Method and apparatus for generating a digital access key for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device (100) for generating a digital access key for a motor vehicle (10), comprising: recording a user purchase of the motor vehicle (10), recording motor vehicle information of the motor vehicle (10), recording device information of a user terminal device (20) of the user (2), generating key generation information for a digital access key for the motor vehicle (10) based on the motor vehicle information and the device information, and generating the digital access key for the user terminal device (10) based on the key generation information.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for generating a digital access key for a motor vehicle.

[0002] Solutions exist to enable access to, and in particular the unlocking of, a motor vehicle using a so-called smart device. This usually occurs after a digital access key has been set up on the smart device.

[0003] For example, the publication DE 10 2015 223 342 A1 specifies a method for operating an authorization device for a vehicle, which is designed for initial communication with the vehicle and has a tracking unit designed for determining the current location of the authorization device. The object of the invention is an improved method and an improved device.

[0004] This problem is solved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims and the description.

[0005] An inventive method for generating a digital access key for a motor vehicle comprises the steps of recording a purchase of a motor vehicle by a user, recording motor vehicle information of the motor vehicle, recording device information of a user terminal device of the user, generating key generation information for a digital access key for the motor vehicle based on the motor vehicle information and the device information, and generating the digital access key for the user terminal device based on the key generation information.

[0006] The method according to the invention serves in particular to generate a digital access key for a purchased motor vehicle as early as possible and, in particular, to make the collection or commissioning of the motor vehicle with the aid of a user terminal device as simple and user-friendly as possible.

[0007] A user terminal device is a device or apparatus designed to receive operating inputs, user input and / or user commands and to communicate with a motor vehicle, in particular to provide these operating inputs to the motor vehicle and thereby trigger functions on the motor vehicle.

[0008] In particular, the user terminal device is a portable or mobile device different from a motor vehicle, which may be designed as a so-called smart device, i.e., a device with at least one processor, such as a smartphone, a phablet or a tablet, a smart watch, smart glasses and / or a wearable, which also provides other functions, such as making phone calls, surfing the internet or providing messaging services, for example through apps or programs.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, the user terminal device can also be designed as a proprietary device, such as a physical key, a fob and / or a radio remote control, which is specifically designed to carry out, or at least effect or support, only the steps described here in connection with the method according to the invention.

[0010] In particular, the user terminal device is designed to trigger or perform one or more functions with respect to one or more motor vehicles, such as locking and / or unlocking one or more flaps, such as doors, and in particular also the active opening and / or closing of one or more such flaps, as well as releasing an immobilizer, starting an engine and / or moving the motor vehicle.

[0011] Such functions or interactions with the motor vehicle, particularly those enabling access to, control of, and / or movement of the vehicle, can also be referred to as safe and / or secured functions and are supported or implemented in the user device by a secure module. Such a secure module can contain both hardware components, for example, a secure processor and / or a secure memory area, and software components, for example, one or more apps or programs, that interact together.

[0012] For this, the user device requires a digital access key, which, however, is not yet available at the start of the process, or at least not yet on the user device, in particular because it has not been generated and / or has not yet been generated. The method according to the invention aims at this generation of, in particular, a first digital access key for the motor vehicle.

[0013] The first step involves recording that a motor vehicle is being purchased.

[0014] In this case, the motor vehicle is the vehicle for which the digital access key is to be generated in the course of the inventive method.

[0015] The motor vehicle can be a new one, in particular a brand-new one, and in particular a motor vehicle not yet manufactured at the time, as well as a used and / or already manufactured motor vehicle.

[0016] In particular, if the vehicle in question is not yet manufactured, a production order for the vehicle can be recorded as an alternative or in addition to recording the purchase.

[0017] In particular, the motor vehicle does not yet have a valid digital access key for a user terminal device at the time of execution or commencement of the method according to the invention; in particular, the user terminal device does not yet have a valid digital access key at the time of execution or commencement of the method according to the invention.

[0018] Data capture is primarily carried out via a remote computing facility, which may comprise one or more servers and be partially or entirely cloud-based. For example, a buyer, and thus the future user of the vehicle, is at a car dealership where an end device, such as a personal computer, is connected to a remote computing facility, and the purchase or production order is recorded there. Alternatively or additionally, a buyer, and thus the future user, may also be at a home computer and / or a user device and, for example, access a website and / or application on the internet that is connected to the remote computing facility and through which a purchase and / or production order is recorded.

[0019] Recording a purchase and / or a production order is particularly crucial for initiating the process, or this step triggers the process.

[0020] In a further step, particularly in response to the recording of a purchase and / or a production order, vehicle information is then recorded.

[0021] The term "information" is used here and throughout as a generic plural and also includes a single piece of information.

[0022] Vehicle information is information that characterizes and / or uniquely identifies the vehicle. Such vehicle information can include, for example, a serial number, a production code, an identification number created specifically for the purpose of a digital access key, and / or a chassis number, which can also be referred to as a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).

[0023] If the vehicle in question is already manufactured, the vehicle information can be read from the vehicle itself and / or a database. If, however, the vehicle is yet to be manufactured, the vehicle information can also be generated or assigned directly at this stage and / or likewise read from a database.

[0024] In a further step, device information from the user's terminal device is then collected.

[0025] The user terminal device is the device or apparatus for which the digital access key is to be generated in the course of the inventive method, so that it is subsequently configured to perform the functions described above on the motor vehicle.

[0026] Device information is information that characterizes and / or identifies the user's device and / or the user, particularly uniquely. Such device information can include, for example, a serial number, a production code, an identification number created specifically for the purpose of a digital access key, and / or account information for a user account.

[0027] The device information can be read from a memory and / or database of the user's terminal device.

[0028] Key generation information for a digital access key for the motor vehicle is then generated based on the motor vehicle information and the device information.

[0029] In particular, key generation information for the user terminal device is generated for a digital access key for the motor vehicle using or taking into account the motor vehicle information and the device information.

[0030] The key generation information may not yet include the final or completed digital access key itself, but only information with which it is possible, with or without further information, to create the digital access key or to finalize its generation.

[0031] The device information and the vehicle information can be partially or completely incorporated into the key generation information, for example as a hash, and / or be included therein.

[0032] In particular, the key generation information can also include multiple sets of key generation information. For example, initial key generation information can be generated based on the vehicle information, specifically on the vehicle itself, and secondary key generation information can be generated based on the device information, specifically on the user's terminal device. It is understood that the ordinal numbers serve only for differentiation and can also be used in reverse.

[0033] The digital access key for the user device for the motor vehicle is then generated based on the key generation information.

[0034] In this step, the digital access key is finalized using the key generation information. Multiple, and especially different, key generation information and / or other information can be used for this purpose, as will be explained later. The digital access key can then be used for the vehicle, in particular to trigger one of the functions described above, as will be explained later.

[0035] The digital access key may in particular be based on and / or use an asymmetric cryptosystem, wherein both the motor vehicle and the user terminal device have a private key and a public key designed to authorise or legitimize each other.

[0036] In particular, a digital access key for use by the user's terminal device for the motor vehicle and a corresponding key for use by the motor vehicle for the user's terminal device will be created, taking into account the device information or the motor vehicle information, for example on and / or using a remote computing device, as will be explained further below, and / or through exchange between the user's terminal device and the motor vehicle, as will also be explained further below.

[0037] The method according to the invention makes it possible to generate a digital access key for a purchased and, in particular, yet-to-be-produced motor vehicle as early as possible, and, in particular, to make the collection or commissioning of the motor vehicle with the aid of a user terminal device as simple and user-friendly as possible.

[0038] According to further training, the procedure also includes the step of detecting an approach of the user device to the motor vehicle, whereby the generation of the digital access key takes place in response to the approach.

[0039] Approaching means moving closer to, and in particular entering, a predefined distance from the motor vehicle, such as approaching to within 50 m, 25 m, 15 m, 10 m, or 5 m of the vehicle. Specifically, approaching includes entering the range of one or more wireless transmitters / receivers, such as one or more near-field transmitters / receivers, that are mounted on and / or enclosed by the motor vehicle.

[0040] The approach of the user terminal device to the motor vehicle can also be achieved in particular via triangulation and / or time-of-flight measurements between at least one or more transmitters / receivers of the motor vehicle and at least one or more transmitters / receivers of the user terminal device using one or more wireless communication standards.

[0041] In particular, one or more transmitters / receivers of the motor vehicle and one or more transmitters / receivers of the user device communicate regularly or periodically and exchange data and / or information, especially via one or more wireless near-field communication protocols or standards, such as one or more of Bluetooth, in particular Bluetooth low energy (LE), UWB, NFC, RFID and / or WLAN, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0042] Furthermore, in particular, the motor vehicle and / or the user device regularly or periodically records whether and to what extent the user device and the motor vehicle have approached each other.

[0043] The approximation process takes place specifically after the key generation information has been generated and, if necessary, provided, and before the digital access key is generated or finalized. In other words, the digital access key has not yet been generated or its generation finalized, particularly at the time of the approximation.

[0044] The approach refers specifically to the first time the user device approaches the vehicle. In particular, the previously generated digital access key has not yet been used by the user device in relation to the vehicle, and especially not to perform any function.

[0045] In particular, data is exchanged or made available to each other in connection with the approach, especially the initial approach, of the user's terminal device to the motor vehicle, or in response thereto. Specifically, key generation information, especially key generation information based on device information, is provided from the user's terminal device to the motor vehicle, and / or key generation information, especially key generation information based on vehicle information, is provided from the motor vehicle to the user's terminal device, and based on and / or in response thereto, the digital access key for the motor vehicle is generated, especially on the user's terminal device and / or on the motor vehicle.

[0046] In particular, no user input is required to generate the digital access key; instead, the digital access key is generated automatically upon approach without any further action from the user.

[0047] This training course makes it possible to generate the digital access key in a particularly convenient way.

[0048] According to further training, the procedure also includes the step of unlocking the vehicle using the digital access key in response to the approach.

[0049] Specifically, unlocking refers to the initial unlocking of the vehicle using the user's terminal device and the previously generated digital access key in response to or following approach. Specifically, at the time of unlocking, the digital access key has already been generated, completed, and / or finalized.

[0050] Unlocking includes, in particular, at least one or more doors of the motor vehicle, especially all doors and / or hatches of the motor vehicle, and can be carried out, in particular, in response to a user input on the user's terminal device, in response to a grip action on a door handle of the motor vehicle and / or even without any further user interaction, solely based on the approach and the generated digital access key.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, another of the previously described functions relating to the motor vehicle can also be triggered by the user device using the digital access key, for example, actively opening one or more flaps and / or starting the engine.

[0052] This training will enable you to use the digital access key particularly efficiently.

[0053] According to further training, the procedure also includes the step of providing the device information to a remote computing facility, whereby the generation of the key generation information takes place at the remote computing facility.

[0054] A remote computing facility is distinct from, separate from, and located at a distance from the vehicle and the user's device. The remote computing facility can comprise one or more servers, which may be partially or entirely cloud-based. The remote computing facility can be operated by a manufacturer and / or service provider of the vehicle and, in particular, used exclusively for generating and / or managing one or more digital access keys for one or more vehicles. The remote computing facility may be the same facility where the purchase or production order is recorded, but this is not a requirement.

[0055] In particular, the previously collected device information, especially from the user's terminal device and / or a remote computing facility other than the user's, such as a previously described personal computer, is made available to the remote computing facility for processing. This can be done, in particular, via a communication protocol such as LAN, WLAN, and / or mobile networks such as 3G, 4G, or 5G. However, the collection of device information can also take place directly at the remote computing facility, or the collection of device information can include making the device information available to the remote computing facility.

[0056] At the remote computing facility, this received device information is then processed, and key generation information is generated based on it. This information can be stored and / or further processed at the remote computing facility, in particular by providing it to another facility, as will be explained later.

[0057] In particular, the key generation information may be initial key generation information that is based, especially exclusively, on or takes into account the device information. Alternatively or additionally, however, it may also be key generation information that is based on vehicle information, as will be explained later.

[0058] This training will make it possible to generate the digital access key in a particularly user-friendly way.

[0059] According to further training, the procedure also includes the step of providing the key generation information from the remote computing device to the motor vehicle, whereby the digital access key is generated on the motor vehicle.

[0060] The key generation information previously generated at the remote computing unit is then provided to the vehicle for further use. This can be done, in particular, via a communication protocol, as explained above.

[0061] The digital access key can then be generated on the vehicle. Specifically, the provided key generation information, which may consist solely of device information, can be used on the vehicle, utilizing the vehicle information already present, to generate the digital access key. The digital access key generated on the vehicle is, in particular, a corresponding digital access key to one already present on or generated by the user's terminal device.

[0062] The generation of the digital access key can occur, in particular, in response to the approach of the user's terminal device.

[0063] This training will make it possible to generate the digital access key in a particularly user-friendly way.

[0064] According to further training, the procedure also includes the step of providing the vehicle information to a remote computing device, whereby the generation of the key generation information takes place at the remote computing device.

[0065] The remote computing facility can be, in particular, the same remote computing facility where the device information is received or provided. This remote computing facility can also be the same facility where the purchase or production order is recorded, but it doesn't have to be.

[0066] In particular, the previously recorded vehicle information, especially from the vehicle and / or a remote computing device other than the vehicle, such as a previously described personal computer, is made available to the remote computing device for processing. This can also be done via a communication protocol as described previously. However, the recording of vehicle information can also take place directly at the remote computing device, or the recording of vehicle information includes making the vehicle information available to the remote computing device.

[0067] The remote computing unit then processes this received vehicle information and generates key generation information based on it. This information can be stored and / or further processed at the remote computing unit, in particular by providing it to another unit, as will be explained later.

[0068] In particular, the key generation information can be a second set of key generation information, distinct from the first set described above, which is based, in particular exclusively, on or takes into account the vehicle information. Alternatively or additionally, however, it can also be key generation information that is based on the device information, which, as described above, can also be provided to the remote computing device.

[0069] This training will make it possible to generate the digital access key in a particularly user-friendly way.

[0070] According to further training, the procedure also includes the step of providing the key generation information from the remote computing facility to the user's terminal device, whereby the digital access key is generated on the user's terminal device.

[0071] The key generation information previously generated at the remote computing unit is then provided to the vehicle for further use. This can be done, in particular, via a communication protocol, as explained above.

[0072] The digital access key can then be generated on the vehicle. Specifically, the provided key generation information, which may consist solely of vehicle information, can be used on the user's terminal device, utilizing device information already present on the terminal device, to generate the digital access key. The digital access key generated on the user's terminal device is, in particular, a corresponding digital access key to one already present on or generated on the vehicle.

[0073] The generation of the digital access key can occur, in particular, in response to the approach of the user's terminal device.

[0074] This training will make it possible to generate the digital access key in a particularly user-friendly way.

[0075] According to further training, the procedure further includes the steps of recording the vehicle's equipment that enables the use of a digital access key and recording user input for the use of the user's terminal device for a digital access key, whereby the recording of the device information takes place in response to the user input.

[0076] The first step involves recording the vehicle's equipment, indicating that it is capable of using a digital access key in conjunction with a user device. This can occur, in particular, during the purchase process or when configuring a new vehicle, and can be done in conjunction with recording a purchase or production order. For example, this step records whether the vehicle has one or more transceivers, and whether it includes or at least enables the preparation and / or activation of a digital access key.

[0077] In response to the recorded vehicle equipment, user input is captured. This user input can be captured, in particular, in response to a prompt during the vehicle purchase or configuration process. The user input indicates that a user requests the use of a device, especially their own, for a digital access key for the vehicle. The user input can, for example, include confirming a dialog box.

[0078] In response to user input, only the device information can then be recorded and / or the subsequent procedural steps can be carried out. If, however, no user input is received and / or user input indicates that a user does not wish to use a digital access key for a vehicle and / or a user device, the process can be terminated.

[0079] This training program addresses a user need particularly efficiently. In particular, it prevents unwanted key generation.

[0080] According to another aspect, a device for generating a digital access key for a motor vehicle is specified.

[0081] The device comprises means configured to carry out a method according to one of the previously described embodiments. In particular, the device comprises one or more processor units for carrying out the previously described method. The device also specifically comprises a memory on which code, particularly non-volatile code, is stored, which, when executed by a processor unit, causes the processor unit to carry out the previously described method.

[0082] In particular, the device may include at least the user terminal device, the motor vehicle and / or one or more remote computing devices, form a system with it and / or interact with it to carry out the procedure described above.

[0083] Regarding the advantages of the device, its further developments and their benefits, reference is made to the advantages and further developments of the method explained above.

[0084] Further features of the invention will become apparent 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 in the figures alone, are not only usable in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0085] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment and the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 A schematic view of an embodiment of a method and a device for generating a digital access key for a motor vehicle.

[0086] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a method and a device 100 for generating a digital access key for a motor vehicle 10.

[0087] The device 100 comprises the motor vehicle 10, a user terminal device 20 of a user 2 and a remote computing device 30 and / or has access to it in order to carry out or at least effect the process steps described below.

[0088] The device 100 is designed to record a purchase of the motor vehicle 10 by the user 2. The motor vehicle 10 is, for example, a previously manufactured motor vehicle 10.

[0089] The device 100 is also designed to record motor vehicle information from the motor vehicle 10.

[0090] The device 100 is also designed to provide the motor vehicle information to a remote computing unit 30.

[0091] The device is also designed to detect equipment of the motor vehicle 10 that enables the use of a digital access key.

[0092] The device 100 is also designed to capture user input for the use of the user terminal device 20 for a digital access key.

[0093] The device 100 is also designed to capture device information from the user terminal device 20 of the user 2, in particular exclusively in response to the user input.

[0094] The device 100 is also designed to provide the device information to the remote computing unit 30.

[0095] The device 100 is also configured to generate key generation information for a digital access key for the motor vehicle 10 based on the motor vehicle information and the device information at the remote computing device 30.

[0096] The device 100 is also configured to provide the key generation information to the motor vehicle 10 and / or the user terminal device 20.

[0097] The device 100 is also designed to detect the approach of the user terminal device 20 to the motor vehicle 10.

[0098] The device 100 is also configured to generate a digital access key for the user terminal device 20 based on the key generation information on the user terminal device 20 and on the motor vehicle 10, particularly in response to the approach.

[0099] The device 100 is also configured to unlock the motor vehicle 10 using the digital access key, in particular in response to the approach and / or the generation of the digital access key. Reference symbol list 2 users 10 motor vehicle 20 User terminal 30 remote computing facilities 100 Device QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2015 223 342 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Method for generating a digital access key for a motor vehicle (10), comprising: - Recording a purchase of a motor vehicle (10) by a user (2); - Recording of motor vehicle information (10); - Capture of device information from a user terminal device (20) of the user (2); - Generating key generation information for a digital access key for the motor vehicle (10) based on the motor vehicle information and the device information; and - Generating the digital access key for the user terminal device (20) based on the key generation information. [2] Method according to claim 1, more comprehensively: - Detection of the user terminal device approaching the motor vehicle (10); the generation of the digital access key occurs in response to the approach. [3] Method according to claim 2, further comprising: - Unlocking the motor vehicle (10) using the digital access key in response to the approach. [4] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, more comprehensively: - Providing device information to a remote computing facility (30); the generation of the key generation information takes place at the remote computing device (30). [5] Method according to claim 4, more comprehensively: - Providing the key generation information from the remote computing device (30) to the motor vehicle (10); wherein the digital access key is generated on the motor vehicle (10). [6] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, more comprehensively: - Providing motor vehicle information to a remote computing facility (30); the generation of the key generation information takes place at the remote computing device (30). [7] Method according to claim 6, more comprehensively: - Providing the key generation information from the remote computing facility (30) to the user terminal (20); wherein the digital access key is generated on the user terminal device (20). [8] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, more comprehensively: - Recording of the motor vehicle's equipment (10) that enables the use of a digital access key; - Capturing user input for the use of the user's terminal device (20) for a digital access key; where the device information is captured in response to user input. [9] Device (100) for generating a digital access key for a motor vehicle (10), wherein the device (100) comprises means configured to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims.

Images