METHOD FOR HANDLING DIGITAL VEHICLE KEYS

Abstract

A method (100) for handling digital vehicle keys (4) for a vehicle (1) is disclosed, wherein the vehicle (1) has at least one wireless communication device (3) for wireless communication with at least one mobile terminal (2, 2'), wherein a digital vehicle key (4) for the vehicle (1) is stored on the mobile terminal (2, 2') and a user profile in the vehicle (1) is assigned to the digital vehicle key (4).The method comprises establishing a wireless connection to the at least one mobile terminal (2, 2') using the wireless communication device (3); determining whether parallel wireless connections to more than one mobile terminal (2, 2') are established and whether the digital vehicle key (4) for the vehicle is stored on more than one of the connected mobile terminals (2, 2'); identifying the digital vehicle keys (4), wherein each digital vehicle key (4) is assigned a user profile in the vehicle; in the case of more than one identified digital vehicle key (4), determining a ranking of the digital vehicle keys (4) according to a predefined rule; and selecting a user profile in the vehicle (1) which is assigned to the vehicle key (4) preferred according to the determined ranking.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for handling digital vehicle keys. In particular, it aims to improve the handling of multiple digital vehicle keys that are simultaneously present in a vehicle.

[0002] The digital car key is an innovative development that is increasingly being used in modern vehicles. Instead of the conventional physical key, the digital car key allows the vehicle to be locked and unlocked via a wireless connection. Digital car keys can use technologies such as Bluetooth, especially Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or UWB (Ultra-Wideband). A corresponding communication device in the vehicle establishes a wireless connection with the smartphone on which the digital car key is stored.

[0003] The advantage of a digital car key lies in its convenience and functionality. Instead of having to carry around a bulky key, the vehicle owner can store the digital key on their smartphone. This minimizes the risk of losing or having the key stolen. Furthermore, the digital car key enables additional functions, such as remote control of the vehicle or sharing the key with other people. Overall, digital car keys offer an innovative solution for vehicle access control.

[0004] A specific application of the digital vehicle key (especially a CCC-certified digital vehicle key) is the so-called Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) or remote unlocking system. RKE allows the vehicle owner to lock and unlock the vehicle remotely without having to be physically near it. By pressing the digital vehicle key, the owner can unlock or lock the doors or remotely control other vehicle functions, such as opening or closing the sunroof.

[0005] If multiple users share the same vehicle, the digital vehicle key can be stored on several mobile devices, such as smartphones. For example, it can be configured that up to six copies of the digital vehicle key can be used on up to six devices for the same vehicle. When one of the users uses the vehicle, a personalized user profile can be accessed within the vehicle. This can include settings such as seat and mirror adjustments, as well as favorite radio stations.

[0006] However, if several users enter the vehicle, all of whom have the digital vehicle key stored on their smartphones, the vehicle often cannot identify who the driver is and which user profile should be accessed. This situation can frequently occur, for example, in partnerships or families where multiple people have access to the vehicle and therefore all possess a digital vehicle key, which they typically carry with them on their smartphones.

[0007] If the vehicle simply identifies as the driver the user whose device first connects to it, this cannot be correct. The correct driver profile must then be manually selected in the vehicle's settings. Even though this is not difficult in itself, users, especially on short trips, may be tempted to avoid this effort and start the journey with a selected user profile that is not actually the driver's. Particularly with incorrectly adjusted seats and mirrors, this can pose a safety risk or at least a loss of comfort.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for handling digital vehicle keys for a vehicle. In particular, the handling of multiple digital vehicle keys that are simultaneously present in a vehicle is to be improved.

[0009] The solution to this problem is achieved according to the teaching of the independent claims. Various embodiments and further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method, particularly a computer-implemented one, for handling digital vehicle keys for a vehicle, wherein the vehicle has at least one wireless communication device for wireless communication with at least one mobile device, wherein a digital vehicle key for the vehicle is stored on the mobile device and a user profile in the vehicle is assigned to the digital vehicle key. In the method, a wireless connection to the at least one mobile device is established by means of the wireless communication device. It is determined whether parallel wireless connections to more than one mobile device are established and whether the digital vehicle key for the vehicle is stored on more than one of the connected mobile devices.The digital vehicle keys are identified, with each digital vehicle key assigned a user profile within the vehicle. If more than one digital vehicle key is identified, a ranking of the digital vehicle keys is determined according to a predefined rule, and a user profile within the vehicle is selected that is assigned to the vehicle key preferred according to the determined ranking.

[0011] The aforementioned procedure, as described in the first aspect, is therefore based primarily on the regulation of how multiple simultaneously recognized digital vehicle keys are handled. If a connection is established simultaneously with several mobile devices, such as smartphones, several of which possess the digital vehicle key belonging to the vehicle, a ranking is determined based on a rule. This ranking then determines which user profile is selected. The user profile selected is the one associated with the digital vehicle key prioritized according to the ranking, i.e., the first in the ranking. Since the user profile selected is not simply the one belonging to the vehicle key on the first connected mobile device, the probability increases that the "correct" user profile is selected, which is usually that of the driver.A rule can be defined to determine the priority order, ensuring that the preferred vehicle key, according to the priority order, is the driver's key in at least the majority of cases. This can reduce or even completely eliminate the effort required to select the correct user profile.

[0012] The term "vehicle" used here refers in particular to a passenger car, including all types of motor vehicles, hybrid and battery-powered electric vehicles, as well as vehicles such as sedans, vans, buses, trucks, delivery vans and the like.

[0013] The term "digital vehicle key" as used here refers specifically to an electronic medium that can be used to open, start, or control other functions of a vehicle that are normally performed with a conventional physical vehicle key. Unlike a conventional key, a digital vehicle key consists of digital information stored on an electronic device. A digital vehicle key can be implemented in various ways. One possibility is that the digital key is stored in a mobile application on a smartphone. The smartphone then acts as the digital vehicle key and communicates wirelessly with the vehicle via a wireless and, in particular, encrypted connection to unlock the door or start the engine.The wireless connection can be established, for example, via Bluetooth, especially BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), or UWB.

[0014] The term "handling" used here refers in particular to the vehicle's handling of multiple digital vehicle keys and, if necessary, a reaction to them, especially if these are present in the vehicle at the same time, i.e., parallel connections to the mobile devices on which the digital vehicle key is stored.

[0015] The term "user profile" as used here refers specifically to a collection of vehicle settings personalized for the user in question. The user profile can include, for example, saved settings for automatically adjustable seats, steering wheel, and mirrors. Other vehicle settings, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning settings, or interior lighting settings, can also be included in the user profile. Similarly, favorite infotainment system settings can be stored in a user profile, such as preferred radio stations, a music playlist, recent navigation destinations, menu settings, and the like. Comfort features such as massage function, sun visor, and the like can also be configured. It is therefore advisable to access the driver's user profile in the vehicle and not, for example, that of the passenger.

[0016] The term "ranking" used here refers specifically to an order. The "preferred" element in the ranking is, in particular, the first element in the ranking.

[0017] The term "mobile device" as used here refers specifically to electronic devices that are portable and capable of communicating wirelessly with other devices or networks. These are handy devices that can often be carried in a pocket or held in the hand. Mobile devices include smartphones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, and other similar devices. These devices typically use cellular networks, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or UWB to establish a wireless connection and enable data transmission.

[0018] The term "UWB" used here refers specifically to Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, i.e., a technology for short-range radio communication. A vehicle can be equipped with a corresponding communication device or, more generally, "infrastructure" to communicate with other UWB-enabled devices. Modern vehicles, for example, can be equipped with UWB for keyless entry. UWB can be used to enable the locking and unlocking of vehicles.

[0019] The term "communication device" as used here refers specifically to a device for wireless communication. This can be a single unit or several units working together. In particular, a communication device can include a control unit, transmitter and receiver, and at least one corresponding antenna. In a vehicle, a communication device can be distributed throughout the vehicle.

[0020] The term "CCC" used here refers specifically to the "Car Connectivity Consortium." The Car Connectivity Consortium is a global association of automotive manufacturers, suppliers, and technology companies that develop standards for communication systems in vehicles. These include specifications for how vehicles should communicate with other devices such as smartphones and navigation systems. Therefore, "CCC-compliant" means, in particular, that the technology in question meets the CCC's requirements.

[0021] Any terms used herein, such as "comprises," "includes," "features," "has," "with," or any other variant thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method or apparatus that includes or features a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such method or apparatus.

[0022] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, "or" refers to an inclusive or and not an exclusive "or". For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0023] The terms "ein" or "eine," as used here, are defined as "one or more." The terms "ein anderer" and "ein Weitere," as well as any other variant thereof, are to be understood as "at least one more."

[0024] The term "plural", as used here, is to be understood in the sense of "two or more".

[0025] The terms "configured" or "set up" to perform a specific function (and their respective variations) are understood within the meaning of the invention to mean that the corresponding device already exists in a configuration or setting in which it can perform the function, or at least that it is adjustable—i.e., configurable—so that it can perform the function after appropriate adjustment. Configuration can be achieved, for example, by adjusting parameters of a process sequence or by using switches or similar devices to activate or deactivate functionalities or settings. In particular, the device can have several predetermined configurations or operating modes, so that configuration can be carried out by selecting one of these configurations or operating modes.

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the method according to the first aspect are described below, which, unless expressly excluded or technically impossible, can be combined with each other and with the other described aspects of the invention as desired.

[0027] In some embodiments, the method further includes displaying a message on a vehicle display unit about the selected user profile and all other user profiles assigned to the identified digital vehicle keys. This message can simply serve as information. However, if the desired user profile, such as the driver's profile, is not selected, the message allows for easy manual selection of another user profile without having to access the vehicle's settings menu. The message can include corresponding controls for this purpose. For example, it may be possible to select a user profile by tapping. The display unit could, for instance, be the vehicle's infotainment system display.

[0028] Preferably, the user profiles are displayed sorted according to a specific ranking. The user profile assigned to (and selected by) the preferred vehicle key is displayed first, and may be highlighted. Other user profiles can then be displayed in descending order. Of course, other display options are also possible, such as a different order or a different overview, e.g., graphically.

[0029] In some embodiments, determining the priority order involves determining the position of the mobile devices relative to the vehicle. In other words, the rule used to determine the priority order is based on the position of the vehicle key or the corresponding device within the vehicle. Specifically, this allows inferences to be made about the vehicle's seating positions occupied by individuals in possession of the digital vehicle key. Based on this information, a preferred vehicle key can then be selected.

[0030] In some related embodiments, the digital vehicle key preferred according to the specified ranking is the one stored on the mobile device located closest to the driver's seat. This ensures that the driver's user profile is selected with a high degree of probability.

[0031] In some other implementations, determining the ranking involves determining the frequency of activity of the digital vehicle keys within a given period in the past. In other words, the rule according to which the ranking is determined is based on the frequency of an activity. Activity is understood to mean the use of the vehicle key, particularly in the role of driving the vehicle. Often, for example, in partnerships or families, there is a "primary driver," that is, the person who uses the vehicle most frequently as the driver, whether alone or with a passenger. Other people may possess the vehicle key but may only rarely drive it. Depending on this, a preferred vehicle key can then be selected.

[0032] In some related embodiments, the digital vehicle key preferred according to the specified ranking is the one that was most frequently active in the given past period. This also allows for the selection of the driver's user profile with a high degree of probability, taking recent driving activity into account.

[0033] In some configurations, the wireless connection is an ultra-wideband (UWB) connection or a Bluetooth connection. The use of UWB is particularly advantageous when the position of mobile devices needs to be determined to establish precedence, as UWB allows for more precise localization of a mobile device relative to the vehicle than Bluetooth.

[0034] A second aspect of the invention relates to a system for handling digital vehicle keys for a vehicle, comprising at least one processor configured to perform the method according to the first aspect.

[0035] A third aspect of the invention relates to a computer program with instructions which, when executed on a system according to the second aspect, cause the system to execute the method according to the first aspect.

[0036] 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 a flash memory module. This can be advantageous if the computer program itself is to be handled independently of a processor platform on which the one or more programs are to be executed. In another implementation, the computer program can exist as a file on a data processing unit, in particular on a server, and be downloadable via a data connection, for example, the Internet or a dedicated data connection, such as a proprietary or local network. Furthermore, the computer program can comprise a plurality of interacting individual program modules.

[0037] The system described in the second aspect may accordingly have a program memory in which the computer program is stored. Alternatively, the system may also be configured to access an external computer program, for example on one or more servers or other data processing units, via a communication link, in particular to exchange data with it that is used during the execution of the procedure or computer program or represents outputs of the computer program.

[0038] The features and advantages explained in relation to the first aspect of the invention also apply accordingly to the other aspects of the invention.

[0039] Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.

[0040] This shows: Fig. 1 a flowchart of a process according to one embodiment; Fig. 2 a schematic view of a vehicle and two mobile devices, each with a digital vehicle key; and Fig. 3 A schematic view of a display device with a displayed message.

[0041] The same reference numerals are used throughout the figures for the same or corresponding elements of the invention.

[0042] In Fig. Figure 1 schematically depicts a method 100 for handling digital vehicle keys for a vehicle. Method 100 is also referred to as... Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 explained. In the exemplary embodiment described here, it is assumed that two persons have entered (or are at least near) the vehicle 1, both of whom possess a digital vehicle key 4 for the vehicle. The digital vehicle key 4 is stored on a mobile device 2, 2', such as a smartphone. It is assumed that the driver is the owner of the mobile device 2 and a passenger or other passenger is the owner of the mobile device 2' (cf. Fig. 2).

[0043] First, a wireless connection is established between the vehicle 1 and the mobile devices 2, 2' (step S1). The vehicle 1 is equipped with a suitable communication device 3 for this purpose. If location tracking, i.e., precise determination of the position of the devices 2, 2', is required, UWB technology is suitable. Otherwise, the wireless connection can also be established via Bluetooth (especially BLE).

[0044] The system then determines whether a wireless connection has been established to more than one mobile device (step S2), specifically whether the wireless connection exists simultaneously and in parallel with the mobile devices and whether the digital vehicle key 4 is stored on multiple devices 2, 2' to which a connection exists. In this example, a connection is established to two mobile devices, namely mobile device 2 and mobile device 2'. The digital vehicle keys 4 stored on the connected devices 2, 2' are then identified (step S3). This means, in particular, that an association is established with user profiles stored in vehicle 1.

[0045] To select the correct or desired user profile, usually the driver's user profile, a ranking of the identified vehicle keys 4 is determined (step S4). This ranking can be determined using a predefined rule. For example, the rule can consider the position of the mobile devices 2, 2' relative to the vehicle 1. Alternatively, it is also possible to base the ranking on, for example, the frequency of activity of one of the identified vehicle keys 4.

[0046] In this example, the position of mobile devices 2, 2' relative to vehicle 1 is determined; that is, the mobile devices 2, 2' are located within vehicle 1. UWB technology is particularly suitable for this purpose, as it allows for more precise localization than Bluetooth. The priority can then be determined such that the preferred vehicle key 4 is the one stored on device 2 that is closest to the driver's seat, most likely the driver's device 2. The user profile assigned to the preferred vehicle key 4 is then selected (step S5). This allows, for example, the seats, steering wheel, and mirrors to be automatically adjusted for the driver.

[0047] Then (or simultaneously with step S5), a message 6 is displayed on a display device 5, for example, the infotainment system display of the vehicle 1. Message 6 lists all user profiles A, B that belong to the identified vehicle keys 4. This can be done sequentially according to a specific ranking. The message may include corresponding buttons 7, 7' for each user profile A, B, which can be used to select the user profiles. For example, the user profile can be changed. The button 7 for the selected user profile A may be highlighted, as shown in Fig. 3 indicated.

[0048] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been described above, it should be noted that a large number of variations exist. It should also be noted that the described exemplary embodiments are merely non-limiting examples, and it is not intended to restrict the scope, applicability, or configuration of the devices and methods described herein. Rather, the preceding description will provide the person skilled in the art with guidance for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment. It is understood that various modifications to the function and arrangement of the elements described in an exemplary embodiment can be made without derogating from the subject matter defined in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. REFERENCE MARK LIST 100 methods for handling digital vehicle keys 1 vehicle 2.2' mobile device 3 Communication device 4 digital vehicle keys 5 Display device 6 Note 7, 7' buttons for user profiles

Claims

[1] Method (100) for handling digital vehicle keys (4) for a vehicle (1), wherein the vehicle (1) has at least one wireless communication device (3) for wireless communication with at least one mobile terminal (2, 2'), wherein a digital vehicle key (4) for the vehicle (1) is stored on the mobile terminal (2, 2') and a user profile in the vehicle (1) is assigned to the digital vehicle key (4), the method comprising: - establishing a wireless connection to the at least one mobile terminal (2, 2') by means of the wireless communication device (3); - determining whether parallel wireless connections to more than one mobile terminal (2, 2') are established and whether the digital vehicle key (4) for the vehicle is stored on more than one of the connected mobile terminals (2, 2'); - Identifying the digital vehicle keys (4), wherein each digital vehicle key (4) is assigned a user profile in the vehicle; - in the case of more than one identified digital vehicle key (4), determining a ranking of the digital vehicle keys (4) based on a predetermined rule; and - Selecting a user profile in the vehicle (1) which is assigned to the preferred vehicle key (4) according to the determined ranking. [2] Method according to claim 1, further comprising outputting an indication (6) on a display device (5) of the vehicle (1) about the selected user profile and about all further user profiles associated with the identified digital vehicle keys (4). [3] The method of claim 2, wherein the user profiles are displayed sorted according to the determined ranking. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein determining the ranking comprises determining a position of the mobile terminals (2, 2') with respect to the vehicle (1). [5] Method according to claim 4, wherein the preferred digital vehicle key (4) according to the determined ranking is the vehicle key (4) stored on the mobile terminal (2, 2') which has the smallest distance to the driver's seat. [6] Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein determining the ranking comprises determining a frequency of activity of the digital vehicle keys (4) in a predetermined period of time in the past. [7] Method according to claim 6, wherein the preferred digital vehicle key (4) according to the determined ranking is the vehicle key (4) which was most frequently active in the predetermined period of time in the past. [8] A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless connection is an ultra-wideband connection or a Bluetooth connection. [9] A system for handling digital vehicle keys for a vehicle, comprising at least one processor configured to carry out the method according to any one of the preceding claims. [10] A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on a system according to claim 9, cause the system to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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