EP1870302A1 - Remote personalisation of an on-board unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves detecting the relevant data (ND) for the personalization which is initialized at the on board unit (OBU).The on board unit is personalized with the detected relevant data by a personalization software (PSW) provided for the on board unit. The personalization takes place at the on board unit, which is positioned arbitrarily. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) An on board unit with personalization entity (2) a personalization system.

Description

The present invention is in the field of telematics or traffic control using on-board units. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of personalizing such an on-board unit, an on-board unit formed with a corresponding personalization entity, and a personalization system. An on-board unit is a small electronic device with corresponding interfaces for the transmission of data that can be used in mobile devices such. As vehicles, ships, motor vehicles, trucks or other transport devices can be installed or integrated. On-board units generally communicate via appropriate interfaces with a central back-office in which data can be further processed and / or provided. On-board units can be used, for example, in toll collection or for other telematics services. Depending on the type of service to be supported, the data transfer from the on-board unit to the back-office (this may be, for example, position-related data of the respective vehicle) or a data transfer from the back-office to the on-board -Unit (this may be, for example, information data to be provided to the user of the vehicle when driving on the intended route). Here, a unidirectional or bidirectional data transmission can be provided.

Depending on the purpose and the type of service to be supported, the on-board units are designed differently or with different modules. Basically, they have at least one interface for data transmission with the back-office. In general, they also include a receiver for the reception of position-related data (these are usually satellite-based), depending on the purpose However, any other modules or instances can also be integrated into the on-board unit. In addition to the GPS on-board units, there are so-called Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) on-board units designed for use in DSRC systems. A DSRC on-board unit interacts with the stationary beacon and can also have an additional interface (eg USB, GSM, WLAN, RS232, smartcard, etc.) for interacting with the back-office.

Regardless of the type of on-board unit and purpose, on-board units must always be personalized prior to their operation in a vehicle. This means that the relevant on-board unit must be initialized with relevant data before it can be put into operation. This applies in particular if the on-board unit is to be used for toll collection. In this case, the relevant data includes contract data, vehicle data such. As the license plate of each vehicle, axle class, vehicle dimensions, etc. The relevant data must be stored in the on-board unit and / or at least provided. By storing this data, an on-board unit is personalized. Only after personalization can it be used.

In the known systems of the prior art, it is provided that an on-board unit for toll collection is personalized either directly at the outlets for the on-board unit. In addition, it is possible to personalize the on-board unit in a specialized workshop via a personalization computer, or to personalize the on-board unit from another instance (eg, the back-office) and the on-board unit -Board unit then send via the mailing to the respective user. The previous personalization is thus localized.

In the aforementioned DSRC on-board units, the respective on-board unit is personalized directly via the DSRC interface of the on-board unit. Personalization is then carried out via this interface, that is to say the reading of the user and / or vehicle data, which as a rule takes place via proprietary protocol of the respective manufacturer. For personalization either a beacon module or a so-called "toaster" is used.

In the above-mentioned DSRC and GPS GSM on-board units, but usually also in other types of on-borad units, the personalization takes place in the Usually via a personalization computer, which is connected to the on-board unit via a special cable.

It is common to all personalization methods known hitherto that the personalization process can only be carried out at specific workstations provided for this purpose. The user always receives a fully personalized on-board unit. This has the disadvantage of incurring increased costs as personnel are required to perform the personalization process. Likewise, the location of the personalization is disadvantageously determined.

The present invention has therefore set itself the task of demonstrating a way in which the personalization process for an on-board unit can be improved. In particular, the personalization process should be made simpler, more decentralized, more flexible and cheaper.

This object is achieved by the attached main claims, in particular by a method for personalization of an on-board unit, an on-board unit with a specific personalization instance, a device with an on-board unit according to the invention and with a personalization system.

The present invention will be described below using the example of the method according to the invention. Here mentioned advantages, features and alternative embodiments are also to be transferred to the other task solutions. Thus, the claimed objects can be further developed with the features that have been mentioned in connection with the method.

• Erfassen von für die Personalisierung relevanten Daten, insbesondere von Nutzer- und/oder Fahrzeugdaten eines Nutzers,
• Einlesen der erfassten relevanten Daten über eine Schnittstelle,
• Personalisieren der On-Board-Unit mit den erfassten relevanten Daten an der bzw. in der On-Board-Unit selbst, z.B. durch den Nutzer des Fahrzeuges, insbesondere mittels einer für die On-Board-Unit bereitgestellten Personalisierungs-Software, wobei das Personalisieren insofern ortsungebunden ist, als dass sich die On-board-Unit für den Personalisierungsvorgang an einem beliebigen Ort befinden kann.

In particular, the present invention is achieved by a method for location-independent personalization of an on-board unit, wherein the on-board unit is customarily personalized with respect to the respective vehicle and / or to a user of the vehicle, comprising:

• Capture relevant personalization data, in particular user and / or vehicle data of a user,
• Reading the recorded relevant data via an interface,
• Personalizing the on-board unit with the acquired relevant data on or in the on-board unit itself, for example by the user of the vehicle, in particular by means of a provided for the on-board unit personalization software, wherein the personalization insofar as it is location independent, that the on-board unit for the personalization process can be located anywhere.

A significant advantage of the present invention is the fact that the personalization process of the on-board unit for toll collection is transferred to the user himself. Thus, the previous disadvantages of the known methods can be overcome, which can be seen in particular in a temporal and local delay. So far, the time delay has arisen because the personalization process could only take place at designated locations. In particular, changes to the data (re-personalization) or the deletion of data (de-personalization) could only take place at the designated locations or the OBU had to be replaced if necessary. The previous method, which is not only complicated from a logistical point of view, can be omitted according to the invention. An advantage of the solution according to the invention is thus to be seen in the fact that the user does not have to send in the OBU for the actual personalization or must drive to a service / issuing office. This is a time and cost factor especially in the commercial sector. In addition, another advantage lies in the decentralized personalization option. According to the invention, each user can personally personalize "his" unit and do so at a time that suits him. The personalization process according to the invention is thus independent of time and / or location.

According to the on-board unit is formed with a personalization interface. It is possible that the personalization interface is an additional interface; however, it is alternatively and preferably also possible to use the previous (usual) interface of the on-board unit or to expand it so that it also includes a decentralized personalization functionality. Advantageously, it is therefore possible that the personalization interface is any interface of known type, e.g. B. to a serial interface (USB, RS232, RS-422, RS-485, etc.) or to a Bluetooth interface, etc., or to a data transfer by means of a mobile data carrier (smart card or the like). The interface depends on the technical possibilities the on-board unit. The personalization interface is basically used to transfer data relevant for personalization to the on-board unit and from the same to the back-office.

An essential feature of the invention is the fact that personalization can take place in a decentralized manner and so to speak "remotely", ie from a remote location. The user or an authorized person can personalize himself directly at the on-board unit.

The basic idea of the method according to the invention is described below:

In a first step, a user of the vehicle usually registers with an instance with a corresponding interface for inputting user and / or vehicle data. This can be a back-office or another instance. In addition, this can be done, for example, in writing or electronically (eg via the Internet or by e-mail). Then he can buy an on-board unit (order, buy, lease, etc.). However, it is also possible that the process of registering takes place only after the purchase of the on-board unit.

The purchased on-board unit is basically in a non-personalized state and can not yet be put into operation in this unpersonalized state. For this, it is necessary that only the relevant for the registration user and / or vehicle data for the operation of the on-board unit are recorded.

The collection of the relevant data, in particular the user and / or vehicle data, can take place in different ways: it is possible that the data is collected directly in the back office; It is likewise possible for the user or a service person to enter the data at any computer-aided instance or to enter it manually on forms. Subsequently, the data are recorded electronically, whereby the data thus acquired are stored by means of electronic data transmission in the back-office. Also, the data can be taken on behalf of the user by another service provider. It is conceivable, for example, that the vehicle data comes from a partner A, while payment-related data or contract data come from another partner B. The In addition, data can also be provided by another contractual partner and read in for the method according to the invention. However, it is necessary that the data relevant for personalization are always managed centrally, preferably in the back office. These records can then be distributed according to the invention to decentralized units for the purpose of personalization. The relevant data recorded at a registration office are then transferred via an interface to the on-board unit or read in there. The provision of the acquired data at the on-board unit will thus preferably be a reading in of the data or a transfer of the data to the on-board unit. At the registration office, besides the back office, it may be any instance that is designed with corresponding interfaces. Preferably, the relevant data is always distributed centrally, ie from the back office, to the mobile units. Alternatively, however, registrars may also send the data directly to the mobile units and inform the back office.

In addition to user and / or vehicle data, the relevant data may also include other data relevant for personalization, since the on-board unit can not be used exclusively for toll collection, but can also support other services. Typically, the step of capturing the data is followed by a verification step. Here the collected data is checked according to configurable criteria. Usually they are verified with regard to admissibility and / or validity. In other embodiments of the invention, further verification criteria are conceivable here. If a check of the data is to take place, a personalization of the on-board unit can only be completed successfully if the verification step has also been successfully completed. However, it is also possible that the feature of the check is deactivated or omitted. Verification may also be a manual step in which the collected data is compared to vehicle paper data.

Once all relevant data has been collected, this data is transformed into a specific format and thus made available to the user. Basically, the relevant data (ie the data that is relevant for the respective personalization process) will differ from case to case. Which data is selected here is basically dependent on the desired and commissioned services and services available to the user to be asked. Only when all relevant data has been entered, the personalization process can be completed. Otherwise, the user is asked to enter the necessary data. Typically, the data is collated and provided in an encrypted file format.

• optional: Registrieren eines Nutzers oder Validieren einer bereits existierenden Registrierung des Nutzers, (dies kann z.B. den Vorteil haben, dass dem Nutzer bestimmte Datensätze bereits zur Auswahl angeboten werden können und er diese nicht direkt eingeben muss, was die Gefahr von Tippfehlern verringert)
• Erfassen von für die Personalisierung relevanten Daten, insbesondere Erfassen im Back-Office, und gegebenenfalls Überprüfen der erfassten Daten,
• Einlesen der relevanten Daten über die Personalisierungs-Schnittstelle,
• gegebenenfalls Prüfen der erfassten relevanten Daten, insbesondere der Nutzer- und/oder Fahrzeugdaten,
• optional: Bereitstellen der Personalisierungs-Software für die On-Board-Unit, insbesondere im Rahmen einer Online-Personalisierung durch die On-Board-Unit selbst oder durch einen angeschlossenen Computer (bei einer Offline-Personalisierung kann die Personalisierungs-Software auch auf dem Back-Office liegen und nicht notwendigerweise auf der On-Board-Unit),
• Bereitstellen der erfassten Nutzer- und/oder Fahrzeugdaten für den Personalisierungsvorgang auf der On-Board-Unit,
• Personalisieren der On-Board-Unit mit den erfassten relevanten Daten mittels bzw. an der On-Board-Unit durch den Nutzer selbst, wobei optional eine erste oder weitere Datenprüfungen ausgeführt" werden kann/können und wobei das Personalisieren völlig autark an der OBU erfolgen kann.

The method according to the invention is characterized in the preferred embodiment by the following sequence of steps:

• optional: registration of a user or validation of an already existing user registration (this may have the advantage, for example, that certain data sets can already be offered to the user for selection and he does not have to enter them directly, which reduces the risk of typos)
• Capture data relevant for personalization, in particular capture in the back office, and if necessary check the collected data
• Reading the relevant data via the personalization interface,
• if necessary, checking the recorded relevant data, in particular the user and / or vehicle data,
• optional: Provision of the personalization software for the on-board unit, in particular as part of an online personalization by the on-board unit itself or by a connected computer (in the case of offline personalization, the personalization software can also be used on the back Office and not necessarily on the on-board unit),
• Providing the recorded user and / or vehicle data for the personalization process on the on-board unit,
• Personalization of the on-board unit with the collected relevant data by means of or at the on-board unit by the user himself, where optionally a first or further data checks can be carried out and wherein the personalization takes place completely autonomously at the OBU can.

However, in alternative embodiments, it is also possible to perform a different order of the aforementioned steps. For example, registering the user and providing the personalization software may occur at a different time (e.g. in an upstream phase or after the collection and / or verification of the relevant data).

Usually, the on-board unit is formed with a known to the expert interface to the back-office; According to the invention, the on-board unit may further comprise a further personalization interface for transmitting the relevant data.

1. 1. einer Offline-Personalisierung,
2. 2. einer Online-Personalisierung und
3. 3. einer Mischformen zwischen den beiden vorstehend erwähnten Personalisierungsarten.

An essential advantage of the solution according to the invention is the fact that the personalization and / or the provision of the data relevant for the personalization can be handled very flexibly and fundamentally can be based on several different mechanisms:

1. 1. an offline personalization,
2. 2. an online personalization and
3. 3. a hybrid between the two types of personalization mentioned above.

With offline personalization, the data connection between the mobile on-board unit and the back-office is not a necessary requirement. Usually, the relevant data, in particular the user and / or vehicle data, are provided by a separate, external entity (in particular by the back office). As a rule, the relevant data, in particular the user and / or vehicle data, are present in a so-called personalization file. The personalization file is preferably encrypted and / or signed. This file can be accessed via any electronic or other medium, such as As diskette, CD, USB stick, flash card, smart card, etc., or other type of electronic data transmission, such. B. E-mail or via Internet download. Of course, any other type of transmission for the purpose of providing the data on the on-board unit is also within the scope of the invention (e.g., sending the file by mail and reading the data).

For offline personalization, the user therefore needs three components: namely the on-board unit, a personalization software and the personalization file. Once all three components are present, the personalization process can be triggered. For this, the user includes the on-board unit on a commercially available computer or on electronic handset such. As a PDA or a handheld PC, etc., has been installed on the personalization software and on which the personalization file is read or is still being read. As an interface for the data transmission to the on-board unit, the personalization interface is used, which is a USB interface in the preferred embodiment.

Online personalization essentially uses a similar mechanism. An essential difference to offline personalization is the fact that it is no longer necessary to send the user a personalization file. This logistically complicated transmission process can be omitted. Instead, the on-board unit is also connected to a computer and an additional connection is established from the computer to the back-office, so that a communication tunnel between the on-board unit and the back-office can be established. The connection is preferably encrypted. During communication between the on-board unit and the back-office, the data is then compiled directly in an online procedure in the back-office and transmitted to the on-board unit. The on-board unit can then load the provided personalization file directly into its own memory. This completes the personalization process of online personalization.

It can also be configured according to the invention that automatically detects in the on-board unit in the context of online personalization that it is still unpersonalized and automatically triggers the personalization process.

In another alternative embodiment of online personalization, an intermediate computer provided between the on-board unit and the back-office is no longer necessary. In this embodiment, the on-board unit interacts or communicates directly with the back-office via an interface.

In addition, the on-board unit may be connected to a multi-instance local area network, with personalization software provided on one of the instances. On a command of the personalization software then the personalization process can be triggered, so that in particular the on-board unit is caused to get the relevant Download data from the back-office. Alternatively, it may be provided that the on-board unit itself, ie actively, fetches the relevant data from the back-office.

In the hybrid between online and offline personalization, e.g. be provided that the personalization software retrieves the data online from the back-office and this - as it were offline - copied directly into the on-board unit or in a memory of the on-board unit. The personalization software can also be designed on a further external entity that communicates with the on-board unit.

According to the invention, basically two possibilities are provided for how the relevant data are made available. On the one hand, it is possible for the recorded, relevant data to be installed or stored on the on-board unit, without the on-board unit having to initiate this with a specific command. In particular, this is done by the personalization software and is used particularly in offline personalization. Otherwise, the collected relevant data may be provided by being actively retrieved from the on-board unit. For this purpose, a specific command is usually issued by the on-board unit to a separate instance (usually the back-office). This method is commonly used in online personalization. However, other combinations are also conceivable here, so that the initiation of the personalization can be configured by another entity, in particular also in the case of online personalization.

The provision of the relevant data usually takes place by reading the respective personalization file via an interface, in particular via the personalization interface, on the on-board unit itself. In alternative embodiments, it is possible that the personalization file is not directly connected to the on-board unit. Unit, but at a data-technically connectable further instance, which in turn transmits the data to the on-board unit. Thus, in terms of time, further variability can be achieved.

In a simple embodiment, the provided relevant data for the on-board unit is used directly for the personalization process. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the provided relevant data is only a test step subjected. Here, the provided data are checked according to configurable criteria. In particular, a signature check, an authorization check, checking an authentication, a decryption check, a check for correct affiliation of the personalization file to the connected on-board unit, as well as the data transmission connection to the on-board unit can be checked by the personalization software during the personalization process. Advantageously, the criteria by means of which the test is to take place can be configured so that the method can be adjusted to the respective application. In order to increase the security of the method, the data transfer in relation to the on-board unit (ie from and to the on-board unit) for all or selected data to be transmitted is preferably encrypted and / or signed. However, this feature is optional. Independently of the check during the personalization process by means of the personalization software, alternatively or cumulatively, a check of the relevant data entered by the user can take place (eg on consistency, permissibility, completeness, etc. of the entered data).

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the personalization is triggered directly by a specific user action on the on-board unit. Advantageously, thus a further degree of freedom can be achieved in terms of time. According to the personalization process can be triggered at any time, provided that all necessary conditions are met (the on-board unit is present, the personalization software is present - in the online personalization according to the invention, the personalization software already in the on -Board unit is integrated or is provided for this or loaded and thus in this case automatically provided with the on-borad-unit itself - and the user and / or vehicle data are provided). In contrast, in the known prior art method, it was necessary for the user to initiate the personalization process immediately upon acquisition of an on-board unit.

The term "personalization" is to be understood within the scope of the present invention and encompasses all processes in the context of an OBU personalization, in particular also a re-personalization of an on-board unit (eg when a new one is acquired) personalization data (re-personalization) and also the deletion of personalization data (de-personalization). Re-personalization may be necessary, for example be if user and / or vehicle data changes or if other services are to be made available to the user and / or if other services are to be commissioned. In any change of relevant data, the inventive method can be applied easily, quickly and without the use of further instances. In addition, a de-personalization should be included; In this case, relevant data or at least parts of it should be able to be deleted on the on-board unit. This is the case when the user terminates services or services provided. The personalization according to the invention may further relate to vehicle-related data (vehicle data, such as license plate, vehicle class, etc.) and / or also to personal data (eg contract data of the user or other data concerning the user). The personal data can extend over several vehicles (eg contract account PAN from which a fee is deducted). If the OBU is not used for toll, only one or the other of the above-mentioned types of data can be considered.

The relevant data is basically data that is relevant for the personalization process. Typically, these are user and / or vehicle data provided in a personalization file. Likewise, however, other data, in particular other toll-related data, may also be included here.

Usually, a personalization file is related to a specific on-board unit. However, the inventive method can also be used if an on-board unit used by different users and / or if an on-board unit is used for several different vehicles.

Typically, an on-board unit is intended for use in a mobile device. The mobile device may be, for example, a vehicle, a ship, a truck or their parts.

• relevanten Daten für die Personalisierung der On-Board-Unit,
• zumindest einer Personalisierungs-Schnittstelle, über die die relevanten Daten an die oder von der On-Board-Unit übertragen werden und
• zumindest einer Personalisierungs-Instanz, die zum Personalisieren der On-Board-Unit mit den über die Personalisierungs-Schnittstelle erfassten relevanten Daten mittels Zugriff auf eine Personalisierungs-Software bestimmt ist, wobei das Personalisieren dezentral in der On-Board-Unit - vorzugsweise durch den Nutzer selbst und unabhängig von spezifischen Ausgabestellen für die On-Board-Units - erfolgt oder zumindest in einer ihr zugeordneten Instanz.

Another task solution is an on-board unit that allows a user to personalize the on-board unit with:

• relevant data for the personalization of the on-board unit,
• at least one personalization interface via which the relevant data is transmitted to or from the on-board unit and
• at least one personalization entity, which is intended to personalize the on-board unit with the relevant data recorded via the personalization interface by means of access to a personalization software, wherein the personalization is decentralized in the on-board unit - preferably by the Users themselves and independent of specific outlets for the on-board units - takes place - or at least in an assigned instance.

According to the invention, it is not absolutely necessary that the personalization entity is integrated into the on-board unit. It is thus possible for the personalization instance to be a separate module that only provides the personalization software to the on-board unit.

Another task solution can be seen in a mobile device, in particular in a vehicle, which is equipped with an on-board unit according to the invention.

• einer Vielzahl von On-Board-Units, die mit einer Personalisierungs-Schnittstelle ausgebildet sind zum Übertragen von für die Personalisierung relevanten Daten,
• einer Personalisierungs-Instanz in der On-Board-Unit, die zum Personalisieren der On-Board-Unit mit den relevanten Daten - gegebenenfalls unter Zugriff auf eine Personalisierungs-Software - bestimmt ist und
• einem Back-Office, das zumindest zum Bereitstellen und/oder Weiterleiten von relevanten Daten an die On-Board-Unit zum Zwecke der Personalisierung und/oder zum Bereitstellen der Personalisierungs-Software bestimmt ist.

In addition, the task is solved by a personalization system for personalizing an on-board unit via the on-board unit itself, with:

• a plurality of on-board units, which are designed with a personalization interface for transmitting data relevant for the personalization,
• a personalization entity in the on-board unit, which is for personalizing the on-board unit with the relevant data - if necessary, with access to a personalization software - is determined and
• a back-office intended at least for providing and / or forwarding relevant data to the on-board unit for the purpose of personalizing and / or providing the personalization software.

The above-described embodiments of the method according to the invention can also be embodied as a computer program product, with a computer-readable medium and with a computer program and associated program code means, wherein the computer is caused after loading of the computer program for carrying out the inventive method described above.

An alternative task solution provides a storage medium which is intended to store the above-described computer-implemented method and is readable by a computer.

Additional, advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

Figur 1

ein Ablaufdiagramm gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung,

Figur 2

eine übersichtsartige Darstellung einer Online-Personalisierung mit zwei Alternativen und

Figur 3

eine übersichtsartige Darstellung einer Offline-Personalisierung mit zwei Alternativen.

In the following, the present invention will be described with reference to an embodiment which is to be read in conjunction with the drawing and which comprises further advantages, features and alternatives. In this show:

FIG. 1

a flowchart according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 2

an overview of an online personalization with two alternatives and

FIG. 3

an overview of offline personalization with two alternatives.

In the following, the basic sequence of the method according to the preferred embodiment will be described in connection with FIG.

As shown in Fig. 1, the method for personalizing an on-board unit OBU is determined. The on-board unit OBU is installed in a mobile device, in particular in a vehicle. The on-board unit OBU is provided with an interface for data transmission with a back-office BO. This can be a direct or an indirect data transfer between the on-board unit OBU and the back-office BO. The user usually operates the on-board unit OBU and / or the vehicle. For the purpose of commissioning an on-board unit OBU, the user registers in the system. Alternatively, it is possible that already registered registration data of the user is accessed, possibly after a successful verification of the same. This is preferably done centrally in the back office BO. In an alternative embodiment, however, this can be done also decentralized to contract offices and in writing. Thereupon, the user is provided with personalization software depending on the provided personalization method (online vs. offline).

Personalization software PSW is an executable file that resides on a mobile data carrier, such as a mobile device. As a CD, a floppy disk, a Smardcard or the like may be stored and the user is provided. Alternatively, it is possible for the user to download the personalization software PSW via an additional computer via access via the Internet or via email. Alternatively, it may also be provided that the personalization software PSW is not provided on the on-board unit OBU but on an external instance, e.g. on the back office BO.

In a further step, which can also take place at an earlier point in time, relevant data ND that is necessary for the personalization of the on-board unit OBU is acquired. The relevant data are preferably user and / or vehicle data ND, which are essential for the operation of the on-board unit. In addition to toll-related data, however, other data, such as contract data, vehicle data (eg license plate, axle class, vehicle dimension), user data (contract data, account data, etc.) and / or other data (which can be found, for example, on the On Board unit OBU itself, such as provided interfaces, serial number, etc.). It should be noted at this point that the on-board unit OBU according to the invention does not necessarily have to be oriented towards toll collection but can also provide any other services and benefits. In addition, it may be a DSRC OBU and / or a GPS OBU and / or other types of on-board units. Accordingly, the inventive method for personalizing the on-board unit OBU is highly variable configurable and designed so that the respective relevant data ND are recorded, which are necessary for each application of the on-board unit OBU. Usually, then, a check of the detected relevant data ND takes place. However, this feature is optional and may be omitted if desired. After the relevant data ND have been recorded and possibly checked, these are provided for the on-board unit OBU.

Basically, in the method according to the invention, two tests can be carried out independently of each other: On the one hand, a test that takes place when entering relevant data by the user (eg a check for consistency, permissibility and completeness of the entered data) and on the other hand, a test that is carried out by means of the personalization software PSW during the personalization process and can relate, inter alia, to whether the selected relevant data also relate to the connected on-board unit OBU or fit for it.

The scope of the respective test is basically configurable. Here, criteria can be specified via a specific interface on which the check should be based. As already mentioned, an authentication check, a signature check, a completeness check, an assignment check (whether the respective relevant data records ND also relate to the on-board unit OBU to be personalized may be conceivable here, for example by reading and comparing parameters which stored both in the user and / or vehicle data ND and in the on-board unit OBU itself, for example, this may be an OBU identification number, a serial number, a manufacturer number or other parameters), a check on Decryptability of the user and / or vehicle data ND etc. In addition, several checks can be carried out sequentially. It is also possible that a Prüfkombinatorik is created from several parameters.

After successful testing of all environmental conditions, the user and / or vehicle data ND are transmitted to the on-board unit OBU by means of the personalization software PSW. Preferably, the transmission is encrypted and authentication methods are used.

After successful testing and installation of the user and / or vehicle data ND on the on-board unit OBU, another check of the data ND in the on-board unit OBU can take place once again. This can be z. B. be a so-called checksum check and / or signature verification. The personalization takes place in a last step and by means of the recorded and checked user and / or vehicle data ND, wherein personalization takes place on the part of the on-board unit OBU and is thus controlled by the user himself. In order to the advantage arises that the personalization process can be carried out completely independently of issuing points (or registration points) for the on-board units OBU.

The personalization method according to the invention is thus a decentralized personalization method, which takes place so to speak "remotely", namely via remote entities that are separate with respect to the back-office BO, e.g. via the on-board units OBU itself.

In Fig. 1, the method steps in the sequence are indicated, which are selected according to the preferred embodiment. However, other embodiments relate to a different time sequence of the above-mentioned method steps. For example, the registration of the user and the provision of the personalization software PSW can take place in a time-advanced phase. In a further phase, the capturing of user and / or vehicle data ND can take place. In a final phase, the personalization of the on-board unit OBU can be performed. The three phases mentioned above are basically decoupled in time from one another and do not have to take place in a necessary temporal context. In addition, registering, provisioning and capturing can also be done in a different order. For the method step of personalizing it is only necessary that an on-board unit OBU is provided, that a corresponding personalization software PSW is provided (either on the on-board unit OBU itself or in the back-office BO or on another instance) and that the relevant data ND recorded and via any (eg electronic) medium, such as a smart card, have been provided. It may be provided according to the invention to store personalization data from a central location (e.g., a back office) on a smart card, and then to send it to the user. Inserting the smart card into a SmartCard reader provided in the on-board unit transfers the data to the on-board unit. The SmartCard can then be removed again. Likewise, the uses of other media (e.g., sending a mobile data carrier by mail) known to those skilled in the art are within the scope of this invention.

In the following, an online personalization according to the invention is described in connection with FIG. 2:

In online personalization, a data communications link is formed between the on-board unit OBU and the back-office BO. This is either a direct connection or it may be formed indirectly and an intermediate element, in particular a further computer (in Figures 2 and 3 referred to as PC) include. In the latter case, the on-board unit OBU is connected to another computer-aided instance, which in turn is in connection with the back-office BO. This situation is illustrated in FIG. 2 in that, in the case of the direct connection between the on-board unit OBU and the back-office BO, the connection between the participating instances is drawn, while in the other case the data-related connection is via the further computer takes place, which should be shown in Fig. 2 by the lower part of the drawing, which is shown only dotted. As a rule, the continuous data-technical connection and the dotted-illustrated data connection are alternatives. However, it is also possible to provide both connections. The type of data connection is not fixed and therefore it can be a dial-up connection or an Internet connection.

In online personalization, the personalization software PSW or the corresponding personalization module is integrated into the on-board unit OBU. This is usually part of the OBU software. In addition, personalization software can be provided on a PC if there is no direct connection. In this case, the personalization software for the PC serves as a kind of link / router between on-board unit OBU and back-office BO. A significant advantage of this embodiment is the fact that the personalization software PSW does not have to be a proprietary solution. On the contrary, standard applications such. As an Internet browser can be used. Accordingly, the user is offered the personalization service by means of an Internet portal service.

For on-line personalization, the personalization software PSW can already be installed in the OBU on-board unit or it can be a component of the OBU software. It either acts as a router or triggers the on-board unit over the network to start the personalization.

As indicated in FIG. 2, the personalization software PSW can also be forwarded to the on-board unit OBU in other ways, for B. by a mobile disk that is read or by downloading via an Internet connection. It is also possible in an alternative embodiment that the personalization software PSW is not provided (directly) on the on-board unit OBU but on another instance, e.g. on a PC if the dashed line in Figure 2 is used. Otherwise (especially with an offline personalization, which will be described in more detail below) is the provision of the personalization software PSW on the on-board unit OBU is not mandatory.

After the personalization software PSW is provided on the on-board unit OBU, the personalization process can be started by the user. Usually, a data connection between the on-board unit OBU and - indirectly or directly - with the back-office BO is constructed, which is preferably encrypted, z. Over IPsec. During communication with the back office BO, the relevant data ND are assembled online and transmitted to the on-board unit OBU. Usually, the relevant data ND are stored directly in a memory of the on-board unit OBU.

As mentioned above, it is possible for the personalization process to be performed manually by the user, e.g. through a user interaction. Alternatively, it may be set that the personalization process is automatically triggered by a particular trigger event. The trigger event may e.g. This is because it is detected automatically if the on-board unit OBU has not yet been personalized when first switched on, or that it is informed by means of a standard communication that new personalization data is available in the back-office BO. This has a very significant advantage and reduces errors due to failure of personalization operations, as the on-board unit OBU, so to speak, (automatically) personalizes itself after having been provided a connection with the back-office BO in the user's environment is.

If the embodiment shown dotted in FIG. 2 is selected and the on-board unit OBU is connected to the back-office BO via a further computer, uses the on-board unit OBU the other computer as a kind of router to the back-office BO. The routing functionality provides either the operating system on the computer or the personalization software PSW or the Internet browser (eg with the aid of a Java applet, script, existing or future Internet protocols) via the aforementioned Internet portal. Solution.

In cases where a direct online connection to the back office BO is not possible, the personalization software or the browser PSW may also initially download and buffer the user and / or vehicle data ND online (preferably on the computer). Subsequently, the on-board unit OBU can directly load the user and / or vehicle data ND from the computer or the personalization software or the browser PSW can "push" the data into the memory of the OBU.

If this embodiment is chosen, which is shown in FIG. 2 by the solid line (data connection between the on-board unit OBU and the back-office BO), the on-board unit OBU can be connected via a radio interface (eg. GSM, WLAN or WAN) or via a direct interface to the local user network (eg Ethernet) establish a connection to the back office BO. The personalization process is typically triggered by a user action on the on-board unit OBU or is automatically triggered by other events. This personalization process can thus z. B. be started by pressing a button.

In the case of online personalization, it is generally provided that the data is actively retrieved by the on-board unit OBU.

In the following, an offline personalization will be described in connection with FIG.

The personalization file ND is sent directly to the on-board unit OBU in this embodiment. The way in which this is done depends on the technical possibilities of the respective on-board unit OBU and the respective user. For example, the provision of the personalization file ND via an electronic medium, such. As a mobile disk, via e-mail or via Internet download. In the same or another way, the user can use the necessary personalization software PSW received. It is thus possible for the personalization software PSW to be provided in a different type of on-board unit OBU than the personalization file ND, for example by using a standard browser (eg Java applet, script, existing or future Internet protocols ).

Once the three necessary for personalization components are present, namely the on-board unit OBU itself, the personalization software PSW and the personalization file ND, the personalization process can be started. For this, the user connects the on-board unit OBU to a commercially available computer or to a portable electronic device with corresponding interfaces on which the personalization software PSW and the user and / or vehicle data ND are already present or can be read. A special personalization interface is used as the interface to the on-board unit OBU. The personalization interface is preferably a USB interface. However, other interfaces known to those skilled in the art are also within the scope of this invention.

After installation or provision of personalization software PSW this can be started. The relevant user and / or vehicle data ND are selected from the set of user and / or vehicle data, namely those which are necessary for the respective on-board unit OBU. Optionally, the step of checking can now be carried out, namely checking whether the selected relevant data for the connected on-board unit OBU "fit" (or relate to another OBU, for example). After successful testing, the relevant user and / or vehicle data ND are copied to the on-board unit OBU by means of the personalization software PSW. Preferably, the transmission of the data from or to the on-board unit OBU is encrypted. Optionally, after a successful installation of the user and / or vehicle data ND, another check of the data within the on-board unit OBU can be carried out. As already explained in connection with FIG. 2, FIG. 3 also refers to the "direct connection between OBU and BO" (which is shown as a solid line and exists only in the case of online personalization) and in which " indirect connection between OBU via computer to BO "(which is shown as a dotted line) around alternatives. By way of example, it is shown in FIG. 3 that both the user and / or vehicle data ND and the personalization software PSW are present on the further computer and via the interface or via an additional personalization interface in the on-board unit OBU can be read. Alternatively, it is possible that the user and / or vehicle data ND (in the case of online personalization applies here: and / or the personalization software PSW) are each routed to the on-board unit OBU on other channels ( these embodiments are not shown in Fig. 3).

In the case of offline personalization, the user and / or vehicle data ND are preferably installed on the on-board unit OBU by means of the personalization software PSW, which is preferably provided here in the back-office BO. In this case, therefore, the data ND is not actively retrieved by the on-board unit OBU (in contrast to online personalization).

A significant advantage of personalization according to the invention is the fact that it can be operated both online and offline. In addition, no separate personalization output points are necessary, as was the case in the prior art. Moreover, the method according to the invention can be applied simply and quickly even when changing personalization data, without the user having to send back or replace the on-board unit OBU. He can z. B. initiate a change and / or change of services or features themselves. According to the invention, in this case the user is provided only with a new, adapted user and / or vehicle data file ND and the user can carry out the personalization or "re-personalization" himself. This means a significant simplification and acceleration of the logistical process. Also, de-personalization is within the scope of the invention, which results in the deletion of relevant data relating to a user. Even such de-personalization can be performed by the user himself, after which the user can send back the on-board unit OBU. The de-personalization ensures that eg for a DSRC-OBU no unwanted transactions are caused by mail. Advantageously, the logistics process can thus be reduced to the dispatch of the on-board unit OBU, since the user can carry out the personalization himself. Thus, a pure distribution of on-board units OBU in the normal retail is possible in the future, without personalization equipment must be provided there.

The on-board unit can remain much longer in use by the inventive solution than was possible in the prior art. This leads to a significant time and cost advantage, since a change of personalization-relevant data (eg, other service requests) can immediately be followed by a new personalization. Advantageously, a new or changed user and / or vehicle data file ND can be made available within seconds without the on-board unit OBU having to be removed and returned.

Finally, it should be pointed out that the description of the invention and the exemplary embodiments shown are in principle not restrictive with regard to a specific physical realization of the invention and thus can be modified in many different ways without departing from the scope of the invention. For a person skilled in the art, it is particularly obvious that the invention can also be implemented as a heterogeneous system partially or completely distributed by software and / or hardware modules and / or on a plurality of physical products - in particular also computer program products.

Claims (11)

A method of personalizing an on-board unit (OBU) for use in a vehicle, comprising: Capture of personalization relevant data (ND), Providing the acquired relevant data (ND) at the on-board unit (OBU), Personalizing the on-board unit (OBU) with the recorded relevant data (ND) by means of a personalization software (PSW) provided for the on-board unit (OBU), wherein the personalization at the on-board unit ( OBU) takes place, which can be arbitrarily positioned. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that all or selected method steps, in particular the provision of the personalization software (PSW) and / or the provision of the acquired relevant data (ND), take place online, the relevant data (ND) being actively activated by the On Board unit (OBU). A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that all or selected method steps, in particular the provision of the personalization software (PSW) and / or the provision of the detected relevant data (ND) take place offline, wherein the relevant data (ND) by means of Personalization Software (PSW) will be installed. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method additionally comprises the following method step: Checking the relevant data (ND) and / or a data transmission connection with respect to the on-board unit (OBU) according to configurable criteria. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the personalization takes place locally, in which a user can personalize the on-board unit (OBU) on the on-board unit (OBU) itself and / or that the on-board -Unit (OBU) uses a standard interface of the on-board unit (OBU) in a necessary for personalization data transmission. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an online connection to a back-office (BO) is provided during the entire duration of the personalization or only temporarily, via which the personalization software (PSW) and / or the recorded relevant data (ND) can be downloaded. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in an online personalization, the personalization is started automatically by a user action and / or by a signal received from the back office (BO) on the on-board unit (OBU) and / or that personalization is not started by the on-board unit (OBU) for offline personalization. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method can also be applied to a change of data relating to the personalization, or to a de-personalization. On-board unit (OBU) having at least one personalization entity dedicated to personalizing the on-board unit (OBU) for a user and / or a vehicle, comprising: - data relevant to the personalization of on-board unit (OBU) data (ND), - at least one personalization interface via which the relevant data (ND) are transmitted to and / or from the on-board unit (OBU) and wherein the personalization entity is adapted to personalize, re-personalize or by means of a provided personalization software (PSW) to personalize the on-board unit (OBU) with acquired relevant data (ND) at the on-board unit (OBU) to depersonalize. Mobile device, in particular vehicle, with an on-board unit (OBU) according to claim 9. Personalization system for personalizing an on-board unit (OBU), comprising: a plurality of on-board units (OBU) with at least one personalization interface each via which relevant data (ND) and / or personalization software (PSW) can be transmitted or loaded, a personalization entity intended to personalize the on-board unit (OBU) with captured relevant data, the personalization using the provided personalization software (PSW) in and / or by the on-board unit ( OBU) takes place and a back office (BO), which is intended to provide personalization relevant data (ND) and / or to provide personalization software (PSW).

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