In-Vehicle Transmitter Setup via Networked Remote Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of in-vehicle universal transmitters face difficulties in setting up and configuring these devices without relying on additional resources like instructional videos or paper instructions, especially when controlling external devices such as garage door openers, due to the complexity of modern vehicle interfaces.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle apparatus with a transmitter capable of transmitting radio frequency control signals and communication circuitry that communicates with a remote computer via a network, allowing users to set up and control movable barrier operators like garage door openers through a user interface without needing internet access, by using a processor to send specific radio frequency signals for configuration and learning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users rely on instructional videos, online tutorials, and paper instructions to set up the transmitter, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic device discovery and configuration without requiring users to consult external instructional materials. The transmitter automatically detects available devices, presents them through the HMI, and guides users through setup using only the vehicle's built-in interface, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for separate setup resources
Solution Approach 2:
The setup process is divided into distinct automated stages: device discovery, device presentation through HMI, user selection, and configuration. This segmentation allows each step to be handled systematically by the system itself rather than requiring users to navigate complex external instructions
2Adaptability or versatility
If the center stack controls multiple vehicle features, then the versatility improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased setup effort
Solution Approach 1:
The HMI serves multiple functions: it displays vehicle features, discovers external devices, presents device options to users, and manages transmitter configuration. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate interfaces and instruction sets into a single unified system that handles both vehicle control and external device setup
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages the complexity of coordinating multiple features and devices. The processor circuitry handles device discovery, compatibility checking, and configuration coordination without requiring users to understand or manage the underlying complexity of integrating multiple vehicle functions with external devices
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, an in-vehicle apparatus includes a transmitter operable to transmit radio frequency control signals and communication circuitry configured to communicate with a remote computer via a network. The communication circuitry is configured to receive information from the remote computer via the network, the information pertaining to one or more controllable devices of a user account. The apparatus includes a processor configured to: communicate, via the communication circuitry, a transmitter identifier representative of a transmitter code of the transmitter with the remote computer; effect the movable barrier operator to change a state of a movable barrier by causing the transmitter to transmit a first radio frequency control signal to the movable barrier operator system; and effect the movable barrier operator to learn the transmitter by causing the transmitter to transmit a second radio frequency control signal to the movable barrier operator system.