Automated Driving Feature Subscriptions Via Private-Public Blockchains

The patent segments the subscription management process into multiple independent smart contracts deployed on a blockchain network. Each smart contract handles specific functions (subscription creation, validation, activation, billing), distributing the control logic across the network rather than centralizing it in a single system. This segmentation maintains transparency through immutable recording while reducing the complexity burden on any single component.

The patent introduces a blockchain network as an intermediary layer between the ADS feature provider, customer, and vehicle fleet OEM. This intermediary enables automated verification and coordination through smart contracts, eliminating the need for complex direct interactions and handovers between parties. The blockchain mediator maintains transparency while simplifying the overall process architecture.

The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the blockchain network and smart contracts automatically perform validation, verification, and coordination tasks that would otherwise require manual intervention from multiple actors. The system validates subscription eligibility, vehicle compatibility, and payment status automatically through programmed logic, eliminating the need for extensive human-to-human handovers and reducing transaction costs.

The patent performs preliminary validation and setup actions through smart contracts before the actual subscription activation occurs. Eligibility criteria, vehicle requirements, and billing terms are pre-programmed and verified in advance, allowing the subscription activation to proceed automatically without requiring multiple sequential handovers and validations during the execution phase.

The patent extracts sensitive customer identity information from the main subscription processing flow and stores it separately in encrypted form on the blockchain. Only necessary validation data is shared with vehicle fleet OEMs, while full identity details remain protected. This extraction approach enables subscription processing to proceed efficiently with minimal data exposure, maintaining GDPR compliance by limiting data sharing to what is strictly necessary.

The patent applies different data protection qualities to different parts of the system. Sensitive personal information is encrypted and stored with restricted access, while only anonymized or minimized data elements are shared across the network for validation purposes. This local quality approach allows efficient processing where needed while maintaining strong privacy protection where required, balancing productivity with compliance.