Vehicle Infotainment Browser Synchronization via Web Server Mediator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Infotainment systems in vehicles lack the ability to synchronize data content across multiple browser instances, preventing coordinated display of information between front and rear area displays.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a web server on the computing system with sockets for communication between browser instances, using a defined communication protocol to mediate data exchange and synchronize displays, allowing for synchronized data content across different displays in the vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple browser instances are provided independently on the computer system, then each browser instance can operate autonomously, but the browser instances cannot synchronize data content between displays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent browser operationVSAvoiddata content synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

A web server is introduced as an intermediary component between multiple browser instances. The web server receives data from one browser instance and distributes it to other browser instances, enabling synchronization without compromising individual browser autonomy. This mediator approach allows independent operation while achieving data consistency across displays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If a web server is implemented for data communication between browser instances, then synchronized data content can be displayed across multiple displays, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata content synchronizationVSAvoidsystem architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The web server is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a communication hub for data synchronization, supports various browser instances simultaneously, and enables different types of data exchange (real-time updates, request-response communication). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each synchronization scenario.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where browser instances can request data from the web server and receive updates when data changes. This feedback loop ensures synchronized display content while maintaining a manageable system architecture through structured communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If browser instances communicate via a web server with sockets, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to protocol configuration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication setup
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The web server and browser instances are equipped with sockets that enable automatic connection and communication. The system performs self-service by establishing communication channels without requiring manual configuration for each interaction, reducing operational complexity while maintaining efficient data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3017587B1Method for operating an infotainment system of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle having an infotainment system
Publication Date: 2022.10.19 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP3017587B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3017587B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3017587B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating an infotainment system (7) of a motor vehicle (1), in which method at least two browser entities (21 to 24) are made available on a computing system (20) of the infotainment system (7), which browser entities (21 to 24) each execute a browser application and in the process make available a graphic browser representation for display on a display device (9) of the infotainment system (7), wherein the at least two browser entities (21 to 24) are each made available with a socket (25), and a web server (26) with a socket (27) is implemented on the computing system (20) of the infotainment system (7), which socket (27) is connected to the sockets (25) of the respective browser entities (21 to 24) for the exchange of data, and wherein by means of the web server (26) at least unidirectional data communication is carried out between the browser entities (21 to 24) via the respective sockets (25, 27) according to a predetermined communication protocol.