Method for proving that a vehicle has been unlocked, computer program, device and vehicle

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a method 100 for carrying out by a vehicle's communication device to verify that the vehicle has been unlocked. The method 100 comprises generating 110 usage data indicative of vehicle unlocking by a user terminal device. The unlocking is based on a digital key of the user terminal device. The method 100 further comprises signing 120 the usage data using a private key of the vehicle and sending 130 the signed usage data to verify that the vehicle has been unlocked. The signed usage data is sent to the user terminal device.

Description

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods for proving the activation of a vehicle, a computer program, a device and a vehicle, in particular but not exclusively to a concept for sending signed usage data to prove the activation of a vehicle.

[0002] In certain situations, a vehicle user may require proof of use of the vehicle. For example, in the event of a claim, it may be interesting for a user to be able to prove use of the vehicle. This may be necessary for billing or warranty reasons in particular. Currently, proof of use is provided, for example, by the vehicle's mileage. The user can note the mileage at the start and end of the journey and thus prove the distance traveled. GPS tracking can also be used. A vehicle can be equipped with GPS trackers that record the position and route traveled by the vehicle. Witnesses can also serve as evidence. If the user shares the vehicle with other people, these can serve as witnesses and confirm that the user used the vehicle during a certain period of time.However, all these procedures involve increased effort for the user and / or additional technical devices.

[0003] There is therefore a need to provide an improved method for verifying the activation of a vehicle. For example, there may be a need to provide a user with data on the use of a vehicle, such as a logbook extract, for their own use. The method, the device, the computer program, and the vehicle according to the independent claims address this need.

[0004] Embodiments are based on the core idea that proof of vehicle activation can be provided by signing usage data using the vehicle's private key. This allows a user to be provided with information that is indicative of vehicle activation. Signing this information using the private key ensures the security of this information.

[0005] Embodiments relate to a method for implementation by a communication device of a vehicle for verifying activation of the vehicle. The method comprises generating usage data indicative of activation of the vehicle by a user terminal. The activation is based on a digital key of the user terminal. The method further comprises signing the usage data using a private key of the vehicle and sending the signed usage data to verify activation of the vehicle. The signed usage data is sent to the user terminal. By generating the usage data, information can be created for a user by means of which the user can verify activation of the vehicle. For example, a digital logbook or an individualized digital logbook can be made available to the user.

[0006] In one embodiment, the method may further comprise sending request data indicative of a request for signed usage data. The request data is sent to the user terminal. The method may further comprise receiving signed usage data from the user terminal and generating updated usage data based on the received signed usage data. The method may further comprise signing the updated usage data using the vehicle's private key and sending the signed updated usage data to prove the activation of the vehicle. The signed updated usage data is sent to the user terminal. By receiving signed usage data and generating the updated usage data based on the received signed usage data, a history of activations for a user terminal can be created.The signed, updated usage data may, in particular, include information about the signed usage data. The signed, updated usage data may include the original information of the signed usage data as well as additional information, for example, a recently completed activation.

[0007] In one embodiment, the method may further comprise triggering a deletion of the signed usage data on the user terminal. Furthermore, the method may comprise receiving, from the user terminal, confirmation data indicative of a deletion of the signed usage data and sending, to the user terminal, after receiving the confirmation data, the signed, updated usage data. By receiving the confirmation data, the communication device may be informed that the signed usage data has been deleted on the user terminal. In response to receiving the confirmation data, the signed, updated usage data may be sent. This may ensure that only the signed, updated usage data is stored on the user terminal. Misuse through the use of outdated signed usage data may thus be prevented.

[0008] In one embodiment, the method may further comprise enabling a central control unit of the vehicle for use of the vehicle. Activation may occur after sending the signed usage data or the signed updated usage data. By enabling access after sending the signed usage data or the signed updated usage data, a user may be granted access to the vehicle. For example, a user may only start the vehicle's engine after the central control unit of the vehicle has been enabled.

[0009] In one embodiment, the signed usage data or the signed updated usage data can only be sent if the communication device cannot establish a connection to a backend. This can prevent unnecessary data transfer between the communication device and the user terminal. In particular, the user terminal can only receive the signed usage data / signed updated usage data if this is required due to a lack of connectivity of the communication device.

[0010] Embodiments relate to a method for implementation by a user terminal for verifying the activation of a vehicle. The method comprises receiving, from a communication device of the vehicle, signed usage data indicative of activation of the vehicle by the user terminal. The activation is based on a digital key of the user terminal. The signed usage data is signed with a private key of the vehicle. Furthermore, the method comprises storing the signed usage data to verify the activation of the vehicle. By receiving the signed usage data, a user of the user terminal can be issued digital proof of activation, for example, use, of the vehicle.

[0011] In one embodiment, the method may further comprise receiving, from the communication device, request data indicative of a request for signed usage data and sending, to the communication device, signed usage data. Furthermore, the method may comprise receiving, from the communication device, signed, updated usage data. By receiving the signed, updated usage data, a history of activations for the user terminal can be stored.

[0012] Embodiments also provide a computer program for performing any of the methods described herein when the computer program runs on a computer, a processor, or a programmable hardware component.

[0013] Another embodiment is a device for verifying the activation of a vehicle. The device comprises an interface for communication with a communication device or a user terminal and a data processing circuit configured to carry out at least one of the methods described herein. Embodiments further provide a vehicle with a device as described herein.

[0014] Exemplary embodiments are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. They show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a method for proving activation; Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of another method for proving activation; and Fig. 3 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a device for detecting the activation of a vehicle.

[0015] Various embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some embodiments are illustrated. In the figures, the thickness dimensions of lines, layers, and / or regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0016] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a method 100 for verifying activation. The method 100, which is implemented by a communication device of a vehicle, includes generating 110 usage data indicative of activation of the vehicle by a user terminal.

[0017] Unlocking the vehicle may be necessary in order to use it. For example, unlocking the vehicle may be necessary to allow a user to start the vehicle's engine, open a door, or activate a vehicle function. Unlocking the vehicle may therefore imply the possibility of using the vehicle. Without unlocking the vehicle, it is not possible to use the vehicle.

[0018] Activation is based on a digital key on the user terminal. Activation by the user terminal can mean that the vehicle is unlocked for the user terminal or a user of the user terminal. For example, the user terminal can be configured to unlock the vehicle. A digital key for using the vehicle can be stored on the user terminal. Using the digital key, the vehicle can be unlocked by the user terminal. The digital key can, in particular, be a digital key as defined by the Car Connectivity Consortium, for example, as defined in Digital Key Release 3.0.

[0019] Proof of activation can be provided before, during, and / or after the vehicle has been used. For example, the communication device can send the signed usage data to the user terminal before unlocking the vehicle. Optionally, unlocking the vehicle can depend on confirmation of receipt of the signed usage data by the user terminal. For example, the vehicle can only be unlocked by the communication device once the user terminal has received confirmation of receipt of the signed usage data. For example, the communication device can send the signed usage data to the user terminal before locking the vehicle. Proof of activation can therefore include, in particular, information about a start time and / or an end time of the activation.For example, the usage data can be generated 110 by the communication device before and / or after use.

[0020] The method 100 further includes signing 120 the usage data using a private key of the vehicle. The signed usage data is sent to the user terminal. The authenticity of the usage data can be verified by signing using the vehicle's private key. The vehicle's private key can be stored in a secure element of the communication device. A security element can be used to securely store confidential information and to protect against unauthorized access to sensitive data. The security element can be a storage device. The security element can be physically separated from other components of the communication device. The security element can have strict security measures to protect the integrity and / or confidentiality of the stored data.

[0021] The private key can be used to decrypt encrypted data and / or generate digital signatures. For example, the communication device can use the private key to create a digital signature that authenticates a message or piece of information and / or ensures the integrity of the message or piece of information (e.g., the usage data). Only a communication device that stores the private key can create this digital signature, which ensures that the message or piece of information actually originated from that communication device.

[0022] Optionally, the private key can be associated with the digital key of the user terminal. For example, the private key can be a private key of a vehicle's digital key. The digital key can be associated with the digital key of the user terminal. Alternatively, the digital key can be associated with a plurality of digital keys of different user terminals.

[0023] The method 100 further includes sending 120 the signed usage data to verify the activation of the vehicle. The signed usage data is sent to the user terminal. Using the signed usage data, a user of the user terminal can verify that the vehicle has been activated. For example, a user can verify the termination of use using the signed usage data. In particular, proof of use may be of interest for vehicles shared by multiple users.

[0024] For example, a user can receive a digital key for the use of a pool vehicle or a shared vehicle. The user can receive signed usage data at the beginning, during, and / or at the end of the use of the vehicle. For example, after renting a shared vehicle, the user can receive signed usage data covering a period of use. The signed usage data can be stored on the user terminal, for example in a storage device on the user terminal. The signed usage data can either be stored only on the user terminal or be extractable from the user terminal. Using the information contained in the signed usage data regarding the activation or use of the vehicle, the customer can prove in the event of a dispute when their digital key was used, i.e. when the vehicle was used.The vehicle's communication device can therefore certify a period of time, particularly an end time, for the user's use of the vehicle. This makes it easier for a user of the user device to provide proof of vehicle activation.

[0025] In one embodiment, the method 100 may further comprise sending request data indicative of a request for signed usage data. The request data is sent to the user terminal. The method 100 may further comprise receiving signed usage data from the user terminal and generating updated usage data based on the received signed usage data. The method 100 may further comprise signing the updated usage data using the vehicle's private key and sending the signed updated usage data to prove the vehicle's activation. The signed updated usage data is sent to the user terminal. By requesting signed usage data from the user terminal, a history of activations of a digital key can be created.The user terminal that has a stored digital key may have stored signed usage data from a previous use of the vehicle. The communication device can determine whether a digital key has already been used to unlock the vehicle. If the vehicle has already been unlocked once in the past using the user terminal's digital key, the communication device can request the signed usage data from the previous unlock.

[0026] The generated updated usage data can then include information about the previous activation and a new activation. This allows a history of all vehicle uses to be generated using the digital key of the user device. Signing the updated usage data ensures the security of this history. This allows a user, for example, to be provided with a digital logbook for all their vehicle uses.

[0027] In one embodiment, the method 100 may further comprise triggering a deletion of the signed usage data on the user terminal. Furthermore, the method 100 may comprise receiving, from the user terminal, confirmation data indicative of a deletion of the signed usage data and sending, to the user terminal, after receiving the confirmation data, the signed, updated usage data. By triggering the deletion of the signed usage data, the communication device can ensure that only one version of the signed usage data is stored on the user terminal. This can prevent misuse of outdated signed usage data.

[0028] In one embodiment, the method may further comprise enabling a central control unit of the vehicle for use of the vehicle. Activation may occur after sending the signed usage data or the signed updated usage data. By enabling the central control unit of the vehicle, a user can use the vehicle, for example, start an engine.

[0029] In one embodiment, the signed usage data or the signed updated usage data can only be sent if the communication device cannot establish a connection to a backend. If a communication connection to a backend can be established, the signed usage data can be sent to the backend. In this case, sending the signed usage data to the user terminal can be omitted to reduce data transfer. In particular, the communication device can therefore only send the signed usage data to the user terminal if no other transmission of the signed usage data is possible, for example, to a backend. As a result, the user only receives the signed usage data if this is necessary due to a lack of connectivity in the vehicle. This can improve the user experience.

[0030] The user terminal can generally be a device capable of wireless communication. In particular, the user terminal can be a mobile user terminal, e.g., a user terminal suitable for being carried by a user. The user terminal can, for example, be a user terminal (UT) or user equipment (UE) within the meaning of the respective communication standards used for mobile communication. The user terminal can, for example, be a mobile phone, such as a smartphone, or another type of mobile communication device, such as a smartwatch, a laptop, a tablet computer, or autonomous augmented reality glasses.

[0031] The communication device may generally be a device capable of wireless communication. The communication device may communicate with a backend, e.g., a base station, in a mobile communication system. For example, the communication device may communicate within / via a mobile communication system. The mobile communication system may include a plurality of transmission points and / or base stations capable of transmitting radio signals with the communication device.

[0032] Further details and aspects are mentioned in connection with the embodiments described below. Fig. 1 may comprise one or more optional additional features corresponding to one or more aspects related to the proposed concept or one or more embodiments described below (e.g. Fig. 2 - 3) were mentioned.

[0033] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of another method 200 for verifying activation. The method 200 for implementation by a user terminal for verifying activation of a vehicle comprises receiving 210 signed usage data indicative of activation of the vehicle by the user terminal. The signed usage data is received by a communication device (for example, the reference to Fig. 1 described communication device) of the vehicle. The activation is based on a digital key of the user terminal. The signed usage data are signed with a private key of the vehicle. Furthermore, the method 200 comprises storing 220 the signed usage data to prove the activation of the vehicle. The method 200 can be carried out by a counterpart of the communication device from Fig. 1. In particular, the method 200 can be used in conjunction with the method of the communication device from Fig. 1 within the framework of sender and receiver.

[0034] In one embodiment, method 200 may further include receiving, from the communication device, request data indicative of a request for signed usage data and sending, to the communication device, signed usage data. Furthermore, method 200 may include receiving, from the communication device, signed, updated usage data. Using the signed, updated usage data, the user terminal can obtain a history of vehicle unlocks using the user terminal's digital key. For example, a user of the user terminal can thereby obtain a digital logbook of their vehicle usage.

[0035] Further details and aspects are mentioned in connection with the embodiments described below and / or above. Fig. 2 may comprise one or more optional additional features corresponding to one or more aspects related to the proposed concept or one or more of the above (e.g. Fig. 1) and / or embodiments described below (e.g. Fig. 3) were mentioned.

[0036] Fig. 3 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a device 30 for detecting the activation of a vehicle 40. The device can be either a communication device (see Fig. 1) or a user terminal (see Fig. 2). The device 30 comprises an interface 32 for communication with a user terminal (for example, the user terminal such as, with reference to Fig. 2) or with a communication device (for example the communication device as described with reference to Fig. 1). The device 30 further comprises a data processing circuit 34 which is designed to carry out at least one of the methods described herein, for example the method which is described with reference to Fig. 1 for the communication device or with reference to Fig. 2 for the user terminal. Further embodiments are a vehicle 40 with a device 30, if the device 30 is a communication device. For example, the communication device can be part of a central control unit or a UWB anchor of the vehicle 40. The representation in Fig. 3 of the device 30 as part of the central control unit of the vehicle 40 is an example of a device 30 according to the invention. In other examples, the device 30 may be a user terminal external to the vehicle 30.

[0037] The Fig. The interface 32 shown in Figure 3 can, for example, correspond to one or more inputs and / or one or more outputs for receiving and / or transmitting information, for example in digital bit values, based on a code, within a module, between modules, or between modules of different entities. The interface 32 can, for example, be configured to communicate with other network components via a (radio) network or a local area network.

[0038] In exemplary embodiments, the data processing circuit 34 can correspond to any controller or processor or a programmable hardware component. For example, the data processing circuit 34 can also be implemented as software programmed for a corresponding hardware component. In this respect, the data processing circuit 34 can be implemented as programmable hardware with appropriately adapted software. Any processors, such as digital signal processors (DSPs), can be used. Exemplary embodiments are not limited to a specific type of processor. Any processor or even multiple processors are conceivable for implementing the data processing circuit 34.

[0039] As in Fig. 3, the interface 32 may be coupled to the respective data processing circuitry 34 of the device 30. In examples, the device 30 may be implemented by one or more processing units, one or more processing devices, any means of processing, such as a processor, a computer, or a programmable hardware component operable with appropriately adapted software. Likewise, the described functions of the data processing circuitry 34 may also be implemented in software, which is then executed on one or more programmable hardware components. Such hardware components may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller, etc.The data processing circuit 34 may be capable of controlling the interface 32 such that any data transfer that occurs over the interface 32 and / or any interaction that the interface 32 may be involved in can be controlled by the data processing circuit 34.

[0040] In one embodiment, the device 30 may include a memory and at least one data processing circuit 34 operatively coupled to the memory and configured to perform one of the methods described above.

[0041] In examples, interface 32 may correspond to any means for obtaining, receiving, transmitting, or providing analog or digital signals or information, e.g., any terminal, contact, pin, register, input terminal, output terminal, conductor, trace, etc., that enables the provision or receipt of a signal or information. Interface 32 may be wireless or wired and may be configured to communicate with other internal or external components, e.g., to send or receive signals or information.

[0042] In at least some embodiments, the vehicle 40 may, for example, correspond to a land vehicle, a watercraft, an aircraft, a rail vehicle, a road vehicle, a car, a bus, a motorcycle, an off-road vehicle, a vehicle, or a truck. The device 30 may, for example, be a part of or a control unit of the vehicle 40.

[0043] Further details and aspects are mentioned in connection with the embodiments described above. Fig. 3 may comprise one or more optional additional features corresponding to one or more aspects related to the proposed concept or one or more of the above (e.g. Fig. 1 - 3) described embodiments were mentioned.

[0044] Further embodiments are computer programs for carrying out one of the methods described herein when the computer program runs on a computer, a processor, or a programmable hardware component. Depending on specific implementation requirements, embodiments of the invention can be implemented in hardware or in software. The implementation can be carried out using a digital storage medium, for example a floppy disk, a DVD, a Blu-ray disc, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM or a FLASH memory, a hard disk, or another magnetic or optical storage device on which electronically readable control signals are stored that can interact or interact with a programmable hardware component in such a way that the respective method is carried out.

[0045] A programmable hardware component can be formed by a processor, a computer processor (CPU = Central Processing Unit), a graphics processor (GPU = Graphics Processing Unit), a computer, a computer system, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC = Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), an integrated circuit (IC = Integrated Circuit), a single-chip system (SOC = System on Chip), a programmable logic element or a field-programmable gate array with a microprocessor (FPGA = Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0046] The digital storage medium can therefore be machine- or computer-readable. Some embodiments thus comprise a data carrier having electronically readable control signals capable of interacting with a programmable computer system or a programmable hardware component such that one of the methods described herein is performed. One embodiment is thus a data carrier (or a digital storage medium or a computer-readable medium) on which the program for performing one of the methods described herein is recorded.

[0047] In general, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a program, firmware, computer program, or computer program product with program code or data, wherein the program code or data is effective to perform one of the methods when the program runs on a processor or a programmable hardware component. The program code or data can also be stored, for example, on a machine-readable medium or data carrier. The program code or data can be present, among other things, as source code, machine code, or bytecode, as well as other intermediate code.

[0048] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. It is understood that modifications and variations of the arrangements and details described herein will be apparent to others skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of the following claims and not by the specific details presented in the description and explanation of the embodiments herein. List of reference symbols 30 Device 32 interface 34 Data processing circuit 40 vehicles 100 Procedure for implementation by a communication device of a vehicle to prove activation 110 Generating usage data 120 Signing the usage data 130 Sending the signed user data 200 Procedures to be carried out by a user terminal to prove activation 210 Receiving signed usage data 220 Saving the signed usage data

Claims

[1] A method (100) for performing by a communication device of a vehicle for proving an unlocking of the vehicle, comprising: Generating (110) usage data indicative of an activation of the vehicle by a user terminal, wherein the activation is based on a digital key of the user terminal; Signing (120) the usage data using a private key of the vehicle; and Sending (130) to the user terminal the signed usage data to prove the activation of the vehicle. [2] The method (100) of claim 1, further comprising: Sending, to the user terminal, request data indicative of a request for signed usage data; Receiving, from the user terminal, signed usage data; Generating updated usage data based on the received signed usage data; Signing the updated usage data using the vehicle’s private key; and Sending, to the user device, the signed updated usage data to prove the activation of the vehicle. [3] The method (100) of claim 2, further comprising Triggering a deletion of the signed usage data on the user terminal; receiving, from the user terminal, confirmation data indicative of a deletion of the signed usage data; and Sending, to the user terminal, after receiving the confirmation data, the signed updated usage data. [4] The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Activation of a central control unit of the vehicle for use of the vehicle, whereby activation occurs after sending the signed usage data or the signed updated usage data. [5] The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sending of the signed usage data or the signed updated usage data only occurs if the communication device cannot establish a connection to a backend. [6] A method (200) for performing by a user terminal for proving activation of a vehicle, comprising: Receiving (210), from a communication device of the vehicle, signed usage data indicative of an activation of the vehicle by the user terminal, wherein the activation is based on a digital key of the user terminal, wherein the signed usage data is signed with a private key of the vehicle; and Saving (220) the signed usage data to prove the activation of the vehicle. [7] The method (200) of claim 6, further comprising: Receiving, from the communication device, request data indicative of a request for signed usage data; Sending, to the communication device, signed usage data; Receive, from the communication device, signed updated usage data. [8] A computer program for carrying out one of the methods (100) according to one of the preceding claims, when the computer program runs on a computer, a processor, or a programmable hardware component. [9] A device (30) for detecting the activation of a vehicle, comprising: an interface (32) for communication with a user terminal or a communication device; and a data processing circuit (34) configured to carry out at least one of the methods (100) according to any one of claims 1-7. [10] A vehicle (40) having a device (30) according to claim 9.

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