GB2592580A

GB2592580A - A method for operating a multi-function user interface of a motor vehicle, as well as a multi-function multi-user interface

Info

Publication number: GB2592580A
Application number: GB2002741.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Liu Christopher; Winkler Thomas; Reyes Anthony
Original assignee: Daimler AG
Current assignee: Mercedes Benz Group AG
Priority date: 2020-02-27
Filing date: 2020-02-27
Publication date: 2021-09-08
Also published as: GB202002741D0

Abstract

A method for operating a multi-function user interface 12 of a motor vehicle 10, by which at least a first user 14 interacts with the user interface using at least a first mobile device 18, The first user establishes a first wireless connection 24 between the mobile device 18 and the multi-function user interface in order to operate the user interface using the first mobile device. The method comprises reading at least a first identification tag 22, which may be a QR code or NFC tag with a reading device of the first mobile device. After the tag is read, the user is asked to authenticate themselves. The authentication may be performed by a backend server (30, figure 2) which is outside the vehicle. A second mobile device may be connected by scanning the first identification tag. One or more additional identification tags 28 may be in different positions around the vehicle, and the position of the user 14, 16 determined based on which tag is read. After the authentication the wireless connection between the mobile device user interface is established. A multi-function user interface enacting the method is also claimed.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GII2002741.3 RTM Date:24 July 2020 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: - Bluetooth - WiFi Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo A METHOD FOR OPERATING A MULTI-FUNCTION USER INTERFACE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE, AS WELL AS A MULTI-FUNCTION MULTI-USER INTERFACE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of automobiles. More particularly, but not specifically, the present disclosure relates to a method for operating a multi-function user interface of a motor vehicle.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] From the state of the art it is known that currently there is no way to connect multiple users to the in-car system that allows user interaction from all participants. There is also no way to have multiple user interact with each other in a personalized collaboration within the in-car system. Device integration is an intuitive way to connect all users and collaborate in the same vehicle while interacting with in-car media, navigation, gaming and many other experiences. It is an interactive platform for all riders to collaborate at once on a device that they choose.

[0003] Furthermore, it is known that a user can connect a mobile device to the multifunction user interface by using a wireless connection, for example, a Bluetooth connection or a wireless-LAN connection. However, currently only one mobile device is able to connect to the multi-function user interface, or multiple mobile devices can be connected for phone calls.

[0004] US 9,246,555 B2 discloses a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag including a housing and a magnet carried by the housing and configured to be magnetically sensed by a magnet sensor carried by a communication device to activate an NFC circuit within the communications device to communicate using an NFC communication protocol. A data store stores data regarding a function of the communication device to be magnetically coupled by the magnet. The data store is configured to be read by the communication device using an NFC communication protocol after the NFC circuit has been activated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide a method and a multi-function user interface, wherein better user satisfaction can be realized [0006] This object is solved by a method as well as a multi-function user interface according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are presented in the depending claims.

[0007] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a multi-function user interface of a motor vehicle, by which at least a first user of the multi-function user interface is interacting with the multi-function user interface with at least a first mobile device of the first user, wherein the first user establishes a first wireless connection between the first mobile device and the multi-function user interface in order to operate the multi-function user interface by using the first mobile device.

[0008] It is provided that at least a first identification tag of the multi-function user interface, which is arranged at or on the motor vehicle, is read by a reading device of the first mobile device, and after the identification tag is read by the first mobile device, the at least first user is asked to aurthenticate himself. After the authentification and the first wireless connection between the first mobile device and the multi-function user interface is established.

[0009] The invention facilitates an increased user satisfaction because it provides a very easy way to connect a mobile device to the multi-function user interface.

[0010] In other words, this disclosure relates to the multi-function user interface of a head-unit of the motor vehicle, wherein this is extended to any passenger's mobile device after one simple interaction, which is in particular the reading of the at least first identification tag and, for example, not requiring a user to type in pairing codes or passwords. A passenger in the car, which can be the user, for example the driver of the car, can use their mobile device to read an identification tag in the motor vehicle, which triggers a web application or previously installed native application to open on the mobile device, which allows the user to see the currently playing song from the head-unit, interact with playback controls, add a navigation stop, preorder a product from a restaurant or a coffee shop, or other perform other interactions.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention after reading the first identification tag by the first mobile device, a second wireless connection between a second mobile device of a second user and the multi-function user interface is established by reading the first identification tag with a reading device of the second mobile device.

[0012] In another embodiment, if at least a second identification tag is arranged in a different position than the first identification tag at the motor vehicle and a position of the first user is determined by the multi-function user interface depending on the reading of the first identification tag or the second identification tag.

[0013] Another embodiment of the invention relates to at least the first identification tag is a near field communication tag (NEC) and/or a OR-code tag.

[0014] In another form of configuration, at least the first mobile device is authorized by the multi-function user device by a backend server device, which is arranged outside the motor vehicle.

[0015] Another aspect of the invention relates to a multi-function user interface of a motor vehicle with at least a first identification tag wherein the multi-function user interface is configured to perform a method according to a preceding aspect. In particular, the method is performed by the multi-function user interface.

[0016] Another aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle with a multi-function user interface according to a preceding aspect.

[0017] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention derive from the following description of preferred embodiments as well as from the drawings. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figures and/or shown in the figures alone can be employed not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system and/or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0019] Fig. 1 a schematic side view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle with an embodiment of a multi-function user interface; [0020] Fig. 2 a schematic flow chart of an embodiment of the method.

[0021] In the figures the same elements or elements having the same function are indicated by the same reference signs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0023] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0024] The terms "comprises'', "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by "comprises.., a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

[0025] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient details to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a side view embodiment of a motor vehicle 10 with a multi-function user interface 12. With the multi-function user interface 12 a user 14, 16 can, for example, play a song from the multi-function user interface 12, which can also be described as a head-unit, or can interact with playback controls, add a navigation stop, or perform other interactions.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 1, the first user 14, when sits in the front of the motor vehicle 10, may have a first mobile device 18 and a second user 16 sits in the back of the motor vehicle 10 and may have a second mobile device 20.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, a method for operating the multifunction user interface 12 of the motor vehicle 10 is provided, by which at least the first user 14 of the multi-function user interface 12 is interacting with the multi-function user interface 12 with at least the first mobile device 18, and wherein the first user 14 is establishing a first wireless connection 22 between the first mobile device 18 and the multi-function user interface 12 in order to operate the multi-function user interface 12 by using the first mobile device 18.

[0029] It is provided that at least a first identification tag 24 of the multi-function user interface 12, which is arranged at the motor vehicle 10, is read by a reading device of the first mobile device 18, for example, by a camera of the first mobile device 18 and after reading the first wireless connection 22 between the first mobile device 18 and the multifunction user interface 12 is established.

[0030] In particular, it can be provided that after reading the first identification tag 24 by the first mobile device 18, a second wireless connection 26 between the second mobile device 20 and the multi-function user interface 12 may be established by reading the first identification tag 24 with a reading device of the second mobile device 20. In particular, Fig. 1 shows that at least a second identification tag 28 is arranged in a different position than the first identification tag 24 at the motor vehicle 10 and a position of the first user 14 is determined by the multi-function user interface 12 depending on the reading of the first identification tag 24 or the second identification tag 28. Fig. 1 shows especially that the first identification tag 24 can be read by the first mobile device 18 and the second identification tag 28 can be read by the second mobile device 20. In particular, the position of the first user 14 can be determined by reading the first identification tag 24 and the position of the second user 16 can be determined by reading the second identification tag 28.

[0031] In particular, at least the first identification tag 24 is a near field communication (NFC) tag and/or a OR-code tag. Furthermore, the second identification tag 28 may be a near field communication tag and/or a OR-code tag.

[0032] Fig. 2 shows a schematic flow chart of an embodiment of the method. In particular, it is shown that in a first step Si, any of the mobile devices 18, 20 may send request data to the identification tags 24, 28. In a second step S2, it is a URL returned to the mobile devices 18, 20. The mobile devices 18, 20 is prompted to an open URL in a browser or open application in a third step S3. In the fourth step S4, a request is sent from the mobile device 18, 20 to a backend server device 30, which is arranged outside of the motor vehicle 10. If the user 14, 16 has not logged in before, the user 14, 16 is asked to authenticate/identify himself. In a sixth step S6, the user 14, 16 is logging in in the mobile device 18, 20 and sends this to the backend server device 30. In a seventh step S7, the backend server device 30 sends a request to a database 32, for example, to a lookup data for the identification. The database 32 returns in an eighth step S8 the data associated with the identification tag 24, 28, for example, a vehicle identification number of the motor vehicle 10 and a location/seat in the motor vehicle 10, where the identification tag 24, 28 is located. In a ninth step S9, the backend server device 30 sends an authorization request to the multi-function user interface 12 in order to ask the driver or the main vehicle authenticator of the motor vehicle 10 to authorize the user 14, 16. The driver can authorize the user 14, 16 at the multi-function user interface 12 in a tenth step 510. In an eleventh step 511, the backend server device 30 sends an authorization to the mobile device 18, 20. In a twelfth step 512, the user 14, 16 can use the application to interact with the multi-function user interface 12 of the motor vehicle 10.

[0033] Alternativ the user 14, 16 may scan an NEC tag in the motor vehicle 10 that contains information how the mobile device 18, 20 can automatically pair to the in-vehicle WiFi. The mobile device 18, 20 then connects to the WiFi and is shown a "Login Webpage", which may be similar to what will often pop up when using a public WiFi network. After that the mobile device 18, 20 launches a web application or native application that allows the user 14, 16 to interact with the multi-function user interface 12.

[0034] In other words, according to the invention, a user 14, 16 scans an NFC-tag or a OR-code inside the motor vehicle 10. The payload of the read item contains a URL. A variety of NEC-tags or OR-codes may be inserted into various locations at the interior side of the motor vehicle 10 based on the user's 14, 16 need or interest. In particular, if each seat has its own tag location, the multi-function user interface 12 knows which tag the user 14, 16 read and uses this information to infer with the user 14, 16. The specific location of the NEC-tag is a URL that may also contain an identifier of the tag. There is the database 32, which keeps the information, where a specific tag was placed when the motor vehicle 10 was built. This information can then later be carried from the backend server 30 to find out in which motor vehicle 10 a tag is placed and wherein the motor vehicle 10 was located when the motor vehicle 10 was built.

[0035] The user 14, 16 is prompted to open the URL in their mobile device 18, 20 and browse and launch the corresponding application if already installed. If not installed, the user 14, 16 would be redirected to a web application. This web application could also offer the user 14, 16 to install the native application instead.

[0036] Then, the user 14, 16 is asked to log in or register, unless the login information has been stored from a previous session. For example, the driver logs in to the application which credentials are linked to his motor vehicle 10. So, the backend server device 30 knows that a certain motor vehicle 10 belongs to a certain user 14, 16. At this point, an authorization question will appear on the multi-function user interface 12 or on the steering wheel display to allow the user 14, 16 to log in to the system. The authorization question may be a combination of numbers, codes, graphic pictures or furthermore that the user 14, 16 presets.

[0037] The backend server device 30 queries database 32 with a unique-identifier that was included in the read URL to retrieve the vehicle identification number of the motor vehicle 10 and other information like exact location of the identification tag 24, 28 within the motor vehicle 10.

[0038] If other users 14, 16 would like to connect the system, the driver or authorized user 14, 16 is asked to authorize the other user 14, 16. After the user 14, 16 has been authorized, they can now use the application to interact with the multi-function user interface 12. The type of interaction is also not limited but, for example, can include to add a navigation stop over or change the destination, wherein the driver has to confirm the request to make changes, or contribute to the current playlist, for example, adding songs, changing the sort of playback, skip a song or something else. If one of the upcoming destinations allows pre-order, then people can use their mobile device 18, 20 to add their order to the list.

Reference list motor vehicle 12 multi-function user interface 14 first user 16 second user 18 first mobile device second mobile device 22 first wireless connection 24 first identification tag 26 second wireless connection 28 second identification tag backend server device 32 database Si first step S2 second step S3 third step S4 fourth step S5 fifth step S6 sixth step 67 seventh step 68 eighth step 69 ninth step 310 tenth step S11 eleventh step S12 twelfth step

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for operating a multi-function user interface (12) of a motor vehicle (10), by which at least a first user (14) of the multi-function user interface (12) is interacting with the multi-function user interface (12) with at least a first mobile device (18) of the first user (14), and wherein the first user (14) is establishing a first wireless connection (22) between the first mobile device (18) and the multi-function user interface (12) in order to operate the multi-function user interface (12) by using the first mobile device (18), characterized in that at least a first identification tag (24) of the multi-function user interface (12), which is arranged at motor vehicle (10), is read by a reading device of the first mobile device (18), and after the reading the at least first user (14) is asked to aurthenticate himself, and after the authentication the first wireless connection (22) between the first mobile device (18) and the multi-function user device (12) is established.
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that after reading the first identification tag (24) by the first mobile device (18) a second wireless connection (26) between a second mobile device (20) of a second user (16) and the multi-function user interface (12) is established by reading the first identification tag (24) with a reading device of the second mobile device (20).
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least a second identification tag (28) is arranged at a different position than the first identification tag (24) at the motor vehicle (10) and a position of the first user (14) is determined by the multi-function user interface (12) depending on the reading of the first identification tag (24) or the second identification tag (28).
4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least the first identification tag (24) is a near field communication tag and/or a OR-code tag.
5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least the first mobile device (14) is authorized for the multi-function user device (12) by a backend server device (30), which is arranged outside of the motor vehicle (10).
6. A multi-function user interface (12) of a motor vehicle (10) with at least a first identification tag (24), wherein the multi-function user interface (12) is configured to perform a method according to any one of the claims 1 to 5.