Portable Navigation Device Vehicle Data Bus Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable navigation devices lack the ability to seamlessly interface with factory-installed systems in vehicles, requiring costly and complex installations for functionality like voice recognition and data exchange, limiting their appeal and integration with in-vehicle systems.
Innovation Solution
A portable navigation device that connects to a vehicle's data bus, enabling two-way communication and data exchange with factory-installed subsystems, including voice recognition and audio systems, through a software translation layer and physical or wireless connections, allowing for automatic customization and control of vehicle functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a portable navigation device is connected to factory-installed vehicle systems through professional installation of interface boxes or hard-wired docks, then integration capability with vehicle systems is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vehicle interface unit as an intermediary component that mediates between the portable navigation device and the vehicle's data bus system. This interface unit contains protocol translation software that converts between different communication protocols, enabling seamless integration without requiring complex professional installation. The interface unit acts as a bridge that simplifies the connection while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable navigation device is designed with universal interface capabilities that can work with multiple different vehicle systems through the standard interface unit. The device can automatically adapt to different vehicle data bus protocols and systems, providing multi-functionality without requiring device-specific installation procedures for each vehicle type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If embedded navigation systems are installed as part of factory build, then integration with vehicle systems is improved, but cost and update flexibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system is segmented into two independent parts: a portable navigation device that can be updated independently and a vehicle interface unit that remains in the vehicle. This segmentation allows the navigation device to be manufactured separately at lower cost and updated independently without requiring expensive factory integration, while still achieving full system integration through the interface unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static embedded navigation system that is fixed during factory build to a dynamic portable navigation device that can be easily updated and replaced. The interface unit provides dynamic protocol adaptation, allowing the portable device to dynamically connect to and integrate with the vehicle's data bus system without requiring reconfiguration or professional installation.
3Ease of operation
If portable navigation devices use wireless connections to interface with vehicle systems, then ease of installation is improved, but reliability of data transmission may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle interface unit serves as a reliable intermediary that receives data from the vehicle's data bus through wired connections and transmits it wirelessly to the portable navigation device. This intermediary approach maintains reliability by ensuring stable wired connection at the vehicle system side while providing wireless convenience at the portable device side, with the interface unit handling protocol translation and data validation.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable navigation device (PND) is disclosed comprising processing means, a graphical display, memory, map data stored in said memory, user-input means, and signal reception means for receiving one or more wireless signals by means of which the processor can determine a present location of the device and in conjunction with user input desired destination information, and perform route calculation and subsequent navigation functions, such being performed by software installed on the device. The PND is additionally provided with a connector by means of which said PND can be physically connected to third party devices or systems. The invention is characterized in that said PND is adapted to establish a communication, via said physical connection, with a vehicle controller area network consisting thus becoming a node thereon and capable of communicating with other nodes thereon, each of said nodes having functionality represented by one or more signals distributed around said controller area network and received by said PND. The invention is further characterized in that said PND includes a first software translation layer enabling the communication between PND and one or more nodes, and a second software routine layer comprising one or more routines specific to the functionality of one or more of said other nodes so as to effectively communicate therewith and utilize their functionality. Examples of third party devices include hands-free communications modules, gateway nodes, the vehicle stereo system, engine management system, seat position controllers, multifunction steering wheel, dashboard and console displays, integrated navigation systems, and the like. The invention allows the PND either to receive and interpret information from the controller area network and retrieve information from one or more devices forming nodes on that network for display on the PND or improved operation thereof, or to cause control or state change of one or more of the devices forming nodes on the controller area network. Voice control of the PND is also possible in the case a voice recognition system is provided as a node on the controller area network, and additionally, the vocal instructions issued by the PND can be caused to be replayed through the car stereo, if such is also connected to the controller area network within the vehicle.