Host System Proxy Software for Mobile Device Service Offloading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current human-machine interfaces (HMIs) in mobile electronic devices are limited in adaptability and durability, preventing them from effectively utilizing various services, especially in environments like vehicles, where they cannot seamlessly integrate with advanced technological developments or adapt to multiple services without complex and costly adaptations, leading to obsolescence.

Innovation Solution

A method where a proxy software is downloaded into a host system with an adapted HMI, allowing mobile devices to offload service operations and presentation definitions, utilizing the host system's interface for service operation, and incorporating a service operating proxy to facilitate communication and data processing, enabling universal HMI functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mobile device uses its own HMI for services, then the device can access services independently, but the HMI becomes obsolete quickly and lacks adaptability to new services and technological developments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to servicesVSAvoidtechnological durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a proxy software as an intermediary component that mediates between the mobile device and the host system HMI. The proxy is downloaded into the host system and enables the mobile device to utilize the host's ergonomic interface for services, while the mobile device maintains its processing functions. This intermediary layer resolves the contradiction by allowing the HMI to remain permanent and adaptable in the host system while the mobile device can be updated independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The host system HMI is designed as a universal interface that can support multiple services and technological developments through the proxy mechanism. Once the proxy is installed, the HMI can accommodate various services from different mobile devices without requiring custom adaptations, making it multi-functional and long-lasting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the host system integrates software from mobile devices, then the HMI becomes adaptable to various services, but the operating safety of the embedded system deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to servicesVSAvoidoperating safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the service-specific software components into separate proxy modules that are downloaded into the host system as needed. This extraction allows the core HMI to remain safe and stable while service functionality is added through independent proxy components that can be updated or removed without affecting the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into the permanent HMI core and the downloadable proxy components. This segmentation isolates potential safety risks to only the proxy components rather than the entire HMI, allowing safe updates and service additions without compromising overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the mobile device provides its own HMI, then the device structure remains simple, but the device cannot utilize larger screens and ergonomic interfaces available in host systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveergonomic interfaceVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the mobile device's processing capabilities with the host system's ergonomic HMI through the proxy mechanism. The mobile device maintains its simple structure for processing while the host system provides the ergonomic interface, combining the advantages of both approaches without increasing mobile device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP1942635B1Method for use of a service by a host system comprising a human-machine interface and the host system
Publication Date: 2013.02.20 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE FRANCE SAS
  • EP1942635B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1942635B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

This is a method for operating a service (1) in an environment external to a mobile electronic device (4). The service (1) is operated using a host system (10) with a human-machine interface (11) adapted to the environment. Communication is established between the mobile device (4) and the host system (10), which detects the mobile device's (4) ability to operate the service (1). A proxy (12) for operating the service (1) is downloaded (81, 82) into the host system (10), and the operation of the service (1) is then delegated (130) to the host system (10) via its human-machine interface (11). The host system (10) includes information reproduction means (15), control means (16) for a user, a communication processor (14), a memory (12') for storing proxy software (12) for operating service (1, 9) and a processor (13) for implementing the proxy software (12).