KR20070019710A - Method for entering a personalized communication profile into a communication user interface - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an improved system and procedure for using user IDs to input a personalized communication profile into a communication user interface 51, preferably a vehicle-based communication user interface 51. In one embodiment, the user IDs are switches 100a-100d, and can include switches on or within the device 26 in wireless communication with vehicle 26, such as key pop 150. The key pop code may configure the user ID or may be used to retrieve it from the vehicle's head unit 50 or communication server 24. The switch may be dedicated to input of the user ID or may include a switch for other functions such as seat adjustment of the vehicle. The user ID can be loaded using the display 79 associated with the user interface 51. In addition, the user ID can be retrieved using the voice recognition module 70, thereby enabling the loading of the communication profile without pressing a switch. The user profile retrieved using the user ID may be stored in the head unit 50 or the communication server 24.

User profiles, head units, key pop codes, voice recognition modules, telematic control units,

Description

Method for entering a personalized communication profile into a communication user interface}

The present invention relates to a system and method for inputting a personalized communication profile into a communication user interface, preferably a vehicle-based communication user interface.

This application relates to the following co-pending and generally assigned patent application, filed concurrently with this application and fully incorporated by reference. In other words:

United States Application No. 10 / 818,077, filed concurrently with the present application, entitled "Selectively Enabling Communications at a User Interface Using a Profile."

US Application No. 10 / 818,109, filed concurrently with the present application, entitled "Method for Enabling Communications Depedent on User Location, User-Specified Location, or Orientation", Representative Document No. TC00168.

US Application No. 10 / 818,078, filed concurrently with the present application, entitled "Method for Sending Messages Based on the Location of Mobile Users in a Communication Network", Representative Document No. TC00169.

US Application No. 10 / 818,000, filed concurrently with the present application, entitled "Method for Displaying a Route Traveled by Mobile Users in a Communication Network", Representative Document No. TC00170.

US Application No. 10 / 818,267, filed concurrently with the present application, entitled "Conversion of Calls from an Ad Hoc Communication Network", Representative Document No. TC00172.

US Application No. 10 / 818,079, filed concurrently with the application and entitled "Methods and Systems for Controlling Communications in an Ad Hoc Communication Network", Representative Document No. TC00174.

US Application No. 10 / 818,299, filed at the same time as the present application, entitled "Methods for Controlling Processing of Inputs to a Vehicle Wireless Communication Interface", agent document number TC00175.

US Application No. 10 / 818,080, filed concurrently with the present application, entitled "Methods for Controlling Processing of Outputs to a Vehicle Wireless Communication Interface", Representative Document No. TC00176.

US Application No. 10 / 818,076, filed concurrently with the present application, entitled "Programmable Foot Switch Useable in a Communications User Interface in a Vehicle", Representative Document No. TC00177.

Communication systems, in particular wireless communication systems, have become more complex to provide consumers with improved functionality for communicating with each other. The increased functionality is particularly useful in the automotive field, and vehicles are equipped with communication systems with improved audio (voice) wireless communication capabilities. For example, On Star ^™ is a well known communication system recently used in vehicles and allows vehicle occupants to operate a switch to establish a telephone call with another (such as a service center).

In-vehicle communications can be tailored to user preferences. For example, when a user of a vehicle communicates with a service center, the service center can access and retrieve the user profile. However, existing communication systems lack the flexibility to coordinate group communication and other ad hoc communications. For example, existing schemes rely heavily on establishing communications from one terminal of the communication (i.e., service center), where all the parties have sufficient means to authorize the user profile dynamically and immediately. Can not provide. This lack of flexibility prevents users from communicating freely as they wish.

In short, it is desirable for a user to easily enter his profile into the communication system, so that his communication preferences can be immediately applied. The present disclosure presents another means of doing so.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an improved procedure for entering a personalized communication profile into a communication user interface, preferably a vehicle-based communication user interface.

1 is a block diagram of a wireless vehicle communication system.

2 is a block diagram of a control system for a vehicle wireless communication system.

3 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle having a switch for transmitting a user ID to a head unit of the vehicle.

4 is a block diagram of a control system usable with the vehicle of FIG.

5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a display in a user interface of a vehicle that associates user IDs with a particular switch.

6 is an illustration of a key fob for wirelessly transmitting a user ID to a head unit of a vehicle.

7 is a block diagram illustrating a control system that may be used with the key pop of FIG.

8 is a block diagram illustrating a control system for causing a user ID to be activated by speech recognition.

9 is an exemplary view of a display in a user interface of a vehicle for entering a user ID.

While the invention is capable of various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail herein. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific forms disclosed. Rather, the invention covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Described below is an improved system and method for inputting a personalized communication profile into a communication user interface, preferably a vehicle-based communication user interface. In one embodiment, the user IDs are switches and may include switches on or within the device in wireless communication with the vehicle, such as key pops. The key pop code may configure the user ID or may be used to retrieve it from the vehicle's head unit or communication server. The switch may be dedicated to input of the user ID or may include a switch for other functions such as seat adjustment of the vehicle. The user ID can be loaded using a display associated with the user interface. In addition, the user ID can also be retrieved using the speech recognition module, enabling the loading of communication profiles without the need to press a switch. The user profile retrieved using the user ID can be stored in the vehicle or communication server.

At present, an example of setting the present invention to an automobile is described. 1 illustrates an example vehicle-based communication system 10. In that system, vehicle 26 is equipped with a wireless communication device 22, which is described in more detail below. The communication device 22 may transmit and receive voice (ie, call), data (text or SMS data), and / or video. Therefore, the device 22 may wirelessly transmit or receive such form of information to a transceiver or base station coupled to the wireless network 28. Moreover, the wireless communication device can receive information from satellite communication. Eventually, either network will eventually serve as the communication host of the communication system 10 and on the route to the server 24, which may have a communication server, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 38, the Internet, or other communications. It can be coupled to a network. In addition to managing communications between vehicles 26 wirelessly connected to the system, the server 24 also provides other services such as emergency services 34 or other information services 36 (such as restaurant services, directory assistance, etc.). May be part of the service center provided to (26).

A detailed description of the general wireless communication device 22 used in the vehicle 26 is shown in FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the device 22 is provided with two main components: the head unit 50 and the telematic control unit 40. The head unit 50 interfaces with or includes the user interface 51, and when the vehicle occupant communicates with the system 10 or another vehicle coupled to the system, the user interface 51. Interact For example, the microphone 68 can be used to select the caller's voice of the vehicle and / or command the head unit 50 when mounting the voice recognition module 70. The keypad 72 may also be used to provide user input, and the switch of the keypad 72 may be dedicated to a particular function (such as a push-to-talk switch, which is a switch that receives mapping information, etc.) or by a user interface. Select the option provided.

The head unit 50 also includes a navigation unit 62, which generally includes a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) to accurately represent vehicle position, which is useful when associating vehicle position with mapping information provided by the system. As you know, the navigation unit communicates with the GPS satellites via the receiver. There is also a positioning unit 66 which is also useful for determining the direction in which the vehicle is pointed (north, northeast, etc.) and for mapping the progress of the vehicle along the route.

Eventually, user and system inputs execute a process in the head unit 50 and provide an output 54 to the occupant of the vehicle, such as through a speaker 78 or display 79 coupled to the head unit 50. Processed by controller 56. The speaker 78 used may be an audio (wireless) speaker commonly found in a vehicle, and generally four or more in the vehicle, only one is shown for convenience. Further, in an alternative embodiment, output 54 provides the option to include a text in the currency converter to hear the audible output of the text included in the group communication channel being monitored by the user. This audio feature is particularly advantageous in mobile environments where the user is driving a vehicle. The memory 64 is also coupled to the controller 56 to assist it in performing input and output definitions to the system. The controller 56 also communicates via the transport bus interface 58 to the transport bus 60 to carry communication information and other vehicle travel data through the vehicle.

The telematic control unit 40 is similarly coupled to the transportation bus 60 via the transportation bus interface 48 and then to the head unit 50. The telematic control unit 40 is essential for transmitting and receiving voice or data communications wirelessly to and from the vehicle, ie to and from the rest of the communication system 10. Therefore, it includes a telematics controller 46 for configuring the communication, and a network access device (NAD) 42 including a wireless transceiver. Although shown as a separate configuration, those skilled in the art will recognize that the head unit 50 and the telematic control unit 40, and aspects of the configuration, can be combined or swapped.

Wireless communication device 22 may provide significant communication flexibility within vehicle 26. For example, a passenger of the first vehicle 26a may press a switch on the keypad 72 of the head unit 50 or simply talk to speak with the passenger when the head recognition unit is equipped with the voice recognition module 70. May call the second vehicle 26b. In one embodiment, pressing the switch or talking to the voice recognition module initiates the cellular telephone call with the second vehicle 26b. In that case, the users of the first vehicle 26a or the second vehicle 26b can talk to each other without additional switch presses. The system may also be configured to include a voice operated circuit, such as a voice activated switch (VAS) or a voice operated transmit (VOX). It also provides hands-free operation of the system by the user in communication with other users.

In alternative embodiments, the switch may be configured to establish push-to-talk communication over the cellular network. Here, the controller 56 transmits audio by the occupant of the first vehicle 26a through the microphone 68 when the user of the first vehicle 26a presses the push-to-torque switch. Is transmitted only through). The controller 56 is also configured to listen to the audio received from the second vehicle 26b (or the server 24) only through the speaker 78 when the driver of the first vehicle 26a has not pressed the switch. . Alternatively, to avoid the need to press the switch to talk, the system can be configured to allow the user to press the button for a first time to transmit audio and to press the button for a second time to receive audio. have.

In some cases, the user of the second vehicle 26b may communicate in reverse to the first vehicle 26a in a similar fashion, and the voice of that speaker is heard in the speaker 78 of the first vehicle. Alternatively, the occupant of the first vehicle 26a calls the server 24 to receive the service. In addition, the system 10 may have utilities outside the environment of vehicle-based applications, and may have utilities specifically for other portable devices (cell phones, personal data assistants, and the like). Therefore, the use of the system in the environment of vehicle communication is for illustration only.

Before discussing a method and system for inputting a user's communication profile into a head unit 50 of a vehicle using a user ID, the user profile may be in the head unit 50 of the vehicle (eg, in the memory 64) or Finally, it can be stored in the server 24 having a service center. In either case, the user's profile is stored with the user's user ID so that when the user ID is sent to a location that stores the user profile, the profile can be queried and uploaded to the head unit as appropriate to communicate with the user. Set the settings first. It gives the user the flexibility to run differently. For example, if the user drives only a specific vehicle, it is sufficient to simply store the user profile of the memory 64 in the head unit 50 of the vehicle. However, if the user wants to drive another vehicle later that is not driven by the user, and that vehicle communicates with the system 10 and includes its own head unit 50 and user interface 51, the user may " Out-of-area " in-vehicle communication is personalized through the use of its user ID, which is advantageous for storing user profiles of server 24. When the user profile is stored in the server 24, the user ID is sent from the head unit 40 to the transportation bus 60, to the telematic control unit 40, and from the offsite to the server 24. Thereafter, the user profile is retrieved and proceeds back to the head unit in reverse form, where it is stored in memory 64 and properly queried by controller 56. The controller 56 then uses the user profile to process user communication inputs and outputs in accordance with the user preferences of the user profile. When the user profile is stored in the memory 64 of the first case, sending the user ID to the head unit 50 simply retrieves the user profile from the memory 64 itself and / or retrieves the user ID from the memory 64. Inquire and tell the controller what to use.

In the future, the concept of searching for a user profile using a user ID is understood to be retrieved from the server 24 or the head unit 50.

3 and 4 further illustrate how a user can enter his user ID into the system to retrieve his user profile. 3 illustrates an ideal top view of a vehicle 26 showing the seating positions of four vehicle occupants 102a-102d. In this embodiment, the user interface 51 includes switches 100a to 100d (part of the keypad 72) of each vehicle occupant. The switches 100a-100d can be provided with a number of different switch types, on the dashboard of the particular occupant's armrests 104a-104d (as shown), or else close to the occupant, such as above the occupant door. Or on the seat in front of the occupant, or on the bottom and sides of the occupant seat. The switches 100a to 100d may be dedicated switches for the purpose of transmitting a user ID, or may also include push-to-talk buttons and switches or buttons with additional functionality such as control switches, door or window controls, and the like. have. In a preferred embodiment the switch comprises a vehicle control memory, such as a seat control switch.

Nevertheless, the switches 100a to 100d correspond to specific users and specific user IDs, and the user IDs corresponding to and corresponding to the switches 100a to 100d are combined and stored in the memory 64. The association between the switches 100a to 100d and the specific user ID can be set by the user before moving and can be done using the display 79 in the vehicle's user interface. 5A shows one method in the form of a menu provided on the display 79. In this example, several occupants of the first vehicle can use the switch 113 on the user interface 51 to type in the switches 100a to 100d position and their user IDs, so that in this example the names and numbers are counted. It is similar to the scheme used to enter by phone. An alternative scheme is shown in FIG. 5B, with select switches 114 used to select specific switches 100a-100d. The disclosed schemes of FIGS. 5A and B are illustrated.

Once the switch / user ID combination is made, the switches 100a to 100d transmit the corresponding user ID (or switch dedicated code that configures the user ID itself) to the controller 56 or the server 24. The corresponding user profile can be retrieved as illustrated in FIG. 4 which can be pressed at the appropriate time to store the user profile in the header unit. The appropriate time may be before the user starts the vehicle or may configure a specific time in the operating software of the head unit 50. For example, when the head unit 51 initializes the vehicle after turning it on, the user may be prompted by the display 79 as a message " user ID input ", at which time the user can switch to the appropriate switch 100a through. 100d) can be retrieved to retrieve its communication user profile.

The switches 100a to 100d need not be combined with the switch of the vehicle. Instead, they may be located on a portable wireless device capable of communicating with the head unit of the vehicle. The device constitutes a "key pop" 150 of the type commonly used to unlock a door or trunk of a vehicle and is illustrated in FIG. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, each switch of key pops 150 wirelessly outputs a good key pop code that can be interpreted by head unit 50. The good key pop codes output by the switches 100a to 100d on the key pops 150 can be used to retrieve the user ID to the head unit 50 so as to obtain the user profile of the user as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 3-4. Search.

It can be done in a number of ways. The switches 100a-100d may constitute a switch dedicated to retrieval of the user profile, or may configure a switch that also performs (perhaps at the same time) another function, such as unlocking a door. In addition, the key pop code of each switch 100a to 100d may constitute the user ID itself, or may be combined with the user ID stored in the head unit 50 or the server 24 using a coupling technique as illustrated above. Can be. The key pop code is sent to the server 24 and associated with the user ID, and the user ID is used to retrieve the user profile from the server 24, or the user ID is sent back from the server 24 to the head unit 50. Can retrieve the user profile from there.

As already known, other portable wireless devices may have similar switches that can be used to wirelessly transmit the user ID to the head unit (or server 24). For example, personal data assistants (PDAs), cell phones, laptop computers, or similar devices may also be used.

Further, in additional embodiments, the user ID may be accessed and used for object-based users carried by a particular user. For example, in one embodiment the vehicle is equipped with a short range detection system and the user has a card, key chain or other object detectable by the short range detection system. When the user approaches the vehicle, the short range detection system can detect the presence of the user within the set vicinity and unlock the door and / or start the vehicle engine. After powering up the head unit 50, in this embodiment the system makes the head unit 50 accessible and sets the user ID associated with the user being accessed. In other words, in that case the vehicle recognizes the user approaching the object-based vehicle carried by the user.

In other embodiments, the user ID may be accessed and used by a coded vehicle key based user that a particular user has. For example, in one embodiment, an ignition system is mounted to a vehicle capable of receiving a coded key. When the user inserts the coded key into the ignition system, the ignition system along with the user interface can detect the user through the resistance of the key. After powering up the head unit 50, in this embodiment, the head unit 50 in the system accesses and sets the user ID associated with the user having the coded key. In other words, in this case the vehicle recognizes the user based on the use of the coded key.

Instead of pressing the switch, the user profile can be retrieved in the head unit 50 with the aid of the speech recognition module (see FIG. 2). In this regard, the speech recognition module 70 (which also constitutes part of the controller 56) is used to process the received speech of the vehicle and match it to a pre-stored speech print stored in the speech recognition module 70. And the pre-stored voice print can be input and stored by the occupant in advance (eg, in memory 64). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a number of speech recognition algorithms exist and can be used in the head unit 50. When using the speech recognition module 70, similar to that described above and as shown in FIG. 8, the occupant of the vehicle may speak his user ID or say something recognizable by the system associated with that user ID. It is very convenient to do. Of course, in that speech recognition embodiment the user ID and / or user profile may be stored in the server 24 as well as the head unit 50.

An alternative embodiment of retrieving a user profile of a user is shown in FIG. 9 and involves the use of the user interface 51 of the head unit. In this embodiment, the head unit displays a list of user IDs previously stored in the head unit 50 or the server 24. The display allows the user to select his user profile, for example using a switch. Optionally, the display 79 may require the user to enter a password 152 that can be independently verified at the head unit 50 or the server 24. In either method, once the user ID is entered, the user profile is retrieved from the head unit or server to adjust the user's communication options as can be seen above.

While primarily describing improving in-vehicle communications, those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure will appreciate that many of the concepts disclosed herein collectively include portable communications, such as cell phones, personal data assistants (PDAs), portable computers, and the like. It will be appreciated that the present invention may be utilized for other portable communication user interfaces not included in a vehicle called a device.

While several separate embodiments have been disclosed, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments may be combined with each other and that one use need not be exclusive to the use of another embodiment. In addition, the above description of the present invention is for illustration only and is not intended to limit the scope of the patent disclosed in the present application. The invention is limited only by the scope and spirit of the following claims.

Claims (9)

In the method for inputting a user communication profile into the user interface 51 of the vehicle 26 to allow a user to wirelessly communicate with the server 24 using the user interface 51, Pressing one of a plurality of switches (100a to 100d) respectively associated with a unique first code to transmit a first code to the user interface of the vehicle; And Using the first code to query the server 24 to download a user profile corresponding to the first code from the server 24 to adjust communication options in the user interface 51. How to enter. The method of claim 1, And the plurality of switches (100a to 100d) are located in or on the vehicle (26). The method of claim 2, And the plurality of switches (100a to 100d) comprise vehicle control memory switches. The method of claim 3, wherein And the vehicle memory adjustment switches adjust the seats of the vehicle (26). The method of claim 1, And the plurality of switches (100a to 100d) are located on the user interface (51). The method of claim 1, Wherein each of the plurality of switches (100a to 100d) is located on a device in wireless communication with the user interface (51). The method of claim 6, Wherein the device comprises a key fob (150), a telephone, a PDA or a portable computer. The method of claim 6, The apparatus comprises a key pop (150), and wherein the first code comprises a key pop code. The method of claim 8, Wherein the key pop code is associated with a second code at the server (24).

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