Method for personalizing at least one digital key and personalization system
The personalization of digital keys through a personalization system, allowing users to customize designs, images, and descriptions, addresses the challenge of distinguishing between multiple digital keys, thereby improving user experience and key management.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102024116304
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-22
- Estimated Expiration
- 2044-06-11
AI Technical Summary
Existing digital key systems for motor vehicles lack the ability to easily distinguish between multiple digital keys, particularly when multiple vehicles of the same type are owned, leading to confusion and difficulty in controlling the correct vehicle.
A method for personalizing digital keys using a personalization system that allows users to input individual designs, images, and descriptions for each digital key, enabling clear differentiation between keys, even when multiple keys are present in a device wallet.
The personalization method enhances user experience by allowing customers to easily identify and associate digital keys with their respective vehicles, improving customer satisfaction and user-friendliness of the device handle.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a method for personalizing at least one digital key of a motor vehicle by means of a personalization system according to claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to such a personalization system.
[0002] Today, the design of a digital key and its detailed naming are preconfigured and known only to the vehicle manufacturer. Furthermore, it is notoriously difficult to distinguish between multiple digital keys in device wallets.
[0003] For example, if a customer owns more than one vehicle, or even two vehicles of the same type, it's difficult for the customer to tell which key card in the wallet corresponds to which vehicle. Therefore, it might be difficult for the customer to control the desired vehicle, for example, via RKE functions, and properly distinguish between them.
[0004] A method for personalising a vehicle key is already known from DE 10 2008 015 772 B3.
[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide a way of distinguishing the different digital keys so that they can be easily distinguished from one another.
[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by a method having the features of patent claim 1 and by means of a personalization system. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent patent claims and the description.
[0007] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for personalizing at least one digital key or key card of a motor vehicle by means of a personalization system, which comprises the following method steps: - Receiving a request data record from a user requesting personalization of a digital key for a motor vehicle, wherein the request data record contains, in particular, information about the motor vehicle and the user, by means of a device carrying the digital key, for example a mobile device, cell phone, tablet, etc. A digital key is, in particular, a cryptographic file or code that grants electronically authorized access to a specific system, in this case an application for the benefit of the motor vehicle. It replaces conventional physical keys and can be in various forms such as RFID tags, passwords, or biometric data. This digital key for the motor vehicle enables the unlocking and starting of the motor vehicle through authorization via, for example, the mobile device or cell phone. - Providing the user with access to a personalization interface for entering individual descriptions and / or images for the digital key in a display device and application. This means, for example, that the request is initiated via an application on the mobile device. The personalization system then provides access to at least partially access the highly secure settings of the digital key. - Receiving customizations such as designs and / or descriptions and / or images from the user via the personalization interface using a central computing device for managing digital keys and / or releasing digital keys. The ability to perform customizations such as designs, photos, and descriptions for different digital keys enables clear differentiation, especially when multiple digital keys are present in a device wallet. - Integration of individual customizations into the basic design template for providing the personalized digital key. This allows, in particular, the inclusion of self-uploaded photos, created photos, or predefined suggested photos, as well as text descriptions of, for example, the vehicle itself, names, nicknames, etc. Furthermore, other personal information can also be integrated. - Storing the personalized digital key along with user and vehicle information in a database, particularly one linked to or part of the personalization system. This storage allows previously created customizations to be easily retrieved later. Alternatively, other users can access this data to make similar customizations. - Providing the personalized digital key to the user for use in a digital device wallet to control the corresponding motor vehicle. A device wallet is designed as a storage location for digital keys and enables their secure management. It is therefore used as a carrier of the digital key for accessing corresponding applications or devices, in this case for use as a digital key for the motor vehicle.
[0008] In other words, the user / customer should be given the option to add custom designs, images, and labels to the various key cards displayed in the device wallets. This customization feature would allow customers to easily identify and associate each digital key or key card with their respective vehicles. By allowing manufacturers to personalize the digital key experience, they can improve customer satisfaction and the usability of the device wallets. Furthermore, such customization options could foster a stronger bond and connection between customers and their vehicles.
[0009] While the basic design specified by the vehicle manufacturer (blue background color) remains unchanged and vehicles have the same name, the customer should be able to add additional customized descriptions and images to the digital key card in the device wallet. This makes it easier and more convenient for customers to determine which vehicle the wallet key card belongs to. In addition to an image, which could be a simple photo of the vehicle, the customer should be able to add customized descriptions, such as "wife's car" or simply the license plate number. The additional description can also be useful when giving commands via voice to clearly identify the vehicle to be operated, such as "Open my wife's car."
[0010] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, information about adjustments for the customized detection of personalized commands is transmitted to a driver assistance system. This transmission enables the driver assistance system to integrate the individual adjustments into the intercommunication with the user, to take them into account accordingly, and to provide corresponding assistive functions. For example, the vehicle name provided by the user can now be used as the address name for the driver assistance system.
[0011] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, a design template for the digital key is provided based on the vehicle information for personalized customization. The design template includes pre-defined customizations and templates to facilitate the easy provision and handling of the digital key.
[0012] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, authentication is performed for storing the personalized digital key. This ensures compliance with security measures and performs authentication in the event of changes, for example, through two-factor authentication or biometric methods such as facial recognition. Furthermore, an authorized person can also be used for confirmation to ensure additional security.
[0013] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, suggestions and / or information about the motor vehicle corresponding to the digital key are provided for selection in the personalization interface. In this advantageous embodiment, in addition to suggestions for the digital key, actual information about the motor vehicle, as well as photos and data associated with the motor vehicle, are also provided in the personalization interface. This allows a user who has little information about the motor vehicle to utilize suggested information and more easily manage multiple digital keys.
[0014] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the personalization interface is provided on a display device in the motor vehicle. This makes it possible, for example, to use the instrument panel in the motor vehicle and a display device such as a touchscreen for improved presentation, as opposed to a small mobile phone, to improve the simplicity of customization.
[0015] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that when a digital key is personalized, all other corresponding digital keys in all device wallets are updated. This means that an adjustment modifies all corresponding copies of the digital keys in all device wallets. This enables a central adjustment to adapt all other keys, eliminating the need to make individual adjustments.
[0016] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that when a digital key is personalized, all other corresponding digital keys in all device wallets remain unchanged. This allows users to retain their individual customizations without the configuration of other digital keys affecting these customizations.
[0017] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that when a digital key is personalized, all other corresponding digital keys in all device wallets are updated based on a confirmation. This confirmation can be performed, for example, by the user themselves or by an authorized person to ensure that only desired changes are made to the digital keys. This enables, in particular, additional security and control over the adjustments and updates to the key configurations.
[0018] A further aspect of the invention relates to a personalization system for adapting at least one digital key of a motor vehicle.
[0019] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own.
[0020] The invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred embodiment and with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a picture diagram illustrating a personalization system.
[0021] Fig. 1 shows a pictorial diagram illustrating a personalization system 10 for adapting at least one digital key 11 of a motor vehicle 14.
[0022] Here, two digital keys 11, 12 are shown, the first digital key 11 being shown without any adjustments, while an adjusted, personalized digital key 12 is shown opposite.
[0023] This personalization system 10 comprises at least one central computing device 16 configured to receive request data records from a user 18 requesting personalization of their digital key 11 for the motor vehicle 14 via a terminal 20. The terminal 20 comprises at least one display device 22 and an application that allow the user to input individual adjustments to the design, descriptions, and / or images for the digital key 11 via a personalization interface. However, the personalization interface can also be provided, for example, on a display device in the motor vehicle 14 to provide better handling.
[0024] The central computing device 16 is configured to receive the individual adjustments from the user 18 via the personalization interface. The received individual adjustments can then be integrated into the basic design template for providing the personalized digital key 12. Furthermore, a design template for the digital key 11 can be provided based on the vehicle information for personalized customization. In addition, suggestions and / or information about the motor vehicle 14 corresponding to the digital key 11 can be provided for selection in the personalization interface.
[0025] The central computing device 16 can, for example, be a cloud with a backend coupled to all components, with respective modules arranged for wireless communications. By using a cloud-based central computing device 16, interaction between the personalization system 10 and all user devices 20 can be provided.
[0026] The personalized digital key 12 can be stored in a database along with the user and vehicle information. Authentication can be performed to store the personalized digital key 12.
[0027] Finally, the personalized digital key 12 may be provided to the user for use in a digital device wallet 24 for controlling the corresponding motor vehicle 14.
[0028] In addition, it is possible that information about adjustments for the customized detection of personalized commands is transmitted to a driver assistance system.
[0029] During the personalization of a digital key 11 in all device wallets 24, all other corresponding digital keys 11 are either updated, left unchanged, or updated depending on a confirmation.
[0030] In summary, the invention proposes an individually designed (personalized) digital key 12 in the device wallet 24 (Customized design of a Digital key in the device wallet). List of reference symbols 10 Personalization system 11 digital keys 12 personalized digital keys 14 motor vehicles 16 central computing facility 20 mobile devices 22 Display device 24 equipment walls
Claims
[1] Method for personalising at least one digital key (11) of a motor vehicle (14) by means of a personalisation system (10), comprising the following method steps: - receiving a request data record from a user requesting personalization of a digital key (11) for a motor vehicle (14); - providing the user with access to a personalization interface for entering individual adjustments for the digital key (11); - Receiving individual customizations from the user via the personalization interface; - integrating the customisations into a basic design template to provide a personalised digital key (12); - storing the personalized digital key (12) together with the user and vehicle information in a database; and - Providing the personalized digital key (12) to the user for use in a digital device wallet (24) for use with the corresponding motor vehicle (14). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that information about adjustments for the customized detection of personalized commands is transmitted to a driver assistance system. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the design template for the digital key (11) is provided based on the vehicle information for personalized customization. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that authentication is carried out for storing the personalized digital key (12). [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat suggestions and / or information about the motor vehicle (14) corresponding to the digital key (11) are provided for selection in the personalization interface. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the personalization interface is provided on a display device in the motor vehicle (14). [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that when a digital key (11) is personalised, all other corresponding digital keys (11) in all device wallets (24) are updated. [8] Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that when a digital key (11) is personalised, all other corresponding digital keys (11) in all device wallets (24) remain unchanged. [9] Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized bythat when a digital key (11) is personalised, all other corresponding digital keys (11) in all device wallets (24) are updated depending on a confirmation. [10] Personalization system (10) for personalizing at least one digital key (11) of a motor vehicle (14), comprising at least one central computing device (16) for receiving a request data record from a user requesting personalization of the digital key (11) for the motor vehicle (14) via a terminal (20), wherein the terminal (20) has at least one display device (22) and an application through which user access to a personalization interface for entering individual adjustments for the digital key (11) can be provided, wherein the central computing device (16) is designed to receive the individual adjustments from the user via the personalization interface, and wherein the individual adjustments can be integrated into a basic design template for providing a personalized digital key (12),wherein the personalized digital key (12) can be stored together with the user and vehicle information in a database and the personalized digital key (12) can be provided to the user for use in a digital device wallet (24) for use with the corresponding motor vehicle (14).
Citation Information
Patent Citations
motor vehicle and keys for a motor vehicle
DE102008015772B3