Vehicle Accessory Connection via Cloud Server Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle computer systems often cannot directly support new accessory devices due to security and compatibility requirements, making it difficult to install and operate these devices without modifying the vehicle's operating equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a server, such as a cloud-based service, as an intermediate layer to enable the connection and operation of accessory devices in vehicles. This involves receiving data from the accessory device, forwarding it to the server, and receiving control information back to connect and control the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a server intermediate layer is introduced to enable accessory device connection, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A server acts as an intermediary between the vehicle's communication device and accessory devices. The server receives data communications from accessory devices via the vehicle's communication device, determines connection parameters, and transmits control information back to establish the connection. This mediator approach enables accessories from different manufacturers with varying communication protocols to connect to the vehicle without modifying the vehicle's operating equipment, thus improving adaptability while managing complexity through centralized server-side processing
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle's operating equipment is modified to support new accessory devices, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture and reliability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The server serves as an external intermediary that handles all adaptation logic, allowing the vehicle's operating equipment to remain unchanged. The server receives data communications from accessory devices, determines appropriate connection parameters, and transmits control information to establish connections. This approach enables the vehicle to support diverse accessory devices without any modifications to the vehicle's hardware or software, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The server provides universal support for multiple types of accessory devices from different manufacturers through a single platform. Instead of requiring separate integration solutions for each accessory type, the server handles various communication protocols and data formats centrally, enabling one vehicle model to universally support multiple accessory devices without individual customization or modification
3Device complexity
If direct connection between vehicle computer system and accessory device is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and security are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a necessary intermediary that simplifies the connection architecture from the vehicle's perspective while enabling broad adaptability. The vehicle's communication device only needs to establish a connection with the server, and the server handles all complexity of communicating with diverse accessory devices. This approach maintains relative simplicity in the vehicle's system while achieving high adaptability through the server's ability to handle multiple protocols and device types
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device, a method, and a computer program for connecting an accessory device in a vehicle, and to a method, a device, and a computer program for a server. The method for connecting the accessory device comprises receiving data communication from the accessory device by a communication device of the vehicle via a first data communication link. The method further comprises forwarding the data communication from the accessory device by the communication device to a server via a second data communication link. The method further comprises receiving control information for the accessory device by the communication device from the server via the second data communication link. The control information includes connection parameters for connecting the accessory device in the vehicle.The procedure also includes connecting the accessory device to the vehicle based on the control information.