Radio Head Unit Remote Reprogramming via Cellular App
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Solution Overview
Problem
When a personal cellular telephone is paired with a radio head unit in a vehicle and a call is placed on-hold, communication with a remote party, the radio head unit loses local control over its functions, preventing vehicle occupants from using navigation and audio system capabilities, and requires re-programming to be done in-person, which is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows re-programming of the radio head unit using a special app on the cellular telephone, enabling remote data entry and reconfiguration of default settings without needing to be inside the vehicle, and automatically updates the radio head unit when the vehicle is powered up, restoring local control and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a personal cellular telephone is paired with the radio head unit for wireless communication, then remote telephonic capability is improved, but local control over radio head unit functions is lost when a call is placed on-hold
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator mechanism where the radio head unit maintains a communication bridge with the personal cellular telephone even when a call is on-hold. The system allows the telephone to send control commands through the cellular network, and the radio head unit interprets and executes these commands remotely, thus preserving local control functionality without requiring the telephone to be physically present in the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control functionality by separating the telephonic communication function from the radio head unit control function. The personal cellular telephone handles telephonic operations while the radio head unit maintains independent control capabilities for navigation and audio system functions, allowing these functions to operate independently even when telephonic calls are on-hold.
2Ease of operation
If re-programming must be done in-person inside the vehicle, then direct control over radio head unit settings is improved, but convenience and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service re-programming by allowing the personal cellular telephone to autonomously send re-programming data to the radio head unit through wireless communication. The system automatically receives, processes, and implements the re-programming commands without requiring physical presence in the vehicle or manual intervention through the radio head unit's interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical system of in-person re-programming (requiring presence inside the vehicle, manual input through controls) with an electronic/wireless system where re-programming data is transmitted remotely through the cellular network, eliminating the need for physical access to the vehicle's control interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the radio head unit loses local control when a call is on-hold, then telephonic communication functionality is improved, but availability of navigation and audio system capabilities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic functionality where the radio head unit's operational state changes based on call status. When a call is on-hold, the system dynamically switches between telephonic communication mode and local control mode, allowing navigation and audio system capabilities to remain accessible while maintaining telephonic functionality through the paired personal cellular telephone.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for re-programming a radio head unit in an automotive vehicle by a special “app” in a personal cellular (wireless) telephone.