Standby communication system and method for remote control of vehicle-mounted TBox

Abstract

According to the invention, the normal use of the remote control function is ensured by adding the standby channel under the condition that the vehicle is not provided with the network and connecting the private cloud of the vehicle factory based on the L2TP + IPSec mode to carry out the service. Through the technical scheme of dynamically switching to the mobile hotspot and establishing the VPN tunnel, the connection problem of the traditional TBox in a network coverage blind area is effectively solved. The method has the advantages that the function availability of the vehicle in the weak network environment is improved; the data transmission security is ensured through VPN encryption; the system is compatible with various mobile devices capable of providing internet access, and is high in implementation flexibility; and the user experience and the intelligent management level of the vehicle are obviously improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automobile remote control, and in particular to a backup communication system and method for vehicle-mounted TBox remote control. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of intelligent connected vehicles, the in-vehicle TBox, as the core communication unit between the vehicle and cloud services, requires constant network connectivity. Most mass-produced vehicles currently use a built-in eSIM module, dialing into the manufacturer's private cloud platform via a specific APN on the carrier's cellular network. Typical application scenarios include remote vehicle control (door locks, air conditioning, charging), real-time status monitoring, OTA updates, and fault diagnosis.

[0003] The shortcomings of existing technologies include limited network coverage, signal blind spots in underground parking lots, remote areas and other scenarios. Industry statistics show that about 15% of car usage scenarios are affected. In some locations, the SIM card operator network of the vehicle cannot cover them, but when other operator networks can cover them, the vehicle still cannot connect to the Internet; the emergency plan is flawed. When some models have no network, local caching is used and synchronization is performed after the network is restored. This solution cannot meet real-time control needs and there is a problem of data lag. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is the connection problem of TBox in the blind area of ​​primary network coverage.

[0005] The present invention adds a backup channel when the vehicle is off-network, and connects to the private cloud of the vehicle manufacturer based on the L2TP+IPSec mode to ensure the normal use of the remote control function.

[0006] The present invention provides a backup communication system for vehicle-mounted TBox remote control, comprising: The TBox monitors the carrier network in real time. When the carrier network is unavailable, it triggers a backup connection mechanism, connects to the mobile hotspot, and then automatically initiates a VPN connection request to the car manufacturer's server, using the L2TP + IPSEC solution to establish a VPN tunnel. MIFI is used to enable the hotspot function. When the current network condition is poor, the Wi-Fi network configuration is completed on the vehicle side, so that the TBox can access the mobile hotspot. The car factory server VPN system is used to accept VPN connection requests from TBox and establish a VPN tunnel by using the L2TP + IPSEC solution.

[0007] Furthermore, after the VPN tunnel is established, the TBox transmits encrypted data through the VPN tunnel, and users can perform remote control functions or use real-time status monitoring and fault diagnosis functions.

[0008] Furthermore, the in-vehicle human-computer interaction interface is used to send a prompt to the user that the current network condition is poor and suggest the user to connect to an alternative network via Wi-Fi.

[0009] A further alternative communication method for vehicle-mounted TBox remote control includes the following steps: When TBox detects in real time that the operator network is unavailable, it triggers the backup connection mechanism; After the TBox is connected to the mobile hotspot, it automatically initiates a VPN connection request with the car manufacturer's server, using the L2TP + IPSEC solution to ensure data security and establish a VPN tunnel; After the VPN tunnel is established, TBox transmits encrypted data through the VPN tunnel, and users can perform remote control operations or use real-time status monitoring and fault diagnosis functions.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes: TBox sends a reminder to the user through the in-vehicle human-computer interaction interface that the current network condition is poor, and recommends that the user connect to an alternative network via Wi-Fi.

[0011] The user uses a SIM card of an operator with signal coverage in MIFI, enables the hotspot function, completes the Wi-Fi network configuration on the car side, and enables the TBox to access the mobile hotspot.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes: TBox sends prompts to users on the vehicle screen through the vehicle human-computer interaction interface; The user searches for the MIFI hotspot name in the car's Wi-Fi settings interface and enters the correct password to complete the connection; The car interface displays the progress of the TBox initiating the VPN connection.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes: TBox sends reminders to users via voice prompts through the vehicle's human-computer interaction interface and suggests turning on the mobile hotspot; The user manually enters the name and password of the MIFI hotspot on the car computer to complete the Wi-Fi network configuration; During the process of establishing a VPN tunnel, TBox will try to connect multiple times due to unstable network to ensure that the VPN tunnel is successfully established.

[0014] The present invention also includes a car factory server VPN system, which is used to accept the VPN connection request of the TBox, use the L2TP + IPSEC solution to ensure data security, and establish a VPN tunnel.

[0015] The present invention also includes a vehicle data encryption transmission system based on a VPN tunnel, comprising: The vehicle-side device is installed on the vehicle and is used to collect various parameters of the vehicle, encrypt the collected data, and transmit the encrypted data to the VPN server through the VPN tunnel; The VPN server, as a data transfer node, receives encrypted data sent by the vehicle-side device and forwards it to the vehicle manufacturer's server; The car factory server receives the encrypted data from the VPN server, decrypts and analyzes it, implements real-time vehicle status monitoring and fault diagnosis functions, and feeds back the diagnosis results to the user; The vehicle-side device includes: Data acquisition module, used to collect various vehicle parameters, such as speed and fuel consumption; Encryption module, which uses a pre-set encryption algorithm to encrypt the collected data; The VPN client module is used to establish a connection with a VPN server and transmit encrypted data to the VPN server through a VPN tunnel.

[0016] The VPN server adopts a secure protocol and uses L2TP + IPSEC solution to manage VPN connections and ensure the stability and security of data transmission; The vehicle factory server includes: A decryption module decrypts the received encrypted data using the same encryption key as the vehicle-end device; The data analysis module analyzes and processes the decrypted data to realize real-time vehicle status monitoring and fault diagnosis functions; The client interface module provides an interface for users to access vehicle status information and fault diagnosis results.

[0017] This invention effectively solves the connectivity issues of traditional TBoxes in network coverage blind spots by dynamically switching to mobile hotspots and establishing VPN tunnels. Advantages include improved vehicle usability in weak network environments; secure data transmission through VPN encryption; compatibility with all mobile devices that provide internet access, providing greater flexibility; and significantly improving user experience and intelligent vehicle management. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the system operation structure of the present invention. Specific implementation methods The following is an explanation of the terms of the present invention: A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a tunneling technology used to create secure network connections and protect data transmission over the internet. Its primary function is to establish a private network over a public network for encrypted communications. It is widely used in enterprise networks. A VPN gateway enables remote access by encrypting data packets and translating their destination addresses.

[0019] VPN types mainly include the following: 1. PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol): PPTP is one of the oldest VPN protocols. While it's easy to set up, it's less secure. It uses weak encryption and is vulnerable to attacks, so it's no longer recommended for scenarios that require high security.

[0020] 2. L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol): L2TP itself does not provide encryption, but achieves security by working with IPsec. It offers good security and data integrity, making it the preferred choice for many businesses and individual users.

[0021] 3. IPsec (Internet Protocol Security): IPsec is a framework that provides encryption and authentication in the Internet Protocol layer. It can be used in conjunction with protocols such as L2TP and GRE to provide a high level of security.

[0022] 4. GRE (Generic Routing Encapsulation): GRE is a protocol for encapsulating and transmitting data packets without providing encryption. It is commonly used to transmit non-IP protocol packets in VPN connections.

[0023] 5. OpenVPN: OpenVPN is a VPN protocol based on open source technology that uses SSL / TLS for encryption, providing very high security and flexibility. It supports multiple encryption algorithms and is currently one of the most popular VPN protocols.

[0024] 7. VXLAN (Advanced Virtual LAN): VXLAN is a network virtualization technology primarily used to support virtual networks across multiple physical switches in data center environments. While it has potential for VPN applications, it is not commonly used in traditional VPN applications. The following describes several preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings to clarify and facilitate understanding of the technical content. The present invention can be embodied in many different forms, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0025] TBox: A TBox (Telematics Box) is an in-vehicle communication module used to connect a vehicle to external networks. It typically includes components such as a GPS positioning system, a wireless communication interface, and a microcontroller. It can monitor the vehicle's operating status in real time and exchange data with other devices.

[0026] MIFI: MiFi (Mobile Wi-Fi) is a portable broadband wireless device about the size of a credit card that combines the functions of a modem, router, and access point. The built-in modem connects to a wireless signal, and the internal router shares the connection among multiple users and wireless devices.

[0027] SIM: SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card is an IC card held by mobile users of the GSM system, called "Subscriber Identity Module".

[0028] IPSec: IPsec (Internet Protocol Security, abbreviated as IPsec, Internet Security Protocol) is a protocol package that protects the IP protocol network transmission protocol suite (a collection of interrelated protocols) by encrypting and authenticating IP protocol packets. L2TP: Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) is a virtual tunneling protocol commonly used in virtual private networks (VPNs). L2TP itself does not provide encryption or authenticity verification, but can be used in conjunction with a security protocol to achieve encrypted data transmission. IPsec is a common encryption protocol used with L2TP. When these two protocols are used together, they are collectively referred to as L2TP / IPsec.

[0029] Example 1, as Figure 1 As shown, 1. TBox monitors the current network status in real time and triggers the backup connection mechanism when it detects that the operator network is unavailable; 2. TBox sends a prompt to the user through the in-vehicle human-computer interaction interface, suggesting that they connect to an alternative network via Wi-Fi; 3. The user follows the prompts to enable the hotspot function on the mobile device and complete the Wi-Fi network configuration on the vehicle. 4. After the TBox successfully connects to the mobile hotspot, it automatically initiates a VPN connection request to the car manufacturer's server (using L2TP+IPSec to ensure data security); 5. After the VPN tunnel is established, TBox encrypts data transmission through the VPN tunnel; 6. Users can use car networking functions such as remote control and scheduled charging normally.

[0030] Example 2: Underground parking lot scenario In underground parking lots, some carrier network signals may not be covered due to obstruction by building structures. When a vehicle enters an underground parking lot and the TBox detects that the carrier network is unavailable in real time, it immediately triggers the backup connection mechanism.

[0031] The TBox uses the vehicle's human-computer interface to alert users of poor network conditions and recommends connecting to an alternative network via Wi-Fi. For example, a prominent notification box might pop up on the vehicle's screen, stating, "The current network signal is weak. We recommend turning on mobile hotspot to connect to another carrier's network."

[0032] After seeing the prompt, the user can use a SIM card from another carrier with coverage in MIFI, enable the hotspot function, and then follow the prompts to complete the Wi-Fi network configuration on the car computer. For example, the user can search for the hotspot name on their phone in the car computer's Wi-Fi settings interface and enter the correct password to complete the connection.

[0033] After the TBox successfully connects to the mobile hotspot, it automatically initiates a VPN connection request to the car manufacturer's server, using the L2TP + IPSEC solution to ensure data security. During this process, the car interface can display the connection progress to let users know the connection status.

[0034] After the VPN tunnel is established, the TBox encrypts data transmission through the VPN tunnel. At this point, the MIFI is placed in the car. The owner can use remote control functions normally after leaving the vehicle, such as turning on the car's air conditioning in advance to ensure the vehicle is at a comfortable temperature when entering the underground parking lot. They can also schedule charging to ensure the vehicle has sufficient power. After leaving the MIFI in the car and leaving the vehicle, the user can use the mobile app to pre-start the car's air conditioning, schedule charging, and perform other remote control functions before the next use of the vehicle.

[0035] Example 3: Remote mountainous area When a vehicle is traveling in remote mountainous areas, some carrier networks may have coverage blind spots. Once the TBox detects that the carrier network is unavailable, it quickly activates a backup connection mechanism.

[0036] TBox sends prompts to users through the in-car human-computer interaction interface. For example, if the user is driving, the car computer can inform the user of network problems through voice prompts and suggest turning on the mobile hotspot.

[0037] The user follows the prompts to enable the MIFI hotspot function and complete the Wi-Fi network configuration on the vehicle computer. For example, the user manually enters the name and password of the MIFI hotspot on the vehicle computer to connect.

[0038] After the TBox connects to the mobile hotspot, it automatically initiates a VPN connection request. During the VPN tunnel establishment process, since the network in remote mountainous areas may be unstable, the TBox will try to connect multiple times to ensure the VPN tunnel is successfully established.

[0039] Once the VPN tunnel is established, the TBox encrypts data transmission through the VPN tunnel. Users can continue to use the real-time status monitoring function to understand various vehicle parameters such as speed and fuel consumption. They can also perform fault diagnosis. If the vehicle malfunctions, the manufacturer's server can receive the fault information through encrypted data transmission and feedback to the user in a timely manner.

[0040] L2TP + IPsec security: 1. Encryption strength: L2TP + IPsec combines the tunneling capabilities of L2TP with the high-strength encryption of IPsec (such as AES), ensuring that data cannot be intercepted or tampered with during transmission.

[0041] 2. Authentication: IPsec supports a variety of authentication mechanisms that provide an additional level of security, ensuring that only authorized users can access the VPN.

[0042] 3. Data integrity: IPsec provides data integrity checking to prevent data from being tampered with during transmission.

[0043] 4. Anti-attack capability: L2TP + IPsec can resist common network attacks such as man-in-the-middle attacks.

[0044] In summary, L2TP + IPsec is a very secure option when it comes to security. L2TP provides a data transmission mechanism, while IPsec provides encryption and authentication for the data. This combination makes it very strong in terms of data security and integrity, and is therefore the preferred choice for most enterprises.

[0045] Embodiment 4, a backup communication system for remote control of a vehicle-mounted TBox, comprising: The TBox monitors the carrier network in real time. When the carrier network is unavailable, it triggers a backup connection mechanism, connects to the mobile hotspot, and then automatically initiates a VPN connection request to the car manufacturer's server, using the L2TP + IPSEC solution to establish a VPN tunnel. MIFI is used to enable the hotspot function. When the current network condition is poor, the Wi-Fi network configuration is completed on the vehicle side, so that the TBox can access the mobile hotspot. The car factory server VPN system is used to accept VPN connection requests from TBox and establish a VPN tunnel by using the L2TP + IPSEC solution.

[0046] Preferably, after the VPN tunnel is established, the TBox performs encrypted data transmission through the VPN tunnel, and the user can perform remote control function operations or use real-time status monitoring and fault diagnosis functions.

[0047] Preferably, the vehicle-mounted human-computer interaction interface is used to send a prompt to the user that the current network condition is poor and suggest the user to connect to an alternative network via Wi-Fi.

[0048] Example 5, a backup communication method for remote control of a vehicle-mounted TBox, comprising the following steps: When TBox detects in real time that the operator network is unavailable, it triggers the backup connection mechanism; After the TBox is connected to the mobile hotspot, it automatically initiates a VPN connection request with the car manufacturer's server, using the L2TP + IPSEC solution to ensure data security and establish a VPN tunnel; After the VPN tunnel is established, TBox transmits encrypted data through the VPN tunnel, and users can perform remote control operations or use real-time status monitoring and fault diagnosis functions.

[0049] Preferably, it also includes: TBox sends a reminder to the user through the in-vehicle human-computer interaction interface that the current network condition is poor, and recommends that the user connect to an alternative network via Wi-Fi.

[0050] The user uses a SIM card of an operator with signal coverage in MIFI, enables the hotspot function, completes the Wi-Fi network configuration on the car side, and enables the TBox to access the mobile hotspot.

[0051] Preferably, it also includes: TBox sends prompts to users on the vehicle screen through the vehicle human-computer interaction interface; The user searches for the MIFI hotspot name in the car's Wi-Fi settings interface and enters the correct password to complete the connection; The car interface displays the progress of the TBox initiating the VPN connection.

[0052] Preferably, it also includes: TBox sends reminders to users via voice prompts through the vehicle's human-computer interaction interface and suggests turning on the mobile hotspot; The user manually enters the name and password of the MIFI hotspot on the car computer to complete the Wi-Fi network configuration; During the process of establishing a VPN tunnel, TBox will try to connect multiple times due to unstable network to ensure that the VPN tunnel is successfully established.

[0053] The present invention also includes a car factory server VPN system, which is used to accept the VPN connection request of the TBox, use the L2TP + IPSEC solution to ensure data security, and establish a VPN tunnel.

[0054] Example 6: A vehicle data encryption transmission system based on a VPN tunnel, comprising: The vehicle-side device is installed on the vehicle and is used to collect various parameters of the vehicle, encrypt the collected data, and transmit the encrypted data to the VPN server through the VPN tunnel; The VPN server, as a data transfer node, receives encrypted data sent by the vehicle-side device and forwards it to the vehicle manufacturer's server; The car factory server receives the encrypted data from the VPN server, decrypts and analyzes it, implements real-time vehicle status monitoring and fault diagnosis functions, and feeds back the diagnosis results to the user; Vehicle-side equipment includes: Data acquisition module, used to collect various vehicle parameters, such as speed and fuel consumption; Encryption module, which uses a pre-set encryption algorithm to encrypt the collected data; The VPN client module is used to establish a connection with a VPN server and transmit encrypted data to the VPN server through a VPN tunnel.

[0055] The VPN server uses a secure protocol and L2TP + IPSEC solution to manage VPN connections, ensuring the stability and security of data transmission; The factory server includes: A decryption module decrypts the received encrypted data using the same encryption key as the vehicle-end device; The data analysis module analyzes and processes the decrypted data to realize real-time vehicle status monitoring and fault diagnosis functions; The client interface module provides an interface for users to access vehicle status information and fault diagnosis results.

[0056] This invention effectively solves the connection problem of traditional TBox in network coverage blind spots by dynamically switching to mobile hotspots and establishing VPN tunnels. Its advantages include improving vehicle functional availability in weak network environments; ensuring data transmission security through VPN encryption; being compatible with various mobile devices that provide Internet access, providing strong implementation flexibility; and significantly improving user experience and vehicle intelligent management. The above describes in detail the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that numerous modifications and variations based on the concepts of the present invention can be made by those skilled in the art without inventive effort. Therefore, any technical solutions that can be derived by those skilled in the art through logical analysis, reasoning, or limited experimentation based on the concepts of the present invention and the prior art should be within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A backup communication system for vehicle-mounted TBox remote control, characterized in that: include: The TBox monitors the carrier network in real time. When the carrier network is unavailable, it triggers a backup connection mechanism, connects to the mobile hotspot, and then automatically initiates a VPN connection request to the car manufacturer's server, using the L2TP + IPSEC solution to establish a VPN tunnel. MIFI is used to enable the hotspot function. When the current network condition is poor, the Wi-Fi network configuration is completed on the vehicle side, so that the TBox can access the mobile hotspot. The car factory server VPN system is used to accept VPN connection requests from TBox and establish a VPN tunnel by using the L2TP + IPSEC solution.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein After the VPN tunnel is established, TBox encrypts data transmission through the VPN tunnel, and users can perform remote control operations or use real-time status monitoring and fault diagnosis functions.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The in-vehicle human-computer interaction interface is used to send a prompt to the user that the current network condition is poor and suggest the user to connect to an alternative network via Wi-Fi.

4. The backup communication method for vehicle-mounted TBox remote control according to claim 1, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: When TBox detects in real time that the operator network is unavailable, it triggers the backup connection mechanism; After the TBox is connected to the mobile hotspot, it automatically initiates a VPN connection request with the car manufacturer's server, using the L2TP + IPSEC solution to ensure data security and establish a VPN tunnel; After the VPN tunnel is established, TBox transmits encrypted data through the VPN tunnel, and users can perform remote control operations or use real-time status monitoring and fault diagnosis functions.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that Also includes: TBox sends a reminder to the user through the in-vehicle human-computer interaction interface that the current network condition is poor, and recommends that the user connect to an alternative network via Wi-Fi. The user uses a SIM card of an operator with signal coverage in MIFI, enables the hotspot function, completes the Wi-Fi network configuration on the vehicle side, and enables the TBox to access the mobile hotspot.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that Also includes: TBox sends prompts to users on the vehicle screen through the vehicle human-computer interaction interface; The user searches for the MIFI hotspot name in the car's Wi-Fi settings interface and enters the correct password to complete the connection; The car interface displays the progress of the TBox initiating the VPN connection.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein Also includes: TBox sends reminders to users via voice prompts through the vehicle's human-computer interaction interface and suggests turning on the mobile hotspot; The user manually enters the name and password of the MIFI hotspot on the car computer to complete the Wi-Fi network configuration; During the process of establishing a VPN tunnel, TBox will try to connect multiple times due to unstable network to ensure that the VPN tunnel is successfully established.

8. A car factory server VPN system, characterized in that: This system is used to accept VPN connection requests from TBox, use L2TP + IPSEC solution to ensure data security, and establish VPN tunnels.

9. A vehicle data encryption transmission system based on VPN tunnel, characterized in that: include: The vehicle-side device is installed on the vehicle and is used to collect various parameters of the vehicle, encrypt the collected data, and transmit the encrypted data to the VPN server through the VPN tunnel; The VPN server, as a data transfer node, receives encrypted data sent by the vehicle-side device and forwards it to the vehicle manufacturer's server; The car factory server receives the encrypted data from the VPN server, decrypts and analyzes it, implements real-time vehicle status monitoring and fault diagnosis functions, and feeds back the diagnosis results to the user; The vehicle-side device includes: Data acquisition module, used to collect various vehicle parameters, such as speed and fuel consumption; Encryption module, which uses a pre-set encryption algorithm to encrypt the collected data; The VPN client module is used to establish a connection with the VPN server and transmit encrypted data to the VPN server through the VPN tunnel; The VPN server adopts a secure protocol and uses L2TP + IPSEC solution to manage VPN connections and ensure the stability and security of data transmission; The vehicle factory server includes: A decryption module decrypts the received encrypted data using the same encryption key as the vehicle-end device; The data analysis module analyzes and processes the decrypted data to realize real-time vehicle status monitoring and fault diagnosis functions; The client interface module provides an interface for users to access vehicle status information and fault diagnosis results.

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