IVI App Internet Access via Mobile Proxy and Identifier Matching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for providing internet connectivity to IVI systems, such as built-in cellular modules and smartphone tethering, incur additional costs, are cumbersome, and expose the system to cybersecurity risks, with limited compatibility and seamless integration.

Innovation Solution

An IVI system method that uses a mobile device's wireless access point, coupled with a proxy server and identifier list verification, ensures stable, secure, and efficient internet connectivity by leveraging existing mobile data plans, utilizing a mobile device's proxy server to route IVI application traffic through a verified connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If built-in cellular modules are used for internet connectivity, then connectivity is provided, but cost increases and hardware complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternet connectivityVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the smartphone as an intermediary device to provide internet connectivity to the IVI system. The smartphone acts as a mobile hotspot, mediating the connection between the external network and the IVI system, thereby eliminating the need for built-in cellular modules in the IVI system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The smartphone serves multiple functions: it acts as both a mobile device for the user and as a wireless access point/router for the IVI system. This multi-functionality allows the same device to provide internet connectivity without requiring dedicated hardware in the IVI system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If smartphone tethering is used for internet connectivity, then cost is reduced, but compatibility issues arise with CarPlay and Android Auto

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware costVSAvoidcompatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between different connection modes. The smartphone can operate in hotspot mode for general internet connectivity and in client mode for CarPlay/Android Auto, with the IVI system adapting its behavior based on the current connection state. This dynamic flexibility resolves the compatibility conflict.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the connectivity functions by using separate wireless interfaces: the hotspot interface for internet access and the client interface for CarPlay/Android Auto. This segmentation allows both functions to operate simultaneously or alternately without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If traditional tethering methods are used, then hardware cost is reduced, but cybersecurity risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware costVSAvoidcybersecurity risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The smartphone acts as a security intermediary between the external network and the IVI system. It can filter traffic, implement authentication, and control which applications are allowed to access the network, thereby reducing cybersecurity risks while maintaining low hardware costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the IVI system monitors and reports application identifiers to the smartphone, which then makes informed decisions about traffic routing and security policies. This closed-loop feedback enables adaptive security management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Device complexity

If mobile device hotspot is used for internet connectivity, then cost is reduced, but connection stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehardware costVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts the wireless connection mode based on requirements. For stable internet connectivity, it uses hotspot mode; for media playback requiring low latency, it switches to client mode. This dynamic adaptation maintains connection stability across different operational scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4701161A1A method of providing internet connectivity for an in-vehicle-infotainment application program

Publication Date: 2026.02.25 N-DREAM AG

Figure 1

AI summary

A method of providing internet connectivity for an in-vehicle-infotainment (IVI) application program running on an IVI system of a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: - providing by the IVI system an in-vehicle wireless network with a wireless access point; - coupling a mobile device to the in-vehicle wireless network using the wireless access point; - providing by the mobile device an identifier list comprising one or more identifiers of one or more IVI application programs executable on the IVI system; - comparing by the IVI system an identifier of an IVI application program running on the IVI system to the one or more identifiers of the identifier list; - providing a proxy server by the mobile device; - establishing by the IVI system a connection to the proxy server via the wireless network and routing traffic of the application program running on the IVI system to a web server via the proxy server of the mobile device if the identifier of the IVI application program running on the IVI system is included in the identifier list.