In-Vehicle Infotainment Automatic Conference Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current in-vehicle infotainment systems require user input to connect to conference calls, leading to driver distraction while the vehicle is in motion, as they cannot automatically join or notify participants of meetings without manual intervention.

Innovation Solution

An in-vehicle infotainment platform with an electronic control unit that automatically connects to video or audio conferences using stored meeting information, including video conferencing identifiers and phone numbers, allowing for seamless integration with various conferencing platforms without user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the in-vehicle infotainment system requires user input to connect to conference calls, then the connection process can be controlled manually, but driver distraction increases and safety decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual control of conference connectionVSAvoiddriver distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The infotainment system automatically connects to conference calls by detecting calendar events and executing connection actions without requiring driver intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously managing the conference connection process based on scheduled meeting information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-loads conference connection information from calendar events and automatically initiates connections at the scheduled time. By preparing connection details in advance and executing automatic connection, the system eliminates the need for last-minute manual input during driving.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the in-vehicle infotainment system automatically connects to conferences, then driver distraction is minimized, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver distractionVSAvoidautomation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The infotainment system leverages existing multi-functional components (calendar application, communication module, audio/video processing) to achieve automatic conference connection. By reusing existing universal functions rather than adding dedicated automation hardware, the system reduces complexity while maintaining automation capability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the calendar application as an intermediary to bridge meeting scheduling information and conference connection execution. This mediator approach allows the system to automatically translate calendar events into connection actions without requiring complex direct integration between all system components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system integrates multiple conferencing platforms, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconferencing platform compatibilityVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The infotainment system is designed to support multiple conferencing platforms (Zoom, Teams, Webex, etc.) through a unified interface that automatically detects and connects to the appropriate platform based on calendar event information. This universal approach allows single system architecture to handle diverse platforms without requiring separate integration logic for each.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11915202B2Remote meeting and calendar support for the in-vehicle infotainment unit
Publication Date: 2024.02.27 TOYOTA MOTOR ENG & MFG NORTH AMERICA INC
  • US11915202B2 patent drawing
  • US11915202B2 patent drawing
  • US11915202B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods, systems, and apparatus for an in-vehicle infotainment platform for a vehicle. The in-vehicle infotainment platform includes a memory and an electronic control unit. The memory is configured to store meeting information including video conferencing information or audio conferencing information. The electronic control unit is coupled to the memory. The electronic control unit is configured to automatically connect to a video conference using the video conferencing information or automatically connect to an audio conference using the audio conferencing information.