Vehicle Add-on Interface Using Immutable Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in communicating effectively between vehicle internal systems and add-on systems, which are often unknown to each other, leading to difficulties in interpreting and processing information, especially when add-on systems are added post-manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the creation and use of immutable and unique identifiers for the add-on interface configuration, allowing entities to detect, receive, and process information from add-on systems by defining functions and signaling formats, and using these identifiers as packet headers for reliable communication between vehicle internal and external systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If add-on systems are added after vehicle manufacture, then the vehicle can be customized to meet specific customer requirements, but communication between vehicle internal systems and add-on systems becomes difficult due to unknown interfaces and signaling formats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal add-on interface that can communicate with any add-on system regardless of its specific type or manufacturer. The interface uses standardized packet structures with unique identifiers and configurable parameters that work across different add-on systems, eliminating the need for system-specific communication protocols while maintaining reliable communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The add-on interface acts as an intermediary between vehicle internal systems and external add-on systems. It receives packets from either side, interprets the signaling format using unique identifiers, converts between different protocols if needed, and forwards the information appropriately, thereby mediating communication between previously incompatible systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If add-on systems are added after vehicle manufacture, then flexible customization is enabled, but the complexity of configuring and integrating new systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses configurable parameters within standardized packet structures to adapt the add-on interface to different add-on systems. By changing parameters such as unique identifiers, signaling formats, and packet configurations rather than redesigning the entire communication interface, the system achieves flexibility with minimal complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The add-on interface is pre-configured with a standardized packet structure and communication protocol during vehicle manufacture. This preliminary setup includes defined fields for unique identifiers, signaling formats, and data structures, so that when add-on systems are later connected, integration is simplified because the communication framework is already in place and ready to accommodate new systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional communication methods are used between vehicle systems and add-on systems, then existing infrastructure can be maintained, but information interpretation and processing becomes difficult when systems are unknown to each other
Solution Approach 1:
The communication packets are segmented into distinct fields with specific functions: unique identifier fields to identify the add-on system and interface configuration, signaling format fields to define the communication protocol, and data fields to carry the actual information. This segmentation allows each part of the packet to be independently interpreted and processed, preventing information loss even when dealing with unknown add-on systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The add-on interface implements feedback mechanisms where received packets are validated against the configured signaling format and unique identifiers. If interpretation succeeds, confirmation is sent back to the transmitting system; if fails, error feedback triggers retransmission or format adjustment, ensuring accurate information interpretation and processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods and control systems for communicating with a vehicle, where the vehicle comprises: a vehicle internal system; an add-on system arranged in the vehicle after manufacture of the vehicle; and an internal communication unit configured for communication with a vehicle external communication unit. The method comprises: configuring an add-on interface, the add-on interface being arranged in said vehicle as an interface between the vehicle internal system and the add-on system, by defining: at least one function of the add-on interface; and at least a signaling format to be used by the internal communication unit for the communication with the vehicle external communication unit; creating an immutable and unique identifier ID related to the configuration of the add-on interface; and communicating, using the internal communication unit and the immutable and unique identifier ID, with the vehicle external communication unit.