Vehicle Feature Customization via Mobile Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle customization systems are often confusing and frustrating for users, particularly new vehicle owners who are unfamiliar with the available options, leading to unnecessary dealer visits for configuration adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that associates a user's wireless device with the vehicle, detecting customizable control options and sending notifications to the device for selection, allowing real-time customization of vehicle features as they are activated, eliminating the need for manual menu navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If vehicle customization is performed through traditional dealer service tools or manual menu navigation, then comprehensive customization options are available, but the process becomes time-consuming and confusing for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the user and the vehicle customization system. The mobile device runs an application that communicates with the vehicle's controller, providing an intuitive interface for customization while the vehicle controller handles the actual implementation. This mediator simplifies the user interface and makes customization accessible to non-technical users without requiring dealer service tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to perform vehicle customization independently through their own mobile devices without requiring dealer intervention. The automated detection of customization options and the ability to apply changes remotely empowers users to configure their vehicles according to personal preferences at their convenience, eliminating the need for time-consuming dealer visits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users are provided with comprehensive customization options through dealer service tools, then all possible vehicle configurations are accessible, but the complexity of the system increases and confuses users
Solution Approach 1:
The customization system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the vehicle controller that manages hardware, the mobile device application that provides the user interface, and the communication interface that bridges them. This segmentation allows the complex customization capabilities to be distributed across multiple components, reducing the perceived complexity for the user while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device application serves as an intermediary that simplifies access to comprehensive customization options. It presents information in an intuitive manner, automatically detects available customization features, and manages the complexity of communicating with the vehicle controller, thereby making versatile customization accessible without overwhelming the user.
3Loss of information
If customization options are presented through vehicle display devices, then users can see all available options, but users must be familiar with the vehicle's interface and navigation system
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy of the vehicle's customization interface on the user's mobile device. This copy mirrors the vehicle's customization capabilities but presents them through a familiar mobile interface that users already know how to navigate. The mobile application receives and displays customization options as notifications, allowing users to review and select options without needing to learn the vehicle's native interface.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring users to access customization options through the vehicle's display and control interface, the system inverts the approach by bringing the customization interface to the user's mobile device. This reversal allows users to interact with customization options on a device they are already familiar with, eliminating the learning curve associated with the vehicle's interface while maintaining full visibility of available options.
4Manufacturing precision
If users manually navigate through vehicle menus to customize options, then precise control over each setting is achieved, but the process becomes frustrating and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of manually navigating vehicle menus with wireless electronic communication. The mobile device communicates with the vehicle controller through wireless interfaces, automatically transmitting customization selections without requiring physical interaction with the vehicle's control interface. This substitution maintains precise control over settings while eliminating the time-consuming manual navigation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting and presenting customization options to the user before any configuration changes are applied. The mobile application proactively notifies users of available customization opportunities and allows them to review and select options in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual exploration of vehicle menus while ensuring precise control over the final configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for vehicle customization are disclosed. Customizing a vehicle configuration may include associating a wireless device of a user with the vehicle. The vehicle customization system may detect a first occurrence of an event corresponding to a set of customizable control options for the vehicle. The vehicle customization system may optionally respond to the first occurrence of the event based on a default option of the set of customizable control options. The vehicle customization system may send, to the wireless device, a notification of the event. The vehicle customization system may receive, from the wireless device, a selected control option of the set of customizable control options corresponding to the event. The vehicle customization system may respond to a second occurrence of the event based on the selected control option.