Removable Intermediary Device for Vehicle Infotainment Protocol Bridging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The gap between the rapid development of consumer electronics and the slower automotive development cycles results in existing head units being unable to fully utilize the features and applications of mobile communication devices, requiring costly upgrades and compatibility issues with protocols used for data exchange.
Innovation Solution
A removable device with separate communication modules for bi-directional communication with both the head unit and mobile communication device, using various transmission techniques such as USB, HDMI, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, acting as an interpreter to bridge the compatibility gap and provide telematics/infotainment services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If head units are upgraded to accommodate new features of CE devices, then compatibility and functionality are improved, but cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into three independent components: the existing head unit, the removable intermediary device, and the mobile communication device. The intermediary device contains the communication modules and protocol handling capabilities, separating the adaptation functionality from both the head unit and mobile device. This allows the head unit to remain simple while gaining access to modern CE device features through the removable intermediary.
Solution Approach 2:
A removable intermediary device is introduced between the head unit and the mobile communication device. This intermediary contains multiple communication modules (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB) and handles protocol conversion, acting as a mediator that enables compatibility without requiring changes to the existing head unit or the mobile device. The intermediary translates between different communication protocols and data formats.
2Adaptability or versatility
If head units are upgraded to accommodate new features of CE devices, then functionality is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of investing in expensive, permanent head unit upgrades, the solution uses a relatively inexpensive removable intermediary device that can be easily replaced or updated. The intermediary device serves as a cost-effective bridge, allowing users to access modern functionality without the high cost of replacing the entire head unit system.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable intermediary device is designed with multiple communication modules (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB) and can work with various types of mobile communication devices. This multi-functionality allows a single device to provide compatibility with different protocols and devices, reducing the need for multiple specialized upgrades.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate communication modules are used for head unit and mobile device, then compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple communication modules (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB) that would otherwise be separate components are merged into a single removable intermediary device. This consolidation provides the functionality of multiple separate modules while managing complexity within one integrated unit rather than distributing it across multiple devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a removable device, adapted to connect a mobile communication device to a head unit of a vehicle and comprising: a first communication module having a first transceiver and configured for bi-directional communication of data with the head unit; a second communication module having a second transceiver and configured for bi-directional communication of data with the mobile communication device; and a control unit configured to provide at least one service to the head unit via the first communication module based on data received via the second communication module.