Vehicle Operator Control System with Mobile Interface Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle operating systems require significant space and resources for expanding functions, as they often rely on external devices' performance, limiting bidirectional data access and complicating the operation of additional features.

Innovation Solution

An operating system that integrates a permanent vehicle device with a mobile operating device via an interface, allowing the mobile device to control additional vehicle functions only when connected, thereby reducing installation space and costs while providing a user-friendly interface for both basic and advanced functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If external devices are connected to expand vehicle functions, then vehicle functionality is improved, but installation space and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle function expansionVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile operating device serves multiple purposes: it acts as both a standard mobile phone and a vehicle control interface. The single interface unit in the vehicle dashboard provides both basic vehicle function control and mobile device connectivity, eliminating the need for separate dedicated control units for each function type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If external devices are connected to expand vehicle functions, then vehicle functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle function expansionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface unit serves as an intermediary between the vehicle's control systems and the mobile operating device. It translates and manages communication between different systems, providing a standardized connection point that simplifies the overall system architecture while enabling expanded functionality through the mobile device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If basic control functions are provided permanently in the vehicle, then ease of operation is improved, but installation space and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebasic function accessibilityVSAvoidcontrol unit space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The interface unit merges the basic vehicle function control capabilities with the mobile device connection functionality into a single integrated component. This combination allows the vehicle to provide essential control functions through the standardized interface while leveraging the mobile device's processing power and display capabilities, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated control units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3046797B1Operator control system and operator control method for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3046797B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3046797B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3046797B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to an operator control system (1) for a vehicle having an operator control device (2) which is arranged fixedly in the vehicle and with which at least a first function of the vehicle can be controlled, and having an apparatus (29, 30) which is required to implement the first function. The operator control system (1) further comprises an interface (33) by means of which a mobile operator control device (3) can be coupled to the vehicle, wherein at least a second function of the vehicle can be controlled by the mobile operator control device (3), it not being possible for said second function to be controlled by the operator control device (2) which is fixedly arranged in the vehicle, and to an apparatus (31, 32) which is required to implement the second function. The operator control system (1) also comprises a control apparatus (28) which controls the first function of the vehicle depending on user inputs to the operator control device (2) which is fixedly arranged in the vehicle and which then makes it possible to control the second function when the mobile operator control device (3) is coupled to the vehicle via the interface (33), wherein the second function can be controlled depending on user inputs to the mobile operator control device (3). The apparatus (31, 32) which is required to implement the second function can furthermore be activated only when the mobile operator control device (3) is coupled to the vehicle. The invention further relates to an operator control method which is implemented using the operator control system (1) according to the invention.