Digital number plate, operation system and operation method

Abstract

To create an improved number plate better than number plates in conventionally well-known embodiments.SOLUTION: A digital number plate of a vehicle includes: a display device for displaying character and / or number sequences forming a vehicle registration number; a storage unit for storing a file; an authentication unit for authenticating that the file stored in the storage unit is a predetermined source; an encryption unit for encrypting and decrypting the file stored in the storage unit; a unit for performing transmission to and / or reception from a server (3) by radio or by cable; and a control unit designed to control the display device such that the vehicle registration number included in the file is displayed on the display device when the authentication unit confirms that the file is derived from the predetermined source.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a digital license plate for a vehicle, a system for operating the digital license plate, and a method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] A license plate, or vehicle registration, is a unique identifier of a registered vehicle, usually issued by a vehicle registration office, that is allowed to participate in road traffic. It is proof that the vehicle to which it is attached is correctly registered and allows the vehicle's owner to be reliably traced. As a rule, a license plate consists of a thin aluminum plate, embossed with the official registration number. The registration number consists of a sequence of letters and numbers, and the system underlying the logical structure of the registration number sequence is usually subject to constraints that vary from country to country.

[0003] Additionally, plastic license plates have become increasingly popular in recent years, and are becoming an alternative to aluminum license plates.

[0004] The disadvantage of using familiar types of license plates made of aluminum or plastic is that when a vehicle is modified or deregistered, the license plates are generally difficult to reuse and must be discarded. Also, the normal procedures for registering, re-registering and deregistering vehicles are very complicated and time-consuming, since they must be carried out on-site at a public registration office. This means that vehicle owners must either visit a registration office and accept waiting times or use a registration service, which consumes significant resources in the form of time and / or money. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention is intended to solve or at least mitigate the above-mentioned problems, thereby creating an improved license plate that is superior to previously known embodiments of the license plate. The digital license plate operating system achieves further far-reaching advantages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This is achieved by a digital license plate having all the features of claim 1.

[0007] Thus, there is provided a digital license plate for a vehicle comprising a display device for displaying a sequence of letters and / or digits forming a vehicle registration number, a storage unit for storing a file, an authentication unit for authenticating the file stored in the storage unit as coming from a predetermined source, an encryption unit for encrypting and decrypting the file stored in the storage unit, a unit for transmitting and / or receiving wirelessly or by wire to and from a server, and a control unit designed to control the display device to display the vehicle registration number contained in the file on the display device if the authentication unit confirms that the file comes from the predetermined source.

[0008] Thus, a digital license plate has a display device capable of displaying a sequence of characters to uniquely identify the vehicle to which the license plate is attached. However, to prevent misuse, a digital license plate cannot be used to display a registration that is arbitrarily selectable by a user; rather, the authenticity of the source of the file containing the registration sequence displayed by the display device is first verified to ensure that it was issued by an authorized issuer (e.g., a registration authority).

[0009] Once the trusted source of the file has been verified by the authentication means, the display device is instructed by the control unit to display the registration sequence of the vehicle contained in the file.

[0010] As a rule, communication between the digital license plate and the file issuer (usually a registration office or a server under the control of the registration office) is carried out using a server, and the digital license plate has a transmitting or receiving unit for communication with the server.

[0011] To further increase the security of the communications, an encryption unit may be used for encryption and decryption, so that communications occur only in encrypted form.

[0012] Here, communication can be via the Internet (mobile data, WLAN or wired) or via a satellite connection.

[0013] The advantage of digital number plates is that the indication of the vehicle registration sequence is only displayed if the file containing the registration sequence was actually issued by a trusted issuer (a predefined source, usually a registration office). Thus, a file not issued by a predefined source will not result in the indication of the vehicle registration sequence. This significantly reduces the possibility of abuse, since it is not possible to emboss arbitrary letters or numbers on the number plate, as is the case with aluminum plates, for example.

[0014] According to an optional modification of the invention, the control unit may further be designed such that the vehicle registration number contained in the file is only displayed by the display device within a predetermined period of time without any changes, the continued display of a valid vehicle registration number requiring repeated receipt and verification of the authenticity of the file containing the vehicle registration number.

[0015] Thus, if the vehicle registration sequence displayed by the display device is not updated or validated within a specified period of time, the display device may provide additional indication or change to a particular color, for example, to indicate that the registration of the vehicle on which the license plate is mounted may be invalid.

[0016] Preferably, the period defining the length for which the display device will display the vehicle registration number contained in the file without modification can be defined by components of the file itself, the predetermined period being preferably one day, one week, one month or one year.

[0017] As mentioned above, the vehicle registration number can be changed to a color that deviates from the standard, for example red or green, so that a third party can easily identify that the vehicle registration may be invalid. It is also possible for the display device to display additional display elements that are displayed on the display device for identification purposes.

[0018] It is therefore necessary to carry out a new data exchange with the server within a specified period in order for the vehicle registration number to be displayed unchanged by the display device.

[0019] For example, the predefined period can be one day, and the data must be updated daily, otherwise the display device changes the display. Therein, it is also possible to specifically apply for an extension of the predefined period (e.g. at the registration office) if it is known in advance that the intention is to stay for a predefined period in an area where the connection to the Internet (or satellite connection) may be problematic. This is particularly useful if a long stay is planned with a vehicle equipped with a digital number plate in an area where it is known in advance that the corresponding data exchange is difficult.

[0020] According to a further advantageous modification of the invention, if a predefined period of time has elapsed without repeated successful reception and / or verification of the authenticity of the file containing the vehicle registration number, the control unit may further be designed to modify the display of the display device in order to indicate a possible invalidity of the vehicle registration number, in particular the modification of the display device comprising the display of the vehicle registration number in a particular colour deviating from the norm, such as, for example, red.

[0021] Furthermore, according to a development of the invention, the file may further comprise a component which causes the control unit to change the display of the display device after successful verification of the file by the authentication unit in order to display various characteristics related to the vehicle registration number by means of the display device, in particular to display the vehicle registration number in a specific colour deviating from the standard, e.g. green, if the vehicle registration number is stolen.

[0022] Regardless of whether the predetermined period has passed or not, with the help of the file processed by the digital license plate, the original display by the display device can also be changed, for example to indicate that the vehicle has been reported stolen or is wanted in the course of a police investigation. Thus, communication can also be initiated on the server side in order to change the display of the digital license plate.

[0023] Furthermore, according to the invention, information regarding a predetermined source from which the authentication unit verifies a file may preferably be pre-registered in the license plate in such a way that the information regarding the predetermined source cannot be changed after initialization of the digital license plate.

[0024] To further limit the possibility of misuse, the source of the file for displaying the vehicle registration number can be pre-registered in the digital license plate so that the vehicle registration number is stored and actually displayed by the display device. For example, the information related to the source can be stored in an unalterable memory module that is readable and unwriteable. This can be realized, for example, by using a non-volatile and non-erasable PROM memory module (PROM stands for Programmable Read-Only Memory).

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the display device may be a digital display, in particular an LEC, LED and / or OLED display.

[0026] Each license plate may also be provided with a unique identifier for communication with the server, allowing for accurate communication with the license plate and preventing messages from being sent to recipients who were not intended to communicate with the license plate.

[0027] For example, when a digital license plate is used for the first time, a unique identifier may be sent to a server in charge of issuing a file containing the vehicle registration number. The server, upon receiving this unique identifier, recognizes the presence of the digital license plate and initiates further steps, sending a file containing the vehicle registration sequence to the digital license plate if all requirements are met. The unique identifier of the digital license plate is made known to the server for targeted transmission. The communication between the server and the digital license plate may be encrypted to make misuse, etc., more difficult.

[0028] The invention further relates to a system for operating a digital license plate, said system comprising a digital license plate according to one of the above mentioned aspects and a central server having a database and designed to communicate with the digital license plate through a transmitting and / or receiving unit, the database comprising all license plates (or corresponding unique identifiers) known to the central server, the central server being designed to transmit a file to the digital license plate, which, after successful verification of the authenticity of the received file, displays by a display device the vehicle registration number contained in the file and any other additional information contained in the file.

[0029] The central server has an encryption unit for encryption and decryption if communication with the digital license plate is encrypted.

[0030] In principle, the central server is under public control and is operated, for example, by a registration office. If, for example, the unique identifier is digitally transmitted to the registration office together with the vehicle registration documents of the future owner, the registration office can, after verification and approval, transmit the registration to the relevant license plate in its file and the registration is released (activated). A visit to the registration office is no longer necessary.

[0031] Further, according to the invention, the central server has at least one interface for accessing the database to modify the characteristics of the license plates stored in the database, preferably the at least one interface allowing access by registration authorities, police, customs or other entities performing sovereign services.

[0032] As mentioned above, the central server is under the control of the registration authority. However, it is of course also conceivable that other national authorities, for example the police or customs, may access the central server in order to make appropriate changes to a particular license plate. For example, if a particular registered vehicle is reported as stolen, the police access the central server and modify the corresponding database entry so that a file is sent to the relevant license plate and the display is modified in such a way that a third party immediately recognizes that the vehicle is probably stolen or is wanted by the police. Advantageously, this is done by changing the color of the vehicle registration number. However, it will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the invention includes other ways of modifying the display to recognize a stolen vehicle. It is also conceivable to flash the vehicle registration number in order to indicate an anomaly in the vehicle to which the digital license plate is assigned.

[0033] Furthermore, the due date of the main inspection may be included in a database of the central server, and if a main inspection of the vehicle has not been successfully carried out or if a corresponding update of the due date of the main inspection in the database has not been made, for example with access to the database by an inspection authority (TUV (German Technical Inspection Association), DEKRA, etc.), a corresponding transmission is made to the license plate, causing the display device to show that the main inspection is no longer valid. The display device can be modified at will, in particular the vehicle registration number can be changed to a certain color.

[0034] The present invention relates to a system for operating digital license plates, in particular a method of operating a system according to one of the above-mentioned aspects, comprising the steps of: transmitting a unique identifier of the digital license plate to a central server, preferably together with supporting documents for the registration of the vehicle, in particular the registration certificate part 2 (previously also called the registration certificate), creating and transmitting a file from the central server to the digital license plate, the file containing the vehicle registration number for display on the license plate, and preferably in addition to the vehicle registration number further information is contained in the file to be displayed via the license plate display; receiving the file transmitted from the central server by a receiving and / or transmitting unit and storing said file in a storage unit; verifying the authenticity of the source of the file stored in the storage unit and, if the verification of the source is successfully completed, forwarding this confirmation to a control unit; and, if the control unit receives a confirmation that the verification of the authenticity has been successful, displaying by a display device the vehicle registration number contained in the file and other information contained in the file.

[0035] For example, a vehicle can be deregistered by digitally transmitting a specific identifier of the license plate along with other evidence to a registration office, which performs the desired deregistration such that the file for the license plate stored in the central server is modified accordingly. Subsequent transmission of the file for the corresponding license plate, initiated by the central server, causes said file to contain instructions to block registration. For example, this can be achieved by displaying the vehicle registration number on a display device in a particular color or by not displaying the vehicle registration number by the display device.

[0036] Here, it may be provided that the unique identifier of the digital license plate transmitted to the central server is pre-encrypted in the digital license plate by means of an encryption unit in order to make the communication with the central server more secure.

[0037] Furthermore, according to a development of the method of the invention, it may be provided that the file transmitted from the central server to the license plate contains a period of time specifying how long the vehicle registration number can be displayed without modifying the display device, said period thus defining the validity of the vehicle registration number displayed on the display device.

[0038] In principle, it may be required that the connection to the central server must be established once a day for an unaltered (valid) display of the vehicle registration number by the display device, otherwise the control unit may be designed to change the display device after a predefined period of time, making it immediately clear to third parties that the vehicle with the number plate may not be registered.

[0039] Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the figures. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system for operating a digital license plate in one of several states. [Figure 1B] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system for operating a digital license plate in one of several states. [Figure 1C] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system for operating a digital license plate in one of several states. [Figure 1D] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system for operating a digital license plate in one of several states. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0041] FIG. 1A shows the system 10 for operating a digital license plate 1 during initialization. It can be seen that the vehicle registration number is not yet displayed, since the display device 2 has not yet received the requested file. When the digital license plate 1 is used for the first time and a new vehicle is to be registered, the digital license plate 1 is intended to contact the server 3 and transmit the unique identifier of the digital license plate 1 to the server 3. In addition, supporting documents required for registration can be transmitted to complete the application for a new registration of the vehicle. For example, the registration certificate part 2 (previously also called the vehicle registration certificate) can be transmitted digitally or by mail to the registration office so that all documents required for registration are available.

[0042] The information transmitted from the digital number plate 1 to the server 3 may be transmitted in encrypted form using an encryption and decryption unit to make misuse more difficult or to prevent it.

[0043] After receiving the digital license plate's unique identifier, the server 3 performs a database lookup to see if the license plate's unique identifier is already registered in the database. If not, a new entry is created in the database and checked to see if it meets all the requirements for registration of a vehicle. If all the requirements are met, a vehicle registration number is assigned to the digital license plate 1, identified by the unique identifier, and the database entry is updated.

[0044] Fig. 1B shows the transmission of a file containing the vehicle registration number to the digital license plate 1. After successful confirmation by the server 3 that the vehicle registration number has been assigned to the digital license plate 1, a file containing the vehicle registration number is generated and sent to the digital license plate 1. This file may be sent in encrypted form.

[0045] FIG. 1C shows the system 10 after the digital license plate 1 receives a file containing a vehicle registration number from the server 3. After being decrypted by the encryption and decryption unit, the file sent from the server 3 is verified by the authentication unit, which ensures that the file is indeed from the server 3 and not sent from an unauthorized third party. Once the authentication unit verifies that the file is from the server 3, the control unit of the digital license plate 1 can instruct the display device 2 to display the vehicle registration sequence contained in the file. In FIG. 1C, the exemplary vehicle registration sequence is "M-SK1234". Those skilled in the art will recognize that any combination of letters, numbers, and special characters can be used as the registration sequence.

[0046] The digital number plate 1 may be mounted on a vehicle if the number plate is not permanently attached to the vehicle.

[0047] FIG. 1D shows a state of the system 10 in which a file is sent from the server 3 to the digital license plate 1 to change the display of the vehicle registration sequence. For example, a vehicle equipped with the digital license plate 1 may be reported as stolen, and the police access the database via the interface and change the database entry related to the license plate. The server 3 sends a corresponding update file to the digital license plate 1, and after the authenticity of the file sent from the server 3 is established in the digital license plate 1, the original display on the display device is changed to make third parties immediately aware that the vehicle equipped with the license plate may be a stolen vehicle.

[0048] In this embodiment, the display device 2 is controlled in such a way that the vehicle registration sequence, which in its original version is a combination of black letters and numbers on a white background, is displayed in white on a black background in a reversed color scheme. It is clear to those skilled in the art that changing the color of the combination of letters and numbers of the vehicle registration sequence, flashing the display, adding further information in the display device, etc. are also potential options for indicating a possibly stolen vehicle. It is equally possible to display additional symbols in the area of ​​the display device to draw attention to a possibly stolen vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1. Digital Number Plate 2 Display device 3 Server 10. System

Claims

1. A display device that displays a sequence of letters and / or numbers forming a vehicle registration number, A storage unit that stores files, An authentication unit that authenticates the file stored in the storage unit as a predetermined source, An encryption unit for encrypting and decrypting the files stored in the storage unit, A server and a unit that transmits and / or receives wirelessly or via wired connection, A control unit is designed to control the display device to display the vehicle registration number contained in the file on the display device when the authentication unit confirms that the file originates from the predetermined source, including, Digital license plates for vehicles.

2. The control unit further displays the vehicle registration number contained in the file on the display device without modification only for a predetermined period, and the continuous display of a valid vehicle registration number requires repeated reception and verification of the authenticity of the file containing the vehicle registration number. The digital license plate according to claim 1.

3. The period for which the display device displays the vehicle registration number contained in the file without modification is defined by the components of the file itself, and the period is one day, one week, one month, or one year. The digital license plate according to claim 2.

4. If the predetermined period elapses without repeated receipt of the file containing the vehicle registration number and / or successful verification of its authenticity, The control unit is further designed to change the display on the display device to indicate the possibility that the vehicle registration number is invalid. The modification of the display device includes the display of the vehicle registration number in a specific color that deviates from the standard. The digital license plate according to claim 2.

5. The file further includes a component that causes the control unit to change the display on the display device (2) in order to display various characteristics related to the vehicle registration number on the display device after the authentication unit has successfully authenticated the file, in order to display the vehicle registration number in a specific color that deviates from the standard if the vehicle registration number is registered as stolen, after the authentication unit has successfully authenticated the file. The digital license plate according to claim 1.

6. The information regarding the predetermined source that the authentication unit checks the file is pre-set on the digital license plate in a manner that prevents the information regarding the predetermined source from being changed after initialization. The digital license plate according to claim 1.

7. The display device is a digital display, and in particular an LCD, LED, and / or OLED display. The digital license plate according to claim 1.

8. Each digital license plate is provided with a unique identifier for communicating with the server. The digital license plate according to claim 1.

9. A system for operating digital license plates, The digital license plate described in claim 1, A central server having a database and designed to communicate with the digital license plate via units for transmission and / or reception, Equipped with, The database includes all the digital license plates known to the central server, The central server is designed to transmit the file to the digital license plate, After the authenticity of the received file has been successfully verified, the digital license plate displays the vehicle registration number and any other additional information contained in the file using the display device. system.

10. The central server has at least one interface for accessing the database to modify the characteristics of the digital license plates stored in the database, and the at least one interface allows access by registration authorities, police, customs, or other companies performing sovereign duties. The system according to claim 9.

11. A system for operating a digital license plate, in particular a method for operating the system according to claim 9 or claim 10, The steps include transmitting the unique identifier of the digital license plate to the central server along with supplementary documents for vehicle registration, A step of creating and transmitting the file from the central server to the digital license plate, wherein the file includes the vehicle registration number for display by the digital license plate, and in addition to the vehicle registration number, the file further includes additional information to be displayed via the display device of the digital license plate. The steps include receiving a file transmitted from the central server using a unit for receiving and / or large-volume transmission, and storing the file in the storage unit, The steps include verifying the authenticity of the source of the file stored in the storage unit, and if the source verification is successfully completed, sending the confirmation to the control unit; When the control unit receives confirmation that the authenticity verification has been successful, the steps include displaying the vehicle registration number contained in the file and other information contained in the file on the display device, including, method.

12. The file transmitted from the central server to the digital license plate includes a period of time that specifies the length of time that the vehicle registration number can be displayed on the display device without being changed. The method according to claim 11.

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