Vehicle Repair Authorization via Cloud Token Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no existing mechanism to automate the authorization of automotive services performed on a vehicle, and there is no way to verify that the services performed were authorized by both the vehicle operator and the manufacturer.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a series of grants and checks, including token-based multi-party authorization, to ensure that automotive services are authorized by both the vehicle operator and the manufacturer, and that the services are verified to have been performed correctly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If verbal agreement or physical document signature is used for authorization, then the authorization process is simple and quick, but there is no automated verification mechanism and no way to verify that services were authorized by both operator and manufacturer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based authorization server as an intermediary between the vehicle operator, repair facility, and manufacturer. This server receives authorization requests, validates them against manufacturer guidelines and operator consent, and returns authorization tokens. This mediator enables automated verification while maintaining operational simplicity through digital token exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical authorization system (verbal agreements and physical document signatures) with an electronic/digital system. Authorization tokens are transmitted digitally between systems, eliminating the need for physical document handling while enabling automated verification through electronic validation of authorization tokens against manufacturer guidelines.
2Device complexity
If manual authorization process is used, then implementation is simple, but productivity is reduced due to lack of automation
Solution Approach 1:
The authorization system enables self-service functionality where the repair facility's diagnostic system automatically communicates authorization requests to the cloud server and receives authorization tokens without manual intervention. The system autonomously validates authorization against manufacturer guidelines and processes multiple vehicles concurrently, significantly improving productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The cloud-based authorization server provides universal functionality by handling authorization requests for multiple vehicles, multiple repair facilities, and multiple manufacturers through a single centralized system. This multi-functional approach improves overall industry productivity while keeping individual system implementations relatively simple by leveraging shared infrastructure and standardized communication protocols.
3Device complexity
If no automated verification system is implemented, then system complexity is low, but there is no assurance that services were performed as authorized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the authorization server provides real-time authorization status information to the repair facility through authorization tokens. The system tracks and communicates whether services are authorized, partially authorized, or not authorized, ensuring that authorization status information is preserved and transmitted throughout the service process without requiring complex additional verification systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
In some examples, a vehicle receives authorization information that identifies an automotive service to be performed on the vehicle, the authorization information further indicating approval of performance of the automotive service on the vehicle by an operator of the vehicle and a vehicle manufacturer. Based on the authorization information, the vehicle enables access of an electronic component of the vehicle by an authorized repair entity to perform the automotive service.