Method for access management for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for access management for a vehicle (1), the vehicle (1) having a wireless communication device (2) for wireless communication with mobile terminals, a digital vehicle key (4) for the vehicle (1) being stored on a first mobile terminal (3). In the method, vehicle data is acquired, the vehicle data containing at least one parameter for a current state of the vehicle (1) and / or for a current environmental condition. The digital vehicle key (4) stored on the first mobile terminal (3) is then shared. In the sharing, a copy (4 ') of the digital vehicle key (4) is transmitted to a second mobile terminal (5) on which the digital vehicle key (4) is not stored, and vehicle data is transmitted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for access management for a vehicle. In particular, the service with a digital vehicle key should be improved for a plurality of persons, in particular also for strangers who should be granted access to the vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The digital vehicle key is an innovative development that is increasingly being used in modern vehicles. Instead of a conventional physical key, the digital vehicle key enables the vehicle to be unlocked and locked via a wireless connection. The digital vehicle key can use Bluetooth, in particular Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), UWB (Ultra-Wide-Band) or NFC (NearField Communication), for example. To this end, a corresponding communication device of the vehicle establishes a wireless connection to the smartphone on which the digital vehicle key is stored.

[0003] The advantages of digital vehicle keys are their convenience and functionality. Instead of having to carry around bulky keys, car owners can store digital keys on their smartphones. This reduces the risk of keys being lost or stolen. In addition, digital vehicle keys enable additional functions, such as remotely controlling the vehicle or sharing the key with other people. In short, digital vehicle keys offer an innovative solution for vehicle access control.

[0004] A special application of digital vehicle keys (especially CCC-certified digital vehicle keys) is the so-called Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) or remote unlocking system. RKE allows the vehicle owner to remotely unlock and lock the vehicle without being physically near the vehicle. Remote keyless entry systems are also based on wireless communication technologies, such as UWB or Bluetooth.

[0005] In order to use the digital vehicle key, the user needs to operate the digital vehicle key on his smartphone, for example. It is not possible for other people who do not have a smartphone containing the digital vehicle key to use the digital vehicle key without problems. For this purpose, it can be provided that the digital vehicle key is shared with friends or acquaintances, for example by transferring the digital vehicle key to the friend's smartphone with the help of an app and a cloud service. In principle, this can also be achieved with strangers. However, in order to actually allow strangers to enter the vehicle, other information related to the vehicle must also be exchanged through different channels. Therefore, the user of the digital vehicle key still has to personally hand over his vehicle to, for example, customer service, tire change, etc., and then must pick it up in person. This is cumbersome and time-consuming, and is often difficult to integrate into active professional life. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for access management for vehicles. In particular, the service with a digital vehicle key should be improved for a plurality of persons, in particular also for strangers who should be granted access to the vehicle.

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

[0008] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method, in particular a computer-implemented method, for access management of a vehicle, wherein the vehicle has a wireless communication device for wireless communication with a mobile terminal device, wherein a digital vehicle key for the vehicle is stored on a first mobile terminal device. In the method, vehicle data are acquired, wherein the vehicle data contain at least one parameter about the current state of the vehicle and / or about current environmental conditions. The digital vehicle key stored on the first mobile terminal device is then shared. During the sharing, a copy of the digital vehicle key is transmitted to a second mobile terminal device, which does not store the digital vehicle key, and the vehicle data are transmitted.

[0009] Therefore, the above-mentioned method according to the first aspect is based in particular on the fact that when sharing a digital vehicle key, not only the digital vehicle key (or a copy thereof) is transmitted, but also the vehicle data. A copy of the digital vehicle key is stored in the second mobile terminal device, and thereby allows the person holding the second mobile terminal device to access the vehicle. With the help of the vehicle data, which can also be transmitted to the second mobile terminal device or can be transmitted to another (mobile) terminal device, server, etc., the authorized person obtains information about the vehicle, which can simplify entry into the vehicle or even make entry into the vehicle possible. In particular, when the person who should be allowed to enter the vehicle is a stranger, and the stranger does not have other information about the vehicle, the vehicle data is useful and helpful for entering the vehicle. Therefore, for example, the vehicle owner does not need to meet or negotiate separately with the person who should be allowed to enter the vehicle.

[0010] The term "vehicle" as used herein refers specifically to passenger vehicles, including all types of motor vehicles, hybrid vehicles and battery-powered electric vehicles, as well as vehicles such as cars, vans, buses, trucks, lorries, etc.

[0011] The term "digital vehicle key" as used here refers in particular to an electronic medium that can be used to open, start a vehicle or control other functions, which is generally implemented with a traditional physical vehicle key. Unlike traditional keys, digital vehicle keys consist of digital information stored in an electronic device. Digital vehicle keys can be implemented in various ways. One possible solution is to store the digital key in a mobile application on a smartphone. The smartphone then acts as a digital vehicle key and communicates wirelessly with the vehicle via a wireless connection, in particular an encrypted connection, in order to unlock the doors or start the engine. The wireless connection can be made, for example, via Bluetooth, in particular BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) or UWB. A "copy" of a vehicle digital key does not necessarily have to be an identical copy, but it should be understood in particular that the "original" of the vehicle digital key remains on the first mobile terminal device when sharing.

[0012] The term "mobile terminal device" as used herein refers in particular to an electronic device that is portable and can communicate wirelessly with other devices or networks. It is a portable device that can often be carried in a pocket or held in the hand. Mobile terminals include smartphones, tablet computers, laptops, smart watches and other similar devices. These devices generally use mobile radio networks, WLAN, Bluetooth or UWB to establish wireless connections and achieve data transmission.

[0013] The term "UWB" used here refers in particular to ultra-wideband technology (Ultra-Wideband-Technologie, UWB, also known as Ultra-Breitband), that is, technology for short-range radio communication. For this purpose, vehicles can be equipped with corresponding communication devices or generally speaking "infrastructure" to communicate with other UWB-capable devices. Modern vehicles can be equipped with UWB, for example, for keyless vehicle entry (Keyless-Entry). UWB can be used here to realize unlocking and locking of the vehicle. The specifications can especially comply with the CCC standard.

[0014] The term "communication device" as used herein refers in particular to a device for wireless communication. This can be a single unit or a plurality of units that act in conjunction with each other. The communication device can include in particular a control device, a transmitter and a receiver and at least one corresponding antenna. In a vehicle, the communication device can be arranged distributed on the vehicle.

[0015] The term "CCC" as used here refers in particular to the "Car Connectivity Consortium". The "Car Connectivity Consortium" is a global organization of automobile manufacturers, suppliers and technology companies that develops standards for communication systems in vehicles. This primarily includes specifications for how vehicles should communicate with other devices such as smartphones and navigation systems. Conformity to CCC standards therefore means in particular that the technology in question meets the requirements of the CCC.

[0016] The terms "comprises," "includes," "covers," "has," "with," "contains," or any other variations thereof as may be used herein shall encompass a non-exclusive inclusion relationship. 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 inherent to such method or apparatus.

[0017] In addition, unless expressly stated otherwise, "or" refers to an inclusive or, not an exclusive "or". For example, condition A or B is satisfied by one of the following conditions: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist), A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0018] The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as "one or more." The terms "another" and "another" and each other variation thereof should be construed to mean "at least one additional."

[0019] The term "plurality" as used herein should be understood as "two or more".

[0020] In the sense of the present invention, the term "configuration" or "setting" for fulfilling a certain function (and its corresponding variations) is to be understood as meaning that the corresponding device is already present in such a configuration or setting in which it can carry out the function or that the device is at least configurable (or configurable) in such a way that it can carry out the function after the corresponding setting. In this case, the configuration can be realized, for example, by correspondingly adjusting parameters of the process or switching, etc., in order to activate or deactivate the functionality or setting. 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.

[0021] Preferred embodiments of the method according to the first aspect are described below, and these embodiments can be combined with each other and with other aspects of the present invention described below as desired, unless expressly excluded or technically infeasible.

[0022] In some embodiments, the vehicle data include at least the current location of the vehicle. When the current location of the vehicle is also transmitted along with the vehicle key when sharing the vehicle key, access is simplified for persons who should be allowed access. In particular, without this information, strangers cannot know where the vehicle is located. In addition, the vehicle data may also include, for example, the make and model of the vehicle, which further simplifies the findability of the vehicle. In addition, other data, such as the tank fill level or the state of charge, etc., may also be useful when the recipient of the digital vehicle key enters the vehicle.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method further comprises obtaining authorization data, the authorization data defining an authorization for the use of the copy of the digital vehicle key on the second mobile terminal device, wherein sharing the digital vehicle key comprises transmitting the authorization data. In particular, when sharing a digital vehicle key with an unknown person, it may be advantageous to specify in the authorization profile (or authorization data) which authorizations the copy of the digital vehicle key should obtain. In particular, the authorizations may be limited relative to the original digital vehicle key.

[0024] In particular, the authorization data may include temporal and / or spatial restrictions on the use of the copy of the digital vehicle key on the second mobile terminal device. For example, authorization may be granted only for a limited period of time, such as a few hours or days from the moment of sharing. It is also possible to determine restrictions on a certain range around the current position of the vehicle at the moment of sharing. The authorization data includes restrictions on the way the copy of the digital vehicle key on the second mobile terminal device can be used. For example, the use may be limited to unlocking and locking the vehicle with or without starting the engine, while other functions of the vehicle may be disabled.

[0025] In some embodiments, the method further comprises, in particular before sharing the digital vehicle key, acquiring task data, the task data defining the task to be performed with respect to the vehicle, the sharing of the digital vehicle key comprising the transmission of the task data. In this way, a task can be assigned to the person who should be granted access to the vehicle: what is to be done with the vehicle. This can be a service task, such as customer service or tire change, or other tasks, such as moving the vehicle from a current location to a desired location, a pick-up service, a courier service, etc. Thus, the assignment of tasks does not have to be done separately at other locations, but can be done directly together with the sharing of the vehicle key.

[0026] In some embodiments, the method further comprises using usage data of the copy of the digital vehicle key on the second mobile terminal device and transmitting the usage data to the first mobile terminal device. In this way, the person who has shared the vehicle key can monitor the usage, for example: whether the vehicle has been unlocked, whether the engine has been started, whether the vehicle has been locked again when parked, etc. Since sharing digital vehicle keys and handing over one's own vehicle to strangers may pose a security risk, it may be advantageous to have the possibility to monitor the usage so that measures can be taken if necessary in the event of misuse.

[0027] In some embodiments, the method further comprises acquiring status data of the vehicle and transmitting the status data to the first mobile terminal device, the status data comprising the status of the vehicle during use of the vehicle by means of a copy of the digital vehicle key on the second terminal device. In this way, a person who has shared the vehicle key (i.e., for example, the vehicle owner) can obtain information about the current status of his vehicle. For example, this can be the current location of the vehicle. The status data can also include the task status of the state assigned by the task data. In this way, the owner can query the status of his task at any time, for example: whether the task has started, is being processed, or whether the task has been completed at last. The owner can then retrieve his vehicle at the agreed location, and the owner can also obtain the agreed location from the status data if necessary. It can also be provided that the owner of the vehicle can coordinate the return of his vehicle, in particular as a response to the status data (e.g., when the task is completed). For example, the desired return location and time can be communicated to the person who has been granted access to the vehicle.

[0028] All the processes and data transfers described above, from sharing the digital vehicle key (including acquiring all necessary data) to returning the vehicle, can be performed at one location via the first mobile terminal device, such as in a smartphone app or "Wallet". In this way, convenient and secure access management for the vehicle can be achieved.

[0029] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a system for data processing, in particular a system for access management for vehicles, comprising at least one processor configured to execute the method according to the first aspect.

[0030] A third aspect of the invention relates to a computer program having instructions which, when executed on a system according to the second aspect, cause the system to perform the method according to the first aspect.

[0031] The computer program can be stored in particular on a non-volatile data carrier. Preferably, this is a data carrier in the form of an optical data carrier or in the form of a flash memory module. It can be advantageous if such a computer program should be processed independently of the processor platform on which one or more programs are to be executed. In another embodiment, the computer program can be present as a file on a data processing unit, in particular on a server, and can be downloaded via a data connection, for example the Internet or a dedicated data connection, such as a private network or a local area network. In addition, the computer program can have a plurality of individual program modules that interact with each other.

[0032] The system according to the second aspect can accordingly have 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 a computer program available on one or more servers or other data processing units, via a communication connection, in particular to exchange data therewith, which are used during the process of the method or computer program or are output of the computer program.

[0033] The features and advantages explained with respect to the first aspect of the present invention also apply correspondingly to the other aspects of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Further advantages, features and application possibilities of the present invention are apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.

[0035] In the figure:

[0036] Figure 1 A flow chart showing a method according to one embodiment;

[0037] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a vehicle and a process for sharing a digital vehicle key; and

[0038] Figure 3 The diagram shows a schematic representation of a mobile terminal having a display device for access control for a vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used throughout for the same or corresponding elements of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 1 A method 100 for access management for a vehicle is schematically shown. The method 100 also refers to Figure 2 and Figure 3 To illustrate. Figure 1, exemplary steps of one specific embodiment of method 100 are shown for the purpose of illustration. It goes without saying that further steps may be included, in particular the acquisition and transmission of data (if necessary in both directions).

[0041] Figure 2 A vehicle 1 with a communication device 2 is schematically shown. This can be a Bluetooth (BLE) or UWB infrastructure of the vehicle 1. In order to control corresponding vehicle functions, such as unlocking, locking the vehicle 1 or starting the engine, a wireless connection is established with a mobile terminal device, such as a smartphone, on which the digital vehicle key of the vehicle is stored. Figure 2 In the example shown, the digital vehicle key 4 is stored on a first mobile terminal device 3, for example a smartphone of the vehicle owner. It will be described below how the digital vehicle key 4 can be shared with other persons, in particular also with strangers, such as customer service personnel. The other person, i.e. the recipient of the digital vehicle key, has a second mobile terminal device 5 (e.g. also a smartphone), on which the digital vehicle key is not (yet) stored.

[0042] First, vehicle data are acquired (step S1). This includes in particular the current position of vehicle 1. The position of vehicle 1 helps the recipient of the digital vehicle key to receive and use vehicle 1. In addition, authorization data can also be acquired in step S1, which can define an authorization profile in which the authorization for the recipient of the digital vehicle key is specified. In particular, the authorization can be restricted, for example by specifying a time range. Task data can also be acquired, which define the tasks to be performed with vehicle 1, such as customer service or tire change. These data can form a data set 6, as shown in Figure 2 As shown in .

[0043] The digital vehicle key 4 is now shared. For this purpose, the digital vehicle key or a copy 4' thereof is transmitted together with the acquired data 6. The copy 4' of the digital vehicle key 4 is then stored on the mobile terminal 5 of the recipient. The vehicle 1 can now be used by the owner of the mobile terminal 5 - in particular within the agreed scope, which may be limited by authorization - (step S3). During use, usage data and / or status data can be acquired. The status data can reflect, for example, the task status of the assigned task.

[0044] It should be understood that the transmission is generally not performed directly from the first mobile terminal device 3 to the second mobile terminal device 5, but is performed, for example, via a corresponding server, backend, cloud service, etc., which will not be discussed in detail here.

[0045] The status data (and possibly usage data) can be transmitted to the mobile terminal device 3 of the vehicle owner (step S4) via Figure 2The vehicle owner can view the status of his vehicle on his mobile terminal device 3, for example in an application of his terminal device 3 or in a wallet 8. In addition, the return of the vehicle 1 can also be coordinated. The sharing of the digital vehicle key can then end due to the passage of time or can be terminated actively by the vehicle owner.

[0046] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been described above, it should be noted that there are numerous variations thereto. It should also be noted that the exemplary embodiments described are merely non-limiting examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the apparatus and methods described herein. More specifically, the foregoing description provides guidance to those skilled in the art for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, and it goes without saying that various changes may be made to the modes of action and arrangements of the elements described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the technical solutions and their legal equivalents respectively identified in the appended claims.

[0047] Reference numerals list

[0048] 100 ways to use digital vehicle keys

[0049] 1 Vehicle

[0050] 2 communication devices

[0051] 3. First Mobile Terminal Device

[0052] 4Digital vehicle key

[0053] 4' copy of the digital vehicle key

[0054] 5. Second mobile terminal device

[0055] 6 Datasets

[0056] 7 Datasets

[0057] 8 Tips / Information

Claims

1. A method (100) for access management of a vehicle (1), wherein: The vehicle (1) has a wireless communication device (2) for wireless communication with a mobile terminal device, wherein a digital vehicle key (4) for the vehicle (1) is stored on a first mobile terminal device (3), wherein the method comprises: - acquiring vehicle data, which contains at least one parameter about the current state of the vehicle (1) and / or about current environmental conditions; and - Sharing a digital vehicle key (4) stored on a first mobile terminal device (3), wherein the sharing includes: - transmitting a copy (4') of the digital vehicle key (4) to a second mobile terminal device (5), on which the digital vehicle key (4) is not stored; and -Transfer of vehicle data.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The vehicle data includes at least the current position of the vehicle (1).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The method further comprises acquiring authorization data defining an authorization for use of the copy (4') of the digital vehicle key (4) on the second mobile terminal device (5), wherein sharing the digital vehicle key (4) comprises transmitting the authorization data.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The authorization data include temporal and / or spatial restrictions on the use of the copy (4') of the digital vehicle key (4) on the second mobile terminal (5).

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The authorization data include restrictions on the manner in which the copy (4') of the digital vehicle key (4) on the second mobile terminal device (5) may be used.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The method further comprises acquiring task data, the task data defining a task to be performed with respect to the vehicle, and sharing the digital vehicle key (4) comprises transmitting the task data.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The method further comprises acquiring usage data regarding the copy (4') of the digital vehicle key (4) used on the second mobile terminal device (5) and transmitting the usage data to the first mobile terminal device (3).

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The method also includes acquiring status data of the vehicle (1) and transmitting the status data to a first mobile terminal device (3), the status data including the status of the vehicle (1) during use of the vehicle (1) with the aid of a copy (4') of the digital vehicle key (4) on a second terminal device (5).

9. A system for data processing, the system comprising at least one processor, the processor being configured such that the processor performs the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. A computer program having instructions which, when executed on a system according to claim 9, cause the system to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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