In-Car Wireless Connectivity Unit for Multi-Device Audio Streaming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing in-vehicle infotainment systems lack flexibility and customizability, limiting simultaneous data sharing and personalized audio experiences for multiple occupants, with Bluetooth typically allowing only one device to connect at a time.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a wireless connectivity unit with multiple Bluetooth controllers and an ultra-wideband (UWB) transceiver to enable simultaneous connections and data sharing among multiple devices, allowing personalized audio experiences for each occupant.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single Bluetooth controller is used in the IVI system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system can only connect to one mobile device at a time, limiting simultaneous data sharing among multiple occupants

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous connection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of Bluetooth controllers
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the wireless communication functionality into multiple independent Bluetooth controllers (at least two) within the IVI system. Each Bluetooth controller can independently connect to and communicate with a different mobile device simultaneously, enabling multiple occupants to share data and audio streams without interference. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by trading increased device complexity for enhanced adaptability and simultaneous connection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If Bluetooth is used for wireless communication, then short-range data transmission is enabled, but simultaneous data transfer between multiple devices and the IVI is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer efficiencyVSAvoidmulti-device connectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multiple Bluetooth controllers that operate independently to handle simultaneous data transfers with multiple mobile devices. Each controller manages its own connection and data stream, enabling parallel communication operations. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high data transfer efficiency while simultaneously supporting multiple device connections, resolving the contradiction between productivity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If one mobile device is connected to the IVI via Bluetooth, then audio data can be transmitted to that device, but other occupants cannot access or stream data through their own devices simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersonalized audio streamingVSAvoidwireless connectivity architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the audio streaming functionality by providing each occupant with a dedicated Bluetooth controller connection to their personal mobile device. Each device can independently receive and process audio data streams from the IVI system simultaneously. This segmentation enables personalized audio streaming for multiple occupants while managing the increased connectivity complexity through independent communication channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The IVI system is designed with universal multi-functionality by supporting multiple Bluetooth controllers that can each handle different types of data transfers (audio, video, files) with different mobile devices simultaneously. This multi-functional architecture allows the system to adapt to various usage scenarios and occupant preferences without requiring separate specialized systems, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentUS20250233610A1Improvements in in-car wireless communication
Publication Date: 2025.07.17 HARMAN BECKER AUTOMOTIVE SYST GMBH
  • US20250233610A1 patent drawing
  • US20250233610A1 patent drawing
  • US20250233610A1 patent drawing

AI summary

It is herein disclosed an auxiliary wireless connectivity unit for an in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system, comprising a plurality of (e.g. three or five) Bluetooth controllers, wherein the wireless connectivity unit is configured to connect to a domain controller of the IVI to provide additional wireless connectivity capabilities. UWB connection capability may additionally be included.