Smartphone Vehicle Interface Integration for Navigation Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Built-in vehicle GPS systems are outdated and require frequent updates due to changing map data, while portable systems lack integration with vehicle interfaces and user-specific data.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that couples a personal communications device, such as a smartphone, to a vehicle interface, enabling the use of vehicle output mechanisms and personal data for navigation, using GPS, network-location, and motion sensors, to provide enhanced navigation and utility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a built-in GPS system is provided in the vehicle, then the system is integrated with vehicle interfaces, but the system becomes outdated and requires frequent updates due to changing map data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration with vehicle interfacesVSAvoidmap data currency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the navigation software and map data from the vehicle's built-in hardware. The vehicle contains only the GPS receiver and basic interface, while the personal communication device holds the navigation software and map data, allowing independent updates of the software component without modifying the vehicle system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The personal communication device serves multiple functions: it acts as the navigation system, stores map data, runs navigation software, and interfaces with the vehicle's GPS receiver. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to provide both integration and up-to-date information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a portable GPS system is used, then the system remains up-to-date with current software and map data, but the system lacks integration with vehicle interfaces and user-specific data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware currencyVSAvoidintegration with vehicle interfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the personal communication device (portable GPS) with the vehicle's GPS receiver and interface. The personal device's navigation software combines with the vehicle's hardware capabilities to create an integrated system that maintains software currency while gaining vehicle interface integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The personal communication device acts as an intermediary between the user and the vehicle's GPS system. It receives location data from the vehicle's GPS receiver, processes it through navigation software, and presents results through the vehicle's display and audio interfaces, bridging the gap between portable and built-in systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a built-in GPS system is provided, then the system is integrated with vehicle output mechanisms, but the system requires frequent software updates and purchases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle interface integrationVSAvoidsoftware update requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The navigation software and map data are extracted from the vehicle's built-in system and placed on the personal communication device. This extraction eliminates the need for frequent vehicle system updates while maintaining integration with vehicle output mechanisms through the interface connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS8868111B1Method and apparatus to enable the use of a personal communication device with an integrated vehicle interface

Publication Date: 2014.10.21 DP TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A method and apparatus to couple a personal communications device to an integrated vehicle interface is provided. The method, in one embodiment, enables the use of the personal data on the personal communications device, to provide a feature to the user.