In-Vehicle Terminal Position Detection for Intuitive Operation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional information processing systems restrict the functionality of portable communication terminals by limiting their connection positions in vehicles, failing to fully utilize their convenience and intuitive operation capabilities.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system that includes an electronic device in a vehicle and a portable communication terminal capable of mutual communication, where the system computes the terminal's position based on its motion and executes specific processes when it reaches predefined positions within the vehicle, allowing intuitive operations such as holding or touching to access information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the portable communication terminal is connected to fixed connection terminals in the in-vehicle device, then the system structure is simple and reliable, but the functionality and convenience of the portable terminal are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality of portable terminalVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling the portable communication terminal to perform multiple functions depending on its position within the vehicle. Instead of being limited to fixed connection terminals, the terminal can detect its position (e.g., driver seat, passenger seat, rear seat) and execute different applications or functions accordingly, making a single device serve multiple purposes based on spatial context

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (physical connection terminals and cables) with a position-detection-based system. The terminal determines its location through sensors or communication with the vehicle's positioning system and automatically activates appropriate functions without requiring physical connection to specific terminals, thereby simplifying the mechanical structure while expanding functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the portable communication terminal is moved freely within the vehicle, then the convenience and ease of operation are improved, but the ability to execute position-specific functions is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of portable terminalVSAvoidposition-specific function execution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the position of the portable communication terminal within the vehicle and automatically adjusting the executed functions based on detected position changes. The system provides feedback to the terminal about its location, enabling the terminal to adapt its behavior dynamically without user intervention, thus maintaining both mobility and position-specific functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the system's functionality dynamic rather than static. The portable terminal's capabilities change dynamically based on its real-time position within the vehicle. As the terminal moves from one location to another, the system automatically transitions between different functions or applications, allowing ease of operation while preserving position-specific adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If fixed connection terminals are used in the in-vehicle device, then the connection reliability is high, but the user experience and intuitive operation are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintuitive operationVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the portable communication terminal to automatically determine its own position and select appropriate functions without requiring user configuration or connection to specific terminals. The terminal serves itself by autonomously adapting to its spatial context, providing intuitive operation where the system automatically understands and responds to the user's intent based on position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10297225B2Information processing system and information processing method causing a portable communications terminal to cooperate with an electronic device

Publication Date: 2019.05.21 FUJITSU TEN LTD

AI summary

An information processing system according to the embodiments includes an in-vehicle device (electronic device), a portable communication terminal, a terminal position computing unit (computing unit), and a specific process executing unit (executing unit). The in-vehicle device is provided in a vehicle (predetermined facility). The portable communication terminal is capable of mutual communication with the in-vehicle device. The terminal position computing unit computes a position of the portable communication terminal based upon a motion of the portable communication terminal. The specific process executing unit, when the position of the portable communication terminal computed by the terminal position computing unit is a predetermined position that is predefined in the facility, executes a specific process corresponding to the predetermined position.