Vehicle Internet Access Setup via Secure Dual Access Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for establishing an internet connection in vehicles for personal use alongside manufacturer-provided services are cumbersome and inefficient, particularly due to the need for separate contractual arrangements and security concerns preventing unauthorized access to the manufacturer's service channel.

Innovation Solution

A method that utilizes a control system to collect user data via a secured service channel, extracts necessary parameters, and transmits them to an internet service provider to set up a secondary access point, allowing seamless integration of personal internet services while maintaining security and cost efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a service channel is secured to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but the ability for users to set up additional personal internet connections deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidease of setting up personal internet connection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the internet connection into two distinct channels: a secured service channel for manufacturer services and a separate further channel for personal use. This segmentation allows the service channel to maintain its security restrictions while enabling users to establish additional personal connections through the further channel without compromising the security of the service channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system acts as an intermediary that collects necessary parameters through the secured service channel and transmits them to the internet service provider for setting up the further channel. This intermediary role allows the system to leverage the existing secure connection to facilitate the creation of additional personal connections without directly exposing the service channel to unauthorized access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If users can set up personal internet connections, then ease of operation is improved, but the complexity of managing multiple access points deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of setting up personal internet connectionVSAvoidcomplexity of managing access points

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing users to automatically set up their personal internet connections through the control system. The control system collects necessary parameters such as user identification data and technical variables, then automatically transmits these to the internet service provider. This automated process eliminates the need for users to manually configure complex access point settings, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control system performs multiple functions: it manages the secured service channel, collects user parameters, communicates with the internet service provider, and configures the further channel. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise be separate complex tasks into a single integrated system, reducing overall complexity while enabling easy setup of personal connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If parameters are transmitted via the service channel, then ease of operation is improved, but security risks deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of parameter transmissionVSAvoidsecurity risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the necessary parameters required for setting up the further channel from the service channel communication. Rather than transmitting all service channel data, the control system selectively collects specific parameters such as user identification data and technical variables needed for internet connection setup. This extraction minimizes the security risk by limiting the exposure of sensitive service channel information while still enabling easy parameter transmission for the intended purpose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS20260025862A1Method for connecting a vehicle to the internet

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 MERCEDES BENZ GROUP AG

AI summary

A vehicle includes a control system, which can maintain at least two access points, to connect to the Internet. A first access point is used for a service channel set up between the vehicle manufacturer and the Internet service provider. A second access point is provided for a further channel. Before the use of the further channel, the control system collects user-related data known to it or accessible for the control system on servers, external to the vehicle, of the vehicle manufacturer connected via the service channel. After which, the parameters required for establishing an Internet connection via the further channel are extracted from the data. The control system is set up to enable this transmission via the first access point.