Vehicle HMI Control Unit Touch Block Command for Mobile Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of non-OEM handheld mobile devices with vehicle infotainment systems can increase the likelihood of operator distraction, especially when these devices are used in vehicles, as they provide rich infotainment content and interactive features that divert the driver's attention from primary vehicle operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that selectively limit user input sources of non-OEM handheld mobile devices by sensing vehicle state levels through sensor data and transmitting a touch block command to block non-vehicle user input sources when the likelihood of operator distraction is high, ensuring that only vehicle OEM HMI devices remain accessible to the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-OEM handheld mobile devices are integrated with vehicle infotainment systems to provide rich infotainment content and interactive features, then infotainment functionality and user experience are improved, but the likelihood of operator distraction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of the mobile device based on real-time vehicle conditions. When the vehicle is in motion or in driving mode, the system automatically blocks non-vehicle user input sources (such as touchscreen, camera, and accelerometer) while allowing vehicle HMI devices to remain accessible. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by enabling full infotainment functionality when safe, and preventing distraction when the vehicle is being operated.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's HMI control unit acts as an intermediary between the mobile device and the user input sources. It receives sensor data from the vehicle, determines the vehicle state, and issues touch block commands to the mobile device accordingly. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to maintain infotainment functionality while preventing operator distraction by controlling access to input sources based on vehicle state.
2Reliability
If non-vehicle user input sources are blocked to prevent operator distraction, then safety is improved, but the usability and interactivity of the mobile device is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different operational qualities to different input sources based on the vehicle state. Non-vehicle user input sources (touchscreen, camera, accelerometer) are blocked when the vehicle is in motion, while vehicle HMI devices (steering wheel controls, head unit buttons) remain fully accessible. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by preventing distraction from mobile device inputs while maintaining full usability of vehicle-controlled inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The usability of the mobile device dynamically changes based on vehicle state. When the vehicle is parked or in park mode, all user input sources remain accessible for full interactivity. When the vehicle transitions to drive mode or begins moving, the system automatically blocks non-vehicle input sources. This dynamic adjustment ensures safety during operation while preserving full usability when the vehicle is stationary.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the system continuously monitors vehicle sensor data to determine vehicle state levels, then operator distraction prevention is improved, but system complexity and computational load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The HMI control unit performs multiple functions: it manages vehicle HMI devices, processes sensor data, determines vehicle state levels, and issues touch block commands to the mobile device. By consolidating these functions in a single control unit that already exists in the vehicle system, the patent avoids adding significant complexity while achieving comprehensive distraction prevention through continuous monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for selectively limiting a non-vehicle user input source of a non-OEM handheld mobile device are disclosed. Upon sensing a docking of the non-OEM handheld mobile device with a vehicle network, and determines a vehicle state level based on vehicle sensor data. When the vehicle state level indicates an increase in the likelihood of operator distraction, a touch block command for the non-OEM handheld mobile device is retrieved and transmitted via the vehicle network. The touch block command operates to block a non-vehicle user input source of the non-OEM handheld mobile device.