Autonomous Vehicle Content Playback via Server-Managed Device IDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for connecting client computing devices to autonomous vehicles require direct communication and authentication, which can be time-consuming and insecure, especially when users frequently switch vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A method where a computing system manages device identifiers and credentials through a content-enabling system, enabling seamless content playback without direct device connections by using device identifiers generated by the vehicle and managed by the computing system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct connection and authentication between client computing device and autonomous vehicle is implemented, then content playback is enabled, but user effort and time are increased due to pairing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that manages device identifiers and facilitates connections between client computing devices and autonomous vehicles. The server stores device identifiers for vehicles and provides them to clients through authenticated sessions, eliminating the need for direct pairing between client and vehicle. This intermediary approach resolves the technical contradiction by enabling content playback without time-consuming direct pairing processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If direct connection between client computing device and autonomous vehicle is established, then content playback is enabled, but security is reduced when users frequently switch vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a secure intermediary that manages device identifiers and connection credentials. When users switch vehicles, the server provides new device identifiers through authenticated sessions without requiring re-pairing. This maintains security by controlling credential distribution through a centralized secure system while enabling flexible vehicle switching, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication and credential distribution through the server before actual content playback. Device identifiers are pre-configured and managed on the server, allowing users to switch vehicles seamlessly while maintaining security through pre-established trusted connections. This preliminary action approach enables flexible vehicle switching without compromising security.
3Ease of operation
If device identifiers are managed centrally by a computing system, then security and ease of use are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex credential management functionality from the client-vehicle direct connection and places it in a separate server component. The server handles device identifier storage, authentication, and distribution, while clients and vehicles only need simple connection protocols. This extraction reduces the complexity burden from individual devices while maintaining ease of operation and security through centralized management.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to enabling playing of content at an autonomous vehicle. For example, a request to transport a user on a trip may be received. The autonomous vehicle may be assigned to the trip. Whether the user has enabled a content feature may be determined. In response to determining that the user has enabled the content feature a request for a device identifier is sent to the autonomous vehicle. The device identifier generated at the autonomous vehicle is received. The received device identifier may be sent to a content-enabling computing system including one or more processors in order to enable the user to play content from the client computing device at the autonomous vehicle during the trip.