In-Vehicle Network Activation via Remote Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The permanent reception readiness of in-vehicle networks for wireless communication burdens vehicle batteries and increases the risk of unauthorized access to vehicle data, as existing systems maintain connectivity even when not in use.

Innovation Solution

A process and system that allows the in-vehicle network to be remotely controlled to shift between an idle and reception readiness state, enabling wireless transmission of infotainment components only during defined short times, using existing vehicle components and eliminating the need for additional transmitter/receiver units, with battery management to prevent discharge and authentication to secure access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the in-vehicle network is kept in permanent reception readiness state, then wireless communication availability is improved, but battery energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication availabilityVSAvoidbattery energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the network state changeable between idle and reception readiness. The network transitions from a static permanent-ready state to a dynamic state that can be activated only when needed, based on remote control signals. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its communication availability while reducing energy consumption during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through time-limited reception readiness states. Instead of continuous operation, the network is activated for specific periods when required and then returns to idle state. This periodic activation pattern reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining communication availability when needed, directly addressing the battery energy consumption issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the in-vehicle network is kept in permanent reception readiness state, then wireless communication availability is improved, but security risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication availabilityVSAvoidunauthorized access risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamics to change the network state from permanently ready to conditionally active. The reception readiness is activated only when triggered by remote control signals, creating a dynamic security mechanism. This reduces the window of vulnerability for unauthorized access while maintaining communication availability when properly authenticated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through remote control signals that trigger network activation. The system responds to authenticated remote control commands by transitioning to reception readiness state, and can respond to deactivation signals by returning to idle state. This feedback mechanism ensures that network availability is controlled and limited, reducing security risks associated with permanent readiness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If the in-vehicle network is activated for short defined times, then battery energy consumption is reduced, but communication availability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery energy consumptionVSAvoidcommunication availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by activating the network for specific time intervals when needed and then deactivating it. This time-limited activation pattern reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining communication availability during active periods. The system balances energy savings with communication needs through controlled periodic operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Ease of operation

If additional transmitter/receiver units are installed for remote network control, then network activation control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork activation controlVSAvoidtransmitter/receiver units
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by making existing vehicle components serve multiple functions. The remote control unit for vehicle access control is also used to activate/deactivate the wireless network, and the central locking control device handles both locking functions and network state control. This multi-functionality approach improves ease of operation while avoiding the need for additional dedicated hardware, thus reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the network activation control function with existing vehicle control systems. Instead of adding separate transmitter/receiver units, the patent combines network control with the central locking control device and remote control unit. This merging approach achieves improved network activation control while minimizing additional hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8682401B2Activation of the reception readiness of an in-vehicle network
Publication Date: 2014.03.25 AUDI AG
  • US8682401B2 patent drawing
  • US8682401B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The subject matter of the invention is a process and a system for wireless transmission of infotainment components between an in-vehicle network in a vehicle and a network external to the vehicle, the in-vehicle network having a reception readiness state and an idle state and by way of a remote control of the vehicle can be shifted from the idle state to the reception readiness state. Furthermore the invention relates to a remote control for transmission of a prompt signal, the in-vehicle network by actuating an actuating element of the remote control shifting the in-vehicle network into the reception readiness state, by which infotainment components can be received from a network external to the vehicle.