Vehicle Multimedia Docking Station Interface Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle multimedia interfaces provide limited integration of portable devices with vehicle electronics, restricting access to device functionality and control.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle multimedia system with a docking station that enables full integration of portable devices by establishing data connections between the portable device, docking station, and vehicle head unit, allowing for multimedia data transmission and control, using interfaces such as USB, HDMI, and CAN bus systems, and featuring a converter for signal standard adaptation and mechanical mounting for vibration protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a vehicle multimedia interface uses a simple data connection for portable devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the integration capability and access to device functionality are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration capabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a vehicle multimedia interface system that acts as an intermediary between the portable device and the vehicle's audio system. This interface includes a processor that receives control signals from the portable device via a data connection, determines corresponding audio commands, and transmits them to the audio system. This mediator approach enables full integration and control of the portable device without requiring complex direct connections between the device and all vehicle systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a vehicle multimedia interface provides limited access to portable device functionality, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control capability and user options are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically mapping control signals from the portable device to corresponding audio commands based on the current operating state. The processor receives control signals, determines the current state parameters, and translates these into appropriate audio system commands. This allows full control capability across different operational modes without requiring a permanently complex interface structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9857840B2Vehicle multimedia system and vehicle
Publication Date: 2018.01.02 HARMAN BECKER AUTOMOTIVE SYST GMBH
  • US9857840B2 patent drawing
  • US9857840B2 patent drawing
  • US9857840B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Various embodiments relate to a vehicle multimedia system comprising a portable device and a docking station. The portable device is configured for being releasably mounted in the docking station and comprises data storage for storing multimedia data. A first interface of the portable device and a third interface of the docking station are configured for establishing data connection between the docking station and the portable device. The docking station further comprises a second interface configured for establishing data connection with a vehicle head unit.