METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OPERATING A VEHICLE

Abstract

A vehicle-internal security device is configured to perform a method, for example, by executing a computer program, in which method, when access takes place to a vehicle component or a to plurality of vehicle components from outside the vehicle, the vehicle-internal security device restricts or interrupts the access if a corresponding request was received by the vehicle via a communications network.

Claims

1-12. (canceled)

13. A method comprising: based on a request received by a vehicle via a communications network, restricting or interrupting, by a vehicle-internal security device of the vehicle, an attempt, by a vehicle-external component, to access one or more vehicle components of the vehicle.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the attempted access is via the communications network.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the attempted access includes an attempted access to a key system of the vehicle using a physical key.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the request includes an override command for overriding the attempted access.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the vehicle transmits an information signal via the communications network to a user of the communications network indicating the attempt to access, that the access was carried out, or that the access is being carried out.

18. The method of claim 13, further comprising: responsive to receipt of a control signal transmitted by a user of the communications network, the security device controlling the one or more vehicle components in accordance with the control signal.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein: the attempted access is via the communications network; a clearance for a parking-lot administration server is set up for the access; a clearance signal is transmitted via the communications network to the parking-lot administration server via the communications network indicating that the one or more vehicle components are accessible by the parking-lot administration server in accordance with the clearance.

20. The method of claim 13, further comprising recording the attempted access.

21. The method of claim 13, further comprising recording an action carried out in response to the access.

22. A device comprising: a communications interface configured to receive, via a communications network, a request for restricting or interrupting access to one or more vehicle components; and a security device configured to, based on the request, restrict or interrupt an attempt to access one or more vehicle components of the vehicle.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein the security device is configured to set up a clearance for a parking-lot administration server, and the communications interface is configured to transmit, via the communications network and to the parking-lot administration server, a clearance signal indicating that the one or more vehicle components are accessible by the parking-lot administration server via the communications network in accordance with the clearance.

24. A vehicle comprising a device that includes: a communications interface configured to receive, via a communications network, a request for restricting or interrupting access to one or more vehicle components; and a security device configured to, based on the request, restrict or interrupt an attempt to access one or more vehicle components of the vehicle.

25. A non-transitory computer-readable medium on which are stored instructions that are executable by a processor of a vehicle-internal security device of a vehicle and that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform a method, the method comprising: based on a request received via a communications network, restricting or interrupting an attempt, by a vehicle-external component, to access one or more vehicle components of the vehicle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] FIG. 1 is a flowchart that illustrates a method for operating a vehicle, according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 2 illustrates a device for operating a vehicle, according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 3 illustrates a vehicle according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] FIG. 1 is a flowchart that illustrates a method for operating a vehicle according to an example embodiment of the present invention. In a step 101, access to one or a plurality of vehicle component(s) is carried out, with this access involving a vehicle-external access. In other words, access to the vehicle takes place from the outside, in particular. In a step 103, it is checked whether the vehicle has received a request via a communications network to restrict or interrupt the access. If no request was received, according to a step 105 it is provided to permit the access. That is to say, the access will not be restricted or interrupted.

[0050] On the other hand, if the check in step 103 has revealed that a corresponding request was received via the communications network, then it is provided according to a step 107 that the vehicle-external access be restricted or interrupted.

[0051] The restriction or interruption of the vehicle-external access in particular involves the restricting of access to some of the vehicle components and the interrupting of a further access to other vehicle components.

[0052] FIG. 2 shows a device 201 for operating a vehicle.

[0053] Device 201 includes a communications interface 203, which is configured to receive a request for restricting or interrupting access to a vehicle component or to a plurality of vehicle components via a communications network. Device 201 includes a security device 205. If access to the vehicle component or to the plurality of vehicle components takes place and a corresponding request is received, security device 205 is designed to restrict or interrupt access to the vehicle component or to the plurality of vehicle components in accordance with the request.

[0054] FIG. 3 shows a vehicle 301, which is configured to execute the method of the present invention. Vehicle 301 includes device 201 from FIG. 2, for example.

[0055] Thus, the present invention is directed to a method, a device, a vehicle, and/or a computer program, which make it possible for the driver or the owner, for example, to interrupt an authorized online access to the vehicle (access via a communications network) by a parking lot management system that includes a parking-lot administration server, at any time. Such an authorized access is granted to the parking-lot administration server according to a specific embodiment, or will be transmitted to the parking-lot administration server according to a specific embodiment.

[0056] According to another specific embodiment, the driver or owner assumes the control or guidance of the vehicle after the access has been restricted or interrupted. This is accomplished especially in that the user of the communications network transmits control signals via the communications network to the vehicle, i.e., to the security device, as already outlined earlier.

[0057] According to another specific embodiment, all authorized accesses as well as their consequences are recorded, or in other words, are documented, in particular.

[0058] Example embodiments of the present invention involve what is known as a “main key/main account,” which owns or holds what is known as “ADMIN rights,” which thus allow for a deactivation or restriction of granted accesses at any time. In other words, a higher-level instance, in this case especially an administrator account, is provided, which is able to deactivate the granted accesses at any time, i.e., prevent or terminate or interrupt or restrict the accesses. “ADMIN” is shorthand for administrator. This means that the driver or owner is the administrator and is able to restrict accesses to the driver's vehicle. In other words, the security device, in particular, includes such an administrator account, which restricts and/or prevents and/or interrupts and/or overrides the accesses to the vehicle components or to the vehicle systems. The security device thus encompasses an ADMIN functionality, in particular.

[0059] According to an example embodiment, the following features are provided, either individually or in any combination: the vehicle is left in the drop-off zone (drop-off point); the parking-lot management system is granted online access (clearance) to the vehicle (temporarily or permanently; during the drop-off or also in advance); the driver/owner is able to monitor/control the access/entry at all times, and it is furthermore possible that the driver will be informed if certain criteria are present (e.g., a start of the vehicle prior to a specific time); if the driver/owner does not agree to an access, then the driver/owner is able to deactivate/restrict the authorized access; as an option, preferably the driver is able to initiate, on the driver's own, actions, such as a stop of the vehicle; and, furthermore, all accesses and actions are preferably documented for evidentiary purposes, for instance.

[0060] In general, the present method can preferably also be used for “normal” valet parking (by human staff).

[0061] In addition, according to another specific embodiment, an access by a real, physical key (as currently used in vehicles) is likewise able to be overridden by the online ADMIN method.