Vehicle Interface Computer Merging Mobile Terminal Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle drivers are frequently distracted during travel due to the numerous switches and displays required to operate mobile terminals, which can divert their attention from traffic events.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that connects mobile terminals to vehicle operating and output units via an interface computer, allowing drivers to control mobile terminals using vehicle-specific controls like ergocommanders, touch screens, or speech control, reducing the need to interact with mobile terminal keyboards and displays, and incorporating a vehicle system bus for integrated communication and access protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mobile terminals are operated using their own keyboards and displays, then full functionality is available, but driver distraction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mobile terminal's control interface with the vehicle's existing operating units and output units. The vehicle operating units (buttons, switches, touch screen) control both vehicle functions and mobile terminal functions, while the vehicle output units (displays, speakers) present information from both sources. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate mobile terminal controls, reducing driver distraction while maintaining full mobile terminal functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle operating units and output units are designed to serve multiple functions - controlling and displaying information for both the vehicle system and the connected mobile terminal. A single button or touch screen input can trigger vehicle functions, mobile terminal functions, or both simultaneously, maximizing the utility of existing controls while minimizing the need for additional controls that would distract the driver.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vehicle operating units and output units are provided, then vehicle functionality is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality where existing vehicle operating units and output units handle both vehicle-specific tasks and mobile terminal tasks. The same touch screen displays both navigation maps and mobile phone calls; the same buttons control both climate settings and media playback. This approach enhances overall system versatility without adding physical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface computer serves as an intermediary that manages the complex interactions between the mobile terminal, vehicle operating units, and vehicle output units. It translates mobile terminal commands into vehicle control signals and routes information from both sources to appropriate output channels, thereby managing system complexity centrally rather than requiring complex point-to-point connections throughout the system.
3Ease of operation
If speech recognition is used for controlling vehicle functions, then hands-free operation is enabled, but recognition accuracy decreases due to interfering noises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple input modalities - speech recognition, touch screen input, and physical buttons - into a unified control system. When speech recognition encounters difficult acoustic conditions, the driver can supplement or replace voice commands with tactile inputs on the touch screen or buttons, maintaining hands-free operation where possible while providing alternative control methods when recognition accuracy deteriorates.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system of a motor vehicle is provided. The communication system includes a vehicle operating unit, a vehicle output unit, and an interface computer. The interface computer is connected to the vehicle operating unit and the vehicle output unit. The interface computer is implemented for the purpose of connecting a mobile terminal to the vehicle operating unit and the vehicle output unit such that information from the mobile terminal is displayable on the vehicle output unit and the mobile terminal is operable via the vehicle operating unit.