Computer-implemented method and system for vehicle-to-X, in particular vehicle-to-vehicle, communication

Abstract

The invention relates to a computer-implemented method (100) for vehicle-to-X, in particular vehicle-to-vehicle, communication, comprising the steps of: providing (110) a decentralized network (200) for executing a decentralized ledger technology; receiving (120) sensor information from a first communication unit (310) of a first vehicle (300), wherein the sensor information characterizes at least one parameter relating to the first vehicle (300); creating (130) a data block in the decentralized ledger technology based on the sensor information, wherein the data block characterizes at least one parameter; receiving (140) an information request from a second communication unit (410), wherein the information request relates to at least one parameter of the first vehicle (300); and sending (150) the parameter to the second communication unit.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a computer-implemented method and a system for vehicle-to-X, in particular vehicle-to-vehicle, communication, a computer-implemented transmission method, a computer-implemented reception method as well as corresponding communication units and a vehicle.

[0002] Vehicle-to-X communication, especially car-to-X communication (C2C), is considered a key enabler of autonomous driving and intelligent mobility. One of the biggest challenges in its implementation is data trustworthiness and cybersecurity.

[0003] Especially when using a cloud solution that represents a single data source, this can be the target of attacks. A successful attack could have devastating consequences for the control of autonomous vehicles and their surroundings.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a computer-implemented method, a system, a computer-implemented transmission method, a computer-implemented reception method, and corresponding communication units that improve or eliminate one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a secure, trustworthy, and scalable solution for vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the object is achieved by a computer-implemented method for vehicle-to-X, in particular vehicle-to-vehicle, communication. The method comprises providing a decentralized network for executing a decentralized ledger technology and receiving sensor information from a first communication unit of a first vehicle, wherein the sensor information characterizes at least one parameter relating to the first vehicle. The method further comprises creating a data block in the decentralized ledger technology based on the sensor information, wherein the data block characterizes at least one parameter, and receiving an information request from a second communication unit, wherein the information request relates to at least one parameter of the first vehicle.The method further comprises sending the one parameter to the second communication unit, in particular in response to the information request.

[0006] The first vehicle and / or any further mentioned vehicle, the first communication unit, the second communication unit, and / or any further communication unit may be a node, in particular a network node, of the decentralized network. Consequently, direct and / or indirect communication may occur between two or more nodes.

[0007] The proposed method utilizes a decentralized ledger technology. This can be blockchain technology. Using the ledger technology and the decentralized network, it is possible to store, verify, and provide sensor information decentrally, and upon request. This eliminates the need for a central storage facility, providing a very high level of security against counterfeiting and attempted attacks. Furthermore, the sensor information is immutable, making it reliable even in retrospect. Furthermore, the ledger technology can be used to determine whether the sensor information is correct or false, thus improving trust and security. Finally, general access can be provided that can be used for the sensor information regardless of the manufacturer.

[0008] Providing the decentralized network may include using the decentralized network. The decentralized network may consist of a variety of units, communication units, vehicles, network nodes, processors, computing units, and computers.

[0009] The at least one parameter can characterize one of a current and / or future position, speed, trajectory, equipment, and energy level of the first vehicle, and environmental information, wherein the environmental information characterizes an actual environment of the first vehicle. The equipment can characterize what sensors the first vehicle includes for detecting the parameter(s) and / or the actual environment, which tires the vehicle has, in particular whether they are winter, summer, or all-wheel drive tires, and / or other equipment features of the vehicle.The actual environment can characterize the number of road users of the first vehicle, construction sites near the first vehicle, a road condition of a road currently being traveled by the first vehicle, an outside temperature, a humidity of the ambient air, a current weather, and / or a traffic situation, such as a traffic jam or flowing traffic. One parameter and / or the environmental information can characterize more or less information, depending on the sensors of the first vehicle.

[0010] The network may be a network for vehicle-to-X communication, in particular vehicle-to-vehicle communication. The network may be configured to receive the one or more sensor information items, create the one or more data blocks based on the one or more sensor information items, receive the one or more information requests, and / or transmit the one or more parameters, in particular in response to the information request(s).

[0011] Creating the data block can comprise using at least a first intelligent contract. An intelligent contract can be a smart contract. The first intelligent contract can regulate at least a first requirement that characterizes one of an accuracy of the sensor information, a tamper-proof nature of the sensor information, a confidentiality of the first communication unit, a membership of the first communication unit in the decentralized network, an authorization for providing the sensor information, a timeliness of the sensor information, an equipment level of the first vehicle, and a vehicle type of the first vehicle. If the first requirement of the first intelligent contract is met, the data block can be created. Optionally, if the first intelligent contract is not met, the first sensor information can be discarded.The tamper-proofing can be characterized by one or more security checks, which are executed, in particular, automatically. One of the security checks can include checking whether the received first sensor information has been tampered with. The security check can include encrypting the received first sensor information, using a cryptographic method, and / or using a private key / public key and proof method to ensure that the first sensor information has not been tampered with. The first smart contracts and / or subsequently mentioned second smart contracts can regulate any number of prerequisites. The prerequisites can alternatively or additionally include security rules and / or business model rules. For example, a business model rule can include payment upon use of the data block or credit upon provision of the first sensor information.

[0012] Creating the data block can involve two or more initial smart contracts. The first smart contract(s) can ensure that the quality of the provided sensor information meets a predetermined quality standard. For example, the parameters must be specified with a predetermined level of accuracy.

[0013] At least the first communication unit can be part of the decentralized network. In particular, the first and second communication units can be part of the decentralized network. Alternatively or additionally, the first and / or second communication units can be configured to access and / or communicate with the decentralized network.

[0014] The second communication unit can be included in the second vehicle. Alternatively, the second communication unit or a further third communication unit can be a computer or a standalone communication unit, which in particular are not part of a vehicle. For example, the third communication unit can be a computer of an insurance company of the second vehicle. If the second vehicle with the second communication unit has an accident, the information last requested from the decentralized network can be checked to ensure that it was correct. For example, it can happen that the requested information from the first vehicle characterizes that the first vehicle is driving on a road with winter tires, while the second vehicle has summer tires and that is why an accident occurred.

[0015] Sending the one parameter may comprise using at least one second smart contract, wherein the second smart contract regulates at least one second requirement that regulates one of an equipment of the second vehicle, a membership of the second communication unit in the decentralized network, and authorization for the information request. If the second requirement of the second smart contract is met, the one parameter may be sent to the second communication unit. Optionally, if the second requirement is not met, the information request may be discarded.

[0016] The first and second smart contracts may, at least in part, regulate the same and / or different conditions.

[0017] Creating the data block and / or sending the one parameter may further comprise verifying an identity of the first and / or second communication unit, in particular by means of decentralized identity management, wherein the data block and / or the one parameter is created and / or sent based on an authorized identity. Decentralized identity management may be included in the decentralized ledger technology. Consequently, it can be ensured that only authorized communication units and / or vehicles have access or send sensor information and information queries and receive corresponding parameters.

[0018] Sending the one parameter may further include verifying the created data block, in particular the one parameter, using the decentralized network, in particular the decentralized ledger technology. A consensus mechanism may be used to attempt to resolve data conflicts and locate a faulty data source in the network.

[0019] The verification of the created data block can be carried out by means of the first communication unit and / or other units of the network.

[0020] The information request can be a request concerning the first vehicle, the one parameter relating to the first vehicle, a current and / or future position, a current and / or future speed, a current and / or future energy level of the second communication unit, in particular of the second vehicle, an equipment feature of the first vehicle, and / or an actual environment of the first vehicle. Consequently, the request can be a request explicitly concerning the first vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, it can be a request such as the street 500 m away and what the weather is like there.

[0021] The first vehicle and / or the second vehicle may be an at least partially autonomous vehicle, in particular a fully autonomous vehicle.

[0022] The first and / or second vehicles may be configured to control the respective vehicle at least partially based on the sensor information and / or the one requested parameter.

[0023] The first vehicle, the second vehicle, the first communication unit and / or the second communication unit may comprise at least one processor and / or at least one sensor for detecting the sensor information.

[0024] According to a second aspect, the problem is solved by a transmission method for vehicle-to-X, in particular vehicle-to-vehicle, communication. The method comprises transmitting sensor information from a first communication unit of a first vehicle to a decentralized network for creating a data block based on the sensor information. The sensor information characterizes at least one parameter relating to the first vehicle, wherein the network is configured to implement a decentralized ledger technology and to create the data block.

[0025] The method according to the second aspect may further comprise detecting the sensor information, in particular by means of one or more sensors of the vehicle.

[0026] Providing the sensor information of the method according to the first aspect may include or be transmitting the sensor information of the transmitting method.

[0027] According to a third aspect, the object is achieved by a receiving method for vehicle-to-X, in particular vehicle-to-vehicle, communication. The method comprises sending an information request from a second communication unit to a decentralized network, wherein the network is configured to implement decentralized ledger technology and to create at least one data block based on provided sensor information that characterizes at least one parameter of a first vehicle. The information request relates to at least one parameter of the first vehicle. The method further comprises receiving the one parameter from the decentralized network.

[0028] Receiving the information request of the method according to the first aspect may include or be the sending of the information request. Sending the one parameter of the method according to the first aspect may include or be the receiving of the one parameter.

[0029] Method steps described with respect to the method according to the first aspect can be carried out as method steps of the method according to the second aspect and / or the second aspect and vice versa.

[0030] The communication units of the methods according to the second and / or third aspects can be part of the decentralized network.

[0031] According to a fourth aspect, the object is achieved by a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a processor, cause the processor to execute the method according to the first aspect, the method according to the second aspect, and / or the method according to the third aspect. Alternatively or additionally, the computer program product may comprise instructions which, when the program is executed by a or the communication unit or a or the vehicle, cause the processor to execute the method according to the first aspect, the method according to the second aspect, and / or the method according to the third aspect.

[0032] According to a fifth aspect, the object is achieved by a computer-readable storage medium on which the computer program product according to the fourth aspect is stored.

[0033] According to a sixth aspect, the object is achieved by a system for vehicle-to-X, in particular vehicle-to-vehicle, communication. The system comprises a decentralized network for executing a decentralized ledger technology and a first communication unit of a first vehicle, which is designed to send sensor information to the network. The sensor information characterizes at least one parameter relating to the first vehicle. The decentralized network is designed to create a data block in the decentralized ledger technology based on the sensor information, wherein the data block characterizes at least the one parameter. The system further comprises a second communication unit, which is designed to send an information request to the decentralized network, wherein the information request relates to at least the one parameter of the first vehicle.The decentralized network is configured to send the one parameter to the second communication unit, in particular in response to the information request.

[0034] Method features of one of the methods according to the first to third aspects can be designed as device features of the system according to the sixth aspect and vice versa.

[0035] According to a seventh aspect, the problem is solved by a communication unit for vehicle-to-X, in particular vehicle-to-vehicle, communication. The communication unit is configured to transmit sensor information from a first vehicle to a decentralized network for creating a data block based on the sensor information. The sensor information characterizes at least one parameter relating to the first vehicle, wherein the network is configured to implement a decentralized ledger technology and to create the data block.

[0036] The communication unit may comprise a processor. The communication unit may comprise the features of the communication unit according to the following eighth aspect. Consequently, the communication unit may be configured to transmit the sensor information to the network, send the information request, and receive requested parameters.

[0037] According to an eighth aspect, the object is achieved by a communication unit for vehicle-to-X, in particular vehicle-to-vehicle, communication, wherein the communication unit is configured to send an information request to a decentralized network. The network is configured to implement a decentralized ledger technology and to create at least one data block based on provided sensor information that characterizes at least one parameter of a first vehicle. The information request relates to at least one parameter of the first vehicle. The communication unit is configured to receive the one parameter from the decentralized network.

[0038] The communication unit may comprise a processor. The communication unit may comprise the features of the communication unit according to the seventh aspect. Consequently, the communication unit may be configured to transmit sensor information to the network and to receive requested parameters. The communication unit according to the seventh aspect and / or the communication unit according to the eighth aspect may be comprised by a vehicle.

[0039] Method features of the methods according to the first to third aspects can be implemented as device features of the system according to the sixth aspect, the communication unit according to the seventh aspect and / or the communication unit according to the eighth aspect.

[0040] According to a ninth aspect, the object is achieved by a vehicle comprising a communication unit according to the seventh aspect and / or the eighth aspect. Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle comprises a memory for storing a computer program product according to the fourth aspect and a processor for executing the computer program product. The vehicle may comprise one or more sensors for acquiring the sensor information.

[0041] Preferred embodiments are explained using the accompanying figures. They show: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a computer-implemented method for vehicle-to-vehicle communication; Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a first vehicle and a second vehicle in communication with a decentralized network according to another embodiment; Fig. 3 an embodiment of a computer-implemented transmission method for vehicle-to-vehicle communication; and Fig. 4 an embodiment of a computer-implemented receiving method for vehicle-to-vehicle communication

[0042] In the figures, identical or essentially functionally identical or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0043] Fig. 1 shows a computer-implemented method 100 for vehicle-to-vehicle communication (car-to-car communication), in particular communication between a first vehicle 300 and a second vehicle 400 via a decentralized network 200, see Fig. 2.

[0044] The method 100 includes providing 110 a decentralized network 200 for executing a decentralized ledger technology. The decentralized ledger technology is a blockchain technology.

[0045] The method 100 further comprises receiving 120 sensor information from a first communication unit 310 of the first vehicle 300, wherein the sensor information characterizes at least one parameter relating to the first vehicle 310. Consequently, the first communication unit 310 is configured to transmit the sensor information to the decentralized network 200.

[0046] The first vehicle 300 can detect the at least one parameter via one or more sensors of the first vehicle 300. The at least one parameter can characterize a speed and a position of the first vehicle 300. Furthermore, the at least one parameter can characterize an actual environment of the first vehicle 300, for example, a condition of the road currently being traveled, potholes, construction sites, and other objects and / or road users.

[0047] The method 100 further comprises creating 130 a data block in the decentralized ledger technology based on the sensor information, wherein the data block characterizes at least one parameter. By creating the data block, the at least one parameter is secured by blockchain technology and made robust against attempted forgery or interference. When creating 130 the data block, initial smart contracts can be used to restrict the inclusion of every provided or sent sensor information in the network. For example, only sensor information from authorized vehicles or communication units can be accepted and stored in a data block, while unauthorized sensor information is discarded. Accordingly, attention can be paid to quality and security right from the data entry stage.

[0048] The method 100 further comprises receiving 140 an information request from the second communication unit 410, wherein the information request relates to at least one parameter of the first vehicle 300. The information request can be a query regarding parameters specifically of the first vehicle 300. Alternatively or additionally, the second vehicle 400 or the second communication unit 410 can request parameters relating to a route section ahead. The network 200 can be configured to provide the second vehicle 400 or the second communication unit 410 with corresponding parameters that match the request. The parameters stored in the data block can be further defined by a location and / or a time so that a corresponding query can be made. These can be the parameters of the first vehicle 300, which can be a vehicle traveling ahead of the second vehicle 400.

[0049] The method 100 may further comprise sending 150 of one parameter to the second communication unit 410, in particular in response to the information request. The sending 150 may further comprise using second smart contracts. For example, only a vehicle that is a member of a predetermined organization can request parameters. Second contracts of this type may be used so that only vehicles that send sensor information can also receive parameters. It may also be regulated that only some of the parameters are sent.

[0050] Sending 150 of one parameter may further comprise checking the created and / or affected data block, in particular the one parameter, using the decentralized network 200, in particular the decentralized ledger technology. Consequently, before sending 150, a check may be performed to determine whether the parameter(s) is / are correct and / or up-to-date.

[0051] By using the decentralized network 200 and blockchain technology in connection with vehicle-to-vehicle communication, the security of the data and the vehicles 300, 400 can be improved.

[0052] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a computer-implemented transmission method 700 for vehicle-to-vehicle communication, wherein the method 700 can be executed by the vehicle 300, in particular the communication unit 310. The vehicle 300 or the communication unit 310 are part of the network 200. The method 700 comprises an optional step 710 of acquiring sensor information, wherein the sensor information can be acquired using one or more sensors of the communication unit 310 and / or the vehicle 300. For example, the sensors can acquire a speed, a position, and an actual environment of the vehicle 300 as parameters. The sensor information is sent in a step 720 to the decentralized network 200, which is configured to create the data block based on the sensor information. Furthermore, the network 200 is configured to execute the decentralized ledger technology and to create the data block.

[0053] The method 700 may be the transmitter side of the method 100 or the vehicle 300 of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 represent.

[0054] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a computer-implemented receiving method 800 for vehicle-to-vehicle communication and can be the receiver side of the method 100 or the vehicle 400 of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 represent.

[0055] The method 800 includes sending 810 an information request from the second communication unit 410 to the decentralized network 200, wherein the network 200 is configured to execute the decentralized ledger technology and to create the at least one data block based on the provided sensor information that characterizes at least one parameter of the first vehicle 300. The information request relates to at least the one parameter of the first vehicle 300, and the method 800 further includes receiving 820 the one parameter from the decentralized network 200. Reference symbol 100 Computer-implemented method for vehicle-to-X, in particular vehicle-to-vehicle, communication 110 Providing a decentralized network 120 Receiving sensor information 130 Creating a data block 140 Receiving an information request 150 Sending one parameter 200 decentralized network 300 first vehicle 310 first communication unit 400 second vehicle 410 second communication unit 500 Transmission methods for vehicle-to-X, in particular vehicle-to-vehicle communication 510 Sending sensor information 600 System for vehicle-to-X, in particular vehicle-to-vehicle communication 700 Computer-implemented transmission method for vehicle-to-X, in particular vehicle-to-vehicle, communication 710 Capturing sensor information 720 Sending sensor information from a first communication unit 800 Computer-implemented reception method for vehicle-to-X, in particular vehicle-to-vehicle, communication 810 Sending an information request 820 Receiving one parameter

Claims

[1] Computer-implemented method (100) for vehicle-to-X, in particular vehicle-to-vehicle, communication, comprising the steps: Providing (110) a decentralized network (200) for executing a decentralized ledger technology; Receiving (120) sensor information from a first communication unit (310) of a first vehicle (300), wherein the sensor information characterizes at least one parameter relating to the first vehicle (300); Creating (130) a data block in the decentralized ledger technology based on the sensor information, wherein the data block characterizes at least the one parameter; Receiving (140) an information request from a second communication unit (410), wherein the information request relates to at least the one parameter of the first vehicle (300); Sending (150) one parameter to the second communication unit. [2] Method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one parameter characterizes one of a current and / or future position, speed, trajectory, equipment and energy level of the first vehicle (300) and environmental information, wherein the environmental information characterizes an actual environment of the first vehicle (300). [3] Method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein creating (130) the data block comprises using at least a first smart contract, wherein the first intelligent contract regulates at least a first requirement which characterises one of an accuracy of the sensor information, a correctness of the sensor information, a tamper-proof nature of the sensor information, a confidentiality of the first communication unit (310), a membership of the first communication unit (310) in the decentralised network, a timeliness of the sensor information and a vehicle type of the first vehicle (300), where if the first requirement of the first smart contract is fulfilled, the data block is created, where, as an option, if the first smart contract is not fulfilled, the first sensor information is discarded. [4] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the first communication unit (310) is part of the decentralized network (200), wherein in particular the first and second communication units (310, 410) are part of the decentralized network (200). [5] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second communication unit (410) is comprised by a second vehicle (400). [6] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein sending (150) the one parameter comprises using at least one second smart contract, wherein the second intelligent contract regulates at least a second requirement which regulates one of an equipment of the second vehicle (400), a membership of the second communication unit (410) in the decentralized network (200) and an authorization for the information request, wherein, upon fulfillment of the second requirement of the second intelligent contract, the one parameter is sent to the second communication unit (410), where, as an option, if the second requirement is not met, the information request will be rejected. [7] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the creation (130) of the data block and / or the transmission (150) of the one parameter further comprises verifying an identity of the first and / or the second communication unit (310, 410), in particular by means of a decentralized identity management, wherein the data block and / or the one parameter is created and / or transmitted based on an authorized identity. [8] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sending (150) of the one parameter further comprises checking the created data block, in particular the one parameter, by means of the decentralized network (200), in particular the decentralized ledger technology. [9] Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the information request is a request concerning the first vehicle (300), the one parameter concerning the first vehicle (300), a current and / or future position, a current and / or future speed, a current and / or future energy level of the second communication unit (410), in particular of the second vehicle (400), an equipment of the first vehicle (300) and / or an actual environment of the first vehicle (300). [10] Computer-implemented transmission method (700) for vehicle-to-X, in particular vehicle-to-vehicle, communication, comprising the steps: Sending (720) sensor information from a first communication unit (310) of a first vehicle (300) to a decentralized network (200) for creating a data block based on the sensor information, wherein the sensor information characterizes at least one parameter relating to the first vehicle (300), wherein the network (200) is designed to implement a decentralized ledger technology and to create the data block. [11] Computer-implemented receiving method (800) for a vehicle-to-X, in particular a vehicle-to-vehicle communication, comprising the steps: Sending (810) an information request from a second communication unit (410) to a decentralized network (200), wherein the network (200) is designed to execute a decentralized ledger technology and to create at least one data block based on provided sensor information that characterizes at least one parameter of a first vehicle (300), wherein the information request concerns at least one parameter of the first vehicle (300); Receiving (820) the one parameter from the decentralized network (200). [12] A computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a processor, cause the processor to carry out the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the method according to claim 10 and / or the method according to claim 11. [13] A computer-readable storage medium on which the computer program product according to claim 12 is stored. [14] System (600) for vehicle-to-X, in particular vehicle-to-vehicle, communication, comprising: a decentralized network (200) for executing a decentralized ledger technology; a first communication unit (310) of a first vehicle (300) which is designed to send sensor information to the network (200), wherein the sensor information characterizes at least one parameter relating to the first vehicle (300), wherein the decentralized network (200) is configured to create a data block in the decentralized ledger technology based on the sensor information, the data block characterizing at least the one parameter; a second communication unit (410) configured to send an information request to the decentralized network, wherein the information request relates to at least one parameter of the first vehicle (300), wherein the decentralized network (200) is configured to send the one parameter to the second communication unit (410). [15] Communication unit (310) for vehicle-to-X, in particular vehicle-to-vehicle communication, wherein the communication unit (310) is designed to send sensor information of a first vehicle (300) to a decentralized network (200) for creating a data block based on the sensor information, wherein the sensor information characterizes at least one parameter relating to the first vehicle (300), wherein the network (200) is designed to execute a decentrally managed ledger technology and to create the data block. [16] Communication unit (410) for vehicle-to-X, in particular vehicle-to-vehicle, communication, wherein the communication unit (410) is designed to send an information request to a decentralized network (200), wherein the network (200) is designed to execute a decentralized ledger technology for creating at least one data block based on provided sensor information that characterizes at least one parameter of a first vehicle (300), wherein the information request concerns at least one parameter of the first vehicle (300); wherein the communication unit (410) is configured to receive the one parameter from the decentralized network (200). [17] Vehicle (300, 400), comprising: a communication unit (310, 410) according to claim 15 and / or 16; and / or a memory for storing a computer program product according to claim 12 and a processor for executing the computer program product.

Images