Abstract:
Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide an improved system that simulates a smart device user interface on a vehicle head unit. The method comprises the steps of storing a plurality of user interfaces, wherein each of the plurality of user interfaces is affiliated with a platform, and determining if a smart device matches one of the plurality of platforms. If it is determined that the smart device matches one of the plurality of platforms, the method further comprises the steps of retrieving the user interface affiliated with the matched platform, and using the matched user interface on the vehicle head unit.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to methods and systems for providing a user-friendly interface on a vehicle head unit, and more particularly to methods and systems for simulating a smart device user interface on a vehicle head unit. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Currently, people are able to use their various smart devices, such as tablet computers, cell phones and other portable media players, through their automobile stereo systems. However, the user interface on the car&#39;s stereo system does not match the user interface on the user&#39;s smart device. Accordingly, the user has to become accustomed to a new and different user interface, which can be time consuming and frustrating. If, for example, a user wants to change a soundtrack while driving, it is helpful for the user to see a familiar user interface that is easy to use without diverting the user&#39;s attention significantly from the road. Accordingly, there is a need for an automobile sound system that is able to identify the smart device that is being paired with the car stereo system, and to provide a tailored user interface that matches the interface on the user&#39;s smart device. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide an improved system that simulates a smart device user interface on a vehicle head unit. The look, feel, flow and functionality of a user&#39;s smart device are integrated into the head unit. If the user has an iPhone, then the head unit functions similar to the operating system of the iPhone. If the user has an Android, then the head unit functions similar to an Android user interface. Most smart device users spend a substantial amount of time becoming familiar with the smart device user interface. Because they already are familiar with the smart device user interface, they do not want nor have the time to learn how to use a different user interface on their vehicle head unit. 
         [0004]    In accordance with methods and systems consistent with the present invention, a method is provided for simulating a smart device user interface on a vehicle head unit. The method comprises the steps of storing a plurality of user interfaces, where each of the plurality of user interfaces is affiliated with a platform, detecting a smart device, and determining if the smart device matches one of the plurality of platforms. If it is determined that the smart device matches one of the plurality of platforms, the method further comprises the steps of identifying a user of the smart device, and determining if the user is authorized. If it is determined that the user is authorized, the method further comprises the steps of retrieving the user interface affiliated with the matched platform, displaying an avatar from the matched user interface, and determining if the avatar is selected. If it is determined that the avatar is selected, the method further comprises the step of using the matched user interface on the vehicle head unit. 
         [0005]    In accordance with methods and systems consistent with another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for simulating a smart device user interface on a vehicle head unit. The method comprises the steps of storing a plurality of user interfaces, wherein each of the plurality of user interfaces is affiliated with a platform, and determining if a smart device matches one of the plurality of platforms. If it is determined that the smart device matches one of the plurality of platforms, the method further comprises the steps of identifying a user of the smart device, and determining if the user is authorized. If it is determined that the user is authorized, the method further comprises the steps of retrieving the user interface affiliated with the matched platform, and using the matched user interface on the vehicle head unit. 
         [0006]    In accordance with methods and systems consistent with a further embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for simulating a smart device user interface on a vehicle head unit. The method comprises the steps of storing a plurality of user interfaces, wherein each of the plurality of user interfaces is affiliated with a platform, and determining if a smart device matches one of the plurality of platforms. If it is determined that the smart device matches one of the plurality of platforms, the method further comprises the steps of retrieving the user interface affiliated with the matched platform, and using the matched user interface on the vehicle head unit. 
         [0007]    In accordance with articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention, a computer-readable medium is provided. The computer-readable medium contains instructions for controlling a data processing system to simulate a smart device user interface on a vehicle head unit. The method comprises the steps of storing a plurality of user interfaces, wherein each of the plurality of user interfaces is affiliated with a platform, and determining if a smart device matches one of the plurality of platforms. If it is determined that the smart device matches one of the plurality of platforms, the method further comprises the steps of identifying a user of the smart device, and determining if the user is authorized. If it is determined that the user is authorized, the method further comprises the steps of retrieving the user interface affiliated with the matched platform, and using the matched user interface on the vehicle head unit. 
         [0008]    In accordance with articles of manufacture consistent with another embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable medium is provided. The computer-readable medium contains instructions for controlling a data processing system to simulate a smart device user interface on a vehicle head unit. The method comprises the steps of storing a plurality of user interfaces, wherein each of the plurality of user interfaces is affiliated with a platform, and determining if a smart device matches one of the plurality of platforms. If it is determined that the smart device matches one of the plurality of platforms, the method further comprises the steps of retrieving the user interface affiliated with the matched platform, and using the matched user interface on the vehicle head unit. 
         [0009]    Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an implementation of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  depicts a data processing system suitable for implementing methods and systems for simulating a smart device user interface on a vehicle head unit consistent with the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2A-C  depict a flow diagram illustrating the steps performed by the data processing system depicted in  FIG. 1 , in accordance with methods and systems consistent with the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  depicts an exemplary vehicle head unit user interface; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  depicts an exemplary vehicle head unit user interface that includes avatars to selectively display a simulation of a smart device user interface consistent with the present invention; and 
           [0015]      FIGS. 5-12  depict exemplary simulations of smart device user interfaces consistent with the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0016]    Reference will now be made in detail to the description of the invention as illustrated in the drawings. While the invention will be described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit it to the embodiment(s) disclosed. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]      FIG. 1  depicts an exemplary data processing system  100  for the vehicle head unit suitable for practicing methods and systems consistent with the present invention. Data processing system  100  includes a processor  102 , memory  104 , a display  106 , an audio output  108 , and input device  110 , and a communication interface  112 . These internal components exchange information with one another via a system bus  114 . Data processing system  100  communicates with smart phone devices through communication interface  112 . The components are standard in most data processing systems consistent with the present invention. 
         [0018]    Although data processing system  100  contains a single processor, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that methods consistent with the present invention operate equally as well with a multi-processor environment. 
         [0019]    Memory  104  includes instructions  116  that may be executed to cause the data processing system  100  to perform any one or more of the methods or functions disclosed herein. The data processing system  100  may operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g., using a network, to other computer systems or peripheral devices. Memory  104  also includes a set of icons to simulate the user interface  118  for each platform stored in the system. For example, the system  100  may include a set of icons to simulate the user interface for an iPhone platform. System  100  also may include a set of icons to simulate the user interface for an Android platform. Although described in terms of the iPhone or Android platforms, one having skill in the art will appreciate that the present invention may store various user interfaces for other smart device platforms. Although the user interfaces may be downloaded from the smart phone device, to avoid the time required to download the graphics and the memory required to store unnecessary graphics from the smart device, a preferred embodiment consistent with the present invention has a set of icons for various smart device platforms already stored in the vehicle head unit memory  104 . 
         [0020]    The flow chart of  FIG. 2A-C  provides additional details regarding the operation of a vehicle head unit data processing system  100  consistent with an implementation of the present invention. The system initially determines if the vehicle has been turned on (step  202 ). After the vehicle has been turned on, the system displays the vehicle&#39;s standard user interface (step  204 ).  FIG. 3  depicts an example of a standard user interface  300  on a vehicle head unit. The user interface  300  displays a vehicle  302  to indicate that the user interface  300  is the standard user interface for the vehicle. The user interface  300  also displays the time  304 , the date  306  and the weather  308 . The user interface  300  also includes a radio button  310 , a phone button  312 , an applications button  314 , a navigation button  316  and a settings button  318 . 
         [0021]    Returning to the process of  FIG. 2A , after displaying the vehicle&#39;s standard user interface, the system determines if it detects a smart device within the vehicle (step  206 ). If the system detects a smart device, it determines the smart device&#39;s platform (step  208 ,  FIG. 2B ). For example, the smart device platform could be an iPhone or an Android. The system then determines if the device&#39;s platform is a known platform (step  210 ). In other words, the system determines if a set of user interfaces for the device&#39;s platform is stored in memory  104 . If the device&#39;s platform is a known platform, the system identifies the smart device user (step  212 ), and determines if the user is an authorized user (step  214 ). If the system determines that the user is an authorized user, it retrieves the user interface for the platform from memory  104  (step  216 ) and places the user avatar on the display (step  218 ). For example,  FIG. 4  depicts the vehicle user interface of  FIG. 3  with an iPhone avatar  402  and an Android avatar  404 . Although depicted with two avatars, one having skill in the art will appreciate that the system may detect and display only one smart device, or it may detect and display any number of smart devices. The system also may include the identity of the user (not depicted) with the avatar (step  220 ). For example, the user&#39;s name may be included with the avatar, or a user-specific avatar may be displayed. 
         [0022]    After placing the avatar on the display, the system determines if it a smart device was selected on the display (step  222 ,  FIG. 2C ). The system also performs this step if it determines that the device&#39;s platform is not a known platform at step  210  or if it determines that the user is not an authorized user at step  214 . 
         [0023]    If, at step  222 , the system determines that a smart device was selected, it simulates the user interface for the selected smart device on the head unit display (step  224 ). The system then checks to make sure the vehicle is still turned on (step  226 ). If the vehicle has been turned off, the process ends. Alternatively, the vehicle head unit may include a delayed accessory so that the head unit will remain active for a period of time after the vehicle has been turned off. In a preferred embodiment, the head unit will become inactive after approximately 10 minutes in order to ensure the battery is not drained. If the vehicle is still turned on at step  226 , the system determines whether it detects another smart device (step  228 ). If it detects another smart device, it returns to step  208  in  FIG. 2B  to determine the smart device platform. Otherwise, it returns to step  222  to determine if another smart device has been selected. 
         [0024]      FIG. 5  depicts one embodiment of a user interface  500  consistent with the present invention for an iPhone-based smart device. User interface  500  includes icons for photos  502 , stocks  504 , a clock  506 , Pandora  508 , maps  510 , contacts  512 , a user manual  514 , mail  516 , a calendar  518 , voice memos  520 , a radio  522 , music  524 , a home button  526 , phone  528  and settings  530 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 6  depicts another embodiment of a user interface  600  consistent with the present invention for an iPhone-based smart device. User interface  600  would be displayed if one were to select the music icon  524  on the user interface  500  of  FIG. 5 . User interface  600  includes icons to list songs by artists  602 , albums  604  or songs  606 . User interface  600  also illustrates that all songs on the smart device may be listed alphabetically  608 . User interface  600  includes icons to repeat  610 , play  612  or skip  614  a song. User interface also includes icons to play the music in order  616  or to shuffle  618  the songs, and includes a home button  620  to return to the main screen. 
         [0026]      FIG. 7  depicts a further embodiment of a user interface  700  consistent with the present invention for an iPhone-based smart device. User interface  700  would be displayed if one were to select the phone icon  528  on the user interface  500  of  FIG. 5 . User interface  700  includes icons for frequently called numbers  702 , voicemail  704 , recently dialed numbers  706 , a contact list  708 , a call button  710 , a keypad  712  and a home button  714  to return to the main screen. User interface  700  also depicts a keypad  716 , which is displayed if one were to select the keypad icon  712 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 8  depicts yet another embodiment of a user interface  800  consistent with the present invention for an iPhone-based smart device. User interface  800  would be displayed if one were to select the radio icon  522  on the user interface  500  of  FIG. 5 . User interface  800  includes icons to seek  802 , tune  804  and scan  806  for radio stations. User interface  800  also includes a number of present buttons  808 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 9  depicts one embodiment of a user interface  900  consistent with the present invention for an Android-based smart device. User interface  900  includes icons for a phone  902 , an address book  904 , a radio  906 , an Android store  908 , maps  910 , a calendar  912 , an alarm clock  914 , vehicle info  916 , Skype  918  and music  920 . User Interface  900  also includes icons for menu  922 , back  924 , home  926 , voice  928 , and settings  930 . Interfaces  922  through  930  could represent smart device buttons or vehicle global preset buttons, and can be soft or mechanical. 
         [0029]      FIG. 10  depicts another embodiment of a user interface  1000  consistent with the present invention for an Android-based smart device. User interface  1000  would be displayed if one were to select the music icon  920  on the user interface  900  of  FIG. 9 . User interface  1000  includes icons to list songs by artists  1002 , albums  1004  or songs  1006 . User interface  1000  also illustrates that all songs on the smart device may be listed alphabetically  1008 . User interface  1000  includes icons to repeat  1010 , play  1012  or skip  1014  a song. User interface  1000  also includes icons to play the music in order  1016  or to shuffle  1018  the songs. 
         [0030]      FIG. 11  depicts a further embodiment of a user interface  1100  consistent with the present invention for an Android-based smart device. User interface  1100  would be displayed if one were to select the phone icon  902  on the user interface  900  of  FIG. 9 . User interface  1100  includes icons for recently dialed and received numbers  1102 , a contact list  1104 , a keypad  1106  and a delete button  1108 . User interface  1100  also depicts a keypad  1110 , which is displayed if one were to select the keypad icon  1106 . User interface  1100  also includes a call  1112  and end  1114  icons. 
         [0031]      FIG. 12  depicts yet another embodiment of a user interface  1200  consistent with the present invention for an Android-based smart device. User interface  1200  would be displayed if one were to select the map icon  910  on the user interface  900  of  FIG. 9 . User interface  1200  includes icons for traffic  1202 , satellite  1204 , hybrid  1206  and a map  1208 . 
         [0032]    While various embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.