Virtual Smartphone Interface for Full In-Vehicle Feature Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face limitations in accessing the full capabilities of their smartphones when using intermediate devices like Bluetooth headsets or in-vehicle systems while driving, leading to inefficiencies and complications due to the need to learn multiple interfaces and the inability to utilize the full complement of smartphone features without physical possession.
Innovation Solution
A virtual smart phone system that includes a touch screen and software application separate from the handheld device, capable of emulating smartphone features and functions, allowing interaction through a projected image and enabling access to configuration data, even when the physical device is not present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If intermediate devices such as Bluetooth headset or in-vehicle system are used to access smartphone functions, then safety is improved by avoiding handheld device use while driving, but functionality is worsened due to limited feature access and requirement to learn multiple interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual representation of the smartphone interface on the in-vehicle display that replicates the full smartphone functionality. The virtual smartphone displays and allows interaction with all smartphone features including calls, messages, apps, and media playback, eliminating the need for intermediate devices while maintaining safety by keeping the driver's hands on the wheel.
Solution Approach 2:
The in-vehicle display system is designed to universally access and display all smartphone functions through a single interface. The system can switch between different smartphone applications and features while maintaining a consistent virtual interface, allowing the driver to access any smartphone capability without learning multiple different control systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users rely on multiple electronic devices for daily tasks, then adaptability is improved by having access to different device capabilities, but complexity is worsened due to learning multiple interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the smartphone interface with the in-vehicle display system, combining the capabilities of multiple devices into a single unified interface. The virtual smartphone consolidates phone, messaging, browsing, media playback, and other applications into one display, eliminating the need to switch between multiple electronic devices and their different interfaces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If full smartphone features are accessed through web browser on computer, then functionality is improved by accessing backed-up data, but ease of operation is worsened by lacking the familiar smartphone interface
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a precise visual and functional copy of the smartphone interface on the in-vehicle display. The virtual smartphone replicates the familiar layout, icons, and interaction patterns of the original smartphone, allowing users to access all their data and features through the familiar interface rather than adapting to a web browser or different operating system.
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments of the present invention, a virtual phone is provided which includes a touch screen mounted on an enclosure that includes a processor, memory, wireless communication port, and a power port. The virtual phone further includes a software application executing on the processor to control image display on the touch screen and emulate features of a handheld device presented in the image in response to a user touching a presented feature. The virtual phone further includes a configuration of a user-specific handheld device that is derived from the user-specific handheld device is stored in a memory that is accessible to the processor; wherein the virtual phone presents a visual representation of the user-specific handheld device on the touch screen based on the configuration.