Vehicle Communication Unit Automatic Mobile Device Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of connecting a personal mobile device to a vehicle communication unit is often cumbersome and requires multiple steps, including manual initiation and oral commands, which can be inconvenient for vehicle occupants.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that automatically detect the presence of a personal mobile device within a vehicle, determine its type, and prompt the occupant for permission to establish a wireless communication link, thereby simplifying the connection process without manual initiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If automatic detection and connection process is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection processVSAvoiddetection system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle communication unit performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting the presence of a mobile device and initiating the connection process before the user needs to manually connect. The system proactively scans for devices, determines device types, and prepares connection parameters in advance, reducing user effort to simply confirming or declining the automatic connection attempt.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual steps and oral commands are required, then reliability of connection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishmentVSAvoidconnection process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system performs self-service by automatically detecting mobile devices, determining their types, and establishing connections without requiring user intervention for each step. The system independently completes device discovery, compatibility verification, and connection setup, with the user only needing to provide high-level authorization, thereby maintaining reliability while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If device type determination is performed automatically, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection setup speedVSAvoiddetection algorithm
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system determines device type by analyzing parameters from wireless signals such as Bluetooth device addresses, device class identifiers, and service UUIDs. By automatically extracting and evaluating these signal parameters, the system quickly categorizes devices (e.g., smartphone, tablet, headset) and configures appropriate connection settings, significantly improving connection setup speed while managing complexity through parameter-based classification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates easy and automatic connection of personal mobile devices to vehicle communication units, enhancing user convenience by automating the detection and connection process while ignoring unsuitable devices.

Implementation Method 1

a vehicle communication unit that communicates wirelessly via short range wireless communication

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShort range wireless communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9078200B2Connecting a personal mobile device to a vehicle communication unit
Publication Date: 2015.07.07 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • US9078200B2 patent drawing
  • US9078200B2 patent drawing
  • US9078200B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and apparatus for connecting a personal mobile device to a vehicle communication unit. The method involves automatically detecting the presence of a personal mobile device located at a vehicle, obtaining permission to connect the personal mobile device, and automatically connecting the personal mobile device to the vehicle communication unit. The method and apparatus can be used, for example, during an initial connection of a personal mobile device to a vehicle communication unit or each time a new mobile device is present in the vehicle.