EP3613029A1 - Identification on board a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A communication method implemented by an identification device (1) capable of being disposed in a vehicle. The method comprises: - receiving (105) a contact identifier (31, 51) originating from at least one mobile terminal (3, 5) capable of exchanging data at short-range with the identification device (1); - transmitting (109, 113) the received contact identifier (31, 51) associated with an identifier (10) of the identification device (1) from the identification device (1) to a remote server (7) via a mobile communication network, the at least one transmitted contact identifier (10, 31, 51) allowing said server to deduce a user identifier for implementing a service as a function of the identifier (10) of the identification device (1).

Description

 Identification in a vehicle

The invention relates to the field of providing service to vehicle users. Recent vehicles, particularly automobiles, are sometimes equipped with a device for setting in communication with a remote assistance service. In the event of an accident, for example, a communication is established between the vehicle and the assistance service. Upon establishing the call, an operator can voice-communicate with the occupants of the vehicle via the vehicle-integrated communication system. In case of an oral confirmation of an accident by the occupants or if there is no response, the operator can take the initiative to contact the emergency services for an intervention.

To improve safety and speed of response in the event of an accident, such systems tend to become widespread and should soon become mandatory in new vehicles marketed in Europe. When activating such a system, the actual triggering of rescue intervention by a human operator limits false alarms and unnecessary disturbances of rescue teams. In some cases, the regulation itself prohibits the triggering of the emergency intervention exclusively automated (without intervention of a human).

In real-life accidents, vehicle occupants are often required to leave the vehicle immediately after the accident for their own safety and / or to assist others. Damage caused by an accident can also make communication difficult or impossible. In the case of involuntary or erroneous trips, the occupants may also have to leave the vehicle before communication between the assistance service and the passenger compartment of the vehicle is established. In both cases, the absence of response can be interpreted by the operator as requiring the triggering of an intervention. Unnecessary interventions result. In addition, such assistance equipment is generally installed during the manufacture of the vehicle. It is complex and expensive to install such equipment in an existing vehicle. Such systems permanently equip the vehicle and can not be easily dismounted from a first vehicle to equip a second vehicle. The invention improves the situation.

There is provided a communication method implemented by an identification device adapted to be arranged in a vehicle. The method comprises:

receiving a contact identifier from at least one mobile terminal capable of exchanging data at a short distance with the identification device,

 transmitting the received contact identifier associated with an identifier of the identification device from the identification device to a remote server via a mobile communication network, so that said server implements a service according to the identifier of the identification device.

 More specifically, the at least one transmitted contact identifier enables the server to deduce a user identifier to implement a service according to the identifier of the identification device. In another aspect, there is provided a communication method implemented by a server comprising:

 receiving from a remote identification device via a mobile communication network at least one contact identifier associated with an identifier of the identification device,

- deduce based on the at least one contact identifier received a user identifier to implement a service based on the identifier of the identification device.

 More specifically, the contact identifier has been received by the identification device from at least one mobile terminal capable of exchanging data at short distance with the identification device. These processes originate from a problem noted for a help desk. However, these methods are also applicable to other types of service, for which it is desired to identify a person present in the vehicle.

Such methods allow an operator of a service to identify a person, or a user, via a communication terminal independent of the vehicle, typically a mobile phone. A contact identifier corresponds for example to a telephone identifier or call number of the communication terminal. Thus, it is irrelevant that the user contacted by the contact identifier is or not present inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The contact identifier or the contact identifiers used by the operator can be adapted according to the terminals that have identified themselves with the identification device. For example, a mobile terminal identified when the vehicle is started is assumed to be available to an occupant when a subsequent event occurs, regardless of the identity of the occupant or his status (driver or passenger, owner or not vehicle, subscriber or not of the service). In the case of a plurality of previously identified mobile terminals, such methods allow the service to have a plurality of contact identifiers and to deduce a plurality of telephone identifiers, which makes it possible to adapt the service provided. The deduced telephone identifiers depend on the identified mobile terminals. The deduced telephone identifiers may correspond to the identified mobile terminals and / or terminals different from those of the identified mobile terminals.

The implementation of the methods does not require the execution of an application on the mobile terminal. Thus, the latter can be very basic, only able to pair with the identification device to provide a contact identifier.

The identifier of the identification device makes it possible to provide a service adapted according to this identifier. This identifier makes it possible to provide a service according to the prior choices of a user having acquired this identification device and thus subscribes to the service from the operator. Indeed, in solutions in which the mobile terminal acts as an intermediary for interacting with the service, the service operator can not access information on the user of this terminal when he does not have prior agreement. the user to access it.

For assistance, it is then possible to contact a person actually in the vehicle when an accident occurs. For a vehicle sharing service, it is possible to identify the person using the vehicle.

In another aspect, there is provided an identification device adapted to be disposed in a vehicle and comprising a processor operatively coupled with a memory. The device further comprises:

a short-distance communication module, arranged to receive a contact identifier from at least one mobile terminal capable of exchanging data at short distance with the identification device,

a mobile communication module, arranged to transmit the received contact identifier associated with an identifier of the identification device from the identification device to a remote server via a mobile communication network, so that said server implements a service according to the identifier of the identification device.

More specifically, the at least one transmitted contact identifier enables the server to deduce a user identifier to implement a service according to the identifier of the identification device.

In another aspect, there is provided a system comprising at least one identification device and a server. The identification device is adapted to be arranged in a vehicle and comprises a processor operatively coupled with a memory. The device further comprises:

 a short-distance communication module, arranged to receive a contact identifier from at least one mobile terminal capable of exchanging data at short distance with the identification device,

 a mobile communication module, arranged to transmit the received contact identifier associated with an identifier of the identification device from the identification device to the remote server via a mobile communication network.

The server includes:

 a mobile communication module, arranged to receive from the remote identification device via a mobile communication network at least one contact identifier associated with an identifier of the identification device, and

 a deduction module, arranged to deduce, based on the at least one contact identifier received, a user identifier for implementing a service according to the identifier of the identification device, so that the server sets implement a service according to the identifier of the identification device.

The identification device is not used during the voice conversation between the user and the operator, it may be devoid of connection with the vehicle itself. The device may be devoid of many components, for example loudspeaker and / or microphone. The device may be devoid of communication means for transmitting the voice. In addition, the energy requirements are low. Such a device can be made autonomous in energy, for example by means of a battery. When the device is energy autonomous, the device remains operational regardless of the state of the vehicle. In the case of an accident for example, the energy sources of the vehicle (battery) may be faulty. This has no effect on a device with its own battery. Such a device can be compact and installed in an easily removable manner in a vehicle and in many locations of the vehicle.

In another aspect, there is provided a computer program adapted to be implemented in a communication method such as those defined herein. In yet another aspect, there is provided a computer-readable, non-transient recording medium on which is recorded a program including instructions for carrying out one of the methods provided herein. The following features may optionally be implemented. They can be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other:

- The transmission of the contact identifier associated with an identifier of the identification device is implemented by the identification device upon receipt of said contact identifier.

Thus, the server can have upstream of the contact identifier for the implementation of services as soon as the mobile terminal of a user is matched to the identification device. For example, a vehicle fleet manager may be informed of the identity of the driver and / or passengers of a vehicle in the fleet.

- The method implemented by the identification device further comprises:

 - detect an event,

 - Detecting, transmit the previously received contact identifier associated with an identifier of the identification device from the identification device to the remote server via a mobile communication network. The detection triggers the transmission of the contact identifier associated with the identifier of the identification device. This makes it possible to limit the return of identification information to certain predetermined situations as a function of the detected events. For example, the identity of the occupants of a vehicle can be transmitted only in case of suspicion of an accident.

- The detected event includes a voluntary interaction of a vehicle occupant with the identification device. This makes it possible to trigger a service such as the sending of relief manually by an action of one of the occupants of the vehicle. The detected event comprises exceeding a pre-established acceleration threshold and detected via an accelerometer of the identification device. This makes it possible to trigger a service such as emergency sending automatically, typically in the event of sudden braking or shock.

- The method implemented by the identification device further comprises:

 - monitor by the identification device the receipt of a contact identifier and / or the start of the vehicle,

 - Detecting the start of the vehicle without receiving a contact identifier, transmitting a notification signal to said server. This makes it possible to provide a vehicle monitoring service. A user refer, for example, whose contact data is pre-recorded and available to the server receiving the notification signal, can be informed of a vehicle start without prior pairing. Such a situation corresponds for example to an attempted theft of the vehicle.

- The identification device generates at least one confirmation signal perceptible by an occupant of the vehicle and selected so as to distinguish:

 the success of the failure to receive a contact identifier of a mobile terminal capable of exchanging data at short distance with the identification device,

 the success of the failure of the transmission of the contact identifier associated with the identifier of the identification device, and / or

 - the success of the failure of the transmission of the notification signal. This allows an occupant of the vehicle to monitor the proper functioning of the system regardless of access to the mobile terminal. For example, the mobile terminal may remain in a pocket or bag of an occupant of the vehicle while the occupant of the vehicle is informed directly of an actual pairing or abnormality by the identification device.

- Geolocation data are transmitted by the identification device to receive the contact identifier and / or detection of an event. The services provided can thus be completed, for example by providing the supposed location of the vehicle. This is particularly valuable in an emergency situation where contact with an occupant can not be established and relief is required.

The method implemented by the server furthermore comprises:

- receive a notification signal, calling said association stored in a database to deduce the user identifier and implement the service. This makes it possible to implement a service independently of receiving a contact identifier concurrently with the reception of the notification signal, for example in the situation of a flight attempt explained above.

In the method implemented by the server, the deduction of the user identifier includes a comparison between the at least one identifier of the association received with data stored in a database. This makes it possible to provide an adapted service according to pre-established rules. For example, a user referencing, not necessarily occupying the vehicle during a vehicle use session, may or may not be contacted depending on the occupants identified during the session.

The aforementioned optional features may be transposed, independently of one another or in combination with one another, to the methods, the identification device, the computer program and / or the computer-readable non-transitory recording medium. .

Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading the detailed description below, and on the analysis of the appended drawings, in which:

 FIG. 1 shows a nonlimiting example of a device proposed according to one or more embodiments,

 FIG. 2 shows a nonlimiting example of complementary implementation of two methods according to one or more embodiments,

FIG. 3 is a diagram of two complementary methods according to one or more embodiments, and

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a nonlimiting example of two complementary methods proposed according to one or more embodiments. In the following detailed description of embodiments, many specific details are presented to provide a more complete understanding. Nevertheless, those skilled in the art may realize that embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known features are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description. FIG. 1 represents an identification device 1. In a nonlimiting example, the identification device 1 comprises:

 a processor 11,

 a memory 13,

a control organ 15,

 an accelerometer 17,

 a geolocation module 19,

 a short-distance communication module 21,

 a mobile communication module 23, and

- a user interface 25.

In a variant, the identification device 1 comprises only some of the elements listed above. For example, the identification device 1 may be devoid of at least one of the control member 15, the accelerometer 17 and the geolocation module 19.

Alternatively, several processors 11 may cooperate to implement the method described below. The processor 11, or data processing unit (CPU), is associated with the memory 13. The memory 13 comprises for example a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a cache memory and / or a flash memory , or any other storage medium capable of storing software code in the form of instructions executable by a processor or data structures accessible by a processor.

The control member 15 is arranged to generate a confirmation signal perceptible by a person in the vicinity, for example an occupant of the vehicle. The confirmation signal may take the form, for example, of an auditory and / or visual signal. The control member 15 comprises, for example, a pager, a loudspeaker and / or at least one light source such as a light emitting diode or a set of light-emitting diodes. The control member 15 is controlled by the processor 11. The accelerometer 17 is arranged to form a sensor capable of detecting an event 60, for example by detecting an overshoot of a preset acceleration threshold. The threshold can be selected to detect, in combinable and nonlimiting examples:

- vibrations corresponding to an activity near the vehicle, the penetration of an individual into the passenger compartment of the vehicle, the opening or closing of a door of the vehicle, the starting of the engine, an acceleration corresponding to a movement of the vehicle, a starting of the vehicle, a sudden deceleration or an impact.

In general, different types and trigger thresholds may be provided to correspond to events 60. The events 60 provided may include a probable accident of the vehicle and / or unauthorized manipulation of the identification device 1 such as tearing by an ill-intentioned person. The accelerometer 17 has the advantage of being inexpensive while allowing to detect a wide variety of events. The triggering thresholds are set via the processor 11 to which the accelerometer 17 is operatively connected.

In variants, the identification device 1 may comprise other sensors, in addition to or instead of the accelerometer 17. The sensors are selected according to the events that it is desired to detect. Sensors external to the identification device 1 may be connected to the processor 11 of the identification device 1 so as to provide information relating to events to be detected. For example, sensors integrated in the vehicle or one of the mobile terminals 3, 5 shown in FIG. 2 can transmit data to the processor 11. In embodiments, the identification device 1 may be devoid of sensors and / or without accelerometer 17 and / or disconnected from external sensors. In such cases events can be detected using other components such as the user interface described hereinafter.

The sensors, in particular the accelerometer 17, are arranged to send information to the processor 11.

The geolocation module 19 comprises a subsystem arranged to supply geolocation data to the processor 11. The geolocation module 19 comprises, for example, a satellite positioning subsystem such as the "Global Positioning System" (GPS ) "Which allows high precision. Thus, the geolocation module 19 is able to supply the position of the identification device 1, and by extension of the vehicle, to the processor 11.

The geolocation module 19 may comprise, in addition to or instead of a satellite positioning subsystem, a detection positioning subsystem surrounding networks, for example geolocation by Wifi and / or communication network of the mobile type. By mobile communication network is meant here a communication network for example a cellular network compatible with GSM, UMTS, GPRS, EDGE, LTE and / or network architectures with 2G, 3G, 4G services. Other similar technologies can be envisaged, in particular the evolutions of the abovementioned technologies. In some situations, especially in a covered environment, network-based positioning gives better performance than satellite-only geolocation. Network-based positioning is generally more responsive and less energy consuming than satellite geolocation. In addition, the components of the mobile communication module 23 may be at least partially shared with the geolocation module 19.

The geolocation module 19 can be arranged to activate, alternately or in combination, a satellite geolocation and / or a positioning by network detection depending on the situation. For example, the geolocation module 19 can:

- be neutralized during a standby mode of the identification device 1 (parked vehicle and absence of detected occupant),

 - operate only by detection of networks in surveillance mode (normal driving of the vehicle) in order to limit energy consumption, and / or

 - operate by geolocation by satellite in alert mode (abnormal event detected) in order to improve the accuracy during a critical time.

The geolocation module 19 is arranged to remount geolocation data to the processor 11. The short-distance communication module 21 (or very short distance) is arranged to allow data exchange at a short distance between the device and the device. identification 1 and at least one distinct device compatible, typically here the terminals 3, 5. Here is meant by short distance, distances less than 20 meters and preferably less than a few meters.

In a non-limiting example, a Bluetooth® type communication is used. Such technology generally allows communication between devices in the same vehicle without allowing unwanted communication with a remote device of the vehicle. The power required for the operation of the devices is low especially in its low energy mode ("Low Energy" in English), which is desirable for mobile devices running on battery. Communication means compatible with Bluetooth® type technology equip most recent mobile phones, especially smartphones or "smartphones", which are therefore compatible with such communication. The low power of Bluetooth®-type communications, and generally short-range communications, helps to reduce the hypothetical influence on health in a confined environment such as the passenger compartment of a vehicle. The short-distance communication module 21 is controlled by the processor 11.

Alternatively, other communication technologies may be implemented. For example, Near Field Communication (NFC) technologies can be implemented. In such cases, the communication being effective only at distances of a few centimeters, it is necessary for the users to place, at least temporarily, the terminal 3, 5 to identify in the immediate vicinity of the identification device 1. The identification device 1 can, in such cases, be disposed within the immediate reach of users, for example at the dashboard of the vehicle.

Alternatively, other short-range communication technologies may be implemented, for example based on radio waves such as those type Wifi. The mobile communication module 23 is arranged to exchange data with a remote device, typically here a server 7, via a mobile communication network, or cellular network. The mobile communication module 23 is, for example, compatible with GSM, UMTS, GPRS, EDGE, LTE and / or network architectures with 2G, 3G, and 4G services. Other means may be considered.

The mobile communication module 23 comprises a receiver for a card including a microcontroller and memory, for example of the subscriber identification card type (for example SIM for "Subscriber Identity Module"). The card contains an identifier that can form, by extension, identifier of the identification device 1. In other words, an identifier of the identification device 1 can take, for example, the form of an IMSI number (IMSI for "International Mobile Subscriber Identity "). The mobile communication module 23 is controlled by the processor 11.

The user interface 25 is arranged to allow a user to force the detection of an event 60 by the processor 11. By an action of the user, an event 60 can be detected, regardless of the automatic detection or the non-automatic detection of the event 60 via the sensors connected to the processor 11. For example, a user can see a particular situation in his environment and trigger a notification by interaction with the user interface 25.

In at least some embodiments, the user interface 25 includes a push button. In the example described here, the user interface 25 consists of a single push button and devoid of other element. Such an interface, deliberately basic, dispenses the user with particular attention, especially visual, which is particularly advantageous in the context of driving a vehicle. In addition, the simplicity of the interface allows its use by a person with particularly weak physical and / or mental abilities, for example a sick, injured, injured or hindered person. Other types of user interface may be provided. The identification device 1 further comprises a power source not shown. In a non-limiting example, the identification device 1 comprises a battery that can be recharged by a connection to a power source. The connection can take, for example, the form of a connector adapted to be connected to a vehicle power source such as a cigarette lighter type socket. As a variant, such a connection can be used continuously, for example in the absence of a battery specific to the identification device 1.

Figure 2 shows the situation of an identification device 1 placed in a vehicle. Figure 3 is a diagram of two complementary methods. Figure 4 is a diagram of data exchange between different devices. Reference is now made to Figures 2, 3 and 4 in parallel.

A first communication terminal 3 is in possession of a first user 30. A second communication terminal 5 is in possession of a second user 50. In a situation 100 considered as initial, the identification device 1 is arranged in a vehicle. The vehicle is parked and unoccupied. The identification device 1 is, for example, in a standby mode so that its power consumption is limited. The terminals 3, 5 are located at a distance from the vehicle. The identification device 1 monitors 101 if a triggering event occurs. Upon detection of the trigger event, the identification device 1 exits the standby mode. The identification device 1 transmits 103 a signal pairing. The pairing signal takes for example the form of a signal BLE (for "Bluetooth Low Energy"). At least one of the mobile terminals 3, 5 then associates with the identification device 1. The trigger event, or start event, comprises for example the detection of the presence of a user and / or the start of the vehicle. In general, the initiating event designates an event that makes it possible to anticipate an imminent use of the vehicle. Such an event can, for example, be detected via accelerometer 17 described above and / or other sensors. By processing and interpreting the signals received from the sensors, the processor 11 can detect and recognize a variety of trigger events. The triggering event may also include a user interaction with the identification device 1, for example via the user interface 25. In the example described here, each of the terminals 3, 5 is capable of identify with other compatible devices and exchange short-range data with other compatible devices, including the identification device 1.

Then, the identification device 1 receives 105 at least one contact identifier 31, 51 from at least one mobile terminal 3, 5.

In the example described here, each of the terminals 3, 5 transmits to the identification device 1 a contact identifier 31, respectively 51. The contact identifier comprises, for example, a type number MSISDN for "Mobile Station Integrated Services Digital Network Number ", or more commonly" phone number ". Alternatively, the contact identifier is of another predefined type. For example, the contact identifier may include a user identifier that has been defined for the service.

On receipt 105 of the contact identifiers 31, 51 by the identification device 1, the contact identifiers 31, 51 are, for example, associated with an identifier 10 of the identification device 1, for example an IMSI number specific to the device identification 1.

The method may comprise a storage 107 of the identifiers 10, 31, 51, a transmission 109 of the identifiers 10, 31, 51, or both. The storage operation 107 includes the storage of the contact identifiers 31, 51 received in a memory 13 of the identification device 1, in other words a local storage.

The transmission operation 109 comprises the prior association of the contact identifiers 31, 51 received with the identifier 10 of the identification device 1. Then, the transmission operation 109 comprises the transmission of the contact identifiers 31, 51 and of the identifier 10 of the identification device 1 associated from the identification device 1 to a remote server 7 via a mobile communication network, for example in a notification signal 40.

In the embodiments for which the storage operation 107 is implemented but not the transmission operation 109, the transmission of the contact identifiers 31, 51 and the identifier 10 of the identification device 1 associated since the identification device 1 to a remote server 7 via a mobile communication network is implemented by calling the memory in which the information has been stored (operation 107) only after detecting an event 60 as described below. In other words, the transmission of the associated identifiers 10, 31, 51 can be carried out before the detection of an event 60, for example as soon as the identifiers 31, 51 are obtained by the identification device 1 (operation 109), or else the association of identifiers 10, 31, 51 can be memorized (operation 107) and then transmitted (operation 113) only when an event 60 occurs. Both operations can also be combined.

After the operations 107 and / or 109, the identification device 1 performs a monitoring 111 (monitoring mode). The identification device 1 monitors 111 if an event 60 occurs among several predefined events. Upon detection of an event 60, the identification device 1 goes into notification mode. A notification signal 40 is transmitted 113 by the identification device 1. The notification signal 40 is transmitted to the remote server 7 via a mobile communication network. The predefined events that can constitute the event 60, or notification events, generating the transmission of the notification signal 40 comprise, for example, at least one of the following events:

- a voluntary interaction of a vehicle occupant with the identification device 1 such as an action via the user interface 25 as pressing a button; - Exceeding one of the pre-established acceleration thresholds and detected via an accelerometer;

 at least one condition verified by means of one of the sensors connected to the processor 11 of the identification device 1.

At least in the aforementioned cases for which the transmission operation 109 has not been previously implemented, the stored contact identifiers 31, 51 are transmitted in association with the identifier 10 of the identification device 1 from the identification device 1 to the remote server 7 via a mobile communication network with detection of the event 60. The transmission of the association of the identification and contact identification identifiers 31, 51 and the transmission of the notification signal 40 may, for example, be concomitant. The notification signal 40 may include the association of the identification and contact identification identifiers 31, 51. The event 60 corresponds, for example, to an event considered to require the assistance of an outside operator, for example the triggering of an intervention team.

Once the notification signal 40 has been transmitted, the method implemented by the identification device 1 can be considered complete. Depending on the situation, the identification device 1 may return to the initial situation 100 or to the monitoring situation 111, either automatically or in response to a user interaction via the interface. In at least some embodiments, the identification device 1 generates, in addition, at least one confirmation signal perceptible by a vehicle occupant. The confirmation signal is selected, for example, so as to distinguish at least one of the following pairs of situations:

 the success or failure of receiving a contact identifier 31, 51;

the success or failure of the transmission 109 of the contact identifier 31, 51 associated with the identifier 10 of the identification device 1;

 the success or failure of the transmission 113 of the notification signal 40.

A confirmation signal specific to each of the aforementioned situations can be provided. Thus, the user can understand and accurately follow the progress of the process implemented by the identification device 1. Alternatively, the "success" signals may be at least partly common (for example the emission of a green color). The "fail" signals can be at least partly common (for example the emission of a red color). Alternatively, a positive confirmation signal (e.g., emitting a green color) can be generated only when the monitoring operation 111 is reached, i.e. the previous operations have proceeded satisfactory. A negative confirmation signal (for example the emission of a red color) can be generated only when the monitoring operation 111 is not reached after a preset delay considered as normal for the implementation of the preceding operations.

The confirmation signals may take other forms as explained above (flash sequences, sound, etc.).

In at least some embodiments, and as shown for example in FIG. 3, the transmission operations 103 of a pairing and reception signal 105 of at least one contact identifier 31, 51 can be repeated when the identification device 1 does not receive a contact identifier 31, 51. The non-reception may, for example, result from:

- pairing failure (no compatible terminals for short-range data exchange could be detected),

the failure of the reception operation 105.

The reiteration loop can be infinite: the identification device 1 waits indefinitely to obtain contact identifiers 31, 51. In other embodiments such as in the example represented in FIG. 3, the maximum number N of reiterations is predefined. After an N number of failures, the identification device 1 implements the transmission operation 113 of a notification signal 40. In these cases, the contact identifiers are unavailable. The notification signal comprises the identifier 10 of the identification device 1. The notification signal 40 may then include information indicating that a trigger event has been detected but that no occupant could be identified. Such a notification signal 40 can thus be interpreted as an unforeseen or unauthorized use of the vehicle, for example an attempted burglary or theft. In embodiments, the detection of the starting of the vehicle in the absence of a reception 105 of a contact identifier 31, 51 generates the transmission 113 of the notification signal 40 without reiteration of the operations 103 and 105 or after a number N limited failures. The transmission of such a notification signal 40 indicating the absence of a received contact identifier can also be combined with the implementation of a "negative" confirmation signal. For example, the transmission of such a notification signal 40 may be concomitant with a red flashing and / or an audible signal from the control member 15 of the identification device 1. , the method is again implemented following a trigger by a user, for example by an action on the user interface 25. Thus, a user can activate the means of communication at a short distance from his terminal, then cause reiteration operations 103 and 105. In embodiments, the number limit N of iterations can also be replaced by, or combined with, a maximum time limit. In these embodiments, the identification device 1 then comprises a clock.

In embodiments, geolocation data 49 may be transmitted from the identification device 1 to the server 7, for example:

 concomitantly with the transmission 109 of the contact identifiers 31, 51, or at the reception of the contact identifiers 31, 51, and / or

 - Concomitantly with the transmission of the notification signal 40, or with the detection of the event 60.

Thus, the server 7 furthermore receives data making it possible to locate the vehicle at startup, respectively data making it possible to locate the vehicle during the occurrence of the event 60. Examples of methods implemented by the server 7 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4.

The server 7 comprises a processor. Alternatively, several processors can cooperate to implement the method described below. The processor, or data processing unit (CPU), is associated with a memory 73. The memory 73 comprises for example a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a cache memory and / or a flash memory, or any other storage medium capable of storing software code in the form of instructions executable by a processor or of data structures accessible by a user. processor. The server 7 is connected to a mobile communication network so that it is able to exchange data, in particular with the identification device 1 as described above. In the example described here, the server 7 comprises fixed and remote equipment of the identification device 1. By remote, it is meant that short-distance data exchange means can not be sufficient to set the communication device in communication with each other. 1 and the server 7 1 'with each other.

The communication method implemented by the server 7 comprises the reception 713 of the association of the identifier 10 of the identification device 1 and at least one contact identifier 31, 51 from the remote identification device 1 via a mobile communication network.

On receipt 713 of the identifier of the identification device 1 and at least one contact identifier 31, 51, the server 7 stores the contact identifier 31, 51 received in association with the identifier 10 of the device. identification 1 and deduced 717 according to the identifier 31, 51 of contact received a user identifier, here a telephone identifier, for example of MSISDN type, or more commonly a telephone number, to implement a service in function of the identifier of the identification device. It is recalled here that the device and contact identifiers can be received in a notification signal 40. The deduction 717 can be implemented in several ways, for example as a function of the identifiers included in the notification signal 40 (or transmitted from concomitantly). For example, the deduction 717 of the at least one telephone identifier includes a comparison between the at least one identifier included in the notification signal 40 with data stored in a database, for example stored in the memory 73.

In cases where the notification signal 40 does not have a contact identifier 31, 51, the server 7 may, for example, compare the identifier 10 of the identification device 1 with the content of the database. In other words, the server 7 interrogates a database with the identifier 10 of the identification device 1. The database comprises, for example, a list of correspondence between identifiers 10 of identification devices 1 and contact IDs. The server 7 receives, in response, at least one corresponding contact identifier.

In embodiments, at least some of the contact IDs of the database are default contact IDs. For example, contact identifiers have been provided when subscribing to the service by a user having acquired the identification device 1. This may correspond, for example, to the situation described above for which the identification device 1 has not received a contact identifier 31, 51 during an activation session of the identification device 1 (for example an attempted break-in or theft).

In embodiments, prior to the reception of the notification signal 713, the server 7 receives 709 from the remote identification device 1 via a mobile communication network, an association of at least one contact identifier 31, 51 and an identifier 10 of the identification device 1. This situation corresponds, for example, to the one described above for which the identification device 1 implements the transmission 109 of the contact identifiers 31, 51 which has been received since corresponding terminals 3, 5. On reception 713 by the server 7, the server 7 stores 715 the association of the identifiers 10, 31, 51 in the memory 73. For example, the correspondence list mentioned above is updated.

The update may include the replacement of the previous contact identifiers (for example those by default) by the contact identifiers 31, 51 current and corresponding to the terminals 3, 5 detected in the vehicle. The replacement may be definitive or limited to the duration of the session. When the replacement is limited to the duration of the session, default contact identifiers are, for example, restored when the identification device 1 is reset, for example at the end of a journey with the vehicle. The update may also include the addition of the contact identifiers 31, 51 to those already present. The list may also include priority rules so that the contact identifiers are hierarchical to each other. For example, the order in which the contact identifiers must be used by an operator is predetermined.

The deduction of at least one telephone identifier allows an operator, to whom the telephone identifier is provided, to establish a communication with a telephone terminal corresponding to the deduced telephone identifier. It is emphasized here that this telephone terminal is distinct from the identification device 1. The telephone terminal may be one of the terminals 3, 5 identified during the session.

In embodiments, the server 7 can transmit confirmation confirmation signals 70 to the identification device 1. Such signals can be interpreted by the identification device 1 to adapt the confirmation signals to the occupants of the vehicle. .

In the present, two distinct processes are implemented respectively by the identification device 1 and by the server 7. The two devices and the respective methods implemented are complementary. Their combined implementation contributes to the provision of a service to users. For example, the identification device 1 can be understood as a transmitter transmitting data to the server, while the server can be seen as a receiver of said data and able to process them to identify a user present in the vehicle. During the implementation of a helpdesk, this allows the server in particular to deduce a telephone identifier, to contact a user via a terminal separate from the identification device 1.

In the nonlimiting examples described above, one of the intended applications is the call of the alleged occupants of the vehicle when an event such as an accident is detected. Nevertheless, it is possible that the telephone identifiers allow, in addition, to contact other users such as a reference person. A reference person may include the owner of the vehicle, a manager in the case of a company vehicle, an automotive professional to facilitate the assumption of mechanical repairs or an insurance company to speed up the administrative operations resulting from a possible accident.

Those skilled in the art may realize that, although the proposed methods are described in different embodiments as implemented respectively by an identification device 1 as illustrated in FIG. 1 and by a server 7 such as As shown in FIG. 2, various embodiments of the proposed methods may be implemented using different types of devices such as computers, tablets, or remote computing resources. The first method is implemented by computer means arranged in a vehicle and configured to process data from terminals 3, 5. The second method is implemented by computer means remote from the vehicle and configured to process data from the first computer means.

Optionally, the identification device 1 may be provided with a processing device including an operating system and programs, components, modules and / or applications in the form of software executed by the processor (s) 11, which can be stored in non-volatile memory.

Depending on the embodiments selected, certain acts, actions, events, or functions of each of the methods and methods described herein may be performed or occur in a different order from that in which they were described, or may be added , merged or not to be performed or not to occur, as the case may be. In addition, in some embodiments, certain acts, actions or events are performed or occur concurrently and not successively or vice versa.

Although described through a number of detailed exemplary embodiments, the proposed communication methods and systems for implementing the methods include various alternatives, modifications, and enhancements that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. it being understood that these different variants, modifications and improvements fall within the scope of the invention, as defined by the protection sought. In addition, various aspects and features described above may be implemented together, or separately, or substituted for each other, and all of the various combinations and sub-combinations of aspects and features are within the scope of the invention. 'invention. In addition, some of the systems and equipment described above may not incorporate all of the modules and features described for the preferred embodiments.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary systems, methods, identification devices, data processing units, recording media and programs described above, only by way of example, but encompasses all variants that may consider the person skilled in the art within the framework of the protection sought.

Claims

claims A communication method implemented by an identification device (1) adapted to be arranged in a vehicle, the method comprising: - receiving (105) a contact identifier (31, 51) coming from at least one mobile terminal (3, 5) able to exchange data at short distance with the identification device (1),  transmitting (109, 113) the received contact identifier (31, 51) associated with an identifier (10) of the identification device (1) from the identification device (1) to a remote server (7) via a mobile communication network, the at least one transmitted contact identifier (10, 31, 51) enabling said server to deduce a user identifier for implementing a service according to the identifier (10) of the device identification (1). 2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the transmission (109) of the contact identifier (31, 51) associated with an identifier (10) of the identification device (1) is implemented upon receipt of said identifier of contact (31, 51). 3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising:  - detect an event (60), said detection triggering the transmission of the contact identifier (31, 51) associated with the identifier (10) of the identification device (1). The method of claim 3, wherein the event (60) is a voluntary interaction of a vehicle occupant with the identification device (1). 5. Method according to claim 3, wherein the event (60) consists in exceeding an acceleration threshold detected via an accelerometer (17) of the identification device (1). 6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising:  - monitoring (101) by the identification device (1) receiving a contact identifier (31, 51) and / or starting the vehicle, - Detecting the start of the vehicle without receiving a contact identifier (31, 51), transmitting a notification signal (40) to said server (7). 7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identification device (1) generates at least one confirmation signal perceptible by an occupant of the vehicle, said confirmation signal being selected so as to distinguish:  the success of the failure to receive a contact identifier (31, 51) from a mobile terminal (3, 5) capable of exchanging data at short distance with the identification device (1), the success of the failure of the transmission (109, 113) of the contact identifier (31, 51) associated with the identifier (10) of the identification device (1), and / or  the success of the failure of the transmission (113) of the notification signal (40). Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which geolocation data (49) is transmitted (109, 113) on receipt of the contact identifier (31, 51) and / or on the detection of an event ( 60). 9. A communication method implemented by a server (7) comprising: receiving (713) from a remote identification device (1) via a mobile communication network at least one contact identifier (31, 51) associated with an identifier (10) of the identification device (1), said identifier contact (31, 51) having been received by the identification device from at least one mobile terminal (3, 5) capable of exchanging data at a short distance with the identification device (1), - deducing (717) based on the at least one contact identifier (10, 31, 51) received a user identifier to implement a service according to the identifier (10) of the identification device ( 1). The method of claim 9 further comprising: receiving (713) a notification signal (40),  calling said association (10, 31, 51) stored in a database (73) to deduce (717) the user identifier and implement the service. 11. Method according to one of claims 9 and 10 wherein the deduction (717) of the user identifier includes a comparison between the at least one identifier (10, 31, 51) of the association received with data stored in a database (73). 12. Non-transitory recording medium readable by a computer on which is recorded a program comprising instructions for implementing the method according to one of claims 1 to 11. 13. Computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method according to one of claims 1 to 11, when the program is executed by a processor (11). An identification device (1) adapted to be arranged in a vehicle and comprising a processor (11) operably coupled to a memory (13), said device further comprising  a short-distance communication module (21) arranged to receive a contact identifier (31, 51) coming from at least one mobile terminal (3, 5) capable of exchanging data at a short distance with the device; identification (1),  a mobile communication module (23), arranged to transmit the received contact identifier (31, 51) associated with an identifier (10) of the identification device (1) from the identification device (1) to a remote server (7) via a mobile communication network, the at least one transmitted contact identifier (10, 31, 51) enabling said server to deduce a user identifier to implement a service according to the identifier (10) of the identification device (1).