Portable Device Virtual Machine Control for Vehicle Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lifecycle and security challenges in modern personal environments, such as vehicles, homes, and offices, arise from the integration of increasingly sophisticated electronics and the need for frequent software and hardware updates, which can lead to complexity and security risks, particularly when using smart devices to control critical systems.
Innovation Solution
A portable computing device executes multiple virtual machines to decouple and control devices in personal environments, enabling secure, online updates and reducing hardware dependencies by using a hypervisor to isolate and manage device control systems, network connectivity, and operating systems, thereby enhancing security and simplifying maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If IVI systems are integrated in the vehicle with advanced multimedia technologies, then functionality and user experience are improved, but device complexity and maintenance cost increase due to the need for frequent software and hardware updates over the 15-20 year vehicle lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two independent parts: the legacy integrated IVI system in the vehicle and a separate portable computing device. The portable device contains the virtual machine and control software, while the vehicle IVI system only provides display and basic input. This segmentation allows the portable device to be updated independently without affecting the vehicle's integrated systems, resolving the contradiction between maintaining advanced functionality and reducing maintenance complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system and virtual machine are extracted from the vehicle's integrated IVI system and placed in a separate portable computing device. This extraction allows the control logic to be updated independently via online updates to the portable device, while the vehicle's integrated hardware remains unchanged, thereby reducing the complexity of maintaining advanced functionality over the vehicle's lifespan.
2Ease of operation
If smart devices are used to control critical vehicle systems, then ease of operation and connectivity are improved, but security risks increase due to potential malware and security vulnerabilities in conventional smart phones
Solution Approach 1:
A virtual machine is introduced as an intermediary layer between the portable computing device and the vehicle's critical systems. The virtual machine executes control software in an isolated environment, preventing direct access to the host operating system and reducing security risks. This allows easy operation through the portable device while maintaining security through the virtualization barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into multiple isolated virtual machines, each with specific security permissions. The first virtual machine controls vehicle systems, while a second virtual machine runs the host operating system. This segmentation isolates potential security threats to specific virtual environments, preventing malware from affecting the entire system while maintaining ease of operation through the portable device interface.
3Ease of operation
If specific solutions are designed to interact with the same brand's IVI system, then compatibility and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity and development cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The portable computing device with virtual machine architecture provides universal compatibility with multiple IVI systems from different manufacturers. Instead of designing brand-specific solutions, the virtual machine can execute different control software for different vehicle systems, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of operation across different brands.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus, method and system involving running at least one virtual machine on a portable computing device, wherein the virtual machine is operable to communicate with and control at least one device associated with at least one personal environment of a user of the portable computing device e.g. a motor vehicle, a house, an office or the body of the user of the portable computing device. By providing virtual machines dedicated to the control system of specific devices and physical hardware access, security is provided by preventing e.g. hacking and/or malware from entering the virtual machines.