Authentication device for identifying at least one component of a vehicle and method

Abstract

An authentication device 10 for identifying at least one component 12, 14 of a vehicle 16, comprises a detection device 18, 20 for capturing an identification source 22, 24 of the at least one compone

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automobiles and more specifically to an authentication device for identifying at least one component of a vehicle according to claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method, a corresponding computer program product and a corresponding non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] According to the state of the art, many parts / components, including electrical and mechanical components of vehicles, must be manually inspected for information seals to identify a component during events such as recalls. Additionally, many components are available on the aftermarket that are not original components. This can cause quality problems, safety issues, and overall risks for the company.

[0003] The US patent application US2019152439 AA discloses an authentication apparatus for a vehicle, comprising a camera, a processor, and a memory containing stored authentication data. The authentication apparatus may be configured to recognize an identifying object associated with a user through the camera and to read the identifying object with a source of authentication data to provide read authentication data. The stored authentication data is compared with the read authentication data, and if the read authentication data matches the stored authentication data, one or more functions of a vehicle are activated. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The objective of the present invention is to provide a means by which the integrity of known components may be verified to enhance the driving safety of motor vehicles.

[0005] This objective is achieved through an authentication device with the features of the patent claim 1, as well as through a method according to the present invention. Advantageous embodiments and further developments may be derived from the dependent claims as well as from the description.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention relates to an authentication device for identifying at least one component of a vehicle comprises a detection device for capturing an identification source of the component. Authentication data may be provided by an electronic computing device coupled to the detection device. The captured authentication data may be compared with known authentication data. If there is a match, the identification is reported as successful; if not, it is reported as unsuccessful.

[0007] The detection device is configured to capture the identification source formed as an RFID tag at a variable distance. The authentication device is stationary, while the detection device is movable relative to it. Additionally, the detection device may be movable such as movable by a user.

[0008] Furthermore, the utilization of RFID tags as the identification source offers several advantages. Firstly, RFID tags may be compact and lightweight, making them suitable for integration into various components of the vehicle without adding extra bulk or weight. For example, the RFID tags be integrated into various components using epoxy during production or post-production. Additionally, RFID tags may enable swift and contactless scanning, allowing for an efficient identification of components without the need for direct physical contact.

[0009] Moreover, the variable distance capture capability of the detection device enhances the flexibility and convenience of the authentication process. This feature enables the detection device to capture RFID tags located at different distances from the device, accommodating variations in component placement within the vehicle.

[0010] The stationary nature of the authentication device, coupled with the movable detection device, allows for different deployment options. Whether in a stationary inspection station or during mobile inspections. Furthermore, the autonomous movement capability of the detection device enhances operational efficiency by enabling automated scanning processes. This reduces the need for manual intervention, streamlining the authentication process and minimizing potential human errors.

[0011] Lastly, the instant generation of a warning signal in case of a mismatch provides realtime feedback to users, prompting immediate corrective actions. This proactive approach helps maintain the integrity of the authentication process and ensures timely resolution of any discrepancies detected.

[0012] In summary, the utilization of RFID tags and the described technical features contribute to the effectiveness, efficiency, and reliability of the authentication process, thereby enhancing the overall quality and integrity of vehicle components and systems.

[0013] Advantageously, establishing the capability to identify vehicle parts using RFID tags, whether attached to or integrated into components, enhances the ability to detect counterfeit parts without physical inspection. This safeguards the brand from counterfeit parts while enabling the system to gather additional information on installed parts, correlating them with the parts list at the time of production. Moreover, there are several areas for improvement. Workshops gain the ability to verify the authenticity of parts, distinguishing between fake and genuine ones. Vehicles can undergo pre-scanning as they drive through workshops, streamlining inspection processes. The system allows for scanning of parts without the need for physical removal, improving efficiency. Each part can be uniquely identified, down to each vehicle, rather than relying on batch numbers. Scanning parts reduces initial inspection times, labor costs, and workers' risks while potentially increasing data samples for identifying non-genuine parts in the market.

[0014] An “electronic computing device” may in particular be understood as a data processing device, which comprises processing circuitry. The electronic computing device may therefore in particular process data to perform computing operations. This may also include operations to perform indexed accesses to a data structure, for example a look-up table, LUT.

[0015] In particular, the electronic computing device may include one or more computers, one or more microcontrollers, and / or one or more integrated circuits, for example, one or more application-specific integrated circuits, ASIC, one or more field-programmable gate arrays, FPGA, and / or one or more systems on a chip, SoC. The computing unit may also include one or more processors, for example one or more microprocessors, one or more central processing units, CPU, one or more graphics processing units, GPU, and / or one or more signal processors, in particular one or more digital signal processors, DSP. The computing unit may also include a physical or a virtual cluster of computers or other of said units.

[0016] In various embodiments, the electronic computing device includes one or more hardware and / or software interfaces and / or one or more memory units.

[0017] A memory unit may be implemented as a volatile data memory, for example a dynamic random access memory, DRAM, or a static random access memory, SRAM, or as a non-volatile data memory, for example a read-only memory, ROM, a programmable read-only memory, PROM, an erasable programmable read-only memory, EPROM, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, EEPROM, a flash memory or flash EEPROM, a ferroelectric random access memory, FRAM, a magnetoresistive random access memory, MRAM, ora phase-change random access memory, PCRAM.

[0018] Further advantages, features, and details of the present invention derive from the following description of preferred embodiments as well as from the drawing. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figure and / or shown in the figure alone can be employed not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0019] The novel features and characteristic of the present disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system and / or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0020] The drawing shows in:

[0021] Fig 1 an authentication device for identifying different components of a vehicle, comprising two different detection devices for capturing identification sources of the different components.

[0022] In the figure the same elements or elements having the same function are indicated by the same reference signs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0024] While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawing and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0025] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion so that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “comprises” or “comprise” does not or do not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

[0026] In the following detailed description of the embodiment of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawing that forms part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the disclosure may be practiced. This embodiment is described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0027] Fig. 1 shows an authentication device 10 for identifying different components 12, 14 of a vehicle 16, comprising two different detection devices 18, 20 for capturing identification sources 22, 24 of the different components 12, 14. The authentication device 10 is stationary while the detection devices 18, 20 are movable relative to the authentication device 10.

[0028] Therefore, a first capturing device 18 is held by a user's 19 hand and is movable by a user 19 independently.

[0029] A second capturing device 20 is stationed in a structure such as a garage or on a post 21 and may be movable.

[0030] With these detection devices 18, 20, authentication data A can be provided by means of an electronic computing device 26 coupled to the detection devices 18, 20. The electronic computing device 26 processes the data captured by the detection devices 18, 20 to authenticate the components 12, 14 of the vehicle 16. This processing involves decoding the information obtained from the identification sources 22, 24 and comparing it with known authentication data B stored in a database. Additionally, the computing device 26 may apply algorithms to verify the integrity and authenticity of the captured authentication data A, ensuring the reliability of the authentication process.

[0031] It is specified that the detection devices 18, 20 are designed to capture the identification sources 22, 24, which are in the form of RFID tags, at variable distances from these identification sources 22, 24. RFID tags, or Radio-Frequency Identification tags, are small electronic devices that at least consist of a microchip and an antenna. These tags emit radio waves that can be captured and read by RFID readers, such as the detection devices 18, 20 in this authentication device 10.

[0032] The ability of the detection devices 18, 20 to capture RFID tags at variable distances allows for flexibility in the authentication process. This means that components 12, 14 with RFID tags can be identified and authenticated even if they are positioned at different locations within the detection range of the detection devices 18, 20. Whether the component is in close proximity or at a distance from the detection devices 18, 20, the RFID tag can still be effectively read and processed for authentication by the authentication device 10.

[0033] Therefore it is intended to capture the authentication data A of the identification sources 22, 24 using the respective detection devices 18, 20. The captured authentication data A may be compared with known authentication data B, for example, from a database of the electronic computing device 26 or from a database coupled with the electronic computing device 26. In case of a match, the identification is reported as successful, and in case of a mismatch, the identification is reported as unsuccessful.

[0034] A successful identification means that the components 12, 14 that have just been captured and scanned are identified as genuine original component 12, 14. “Original" implies that these components 12, 14 are either known or are from a certified known manufacturer, or they have been manufactured by the same company conducting this authentication process, thus indicating in-house components 12, 14.

[0035] A unsuccessful identification, on the other hand, means that the components 12, 14 are not known and therefore may not meet the quality standards that should be given. Alternatively, there may even be no identification source 22, 24 or RFID tag arranged, which means that an unknown component 12, 14 may also be assumed here.

[0036] In particular, depending on these checks, it is envisaged that appropriate measures may be initiated, such as replacing these components 12, 14 or logging the unknown component and entering it into a logbook, for example. For example, a warning signal could also be generated directly in case of a mismatch to inform the user 19 holding the mobile detection device 18, for instance, that it is an unknown component or that they may need to scan again because the identification source 22, 24 or RFID tag was not detected.

[0037] In particular, it can also be envisaged that a stationary detection device 20 is moveable and may stationed in a garage or on a post 21, and the vehicle 16 passes by this station, where it is automatically scanned and all RFID tags are detected, thereby performing a general check of all captured components 18, 20 simultaneously. As the vehicle 16 passes by this station, the post 21 may automatically extend towards the vehicle 16, scanning all components within its reach. This automated process ensures that all RFID tags present on the vehicle's 16 components 12, 14 are detected more accurately around the vehicle 16.

[0038] By employing this setup for the authentication device 10, a comprehensive and simultaneous check of all captured components 12, 14 may be conducted. The stationary detection device 20 that may be stationed on the post 21 or in another location may eliminates the need for manual scanning and ensures a thorough examination of the entire vehicle 16. This not only enhances the speed of the authentication process but also reduces the likelihood of overlooking any components during inspection.

[0039] Furthermore, the stationary nature of the detection device 20 allows for integration into existing infrastructure, such as garages, vehicle inspection stations, or assembly lines. This facilitates seamless incorporation of the authentication process into routine operations, contributing to increased efficiency and productivity in various automotive settings. Overall, the deployment of a stationary detection device 20 enables a streamlined and comprehensive authentication process, providing assurance of the authenticity and quality of the vehicle's components 12, 14.

[0040] It is also possible to apply a method for operating the authentication device 10 to identify the components 12, 14. In this method, an identification source 22, 24 is captured by at least one of the presented detection devices 18, 20, and authentication data A are provided by an electronic computing device 26 coupled to the detection devices 18, 20. The captured authentication data A are then compared with known authentication data B. If there is a match, the identification is reported as successful, and if there is a mismatch, the identification is reported as unsuccessful. This method is characterized by the fact that the detection devices 18, 20 captures the identification source 22, 24 formed as an RFID tag at a variable distance from the identification sources 22, 24.

[0041] In summary, a new authentication method is proposed utilizing RFID tags to facilitate swift scanning and data capture, ensuring the quality of components 14, 14 and the integrity of the vehicle 16. List of reference signs 10 authentication device 12 component 14 component 16 vehicle 18 first detection device 19 user 20 second detection device 21 post 22 identification source 24 identification source 26 electronic computing device A captured authentication data B known authentication data

Claims

1. An authentication device (10) for identifying at least one component (12, 14) of a vehicle (16), comprising a detection device (18, 20) for capturing an identification source (22, 24) of the at least one component (12, 14), from which authentication data can be provided by means of an electronic computing device (26) coupled to the detection device (18, 20), wherein the captured authentication data (A) can be compared with known authentication data (B), whereby in case of a match, the identification is reported as successful, and in case of a mismatch, the identification is reported as unsuccessful, characterized in that the detection device (18, 20) is configured to capture the identification source (22, 24) formed as RFID tag at a variable distance from the identification source (22, 24).

2. The authentication device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the authentication device (10) is stationary and the detection device (18) is movable relative to the authentication device (10).

3. The authentication device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the detection device (20) is stationed on a post (21).

4. The authentication device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection device is (18) movable by a user (19) independently.

5. The authentication device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a warning signal is instantly generated in case of a mismatch.

6. A method for operating an authentication device (10) for identifying at least one component (12, 14) of a vehicle (16), in which an identification source (22, 24) of the at least one component (12, 14) is captured by means of a detection device (18, 20), and in which authentication data are provided by means of an electronic computing device (26) coupled to the detection device (18, 20), wherein the captured authentication data (A) are compared with known authentication data (B), whereby in case of a match, the identification is reported as successful and in case of a mismatch, the identification is reported as unsuccessful, characterized in that the detection device (18, 20) captures the identification source (22, 24) formed as RFID tag at a variable distance from the identification source (22, 24).

7. A computer program product comprising program code means for performing a method according to claim 6.

8. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising at least the computer program product according to claim 7.

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