METHOD FOR MANAGING AND CREATING USER PROFILES IN A VEHICLE

Abstract

A method for managing user profiles for a vehicle is disclosed, wherein a digital vehicle key (12) for a first vehicle (10) is stored on a mobile device (30), which is assigned to a first user profile (13) of a user for the first vehicle (10). Personalization settings for the first user profile are recorded, wherein the personalization settings comprise parameters (14) that represent a position of at least one movable component (11) of the first vehicle (10), wherein the position of the movable component (11) is at least partially adjustable depending on the user's physique. A parameter model (40) is generated from these parameters (14) such that the parameter model (40) describes a dependency of the parameters on the user's physique.In a method (200) for creating a second user profile (24) for a second vehicle (20), the parameter model (40) is retrieved and transmitted to the second vehicle (20). When creating a second user profile (23) for the user for the second vehicle (20), parameters (24), which represent a position of at least one moving component (21) of the second vehicle (20), are then derived from the parameter model (40).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to methods for managing or creating user profiles in a vehicle. In particular, the creation of a user profile for a vehicle using digital vehicle keys and information from a user profile of another vehicle belonging to a user is to be enabled.

[0002] Modern vehicles offer users a range of personalization settings, which can include, for example, vehicle settings such as seat position, mirror and steering wheel adjustment, interior lighting color, infotainment system user interface settings, etc. To simplify the settings, a user can create a user profile in which these personalization settings can be saved. A user profile can then be called up in the vehicle to activate the corresponding settings. A user profile can then be assigned to a vehicle key so that when the key is used, for example, when unlocking the vehicle, the assigned user profile is loaded into the vehicle and the corresponding personalization settings are activated.

[0003] In addition to conventional vehicle keys, which are typically designed as remote controls, digital vehicle keys (“digital keys”) are increasingly being used, which are stored on a mobile device such as a smartphone. Instead of the traditional physical key, the digital vehicle key enables vehicle unlocking and locking via a wireless connection, for example, Bluetooth, in particular Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), UWB (Ultra-Wideband), or NFC (Near Field Communication). A corresponding communication device in the vehicle establishes a wireless connection with a corresponding mobile device of a user on which the digital vehicle key is stored.

[0004] The advantages of a digital vehicle key lie primarily in its functionality and convenient handling. Instead of having to carry a bulky key around, the vehicle owner can store the digital key on a mobile device, such as their smartphone. This minimizes the risk of key loss or theft. Furthermore, the digital vehicle key enables additional functions, such as remote control of the vehicle or sharing the key with other people. Overall, digital vehicle keys offer an innovative solution for vehicle access control, whereby a user profile can be assigned to the digital vehicle key just like a conventional vehicle key.

[0005] If a user owns multiple vehicles, the corresponding digital vehicle keys can be stored on a mobile device, such as their smartphone. However, this typically requires a new user profile to be created for each vehicle, and the individual settings must be configured again for each vehicle. This particularly applies to settings that depend on the vehicle type or class, as these cannot usually be easily synchronized between different vehicles. For example, the seating position in an SUV differs significantly from the seating position of the same person in a small car.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for managing or creating user profiles in a vehicle, in particular using digital vehicle keys.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the teaching of the independent claims. Various embodiments and further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method, in particular a computer-implemented method, for managing user profiles for a vehicle, wherein a digital vehicle key for a first vehicle is stored on a mobile terminal, which is assigned to a first user profile of a user for the first vehicle. In the method, personalization settings for the first user profile are recorded, wherein the personalization settings comprise parameters which represent a position of at least one movable component of the first vehicle, wherein the position of the movable component is at least partially adaptable depending on a physique of the user. A parameter model is then generated from the parameters of the first user profile, which represent the position of the at least one movable component, such that the parameter model describes a dependency of the parameters on the physique of the user.The parameter model is stored and provided for creating at least one second user profile of the user for at least one second vehicle, in particular a second vehicle for which a digital vehicle key is stored on the mobile terminal, which is assigned to the second user profile for the second vehicle.

[0009] The aforementioned method according to the first aspect is therefore based in particular on personalization settings relating to the settings of movable components in a vehicle, such as driver seat settings such as position, backrest inclination, and the like, being stored in the form of a parameter model. Such settings depend, on the one hand, on the physique (height, leg and arm lengths, etc.) of a user, such as the driver of the vehicle, and, on the other hand, these settings also depend on the vehicle, in particular on the vehicle type or vehicle class. If the user owns a second vehicle, in particular a second vehicle that differs in design from the first vehicle, such settings from the user profile cannot be easily transferred to the second vehicle. This is now solved using the parameter model.This describes the parameters that represent the position of at least one movable component, such as seat adjustments, depending on the user's body type. The parameter model could therefore also be referred to as an "ergonomics model." Instead of storing the parameters themselves, such as a specific position of the driver's seat, these parameters are stored depending on the user's body type, enabling transferability to other vehicles.

[0010] The parameter model is provided for creating a user profile on another vehicle. This allows new settings for the moving components of the other vehicle to be derived from the parameter model data without the user having to manually adjust them in the other vehicle. The parameter model essentially describes the user's body type and allows for simple and automatic adjustment of moving components in other vehicles once such moving components have been adjusted to the user's body type in one vehicle. The various user profiles that utilize the parameter model are linked by assigning the user profiles to digital vehicle keys that a user possesses or creates on a mobile device.In this way, the creation of a new user profile when creating a new digital vehicle key can be simplified, as explained below.

[0011] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method, in particular a computer-implemented method, for creating user profiles for a vehicle, wherein a digital vehicle key for a first vehicle is stored on a mobile terminal, which is assigned to a first user profile of a user for the first vehicle. In the method, a digital vehicle key for a second vehicle is created on the mobile terminal. The parameter model, which was generated from the first user profile according to the method according to one of the preceding claims, is retrieved and transmitted to the second vehicle. A second user profile is created for the user for the second vehicle, wherein parameters which represent a position of at least one movable component of the second vehicle are derived from the parameter model.

[0012] The aforementioned method according to the second aspect is therefore based in particular on the use of a previously created parameter model for creating a user profile. If a digital vehicle key is already stored on a mobile device and another digital vehicle key for a different vehicle is now created on this mobile device, the parameter model is automatically retrieved so that settings of movable components of the second vehicle are automatically adapted to the user's body type. Since these settings were previously saved from another vehicle in the form of a parameter model, the settings for the second vehicle can be easily derived from them. The parameters in the second vehicle can then look completely different from the parameters in the first vehicle; for example, such parameters differ for one and the same user for vehicles of different designs.However, they are all adapted to the user's body type. This eliminates the need for manual adjustments, such as a seat position, when creating the second user profile, making the process easier and faster for the user. They may not even need to be sitting in the second vehicle to create the second user profile.

[0013] The term "vehicle" used here refers in particular to a passenger car, including all types of motor vehicles, hybrid and battery-powered electric vehicles, as well as vehicles such as sedans, vans, buses, trucks, delivery vans, and the like. For communication, in particular with a mobile device on which a digital vehicle key is stored, a vehicle can be equipped with a wireless communication device for wireless communication with a mobile device.

[0014] The term "digital vehicle key" as used here refers specifically to an electronic medium that can be used to open, start, or control other functions normally performed with a conventional physical vehicle key. Unlike a conventional key, a digital vehicle key consists of digital information stored in an electronic device. A digital vehicle key can be implemented in several ways. One possibility is for the digital key to be stored in a mobile application on a smartphone. The smartphone then acts as the digital vehicle key and communicates wirelessly with the vehicle via a wireless and, in particular, encrypted connection to unlock the door or start the engine.The wireless connection can be established via Bluetooth, particularly BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), or UWB, for example. The use of a digital vehicle key can be CCC-compliant, in particular.

[0015] The term "mobile device" used here refers specifically to electronic devices that are portable and capable of communicating wirelessly with other devices or networks. These are handy devices that can often be carried in a pocket or held in the hand. Mobile devices include smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, and other similar devices. These devices typically use cellular networks, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or UWB to establish a wireless connection and enable data transmission, for example, with a corresponding communication device in a vehicle.

[0016] The term "communication device" used here refers in particular to a device for wireless communication. This can be a single unit or multiple interacting units. In particular, a communication device can comprise a control device, transmitter and receiver, and at least one corresponding antenna. In a vehicle, a communication device can be distributed throughout the vehicle, in particular to communicate with a mobile terminal on which a digital vehicle key is stored, in order to then be able to use the digital vehicle key as described above.

[0017] The term "CCC" used here refers specifically to the Car Connectivity Consortium. The Car Connectivity Consortium is a global association of automobile manufacturers, suppliers, and technology companies that develop standards for communication systems in vehicles. These include specifications for how vehicles should communicate with other devices such as smartphones and navigation systems. CCC-compliant therefore means, in particular, that the technology in question meets the CCC's requirements.

[0018] The term "user profile" used here refers specifically to a collection of a user's settings in a vehicle. A user profile in a vehicle serves, in particular, to store personal settings (personalization settings) and, where applicable, preferences of a user (e.g., the driver) and to automatically activate them when they use the vehicle. This can be achieved by assigning a user profile to a (digital) vehicle key. This can include, for example, the position and adjustment of the driver's seat, the mirror positions, climate settings, preferred radio or media channels, and even driver assistance settings. Modern vehicles, especially those with advanced electronic and networked features, often allow the storage of multiple profiles for different users.

[0019] The term "parameter model" used here refers specifically to a parametric storage of vehicle settings. In a parameter model (also "parametric model"), settings such as the positions of moving components (their "geometry") are created and manipulated using parameters. Such parameters can generally contain information about geometry (e.g. dimensions, positions in space, ...) or physical properties (material properties, loads, ...), in this case particularly the physique of a user. Selected parameters are linked to one another and, through their mutual relationships, geometry is generated. In this way, dependencies can be defined, such as the position of moving components in a vehicle to the physique of a user.

[0020] The terms "comprises," "includes," "includes," "has," "has," "with," or any other variation thereof, as used herein, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method or apparatus that includes or has a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or that are inherent in such a method or apparatus.

[0021] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive "or" and not an exclusive "or." For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by one of the following conditions: A is true (or present) and B is false (or absent), A is false (or absent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0022] The terms "a" or "an" as used herein are defined as "one or more." The terms "another" and "another," and any other variations thereof, are defined as "at least one other."

[0023] The term “plurality” as used here shall mean “two or more”.

[0024] The term “configured” or “set up” to fulfil a specific function (and respective modifications thereof) is to be understood within the meaning of the invention that the corresponding device is already in a design or setting in which it can carry out the function or is at least adjustable - i.e. configurable - so that it can carry out the function after being set accordingly. The configuration can be carried out, for example, by appropriately setting parameters of a process sequence or of switches or the like for activating or deactivating functionalities or settings. In particular, the device can have a plurality of predetermined configurations or operating modes, so that the configuration can be carried out by selecting one of these configurations or operating modes.

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the method according to the first and second aspects are described below, which can each be combined with each other as well as with the other aspects of the invention described, unless this is expressly excluded or is technically impossible.

[0026] In some embodiments, in particular of the method according to the first aspect, the parameter model is transmitted to the mobile device and stored on the mobile device. If the parameter model is stored on the mobile device and not, for example, in the vehicle, a simple transmission to a second vehicle is possible, in particular if a digital vehicle key for a second vehicle is created on the mobile device. The first vehicle is then not required for creating a user profile on the second vehicle. In particular, the parameter model can be stored in a secure memory area of ​​the mobile device. This is generally a memory area to which access restrictions are subject, for example, encrypted and / or password-protected. This can reduce the risk of unauthorized use of the parameter model.Instead of storing the parameter model on the mobile device, it could also be stored in another storage location accessible via the mobile device, such as a cloud. However, it is advantageous and more secure to store the parameter model on the mobile device that also contains the user's digital vehicle keys.

[0027] In some embodiments, in particular of the method according to the second aspect, the parameter model is then retrieved from the mobile terminal and transmitted from the mobile terminal to the second vehicle. When creating a digital vehicle key for a second vehicle on the mobile terminal, which already contains a digital vehicle key for a first vehicle, the parameter model can then be simply transmitted directly to the second vehicle in order to derive the personalization settings therefrom, in particular the parameters for adjusting movable components in the second vehicle, which are to be adapted to the user's height.

[0028] In some embodiments, parameters that are independent of the user's physique are also included in the parameter model. This could be, for example, the color of interior lighting. This could, for example, be the same in all of the user's vehicles. However, it is also conceivable to store the color of the interior lighting parametrically in such a way that it is matched, for example, to the exterior color, i.e., the paintwork of the vehicle. It is understood that a number of other very different personalization settings can also be described in this way in order to transfer them from one user profile to another user profile in a different vehicle.

[0029] In some embodiments, the parameter model is provided via a graphical user interface to enable manual changes to the parameter model. The graphical user interface can be displayed, for example, on a display in the vehicle, e.g., the information system (HMI - "Human Machine Interface"), or on the mobile device. This allows the user to deselect or confirm various settings. Furthermore, additional individual settings for different vehicles can be edited and saved in a profile.

[0030] In some embodiments, the movable component comprises at least one of the following components: a vehicle seat, a steering wheel, and a mirror in and / or on the vehicle. These movable components are typically adapted to the physique of a user, in particular the driver, in order to enable safe driving and ergonomic sitting. In modern vehicles, the movable components are therefore typically electrically movable. In particular, when multiple users share a vehicle, it is advantageous to store parameters relating to the position of these movable components in a user profile in order to retrieve it before the journey, in particular automatically when the corresponding (digital) vehicle key assigned to the user profile is used.Since these moving components, such as seats, steering wheels or mirrors, are usually designed very differently in different vehicle types and the seating position of a user can vary greatly in different vehicles, by using a parameter model as described above, a user profile can be created very easily on another vehicle without a user having to make the settings manually when sitting in the vehicle.

[0031] In other words, if a user wants to create a user profile for a different vehicle type, the user profile will immediately contain the correct settings, so the user will have little or no effort adjusting these moving components to their body type in order to sit safely and comfortably in the vehicle. This is achieved by retrieving the parameter model when the user creates a digital vehicle key for another vehicle on their mobile device.

[0032] A third aspect of the invention relates to a system for data processing, in particular for user profile management for a vehicle, comprising at least one processor configured to carry out the method according to the first or second aspect.

[0033] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on a system according to the third aspect, cause the system to carry out the method according to the first or second aspect.

[0034] The computer program can, in particular, be stored on a non-volatile data carrier. This is preferably a data carrier in the form of an optical data carrier or a flash memory module. This can be advantageous if the computer program as such is to be handled independently of a processor platform on which the one or more programs are to be executed. In another implementation, the computer program can be present as a file on a data processing unit, in particular on a server, and can be downloadable via a data connection, for example the Internet or a dedicated data connection, such as a proprietary or local network. Furthermore, the computer program can have a plurality of interacting individual program modules.

[0035] The system according to the third aspect can accordingly comprise a program memory in which the computer program is stored. Alternatively, the system can also be configured to access an external computer program, for example, available on one or more servers or other data processing units, via a communication connection, in particular to exchange data with it that is used during the execution of the method or computer program or that represents outputs of the computer program.

[0036] The features and advantages explained with regard to the first and second aspects of the invention also apply accordingly to the further aspects of the invention.

[0037] Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.

[0038] It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic view of vehicles with corresponding user profiles and a terminal with digital vehicle keys; Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a method for managing user profiles according to one embodiment; and Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a method for creating user profiles according to one embodiment.

[0039] Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding elements of the invention.

[0040] In Fig. 1 shows a scenario with a first vehicle 10 and a second vehicle 20, for each of which a digital vehicle key 12 or 22 is stored on a mobile device 30, such as a smartphone. Both the first vehicle 10 and the second vehicle 20 have movable, i.e. adjustable, components, such as the driver's seat 11 or 21, which can be adapted to the driver's physique. Other such adjustable components can be the steering wheel or mirrors. The vehicles 10, 20 are of different designs, so that the driver's seat 11 or 21 can be adjusted differently for the same driver (user) depending on the vehicle in order to achieve a suitable seating position. Such settings can be stored in user profiles 13 or 23, which can each be assigned to the digital vehicle key 12 or 22, in order to automatically activate the settings when the vehicle keys 12 or 22 are used.The user profiles 13, 23 may also contain other personalization settings, such as the color of the interior lighting, favorites in the infotainment system, etc., which do not depend on the user's body type.

[0041] In Fig. 2 illustrates a method 100 for managing user profiles, while in Fig. 3 illustrates a method 200 for creating user profiles. The methods 100, 200 are also described with further reference to Fig. 1 explained. In Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 illustrates exemplary steps of embodiments of the methods 100, 200 for illustrative purposes. It is understood that additional steps may be included.

[0042] It is assumed that a user has created, is creating, or is changing (i.e., "managing") a user profile 13 for the first vehicle 10, which is or will be assigned to the digital vehicle key 12 on the mobile device 30. In a step 101, personalization settings are recorded, such as a seating position of the driver's seat 11, which the user adjusts to their body type. These settings are stored as parameters 14 in the user profile 13. A parameter model is then generated from these parameters 14 in a step 102.

[0043] The parameter model describes a dependency of parameters 14, in this case in particular the position of the driver's seat 11, on the driver's body type. This parametric storage of parameters 14 in the form of parameter model 40 allows the corresponding personalization settings to be transferred to other vehicles, in particular vehicles of a different type, model, class, etc. The example of the driver's seat clearly shows that in different vehicles, very different seat settings may sometimes be required for the same user to achieve a suitable seating position, so these settings cannot be easily exchanged between such different vehicles.

[0044] The parameter model 40 is stored on the mobile terminal 30 in a step 103, in particular in a secure storage area to prevent unauthorized access to the parameter model. The parameter model 40 is then made available for the creation of further user profiles (step 104), i.e., it is made accessible at least for this purpose, in particular for further steps described within the framework of the method 200. It should be noted here that "making available" within the meaning of step 104 does not necessarily have to include a transfer of the parameter model 40.

[0045] Let us now further assume that the user now acquires possession of the second vehicle 20. They will then first create a digital vehicle key 22 for the second vehicle 20 in a step 201. They will store the digital vehicle key 22 for the second vehicle 20 on the same mobile device 30 on which the digital vehicle key 12 for their first vehicle 10 is already stored. Furthermore, as previously described, the parameter model 40 is stored on the mobile device 30, which describes a dependency of certain parameters 14 of the user profile 13 on the first vehicle 10 on their body type. The parameter model 40 can therefore now be retrieved when creating the second digital vehicle key 22 (step 202) and transmitted to the second vehicle 20 (step 203).

[0046] The parameters 24 can then be derived from the parameter model 40, which, as part of the user profile 23 on the second vehicle 20, relate, for example, to the settings of the driver's seat 21. These settings, which depend on the user's physique, can thus be automatically transferred from the first vehicle 10 to the second vehicle 20, even though these two vehicles differ in design, so that the parameters 14 and 24 will also be different. In other words, the parameters 24 are then set such that the driver's seat 21 in the second vehicle 20 is also suitably adjusted for the user, without the user having to manually adjust the position of the driver's seat 21 in the second vehicle 20 to their physique.

[0047] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that a wide variety of variations exist. It should also be understood that the described exemplary embodiments are merely non-limiting examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the devices and methods described herein. Rather, the foregoing description will provide a guide to implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, with the understanding that various changes in the operation and arrangement of the elements described in an exemplary embodiment may be made without departing from the subject matter as defined in the appended claims, as well as their legal equivalents. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 100 Procedures for Managing User Profiles 101 - 104 Steps of the procedure 100 200 procedures for creating user profiles 201 - 204 Steps of the procedure 200 10 first vehicle 11 Seat of the first vehicle 12 digital vehicle keys for the first vehicle 13 User profile in the first vehicle 14 User profile parameters 20 second vehicle 21 Seat of the second vehicle 22 digital vehicle key for the second vehicle 23 User profile in the second vehicle 24 User profile parameters 30 mobile devices 40 Parameter model

Claims

[1] Method (100) for managing user profiles for a vehicle, wherein a digital vehicle key (12) for a first vehicle (10) is stored on a mobile terminal (30), which digital vehicle key is assigned to a first user profile (13) of a user for the first vehicle (10), wherein the method (100) comprises: - detecting personalization settings for the first user profile, wherein the personalization settings comprise parameters (14) representing a position of at least one movable component (11) of the first vehicle (10), wherein the position of the movable component (11) is at least partially adjustable depending on a body type of the user; - generating a parameter model (40) from the parameters (14) of the first user profile (13) which represent the position of the at least one movable component (11), so that the parameter model (40) describes a dependency of the parameters on the body structure of the user; and - storing and providing the parameter model (40) for creating at least one second user profile (23) of the user for at least one second vehicle (20). [2] The method of claim 1, further comprising: - transmitting the parameter model (40) to the mobile terminal (30); and - Saving the parameter model (40) on the mobile device (30). [3] Method according to claim 2, wherein the parameter model (40) is stored in a secure memory area of the mobile terminal (30). [4] Method (200) for creating user profiles for a vehicle (1), wherein a digital vehicle key (12) for a first vehicle (10) is stored on a mobile terminal (30), which digital vehicle key is assigned to a first user profile (13) of a user for the first vehicle (10), wherein the method (200) comprises: - Creating a digital vehicle key (22) for a second vehicle (20) on the mobile terminal (30); - retrieving the parameter model (40) generated from the first user profile (13) according to the method according to one of the preceding claims, and transmitting the parameter model (40) to the second vehicle (20); and - Creating a second user profile (23) for the user for the second vehicle (20), wherein parameters (24) representing a position of at least one movable component (21) of the second vehicle (20) are derived from the parameter model (40). [5] Method according to claim 4, wherein the parameter model (40) was generated and stored according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the parameter model (40) is retrieved from the mobile terminal (30) and transmitted from the mobile terminal (30) to the second vehicle (20). [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the parameter model (40) also includes parameters which do not depend on the user's physique. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the parameter model (40) is provided via a graphical user interface to enable manual changes to the parameter model (40). [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable component (11, 21) comprises at least one of the following components: a vehicle seat, a steering wheel and a mirror in and / or on the vehicle. [9] A data processing system comprising at least one processor configured to carry out the method according to any one of the preceding claims. [10] A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on a system according to claim 9, cause the system to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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