The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:
[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD
[0004] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication. More particularly, the present disclosure describes a system and a method for providing internet connectivity to a first user device which is not capable to connect to the internet directly.
[0005] BACKGROUND
[0006] Nowadays, internet has become an essential part in people's daily life. Internet makes life easy, fast, and simple and provides information, knowledge, and entertainment to people. In order to provide information and entertainment to people, today's vehicles include an infotainment system that may be used to deliver entertainment and information to the driver and the passengers through audio/ video interfaces. To deliver entertainment and information, the infotainment system must have internet connectivity.
[0007] A conventional infotainment system is equipped with a subscriber identity module (SIM) or a telematic control unit (TCU) module to access the internet. However, such techniques to provide internet access to the infotainment system incur a significant amount of development effort, both in monetary and engineering terms. Another way of providing internet connectivity to the infotainment system is by connecting with the smartphone's hotspot. However, the major disadvantage of such techniques is that the smartphone's integration technologies cannot be used while internet is being provided to the infotainment system.
[0008] Therefore, there exists a need in the art for a technique to provide internet connectivity to the infotainment device in a manner that overcomes above-mentioned problems.
[0009] SUMMARY
[0010] The present disclosure overcomes one or more shortcomings of the prior art and provides additional advantages. Embodiments and aspects of the disclosure described in detail herein are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

[0011] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for providing internet connectivity to a first user device is disclosed. The method comprises creating, by the first user device, a wi-fi network to allow a second user device to connect with the first user device, wherein the first user device is without internet connectivity and the second user device with internet connectivity. Further, the first user device receives proxy information from the second user device and the first user device is configured using the proxy information. Further, the first user device generates a request to access the internet. Furthermore, the first user device routes the request to access the internet through the second user device to provide the internet connectivity and receives response to the request to access the internet.
[0012] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for providing internet connectivity by a second user device is disclosed. The method comprises connecting to a first user device over a wi-fi network created by the first user device, wherein the first user device is without internet connectivity and the second user device is with internet connectivity. Further, proxy information is transmitted to the first user device and a request to access the internet is received from the first user device. Further, the second user device routes the request to access the internet to a service cloud to provide the internet connectivity to the first user device and receives response to the request to access the internet from the service cloud. Lastly, the second user device transmits the received response to the first user device.
[0013] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a first user device without internet connectivity is disclosed. The first user device comprises: at least one processor, a transceiver communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, and a memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and the transceiver. The at least one processor is configured to: create a wi-fi network to allow a second user device with internet connectivity to connect with the first user device, receive, via the transceiver, proxy information from the second user device, configure the first user device using the proxy information, generate a request to access the internet, route, via the transceiver, the request to access the internet through the second user device to provide the internet connectivity, and receive, via the transceiver, response to the request to access the internet.

[0014] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a second user device with internet connectivity to provide internet connectivity to a first user device without internet connectivity. The second user device comprises: at least one processor, a transceiver communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, and a memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and the transceiver. The at least one processor is configured to: connect, via the transceiver, with the first user device over a wi-fi network created by the first user device, transmit, via the transceiver, proxy information to the first user device, receive, via the transceiver, a request to access the internet from the first user device, route, via the transceiver, the request to access the internet to a service cloud to provide the internet connectivity to the first user device, receive, via the transceiver, response to the request to access the internet from the service cloud, and transmit, via the transceiver, the received response to the first user device.
[0015] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
[0016] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0017] The features, nature, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when read in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout. Some embodiments of system and/or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying Figs., in which:
[0018] Fig. 1 shows a block diagram illustrating a system for providing internet connectivity to the infotainment device using a smartphone, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig. 2 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method of providing internet connectivity to the infotainment device using a smartphone being carried out at the first user device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] Fig. 3 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method of providing internet connectivity to the infotainment device using a smartphone being carried out at the second user device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present subject matter. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudo code, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in a computer readable medium and executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.
[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject-matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
[0024] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0025] The terms "comprise", "comprising", "include(s)", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, system, or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or system or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or

apparatus proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[0026] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0027] The present disclosure will be described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the description with unnecessary detail.
[0028] The present disclosure relates to a system and method to provide internet connectivity to an infotainment device that is unable to connect to internet directly. The infotainment device is used to deliver entertainment and information to the driver and the passengers of a vehicle through audio/ video interfaces, control elements like touch screen displays, button panel, voice commands, and more. The method and system disclosed in the present disclosure provide internet connectivity to the infotainment device leveraging the smartphone's internet.
[0029] Referring to Fig. 1, an exemplary system 100 is disclosed for providing internet connectivity to an infotainment device 102 (may be referred as a first user device or head unit in the present disclosure). The infotainment device 102 does not have ability to connect with the internet directly without assistance of another device which is capable of accessing internet service(s) directly. In an exemplary embodiment, the other device may be a smartphone, a laptop, a desktop or any a computing device which has internet connectivity. The other device may be referred as a second user device in the present disclosure. The system 100 comprises a first user device 102, a second user device 114, and service cloud 122, but not limited thereto. The service cloud 122 provides the internet services to the first and second user devices. In an

aspect, various elements/entities such as a first user device 102, the second user device 114, and the service cloud 122 may communicate within the system 100 through the network.
[0030] According to an embodiment, the infotainment device may comprise an internet service module 104, a proxy client 106, a memory 108, a transceiver 110, an operating system 112 which may comprise one or more processor and memory. In an aspect, various elements/entities such as the internet service module 104, the proxy client 106, the memory 108, the transceiver 110, the operating system 112 may communicate with each other via the wired or wireless connection. According to another embodiment, the second user device 114 which may be a smartphone and may comprise a proxy app 116, a transceiver 118, and an operating system 120, but not limited thereto.
[0031] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first user device 102 initially may create a wireless network such as Wi-Fi network. The Wi-Fi network may allow the second user device 114 to connect with the first user device. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the second user device 114 may scan for the Wi-Fi network and try to connect with the first user device 102 over the Wi-Fi network created by the first user device 102. After connecting with the first user device 102 over the Wi-Fi network, the second user device 114 may transmit proxy information to the first user device 102. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the proxy information may comprise one or more of IP address and port number of the second user device. The first user device 102 may receive the proxy information from the second user device 114 and may utilize the proxy information to route internet service request to the service cloud 122 through the second user device 114. In a non-limiting embodiment, whenever the IP address of the second user device 114 changes, the second user device 114 may send the proxy information again to the first user device to provide a seamless connectivity. In another non-limiting embodiment, when the second user device 114 transfers the proxy information to the first user device 102, it will not retransfer the proxy information during current session.
[0032] Further, the first user device 102 may utilize the proxy information to configure the operating system 112 to use the proxy information. The first user device 102 may generate a request to access the internet service. In a non-limiting exemplary

embodiment, the request for the internet service may be generated in response to user's command given to the first user device. The user may provide the command(s) to the first user device to provide any information or entertainment service to user. In response to such command, if the internet service is required then the first user device 102 may generate a request to access the internet using the internet service module 104. The internet service module 104 may send the request to O.S. 112 of the first user device 102. The O.S. 112 may route, using the transceiver 110, request to access the internet through the second user device 114 to provide the internet connectivity.
[0033] In an embodiment, the second user device 114 may receive the request to access the internet from the first user device 102 via the transceiver 118. The proxy app 116 of the second user device 114 may receive the request to access the internet from the first user device 102 and route the request to the service cloud 122 to provide the internet connectivity to the first user device 102. The service cloud 122 may provide the requested service and send response to the second user device 114. The second user device 114 may route the response received from the service cloud 122 to the first user device 102.
[0034] In this manner, the internet service may be provided more efficiently to the first user device 102 with the assistance of the second user device 114. This enables the second user device 114 to use its integration technologies while providing the internet access to the first user device 102. The present system also allows the first user device 102 to be in access point mode while accessing the internet. According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the integration technologies may be Apple CarPlay and Android Auto etc., which allow the user to control the functioning of the second user device.
[0035] Fig. 2 illustrates a flow chart process being carried out at a first user device 102 for providing internet connectivity to the first user device 102 which does not have internet accessing capability, using a second user device 114 which have access to internet. At step 202, a wi-fi network is created by the first user device 102 to allow a second user device 114 to connect with the first user device. At step 204, proxy information is received by the first user device 102 from the second user device 114. At step 206, the first user device is configured using the received proxy information. In an

embodiment, the proxy information comprises one or more of IP address and port number of the second user device 114. In another embodiment, configuring the first user device comprises configuring operating system (OS) of the first user device to set the proxy information in the first user device 102.
[0036] At step 208, the first user device 102 generates a request to access the internet. Further, at step 210, the method defines that the first user device routes the request to access the internet through the second user device 114 to provide the internet connectivity. Lastly, at step 212, the first user device receives a response to the request to access the internet. In an embodiment, the first user device 102 is in access point mode while accessing the internet. The first user device 102 may be an infotainment device in a vehicle and the second user device 114 may be a smartphone.
[0037] Fig. 3 illustrates a flow chart process being carried out at a second user device 114 for providing internet connectivity to a first user device 102 which does not have internet accessing capability, using the second user device 114 which have access to internet. At step 302, the second user device 114 is connected to the first user device over a wi-fi network created by the first user device, wherein the first user device is without internet connectivity and the second user device 114 is with internet connectivity. At step 304, proxy information is transmitted to the first user device, wherein the proxy information comprises one or more of IP address and port number of the second user device 114, but not limited thereto. At step 306, a request to access the internet is received by the second user device 114 from the first user device.
[0038] At step 308, the second user device 114 routes the request to access the internet to a service cloud to provide the internet connectivity to the first user device 102. Further, at step 310, the second user device 114 receives response to the request to access the internet from the service cloud. Lastly, at step 312, the second user device 114 transmits the received response to the first user device 102. In an embodiment, the first user device 102 may be an infotainment device in a vehicle and the second user device 114 may be a smartphone.
[0039] Accordingly, the processes 200 and 300 disclosed above provide internet access to the infotainment device/first user device more efficiently. The method(s) disclosed above

provides internet connectivity to the infotainment device that is unable to connect to internet directly. The method disclosed in the present disclosure provides internet connectivity to the infotainment device leveraging the smartphone's internet. The present disclosure also enables utilization of smartphone integration technologies of the smartphone while providing the internet access to the infotainment device.
[0040] The illustrated steps are set out to explain the exemplary embodiments shown, and it should be anticipated that ongoing technological development will change the manner in which particular functions are performed. These examples are presented herein for purposes of illustration, and not limitation. Further, the boundaries of the functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternative boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed.
[0041] Alternatives (including equivalents, extensions, variations, deviations, etc., of those described herein) will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. Such alternatives fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments.
[0042] Furthermore, one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. A computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors, including instructions for causing the processor(s) to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term "computer- readable medium" should be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., are non-transitory. Examples include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, hard drives, CD ROMs, DVDs, flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media.
[0043] Suitable processors include, by way of example, a general-purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphic processing unit (GPU), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller,

Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) circuits, any other type of integrated circuit (IC), and/or a state machine.
Advantages of the embodiment of the present disclosure are illustrated herein.
[0044] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides techniques for providing internet connectivity to the infotainment system leveraging the smartphone's internet.
[0045] In an embodiment, the present disclosure enables utilization of smartphone integration technologies of the smartphone while providing the internet access to the infotainment device.

WE CLAIM:

1. A method for providing internet connectivity to a first user device, the method
comprising:
creating a wi-fi network by the first user device to allow a second user device to connect with the first user device, wherein the first user device is without internet connectivity and the second user device with internet connectivity;
receiving proxy information from the second user device by the first user device;
configuring the first user device using the proxy information;
generating a request to access the internet, by the first user device;
routing the request to access the internet through the second device, by the first user device, to provide the internet connectivity; and
receiving response to the request to access the internet, by the first user device.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the proxy information comprises one or more of IP address and port number of the second user device.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein configuring the first user device comprises configuring operating system (OS) of the first user device.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first user device is in access point mode.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first user device is an infotainment device in a vehicle, and the second user device is a smartphone.
6. A method for providing internet connectivity by a second user device, the method comprising:
connecting to a first user device over a wi-fi network created by the first user device, wherein the first user device is without internet connectivity and the second user device is with internet connectivity;
transmitting proxy information to the first user device, by the second user device;
receiving a request to access the internet from the first device, by the second user device;

routing the request to access the internet to a service cloud to provide the internet connectivity to the first user device, by the second user device;
receiving response to the request to access the internet from the service cloud, by the second user device; and
transmitting the received response to the first user device, by the second user device.
7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the proxy information comprises one or more of IP address and port number of the second user device.
8. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first user device is an infotainment device in a vehicle, and the second user device is a smartphone.
9. A first user device without internet connectivity, the first user device comprises:
at least one processor;
a transceiver communicatively coupled to the at least one processor; and
a memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and the transceiver, wherein the at least one processor is configured to:
create a wi-fi network to allow a second user device with internet connectivity to connect with the first user device,
receive proxy information from the second user device via the transceiver,
configure the first user device using the proxy information,
generate a request to access the internet,
route the request to access the internet through the second device to provide the internet connectivity, via the transceiver, and
receive response to the request to access the internet, via the transceiver,.
10. The first user device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the proxy information comprises one or more of IP address and port number of the second user device.
11. The first user device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first user device comprises an operating system (OS), and wherein the processing unit configures the first user device by configuring the OS.

12. The first user device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first user device is in access point mode.
13. The first user device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first user device is an infotainment device in a vehicle, and the second user device is a smartphone.
14. A second user device with internet connectivity to provide internet connectivity to a first user device without internet connectivity, the second user device comprises:
at least one processor;
a transceiver communicatively coupled to the at least one processor; and
a memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor and the transceiver, wherein the at least one processor is configured to:
connect with the first user device over a wi-fi network created by the first device, via the transceiver;
transmit proxy information to the first user device, via the transceiver;
receive a request to access the internet from the first device, via the transceiver;
route the request to access the internet to a service cloud to provide the internet connectivity to the first user device, via the transceiver;
receive response to the request to access the internet from the service cloud, via the transceiver; and
transmit the received response to the first user device, via the transceiver.
15. The second user device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the proxy information comprises one or more of IP address and port number of the second user device.
16. The second user device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first user device is an infotainment device in a vehicle, and the second user device is a smartphone.
17. A system for providing internet connectivity to a first user device, the system comprises:
a first user device without internet connectivity and a second user device with internet connectivity, wherein:
the first user device comprises: a first processor,

a first transceiver communicatively coupled to the first processor, and
a first memory communicatively coupled to the first processor and the first transceiver, the second user device comprises:
a second processor,
a second transceiver communicatively coupled to the second processor, and
a second memory communicatively coupled to the second processor and the second transceiver, and wherein the first processor is configured to:
create a wi-fi network to allow the second user device to connect with the first user device;
receive proxy information transmitted by the second user device, via the first transceiver;
configure the first user device using the received proxy information;
generate a request to access the internet;
route the request to access the internet through the second user device to provide the internet connectivity, via the first transceiver; and
receive response to the request to access the internet, via the first transceiver.
18. The system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the proxy information comprises one or more of IP address and port number of the second user device.
19. The system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first user device comprises an operating system (OS), and wherein the first processing unit configures the first user device by configuring the OS.
20. The system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first user device is in access point mode.
21. The system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first user device is an infotainment device in a vehicle, and the second user device is a smartphone.