AVN Control via BLE Beacon Tunnel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Passengers seated in the rear of a vehicle cannot conveniently control the Audio-Video-Navigation (AVN) device embedded in the vehicle without using Bluetooth pairing or hotspot connection, which is inconvenient and requires unnecessary effort, such as inputting passwords or manually selecting devices.

Innovation Solution

A method and system using a smart device that constructs a virtual tunnel connected to an IoT server, generates a beacon packet from an external URL, and transmits it via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals to control the AVN device, allowing control without Bluetooth pairing or hotspot connection, utilizing PhysicalWeb applications and IoT communication modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If Wi-Fi hotspot connection is used to control AVN device, then remote control capability is improved, but operation complexity increases due to password input requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidtime for password input
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing device pairing and storing authentication credentials before the user needs to control the AVN device. The smart device and AVN device are paired in advance, and the authentication information is cached, so that when control is needed, no password input is required - the connection is automatically established using the pre-stored credentials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by enabling the smart device to automatically connect to and control the AVN device without requiring user authentication input. The paired devices automatically establish communication channels and exchange control commands without human intervention, making the system serve itself rather than requiring continuous user authentication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If Bluetooth pairing is used to control AVN device, then wireless connectivity is achieved, but operation complexity increases due to manual device selection and pairing steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless connectivityVSAvoidpairing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary pairing actions during initial device setup, storing the pairing information and authentication credentials in both the smart device and AVN device. This preliminary action ensures that when the user wants to control the AVN device later, the pairing process has already been completed, eliminating the need for manual device selection and pairing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The paired devices automatically recognize each other and establish communication channels without requiring user intervention. The system uses self-service mechanisms where the smart device and AVN device autonomously manage their connection state, device selection, and pairing maintenance, eliminating complex manual pairing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If rear monitor with touchscreen is mounted to enable back seat control, then control accessibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accessibilityVSAvoidadditional hardware requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces a wireless communication intermediary (Bluetooth Low Energy and Wi-Fi) between the passenger's smart device and the AVN device. This intermediary enables control functionality without requiring physical proximity or additional in-vehicle hardware like rear monitors. The smart device acts as a remote controller through wireless mediation, eliminating the need for expensive additional hardware while maintaining control accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a virtual copy of the AVN control interface on the passenger's smart device. Instead of providing a physical rear monitor with touchscreen, the system projects the control capabilities onto the smartphone's existing display and interface, allowing the passenger to control the AVN device using their familiar device without adding any hardware to the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Ease of operation

If smart device controls AVN through wireless network, then operation convenience is improved, but information security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol convenienceVSAvoidinformation security threats
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary security actions by establishing authenticated communication channels before control operations. During the pairing process, the devices exchange and verify authentication credentials, establishing encrypted communication sessions. This preliminary security setup ensures that subsequent control commands are transmitted securely without requiring continuous authentication, balancing convenience with security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces security intermediary mechanisms including encrypted communication protocols and authenticated session management between the smart device and AVN device. These intermediary security layers protect the wireless communication channel from unauthorized access and data interception, allowing convenient wireless control while mitigating information security threats through cryptographic protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10911545B2Method and system for controlling audio-video-navigation (AVN) of vehicle through smart device
Publication Date: 2021.02.02 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US10911545B2 patent drawing
  • US10911545B2 patent drawing
  • US10911545B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and system for controlling an Audio Video Navigation (AVN) of a vehicle by a smart device are disclosed, which control the AVN by a smart device including a mobile phone carried by a passenger accommodated on a back seat of the vehicle, using beacon and physical web technologies, controlling various functions of the AVN embedded in the vehicle may include constructing a virtual tunnel connected to an Internet of Things (IoT) server, acquiring an external Uniform Resource Locator (URL) for a service from the IoT server, generating the acquired external URL as a beacon packet, and transmitting the generated beacon packet to the smart device using a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signal within the vehicle.