Programmable Head Unit Button Context Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automobile audio system head units require users to navigate through multiple menus and screens to access desired functionalities, making the process inefficient and unintuitive, especially when interacting with connected phones or tablets.
Innovation Solution
Implementing programmable affordances on the head unit that allow users to request and store context information from connected devices, such as phones or tablets, enabling quick recall of bookmarked functionalities through specific inputs on physical or virtual buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users navigate through multiple menus and screens on the head unit, then they can access desired functionality, but the process becomes inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting the currently displayed screen or application on the connected portable device and pre-configuring the affordance with the corresponding context information. This eliminates the need for users to manually navigate through menus to set up button functions, as the system has already prepared the appropriate functionality assignment before the user needs to access it.
Solution Approach 2:
The head unit acts as an intermediary between the portable device and the user, capturing screen context information and translating it into pre-configured affordance functions. This intermediary role allows the system to bridge the gap between the portable device's interface and the head unit's controls, automatically mapping screen states to button functions without requiring manual user configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the head unit provides multiple programmable affordances, then functionality is enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting the context information from the portable device's screen and configuring the affordances without requiring user intervention. The head unit serves itself by autonomously mapping button functions to the currently displayed application or screen state, eliminating the need for complex manual programming interfaces while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The affordances are designed with universal functionality, where each button can serve multiple purposes depending on the detected screen context. Rather than requiring separate programming for each function, the same physical button dynamically adapts to different functions based on what is currently displayed on the portable device, simplifying the overall system while enhancing versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users manually program each affordance for bookmarking functionality, then customization is achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and unintuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the customization action in advance by automatically detecting the screen context and pre-configuring the affordance with the appropriate bookmarking functionality. This preliminary configuration occurs before the user needs to use the button, eliminating the need for manual programming while maintaining full customization capabilities based on the detected application or screen state.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure provide an intuitive way for a first electronic device (e.g., a head unit) to request context information from a second electronic device (e.g., a phone or tablet), and to store the context information in association with an affordance (e.g., such as a physical or virtual button on the head unit) so that the context can be later recalled in response to input on the affordance.