ACCESS MANAGEMENT METHOD FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

A method for access management for a vehicle (1) is disclosed, wherein the vehicle (1) has a wireless communication device (2) for wireless communication with a mobile device, and a digital vehicle key (4) for the vehicle (1) is stored on a first mobile device (3). In the method, vehicle data is acquired, the vehicle data containing at least one parameter relating to the current state of the vehicle (1) and / or current environmental conditions. The digital vehicle key (4) stored on the first mobile device (3) is then shared. During sharing, a copy (4') of the digital vehicle key (4) and the vehicle data are transferred to a second mobile device (5) on which the digital vehicle key (4) is not stored.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for access management for a vehicle. In particular, it aims to improve the handling of digital vehicle keys for multiple people, especially for unauthorized persons who are to be granted access to the 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), UWB (Ultra-Wideband), or NFC (Near Field Communication). 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 unlock and lock the vehicle remotely without having to be physically near it. The Remote Keyless Entry system is also based on wireless communication technology such as UWB or Bluetooth.

[0005] To use the digital vehicle key, the user must activate it, for example, on their smartphone. Using the digital vehicle key by someone else who doesn't have the smartphone containing the digital key is not straightforward. It may be possible to share the digital vehicle key with friends or acquaintances, for example, by transferring it to a friend's smartphone via an app and a cloud service. This is theoretically possible even with strangers. However, to actually grant someone else access to the vehicle, further vehicle information must be exchanged through other means. Therefore, a user of the digital vehicle key will still need to personally take their vehicle to and from a service appointment, tire change, or similar event.This is annoying and time-consuming, and often difficult to integrate into an active professional life.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for access management for a vehicle. In particular, the handling of digital vehicle keys for multiple persons is to be improved, especially for unauthorized persons who are to be granted access to the vehicle.

[0007] 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.

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

[0009] The aforementioned procedure, as described in the first aspect, is therefore based in particular on the fact that when sharing a digital vehicle key, not only the digital vehicle key (or a copy thereof) but also vehicle data is transferred. The copy of the digital vehicle key is stored on the second mobile device, thus allowing a person in possession of that second mobile device to access the vehicle. Based on the vehicle data, which can also be transferred to the second mobile device, or to another (mobile) device, a server, or the like, the authorized person receives information about the vehicle, which can facilitate or even enable access to the vehicle.Especially when the person who needs access is a stranger who has no further information about the vehicle, the vehicle data is useful and helpful for gaining access. This also eliminates the need for a meeting between the vehicle owner and the person who needs access, or for any separate agreement.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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. A "copy" of a digital vehicle key is not necessarily an identical copy, but should be understood to mean that an "original" of the digital vehicle key remains on the first mobile device when sharing.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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. Specifications can be, in particular, CCC-compliant.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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. CCC-compliant therefore means, in particular, that the technology in question meets the requirements of the CCC.

[0016] Any terms used herein, such as "comprises," "includes," "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.

[0017] 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).

[0018] 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."

[0019] The term "plural", as used here, is to be understood in the sense of "two or more".

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] In some implementations, the vehicle data includes at least the vehicle's current location. If the vehicle's current location is also transmitted when sharing the vehicle key, access is facilitated for the intended recipient. In particular, a stranger cannot know the vehicle's location without this information. The vehicle data can also include, for example, the vehicle's make and model, further simplifying its location. Additional data such as fuel level or charge status can also be useful when the recipient of the digital vehicle key accesses the vehicle.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method further includes capturing authorization data that defines permissions for using the copy of the digital vehicle key on the second mobile device, with sharing the digital vehicle key involving the transfer of this authorization data. Particularly when sharing the digital vehicle key with other people, it can be advantageous to define in an authorization profile (or the authorization data) which permissions the copy of the digital vehicle key should receive. In particular, the permissions can be restricted compared to the original digital vehicle key.

[0024] In particular, the authorization data can include temporal and / or spatial restrictions on the use of the copy of the digital vehicle key on the second mobile device. For example, authorization can be granted only for a limited period, such as a few hours or days from the time of sharing. It can also be restricted to a specific radius around the vehicle's current location at the time of sharing. The authorization data can also include restrictions on the type of use of the copy of the digital vehicle key on the second mobile device. For example, use can be limited to unlocking and locking the vehicle with or without starting the engine, while other vehicle functions can be blocked.

[0025] In some embodiments, the method further includes, particularly before sharing the digital vehicle key, capturing order data, wherein the order data defines a task to be performed with respect to the vehicle, and the sharing of the digital vehicle key includes the transmission of the order data. In this way, the person who is to be granted access to the vehicle can be given an order specifying what to do with the vehicle. This can be a service order, such as servicing or a tire change, or other orders, such as moving the vehicle from its current location to a desired location, pick-up and delivery services, courier services, and the like. Thus, it is not necessary to issue a separate order elsewhere; this can be done directly when sharing the vehicle key.

[0026] In some embodiments, the method further includes capturing usage data on the use of the copy of the digital vehicle key on the second mobile device and transferring this usage data to the first mobile device. This allows the person who shared the vehicle key to monitor its use, for example, whether the vehicle was unlocked, the engine started, the vehicle locked again when parked, and so on. Since sharing the digital vehicle key and entrusting one's vehicle to another person can pose a security risk, it can be advantageous to have the ability to monitor usage in order to take appropriate action in case of misuse.

[0027] In some embodiments, the method further includes capturing vehicle status data and transmitting this data to the first mobile device. The status data includes the vehicle's status during use, via a copy of the digital vehicle key on the second device. This allows the person who shared the vehicle key, such as the vehicle owner, to check the current status of their vehicle. This could include, for example, the vehicle's current location. The status data can also include the status of a job assigned via the job data. This allows the owner to check the status of their job at any time, for example, whether the job has been started, is in progress, or has been completed.The owner can then retrieve their vehicle at an agreed location, which they may also be able to determine from the status data. It may also be possible for the vehicle owner to coordinate the return of their vehicle, particularly in response to the status data, for example, when a job is completed. For instance, a desired location and time for the return can be communicated to the person who had access to the vehicle.

[0028] All described processes and data transfers, from sharing the digital vehicle key (including capturing all necessary data) to returning the vehicle, can be carried out in one place via the first mobile device, such as an app or a smartphone's "wallet". This enables convenient and secure access management for the vehicle.

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

[0030] 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.

[0031] The computer program can be stored, in particular, on a non-volatile data carrier. Preferably, this is a data carrier in the form of an optical data carrier or 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] The features and advantages explained in relation to the first aspect of the invention also apply accordingly to the other aspects of the invention.

[0034] Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.

[0035] This shows: Fig. 1 a flowchart of a process according to one embodiment; Fig. 2. A schematic view of a vehicle and a process for sharing a digital vehicle key; and Fig. 3 A schematic view of a mobile device with a display for access management for the vehicle.

[0036] The same reference numerals are used throughout the figures for the same or corresponding elements of the invention.

[0037] In Fig. Figure 1 schematically depicts a procedure 100 for access management for a vehicle. The procedure 100 is also referred to as... Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 explained. Fig. Figure 1 shows exemplary steps of an embodiment of method 100 for illustrative purposes. It is understood that further steps, in particular the acquisition and transmission of data (possibly in both directions), may be included.

[0038] In Fig. Figure 2 schematically depicts a vehicle 1 with a communication device 2. This can be a Bluetooth (BLE) or UWB infrastructure of the vehicle 1. To control corresponding vehicle functions, such as unlocking, locking, or starting the engine of the vehicle 1, a wireless connection is established to a mobile device, such as a smartphone, on which a digital vehicle key for the vehicle is stored. In the Fig. In the example shown, the digital vehicle key 4 is stored on a first mobile device 3, e.g., the vehicle owner's smartphone. The following explains how the digital vehicle key 4 can be shared with another person, including a stranger, such as a customer service representative. The other person, i.e., the recipient of the digital vehicle key, possesses a second mobile device 5 (also, for example, a smartphone) on which the digital vehicle key is not (yet) stored.

[0039] First, vehicle data is recorded (step S1). This includes, in particular, the current location of vehicle 1. The location of vehicle 1 helps the recipient of the digital vehicle key to receive and use vehicle 1. In step S1, authorization data can also be recorded, which can define an authorization profile specifying permissions for the recipient of the digital vehicle key. In particular, permissions can be restricted, for example, by setting a time frame. Order data can also be recorded, defining an order to be carried out with vehicle 1, such as servicing or a tire change. This data can form a data record 6, as shown in Fig. 2 indicated.

[0040] The digital vehicle key 4 is now shared. For this purpose, the digital vehicle key, or a copy 4' thereof, is transferred along with the recorded data 6. The copy 4' of the digital vehicle key 4 is then stored on a mobile device 5 belonging to the recipient. The vehicle 1 can now be used by the owner of the mobile device 5, particularly within an agreed framework, which may be restricted by permissions (step S3). During use, usage data and / or status data can be recorded. The status data can, for example, reflect the status of a given order.

[0041] It is understood that the transfer does not usually take place directly from the first mobile device 3 to the second mobile device 5, but rather via appropriate servers, backends, cloud services or the like, which will not be discussed in detail here.

[0042] The status data (and, if applicable, the usage data) can be transferred to the vehicle owner's mobile device 3 (step S4), indicated by a data record 7 in Fig. 2. The vehicle owner can view the status of their vehicle on their mobile device 3, for example, in an app or in the wallet 8 of their device 3. The return of the vehicle 1 can also be coordinated via this device. Sharing the digital vehicle key can then be terminated, either by the passage of time or actively by the vehicle owner.

[0043] 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 Communication device 3. First mobile device 4 digital vehicle keys 4' Copy of the digital vehicle key 5. Second mobile device 6 data set 7 data set 8 Note / Information

Claims

[1] Method (100) for access management for a vehicle (1), wherein the vehicle (1) has a wireless communication device (2) for wireless communication with a mobile terminal, wherein a digital vehicle key (4) for the vehicle (1) is stored on a first mobile terminal (3), the method comprising: - Acquiring vehicle data, wherein the vehicle data contains at least one parameter relating to the current state of the vehicle (1) and / or to current environmental conditions; and - Sharing the digital vehicle key (4) stored on the first mobile terminal (3), wherein the sharing comprises: - transmitting a copy (4') of the digital vehicle key (4) to a second mobile terminal (5) on which the digital vehicle key (4) is not stored; and - Transferring vehicle data. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle data comprise at least a current location of the vehicle (1). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising capturing authorization data which define authorizations for the use of the copy (4') of the digital vehicle key (4) on the second mobile terminal (5), wherein sharing the digital vehicle key (4) comprises transmitting the authorization data. [4] Method according to claim 3, wherein the authorization data comprise a temporal and / or spatial restriction of the use of the copy (4') of the digital vehicle key (4) on the second mobile terminal (5). [5] Method according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the authorization data comprise a restriction on the type of use of the copy (4') of the digital vehicle key (4) on the second mobile terminal (5). [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising capturing order data, wherein the order data defines an order to be carried out with respect to the vehicle, wherein sharing the digital vehicle key (4) comprises transmitting the order data. [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising capturing usage data on the use of the copy (4') of the digital vehicle key (4) on the second mobile terminal (5) and transmitting the usage data to the first mobile terminal (3). [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising detecting status data of the vehicle (1) and transmitting the status data to the first mobile terminal (3), wherein the status data comprises a status of the vehicle (1) during use of the vehicle (1) by means of the copy (4') of the digital vehicle key (4) on the second terminal (5). [9] A data processing system 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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