In-Vehicle App Activation Using Virtual Codes Instead of VINs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current in-vehicle application activation methods expose vehicle identification numbers, which are personal user information, leading to security risks and legal issues due to unencrypted transmission.

Innovation Solution

An in-vehicle application activation method using a virtual code that identifies vehicle manufacturer information, eliminating the need for transmitting personal user data, achieved through encryption and generation of a unique virtual code based on vehicle identification numbers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If vehicle identification number (VIN) is transmitted to third-party application supplier for activation verification, then application activation function is achieved, but user personal information security deteriorates due to unencrypted transmission and exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication activation functionVSAvoiduser personal information security risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a virtual code as an intermediary element that replaces the direct transmission of VIN. The virtual code serves as a mediator between the vehicle system and the third-party application supplier, enabling activation verification without exposing sensitive personal information. The virtual code is generated based on VIN but contains no personally identifiable information, thus achieving the activation function while protecting user privacy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential verification function from the VIN itself and separates it from the sensitive personal information contained in the VIN. By generating a virtual code that contains only the necessary verification data without any personally identifiable information, the solution extracts the functional requirement (activation verification) while removing the harmful element (personal information exposure).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If virtual code is used instead of VIN for activation, then user personal information security is improved, but activation verification complexity increases due to virtual code generation and management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser personal information securityVSAvoidactivation verification process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle system automatically generates the virtual code based on the VIN without requiring manual intervention or complex external verification processes. The system performs the generation, storage, and transmission of the virtual code autonomously, simplifying the overall activation process while maintaining security. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual handling of sensitive information and reduces operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250224978A1Vehicle application activation method, vehicle-mounted device, and vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.07.10 BYD CO LTD

AI summary

An in-vehicle application activation method, a vehicle-mounted device, and a vehicle, relating to the technical field of vehicles. The method comprises: acquiring a virtual code, wherein the virtual code is configured to identify vehicle manufacturer information; and sending the virtual code to an in-vehicle application, such that the in-vehicle application executes an activation operation according to the virtual code.