Navigation API for Portable Device to Head Unit Data Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle navigation systems face challenges in updating maps and algorithms, and require costly subscriptions for cellular links, limiting their functionality and compatibility with various vehicle makes and models.
Innovation Solution
A navigation API that allows portable devices to receive navigation data from a server and convert it into a format compatible with vehicle head units, enabling communication through various schemes and supporting two-way interfaces for user input and data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If embedded vehicle navigation systems store static maps and carry out routing operations locally in the head unit, then navigation functionality is provided, but map updates and algorithm improvements become difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system is divided into two independent components: a portable device that downloads updated maps and algorithms from remote servers, and a head unit that receives processed navigation data via API calls. This segmentation allows the portable device to be updated independently without modifying the embedded head unit hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
An API (Application Programming Interface) acts as an intermediary between the portable device and the head unit. The API enables the portable device to send navigation requests and receive processed navigation data without requiring direct modification of the head unit's internal systems, facilitating easy updates through software rather than hardware changes.
2Reliability
If embedded vehicle navigation systems include a dedicated cellular link for accessing network servers, then map updates are possible, but costly subscriptions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device's existing wireless communication capabilities (WiFi, cellular data plans) are utilized for downloading navigation data, eliminating the need for a dedicated expensive subscription-based cellular link in the head unit. The same communication infrastructure used for general-purpose computing is applied to navigation updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to independently download navigation data using their own internet connection and portable device resources. Users can update maps and algorithms on-demand without requiring a maintained subscription service, enabling self-service updates at minimal cost.
3Ease of operation
If car manufacturers offer manufacturer-specific APIs for accessing head units, then applications can access audio and visual components, but compatibility is limited to one make or brand
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a standardized API interface that can work across different vehicle makes and models. By using universal communication protocols and data formats, the portable device can interface with various head units without requiring manufacturer-specific implementations, achieving broad compatibility while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for exchanging navigation data between a portable device and a head unit of a vehicle, implemented in a portable device that includes one or more processors executing a navigation service application and a companion application, the navigation service application sends a destination to a navigation server, and receives first navigation data from the navigation server. The first navigation data describes at least one of a plurality of steps for navigating between a source and the destination. A companion application invokes a navigation application programming interface (API) of the navigation service application, at by using a syntax and a list of parameters specific to the navigation API to obtain, from the navigation service application, the first navigation data, and sends the first navigation data to the head unit to cause the head unit to display navigation information indicating at least the one of the plurality of navigation steps.