Vehicle Interface for Seamless Media Device Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional passenger information systems in vehicles are complex to operate, limited by fixed hardware, and unable to easily accommodate changing passenger viewing content and preferences, leading to difficulties in selecting and enjoying content, especially when personal media devices are not seamlessly integrated.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle information system that includes a communication interface for integrating personal media devices, allowing for simultaneous integration of audio and video content, control signals, and power, enabling seamless operation and presentation of content from both the vehicle system and personal devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional passenger information systems use fixed hardware architecture, then system stability is maintained, but adaptability to changing passenger content preferences deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to passenger content preferencesVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of personal media devices (MP3 players, PDAs, mobile phones, cameras) through a single standardized connection protocol, allowing the fixed hardware architecture to interface with diverse content sources without requiring multiple specialized connection points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic reconfiguration of content delivery by enabling passengers to selectively connect their personal media devices to any seatback receiver, allowing content sources to change adaptively while the physical hardware remains static

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple interface points and cables are used for personal media devices, then content access capability is improved, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepersonal media device integrationVSAvoidinterface points and cables

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system consolidates multiple separate interface requirements (audio left, audio right, video, data, power) into a single integrated cable connection between the personal media device and the seatback receiver, eliminating the need for multiple separate cables and interface points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A single universal interface protocol is implemented that can transmit multiple types of signals (audio, video, data, power) through one connection, allowing diverse personal media devices to be integrated without requiring multiple specialized interface points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If video systems are located distally from passenger controls, then installation flexibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol accessibilityVSAvoiddistance between control and display

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the entertainment functionality into separate modular units: personal media devices remain in passengers' hands, seatback receivers are positioned at each seat, and content delivery is routed through individual channels, allowing each component to be optimally positioned without requiring centralized placement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional systems support only fixed content sources, then system reliability is maintained, but adaptability to evolving passenger demands deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent source varietyVSAvoidsystem performance consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a universal interface protocol that can recognize and work with multiple types of personal media devices (MP3 players, PDAs, mobile phones, cameras) through the same connection mechanism, allowing content source variety to expand while maintaining consistent system operation through standardized communication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9015775B2System and method for interfacing a portable media device with a vehicle information system

Publication Date: 2015.04.21 PANASONIC AVIONICS CORP

AI summary

An information system suitable for use in cooperation with portable media devices, such as an Apple iPod® digital electronic media device, and methods for manufacturing and using same. The information system provides a user-friendly communication interface for coupling with a portable media device and can perform a plurality of integration tasks simultaneously, enabling the personal media device to become fully integrated with the information system. Viewing content thereby can be selected from video and/or audio viewing content stored internally within the personal media device, and the selected viewing content can be communicated from the personal media device to the information system for presentation via a video presentation system and/or an audio presentation system of the information system. The personal media device likewise can receive control commands and/or operating power from the information system. Thereby, the personal media device advantageously can become a seamless part of the information system.