DE102006060188B4 - System and adapter for connecting different external devices - Google Patents

Abstract

System (10, 50) for coupling different external devices (12, 52 to 60), comprising - an interface (14, 16) for coupling an external device (12, 52 to 60), - an amplifier unit for amplifying via the interface (14,16) supplied signals of the device (12,52 to 60) and a loudspeaker unit which receives the amplified signals, the interface (14,16) being optionally configurable so that a first device (12,52 to 60) can be coupled to the interface (14, 16) with a first functionality, or can be configured such that a second device (12, 52 to 60) can be coupled to the interface (14, 16) with a second functionality, the Interface (14, 16) can be configured by means of an adapter (28) specific to the external device (12, 52 to 60).

Description

The application relates to a system for coupling different external devices. It also relates to an adapter for connection to such a system and to a motor vehicle with such a system.

Owners of a motor vehicle often want to use an external device that is not part of the motor vehicle, for example a mobile phone or a CD player, even while driving the motor vehicle. For this purpose, some motor vehicles have a system with a loudspeaker unit to which the driver can couple the device before starting a journey. After coupling, a signal provided by the device via an interface of the system is passed on to the loudspeaker of the system.

However, installing a conventional system for coupling an external device in a vehicle interior requires a great deal of labor. In addition, only one device with a fixed functionality, for example either a mobile phone or a CD player, can be coupled to the system. This makes it necessary for an owner of a motor vehicle to decide whether he would like to have either the mobile phone or the CD player in his motor vehicle before purchasing the system.

Systems for coupling a cell phone are known from the prior art, which are designed so that a user can select the cell phone to be connected from different types of cell phones. However, a user can only couple a mobile phone and not an external device with a different functionality to the conventional system.

In the DE 10 2004 062 490 A1 shows a holder for a mobile phone with a Bluetooth interface module which is designed to convert standardized Bluetooth commands from the vehicle computer into mobile phone commands.

The DE 101 21 350 A1 discloses a communication device performing interface functions for connecting a plurality of devices. The communication device has at least one connection device for connecting an exchangeable module, so that a plurality of different connections with regard to hardware and / or with regard to transmission paths and protocols can be integrated.

Through the DE 20 2006 004 141 U1 a holder arrangement for a mobile device is provided, the holder arrangement comprising an exchangeable, device-specific holder and a base unit. The holder arrangement can comprise optional contacts for connecting the mobile device to a charging device and / or for establishing a data connection.

DE 10 2005 023 544 A1 relates to a communication system of a motor vehicle. The communication system comprises a vehicle operating unit, a vehicle output unit and an interface computer. The interface computer is connected to the vehicle operating unit and the vehicle output unit. The interface computer is designed to connect a mobile terminal to the vehicle operating unit and the vehicle output unit in such a way that information from the mobile terminal can be displayed on the vehicle output unit and the mobile terminal can be operated via the vehicle operating unit.

US 2003/0 228 879 A1 describes a system for communicating information including a transceiver provided in a vehicle that is configured for wireless communication with a cellular phone and with a portable computing device. The wireless communication between the transceiver and the mobile phone uses a Bluetooth communication protocol.

The object of the present invention is therefore to allow the owner of a motor vehicle greater freedom of choice when selecting the external device used by him in the vehicle interior.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a system for coupling an external device to a loudspeaker unit according to claim 1, an adapter according to claim 13 and a motor vehicle according to claim 15.

The system according to the invention is characterized in that the interface can optionally be configured so that a first device with a first functionality can be coupled to the interface, or can be configured such that a second device with a second functionality can be coupled to the interface. The interface can be configured using an adapter specific to the external device.

This increases flexibility. The owner of the system according to the invention has the option of reconfiguring an interface that is configured for the first device with the first functionality without a great deal of work or expense so that the second device with the second functionality can be coupled to the interface instead of the first device is. The vehicle driver thus has a great deal of freedom of choice Installation of external devices in the interior of his motor vehicle.

The system preferably has at least two configurable interfaces. The vehicle owner can then couple several devices with different functionalities to the system and forward the signals provided by the devices via the interfaces to a common amplifier and loudspeaker unit. Using the amplifier and speaker unit for various devices is particularly efficient.

In a particular embodiment of the present invention, one of the interfaces can be designed to supply the device coupled to it with power after it has been activated. In this case, with the aid of the system according to the invention, the vehicle owner can also use devices without their own battery unit or with a battery unit which has only a small storage capacity in the vehicle while driving. For example, the driver then has the option of leaving a mobile computer, on which route information is stored, switched on during a longer journey.

The adapter according to the invention for connection to the system can be connected to an external device, the adapter having a device for configuring an interface. In order to configure the interface for a specific device with the desired functionality, the vehicle owner only needs to obtain the adapter provided for this purpose and attach it to the relevant interface. If the vehicle owner wants to arrange another device with a different functionality at the relevant interface, he simply exchanges the adapter. The configuration of an interface is therefore easy for the vehicle owner to carry out without increased costs. This guarantees him greater freedom of choice when choosing the devices that are connected to the system.

An owner of the motor vehicle according to the invention can thus always make a new decision as to whether he would like to couple another device to the system arranged in the motor vehicle.

Further advantageous developments of the system, the adapter or the motor vehicle are described in the subclaims.

• 1 ein erfindungsgemäßes System mit einem daran angekoppelten externen Gerät schematisch zeigt; und
• 2 und 3 ein erfindungsgemäßes System mit mehreren daran angekoppelten externen Geräten zeigen.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• 1 shows schematically a system according to the invention with an external device coupled thereto; and
• 2 and 3 show a system according to the invention with several external devices coupled thereto.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be made with reference to FIG 1 explained, which shows a system according to the invention with an external device coupled to it schematically.

In 1 is a system 10 for coupling different external devices 12 shown. The system 10 is fixedly mounted on a dashboard, not shown, of a motor vehicle. Alternatively, the system 10 can also be arranged on a vehicle seat. The system 10 comprises an amplifier unit and a loudspeaker unit, which in 1 however are not sketched. With the aid of the amplifier unit, a signal which is sent by the connected device 12 to the system 10 will be provided. The amplified signal is then passed on to the loudspeaker unit.

For connecting the external device 12 to the system 10 instructs the system 10 two interfaces 14th and 16 on. Is on the system 10 no device 12 coupled, so the interfaces 14th and 16 be covered with panels. A storage compartment can also be attached to the system instead of a panel 10 can be used.

Each of the two interfaces is in accordance with the invention 14th and 16 designed so that devices 12 with different functionalities to the respective interface 14th or 16 can be coupled. Appropriate devices 12 are for example mobile phones, microphones, mobile navigation devices, CD players, MP3 players, game consoles, USB sticks, cassette recorders, video devices, televisions, monitors, computers, storage media or modules for sound effects.

The two interfaces 14th and 16 are used to transmit signals between the system 10 and the device 12 used.

The radio interface 14th is used for wireless data transmission between the system 10 and the device 12 . The wireless data transmission between the radio interface 14th and the device 12 can be done via WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), ZigBee, Bluetooth, via infrared signals such as IrDA (Infrared Data Association), or via proprietary radio standards with analog or digitally coded signals on license-free bands.

To configure the radio interface 14th In a particular embodiment, this can have a memory unit on which various types of devices 12 with their associated transmitting and receiving units 18th are stored. A user of the system selects via an input unit 10 the device 12 which he to the radio interface 14th want to couple. The transmitter and receiver unit stored on the storage unit is then automatically activated 18th of the selected device 12 read and the radio interface 14th set to the radio mode in which the transmitter and receiver unit 18th of the selected device 12 Can send or receive signals. This means that the radio interface software required for this 14th remains up-to-date, it can be reprogrammed by a service workshop or by a customer download.

The wired interface 16 is designed to be pluggable, so that the device 12 through the interface 16 reversible on the system 10 is attachable. This allows the device 12 in the installation space of the system 10 to get integrated. Of course the system can 10 via further radio interfaces 14th and / or wired interfaces 16 feature. In addition to the device 12 additional external devices can be installed as modules in the installation space of the system 10 can be used.

The pluggable interface 16 is with a plurality of interface modules 20th to 26th fitted. The pluggable interface can also only be one of the interface modules described below 20th to 26th exhibit.

Any interface module 20th to 26th can perform at least one task. Depending on the external device to be connected 12 can make a suitable selection from the interface modules 20th to 26th be made. In the example 1 is the interface module 20th a standardized interface, such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), FireWire, MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) and / or CAN (Controller Area Network). The interface module 22nd is a serial interface such as I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), RS232 (Radio Section 232 ), EIA232 (Electronic Industries Alliance 232 ) and / or SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface). The interface module is used to transmit analog audio signals and signals for adjusting a sound level 24 . Using the interface module 26th can the connected device 12 be supplied with electricity. From the interface modules 20th to 26th At least one can also have a memory unit on which interface information is stored in such a way that it can be subsequently accessed by a service workshop or by the owner of the system 10 can be reprogrammed. The interface information stored on the storage unit can also be encrypted.

An adapter 28 is used to allow a user to configure the interface 16 for the selected device 12 to facilitate. The adapter 28 is specific to the device 12 trained and is by the user together with the device 12 acquired. He has a plug connection 30th on which one fits a connector 32 of the device 12 is trained. This can prevent a for the adapter 28 unsuitable device 12 is plugged into this. About that between the two connectors 30th and 32 attached connector 34 can the adapter 28 and the device 12 Exchange data or control signals. The connecting element 34 can also be made in one piece with one of the two connectors 30th or 32 be trained.

On one of the connector 30th opposite end of the adapter 28 is an adapter module 36 appropriate. The adapter module 36 can have a connector 38 at the interface 16 be pinned. The adapter module 36 is designed so that there is a conductive contact between some selected interface modules 20th to 26th and an interface converter 40 of the adapter 28 manufactures. This makes it possible to use the interface modules 20th to 26th the interface 16 select those that are used for signal transmission between the device 12 and the system 10 and, if necessary, a power supply for the device 12 are necessary.

The interface converter 40 serves to be one of the system 10 via the adapter module 36 received input signal into a for the device 12 convert processable output signal. The same is true of the interface converter 40 also designed to receive signals from the device 12 in for the system 10 convert understandable output signals.

The adapter 28 can also be used to configure wireless signal transmission between the system 10 and the device 12 be used. The adapter 28 a converter module 42 on which one of the radio interface 14th of the system 10 transmitted signal on for the sender and receiver unit 18th of the device 12 sends a processable signal to them. The converter module also sends 42 for the from the sender and receiver unit 18th received signals output signals from the system 10 be understood. The converter module 42 has a memory unit, for example a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Program Album Read Only Memory) or a flash memory, on which the required files are stored. In addition, an identification signal for the device can be stored on the memory unit 12 be deposited so that the system 10 can be communicated which device 12 with which function at an interface 14th or 16 is connected. The system 10 in this case has a memory on which the associated identification signals for the system 10 connectable devices 12 are stored with the various modes of operation. Likewise, the system 10 information stored on the storage unit can be sent, such as the device 12 is to be controlled. As an alternative to this, a program can also be stored on the memory unit which controls the device 12 takes over.

The system 10 is connected to a data bus, not shown, of the motor vehicle in such a way that the signals received from the data bus are transmitted to the connected device 12 be transmitted. Is the device 12 For example, a mobile navigation device, location information of the vehicle, which was determined by the vehicle's own GPS unit (Global Positioning System), can be output to the mobile navigation device. Signals from the device 12 forwarded to the data bus. This can cause a state of the to the system 10 connected device 12 are displayed on a vehicle's own display unit.

Preferably, the nature of the interfaces 14th and 16 and the adapter 28 be chosen so that the electrical wiring in the adapter 28 is reduced. Such an adapter 28 then consists of cable or wire connections, while those for coupling the external device 12 necessary components in the respective interface 14th or 16 are arranged.

The 2 and 3 show a system 50 for coupling different external devices 52 to 60 , which has several interfaces (not shown). In 2 are a vehicle radio 52 , a mobile navigation device 54 and a CD player 56 in the installation space of the system 50 used. This in 3 system shown 50 provides slots for the vehicle radio 52 , for another mobile navigation device 58 and for a USB stick 60 ready. The ones from the devices 52 , 58 and 60 Incompletely filled receiving opening of the system 50 is used in the in 3 case shown covered in places by panels. As an alternative to the panels, however, a storage compartment can also be placed in the system's receiving opening 50 of the 3 can be used.

The installation space of the system 50 can thus, as in the 2 and 3 shown for the reversible arrangement of multiple devices 52 to 60 can be used in a vehicle interior. This enables the system 50 a reduction in the need to attach multiple external devices 52 to 60 necessary mounting surface in a vehicle interior. The system 50 can in particular take up the space that conventionally the car radio alone takes up.

Of those in the 2 and 3 devices shown 52 to 60 assign the CD player 56 , the mobile navigation device 58 and the USB stick 60 does not have its own controls. A user has the option of these devices 56 to 60 using the controls 62 des to the system 50 coupled vehicle radios 52 to control. Since the use of the vehicle radio 52 controlled devices 56 to 60 do not require their own control elements, their size can be reduced so that these devices can be arranged 56 to 60 less installation space in the system's receiving opening 50 requires.

List of reference symbols

10

system

12

device

14 and 16

Interfaces

18th

Transmitter and receiver unit

20 to 26

Interface modules

28

adapter

30 and 32

Plug connections

34 and 38

Fasteners

36

Adapter module

40

Interface converter

42

Converter module

50

system

52

Vehicle radio

54 and 58

mobile navigation devices

56

CD player

60

USB stick

62

Controls

Claims (16)

System (10, 50) for coupling different external devices (12, 52 to 60), comprising - an interface (14, 16) for coupling an external device (12, 52 to 60), - an amplifier unit for amplifying via the interface (14,16) supplied signals of the device (12,52 to 60) and - a loudspeaker unit which receives the amplified signals, wherein - the interface (14,16) is optionally configurable so that a first device (12,52 to 60) with a first functionality can be coupled to the interface (14, 16), or can be configured in such a way that a second device (12, 52 to 60) with a second functionality can be coupled to the interface (14, 16), the interface (14 , 16) can be configured using an adapter (28) specific to the external device (12, 52 to 60). System (10.50) Claim 1 with at least two configurable interfaces (14, 16). System (10.50) Claim 2 wherein an operating and / or display module can be coupled to a first interface (14, 16) in such a way that a device (12, 52 to 60) coupled to a second interface (14, 16) can be activated by actuating an operating element (62) of the operating and / or display module controlled, and / or a state of the device (12, 52 to 60) coupled to the second interface (14, 16) is displayed by a display element of the operating and / or display module. System (10.50) Claim 1 or 2 with a permanently installed operating and / or display unit which is designed in such a way that a device (12, 52 to 60) coupled to the at least one interface (14, 16) is controlled by actuating an operating element of the operating and / or display unit, and / or a state of the device (12, 52 to 60) coupled to the interface (14, 16) is displayed by a display element of the operating and / or display unit. System (10.50) according to one of the Claims 1 to 4th , wherein one of the interfaces (14, 16) is coupled to at least one memory unit on which a configuration of the interface (14, 16) is stored. System (10.50) according to one of the Claims 1 to 5 , wherein one of the interfaces (16) is designed for wired data transmission and the system (10, 50) provides a slot at which an external device (12, 52 to 60) can be mounted so that it can be connected to the wired Wire transmission designed interface (16) is connected. System (10.50) Claim 1 to 5 , wherein one of the interfaces (16) is designed for wired data transmission, and the interface (16) enables an adapter (28) to be plugged in, to which the external device (12, 52 to 60) can be connected. System (10.50) according to one of the Claims 1 to 5 , wherein one of the interfaces (14) is designed for wireless data transmission. System (10.50) according to one of the Claims 6 to 8th , wherein the system (10,50) provides a plurality of slots, and wherein at least one interface (14,16) is assigned to each of the slots. System (10.50) according to one of the Claims 1 to 9 , one of the interfaces (16) being designed to supply the device (12, 52 to 60) coupled thereto with power after it has been activated. System (10.50) according to one of the Claims 1 to 7th for a motor vehicle with an antenna unit, one of the interfaces (14, 16) being designed to transmit a signal provided by the antenna unit to the device (12, 52 to 60) coupled thereto. System (10.50) according to one of the Claims 1 to 11 , wherein the at least one interface (14, 16) is configurable so that a vehicle radio (52), a mobile phone, a microphone, a mobile navigation device (54, 58), a CD player (56), an MP3 player, a Game console, a USB stick (60), a cassette recorder, a video device, a television, a monitor, a computer, a storage medium and / or a module for sound effects can be coupled to it. Adapter (28) for connection to a system (10, 50) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an external device (12, 52 to 60) can be connected to the adapter (28), and wherein the adapter (28) has a device for Configuring an interface (14, 16) and wherein the adapter (28) for the external device (12, 52 to 60) is designed specifically. Adapter (28) Claim 13 , wherein the device comprises a memory unit on which a configuration of the interface (14, 16) is stored. Motor vehicle with a system (10, 50) according to one of the Claims 1 to 12 . Motor vehicle with a system (10.50) according to Claim 6 or 9 , wherein the at least one slot is arranged on the dashboard of the motor vehicle.

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