Providing a vehicle usage profile for a driver of a motor vehicle

Abstract

Procedure for providing an initial vehicle usage profile of a first driver of a first motor vehicle in the first motor vehicle, comprising the following sequence of steps: a) Verifying the identity of the first driver and then registering the first driver with a first authorized registration authority, b) Providing an initial proof of identity for the first driver by the first authorized registration authority after successful verification of the first driver's identity by the first authorized registration authority, c) Providing an initial vehicle usage profile for the first driver via a vehicle usage profile storage device after successful verification of the first driver's identity verification, d) Verification of the first proof of identity by a first identity verification device of the first motor vehicle, e) Transfer of the first vehicle usage profile from the vehicle usage profile storage device to the first motor vehicle, f) Provision of the first vehicle usage profile in the first motor vehicle after successful verification of the first identity verification device of the first motor vehicle, and (g) Individualizing at least one characteristic of the first motor vehicle in accordance with the first vehicle usage profile of the first driver; the procedure further comprising: - includes registering the first motor vehicle with a second registration authority to verify the first identity of the first motor vehicle; and wherein the transfer of the first vehicle usage profile from the vehicle usage profile depository to the first motor vehicle is carried out after verification of the identity of the first motor vehicle.

Description

[0001] The invention relates in particular to a method for providing a first vehicle usage profile of a first driver of a first motor vehicle in the first motor vehicle.

[0002] Providing such a vehicle usage profile is desirable.

[0003] EP 2 397 996 A2 relates to a process comprising the following steps: - Verifying the identity of the first driver and then registering the first driver with an initial authorized registration authority, - Providing an initial proof of identity for the first driver by the first authorized registration authority after successful verification of the first driver's identity by the first authorized registration authority, - Providing an initial vehicle usage profile through a vehicle usage profile storage device for the first driver after successful verification of the first driver's identity, and - Individualizing at least one characteristic of the first motor vehicle in accordance with the first vehicle usage profile of the first driver.

[0004] WO 2012 / 160 298 A1 concerns a procedure that grants a driver access to a vehicle using a smartphone.

[0005] US 2010 / 0 096 452 A1 concerns a procedure in which a chip card and a card reader provide access to different rooms in a building.

[0006] DE 10 2011 106 887 A1 and US 2010 / 0 036 560 A1 concern methods for providing user-specific settings for a vehicle. DE 600 37 898 T2 and US 2011 / 0 313 937 A1 concern systems for remote communication between a vehicle and a key fob. US 2011 / 0 187 500 A1 concerns identification using biometric parameters.

[0007] The invention is concerned in particular with the problem of providing a convenient method for providing a vehicle usage profile for a driver of a motor vehicle.

[0008] This problem is solved procedurally by a method according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] The inventive method for providing a first vehicle usage profile for a first driver of a first motor vehicle in the first motor vehicle comprises the following sequence of steps: The identity of the first driver is verified by a first authorized registration authority, and the first driver is then registered with a first authorized registration authority. The first authorized registration authority provides a first identity document for the first driver after successful verification of the first driver's identity. A vehicle usage profile depository provides a first vehicle usage profile for the first driver after successful verification of the first driver's first identity document. The first identity document is verified by a first identity verification device in the first vehicle. The first vehicle usage profile is then transferred from the vehicle usage profile depository to the first vehicle.The first vehicle usage profile is provided in the first motor vehicle after successful verification of the first identity verification by the first identity verification device of the first motor vehicle. Finally, according to the invention, the individualization of at least one characteristic of the first motor vehicle is carried out in accordance with, or based on, the first vehicle usage profile of the first driver.

[0010] According to the invention, the method further comprises: - Includes registering the first motor vehicle with a second registration authority to verify the first identity of the first motor vehicle; wherein the transfer of the first vehicle usage profile from the vehicle usage profile depository to the first motor vehicle is carried out after verification of the identity of the first motor vehicle.

[0011] The method according to the invention is convenient for the driver because such a vehicle usage profile can be used by him in a large number of vehicles. Furthermore, it can protect against manipulation of the properties of the motor vehicle he is using.

[0012] Preferably, the driver or vehicle user registers using a known, unique, and secure identification method. This step should preferably only need to be completed once for each vehicle user.

[0013] Registration is preferably carried out through an authorized registration authority. This could be, for example, a public authority such as a road traffic office, a residents' registration office, a vehicle manufacturer, a vehicle dealer, or a vehicle rental company (rental car / car sharing, etc.).

[0014] As a result of registration, the vehicle user or driver can be assigned at least one unique, personal identifier or proof of identity. This personal proof of identity can be, for example, an electronic ID card, a chip card, a token, proof of identity on a smartphone or CE device, a password, or an RFID tag, etc. In addition to technical features, biometric features can also serve as an identifier or proof of identity. These could include, for example, retinal features or a fingerprint of the driver. Established procedures can be used for registration, such as issuing an electronic ID card at the residents' registration office or a credit card from a financial institution, etc., or new procedures can be established, such as registering the driver's smartphone.Vehicle user at a vehicle manufacturer or vehicle rental company, etc.

[0015] During registration, the vehicle user or driver is preferably assigned at least one unique, personal vehicle configuration profile. This profile is preferably stored in a tamper-proof manner and can be stored either together with the identification feature or proof of identity, or in a separate storage location, such as on a computer server of the registration authority.

[0016] During the registration process, the driver or vehicle user can be given priority, and / or the registration authority can configure their personal vehicle configuration profile, for example, by preferentially expanding and / or restricting vehicle functions. The configuration can be done, for example, for a single vehicle, a specific vehicle model, or even for all vehicles.

[0017] Preferably, the driver or vehicle user is identified before using the vehicle. Specifically, the vehicle user or driver identifies themselves at the vehicle before use using the personal identification document acquired during registration or using the identification feature. For this purpose, the vehicle may be equipped with a suitable device such as an ID card reader, a card reader, a smartphone connection via Near Field Communication (NFC), a login procedure, a fingerprint reader, a retinal scanner, etc.

[0018] Preferably, the identification procedure is designed to be resistant to interference and manipulation. Preferably, measures are taken to ensure that no circumvention or deception, and thus no manipulation of the identification procedure, is possible.

[0019] Ideally, the identification process should require minimal effort from the driver or vehicle user. For example, contactless identification can be carried out using a smartphone, RFID tag, retinal scanner, etc.

[0020] The identification of the vehicle user can be carried out before each journey, e.g. in car sharing, etc., at regular time intervals, e.g. daily, weekly, in the case of rentals, company vehicles, etc., or according to other criteria, e.g. on first use per vehicle rental.

[0021] As part of the identification process, the vehicle can be provided with the personal vehicle configuration profile assigned to the user and the selected vehicle type. This can be done, in particular, by transferring the vehicle configuration profile from its storage location, e.g., at the registration office, to the vehicle.

[0022] Once the vehicle has gained access to the vehicle configuration profile, it preferentially configures its usable vehicle functions based on this profile. This vehicle configuration should preferably be completed quickly and / or finished before the vehicle is used.

[0023] The vehicle user or driver preferably uses the customized vehicle with personalized, restricted, and / or extended rights. The vehicle preferably has a function to reset the vehicle configuration after use. This function can, in particular, be used to delete personal data in the vehicle, preferably automatically when the vehicle user or driver permanently parks the vehicle, when the vehicle user is re-identified, or according to time-based criteria, etc.

[0024] The invention makes it particularly possible for several vehicle users or drivers with different vehicle usage rights to share a vehicle advantageously. The different vehicle usage rights or profiles can be made available to the vehicle automatically and preferably quickly. For example, the maximum speed of the vehicle can be limited for one person, while for a second person, there can be no speed limit. A third person could be, for example, a newly licensed driver for whom the maximum speed of the vehicle is limited to, say, 160 km / h.

[0025] Furthermore, it can be stipulated that the vehicle is operated in the most environmentally friendly mode for one person, while a second person can use the same vehicle without restrictions.

[0026] Finally, in the case of car rental, it may be provided that the car rental company unlocks extended vehicle functions for selected vehicle users or drivers, such as premium customers, via corresponding vehicle usage profiles, such as for the use of a navigation system or digital radio provided in the vehicle, etc.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first usage profile is created by the first driver or vehicle user through a selection from several usage profile options provided by a usage profile option provisioning device. This is preferably done programmatically on a computer server or a server of the manufacturer of the first motor vehicle.

[0028] The advantage of this solution is that the usage profile can be determined by the driver in a very convenient way.

[0029] In one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the first driver is authorized to create his first user profile after successful verification of his initial identity. This increases the tamper-proof nature of the method according to the invention.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first driver is authorized to create their first user profile after successful verification of their initial identity. This further improves the tamper-proof nature of the inventive method.

[0031] In one embodiment of the invention, the first authorized registration authority is provided by the manufacturer of the first motor vehicle.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the vehicle usage profile storage device is provided by the manufacturer of the first motor vehicle. A particular advantage of this is that a particularly tamper-proof method can be provided due to the detailed knowledge of the vehicle's internal conditions.

[0033] In a further development of the invention, the first identity verification device of the first motor vehicle is provided by a first control unit of the motor vehicle and / or by a smartphone, in particular by an app on the smartphone. The identity of the first driver or vehicle user can thus be conveniently verified.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the transfer of the first vehicle usage profile from the vehicle usage profile storage device to a control unit of the motor vehicle, preferably the first control unit, and / or via a vehicle key, in particular a rewritable data storage device, a smartphone, a CE device, a chip card, or an RFID tag, is carried out. These measures also enable a cost-effective increase in tamper resistance.

[0035] According to the invention, it is provided that the first motor vehicle is registered at the first or a second registration office for the purpose of verifying the identity of the first motor vehicle.

[0036] According to the invention, the transfer of the first vehicle usage profile from the vehicle usage profile storage device to the first motor vehicle is carried out after verification of the identity of the first motor vehicle.

[0037] These optional measures according to the invention make it possible to ensure that the transferred vehicle usage profile is also suitable for the specific vehicle and imposes restrictions or extensions on the functionality of the motor vehicle in the correct vehicle.

[0038] The invention also proposes a vehicle key, in particular with at least one data storage device with a first data entry, which is involved in the execution of one or more steps of the above methods.

[0039] The invention provides an advantageous navigation system for a motor vehicle that participates in the execution of one or more steps of the aforementioned methods. In particular, the human-machine interface of the navigation system can advantageously participate in the execution of the method according to the invention.

[0040] The invention also enables an advantageous motor vehicle which, or whose components, such as one or more control units of the motor vehicle, are involved in the execution of one or more steps of the aforementioned methods.

[0041] Finally, the invention proposes a computer program product that controls the program flow of a microprocessor when performing at least one of the aforementioned methods.

[0042] The described devices and system components are controlled, in particular, by computer programs and may therefore include further elements of computers and digital control devices that are known per se, such as a microprocessor, volatile and non-volatile memory, interfaces, etc. The invention can therefore also be realized wholly or partially in the form of a computer program product that, when loaded and executed on a computer, wholly or partially effects a process according to the invention. It can, for example, be provided in the form of a data carrier such as a CD / DVD or in the form of one or more files on a server from which the computer program can be downloaded.

Claims

[1] Method for providing a first vehicle usage profile of a first driver of a first motor vehicle in the first motor vehicle comprising the following sequence of steps: a) Verifying the identity of the first driver and then registering the first driver with a first authorized registration authority, b) Providing an initial proof of identity for the first driver by the first authorized registration authority after successful verification of the first driver's identity by the first authorized registration authority, c) Providing an initial vehicle usage profile for the first driver via a vehicle usage profile storage device after successful verification of the first driver's identity verification, d) Verification of the first proof of identity by a first identity verification device of the first motor vehicle, e) Transfer of the first vehicle usage profile from the vehicle usage profile storage device to the first motor vehicle, f) Provision of the first vehicle usage profile in the first motor vehicle after successful verification of the first identity verification device of the first motor vehicle, and (g) Individualizing at least one characteristic of the first motor vehicle in accordance with the first vehicle usage profile of the first driver; the procedure further comprising: - includes registering the first motor vehicle with a second registration authority to verify the first identity of the first motor vehicle; and wherein the transfer of the first vehicle usage profile from the vehicle usage profile depository to the first motor vehicle is carried out after verification of the identity of the first motor vehicle. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by, that the first usage profile of the first driver is formed by a selection from several usage profile options of a usage profile option provisioning device, preferably programmatically on a server of the manufacturer of the first motor vehicle. [3] Method according to claim 2, characterized by , that the first driver is authorized to create their first user profile after successful verification of their initial proof of identity. [4] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first authorized registration authority will be provided by the manufacturer of the first motor vehicle. [5] Method according to any of the foregoing claims, characterized by that the vehicle usage profile storage device is provided by the manufacturer of the first motor vehicle. [6] Method according to any of the foregoing claims, characterized bythat the first proof of identity of the first driver is provided in and / or on a data carrier of the first driver, such as a vehicle key, in particular with a rewritable data storage device, a smartphone, a CE device, a chip card or an RFID tag. [7] Method according to any of the foregoing claims, characterized by that the first identity verification device of the first motor vehicle is formed by a first control unit of the motor vehicle and / or by a smartphone, in particular by an app on the smartphone. [8] Method according to any of the foregoing claims, characterized bythat the transfer of the first vehicle usage profile from the vehicle usage profile storage device to a control unit of the motor vehicle, preferably the first control unit, and / or via a vehicle key, in particular with a rewritable data storage device, a smartphone, a CE device, a chip card or an RFID tag, is carried out. [9] Method according to any of the foregoing claims, characterized by , that the first vehicle user profile includes a limit on the maximum speed of the vehicle for the first person. [10] Vehicle keys, in particular with at least one initial data entry, characterized by that he is involved in the execution of one or more steps of the foregoing methods according to any one of claims 1 to 9. [11] Navigation system for a motor vehicle, characterized bythat it is involved in the execution of one or more steps of the foregoing methods according to any one of claims 1 to 9. [12] motor vehicle, characterized by that it is involved in the execution of one or more steps of the foregoing methods according to any one of claims 1 to 9. [13] Computer program product, characterized by , that it controls the program flow of a microprocessor during the execution of at least one step of a method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.