Method and system for providing communication capabilities in a vehicle

Abstract

The communication function is implemented in a means of transport, in particular in a vehicle or motor vehicle. [Solution] A method (100) for providing communication capabilities in a vehicle includes providing (110) a code in the vehicle, the code being detectable by a user's portable terminal and including unique identification information of a communication unit in the vehicle, reading (120) the code provided in the vehicle, sending (130) a response request by the portable terminal to a communication provider to activate communication capabilities of the communication unit, the response request including the read unique identification information of the communication unit in the vehicle, and providing (140) communication capabilities for the communication unit by the communication provider if the user is registered with the communication provider.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and system for providing communication facilities in a vehicle and a storage medium implementing the method, and in particular to the identification (authentication) of a user to a communication provider for providing communication facilities in a vehicle, such as a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Networking of modern vehicles is becoming more and more important. For example, a user can access web content, make calls, or use other online services using communication functions implemented in the vehicle. To be able to use such services, the user can implement communication functions provided by a communication provider in the vehicle. For this purpose, the user needs to be identified to the communication provider. However, this kind of identification can be cumbersome for the user and can take some time. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The object of the present invention is to implement (execute) communication functionality in a means of transport, in particular in a vehicle or motor vehicle, and in particular to download communication functionality, for example based on an eSIM, to the means of transport in an efficient and user-friendly manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0005] According to an independent aspect of the invention, a method for providing communication capabilities in a means of transport, such as a vehicle, is described, the method comprising providing (e.g. visually or using NFC) a code in the means of transport, the code being detectable by a portable terminal of a user and including a unique identification of a communication unit, such as a SIM unit, in the means of transport, reading the code, such as by the portable terminal, sending a response request by the portable terminal to a communication provider for activating communication capabilities with the communication unit, such as by providing an eSIM, the response request including the read unique identification of the communication unit of the means of transport, and providing communication capabilities, such as an eSIM, for the means of transport if the user is registered or known as a communication participant at the communication provider.

[0006] The communication provider enables the communication participants to communicate via the portable terminal. In particular, the communication provider may be a network carrier of a mobile communication network. The aspects of the method according to the invention relating to the communication provider can be executed by a central unit of the communication provider, e.g. a backend. In particular, the response request of the portable terminal can be sent via the portable terminal to the communication provider or to a central unit of the communication provider. Similarly, e.g. an eSIM can be sent directly to the vehicle via the mobile communication network or the eSIM can be sent indirectly to the vehicle via a third unit, e.g. a backend of the portable terminal or the vehicle manufacturer.

[0007] According to the invention, a first device, which is known to the communication provider or its user, is used to identify the second device. Then, for example, an eSIM can be downloaded to the vehicle for the user and used for communication. Thereby, there is no need to provide an additional identification mechanism to allow the user to be uniquely identified for the activation of communication functions. In particular, the use of a mobile terminal makes it possible to ensure that the person who is downloading the profile is also the person who requested the profile. Thus, for example, an eSIM can be downloaded to the vehicle in an efficient and easy manner by the user.

[0008] The term mobile terminal specifically includes smartphones, but also other mobile or cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet PCs, notebook computers, smart watches, and general and future electronic devices equipped with the technology to download and run applications.

[0009] The mobile terminal may be configured to communicate wirelessly, for example, in a mobile communication network, for example over a wide area network or wide area network (WAN), such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), General Packet Radio System (GPRS), Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) / High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE) or WiMAX. Communication over other common or future communication technologies, such as 5G mobile communication systems, is also possible.

[0010] Preferably, the communication unit is a SIM unit. Providing communication capability for the communication unit may include downloading an eSIM to the SIM unit.

[0011] A communication unit, such as a SIM unit (also called a "Subscriber Identity Module"), may be incorporated into the vehicle. The communication unit may be configured for communication with a portable terminal and / or a communication provider. For example, an eSIM may be downloaded into the SIM unit, enabling communication functionality over a mobile communication network.

[0012] The communication unit of the vehicle may be configured to communicate with a communication provider, in particular a central unit of the communication provider, via a mobile communication network. In addition, in some embodiments, the communication unit of the vehicle may be configured to communicate with a portable terminal of a user. The communication between the communication module of the vehicle and the portable terminal may be performed via one of the above-mentioned mobile communication networks or via a short-range communication technology, such as Bluetooth.

[0013] For example, the communication unit of the vehicle can communicate with the communication provider via a mobile communication network, for example to download the eSIM to the vehicle or to a SIM module of the vehicle. In other words, the eSIM can be transferred to the vehicle via the mobile communication network. In another example, the communication unit of the vehicle is connected to a portable terminal via NFC, for example, and the eSIM can be transferred from the communication provider to the vehicle via the portable terminal. In yet another example, the eSIM can be transferred from the communication provider to the vehicle via a third unit, for example a vehicle manufacturer's backend.

[0014] Preferably, the identity of the vehicle's SIM unit, which can be expressed by means of a code, describes the IMSI ("Mobile Subscriber Identity Number") of the SIM unit. The IMSI contributes to the unique identification of a network participant in a mobile communication network. The IMSI number is given globally, once per SIM, by the mobile network operator and thus allows unambiguous authentication of the vehicle containing the SIM unit.

[0015] However, the identification information is not limited to the above examples: for example, the communication unit may be a router that is assigned a corresponding unambiguous identification information.

[0016] Preferably, the method further comprises checking the identity of the user by the communications provider after receiving the response request, and the communication capability (e.g. eSIM) is provided for the vehicle only if the identity of the user is confirmed. In particular, the portable terminal can be connected to the communications provider via a mobile communications network, whereby the portable terminal and the user can be uniquely identified by the communications provider. If the identity of the user cannot be confirmed, the response request to provide the communication capability can be rejected.

[0017] Preferably, the identity of the user is stored at the communication provider during the user's registration. Registration of the user at the communication provider means in the present disclosure that the user is already uniquely identified at the communication provider. Unique identification can be achieved in a Real Name Registration. Real Name Registration means that communication participants are obliged to reveal their true identity and is for example stipulated in Germany by the Teleservices Act.

[0018] Preferably, the method further comprises the detection of at least one biometric feature of the user, and the response request further comprises data relating to the at least one biometric feature of the user. In order to verify the identity of the user, the detected at least one biometric feature can be compared with identification data stored at the communication provider. By detecting the at least one biometric feature of the user, it is possible to further increase the security of the process. In particular, it can be ensured that it is really a registered and thus legitimate user who initiates the response request for the provision of communication capabilities.

[0019] Preferably, the at least one biometric characteristic is selected from or consists of the group consisting of: a linguistic characteristic, a fingerprint, an eye characteristic (e.g. detectable by an iris scan) and a facial characteristic (e.g. detectable by a face scan).

[0020] Preferably, the detection of at least one biometric feature of the user is done by the portable terminal or the vehicle. For example, a face scan can be performed using a camera of the portable terminal or a camera of the vehicle. In another embodiment, a fingerprint sensor of the portable terminal or a fingerprint sensor of the vehicle can be used to detect the fingerprint of the user.

[0021] Preferably, the code is a two-dimensional or three-dimensional code, such as a QR code. A QR (Quick Response) code consists of a square matrix of black and white quadrants that represent the coded data in binary. The coded data in a QR code includes (or is) e.g. the SIM identity of the vehicle's SIM unit, such as e.g. the IMSI number.

[0022] Preferably, the code can be visually provided by the vehicle, in particular such that the code is detectable by a user's portable terminal, typically the code is provided using a display device integrated into the vehicle, such as a display or projection device.

[0023] The display may be, for example, a display of an infotainment system. Typically, the display is in or integrated into the dashboard of the vehicle. The display may be, for example, a head unit. However, the invention is not limited thereto and the display may be provided in other suitable locations of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the display is an LCD display, a plasma display or an OLED display.

[0024] The projection device can be configured to provide the code from inside and / or outside the vehicle, for example on a vehicle window pane. The window pane may be, for example, a windshield or a side window pane of the vehicle. Typically, the projection device is a head-up display.

[0025] In another example, the code can be provided to the portable terminal via near field communication (NFC, Bluetooth, etc.) In other words, the code is read via a communication connection and not visually.

[0026] Preferably, the code is only provided when the vehicle is powered and / or properly opened. If the vehicle is properly opened and therefore powered, the current user is considered to be legitimate. This makes it possible to ensure that a user scanning the code with a portable terminal has done so legitimately and is a legitimate user. The term "properly opened" here means that an unauthorized person has not forced entry into the vehicle, for example by breaking a window. Thus, misuse can be prevented.

[0027] Preferably, detecting or reading by the portable terminal of a code provided on the vehicle includes launching an application on the portable terminal and reading the code using the application.

[0028] According to another independent aspect of the invention, a system for providing communication capabilities in a vehicle is described, the system including a device at the vehicle side configured to provide a code in the vehicle, the code being detectable by a portable terminal of a user and including a unique identification of a communication unit (e.g. a SIM unit) of the vehicle, a central unit configured to receive a response request from the portable terminal to activate a communication capability of the communication unit (e.g. provide an eSIM), the response request including a unique identification of the communication unit of the vehicle read by the portable terminal, and the central unit configured to provide a communication capability (e.g. an eSIM) for the communication unit for the vehicle only if the user is registered with a communication provider.

[0029] The system is particularly configured to carry out the methods of providing communication capabilities in a vehicle described herein.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium having a software program thereon, the software program being configured, when executed on one or more processors, to thereby perform the method of providing communication capabilities in a vehicle as described herein.

[0031] In the present invention, the term transportation means includes, in particular, vehicles, drones, ships, etc. In the present invention, the term vehicle includes, in particular, passenger cars, trucks, buses, campers, motorcycles, etc., used for transporting people or products, etc. In particular, the term includes motor vehicles for transporting people.

[0032] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in detail below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 2 illustrates generally a flow chart of a method for providing communication capabilities in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for providing communication capabilities in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] In the following, unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals are used for the same and similarly acting elements.

[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates generally a flow chart of a method 100 for providing communication capabilities in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] The following description is illustratively based on a vehicle, a SIM unit and an eSIM, but the present invention is not limited to this particular embodiment.

[0037] The method 100 includes, at block 110, providing (e.g. visually or using NFC) a code in the vehicle, the code being readable by the user's portable terminal and including a unique identification of the vehicle's SIM unit, at block 120, reading the provided code in the vehicle by the portable terminal, at block 130, sending a response request by the portable terminal to the communications provider for provision of an eSIM for the vehicle, the response request including the read unique identification of the vehicle's SIM unit, and at block 140, providing an eSIM for the vehicle if the user is registered or known as a communications participant at the communications provider.

[0038] In some embodiments, the code can be read by an application on the portable terminal. The application can be a communications provider or vehicle manufacturer application. The application can be specifically configured to activate a method for downloading the eSIM to the vehicle.

[0039] Typically, the method 100 further includes checking the identity of the user by the communication provider after receiving the response request, for example in a central unit of the communication provider, and the eSIM is provided for the vehicle only if the identity of the user is confirmed by the communication provider. In particular, the portable terminal can be connected to the communication provider via a mobile communication network, whereby the portable terminal and the user can be uniquely identified by the communication provider. If the identity of the user cannot be confirmed, the response request to provide the eSIM can be rejected. In other words, if the identity of the user cannot be confirmed, the eSIM is not provided.

[0040] In some embodiments, a user's identity proof is stored at the communications provider upon user registration. Identity proof may be obtained from the communications provider and stored upon Real Name Registration.

[0041] In some embodiments, the method 100 further comprises detecting at least one biometric feature of the user, and the response request further comprises data relating to the at least one biometric feature of the user. To additionally verify the identity of the user, the detected at least one biometric feature can be compared with identification data stored at the communication provider. The detection of the at least one biometric feature of the user can further increase the security of the process. In particular, it can be ensured that it is indeed a registered and thus legitimate user who initiates the response request for the provision of an eSIM.

[0042] Typically, the at least one biometric characteristic is selected from or consists of the group consisting of: a linguistic characteristic, a fingerprint, an eye characteristic (e.g. detectable by an iris scan), and a facial characteristic (e.g. detectable by a face scan).

[0043] In some embodiments, the detection of at least one biometric feature of the user is performed by the portable terminal or the vehicle. For example, a face scan can be performed using a camera on the portable terminal or a camera on the vehicle. In another example, a fingerprint sensor on the portable terminal or a fingerprint sensor on the vehicle can be used to detect the user's fingerprint.

[0044] FIG. 2 shows a schematic of a system for providing communication capabilities in a vehicle 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Shown exemplarily is a vehicle 200, a portable terminal 300 and a central unit 400 of a communications provider where the user is registered and which provides the eSIM.

[0046] The SIM unit 220 may be integrated into the vehicle 200. In some embodiments, the vehicle 220 may include a communication unit having a SIM unit. The communication unit may be configured for communication with a portable terminal and / or a communication provider central unit 400. A (digital) eSIM may be downloaded into the SIM unit 220, enabling the vehicle to communicate via the portable terminal.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the portable terminal 300 can communicate with the vehicle 200 via a first communication connection 1 and with the central unit 400 via a second communication connection 2. The vehicle 200 can communicate with the central unit 400 via a third communication connection 3.

[0048] The first communication connection 1 between the portable terminal 300 and the vehicle 200 is optional and can be made for example using a mobile communication network or a short-range wireless technology such as Bluetooth or a local WiFi provided by the vehicle. The mobile communication network can be for example an LTE network or a 5G network. In some embodiments, the portable terminal can read or receive the code via the first communication connection 1.

[0049] The second communication connection 2 between the mobile terminal 300 and the central unit 400 is made via a mobile communication network, for example an LTE or 5G network. In particular, response requests from the mobile terminal 300 to the central unit 400 of the communication provider are transmitted via the second communication connection 2. The mobile communication network of the second communication connection 2 can be operated by the communication provider, which makes it possible to make an unambiguous identification of a user who is already registered at the communication provider by means of the mobile terminal.

[0050] A third communication connection 3 between the vehicle 200 and the central unit 400 is optional and can be made using a SIM unit 220 present in the vehicle 200 via a mobile communication network, such as an LTE network or a 5G network.

[0051] However, the above mentioned communication connections between the vehicle 200, the portable terminal 300 and the central unit 400 are not limited to the above mentioned examples and any other suitable type of direct or indirect communication connection can be used, allowing direct or indirect communication between the vehicle 200, the portable terminal 300 and the central unit 400. For example, the first communication connection 1 can be a local network, for example a wireless LAN (WiFi / WLAN).

[0052] The communication unit of the vehicle 200 may be configured to communicate with a communication provider, in particular with a central unit 400 of the communication provider, via the above-mentioned mobile communication network (i.e. the third communication connection 3). For example, the communication unit of the vehicle 200 may communicate with the communication provider via the mobile communication network in order to download an eSIM in the vehicle.

[0053] In another example, the communication unit of the vehicle 200 is connected to the portable terminal 300 via NFC (i.e., the first communication connection 1), and the eSIM can be transferred from the communication provider to the vehicle 200 via the portable terminal 300.

[0054] In yet another example, the eSIM can be transferred to the vehicle 200 from a communications provider via a third unit (not shown), such as a vehicle manufacturer's backend.

[0055] Vehicle 200 includes a display device 210, such as a display of an infotainment system. Typically, the display is in or integrated into the dashboard of vehicle 200. The display may be, for example, a head unit. In some embodiments, the display is an LCD display, a plasma display, or an OLED display.

[0056] The display device 210 is configured to display the code 10, for example graphically. The code 10 may be a two-dimensional or three-dimensional graphical code, for example a QR code. The code 10 is configured to be detected or read, for example using a camera of the portable terminal 300. In another example, the code can be provided to the portable terminal 300 via near field communication (NFC, Bluetooth, etc.). In other words, the code is read, for example, via the first communication connection 1 and not visually.

[0057] The following additional aspects can be optionally implemented: First, the communication provider (MNO) can send another code to the vehicle. This can be done for example via the vehicle manufacturer's backend. Second, the user can scan the identification or SIM information at the vehicle and additionally scan a second code (which can change, making the picture meaningless) of the communication provider as proof that the user is indeed operating at the vehicle (and does not have a picture of the code).

[0058] The code 10 includes an unambiguous identification of the SIM unit 220 of the vehicle 200. In particular, the unambiguous identification can include or be the IMSI number of the SIM unit 220 ("International Mobile Subscriber Identity" or "Internationale Mobilfunk-Teilnehmerkennung").

[0059] A user can read the displayed code 10 using the portable terminal 300. For example, the user can launch an application on the portable terminal 300 and read the code 10 using the application.

[0060] The portable terminal 300 can send a response request to the central unit 400 via the second communication connection 2 for provision of an eSIM for the vehicle 200, the response request then including an unambiguous identification of the SIM unit 220 of the vehicle 200, which is read by the portable terminal 300. The response request optionally includes data on at least one biometric feature of the user, which may for example be a fingerprint of the user.

[0061] The communications provider checks the user's identity based on a previous registration or identification of the user at the communications provider. Once the check is verified and completed, the eSIM can be transferred to the vehicle 200, for example via the third communications connection 3, or indirectly via the portable terminal 300 (i.e. the second communications connection 2 and the first communications connection 1).

[0062] In some non-limiting embodiments, the Code 10 is provided only when the vehicle 200 is powered and / or properly opened. If the vehicle is properly opened and therefore powered, the current user is deemed to be legitimate. This provides assurance that the user scanning the Code 10 with the portable terminal 300 is doing so legitimately and is the legitimate user (this can be ensured, for example, by using a vehicle key). The term "properly opened" in this context means that an unauthorized person has not forced entry into the vehicle 200, for example by breaking through a window.

[0063] According to the invention, in the above example, a first device, which is known to the communication provider or its user, is used to identify a second device, which is not known to the communication provider, for example. An eSIM can then be downloaded to the vehicle for the user and used for communication. There is thus no need to provide an additional identification mechanism to allow unique identification of the user for provision of the eSIM in the vehicle. Thus, the eSIM can be downloaded to the vehicle in an efficient and easy manner by the user. The present invention may also include the following aspects: 1. A method (100) for providing communication capabilities in a vehicle (200), comprising: Providing (110) a code (10) on the vehicle (200), the code (10) being detectable by a user's portable terminal (300) and including a unique identification (100) of a communication unit (220) of the vehicle (200); Reading (120) a code (10) provided on a vehicle (200); sending (130) by the portable terminal (300) to a communications provider a response request for activating a communications capability of the communications unit (220), the response request including the read unique identification information of the communications unit (220) of the vehicle (200); Provision (140) of communications capabilities for the communications unit (220) by the communications provider if the user is registered with the communications provider. The method includes: 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit (220) is a SIM unit and providing (140) communication capability for the communication unit includes downloading an eSIM to the SIM unit. 3. The method (100) according to 1 or 2 above, further comprising checking the identity of the user by the communications provider after receiving the response request, and wherein communications capability is provided only if the identity of the user is authenticated. 4. A method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the identity of the user is stored in the communications provider. 5. A method (100) according to any one of 1. to 4. above, further comprising detecting at least one biometric characteristic of the user, and wherein the response request further comprises data relating to the at least one biometric characteristic of the user. 6. The method (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the detection of at least one biometric characteristic of the user is performed by a portable terminal (300) or a vehicle (200). 7. A method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the reading (120) of the code (10) provided in the means of transport (200) is performed by a portable terminal (300) and includes starting an application on the portable terminal (300) and reading the code (10) using the application, in particular visual reading or reading via a short-range communication connection. 8. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the code (10) is a visual code, a two-dimensional code or a three-dimensional code, in particular the code is a QR code. 9. A method (100) according to any one of 1. to 8. above, characterized in that the code (10) is provided visually by the means of transport (200) using a display or projection device, or the code (10) is provided by the means of transport (200) using short-range communication. 10. A system for providing communication capabilities in a vehicle (200), comprising: a vehicle-side device (210) configured to provide a code (10) at the vehicle (200), the code (10) being detectable by a user's portable terminal (300) and including a unique identification of a communication unit (220) of the vehicle (200); The vehicle (200) includes a central unit (400) configured to receive a response request from the portable terminal (300) for activating a communication capability of the communication unit (220), the response request including a unique identification of the communication unit (220) of the vehicle (200) detected by the portable terminal (300), and the central unit (400) configured to provide communication capability for the communication unit only if the user is registered with the communication provider. A system characterized by:

Claims

1. A method (100) for providing communication capabilities in a vehicle (200), comprising: Providing (110) a code (10) on the vehicle (200), the code (10) being detectable by a user's portable terminal (300) and including a unique identification (100) of a communication unit (220) of the vehicle (200); Reading (120) a code (10) provided on a vehicle (200); sending (130) by the portable terminal (300) to a communications provider a response request for activating a communications capability of the communications unit (220), the response request including the read unique identification information (220) of the communications unit (220) of the vehicle (200); Provision (140) of communications capabilities for the communications unit (220) by the communications provider if the user is registered with the communications provider. wherein a communication unit (220) of the vehicle (200) communicates directly with a communication provider via a mobile communication network to download the eSIM at the vehicle (200).

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the communication unit (220) is a SIM unit, and providing (140) communication capabilities for the communication unit includes downloading an eSIM to the SIM unit.

3. 3. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: after receiving the response request, the identity of the user is checked by the communication provider, and communication capability is provided only if the identity of the user is authenticated.

4. Method (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identity of the user is stored in the communication provider.

5. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising detecting at least one biometric characteristic of the user, and the response request further comprises data relating to the at least one biometric characteristic of the user.

6. 6. The method (100) of claim 5, characterized in that the detection of at least one biometric characteristic of the user is performed by a portable terminal (300) or a vehicle (200).

7. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reading (120) of the code (10) provided on the means of transport (200) is performed by a portable terminal (300) and comprises starting an application on the portable terminal (300) and reading the code (10) using the application, in particular visual reading or reading via a short-range communication connection.

8. Method (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the code (10) is a visual code, a two-dimensional code or a three-dimensional code, in particular the code is a QR code.

9. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the code (10) is provided visually by the vehicle (200) using a display or projection device or the code (10) is provided by the vehicle (200) using short-range communication.

10. A system for providing communication capabilities in a vehicle (200), comprising: a device (210) at the vehicle (200) configured to provide a code (10) at the vehicle (200), the code (10) being detectable by a user's portable terminal (300) and including a unique identification of a communication unit (220) of the vehicle (200); a central unit (400) configured to receive a response request from the portable terminal (300) for activating a communication capability of the communication unit (220), the response request including a unique identification of the communication unit (220) of the vehicle (200) detected by the portable terminal (300), the central unit (400) configured to provide communication capability for the communication unit only if the user is registered with the communication provider; A communication unit (220) of the vehicle (200) is configured to communicate directly with a communication provider via a mobile communication network for downloading the eSIM at the vehicle (200). A system characterized by:

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