In-Vehicle Software Architecture with Context-Aware Policy Restrictions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing approaches to migrating home PC applications into in-vehicle software face challenges such as driver distraction and potential engineering side effects, making it cumbersome and time-consuming to adapt applications for the in-vehicle environment.
Innovation Solution
A software architecture that includes vehicle-specific APIs and policy restrictions for controlling access to vehicle systems and data, allowing for the development of in-vehicle applications that can detect driver attention levels, integrate vehicle data, and provide controlled Internet connectivity, ensuring safe and functional in-vehicle use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PC applications are directly migrated into in-vehicle software, then application functionality is maintained, but driver distraction increases and engineering side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of applications by introducing context-aware restrictions based on vehicle state (e.g., driving mode, speed, location). Applications are modified to detect and respond to these parameters, enabling them to adapt their behavior to minimize driver distraction while maintaining functionality. For example, text messaging may be restricted during high-speed driving conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic policy restrictions that can change based on real-time vehicle conditions and driver behavior. The architecture allows applications to have their access rights and functional capabilities dynamically adjusted according to the current driving context, transforming static application permissions into dynamic, context-responsive controls.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If PC applications are rewritten for in-vehicle environment, then driver distraction is reduced, but development time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal application framework that can host multiple types of applications (navigation, messaging, entertainment) using a common set of tools and policies. This multi-functional platform allows developers to create applications once and deploy them across different vehicle contexts without rewriting, reducing development time while maintaining driver safety through unified policy enforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer (the application framework and policy enforcement module) between the application developer and the vehicle systems. This intermediary handles the complexity of context detection, policy evaluation, and system integration, allowing developers to focus on application functionality rather than vehicle-specific implementation details.
3Adaptability or versatility
If application developers have full access to vehicle systems, then application functionality is enhanced, but system security and control are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments access rights to vehicle systems into discrete, controlled permissions managed by the application framework. Instead of granting full access, the system divides access into specific APIs and policies that can be selectively enabled or restricted based on application needs and driving context, maintaining both functionality and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the application framework monitors application behavior, vehicle state, and driver conditions in real-time. Based on this feedback, the framework dynamically adjusts access rights and policy restrictions to ensure applications operate safely within defined boundaries, preventing security compromises while maintaining functional capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a software architecture encoded on a computer readable medium is disclosed. The software architecture can be utilized for developing in-vehicle software applications for installation and execution on an in-vehicle computer system. The software architecture includes a number of vehicle application program interfaces (APIs) for accessing vehicles systems or data and for developing in-vehicle software applications; and a number of policy restrictions underlying the vehicle APIs for restricting the level of access to vehicle systems and data while the in-vehicle software application is being developed.