Mobile Device Vehicle Interface Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for operating mobile devices in motor vehicles are limited by the need for the vehicle to be connected to the internet for software and data access, and they do not effectively utilize the advanced computing capabilities of modern mobile devices, restricting the use of modern applications and input devices.

Innovation Solution

A method that enables bidirectional data exchange between a mobile device and a motor vehicle, allowing an application program to run on the mobile device, which communicates with external networks to access and use data and software, even if the vehicle is not connected to the internet, utilizing the mobile device's computing power and the vehicle's input devices for enhanced functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the vehicle is connected to the internet for software and data access, then the vehicle can access external networks and data, but the device complexity and requirement for internet connectivity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoftware functionalityVSAvoidinternet connectivity requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the computing functions by allowing the mobile device to run the application program independently while the vehicle provides only input devices and display. This separation eliminates the need for the vehicle to have internet connectivity capabilities, as the mobile device handles all software processing locally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the user and the vehicle system. It receives input from vehicle input devices, processes the input through the application program, and outputs results to vehicle display devices, thereby eliminating the need for the vehicle to directly access external networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the vehicle uses its own computing capacity for running applications, then the vehicle can execute software directly, but older vehicles without sufficient computing power cannot use modern applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication compatibilityVSAvoidcomputing capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The computing functions and application programs are extracted from the vehicle system and placed on the mobile device. This allows modern applications with advanced computing requirements to run on the mobile device while the vehicle system remains simple, enabling older vehicles to support modern applications through the mobile device's computing power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device serves multiple functions: it runs the application program, processes input from various vehicle input devices, generates output for display, and manages communication with the vehicle system. This universal approach allows a single device to provide the computing capacity needed for modern applications across different vehicle platforms.

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

3Power

If the vehicle provides all input and output functions, then the vehicle system is self-sufficient, but the mobile device's computing capabilities are underutilized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputing capacity utilizationVSAvoidsystem independence
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of the vehicle providing all input and output functions and the mobile device merely displaying information, the system is inverted: the mobile device becomes the primary processing unit that runs applications and generates all output, while the vehicle provides only basic input devices and display hardware. This inversion maximizes utilization of the mobile device's computing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS20240181981A1Method for operating a mobile device via a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.06.06 AUDI AG
  • US20240181981A1 patent drawing
  • US20240181981A1 patent drawing
  • US20240181981A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for operating a mobile device via a motor vehicle. The method includes providing an application program, in particular an app, on the mobile device; coupling, in particular wireless coupling of the mobile device with the motor vehicle; transmitting control data to an output device of the motor vehicle and outputting output data through the output device; receiving an input at an input device of the motor vehicle; transmitting corresponding input data through the motor vehicle to the mobile device; and using the input data when operating the application program.