Method and system for providing a radio network

Abstract

Method for providing at least one local radio network in the passenger area of ​​a first vehicle (1) and another local radio network in the passenger area of ​​a second vehicle, comprising the following steps: - Capturing at least one feature that identifies a potential user (2; 3) by the first vehicle (1); - Authenticating the user (2; 3) based on the captured characteristic; - Determine at least one value of a parameter of the radio network which is stored in a data storage device and is linked to the user (2; 3); - Provision of the radio network for the user (2; 3) by the first vehicle (1), taking into account at least one determined value of the parameter when providing the radio network; - Capturing at least one characteristic that identifies the same potential user (2; 3) by a second vehicle; - Authenticating the user (2; 3) based on the captured characteristic; - Determining at least one value of a parameter of another radio network to be provided by the second vehicle, which is stored in the data storage device and is linked to the user (2; 3); - Provision of the additional radio network for the user (2; 3) by the second vehicle, taking into account at least one determined value of the parameter when providing the additional radio network.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for providing at least one local radio network and another local radio network, and to a system configured to carry out the method for providing the local radio network and the other local radio network.

[0002] Various implementations are known from the state of the art to enable users to dial into a local network with an internet connection while on the go using a smartphone and / or a laptop.

[0003] For example, so-called "hotspots" are increasingly being set up in city centers. These are usually numerous access points of a local network, which, based on the wireless LAN standard (WLAN or Wi-Fi), allow wireless communication via the internet for a large number of users.

[0004] Hotspots in vehicles are also now common, allowing users to connect their mobile devices to such a hotspot while driving, enabling data exchange via the internet through a mobile internet connection of the hotspot, which is primarily established via a mobile network.

[0005] To at least partially protect the use of such hotspots against hacking attacks or similar threats, passwords are often set for connecting to the hotspot. These passwords generally have to be entered for verification purposes when connecting to any hotspot with which a connection has not yet been established.

[0006] The internet article by RIEDLBERGER, Peter; AUGSTEN, Stephan: “Defining logical VLAN groups using SSID and RADIUS server”, URL: https: / / www.security-insider.de / logische-vlan-gruppen-mittels-ssid-undradius-serverdefinieren-a-100662 / , deals with the access rights of different groups of people to a VLAN.

[0007] DE 10 2017 123 441 A1 discloses a system and a method for coordinating the mobile communication data of several mobile communication devices using a selected mobile communication device.

[0008] The internet article “IT-ADMINISTRATOR.DE: Secure network access with 802.1x”, URL:https: / / www.itadministrator.de / themen / sicherheit / fachartikel / 104935.html, deals with WLAN authentication using IEEE 802.1x.

[0009] It is an object of the invention to provide a method and a system that simplifies the use of hotspots. In particular, it is an object of the invention to simplify the use of hotspots in vehicles.

[0010] This task is solved by a method and a system for providing a local radio network and another local radio network according to the independent claims.

[0011] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for providing at least one local radio network, in particular in the passenger area of ​​a vehicle.

[0012] The procedure comprises the steps of capturing at least one characteristic that identifies a potential user, authenticating the user based on the captured characteristic, determining at least one value of a parameter of the wireless network which is stored in a data storage device and is linked to the user, and providing the wireless network to the user, whereby the at least one determined value of the parameter is taken into account when providing the wireless network.

[0013] The invention is based in particular on the approach of enabling a user to always log into different local wireless networks with the same login data, so that no selection and / or entry of passwords is necessary to access the wireless network.

[0014] This allows a user to be provided with a hotspot in two different environments, particularly in at least two different vehicles, which essentially has the same connection characteristics. In this way, the user does not have to re-enter their login credentials, preferably their password, when changing environments, especially vehicles, and thus hotspots. Rather, the hotspot is configured to adapt to the user, simplifying its operation and use.

[0015] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for providing at least one local radio network, in particular in the passenger area of ​​a vehicle, with a communication interface which is configured to provide the radio network.

[0016] Furthermore, the system includes acquisition devices designed to capture at least one characteristic of the radio network that identifies a potential user.

[0017] Furthermore, the system has control means designed to authenticate the user based on the detected characteristic, to determine at least one value of a parameter of the radio network which is stored in a data storage device and is related to the user, and to control the communication interface in such a way that it provides the radio network for the user taking into account the determined value of the parameter.

[0018] A third aspect of the present disclosure relates to a vehicle which is equipped to carry out the procedure according to the first aspect of the present disclosure and / or incorporates the system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure.

[0019] A parameter value according to the invention preferably relates to a range of numbers, in particular a numerical value. Alternatively and / or additionally, the parameter value can also be a value of at least 1 bit. In particular, the parameter value may consist of multiple characters or strings of characters.

[0020] A biometric feature within the meaning of the invention relates in particular to at least one feature characterizing a human being, which can be clearly attributed to that person and is preferably unique.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the radio network parameter relates to the name of the radio network, in particular the Service Set Identifier (SSID) of the radio network, and / or the password of the radio network.

[0022] In this way, the basic settings of the wireless network can be adjusted for connecting to it, so that in particular the user does not have to take any further steps to adapt to the wireless network in order to connect to it.

[0023] Preferably, the settings of the user's mobile device, in particular their smartphone, tablet, laptop, or similar device, do not need to be adjusted. Instead, the device simply searches for the service set identifier of the wireless network, which is known to the device, and thus connects to the wireless network automatically.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment, when capturing the feature, information which is stored on a portable terminal device of the user and identifies the user is captured, in particular automatically.

[0025] In this way, it can be achieved that the user can be authenticated via their device. In particular, the capture of the attribute can be carried out in such a way that the device itself, i.e., automatically, provides the information so that it can be captured.

[0026] For example, this could involve wireless communication with a communication interface configured to receive at least some information from the end device. This could be achieved using one of the following communication protocols: Near-Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth (BT), ZigBee, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN).

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, it would also be possible to provide the information via a wired connection or an infrared interface so that it can be recorded.

[0028] Furthermore, the user's device can actively provide the information, meaning that the information is sent from the device without a request. Alternatively or additionally, it would also be conceivable that the device provides the data after a request from a data collection device.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment, when capturing the feature, information that is manually entered by the user and identifies the user is captured.

[0030] This can be done, for example, by entering the user's name or another identifying characteristic into a user interface. The user interface is typically a touchscreen or a keyboard.

[0031] In a further preferred embodiment, at least one biometric characteristic of the user is captured during the data acquisition process. This is preferably a fingerprint of the user. Alternatively or additionally, however, it can also involve the recognition of at least part of the eye, in particular the iris, the recognition of the user's voice, or any other characteristic of the user in order to uniquely identify them.

[0032] In another preferred embodiment, the data storage device is a server, which is accessible particularly via the Internet, or the user's terminal device.

[0033] If the data storage device is a server, all relevant parameter values ​​for providing the wireless network can preferably be stored centrally. This allows access to this information from anywhere with an internet connection.

[0034] If the data storage device is the user's terminal device, an internet connection can preferably be dispensed with. This is particularly advantageous in remote areas where no or only limited internet access is available, as the data for providing the wireless network can still be accessed centrally on the user's terminal device.

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment, the wireless network can be connected to the internet, in particular via a mobile network, based on the value of at least one parameter. This allows the wireless network to also have an internet connection, so that end devices that can connect to the wireless network can communicate with other end devices outside the wireless network via the internet connection.

[0036] Preferably, the internet connection is established via a mobile network, preferably using a SIM card. Specifically, the SIM card is an eSIM card. This is configured to be programmed by a mobile network provider in order to establish an internet connection via that provider's network.

[0037] The eSIM card is configured, for example, based on the value of a single parameter, so that it establishes a mobile network connection using the user's data, and thus, in particular, an internet connection. In this way, no additional hardware is required to provide an internet connection linked to the wireless network.

[0038] In a further preferred embodiment, the wireless network can be connected to the internet via the terminal device, in particular via a mobile network. Alternatively and / or additionally, it can be achieved in this way that the wireless network can be extended by the existing hardware and software of the terminal device in such a way that the wireless network can establish an internet connection via the terminal device.

[0039] For this purpose, for example, the end device, which is preferably a smartphone, can be set up in such a way that it itself forms a hotspot, but this is used to connect the wireless network to the internet.

[0040] In a further preferred embodiment, the wireless network is provided in addition to or as an alternative to at least one other wireless network. If the wireless network is provided in addition to another wireless network, the user can connect their terminal device to the wireless network in which the determined value of the parameter is taken into account when providing the wireless network, regardless of the other wireless network.

[0041] This allows multiple users to independently use their own wireless network without having to adapt their device to connect to an existing wireless network that doesn't have at least one parameter associated with that user. This significantly simplifies the use of such a wireless network, as the user no longer needs to actively provide data to connect.

[0042] In another preferred embodiment, the wireless network is based on an IEEE 802.11 standard, in particular a Wireless Local Area Network standard. This allows a large number of portable devices, such as smartphones, tablet PCs and / or laptops, which may have a wireless communication interface, to connect to the wireless network.

[0043] The features and advantages described in relation to the first aspect of the present disclosure and its advantageous design also apply to the second and third aspects of the present disclosure and their advantageous design, and vice versa.

[0044] Further features, advantages, and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the figures, in which the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding elements of the invention. The figures show at least a partial schematic representation of: Fig. 1 An embodiment of a vehicle with a system for providing at least one local radio network.

[0045] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a vehicle 1 with a system for providing at least one local radio network.

[0046] In the passenger area of ​​vehicle 1, which is specifically designed to also carry out a procedure for providing at least one local network, which will be explained in more detail below, there are two possible users of the radio network.

[0047] A first user 2 is located in the back seat of vehicle 1 and holds a terminal device 4, in particular a smartphone. A second user 3 is located in the driver's seat of vehicle 1, preferably to control it.

[0048] The system for providing the radio network includes a communication interface 7, which is configured to wirelessly transmit and receive signals. The communication interface 7 is shown as being located on the ceiling of the passenger compartment in vehicle 1, in order to provide an optimized connection to the radio network, particularly for all users inside vehicle 1. Alternatively, the communication interface 7 can also be located in essentially any other position on and / or in vehicle 1 or can consist of several subunits.

[0049] Furthermore, the system includes detection devices 5a, 5b, 5c to identify at least one characteristic of the first user 2 and / or the second user 3. Alternatively and / or additionally, the detection devices 5a, 5b, 5c can also be configured to identify a characteristic that identifies a possible third user, who does not necessarily have to be in vehicle 1. Rather, it is sufficient if an object identifying the third user is located in the passenger area so that it can be detected.

[0050] Such data acquisition devices 5a, 5b, 5c are increasingly being installed as standard equipment in vehicles to enable further functions, such as identifying a user and subsequently adapting the vehicle 1 and its features to the user's preferences. For example, the seat or the radio can be adjusted to the habits of the respective user.

[0051] The acquisition devices 5a, 5b, 5c can wirelessly acquire the characteristic, for example, from the terminal device 4 of the first user 2, the second user 3, or the third user via the communication interface 7. This preferably occurs automatically, so that the respective user does not have to perform any active action to provide the characteristic that identifies them—namely, in this embodiment, information stored on their terminal device 4—to the acquisition devices 5a, 5b, 5c.

[0052] Alternatively, the detection devices 5a, 5b, and 5c could also acquire information regarding the characteristic that identifies a potential user of the radio network in another way, for example, via an RFID chip of the third user (not shown). For this to work, the third user does not necessarily have to be present in the passenger area of ​​the vehicle.

[0053] The data acquisition devices 5b and 5c can also be designed to capture information identifying the second user 3, which the second user 3 enters manually, for example. This could include a keyboard or touchscreen for data input, located on the dashboard.

[0054] Furthermore, the data acquisition devices 5a can also be configured to capture at least one biometric characteristic of a user. In this embodiment, additional data acquisition devices 5a are arranged behind the headrest of the second user 3, facing the first user 2.

[0055] For example, the first user 2 can be characterized by capturing the iris of their eyes, or alternatively and / or additionally by their fingerprint. Furthermore, it would also be possible to capture any other parameters of the first user 2 that uniquely identify them, such as their voice.

[0056] Furthermore, control devices 6 are arranged in the vehicle 1, which in this embodiment are located in the engine compartment. These are configured to further process the at least one detected feature. The control device 6 is preferably a computer configured to authenticate a potential user of the radio network based on the detected feature.

[0057] For this purpose, the recorded characteristic can be compared with values ​​from a database. For example, at least one biometric characteristic of the first user is stored in a database, which is preferably accessible via the internet, so that authentication of the first user 2 can be carried out on the basis of this.

[0058] Alternatively and / or additionally, it may be sufficient to enable authentication of the first user 2 based on the data stored on the terminal device 4 of the first user 2.

[0059] For example, an app developed by the manufacturer of vehicle 1 can be installed on the end device 4, which is a smartphone. When the first user 2 connects to vehicle 1 with their end device 4, particularly via the app, at least one characteristic is captured, preferably automatically, by the data acquisition devices 5a, 5b, 5c. This characteristic could, for example, be a unique username in the vehicle manufacturer's system, which the user uses to register in the app.

[0060] The characteristic is then processed by the control unit 6 of vehicle 1, whereby the username is compared with a database. The database can either be stored in a data storage device in vehicle 1 or alternatively and / or additionally in a data storage device that is accessible outside of vehicle 1 via the internet, in particular a server 8. If the data stored in the data storage device substantially corresponds to the recorded characteristic, the first user 2 can be authenticated. Analogously to this example, a biometric characteristic can also be compared with the database.

[0061] Once the first user 2 has been authenticated to the control system 6, at least one parameter value relating to the wireless network to be provided can be determined. This parameter value, which is in particular the name of the wireless network, the so-called Service Set Identifier (SSID), and / or the password of the wireless network, is in turn stored in a data storage device.

[0062] The data storage device can be located either inside the vehicle 1 or, alternatively, outside of the vehicle 1. Preferably, the data storage device is located in the terminal device 4 of the first user 2, so that no internet connection is required to obtain this data. In this way, the parameter value can be retrieved using simple transmission methods, such as a Bluetooth or NFC connection. In particular, the vehicle 1 is connected to the terminal device 4 of the first user 2 via the manufacturer's app, so that the parameter value can be easily transmitted via the wireless network.

[0063] The communication interface 7 then provides the wireless network based on the determined value of the parameter. In this embodiment, the parameter contains the wireless network name and password as saved by the first user in the app on their terminal device 4.

[0064] In this way, a wireless network can be provided within vehicle 1, allowing the first user 2 to connect their device 4 without requiring any configuration of login credentials. This also enables the first user 2 to easily use a so-called WLAN hotspot in other vehicles without having to perform any complicated network configurations. Specifically, the wireless network is based on the IEEE 802.11 standard.

[0065] It should be noted that the described procedure can also be carried out outside of vehicle 1b. For example, it would also be conceivable that the described procedure could be carried out or the system used in buildings with appropriate communication interfaces 7 to adapt the parameters of the radio network to a user.

[0066] Preferably, the data required for connection to the wireless network essentially corresponds to the login data used in the home network of the first user 2. This allows the first user 2 to log into a wireless network with the same login data at different locations or in different vehicles.

[0067] Preferably, based on the value of the parameter, the communication interface 7 can establish a connection to the internet. For example, all essential values ​​of one or more parameters are stored on the terminal device 4 of the first user 2, so that an internet connection can be established via a mobile network. The communication interface 7 is specifically configured to be at least partially designed as a SIM card in order to authenticate itself to a mobile network operator.

[0068] In this context, it would be further advantageous if communication interface 7 were designed as a so-called eSIM card. This would allow communication interface 7 to be programmed as desired, based on the determined value and all essential parameters for connecting it to the mobile network.

[0069] Alternatively and / or additionally, the terminal device 4 of the first user 2 can be configured to connect to the communication interface 7 of the vehicle 1, so that the communication interface 1 can be connected to the internet via the terminal device 4. In this so-called tethering, the terminal device 4 essentially functions as a modem.

[0070] Furthermore, the communication interface 7 can also be configured to establish the radio network alongside an existing radio network. In this embodiment, for example, the communication interface 7 can provide a first radio network to the first user 2 and a second radio network to the second user 3.

[0071] In this way, each user 2, 3 can connect to a wireless network that has the usual connection parameters. Preferably, the communication interface 7 is configured to provide a wireless network on two different frequency bands, e.g., at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

[0072] Furthermore preferably, the communication interface 7 is configured to provide a directed radio network by beamforming, wherein a first radio network is directed towards a first area in which the first user 2 is located, and a second radio network is directed towards a second area within the vehicle 1 in which the second user 3 is located.

[0073] It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to restrict the scope of protection, applications, or structure in any way. Rather, the preceding description provides the person skilled in the art with a guideline for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, whereby various modifications, particularly with regard to the function and arrangement of the described components, can be made without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims and these equivalent combinations of features. Reference symbol list 1 vehicle 2 first user 3 second user 4 End device 5a, 5b, 5c Data collection tools 6 Control devices 7 Communication interface 8 servers

Claims

[1] Method for providing at least one local radio network in the passenger area of ​​a first vehicle (1) and another local radio network in the passenger area of ​​a second vehicle, comprising the following steps: - Capturing at least one feature that identifies a potential user (2; 3) by the first vehicle (1); - Authenticating the user (2; 3) based on the captured characteristic; - Determine at least one value of a parameter of the radio network which is stored in a data storage device and is linked to the user (2; 3); - Provision of the radio network for the user (2; 3) by the first vehicle (1), taking into account at least one determined value of the parameter when providing the radio network; - Capturing at least one characteristic that identifies the same potential user (2; 3) by a second vehicle; - Authenticating the user (2; 3) based on the captured characteristic; - Determining at least one value of a parameter of another radio network to be provided by the second vehicle, which is stored in the data storage device and is linked to the user (2; 3); - Provision of the additional radio network for the user (2; 3) by the second vehicle, taking into account at least one determined value of the parameter when providing the additional radio network. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the radio network parameter relates to the name of the radio network, in particular the Service Set Identifier of the radio network, and / or the password of the radio network. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when detecting the feature, information which is stored on a portable terminal device (4) of the user (2; 3) and identifies the user (2; 3) is detected, in particular automatically. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, when capturing the feature, information which is manually entered by the user (2; 3) and identifies the user (2; 3) is captured. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one biometric feature of the user (2; 3) is captured during the capture. [6] Method according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the data storage device is a server (8), which is accessible in particular via the Internet, or the terminal device (4) of the user (2; 3). [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the radio network can be connected to the Internet, in particular via a mobile network, based on the value of at least one parameter. [8] Method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the radio network can be connected to the Internet, in particular via a mobile network, through the terminal device (4). [9] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless network is based on an IEEE-802.11 standard, in particular a Wireless Local Area Network standard. [10] System comprising a first vehicle (1) and a second vehicle, wherein the first and second vehicles are configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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