Method for carrying out a payment process for a product in a motor vehicle, computer program product, and assistance system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for carrying out a payment process for a product (14) in a motor vehicle (10), comprising the steps of: providing a user profile (22) of a user (20) for paying for products (14) in the motor vehicle (10) by means of an electronic computing device (18) of an assistance system (12), at least one identification character string for a real-time debit method (24) being provided for the user profile (22), and at least one online banking access (26) being linked to the user profile (22); detecting an intention of the user (28) to purchase the product (14) by means of a detection device (16) of the assistance system (12); establishing a connection (30) between the online banking access (26) by means of a communication device (20) of the assistance system (12); displaying an approval request (32) for a payment process via the online banking access (26) by means of a display device (34); and carrying out the payment process by means of the real-time debit method (24) by approving the user (28) via the display device (34). The invention also relates to a computer program product and to an assistance system (12).

Description

[0001] Mercedes-Benz Group AG

[0002] Method for carrying out a payment transaction for a product in a motor vehicle, computer program product and support system

[0003] The following invention relates to a method for carrying out a payment transaction for a product in a motor vehicle by means of a support system of the motor vehicle according to claim 1. The invention further relates to a corresponding computer program product and a support system.

[0004] Monetizing services is a strategically important issue for automotive manufacturers. The so-called request-to-pay method is an established payment method for online transactions in general.

[0005] Request to Pay was introduced to eliminate the need for manual entry of recipient account details, amount, and payment reference in online transactions, thereby reducing errors. Furthermore, payment fees for both buyers and sellers can be reduced through the use of direct debit. Real-time payment capability is also offered, along with data minimization through the exclusion of third parties. Finally, security is enhanced by fewer parties involved in the process.

[0006] The standard Request to Pay system is tailored to the needs of typical online retailers, i.e., webshops. Customers must therefore manually enter their bank details for each purchase. After clicking "buy now," there is no automatic redirection to online banking for order authorization. There is also no integration with, for example, a vehicle infotainment system. This lack of integration significantly simplifies the payment process for the customer compared to established standard procedures.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to create a method, a computer program product and a support system by means of which a safer method for paying for a product inside the motor vehicle and road safety can be increased.

[0008] This problem is solved by a method, a computer program product, and a support system according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0009] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for carrying out a payment transaction for a product in a motor vehicle using a support system of the motor vehicle. A user profile for paying for products in the motor vehicle is provided by means of an electronic computing unit of the support system, wherein at least one identification string for a real-time direct debit procedure is provided for the user profile, and wherein at least one online banking access is linked to the user profile. The user's purchase intention for a product is recorded by means of a recording unit of the support system. A connection is established between the online banking access and the user profile via a communication unit of the support system. A release request for a payment transaction is received and displayed via the online banking access by means of a display unit.The payment process is carried out using the real-time direct debit procedure through the user's authorization via the display device.

[0010] In particular, a corresponding direct debit payment procedure or a so-called "Request to Pay" can be provided in a motor vehicle to enable convenient and secure payments from within the vehicle, especially regarding relevant vehicle functions. However, current technology requires the user or buyer to enter their bank details, such as the IBAN, for each transaction. This is particularly inconvenient in motor vehicles and can also lead to safety issues, for example, if the user is the driver and is distracted from driving by entering the complex IBAN. Specifically, according to current technology, the user could be distracted from driving if they enter the IBAN.The invention therefore proposes in particular that the identification string, which corresponds for example to the IBAN, is stored in the vehicle with the personal user profile and that a link to the online banking access, for example via an application of the user, is also stored in the corresponding profile.

[0011] This allows the purchase to be initiated with a single click, for example, on the product itself, and all necessary data is transmitted to the online banking account. The online banking account, which requires user authorization to complete the purchase, can then automatically send the authorization request for this payment transaction to, for example, the vehicle and display it there. The user only needs to click the authorization button a second time to actually complete the payment. The user therefore does not need to enter their IBAN, payment reference, or amount; this is all done automatically via the user profile and corresponding products, and automatically linked to the online banking account.

[0012] In particular, the integration of the so-called request-to-pay process within the vehicle system can be leveraged, for example, with the backend of a vehicle manufacturer. This enables a simple and seamless customer experience by leveraging synergies with the control mechanisms of an infotainment system. The ease of use promotes the completion of purchases of digital services and also offers enhanced safety, as it minimizes driver distraction during the purchasing process.

[0013] As an example of how to purchase a vignette, a digital vignette can be provided, depending on the vehicle's location. For instance, shortly before crossing a border into a country requiring a vignette, a corresponding digital vignette can be offered. The user can then enter the required information for the vignette via the reader. An automated connection to the user's online banking access is then established, and the user simply needs to confirm the authorization request to complete the purchase. This way, the user is not distracted from driving, thus increasing road safety. The Request-to-Pay (RtP) process is an electronic payment method in which the payee (creditor) sends a payment request to the payer to demand payment for a specific invoice or transaction.The RtP (Return to Payment) process allows the creditor to provide the payer with all relevant payment information, such as the invoice amount, the due date, and a unique transaction reference. The payer can then review the payment request and make the payment using their preferred payment method, in this case, direct debit. The RtP process offers several advantages over traditional payment methods. It is fast and efficient because the creditor requests payment directly, and the payer can make the payment immediately. The RtP process provides the payer with greater transparency and control over their payments, as they receive all relevant payment information directly from the creditor and can make the payment immediately.The RtP (Return to Payment) process can be integrated into automated payment processes to reduce manual effort and prevent payment processing errors. RtP offers high security standards and supports compliance with legal requirements by providing complete documentation of payment processes. It is used in various industries, such as retail, healthcare, energy, and financial services. In particular, it forms a key component of Electronic Bill Presentation and Payment (EBPP) solutions and is increasingly used as the preferred payment method for online and mobile payments.

[0014] In one advantageous implementation, the user's IBAN is provided as an identification string. For example, the user can initially store the corresponding IBAN in their user profile when purchasing a vehicle or before starting a journey. The IBAN thus provides a unique identification of the user with the corresponding account and bank. However, the IBAN is a very complex data format, which is particularly time-consuming to enter. Automatically entering the IBAN can therefore significantly reduce the user's workload, as the account link and payment information can be provided automatically. Another advantageous implementation involves displaying the authorization request on a screen of the support system and / or on a mobile device.The authorization request is specifically designed for online banking. For example, a connection to the bank's online service can be established in a central display unit of the vehicle, particularly an infotainment system, and the authorization request can be displayed there. This display unit can also be a touchscreen, allowing it to function as a data capture device. Thus, the user can grant authorization simply by clicking on the authorization request. This enables payment for the product with just two clicks. Alternatively, after the input has been captured on the data capture device, an authorization request can be sent to the user's mobile device, which may also be linked to their user profile.The mobile device in question is, in particular, the user's smartphone, which can be linked to the vehicle via the infotainment system, for example. Therefore, authorization can also be granted via the mobile device.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment, the user is identified by means of the data capture device and / or another data capture device, and depending on this identification, at least the corresponding user profile is retrieved. For example, the data capture device could be a fingerprint scanner and uniquely identify the user or person based on the fingerprint. Following identification, a link can then be established with the corresponding user profile, so that the payment transaction can be clearly assigned to the correct user. Alternatively, for example, a camera in the vehicle could also be used as a data capture device to identify the user, thus enabling the payment transaction to be assigned to the correct person.

[0016] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous to offer a product to the user automatically. For example, when crossing a border, especially shortly before crossing, the user can be offered the option to purchase the correct vignette for the next country. This can be done, for instance, based on the vehicle's current location. An automated product offer can then be displayed on the vehicle's screen. The user is thus informed that a vignette is required in a neighboring country. By confirming the purchase, the user can easily complete the payment process, thereby preventing them from driving in the neighboring country without the necessary permit.Furthermore, products such as services, for example, the provision of seat heating, can also be offered. This could involve, for instance, measuring the outside or inside temperature of the vehicle and offering a corresponding comfort function, such as seat heating, depending on the measured temperature. This can also be automated, so that the user is significantly less distracted and can thus concentrate better on the driving task.

[0017] In another advantageous embodiment, a payment confirmation signal is generated after the payment process is completed, and the product is released based on this signal. This confirmation signal can be sent to the product provider, for example. If the product is digital, release can then occur immediately. This allows for the rapid payment and delivery of time-critical products, such as vignettes or vehicle comfort features. This increases both security and convenience for the user.

[0018] It has also proven advantageous to generate a payment reference based on the user profile and the product, and to include this reference when processing the payment. This eliminates the need for the user to specify a payment reference; it is automatically generated and included in the payment process for direct debit transactions. This allows for a simple payment process for the product with just a few user interactions.

[0019] It is also advantageous if a payment amount is generated based on the product and used during the payment process. This eliminates the need for the user to enter a payment amount; it is automatically generated and included in the payment details for direct debit transactions. This allows for a simple payment process for the product with just a few user interactions.

[0020] The presented method is, in particular, a computer-implemented method. Therefore, a further aspect of the invention also relates to a computer program product with program code means which, when the program code means are executed by the electronic computing device, cause it to carry out a method according to the preceding aspect.

[0021] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a computer-readable storage medium containing at least the computer program product according to the preceding aspect.

[0022] A further aspect of the invention relates to a support system for carrying out a payment transaction for a product in a motor vehicle, comprising at least one detection device, a communication device, and an electronic computing device, wherein the support system is configured to carry out a method according to the preceding aspect. In particular, the method is carried out by means of the support system.

[0023] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle with a support system according to the preceding aspect. The motor vehicle can be either partially electric or fully electric. Furthermore, the motor vehicle can be either partially assisted or fully assisted.

[0024] Advantageous embodiments of the process are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the computer program product, the computer-readable storage medium, the support system, and the motor vehicle. The support system and the motor vehicle possess tangible features to enable the execution of the corresponding process steps.

[0025] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0026] This shows:

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle with an embodiment of a support system;

[0028] Fig. 2 shows a schematic flowchart according to an embodiment of part of a method according to the invention; and

[0029] Fig. 3 shows another schematic flowchart of a further part of the process.

[0030] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle 10. The motor vehicle 10 has at least one support system 12. The support system 12 is designed to carry out a payment transaction for a product 14 in the motor vehicle 10. For this purpose, the support system 12 has at least one detection device 16, one electronic computing device 18, and one communication device 20.

[0032] In the method according to the invention, it is particularly provided that a user profile 22 for paying for products 14 in the motor vehicle 10 is provided by means of the electronic computing device 18, wherein at least one identification string for a real-time direct debit procedure 24 is provided for the user profile 22, and wherein at least one online banking access 26 is linked to the user profile 22. A purchase intention of a user 28 for the product 14 is recorded by means of the recording device 16. A connection 30 is established between the online banking access 26 and the user profile 22 by means of the communication device 20. A release request 32 is then transmitted to the electronic computing device 18. The release request 32 is displayed for the payment process via the online banking access 26 by means of a display device 34, in the present embodiment in particular as part of the support system 12.The payment process is then carried out using the real-time direct debit procedure 24 by the user's authorization 28 via the display device 34.

[0033] As an alternative to the display device 34 in the motor vehicle 10, the display device of a mobile device of the user 28 can also be used, for example.

[0034] In particular, an IBAN of user 28 can be provided as an identification string.

[0035] Furthermore, it may be provided that the user 28 is identified by means of the recording device 16 and / or another recording device and that the corresponding user profile 22 is retrieved depending on this.

[0036] Furthermore, a product can be automatically offered to user 28. For example, the product can be offered automatically depending on the current position of the vehicle 10.

[0037] Furthermore, it may be provided that after the payment process is carried out, a confirmation signal of the payment is generated and, depending on this, the release of product 14 is carried out.

[0038] Furthermore, it can be provided that, depending on the user profile 22 and the product 14, a purpose of use is generated and specified when carrying out the payment process. Additionally, depending on the product 14, a payment amount can be generated and used when carrying out the payment process.

[0039] Fig. 2 shows a schematic flowchart according to one embodiment of the method. In particular, Fig. 2 shows the so-called setup, or the one-time setup for carrying out the corresponding payment process. In a first step S1, the user 28 accesses their personal user profile 22 or a corresponding vehicle profile. Furthermore, if the user has not already accessed the profile, this step can be proactively offered to the user 28 in the case of a product offer. Additionally, this step can be made part of the commissioning process during the configuration of the vehicle 10.

[0040] In a second step (S2), user 28 adds the IBAN used for billing the relevant services to the selected user profile 22. If, for example, an alias name is to be used for payment, this alias name can also be used here. The corresponding profile, depending on how the user is logged in—either via the vehicle account or a personal account—is updated with the IBAN or the alias name, respectively. Subsequently, the IBAN and alias name are treated as equivalent, and only the IBAN is mentioned. At the latest, when the payment process is executed, the alias name is converted back to the IBAN.

[0041] In a third step, S3, the user 28 adds a link to their online banking access 26 to the selected user profile 22. This can be a link to an application on a mobile device, or a URL to the mobile website of the user's online banking access 26. If a URL is used, the user 28 can specify whether the URL should be accessed in the vehicle's browser or on the mobile device. Alternatively, the URL of the bank's mobile banking application can be automatically determined from the customer's IBAN using a table stored in the infotainment system or backend, or via an online query to the online bank or a bank database. The URL is retrieved from the bank-referencing part of the IBAN, particularly the former bank sort code. Alternatively, the customer can determine the URL themselves by selecting their bank from a list of banks displayed in the infotainment system.The corresponding user profile 22 is supplemented with the link to his online banking access 26.

[0042] In a fourth step, S4, the image of user profile 22 in the backend is updated or supplemented with the data points from steps S2 and S3. In the fifth step, S5, the IBAN of user 28's bank account is now available.

[0043] Figure 3 again shows a schematic flowchart of a corresponding purchase or payment transaction for product 14. In a sixth step S6, the digital product 14 is offered in the vehicle 10, for example, the booking of a vignette when approaching a relevant border. Or, for example, the activation of the seat heating in very cold weather. However, it could also be an external service that is paid for via the payment transaction through the vehicle 10, for example, refueling via a corresponding application.

[0044] In a seventh step, S7, product 14 is assigned a so-called UID (a unique identifier, for example, a sufficiently long random number) as a reference. This reference is always sent in the background in all subsequent automatic data transfers, invisibly to the user 28, in order to link product offer, purchase, payment, and product activation.

[0045] In an eighth step S8, the offer, including the price, the UID, a human-readable purpose (especially for display in banking and for the account statement), and the corresponding terms and conditions, is presented to the user 28 on the display device 34 or alternatively on a corresponding application.

[0046] In a ninth step, S9, the offer is also structured using RtP mechanisms to include, for example, a free trial period. If the contract is cancelled during the trial period, no payment is made and the digital product 14, which was activated for the trial, is no longer available afterwards. Without cancellation, payment is automatically triggered at the end of the trial period.

[0047] In step S10, the user can select the RtP payment option and only needs to confirm, usually with a single click. This is considerably easier and less distracting, especially while driving, than entering the corresponding IBAN.

[0048] In an eleventh step, S11, for example, the infotainment system transmits the product purchase, including price, UID, and a human-readable purpose, to the backend.

[0049] In a twelfth step (S12), the backend completes the data necessary for payment processing, including the customer IBAN assigned to the current profile and the link to the online banking application. Depending on how the user (28) registered, both can originate either from their personal user profile (22) or from a general vehicle profile.

[0050] In a thirteenth step, S13, the backend then transmits the UID, the payment amount, the purpose of payment, and the customer's IBAN to the relevant bank that manages the manufacturer's account, either via a payment intermediary or directly, to trigger the payment request. In a fourteenth step, S14, the manufacturer's bank processes the payment and forwards the payment request to the customer's bank along with the UID and a human-readable purpose of payment. In a fifteenth step, S15, the customer's bank makes the RtP request available to the customer via their online banking application.

[0051] In a sixteenth step (S16), specifically parallel to the steps in S14 and S15, the backend, possibly with a delay, is transferred to the vehicle infotainment system along with the link to the online banking application. Depending on the type of link (URL for head unit browser, URL for mobile browser, app link for mobile online banking app), either the head unit browser is launched with the online banking website, or the request from the backend is forwarded to the user's mobile device (28), or the online banking app is launched on the mobile device and / or online banking is started in the customer's mobile browser.

[0052] In a seventeenth step S17, the user 28 again authorizes the payment to his customer bank with a single click in his home banking.

[0053] In an eighteenth step S18, the bank accordingly executes the payment to the manufacturer's bank and transmits the UID and the purpose of use.

[0054] In a nineteenth step S19, the manufacturer's bank confirms the payment, possibly via a payment intermediary, to the manufacturer's backend and transmits the UID and the purpose of payment.

[0055] In the twentieth step (S20), the completed purchase is communicated from the backend to the vehicle (10). The purchased product (14) is identified using the UID, and the digital product (14) is activated. In the case of a purchase of an external service, the payment is forwarded to the external service provider, and the successful payment is displayed to the customer.

[0056] In a twenty-first step S21, in the case of a trial offer and in the case of cancellation within the trial period, the digital product 14 can be withdrawn from use again.

[0057] In a twenty-second step S22, the payment history with amount and purpose can be displayed in the infotainment system and / or on a user application 28.

Claims

Mercedes-Benz Group AG Patent claims 1. Method for carrying out a payment transaction for a product (14) in a motor vehicle (10) using a support system (12) of the motor vehicle (10), comprising the steps: - Providing a user profile (22) of a user (20) for paying for products (14) in the motor vehicle (10) by means of an electronic computing device (18) of the support system (12), wherein at least one identification string for a real-time direct debit procedure (24) is provided for the user profile (22), and wherein at least one online banking access (26) is linked to the user profile (22); - Detecting a user's purchase intention (28) for the product (14) using a detection device (16) of the support system (12); - Establishing a connection (30) between the online banking access (26) using a communication device (20) of the support system (12); - Displaying a release request (32) for a payment transaction via online banking access (26) using a display device (34); and - Carrying out the payment process using the real-time direct debit procedure (24) by the user's authorization (28) via the display device (34).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that an IBAN of the user is provided as the identification string.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the release request (32) is displayed on a display device (34) of the support system (12) and / or on a display device (34) of a mobile device of the user (28).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the user (28) is identified by means of the recording device (16) and / or a further recording device and, depending on this, at least the corresponding user profile (22) is retrieved.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product (14) is automatically offered to the user (28).

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after the payment process has been carried out, a confirmation signal of the payment is generated and, depending on this, the product (14) is released.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a purpose of use is generated depending on the user profile (22) and depending on the product (14) and the generated purpose of use is also specified when carrying out the payment process.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a payment amount is generated depending on the product (14) and the generated payment amount is used when carrying out the payment process.

9. Computer program product comprising program code means which cause an electronic computing device (18) to perform a method according to one of claims 1 to 8 when the program code means are executed by the electronic computing device (18).

10. Support system (12) for carrying out a payment transaction for a product (14) in a motor vehicle (10), comprising at least one detection device (16), a communication device (20) and an electronic computing device (18), wherein the support system (12) is configured to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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