Automobile Communication System Public to Private Mode Handoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infotainment systems in vehicles require manual manipulation of the cellular phone to transfer a hands-free Bluetooth conversation from a public to a private mode, which is inconvenient and illegal in jurisdictions banning handset use while driving.
Innovation Solution
An automobile communication system that allows users to directly transfer a hands-free Bluetooth conversation from the infotainment system to a private Bluetooth headset conversation by pairing both the handset and headset with the system and using a mode selector to change the call from public to private mode without requiring handset manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of the cellular phone is required to transfer from public to private mode, then the transfer can be completed, but the operation becomes inconvenient and potentially illegal under driving restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The infotainment system automatically manages the mode transfer from public to private without requiring the driver to manually manipulate the cellular phone. The system detects the headset connection status and autonomously switches the audio routing, allowing the driver to maintain focus on the road while still controlling the call mode through voice commands or automatic detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The infotainment system acts as an intermediary between the driver and the cellular phone, handling the mode transfer operation. Instead of the driver directly manipulating the phone to switch modes, the infotainment system mediates this action by receiving the driver's simple input (or automatic trigger) and executing the complex mode switching sequence, thereby simplifying the user interaction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hands-free public mode is used with automobile speakers, then all passengers can hear the conversation, but privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The audio output system dynamically switches between public and private modes based on the driver's needs and headset detection. The system can adaptively change the audio routing in real-time, transitioning from broadcasting through automobile speakers to private transmission through the Bluetooth headset, providing both public and private communication capabilities as needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system supports both public and private modes, then versatility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The infotainment system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both public and private call modes through a unified architecture. The same hardware infrastructure (speakers, microphones, Bluetooth module) serves dual purposes by dynamically routing audio signals differently based on the selected mode, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
An automobile communication system includes an outgoing communication controller that receives a communication from a first input source in a first operating mode and a second input source in a second operating mode. The system also includes an input selector that selects the first input source in the first mode and the second input source in the second mode and a mode selector operable by an automobile passenger that determines the operating mode. The system also includes an incoming communication controller that receives an incoming communication from a cellular phone and an output selector that provides an output of the incoming communication controller to a first output device in the first operating mode and to the second output device in the second mode.