Agent Control Device Seamless Communication Setup

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies for controlling agent operations inside vehicles do not allow smooth utilization of agents during the setup of short range communication connections between mobile terminals and onboard devices, as they do not consider agent behavior during this process.

Innovation Solution

An agent control device with a processor and memory that acquires request signals for communication setup, presents procedure information on a display screen, and continues agent operation within the vehicle, enabling seamless interaction and utilization during communication establishment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a display screen showing procedure information is presented to set up short range communication between mobile terminal and onboard device, then communication setup is enabled, but agent operation is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication setupVSAvoidagent operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the continuity of useful action principle by maintaining agent operation during the communication setup process. The control device continues to process agent requests and execute agent functions even while the display screen is showing procedure information for short range communication setup, ensuring that the agent's useful action continues without interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the system state dynamic - the control device can simultaneously handle communication setup display and agent operation based on the operational state. The system dynamically adjusts its behavior to allow agent operation to continue when the agent is already operational, while still presenting the communication setup information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If agent operation is stopped during display screen presentation, then communication setup can be completed, but user interaction with agent is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication establishmentVSAvoidagent utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent ensures continuous agent operation during communication setup, allowing users to interact with the agent throughout the entire process. The agent continues to process speech inputs and execute commands even while the communication setup is being completed in the background.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by allowing the agent to be operational before communication setup is complete. Users can interact with the agent in advance of the communication being fully established, and the agent continues to function throughout the setup process rather than waiting for it to complete first.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11726741B2Agent control device, agent control method, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

An agent control device that acquires a request signal requesting establishment of communication between a mobile terminal and an onboard device; responds to the request signal so as to present, on a display device, a display screen showing procedure information used to set up and establish communication between the mobile terminal and the onboard device; and performs control to continue operation of an agent that is operational inside a vehicle while the display screen is being presented.