DE102020106844A1 - Method and system for providing information about a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for providing information about a vehicle, comprising providing a code on the vehicle, the code being readable by a mobile terminal of a user and relating to equipment information of the vehicle; reading the code provided on the vehicle by the mobile terminal; and providing a configuration of the vehicle including the equipment information on a display module.

Description

The present disclosure relates to a method for providing information about a vehicle, a storage medium for carrying out the method and a system for providing information about a vehicle. The present disclosure relates in particular to providing a configuration or equipment features of a vehicle for a user.

State of the art

Nowadays, people can temporarily use third-party vehicles, for example by renting a car, car sharing or as a company vehicle. For example, in car sharing, vehicles are shared on the basis of a framework agreement. Unlike conventional car rental companies, car sharing allows you to rent vehicles for a short time, even by the minute.

A user of the third-party vehicle can also own their own vehicle or want to purchase their own vehicle. By using the third-party vehicle, the user can decide that he would like to have his own vehicle with the same configuration as the third-party vehicle. However, the user generally has no or only limited options for determining the exact configuration of the third-party vehicle that is only used for a short time.

Disclosure of the invention

It is an object of the present disclosure to specify a method for providing information about a vehicle, a storage medium for carrying out the method and a system for providing information about a vehicle that enable a user to configure the exact configuration or combination of equipment features of a vehicle.

This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous refinements are given in the subclaims.

According to an independent aspect of the present disclosure, a method for providing information about a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is specified. The method comprises providing a code on the vehicle, the code being readable by a mobile terminal of a user and relating to or including equipment information of the vehicle; reading the code provided on the vehicle by the user's mobile terminal; and providing a configuration of the vehicle including the equipment information (or equipment features) on a display module.

According to the invention, the code presents the user with the exact configuration of the vehicle on a display module. For example, the user can query the equipment of a rental car in order to then lease or buy a vehicle with the same configuration. This enables the user to obtain information about a vehicle in a simple manner that normally cannot be compiled or is difficult to compile.

In the context of the present disclosure, the term vehicle includes, in particular, cars, trucks, buses, mobile homes, motorcycles, etc., which are used to transport people, goods, etc. In particular, the term includes motor vehicles for passenger transport.

The mobile terminal preferably comprises the display module on which the configuration of the vehicle including the equipment information (or equipment features) is provided. The display module can in particular be a display of the mobile terminal.

The term mobile device includes in particular smartphones, but also other mobile telephones or cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet PCs, notebooks, smart watches and all current and future electronic devices that are equipped with a technology for loading and running apps are.

The mobile terminal can be set up, for example, in a mobile network, for example via wide area networks (WANs) such as Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), General Package Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution ( EDGE), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), High Speed Downlink / Uplink Packet Access (HSDPA, HSUPA), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), or World Wide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX). Communication via other current or future communication technologies, e.g. 5G mobile radio systems, is also possible.

The equipment information can be or relate to technical equipment information (or equipment features) and / or design-related equipment information (or equipment features) of the vehicle. In particular, the equipment information can relate to or be optional equipment of the vehicle. The technical equipment information can, for example, a motorization, air conditioning and Assistance systems include, but are not limited to. The design-related equipment information (or equipment features) may include, but is not limited to, paintwork, exterior trim, and interior trim.

The term “special equipment” as used in the context of the present disclosure is to be understood as a distinction to the standard equipment of vehicles. In particular, the special equipment for a certain vehicle model can be freely selected by the user, while the standard equipment is fixed.

The code can preferably indicate a sequence of symbols (numbers and / or letters and / or special characters) which correspond to a specific vehicle configuration. The sequence of symbols can be, for example, XZ6P12LK, whereby this sequence can indicate a very specific configuration or combination of equipment features.

The configuration of the vehicle is preferably provided in a web-based and / or app-based manner. For example, the configuration of the vehicle can be provided by means of a web-based and / or app-based vehicle configurator from the vehicle manufacturer. The web-based and / or app-based vehicle configurator can, for example, use the sequence of symbols detected by a scan of the code in order to determine and display the complete equipment information or equipment features of the vehicle.

The provision of the configuration of the vehicle preferably includes specifying equipment features that are not available. For example, certain features of the vehicle may no longer be available when a new vehicle is ordered (e.g. certain engines, paintwork, etc.). In this case, the user can be informed.

The method preferably further comprises specifying alternative equipment features for the equipment features that are not available. If certain equipment features of the vehicle are no longer available for new vehicles, other equipment features can be proactively suggested to the user. For example, similar equipment features, such as similar engines or paintwork, can be proposed to the user. User-friendliness can thus be improved.

The configuration of the vehicle is preferably provided by a central unit, such as a backend. In particular, the mobile terminal can be set up to communicate with the central unit via a mobile network. The central unit can be a central unit of a vehicle manufacturer.

In particular, the mobile terminal can send a request to the central unit, which can include, for example, the sequence of symbols. The central unit can then send a response to the mobile device, with the equipment information or equipment features based on the response in a browser (e.g. in the case of a web-based vehicle configurator) or an app (e.g. in the case of an app-based vehicle configurator ) of the mobile device can be displayed.

Additionally or alternatively, the central unit can provide information that the user can use to call up the equipment information or equipment features of the vehicle in the web-based and / or app-based vehicle configurator through user input. For example, the user can scan the code with his smartphone and receive another code, such as a sequence of symbols, from the central unit on his smartphone. The user can then use a web browser on his notebook or PC to enter the additional code in the vehicle manufacturer's vehicle configurator and see the detailed configuration of the vehicle in the web browser.

The code is preferably a two-dimensional code or a three-dimensional code, such as a QR code, for example. The QR (Quick Response) code consists of a square matrix of black and white squares that represent the coded data in binary. The data encoded in the QR code relate to (or include) the equipment information of the vehicle, such as the sequence of symbols.

The code can preferably be provided visually by the vehicle. In particular, the code can be provided visually in such a way that it can be detected with the mobile terminal of the user. The code is typically provided by means of a display device installed in the vehicle, such as a display or a projection device.

The display can be, for example, a display of an infotainment system. Typically, the display is installed in or on the dashboard of the vehicle. The display can be a head unit, for example. The present disclosure is but not limited to this, and the display may be provided in other suitable locations. In some embodiments, the display is an LCD display, a plasma display, or an OLED display.

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

In a further example, the code can be provided to the mobile terminal via near field communication (NFC, Bluetooth, etc.). In other words, the code is read over a communication link and not visually.

The reading of the code provided on the vehicle by the mobile terminal preferably includes opening an app on the user's mobile terminal and reading the code using the app. The app can, for example, be the vehicle manufacturer's vehicle configurator.

According to a further independent aspect, a software (SW) program is specified. The software program can be set up to be executed on one or more processors and thereby to execute the method described in this document for providing information about a vehicle.

According to a further independent aspect, a storage medium is specified. The storage medium can comprise a software (SW) program which is set up to be executed on one or more processors and thereby to execute the method described in this document for providing information about a vehicle.

According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a system for providing information about a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is specified. The system comprises a vehicle-side device which is set up to provide a code on the vehicle, the code being readable by a mobile terminal of a user and relating to or including equipment information of the vehicle; and a central unit which is set up to receive a request from the mobile terminal regarding a configuration of the vehicle comprising the equipment information, and wherein the central unit is set up to provide the configuration of the vehicle for an output on a display module.

The system is set up in particular to carry out the method described in this document for providing information about a vehicle.

Figure list

• 1 schematisch ein Flussdiagram eines Verfahrens zum Bereitstellen von Informationen über ein Fahrzeug, insbesondere ein Kraftfahrzeug, gemäß Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Offenbarung, und
• 2 schematisch ein System zum Bereitstellen von Informationen über ein Fahrzeug, insbesondere ein Kraftfahrzeug, gemäß Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Offenbarung.

Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are shown in the figures and are described in more detail below. Show it:

• 1 schematically a flow diagram of a method for providing information about a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, and
• 2 schematically a system for providing information about a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Embodiments of the disclosure

Unless otherwise noted, the same reference symbols are used below for elements that are the same and have the same effect.

1 schematically shows a flow diagram of a method 100 for providing information about a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

The procedure 100 includes in the block 110 providing a code on the vehicle, the code being readable by a mobile terminal of a user and relating to or including equipment information of the vehicle; in the block 120 reading the code provided on the vehicle by the mobile terminal; and in the block 130 providing a configuration of the vehicle including the equipment information (or equipment features) on a display module.

The equipment information can be or relate to technical equipment information (or equipment features) and / or design-related equipment information (or equipment features) of the vehicle. In particular, the equipment information can relate to or be optional equipment of the vehicle. The technical equipment information can include, for example, a motorization, air conditioning and assistance systems, but is not limited thereto. The design-related equipment information (or equipment features) may include, but is not limited to, paintwork, exterior trim, and interior trim.

In some embodiments, the code may indicate a sequence of symbols (numbers and / or letters and / or special characters) that correspond to a particular vehicle configuration.

The provision of the configuration in the block 130 of the procedure 100 can be web-based and / or app-based. For example, the configuration of the vehicle can be provided by means of a web-based and / or app-based vehicle configurator from the vehicle manufacturer. The web-based and / or app-based vehicle configurator can, for example, use the sequence of symbols detected by the scan of the code in order to display the complete equipment information or equipment features of the vehicle.

According to some embodiments, providing the configuration includes in the block 130 an indication of unavailable equipment features. For example, it may be that certain equipment features of the vehicle are no longer available for new vehicles (e.g. certain engines, paintwork, etc.). In this case, the user can be informed.

In this case the procedure can 100 optionally further specifying alternative equipment features for the equipment features that are not available. If certain equipment features of the vehicle are no longer available for new vehicles, other equipment features can be proactively suggested to the user. For example, similar equipment features, such as similar engines, can be suggested to the user. User-friendliness can thus be improved.

2 shows schematically a system for providing information about a vehicle 200 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The vehicle 200 can be a motor vehicle, but is not limited to this.

The vehicle is exemplary 200 , the mobile device 300 and a central unit 400 of the vehicle manufacturer.

The system includes, in particular, a device on the vehicle 210 that is set up to a code 10 at the vehicle 200 provide the code 10 through the mobile device 300 of a user can be read, for example, by a camera and equipment information of the vehicle 200 concerns or includes; and the central unit 400 of the vehicle manufacturer, which is set up to receive a request from the mobile device 300 regarding a configuration of the vehicle 200 . The request is based on (or includes) the equipment information of the code. The central unit 400 The vehicle manufacturer is further set up to configure the vehicle 200 to be provided for output on a display module.

For example, the mobile terminal includes 300 the display module on which the configuration of the vehicle including the equipment information (or equipment features) is displayed, for example in an app or a web browser. It is noted that the web browser can be implemented as an app (e.g. Safari or Firefox). However, the app can also be an app provided by the vehicle manufacturer, for example.

The communication between the mobile device 300 and the central unit 400 can use a wireless communication link 1 take place. The wireless communication link 1 between the mobile device 300 and the central unit 400 takes place, for example, via a mobile network, such as an LTE network or 5G network.

Via the wireless communication link 1 the mobile device can 300 for example a request to the central unit 400 send, which can comprise the sequence of symbols from the code read. The central unit 400 can then send a response to the mobile terminal 300 Send, the equipment information or equipment features based on the response in a browser (e.g. in the case of a web-based vehicle configurator) or an app (e.g. in the case of an app-based vehicle configurator) of the mobile device 300 being represented.

A further communication connection between the mobile terminal device can optionally be used 300 and the vehicle 200 may be present, and may for example be done using a mobile network or near field technology such as Bluetooth. The mobile network can be, for example, an LTE network or 5G network. In some embodiments, the mobile terminal can 300 the code 10 Read or receive via the further communication connection.

The vehicle 200 In some embodiments, includes a display device 210 such as a display of an infotainment system. Typically the display is in or on the dashboard of the vehicle 200 Installed. The display can be a head unit, for example. In some embodiments, the display is an LCD display, a plasma display, or an OLED display.

The display device 210 is set up to the code 10 for example to represent graphically. The code 10 can be a two-dimensional or three-dimensional graphic code, such as a QR code. The code 10 is set up, for example, by means of a camera of the mobile terminal 300 to be captured or read. In another example, the code can be sent to the mobile terminal 300 can be provided via near-field communication (NFC, Bluetooth, etc.). In other words, the code is read, for example, via the further communication link and not visually.

The code 10 relates to the equipment information of the vehicle. In other words, the data encoded in the QR code relate to or include the equipment information of the vehicle, such as the sequence of symbols.

The user can use the code shown 10 by means of the mobile device 300 read. For example, the user can use an app on the mobile device 200 start and the code 10 read using the app. The app can, for example, be the vehicle manufacturer's vehicle configurator.

In some embodiments, the code 10 provided when the user controls the vehicle, for example in a menu of an infotainment system 200 executes a corresponding user input.

According to the invention, the code presents the user with the exact configuration of the vehicle on a display module. For example, the user can query the equipment of a rental car in order to then buy a vehicle with the same configuration. This makes it possible for the user to obtain information about a vehicle in a simple manner that is normally difficult or impossible to compile.

Although the invention has been illustrated and explained in more detail by preferred exemplary embodiments, the invention is not restricted by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom by the person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. It is therefore clear that there is a multitude of possible variations. It is also clear that embodiments cited by way of example really only represent examples that are not to be interpreted in any way as a limitation, for example, of the scope of protection, the possible applications or the configuration of the invention. Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to specifically implement the exemplary embodiments, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without the To leave the scope of protection that is defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description.

Claims (10)

A method (100) for providing information about a vehicle (200), comprising: Providing (110) a code (10) on the vehicle (200), the code (10) being readable by a mobile terminal (300) of a user and relating to equipment information of the vehicle (200); Reading (120) the code (10) provided on the vehicle (200) by the mobile terminal (300); and Providing (130) a configuration of the vehicle (200) comprising the equipment information on a display module. The method (100) according to Claim 1 , whereby the provision of the configuration is web-based and / or app-based. The method (100) according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein providing the configuration comprises: specifying unavailable equipment features. The method (100) according to Claim 3 , further comprising: Specifying alternative equipment features for the equipment features that are not available. The method (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 4th wherein the provision (130) of the configuration of the vehicle (200) is carried out by a central unit (400). The method (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 wherein the reading (120) of the code (10) provided on the vehicle (200) by the mobile terminal (300) comprises: opening an app on the mobile terminal (300); and reading the code (10) by means of the app, in particular visually or via a near field communication connection. The method (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 6th , wherein the code (10) is a two-dimensional code or a three-dimensional code, in particular wherein the code is a QR code. The method (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 7th wherein the code (10) is provided visually by the vehicle (200) by means of a display or a projection device, or wherein the code (10) is provided by the vehicle (200) by means of near field communication. Storage medium with a software program which is set up to be executed on one or more processors, and thereby to carry out the method (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 8th to execute. A system for providing information about a vehicle (200) comprising: a vehicle-mounted device (210) which is set up to provide a code (10) on the vehicle (200), the code (10) being readable by a mobile terminal (300) of a user and relating to equipment information of the vehicle (200); and a central unit (400) which is set up to receive a request from the mobile terminal (300) regarding a configuration of the vehicle (200) comprising the equipment information, and wherein the central unit (400) is set up to handle the configuration of the vehicle (200) to be provided for output on a display module.

Images