Maintenance of motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (200) for maintaining a motor vehicle (105) by means of a service provider (135), said method (200) comprising the following steps: verifying (210) a user (110) associated with the motor vehicle (105) with respect to a mobile device (120); granting (215) an access permission based on a digital key (115) stored on the mobile device (120); the access permission authorizes the service provider (135) to access predetermined vehicle data, which is stored at an external location (125, 130) with respect to the motor vehicle (105); transmitting (220) the access grant to the key server (125); and transmitting (230) the vehicle data to the service provider (135).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the maintenance of a motor vehicle, and in particular to the maintenance of a motor vehicle whose use can be controlled based on a digital key. Background Art

[0002] The use of a motor vehicle can be controlled by means of a digital key. The user can store the digital key, for example, on a conventional radio key, which can also be referred to as a remote control key (Fob). In order to use the motor vehicle, a password exchange between the motor vehicle and the radio key can be controlled, during which the validity of the digital key is checked.

[0003] If a motor vehicle is to be serviced by a service provider, the service provider usually requires information about the motor vehicle in addition to the digital key for using at least some functions of the motor vehicle. This may involve sensitive information, which may allow the user's mobility profile to be inferred, for example.

[0004] Currently, this information can be stored on the radio key and released by the user to the service provider in the case of maintenance. However, for a comprehensive maintenance of the motor vehicle, more information may be required than can be stored on the radio key. Certain information may also not be stored on the radio key at all for reasons of data security. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved technique for providing vehicle data to a service provider for the purpose of servicing a motor vehicle.

[0006] A method for maintaining a motor vehicle through a service provider includes the following steps: authenticating a user associated with the motor vehicle relative to a mobile device; granting access permission based on a digital key stored on the mobile device; the access permission authorizing the service provider to access predetermined vehicle data, the vehicle data being stored at a location external to the motor vehicle; transmitting the access permission to a key server; and transmitting the vehicle data to the service provider.

[0007] This method can be used to provide service providers with the information they need to carry out maintenance measures. Motor vehicles can be better maintained and vehicle data can be better protected against misuse.

[0008] Maintenance can generally include repair, maintenance, improvement or inspection. Maintenance can involve monitoring or improving the technical condition of the motor vehicle. Maintenance can include repairing the motor vehicle or replacing motor vehicle parts. Service providers can include contract workshops, independent workshops or similar enterprises that can be engaged in manufacturing or ensuring the availability of motor vehicles or other technical measures on motor vehicles. Service providers can also include, for example, tinsmiths, painters, refitters or personalized customization companies for motor vehicles. Vehicle data can come from electronic systems on board the motor vehicle and, for example, be transmitted from the motor vehicle to an external location within the scope of the above-mentioned maintenance. Vehicle data can also include manufacturing data of the vehicle, such as the type or serial number of installed components, the installation time or installation conditions of the components.

[0009] The access permission is preferably signed based on the digital key. The signature may require user consent. This ensures that vehicle data can only be requested with the consent of the person holding a valid digital key for the motor vehicle.

[0010] The digital key may authorize the user to perform predetermined operations with respect to the motor vehicle. In one embodiment, this may include the right to request vehicle data. If this authorization does not exist, the request for vehicle data may be denied. It is further preferred that the access permission identifies the service provider. Thus, the vehicle data may be prevented from being provided to other persons or organizations. It is further preferred that the access permission also specifies the data or types of data that the service provider is allowed to access.

[0011] The requested vehicle data are preferably transmitted from the key server to the service provider. The key server may be operated by the manufacturer of the motor vehicle. The vehicle data of the motor vehicle may be stored directly on the key server. Alternatively, the vehicle data may also be stored at another external location, to which the key server may access the data of the motor vehicle.

[0012] Furthermore, the service provider is preferably granted a use authorization for the motor vehicle. The use authorization may indicate which vehicle functions the service provider is permitted to perform on the motor vehicle. The execution of the predetermined vehicle functions may be necessary for carrying out predetermined maintenance measures. In order to grant the use authorization, the user's consent may be obtained. In another embodiment, the use authorization may have been granted to the service provider at an earlier time.

[0013] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the rights to be granted and the identification of the rights recipient (i.e. the service provider) are combined in one object and signed based on the user's digital key. The signed object can be transmitted to a key server and checked there. In particular, it can be determined whether the signature of the object is based on a valid key. Only if this is the case can one or more requested rights be granted.

[0014] In another embodiment, the use license authorizes the service provider to create a digital key, which authorizes access to the motor vehicle. It can be stored here which access to the motor vehicle is possible. For example, the created digital key can be limited to the use of predetermined vehicle functions of the motor vehicle. For example, the service provider can create separate digital keys for different employees or in order to implement different interventions in the motor vehicle. The created digital key can be stored on a key card, a conventional radio key or a mobile phone. The validity of the digital key can be limited to a predetermined time period.

[0015] The service provider is usually required to issue additional digital keys only if the user grants the service provider this right when handing over a digital key to the service provider. If the service provider creates a key, the user can be informed of this. Generally, the service provider cannot create a key with more rights than the key it received from the user.

[0016] In general, vehicle data may include sensitive data that could compromise the personal protection of people associated with the vehicle, and sensitive data may also include information that falls under the confidentiality or secrecy protection of the vehicle manufacturer. This may include, for example, the manufacturing methods used or the origin of the vehicle installed parts.

[0017] In one embodiment, the vehicle data includes usage information of the motor vehicle. The usage information may indicate which road segment the motor vehicle traveled at which point in time and / or with which passengers. Such information may allow the creation of a person's mobility profile and thus be subject to special protection.

[0018] The vehicle data may also include a history of the past technical status of the motor vehicle. For example, usage information or statistical observations about the durability or load-bearing capacity of motor vehicle components may be created from these data.

[0019] Typically, the service provider needs a certain amount of time to perform scheduled maintenance measures on the vehicle. In order to ensure the user's mobility during this period, a spare vehicle can be provided to the user.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the proposed method, an invitation to transmit a further digital key can be transmitted to the mobile device. In this case, the further digital key can authorize the use of the alternative vehicle.

[0021] As a result, the traditional handover of keys for the replacement vehicle can be dispensed with. The user can hand over the right to use his motor vehicle and the associated data in a single process that he can perceive, and obtain the right to use the replacement vehicle himself. If the vehicle maintenance measure is completed, the user's authorization to use the replacement vehicle can be handed back in a reverse process, and the service provider's authorization to access vehicle data or use the vehicle can be revoked or terminated. For the user and / or the service provider, the maintenance of the motor vehicle can be carried out more simply, more quickly or more easily.

[0022] If the user accepts the invitation, the other digital key can be transferred to his mobile device and installed there for use. In one embodiment, the other digital key is associated with the user's personal settings for the motor vehicle. The settings may involve preferences for systems or subsystems on board the motor vehicle. In one embodiment, the settings involve one of the seat adjustment device, entertainment system, air conditioning device (heating-ventilation-air conditioning system; HVAC) or motor control device of the motor vehicle. The settings for the motor vehicle can be automatically reflected in the settings for the other motor vehicle. It can be considered that the motor vehicle and the other motor vehicle may not have the same setting possibilities. Settings that are only available on one of the two vehicles can be ignored during transmission.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, a key server for controlling access to a motor vehicle based on a digital key is configured to: receive access permission from a user associated with the motor vehicle, the access permission authorizing a predetermined service provider to access predetermined vehicle data; and transmit the vehicle data to the service provider.

[0024] The key server and the motor vehicle can perform access control in the manner of the digital vehicle key specification. For details, see the technical specification "Digital Key Release 3, Version 1.1" dated July 20, 2022. The publisher of this specification is the Car Connectivity Consortium. The methods or features of the specification can be used to implement the technology proposed in this article. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are as follows:

[0026] Figure 1 showing the system; and

[0027] Figure 2 A flow chart showing the method is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Figure 1System 100 is shown. A motor vehicle 105 is associated with a user 110. To use the motor vehicle 105, the user 110 can use a digital key 115, which is preferably stored on a mobile device 120 accessible to the user 110. Using the key 115 may require authentication of the user 110 to the mobile device 120. Authentication may, for example, require entering a password or capturing a biometric feature of the user 110. The digital key 115 is preferably stored in a protected storage area of ​​the mobile device 120.

[0029] The creation, duplication or revocation of digital keys 115 can be controlled by key server 125. Key server 125 can also authenticate key 115 by, for example, transmitting an object cryptographically signed with key 115 to key server 125.

[0030] In system 100, key server 125 is preferably connected to a database 130 in which vehicle information about motor vehicle 105 is stored. The stored data may be very extensive and may, for example, relate to usage, manufacturing or technical parameters or operating data of motor vehicle 105 or systems included in the motor vehicle.

[0031] Service provider 135 preferably comprises a person or company that is provided to carry out maintenance measures on motor vehicle 105. The maintenance measures may in particular include repairs or maintenance of motor vehicle 105. For reasons of simplicity, service provider 135 does not distinguish between the person carrying out the maintenance measures and the digital device operated by the person.

[0032] Preferably, the service provider 135 has a reader 140 for communicating with the mobile device 120 of the user 110 . In addition, a spare vehicle 145 can be provided at the service provider 135 , which can be delivered to the user 110 for use during the time when his motor vehicle 105 is handled by the service provider 135 .

[0033] Suggestion: Simplify the process of the user 110 agreeing to the service provider 135 to use the motor vehicle 105 for the maintenance of the motor vehicle and allowing the service provider 135 to access the vehicle data. Optionally, the process can additionally include handing over another digital key to the user 110 or a mobile device 120 associated with the user, which can authorize the user 110 to use the spare vehicle 145.

[0034] It should be noted that the motor vehicles 105 and 145 and the key server 125 preferably implement the access control defined by the Car Connectivity Consortium within the scope of the Digital Car Key technical specification. For more information, see, for example, the technical specification “Digital Key Release 3 in Version 1.1.0” dated July 20, 2022.

[0035] In a simple application example, the user 110 can determine during driving that his motor vehicle 105 has reported a fault that should be corrected by the service provider 135. Without prior registration, the user 110 can drive his motor vehicle 105 to the service provider 135. There he can hold his mobile device 120 at the reading device 140, optionally authenticate himself with the mobile device 120 and grant the service provider 135 access to the required vehicle data. In addition, he can allow the service provider 135 to use the motor vehicle 105.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, a digital object is created on the mobile device 120 side for this purpose, which includes the identification of the service provider 135 and the specification of the rights to be granted. Before the digital object is transmitted to the key server 125—directly or via the service provider 135—it can be signed with the aid of the digital key 115. The key server 125 can verify the signature of the digital object and, if it is determined that the digital key 115 is valid and the transaction is authorized, transmit the requested vehicle data and / or the digital key for use of the motor vehicle 105 to the service provider 135.

[0037] In a further implementation of the application example, the service provider 135 may agree that the user 110 temporarily uses the spare vehicle 145. To this end, the service provider 135 may send a corresponding message to the key server 125 to initiate the provision and transmission of another digital key to the user 110 or his mobile device 120. If the user 110 accepts the transmission, the other digital key may be installed on his mobile device 120. The user can then directly present the mobile device 120 on the spare vehicle 145 and use the spare vehicle.

[0038] Figure 2 A flow chart of an exemplary method 200 is shown. In step 205 , it is assumed that the user 110 possesses a valid digital key 115 , which is stored on the mobile device 120 of the user 110 .

[0039] In order to transfer the right to use vehicle data or motor vehicle 105 to service provider 135, user 110 can authenticate to mobile device 120 in step 210. In step 215, a digital object can be created on mobile device 120, which includes one or more rights and a rights recipient. A first possible right relates to the use of vehicle data about motor vehicle 105 and a second possible right relates to the use of motor vehicle 105. The rights recipient in this case is service provider 135.

[0040] In step 220, the generated digital object may be signed based on the digital key 115 at the mobile device 120 side and then transmitted to the key server 125. The key server 125 may receive the digital object and authenticate the attached signature in step 225. If the authentication fails, the method 200 may end here.

[0041] Otherwise, the key server 125 may call the searched vehicle data from the database 130 and transmit the vehicle data to the service provider 135 in step 230. In another embodiment, the key server 125 may agree that the service provider 135 may search for predetermined data from the database 130 or download some of the data. Access control may be performed based on another digital key, for example. Alternatively, for example, conventional access control may be used, such as using a password.

[0042] Furthermore, in step 235 , service provider 135 may be allowed to use motor vehicle 105 . For this purpose, key server 125 may issue a digital key 115 for use of motor vehicle 105 and transmit the digital key to service provider 135 .

[0043] Optionally, based on the positive authentication of the object by the key server 125, a key invitation for the backup vehicle 145 can be sent from the key server 125 to the mobile device 120 of the user 110 in step 240. If the user 110 accepts the invitation, another digital key can be generated, transferred to the mobile device 120 and installed there, which authorizes the use of the backup vehicle 145.

[0044] Furthermore, optionally, in step 245, presets of the user 110 regarding the motor vehicle 105 can be determined. The presets can be associated with the key 115 on the mobile device 120 or stored on the key server 125 side or in the database 130. The presets can be associated with the further key before or after the further key is transmitted to the mobile device 120 of the user 110. The presets can be, in particular, convenience functions that can be set according to the preferences of the user 110 in the motor vehicle 105. When using the alternative vehicle 145, the corresponding settings can then also be activated.

[0045] Reference numerals list

[0046] 100 Systems

[0047] 105 Motor Vehicles

[0048] 110 users

[0049] 115 Digital Key

[0050] 120 Mobile devices

[0051] 125 Key Server

[0052] 130 Database

[0053] 135 Service Providers

[0054] 140 Read Device

[0055] 145 Spare Vehicle

[0056] 200 Methods

[0057] 205 User has a valid key

[0058] 210 Verify user

[0059] 215 Create objects: rights recipient and rights

[0060] 220 Sign the object and transmit it to the key server

[0061] 225 Verification Object

[0062] 230 Information provided to service providers

[0063] 235 Allowing service providers to use vehicles

[0064] 240 Sending a key invitation to a mobile device for a backup vehicle

[0065] 245 Transfer presets to mobile devices

Claims

1. A method (200) for maintaining a motor vehicle (105) by a service provider (135), the method (200) comprising the following steps: - authenticating (210) a user (110) associated with the motor vehicle (105) with respect to the mobile device (120); - granting (215) access permission based on a digital key (115) stored on a mobile device (120); wherein the access permission authorizes a service provider (135) to access predetermined vehicle data stored at a location (125, 130) external to the motor vehicle (105); - transmitting (220) the access permission to the key server (125); and - Transmitting the vehicle data (230) to a service provider (135).

2. The method (200) according to claim 1, wherein: The access permission is signed based on the digital key (115).

3. The method (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The access permission identifies the service provider (135).

4. The method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The vehicle data is transmitted from the key server (125) to a service provider (135).

5. The method (200) according to claim 4, wherein: The vehicle data is stored on a key server (125).

6. The method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: A service provider (135) is granted permission to use the vehicle (105).

7. The method (200) of claim 6, wherein: The licensing authorization service provider (135) creates a digital key (115) that authorizes access to the motor vehicle (105).

8. The method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The vehicle data includes usage information of the motor vehicle (105).

9. The method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The vehicle data includes a history of past technical conditions of the motor vehicle (105).

10. The method (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: An invitation is transmitted to a mobile device (120) for transmission of another digital key (115) that authorizes use of an alternate vehicle (145).

11. The method (200) of claim 10, wherein: The other digital key (115) is associated with the user's (110) personal settings regarding the motor vehicle (105).

12. The method (200) of claim 11, wherein: The arrangement relates to one of a seat adjustment device, an entertainment system, an air conditioning device or a motor control device of a motor vehicle (105).

13. A key server (125) for controlling access to a motor vehicle (105) based on a digital key (115), wherein: The key server (115) is configured to: receive access permission from a user (110) associated with a motor vehicle (105), the access permission authorizing a predetermined service provider (135) to access predetermined vehicle data; and transmit the vehicle data to the service provider (135).

Images