Method for managing a digital model of a motor vehicle part

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for managing a digital model of a motor vehicle part implemented by a computer system, the method comprising the following steps: transmitting, from a computer terminal to a data server, a request to export a digital model from a plurality of digital models of motor vehicle parts stored in a database of the data server; in response to the request, transmitting a file containing the digital model by means of the data server to the computer terminal, the file being encoded in a format that can be used by an additive manufacturing device.

Description

Method for managing a digital model of a part of an automotive vehicle

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicles. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for managing digital models of motor vehicle parts, particularly in the context of services such as automotive part repair, dematerialization of spare parts services and personalization of automotive parts.

[0002] In the context of the ecological transition, there is a growing need for the repairability of automotive parts in order to extend the lifespan of vehicles. However, this need is difficult to reconcile with the way spare parts are currently produced. Indeed, just like original parts, spare parts intended for the aftermarket are generally manufactured by injecting plastic material into a mold in a factory located within that aftermarket.

[0003] Given the investment required for such a mold, it is therefore necessary to manufacture parts in large volumes, which is incompatible with small-batch production of automobiles. This incompatibility is further compounded by the growing demand for vehicle customization, both aesthetic and functional. This demand further reduces the required volume of spare parts, thus rendering the investment in a dedicated aftermarket mold pointless.

[0004] Finally, even for vehicles whose parts are manufactured in large volumes, some or all, spare parts must be distributed from the manufacturing plant, on demand, to aftermarket garages so that a defective part can be replaced as quickly as possible. This distribution method generates significant greenhouse gas emissions, which is undesirable given the primary objective mentioned above.

[0005] The invention thus falls within this context and aims to address the various drawbacks that have been mentioned.

[0006] For these purposes, the invention relates to a method for managing a digital model of a part of a motor vehicle implemented by a computer system, the method comprising the following steps: Transmission, from a computer terminal to a data server, of a request to export a digital model from among a plurality of digital models of automotive parts stored in a database of said data server; In response to said request, transmission by the data server to said computer terminal of a file containing said digital model; the file being encoded in a format usable by an additive manufacturing device.

[0007] The invention aims to create a database of digital models of automotive spare parts, generated by an automotive supplier. The database could contain several models of the same part with different aesthetic or functional variations, and / or several models of different parts. When a user wishes to replace a part on their vehicle, either because it is defective or for customization purposes, they can then purchase, directly or through a mechanic, a model of that part available in the database.

[0008] The user receives a model file that can be interpreted by an additive manufacturing or 3D printing device, allowing them to manufacture the automotive part represented by this model directly, or indirectly through a mechanic, for integration into their vehicle. The file could be, for example, an STL or G-code file. This eliminates the need for a mold to manufacture a replacement part, thus overcoming volume constraints. Furthermore, there is no longer a need to distribute replacement parts from a central location, as manufacturing can be carried out directly on-site. Finally, the transmitted file comes directly from the server's database. This helps prevent counterfeiting and therefore guarantees the traceability of the manufactured part and user safety.

[0009] In the context of the present invention, and by way of non-limiting example, "computer system" means any combination of a computer terminal, namely a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, test equipment, a computer server, a controller, a processor, a computing engine, and / or any combination of these components appropriate to the method according to the invention, and a computer server. In the invention, the database may be stored in the server's memory or distributed across multiple servers.

[0010] In the invention, the computer server may be equipped with an interface through which digital models can be loaded, manually or automatically, from another computer server; and / or a digital model selection interface from which a digital model can be selected and downloaded by a user from a computer terminal.

[0011] In the context of the present invention, and by way of non-limiting example, the term "automotive part" means all or part of an automotive component or piece of equipment, such as an engine component, a heating or air conditioning component, a transmission or propulsion component, or optical or lighting equipment. An automotive part may be made of plastic, metal, or any suitable combination of these materials.

[0012] In the context of the present invention, and by way of non-limiting example, a "digital model of a part" means a set of elementary digital objects representing said part. The digital model may, for example, be a 3D model, namely one or more structured meshes, each comprising a plurality of interconnected vertices to define a plurality of faces or volumes approximately representing the surfaces and / or volumes of the part. The 3D model may be stored in a digital file as a list of vertices, each associated with spatial coordinates and connections to other vertices, it being understood that any other suitable form of storage may be considered. Alternatively, the digital model may be an unstructured set of points, namely a point cloud devoid of any information relating to the connections between the points.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, the process includes a preliminary step of storing a plurality of digital models of automotive parts in the database of a computer server.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises, prior to the step of transmitting the file to the computer terminal, a step of encrypting the file using an encryption key; and, following the step of transmitting the encrypted file to said computer terminal: a step of transmitting from the computer terminal to a decryption server, a request for a decryption key, a step of verifying the access conditions of a user of the computer terminal to said digital model by the decryption server; if the verification step is successful, a step of transmitting a decryption key for said encrypted file from the decryption server to the computer terminal; a step of decrypting the encrypted file using the decryption key.

[0015] In this embodiment, it is possible to establish user access conditions for a digital model, notably to ensure that only an authorized user, such as a mechanic, can manufacture the spare part, or to prevent a digital model from being duplicated for counterfeiting purposes. The file transmitted to the computer terminal is encrypted, and the decryption key is transmitted to the computer terminal only when these access conditions are met. Preferably, the decryption key is transmitted to the computer terminal without being accessible to any user of the computer terminal.

[0016] The data server and decryption server can be configured to be the same server or to be separate servers. In the latter case, the file can be encrypted by either the decryption server or the data server.

[0017] The encryption and decryption keys can be a public / private key pair, generated, for example, by a hash function applied to a username and password of a data server administrator. The public key can be used for encryption operations, while the private key is used for decryption when combined with the public key.

[0018] Advantageously, the decryption key request contains an identifier of a computer terminal user, and the access conditions verification step includes a verification of the user's identity, based on said identifier, with regard to access rights to said digital model.

[0019] The said access rights may, for example, include a pre-established list of user identifiers authorized to access a digital model or a pre-established list of types of users authorized to access a digital model.

[0020] Advantageously, the decryption key request contains a user identifier for the computer terminal, and the access conditions verification step includes checking the number of times that user has accessed the digital model against a predetermined number of authorized accesses. It is therefore possible to ensure that a file containing a digital model can be downloaded a maximum number of times, or even only once.

[0021] Advantageously, the encryption step includes a substep of recording, in a distributed ledger, a transaction carried out on said digital model between the data server and said user, said transaction being associated with predetermined access conditions.

[0022] In this example, it is possible to encrypt a digital model identifier in the database within a digital token and associate this token with the user in a distributed ledger. This ensures that only the owner of the digital model can, according to access conditions, decrypt the token and download the file containing the digital model in order to manufacture it. These features thus provide strong protection against counterfeiting of the part represented by this digital model.

[0023] In the context of the present invention, and by way of non-limiting example, a "token" is understood to be a unique and non-fungible code associated with a digital model, for example via a unique identifier of the digital model, and recorded in a distributed ledger or any other immutable database. The token could, for example, be a cryptographic token, also known as an NFT (Non-Fungible Token), recorded on a blockchain and managed by a smart contract protocol. The digital model associated with a token thus forms a digital asset, and each transaction carried out on this digital model can be recorded on the distributed ledger. The smart contract updates the owner of the digital model according to the information relating to that transaction and verifies whether the predetermined access conditions are met.

[0024] In particular, it may be foreseen that the preliminary step of storing a digital model of a part in the database is followed by a preliminary step of generating, by a smart contract equipped with the said predetermined access conditions, a token associated with this digital model and of associating, by the smart contract in the distributed ledger, this token with an identifier of the equipment manufacturer who designed this digital model.

[0025] In another alternative or cumulative embodiment of the invention, the method comprises, following receipt of the export request, the transmission of a request to verify the access conditions of a user of the computer terminal to said digital model to a smart contract for managing a digital token associated with this digital model and recorded in a distributed ledger. Where applicable, the step of transmission by the data server to said computer terminal of said file containing said digital model is conditional upon receipt of an access confirmation by the smart contract.

[0026] Alternatively, any other appropriate method of digital rights management, or DRM (from the English "Digital Rights Management"), can be used to control access to and use of digital models stored in the database of the data server.

[0027] Advantageously, this file encodes all the instructions necessary for manufacturing the part, using an additive manufacturing device, according to the digital model contained in that file. In this example, the file is encoded in g-code format.

[0028] Advantageously, the process includes a manufacturing step using an additive manufacturing device, which produces the part from the aforementioned file according to the digital model contained in that file. The additive manufacturing device could, for example, be an MJF (Multi-Fusion Jet) type 3D printer.

[0029] In one embodiment of the invention, said file encodes a type of material and / or a type of device authorized for manufacturing a part according to said digital model. Where applicable, the process includes, prior to the manufacturing step, a verification step of the type of material and / or the type of device used for the manufacturing step with regard to said type of material and / or the type of device authorized. Said type of material and / or the type of device authorized may, for example, be established during the design of the digital model.

[0030] Advantageously, the manufacturing step is implemented only if the type of material and / or device used for the printing step matches the type of material and / or device authorized for the part. This ensures that the part will be manufactured only using a process certified by the equipment manufacturer that created the digital model. Otherwise, the manufacturing step will be stopped.

[0031] Advantageously, each digital model of an automotive part stored in the server's database includes a unique three-dimensional element associated with that model. This unique three-dimensional element could, for example, be a 3D QR code. This unique three-dimensional element ensures the traceability of the automotive part that has been designed.

[0032] The invention also relates to a computer system capable of implementing the process according to the invention.

[0033] The invention also relates to a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a processor, lead the processor to implement the steps of the process according to the invention.

[0034] The invention also relates to a computer-readable storage medium comprising portions of code from a computer program intended to be executed by a processor to implement the steps of the process according to the invention.

[0035] The invention also relates to a part of a motor vehicle designed using the method according to the invention.

[0036] The present invention is now described by means of purely illustrative and in no way limiting examples of the scope of the invention, and from the accompanying drawings, in which the various figures represent:

[0037] represents, schematically and partially, a method for managing a digital model of a part of a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0038] represents, schematically and partially, a computer system for the implementation of the process of the.

[0039] It should be noted that in these figures the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references.

[0040] Of course, various other modifications can be made to the invention within the scope of the attached claims.

[0041] We have represented a process for managing a digital model of a part of a motor vehicle implemented by a computer system such as the one shown in.

[0042] The computer system shown includes a computer terminal 1, such as a desktop or laptop computer. Alternatively, the computer terminal could be a smartphone, a tablet, or any other device capable of being connected to a wireless communication network.

[0043] The computer system also includes a computer server 2 equipped with a computer memory 21 in which a database 22 is stored.

[0044] The computer system also includes an additive manufacturing device 3.

[0045] The computer terminal 1, the computer server 2, and the manufacturing device 3 are capable of exchanging information with each other via a wireless communication network. Furthermore, the computer server 2 is connected to a distributed ledger 4 of the blockchain type on which transactions can be recorded by one or more smart contracts 41 manipulating digital, cryptographic, non-fungible tokens (NFTs). By way of non-limiting example, the ledger 4 could be an Ethereum network or a Tezos blockchain.

[0046] In a first step E01 of the process, a plurality of numerical models M iAutomotive parts are stored in database 22 of computer server 2. Each model can be generated beforehand by an equipment manufacturer, from different parts and / or by variations of one or more aesthetic aspects and / or one or more structural or functional characteristics of the same part. Each digital model M i thus generated to be paid by the equipment manufacturer, manually or automatically from another computer server (not shown).

[0047] Each digital model M i includes a 3D QR code, which, when present on a part corresponding to this digital model M i This ensures the conformity and traceability of this part.

[0048] Furthermore, for each digital model M i , a file F i in g-code format, allowing the manufacture of a part conforming to this model M iis also stored in database 22.

[0049] Each F file i is first encrypted by server 2 using a public key PK from a public key PK and private key SK pair, stored on server 2. The public key PK can be used for encryption operations while the private key SK is used for decryption purposes when combined with the public key PK.

[0050] In a second step E02, the storage of each model M i in database 22 triggers the generation, via a smart contract 41, of an NFT token i .

[0051] The generation of this NFT token i is recorded by smart contract 41 in distributed register 4. The digital model M iThis forms a digital asset that can be traded, with each transaction being recorded on the distributed ledger 4 by the smart contract 41, which updates the NFT token. i associated the owner of the digital model M i according to the information relating to this transaction.

[0052] In the example described, smart contract 41 manages the NFT token i associated with a digital model M i implements access conditions for file F i corresponding to this digital model M i By way of non-limiting example, these access conditions include a pre-established list of user types authorized to access file F. i and the number of downloads allowed per user of said file F i .

[0053] Server 2 and its database 22 thus form a digital marketplace for automotive spare parts. When a user wishes to replace a part on their vehicle, either because it is defective or for customization purposes, they can then purchase, directly or through a mechanic, a model of that part available in the database.

[0054] For these purposes, the computer server 2 includes a digital model selection interface from which a digital model M i corresponding to the desired spare part can be selected by the user from computer terminal 1.

[0055] The said interface may include a payment interface allowing the user to carry out a bank transaction for the purchase of the digital model M i .

[0056] When this model is selected, in step E1, the computer terminal 1 transmits an export request R e of the digital model M i to the data server. The R request e contains both an identifier of the M model i selected and a user ID U j having selected the M model i , this identifier indicating the type of user.

[0057] In step E2, server 2 checks if the access conditions of user U j to file F i corresponding to the digital model M i are satisfied.

[0058] To this end, in a substep E21, a transaction Tr relating to the model M i and containing the user identifier U j is transmitted by server 2 to smart contract 41 managing the NFT token i relating to this model M i .

[0059] In a substep E22, the smart contract 41 can thus check, on the one hand, whether the user type contained in the identifier U j is part of the list of types authorized in its access conditions to file F i .

[0060] He can also check the number of downloads of file F i by user U j which is recorded in the distributed ledger 4.

[0061] In the event that the user type is among the allowed types and in the event that the number of downloads of file F i If the number of downloads is less than the allowed number, smart contract 41 records transaction Tr in the distributed ledger, incrementing the NFT token. i the number of downloads.

[0062] In substep E23, smart contract 41 transmits an A confirmation to server 2 r access to file F i by user Uj .

[0063] Upon receiving this confirmation, in step E3, server 2 decrypts the file F i using the combination of its private key SK and its public key PK and transmits the decrypted file F i at computer terminal 1.

[0064] Other methods of verifying access conditions to file F could be considered. i , and in particular variants in which the F file i is transmitted in encrypted form, and the decryption key is transmitted to terminal 1 only upon receipt of confirmation from smart contract 41. Any other appropriate Digital Rights Management (DRM) method may also be used to control access to and use of digital models M i and / or F files i .

[0065] File F iOnce deciphered, a file in g-log format allows the manufacturing device 3 to be controlled to produce a part conforming to model M. i corresponding. This file F i encodes all the instructions necessary for the manufacture of this part by manufacturing device 3. The file F i also encodes a type of material and / or a type of device authorized for the manufacture of this part

[0066] In step E4, the file F i can then be transmitted to device 3 to be interpreted and to result in the manufacture of the part corresponding to model M i Note that the file F i can be transmitted directly from server 2 to device 3.

[0067] In a pre-manufacturing step E51, the manufacturing device 3 checks whether the type of material it is loaded with and its own type conform to the material and device types encoded in the file F i .

[0068] If there is a match between these types, the manufacturing device 3 then proceeds, in a step E52, to manufacture the part.

[0069] The preceding description clearly explains how the invention achieves its stated objectives, namely, avoiding the centralization of automotive spare parts manufacturing and the use of molds for their production. These objectives are achieved through the implementation of a digital spare parts platform, enabling users to securely upload files for the manufacture of certified and traceable automotive parts.

[0070] In any event, the invention cannot be limited to the embodiments specifically described in this document, and extends in particular to all equivalent means and to any technically operative combination of these means.

Claims

Method for managing a digital model of a part of a motor vehicle implemented by a computer system, the method comprising the following steps: Transmission, from a computer terminal to a data server, of a request to export a digital model from among a plurality of digital models of automotive parts stored in a database of said data server; In response to said request, transmission by the data server to said computer terminal of a file containing said digital model; the file being encoded in a format usable by an additive manufacturing device. A method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises, prior to the step of transmitting the file to the computer terminal, a step of encrypting the file using an encryption key; and in that the method comprises, following the step of transmitting the encrypted file to said computer terminal: a step of transmitting from the computer terminal to a decryption server, a request for a decryption key, a step of verifying the access conditions of a user of the computer terminal to said digital model by the decryption server; in the event of success of the verification step, a step of transmitting a decryption key for said encrypted file from the decryption server to the computer terminal; a step of decrypting the encrypted file using the decryption key. A method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the decryption key request contains an identifier of a computer terminal user, and in that the access conditions verification step includes a verification of the user's identity, based on said identifier, with regard to access rights to said digital model. A method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the decryption key request contains an identifier of a computer terminal user, and in that the access conditions verification step includes a verification of the number of accesses by said user to said digital model with regard to a predetermined number of authorized accesses. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the encryption step includes a substep of recording, in a distributed ledger, a transaction carried out on said digital model between the data server and said user, said transaction being associated with predetermined access conditions. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said file encodes all the instructions necessary for the manufacture, by an additive manufacturing device, of the part according to the digital model contained in this file. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a manufacturing step by an additive manufacturing device, from said file, of the part according to the digital model contained in said file. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said file encodes a type of material and / or a type of device authorized for the manufacture of a part according to said digital model and in that it includes, prior to the manufacturing step, a verification step of the type of material and / or the type of device used for the manufacturing step with regard to said type of material and / or said type of device authorized. A process according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the manufacturing step is implemented only if there is a match between said type of material and / or said type of device used for the printing step and said type of material and / or said type of device authorized. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each digital model of an automotive part stored in the server's database comprises a unique three-dimensional element associated with said model.

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