Handset Application Proxy for Vehicle Head Unit Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle head units are not easily adaptable to new mobile applications due to fixed configurations, requiring costly hardware updates and limiting compatibility with newly released mobile device applications.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a remote server to download and execute application instructions on the vehicle head unit, utilizing a template HMI application and generic display screens to extend the user interface of mobile applications, with a handset application proxy on the mobile phone translating messages between the mobile application and the head unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed configuration is used in vehicle head units, then manufacturing reliability is improved, but adaptability to new mobile applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the head unit functionality into fixed hardware components and flexible software components. The HAP application and template HMI are separate downloadable software modules that can be updated independently of the fixed hardware configuration, allowing adaptability while maintaining manufacturing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic software updates (HAP applications and template HMIs) that can be downloaded and installed remotely. This allows the fixed hardware configuration to dynamically adapt to new mobile applications through software updates, resolving the contradiction between fixed manufacturing and flexible adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom head unit software development is performed for each application, then application compatibility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The template HMI is designed as a universal interface that can work with multiple different mobile applications through standardized message formats. The HAP application acts as a universal adapter that translates various application protocols into the template HMI language, eliminating the need for custom software development for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The HAP application serves as an intermediary layer between mobile applications and the template HMI. It translates messages from various application protocols into a standardized format that the template HMI can understand, providing application compatibility without requiring custom head unit software for each application.
3Adaptability or versatility
If HAP application and template HMI are downloaded and installed, then adaptability to mobile applications is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The HAP application contains the translation logic for multiple applications, and the template HMI contains standardized display templates. This nested structure allows the system to handle diverse applications through a unified architecture, reducing the apparent complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, software and methods are disclosed for using a mobile phone (1640) in conjunction with a head unit (1620) of a vehicle. The user interface of a user application program (1644) executing on the mobile phone is extended to utilize a generic display screen (2104) of the head unit, so that custom or per application development of head unit software can be avoided. Preferably, a handset application proxy (HAP) software application (1642) is installed and executable in the mobile phone; and a head unit proxy (HUP) software component (1630) is executable on the head unit. The HAP and the HUP communicate messages (1814, 1824) between the head unit and the mobile phone. Preferably, the HAP (1700) includes a scripting language component (1710) associated with the user application (Nomadic Appn), and having a template message translator component (1712).