DE102019116490A1 - Method and system for assigning a user to a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for assigning a user to a vehicle. The method comprises providing a code on the vehicle, the code being readable by a mobile terminal of a user and including unique identification information of a SIM card of the vehicle; reading the code provided on the vehicle by the mobile terminal; sending a request for an assignment of the user to the vehicle by the mobile terminal to a central unit, the request comprising the read unique identification information of the SIM unit of the vehicle; and assigning the user to the vehicle by the central unit.

Description

The present disclosure relates to a method and a system for assigning a user to a vehicle and a storage medium for carrying out the method. The present disclosure relates in particular to digital and unambiguous proof of legal access to a vehicle by a user using a mobile terminal.

State of the art

The networking of modern vehicles is becoming increasingly important. For example, the user can access his vehicle from outside via a mobile device. Here the user can typically call up status information regarding his vehicle, such as whether the doors are locked, and / or can control individual vehicle functions. For example, the user can use functions such as Control the locking of the doors and the start of a ventilation function using the mobile device from outside the vehicle.

In order to be able to use these and other services, authentication of the user or a one-time assignment of the user to the vehicle is often required, so that it can be ensured that only an authorized user accesses the vehicle from outside. For this purpose, the user must, for example, map his vehicle using a token in the vehicle. This token must be generated and sent to the vehicle. However, such a procedure for assigning a user to a vehicle is cumbersome and offers only limited security.

Disclosure of the invention

It is an object of the present disclosure to enable an unambiguous assignment of a user to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. In particular, it is an object of the present disclosure to enable digital and unambiguous proof of legal access to a vehicle by a user using a mobile terminal.

This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous refinements are given in the subclaims.

According to an independent aspect of the present disclosure, a method for (unambiguously) assigning a user to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is specified. The method comprises providing a code on or in the vehicle after correct access to the vehicle has been confirmed, the code being transmitted by a mobile terminal device of a user e.g. can be read visually or via a communication link (e.g. NFC) and includes unique identification information of a SIM unit of the vehicle; reading of the code provided on the vehicle by the mobile terminal e.g. visually or via a communication link (e.g. NFC); sending a request for an assignment of the user to the vehicle by the mobile terminal to a central unit, the request comprising the unique identification information of the SIM unit of the vehicle; and assignment of the user to the vehicle by the central unit in order to enable the user to access the vehicle by means of the mobile terminal.

In order to enable the user to access the vehicle via his mobile device after the assignment to the vehicle, the central unit can transmit a release for an access by the mobile device to the vehicle after successful assignment. In other words, the vehicle can allow access by the user based on the release.

The assignment can be made once and remain in place until the assignment is revoked or deleted. For example, it can be revoked or deleted if the user sells the vehicle or another user is to be assigned to the vehicle.

According to the invention, SIM information of the vehicle is displayed in the vehicle, for example, by a QR code. The user can, for example, start an app on his mobile device and scan the QR code for clear assignment. The SIM information can be available and compared in a backend at the vehicle manufacturer. In this way, for example, the correct VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) can be linked to the user or the user's mobile device. The user can use the forgery-proof SIM information in the vehicle to digitally prove legal access to the vehicle. The SIM information is unique and cannot be read on the windshield like the VIN for example. This enables a clear assignment of a user or the mobile terminal to a vehicle, so that the user can access vehicle information and / or control vehicle functions using the app installed on the mobile terminal.

The term mobile terminal includes, in particular, smartphones, but also other mobile phones or cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet PCs, notebooks, smart watches as well as all current and future electronic devices that are equipped with technology for loading and running apps.

The SIM unit (also referred to as "Subscriber Identity Module" or "Subscriber Identity Module") is installed in the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the vehicle can include a communication module with the SIM unit. The communication module can be set up for communication with the mobile terminal and / or the central unit.

The communication module of the vehicle can, for example, be arranged to use the SIM unit in a mobile network, e.g. via wide area networks (WANs) such as Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), General Package Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), High Speed Downlink / Uplink Packet Access (HSDPA, HSUPA), Long- Term Evolution (LTE), or World Wide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX) to communicate wirelessly. Communication via other current or future communication technologies, e.g. 5G mobile radio systems are also possible.

The communication module can communicate with the central unit, such as a backend, via the mobile network. In addition, the vehicle's communication module can communicate with the user's mobile device. The communication between the communication module of the vehicle and the mobile terminal can take place via one of the above-mentioned mobile networks or a near-field technology, such as Bluetooth.

Typically, the mobile terminal is further set up to communicate with the central unit via one of the above-mentioned mobile networks in order to carry out the assignment according to the invention.

The identification information of the SIM unit, which can be represented by means of the code, preferably indicates an IMSI (“International Mobile Subscriber Identity” or “International Mobile Subscriber Identification”) of the SIM unit. The IMSI is used in cellular networks to clearly identify the network subscribers. The IMSI number is issued once per SIM worldwide by the mobile network operators and therefore enables a unique authentication of the vehicle in which the SIM unit is contained.

The code is preferably a two-dimensional code or a three-dimensional code, such as a QR code, for example. The QR (Quick Response) code consists of a square matrix of black and white squares that represent the coded data in binary. The data encoded in the QR code include (or are) the SIM identification information of the SIM unit of the vehicle, such as the IMSI number.

The code can preferably be provided visually by the vehicle. In particular, the code can be provided visually in such a way that it can be captured with the user's mobile terminal. The code is typically provided by means of a display device installed in the vehicle, such as a display or a projection device.

The display can for example be a display of an infotainment system. Typically, the display is installed in or on the dashboard of the vehicle. The display can be a head unit, for example. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and the display may be provided in other suitable locations, such as in the trunk, in the vehicle frame, etc. In some embodiments, the display is an LCD display, a plasma display, or an OLED display .

The projection device can be set up to provide the code visible from the inside and / or outside on a window of the vehicle. The window can be, for example, a windshield or a side window of the vehicle. Typically the projection device is a head-up display.

In a further example, the code can be provided to the mobile terminal via near field communication (NFC, Bluetooth, etc.). In other words, the code is read over a communication link and not visually.

The code is preferably only provided when the vehicle is energized and / or when the vehicle is properly opened. If the vehicle is properly opened and consequently energized, it can be assumed that the current user is authorized. This ensures that the user who scans the code with his mobile device does so legally and is the authorized user. In this sense, the term “properly opened” means that no unauthorized person has forcibly entered the vehicle, for example by breaking a window. Thus, abuse can be prevented.

The reading of the code provided on the vehicle by the mobile terminal preferably includes opening an app on the mobile terminal and reading the code using the app. The app can be provided, for example, to access the vehicle. In order to enable such access in the first place, the legally authorized user or the mobile device is assigned to the vehicle once, in order to enable the user or the mobile device to access the vehicle.

The assignment of the user to the vehicle by the central unit preferably includes granting a user authorization for the mobile terminal for the vehicle. The central unit can, for example, after an assignment has been made, transmit a release to the vehicle so that the vehicle allows the mobile terminal to access it.

The user authorization can include, for example, information access to information relating to the vehicle and / or control of one or more vehicle functions using the mobile terminal. The information relating to the vehicle can include, for example, status information, such as whether the vehicle is locked, a position indicator, a fuel gauge and the like. The vehicle functions can include, for example, a locking system for the doors, an air conditioning function and the like.

The assignment of the user to the vehicle by the central unit preferably includes comparing the read unique identification information of the SIM unit of the vehicle with information stored in the central unit, the information stored in the central unit linking the unique identification information with a chassis number of the vehicle include. In particular, a link between the SIM unit and the chassis number, that is to say the specific vehicle, can be present in the central unit. By comparing the unique identification information of the SIM unit received in the central unit with the stored information, the vehicle can be clearly identified, so that a correct assignment and thus release of access to the correct vehicle can take place.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a system for assigning a user to a vehicle is specified. The system comprises an in-vehicle device (e.g. a display device or NFC device) which is arranged to display a code on the vehicle e.g. visually or by NFC, the code being provided by a mobile terminal of a user e.g. is readable visually or by NFC and includes unique identification information of a SIM unit of the vehicle; and a central unit which is set up to receive a request from the mobile terminal for an association of the user with the vehicle, wherein the request includes the unique identification information of the SIM unit of the vehicle read by the mobile terminal, and wherein the central unit is set up is to assign the user to the vehicle.

In particular, the system is set up to carry out the method described in this document.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium with a software program is provided. The software program is set up to be executed on one or more processors, and thereby to execute the method described in this document for the (unambiguous) assignment of a user to a vehicle.

In the context of the present disclosure, the term vehicle includes, in particular, cars, trucks, buses, mobile homes, motorcycles, etc. that are used to transport people, goods, etc. In particular, the term includes motor vehicles for passenger transport. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may apply to other propulsion vehicles such as scooters and ships / boats.

Figure list

• 1 schematisch ein Flussdiagram eines Verfahrens zum Zuordnen eines Nutzers zu einem Fahrzeug gemäß Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Offenbarung, und
• 2 schematisch ein System zum Zuordnen eines Nutzers zu einem Fahrzeug gemäß Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Offenbarung.

Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are shown in the figures and are described in more detail below. Show it:

• 1 schematically a flow diagram of a method for assigning a user to a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure, and
• 2 schematically a system for assigning a user to a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Embodiments of the disclosure

Unless otherwise noted, the same reference symbols are used below for elements that are the same and have the same effect.

1 schematically shows a flow diagram of a method 100 for assigning a user to a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

The procedure 100 includes in the block 110 providing a code on or in the vehicle, the code being readable by a mobile device of a user, for example visually or via a communication connection (for example NFC), and including unique identification information of a SIM unit of the vehicle; in the block 120 reading the code provided on the vehicle by the mobile terminal, for example visually or via a communication link (for example NFC); in the block 130 sending a request for an assignment of the user to the vehicle by the mobile terminal to a central unit, the request comprising the unique identification information of the SIM unit of the vehicle; and in the block 140 an assignment of the user to the vehicle by the central unit.

In some embodiments, the central unit can transmit a release for access by the mobile terminal to the vehicle to the same. The vehicle can then allow access by the mobile terminal, for example to access vehicle information and / or control vehicle functions. The vehicle information can be status information such as whether the vehicle is locked, a position indicator, a fuel gauge and the like. The vehicle functions can include, for example, a door locking system, an air conditioning function, an infotainment system and the like.

The assignment can be made once and remain in place until the assignment or release is revoked or deleted. The revocation or deletion can, for example, be done manually by the user (e.g. directly via an entry in the vehicle or indirectly via the central unit). For example, manual revocation or manual deletion by the user can take place when the user sells the vehicle. A new authorized user can then be assigned to the vehicle, who can then access the vehicle through his mobile device.

In some embodiments, the revocation or the deletion can take place when the user changes his mobile device. In this case, the user can be reassigned to the vehicle using the new mobile terminal. In other embodiments, the assignment or the release remains in effect when the mobile terminal device changes, if the user transfers the user profile that was present on the previous mobile terminal device to the new mobile terminal device. In this case, it may not be necessary to reassign the user to the vehicle using the new mobile terminal.

In some embodiments, only a single user can be assigned to the vehicle. In other words, two or more different users or mobile devices cannot access the vehicle. However, the present disclosure is not restricted to this and two or more users and / or two or more mobile terminals can be assigned and released for access to the vehicle.

2 shows schematically a system for assigning a user to a vehicle 200 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

2 shows schematically the vehicle 200 , the mobile device 300 and the central unit 400 . The mobile device 300 can be via a first communication link 1 with the vehicle 200 and via a second communication link 2 with the central unit 400 communicate. The vehicle 200 can be via a third communication link 3 with the central unit 400 communicate.

The first communication link 1 between the mobile device 300 and the vehicle 200 can for example be done using a mobile network or near field technology such as Bluetooth. The mobile network can be an LTE network, for example. In some embodiments, the mobile terminal can transmit the code over the first communication link 1 read or receive.

The second communication link 2 between the mobile device 300 and the central unit 400 can be done over a mobile network such as an LTE network.

The third communication link 3 between the vehicle 200 and the central unit 400 can be via a mobile network, such as an LTE network, using the SIM unit in the vehicle 220 respectively.

The communication links between the vehicle 200 , the mobile device 300 and the central unit 400 however, they are not limited to the above example and other suitable types of direct or indirect communication links, which are direct or indirect communication between the vehicle, can be used 200 , the mobile device 300 and the central unit 400 enable. For example, a local network such as wireless LAN (WiFi / WLAN) can be used for at least one of the communication connections.

The vehicle 200 comprises a display device 210 such as a display of an infotainment system. Typically, the display is in or on the dashboard of the vehicle 200 Installed. The display can be a head unit, for example. In some embodiments, the display is an LCD display, a plasma display, or an OLED display.

The display device 210 is set up to a code 10 to represent graphically. The code 10 can be a two-dimensional or three-dimensional graphic code, such as a QR code. The code 10 is set up, for example, by means of a camera of the mobile terminal 300 to be captured or read.

The code 10 includes unique identification information of the SIM unit 220 of the vehicle 200 . In particular, the unique identification information can be an IMSI number (“International Mobile Subscriber Identity” or “International Mobile Radio Subscriber Identification”) of the SIM unit 220 include or be.

The user can use the mobile device 300 the code shown 10 read. For example, the user can use an app on the mobile device 200 start and the code 10 read using the app. The app can be provided, for example, to access the vehicle. The mobile device 300 can for example via the second communication link 2 a request for an assignment of the user to the vehicle 200 to the central unit 400 send. The request includes the one from the mobile device 300 read unique identification information of the SIM unit 220 of the vehicle 200 .

The central unit 400 can match the read, unique identification information of the SIM unit of the vehicle, which is received, with information stored in the central unit. The one in the central unit 400 Stored information can, for example, link the unique identification information with a chassis number of the vehicle 200 include. By comparing the in the central unit 400 received unique identification information of the SIM unit 220 with the stored information, the vehicle can 200 can be clearly identified so that a correct assignment and thus release of access to the correct vehicle 200 can be done.

For example, the central unit 400 a user authorization for the user or the mobile device based on the request and the unambiguous identification information read 300 To give. The central unit 400 can, for example, after a successful assignment via the third communication connection 3 a release to the vehicle 200 submit so the vehicle 200 the mobile device 300 allows access to information and / or vehicle functions.

The user authorization can in particular provide information access to information about the vehicle 200 concerning and / or a control of one or more vehicle functions using the mobile terminal 300 include. The information the vehicle 200 may include, for example, status information, such as whether the vehicle 200 is locked, a position indication, a fuel gauge and the like. The vehicle functions can include, for example, a door locking system, an air conditioning function, an infotainment system and the like. Communication for information access to information the vehicle 200 concerning and / or the control of one or more vehicle functions can, for example, be via the first communication connection 1 respectively.

In some embodiments, the code is only provided when the vehicle 200 energized and / or when the vehicle 200 is properly open. When the vehicle 200 is properly opened and therefore energized, it can be assumed that the current user is authorized. This ensures that the user who uses his mobile device 300 the code 10 scans, does so legally and is the authorized user. The term "properly opened" means in this sense that no unauthorized person forcibly into the vehicle 200 has penetrated, for example by breaking a window.

According to the invention, SIM information of the vehicle is displayed in the vehicle, for example, by a QR code. The user can, for example, start an app on his mobile device and scan the QR code for clear assignment. The SIM information can be available and compared in a backend at the vehicle manufacturer. In this way, for example, the correct VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) can be linked to the user or the user's mobile device. The user can use the forgery-proof SIM information in the vehicle to digitally prove legal access to the vehicle. The SIM information is unique and cannot be read on the windshield like the VIN for example. This enables a clear assignment of a user or the mobile terminal to a vehicle, so that the user can access vehicle information and / or control vehicle functions using the app installed on the mobile terminal.

Claims (10)

A method (100) for assigning a user to a vehicle (200), comprising: Providing (110) a code (10) on the vehicle (200), the code (10) being readable by a mobile terminal device (300) of a user and comprising unique identification information of a SIM unit (220) of the vehicle (200); Reading (120) the code (10) provided on the vehicle (200) by the mobile terminal (300); Sending (130) a request for an assignment of the user to the vehicle (200) by the mobile terminal (300) to a central unit (400), the request using the read unique identification information of the SIM unit (220) of the vehicle (200) includes; and Assignment (140) of the user to the vehicle (200) by the central unit (400). The method (100) according to Claim 1 , wherein the code (10) is a two-dimensional code or a three-dimensional code, in particular wherein the code is a QR code. The method (100) according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the code (10) is provided visually by the vehicle (200) by means of a display or a projection device, or wherein the code (10) is provided by the vehicle (200) by means of near field communication. The method (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 3 , wherein the code (10) is only provided when the vehicle (200) is energized and / or properly opened. The method (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 4th wherein reading (120) the code (10) provided on the vehicle (200) by the mobile terminal (300) comprises: opening an app on the mobile terminal (300); and reading the code (10) by means of the app, in particular visually or via a Nahfel dkommunikati onsverbindungen. The method (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 5 wherein the assignment (140) of the user to the vehicle (300) by the central unit (400) comprises: granting a user authorization for the mobile terminal (300) for the vehicle (200). The method (100) according to Claim 6 wherein the user authorization comprises information access to information relating to the vehicle (200) and / or control of one or more vehicle functions using the mobile terminal (300). The method (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 7th wherein the assignment (140) of the user to the vehicle (200) by the central unit (400) comprises: comparing the read unique identification information of the SIM unit (220) of the vehicle (200) with information stored in the central unit (400) wherein the information stored in the central unit (400) comprises a link between the unique identification information and a chassis number of the vehicle (200). A system for assigning a user to a vehicle (200) comprising: a vehicle-mounted device (210) which is set up to provide a code (10) on the vehicle (200), the code (10) being readable by a mobile terminal (300) of a user and unique identification information of a SIM unit (210 ) the vehicle (200) comprises; and a central unit (400) which is set up to receive a request from the mobile terminal (300) for an assignment of the user to the vehicle (200), wherein the request contains the unique identification information of the SIM read by the mobile terminal (300) Unit (220) of the vehicle (200), and wherein the central unit (400) is set up to assign the user to the vehicle (200). Storage medium with a software program which is set up to be executed on one or more processors, and thereby to carry out the method (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th execute.

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