Secure deployment of user profiles in vehicles

Abstract

A vehicle may have a user profile securely deployed therein according to a security protocol. The vehicle may include a main body, a powertrain, vehicle electronics, and a computing system. The vehicle's computing system may be configured to: retrieve information from the user profile according to the security protocol. The vehicle's computing system may also be configured to receive a request from the vehicle electronics for at least a portion of the retrieved information, and send a portion of the retrieved information to the vehicle electronics according to the request. The vehicle's computing system may also be configured to propagate information sent from the vehicle electronics back to the user profile according to the security protocol. Furthermore, the vehicle's computing system may also be configured to store information sent from the vehicle electronics in its memory according to the security protocol.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 789,104, filed February 12, 2020, entitled "Secure Deployment of a User Profile in a Vehicle," the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0003] At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein relate to the secure deployment of user profiles in vehicles. Background Technology

[0004] Vehicles can include automobiles, trucks, boats, and aircraft, as well as vehicles or vehicle equipment used for military, construction, agricultural, or recreational purposes. Vehicles can be customized or personalized via vehicle electronics. Vehicle electronics can be included in electronic systems used within the vehicle. Vehicle electronics can include electronics for the vehicle's drive system, the vehicle's main body or interior features, the vehicle's entertainment system, and other parts of the vehicle. Ignition, engine, and transmission electronics are found in vehicles equipped with internal combustion engine machinery, such as conventional automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, boats, aircraft, military vehicles, forklifts, tractors, and excavators. Related components for controlling electric vehicle systems are also found in hybrid and electric vehicles, such as hybrid electric vehicles or electric vehicles. For example, electric vehicles may rely on power electronics to control the main propulsion motor and manage the battery system.

[0005] Generally, vehicle electronics can be distributed systems and may include powertrain control modules and powertrain electronics, main control modules and main electronics, interior electronics and chassis electronics, safety and entertainment electronics, and electronics for passenger and driver comfort systems. Furthermore, vehicle electronics may include electronics for vehicle automation. Such electronics may include or operate in conjunction with mechatronics, artificial intelligence, and distributed systems. Vehicles using automation for complex tasks (including navigation) can be called semi-autonomous. Vehicles relying solely on automation can be called autonomous. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has classified autonomy into six levels: Level 0 or no automation; Level 1 or driver assistance, where the vehicle can autonomously control steering or speed in specific situations to assist the driver; Level 2 or partial automation, where the vehicle can autonomously control both steering and speed in specific situations to assist the driver; Level 3 or conditional automation, where the vehicle can autonomously control both steering and speed under normal environmental conditions, but requires driver supervision; and Level 4 or high automation, where the vehicle can autonomously complete driving under normal environmental conditions without driver supervision. And, Level 5 or full autonomy, in which the vehicle can autonomously navigate in any environmental conditions.

[0006] A user profile is an electronic, digital, or computerized representation of a specific user. User profiles can be used by operating systems, computer programs, other types of computing systems, e-commerce and social media systems, and automotive infotainment systems. Mobile user profiles are user profiles that are at least usable on mobile devices. User profiles can contain representations of personal identity and can be viewed as a computerized representation of a user model. A user model is a data structure that can be used to capture certain characteristics about an individual user. Furthermore, the process of acquiring a user profile can be called user modeling or profiling. User profiles can also be used to store descriptions of personal characteristics. The information in user profiles can be used by various types of systems, such as any type of system that takes into account individual characteristics and preferences.

[0007] The use of user profiles in vehicle systems, such as infotainment and passenger comfort systems, has become commonplace. However, with this use of user profiles, information security becomes a significant issue. Furthermore, protecting information about vehicle users that can be shared wirelessly can be complex. Therefore, deploying user profiles in vehicles requires addressing numerous technical challenges. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In one example, a system for implementing secure deployment of user profiles in a vehicle is described. The system may include: at least one processing device; and a memory containing instructions configured to instruct the at least one processing device to perform operations. The at least one processing device is configured to: receive data from the user profile via a network connection according to a protocol for exchanging data containing personal information; anonymize at least a portion of the received data from the user profile according to the protocol; receive a request for at least a portion of the received data from a device located in the vehicle; send a portion of the received data to the device in response to the received request; receive additional data from the device after sending the portion of the received data to the device; transmit the additional data for adding to the user profile according to the protocol; generate statistical data and other machine learning data to be combined with generated statistical data and other machine learning data from other users by providing anonymized data as input for machine learning; generate feedback from the statistical data and other machine learning data to be combined with generated statistical data and other machine learning data from other users; and write the additional data and the feedback from the device to a first memory according to the protocol.

[0009] In one example, a method for implementing a secure deployment of a user profile in a vehicle is described. The method may include: receiving data associated with a user of the vehicle via a network connection according to a protocol for exchanging data containing personal information; anonymizing at least a portion of the received data from the user profile according to the protocol; receiving a request for at least a portion of the data from a device located in the vehicle; sending a portion of the data to the device located in the vehicle in response to the request; receiving additional data associated with the user of the vehicle from the device located in the vehicle; transmitting the additional data via the network connection according to the protocol; generating statistical data and other machine learning data to be combined with generated statistical data and other machine learning data from other users by providing anonymized data as input for machine learning; generating feedback from the statistical data and other machine learning data to be combined with generated statistical data and other machine learning data from other users; and writing the additional data and the feedback into the vehicle's memory according to the protocol to standardize the stored information about the user.

[0010] In one example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is described. The non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions executable by a processor to perform a method. The method may include: receiving, by a mobile device, a request from a vehicle for data in a user profile; in response to the request, sending the data from the user profile to the vehicle according to a security protocol; anonymizing at least a portion of the data from the user profile according to the protocol; receiving data from the vehicle provided from the vehicle's main control module or powertrain control module, or any combination thereof; generating statistical data and other machine learning data to be combined with generated statistical data and other machine learning data from other users by providing the anonymized data as input for machine learning; generating feedback from the statistical data and other machine learning data to be combined with generated statistical data and other machine learning data from other users; and updating the user profile using at least a portion of the provided data and the feedback according to the security protocol. Attached Figure Description

[0011] This disclosure will be more fully understood in light of the detailed description and the accompanying drawings of various embodiments of this disclosure given below.

[0012] Figures 1 to 3 An example networked system configured to implement secure deployment of user profiles in a vehicle via a security protocol, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0013] Figure 4 and 5 Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown that can be made by Figures 1 to 3 The flowcharts depict example operations performed by various aspects of a networked system. Detailed Implementation

[0014] At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein relate to the secure deployment of user profiles in vehicles via security protocols. As mentioned herein, the use of user profiles in vehicle systems such as vehicle infotainment systems and passenger comfort systems has become commonplace, especially in luxury vehicles. However, with this use of user profiles, information security becomes a significant issue. Furthermore, protecting information about vehicle users that can be shared over wireless networks can be complex. Therefore, deploying user profiles in vehicles requires addressing numerous technical challenges. An example solution to mitigating the technical challenges of deploying user profiles in vehicles is the use of security protocols as described herein.

[0015] For the purposes of this disclosure, a security protocol is a protocol or set of agreements for managing data processing in an electronic communication system. A security protocol can manage the types of data that a vehicle can use, store, and share, as well as the types of data that a mobile device or computing device can use, store, and share. Furthermore, a security protocol can manage the types of data that can be shared between a vehicle and a mobile device or computing device. For example, a security protocol can manage which parts of a user profile can be shared with the vehicle and its systems. Furthermore, a security protocol can manage the operations permitted for the vehicle to perform on information about the user (e.g., storing information for the user, anonymizing information for analysis or machine learning, using information for other users, feeding information back to the user profile, preventing the use of information, etc.). Furthermore, a security protocol can provide rules specifying which parts of the user profile the vehicle is allowed to use. A security protocol can provide standards for authorizing access to or use of information about the user and information from the user profile.

[0016] Similarly, security protocols can restrict the vehicle's computing system from retrieving information from user profiles. Furthermore, information from user profiles can be retrieved via data fields selected according to the security protocol. This selection based on the security protocol can block or allow access to data fields of the user profile, thereby controlling the types of information accessible within the user profile.

[0017] As mentioned, at least some embodiments disclosed herein relate to the secure deployment of user profiles in a vehicle via a security protocol. User profiles may contain aspects such as identity, preferences across different categories, and activity history across different categories. The security protocols disclosed herein may allow the deployment of selectively authorized portions of user profiles in a vehicle for the vehicle to use in providing personalized services to users. The protocols control which information in the user profile the vehicle can access, which information related to user activity in the vehicle can be propagated back to the user profile, and what information about user activity in the vehicle the vehicle can store.

[0018] The security protocol can also restrict the vehicle's computing system from propagating information back to the user profile, thereby limiting the vehicle's computing system's ability to add or modify data in the user profile and regulating the types of information the vehicle's computing system should propagate back to the user profile. Furthermore, information sent from the vehicle's main control module, powertrain control module, or another type of control module can be related to user activities within the vehicle. Additionally, information sent from the control modules can be stored in the vehicle's memory according to the security protocol, regulating the types of user-related information that the vehicle is allowed to store. Moreover, the types of information that the vehicle is permitted to store can include predetermined information types related to user activities within the vehicle.

[0019] Furthermore, at least some of the embodiments disclosed herein relate to vehicles that can be used to generate information about a user (e.g., information that may be part of a user profile).

[0020] In some embodiments, the example vehicle may include a body, a powertrain, vehicle electronics, and a computing system. The vehicle may have a user profile securely deployed therein according to a security protocol. The vehicle's computing system may be configured to retrieve information from the user profile according to the security protocol. The vehicle's computing system may also be configured to receive a request from the vehicle electronics for at least a portion of the retrieved information, and to send a portion of the retrieved information to the vehicle electronics according to the request and / or the security protocol. The vehicle's computing system may also be configured to propagate information sent from the vehicle electronics back to the user profile according to the security protocol. Furthermore, the vehicle's computing system may also be configured to store information sent from the vehicle electronics in its memory according to the security protocol.

[0021] In some embodiments, the vehicle's powertrain may be attached to the vehicle's body and / or chassis. The vehicle's powertrain may include an engine, suspension and steering systems, and a final drive unit. The final drive unit may include at least one of wheels, continuous tracks, propellers, reaction propulsion, or electric propulsion, or any combination thereof. The vehicle electronics of such vehicles may include electronics for the body or the powertrain, or any combination thereof.

[0022] At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein may be a networked system, include a networked system, or be part of a networked system, said networked system comprising computing devices, mobile devices, and vehicles and configured to securely deploy user profiles within the vehicles via security protocols. This system may include a vehicle, which at least includes a main body, a powertrain, vehicle electronics, and a computing system. The system may also include a mobile device that includes at least a user interface and a computing system. Furthermore, the system may include one or more computing devices (e.g., devices in cloud computing or peer-to-peer computing) capable of transmitting user profiles to a user's mobile device.

[0023] In some embodiments, the user interface (UI) of the mobile device may include any type of UI. Furthermore, the computing system of the mobile device may be configured to: receive a request from the vehicle for information in a user profile; send the information in the user profile to the vehicle according to a security protocol and the request; receive information transmitted from the vehicle's main control module or powertrain control module; and update the user profile using at least a portion of the information transmitted from the main control module or powertrain control module according to a security protocol.

[0024] Figures 1 to 3 An example networking system 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, which includes at least a vehicle and a computing device (e.g., see vehicles 102, 202 and 130, mobile devices 140 and 302 and computing device 150) and is configured to implement secure deployment of user profiles in the vehicle via a security protocol.

[0025] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the networking system 100 is networked via one or more communication networks 115. The communication networks described herein (e.g., communication network 115) may include at least, for example, local-to-device networks such as Bluetooth, wide-area networks (WANs), local-area networks (LANs), intranets, mobile wireless networks such as 4G or 5G, extranets, the Internet, and / or any combination thereof. Nodes of the networking system 100 (e.g., see vehicles 102, 202, and 130, mobile devices 140 and 302, and computing device 150) may each be part of a peer-to-peer network, client-server network, cloud computing environment, etc. Furthermore, any of the devices, computing devices, vehicles, sensors or cameras, and / or user interfaces described herein may comprise a type of computing system (e.g., see vehicle computing systems 104 and 204). The computing system may also include network interfaces to other devices in the LAN, intranet, extranet, and / or Internet. The computing system can also operate as a server or client machine in a client-server network environment, as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment, or as a server or client machine in a cloud computing infrastructure or environment.

[0026] And, as Figure 1-3As shown, the network system 100 can provide a communication channel between its nodes via network 115 according to security protocol 120. Security protocol 120 can be a protocol or a set of agreements, a subset of a protocol or a set of agreements, or a part of a protocol or a set of agreements that manages data processing in electronic communication systems, such as electronic communication systems within the network system 100. Security protocol 120 can manage data types that can be used, stored, and shared by vehicles within the network system 100, as well as data types that can be used, stored, and shared by mobile devices or computing devices within the network system 100. Furthermore, security protocol 120 can manage data types that can be shared between vehicles and mobile devices or computing devices within the network system 100. For example, the security protocol can manage which parts of a user profile can be shared with vehicles 102, 202, or 130 and their systems. Furthermore, security protocol 120 can manage operations allowed for vehicles to perform on information about users (e.g., storing information for users, anonymizing information for analysis or machine learning, using information for other users, feeding information back to the user profile, avoiding information use, etc.). Furthermore, security protocol 120 can provide rules specifying which parts of the user profile a vehicle is allowed to use. Security protocol 120 can provide standards for authorizing access to or use of information about the user and information from the user profile.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, system 100 may include at least vehicle 102, which includes vehicle computing system 104, main body 106 and controllable portion of the main body, powertrain system 108 and controllable portion of the powertrain system, main body control module 110, powertrain control module 112, and bus 114 connecting at least the vehicle computing system, main body control module, and powertrain control module. Furthermore, as shown, vehicle 102 is connected to network 115 via vehicle computing system 104. Also, as shown, vehicle 130, mobile device 140, and computing device 150 are connected to network 115. Therefore, they are communicatively coupled to vehicle 102. Bus 114 may include a controller area network bus (CAN bus) or other form of communication infrastructure in the vehicle, allowing devices such as microcontrollers to communicate with each other in the vehicle, such as via Ethernet. In some embodiments, bus 114 may include gateways in which vehicle device interaction is abstracted using application programming interfaces (APIs), for example, for security and safety.

[0028] Vehicle 102 includes vehicle electronics, including at least electronics for a controllable portion of body 106 and a controllable portion of powertrain 108. As shown, vehicle 102 includes a controllable portion of body 106, and such portions and subsystems are connected to body control module 110. The body includes at least a frame for supporting the powertrain. The vehicle chassis may be attached to the vehicle frame. The body may also include an interior for at least one driver or passenger. The interior may include seats. The controllable portion of body 106 may also include one or more power doors and / or one or more power windows. The body may also include any other known parts of the vehicle body. Furthermore, the controllable portion of body 106 may also include a convertible top, sunroof, power seats, and / or any other type of controllable portion of the vehicle body. Body control module 110 can control the controllable portion of body 106.

[0029] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, vehicle 102 also includes a controllable portion of powertrain 108. The controllable portion of powertrain 108, along with its parts and subsystems, is shown connected to powertrain control module 112. The controllable portion of powertrain 108 may include at least an engine, transmission, drive shaft, suspension and steering system, final drive unit, and powertrain electrical system. The final drive unit may include at least one of wheels, continuous tracks, propellers, reaction propulsion, or electric propulsion drive units, or any combination thereof. Powertrain 108 may also include any other known portions of a vehicle powertrain, and the controllable portion of the powertrain may include any other known controllable portions of the powertrain.

[0030] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, a vehicle (e.g., see vehicle 102 or 202) may include at least a body, a powertrain, a powertrain control module (e.g., see powertrain control module 112), and a vehicle computing system (e.g., see vehicle computing system 104). In such embodiments and other embodiments, the vehicle computing system (e.g., see vehicle computing system 104) may be configured to retrieve information from a user profile according to a security protocol (e.g., see security protocol 120). The vehicle computing system may also be configured to receive a request from the powertrain control module for at least a portion of the retrieved information. The vehicle computing system may also be configured to send a portion of the retrieved information to the powertrain control module according to a request from the powertrain control module. The vehicle computing system may also be configured to propagate information sent from the powertrain control module back to the user profile according to a security protocol. The vehicle computing system may also be configured to store the information sent from the powertrain control module in the vehicle computing system's memory (e.g., see memory 210 of computing system 204) according to a security protocol. Furthermore, in such embodiments and other embodiments, the powertrain control module may be configured to control a controllable portion of the powertrain based on a portion of the information retrieved from the user profile (e.g., see the controllable portion of powertrain 108).

[0031] Additionally, in such embodiments and other embodiments, the vehicle may include a main control module (e.g., see main control module 110), configured to control controllable portions of the main body (e.g., see controllable portions of main body 106). Furthermore, the vehicle computing system may be configured to receive a request from the main control module for at least a portion of retrieved information. The vehicle computing system may also be configured to send a second portion of the retrieved information to the main control module based on the request from the main control module. The vehicle computing system may also be configured to propagate information sent from the main control module back to the user profile according to a security protocol. Furthermore, the vehicle computing system may also be configured to store information sent from the main control module in the vehicle computing system's memory according to a security protocol. In such embodiments, the main control module may be configured to control the controllable portions of the main body based on the second portion of the retrieved information from the user profile.

[0032] In such and other embodiments, when the vehicle is used by a user, the vehicle computing system can be configured to: generate data about the user's use of the vehicle; and add the generated data to the user profile in accordance with a security protocol.

[0033] Furthermore, the vehicle computing system can be configured to anonymize at least a portion of the retrieved information from user profiles according to a security protocol, providing anonymized information as input for analysis. The analysis can include the analysis of data retrieved from multiple user profiles. The analysis can provide feedback to the user profiles according to the analysis and / or security protocol. Furthermore, the secure computing system can be configured to anonymize at least a portion of the retrieved information from user profiles according to a security protocol, providing anonymized information as input for machine learning, thereby generating statistical data and other machine learning information to be combined with the generated statistical data, as well as other machine learning information from other users. Machine learning can provide feedback to the user profiles according to the generated statistical data and other machine learning information and / or according to the security protocol.

[0034] In such and other embodiments, the user profile may include the user's identifier, the user's preferences in multiple categories, and the user's activity history associated with the multiple categories. The multiple categories may include the user's driving preferences, and the activity history may include a history of the user's driving activities. The multiple categories may include the user's driving preferences transmitted from vehicles and other sources, and the activity history may include a history of the user's driving activities transmitted from vehicles and other sources.

[0035] In some embodiments, computing system 104 may be configured to receive multiple data fields of a user's user profile from a mobile device (e.g., see mobile devices 140, 150, and 302) according to a security protocol. The multiple data fields may contain settings by the user for multiple components of a vehicle or another vehicle. The set of components of vehicle 102 may include components of the controllable portion of body 106, or components of the controllable portion of powertrain 108, or any combination thereof.

[0036] In some embodiments, the computing system 104 may be configured to identify settings of components of the vehicle 102 according to security protocol 120. The computing system 104 may also be configured to transmit the identified settings to a mobile device used by a user according to security protocol 120 to update a version of a user profile stored on the mobile device.

[0037] In some embodiments, the computing system 104 may include a central control module (CCM), a central timing module (CTM), and / or a general electronic module (GEM).

[0038] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the vehicle may include an electronic control unit (ECU), which is any embedded system of automotive electronics that controls one or more of the vehicle's electrical systems or subsystems. Types of ECUs may include engine control modules (ECMs), powertrain control modules (PCMs), transmission control modules (TCMs), brake control modules (BCMs or EBCMs), CCMs, CTMs, GEMs, body control modules (BCMs), suspension control modules (SCMs), door control units (DCUs), etc. ECUs may also include power steering control units (PSCUs), one or more human-machine interface (HMI) units, powertrain control modules (PCMs) that can function as at least ECMs and TCMs, seat control units, speed control units, remote control units, transmission control units, brake control modules, and battery management systems.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, system 100 may include at least vehicle 202, which includes at least vehicle computing system 204, a main body (not shown) with interior (not shown), powertrain (not shown), air conditioning control system (not shown), and infotainment system (not shown). Vehicle 202 may also include other vehicle components.

[0040] The computing system 204, which may have a similar structure and / or functionality to computing system 104, may be connected to a communication network 115, which may include at least a local-to-device network such as Bluetooth, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), an intranet, a mobile wireless network such as 4G or 5G, an extranet, the Internet, and / or any combination thereof. The computing system 204 may be a machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequentially or otherwise) specifying actions to be taken by the machine. Furthermore, although a single machine for computing system 204 is shown, it should also be understood that the term "machine" includes any collection of machines that individually or collectively execute a set of instructions (or multiple sets of instructions) to perform a method or operation. Furthermore, the computing system may include at least a bus (e.g., see bus 206) and / or a motherboard, one or more controllers (e.g., one or more CPUs, see controller 208), a main memory that may include temporary data storage devices (e.g., see memory 210), at least one type of network interface (e.g., see network interface 212), a storage system that may include permanent data storage devices (e.g., see storage system 214), and / or any combination thereof. In some multi-device embodiments, one device may perform some parts of the method described herein and then send the completed result to another device via a network, allowing the other device to continue with the other steps of the method described herein.

[0041] Figure 2An example portion of computing system 204 is also shown. Computing system 204 can be communicatively coupled to network 115, as illustrated. Computing system 204 includes at least bus 206, controller 208 (e.g., CPU), memory 210, network interface 212, data storage system 214, and other components 216 (which can be any type of component seen in mobile or computing devices, such as GPS components, I / O components (e.g., various types of user interface components), and sensors and cameras). Other components 216 may include one or more user interfaces (e.g., GUI, auditory user interface, haptic user interface, etc.), displays, different types of sensors, haptic, audio, and / or visual input / output devices, additional dedicated memory, one or more additional controllers (e.g., GPU), or any combination thereof. Bus 206 communicatively couples controller 208, memory 210, network interface 212, data storage system 214, and other components 216. The computing system 204 includes a computer system that includes at least a controller 208 communicating with each other via a bus 206 (which may include multiple buses), a memory 210 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) (e.g., synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) or Rambus DRAM (RDRAM)), static random access memory (SRAM), crosspoint memory, cross-switch memory, etc.), and a data storage system 214.

[0042] In some embodiments, computer system 204 may include an instruction set for causing the machine to perform any one or more methods discussed herein when executed. In such embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., networked via network interface 212) to other machines in a LAN, intranet, extranet, and / or the Internet (e.g., network 115). The machine may operate as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment or as a server or client machine in a client-server network environment as a server or client machine in a cloud computing infrastructure or environment.

[0043] Controller 208 represents one or more general-purpose processing devices, such as microprocessors, central processing units, etc. More specifically, the processing device may be a Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) microprocessor, a Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) microprocessor, a Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) microprocessor, a Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) microprocessor, a Multiple Instruction Multiple Data (MIMD) microprocessor, or a processor implementing other instruction sets, or a processor implementing a combination of instruction sets. Controller 208 may also be one or more special-purpose processing devices (e.g., ASICs), programmable logic (e.g., FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), network processors, etc. Controller 208 is configured to execute instructions for performing the operations and steps discussed herein. Controller 208 may further include network interface devices, such as network interface 212, for communication via one or more communication networks (e.g., network 115).

[0044] Data storage system 214 may include machine-readable storage media (also referred to as computer-readable media) on which one or more instruction sets or software embodying any one or more methods or functions described herein are stored. Data storage system 214 may be executable, for example, it may at least partially execute instructions residing in the data storage system. Instructions may also reside wholly or at least partially in memory 210 and / or controller 208 during their execution by a computer system, which also constitute machine-readable storage media. Memory 210 may be or include the main memory of system 204. Memory 210 may be executable, for example, it may at least partially execute instructions residing in memory.

[0045] Vehicle 202 may also include a main vehicle control module 220, a powertrain control module 222, a power steering control unit 224, a battery management system 226, and infotainment electronics 228 of an infotainment system, as well as a bus 218 connecting at least the vehicle computing system 204, the main vehicle control module, the powertrain control module, the power steering control unit, the battery management system, and the infotainment electronics. Furthermore, as shown, vehicle 202 is connected to network 115 via vehicle computing system 204. Also, as shown, vehicle 130 and mobile devices 140 and 150 are connected to network 115. Therefore, they are communicatively coupled to vehicle 202. Bus 218 may include a controller area network bus (CAN bus) or other forms of communication infrastructure in the vehicle, allowing devices such as microcontrollers to communicate with each other in the vehicle, such as via Ethernet. In some embodiments, bus 218 may include gateways in which vehicle device interaction is abstracted using application programming interfaces (APIs), for example, for security and safety.

[0046] As shown in the figure, vehicle 202 includes vehicle electronics, including at least electronics for the vehicle's main body and powertrain, as well as electronics for other components of the vehicle. From Figure 2 It can be inferred that vehicle 202 includes at least a main body, an interior of the main body (which may have seats and other interior furnishings), a powertrain, an air conditioning control system, and an infotainment system, since the corresponding electronic devices are shown as part of vehicle 202. The main body of vehicle 202 includes at least a frame to support the powertrain and the main electrical system. The chassis of vehicle 202 may be attached to the vehicle frame. The interior may also provide a seat for at least one driver or passenger. In other words, the interior may include one or more seats. The main body may also include one or more doors and / or one or more windows. The main body may also include any other known parts of a vehicle body. Furthermore, the powertrain may include any other known parts of a vehicle powertrain.

[0047] In some embodiments, the body of vehicle 202 may include doors and windows, and the interior of the body may include seats, an instrument panel, or a center console, or any combination thereof. The body and interior may also include, or vehicle 202 may also include, a passenger and driver comfort system having an air conditioning control system or a seat adjustment system, or any combination thereof. The body and interior may also include, or vehicle 202 may also include, an infotainment system (or a combination of infotainment systems). As shown, the vehicle electronics of vehicle 202 may include electronics for the interior, passenger and driver comfort systems, and infotainment systems. Furthermore, in such embodiments, the assembly of vehicle components may include interior components, passenger and driver comfort systems, or infotainment systems, or any combination thereof.

[0048] Since computing system 204 can be similar to computing system 104, it can be configured to perform at least the same functions as computing system 104.

[0049] In some embodiments, such as in vehicles 102 and 202, the powertrain may include a braking system, an exhaust system, a fuel supply system, or a transmission system, or any combination thereof.

[0050] In some embodiments, such as in vehicles 102 and 202, data transmission from the vehicle to the mobile device is performed via a protected and authenticated connection (e.g., via a protected and authenticated connection of network 115), and user profiles can be transmitted from the mobile device to the vehicle's computing system via a similar protected and authenticated connection. Furthermore, a protected and authenticated connection can be provided at least according to security protocol 120.

[0051] In some embodiments, the computing system 204 may include a central control module (CCM), a central timing module (CTM), and / or a general electronic module (GEM).

[0052] Furthermore, in some embodiments, vehicle 202 may include an electronic control unit (ECU), which is any embedded system of automotive electronics that controls one or more of the electrical systems or subsystems in the vehicle. Types of ECUs may include engine control modules (ECMs), powertrain control modules (PCMs), transmission control modules (TCMs), brake control modules (BCMs or EBCMs), CCMs, CTMs, GEMs, body control modules (BCMs), suspension control modules (SCMs), door control units (DCUs), etc. ECUs may also include power steering control units (PSCUs), one or more human-machine interface (HMI) units, powertrain control modules (PCMs) that can function as at least ECMs and TCMs, seat control units, speed control units, remote control units, transmission control units, brake control modules, and battery management systems.

[0053] In some embodiments, a user profile is associated with a user, multiple data fields relate to the user's driver preferences, and driver preferences may include one or more groups of settings for vehicle components, each group of settings for a specific vehicle product with a vehicle brand and model. Driver preferences may also include multiple user-inputted preferences, each of which is a general vehicle preference, a preference for a vehicle product, a preference for a vehicle model, or a preference for a vehicle brand. In such embodiments, each group of settings may include settings for the vehicle body, powertrain, chassis, vehicle electronics, vehicle interior, passenger and driver comfort systems, or vehicle information and entertainment systems, or any combination thereof. In such embodiments, each group of settings may include automated driving configurations.

[0054] In such embodiments, the preferences entered by multiple users may include driving mode preferences for at least one or any combination of vehicle products or vehicle models. Driving mode preferences may include preferences for at least one of the following for at least one or any combination of vehicle products or vehicle models: performance mode, fuel economy mode, traction mode, all-electric mode, hybrid mode, AWD mode, FWD mode, RWD mode, or 4WD mode, or any combination thereof.

[0055] like Figure 3As shown, system 100 may include at least mobile device 302. Mobile device 302, which may have a structure and / or functionality somewhat similar to computing system 104 or 204, may be connected to communication network 115. And therefore, they may be connected to vehicles 102, 202 and 130, as well as mobile device 140 and computing device 150.

[0056] Depending on the embodiment, mobile device 302 may be or include mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, IoT devices, smart TVs, smartwatches, glasses or other smart home appliances, in-vehicle infotainment systems, wearable smart devices, game consoles, PCs, digital cameras, or any combination thereof. As shown, mobile device 302 may be connected to communication network 115, which includes at least a local-to-device network such as Bluetooth, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), an intranet, a mobile wireless network such as 4G or 5G, an extranet, the Internet, and / or any combination thereof.

[0057] Each of the mobile devices or computing devices described herein may be, or be replaced by, a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular phone, a network appliance, a server, a network router, a switch, or a bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequentially or otherwise) specifying actions to be taken by said machine. The computing system of the vehicle described herein may be a machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequentially or otherwise) specifying actions to be taken by said machine.

[0058] Furthermore, although a single machine is shown for use in the computing systems and mobile devices described herein, it should also be understood that the term "machine" includes any collection of machines that individually or collectively execute instruction sets (or multiple instruction sets) to perform any one or more methods or operations discussed herein. Moreover, each of the illustrated mobile devices may each include at least a bus and / or motherboard, one or more controllers (e.g., one or more CPUs), main memory that may contain transient data storage devices, at least one type of network interface, a storage system that may contain permanent data storage devices, and / or any combination thereof. In some multi-device embodiments, one device may perform some parts of the methods described herein and then send the completed results via a network to another device, allowing the other device to continue with the remaining steps of the methods described herein.

[0059] Figure 3Example portions of a mobile device 302 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are also shown. As shown, the mobile device 302 may be communicatively coupled to a network 115. The mobile device 302 includes at least a bus 306, a controller 308 (e.g., a CPU), a memory 310, a network interface 312, a data storage system 314, and other components 316 (which may be any type of component seen in mobile or computing devices, such as GPS components, I / O components (e.g., various types of user interface components), and sensors and cameras). The other components 316 may include one or more user interfaces (e.g., GUI, auditory user interface, haptic user interface, etc.), a display, different types of sensors, haptic, audio, and / or visual input / output devices, additional dedicated memory, one or more additional controllers (e.g., GPU), or any combination thereof. The bus 306 communicatively couples the controller 308, memory 310, network interface 312, data storage system 314, and other components 316. The mobile device 302 includes a computer system that includes at least a controller 308 communicating with each other via a bus 306 (which may include multiple buses), a memory 310 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM) (e.g., synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) or Rambus DRAM (RDRAM)), static random access memory (SRAM), crosspoint memory, cross-switch memory, etc.), and a data storage system 314.

[0060] in other words, Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a mobile device 302 having a computer system operable in embodiments of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the computer system may include an instruction set for causing the machine to perform some of the methods discussed herein when the instruction set is executed. In such embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., networked via network interface 312) to other machines in a LAN, intranet, extranet, and / or the Internet (e.g., network 115). The machine may operate as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment or as a server or client machine in a client-server network environment as a server or client machine in a cloud computing infrastructure or environment.

[0061] Controller 308 represents one or more general-purpose processing devices, such as microprocessors, central processing units, etc. More specifically, the processing device may be a Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) microprocessor, a Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) microprocessor, a Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) microprocessor, a Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) microprocessor, a Multiple Instruction Multiple Data (MIMD) microprocessor, or a processor implementing other instruction sets, or a processor implementing a combination of instruction sets. Controller 308 may also be one or more special-purpose processing devices (e.g., ASICs), programmable logic (e.g., FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), network processors, etc. Controller 308 is configured to execute instructions for performing the operations and steps discussed herein. Controller 308 may further include network interface devices, such as network interface 312, for communication via one or more communication networks (e.g., network 115).

[0062] Data storage system 314 may include machine-readable storage media (also referred to as computer-readable media) on which one or more instruction sets or software embodying any one or more methods or functions described herein are stored. Data storage system 314 may be executable, for example, it may at least partially execute instructions residing in the data storage system. Instructions may also be wholly or at least partially residing in memory 310 and / or controller 308 during their execution by a computer system, which also constitute machine-readable storage media. Memory 310 may be or include the main memory of means 304. Memory 310 may be executable, for example, it may at least partially execute instructions residing in memory.

[0063] Although the memory, controller, and data storage portions are shown as separate portions in the example embodiments, each portion should be considered as containing one or more portions capable of storing instructions and performing their respective operations. The term "machine-readable storage medium" should also be considered as including any medium capable of storing or encoding a set of instructions for machine execution and causing a machine to perform any one or more of the methods of this disclosure. Therefore, the term "machine-readable storage medium" should be considered to include, but is not limited to, solid-state memories, optical media, and magnetic media.

[0064] like Figure 3As shown, mobile device 302 may include a user interface (e.g., see other components 316). The user interface may be configured to provide a graphical user interface (GUI), a haptic user interface, or an auditory user interface, or any combination thereof. For example, the user interface may be or include a display connected to at least one of a wearable structure, a computing device, or a camera, or any combination thereof (which may also be part of mobile device 302), and the display may be configured to provide a GUI. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein may include one or more user interfaces of any type, including haptic UI (touch), visual UI (gaze), auditory UI (sound), olfactory UI (odor), balance UI (balance), and gustatory UI (taste).

[0065] And, as Figure 3 As shown, mobile device 302 may include a computing system (e.g., see bus 306, controller 308, memory 310, network interface 312, and storage system 314, which are all components of the computing system). The computing system of mobile device 302 may be configured to receive requests for information in a user profile from the vehicle. The computing system of mobile device 302 may also be configured to send information in the user profile to the vehicle according to a security protocol and request. The computing system of mobile device 302 may also be configured to receive information transmitted from the vehicle's main control module or powertrain control module. Furthermore, the computing system of mobile device 302 may also be configured to update the user profile using at least a portion of the information transmitted from the main control module or powertrain control module according to a security protocol.

[0066] Figure 4 Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown that can be derived from... Figures 1 to 3 The flowchart illustrates example operations of method 400 performed by various aspects of a networked system. For example, method 400 may be performed by a computing system and / or Figures 1 to 3 Perform any other parts of the vehicle depicted.

[0067] exist Figure 4 In this method, 400 begins at step 402, where the vehicle (e.g., see vehicles 102 and 202) retrieves information from a user profile according to a security protocol (e.g., see security protocol 120). For example, step 402 may include the vehicle's computing system (e.g., see computing systems 104 and 204) retrieving information from a mobile device (e.g., see mobile devices 140 and 302) according to a security protocol.

[0068] At step 404a, method 400 continues, with the vehicle or its computing system receiving a request for at least a portion of the retrieved information from the main control module. At step 404b, method 400 continues, with the vehicle or its computing system receiving a request for at least a portion of the retrieved information from the powertrain control module. At step 404c, method 400 continues, with the vehicle or its computing system receiving a request for at least a portion of the retrieved information from another control module that is neither the main control module nor the powertrain control module. Step 404c illustrates that control modules of many types of vehicles can send requests for at least a portion of the retrieved information, and the vehicle or its computing system can receive this request for at least a portion of the retrieved information from any type of control module of the vehicle.

[0069] At step 406a, method 400 continues, with the vehicle or its computing system sending a first portion of the retrieved information to the main control module based on a request from the main control module. At step 406b, method 400 continues, with the vehicle or its computing system sending a second portion of the retrieved information to the powertrain control module based on a request from the powertrain control module. At step 406c, method 400 continues, with the vehicle or its computing system sending another portion of the retrieved information to a control module that is neither the main control module nor the powertrain control module based on a request from a control module that is neither the main control module nor the powertrain control module. Step 406c illustrates that control modules of many types of vehicles can receive this other portion of the retrieved information, and that the vehicle or its computing system can send such information to any type of control module of the vehicle. The transmissions at steps 406a, 406c, and 406c can also be based on a security protocol.

[0070] At step 408, method 400 continues, whereby information sent by the vehicle or its computing system from the main control module, powertrain control module, and / or any other type of control module is propagated back to the user profile according to a security protocol. For example, step 408 may include propagating information sent by the vehicle or its computing system from the main control module back to the user profile at the mobile device according to a security protocol.

[0071] At step 410, method 400 continues, storing information sent from the main control module, powertrain control module and / or any other type of control module in the vehicle's memory according to a security protocol.

[0072] Figure 4(Not shown) Method 400 may include controlling a controllable portion of the main body by a main control module based on a first portion of information retrieved from a user configuration file. Furthermore, method 400 may include controlling a controllable portion of the powertrain system by a powertrain control module based on a second portion of information retrieved from a user configuration file. Additionally, method 400 may include controlling a corresponding controllable portion by another type of vehicle control module based on another portion of information retrieved from a user configuration file. Furthermore, (not shown) method 400 may include generating data about user usage of the vehicle by the vehicle or its computing system when the vehicle is used by a user, and adding the generated data to the user configuration file by the vehicle or its computing system according to a security protocol.

[0073] In some embodiments, method 400 may include anonymizing at least a portion of retrieved information from user profiles according to a security protocol to provide anonymized information as input for analysis, and the analysis may include analysis of data retrieved from multiple user profiles. Method 400 may also include providing feedback to the analysis of user profiles according to a security protocol. Method 400 may also include anonymizing at least a portion of retrieved information from user profiles according to a security protocol to provide anonymized information as input for machine learning, thereby generating statistical data and other machine learning information to be combined with the generated statistical data, as well as other machine learning information from other users. Method 400 may also include providing feedback to the machine learning of user profiles according to a security protocol.

[0074] In such and other embodiments, the user profile may include the user's identifier, the user's preferences across multiple categories, and the user's activity history associated with those categories. The multiple categories may include the user's driving preferences, and the activity history may include a record of the user's driving activities.

[0075] A powertrain assembly may include couplings between a chassis, engine assembly, suspension and steering assembly, final drive unit, and powertrain electrical system. In vehicles equipped with internal combustion engine machinery, the powertrain assembly may include an ignition system, engine, and transmission assembly. The powertrain assembly may also include related components for controlling the electrical system, as seen in hybrid and electric vehicles such as hybrid electric vehicles or electric vehicles. For example, the powertrain assembly may include power electronics for controlling the main propulsion motor and managing the battery system. Furthermore, the powertrain assembly may include electronics for propelling and controlling the autonomous vehicle. In some embodiments, the powertrain and its components may include an engine, suspension and steering system, and a final drive unit. The final drive unit may include at least one of wheels, continuous tracks, propellers, reaction propulsion, or electric propulsion drive units, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, in such and other embodiments, vehicle electronics may include electronics for the powertrain.

[0076] In some embodiments, including those described with respect to methods 400 and 500, a user profile may be associated with a user, and multiple data fields may be related to the user's driver preferences. Driver preferences may include one or more groups of settings for vehicle components. Each group of settings may be for a specific vehicle product with a vehicle brand and model. Furthermore, driver preferences may include multiple user-inputted preferences. Each of the multiple user-inputted preferences may be a general vehicle preference, a preference for a vehicle product, a preference for a vehicle model, or a preference for a vehicle brand.

[0077] Furthermore, each group within the settings can contain settings for the vehicle body, powertrain, chassis, vehicle electronics, vehicle interior, passenger and driver comfort systems, or vehicle information and entertainment systems, or any combination thereof. Each group within the settings can also contain automated driving configurations. For example, each group within the settings can contain settings for configurations and preferences related to various levels of automation according to SAE. Each group within the settings can contain settings for: no automation preference or configuration (Level 0), driver assistance preference or configuration (Level 1), partial automation preference or configuration (Level 2), conditional automation preference or configuration (Level 3), high automation preference or configuration (Level 4), or full preference or configuration (Level 5).

[0078] In some embodiments, it should be understood that steps 402 to 410 can be implemented as a continuous process, for example, each step can run independently by monitoring input data, performing an operation, and outputting data to subsequent steps. Furthermore, steps 402 to 410 can be implemented as a discrete event process, for example, each step can be triggered by an event that it should trigger and produce a specific output. It should also be understood that... Figure 4 The simplest method among the potentially more complex methods of representing a computer system is more than partially presented in Figures 1 to 3 The methods used in [the text] are more complex. Therefore, Figure 4 The steps described herein can be fed into and combined with other steps associated with more complex methods for more complex systems.

[0079] Figure 5 Some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown that can be derived from... Figures 1 to 3 The flowchart illustrates an example operation of method 500, which describes various aspects of a networked system. For example, method 500 may be performed by... Figures 1 to 3 Method 500 can be executed by any mobile device depicted herein. Furthermore, method 500 can be executed by another type of computing device, such as an IoT device, smart TV, smartwatch, glasses or other smart home appliances, in-vehicle information system, wearable smart device, game console, PC, digital camera, or any combination thereof.

[0080] exist Figure 5 In this method 500, method 500 begins at step 502, where a mobile device (e.g., see mobile device 302) retrieves a user profile from at least one other computing device (e.g., see computing device 150) via a network (e.g., see network 115). The retrieval at step 502 can be based on a security profile (e.g., security profile 120). At step 504, method 500 continues, where the mobile device receives a request for information in the user profile from a vehicle (e.g., see vehicles 102, 202, and 130). At step 506, method 500 continues, where the mobile device sends the information in the user profile to the vehicle according to a security protocol (e.g., see security protocol 120) and the request. At step 508, method 500 continues, where the mobile device receives information transmitted from the main control module, powertrain control module, and / or another type of control module of the vehicle. At step 510, method 500 continues, whereby the mobile device updates the user profile using at least a portion of information propagated from the main control module, powertrain control module, and / or other types of vehicle control modules according to a security protocol. At step 512, method 500 continues, whereby the mobile device sends the updated user profile to at least one other computing device.

[0081] In some embodiments, it should be understood that steps 502 to 512 can be implemented as a continuous process, for example, each step can run independently by monitoring input data, performing an operation, and outputting data to subsequent steps. Furthermore, steps 502 to 512 can be implemented as a discrete event process, for example, each step can be triggered by an event that it should trigger and produce a specific output. It should also be understood that... Figure 5 The simplest method among the potentially more complex methods of representing a computer system is more than partially presented in Figures 1 to 3 The methods used in [the text] are more complex. Therefore, Figure 5 The steps described herein can be fed into and combined with other steps associated with more complex methods for more complex systems.

[0082] User profile information can be manually generated via a UI where the user inputs one or more vehicle configurations / preferences, and / or vehicle user profile information can be automatically generated via sensors on a mobile device, feedback from automotive electronics or the vehicle's computing device, or feedback from user profile information related to vehicle preferences and configurations collected from other sources, such as preferences shown on the Internet or social media. For example, a user online showing an interest in sports cars might typically have a vehicle user profile with a preference for sport or performance driving modes. On the other hand, a user online showing an interest in fuel economy or cost savings might typically have a vehicle user profile with a preference for fuel economy modes. And, for example, a user who wants to maintain a passenger environment of approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit might have a profile showing a preference for 70 degrees. This preference for 70 degrees might also come from non-vehicle sources, such as the user's home HVAC controller. It is conceivable that configurations / preferences are very diverse, and the ways to generate them are also varied.

[0083] Configuration and preference information may involve adjusting the vehicle via automotive electronics (e.g., adjusting the transmission, engine, chassis, passenger environment, safety features, etc., via appropriate automotive electronics). Configuration and preference information may also involve driving configurations and preferences. According to SAE, configuration and preference information may involve different levels of automation. This information may involve no automation preference or configuration (Level 0), driver assistance preference or configuration (Level 1), partial automation preference or configuration (Level 2), conditional automation preference or configuration (Level 3), high automation preference or configuration (Level 4), or full preference or configuration (Level 5).

[0084] Preference information may include driving mode preferences, such as Sport or Performance mode, Fuel Economy mode, Traction mode, All-Electric mode, Hybrid mode, AWD mode, FWD mode, RWD mode, 4WD mode, etc. Modes may be specific or generic. For example, a user might prefer a specific Sport mode from a particular car manufacturer. Or, for example, a user might generally prefer Fuel Economy mode over Performance or Sport mode.

[0085] On the other hand, configuration information can include specific transmission, engine, and chassis configurations for users of one or more vehicles. Configuration information can be based on preference information. Furthermore, the configuration information can be used to adjust various parts of the vehicle via corresponding electronic components.

[0086] Preferences / configurations from user profiles may also involve preferences / configurations for in-vehicle entertainment systems, car navigation systems, passenger comfort systems, electronic integrated cockpit systems, etc.

[0087] It should be understood that, unless otherwise specified, the vehicle described herein can be of any type. A vehicle can include automobiles, trucks, boats, and aircraft, as well as vehicles or vehicle equipment used for military, construction, agricultural, or recreational purposes. Electronic devices used by a vehicle, vehicle parts, or the driver or passengers of a vehicle can be considered vehicle electronics. Vehicle electronics can include electronics for engine management, ignition, radio, onboard computers, onboard information services, onboard entertainment systems, and other parts of the vehicle. Vehicle electronics can be used in conjunction with or through ignition and engine and transmission controls found in vehicles equipped with internal combustion-powered machinery, such as gasoline-powered automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, boats, aircraft, military vehicles, forklifts, tractors, and excavators. Furthermore, vehicle electronics can be used by or in conjunction with related components to control electrical systems found in hybrid and electric vehicles, such as hybrid electric vehicles or electric vehicles. For example, electric vehicles can use power electronics to control the main propulsion motor and manage the battery system. Furthermore, autonomous vehicles rely almost entirely on vehicle electronics.

[0088] Some parts of the previously described descriptions have been presented regarding the algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means by which those skilled in the art of data processing most effectively communicate the essence of their work to others skilled in the art. Algorithms are, and generally are, considered as a self-consistent sequence of operations that produce the desired result. These operations are those requiring physical manipulation of physical quantities. These quantities are typically, but not necessarily, in the form of electrical or magnetic signals that can be stored, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. Sometimes, primarily for general reasons, it has proven convenient to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, quantities, etc.

[0089] However, it should be remembered that all these and similar terms should be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient notations applied to those quantities. This disclosure can refer to the actions and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulate data represented as physical (electronic) quantities in the registers and memories of the computer system and transform said data into other data similarly represented as physical quantities in the computer system's memory or registers or other such information storage systems.

[0090] This disclosure also relates to an apparatus for performing the operations described herein. This apparatus may be specifically constructed for its intended purpose, or it may comprise a general-purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in a computer. Such a computer program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as any type of disk, including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs and magneto-optical disks, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic cards or optical cards, or any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions, each coupled to a computer system bus.

[0091] The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other device. Various general-purpose systems can be used with the programs taught herein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized devices to execute the methods. Structures for these various systems are presented as described below. Furthermore, no particular programming language is referenced in describing this disclosure. It should be understood that the teachings of this disclosure as described herein can be implemented using various programming languages.

[0092] This disclosure can be provided as a computer program product or software, which may include a machine-readable medium on which instructions are stored for programming a computer system (or other electronic device) to perform processes according to this disclosure. The machine-readable medium includes any mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). In some embodiments, the machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) medium includes machine-readable storage media, such as read-only memory (“ROM”), random access memory (“RAM”), disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory components, etc.

[0093] In the foregoing description, embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will be apparent that various modifications can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the embodiments set forth in the appended claims. Therefore, the description and drawings should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A system for implementing secure deployment of user profiles in a vehicle, comprising: At least one processing device; as well as A memory containing instructions configured to instruct the at least one processing device: Data from the user profile is received via a network connection according to a protocol for exchanging data containing personal information; Anonymize at least a portion of the data received from the user profile in accordance with the protocol; Receive a request for at least a portion of the received data from a device located on the vehicle; In response to a received request, a portion of the received data is sent to the device; After sending the portion of the received data to the device, additional data is received from the device; The additional data is transmitted for addition to the user profile in accordance with the protocol; By providing anonymized data as input for machine learning, statistical data and other machine learning data are generated to be combined with statistics generated by other users and other machine learning data; Feedback is generated from statistical data and other machine learning data generated from data to be combined with statistical data from other users; as well as The additional data and feedback from the device are written to the first memory according to the protocol.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the device is a powertrain control module configured to control a portion of the vehicle's powertrain system based on a portion of the received data from the user profile.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the portion of the received data is a first portion, the system comprising a main control module configured to control the main body of the vehicle, and wherein the instructions are configured to instruct the at least one processing device: Receive a request from the main control module for at least a portion of the received data from the user configuration file; In response to the request from the main control module, a second portion of the received data from the user configuration file is sent to the main control module; Data is transmitted from the main control module for addition to the user configuration file according to the protocol; as well as Data from the main control module is written to the first memory according to the protocol.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the main control module is configured to control a portion of the main body according to the second portion of the received data from the user profile.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the instructions are configured to instruct the at least one processing device when the vehicle is used by a user: Generate data about the user's use of the vehicle; and The generated data is added to the user profile according to the protocol.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the received data from the user profile is anonymized according to the protocol to provide anonymized data as input for analysis, and wherein the input for analysis comprises data received from multiple user profiles.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The user profile includes at least one of the user's identifier, the user's preferences in multiple categories, or the user's activity history associated with the multiple categories; The multiple categories include the user's driving preferences; and The activity history includes the user's driving activity history.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the plurality of categories includes the user's driving preferences transmitted from the vehicle and other sources, and wherein the activity history includes a history of the user's driving activities transmitted from the vehicle and other sources.

9. A method for implementing secure deployment of user profiles in a vehicle, comprising: Data associated with the user of the vehicle is received via a network connection in accordance with a protocol for exchanging data containing personal information; Anonymize at least a portion of the data received from the user profile in accordance with the protocol; Receive a request for at least a portion of the data from a device located on the vehicle; In response to the request, a portion of the data is sent to the device located on the vehicle; Receive additional data associated with the user of the vehicle from the device located on the vehicle; The additional data is transmitted via the network connection in accordance with the protocol; By providing anonymized data as input for machine learning, statistical data and other machine learning data are generated to be combined with statistics generated by other users and other machine learning data; Feedback is generated from statistical data and other machine learning data generated from data to be combined with statistical data from other users; as well as The additional data and feedback are written to the vehicle's memory according to the protocol to standardize the stored information about the user.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the device located on the vehicle is a main control module, and the method includes a portion of the main control module controlling the main body of the vehicle based on a portion of the data being transmitted.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the portion of the data transmitted to the device is a first portion, the method comprising: Receive a request from the powertrain control module for at least a portion of the data associated with the user; In response to the request from the powertrain control module, a second portion of the data associated with the user is sent to the powertrain control module; According to the protocol, the data sent from the power system control module will be transmitted to the user configuration file; as well as According to the protocol, the transmitted data sent from the powertrain control module will be written to the vehicle's memory.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising a portion of the vehicle's powertrain controlled by the powertrain control module based on the second portion of the data.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising: When the vehicle is used by a user, data about the user's use of the vehicle is generated; as well as The generated data is added to the user profile according to the protocol.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein at least a portion of the data associated with the user is anonymized according to the protocol to provide anonymized data as input for analysis, wherein the analysis includes analysis of data received from multiple user profiles.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the analysis is used to provide feedback via the user profile according to the protocol.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein: The user profile includes the user's identifier, the user's preferences in multiple categories, or the user's activity history associated with the multiple categories; The multiple categories include the user's driving preferences; and The activity history includes the user's driving activity history.

17. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions executable by a processor to perform a method, the method comprising: The mobile device receives a request from the vehicle for data in the user profile. In response to the request, data from the user profile is sent to the vehicle according to the security protocol; At least a portion of the data from the user profile is anonymized according to the protocol; Receive data from the vehicle's main control module or powertrain control module, or any combination thereof; By providing anonymized data as input for machine learning, statistical data and other machine learning data are generated to be combined with statistics generated by other users and other machine learning data; Feedback is generated from statistical data and other machine learning data generated from data to be combined with statistical data from other users; as well as The user profile is updated according to the security protocol using at least a portion of the provided data and the feedback.

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