DE102023100793A1 - Method and apparatus for sharing a digital key - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (210) for sharing a digital key (211) for a motor vehicle (100) is described. The device (210) is configured to determine that the digital key (211) for an access system (150) of the motor vehicle (100) is to be sent to a target device (220) in order to enable a user of the target device (220) to use the motor vehicle (100). The device (210) is further configured to determine a selected set of one or more vehicle-specific data units (212) and to cause the digital key (211) to be sent to the target device (220) together with the one or more vehicle-specific data units (212).

Description

The invention relates to a method and a corresponding device that make it possible to make a vehicle usable by different people in an efficient, comfortable and safe manner.

A vehicle may be equipped with a digital access system that allows the user to use an electronic device, such as a smartphone, with a digital key as the vehicle key. The digital key, or a key derived from it, can be sent to another electronic device when necessary to enable another user to use the vehicle.

This document deals with the technical task of making a vehicle with a digital access system available to different users in a particularly convenient and reliable manner.

The problem is solved by each of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described, among other things, in the dependent claims. It is pointed out that additional features of a patent claim dependent on an independent patent claim can form a separate invention without the features of the independent patent claim or only in combination with a subset of the features of the independent patent claim, which invention is independent of the combination of all features of the independent patent claim and can be made the subject of an independent claim, a divisional application or a subsequent application. This applies equally to technical teachings described in the description, which can form an invention independent of the features of the independent patent claims.

According to one aspect, a device for sharing a digital key for a motor vehicle is described. The device can be integrated in the motor vehicle. Alternatively, the device can be operated in conjunction with the motor vehicle, for example on a mobile user device (for example on a smartphone).

The digital key can be designed according to a Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) key standard (e.g. CCC Release 3). Alternatively or additionally, the digital key can be designed to enable the electronic device (e.g. a smartphone) to control one or more vehicle functions of the motor vehicle. Example vehicle functions are opening and/or closing a vehicle door and/or starting and/or stopping the vehicle's drive motor.

The device is configured to determine that the digital key for the access system of the motor vehicle is to be sent to a target device to enable a user of the target device to use the motor vehicle (and thereby control one or more vehicle functions of the vehicle). The target device may be a (mobile) user device (such as a smartphone). The digital key may be sent via a long-range communication connection (e.g. 3G, 4G or 5G) to the data address (e.g. an Internet address, an email address or a telephone number) of the target device.

The device may comprise a user interface (e.g. with a graphical user interface) that enables the user of the device to initiate the sharing of the digital key.

The device is further configured to determine a selected set of one or more vehicle-specific data units (for the motor vehicle). The selected set of one or more vehicle-specific data units can be determined, for example, on the basis of at least one user input at the user interface of the device.

The device can be set up to output, in particular to display, a total amount (e.g. a list) of vehicle-specific data units via the user interface. At least one user input relating to a selection of one or more vehicle-specific data units from the total amount can then be recorded via the user interface.

The user of the device can thus be enabled to select one or more vehicle-specific data units that are relevant to the use of the motor vehicle.

• • zumindest eine Dateneinheit in Bezug auf eine digitale Vignette für eine Region und/oder für ein Land (insbesondere für die Nutzung von Straßen in einer Region und/oder in einem Land);
• • zumindest eine Dateneinheit für ein digitales Konto zur automatischen Entrichtung von Straßengebühren an einer Mautstelle;
• • zumindest eine Dateneinheit in Bezug auf einen digitalen Fahrzeugschein für das Kraftfahrzeug; und/oder
• • zumindest eine Dateneinheit für eine Lade- und/oder Tankkarte zur Entrichtung von Gebühren für einen Lade- und/oder Tankvorgang des Kraftfahrzeugs.

The total and/or selected amount of one or more vehicle-specific data units may include

• • at least one data unit relating to a digital vignette for a region and/or for a country (in particular for the use of roads in a region and/or in a country);
• • at least one data unit for a digital account for the automatic payment of road tolls at a toll station;
• • at least one data unit relating to a digital vehicle registration document for the motor vehicle; and/or
• • at least one data unit for a charging and/or fuel card for paying fees for charging and/or refueling the motor vehicle.

The device is further configured to cause the digital key to be sent to the target device (in particular to the data address of the target device) together with the one or more vehicle-specific data units. The digital key can be sent to the target device in a common data message (e.g. in a common email or in a common SMS) with the one or more vehicle-specific data units via a long-range communication connection (e.g. 3G, 4G or 5G).

This enables the user of the device to provide one or more vehicle-specific data units (e.g. files) together with the digital key. This enables particularly convenient and reliable shared use of the vehicle by several users.

The device can have a digital wallet (for example in the form of a file directory) in which the digital key and the total amount of vehicle-specific data units are stored. The device can be set up to transfer the digital key and the one or more vehicle-specific data units from the digital wallet into the data message. This allows the user of the target device to use the vehicle in a particularly convenient manner.

The device can be set up to derive the digital key that is sent to the target device from a master key of the access system. The master key can be stored, for example, in a storage unit of the vehicle and/or in a storage unit of a user device of the user of the vehicle. In this way, the digital key can be generated in a particularly reliable and secure manner.

The device can be set up to issue a request to the user of the motor vehicle and/or the device via the user interface as to whether or not the digital key should be transferred and/or sent to the target device. Depending on a (subsequent) user input at the user interface, the digital key (together with the one or more vehicle-specific data units) can be sent to the target device. The user can thus be enabled to explicitly authorize the transmission of the digital key. This can further increase the user's convenience.

• • eine Beschränkung in Bezug auf den Zeitraum, in dem der digitale Schlüssel für das Zugangssystem nutzbar ist; und/oder
• • eine Beschränkung in Bezug auf die ein oder mehreren Fahrzeugfunktionen des Kraftfahrzeugs, die mit dem digitalen Schlüssel steuerbar sind.

The device can be configured to determine one or more restrictions for the digital key. The one or more restrictions can be determined in particular based on a user input at the user interface. Example restrictions are

• • a limitation on the period during which the digital key can be used for the access system; and/or
• • a restriction on the one or more vehicle functions of the motor vehicle that can be controlled with the digital key.

A digital key having the one or more identified restrictions may be caused to be sent to the target device. This may allow the user to limit the extent of use of the vehicle's access system in a flexible and convenient manner.

The device can be set up to determine, in particular based on a user input at the user interface, that use of the target device for the access system of the motor vehicle should be terminated (e.g. because the rental agreement of the user of the target device for the motor vehicle has ended). It can then be caused that the digital key sent to the target device is withdrawn and/or cancelled. Furthermore, it can be caused that the access of the target device to the one or more vehicle-specific data units is blocked. In this way, particularly reliable and convenient use control of the motor vehicle by another user can be achieved.

According to a further aspect, a (mobile and/or electronic) user device (e.g. a smartphone or generally a smart device) is described for a user of a motor vehicle. The user device can have a digital key for an access system of the motor vehicle (where the digital key is stored, for example, in a secure memory of the user device). The user device can be designed to control one or more vehicle functions of the motor vehicle using the digital key. Furthermore, the user device comprises the device described in this document (which is designed, for example, as a software application).

According to a further aspect, a (road) motor vehicle (in particular a passenger car or a truck or a bus or a motorcycle) is described which comprises the device described in this document. The vehicle may further comprise an access system which enables a user to control one or more vehicle functions (in particular opening and closing a vehicle door and/or starting the drive engine) of the motor vehicle using a (mobile electronic) device with a digital key.

According to a further aspect, a method for sharing a digital key for a motor vehicle is described. The method comprises determining that the digital key for an access system of the motor vehicle is to be sent to a target device in order to enable a user of the target device to use the motor vehicle. The method further comprises determining a selected set of one or more vehicle-specific data units (in particular at least one electronic and/or digital vignette). Furthermore, the method comprises causing the digital key to be sent to the target device together with the one or more vehicle-specific data units.

According to another aspect, a software (SW) program is described. The SW program can be configured to be executed on a processor and thereby to carry out the method described in this document.

According to a further aspect, a storage medium is described. The storage medium can comprise a software program which is designed to be executed on a processor and thereby to carry out the method described in this document.

It should be noted that the methods, devices and systems described in this document can be used alone or in combination with other methods, devices and systems described in this document. Furthermore, any aspects of the methods, devices and systems described in this document can be combined with one another in a variety of ways. In particular, the features of the claims can be combined with one another in a variety of ways. Furthermore, features listed in brackets are to be understood as optional features.

• 1a ein beispielhaftes digitales Zugangssystem eines Fahrzeugs;
• 1b eine beispielhafte Nutzungssituation für ein digitales Zugangssystem;
• 2a ein beispielhaftes System zur Bereitstellung eines digitalen Schlüssels für ein Fahrzeug;
• 2b eine beispielhafte List von fahrzeugspezifischen Dateneinheiten; und
• 3 ein Ablaufdiagramm eines beispielhaften Verfahrens zur Bereitstellung eines digitalen Schlüssels für ein Fahrzeug.

The invention is described in more detail below using exemplary embodiments.

• 1a an example digital access system of a vehicle;
• 1b an exemplary usage situation for a digital access system;
• 2a an exemplary system for providing a digital key for a vehicle;
• 2 B an exemplary list of vehicle-specific data units; and
• 3 a flowchart of an exemplary method for providing a digital key for a vehicle.

As stated at the outset, this document aims to increase the convenience of shared use of a vehicle equipped with a digital access system. 1a shows an exemplary (access) system 150 that includes a vehicle 100 and at least one digital key device 110.

The digital key device 110 is typically a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone or a tablet PC, with a digital key 111 stored on the portable electronic device. The digital key 111 can be stored in a protected storage area, in particular in a so-called “secure element”, of the portable electronic device (such as the user device).

• • den Abstand und/oder die relative Position zwischen dem digitalen Schlüsselgerät 110 und dem Fahrzeug 100 zu bestimmen (insbesondere auf der Grundlage der Signalstärke, insbesondere des RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator), der Funksignale, die zwischen dem Fahrzeug 100 und dem Gerät 110 ausgetauscht werden); und/oder
• • Daten zwischen dem digitalen Schlüsselgerät 110 und dem Fahrzeug 100 auszutauschen (z. B. einen Steuerbefehl zur Steuerung einer Fahrzeugfunktion 103, etwa das Entriegeln einer Tür und/oder das Öffnen oder Schließen eines Fensters und/oder das Aktivieren oder Deaktivieren einer Heizfunktion und/oder das Aktivieren oder Deaktivieren des Antriebsmotors des Fahrzeugs 100).

The digital key device 110 is configured to communicate with a communication unit 102 of the vehicle 102 via one or more different wireless communication connections 112. The different communication connections 112 can be used for different purposes. In particular, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication connection 112 can be used to

• • to determine the distance and/or relative position between the digital key device 110 and the vehicle 100 (in particular on the basis of the signal strength, in particular the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator), of the radio signals exchanged between the vehicle 100 and the device 110); and/or
• • To exchange data between the digital key device 110 and the vehicle 100 (e.g., a control command for controlling a vehicle function 103, such as unlocking a door and/or opening or closing a window and/or activating or deactivating a heating function and/or activating or deactivating the drive motor of the vehicle 100).

Alternatively or additionally, an ultrawideband (UWB) communication link 112 may be used to determine the position of the device 110 relative to the vehicle 100 with a relatively high accuracy. Determining the position of the device 110 using the UWB communication link 112 may be referred to as UWB ranging.

• • dem Abstand zwischen dem Gerät 110 und dem Fahrzeug 100;
• • der Lage des Geräts 110 relativ zu dem Fahrzeug 100; und/oder
• • einem Steuerbefehl, der von dem Gerät 110 über eine Kommunikationsverbindung 112 an das Fahrzeug 100 gesendet wird.

A (control) device 101 of the vehicle 100 can be designed to control at least one vehicle function 103 of the vehicle 100 depending on the communication between the device 110 and the vehicle 100, as shown by way of example in 1b In this context, the digital key 111 of the device 110 can be verified, in particular authenticated. Furthermore, after successful authentication, one or more vehicle functions 103 can be controlled, in particular depending on

• • the distance between the device 110 and the vehicle 100;
• • the position of the device 110 relative to the vehicle 100; and/or
• • a control command sent from the device 110 to the vehicle 100 via a communication connection 112.

In an example system 150, a BLE communication connection 112 may be established between the device 110 and the vehicle 100 once the distance between the device 110 and the vehicle 100 is equal to or less than a first distance threshold 121. This allows the user to remotely control one or more vehicle functions 103 using the device 110. Typically, the vehicle 100 repeatedly indicates the availability of a BLE communication connection 112, e.g., at a certain frequency. Starting at the first distance threshold 121, the device 110 (which may also be referred to as a “user equipment” (UE)) receives the indication message from the vehicle 100 and the BLE communication connection 112 may then be established between the device 110 and the vehicle 100. The first distance threshold 121 may depend on the communication capabilities of the device 110, the environment of the vehicle 100 and/or the device 110, and/or the position of the device 110 relative to the vehicle 100.

Furthermore, a UWB communication connection 112 may be established between the device 110 and the vehicle 100 as soon as the distance between the device 110 and the vehicle 100 is equal to or less than a second distance threshold 122 (which may be less than the first distance threshold 121 and/or which may depend on the communication capabilities of the device 110). Based on the UWB communication connection 112, the location of the device 110 may be determined with relatively high accuracy. One or more additional vehicle functions 103 may be controlled via the UWB communication connection 112 (in addition to the one or more functions 103 that may be controlled via the BLE communication connection 112).

A user of the digital device 110 may wish to allow another device and/or another user to use the vehicle 100. For example, the use of another family member may be enabled. In another example, a limited-time use of the vehicle 100 may be enabled as part of a rental agreement.

2a shows an exemplary system 200 for supporting the shared use of a vehicle 100 with a digital access system. The system 200 comprises a device 210, which is eg part of the vehicle 100 and/or part of a user device 110 of the user of the vehicle 100. The device 210 can be designed to communicate with a computing unit 201 (eg with a backend server) via a long-range communication connection 202, eg via a 3G, 4G or 5G connection.

The device 210 can be designed to enable the user to hand over a digital key 211 for the digital access system 150 of the vehicle 100 to another user via a user interface 215. The digital key 211 can be derived from the user's digital key 111. To hand over the key 211, a data message 203 with the digital key 211 can be sent to the computing unit 201 and from there to an electronic target device 220 of the other user. The target device 220 of the other user thus becomes a digital key device 110 of the access system 150 of the vehicle 100.

• • eine zeitliche Beschränkung; und/oder
• • eine Beschränkung in Bezug auf die ein oder mehreren Fahrzeugfunktionen 103, die mit dem Schlüssel 211 gesteuert werden können.

The digital key 211 that is passed to the other user's target device 220 may have one or more restrictions, such as

• • a time limit; and/or
• • a restriction on the one or more vehicle functions 103 that can be controlled with the key 211.

• • eine digitale Vignette für eine Straßennutzungsgebühr;
• • ein digitales Konto, von dem (z.B. an einer Mautstation) Gebühren für die Nutzung eines Straßenabschnitts abgebucht werden;
• • digitale Fahrzeugpapiere, die die Registrierung des Fahrzeugs 100 bei einer Zulassungsbehörde anzeigen; und/oder
• • eine digitale Lade- und/oder Tankkarte, die es ermöglicht, Beträge für das Laden und/oder Tanken des Fahrzeugs 100 zu entrichten.

In the context of shared use of a vehicle 100, it may be advantageous to provide a user In addition to the digital key 211 for the digital access system 150, one or more additional vehicle-specific data units can be provided. Examples of data units are,

• • a digital vignette for a road toll;
• • a digital account from which fees for the use of a road section are debited (e.g. at a toll station);
• • digital vehicle documents indicating the registration of the vehicle 100 with a registration authority; and/or
• • a digital charging and/or fuel card that allows amounts to be paid for charging and/or fuelling the vehicle 100.

The user interface 215 of the device 210 may be configured to enable the user of the vehicle 100 to select one or more vehicle-specific data units to be sent to the other user's target device 220 in addition to and/or together with the digital key 211 in the data message 203.

2 B shows an exemplary user interface 215 with a graphical user interface on which a list of different vehicle-specific data units 212 is displayed. The user can select one or more data units 212 (eg by selecting the respective selection box 213). The one or more selected vehicle-specific data units 212 are then sent together with the digital key 211 to the target device 220 of the other user. In this way, the other user can be enabled to use the vehicle 100 in a convenient and reliable manner.

The owner of the vehicle 100 can thus be enabled (e.g. from the digital wallet on his user device 110) to link one or more vehicle-specific documents 212, such as an e-vignette, to the digital key 211 and at the same time send them to the target device 220 of another user.

For example, the vehicle owner has purchased an e-vignette for a specific region or for a specific country. This vignette can be sent (as a data unit 212) together with the digital key 211 to another user (e.g. by email or SMS). Furthermore, the digital key 211 and the vignette can be stored in a digital wallet of the target device 220 of the other user.

3 shows a flow chart of an exemplary (possibly computer-implemented) method 300 for sharing a digital key 211 for a motor vehicle 100. The method 300 can be carried out, for example, by a mobile user device 110 of a user of the vehicle 100.

The method 300 includes determining 301 that the digital key 211 for an access system 150 of the motor vehicle 100 is to be sent to a target device 220 in order to enable a user of the target device 220 to use the motor vehicle 100. For example, it can be recognized via a user interface 215 of the user device 110 that the user of the vehicle 100 wants to send the digital key 211 to the target device 220.

The method 300 further includes determining 302 a selected set of one or more vehicle-specific data units 212. The set of one or more data units 212 may have been selected via the user interface of the user device 110.

Furthermore, the method 300 includes causing 303 the digital key 211 to be sent to the target device 220 together with the one or more vehicle-specific data units 212 (e.g., in a common data message 203).

The measures described in this document make it possible to enable a particularly convenient and reliable shared use of a motor vehicle 100 by several different users.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. In particular, it should be noted that the description and the figures are intended only to illustrate the principle of the proposed methods, devices and systems by way of example.

Claims (12)

Device (210) for sharing a digital key (211) for a motor vehicle (100); wherein the device (210) is configured to - determine that the digital key (211) for an access system (150) of the motor vehicle (100) is to be sent to a target device (220) in order to enable a user of the target device (220) to use the motor vehicle (100); - determine a selected set of one or more vehicle-specific data units (212); and - cause the digital key (211) together with the one or more vehicle-specific specific data units (212) are sent to the target device (220). Device (210) according to Claim 1 , wherein - the device (210) comprises a user interface (215); and - the device (210) is configured to determine the selected set of one or more vehicle-specific data units (212) based on at least one user input at the user interface (215). Device (210) according to Claim 2 , wherein the device (210) is configured to - output, in particular display, a total amount of vehicle-specific data units (212) via the user interface (215); and - to record a user input relating to a selection of one or more vehicle-specific data units (212) from the total amount via the user interface (215). Device (210) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (210) is arranged to cause the digital key (211) to be sent to the target device (220) in a common data message (203) with the one or more vehicle-specific data units (212). Device (210) according to Claim 4 , wherein - the device (210) has a digital wallet in which the digital key (211) and a total amount of vehicle-specific data units (212) are stored; and - the device (210) is configured to transfer the digital key (211) and the one or more vehicle-specific data units (212) from the digital wallet into the data message (203). Device (210) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the set of one or more vehicle-specific data units (212) comprises, - a data unit (212) relating to a digital vignette for a region and/or for a country; - a data unit (212) for a digital account for the automatic payment of road tolls at a toll station; - a data unit (212) relating to a digital vehicle registration document for the motor vehicle (100); and/or - a data unit (212) for a charging and/or fuel card for the payment of fees for a charging and/or fueling process of the motor vehicle (100). Device (210) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the navigation device (210) is configured to - determine one or more restrictions for the digital key (211); wherein the one or more restrictions comprise, - a restriction with respect to a period of time in which the digital key (211) can be used for the access system (150); and/or - a restriction with respect to one or more vehicle functions (103) of the motor vehicle (100) that can be controlled with the digital key (211); and - to cause a digital key (211) to be sent to the target device (220) that has the one or more determined restrictions. Navigation device (210) according to Claim 7 , wherein the device (210) is configured to determine the one or more constraints based on a user input at a user interface (215) of the device (210). Device (210) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (210) is configured to - determine, in particular based on a user input at a user interface (215) of the device (210), that use of the target device (220) for the access system (150) of the motor vehicle (100) should be terminated; and - in response to the determination, to cause - the digital key (211) sent to the target device (220) to be withdrawn and/or cancelled; and - access of the target device (220) to the one or more vehicle-specific data units (212) to be blocked. User device (110) for a user of a motor vehicle (100); wherein - the user device (110) has a digital key (111) for an access system (150) of the motor vehicle (100); - the user device (110) is designed to control one or more vehicle functions (103) of the motor vehicle (100) using the digital key (111); and - the user device (110) comprises a device (210) according to one of the preceding claims. Motor vehicle (100), the motor vehicle (100) comprising - an access system (100) which enables a user to control one or more vehicle functions (103) of the motor vehicle (100) using a device (110) with a digital key (111); and - a device (210) according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 . Method (300) for sharing a digital key (211) for a motor vehicle (100); the method (300) comprising - determining (301) that the digital key (211) for an access system (150) of the motor vehicle (100) is to be sent to a target device (220) in order to enable a user of the target device (220) to use the motor vehicle (100); - determining (302) a selected set of one or more vehicle-specific data units (212); and - causing (303) the digital key (211) to be sent to the target device (220) together with the one or more vehicle-specific data units (212).

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