Method for managing a digital model of a part of an automotive vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for managing a digital model of a part of a motor vehicle implemented by a computer system, the method comprising the following steps: (E1) Transmission, from a computer terminal (1) to a data server (2), of an export request (Re) for a digital model (Mi) from among a plurality of digital models of automotive parts stored in a database (22) of said data server; (E4) In response to said request, transmission by the data server to said computer terminal of a file (Fi) containing said digital model; the file being encoded in a format usable by an additive or subtractive manufacturing device. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Method for managing a digital model of a part of a motor vehicle

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicles. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for managing digital models of parts of a motor vehicle, particularly in the context of services such as automotive part repair, dematerialization of spare parts services and personalization of automotive parts.

[0002] In the context of the ecological transition, there is a growing need for the repairability of automotive parts in order to increase the lifespan of motor vehicles. However, this need is difficult to reconcile with the way in which spare parts are currently produced. Indeed, just like original parts, spare parts intended for the aftermarket are generally manufactured by injection molding plastic in a factory located in that aftermarket.

[0003] Given the investment required for such a mold, it is therefore necessary to manufacture the parts in large volumes, which is incompatible with motor vehicles produced in small series. This incompatibility is further reinforced by the growing demand for vehicle customization, both aesthetically and functionally. This demand further reduces the required volume of spare parts and thus makes the investment in a mold dedicated to spare parts production pointless.

[0004] Finally, even for vehicles whose parts are manufactured in large volumes, all or part of them, spare parts must be distributed from the manufacturing plant, on demand, to aftermarket garages so that a defective part of a motor vehicle can be replaced as soon as possible. This distribution method thus generates significant greenhouse gas emissions, which is undesirable with regard to the primary objective mentioned above.

[0005] The invention thus falls within this context and aims to address the various drawbacks that have been mentioned.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a method for managing a digital model of a part of a motor vehicle implemented by a computer system, the method comprising the following steps: a. Transmission, from a computer terminal to a data server, of a request to export a digital model from among a plurality of digital models of automotive parts stored in a database on said data server; b. In response to said request, transmission by the data server to said computer terminal of a file containing said digital model; the file being encoded in a format usable by an additive or subtractive manufacturing device.

[0007] The invention thus aims to create a database of digital models of automotive spare parts, generated by an automotive supplier. The database may contain several models of the same part with different aesthetic or functional variations and / or several models of different parts. When a user wishes to replace a part on their vehicle, either because it is defective or for customization purposes, they can then purchase, directly or through a mechanic, a model of that part available in the database.

[0008] The user thus receives a model file that can be interpreted by an additive or subtractive manufacturing device, or a 3D printing device, allowing them to manufacture, directly or indirectly via the mechanic, the automotive part represented by this model, for integration into their vehicle. The file could, for example, be an STL or G-code file. This makes it possible to avoid using a mold to manufacture a spare part, thereby overcoming volume constraints. Furthermore, it is no longer necessary to distribute spare parts from a central point, as manufacturing can be carried out directly at the point of service. Finally, the transmitted file comes directly from the database of the data server. This helps prevent counterfeiting and thus guarantees the traceability of the manufactured part and the user's safety.

[0009] In the context of the present invention, and by way of non-limiting example, "computer system" means any combination of a computer terminal, namely a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, test equipment, a computer server, a controller, a processor, a computing engine and / or any combination of these components appropriate to the method according to the invention, and a computer server. In the invention, the database may be stored in the server's memory, or distributed across several servers.

[0010] In the invention, the computer server may be equipped with an interface through which digital models can be loaded, manually or automatically, from another computer server; and / or with a digital model selection interface from which a digital model can be selected and downloaded by a user from a computer terminal.

[0011] In the context of the present invention, and by way of non-limiting example, the term "automotive part" means all or part of an automotive component or piece of equipment, such as an engine component, a heating or air conditioning component, a transmission or propulsion component, or optical or lighting equipment. An automotive part may be made of plastic, metal, or any suitable combination of these materials.

[0012] In the context of the present invention, and by way of non-limiting example, a "digital model of a part" means a set of elementary digital objects representing said part. The digital model may, for example, be a 3D model, namely one or more structured meshes, each comprising a plurality of interconnected vertices to define a plurality of faces or volumes representing approximately the surfaces and / or volumes of the part. The 3D model may be stored in a digital file as a list of vertices, each associated with spatial coordinates and connections to other vertices, it being understood that any other suitable form of storage may be considered. Alternatively, the digital model may be an unstructured set of points, namely a point cloud devoid of any information relating to the connections between the points.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes a preliminary step of storing a plurality of digital models of automotive parts in the database of a computer server.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises, prior to the step of transmitting the file to the computer terminal, a step of encrypting the file using an encryption key; and, following the step of transmitting the encrypted file to said computer terminal: a. a step of transmitting a decryption key request from the computer terminal to a decryption server, b. a step of verifying the access conditions of a user of the computer terminal to the digital model by the decryption server; c. if the verification step is successful, a step of transmitting a decryption key for said encrypted file from the decryption server to the computer terminal; d. a step of decrypting the encrypted file using the decryption key.

[0015] In this embodiment, it is therefore possible to set up conditions for user access to a digital model, in particular to ensure that only an authorized user, such as a garage owner, can manufacture the spare part, or to prevent a digital model from being duplicated for the purpose of counterfeiting. The file transmitted to the computer terminal is thus encrypted, and the decryption key is transmitted to the computer terminal only when these access conditions are met. Preferably, the decryption key is transmitted to the computer terminal without being accessible to a user of the computer terminal.

[0016] The data server and the decryption server may be the same server or they may be separate servers. In this case, the file may be encrypted by the decryption server or by the data server.

[0017] The encryption and decryption keys may be a public-private key pair, generated, for example, by a hash function applied to a username and password of a data server administrator. The public key can be used for encryption operations, while the private key is used for decryption when combined with the public key.

[0018] Advantageously, the decryption key request contains an identifier of a computer terminal user, and the access conditions verification step includes a verification of the user's identity, based on said identifier, with regard to access rights to said digital model.

[0019] Said access rights may, for example, include a pre-established list of user identifiers authorized to access a digital model or a pre-established list of types of users authorized to access a digital model.

[0020] Advantageously, the decryption key request contains an identifier of a computer terminal user, and the access conditions verification step includes a check of the number of accesses by said user to said digital model against a predetermined number of authorized accesses. It can thus be foreseen that a file containing a digital model can be downloaded a maximum number of times, or even only once.

[0021] Advantageously, the encryption step includes a substep of recording, in a distributed ledger, a transaction carried out on said digital model between the data server and said user, said transaction being associated with predetermined access conditions.

[0022] In this example, it is thus possible to encrypt a digital model identifier in the database within a digital token and to associate this digital token with the user in a distributed ledger, so that only the owner of the digital model can, according to the access conditions, decrypt the token and download the file containing this digital model in order to manufacture it. These features thus constitute strong protections against counterfeiting of the part represented by this digital model.

[0023] In the context of the present invention, and by way of non-limiting example, the term "token" means a unique and non-fungible code associated with a digital model, For example, via a unique identifier for the digital model, recorded in a distributed ledger or any other immutable database. The token could, for instance, be a cryptographic token, also known as an NFT (Non-Fungible Token), recorded on a blockchain and managed by a smart contract protocol. The digital model associated with a token thus forms a digital asset, and each transaction performed on this digital model can be recorded on the distributed ledger. The smart contract updates the owner of the digital model based on the transaction information and verifies whether the predetermined access conditions are met.

[0024] It may in particular be provided that the prior step of storing a digital model of a part in the database is followed by a prior step of generating, by a smart contract equipped with said predetermined access conditions, a token associated with this digital model and of associating, by the smart contract in the distributed ledger, this token with an identifier of the equipment manufacturer who designed this digital model.

[0025] In another alternative or cumulative embodiment of the invention, the method comprises, following receipt of the export request, the transmission of a request to verify the access conditions of a user of the computer terminal to said digital model to a smart contract for managing a digital token associated with this digital model and recorded in a distributed ledger. Where applicable, the step of transmission by the data server to said computer terminal of said file containing said digital model is conditional upon receipt of an access confirmation by the smart contract.

[0026] Alternatively, any other appropriate method of digital rights management, or DRM (from the English "Digital Rights Management"), may be used which allows control of access to and use of digital models stored in the database of the data server.

[0027] Advantageously, said file encodes all the instructions necessary for manufacturing the part, by an additive or subtractive manufacturing device, according to the digital model contained in this file. In this example, the file is encoded in g-code format.

[0028] Advantageously, the process includes a manufacturing step using an additive or subtractive manufacturing device, from said file, of the part according to the digital model contained in that file. The additive manufacturing device could, for example, be an MJF (Multi Fusion Jet) type 3D printer.

[0029] In one embodiment of the invention, said file encodes a type of material and / or a type of device authorized for manufacturing a part according to said model digital. Where applicable, the process includes, prior to the manufacturing step, a verification step to determine the type of material and / or device used for the manufacturing step with regard to said type of material and / or device authorized. This type of material and / or device may, for example, be established during the design of the digital model.

[0030] Advantageously, the manufacturing step is implemented only if there is a match between the type of material and / or the type of device used for the manufacturing step and the type of material and / or the type of device authorized. This ensures that the part will be manufactured only according to a manufacturing process certified by the equipment manufacturer that created the digital model. Otherwise, the manufacturing step will be stopped.

[0031] Advantageously, each digital model of an automotive part stored in the server's database includes a unique three-dimensional element associated with said model. This unique three-dimensional element could, for example, be a 3D QR code. This unique three-dimensional element ensures the traceability of the automotive part that has been designed.

[0032] The invention also relates to a computer system capable of implementing the process according to the invention.

[0033] The invention also relates to a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a processor, lead the latter to implement the steps of the process according to the invention.

[0034] The invention further relates to a computer-readable storage medium comprising portions of code from a computer program intended to be executed by a processor to implement the steps of the process according to the invention.

[0035] The invention also relates to a part of a motor vehicle designed using the method according to the invention.

[0036] The present invention is now described by means of purely illustrative and in no way limiting examples of the scope of the invention, and from the accompanying drawings, in which the various figures represent:

[0037] [Fig-1] represents, schematically and partially, a method for managing a digital model of a part of a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0038] [Fig.2] represents, schematically and partially, a computer system for the implementation of the process of [Fig.1].

[0039] It should be noted that in these figures the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references.

[0040] Of course, various other modifications can be made to the invention within the scope of the annexed claims.

[0041] A method for managing a digital model of a part of a motor vehicle implemented by a computer system such as that shown in [Fig.2] is represented in [Fig. 1].

[0042] The computer system shown in [Fig. 1] includes a computer terminal 1, such as a desktop or laptop computer. Alternatively, the computer terminal may be a smartphone, a tablet, or any other terminal capable of being connected to a wireless communication network.

[0043] The computer system also includes a computer server 2 equipped with a computer memory 21 in which a database 22 is stored.

[0044] The computer system also includes an additive or subtractive manufacturing device 3.

[0045] The computer terminal 1, the computer server 2, and the manufacturing device 3 are capable of exchanging information with each other via a wireless communication network. Furthermore, the computer server 2 is connected to a distributed ledger 4 of the blockchain type on which transactions can be recorded by one or more smart contracts 41 manipulating digital, cryptographic, non-fungible tokens (NFTs). By way of non-limiting example, the ledger 4 could be an Ethereum network or a Tezos blockchain.

[0046] In a first step E01 of the process, a plurality of digital models M of automotive parts are stored in the database 22 of the computer server 2. Each model may be generated beforehand by an equipment manufacturer, from different parts and / or by variations of one or more aesthetic aspects and / or one or more structural or functional characteristics of the same part. Each digital model Mi thus generated is then uploaded by the equipment manufacturer, either manually or automatically from another computer server (not shown).

[0047] Each digital model M; includes a 3D QR code, which, when present on a part corresponding to this digital model M;, ensures the conformity and traceability of this part.

[0048] In addition, for each digital model M;, a file F; in g-code format, enabling the manufacture of a part conforming to this model M;, is also stored in the database 22.

[0049] Each file E is first encrypted by server 2 using a public key PK from a public key PK and private key SK pair, stored on server 2. The public key PK can be used for encryption operations while the private key The private key SK is used for decryption purposes when combined with the public key PK.

[0050] In a second step E02, the storage of each model M; in the database 22 triggers the generation, by a smart contract 41, of an NFT token;.

[0051] The generation of this NFT token is recorded by the smart contract 41 in the distributed ledger 4. The digital model M thus forms a digital asset that can be the subject of a transaction, each transaction then being recorded on the distributed ledger 4 by the smart contract 41, which updates the associated NFT token with the owner of the digital model M, according to the information relating to that transaction.

[0052] In the described example, the smart contract 41 managing the NFT token; associated with a digital model M, implements access conditions to the file F, corresponding to this digital model M;. By way of non-limiting example, these access conditions include a pre-established list of user types authorized to access the file F, and the number of downloads authorized per user of said file F;.

[0053] Server 2 and its database 22 thus form a digital marketplace for automotive spare parts. When a user wishes to replace a part on their motor vehicle, either because it is defective or for customization purposes, they can then purchase, directly or through a mechanic, a model of that part available in the database.

[0054] For these purposes, the computer server 2 includes a digital model selection interface from which a digital model M; corresponding to the desired spare part can be selected by the user from the computer terminal 1.

[0055] Said interface may include a payment interface allowing the user to carry out a bank transaction for the purchase of the digital model M,.

[0056] When this model is selected, in a step El, the computer terminal 1 transmits an export request Re of the digital model M to the data server. The request Re contains both an identifier of the selected model M and an identifier of the user Uj who selected the model Mb, this identifier indicating the type of user.

[0057] In a step E2, the server 2 checks whether the conditions of access of the user Uj to the file F, corresponding to the digital model M, are satisfied.

[0058] For these purposes, in a substep E21, a transaction Tr relating to the model M; and containing the identifier of the user Uj is transmitted by the server 2 to the smart contract 41 managing the NFT token; relating to this model M,.

[0059] In a sub-step E22, the smart contract 41 can thus check on the one hand whether the type of the user contained in the identifier Uj is part of the list of types authorized in its access conditions to the file F;.

[0060] It can also check the number of downloads of file F; by user Uj which is registered in the distributed register 4.

[0061] In the case where the user type is among the allowed types and in the case where the number of downloads of the file F; is less than the number of allowed downloads, the smart contract 41 records the transaction Tr in the distributed ledger, incrementing in the NFT token; the number of downloads.

[0062] In a substep E23, the smart contract 41 transmits to the server 2 an Ar confirmation of access to the file F; by the user Uj.

[0063] Upon receipt of this confirmation, in a step E3, the server 2 decrypts the file F; using the combination of its private key SK and its public key PK and transmits the decrypted file E to the computer terminal 1.

[0064] Other methods of verifying access conditions to file F; may be considered, and in particular variants in which file F; is transmitted in encrypted form and the decryption key is transmitted to terminal 1 only upon receipt of confirmation by smart contract 41. Any other appropriate method of digital rights management, or DRM (from the English "Digital Rights Management"), which allows control of access to and use of digital models M; and / or files F; may also be used.

[0065] The E file, once decrypted, is a g-log file that controls the manufacturing device 3 to produce a part conforming to the corresponding model Mi. This E file encodes all the instructions necessary for the manufacturing device 3 to produce this part. The E file also encodes a type of material and / or a type of device authorized for the production of this part.

[0066] In step E4, the file E can then be transmitted to device 3 for interpretation and to result in the manufacture of the part corresponding to model Mj. Note that the file E can be transmitted directly from server 2 to device 3.

[0067] In a pre-manufacturing step E51, the manufacturing device 3 checks whether the type of material with which it is loaded and whether its own type conform to the material and device types encoded in the E file.

[0068] In case of concordance between these types, the manufacturing device 3 then proceeds, in a step E52, to manufacture the part.

[0069] The preceding description clearly explains how the invention makes it possible to achieve its stated objectives, namely to avoid centralizing manufacturing of automotive spare parts and to avoid using molds for manufacturing these parts. These objectives are achieved through the implementation of a digital spare parts platform, allowing a user to securely upload files for the manufacture of certified and traceable automotive parts.

[0070] In any event, the invention cannot be limited to the embodiments specifically described in this document, and extends in particular to all equivalent means and to any technically operative combination of these means.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for managing a digital model of a part of a motor vehicle implemented by a computer system, the method comprising the following steps a. (El) Transmission, from a computer terminal (1) to a data server (2), of an export request (Re) of a digital model (Mj) from among a plurality of digital models of automotive parts stored in a database (22) of said data server; b. (E4) In response to said request, transmission by the data server to said computer terminal of a file (F;) containing said digital model; the file being encoded in a format usable by an additive or subtractive manufacturing device.

2. A method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises, prior to the step of transmitting the file (F) to the computer terminal (1), a step of encrypting the file using an encryption key (PK); and in that the method comprises, following the step of transmitting the encrypted file to said computer terminal: a. a step of transmitting a decryption key (SK) request from the computer terminal to a decryption server, b. a step of verifying the access conditions of a user of the computer terminal to the digital model by the decryption server; c. if the verification step is successful, a step of transmitting a decryption key (SK) of said encrypted file from the decryption server to the computer terminal; d. a step of decrypting the encrypted file using the decryption key.

3. A method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the decryption key (SK) query contains an identifier (Uj) of a user of the computer terminal (1), and in that the access conditions verification step includes a verification of the identity of the user, based on said identifier, with regard to access rights to said digital model (Mj).

4. A method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the decryption key request (SK) contains an identifier (Uj) of a user of the computer terminal (1), and in that the access conditions verification step includes a verification of the number of accesses by said user to said digital model (M;) with regard to a predetermined number of authorized accesses.

5. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the encryption step includes a substep of recording, in a distributed ledger (4), a transaction (Tr) carried out on said digital model (Mi) between the data server (2) and said user, said transaction being associated with predetermined access conditions.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said file (F;) encodes all the instructions necessary for the manufacture, by an additive or subtractive manufacturing device (3), of the part according to the digital model (Mj) contained in this file (Fi).

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a manufacturing step (E52) by an additive or subtractive manufacturing device (3), from said file (F;), of the part according to the digital model (Mi) contained in this file.

8. A method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said file (F;) encodes a type of material and / or a type of device authorized for the manufacture of a part according to said digital model (Mi) and in that it includes, prior to the manufacturing step, a step (E51) of verification of the type of material and / or the type of device used for the manufacturing step (E52) with regard to said type of material and / or said type of device authorized.

9. A method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the manufacturing step (E52) is implemented only in the event of a match between said type of material and / or said type of device used for the manufacturing step (E51) and said type of material and / or said type of device authorized.

10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each digital model (Mi) of an automotive part stored in the database (22) of the server (2) includes a unique three-dimensional element associated with said model.

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