IL285242B2 - Upgraded car entertainment system - Google Patents

Description

ENHANCED VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM ABSTRACT A multi apps infotainment sub-system of a host vehicle, for activating at least one OEM infotainment feature using a respective predefined activation command, the system includes an OEM infotainment system, including an output display device; a multi commands interface module (MCIM) including a processor and a database having at least one non-OEM app; and an audio input device. The non-OEM app is configured to be prompted by a promptable command selected from a group of commands including a voice command and a predefined condition-based triggering event. When a promptable command is prompted by a predefined respective prompting condition, the MCIM is configured to activate the at least one infotainment feature of the non-OEM app, and wherein at least some data item related to the infotainment feature is displayed on the least one display output device. FIELD OF INVENTION The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for activating Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) infotainment features using promptable commands, and more particularly, to systems and methods for activating an in-vehicle features of the OEM infotainment system, using promptable commands, unknown to the original OEM infotainment system, via a microphone or a predefined vehicle location/condition. The system of the present invention is aimed in particular to aftermarket users. BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART The system of the present invention is aimed in particular at aftermarket users. The system serves as a medium between OEM in-vehicle infomedia systems built into a vehicle and the driver’s mobile phone, such as Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto®/Google Play®, herein after referred to as "Car Play Operating System" CPOS). Prior art OEM in-vehicle infomedia systems may allow a driver to enter a voice command via a microphone of the OEM in-vehicle infomedia system. However, to do so, an application that is preconfigured to interact with the OEM in-vehicle infomedia system, prompt the driver with an option to enter a particular voice command. After the driver has activated the OEM microphone of the OEM in-vehicle infomedia system he/she can enter a voice command valid for that particular application.

An example prior art OEM in-vehicle infomedia system is described in US10490207, assigned to GM, where an application 92 of a personal mobile device is preconfigured to operate with the OEM in-vehicle infomedia system. Hence, prior art OEM in-vehicle infomedia systems, do not allow a driver to enter a voice command for applications not predefined to the OEM in-vehicle infomedia system.

In current ART, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto®/Google Play® are installed on the Driver’s personal mobile phone, and therefore, for that user to be able use applications running on the personal mobile phone, he/she depends on the good will of Apple and Google not to block such applications. Furthermore, in current ART only a few firms provide CPOS the car makers, wherein this state of CPOS systems is limiting for many users, mostly users in non-English speaking countries, where many applications that run on the personal mobile phone are blocked, including apps that use local, non-English language.

There is therefore a need for an external infomedia device that enables a to define any predefined condition ("promptable command") such as a voice command or a predefined condition-based triggering event, that is predefined to the external infomedia, but is not known to the OEM in-vehicle infomedia system, wherein the external infomedia device may utilize any selected units of the OEM in-vehicle infomedia system, in particular input/output (I/O) devices that are controlled by the OEM in-vehicle infomedia system. The term "app" as used herein refers to a computer program or software application. The term "App" as used herein refers to a specific app. The terms "car" and "vehicle" are used herein interchangeably.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION The principal intentions of the present disclosure includes providing an external infomedia device that enables a to enter any predefined "promptable command" such as a voice command or a predefined condition-based triggering event command, such as a location-based triggering event, that is predefined to the external infomedia, but is not known to the OEM in-vehicle infomedia system, wherein the external infomedia device may utilize any selected units of the OEM in-vehicle infomedia system, in particular input/output (I/O) devices that are controlled by the OEM in-vehicle infomedia system, unlike prior art infomedia systems such as "carplay®" and "android auto®". It should be appreciated that while connected via USB to the CarPlay® the WAC 1.0 system allows for wireless connection via the Bluetooth protocol to the driver’s mobile phone. This facilitates phone calls and audio management on the mobile phone without the need for connecting USB cable between the phone and the CarPlay® each time. Additionally, the WAC 1.0 system offers a set of useful apps, such as navigator and internet browser that can be launched from the CarPlay® display at any time.

A "computer" includes machines, computers and computing or computer systems (for example, physically separate locations or devices), servers, computer and computerized devices, processors, processing systems, computing cores (for example, shared devices), and similar systems, workstations, modules and combinations of the aforementioned. The aforementioned "computer" may be in various types, such as a personal computer (e.g., laptop, desktop, tablet computer), or any type of computing device, including mobile devices that can be readily transported from one location to another location (e.g., smartphone, personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile telephone or cellular telephone).

A server is typically a remote computer or remote computer system including a cloud-based computer/server, or computer program therein, in accordance with the "computer" defined above, that is accessible over a communications medium, such as a communications network or other computer network, including the Internet. A "server" provides services to, or performs functions for, other computer programs (and their users), in the same or other computers. A server may also include a virtual machine, a software-based emulation of a computer.

Unless otherwise defined herein, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, example methods and/or materials are described below.

In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

According to the teachings of the present disclosure there is provided a multi apps infotainment sub-system (MAIS) of a host vehicle, having a Driver, for activating at least one OEM infotainment feature using a respective predefined activation command, the system including: a. an OEM infotainment system, including at least one output display device; b. a multi commands interface module (MCIM) including a processing unit and a storage unit database including at least one non-OEM app; and c. at least one audio input device, wherein the at least one non-OEM app is configured to be prompted by a promptable command selected from a group of commands including a voice command and a predefined condition-based triggering event; and wherein, when a promptable command is prompted by at least one predefined respective prompting condition, the multi commands interface module is configured to activate the at least one infotainment feature of the at least one non-OEM app, and wherein at least some data item related to the infotainment feature is displayed on the least one display output device.

The multi apps infotainment sub-system may further include a Global Positioning System (GPS), configured to provide the current geographical location on the host vehicle.

Preferably, the MCIM of the multi apps infotainment sub-system is configured to synchronize the Driver’s personal data from stored in a personal mobile phone such that the personal data kept in the storage unit of MCIM is up to date.

Optionally, the MCIM of the multi apps infotainment sub-system is configured to interact with personal data of a number of persons, simultaneously.

Preferably, the MCIM of the multi apps infotainment sub-system is configured to interact with any software application (app).

Preferably, the promptable command is a voice command.

Optionally, the voice command is a phone related voice command, wherein upon voicing a phone related voice command, the phone related voice command is validated; wherein upon validating the voice command, activating a phone related app; and wherein the phone related app executes the desired phone related action. Optionally, the desired phone related action is selected from the group of phone related actions, including: a. Sync phone contacts; b. Sync phone call log; c. Place a phone call; d. Open gate (by dialing a preset phone number); e. Terminate a phone call in progress; f. Accept an incoming phone call; g. Reject an incoming phone call; h. Ignore an incoming phone call; i. Receive an incoming SMS; j. View an incoming SMS; k. List incoming SMS messages; l. List phone contacts; m. Search phone contacts; n. Add a phone contact to favorites; o. Remove a phone contact from favorites; p. Dial a phone number; and q. Show most contacted numbers first.

Optionally, the voice command is a radio tuning related voice command, wherein upon voicing a radio tuning related voice command, the radio tuning related voice command is validated; wherein upon validating the radio tuning voice command, activating a radio tuning related app; and wherein the radio tuning related app executes the desired radio tuning related action. Optionally, the desired radio tuning related action is selected from the group of radio tuning related actions, including: a. Change station to ; b. Change to next channel; and c. Change to previous channel.

Optionally, the voice command is a music playing related voice command, wherein upon voicing a music playing related voice command, the music playing related voice command is validated; wherein upon validating the music playing command, activating a music playing related app; and wherein the music playing related app executes the desired music playing related action. Optionally, the desired music playing related action is selected from the group of music playing related actions, including: a. Play Madonna from Spotify; b. by Madonna from Spotify; c. Play by Madonna; d. Play by Madonna; and e. Play music from the disc-on-key/DVD/Spotify/.

Optionally, the voice command is an App activation related voice command, wherein upon voicing an App activation related voice command, the App activation related voice command is validated; and wherein upon validating the App activation command, activating App. Optionally, the desired App related action is selected from the group of App selecting related actions, including: a. Activate Spotify; b. Activate Waze; c. Activate ; and d. Activate WhatsUp.

Optionally, the voice command is an Email related voice command, wherein upon voicing an Email related voice command, the Email related voice command is validated; wherein upon validating the voice command, activating an Email related app; and wherein the Email related app executes the desired Email related action. Optionally, the desired Email related action is selected from the group of Email related actions, including: a. Sync Email contacts; b. Sync received Email log; c. Sync sent Email log; d. Send Email to containing ; and e. Read last received Email from .

Optionally, the voice command is a memo app related voice command, wherein upon voicing a memo app related voice command, the memo app related voice command is validated; wherein upon validating the voice command, activating a memo app related app; and wherein the memo app related app executes the desired memo app related action. Optionally, the desired memo app related action is selected from the group of memo app related actions, including: a. Send self a memo, to a preselected address in a preselected communication channel of Driver, selected from the group including, Email, SMS, WhatsUp, Singnal, etc.; b. Send a memo to , wherein the desired addressee has a preselected address in a default communication channel or a preselected communication channel; c. Send memo to a desired addressee associated with the via a preselected address in a default communication channel or a preselected communication channel; d. Display memo log; and e. Display memo log of .

Optionally, the voice command is a vehicle wellness related voice command, wherein upon voicing a vehicle wellness related voice command, the vehicle wellness app related voice command is validated; wherein upon validating the voice command, activating a vehicle wellness related app; and wherein the vehicle wellness app related app executes the desired vehicle wellness app related action. Optionally, the desired vehicle wellness app related action is selected from the group of vehicle wellness app related actions, including: a. Show the car status; b. Show the car cyber status; c. Show maintenance prediction data; and d. Show car faults.

Optionally, the voice command is a vehicle apps-maintenance related voice command, wherein upon voicing a vehicle apps-maintenance related voice command, the apps- maintenance related voice command is validated; wherein upon validating the voice command, activating a vehicle apps-maintenance info App; and wherein the vehicle apps-maintenance related App executes the desired apps-maintenance info related action. Optionally, the desired apps-maintenance info related action is selected from the group of apps-maintenance info related actions, including: a. Show list of allowed apps; b. Add an app to favorites; c. Sync with smartphone applications; d. Sync < app name> with ; e. Remove an app from favorites; f. Launch an allowed app; g. Switch between launched apps; and h. Kill a running app.

Optionally, the promptable command is a predefined condition-based triggering event.

Optionally, the condition-based triggering event is a location-activating triggering event, wherein a target-location-detection App is actively monitoring the distance of the host vehicle from preselected target locations; and wherein upon detecting that the host vehicle has reached a predefined distance range from a particular target location, the target-location-detection App activates a predefined activity related to an entity or an object associated with the particular target location.

Optionally, the object is an openable parking gate, and wherein the activity related to the particular target location is opening the parking gate.

Optionally, the entity is a car repair shop, and wherein the activity, related to the particular target location, is admission for service.

Optionally, the condition-based triggering event is a maintenance-activating triggering event, wherein a maintenance-event-detection App is actively monitoring the operative wellness of the host vehicle; and wherein upon detection of a maintenance-activating triggering event, the maintenance-event-detection App notifies Driver by a respective display notification displayed on the least one display output device, and/or a vocal notification via a selected microphone unit. Optionally, the maintenance-event-detection App related notification is selected from the group of maintenance related notification, including: a. Low fuel level; b. Low tire pressure; c. Low level of cooling liquid; d. High engine heat; and e. Periodical maintenance required in K additional kilometers.

Optionally, the maintenance-activating triggering events are sorted into low urgency-events and high urgency-events, and wherein messages related to the high urgency-events are also sent to the Driver’s car repair shop, and/or to the Driver’s personal message receiving means selected from the group including the Driver’s mobile device, Email and SMS. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Some embodiments of the present disclosure are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced. Attention is now directed to the drawings, where like reference numerals or characters indicate corresponding or like components. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a schematic system diagram showing an example in-vehicle command-execution system, including a multi-commands-interface module (MCIM), according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a schematic flow chart diagram showing an example phone calling voice-command method, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a schematic flow chart diagram showing an example navigation relate voice-command method, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 is a schematic flow chart showing an example radio tuning voice-command method according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is a schematic flow chart showing an example music setting voice-command method, according to embodiments of the present disclosure for activating a specific App.

Fig. 6 is a schematic flow chart showing an example method for activating a specific App by a voice-command, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 is a schematic flow chart showing an example Email relate voice-command method, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 is a schematic flow chart showing an example memo dictating voice-command method, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 is a schematic flow chart showing an example location-activating method, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 is a schematic flow chart showing an example vehicle wellness related voice-command method, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11 is a schematic flow chart showing an example maintenance prediction related method, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 12 is a schematic flow chart showing an example car service ordering method, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the.

Fig. 13 is a schematic flow chart showing an example voice-command maintenance-info-query method, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods/processes set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present disclosure may be embodied as a system, methods, processes or computer-program products. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," "module" or "system." Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more non-transitory computer readable (storage) medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

An embodiment is an example or implementation of the invention. The various appearances of "one embodiment," "an embodiment" or "some embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment. Reference in the specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "some embodiments" or "other embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least one embodiment, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the invention. It is understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are not to be construed as limiting and are for descriptive purpose only.

Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure may be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles and the novel features disclosed herein. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations also can be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation also can be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub- combination. Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, a person having ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Furthermore, the drawings may schematically depict one or more example processes in the form of a flow diagram. However, other operations that are not depicted can be incorporated in the example processes that are schematically illustrated. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the illustrated operations. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. Additionally, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. Moreover, conditional language used herein, such as, among others, "may," "could," "might," "can," "e.g.," "for example," "such as" and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. Throughout this document, numerous textual and graphical references are made to trademarks, and domain names. These trademarks and domain names are the property of their respective owners, and are referenced only for explanation purposes herein. The teachings provided herein can be applied to other systems, not only the systems described herein. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to." The word "coupled", as generally used herein, refers to two or more elements that may be either directly connected, or connected by way of one or more intermediate elements. It should be noted that orientation related descriptions such as "bottom", "up", "upper", "down", "lower", "top" and the like, assumes that the associated vehicle is in a normal operational mode.

Reference is made to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic system diagram showing an example in-vehicle "promptable commands" execution system 100 , such as voice commands or predefined condition-based triggering events , which system 100 is referred to herein as Multi Apps Infotainment System (MAIS) 100 , wherein MAIS 100 includes a multi-commands-interface module (MCIM) 110 . The MAIS 100 is configured to operatively interface MCIM 110 (being a non-OEM, external infomedia sub-system) with the OEM infotainment system 20 , including utilizing selected units of the OEM infotainment system 20 , by MCIM 110 , when executing a valid voice command given by the Driver of the host vehicle or executing a valid prompted location command. It should be appreciated that "Driver" is defined as the primary user of MAIS 100 , that commonly interacts with MAIS 100 , wherein Driver is typically coupled with a personal mobile phone 101 .

Typically, in current art, OEM infotainment system 20 includes a radio receiver unit 21 , an OEM Car Play Operating System (CPOS) 24 , a navigation application (NAV), an audio input device such as a microphone (OEM mic) 27 , at least one audio output device such as OEM display 29 , a WiFi communication I/F 26 , a Blue Tooth (BT) communication I/F 22 and typically, one or more other I/O communication ports (inlets and/or outlets) such as USB ports.

Typically, the MCIM 110 includes an I/O communication port (or outlets) such as, with no limitations, a USB port 132 , through which communication port MCIM 110 interacts with OEM infotainment system 20 . Optionally, MCIM 110 is operatively coupled with an external microphone unit 112 , according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Typically, the Driver voices a voice command to the MAIS 100 via OEM mic 27 or via external microphone unit 112 , or a predefined promptable command, such as a condition-based triggering event, is activated. MCIM 110 may further include an I/O communication port 138 , configured to receive image data from a camera 114 . MCIM 110 may further include an I/O communication port 131 , configured to receive a WiFi dongle 111 . MCIM 110 may further include an I/O communication port 135 , configured to receive a Donke. MCIM 110 may further include a BT I/O communication 122 . MCIM 110 may further include an output communication port 136 , configured to transmit image data to one or more external display units 126 . MCIM 110 may further include WiFi communication port to communicate with an in-cloud ( 180 ), virtual server 182 that may be paired with a cloud-DB 185 , which virtual server 182 may be in communication with the CAN Bus of the vehicle that hosts MAIS 100 , and collects data from the host vehicle, which data is stored in cloud-DB 185 . MCIM 110 may further include WiFi communication port to communicate with an external GPS system 30 . MCIM 110 may further include a communication port for files and music injection. As such, unlike the limitations and blockage imposed on the car makers by the few firms that provide CPOS, MCIM 110 facilitates the Driver to load and sync any app running on his/her personal mobile phone 101 into the storage unit 158 that is coupled to operate with processing unit 150 , and thereby, Driver can load any app available on his/her personal mobile phone 101 (or available otherwise) and interact with any selected app, while using OEM display 29 and/or external display units 126 , regardless of the app language, using voice command and location command.

Typically, with no limitations, MCIM 110 is integrated into a vehicle during the aftermarket delivery phase of the vehicle. The MCIM 110 is typically hard-wired to the OEM infotainment system 20 , and typically, has an independent access to the Internet Network via an embedded cellular module with a SIM card. The MCIM 110 may also provide a BT channel ( 122 ) for connecting with a personal mobile device, such as a Driver’s mobile phone 101 , and the MCIM 110 may be connected to any other communication means, as required. The MCIM 110 includes a MCIM Car Infotainment Apps (MCIA) database that is typically stored in a storage unit 158 , wherein the MCIA database serves as a user interface application that realizes the system functions may be invoked by the Driver. The application communicates with the Driver via a USB port 132 (or any other type of communication means) to the OEM infotainment system 20 , where it projects the Driver user interface. Additionally, the MCIA database may negotiates data over BT link 122 connected to the Driver’s mobile phone 101 . The MCIM 110 may be paired, for example via a Bluetooth protocol, with the OEM infotainment system 20 to thereby allow for a set of BT-system functions, wherein these BT-system functions may be displayed on OEM display 29 . It should be appreciated that "system BT-functions" may be communicated via the Bluetooth protocol or any other short range wireless communication protocol. The MCIM 110 may include a set of audio-system functions for managing an audio stream incoming from the Driver’s mobile phone 101 . These functions rely on the Bluetooth system functions described above, wherein these audio-system functions may be displayed on OEM display 29 . The MCIM 110 may include a set of audio-system functions as well as a Global Positioning System (GPS), for managing any allowed/verified software application (app/App) available to the Driver on his/her respective mobile phone. The software applications may be stored in storage unit 158 and activated from MCIM 110 , independent of the Driver’s mobile phone 101 . Driver may synchronize the data stored in storage unit 158 with the respective data stored in the Driver’s mobile phone 101 .

Driver interacts with MCIM 110 via the MCIA database component. All of the Driver system functions, such as BT, Audio, Phone and Apps system functions are available to the Driver through the MCIA database interface. The MCIA component uses components of the OEM infotainment system 20via USB port interface 132 in order to project the Driver user interface onto the OEM display 29 , typically a touch screen, of OEM infotainment system 20 . Touch screen gestures issued by the Driver are reported back from the OEM infotainment system 20 to MCIM 110 via the USB port 132 interface and translated into the corresponding system functions invocation. Optionally, some of the functions (such as audio stream control) may also be controlled by the Driver on his/her mobile device 101 .

It should be appreciated that MCIM 110 may interact, as well as managed by an in-cloud virtual server 115 , configured to interact therewith.

Processing unit 150includes a voice-command app 155that is configured to execute valid voice command given by the Driver of the host vehicle, and sensed by either OEM mic 27 or external microphone unit 112 , wherein the set of valid voice command exceeds the limited set provided by the CPOS/vehicle manufacturer, including commands that may require personal data provided by the Driver. To execute a voice command, voice-command app 155parses and validates the command, and forwards the validated voice command to the appropriate module of MCIM 110 for execution.

The following is a partial list of commands that may be executed by voice-command app 155 : 1. Perform a phone call to any selected person within in the Contacts list stored storage unit 158 (or in mobile device 101 , via BT 122 ) by voicing a phone-call related voice command, wherein the voice command is sensed by either OEM mic 27 or external microphone unit 112 .

The voice-command app 155 fetches a phone related app, that is typically stored in the MCIA database, that identifies the contact person name or nickname, fetches the appropriate phone number, and initiates the phone call from mobile device 101 by using, for example, BT 122 . This method is schematically illustrated in flow diagram 200 shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a schematic flow chart diagram showing an example voice-command phone calling method 200 , according to embodiments of the present disclosure. After the Driver voices a phone related voice command, either OEM mic 27 or external microphone unit 112senses the voice command in step 201 ; MCIM 110 validates the voice command in step 210 ; MCIM 110 validates the desired person/entity in step 220 and fetches his/her/its number in step 230 ; and dial the fetched number via the MAIS 100 , in step 240 .

The following example activities (partial list) may be activated by respective, preset phone related voice commands predesigned to be executed by voice-command app 155 : a. Sync phone contacts. b. Sync phone call log. c. Place a phone call. d. Open gate (by dialing a preset phone number). e. Terminate a phone call in progress. f. Accept an incoming phone call. g. Reject an incoming phone call. h. Ignore (mute) an incoming phone call. i. Receive an incoming SMS. j. View an incoming SMS. k. List incoming SMS messages. l. List phone contacts. m. Search phone contacts. n. Add a phone contact to favorites. o. Remove a phone contact from favorites. p. Dial a phone number. q. Show most contacted numbers first. 2. Navigate to a particular address, using for example, with no limitations, the Waze app, by a navigation related voice command, wherein the voice command is sensed by either OEM mic 27 or external microphone unit 112 . The voice-command app 155 identifies the navigation related voice command, and set accordingly. This method is schematically illustrated in the flow diagram 300 shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a schematic flow chart diagram showing an example navigation related voice-command method 300 , according to embodiments of the present disclosure. After the Driver voices a navigation related voice command, either OEM mic 27 or external microphone unit 112senses the voice command in step 301 ; MCIM 110 validates the voice command in step 310 ; MCIM 110 activates the navigation app from MAIS 100to execute desired navigation related actions, in step 320 .

The following example activities (partial list) may be activated by respective, preset radio related voice commands predesigned to be executed by voice-command app 155 : a. Go to Home/Work/< favorite location >. b. Go to /. c. Go to location. d. Show 3 best routes. e. Report accident. f. Report obstacle. 3. Change a radio station by a radio related voice command, wherein the voice command is sensed by either OEM mic 27 or external microphone unit 112 . The voice-command app 155 identifies the radio station, and sets the station accordingly. This method is schematically illustrated in the flow diagram 400 shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a schematic flow chart diagram showing an example voice-command radio tuning method 400 , according to embodiments of the present disclosure. After the Driver voices a radio tuning related voice command, either OEM mic 27 or external microphone unit 112senses the voice command in step 401 ; MCIM 110 validates the voice command in step 410 ; in step 420 , MCIM 110 activates the radio app from MAIS 100to execute desired radio station related actions.

The following example activities (partial list) may be activated by respective, preset radio tuning related voice commands predesigned to be executed by voice-command app 155 : a. Change station to . b. Change to next channel. c. Change to previous channel. 4. Play music from by a music related voice command, wherein the voice command is sensed by either OEM mic 27 or external microphone unit 112 . The music source may be selected from the group of music players, including: a 30 device such as a disc-on-key, a DVD, etc., an app such as Spotify, and any valid external source. The voice-command app 155 identifies the music source and selects a music source accordingly. This music related method 500 is schematically illustrated in the flow diagram shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a schematic flow chart diagram showing an example voice-command music setting method 500 , according to embodiments of the present disclosure. After Driver voices a music playing related voice command, either OEM mic 27 or external microphone unit 112senses the voice command in step 501 ; MCIM 110 validates the voice command in step 510 ; in step 520 , MCIM 110 activates the music playing app to play the requested music from an appropriate source/app in MAIS 100 .

The following music related commands (partial list) may be activated by respective, music playing related voice commands predesigned to be executed by voice-command app 155 : a. Play Madonna from Spotify. b. by Madonna from Spotify. c. Play by Madonna. d. Play by Madonna. e. Play music from the disc-on-key/DVD/Spotify/ . Select an by an App related voice command, wherein the voice command is sensed by either OEM mic 27 or external microphone unit 112 . The App Name may be selected from any available group of App source, including storage unit 158 , mobile phone 101(via BT 122 ), cloud-based App source, etc. The voice-command app 155 identifies the App source, and sets the station accordingly. An App selecting method 600 is schematically illustrated in the flow diagram shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a schematic flow chart diagram showing an example voice-command for activating an App from the group of applications stored in storage unit 158 , according to embodiments of the present disclosure. After Driver voices an App related voice command, either OEM mic 27 or external microphone unit 112 senses the voice command in step 601 ; MCIM 110 validates the voice command in step 610 ; in step 620 , MCIM 110 activates the desired App from MAIS 100to execute desired App related actions.

The following App activation related commands (partial list) may be activated by a respective App related voice commands predesigned to be executed by voice-command app 155 : a. Activate Spotify. b. Activate Waze. c. Activate . d. Activate WhatsUp. 6. Send an Email message to a selected addressee by an Email related voice command, wherein the voice command is sensed by either OEM mic 27 or external microphone unit 112 . The voice-command app 155 identifies and verifies the addressee, fetches the appropriate email address, and initiates the Email content. Driver proceeds with dictating the Email content, which content is inserted to the Email message, and sent to the addressee upon conclusion of the Email content. Fig. 7 is a schematic flow chart diagram showing an example voice-command Email related method 700 , according to embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein an Emails sending flow is shown. After Driver voices an Email related voice command, either OEM mic 27 or external microphone unit 112senses the voice command in step 701 ; MCIM 110 validates the voice command in step 710 ; in step 720 , MCIM 110 identifies, verifies and fetches the Email address of the desired addressee. MCIM 110 then prompts Driver to dictate the Email content in step 730 ; and upon termination of the memo dictation, in step 740 , MCIM 110 sends the dictated Email to the desired addressee.

The following example activities (partial list) may be activated by respective, preset Email related voice commands predesigned to be executed by voice-command app 155 : a. Sync Email contacts. b. Sync received Email log. c. Sync sent Email log. d. Send Email to containing . e. Read last received Email from . 30 7. Send a memo message to a selected/preselected addressee by a memo app related voice command, via a preselected communication channel, wherein the voice command is sensed by either OEM mic 27 or external microphone unit 112 . The voice-command app 155 identifies and verifies the addressee, fetched the appropriate address, and initiates the memo content. Driver proceeds with dictating the memo content, which content is inserted into the memo message, and sent to the addressee upon conclusion of the memo content. A memo sending method 750 is schematically illustrated in the flow diagram shown in Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a schematic flow chart diagram showing an example memo dictating voice-command method 750 , according to embodiments of the present disclosure. After the Driver voiced a memo related voice command, either OEM mic 27 or external microphone unit 112senses the voice command in step 751 ; MCIM 110 validates the voice command in step 760 ; MCIM 110 analyzes the memo type to thereby determines if the memo is a self-addressed memo, or addressed to another person, in step 765 ; if the memo is addressed to another person, MCIM 110 validates and identifies the desired addressee (person/entity,…) in step 770 ; MCIM 110 fetches the respective, preselected communication channel in step 775 ; MCIM 110 then prompts Driver to dictate the memo content in step 780 ; and upon termination of the memo dictation, MCIM 110 sends, in step 790 , the dictated memo to the addresses, via the preselected communication channel.

The following example activities (partial list) may be activated by respective, preset Email related voice commands predesigned to be executed by voice-command app 155 : a. Send a memo (a self memo), to a preselected address in a preselected communication channel of Driver, selected from the group including, Email, SMS, WhatsUp, Singnal, etc. b. Send a memo to , wherein the desired addressee has a preselected address in a default communication channel or a preselected communication channel. c. Send memo to a desired addressee associated with the via a preselected address in a default communication channel or a preselected communication channel. d. Display memo log. e. Display memo log of . 8. The voice-command app 155 senses a vehicle wellness related voice command. The vehicle wellness is based on the status of the CAN bus DB and on cyber related data, on OEM display 29 , by a CAN-bus related voice command.

The voice-command app 155 extract maintenance related data. This method is schematically illustrated in the flow diagram shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a schematic flow chart diagram showing an example vehicle wellness related voice-command method 900 , according to embodiments of the present disclosure. After Driver voices a vehicle wellness related voice command, either OEM mic 27 or external microphone unit 112 senses the voice command in step 901 ; MCIM 110 validates the voice command in step 910 ; in step 920 , MCIM 110 activates a vehicle wellness App that analyzes the vehicle wellness status that is provided to Driver either on OEM display 29 and/or external display units 126 , as selected.

The following example vehicle wellness related commands (partial list) may be activated by respective, vehicle wellness related voice commands predesigned to be executed by voice-command app 155 : a. Show the car status. b. Show the car cyber status. c. Show maintenance prediction data. d. Show car faults. 9. The voice-command app 155 senses a service-related voice command designed to order car services by Driver.

The voice-command app 155 sends a car service message to a preset service center. This car service ordering method 1100 is schematically illustrated in the flow diagram shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a schematic flow chart diagram showing an example voice-command of a car service ordering method 1100 , according to embodiments of the present disclosure. After Driver voices a service-ordering related voice command, either OEM mic 27 or external microphone unit 112senses the voice command in step 1101 ; MCIM 110 validates the voice command in step 1110 ; in step 1120 , MCIM 110 activates a service-ordering related App that places a service order at the associated car repair shop.

. The voice-command app 155 senses an apps-maintenance info related voice command, for apps-maintaining applications stored in storage unit 158 , wherein the voice command is sensed by either OEM mic 27 or external microphone unit 112 .

The voice-command app 155 sense the apps-maintenance info-request, and provides the requested data, accordingly. This method is schematically illustrated in the flow diagram shown in Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a schematic flow chart diagram showing an example voice-command apps-maintenance info query method 1200 , according to embodiments of the present disclosure. After Driver voices an apps-maintenance info query App related voice command, either OEM mic 27 or external microphone unit 112senses the voice command in step 1201 ; MCIM 110 validates the voice command in step 1210 ; in step 1220 , MCIM 110 activates the apps- maintenance info query App to provide the Driver with inquired apps-maintenance related data that is displayed on either on OEM display 29 and/or external display units 126 , as selected.

The following example app-maintenance info related commands (partial list) may be activated by respective, by extracting the requested app-maintenance info related voice commands predesigned to be executed by voice-command app 155 : a. Show list of allowed apps. b. Add an app to favorites. c. Sync with smartphone applications. d. Sync < app name> with . e. Remove an app from favorites. f. Launch an allowed app. g. Switch between launched apps. h. Kill a running app. The following is a partial list of promptable commands that may be executed by a predefined condition-based triggering event that is triggered by a predefined location-activating event App: 11. Open gate by GPS location.

In this application, the location-activating event App monitors the geographic location of the host vehicle, wherein when location-activating event App detects a triggering event, in which event the host vehicle is approaching a predefined electric parking gate and then enters the space situated within a predefined distance range from the electric parking gate, triggers MCIM 110 to open the electric parking gate, for example, by activating a gate opening App. This location-activating method is schematically illustrated in a flow diagram shown in Fig. 9, which illustrates an example location-activating method 800 , according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The location-activating event App and the gate opening App are typically stored and activated in storage unit 158 of MCIM 110 . After a distance to target detection App has been activated in step 801 , the distance to target detection App monitors the distance between the host vehicle and preselected target locations. In this first example, the target location is a remote openable parking gate. Upon detecting, in step 810 , that the host vehicle has reached a predefined distance range from the gate, in step 820 , MCIM 110 activates a gate opening app that opens the gate, for example, with no limitations, by dialing a preset phone number.

In a second example, the target location is a car repair shop associated with the host vehicle. Upon detecting (as in step 810 ) that the host vehicle has reached a predefined distance range from the car repair shop, MCIM 110 displays a message on OEM display 29 an/or external display units 126 , requesting permission to send a message to the car repair shop, to thereby shorten the reception procedure to the auto repair shop.

It should be appreciated that the above is only a partial list of the example location-based triggering events, which list can be enlarged and changed as required. 12. Reference is made to Fig. 11, which schematically illustrates an example a flow diagram of a condition-based triggering event method 1000 , according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In this application, the promptable command is a predefined condition-based triggering event, wherein the condition-based triggering event is a maintenance-activating event, and wherein a maintenance-event-detection App is actively monitoring the operative wellness of the host vehicle, in step 1001 . Upon detection of a maintenance-activating event in step 1010 , the maintenance-event-detection App notifies Driver, in step 1020 , by a respective display notification displayed on either on OEM display 29 and/or external display units 126 , as selected, and/or a vocal notification via either OEM mic 27 or external microphone unit 112 .

The following example list of possible maintenance-events related commands (partial list) may be activated by a maintenance-event-detection App: a. Low fuel level. b. Low tire pressure. c. Low level of cooling liquid. d. High engine heat; and e. Periodical maintenance required in K additional kilometers.

It should be appreciated that the above lists, of all example application of all described methods are a partial list of the example maintenance-events related commands, which list can be enlarged and changed as required. While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

Claims (28)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A multi apps infotainment sub-system (MAIS) of a host vehicle associated with a Driver, for activating at least one OEM infotainment feature using a respective predefined activation command, the system comprising: a. an OEM infotainment system, including at least one output display device; b. a multi commands interface module (MCIM) comprising a processing unit and a storage unit database comprising at least one non-OEM app; and c. at least one audio input device, wherein said at least one non-OEM app is configured to be prompted by a promptable command selected from a group of commands including a voice command and a predefined condition-based triggering event; wherein, when a promptable command is prompted by at least one predefined respective prompting condition, said multi commands interface module is configured to activate said at least one infotainment feature of said at least one non-OEM app, and wherein at least some data item related to said infotainment feature is displayed on said least one display output device; wherein when said promptable command is a predefined condition-based triggering event, said condition-based triggering event is a location-activating triggering event; wherein a target-location-detection App is actively monitoring the distance of the host vehicle from preselected target locations; wherein upon detecting that the host vehicle has reached a predefined distance range from a particular target location, said target-location-detection App activates a predefined activity related to an entity or an object associated with said particular target location; and wherein said entity is a car repair shop, and wherein said activity, related to said particular target location, is admission for service.

2. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 1 further comprising a Global Positioning System (GPS), configured to provide the current geographical location on the host vehicle.

3. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 1, wherein said MCIM is configured to synchronize the Driver’s personal data from stored in a personal mobile phone such that the personal data kept in said storage unit of MCIM is up to date.

4. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 1, wherein said MCIM is configured to interact with personal data of a number of persons, simultaneously.

5. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 1, wherein said MCIM is configured to interact with any software application (app).

6. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 1, wherein said promptable command is a voice command.

7. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 6, wherein said voice command is a phone related voice command, wherein upon voicing a phone related voice command, said phone related voice command is validated; wherein upon validating said voice command, activating a phone related app; and wherein said phone related app executes the desired phone related action.

8. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 7, wherein said desired phone related action is selected from the group of phone related actions, including: a. Sync phone contacts; b. Sync phone call log; c. Place a phone call; d. Open gate (by dialing a preset phone number); e. Terminate a phone call in progress; f. Accept an incoming phone call; g. Reject an incoming phone call; h. Ignore an incoming phone call; i. Receive an incoming SMS; j. View an incoming SMS; k. List incoming SMS messages; l. List phone contacts; m. Search phone contacts; n. Add a phone contact to favorites; o. Remove a phone contact from favorites; p. Dial a phone number; and q. Show most contacted numbers first.

9. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 6, wherein said voice command is a radio tuning related voice command, wherein upon voicing a radio tuning related voice command, said radio tuning related voice command is validated; wherein upon validating said radio tuning voice command, activating a radio tuning related app; and wherein said radio tuning related app executes the desired radio tuning related action.

10. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 9, wherein said desired radio tuning related action is selected from the group of radio tuning related actions, including: a. Change station to ; b. Change to next channel; and c. Change to previous channel.

11. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 6, wherein said voice command is a music playing related voice command, wherein upon voicing a music playing related voice command, said music playing related voice command is validated; wherein upon validating said music playing command, activating a music playing related app; and wherein said music playing related app executes the desired music playing related action.

12. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 11, wherein said desired music playing related action is selected from the group of music playing related actions, including: a. Play Madonna from Spotify; b. by Madonna from Spotify; c. Play by Madonna; d. Play by Madonna; and e. Play music from the disc-on-key/DVD/Spotify/.

13. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 6, wherein said voice command is an App activation related voice command, wherein upon voicing an App activation related voice command, said App activation related voice command is validated; and wherein upon validating said App activation command, activating App.

14. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 13, wherein said desired App related action is selected from the group of App selecting related actions, including: a. Activate Spotify; b. Activate Waze; c. Activate ; and d. Activate WhatsUp.

15. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 6, wherein said voice command is an Email related voice command, wherein upon voicing an Email related voice command, said Email related voice command is validated; wherein upon validating said voice command, activating an Email related app; and wherein said Email related app executes the desired Email related action.

16. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 15, wherein said desired Email related action is selected from the group of Email related actions, including: a. Sync Email contacts; b. Sync received Email log; c. Sync sent Email log; d. Send Email to containing ; and e. Read last received Email from .

17. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 6, wherein said voice command is a memo app related voice command, wherein upon voicing a memo app related voice command, said memo app related voice command is validated; wherein upon validating said voice command, activating a memo app related app; and wherein said memo app related app executes the desired memo app related action.

18. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 17, wherein said desired memo app related action is selected from the group of memo app related actions, including: a. Send self a memo, to a preselected address in a preselected communication channel of Driver, selected from the group including, Email, SMS, WhatsUp, Singnal, etc.; b. Send a memo to , wherein the desired addressee has a preselected address in a default communication channel or a preselected communication channel; c. Send memo to a desired addressee associated with the via a preselected address in a default communication channel or a preselected communication channel; d. Display memo log; and e. Display memo log of .

19. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 6, wherein said voice command is a vehicle wellness related voice command, wherein upon voicing a vehicle wellness related voice command, said vehicle wellness app related voice command is validated; wherein upon validating said voice command, activating a vehicle wellness related app; and wherein said vehicle wellness app related app executes the desired vehicle wellness app related action.

20. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 19, wherein said desired vehicle wellness app related action is selected from the group of vehicle wellness app related actions, including: a. Show the car status; b. Show the car cyber status; c. Show maintenance prediction data; and d. Show car faults.

21. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 6, wherein said voice command is a vehicle apps-maintenance related voice command, wherein upon voicing a vehicle apps-maintenance related voice command, said apps-maintenance related voice command is validated; wherein upon validating said voice command, activating a vehicle apps-maintenance info App; and wherein said vehicle apps-maintenance related App executes the desired apps-maintenance info related action.

22. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 21, wherein said desired apps-maintenance info related action is selected from the group of apps-maintenance info related actions, including: a. Show list of allowed apps; b. Add an app to favorites; c. Sync with smartphone applications; d. Sync < app name> with ; e. Remove an app from favorites; f. Launch an allowed app; g. Switch between launched apps; and h. Kill a running app.

23. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 1, wherein said promptable command is a predefined condition-based triggering event.

24. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 23, wherein said condition-based triggering event is a location-activating triggering event, wherein a target-location-detection App is actively monitoring the distance of the host vehicle from preselected target locations; and wherein upon detecting that the host vehicle has reached a predefined distance range from a particular target location, said target-location-detection App activates a predefined activity related to an entity or an object associated with said particular target location.

25. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 24, wherein said object is an openable parking gate, and wherein said activity related to said particular target location is opening said parking gate.

26. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 23, wherein said condition-based triggering event is a maintenance-activating triggering event, wherein a maintenance-event-detection App is actively monitoring the operative wellness of the host vehicle; and wherein upon detection of a maintenance-activating triggering event, said maintenance-event-detection App notifies Driver by a respective display notification displayed on said least one display output device, and/or a vocal notification via a selected microphone unit.

27. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 26, wherein said maintenance-event-detection App related notification is selected from the group of maintenance related notification, including: a. Low fuel level; b. Low tire pressure; c. Low level of cooling liquid; d. High engine heat; and e. Periodical maintenance required in K additional kilometers.

28. The multi apps infotainment sub-system of claim 26, wherein said maintenance-activating triggering events are sorted into low urgency-events and high urgency-events, and wherein messages related to said high urgency-events are also sent to the Driver’s car repair shop, and/or to the Driver’s personal message receiving means selected from the group including the Driver’s mobile device, Email and SMS.