Vehicle Head Unit Navigation via Portable Device Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle navigation systems face challenges with outdated maps and algorithms, and costly subscription requirements for cellular links, limiting the efficiency of navigation data updates and compatibility across different vehicle brands.
Innovation Solution
A companion application on a portable device receives partial user input from a vehicle's head unit, using short-range communication, and forwards it to a navigation service for generating suggestions, which can be personalized and converted to formats recognized by the head unit, enabling efficient navigation data provision without requiring frequent updates or brand-specific APIs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If embedded vehicle navigation systems store static maps and carry out routing operations locally in the head unit, then navigation operations can be performed without network connection, but the maps and algorithms become outdated and difficult to update
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the navigation computation function from the head unit to a portable device. The head unit only displays results while the portable device performs routing calculations and stores up-to-date map data, allowing frequent updates without modifying the head unit's static map storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device acts as an intermediary between the network (for updates) and the head unit (for display). It receives map updates via network connection, processes routing algorithms, and provides results to the head unit, thus keeping navigation data current while maintaining head unit simplicity.
2Loss of information
If embedded vehicle navigation systems include a dedicated cellular link for accessing network servers, then map updates and algorithm improvements can be obtained, but a costly subscription is required
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device uses its existing universal communication capabilities (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular data plans) to access navigation services. Instead of requiring a vehicle-specific cellular subscription, any smartphone with internet access can provide navigation updates, making the solution universally applicable without additional vehicle infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If car manufacturers offer APIs for accessing audio and visual components of the head unit, then applications can utilize head unit capabilities, but the APIs are manufacturer-specific and applications are developed for only one make or brand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal interface layer on the portable device that can communicate with different head unit types through various connection methods (USB, Bluetooth, WiFi). This abstracts away manufacturer-specific APIs, allowing a single navigation application to work across multiple vehicle brands without rewriting code for each manufacturer's proprietary interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device serves as an intermediary that handles the complexity of different head unit interfaces. It translates between various connection protocols and the navigation service requirements, shielding the user from manufacturer-specific API differences while maintaining access to head unit audio and visual components.
4Measurement precision
If users manually enter complete addresses or business names in navigation systems, then accurate destination information can be provided, but interaction time with vehicle controls increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by predicting user intent based on partial input (first several letters). Instead of waiting for complete input, it proactively generates and presents suggested destinations, allowing users to confirm with minimal interaction while ensuring accurate destination identification through the matching algorithm.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by displaying suggested destinations that match the user's partial input. This immediate feedback loop allows users to verify and confirm the correct destination quickly, reducing interaction time while maintaining precision through the matching and confirmation process.
Data Source
AI summary
To assist a driver with requesting navigation data via a head unit of a vehicle, partial user input provided to the head unit is received via a short-range communication link and suggested input corresponding to the partial user input is generated. The partial user input includes a sequence of alphanumeric characters. The suggested input includes the sequence of alphanumeric characters and one or more additional characters and corresponds to a set of one or more geographic locations. The suggested input is provided to the head unit via the short-range communication link.