Method for Connecting a Vehicle to the Internet

Abstract

Provide an improved method for connecting a vehicle to the Internet that can provide at least two access points, one for a service channel and the other for another channel. 【Solution means】The present invention relates to a method for connecting a vehicle (2) to the Internet using a control system (5) that can manage at least two access points (APN1, APN2). The first access point (APN1) is used for a service channel (8) set between the vehicle manufacturer and the Internet provider (ASP), and the second access point (APN2) is provided for another channel (9). The method according to the present invention is characterized in that before using another channel (9), the control system (5) collects user-related data accessible to the control system (5) on a vehicle external server (7) of a vehicle manufacturer (OEM) known to the control system or connected via the service channel (8), and then parameters required for establishing an Internet connection via another channel (9) are extracted from the data, and the control system (5) is set to enable this transmission via the first access point (APN1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for connecting a vehicle of the type defined in detail in the first paragraph of claim 1 to the Internet.

Background Art

[0002] An Internet connection between a vehicle and a server outside the vehicle, such as a vehicle manufacturer's or OEM's backend server, is known from the prior art. In this connection, for example, only as a mere example, Patent Document 1 below can be referred to. This describes a communication system that can realize a connection between a vehicle and the Internet via various access points or access point names (APNs). It describes using an access point for a private channel, which is a kind of service channel for exchanging data between a vehicle's telematics unit and a vehicle manufacturer's server outside the vehicle. This data can, for example, affect the driving characteristics of the vehicle, and for example, within the scope of image recognition such as surrounding recognition, traffic signs, traffic conditions, etc., the calculation process can be outsourced from the vehicle to the server. It is also possible to completely or partially outsource the function of the navigation system to a server outside the vehicle via such a service channel. In the aforementioned Patent Document 1, this service channel called a private APN is characterized by relatively good security to prevent unauthorized access to the vehicle.

[0003] Actually, furthermore, this service channel is based on an agreement by contract between the vehicle manufacturer and the Internet provider, and these Internet services are, so to speak, "included together" with the vehicle, so that the vehicle user does not incur a cost for this service channel.

[0004] In addition, a second access point can be utilized, which is referred to as a public APN in Patent Document 1 mentioned above. A vehicle user can use this, for example, to stream corresponding content such as videos and music. Since this type of utilization has different content from that of the service channel, it typically should not be carried out via the service channel.

[0005] Patent Document 1 mentioned above describes how to reinstall this when one of the connections is lost.

[0006] However, in practice, for example, when a user wants to establish a separate Internet connection with an Internet provider in parallel with the existing service channel between the vehicle manufacturer and the Internet provider and be able to use other services from the vehicle for private purposes, it is much more important how to actually achieve such a connection. The vehicle manufacturer itself is interested in preventing such communication from being carried out via its own service channel, even for security reasons.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for connecting a vehicle to the Internet that can provide at least two access points, one for the service channel and the other for another channel.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] According to the present invention, the above problems are solved by a method having the features described in the characterizing part of claim 1. In that case, the advantageous embodiments and developments of the method according to the present invention will become apparent from the dependent claims which depend thereon.

[0010] In the method according to the present invention, before using another channel, the control system collects user-related data known to this control system or user-related data accessible to this control system on a vehicle external server of the vehicle manufacturer connected via a service channel. Thereby, for example, data from other services or based on an agreement on service provision with the vehicle manufacturer, such as an ID, a bank account, etc. can be utilized. Subsequently, parameters necessary for establishing an Internet connection via another channel or via a second access point are extracted from this data and transmitted to the Internet provider, whereby all the data necessary for the setting and billing of another channel is available under the Internet provider. Since the other channel is not yet set at this point, the control system is set to enable this transmission of parameters via the first access point, i.e., the service channel.

[0011] That is, the vehicle manufacturer provides, in essence, via the vehicle control system to the vehicle user, i.e., the end customer of the vehicle manufacturer, the setting of another channel in the vehicle via a service channel through which such data would otherwise be blocked, thereby enabling negotiation with the Internet provider to set up another channel even though there is no Internet connection via the second access point yet. Thereby, a technical solution is provided for designing such a process to be very user-friendly.

[0012] In that case, the two access points can be technically realized in the vehicle via a single SIM and thus via the Internet provider, whereby the vehicle user can easily and efficiently create another channel in the vehicle without taking prior action regarding the Internet connection.

[0013] In that case, a very advantageous development of the present invention contemplates that the parameter includes at least user identification data for setting a second access point. That is, the control system filters known data so that the user identification data serves as a basis for another channel via the second access point. The control system can include both data within its own storage device, i.e., registration data of the same user in another service of the vehicle manufacturer that the control system accesses via the service channel, or data stored by the vehicle manufacturer for such purposes.

[0014] In that case, according to a very advantageous development of the method according to the present invention, the parameter can be contemplated to include at least one technical quantity for setting a second access point. Such a technical quantity can be, for example, the amount of data required via another channel or the security level for communication. Then, depending on such an amount, a parameter can be transmitted for setting that enables the corresponding amount of data or specifies the connection standard required depending on the amount of data. When the security level is high, the parameter can include, for example, setting it directly as a VPN connection.

[0015] According to a very advantageous development of the method according to the present invention, the control system can also be set to further estimate the amount of data required on another channel. For this purpose, according to a very advantageous embodiment of the present invention, previously selected services, already installed applications, or previous data of the user or other users can also be analyzed. Additionally, such analysis can also be used for other technical quantities and / or parameters. In that case, additional boundary conditions such as, for example, country-specific rules can also be taken into account.

[0016] According to a very advantageous development form, the control system can further utilize the country of vehicle registration as a parameter, that is, thereby, for example, specific legal requirements (regulations) in the country of vehicle registration can be correspondingly considered, and the service of the Internet provider can be correspondingly selected or provided for this country. In this way, the language conditions and / or legal requirements of each country can also be easily and efficiently managed via the control system.

[0017] The method according to the present invention is particularly efficient because it automatically collects and compiles the necessary parameters. In that case, the user can simply approve this and can quickly and efficiently instruct the setting of a second access point for another channel. Preferably, this can be done via a single sign-on function, in which case the vehicle user is already registered and authenticated in the vehicle system, and thus can simply press a button or, for example, use a voice command to approve the transmission of parameters for setting another channel to the control system.

[0018] If the control system cannot access all the data for extracting the parameters necessary for the setting, according to a very advantageous development form of the method according to the present invention, the vehicle user can be queried for this additional necessary data. This can preferably be done using the central touch screen of the vehicle, for example, in the form of a pop-up menu via a so-called head unit, thereby enabling the vehicle user to easily and efficiently supplement the necessary data so that the necessary parameters of the vehicle can be transmitted to the Internet provider.

[0019] As already mentioned, in order to enable the transmission of parameters via the first access point and thus the service channel, it is technically possible to explicitly permit access data to the Internet address required for the configuration of another channel by means of an exception list of the service channel. That is, if such an exception list, also referred to in English terms as a white list, is used, it becomes possible to pass these parameters through the service channel, and furthermore, it is possible to ensure that the transmission of other data does not take place via the service channel.

[0020] Therefore, according to a highly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to contemplate strictly separating data transfer via the service channel from data transfer via another channel immediately after the completion of their configuration, in order for the control system to achieve a clear charge split on the one hand and to easily and efficiently ensure the security of the service channel on the other hand.

[0021] The control system itself can be implemented at least partially on a vehicle external server, whereby the service channel is incorporated into the overall processing of communication management executed by the control system. Alternatively, the control system can also be implemented at least partially in the vehicle's computing unit. Preferably, this is a hybrid control system in which individual components within the vehicle and other components are outsourced and implemented on a vehicle external server.

[0022] Other advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention and of the procedures enabled by the method will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described in more detail below with reference to the figures.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Basically, in the new vehicle 2, since the vehicle owner or vehicle user 1 has not yet entered into an independent contract with an Internet provider ASP (Application Service Provider), there is no Internet connection for the vehicle 1 for entertainment purposes, that is, for example, streaming of video and audio services. The relationship among these three units, namely the vehicle user 1, the vehicle manufacturer OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) represented by the vehicle 2 or here the box around the vehicle 2, and the Internet provider ASP, is schematically shown in FIG. 1.

[0025] In FIG. 1, vehicle 2 represents not only the vehicle 2 itself, but also the communication device 3 and the control system 5 shown in FIG. 2, as well as the so-called head unit 6, i.e., the central display and operating device of the vehicle 2. Typically, there is an agreement 4 based on a general contract between the vehicle 2 manufacturer OEM and the Internet provider ASP, whereby the vehicle 2 or its control system 5 can operate a service channel 8 between the vehicle 2 and an external vehicle server 7, typically the so-called backend server of the vehicle manufacturer OEM, via the first access point APN1 (APN - Access Point Name) shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, it is illustrated that the vehicle 2 is provided with its control system 5 and its head unit 6, which can also be called the front end. A connection to at least one backend server 7 of the vehicle manufacturer, here shown as the cloud, is made via the corresponding communication device 3. Due to the general contract agreement 4 between the vehicle 2 manufacturer OEM and the Internet provider ASP, a service channel 8 is established between the vehicle 2 and the external vehicle server 7 via the first access point APN1, which is also called the access point name in English. This service channel 8, based on the general agreement 4 and thus on the contract between the vehicle manufacturer OEM and the Internet provider ASP, guarantees an Internet connection for various telematic services of the vehicle 2. This can include, for example, support for ambient environment recognition by calculating the sensor data of the vehicle 2 in the external vehicle server 7, such as image recognition executed or at least partially executed on this server 7. The exchange of driving data, navigation data, or the installation of vehicle software updates, etc. can also be carried out via this service channel 8.Typically, this service channel 8 is strictly separated from other Internet connections, so that on the one hand access can typically only be made between the vehicle external server 7 and the vehicle 2, and because the access is encrypted, and because no other use of this service channel is permitted via the first access point APN1 provided for this service channel 8, a relatively high level of security is guaranteed.

[0026] Next, for the vehicle user 1 shown in FIG. 1, an additional Internet connection via another channel indicated by reference numeral 9 in FIG. 2 may be desirable. The vehicle user 1 can, via this, for example, stream video data or music data, perform searches on the Internet, or do online shopping. The amount of data generated by such services should not be processed via the service channel 8 for security reasons alone. For this reason, the vehicle user 1 can, as shown again in the schematic diagram of FIG. 1, independently connect 10 to an Internet provider ASP or an alternative Internet provider. However, in practice, it is relatively complicated to incorporate such a connection 10 back into the vehicle 2 at a later time, so it is decisive for the vehicle user 1 if such a connection between himself and the Internet provider ASP can be easily and efficiently established in his own vehicle 2, i.e., via the vehicle control system 5 or the head unit 6 as the display device and operating unit of the control system 5. If a connection to the Internet provider ASP can be established via the vehicle 2 instead of the connection 10 shown by the dashed line in FIG. 1, the vehicle user 1 can gain a decisive comfort benefit. Such a connection between the vehicle 2 or the control system 5 as an intermediary instance is shown by the connection 11 drawn by the dash-dot line.

[0027] In this way, vehicle user 1 can then easily and efficiently establish a separate dedicated channel 9, which is managed separately from service channel 8, via the dedicated access point APN2 of the control system 5 of vehicle 2, as shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, generally, the Internet 12, which is used by vehicle users privately or for purposes unrelated to vehicle services, is formed independently of vehicle external server 7. Therefore, this Internet is also shown as cloud 12 under the vehicle external server. In that case, actually, both the network / server 12, 7 are connected to vehicle 2 via the same Internet. The separation of the two clouds 7, 12 in FIG. 2 is shown focusing only on the usually strict separation of data streams via service channel 8 on the one hand and via another channel 9 on the other hand.

[0028] In that case, the procedure of vehicle user 1 is substantially as follows. Vehicle user 1 is inside its own vehicle 2 and receives a media package via the head unit 6 of the control system 5, on the control system 5 or the head unit 6, for example from the vehicle manufacturer OEM or in the form of an application managed by this manufacturer. To receive this entertainment package, vehicle user 1 has to register accordingly and set up its Internet connection with an Internet service provider ASP. Via the head unit 6, vehicle user 1 can receive information about this option, for example, i.e., an opportunity to establish a connection to another channel 9 is provided to vehicle user 1. If it wants to accept this, vehicle user 1 can easily agree to this on the head unit 6 or via a voice command. Then, at least partially implemented in vehicle 2 and represented by the element indicated by reference numeral 5 therein, the control system 5 can collect all data of vehicle user 1 that the control system 5 can access. For that purpose, the dedicated storage device of the control system 5 can be evaluated in the same way as the data stored on the vehicle external server 7. In that case, in particular, data obtained by the control system 5 through other services of the vehicle manufacturer OEM and / or through the use of the vehicle is also relevant.

[0029] Next, the control system 5 extracts from this data the parameters necessary to set up an Internet connection for another channel 9 via the second access point APN2. These parameters can then be transmitted to the Internet provider ASP. If necessary, the vehicle user 1 can be requested to enter any still-missing data in order to be able to extract and transmit all necessary parameters, for example via a pop-up menu on the head unit 6. The transmission of the parameters then enables the Internet connection to be started, in which case the connection 11 transmitted via the vehicle manufacturer OEM is established between the vehicle user 1 shown in FIG. 1 and the Internet provider ASP. This enables another channel 9 to be established and the use of the content of the media package reserved via the Internet in the vehicle 2 to be started.

[0030] In that case, technically, when the media package is provided to the vehicle user 1, the problem is that there is still no Internet connection via the second access point APN2 and the other channel 9 on which this media package will be based. Therefore, the technical solution contemplates that the Internet address necessary for the above process can be used exceptionally for the process of setting up the service line 8 by permitting it via a whitelist until another channel 9 is set up, whereby, in this case, in addition to the normal data transmitted only for service purposes inside the vehicle, other parameters can also be transmitted exceptionally via the service channel 8 to the selected Internet address.

[0031] Figure 3 shows the vehicle external server 7 again. This can be, for example, an intelligent cloud system that provides data via a vehicle manufacturer OEM's cloud system, such as Kubernetes. In that case, various services can be implemented in the system. Therefore, in Figure 3, a service area 13 that can include a database 14 and various microservices 15.1, 15.2 to 15.n can be recognized in the center. The service module 13 is connected to an Internet provider ASP via an application programming interface API (Application Programming Interface). In addition to the microservices 15.1, 15.2 to 15.n shown in the service module 13, another service is connected to the vehicle external server 7 via an API programming interface API, which is simply exemplified here as 16.1, 16.2 to 16.n. These services can be, for example, services individually reserved by the vehicle user, such as a navigation service or maintenance flat rates. Here, the vehicle external server 7 or its service module 13 is further connected to the vehicle 2, particularly its control system 5 or the related head unit 6. The connection shown in Figure 3 represents both a service channel 8 and another channel 9 as one channel.

[0032] Here, some parts of the vehicle external server 7 can jointly undertake the tasks of the control system 5, that is, in this preferred case, it can be a part of the control system 5 implemented as a hybrid control system 5 in parts of both the vehicle 2 and the vehicle external server 7.

[0033] The service module 13 or the control system 5 communicates via a programming interface API with other existing services of the vehicle manufacturer OEM, which are integrated here as services 16.1, 16.2 to 16.n, especially with the parts outsourced to the external vehicle server 7. Thereby, relevant data for setting up another channel 9 for the vehicle user 1 can be collected under the Internet provider ASP. Next, some of the necessary parameters are extracted therefrom and transferred to this Internet provider via the programming interface API of the Internet provider ASP, together with other parameters of the control system 5 based on the technical amount such as the necessary data volume. Next, the control system 5 with the head unit 6 can query for consent to transmit parameters to the Internet provider ASP for another channel 9 in the area of the vehicle 2. Instead of the head unit 6, other components connected to the Internet, such as a browser on any computer, a mobile application such as a smartphone or a tablet, can also be used.

[0034] On the network side, for example, vehicle 2 is set to exchange data via the first access point APN1 through the vehicle manufacturer OEM and the Internet provider ASP and via the service channel 8 established thereby. Vehicle 2 can use the Internet connection via service channel 8, for example, to download software updates or support the telematics system, such as when using the surrounding sensor system, where image recognition is at least partially outsourced to the vehicle external server 7. Next, when vehicle user 1 wants to use its own services such as video streaming or music streaming, vehicle user 1 needs to have connections 10, 11 to the Internet provider ASP set up for itself. For this purpose, in order to provide the most comfortable service possible to vehicle user 1, vehicle 2 or control system 5 functions as a kind of intermediary and provides vehicle user 1 with connection 11 to the Internet provider ASP regarding the second access point APN2 for establishing another channel 9. However, at the time when this connection 11 is established, there is no Internet connection between vehicle 2 and the Internet provider ASP available to vehicle user 1 as the end customer. Therefore, in that case, control system 5 exceptionally enables the use of service channel 8, especially in this case. This can be achieved, for example, by being directed to a website on the white list of control system 5 required for this purpose, whereby, although service data and other data are strictly separated otherwise, in this case, service channel 8 can be used via the second access point for setting up another channel 9. The IP addresses of this white list can be stored, for example, in the head unit 6 or in the area of the vehicle external server 7.

[0035] Here, a single SIM, which can be implemented, for example, as a SIM card or an eSIM, is sufficient for this establishment. Thus, both the first access point APN1 and the second access point APN2 are realized via the same Internet provider ASP, which means that the Internet provider ASP can also benefit from the end - customer business mediated by the vehicle manufacturer OEM under the general contract with each vehicle manufacturer OEM, and it can be advantageous in that such end - customer contracts can be expected to be larger in volume, thereby providing a favorable price for the customers of each vehicle manufacturer OEM.

[0036] Figure 4 shows the main steps realized to execute the method. In the first - shown step, an activation request for another channel 9 is input. The vehicle user inputs, for example, at the head unit 6 of vehicle 2, a specific media package desired, such as an annual flat rate, a monthly flat rate, a topic - related flat rate, a specific amount of data, etc.

[0037] In the next step, the control system 5 receives (collects) vehicle data and vehicle user data from all sources accessible either internally or on the vehicle - external server 7, and thereby all the parameters required to set up a new Internet connection are provided (extracted) as directly as possible from these data. These parameters can include, in particular, user identification, vehicle identification, and the technical means for setting up an Internet connection, or other parameters derived from the technical means. This can include, for example, data volume, security settings, etc.

[0038] These parameters are transmitted via the service channel 8 to the Internet provider ASP, whereby the Internet provider prepares the settings of the connection 11. This step can be carried out at the Internet provider and in the control system 5, in particular in the part of the control system 5 that cooperates with the service module 13. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, preferably the Internet provider ASP undertakes this preparation.

[0039] Next, the control system 5 receives via the service channel the URL of the Internet provider ASP that provides the preparation of the connection 11. This is displayed, for example, on the head unit 6 to the vehicle user 1, whereby the vehicle user 1 can, if necessary, supplement still missing data and, in particular, start the setting of another channel 9 via appropriate authentication and authorization.

[0040] Subsequently, subsequently, the enabling of another channel 9 is carried out after the setup.

[0041] Thereafter, finally, by setting the status of another channel 9 to connected, the data transfer between another channel 9 and the service channel 8 is strictly separated. Thereby, the service channel 8 is used, in fact, only for service-related data transfer, where here, exceptionally, it is allowed to be used for purposes other than its original purpose to set up another channel 9 between the vehicle user 1 and the Internet provider ASP.

[0042] Furthermore, in order to extract parameters in the vehicle data, the countries of vehicle registration can be queried together, whereby, for example, the connection to the Internet provider is provided with the corresponding language and / or legal boundary conditions adapted to each country.

[0043] If the authentication of the connection 11 can be performed simply and efficiently by using the authentication already performed inside the vehicle 2, the entire process becomes particularly efficient and convenient for the vehicle user 1. This is called single sign-on. For this purpose, for example, it is stored in a mobile device, a key, a smartphone, a smartwatch, a smart ring, etc., and the vehicle user 1 can be authenticated with respect to the vehicle 2 within the scope of, for example, access permission and / or driving permission inspection, etc. by using the hardware authentication of the vehicle user 1 with respect to the vehicle 2, such as a corresponding code.

[0044] For example, single sign-on can also be realized as shown in FIG. 5. Here, the vehicle user 1 is exemplarily shown as a circle at the bottom. On the left side, there is a domain of the vehicle manufacturer OEM indicated by reference numeral 17, in the upper center, there is an authentication server indicated by reference numeral 18, and at the right end, there is a domain of the Internet provider ASP indicated by reference numeral 19. Between them, there is a cookie memory 20 which can be a part of a browser used, for example, in the head unit 6 or another type of device. In this procedure, first, the vehicle user 1 browses the domain 19 of the vehicle manufacturer OEM. Then, from the domain 17 of the vehicle manufacturer OEM, a transfer to the authentication server 18 is made according to the arrow 22, and at this authentication server, the login or cookie of the vehicle user 1 is available and authenticated. This is correspondingly stored in the cookie memory 20, where it is indicated by the arrow 23. Thereafter, a token is sent to the domain 17 of the vehicle manufacturer according to the arrow 24, where the token is used to authenticate the vehicle user 1. Next, it is shown by the arrow 25 that another cookie is stored in the cookie memory 20 based on this authentication. In the next step, the vehicle user 1 browses the domain 19 of the Internet provider ASP according to the arrow 26, where the same procedure is performed again. This also starts with the storage of the corresponding cookie in the cookie memory 20 by the arrow 23, the transfer to the authentication server 18 by the arrow 27, and the return of the token to the domain 19 of the Internet provider ASP by the arrow 28. Also in this case, authentication is performed by storing the cookie by the arrow 29 using the token, whereby the authentication is thereby connected with this.

Claims

1. A method of connecting a vehicle (2) to the Internet using a control system (5) capable of managing at least two access points (APN1, APN2), namely a first access point (APN1) used for a service channel (8) established between a vehicle manufacturer (OEM) and an Internet provider (ASP), and a second access point (APN2) provided for another channel (9), comprising: Before using the other channel (9), the control system (5) collects user-related data that is known to the control system or accessible to the control system on a vehicle external server (7) of the vehicle manufacturer (OEM) connected via the service channel (8), and then extracts parameters necessary for establishing an Internet connection via the other channel (9) from the data and transmits them to the Internet provider (ASP); The control system (5) is configured to enable the transmission via the first access point (APN1). A method characterized by the above.

2. The parameter at least includes user identification data for setting the second access point (APN2). The method according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The parameter includes at least one technical quantity for setting the second access point (APN2). The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. The control system (5) estimates the data volume required for the other channel (9) and uses it as the technical quantity. The method according to claim 3, characterized by the above.

5. The parameter includes the country where the vehicle is registered. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

6. At least one of the parameters is determined based on analysis of previous user behavior, existing boundary conditions, and / or pre-installed applications. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the above.

7. After user authentication is performed once, the control system (5) generates parameters suitable for the authentication and uses them for automatic authentication when connecting via the other access point (APN2). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the above.

8. The vehicle user (1) is queried for data that is unknown to the control system (5) and / or inaccessible to the control system, which is necessary for creating the parameters. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that

9. Access data to the necessary Internet address is permitted via an exception list in order to enable the transmission of the parameters via the first access point (APN1). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that

10. After the setting of the second access point (APN2) is completed, the control system (5) strictly separates data transfer via the service channel (8) from data transfer via the other channel (9). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that

11. The control system (5) is at least partially implemented on the vehicle external server (7). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that

12. The control system (5) is at least partially implemented by a computing unit of the vehicle (2). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that

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