Vehicle Data Management Using Personal Device Relay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles often have limited and expensive wireless communication capabilities compared to personal electronic devices, necessitating a system to leverage faster and cheaper personal device networks for connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that monitors and selects personal electronic devices with available data plans to establish a connection between the vehicle and an external network, converting RF signals for compatibility and using a transceiver and control module for bi-directional communication, while ensuring security and potentially offering rewards for data usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the vehicle uses its own wireless communication system, then it maintains independent connectivity, but the communication speed is slow and data costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a personal electronic device as an intermediary to enable high-speed communication between the vehicle and the external network. The personal device acts as a relay, receiving data from the vehicle's low-speed wireless system, transmitting it through its own high-speed mobile network connection, and then relaying it back to the vehicle. This resolves the contradiction by achieving fast communication speeds without requiring the vehicle to have its own high-speed wireless infrastructure.
2Speed
If the vehicle establishes a direct high-speed wireless connection, then communication speed improves, but data costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The personal electronic device serves as a cost-effective intermediary that leverages its existing mobile data plan for high-speed communication. Instead of the vehicle incurring high data costs for direct high-speed connectivity, the personal device uses its own data allowance (which occupants already pay for on their mobile plans) to provide high-speed access to the vehicle's systems, thereby reducing the vehicle's data expenditure.
Solution Approach 2:
The personal electronic device performs multiple functions: it acts as a wireless modem, a router, and a communication bridge between the vehicle's internal network and the external mobile network. This multi-functionality allows the vehicle to access high-speed internet without requiring dedicated high-speed communication hardware or data plans, reducing overall system cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle uses slower wireless networks, then device complexity is reduced, but communication capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The personal electronic device provides universal communication capability across multiple network types. It can simultaneously support connections to various mobile networks (3G, 4G, 5G), Wi-Fi networks, and the vehicle's internal network, enabling the vehicle to access diverse communication infrastructures without requiring its own multiple network interfaces or complex multi-network management system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables faster, less expensive wireless connectivity for vehicles by utilizing personal electronic devices, allowing for higher priority tasks like internet browsing and emergency services, while reducing data transfer costs.
Implementation Method 1
converting RF signals for compatibility
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of for establishing a connection between a vehicle and an external network includes a plurality of personal electronic devices and a transceiver. The plurality of personal electronic devices are each configured for establishing a data connection to the vehicle. Each of the plurality of personal electronic have a mobile plan that includes a data limit and an amount of data used. At least one of the plurality of personal electronic devices are selected to be in communication with the external network. Selection of at least one of the plurality of personal electronic devices is based on a corresponding amount of data available in a mobile plan for each of the personal electronic devices.