Vehicle Function NFTs for Exclusive Configuration Assignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern vehicles offer numerous freely selectable parameters that influence user experience, but there is a need for a method to control the transmission of customized settings and prevent duplication, ensuring each vehicle receives unique and tamper-proof configurations.

Innovation Solution

Vehicle function schemes are digitally recorded as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in a distributed ledger technology (DLT) system, allowing for traceable and exclusive assignment to specific vehicles, preventing unauthorized dissemination and enabling a digital marketplace for trading these configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If customized vehicle settings are made freely selectable, then user experience is improved, but control over transmission and prevention of duplication becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomizable vehicle functionsVSAvoidcontrol over transmission and prevention of duplication
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses digital copies of vehicle function schemes as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that can be uniquely assigned to specific vehicles. Each NFT is a distinct digital copy that cannot be replicated, allowing customized settings to be transmitted and controlled while preventing duplication. The NFT framework enables selective copying and assignment of function schemes to individual vehicles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a distributed ledger technology (DLT) system as an intermediary between the customization source and the vehicle. This intermediary system manages the NFTs, tracks their assignment to specific vehicles, and ensures that each customized function scheme is assigned to at most one vehicle at a time. The DLT system acts as a mediator that maintains control and prevents unauthorized dissemination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple vehicles can receive the same function scheme, then versatility is improved, but unauthorized dissemination and duplication occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction scheme compatibilityVSAvoidunauthorized dissemination
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates unique digital copies (NFTs) of function schemes that are tied to specific vehicles. Each NFT is individually identifiable and cannot be replicated. While multiple NFTs can represent the same function scheme type, each NFT is bound to a specific vehicle identity, preventing unauthorized copying and dissemination while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The DLT system provides feedback mechanisms that track the assignment status of each NFT to specific vehicles. The system continuously monitors and enforces the rule that each NFT can be assigned to at most one vehicle at a time. This feedback loop detects and prevents unauthorized assignment attempts, ensuring controlled dissemination of function schemes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If function schemes are assigned to specific vehicles, then duplication is prevented, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexclusive assignmentVSAvoidDLT system and NFT management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses simplified digital copies (NFTs) that encode function scheme information in a standardized format. This copying approach reduces complexity compared to managing complex configuration files, as NFTs provide a uniform, easily handleable digital representation that can be systematically assigned and tracked through the DLT system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The DLT system and NFT framework provide universal functionality for managing different types of vehicle function schemes. The same NFT infrastructure handles various function types (audio, lighting, climate control) through a unified system, reducing overall complexity compared to separate management systems for each function type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260046152A1Method and apparatus for individually assigning at least one vehicle function scheme to at least one vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.02.12 MERCEDES BENZ GROUP AG
  • US20260046152A1 patent drawing
  • US20260046152A1 patent drawing
  • US20260046152A1 patent drawing

AI summary

At least one vehicle function scheme is individually assigned to at least one vehicle. A vehicle function scheme is digitally recorded and is minted as a non-fungible token (NFT) in a predetermined number in a distributed ledger technology system, which assigns at most one vehicle to an NFT in each case. At least one NFT is selected and purchased for a vehicle. The vehicle function scheme assigned to the selected and purchased NFT is used.