In-Vehicle Hub Prioritizes Mobile Device Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current in-vehicle entertainment systems cannot simultaneously access and display content from multiple iOS smartphones connected via USB, limiting the ability to switch between devices and utilize apps from different phones.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle entertainment system with a hub having host-to-host transmission functionality, allowing prioritization of communication between connected devices and enabling the display of operation interfaces for each device, along with access to peripheral devices, through a USB host unit, display unit, and operation interface executing unit, with manual menu options for device selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If one USB connector is electrically connected with the driver's iOS smartphone, then the CarPlay operation interface can be shown on the display screen, but the main controller unit is unable to access the external electronic device connected to another USB connector
Solution Approach 1:
A hub device is introduced as an intermediary between the in-vehicle entertainment device and multiple external devices. The hub receives data from multiple sources including iOS smartphones and external electronic devices, then selectively transmits data to the entertainment device. This mediator enables simultaneous connection of multiple devices while maintaining exclusive communication channels, resolving the conflict between CarPlay access and external device access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two iOS smartphones are respectively connected to two USB connectors, then more device options are available, but only one smartphone can be mapped onto the CarPlay operation interface at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic device switching capability where the hub can change communication priorities in real-time. When a user wants to switch from one smartphone to another, the hub dynamically reconfigures data transmission paths, stopping data flow from the current device and redirecting it to the newly selected device. This dynamic adjustment enables seamless switching between multiple connected smartphones without requiring physical reconnection.
3Ease of operation
If the system prioritizes communication with one mobile electronic device, then the operation interface for that device can be displayed, but access to peripheral devices may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hub segments data transmission into separate, independent channels. One channel is dedicated to communication with the prioritized mobile electronic device for displaying operation interfaces, while another channel handles data transmission to peripheral electronic devices. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation of both functions without interference, enabling the system to display CarPlay interface while maintaining access to external devices through different data pathways.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-vehicle entertainment system having functionality of operation interface switchable is disclosed. The system comprises an in-vehicle host electronic device and a hub having a host-to-host transmission function. After at least two mobile electronic devices are coupled to the hub, the in-vehicle host electronic device firstly prioritizes a communication order between the two mobile electronic devices, and then lets a display unit show an operation interface (like CarPlay operation interface) corresponding to the mobile electronic device that is prioritized with a first ranked communication order. Moreover, in case of a peripheral electronic device being coupled to the hub as well as the display unit being showing the operation interface, the in-vehicle host electronic device is allowed to access a peripheral electronic device through the hub.