Network Device Control System for Shared Motor Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing control systems for shared motor vehicles face security vulnerabilities due to reliance on WiFi or Bluetooth connections, leading to increased attack risks and limited real-time software updates, as well as inefficient manual management that restricts parking convenience and utilization.

Innovation Solution

A control system utilizing a network device connected to a host server and an MQTT server, which transmits status information and action commands via encrypted communication protocols, enabling secure and automated management of shared motor vehicles, including leasing, unlocking, and updating software.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If WiFi or Bluetooth connection is used for control, then user convenience is improved, but security vulnerability increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the mobile device and the motor vehicle. The server receives control requests from the mobile device via WiFi/Bluetooth, processes them securely, and then executes the corresponding actions on the motor vehicle. This intermediary architecture allows convenient wireless communication while centralizing security management and reducing direct attack surfaces between user devices and vehicle controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual management is used for leasing and returning, then operational flexibility is improved, but efficiency and utilization rate decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidutilization rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated leasing and returning functions where the system automatically determines parking points, manages vehicle availability, and processes leasing transactions without requiring manual intervention. The motor vehicle and mobile device automatically communicate leasing status, parking location, and returning confirmation, enabling the system to serve itself and significantly improving utilization rate while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Extent of automation

If fixed parking points are set for automated leasing, then unmanned management is achieved, but parking space limitation reduces user convenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunmanned managementVSAvoidparking convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the parking point assignment dynamic rather than fixed. The system automatically determines parking points based on real-time factors such as vehicle location, user preferences, available spaces, and traffic conditions. This dynamic assignment allows unmanned management to function while providing users with flexible parking options and multiple possible returning locations, thereby maintaining convenience despite automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Stability of the object's composition

If software security design cannot be updated in real time, then system stability is maintained, but security vulnerability persists

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a mechanism where security patches and software updates are prepared in advance on the server side. When security vulnerabilities are detected or patches are developed, they are pre-processed, validated, and staged for deployment. The motor vehicle then receives these pre-prepared security updates through the existing communication channel, allowing security to be updated in real time without requiring system restructuring that would compromise stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11516293B2Network device, control system and method thereof
Publication Date: 2022.11.29 WEMO CORP
  • US11516293B2 patent drawing
  • US11516293B2 patent drawing
  • US11516293B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a control system for a network device. The control system comprises a network device for connecting to a network and transmitting status information of the network device; a host server for receiving the status information via the network and transmitting action information related to the network device, wherein the action information includes at least an action command; and a Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) server for receiving the action information from the host server, and transmitting the action information to the network device, wherein the network device executes the action command according to the received action information.