Interesting Patents | Tuesday, May 9, 2023
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) grants hundreds of new patents every week, showcasing developments in technology and innovation. In our Interesting Patents series, we highlight exciting US patent applications and patents recently issued by the USPTO. The patent system enables the protection of innovative ideas, and newly published patent applications provide a glimpse into the future of technology and innovation.
In this edition of #InterestingPatents, we drive into the future with Spotify’s new patent.
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Selection of a Wireless Device to Be Remotely Controlled by a User Interface Device for Media Presentation in a Vehicle
ASSIGNEE: Spotify
US PAT. NO. 11,647,245 B2
Invention Overview:
In a world where technology drives change, our vehicles are becoming so much more than just a means to get from A to B. Picture your car as your personal entertainment hub, where you can listen to your favorite beats, catch up on the latest podcast, or delve into an immersive audiobook. This isn’t just the future, it’s happening now, and the secret ingredient is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Spotify has capitalized on the emerging BLE technology as described in one of their recently issued patents for enabling media presentation in a vehicle. BLE is like the VIP of wireless communication protocols, famous for its low power consumption, making it the go-to choice for battery-operated devices like your smartphone. But here’s the plot twist – in the realm of in-car entertainment, BLE is transforming the way we interact with media on the move.
Imagine this: a touchscreen controller (think of it as your in-car DJ) chats with your smartphone using BLE, bringing a new level of seamless control to your fingertips. It’s all about delivering a premium user experience – quick, effortless, and as user-friendly as it gets.
How it Works
When your in-car DJ sends out a BLE message, it reaches any wireless devices in the vicinity. This is the magic behind the invention because it can open up a world of innovative possibilities for controlling media in your car. When your smartphone picks up the message, it wakes up its application module (like your favorite music streaming app), which in turn hands the DJ the remote control of the media presentation.
But it’s not all about convenience, there’s an essential safety check involved too. The app checks to see if your smartphone is connected with the car’s head unit, either wirelessly via Bluetooth or through a wired connection like a USB or AUX cord. This safety check is crucial – it guarantees the system only plays when there’s a legit connection and also ensures that only the smartphone interacting with the DJ is connected to the head unit, keeping your system safe from unauthorized access. The outcome of this safety check decides the next steps. If your smartphone is hooked up to the head unit, it’s chosen for continued interaction with the DJ. This means uninterrupted control over the media presentation, ensuring a smooth and seamless media experience for you. On the other hand, if your smartphone isn’t connected to the head unit, the DJ’s remote control is instantly revoked, adding an extra layer of security to the process.
Special Features
What makes this invention unique is its adaptability. The DJ can be a separate device or built into your car. Plus, it can start broadcasting the BLE message in response to specific vehicle operations, like starting the car, automating the media system to kick into gear the moment you start your ride. This invention is brought to life through a wireless device equipped with processors and memory to store the programs responsible for managing the entire process. It can also be deployed via a non-transitory storage medium storing programs, which, when executed by a wireless device, set the media control process in motion.
This new-age technology for in-car media control is a game-changer. It combines the power of BLE technology with intelligent application modules to offer a slick, intuitive, and secure way to control media presentations in your vehicle. It’s all about enhancing your in-car experience, making every journey more enjoyable.
In conclusion, Spotify’s media presentation control using BLE tech is more than just an exciting advancement – it’s a complete game-changer in the world of in-vehicle entertainment. It exemplifies how innovative tech can dramatically enhance our everyday experiences. With its user-friendly approach and advanced functionality, this method is ready to redefine how we engage with media in our vehicles. As our vehicles continue to evolve into mobile entertainment hubs, it’s innovations like these that are steering us into an exciting future. And for those of us who spend a significant amount of time on the road, that’s something to look forward to!
Source: USPTO
PATENT ABSTRACT & ART:
A method for media presentation in a vehicle includes receiving a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) advertising message from a user interface (UI) device. The method includes: waking an application module of the first wireless device; authorizing the UI device to remotely control media presentation as presented by the application module; and determining whether the first wireless device is paired or in a current cabled connection with a vehicle head unit of the vehicle. The method includes, when the first wireless device is paired or in a current cabled connection with the vehicle head unit, selecting the first wireless device for subsequent communication with the UI device to control the media presentation, and when the first wireless device is not paired with the vehicle head unit and not in a current cabled connection with the vehicle head unit, terminating the authorization of the UI device to remotely control media presentation.
INTERESTING PATENTS BY FOUNDERS LEGAL
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