Method for redirecting a network address, server, computer-readable storage medium, system, method for providing a product with an associated code, and product

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for redirecting a first network address (A1; A11, A12, A13) to a second network address (A; A2) which relates to an information page (34) associated with a product (16, 18, 20) for providing a particular first item of information (I1) relating to the product (16, 18, 20) with an associated identifier (ID; ID1, ID2, ID3) and an associated computer-readable code (C; C1, C2, C3) which contains the first network address (A1; A11, A12, A13) in encoded form, by means of a first service (14) that can be performed by a server (12) when the first network address (A1; A11, A12, A13) is accessed. It is provided that the code (C; C1, C2, C3) contains the identifier (ID; ID1, ID2, ID3) associated with the product (16, 18, 20) and the first service (14) records the identifier (ID; ID1, ID2, ID3) provided when the first network address (A1; A11, A12, A13) is accessed and, on the basis of this and by means of a database (26; 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d), determines the second network address (A; A2) and performs the redirecting to the second network address (A; A2).

Description

[0001] Volkswagen reference number: 2024 / 1361 1 Attorney file: 95624

[0002] Method for redirecting a network address, server, computer-readable storage medium, system, method for providing a product with an associated code and product

[0003] DESCRIPTION:

[0004] The invention relates to a method for redirecting a first network address to a second network address, which relates to an information page of a network associated with a product for providing specific first information about the product. This second network address is assigned an identifier and a computer-readable code that includes the first network address in encoded form. This redirection is achieved by means of a first service executable by a server, which is executed when the first network address is called by the server. The invention further relates to a server, a system, a computer-readable storage medium, a method for providing a product with an assigned code, and a product with an assigned code.

[0005] To provide further information about a specific product, codes such as QR (Quick Response) codes can be used. These can be placed on the product, for example, using an adhesive label. A QR code can be optically scanned with a smartphone camera and decoded by the smartphone. The QR code might contain a network address in encoded form, which, after decoding by the smartphone, is accessed and displays further information about the product via a corresponding webpage. Such a product could be, for example, a motor vehicle or a motor vehicle battery, such as a high-voltage battery or battery module, or similar components.Thus, information about the specific battery, such as the cell chemistry used, capacity and the like, can be accessed via a QR code Volkswagen sign: 2024 / 1361 2 Lawyer's file: 95624.

[0006] Furthermore, certain countries and / or regions have legal requirements regarding what information about such a battery must be made available to the user, for example, recycling information. These requirements can vary from region to region or country to country. However, the information encoded by a QR code, such as the encoded network address, is fixed once the QR code has been created and is no longer variable. Therefore, a single QR code can always only access the same website.Furthermore, at the time of completion of a specific product, such as a battery and / or the vehicle containing the battery, and especially at the time such a code is affixed to the product, it is generally not yet known to which region or country the product is to be sold or delivered, nor what legal requirements regarding the provision of product information must be met. Therefore, a new label or a separate label with a corresponding QR code would have to be created for each region or country and for each new legal requirement or similar, and this would have to be assigned to the product. This leads to variance and a very high level of control effort in the hardware and consequently in production and logistics.It would therefore be desirable to show a way in which specific information about a particular product can be provided more easily and flexibly.

[0007] US Patent 2023 / 0145040 A1 describes a method for delivering content after a QR code is scanned by a device. A server receives a UUID (Universally Unique Identifier) ​​of the device and a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). The UUID can refer to parameters such as the operating system name, operating system version, device model, and so on. This allows the content to be delivered tailored to these device parameters. Volkswagen Reference: 2024 / 1361 3 Attorney File: 95624

[0008] US Patent 2023 / 0406140 A1 describes a method in a mobile communication device for tracking the health and usage of a vehicle battery using a QR code. This involves using a mobile communication device's camera to capture an image of a label attached to an electric vehicle, analyzing the image, identifying the electric vehicle based on the analysis, determining vehicle battery data associated with the electric vehicle's battery, deriving a battery status indicator from this data, and then making it available to a user interface.

[0009] US Patent 11,120,095 B2 describes a method for calculating interactive, personalized content in response to the scanning of a machine-readable label. In this process, a user receives a scan of the label, captured by a mobile device's camera. Based on the scan, a redirect URL is determined. Using a user profile and a redirect service accessed via the redirect URL, the personalized content is then displayed to the user on the redirected landing page.

[0010] US Patent 2022 / 0230487 A1 describes a method for decoding and making accessible information about an automobile, in which a QR code is embedded in a glass surface of the automobile and the code is scanned to make the information about the automobile accessible and display it.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for redirecting a network address, a server, a system, a computer-readable medium, a method for providing a product, and a product that make it possible to provide information about such a product in the most flexible and situation-adapted way possible.

[0012] This task is solved by a method for redirecting a network address, a server, a system, a computer-readable medium, a method for providing a product, and a product with the feature according to the respective independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the Volkswagen trademark: 2024 / 1361 4 Attorney's file: 95624

[0013] The invention is the subject of the dependent patent claims, the description, and the figures.

[0014] In an inventive method for redirecting a first network address to a second network address, which relates to an information page assigned to a product, through which specific first information about the product can be provided via a network, to which an identifier and a computer-readable code are assigned, comprising the first network address in encoded form, by means of a first service executable by a server, which is executed when the first network address is called by the server, it is provided that the code assigned to the product comprises the identifier assigned to the product in encoded form and the first service executed by the server detects the identifier provided to the server when the first network address is called, determines the second network address depending on the identifier and by means of a database, and executes the redirection to the second network address.

[0015] The invention is based on several insights: firstly, products such as a vehicle, a vehicle battery, or other vehicle components can be assigned unique identifiers, for example, the so-called Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or a serial number. These identifiers allow the products in question to be identified. Secondly, manufacturers often provide corresponding databases for their products, which can contain a wide variety of information about the respective products, such as technical data, product parameters, and the like. These databases can be continuously updated with new, current information, for example, when a vehicle battery or battery module is replaced, to which country the product in question was sold or delivered, and so on.Thus, it is now advantageously possible to provide the server with the identifier assigned to the product, by which the product can be identified, when the first network address is accessed. The first service executed by the server when the first network address is accessed can advantageously use this identifier to determine the second network address based on this identifier and using the database. This second network address can then be selected according to current product information obtained from the database, such as the country or region currently assigned to the product. The server, or rather the first service executed by it, can then redirect the request to this second network address, for example, a country-specific and / or region-specific network address.To give an example, the server can use the provided identifier and the database to determine, for instance, the country or region to which the product in question was sold. Knowing this country or region, the server can then select and redirect to the second network address, which is then assigned to, for example, a country- or region-specific information page of the manufacturer for the product. Therefore, it is advantageous that the country or region to which the product is sold or shipped is not yet known at the time the code is assigned to the product. However, if this information becomes known at a later time, it can be stored in the database.If, at a later time, information about the product is to be made available to a user, they can simply scan the code assigned to the product using a suitable reader. This triggers the execution of the first service on the central server, which, as described, redirects the user to a region-specific or country-specific information page for the product—specifically, to the country or region to which the product was delivered or sold according to the database, or to the country or region whose legislation currently applies to the product. This advantageously allows for the provision of country- or region-specific information for a particular product, or, more generally, for the flexible provision of situation-specific information and / or information based on a predetermined criterion, such as a region or country.Country criterion, to provide selected product information about a product.

[0016] This eliminates the need to relabel or tax products based on a specific label for a region or legislation. Instead, a uniform label, including the code assigned to the product, can be provided (Volkswagen registration number: 2024 / 1361 6, legal file number: 95624). This prevents variance in production and logistics, as the variance arising for the relevant purpose is mapped in software.

[0017] The computer-readable code assigned to the product could be, for example, a QR code. However, the code could also be another type of computer-readable code, such as a barcode, a data matrix code, and the like. The first network address, and especially the second network address, could be provided in the form of a URL. The information page assigned to the product, to which the second network address refers, could be a website. The invention and its embodiments are, however, applicable analogously to other networks besides the internet, particularly those using other transmission protocols. In other words, the network does not necessarily have to be the internet.The examples mentioned below, which refer to the internet, websites or the like, are therefore only intended to provide a better illustration and should not be understood as restrictive.

[0018] The first service can be implemented by a program executed by the server. The second service, mentioned later, can also be implemented by a program executed by the server or by another server.

[0019] The fact that the code assigned to the product includes the product's identifier in coded form, and that the first service executed by the server captures the identifier provided to the server when the first network address is accessed, is to be understood in particular as meaning that, at least if the code used to access the first network address, or if the accessed first network address, includes the product's identifier, e.g., in a predefined form or structure, the first service captures the identifier. When accessing the first network address, the first service can then check whether an identifier has been provided or is captureable, or whether an identifier has been provided that meets certain requirements. If, on the other hand, the code does not contain an identifier, or if no identifier is provided to the first service when accessing the first network address, or at least not in a form recognizable to the first service, e.g.,of the prescribed form or Volkswagen mark: 2024 / 1361 7 Attorney's file: 95624.

[0020] If the structure is such that the first service cannot capture the identifier when accessing the first network address, then the first service cannot capture an identifier. This is particularly relevant if the server, or the first service it executes, cannot capture an identifier—for example, because no identifier or a valid identifier was provided when accessing the first network address, or because the first network address accessed, which triggers the execution of the first service, does not include an identifier or a valid identifier, and / or if the product cannot be identified using the provided identifier, and / or if no product-related data can be retrieved from the database using the identifier. In such cases, the first service can provide a default page or error page over the network. Specifically, such a default page or error page can be provided over the network to a reading device, e.g., a computer.a mobile communication device, via which the first network address was accessed. A user may also be prompted to manually enter the identifier via such a standard page. If the user then enters the identifier manually, the procedure can continue as described.

[0021] In other cases, for example, if another parameter transmitted via the first network address, such as a filter parameter and / or a parameter for specifying a product category of the product, as will be explained in more detail later, cannot be assigned and / or captured or is faulty, the first service can provide a corresponding standard page or error page via the network.

[0022] The database can be associated with the product, specifically in the sense that the database contains information about the product. Furthermore, the product can be associated with not just a single database, but also with several different databases. The database can also be an internal or external database. The data stored in the database can therefore be stored on the server, which can also be called the primary server, or on one or more other secondary servers. In the latter case, the primary server can retrieve or request desired information from the database via the network. The database thus contains information about the product. Furthermore, the Volkswagen reference: 2024 / 1361 8 Legal file: 95624

[0023] The database can also include information about other products. In other words, the database does not have to be solely dedicated to that one product.

[0024] The first network address can refer to a central landing page, in particular a website acting as a central routing service. This central routing service is an example of the first service executed by the server when the first network address is accessed. The central landing page can also be called the entry page or start page, although this page is not visually displayed to the user. Accessing this page simply triggers the execution of the first service, which performs the redirection to the second network address, which refers to the information page. This information page can also be called the target page. Determining the second network address can be done by means of a mapping, for example, a tabular mapping.Depending on the identifier, a second piece of information can be determined from the database, which is then assigned to the second network address according to this assignment.

[0025] Therefore, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention is achieved if the first service, depending on the identifier, retrieves at least one second piece of information stored in the database and assigned to the product from the database and determines the second network address depending on the retrieved second piece of information. In particular, the service can select the second network address from several different provided network addresses depending on the retrieved second piece of information. Thus, selected information about the product, especially information selected according to specific criteria, can advantageously be provided via the target page defined by the second network address. This advantageously allows the information available for the product to be selected according to such a criterion.

[0026] It is also highly advantageous if the first service, as the second piece of information, obtains a region and / or a country that is currently assigned to the product and / or a parent product, and / or a brand and / or manufacturer of the product and / or the parent product, and the Volkswagen sign: 2024 / 1361 9 Legal file: 95624 selects the second network address from several network addresses for different regions and / or countries and / or brands and / or manufacturers, depending on the second piece of information obtained.

[0027] If the product, which can also be called the first product, is, for example, a battery, then the higher-level product, which can also be called the second product, can be the motor vehicle that contains the battery. In general, in this context, a higher-level product is understood to be a second product that encompasses the first product. Second-level information relating to the higher-level second product can also be retrieved from the database for the first product.

[0028] For example, batteries or motor vehicles come from various manufacturers or brands. The manufacturer or brand of such a product can be identified using the identifier in the database. This allows the first service, acting as the second network address, to select a network address associated with the manufacturer or brand and, for example, redirect to the corresponding manufacturer's page for the product or the parent product as an information page. Additionally or alternatively, it is also possible to retrieve information from the database about the country to which the product in question was last delivered or sold. The second service can then use this information about the country or region to redirect to the manufacturer's page for that country or region, if one exists.This allows region- or country-specific and manufacturer-specific product information to be provided via the information page to which the user is ultimately redirected. For example, if a product is sold or exported to another country, the corresponding data can be stored in the database as up-to-date information. This also ensures that the region or country can always be determined as a second piece of information.

[0029] Furthermore, the trademark and / or manufacturer, or more generally the second piece of information, may be information related to a parent product associated with the product. For example, Volkswagen Trademark: 2024 / 1361 10 Attorney's File: 95624, the trademark and / or manufacturer may be the trademark or manufacturer of the motor vehicle that includes a battery representing the product.

[0030] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a second service, assigned to the second network address and executed by redirecting to that address, provides the product-related information page upon execution. The second service can be executed by the same first server as the first service or by a different second server. The second service can then provide the product-related information page over the network. This advantageously allows a user who has queried the product-related information by scanning the product's associated code to access this information.

[0031] Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the first service itself provides the information page, for example as a corresponding document or static website with the first piece of information about the product selected depending on the second piece of information and the identifier, e.g. country-specific or region-specific.

[0032] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the server recognizes the identifier as part of the first network address, in which the identifier is embedded, particularly as a URL parameter. The identifier therefore does not need to be transmitted to the server separately, but is passed to it simultaneously when the first network address is accessed. Such a URL parameter can be appended to the actual address specified by the URL. A separator, for example a question mark, can be used between the actual address and such a URL parameter. This advantageously makes it possible to transmit additional parameters to the server simultaneously when accessing the first network address, such as the identifier in this case.

[0033] Similarly, it is also possible to embed additional or alternative parameters, such as URL parameters, into the initial network address and thereby provide them as part of the URL encoded by the code. These additional parameters could be, for example, filter parameters and / or parameters specifying a product category. For instance, if the product is a battery, "battery" as the product category can also be passed to the server as part of the initial network address. This does not necessarily have to be in the form of a URL parameter, which can also be called a query parameter; rather, such a parameter, e.g., the product category, can be passed, for example, as a specific path associated with the product category, which is specified by the initial network address.

[0034] Filter parameters can, for example, specify a use case, as will be explained in more detail later. The server, or rather the first service executed by it, can be configured to determine, capture, or receive such specific parameters, such as the identifier and / or a filter parameter and / or a product category, based on the first network address accessed, and in particular to use or process them further.

[0035] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the identifier represents or comprises an identification number and / or serial number assigned to the product, and the identifier is provided, in particular, in the form of a UID (Unique Identifier) ​​or UUID. Thus, conventional identifiers, which are typically assigned to a product anyway, in the form of identification numbers and / or serial numbers, can advantageously be used to provide such a UID or UUID. For example, if the product is a motor vehicle, the identifier is the vehicle identification number. If the product is a battery or a battery module, the identifier can be the serial number assigned to the battery or module, respectively.The terms "identification number" and "serial number" do not necessarily imply that the identifier consists exclusively of digits. Generally, such an identification number and / or serial number can be a specific string of characters assigned to the product, which may include digits and / or letters and / or other symbols. Volkswagen registration number: 2024 / 1361 12 Attorney's file number: 95624.

[0036] A unique identifier (UID) can generally be understood as an identifier that is unique, for example, within a specific range. A UID does not need to have a fixed length or structure. It can be a number, a string, or a combination of both.

[0037] A UUID can be defined as a 128-bit string used to uniquely identify information or components, for example, across different systems and / or networks. It is designed to be universally unique, not just within a single system. This makes the UUID advantageous for unique identification across multiple systems, such as in distributed databases or global applications.

[0038] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, when the first service is redirected to the second network address, it transmits the identifier to the second service. This is particularly advantageous because the second service can then use the identifier to identify the product and provide product-related, and in particular product-specific, information via the information page. In other words, the second service can select the information page to be provided about the product depending on the captured identifier. The product information, namely the first piece of information, can optionally be retrieved by the second service from a database, in particular the same database and / or a further second database.The information about the product itself does not need to be determined by the server and forwarded to the second service; instead, it is advantageously sufficient to only transmit the product identifier to the second service in order to provide the selected, product-specific information in the form of the first information.

[0039] Accordingly, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention is achieved if the second service, depending on the transmitted identifier, provides the first information associated with the product via the network on the information page associated with the product, in particular obtaining the first information by means of the database and / or a second database and providing it on the information page. This can be done fully automatically and without user interaction (Volkswagen Register No.: 2024 / 1361 13 Attorney File No.: 95624). Thus, the user who scans the code is automatically provided with the relevant product information, pre-selected, for example, based on region or country.Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that the user is provided with a filtering or selection option via the product's information page. This would allow the user, for example, through interaction via their mobile communication device capable of communicating with the second service over the network, to select or specify a use case, thereby further filtering the initial information provided. Examples of such use cases, which can be specified via a parameter, include an environmental vehicle pass, e.g., according to EU7, and / or recycling information for a specific battery and / or a battery's CO2 footprint, e.g., according to EU Battery Regulation, Art. 7. The user could, for example, be provided with a selection option on the information page that allows them to choose such a specific use case.Accordingly, the second service can then provide the initial information about the network, specified for the selected use case. However, such filtering, particularly based on use cases, can also be implemented differently.

[0040] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the server or the first service captures a filter parameter specifying a use case as part of the first network address in which the filter parameter is embedded, for example, again as a URL parameter, wherein the first service, when redirecting to the second network address, transmits the filter parameter to the second service, in particular wherein the second service provides the first information about the network associated with the product on the information page associated with the product, depending on the transmitted filter parameter, and / or wherein the first service determines the second network address depending on the filter parameter, and / or wherein the first service determines the second information depending on the filter parameter.Firstly, a filter parameter specifying a use case can be provided to the server via the first network address, analogous to the detection described above. The server can then either forward this filter parameter to the second service, for example, as part of the second network address, particularly also in the form of a URL parameter (Volkswagen Ref: 2024 / 1361 14 Legal File: 95624), or separately, so that this filter parameter is ultimately provided to the second service, which then provides corresponding product information based on the use case specified by the filter parameter. For example, if recycling information for the product is requested, as indicated by the filter parameter, the second service can provide this recycling information via the information page.If, on the other hand, an environmental passport for vehicles is desired, the second service can provide such a passport with the specified information via the information page. The provision of the environmental passport can therefore be specified by the filter parameter, in particular as part of the first network address encoded by the code, whereby this code is assigned to the vehicle and can, for example, be displayed via the vehicle's infotainment system or be otherwise available on or in the vehicle, or already be provided. If the filter parameter specifies that a CO2 footprint of the battery, e.g., according to EU Battery Regulation, Article 7, is to be provided, this can also be provided as the first piece of information via the information page.

[0041] The first service can also determine the second network address based on the filter parameter. For example, different network addresses might be designated for different use cases. The first service can then select the appropriate second network address according to the use case specified by the filter parameter, and the corresponding product information specified for that use case can then be provided via this address. In this case, the first service does not need to transmit the filter parameter to the second service. In particular, a second service does not even need to be provided.

[0042] Furthermore, the first service can also determine the second piece of information depending on such a filter parameter, e.g., depending on a product category. If the filter parameter represents "battery module" or "battery" as the product category, then data on the associated vehicle, e.g., its VIN, assigned country, etc., can also be obtained as second information. Volkswagen Ref: 2024 / 1361 15 Attorney File: 95624

[0043] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the code assigned to the product is detected and decoded by means of a reading device, and the reading device calls the decoded first network address. The reading device can, for example, be a mobile communication device with a camera that optically detects the code, wherein the mobile communication device, for example a smartphone, decodes the code and calls the corresponding first network address.

[0044] Therefore, any user who owns such a mobile communication device can access situation-specific information about the product in a particularly easy and convenient way.

[0045] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a server designed to execute a method according to the invention or one of its embodiments. The server can, in particular, be the central server described in connection with the method according to the invention and its embodiments. Specifically, the server executes the described method steps when performing the first service executable by the server. In particular, the first service can be executed by running corresponding software that is executed by a processor of the server.

[0046] The server may include a data processing device or a processor circuit configured to perform an embodiment of the method according to the invention. The processor circuit may include at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller and / or at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or at least one DSP (Digital Signal Processor). In particular, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) may be used as the microprocessor. Furthermore, the processor circuit may include program code, in particular the program code implementing the first service, which is configured to perform the embodiment of the method according to the invention when executed by the processor circuit. The program code may be stored in a data memory of the processor circuit.The processor setup can be based, for example, on Volkswagen Sign: 2024 / 1361 16 Attorney File: 95624, at least on a circuit board and / or on at least one SoC (System on Chip).

[0047] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a system with a server according to the invention or one of its embodiments. The system may also include further network participants described in connection with the method according to the invention or its embodiments, for example, a further second server for executing the second service and / or the mobile communication device. Optionally, the system may also include one or more of the databases described in connection with the method according to the invention and its embodiments.

[0048] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a computer-readable storage medium comprising program code which, when executed by a server, causes the server to execute a method according to the invention or one of its embodiments. The server may be a server according to the invention or one of its embodiments. In particular, the execution of the program code stored on the storage medium by the server causes it to execute the first service.

[0049] As a further solution, the invention also includes a computer-readable storage medium comprising program code which, when executed by a computer or a computer network, e.g., by a server, causes it to execute an embodiment of the method according to the invention. The storage medium can be provided at least partially as a non-volatile data storage medium (e.g., as flash memory and / or as an SSD - solid state drive) and / or at least partially as a volatile data storage medium (e.g., as RAM - random access memory). The storage medium can be located within the computer or computer network. However, the storage medium can also be operated, for example, as an app store server and / or cloud server on the internet. The computer or computer network can provide a processor circuit with, for example, at least one microprocessor.The program code can be in binary code and / or assembly code and / or source code of a programming language (e.g. C) and / or program script (e.g. Volkswagen Ref: 2024 / 1361 17 Attorney's file: 95624.

[0050] Python). The computer-readable storage medium can alternatively be implemented by a signal with computer-readable data, e.g., a time-varying voltage signal and / or a radio signal.

[0051] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for providing a product with an assigned code, wherein the product is provided, an identifier is assigned to the product, and a computer-readable code associated with the product, comprising a first network address in encoded form, is generated. The code is generated based on the identifier assigned to the product such that the code includes the identifier in encoded form. This advantageously enables the first service to identify the product based on the product's identifier provided when the first network address is accessed and, via this identification, to retrieve, select, and / or provide further information associated with the product, particularly directly or indirectly via a second service.

[0052] Assigning the identifier to the product can occur directly after the product's manufacture. Specifically, this can be done before the product is shipped and / or sold. Similarly, the creation of the computer-readable code assigned to the product can also take place before the product is shipped and / or sold. The code can be provided in the form of a label or tag, or as part of a label or tag, that is affixed to the product or otherwise attached to it. The code can also be printed directly onto the product. The code can also be laser-etched, engraved, or embossed, particularly on a component of the product. The code can also be provided electronically and displayed, for example, via a display device assigned to the product or to a higher-level product, such as a vehicle. The code can, for example,The code may be stored in the vehicle's infotainment system and displayed on a screen, such as a central display, a passenger display, a head-up display, a digital instrument cluster display, or similar. The code may also be provided as an e-paper, printed in a vehicle owner's manual, or included as a slip of paper with the product. A Volkswagen logo (2024 / 1361 18, Attorney's File: 95624) such a label may also contain additional information besides the code, such as the product identifier in unencoded form. This identifier may be part of a product identification number, a numerical code, or a sequence of characters.

[0053] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a product with an assigned code, which was manufactured or provided by means of a method according to the invention for providing a product with an assigned code or one of its embodiments.

[0054] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the product, the product represents a motor vehicle or a motor vehicle component, in particular a battery and / or a battery module and / or a battery cell. This is particularly advantageous because there are country-specific or legal requirements, especially for motor vehicles and / or motor vehicle batteries, regarding the information that must be made available to a user about the product in question. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the code is located on a part of the product. This facilitates finding the code and retrieving information about the product.

[0055] In general, for use cases or application situations that may arise during the procedure and are not explicitly described here, an error message and / or error page and / or default page and / or a request for user feedback may be provided via the network or displayed on the mobile device, and / or a default setting and / or a predetermined initial state may be set.

[0056] The invention also includes further developments of the server, the system, the method for providing a product, and the product according to the invention, which have features already described in connection with the further developments of the method for redirecting a first network address according to the invention, and vice versa. Volkswagen Trademark: 2024 / 1361 19 Attorney File: 95624. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the respective methods and items according to the invention are not described again here.

[0057] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0058] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by:

[0059] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a system according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0060] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of network addresses encoded by means of QR codes assigned to different products, with identifiers assigned to the respective products according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0061] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a method for retrieving information about a product using a redirection service provided by a server according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0062] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a system according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0063] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a system according to a further embodiment of the invention; and

[0064] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a system according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0065] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention, which are to be considered independently of one another and which further develop the invention independently of each other. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0066] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a system 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The system 10 comprises a server 12, which can also be referred to as the first server 12, and which is designed to execute a service 14, previously also referred to as the first service 14. This service 14 advantageously enables, when called via an assigned network address A1, previously also referred to as the first network address, the provision of manufacturer-specific and / or country-specific or region-specific information 11 for a particular product, in particular by redirecting to a second network address A2 via a network 11, as will now be described in more detail below.

[0067] Examples of such a product are shown here: a motor vehicle 16, a vehicle battery 18 (for example, a high-voltage battery) of the motor vehicle 16, and a battery module 20 encompassed by the motor vehicle battery 18. The motor vehicle 16 can be assigned an identifier ID1, for example, a vehicle identification number. Furthermore, the vehicle 16 is assigned a code C1, for example, in the form of a QR code C1, which can be located somewhere in or on the vehicle. This code C1 contains, in encoded form, the network address A1, which, when called, triggers the execution of service 14. The code C1 also contains the identifier ID1 of the vehicle 16 in encoded form. This ID1 can be provided as part of the network address A1, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0068] Similarly, battery 18 can also be assigned an identifier ID2, for example in the form of a serial number or similar, as well as an associated code C2, for example again a QR code C2. This code C2 can be located anywhere on the outside of battery 18, for example as a label or similar. This code C2 also includes the aforementioned network address A1, as well as Volkswagen reference: 2024 / 1361 21 Legal file: 95624, the identifier ID2 of battery 18 in encoded form. Similarly, module 20 can also be assigned an identifier ID3, for example a serial number assigned to module 20 or similar, and a code C3, for example again a QR code C3, which is located, for example, on the outside of module 20. The code C3 can in turn include the network address A1 as well as the identifier ID3 of module 20 in encoded form.

[0069] For the different products 16, 18, and 20, different network addresses A1 can generally be provided as part of the respective codes C1, C2, and C3. Calling these addresses all leads to the same central server 12, but triggers the execution of different initial services 14. In particular, the addresses can, for example, be identical in the server name of server 12, but differ in the file path, which can be product-specific to facilitate the retrieval of product-specific information. Calling the respective network addresses A1 encoded by the respective codes C1, C2, and C3 can also lead to different servers 12 and trigger the execution of different initial services 14 by these respective servers 12.

[0070] In the following example, certain information 11 about the battery 18 is to be made available. A user 22 can scan the QR code C2 of the battery 18 with their mobile communication device 24. This causes the network address A1 encoded by the QR code C2 to be called via the mobile communication device 24, whereby the identifier ID2, in particular in the form of a UUID of the battery 18, is simultaneously made available to the server 12. Alternatively, the identifier ID2, as well as the other identifiers usable or available within the scope of the invention, can be provided, for example, as a UID. The first service 14 triggered by this then uses this identifier ID2 to retrieve, for example, information I2 assigned to the product 18, in this case the battery 18, from a database 26.This could, for example, be the manufacturer or brand of the battery 18 and / or the motor vehicle 16 comprising the battery 18, and / or the country or region to which the battery 18 and / or the motor vehicle 16 comprising the battery 18 was sold or delivered. Using the ID2 identifier of the battery 18, the Volkswagen reference number: 2024 / 1361 22, legal file number: 95624.

[0071] Service 14 also retrieves attributes of battery 18 relating to the manufacturer or brand and / or the country or region from database 26. Based on this information I2, service 14 can make an assignment to a second network address A2, which, for example, corresponds to a country-specific network address or website of the manufacturer of battery 18 or of the motor vehicle 16 containing battery 18.

[0072] Service 14 then initiates a redirect to this second network address A2, causing a second service 28 to be executed, for example, by another second server 30. When this second network address A2 is accessed, the second service 28 can simultaneously be provided with the identifier ID2 of the battery 18. The second service 28 can then use the identifier ID2 to retrieve further information 11 about the battery 18 from another database 32, or additionally or alternatively from the previously mentioned database 26. This information can be country-specific and / or manufacturer-specific information 11 about the battery 18. This information can be provided via an information page 34 provided by the second service 28 over the network 11, and in particular to the mobile communication device 24 of the user 22.In other words, this information 11 can now be displayed to the user 22 on their mobile communication system 24 via the information page 34, for example in an internet browser.

[0073] Depending on which of the products 16, 18, 20 information 11 is to be obtained for by scanning the corresponding QR codes C1, C2, C3, the first service 14 can optionally access different databases 26. This also applies to the second service 28 and the further database 32.

[0074] The first network address A1 can be provided in the form of a URL. This URL can, in particular, contain, as described, the identifier ID1, ID2, ID3 of the product in question 16, 18, 20, as well as optionally other existing, unspecified parameters that, for example, specify a use case for which specific information 11 is to be provided. Volkswagen Ref: 2024 / 1361 23 Attorney File: 95624

[0075] Examples of such addresses A1 in the form of URLs are schematically illustrated as three exemplary network addresses A11, A12, and A13 in Fig. 2. In Fig. 2, the network address A11, encoded by the code C1, is illustrated in the form of a URL. This consists of the network protocol NP, a server address S assigned to server 12, and a path P1 assigned to product 16. It also includes, as a URL parameter (which can also be called a query parameter), the identifier ID1 of vehicle 16, and, in this example, the identifier type as a further URL parameter Q.

[0076] The code C2 assigned to battery 18 can correspondingly encode a network address A12 in the form of a URL, which also includes the network protocol NP, the server address S, a path P2 assigned to battery 18, and its identifier ID2. Depending on which identifier types are defined or which identifier type is defined as the default parameter, it may not be necessary, as in this example, to transmit the identifier type additionally as a parameter.

[0077] The network address A13, encoded by the code C3 of battery module 20, can also be structured analogously and includes the network protocol NP used, the address S of server 12, a path P3 assigned to battery module 20, and its identifier ID3.

[0078] In this way, the respective identifiers ID1, ID2, and ID3 can be provided as URL parameters to server 12 when accessing the corresponding addresses A11, A12, and A13. Furthermore, the respective addresses A11, A12, and A13 can optionally include additional URL parameters as needed, although these are not shown here. The addresses A11, A12, and A13 shown can each be generated as the respective QR codes C1, C2, and C3 for the respective products 16, 18, and 20 using known encoding methods and affixed to them, for example, by means of a label.

[0079] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a procedure for retrieving or providing region-specific or country-specific information 11 about a product 16, 18, 20 using the service 14 provided by server 12 Volkswagen Ref: 2024 / 1361 24 Attorney's File: 95624. S10 here denotes an initial state in which a user 22 wishes to obtain additional information about a specific product 16, 18, 20. In step S12, the user 22 can search for the corresponding QR code C1, C2, C3 on the product 16, 18, 20 in question and then, in step S14, scan the QR code C1, C2, C3 with their mobile communication device 24. Subsequently, in step S18, the user receives the country-specific or region-specific information relevant to the product 16, 18, 20 via a website 34 displayed to him.This is made possible by the previous execution of service 14 by server 12 in step S16, as already described.

[0080] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a system 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention. The central element of this system 10 is again the service 14 executed by the server 12. By reading a QR code C2 assigned to the product 18 in question, where, for example, the battery 18 represents the product and the QR code is the QR code C2 assigned to the battery 18, the service 14 can be called and simultaneously provided with the identifier ID2 of the battery 18. The service 14 can, in turn, use one or more databases 26a, 26b to retrieve attributes about the battery 18 using the identifier ID2, for example, manufacturer information, brand information, country information, and so on. Information about the motor vehicle 16 in which the battery 18 is installed can also be retrieved, for example, the identifier ID1 assigned to the motor vehicle 16.Based on this related information or attributes, I2, the service 14 accordingly, in particular with the optional interposition of another service 28, forwards to the information page 34 in the form of a website 34, via which the information 11 relevant to the product 18 is then displayed.

[0081] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a system 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention. Here, a motor vehicle 16, a battery 18, and a battery module 20 are again illustrated as exemplary products, each with associated QR codes C1, C2, and C3. A user can now scan the desired QR code C with their mobile communication device 24. This initially calls up a central landing page, i.e., triggers the execution of service 14 (Volkswagen Ref: 2024 / 1361 25 Attorney File: 95624). The service 14 is also provided with the identifier ID assigned to the respective product, i.e., in the case of the motor vehicle 16, the identifier ID1 assigned to the motor vehicle 16; in the case of the battery 18, the identifier ID2 assigned to the battery; and in the case of a battery module 20, the identifier ID3 assigned to it.Based on the identifier ID, a hash value, here denoted as ID', can also be determined and used for the mapping described below. Using the information I2 obtained from database 26 and using a mapping table 36, which can be stored in memory 38 of server 12, the region R1 assigned to the product can be selected from several possible regions R, and a corresponding second network address A2 can be selected from several possible network addresses A. For example, the address A1 for a manufacturer's website for the specific region R1. Different addresses A can be stored in the tabular mapping 36 for different regions R. Database 26 can also be implemented using the internal memory 38 of server 12.In particular, a tabular assignment 36 can be stored in memory 38, which assigns a region information R and a corresponding address A to each of the different identifiers ID or derived hash values ​​ID'.

[0082] In the present example, the request is redirected to address A2 for region R1. In other words, website 34 for the identified country or region R1 is accessed via the second network address A2, simultaneously transmitting the identifier ID. Using the identifier ID, product-specific information can then be retrieved from a database 32 and made available via website 34. Website 34 can be provided by a service 30 running on a server 28. Similarly, corresponding region-specific or general / global websites 34', 34" can be provided for other regions R2, R3, and these can also be provided by associated services 30' or 30" on corresponding servers 28', 28".The databases assigned to these other websites 34', 34" are designated 32', 32" in this case. For example, a website 34' may be provided if no regional information is available, as illustrated in Volkswagen Ref: 2024 / 1361 26 Attorney's File: 95624 by the regional parameter R2. In this case, for example, a region-neutral website 34' may be provided.

[0083] The information 11 assigned to the product, in particular the vehicle 16, the battery 18 or the battery module 20, may in principle refer to or include information that is also located on a physical label of the product, on which the assigned QR code may also be located, as well as additionally or alternatively, e.g. the number of individual cells, possibly hazardous substances, safety information on the product, and information on safe disposal.

[0084] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a method for providing region-specific information about a product and the system components involved, according to a further embodiment of the invention. In this example, information 11 about the battery 18, as an example of the product, is again to be provided to a user 22. The user 22 can then access the central routing service 14 by scanning the QR code C2 with their mobile communication device 24. Simultaneously with accessing this service 14 via the network address A1, the battery identifier ID2 is provided to the service 14. Using the provided identifier ID2, the service 14 can retrieve further battery attributes and information I2 from databases 26c and 26d.As illustrated for data storage 26c and database 26c, the service 14 can obtain further information I2 using the identifier ID2 of battery 18. Using databases 26c, 26d, and the identifier ID2 of battery 18, the identifier ID1 assigned to the motor vehicle 16 in which battery 18 is installed, as well as further information I2 about the motor vehicle 16 and / or battery 18, can also be obtained. Based on the obtained information I2, a corresponding region information R1 and, based on this, an address A2 for redirection to a corresponding region-specific website 34 can be provided to battery 18 via the tabular assignment 36 as described in Fig. 5. This website then provides the user 22 with the region-specific information 11 relevant to energy storage 18 for that region.This is done, for example, via another service 28, which is executed when address A2 is called and provides the Volkswagen reference: 2024 / 1361 27 Attorney's file: 95624 information 11 on battery 18 using one or more other databases 32a, 32b, 32c.

[0085] In the event that corresponding information about other products, for example the motor vehicle 16 or a battery module 20, is to be made available, the procedure can be carried out analogously, except optionally for the difference that the corresponding services 14, 28 do not access all of the aforementioned databases 26c, 26d, 32a, 32b, 32c and / or additionally or alternatively other databases 26c, 26d, 32a, 32b, 32c.

[0086] To generate a UUID from a product's identifier, which is embedded in the corresponding address A1 and represented in encoded form by the corresponding code, only parts of the product's identifier or parts of a longer identifier string containing the identifier can be used, if necessary. Such an identifier string can, for example, comprise several individual components, which in turn allow individual pieces of product information to be encoded or identified. For example, in the case of battery module 20, the assembly, manufacturer, serial number, and test mark. In the case of battery 18, the individual sections of the identifier string could, for example, refer to the part number, the part type, a DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number, a manufacturing date, and assembly data, which in turn could specify the assembly, manufacturer, serial number, and a checksum.

[0087] When generating the corresponding code, only parts of such an identifier string can be embedded in the corresponding address A1 in encoded form to provide the UID for the product in question. The identifier can include at least the serial number assigned to the product or, in the case of a motor vehicle, the identification number.

[0088] Overall, the examples demonstrate how the invention enables the provision of relevant, region- and brand-specific product data based on a unique ID using a central routing service. This can be achieved using the Volkswagen logo affixed to the component, for example, the vehicle, battery pack, or battery module: 2024 / 1361 28 Attorney's file: 95624

[0089] A QR code is applied to the label, linking to a central landing page (the website as the central routing service). The QR code can include at least one parameter, the UUID. Optionally, a use case can also be specified, allowing the QR code to be provided via a special battery label to retrieve information relevant to that use case. Using the UUID, the user can be redirected from the central landing page to the relevant region and brand, displaying all information intended for that region and brand regarding the component or vehicle in question. The QR code, including the UUID, allows all product-related data to be requested, processed, and displayed. It is also possible to address future legal or customer requirements. The data can be optionally filtered or expanded by specifying a use case.A globally standardized label eliminates variance in production and logistics. The necessary variance is instead represented in the software. This eliminates the need to relabel or manage products based on regional or regulatory labels. This shifts variance and control from hardware to software. Consequently, a globally standardized entry point can be provided for product-related information and data. Various types of codes can be used, such as QR codes, Data Matrix codes, barcodes, and so on. It is also possible to use multiple entry websites, for example, one per region or one per plant, instead of a single central one. Entry can even be achieved without a website or via a protocol other than the internet. Overall, this reduces production complexity.The described procedure is flexible and can determine the make, region, and destination country for any vehicle (serial number / VIN), not just the type (EAN), based on the current database. For example, a parts exchange or the export of the vehicle can also be documented in such a database. Volkswagen reference: 2024 / 1361 29 Legal file: 95624.

[0090] REFERENCE MARK LIST:

[0091] 10 System

[0092] 11 Network

[0093] 12 servers

[0094] 14 first service

[0095] 16 motor vehicle

[0096] 18 Battery

[0097] 20 battery modules

[0098] 22 users

[0099] 24 mobile communication device

[0100] 26 database

[0101] 26a Database

[0102] 26b Database

[0103] 26c database

[0104] 26d database

[0105] 28 second service

[0106] 28' service

[0107] 28" service

[0108] 30 second server

[0109] 30' Server

[0110] 30" Server

[0111] 32 database

[0112] 32a Database

[0113] 32b Database

[0114] 32c database

[0115] 34 Information page

[0116] 36 Assignment table

[0117] 38 memory

[0118] A network addresses

[0119] A1 first network address

[0120] A2 second network address Volkswagen Reference: 2024 / 1361 30 Lawyer's file: 95624

[0121] A11 first network address

[0122] A12 first network address

[0123] A13 first network address

[0124] C Code

[0125] C1 Code

[0126] C2 Code

[0127] C3 Code

[0128] 11 First information

[0129] 12 second information

[0130] ID identifier

[0131] ID1 identifier

[0132] ID2 identifier

[0133] ID3 identifier

[0134] NP network protocol

[0135] P1 path

[0136] P2 path

[0137] P3 path

[0138] Q URL parameter

[0139] R Regions

[0140] R1 Region

[0141] R2 Region

[0142] R3 Region

[0143] S server address

[0144] S10 step

[0145] S12 step

[0146] S14 step

[0147] S16 step

[0148] S18 step

Claims

Volkswagen reference number: 2024 / 1361 31 Attorney file number: 95624 REQUIREMENTS:

1. Method for redirecting a first network address (A1; A11, A12, A13) to a second network address (A; A2) which relates to an information page (34) assigned to a product (16, 18, 20), through which a specific, first piece of information (11) about the product (16, 18, 20) can be provided via a network (11), to which an identifier (ID; ID1, ID2, ID3) and a computer-readable code (C; C1, C2, C3) are assigned, which comprises the first network address (A1; A11, A12, A13) in coded form, by means of a first service (14) executable by a server (12), which is executed when the first network address (A1; A11, A12, A13) is called by the server (12), characterized in that the product (16, 18, 20) assigned code (C; C1 , C2, C3) includes the identifier (ID; ID1 , ID2, ID3) assigned to the product (16, 18, 20) in encoded form, wherein the first service (14) performed by the server (12) is the first network address (A1 ;The identifier (ID; ID1 , ID2 , ID3) provided on the server (12) is captured, the second network address (A; A2) is determined based on the identifier (ID; ID1 , ID2 , ID3) and a database (26; 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d) is used to redirect the traffic to the second network address (A; A2).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first service (14) retrieves at least one second piece of information (I2) stored in the database (26; 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d) and assigned to the product (16, 18, 20) from the database (26; 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d) depending on the identifier (ID; ID1, ID2, ID3) and determines the second network address (A; A2) depending on the retrieved second piece of information (I2), in particular selecting it from several network addresses, in particular wherein the first service (14) selects as the second piece of information (I2) a region and / or a country that is currently assigned to the product (16, 18, 20) and / or a higher-level product (16, 18, 20), and / or a brand and / or a Volkswagen reference number: 2024 / 1361 32 Attorney file number: 95624 obtains the manufacturer of the product (16, 18, 20) and / or the parent product (16, 18, 20), and selects the second network address (A; A2) depending on the second information obtained (I2) from several network addresses for different regions and / or countries and / or brands and / or manufacturers.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second service (28), which is assigned to the second network address (A; A2) and whose execution is effected by redirecting to the second network address (A; A2), provides, upon execution, the information page (34) assigned to the product (16, 18, 20).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the server (12) detects the identifier (ID; ID1 , ID2, ID3) as part of the first network address (A1 ; A11 , A12, A13) in which the identifier (ID1 , ID2, ID3) is embedded, in particular as a URL parameter.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identifier (ID; ID1 , ID2, ID3) represents or comprises an identification number and / or serial number assigned to the product (16, 18, 20) and the identifier (ID; ID1 , ID2, ID3) is provided in particular in the form of a UID (Unique Identifier) ​​or UUID (Universally Unique Identifier).

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first service (14) transmits the identifier (ID; ID1 , ID2, ID3) to the second service (28) when redirecting to the second network address (A; A2).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second service (28) depends on the transmitted identifier (ID; ID1 , Volkswagen reference number: 2024 / 1361 33 Attorney file number: 95624 ID2, ID3) provides the first information (11) associated with the product (16, 18, 20) via the network (11) on the information page (34) associated with the product (16, 18, 20), in particular obtaining the first information via the database (26; 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d) and / or a second database (32, 32', 32", 32a, 32b, 32c) and making it available on the information page (34).

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the server (12) detects a filter parameter specifying a use case as part of the first network address (A1; A11, A12, A13) in which the filter parameter is embedded and - the first service (14) transmits the filter parameter to the second service (28) when redirecting to the second network address (A; A2), in particular wherein the second service (28) provides the first information (11) associated with the product (16, 18, 20) via the network (11) on the information page (34) associated with the product (16, 18, 20) depending on the transmitted filter parameter; and / or - the first service (14) determines the second network address (A; A2) depending on the filter parameter; and / or - the first service (14) determines the second piece of information (I2) depending on the filter parameter.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the code (C; C1 , C2, C3) assigned to the product (16, 18, 20) is detected and decoded by means of a reader (24) and the reader (24) calls the decoded first network address (A1 ; A11 , A12, A13).

10. Server (12) designed to execute a method according to any of the preceding claims.

11. System (10) with a server (12) according to claim 10. Volkswagen reference number: 2024 / 1361 34 Attorney file number: 95624 12. Computer-readable storage medium comprising program code (14) which, when executed by a server (12), causes the server to execute a method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

13. Method for providing a product (16, 18, 20) with an associated code (C; C1 , C2, C3), comprising the steps: - Providing the product (16, 18, 20), - Assigning an identifier (ID; ID1 , ID2, ID3) to the product (16, 18, 20), - Creating a computer-readable code (C; C1 , C2, C3) assigned to the product (16, 18, 20), which includes a first network address (A1 ; A11 , A12, A13) in coded form, characterized in that the code (C; C1 , C2, C3) is created depending on the identifier (ID; ID1 , ID2, ID3) assigned to the product (16, 18, 20) such that the code (C; C1 , C2, C3) includes the identifier (ID; ID1 , ID2, ID3) in coded form.

14. Product (16, 18, 20) with an assigned code (C; C1 , C2, C3) provided by a method according to claim 13.

15. Product (16, 18, 20) according to claim 14, wherein the product (16, 18, 20) is a motor vehicle (16) or a motor vehicle component (18, 20), in particular a battery (18) and / or a battery module (20) and / or a battery cell, and the code (C; C1 , C2, C3) is in particular arranged on a part of the product (16, 18, 20).

Images