expressions used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather to provide the most appropriate details of possible embodiments. Various embodiments are shown in Figures 1–6, but embodiments are not limited to the structures or uses shown.

[0043] The flowcharts and block diagrams shown in the figures illustrate the architecture, functions, and operation of possible embodiments of such systems, methods, and computer program products in various embodiments. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagram represents a module, segment, or part of code, each of which may contain one or more executable instructions for performing a specific logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative embodiments, the functions described in the blocks may not occur in the order shown in the figures. For example, depending on the functions involved, two consecutively shown blocks may occur in fact substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order.

[0044] The systems, components, and / or processes described herein can be implemented in hardware or in combination of hardware and software, and can be implemented in a concentrated manner in a single processing system or in a distributed manner where different elements are spread across several interconnected processing systems. Any type of processing system or other device adapted to perform the methods described herein is suitable. The basic combination of hardware and software may be a processing system comprising computer-readable program code that, when read and executed, controls the processing system to perform the methods described herein. The systems, components, and / or processes may also be embedded in computer-readable storage, such as a computer program product or other data program storage device, becoming machine-readable and explicitly embodying machine-executable program instructions to perform the methods and processes described herein. These elements may also be embodied in application products that possess all the features enabling embodiments of the methods described herein and that, when loaded into a processing system, can perform these methods.

[0045] Furthermore, the configurations described herein may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable media having computer-readable program code, for example, stored on one or more computer-readable media. Any combination of one or more computer-readable media may be used. A computer-readable medium may be a single computer-readable medium or a computer-readable storage medium. The expression “computer-readable storage medium” means a non-temporary storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium may be, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, device, or apparatus, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples (non-exclusive list) of computer-readable storage media include portable computer floppy disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital multipurpose discs (DVDs), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof. In the context of documents, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain or store programs for use by or in connection with an execution system, device, or apparatus.

[0046] In general, modules as used herein include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform a particular task or implement a particular data type. In a further embodiment, memory generally stores the aforementioned modules. The memory associated with the modules may be a cache or buffer built into the processor, RAM, ROM, flash memory, or another suitable electronic storage medium. In a further embodiment, the modules envisioned by this disclosure are implemented as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), hardware components of on-chip systems (SoCs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), or other suitable hardware components incorporating a defined set of configurations (e.g., instructions) for performing the disclosed functions.

[0047] Program code embedded on a computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, which may include, but is not limited to, wireless, wired, optical fiber, cable, RF, or any suitable combination thereof. Computer program code intended to perform operations for this configuration may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, which may include object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java®, Smalltalk, C++, etc., and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as C or similar programming languages. The program code may be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN), and the connection may be made by an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

[0048] The terms "a" and "an" are defined as, when used herein, one or more, rather than one. The term "plural" is defined as, when used herein, two or more, rather than two. The term "another" is defined as at least a second or more, when used herein. The terms "contains" and / or "have" are defined as having (i.e., open language), when used herein. The expression "at least one of ... and ..." refers to and encompasses one or more of the relevant enumerated items, any and all possible combinations. For example, the expression "at least one of A, B, and C" includes A only, B only, C only, and combinations thereof (e.g., AB, AC, BC, ABC).

[0049] Aspects of this specification may be embodied in other forms without departing from their essential contribution or spirit. Therefore, when specifying the claims, subsequent claims should be referenced rather than earlier claims.

Claims

1. It is a system, Processor and A memory that communicates with the processor, wherein when executed by the processor, the memory communicates to the processor: Based on the connection history, the most recently used device among multiple devices is connected to the vehicle system using the first connection method, and the most recently used device is made to use the first set of services. When the conflict resolution flag is set to true, the second connection method is used to connect the device that was used most recently among the multiple devices to the vehicle system, and the device that was used most recently is to use the second set of services. A memory that has instructions to cause, A system equipped with these features.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the memory, when executed by the processor, further has an instruction to cause the processor not to connect the previously used device to the vehicle system when the conflict resolution flag is set to false and the connection history indicates that the previously used device is configured to use the first service.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the memory, when executed by the processor, further has an instruction to the processor to connect the previously used device to the vehicle system and allow the previously used device to use the second set of services when the conflict resolution flag is set to false and the connection history indicates that the previously used device is configured to use the second set of services.

4. A system according to claim 1, wherein the first connection method is Wi-Fi and the second connection method is Bluetooth®.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the memory further includes an instruction, when executed by the processor, that causes the processor to update the connection history so that the most recently used device is indicated as the most recently connected device.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the connection history is not modified with respect to devices used before the most recent when the conflict resolution flag is set to true.

7. A system according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle system is implemented inside a vehicle.

8. The system according to claim 1, The first set of services includes enabling the most recently connected device to mirror one or more applications running on the most recently used device onto the display of the vehicle system, The second set of services includes at least one of a hands-free phone service and a music streaming service. system.

9. It is a method, Based on the connection history, the most recently used device among multiple devices is connected to the vehicle system using the first connection method, and the most recently used device is made to use the first set of services. When the conflict resolution flag is set to true, the second connection method is used to connect the device that was used most recently among the multiple devices to the vehicle system, and the device that was used most recently is to use the second set of services. Methods that include...

10. A method according to claim 9, further comprising preventing the previously used device from connecting to the vehicle system when the conflict resolution flag is set to false and the connection history indicates that the previously used device is configured to use the first set of services.

11. A method according to claim 9, further comprising connecting the previously used device to the vehicle system so that the previously used device can use the second set of services, when the conflict resolution flag is set to false and the connection history indicates that the previously used device is configured to use the second set of services.

12. A method according to claim 9, wherein the first connection method is Wi-Fi and the second connection method is Bluetooth®.

13. A method according to claim 9, further comprising updating the connection history such that the most recently used device is identified as the most recently connected device.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the connection history is not modified with respect to devices used before the most recent when the conflict resolution flag is set to true.

15. A method according to claim 9, wherein the vehicle system is implemented inside the vehicle.

16. The method according to claim 9, The first set of services includes enabling the most recently connected device to mirror one or more applications operated on the most recently used device on the vehicle system's display, The second set of services includes at least one of a hands-free phone service and a music streaming service. method.

17. A non-temporary computer-readable medium, which, when executed by a processor, the processor, Based on the connection history, the most recently used device among multiple devices is connected to the vehicle system using the first connection method, and the most recently used device is made to use the first set of services. When the conflict resolution flag is set to true, the second connection method is used to connect the device that was used most recently among the multiple devices to the vehicle system, and the device that was used most recently is to use the second set of services. A non-temporary, computer-readable medium that stores commands to perform an action.

18. Non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 17, further comprising an instruction, when executed by the processor, causing the processor to prevent the previously used device from connecting to the vehicle system when the conflict resolution flag is set to false and the connection history indicates that the previously used device is configured to use the first set of services.

19. Non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 17, further comprising an instruction, when executed by the processor, causing the processor to connect the previously used device to the vehicle system and cause the previously used device to use the second set of services, when the conflict resolution flag is set to false and the connection history indicates that the previously used device is configured to use the second set of services.

20. A non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 17, wherein when executed by the processor, the processor provides: The connection history is updated so that the most recently used device is shown as the most recently connected device. When the conflict resolution flag is set to true, the connection history will not be updated for devices used before the most recent one. A non-temporary computer-readable medium that further includes instructions to perform certain actions.

21. A computer program, which is used by a processor, Based on the connection history, the most recently used device among multiple devices is connected to the vehicle system using the first connection method, and the most recently used device is made to use the first set of services. When the conflict resolution flag is set to true, the second connection method is used to connect the device that was used most recently among the multiple devices to the vehicle system, and the device that was used most recently is to use the second set of services. A computer program that causes something to happen.

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