In-Vehicle Shopping via Intelligent Plugin Adapter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current online consumer purchase systems do not allow for seamless product and service selection and purchase while riding in a vehicle, lacking integration with in-vehicle technology.

Innovation Solution

A cloud-based system with an on-board intelligent plugin adapter that enables wireless communication between in-vehicle devices and cloud servers, allowing passengers to browse, select, and purchase products or services using interactive menus and advertisements displayed on client devices, with options for delivery or pickup at intermediate destinations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If online consumer purchases are made through mobile or desktop devices, then consumers can access Internet websites for shopping, but the system lacks integration with in-vehicle technology and does not allow seamless purchasing while riding in a vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvein-vehicle shopping capabilityVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an on-board intelligent plugin adapter as an intermediary device that connects the vehicle's existing infrastructure with cloud-based shopping services. This adapter includes transceivers for wireless communication and interfaces with both client devices and cloud servers, enabling in-vehicle commerce without requiring complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to work with multiple types of client devices (mobile phones, tablets, laptops) and support various communication methods (wireless transceivers, hardwired connections). The cloud-based architecture allows the same system to serve multiple functions including browsing, purchasing, and coordinate delivery to intermediate destinations

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

2Ease of operation

If the system provides comprehensive shopping services with interactive menus and advertisements, then the in-vehicle shopping experience is enhanced, but the device complexity and communication requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshopping interface usabilityVSAvoidcommunication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically manages communication protocols and data transmission between client devices, the plugin adapter, and cloud servers. The intelligent plugin adapter handles wireless communications and coordinate delivery logistics without requiring manual configuration by the user, maintaining ease of operation while managing complexity in the background

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the system enables real-time communication between cloud servers and in-vehicle devices, then seamless purchasing is achieved, but the use of energy and communication resources increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurchase transaction speedVSAvoidenergy consumption for communication
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system activates full communication capabilities only when shopping activities are detected or initiated. The intelligent plugin adapter can remain in a low-power state when no purchasing activity is occurring, and only engages full wireless communication and cloud server interaction when the user interacts with shopping interfaces, thus maintaining productivity when needed while reducing energy consumption during idle periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10796351B2In-vehicle consumer purchase system
Publication Date: 2020.10.06 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC
  • US10796351B2 patent drawing
  • US10796351B2 patent drawing
  • US10796351B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method, apparatus, and system for a cloud based in-vehicle consumer purchase is discussed.