System and method for customizing vehicle functionality

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a system (10) for customizing vehicle functions. The system (10) comprises a developer platform (12) having an application programming interface (API) for creating content for at least one predefined vehicle function, wherein the developer platform (12) is configured to send the created content to a content server (18); a content server (18) configured to receive and store the created content; a mobile device (20) comprising an application, wherein the application is configured to access the content server (18) and provide the stored content of the content server (18) for selection; and a vehicle (16) configured to receive the selected content and customize the vehicle function with the received content.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a system for customizing vehicle functions and a method for customizing vehicle functions. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicle owners and users rarely have the opportunity to customize / customize vehicle features after purchase, which could include new sound, optical content, and control software for the vehicle's equipment. Currently, customization of vehicle features must be done at a service center. Furthermore, the amount of content available for customization is limited, as new content is currently offered almost exclusively by the vehicle manufacturer's developers, with very few third-party developers legally authorized to work on and provide content.

[0003] In particular, there is a lack of a platform where developers and vehicle owners can securely and reliably provide and access content for customizing vehicle features without affecting the vehicle's operation.

[0004] CN 110636 135A discloses an intelligent networked vehicle system. The system includes a vehicle, an application, and a platform established by a vehicle factory for vehicle production. The platform includes a service server and a security policy server. An application provided by an application provider is accessed through the service server, verified by the security policy server, and then stored in the security policy server. The vehicle downloads / upgrades the application from the security policy server.

[0005] EP 3783860 A1 discloses a system and method for developing third-party applications. The system includes an in-vehicle device and a developer platform, which communicate with each other. The in-vehicle device generates corresponding APIs based on the protocol analysis mode and API specifications of vehicle signals, adds the APIs to a software development kit (SDK), and sends the APIs to the developer platform. The developer platform publishes the SDK so that developers can develop third-party applications based on the APIs in the SDK.

[0006] KR 20180078764 A discloses a method for providing a verification procedure and supporting the registration of an application that is executable in a vehicle terminal in order to enable the application to register in a market portal server. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide the possibility of improving customized vehicle functions.

[0008] This objective is achieved through the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0009] Further advantageous embodiments and variations are disclosed in the dependent claims, the following description and the accompanying drawings.

[0010] One aspect of the invention relates to a system for customizing vehicle functions, the system comprising a developer platform having an application programming interface (API) for creating content for at least one predefined vehicle function, wherein the developer platform is configured to send the created content to a content server; and wherein the content server is configured to receive and store the created content. The system also includes a mobile device comprising an application configured to access the content server and provide content stored on the content server for selection; and a vehicle configured to receive the selected content and customize the vehicle functions using the received content.

[0011] In other words, the system may include at least a developer platform, a content server, mobile devices, and vehicles. The developer platform can provide an application programming interface (API) for creating the content to customize the vehicle's functionality. The API provides programmers or developers with tools and / or services, such as subroutines, methods, object specifications, and / or software libraries. Preferably, the vehicle functionality to be customized is predefined by the API so that safety-related functions are not altered through the content. The developer platform may be a program downloaded to a local computing device and / or a network interface accessible online. Preferably, only developers with certified and approved accounts can access the developer platform and create content.

[0012] The created content can then be sent from the developer platform to the content server where it is stored. Before being stored on the content server, the content can undergo verification and security checks, particularly through verification procedures and / or review by the vehicle manufacturer. Preferably, the content server is an internet server, particularly a cloud computing server. In addition to the data layer for storing the created content, the content server may also include services for data maintenance, support, account information, and access permissions to the content.

[0013] Particularly preferably, the content stored on the content server is continuously monitored based on the latest laws and other factors (such as customer sentiment) to ensure that the content is continuously screened. That is, even if content escapes quality control or slips through quality control, it may still be rejected as new and improved algorithms and detection procedures are deployed for the verification process.

[0014] The content stored on the content server can be browsed using applications on mobile devices, where information such as information about the content and vehicle functions, censorship, image metadata, copyright data, geographic tracking data, and other relevant information can be retrieved. The mobile device can be, for example, a smartphone, laptop, tablet, and / or other handheld computer. Additionally, if the vehicle is stationary, the content can be accessed via a desktop computer and / or the vehicle's infotainment system, and / or by passengers not engaged in driving.

[0015] After content is selected via the application, the content from the content server can be transmitted to the vehicle, which is configured to receive the selected content and customize corresponding vehicle functions using the selected and received content. The vehicle is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, particularly a passenger car or truck, or a bus or electric bicycle. The content is preferably transmitted wirelessly, particularly using WiFi, Bluetooth, and / or mobile communication technologies such as 5G. The vehicle may include an onboard unit or computer configured to install the content, thereby altering and customizing one or more vehicle functions.

[0016] The advantages of this invention are that it provides the possibility of easily and quickly customizing vehicle functions. The developer platform allows third-party developers to create third-party content, enabling the creation of more content and greater variation in the content offered. All created content, preferably verified, can then be stored on a trusted content server, thereby increasing the willingness to use and receive the created content. Furthermore, the separation of the developer platform and the content server enhances the security of this process.

[0017] Since not all vehicles have displays for searching and selecting content, using the aforementioned mobile device to select content offers the advantage of being able to choose content for these vehicles. Therefore, vehicles without displays can also be customized with the created content. Furthermore, users can make selections from anywhere, not necessarily within the vehicle. Another advantage is that the vehicle is adapted to receive the selected content via a wireless data connection and autonomously customize vehicle functions. This eliminates the need to drive to a service station to customize vehicle functions.

[0018] The present invention also includes embodiments that provide features with additional technical advantages.

[0019] In one implementation, the developer platform is a network-based device, wherein the application programming interface (API) is configured as a network interface. In other words, the developer platform can be accessed online, for example via Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). Therefore, apart from a data connection, no special hardware requirements are needed to access the developer platform from anywhere. The API, as a network interface, may include a graphical user interface where predefined vehicle functions can be selected and adjusted, such as by uploading audio and / or optical content, wherein the network interface preferably provides the ability to upload audio and / or optical content in bulk. Furthermore, the configuration and settings of vehicle functions can be changed to create content. Additionally, the developer platform can be configured to link to other, particularly third-party, APIs, thereby allowing the search of image and / or sound libraries from the developer platform to generate content for customized vehicle functions.

[0020] In another implementation, the developer platform includes a verification program configured to determine whether created content violates the vehicle's operating standards. If the verification program determines that the created content violates the operating standards, it can warn the developer and / or refuse to send the created content to the content server. The vehicle's operating standards may include whether the content violates laws, safety regulations, and / or company rules, wherein the company rules may include copyright and / or taste regulations. Preferably, the verification program is artificial intelligence that monitors whether the created content violates the operating standards during or after content creation. Therefore, the artificial intelligence can be trained using machine learning algorithms (especially supervised learning). For example, the licensor can perform a publication check on the created content before sending it to the content server. The verification program can then use the publication check as training data to automatically find violations of the operating standards. For example, if the content is a background image for an infotainment system display where the contrast between the text (e.g., "navigation," "radio," or "system settings") and the background is too low to be discernible, then there may be a violation of the operating standards. Furthermore, traffic signs or general content that distracts the driver may violate the vehicle operation standards. This implementation offers the advantage that the created content can be reviewed in a highly automated manner, which can save costs and accelerate the development of new content.

[0021] In another implementation, the content server is further configured to determine whether the selected content conforms to publishing criteria, and only publish the selected content to be transmitted to the vehicle if it conforms to the publishing criteria. Therefore, only content authorized to the user is installed in the vehicle. The published content may include information about the user and the vehicle. For example, to determine whether the publishing criteria are met, the user's account, which includes information about the mobile device and the respective vehicle, can be checked, so that content can only be customized for the user's own vehicle. Furthermore, the publishing criteria may include whether vehicle features (for which content has been selected) are actually available in the respective vehicle. Additionally, the publishing criteria may include, for example, information about whether payment has been made for the selected content. Thus, the advantage of this implementation is that suitable content can only be selected and installed in the vehicle with the help of an authorized user, who may be the vehicle owner, who can grant others the right to modify vehicle features.

[0022] In another embodiment, the system includes a backend proxy server configured to establish a data connection between the content server and the vehicle to transmit selected content to the vehicle. In other words, the content server does not send the content directly to the vehicle, but rather via the backend proxy server. Preferably, the backend proxy server may include connection information with the corresponding vehicle to ensure proper content transmission. This physical and electronic separation between the content server responsible for storage and the backend proxy server responsible for sending data to the vehicle has the advantage of improved system security.

[0023] In another implementation, the application on the mobile device is further configured to access metadata of the created content and use that metadata to provide additional information about the content. For example, the metadata may provide information such as which car models the content is applicable to, copyright information, geographic indication data, image metadata, content review, price data, and other relevant information. The metadata may also provide information for generating search queries, such as searching for images or other features. Furthermore, the metadata can be used to create statistics on the selected content, which can be retrieved by a dashboard. Additionally, rankings of popular content can be provided by the metadata for better and faster content selection.

[0024] According to another implementation, the developer platform is also configured to generate a unique signature for each piece of content created, wherein the vehicle is configured to verify each signature and customize vehicle functionality only for content with verified signatures. The signature can preferably also be used to trace content back to the developer. The unique signature is preferably protected, that is, it can be encrypted and / or fraud-proof. For example, the signature can contain an encrypted hash value, preferably generated by a blockchain method. The advantage of this implementation is that the source of each piece of content can be traced, which enhances vehicle security. Furthermore, it ensures that only approved developer platforms are used to create content.

[0025] In a further embodiment, as a vehicle function, the content maps sound to sensor and / or actuator signals of the vehicle. This means that sensor signals and actuator signals from the vehicle can be connected to sound through the content. Therefore, the sound can be played when performing specific in-vehicle actions. For example, the sound can be mapped to the opening and closing of windows or doors. Preferably, the sound is played automatically when a predefined vehicle condition is detected, rather than being manually activated. This embodiment allows for particularly preferred customization of the vehicle function.

[0026] In another implementation, the content provides optical content for customizing optical vehicle functions. For example, optical vehicle functions may include interior lighting, exterior lighting, and / or displays within the vehicle, wherein the optical content can be used to customize the presentation of these devices. Specifically, the optical content can be used to trigger interior lighting settings when performing specific in-vehicle actions. Furthermore, the vehicle interior can be adjusted by changing the light color and / or altering the background image or symbol style of the displays. This implementation allows for modifications to achieve another particularly preferred vehicle function.

[0027] In another implementation, the content provides engine configuration to customize the vehicle's engine functions. In other words, it is possible to remotely tune the engine, for example, by pushing a so-called ODX file to the engine ECU. This transforms the extremely slow process of accessing tuning experts and waiting for the software to be manually downloaded to the vehicle into a quick process of approximately 10 minutes. Preferably, the engine configuration may include fuel-saving and eco-friendly modes, sport mode, and / or comfort mode.

[0028] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for customizing vehicle functionality, wherein content is created for at least one predefined vehicle function on a developer platform having an application programming interface (API); wherein the developer platform sends the created content to a content server, wherein the content server receives and stores the created content; wherein the stored content is accessed by an application of a mobile device, wherein the content server determines whether to select content by using the application; wherein the selected content is sent from the content server to a vehicle, and wherein the vehicle uses the sent content to customize the vehicle functionality. Through this aspect, the same advantages and variations as the system described above can be obtained.

[0029] The present invention also includes embodiments of the method of the invention, which include features corresponding to the features already described in combination with embodiments of the system of the invention. For this reason, the corresponding features of the embodiments of the method of the invention will not be described here.

[0030] The present invention also includes a control device for a motor vehicle. The control device may include a data processing unit or processor circuitry adapted to perform customized vehicle functions based on transmitted content. For this purpose, the processor circuitry may include at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller and / or at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or at least one DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Furthermore, the processor circuitry may include program code comprising computer-readable instructions to execute embodiments of the method according to the invention when implemented by a processor device. This program code may be stored in the data memory of the processor device.

[0031] The present invention also includes further embodiments of the method according to the invention, which include the features already described in combination with further embodiments of the motor vehicle according to the invention. For this reason, corresponding further embodiments of the method according to the invention will not be described here.

[0032] The present invention also includes combinations of features from different embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. The accompanying drawings show:

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of the motor vehicle of the present invention; and

[0035] Figure 2 A diagram illustrating the driving situation is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The embodiments illustrated below are preferred embodiments of the invention. However, in these embodiments, each component described represents a separate feature of the invention, which is to be considered independently of each other, and which also independently improves the invention, and is therefore to be considered as part of the invention individually or in combinations different from those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0037] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote elements that provide the same function.

[0038] exist Figure 1 The illustration shows an illustrative system 10 for customizing vehicle functions according to an exemplary implementation. The system 10 may include a developer platform 12, which is preferably a web-based device. The developer platform 12 can be accessed by a developer using a computer 14, wherein the computer 14 can access the application programming interface (API) of the developer platform 12, which is configured as a web interface, preferably a graphical user interface, to create content for at least one predefined vehicle function of the vehicle 16.

[0039] In this example, a developer can create content that maps sound to sensor signals and / or actuator signals of vehicle 16. For example, a developer could create content to play a welcome sound when a car door is opened. Therefore, the developer can access developer platform 12, upload the welcome sound, and use the application programming interface to map that sound to the sensor indicating that the door is open.

[0040] When the content is created, the verification process of developer platform 12 can monitor the content. For example, if the welcome sound violates the operating standards of vehicle 16, which may include whether the sound impairs the operation of vehicle 16 or infringes copyright, a warning can be displayed to the developer and the content can be blocked from being provided. If the created content does not violate the operating standards, the content can be transmitted to content server 18, whereby a unique signature can be added, allowing the content to be traced back to the developer and also allowing the content to be verified before customizing vehicle functions.

[0041] Content server 18 can be physically and electronically separated from developer platform 12 to improve security. On content server 18, all created content can be stored along with metadata information about that content, such as the developer's name, the content's quality, review status, price, and other information.

[0042] Content stored on the content server can be accessed by an application on mobile device 20, which may be a smartphone. Through this application, the owner of vehicle 16 can browse the content and, for example, select content to map a welcome sound to the car door opening. After selecting the content, it can be further determined whether the selected content meets release criteria before it is transmitted to vehicle 16. Release criteria may include querying whether vehicle 16 has the vehicle features available for customization and / or whether the content has been paid for. If the release criteria are met, content server 18 can trigger a backend proxy server 22 to establish a connection with vehicle 16, preferably a data connection such as WiFi, 5G, and / or Bluetooth.

[0043] Vehicle 16 is configured to receive selected content via this data connection and to adjust vehicle functions using the received content. Therefore, the selected content can be installed in the vehicle 16's onboard unit, which maps welcome sounds to sensor signals from the door sensors.

[0044] It should be noted that the examples shown above are just one of several ways to customize vehicle functions; and other vehicle functions (especially entire series of actuators and electronic control units) can also be customized. For example, seats, air suspension, sound equalizer, air conditioning status, odor release into the vehicle, integration of voice assistants, optical vehicle functions using optical content, vehicle engine functions using content including engine configuration, and so on.

[0045] exist Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a schematic flowchart of a method for customizing vehicle functions. In step S10, content is created for at least one predefined vehicle function on a developer platform 12 with an application programming interface, wherein the developer platform 12 sends the created content to a content server 18.

[0046] In step S12, content server 18 receives and stores the created content. Content server 18 is preferably a cloud-based server, and the content may include additional information regarding content pricing, censorship, copyright, geospatial data, image metadata, and other information.

[0047] In step S14, the mobile device 20 evaluates the content stored on the content server 18 via an application. In this case, the application can act as a content store, allowing interested users to browse and purchase content.

[0048] In step S16, the content server determines whether the user of the application has selected content, wherein the selected content is sent from the content server 18 to the vehicle 16, preferably via a backend proxy server 22 to improve the security of the system 10.

[0049] Finally, in step S18, vehicle 16 uses the received content to automatically customize its own vehicle functions.

[0050] In summary, these examples demonstrate how to provide a multifaceted digital platform that offers automotive-related products.

Claims

1. A system (10) for customizing vehicle functions, characterized in that, The system (10) includes: - A developer platform (12) having an application programming interface (API) for creating content for at least one predefined vehicle function, wherein the developer platform (12) is configured to send the created content to a content server (18). -The content server (18) is configured to receive and store the created content; - A mobile device (20) including an application configured to access the content server (18) and provide content stored by the content server (18) for selection; and - A vehicle (16) configured to receive selected content and to customize the vehicle's functions using the received content. The developer platform (12) includes a verification program configured to determine whether the created content violates the operating standards of the vehicle (16). If the created content violates the operating standards, the developer is warned and / or the content is refused to be sent to the content server. The operating standards include whether the content violates laws, safety regulations, and / or company rules. Specifically, based on the latest laws and other factors, the content stored on the content server is continuously monitored to ensure that the content is constantly filtered. The system (10) further includes a backend proxy server (22), which is configured to establish a data connection between the content server (18) and the vehicle (16) to transmit the selected content to the vehicle (16).

2. The system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The developer platform (12) is a network-based device, wherein the application programming interface (API) is configured as a network interface.

3. The system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The content server (18) is also configured to: determine whether the selected content conforms to the publishing criteria, and only publish the selected content to the vehicle (16) if it conforms to the publishing criteria, wherein the publishing criteria include: whether the user is authorized to install the content into the vehicle.

4. The system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The application of the mobile device (20) is also configured to: access metadata of the created content and use the metadata to provide additional information about the content.

5. The system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The developer platform (12) is also configured to generate a unique signature for each created content, wherein the vehicle (16) is configured to verify each signature and customize vehicle functionality only for content with verified signatures.

6. The system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The content provides sound that is mapped to sensor signals and / or actuator signals of the vehicle (16) as a vehicle function.

7. The system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The content provides optical content for customizing optical vehicle functions, wherein the optical vehicle functions include interior lighting, exterior lighting, and / or displays in the vehicle.

8. The system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The content provides engine configurations for customizing vehicle engine functions.

9. A method for customizing vehicle functions, characterized in that, Content is created for at least one predefined vehicle function on a developer platform (12) with an application programming interface (API) (S10); wherein the developer platform (12) sends the created content to a content server (18), wherein the content server (18) receives and stores the created content (S12); wherein the stored content is accessed by an application of a mobile device (20) (S14), wherein the content server (18) determines whether to select content by using the application (S16); wherein the selected content is sent from the content server (18) to a vehicle (16), and wherein the vehicle (16) uses the sent content to customize vehicle functions (S18). The verification procedure of the developer platform (12) is used to determine whether the created content violates the operating standards of the vehicle (16). If the created content violates the operating standards, the developer is warned and / or the content is refused to be sent to the content server. The operating standards include whether the content violates the law, whether it violates security regulations, and / or whether it violates company rules. Specifically, based on the latest laws and other factors, the content stored on the content server is continuously monitored to ensure that the content is constantly filtered. A backend proxy server (22) is set up, which is configured to establish a data connection between the content server (18) and the vehicle (16) to transmit the selected content to the vehicle (16).

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