Portable Control Device for Vehicle Information Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional passenger information systems in vehicles are complicated to operate, with awkwardly placed user controls and multiple interface points, making it difficult for passengers to enjoy content, and they often require multiple cables for communication with handheld devices, leading to passenger dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A portable control device that integrates user control functions, automatically detects system status, and provides a customizable user interface, allowing seamless interaction with vehicle information systems through wireless or wired connections, reducing the need for multiple cables and improving usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional passenger information systems use multiple interface points and cables for communication with handheld devices, then system functionality is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple interface points and communication cables into a single integrated connection between the handheld device and the passenger information system. This unified interface maintains full system functionality while eliminating the complexity of multiple separate connections, directly resolving the technical contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal interface that handles multiple communication functions (audio, video, data, power) through a single connection point. This multi-functional interface allows the system to maintain versatility while reducing the number of physical interface points and cables required, thereby resolving the contradiction between system functionality and device complexity.
2Device complexity
If conventional passenger information systems place video systems distally from passenger controls, then system layout is simplified, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the handheld device as an intermediary control interface that bridges the gap between the distally located video systems and the passenger. The handheld device provides intuitive controls and displays within easy reach of the passenger, maintaining simplified system layout while dramatically improving ease of operation by allowing passengers to control content selection and system functions from their seat.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional passenger information systems use awkwardly placed user controls, then installation is simplified, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functions from the fixed installation points by providing controls on the portable handheld device. This allows the main system to remain simply installed in fixed locations while the control interface is separated and made portable, resolving the contradiction between installation simplicity and ease of operation by placing intuitive controls directly in the passenger's hand.
4Reliability
If conventional passenger information systems require multiple cables for communication, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation and device complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate cable connections (audio, video, data, power) into a single integrated connection between the handheld device and the passenger information system. This unified connection maintains reliable communication for all functions while dramatically improving ease of operation by eliminating the need for passengers to manage multiple cables, directly resolving the technical contradiction between connection reliability and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A personal user control device suitable for use in cooperation with information systems, such as vehicle information systems, and methods for manufacturing and using same. The personal user control device provides a user-friendly interface system for interacting with the information system. Unlike conventional control devices, the user interface system includes no dedicated buttons and provides a customizable environment for interacting with the information system. When in communication with the information system, the personal user control device can automatically detect system status information, such as available system functionality, available viewing content, and/or a current system operation mode, of the information system and provides a user interface system that instinctively adapts for use with the information system in light of the detected system status information. The personal user control device thereby provides a versatile and intuitive manner for interacting with the information system.