Computer implementation method, computer program, and computer-readable storage medium for ensuring the authenticity of motor vehicle components.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a computer implementation method (100), a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium for ensuring the authenticity of motor vehicle components. In a first step, a first address is provided to a blockchain accessible via the Internet, which is uniquely assigned to a designated motor vehicle, and then information identifying at least one component of the motor vehicle is linked to the first address on the blockchain, and the linked information is signed. In another step, a transaction is issued from at least a portion of the information linked to the first address to a second address on the blockchain.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium for ensuring the authenticity of motor vehicle components.

Background Art

[0002] Additional equipment is an important factor in differentiating the products of motor vehicle manufacturers when customers make purchase decisions. When a customer purchases additional equipment that requires an additional fee, it is also beneficial for the customer to prevent that equipment from being imitated and installed by a third party.

[0003] Furthermore, when components such as front skirts and rear skirts are replaced in a damaged vehicle, there is an increasing number of cases where it is not specified that the motor vehicle no longer consists of completely genuine components when the damaged vehicle is sold.

[0004] For potential purchasers, it is difficult to determine whether the components of a motor vehicle have been at least partially replaced. To make this determination, a thorough inspection of each component of the motor vehicle is required. This work often takes a lot of time and cost, so it is important for motor vehicle users to be able to know which components of the motor vehicle are genuine.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Therefore, one of the problems of the present invention is to improve the verification of the authenticity of motor vehicle components.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This problem is solved by computer implementation methods, computer programs, and computer-readable storage media for ensuring the authenticity of motor vehicle components.

[0007] The first aspect relates to a computer implementation process for ensuring the authenticity of motor vehicle components. In the first step, a first address is provided to a blockchain accessible via the Internet, and this first address is uniquely assigned to a designated motor vehicle. Subsequently, information is linked to the first address on the blockchain, this information identifies at least one component of the motor vehicle, and the linked information is signed. In the next step, a transaction is issued for at least a portion of the information linked to the first address, destined for a second address on the blockchain.

[0008] This invention is based on the idea that by using blockchain, it is possible to create and manage digital records relating to at least one component of a motorized vehicle. This makes it possible to record changes to or within a motorized vehicle, and in particular, to prove their authenticity to or verify them with third parties.

[0009] Preferably, the authenticity of the digital document can be proven by a signing step, particularly performed by the manufacturer of the motor vehicle or the manufacturer of the component. After the signing is complete, the possessor or owner of the motor vehicle or, in particular, the component can transfer the stored and linked information to a first address by specifying the address on the blockchain where the information transaction will take place. This allows the component owner to prove the authenticity of the component or transfer the information and, consequently, the rights to it to a prospective buyer or other party.

[0010] The second aspect relates to a computer program which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the method according to the first aspect.

[0011] The third aspect relates to a computer-readable storage medium which, when executed by a computer, includes instructions that cause the computer to perform the method according to the first aspect.

[0012] The fourth aspect relates to a computer-readable storage medium that includes a blockchain created and / or modified by the method of the first aspect.

[0013] The components of the present invention relate to components attached to or installed within a motorized vehicle. For example, these may be other components of a motorized vehicle, such as turn signals, headlights, taillights, doors, or windows. Furthermore, they may be components that characterize the exterior or interior of a motorized vehicle, such as seats or steering wheels. They may also be the paint on components or the paint on the vehicle body.

[0014] Alternatively, or additionally, components can be understood as the constituent elements of a motorized vehicle, which are essentially in digital form. This preferably includes, for example, character fonts, graphics, or so-called non-fungible tokens that are not accessible to everyone or usable by everyone.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, this method further includes the following steps: The steps of transferring a component from a first motor vehicle to a second motor vehicle; and issuing a transaction destined for a third address on the blockchain for at least a portion of the information associated with the second address.

[0016] If a component is removable from a first motor vehicle and can also be used in a second motor vehicle, then this component can be transferred, or moved, from the first motor vehicle to the second motor vehicle. To prove that the component used in the second motor vehicle is not stolen and is not the possession or property of the second motor vehicle's owner, the rights to the component are transferred to the owner of a third address on the blockchain by issuing a further transaction. For example, an NFT in image format can be digitally transferred, or arranged, from the first motor vehicle to the second motor vehicle.

[0017] According to another preferred embodiment, this method further includes the following steps: The step involves assigning a uniquely identifiable identifier to the component, which is also stored in the linked information.

[0018] For example, if a component is a physical part of a first motorized vehicle, it can be identified by a serial number or other unique information. If this serial number is registered on a blockchain by the motorized vehicle manufacturer, then, for example, the buyer of the motorized vehicle can check on the blockchain whether the serial number on the component matches the serial number registered on the blockchain. In that case, it is highly likely that at least this inspected component can be considered genuine.

[0019] According to another preferred embodiment, this method includes the following further steps: A step of creating at least one graphical representation of a component, the graphical representation of the component being linked in a step of linking information.

[0020] In this example, for instance, a special rear spoiler might be an optional feature purchased by the owner of a motorized vehicle at an additional cost, and the owner might want to prove that this rear spoiler is genuine and not stolen or counterfeit. To better document and prove this, it may be beneficial to record it in the form of images or videos and store it on a blockchain.

[0021] Another example is saving content that is essentially digital, such as through screenshots. This can be useful for things like individual fonts or digital artwork used in NFTs.

[0022] In yet another preferred embodiment, the component relates to the setting of at least one component of a motorized vehicle. For example, preset sound settings for an engine could be obtained as an individual identifying feature or additional component related to a motorized vehicle. This sound could be stored directly on the blockchain, or the manufacturer could sign it to ensure that the owner of the blockchain address where the relevant information is stored has the right to use this sound setting.

[0023] According to another preferred embodiment, the component relates to at least one component of a motorized vehicle. This allows individual settings, such as special paint applied to the body of the motorized vehicle, to be stored on the blockchain, and the owner of the motorized vehicle can record its legal ownership and notify third parties of any additional information relating thereto.

[0024] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the blockchain is based on any one of the blockchains of Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Polkadot, and Avalanche. These blockchains are established worldwide because they are particularly advantageous depending on the application. In particular, blockchains often have different scalability in terms of their scale, decentralization, or security, etc., that is, appropriate blockchain technology can be used as needed. Also, there are differences in mining technologies, and there are various consensus methods such as proof-of-stake and proof-of-work within the blockchain network.

[0025] According to a further preferred embodiment, this method also comprises the following steps: The step of anonymizing the information that uniquely identifies the owner of the component; and the step of storing the anonymized information in the linked information.

[0026] For the manufacturer of a motor vehicle, it is desirable to directly register the purchaser on the blockchain at the time of factory shipment. However, in order to comply with data protection in this regard, it may be desirable to anonymize the plaintext information available about the purchaser, such as name, address, etc. For this purpose, for example, an identifier based on other symbols, for example, a determined sequence of numbers can be assigned to the purchaser and stored on the blockchain.

[0027] According to another preferred embodiment, the linked information can be time-limited. In particular, for digital components available in motor vehicles, it may be beneficial to limit them in time. For example, it is possible to provide a road map available for purchase to a motor vehicle on a subscription basis, but when the subscription expires, the map data becomes unusable. Considering this situation, the time when the motor vehicle component becomes unusable can be registered on the blockchain.

[0028] According to another preferred embodiment, the components exist in predetermined quantities. This makes it possible, for example, to use NFTs that are available in limited quantities, especially as one-of-a-kind items, even in motorized vehicles. For example, the design of a speedometer, or the display and use of an image as an NFT, can be registered on the blockchain.

[0029] Possible uses and situations that can be achieved by this method, and which are not explicitly described here, include the display of error messages and / or messages prompting for user feedback, and / or the setting of default settings and / or predetermined initial states.

[0030] The motorized vehicle according to the present invention is preferably designed as an automobile, particularly a passenger car or a truck, or a passenger bus or a motorcycle.

[0031] As a further solution, the present invention also encompasses a computer-readable storage medium containing program code that, when executed by a computer or computer network, causes embodiments of the method according to the present invention to be carried out. The storage medium may be provided at least in part as a non-volatile data storage device (e.g., flash memory and / or SSD—solid state drive) and / or at least in part as a volatile data storage device (e.g., RAM—random access memory). The storage medium may be located within a computer or computer network. However, the storage medium may also be operated, for example, as a so-called app store server and / or a cloud server on the internet. The computer or computer network may provide, for example, a processor circuit comprising at least one microprocessor. The program code may be provided as binary code and / or assembler code and / or source code in a programming language (e.g., C) and / or program scripts (e.g., Python).

[0032] The present invention also encompasses combinations of features of the embodiments described. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the present invention also encompasses embodiments comprising combinations of features of multiple embodiments described. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] The following describes embodiments of the present invention. For this purpose, the only figure is a flowchart showing a method for ensuring the authenticity of motor vehicle components. [Figure 1] A flowchart outlining methods for ensuring the authenticity of motor vehicle components. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiments, each described component represents a feature of the present invention that is considered independently of the others, and each constitutes the present invention independently of the others. Therefore, this disclosure should also include combinations of features other than those of the embodiments shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can be further complemented by the features of the invention already described.

[0035] In the diagram, the same reference symbol represents the same functionally identical element.

[0036] In the first step 101, a first address is provided that is placed within the blockchain. This blockchain is freely accessible and can be invoked via the internet. The blockchain is preferably based on the Ethereum blockchain, Solana blockchain, or a similar blockchain. Alternatively, the blockchain can be based on the Polkadot blockchain or the Avalanche blockchain.

[0037] In the next step 102, it is preferable to create at least one graphical representation of a component associated with the motor vehicle. This component is preferably positioned on the exterior of the motor vehicle or inside the motor vehicle. Furthermore, in the next step 103, it is assumed that a unique identifier is assigned to the component.

[0038] In this case, a unique identifier essentially means that it appears only once, and therefore, there are no two components with the same identifier but identical structure. An example of this is a serial number that is numbered sequentially in a predetermined order.

[0039] In the next step, 104, the information is linked to a first address on the blockchain. Specifically, it is associated so that when the first address on the blockchain is invoked, the information is stored at that address. Preferably, a graphical representation and / or identifier of the component is stored at the blockchain address and can be invoked over the internet.

[0040] In this case, the linked information may have a time limit. Furthermore, components may exist in a predetermined quantity, sometimes only one at a time.

[0041] In some cases, it may be beneficial to also store information identifying the owner of a motorized vehicle or component in a blockchain address in step 106. To do this, this information can typically be pseudonymized in the preceding process step 105, and the pseudonymized information can be stored on the blockchain instead of the owner information available in plaintext.

[0042] Subsequently, it is desirable for the manufacturer of the motor vehicle or component to register it on the blockchain and sign 107 the information linked to the motor vehicle or component to guarantee its authenticity. In a further step 108, a transaction can be made to send at least a portion of the information linked to the first address to a second address within the blockchain.

[0043] If components of a first motor vehicle are to be incorporated into or used in another second motor vehicle, a further step 109 may involve transferring these components from the first motor vehicle to the second motor vehicle and performing a further transaction 110 to transfer at least some of the information linked to the second address to a third address on the blockchain and store it there.

[0044] This component is preferably responsible for controlling at least one component of a motorized vehicle. This could be, for example, special engine control, which is improved by, for instance, individual engine sounds. Alternatively, this component may relate to the setting of at least one component of the motorized vehicle, or to the component of the motorized vehicle itself.

[0045] These examples, as a whole, demonstrate how computer implementation methods can be provided to ensure the authenticity of motorized vehicle components.

[0046] Blockchain technology makes it possible to manage so-called open ledgers, which preferably enables records that are essentially forgery-proof. Additional information is signed by the motor vehicle manufacturer at the time of delivery, pseudonymized using hash values ​​such as name, license plate, and chassis number (VIN), and registered on an open ledger or publicly available blockchain managed by the motor vehicle manufacturer. Ideally, the buyer should be able to choose whether the data is stored as a character code or an image code (such as a QR code®).

[0047] From then on, a third party or the customer themselves can verify the authenticity of the additional equipment on the blockchain by entering or scanning the code selected at the time of sale. For example, images of the component parts are preferably stored on the blockchain as NFTs, which can be used to prove their authenticity to third parties such as prospective buyers, thus providing additional visual verification.

[0048] When a customer sells a vehicle, they can issue a new transaction to the open ledger or the blockchain in general and send it to the blockchain. From this point on, the buyer can also prove ownership in this way and transfer it to a third party if necessary. This technology allows the customer themselves to approve and verify the resale.

Claims

1. A computer implementation method (100) for ensuring the authenticity of motor vehicle components, comprising the following steps: - The step of providing a blockchain accessible via the internet with a first address uniquely assigned to a specified motor vehicle; - The step of linking information identifying at least one component of a motorized vehicle to a first address on the blockchain; - The step of signing the linked information; and, - A step of issuing a transaction destined for a second address on the blockchain for at least some of the information linked to the first address.

2. A method according to claim 1 (100), further comprising the following steps: - A step of transferring components from the first motorized vehicle to the second motorized vehicle; and, - A step of issuing a transaction destined for a third address on the blockchain for at least some of the information linked to the second address.

3. A method (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising the following steps: - A step of assigning a uniquely identifiable identifier to the component, the identifier of which is stored in the linked information.

4. A method (100) according to any one of the above claims, further comprising the following steps: - A step of generating at least one graphical representation of a component, the graphical representation of the component being linked in a step of linking information.

5. The method according to any one of the above claims (100), wherein the component relates to the control of at least one component of a motorized vehicle.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 (100), wherein the component relates to the setting of at least one component of a motorized vehicle.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 (100), wherein the component relates to at least one component of a motorized vehicle.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims (100), wherein the blockchain is based on one of the following blockchains: Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Polkadot, or Avalanche.

9. A method (100) according to any one of the above claims, further comprising the following steps: - The step of pseudonymizing information that uniquely identifies the owner of a component; and, - A step to save pseudonymized information to linked information.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims (100), wherein the linked information is time-limited.

11. The method according to any one of the above claims (100), wherein the components are present in a predetermined quantity.

12. A computer program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the method (100) described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A computer-readable storage medium that includes an instruction, which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. A computer-readable storage medium including a blockchain created and / or modified by the method (100) described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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