Portable Device Navigation Control via Vehicle Head Unit Mapping
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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, while APIs for accessing head units are often manufacturer-specific, limiting compatibility with different vehicle brands.
Innovation Solution
A companion application on a portable device receives input from vehicle controls and maps them to navigation functions, allowing seamless interaction between the portable device and the head unit using any communication scheme, enabling easy configuration and retrofitting of various vehicles with navigation software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated cellular link is included in the embedded navigation system for accessing network servers, then navigation functionality is improved, but cost increases due to costly subscription requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a companion application on the portable device as an intermediary that handles network communication and navigation data processing. This mediator allows the embedded navigation system to access network servers through the portable device's existing cellular connection, eliminating the need for a dedicated cellular link in the head unit and reducing subscription costs while maintaining navigation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the portable device's existing cellular communication capabilities and navigation applications to serve the embedded navigation system. By making the portable device multi-functional (serving both as a personal device and as the navigation system's network interface), the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated infrastructure, reducing costs while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If manufacturer-specific APIs are used for accessing head units, then integration with the head unit is improved, but adaptability to different vehicle brands deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the head unit initiate communication with the portable device using manufacturer-specific APIs, the patent inverts the approach by having the companion application on the portable device actively seek out and establish communication with the head unit. This reversal allows the portable device to adapt to different head units without requiring manufacturer-specific implementations, improving compatibility while maintaining reliable integration through the inverted communication initiative
Data Source
AI summary
A mapping between controls of the head unit of a vehicle and functions of a navigation service application running on a portable device is received. Subsequently, an indication that one of the controls has been actuated is received via a communication link between the portable device and the head unit. A function is selected from among the functions of the navigation service application in accordance with the received mapping and the received indication. The selected function of the navigation software application then is executed. In this manner, the navigation service application is safely and efficiently controlled via the head unit.