Claims:We Claim:
1. A method for host vehicle internetworking, comprising:
a. coupling a plurality of network elements in a vehicle, the vehicle including at least one node and at least one vehicle bus configured to be connected to at least one peripheral electronic device;
b. the at least one node manipulating node information including configuration and security information;
c. the plurality of network elements automatically assembling and configuring in response to the node information;
d. the plurality of network elements coupling the at least one node to at least one remote computer configured to remotely control at least one function of the plurality of network elements; and
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one function is selected from the group consisting of upgrading, diagnosing, and programming.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein node information is manipulated, including configuration information and security information.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of network elements is remotely accessible via at least one wireless Internet coupling with at least one remote computer.
, Description:Technical Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of intelligent networks that include connection to the physical world. In particular, the invention relates to providing distributed network and Internet access to processors, controls, and devices in vehicles.
Background of the Invention
Typical modern vehicles include an information network within the vehicle, installed by the manufacturer. Many of the devices on this network are typically connected via a number of networks for different functions. In the near future it is expected that some of these functions will be consolidated so that a diverse set of applications will use a common Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) bus. The Control Area Network (CAN) is a typical protocol used for such networks in the automotive industry. By this means, sensors, actuators, and computing elements for controlling the operations can all be linked in a common environment. This reduces the wiring within the vehicle and allows for cost reduction in that the number of different kinds of interfaces is vastly reduced. Because the OEM bus or functionally equivalent set of networks carries messages related to essential safety and security operations of the vehicle, only devices authenticated by the manufacturer can be added. In particular, the OEM bus needs to be guarded against devices that may cause congestion through repeated service requests, or malicious devices that issue commands that may imperil vehicle operation or safety. Further, each manufacturer may potentially use different protocols on their own set of buses or proprietary buses. Consequently, it is costly to add consumer electronics to vehicles, or to perform upgrades of the information network.
In order to address some of the limitations of present-day vehicle information networks, the Automotive Multimedia Interface Consortium (AMI-C) has developed a set of common specifications for a multimedia interface to motor vehicle electronic systems. A particular aim is to accommodate a wide variety of consumer electronic and computer-based devices in the vehicle. The AMI-C standard network architecture, adopted by nearly all automobile manufacturers worldwide, reduces time to market and facilitates upgrades of vehicle electronics, supports deployment of telematics by providing standard interfaces, and reduces relative costs of electronic components. A variety of standards are being considered for AMI-C buses, among them IEEE 1394, MOST, and Intelligent Data Bus (IDB-C), with the possibility of multiple AMI-C approved buses within a vehicle.
Particular goals of the AMI-C forum are directed towards device interoperability, software interoperability, telematics support, logical security management, failsafe operation, and remote operation and service support. Device interoperability relates to the issue that consumer electronic devices and computer devices must interoperate with other systems installed in the vehicle, including communication, navigation, diagnostic and other systems.
Software interoperability relates to the issue that systems must support convenient, automatic discovery and initialization of software and hardware introduced into the vehicle by consumers, service organizations, or the vehicle manufacturer. Software portability, serviceability, and upgradeability are requirements within software interoperability.
Object of the Invention
The object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle internetwork comprising an information and control internetwork for vehicles, including hardware together with a suite of applications.
Summary of the Invention
The vehicle internetwork enables the secure and convenient addition of devices and software to a vehicle network. Among the functions supported are formation of subnetworks, authentication of new devices added to the network, bridging between heterogeneous networks, routing and security for multimedia traffic, and control of traffic based on priorities and security level. The vehicle internetwork permits secure operation of the internetwork and coupled devices in response to snooping, replay, denial of service, and unauthorized access attacks, with minimal intervention required by the vehicle operator or manufacturer. Further, mobile couplings to outside networks including the Internet are supported and, in contrast to conventional networking, most configuration takes place automatically and with no intervention by a vehicle owner. A modular architecture enables distribution of functions, simplifying upgrades over the lifetime of the vehicle. Standard interfaces provide a universal socket, so that devices may be added irrespective of the make, model, or type of vehicle.
The descriptions provided herein are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide examples of the claimed invention.
Brief description of Diagrams:
FIG. 1 is flow diagram of vehicle internetworking of an embodiment.

Detailed Description of an Invention:
FIG. 1 is flow diagram of vehicle internetworking of an embodiment. A number of network elements including at least one node and at least one vehicle bus are coupled among at least one peripheral electronic device. Node information is manipulated, including configuration information and security information. In response to the node information, the network elements are automatically assembled and configured. Functions of the network elements are remotely controlled. Further, secure interoperability is provided among the network elements in response to the node information.
A vehicle internetwork comprises a plurality of network elements including at least one node and at least one vehicle bus coupled amount at least one peripheral electronic device. The functions of the plurality of network elements are remotely controllable. The at least one node manipulates node information including configuration and security information to provide secure interoperability among the plurality of network elements and the at least one peripheral electronic device.
A vehicle internetwork comprises a plurality of network elements including at least one electronic device coupled among at least one node and at least one vehicle bus. The plurality of network elements is remotely accessible via at least one wireless Internet coupling with at least one remote computer. The plurality of network elements manipulates network data including configuration and security data to provide secure interoperability among the plurality of network elements.
A vehicle internetwork, comprising: means for coupling a plurality of network elements including at least one node and at least one vehicle bus among at least one peripheral electronic device, means for manipulating node information including configuration and security information; means for automatically assembling and configuring the plurality of network elements in response to the node information; means for remotely controlling at least one function of the plurality of network elements; and means for providing secure interoperability among the plurality of network elements in response to the node information.