Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
  • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
  • H04M1/60—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers
  • H04M1/6033—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers for providing handsfree use or a loudspeaker mode in telephone sets
  • H04M1/6041—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
  • H04M1/6075—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use adapted for handsfree use in a vehicle
  • H04M1/6083—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use adapted for handsfree use in a vehicle by interfacing with the vehicle audio system
  • H04M1/6091—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use adapted for handsfree use in a vehicle by interfacing with the vehicle audio system including a wireless interface
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
  • H04M2250/00—Details of telephonic subscriber devices
  • H04M2250/02—Details of telephonic subscriber devices including a Bluetooth interface

Definitions

• the present disclosure relates to a system for connecting a wireless device carried by an individual to a vehicle network, and more particularly, a method for manual initiation of audio transfer from a wireless device to a hands-free device.
• An example early hands-free device included a wired device mounted on a mobile phone holder. But in recent years, Bluetooth technology has been applied to such devices, and thus phone calls are now possible even while leaving the mobile phone in a bag or pocket, for example.
• Bluetooth is a short-range wireless communication technology derived from a specification of the IEEE 802.15.1, and it allows electronic devices, such as wireless terminals located within about 10 meters to wirelessly communicate with each other in a low cost and low power manner.
• Existing Bluetooth hands-free techniques output an audio signal transmitted from a paired mobile phone or MP3 player through the speaker provided in a vehicle and transmit the user's voice signal inputted through a microphone provided in a vehicle to the mobile phone when a call function of the mobile phone is used.
• the conventional Bluetooth specification was defined so that it automatically connects when a request for connection is received and automatically disconnects when a request for releasing the connection is received. In cases of Bluetooth technology being integrated in a vehicle, automatic transfer of active calls is not always desirable and may often cause customer dissatisfaction.
• An object of various embodiments of the present invention is to provide a method, computer program product and vehicle multimedia system for controlling audio signal transfer from a mobile device to a hands-free device.
• a method for controlling audio signal transfer from a mobile device to a hands-free device in a vehicle multimedia system may include receiving by a processor of the vehicle multimedia system a request from a mobile device to connect to a hands-free device.
• the processor may determine if the mobile device is engaged in an active call.
• a confirmation message may be displayed to confirm that a user wishes to transfer an audio signal associated with the active call to the hands-free device.
• the audio signal may be transferred from the mobile device to the hands-free device.
• a computer program product for controlling audio signal transfer from a mobile device to a hands-free device in a vehicle multimedia system may include one or more computer-readable storage devices and a plurality of program instructions stored on at least one of the one or more computer-readable storage devices.
• the plurality of program instructions may include program instructions to receive a request from the mobile device to connect to the hands- free device.
• the plurality of program instructions may further include program instructions to determine if the mobile device is engaged in an active call.
• the plurality of program instructions may further include program instructions to display a confirmation message to confirm that a user wishes to transfer an audio signal associated with the active call to the hands-free device and program instructions to transfer the audio signal from the mobile device to the hands-free device, in response to receiving user's confirmation to transfer the active call.
• a vehicle multimedia system (with or without telematics) may include a hands- free device configured to receive, convert and transmit an audio signal received from a mobile device via a Bluetooth communication channel, to an audio system for subsequent audio transmission over a speaker system connected to said audio system and configured to receive, convert and transmit user's voice signal received via a microphone connected to the audio system for subsequent audio transmission to the mobile device via the Bluetooth communication channel and a controller configured to receive a request from the mobile device to connect to the hands-free device, determine if the mobile device is engaged in an active call, display a confirmation message to confirm that a user wishes to transfer an audio signal associated with the active call to the hands- free device, in response to determining that the mobile device is engaged in an active call, and transfer the audio signal from the mobile device to the hands-free device, in response to receiving user's confirmation to transfer the active call.
• a hands- free device configured to receive, convert and transmit an audio signal received from a mobile device via a Bluetooth communication channel, to an audio system for subsequent audio transmission over a speaker system
• FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary operating environment for various embodiments
• FIG. 2 is a flowchart of operational steps of the hands free module of FIG. 1 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention
• FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary pop-up display screen which may be displayed upon user entering a vehicle and turning an ignition switch while being engaged in an active call according to an embodiment of the present invention
• FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary pop-up display screen which may be displayed when the hands free module of FIG.1 enters a private mode according to an embodiment of the present invention
• FIGs. 5A-5B illustrate exemplary screen shots which may be displayed subsequent to audio signal transfer responsive to users' confirmation in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• vehicle or “vehicular” or other similar term as used herein is inclusive of motor vehicles in general such as passenger automobiles including sports utility vehicles (SUV), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, watercraft including a variety of boats and ships, aircraft, and the like, and includes hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g. fuels derived from resources other than petroleum).
• a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that has two or more sources of power, for example both gasoline-powered and electric-powered vehicles.
• vehicle multimedia system means an integrated information system with wireless communications capacity. These systems are sometimes referred to as in- vehicle information systems, and are often integrated with telematics, entertainment systems and/or navigation systems. Vehicle multimedia systems include, for example, but are not limited to, GM On-Star ® , GM On-Star MyLinkTM, Chrysler UConnect ® , Ford Sync ® , Kia UVO ® , Toyota Entune ® , Hyundai BlueLinkTM systems, and further includes other systems developed by these and other vehicle manufacturers and aftermarket component manufacturers.
• controller refers to a hardware device that includes a memory and a processor.
• the memory is configured to store program instructions
• the processor is configured to execute the program instructions to perform one or more processes which are described further below.
• One aspect of the present invention relies on Bluetooth protocols for setting up a wireless connection between one of the modules connected to a vehicle network and a remotely located mobile device. If a phone conversation is taking place the wireless connection can be used to transfer an audio signal associated with the phone conversation to the vehicle network for continuing the conversation using the hands free module in the vehicle.
• a phone conversation can be used to transfer an audio signal associated with the phone conversation to the vehicle network for continuing the conversation using the hands free module in the vehicle.
• the phone conversation can be automatically continued in the vehicle in a hands-free manner without the user carrying the phone having to press a button or perform any other task indicative of user's intention.
• this automatic transfer of audio signal may cause inconvenience to die user of the vehicle. As a result, such situations typically cause customer dissatisfaction.
• Various embodiments of are directed to eliminating the above inconvenience of the user by enabling the user to control an audio transfer process.
• the vehicles referenced below include a Bluetooth communication module for connecting with a terminal via Bluetooth.
• FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary operating environment 100 for various embodiments.
• Operating environment 100 may include an in-vehicle computer system; one example of such a system is an in-vehicle head unit 112, which will be used as an example herein for ease of discussion.
• the operating environment 100 may also include a mobile device communication link 130 for communication between the in-vehicle head unit 112 and mobile device 102, a wireless communication link 107 between mobile device 102 and a network 120, and a wireless communication link 109 between in-vehicle head unit 112 and the network 120.
• the communication links described herein can directly or indirectly connect these devices.
• the network 120 can be a wireless communication network such as a cellular network comprised of multiple base stations, controllers, and a core network that typically includes multiple switching entities and gateways, as well as one or more other networks, such as, but not limited to, the Internet, a public-switched telephone network (PSTN), a packet-switching network, a frame-relay network, a fiber-optic network, and/or other types of networks.
• PSTN public-switched telephone network
• packet-switching network a packet-switching network
• frame-relay network a frame-relay network
• fiber-optic network fiber-optic network
• the in- vehicle head unit 112 can include a touch panel display system and/or an in-car PC system that includes a communication unit 116 to facilitate the communications, a memory unit device 114, and a processor 118.
• the in-vehicle head unit 112 can be part of a vehicle's multimedia system which includes memory/storage, processors) and communication unit(s).
• FIG. 1 shows the memory 114, communication unit 116 and processor 118 as being part of the in-vehicle head unit 112 for ease of discussion.
• the in-vehicle head unit 112 may also be integrated with peripherals, such as a touch panel 122, a camera 124, and a hands-free device 126.
• one aspect of an input device, the touch panel 122, and the display screen are integrated so as to provide an integrated input and display device (referred to herein after as touch panel 122), to enable both input of information (via direct input, menu selection, etc.) and display of information through the touch panel screen so that a user need only touch a portion of the touch panel 122 to select one of a plurality of display choices or to activate one of a plurality of virtual or "soft" buttons.
• processor 118 supports a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that operates in conjunction with the touch panel 122.
• GUI Graphical User Interface
• Processors 108 and/or 118 process data signals and may comprise various computing architectures. Although only a single processor is shown in FIG. 1, multiple processors may be included in each device.
• the processors can comprise an arithmetic logic unit, a microprocessor, a general purpose computer, or some other information device equipped to transmit, receive and process electronic data signals from the memory 104, 114, and other devices both shown and not shown in the figures.
• the Bluetooth enabled mobile device 102 has an operating system and can include various applications either integrated into the operating system or stored in memory/storage 104 and executed by the processor 108.
• Examples of a mobile device 102 include a cellular phone, personal device assistant (PDA), smartphone, pocket personal computer (PC), laptop computer, tablet computer, smart watch or other devices having a processor, communications capability and are easily transportable, for example.
• PDA personal device assistant
• PC pocket personal computer
• laptop computer tablet computer
• smart watch or other devices having a processor, communications capability and are easily transportable, for example.
• a mobile device application could be part of a larger suite of vehicle features and interactions.
• the mobile device 102 includes a communication unit 106, a memory unit device 104, and a processor 108.
• the mobile device 102 has an operating system and can include various applications either integrated into the operating system or stored in memory/storage 104 and executed by the processor 108.
• the embodiments provide a management tool for the connection between the mobile device 102 and the in-vehicle head unit 112.
• the communication management tool embodies software that can be installed on the mobile device 102 and the in-vehicle head unit 112. This software is able to setup a new connection or open an existing connection and is able to direct communication across any application connection to provide a high quality experience for the user.
• a communication manager 110 may be installed on mobile device 102 and a hands-free manager (HFM) 1 IS may be installed on the in-vehicle head unit 112 and may be configured to manage connection 130.
• the communication manager 105 and HFM 115 can turn this connection on and direct the correct media across the Bluetooth communication channel 130.
• the HFM 115 preferably provides support for hands-free processing.
• the HFM 115 implements a Bluetooth protocol stack for connection to Bluetooth compliant hands- free devices 126 such as Bluetooth headset and Bluetooth car kits.
• the hands-free manager 115 implements a Bluetooth headset profile and/or a Bluetooth hands-free profile.
• the HFM 115 allows the hands-free unit 126 to act as an auditory relay for an IP video call and for an audio only cellular call over the network 120, as well as perform other hands-free services.
• the audio portion of the call may be routed through the hands-free unit 126 instead of a speaker of the mobile device 102 while die video portion of the call remains being displayed by the mobile device 102 (or by an attached display).
• the hands-free unit 126 may also include a microphone to capture audio information which is then transmitted to the mobile device 102.
• a user can use the hands-free unit 126 to talk and or listen to audio during an IP video call and/or during an audio only cellular call.
• HFM 115 may share control of the Bluetooth connection/transfer process with the user and, in some embodiments, may require the user to initiate the audio signal transfer process, as described below. As a result, the user has an opportunity to decide whether or not to switch an active phone call into the hands-free mode for each particular call.
• FIG. 2 is a flowchart of operational steps of the hands free module of FIG. 1 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
• the flow diagram shown therein is described, by way of example, with reference to components shown in FIG. 1, although these operational steps may be carried out in any system and are not limited to the scenario shown in the aforementioned figures.
• the flow diagram in FIG.2 shows example in which operational steps are carried out in a particular order, as indicated by the lines connecting the blocks, but the various steps shown in this diagram can be performed in any order, or in any combination or sub-combination. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments some of the steps described below may be combined into a single step. In some embodiments, one or more additional steps may be included.
• HFM module 115 may comprise a component of the in-vehicle head unit 112 and may include and/or be connected to a Bluetooth interface. HFM 115 operates under the control of the processor 118. HFM 115 may be implemented in software. At step 202, HFM module 115 may detect presence of vehicle user's mobile device 102 by receipt of a Bluetooth connection request message from the mobile device 102 and a subsequent exchange of messages with the device 102(to determine its type and its current state). For example, this subsequent exchange of messages may be utilized to determine whether the mobile device 102 requesting a connection is engaged in a telephone call and whether such call is in an "active" state.
• the term "telephone call” as used herein is generally synonymous with a "voice call” unless indicated otherwise.
• the term "active state” as used herein may mean an active instance of two-way communication, an attempt to establish two way communication, or a portion of the two-way communication depending on the context. For example, a user of the mobile device 102 can dial a telephone call in an attempt to establish two-way communication, and a call can be said to exist even prior to establishment of a two-way connection.
• the call may encompass communications other than voice, e.g., video call, text messaging, chat, video chat, etc.
• in-vehicle head unit 112 may be operated in several different modes, such as, media, phone call, navigational, rear-view camera and similar modes.
• HFM 115 may determine operation mode of the in-vehicle head unit 112.
• in-vehicle head unit 112 may be integrated with camera 124, such as rear view camera.
• camera 124 such as rear view camera.
• rear view or "back up" cameras in vehicles are used to assist drivers when parking the vehicle or exiting from a parking space.
• Rear view cameras display an image of a blind spot behind the vehicle.
• in-vehicle head unit 112 may enter a corresponding rear view camera mode to display the blind spot image on touch panel 122.
• processor 118 may prevent a change to the display state when in-vehicle head unit 112 operates in a rear-view camera mode.
• HFM US may enable a user to indicate their inclination with respect to the transfer of the active phone call by generating a confirmation screen.
• HFM 115 may present the generated screen to the user only if such functionality is supported in current operation mode of the in-vehicle head unit 112. For instance, in response to determining that in-vehicle head untt
• HFM 115 may perform steps 208 and 210 upon exiting die rear-view camera mode. If HFM 115 determines that in-vehicle head unit's 112 operating mode is different from the rear-view camera mode (step 206, no branch), at 208, HFM 115 may display a confinnation screen on the touch panel 122. It is noted that in some cases, for example when the user just entered the vehicle, the confinnation screen is displayed when the head unit's touch panel 122 initializes after the vehicle is turned on.
• FIG. 3 shows an exemplary pop-up display screen 300 which may be displayed upon customer entering a vehicle and turning an ignition switch while being engaged in an active call according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 3 shows a physical display screen of touch panel 122.
• the user may be prompted by the pop-up display screen 300 with a message "Swhch Call to Handsfiee?" at which time the user may respond by selecting one of the soft buttons inc3 ⁇ 4ating ' ⁇ es" 302, or "No" 304, that may be presented by the pop-up display screen 300.
• the user may initiate the transfer of the audio signal from mobile device 102 to hands free device 126 by selecting the ' ⁇ es" button 302.
• users may utilize a physical knob, such as a tuning knob and/or a volume knob, which users can manipulate to provide their selection, as well as switches, such as on the steering wheel or instrument panel.
• users may indicate their desire to transfer the call to the hands free device 126 by pressing a pre-programmed hot key on the mobile device 102.
• the hot keys may be implemented as a long press on a particular key (e.g., "CALL" key) during the active call.
• HFM 115 may determine if the user desires to transfer the on-going call to hands-free device 126 by checking whether the 'Yes" button 302 was selected/pressed. It is noted that in some embodiments, HFM 115 may display the pop-up display screen 300 with the message "Switch Call to Handsfree?" for a predetermined time period. The display screen 300 may disappear after a predetermined period of time expires if the user does nothing. In one embodiment this predetermined time period may range from about 20 seconds to about 30 seconds.
• HFM 115 may reject the Bluetooth connection request message from the mobile device 102 received at step 202, as well as any successive Bluetooth connection request messages that may be sent by mobile device 102 while HFM 115 operates in a private mode.
• HFM 115 may enter into a private mode, at 214.
• HFM 115 operates in a private mode other occupants in the vehicle are not able to hear a conversation between the user and the other party.
• HFM 115 may display a private- mode indicating message.
• FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary pop-up display screen 400 which may be displayed on physical touch panel 122 when HFM 115 enters a private mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• display screen 400 may include a "Private mode" message and may include at least one soft button 402. If the telephone call is completed while HFM 115 operates in the private mode, HFM 115 may return to a previously displayed screen (i.e. screen displayed prior to entering the private mode).
• the user of mobile device 102 may initiate such call transfer by selecting "Use handsfree" soft button 402.
• the user may manipulate one or more physical knobs and/or switches, such as a tuning knob and/or a volume knob, attached, for example, to touch panel 122 or may press a pre-programmed hot key on the mobile device 102 in order to switch to a hands free mode.
• HFM 115 may establish a connection with the Bluetooth enabled mobile device 102 in response to the connection request received at step 202. Once the Bluetooth connection has been established, HFM 115 may transfers audio signal associated with the active telephone call from mobile device 102 to hands-free device 126, at 222, and may enter a hands free call mode.
• FIGs. 5 A-5B illustrate exemplary screen shots which may be displayed by HFM 115 after said audio signal transfer takes place in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• the first exemplary phone mode screen 500 (illustrated in FIG. 5A) may be displayed if an active instance of two-way communication between user's mobile device 102 and the other party already exists.
• the second exemplary phone mode screen 501 (illustrated in FIG. 5B) may be displayed prior to establishment of a two-way connection between mobile device 102 and the other party. Both first 500 and second 501 screens may provide information related to the conducted call.
• phone mode screen 500 preferably displays information 502 related to the name and number of the calling/called party as well as call duration.
• second phone mode screen 501 preferably displays a message 506 indicating that HFM 115 attempts to establish two way communications with the calling party.
• HFM module 115 cooperates with mobile device 102 in answering and placing calls and manages the hard and soft buttons and various display screens on the touch panel 122 related to telephony actions. Telephony actions may include call initiation, call control and audio control categories. Accordingly, to support these actions, HFM 115 may provide a plurality of soft (programmed) buttons 504 on phone mode screens 500 and 501. It is noted that soft button provided by HFM 115 provides for call and audio control purposes may include end call, HFM mute and private mode buttons. For example, in the event the user does not want other occupants in the vehicle to hear a portion of the conversation, the user may select the private mode button 504a to enable the private mode. In response, HFM 115 removes the conversation from being broadcast to the occupants in the vehicle.
• the method for controlling audio signal transfer from a mobile device to a hands-free device in a vehicle multimedia system can overcome inconvenience resulting from automatic transfer of active calls between a mobile device and a hands-free device.
• a transfer of audio signal associated with an active call may be initiated only in response to users' input (such as, confirmation of their decision to utilize a hands-free operation).

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• 2014
  • 2014-08-29 WO PCT/US2014/053570 patent/WO2016032533A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2014-08-29 DE DE112014006904.3T patent/DE112014006904T5/de active Pending
  • 2014-08-29 CN CN201480081605.6A patent/CN106688198A/zh active Pending
  • 2014-08-29 CA CA2984640A patent/CA2984640A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2014-08-29 KR KR1020177008395A patent/KR102187451B1/ko active IP Right Grant

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