DESC:
FORM 2
The Patent Act 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patent Rules, 2005

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(SEE SECTION 10 AND RULE 13)

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

“Infotainment system for vehicles”

APPLICANTS:
Name : Mahindra &Mahindra Ltd

Nationality : India

Address : Mahindra Research Valley, Mahindra World
City Plot No. 41/1, Anjur P.O. Chengalpattu
Kancheepuram Dist, Tamilnadu.- 603204

The following specification particularly describes and ascertains the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:-
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to infotainment systems in vehicles, and more particularly to infotainment and communication systems in vehicles.

BACKGROUND
[002] A modern day vehicle comprises of features to help the users of the vehicles in many ways. There are many vehicles, which are equipped with complex infotainment systems and high-end communication protocols and modules for collecting the vehicle information and displaying the collected information to the user(s). These connectivity and infotainment systems require various sensors and also backend servers for processing and displaying the gathered information to the user. Hence the present vehicle connectivity and infotainment system depend on the processing capability and speed of the servers and applications to display the vehicle related information in real-time.
[003] Current solutions in the area of infotainment systems attempt to improve the speed and processing capabilities of such systems. However, in most solutions, the system mostly uses complex telematics device or other sensors for gathering vehicle information. Further, the complexity and cost of the systems are very high. Also, the installation process is complex. Solutions with low complexity require the system to be in communication with remote servers, resulting in the requirement of a continuous and high-speed link between the vehicle and the server. However, a vehicle need not have a continuous connection with the server, when the vehicle is moving.

OBJECT
[004] The principal object of this invention is to propose a cost effective infotainment and connectivity system for vehicles, which does not require any backend servers for processing the vehicle data, with low complexity level.
[005] Another objective of the present invention is to propose a cost effective infotainment and connectivity system for vehicles, which is multi-functional.
[006] Another objective of the present invention is to propose a cost effective infotainment and connectivity system for vehicles, which can be easily installed in any vehicle.
[007] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[008] The embodiments of this invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, through out which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[009] FIGs. 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d and 1e depict examples of the infotainment system connected to at least one external device, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0010] FIG. 2 depicts the infotainment system, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0011] FIGs. 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d depict examples of screenshots of the connected device, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates example of system architecture of an infotainment system in vehicles, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein can be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0014] The embodiments herein achieve a stand-alone, multi-functional, connectivity and infotainment system for vehicles, which can be easily installed in vehicles. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGs. 1 through 4, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.
[0015] FIGs. 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d and 1e depict examples of the infotainment system connected to at least one external device. The infotainment system 101 comprises of a system serves as a means for the users to obtain information and/or entertainment, while the users are in the vehicle or in the vicinity of the vehicle. The information can comprise of navigational information, route maps, inputs from sensors present in the vehicle (such as reverse sensors/cameras, forward sensors/cameras, vehicle equipment information, HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Cooling) system related information, door/boot sensors, seatbelt sensors, fuel/SOC (State of Charge) sensors, and so on) and so on. Entertainment can comprise of media such as music, videos, devices that enable the users to access and experience the media, and so on. The infotainment system 101 can enable the users to set at least one setting related to the vehicle such as the HVAC related settings, seatbelt settings, ON/OFF/adjust settings related to vehicle safety (such as airbags, ESP (Electronic Stability Program/Control), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)), change vehicle modes (such as economy mode, sports mode and so on), and so on.
[0016] In an embodiment herein, the infotainment system 101 can be located within the cabin of the vehicle, with at least one physical interface means such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus), an auxiliary cable, or any other equivalent means to enable a user to connect to the infotainment system 101. In an embodiment herein, the infotainment system 101 can be located within the cabin of the vehicle, with at least one wireless communication means such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, or any other equivalent means to enable a user to connect to the infotainment system 101.
[0017] In an embodiment herein, the infotainment system 101 can be located external to the cabin of the vehicle and any where within the body shell of the vehicle, with at least one physical interface means such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus), an auxiliary cable, or any other equivalent means to enable a user to connect to the infotainment system 101. In an embodiment herein, the infotainment system 101 can be located external to the cabin of the vehicle and any where within the body shell of the vehicle, with at least one wireless communication means such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, or any other equivalent means to enable a user to connect to the infotainment system 101.
[0018] In an embodiment herein, the infotainment system 101 can be visible to the user. In an embodiment herein, the infotainment system 101 is not visible to the user. In an embodiment herein, the infotainment system 101 or at least a portion of the infotainment system 101 (such as the face plate of the infotainment system 101) is removable by the user. In an embodiment herein, the user can adjust the position of the infotainment system 101.
[0019] FIG. 1a depicts the infotainment system 101 connected to a single device, using a physical connection means. FIG. 1b depicts the infotainment system 101 connected to a plurality of devices, using a physical connection means. FIG. 1c depicts the infotainment system 101 connected to a single device, using a wireless connection means. FIG. 1b depicts the infotainment system 101 connected to a plurality of devices, using a wireless connection means. FIG. 1e depicts the infotainment system 101 connected to a plurality of devices, using a combination of physical connection means and wireless communication means.
[0020] FIG. 2 depicts the infotainment system. The infotainment system 101, as depicted, comprises of a controller 201, and a plurality of interfaces – a vehicle interface 202, a communication interface 203, a power interface 204 and a sound interface 205. The vehicle interface 202 comprises of a means for the infotainment system 101 to communicate with the systems and sensors present in the vehicle, such as ECU (Engine Control Unit), the location sensors (such as the GPS (Global Positioning System) sensors (which can be present external to the infotainment system 101 or internal to the infotainment system 101)), reverse sensors/cameras, forward sensors/cameras and so on), fuel sensors, the safety systems within the vehicle, and so on. The vehicle interface 202 can receive inputs from the vehicle systems and sensors and provide output(s) to the vehicle systems and sensors.
[0021] The communication interface 203 enables the infotainment system 101 to communicate with at least one connected device 102. The communication interface 203 can comprise of physical interface/ports such as USB, auxiliary, an audio jack (which can be of a suitable size such as 3.5mm, 2.5mm, and so on), and so on, wireless interfaces such as Wi-Fi Direct, ZigBee, Bluetooth, NFC (Near Field Communication), and so on. The communication interface 203 can also comprise of at least one indication means such as at least one light, at least one speaker, at least one display, at least one touchscreen display, and so on. The communication interface 203 can also enable the infotainment system 101 to communicate with other external entities (such as the cloud, online storage means belonging to the user, roadside assistance, vehicle service centers/garages, personal contacts and so on) and provide data and/or messages using at least one suitable means such as email, SMS (Short Messaging Service), MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service), IM (Instant Messaging), or any other equivalent means.
[0022] The power interface 204 comprises of a means for the infotainment system 101 to receive power from a source such as the battery of the vehicle, and so on. The power interface 204 can also provide at least one means for providing power to an external device such as a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, and so on, using a suitable means such as a physical contact means (USB cable, 3 phase plug point, 2 phase plug point, and so on), a contactless means (such as inductive/tightly coupled charging, resonance/loosely coupled charging, charging using wireless standards (such as Qi, Powermat, Rezence, and so on), zero contact charging, magnetic resonance charging, and so on).
[0023] The sound interface 205 can comprise of at least one means for capturing and receiving sound such as a microphone. The sound interface 205 can also comprise of at least one means for reproducing sound such as a speaker and associated equipment such as an amplifier. The sound interface 205 can be connected to at least one component of a sound system such as a speaker, amplifier, tweeter, and so on.
[0024] The memory 206 can comprise of an internal memory. The memory 206 can also comprise of an expandable memory means such as a CF (Compact Flash) card, a SD (Secure Digital) card, a micro SD card, and so on.
[0025] The controller 201, on a device connecting to the infotainment system 101, can authenticate the device using a phrase key, code, or any other equivalent means. On authenticating the device, the controller 201 can provide telemetry information to the device using the communication interface 203. The telemetry information provided could be information related to the vehicle such as fuel levels, DTE (Distance to Empty), ignition status, current speed of the vehicle, pedal inputs, and so on. The telemetry information can also comprise of navigation related information such as current location of the vehicle, the route to be followed for completing the journey, the traffic conditions, and so on.
[0026] The controller 201 can also receive media from at least one connected device 102. The media can comprise of audio (from a song, video, a telephone call, and so on), video (which can be routed to at least one display present in the vehicle such as a headrest display, overhead display and so on) or a combination of audio, video and/or other media. On receiving the media from the connected device 102, the controller 201 can play the media, using an appropriate means. For example, if the media is a song, the controller 201 can play the song using at least one speaker present in the vehicle, through the sound interface 205. In another example, if the media is a video, the controller 201 can play the video using the display and the sound through the speakers, using the communication interface 203 and the sound interface 205 respectively.
[0027] The controller 201 can also receive at least one control option related to the media, such as an increase/decrease in volume levels, play, stop, pause, move to next track and so on. The controller 201 can take at least one action based on the received control option. For example, if the user pauses the media using the connected device 102, the controller 201 can pause the media currently playing. The controller 201 can also provide information related to the media to the connected device 102, using the communication interface 203.
[0028] The controller 201 can also provide an alert to the user using the connected device 102. The alert can be in the form of a pop-up, widget, and so on. The alert can also comprise of at least one alert using an audio or visual indication.
[0029] The controller 201 can also store the information such as the vehicle information, information related to the media, and so on in a suitable external location such as the memory 206, the cloud, a remote server, or any other equivalent means. The controller 201 can send the information using a suitable means such as email, email attachments, SMS, and so on. The controller 201 can also export the information in the form of a suitable file such as a text file, a spreadsheet, a CSV (Comma Separated Values) sheet, and so on. The exported file can be downloaded directly onto the connected device 102, send the information using a suitable means such as email, email attachments, SMS, and so on, and/or store the information such as the vehicle information, information related to the media, and so on in a suitable location such as the memory 206, the cloud, a remote server, or any other equivalent means.
[0030] FIGs. 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d depict examples of screenshots of the connected device. The connected device 102 can be a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, a wearable computing device, a navigation device, a media player, a MP3 (MPEG-2 Audio Layer III) player or any other user device, which can be used to connect to the infotainment system 101. The connected device 102 can be a dedicated device. The connected device 102 can comprise of a dedicated application, which can enable the user of the connected device 102 to interact with the infotainment system 101. The application can be downloaded onto the device from a location such as an application store (Play store, app store, and so on), a website, the cloud, a remote file server, and so on. The application can be installed, when the connected device 102 connects to the infotainment system 101. The user can initiate the application. The infotainment system 101 can also initiate the application, on the connected device 101 connecting to the infotainment system 101.
[0031] The application can decode the information received from the infotainment system 101 and can process the information to display the measured parameters of vehicle in real time. For example, if the infotainment system 101 and the connected device 102 are connected using an audio jack, the connected device 101 receives information in the form of audio frequency. The application can send the processed results/data to any device that requests the same using a suitable means such as email, MMS, IM (Instant Messaging), SMS (Short Messaging Service) or any other equivalent means.
[0032] The application can also store the information such as the vehicle information, information related to the media, and so on in a suitable location such as the memory associated with the connected device 102 (such as an internal memory, an expandable memory means such as a SD card, a micro SD card, and so on), the cloud, a remote server, or any other equivalent means. The application can send the information using a suitable means such as email, email attachments, SMS, and so on. The application can also export the information in the form of a suitable file such as a text file, a spreadsheet, a CSV (Comma Separated Values) sheet, and so on. The application can send a message (such as an email, SMS, MMS, IM (Instant Messaging) and so on) comprising of the information directly to a predetermined number based on request received.
[0033] FIG. 3a depicts the connected device 102 showing a plurality of example panels for showing vehicle information. The user can configure the panels shown on the connected device 102, such as the size of each panel, location of the panels on the screen, order of display of the panels, and so on. The user can also opt, as to which panels are to be shown. If the panels cover more than one screen of the connected device 102, the user can use a suitable option to view the plurality of screens using a suitable actions such as swipe across, scrolling up/down and so on.
[0034] FIG. 3b depicts the connected device 102 showing information related to position of the vehicle. The user can view the current location of the vehicle, the route being taken by the vehicle, the route to be followed to reach a pre-defined location, and so on. The user can configure at least one option related to the view. The user can use the dedicated application or another application such as Google Maps, Navimaps, MMI (Map My India), Here Maps, iOS maps and so on to view and control the positional information.
[0035] FIG. 3c depicts the connected device 102 showing information related to the media. The user can use the dedicated application or another application present on the device 102 to control the media. The media can comprise of stored media, radio broadcasts (such as FM (Frequency Modulation) radio and so on) and so on.
[0036] FIG. 3d depicts the connected device 102 showing an alert to the user. The user can configure the alerts to be displayed and how and the time for which the alert has to be displayed to the user. In the figure herein, the alert has been displayed as a pop-up and the user has to cancel the alert.
[0037] FIG. 4 depicts an example of an infotainment system 101. The infotainment system 101 comprises of a controller 201 and an ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) port 403 at one end and a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) port 404 at the other end. The infotainment system 401 further comprises of a regulator 405 (which can be of a suitable voltage such as 5V and so on), an amplifier 407, a charging port 406 (which can be of a suitable interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), contactless charging means, a wireless charging means and so on) and at least one speaker.
[0038] The infotainment system 101 gathers input from a plurality of vehicle sensors/clusters located at different locations in the vehicle, using the ADC port 403. The output from the vehicle sensors can be made available using the wiring harness for integrating with the infotainment system 101, dummy couplers in the harness to integrate with the infotainment system 101 anytime. After the ADC port 403 collects the data, the controller 201 processes the signal is processed using a suitable means such as an ADC 408.
[0039] The output of an analog sensor 409 can be made to vary across a ranges of voltages (such as between 0 V and 2.5 V). The ADC count can be mapped for the corresponding frequency and this bit rate can be given as input to the DAC input terminal 110. The DAC input terminal 110 can then generate a signal of proportional frequency (which can be of a suitable form such as a sine wave). The generated signal can then filtered out by a low pass filter (LPF) 111 (such as an example frequency of 8 KHz) and given to at least one connected device 102.
[0040] The parameters of the vehicle can be sensed through the ADC port 403, in such a way that the voltage level of the vehicle parameter can be mapped (encoded) to at least one audio frequency.
[0041] In an example, if the vehicle is from the field of construction equipment or and agricultural equipment, the information that can be of interest to the user is location of the vehicle, engine hours, distance covered by the vehicle, fuel level status, ignition status and so on. The infotainment system 101 is capable of giving the data in real time. The infotainment system 101 can also give alerts on Ignition status [on-off alert for knowing whether machine is not switched on and electrical systems are used -battery draining], Engine RPM high [mode –load or backhoe and so on.
[0042] The infotainment system 101 can also find its application in commercial vehicles, where it is capable of providing information like fuel level status, ignition status, location of the vehicle, idle time and overloading of vehicle in real-time, and so on.
[0043] Embodiments herein disclose an infotainment solution with brought-in connectivity device. Embodiments herein do not require a backend server to process the data. Embodiments herein do not require costly telematics Built in Solutions. Embodiments herein disclose a low cost application based information management system for users, say fleet operators, and so on.
[0044] The numerical values given of various physical parameters, dimensions and quantities are only approximate values and it is envisaged that the values higher or lower than the numerical value assigned to the physical parameters, dimensions and quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure unless there is a statement in the specification to the contrary.
[0045] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented through at least one software program running on at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the network elements. The network elements shown in Figs. 1 and 1 include blocks, which can be at least one of a hardware device, or a combination of hardware device and software module.
[0046] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

CLAIMS
We claim:
1. An infotainment device in a vehicle communicating with at least one other connected device, said infotainment device configured for
providing at least one information related to said vehicle to said connected device; and
enabling media content to be controlled in said vehicle from said connected device, wherein said infotainment device plays said media content using at least one component present in said vehicle.
2. The infotainment device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said infotainment device and said connected device are connected using at least one of a wired means, or a wireless means.
3. The infotainment device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one information comprises of telemetry information from said vehicle, position information of said vehicle, and navigational information.
4. The infotainment device, as claimed in claim 4, wherein said telemetry information is collected from at least one sensor present in said vehicle.
5. The infotainment device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said infotainment device is further configured for communicating said at least one information to at least one external location.
6. A device in communication with an infotainment system in a vehicle, said device configured for
displaying at least one information related to said vehicle received from said infotainment system to a user of said device; and
enabling said user to control media and communicate said media to said infotainment device.
7. The device, as claimed in claim 6, wherein said infotainment device and said connected device are connected using at least one of a wired means, or a wireless means.
8. The device, as claimed in claim 6, wherein said device is further configured for communicating said at least one information to at least one external location.

Date: 27th October 2015 Signature
Kalyan Chakravarthy
Patent Agent

ABSTRACT
Infotainment system for vehicles. The embodiments herein generally relate to infotainment system in vehicles, and more particularly to infotainment and communication systems in vehicles. Embodiments herein disclose a cost effective infotainment and connectivity system for vehicles, which does not require any backend servers for processing the vehicle data, with low complexity level. Embodiments herein disclose a cost effective infotainment and connectivity system for vehicles, which is multi-functional. Embodiments herein disclose a cost effective infotainment and connectivity system for vehicles, which can be easily installed in any vehicle.
FIG. 1
,CLAIMS:CLAIMS
We claim:
1. An infotainment device in a vehicle communicating with at least one other connected device, said infotainment device configured for
providing at least one information related to said vehicle to said connected device; and
enabling media content to be controlled in said vehicle from said connected device, wherein said infotainment device plays said media content using at least one component present in said vehicle.
2. The infotainment device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said infotainment device and said connected device are connected using at least one of a wired means, or a wireless means.
3. The infotainment device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one information comprises of telemetry information from said vehicle, position information of said vehicle, and navigational information.
4. The infotainment device, as claimed in claim 4, wherein said telemetry information is collected from at least one sensor present in said vehicle.
5. The infotainment device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said infotainment device is further configured for communicating said at least one information to at least one external location.
6. A device in communication with an infotainment system in a vehicle, said device configured for
displaying at least one information related to said vehicle received from said infotainment system to a user of said device; and
enabling said user to control media and communicate said media to said infotainment device.
7. The device, as claimed in claim 6, wherein said infotainment device and said connected device are connected using at least one of a wired means, or a wireless means.
8. The device, as claimed in claim 6, wherein said device is further configured for communicating said at least one information to at least one external location.

Date: 27th October 2015 Signature
Kalyan Chakravarthy
Patent Agent