Vehicle HMI Unit Abstracting Input Output Methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current human machine interface (HMI) units for vehicles are complex and costly to adapt to different vehicle information and entertainment systems, limiting the integration of mobile communication devices and compromising safety and usability due to a lack of standardization and adaptability to various driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A human machine interface unit with a controller, memory, and API interface that selects appropriate input/output methods based on vehicle and environmental conditions, allowing for standardized abstract input and output methods, enabling seamless integration of various communication devices into vehicle systems without requiring detailed knowledge of specific hardware or software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If HMI units are adapted to different vehicle information and entertainment systems with detailed knowledge of specific hardware and software, then integration functionality is improved, but device complexity and integration costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (abstraction layer) between the application and the physical I/O units. This intermediary translates abstract I/O method calls into device-specific operations, enabling HMI units to work with different vehicle systems without requiring detailed knowledge of each specific hardware/software configuration. The intermediary handles the adaptation complexity internally while presenting a unified interface to applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The HMI unit is segmented into distinct functional layers: an application layer that uses abstract I/O methods, an intermediary translation layer that handles device-specific protocols, and a physical I/O layer that interfaces with hardware. This segmentation allows each layer to be developed and adapted independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Ease of operation
If HMI units provide comprehensive input/output functions for various applications, then usability is improved, but integration costs and efforts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The HMI unit implements a universal abstraction layer that provides comprehensive I/O functions through standardized abstract methods. This universal interface can handle various applications (navigation, communication, entertainment) without requiring separate integration efforts for each application type. The same abstraction mechanism serves multiple functions across different vehicle systems.
3Reliability
If HMI units are customized for specific vehicle environments, then driving safety and comfort are improved, but adaptability to different vehicles decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The HMI unit employs dynamic adaptation mechanisms where the abstraction layer automatically adjusts its behavior based on the detected vehicle environment and driving conditions. The system dynamically selects appropriate I/O methods and parameters without requiring manual reconfiguration, thereby maintaining driving safety across different vehicle types while preserving adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for inputting and outputting data for a com¬ munication device (12) in a vehicle (14) comprising the following steps: - receiving an abstract input or output method AMX for inputting data into and outputting data out of a communication application means APP (22) from a communication appli¬ cation means APP (22) of said communication device (10); - selecting at least one physical I/O unit PHEX (26, 36,38) depending on at least one type of a requested abstract I/O method AMX, an addressed HMI endpoint user HEX (28, 40, 42, 44, 46), a vehicle state VSX, a driving state DSX and/or en environmental condi¬ tion ECX; - outputting data of said abstract I/O method AMX through said selected physical I/O unit PHEX (26, 36,38) and/or receiving input data of said physical I/O unit PHEX (26, 36,38) and converting said input data into an abstract input method AMixfor inputting said ab¬ stract input method AMix into said communication application means APP (22). Further aspects of the invention relate to a human machine interface (10) unit and a communication device (12) comprising said human machine interface unit (10) for per¬ forming said I/O method.