Automobile Head Unit Mobile Proxy for Internet Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automobile head units often lack continuous connectivity to internet-based services, limiting seamless access to entertainment and information for drivers, especially in vehicles without direct access to general server-based networks.
Innovation Solution
A method for electronically providing services to automobile head units involves a server processor receiving requests from authenticated users, identifying associated head units, and delivering services or information based on user preferences, using wireless telecommunications to enable customized experiences, such as music, news, and navigation, even in areas without direct internet connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automobile head units are equipped with direct internet connectivity, then seamless access to entertainment and information services is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the automobile head unit and internet-based services. The mobile device establishes a wireless communication link with the head unit and provides proxy access to services like music streaming, news, and weather through its own internet connectivity, eliminating the need for direct internet infrastructure in the vehicle.
2Reliability
If automobile head units have direct access to server-based networks, then service availability is improved, but ease of operation is reduced due to configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the mobile device automatically manages the connection to the head unit and service provisioning. Users simply need to have their mobile device with the application installed; the system automatically establishes wireless links, authenticates users, and configures service access without requiring manual network setup or technical configuration.
3Ease of operation
If services are provided without authentication, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of service delivery deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication by verifying user credentials and device identity before establishing service access. The mobile device application authenticates the user and the head unit before creating the wireless connection and provisioning services, ensuring authorized access while maintaining ease of operation through automated credential verification.
Data Source
AI summary
Network communications, Web-based services and customized services using the Web-based services may be provided to drivers and users via the automobile head unit in the vehicle and via their mobile device. The automobile head unit in the vehicle and the mobile device are communicatively linked via a short range wireless connection. Also, these devices may communicate over a network such as a cellular network to a service provider that provides entertainment and informational services to the mobile device and the head unit of the vehicle. The user's profile and preferences are able to follow the user to various locations and into vehicles because this information is stored at a server accessible by the user's mobile device, and in some embodiments, also the head unit. The mobile device may provide services to the head unit if it does not have wider network connectivity over the short range wireless connection.