WO2017050353A1

WO2017050353A1 - Device and method for providing location based services to a user of a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2017050353A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/071743
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sergey Igorevich VLADIMIROV; Fulvio VENTURELLI; Emanuele FRANCIONI; Charlotte Maria ALDARWISH - VAN KIEL; Giancarlo DI BELLA
Original assignee: Gosparc B.V.
Priority date: 2015-09-22
Filing date: 2015-09-22
Publication date: 2017-03-30

Abstract

A device (1) for providing location based services to a user of a vehicle, the device comprising a housing, a display, a button and an electronic circuit, wherein the housing partly forms a plug arranged for insertion along an insertion direction (50a) into a power socket (30) of the vehicle for powering the electronic circuit and the display, wherein the button has a first corresponding switch on the electronic circuit, the first corresponding switch configured to be activated by pressing the button, wherein the electronic circuit comprises a positioning module (15), such as a GPS module, and wherein the positioning module is arranged within the housing in a first inclined orientation (51) relative to the insertion direction to enable the positioning module to receive a positioning signal, such as a GPS signal, polarization independently.

Description

Device and method for providing location based services to a user of a vehicle

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a device for providing location based services to a user. The invention further relates to a holder module for holding a positioning module, such as a GPS module, within a housing of the device. The invention further relates to a display for use in the device. The invention further relates to a plug for enabling the device to be inserted into a power socket of a vehicle for powering the device. The invention further relates to a method for providing location based services to a user using the device. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Mobile devices, like smartphones, tablets and phablets, enable people to be connected to the Internet via mobile networks or WiFi networks. Today, network coverage is good enough to offer online services to users of the mobile devices virtually everywhere. This has triggered companies to offer vehicle related online services to the users, such as GPS navigation services or parking services. Herein, vehicles include any motorized vehicle, such as cars, trucks, busses, boats, ferries, and etcetera. Navigation services and parking services are typically offered as a software program or app that is do be installed on the mobile device. For the navigation services, navigation map data and traffic information data may be made available online and downloaded to the mobile device via the Internet when needed. Parking services allow users to register the start time and the end time of using a car parking location, which information may be transmitted to an online server for further handling the payment of the parking.

[0003] In order to use the mobile device in the vehicle, the mobile device is typically placed into a bracket for holding the mobile device in place. Such bracket may be attached to the front window using a suction pad or fixed to the dashboard. The user interface of the mobile device is typically designed for general purpose use and less suitable for operation by the driver of the vehicle. Side buttons are typically designed to operate as volume buttons and power buttons and are typically small to allow the mobile device to be as thin as possible. The main operation of the mobile device goes via a keyboard/keypad or touchscreen. This user interface and the possible distraction by other apps installed on the mobile device has, in many countries, resulted in legislation allowing hands-free operation of the device only.

[0004] Separately sold navigation devices are known that offer GPS navigation services similar to the above described apps on mobile devices. Navigation devices can be specifically designed for in-car use and typically include holding brackets similar to brackets for mobile devices. Although navigation devices are often to be operated in a hands-free mode as well, its user interface is typically optimized for in-car use and the user is typically less distracted as there are no other software programs running on the navigation device. The latter is also a disadvantage, as the user will need other devices for other in-car services.

[0005] A mobile device or a separately sold navigation device is portable and therefore may be used in different vehicles by the user. In fact, mobile devices and navigation devices typically operate vehicle independent and the services offered on these devices may be used anywhere. Furthermore, a mobile device or navigation device may be shared with other users with the owners consent, thereby enabling others to use the device for e.g. vehicle related online services.

[0006] It would be desirable for a device to be capable of providing multiple location based services to a user of a vehicle, wherein the device is optimized for use in the vehicle, wherein use of the device may be tight to the vehicle, and/or wherein the use of the services may be restricted to a specific user of the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] A device and methods for providing services on the device are proposed, wherein the device can be used for various vehicle related services and wherein the device is optimized for use in a vehicle. Use of the device can be tight to a specific vehicle and services can be restricted to a specific user.

[0008] According to an aspect of the invention there is a device for providing location based services to a user of a vehicle. The device can comprise a housing. The device can further comprise a display. The device can further comprise a button. The device can further comprise an electronic circuit. The housing can partly form a plug arranged for insertion along an insertion direction into a power socket of the vehicle for powering the electronic circuit and the display. The button can have a first corresponding switch on the electronic circuit. The first corresponding switch can be configured to be activated by pressing the button. The electronic circuit can comprise a positioning module, such as a GPS module. The positioning module can be arranged within the housing in a first inclined orientation relative to the insertion direction to enable the positioning module to receive a positioning signal, such as a GPS signal, polarization independently.

[0009] The device is optimized for use in vehicles by offering an intuitive user interface and embedding a positioning system, such as GPS positioning or land based positioning, and possibly inertial technology for location and navigation based services. The device and the user experience of the device have been designed with driver safety and usability in mind.

[0010] Advantageously the positioning module can be arranged within the housing in a first inclined orientation relative to the insertion direction to enable the positioning module to receive a positioning signal polarization independently. This enables the positioning module to receive the positioning signal in various orientations of the device, e.g. with the insertion direction being substantially horizontal and with the insertion direction being substantially vertical. Thus, advantageously the first inclined orientation enables the device to receive positioning signals in vehicles having a substantially horizontally oriented power socket and in vehicles having a substantially vertically oriented power socket.

[0011] In an embodiment the power socket can be a cigarette lighter socket. Such cigarette lighter socket is available in many vehicles.

[0012] In an embodiment the first inclined orientation can be a fixed angle between approximately 20 degrees and approximately 70 degrees relative to the insertion direction. Is has been found the under these angles there is a good reception of the positioning signal in various orientations of the device.

[0013] In an embodiment the plug can comprise a contact point for making an electrical connection with a corresponding contact point within the power socket when inserted into the power socket. The contact point can partly protrude the housing and can be configured to be pressed inwards relative to the housing when inserted into the power socket. The contact point can form a second corresponding switch with an internal contact point electrically connected to the electronic circuit. The second corresponding switch can be configured to be activated when the device is inserted into the power socket thereby pressing the contact point towards the internal contact point. Advantageously, this enables the device or parts of the device to be activated or triggered upon insertion of the device into the power socket or removal of the device from the power socket.

[0014] In an embodiment the display can be arranged in a second fixed inclined orientation relative to the insertion direction to advantageously allow the display to at least partly face the user when the device is inserted into a power socket with a substantially horizontal insertion direction and when the device is inserted into a power socket with a substantially vertical insertion direction.

[0015] In an embodiment the display can form a push button having a third corresponding switch connected to the electronic circuit. The third corresponding switch can be configured to be activated by pushing the display in a direction substantially following the insertion direction. Enabling the display to function as a push button further enhances the intuitive user interface of the device.

[0016] In an embodiment the device can be configured to display service related content on the display. The device can be configured to rotate the content on the display depending on a rotation angle around the insertion direction when the device is inserted into the power socket with a substantially horizontal insertion direction. This enables the display of the device to be oriented towards users on either side of the device in case the power socket is not located in front of the user.

[0017] In an embodiment the housing can comprise a top part defined by the part protruding the power socket when the device is inserted into the power socket. The apparatus can comprise two buttons each having a corresponding switch on the electronic circuit configured to be activated by pressing the respective button. The two buttons can be arranged in the outer part of the housing on opposing sites of the top part parallel to the insertion direction. The display can be arranged in the outer part of the housing substantially facing away from the insertion direction.

[0018] In an embodiment the electronic circuit can further comprise a

communication module, such as a GPRS, UMTS, LTE and/or Wi-Fi module, configured to communicate with a remote server for accessing one or more of the services. In an embodiment the device can be configured to download service related data from the remote server for enabling the service on the device. This enables the device to access online services or to download services to the device.

[0019] In an embodiment the electronic circuit can further comprise a short range communication module, such as a NFC module, for receiving data from a data carrier, such as a NFC tag, a NFC card or a NFC enabled smartphone, when the data carrier is in range of the short range communication module. Advantageously, the device can thus be configured to conditionally provide the service based on the received data.

[0020] In an embodiment the device can comprise a short range communication antenna, such as a NFC antenna, wherein the short range communication antenna is shaped according to an active area of the display and arranged around the active area of the display. Advantageously, such antenna covers a relatively large surface area while occupying limited space within the device.

[0021] In an embodiment the display can be at least partly supported by a spring for generating a spring force in a direction substantially opposite of depressing the push button. The spring can comprise a conductive material. The short range communication antenna can be electrically connected to the electronic circuit via the spring.

Advantageously, this eliminates the need for a separate connection between the antenna and the electronic circuit.

[0022] In an embodiment the device can be configured to conditionally provide the service based on the data received by the short range communication module, by transmitting the data to the server using the communication module for authenticating and/or authorizing the user before using the service.

[0023] In an embodiment the services can be at least one of: a service for location based payments related to the vehicle and/or the user; a service for paying for parking the vehicle at a parking space; a service for tracking the user and/or the vehicle; a service for registering and/or tracking multiple users of the vehicle; and a service for authenticating and/or authorizing the user before starting the car.

[0024] According to an aspect of the invention a holder module is provided for holding a positioning module, such as a GPS module, within a housing of a device having one or more of the above described features. The holder module can comprise a recess for accommodating the positioning module in a slantwise orientation relative to an insertion direction of the device into a power socket of a vehicle. The holder module can be arranged to have the positioning module make an electrical connection with an electronic circuit within the housing when the holder module is placed in the housing while the positioning module is in the slantwise orientation.

[0025] According to an aspect of the invention a display is provided for use in a device having one or more of the above described features, arranged to be mounted in the device in a fixed inclined orientation relative to an insertion direction of the device into a power socket of a vehicle to allow the display to at least partly face a user when the device is inserted into a power socket with a substantially horizontal insertion direction and when the device is inserted into a power socket with a substantially vertical insertion direction.

[0026] In an embodiment the display can form, when mounted in the device, a push button having a corresponding switch that is electronically connected to an electronic circuit of the device. The corresponding switch can be configured to be activated by pushing the display in a direction substantially following the insertion direction.

[0027] In an embodiment the display can comprise a short range communication antenna, such as a NFC antenna, wherein the short range communication antenna is shaped according to an active area of the display and arranged around the active area of the display.

[0028] In an embodiment the display can be at least partly supported by a spring for generating a spring force in a direction substantially opposite of depressing the push button. The spring can comprise a conductive material. The short range communication antenna can be electrically connected to an electronic circuit of the device via the spring.

[0029] According to an aspect of the invention a plug is provided for enabling a device to be inserted into a power socket of a vehicle for powering the device. The plug can comprise a contact point for making an electrical connection with a corresponding contact point within the power socket when inserted into the power socket. The contact point can partly protrude the housing and can be configured to be pressed inwards relative to the housing when inserted into the power socket. The contact point can form a second corresponding switch with an internal contact point electrically connected to the electronic circuit. The second corresponding switch can be configured to be activated when the device is inserted into the power socket thereby pressing the contact point towards the internal contact point.

[0030] According to an aspect of the invention there is a method for providing location based services to a device having one or more of the above described features. . The method can comprise starting the device when inserted into a power socket of a vehicle and the vehicle is started. The method can further comprise registering the vehicle by requesting a license plate input from a user of the device to obtain license plate data, and transmitting the license plate data to a remote server. The method can further comprise registering the user by receiving identification data in the device and

transmitting the identification data to the remote server. The method can further comprise starting a service on the device and displaying service related data on a display of the device, wherein the service uses the license plate data and the identification data for authentication and/or authorization of the user and/or the vehicle.

[0031] In an embodiment the method can further comprise detecting the vehicle being started, thereby triggering service related actions.

[0032] In an embodiment the identification data can be received using a short range communication module, such as a NFC module, and originate from a short range target, such as an NFC card, in the form of target identification data stored in a memory of the target. The target identification data can be transmitted to the remote server for mapping the target identification data to user identification data for identifying the user.

[0033] In an embodiment the device can perform the authentication and/or authorization of the user using the target identification data.

[0034] In an embodiment the method can further comprise receiving a request to input a secret code, such as a pin code, from the remote server in case the target identification data is not associated to the user identification data in the remote server. The method can further comprise transmitting the secret code input by the user to the remote server for associating the target identification data to the user identification data in case the secret code matches a pre-stored secret code in the remote server.

[0035] In an embodiment the method can further comprise detecting an insertion of the device into the power socket or a removal of the device from the power socket, thereby triggering the service to perform a predefined action.

[0036] In an embodiment the method can further comprise downloading service related data from the remote server to the device before starting the service.

[0037] In an embodiment the method can further comprise receiving a selection input from the user via one or more side buttons and receiving a confirmation input from the user via the display functioning as a push button.

[0038] In an embodiment the service can be a service for paying for parking the vehicle at a parking space. The method can further comprise receiving a user input on the device for starting a parking session. The method can further comprise detecting a current location using a positioning module, such as a GPS module, of the device. The method can further comprise transmitting a start time of the parking session and an indication of the current location to the remote server. The method can further comprise detecting turning on of the vehicle by registering a change in a power provided by the power socket, the detection of the turning on of the vehicle triggering a transmission of an end time of the parking session to the remote server.

[0039] In an embodiment a payment for the paying of the parking can be handled by the remote server based on the user identification data, the start time of the parking session, the end time of the parking session and the indication of the current location.

[0040] In an embodiment the service can be a service for tracking the user and/or the vehicle. The method can further comprise detecting a current location using a positioning module, such as a GPS module, of the device. The method can further comprise periodically transmitting an indication of the current location to the remote server for tracking the current location of the user and/or the vehicle. The method can further comprise receiving a user input on the device for switching a driving mode between a private mode and a business mode and transmitting a current driving mode indicating the private mode or the business mode to the remote server to enable differentiation of the current location between the private mode and the business mode.

[0041] In an embodiment the service can be a service for registering and/or tracking multiple users of the vehicle. The method can further comprise registering multiple users by receiving identification data in the device for each of the multiple users and transmitting the identification data of each of the multiple users to the remote server.

[0042] In an embodiment the method can further comprise preventing the vehicle from starting until the license plate data and the identification data have been

authenticated and/or authorized by the remote server.

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described in further detail. It should be appreciated, however, that these embodiments may not be construed as limiting the scope of protection for the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0044] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

[0045] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a device of an exemplary embodiment of the invention; [0046] Figs. 2-6 show perspective views of break downs of a device of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0047] Figs. 7a-8 show section views of a device of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0048] Figs. 9-10 show perspective views of parts related to a push button display of a device of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0049] Figs. 1 la-1 Id show section and perspective views of parts related to an alternative push button display of a device of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0050] Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of a display part of a device of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0051] Fig. 13 shows parts related to a plug of a device of an exemplary

embodiment of the invention;

[0052] Fig. 14 shows a network architecture for use with a device of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0053] Fig. 15 shows a device interacting with a NFC card of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0054] Fig. 16 shows a flow chart of a method of an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and

[0055] Figs. 17a- 17b show screenshots of information displayed on a display of a device of exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0056] The figures are meant for illustrative purposes only, and do not serve as restriction of the scope or the protection as laid down by the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0057] The device of the present invention is adapted for providing location based services to a user of a vehicle. The device is preferable a small device, such that it can easily be plugged into the 12V or 24V power socket of normal and commercial vehicles, typically motor vehicles such as cars, buses or trucks.

[0058] An example of a location based service that may be offered by the device is a parking service that fully automates parking payment procedures and overcomes known issues of mobile parking. Specifically, it may detect when the driver starts the engine again and use this trigger to end a parking period. Thus it doesn't require manual checkouts. Furthermore it may work in absence of GSM coverage, and it may precisely detect the parking zone without the need of manual insertion. [0059] Another example of a service includes mileage reporting that may provide constant and correct mileage data while allowing drivers to easily set a drive mode to e.g. business drive mode or private drive mode without having to stop driving.

[0060] These and other examples of services will be described in more detail in exemplary embodiments below.

[0061] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a device 1 for providing services to a user of a vehicle. The device 1 is contained within a housing 10 having a plug part 11 that is pluggable into a power socket of the vehicle, such as a 12v or a 24v cigarette lighter socket. An example of a suitable power socket is a SAE International J563 compliant power socket, in which case the plug 11 has a positive contact point 16a for making contact with a corresponding +12v contact point of the power socket when inserted into the power socket, and two negative contact points 16b for making contact to a corresponding ground or negative contact point of the power socket when inserted into the power socket. Other configurations, possibly with different number of contact points 16a, 16b, are possible when using different types of power sockets.

[0062] The device 1 has a display 12, such as an LCD screen, for showing messages or requesting user input. One or more buttons 13, e.g. two buttons on the sides of the device 1, allow the user to input information and the display 12 itself may operate as a "top button" by pressing in the display 12, e.g. to give an OK to an action.

[0063] The display 12 is preferably fixed within the housing 10, as shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 2. shows an example of how the display 12 may be integrated within the housing 10. The display 12 typically contains a cover part 12a that protects a LCD display part 12b. The cover part 12a may furthermore function to enhance the appearance of the device 1 by giving the surface of the display 12 a more even color. The display 12 may be connected directly onto an electronic circuit 14 by making an electrical connection between the LCD display part 12b and the electronic circuit 14, e.g. by removably plugging a connector of the LCD display part 12b into a corresponding socket on the electronic circuit 14. Together with the housing 10, the display 12 may functions as a cover for the interior parts of the device 1, i.e. the display 12 is typically located directly onto the electronic circuit 14.

[0064] The following exemplary embodiments show GPS modules for receiving GPS signals and thereby providing positioning information. The invention is not limited to GPS. Other positioning technologies may be used for receiving positioning signals. [0065] Fig. 3 shows a further break-down of a device 1 of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In the example of Fig. 3 the housing 10 has two lateral parts 10a, 10b, which are joined when forming the housing 10. Preferably but not necessarily the two lateral parts 10a, 10b are detachably joined to enable access to the interior of the device 1 for e.g. repair purposes. Although not preferred, it is possible to have the housing 10 consisting of more than two parts.

[0066] Removing the lateral part 10a reveals part of the interior of the device 1. In the example of Fig. 3 the electronic circuit 14 comprises corresponding switches 20a,20b interacting with the buttons 13a,13b at the sides of the device 1. Pressing a button 13, such as on of the buttons 13a, 13b, results in the corresponding switch 20a,20b to be activated. The corresponding switch 20a,20b may be implemented as a SMD (service mounted device) type tactile switch or any other suitable switch.

[0067] Fig. 3 further shows the negative contact points 16b, which are electrically connected to the electronic circuit 14. The positive contact point 16a, which is also electrically connected to the electronic circuit 14, is not shown in Fig. 3. Part of the electronic circuit 14 is a positioning module, such as GPS module 15. The GPS module 15 is preferably but not necessarily detachably connected to the electronic circuit 14 by plugging a connector of the GPS module 15 into a corresponding socket on the electronic circuit 14.

[0068] Fig. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of the interior of a device 1 with a detachable GPS module 15. To detachably support the GPS module 15 within the housing 10, a GPS holder module 19 may be used. The GPS holder module 19 is typically provided with a recess for holding the GPS module 15. The GPS holder module 19 may further function as a partial support for the buttons 13a, 13b when placed within the housing and provides structural support to the housing when the lateral housing parts 10a, 10b are joined. The GPS holder module 19 may be used to support further electronic parts, such as a battery for powering the device 1 when unplugged from the power socket.

[0069] Fig. 5 shows an exemplary breakdown of the GPS holder module 19. In the example of Fig. 5 the GPS holder module 19 comprises a first GPS holder part 19a, which includes a recess 19b for fitting the GPS module 15. The recess 19b holds the GPS module 15 in a first inclined orientation 51, as shown and further explained in the example of Fig. 7a. A second GPS holder part 19c may be used to fix the GPS module in the GPS holder module 19. The second GPS holder part 19c is for example screwed or clicked onto the first holder part 19a to clamp the GPS module 15 in between the two.

[0070] Fig. 6 shows an exemplary lateral housing part 10b, an exemplary electronic circuit 14 with attached thereto the negative contact points 16b, and two exemplary side buttons 13a,13b before assembly of the device 1. The electronic circuit 14 may be made from a printed circuit board (PCB) with electronic components. The side buttons 13a, 13b may be removably fixed within the housing when the device is assembled.

[0071] The side buttons 13,13a,13b may be replaced by software generated buttons displayed on the display. The display is then implemented as a touch screen, which can be touched to trigger the software generated buttons to perform actions similar to using the side buttons 13,13a,13b.

[0072] Fig. 7a shows a section view of the interior of an exemplary device 1 that is plugged into a power socket 30. Device 1 is arranged for insertion along an insertion direction 50a into the power socket 30. The GPS module 15 is arranged within the housing in a first inclined orientation 51 relative to insertion direction 50a to enable the GPS module 15 to receive a GPS signal polarization independently. This enables the GPS module 15 to receive the GPS signal in various orientations of the device 1, e.g. with the insertion direction being substantially horizontal (see Fig. 7b) and with the insertion direction being substantially vertical (see Fig. 7c). Thus, advantageously the first inclined orientation 51 enables the device 1 to receive GPS signals in vehicles having a substantially horizontally oriented power socket 30 and in vehicles having a substantially vertically oriented power socket 30. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to horizontal and vertical orientations of the device 1. Also in other orientations the first inclined orientation 51 of the GPS module 15 enables the GPS signal to be receivable in the GPS module 15. Preferably, the first inclined orientation 51 is a fixed angle a between approximately 20 degrees and approximately 70 degrees relative to the insertion direction 50a.

[0073] With a substantially horizontal insertion direction 50b as shown in Fig. 7b (the power socket 30 or plug part 11 is not shown in Fig. 7b) and with a substantially vertical insertion direction as shown in Fig. 7c (the power socket 30 or plug part 11 is not shown in Fig. 7c), the GPS signal, which typically originates from the sky as depicted by arrow 60, can be received by the GPS module 15 as the surface of the GPS module 15 is in line of sight (be it under an angle) with the source of the GPS signal, typically one or more GPS satellites. It will be understood that the angle of arrival of the GPS signal, as depicted by arrow 60, may deviate from the shown direction depending on the actual location of the satellites. The first inclined orientation 51 ensures that a GPS signal from at least one satellite should be receivable by the GPS module 15 in either of the horizontal and vertical orientation, or any in between orientation.

[0074] Preferably, the display is arranged in a second fixed inclined orientation 52 relative to the insertion direction 50d, as shown in Fig. 8. The thus defined display angle β is less than 90 degrees and preferable less than 75 degrees. This advantageously allows the display to at least partly face the user when the device is inserted into a power socket with a substantially horizontal insertion direction and when the device is inserted into a power socket with a substantially vertical insertion direction.

[0075] Depending on the insertion direction, the user may be inclined to rotate the device 1 to have the display 12 facing the user. The device 1 may be configured to rotate the content on the display 12 depending on the rotation angle around the insertion direction when the device is inserted into the power socket with a substantially horizontal insertion direction. Rotation detection may be implemented using known rotation detectors, such as gravity sensors.

[0076] Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 show an exemplary embodiment of a construction for holding the display 12 under the display angle β. In the example of Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 the display 12 also functions as a push button. A LCD holder 12c may be used for holding a LCD display part (not shown) similar to LCD display part 12b of Fig. 2. One or more springs 12e connected at the bottom corner of the LCD holder 12c may the display under the display angle β. In case the display does not function as a button, the springs may be replaced with a fixed construction for holding the display at the desired display angle. The springs 12e maximize the pressure transfer to the top switch when users apply a force to the display 12 in places other than the screen center.

[0077] To transfer the push action directly to a corresponding switch 22, a support 12f may be fixed to the back (i.e. the side facing away from the display) of the LCD holder 12c. The switch 22 and the LCD display part are electrically connected to the electronic circuit 14. The display part may be detachably connected via a plug and cable 12d (the connection to the display part is not shown in Fig. 9, hence the open end of the cable). The support 12f typically protrudes away from the LCD holder 12c substantially in the insertion direction 50d shown in Fig. 8. When the support 12f is positioned in the center of the LCD holder 12c, overall stability of the display 12 may be improved when applying a force to the display for trigger the corresponding switch 22.

[0078] The switch 22 may be placed on a dedicated board 14a rather than at the extremity of the main board with the electronic circuit 14. This way the pressure applied when pushing the "top button" 12 is perpendicular to such dedicated board rather than coaxial. This improves the overall usability and prevents the users to apply pressure without triggering the switch 22. When the switch 22 is aligned with the center of the display 12, the maximum pressure dispersion areas may be minimized.

[0079] Placing an additional dedicated board 14a to host the top button 12 brings additional space for hosting further optional electronic components within the housing 10 of the device 1, such as sensors, memory or processing units without increasing the volume or size of the overall device 1. The dedicated board 14b is preferably mounted on the first GPS holder part 19a, but may be otherwise arranged within the housing 10 of the device 1.

[0080] Figs. 1 la- 1 Id show an alternative embodiment for a construction for holding a display 112, similar to display 12, under the display angle βιη while allowing the display to function as a button. Fig. 11a shows a section view of the top part of the device . The boxed section is enlarged in Fig. 1 lb. A perspective view of the top part of the device 1 is shown in Fig. 1 Id. Mechanical springs 112a allow the display part 112 to be pressed and come back to the initial position. To transfer the push action directly to a switch (not shown, but similar to switch 22 shown in Fig. 9), a support 112d may be fixed to the back of the display part 112, similar to the support 12f shown in Fig. 9.

[0081] The electronic circuit 14 may include one or more short range communication modules. Examples of short range communication modules are NFC and RFID modules. Preferably, the device 1 includes at least a NFC module. To enable short range communication with the device 1, a short range antenna is to be provided within the device 1. Fig. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment of a NFC antenna 18,118 that has been placed around the active part 12g of an LCD display 12b. Such placement has two advantages. Firstly, by exploiting the unused area around the active display part 12g, considerable space may be saved compared to more conventional antennas. Secondly, placement around the active part of the display 12g enables a wider antenna with optimal radiation pattern enabling virtually all known sized NFC tags to be readable. This translates into the immediate advantage of interoperability with the vast majority (if not all) of NFC cards (including all Mifare family) commonly carried by users (i.e. OV- chipkaart, credit cards, pin cards, etc.), as will be further explained in following use cases.

[0082] In Fig. 1 lb and Fig. 1 Id the NFC antenna 118 is also shown. In the exemplary embodiment of Figs. 1 la-1 Id a connective component 112b, shown in section and perspective view in Fig. 1 lc, links the NFC antenna to the electronic circuit, possibly via an intermediate NFC board. The connective component contains a spring element that can be pressed and come back to the initial position. The possible movement is indicated by arrow m. The connective component is in pressure contact with a part of the NFC antenna. The connective component 112b furthermore allows the display 112 to be pressed and come back to its initial position, in addition to the springs 112a.

[0083] Fig. 15 shows an exemplary embodiment of a device 1 having short range communication, such as NFC communication, with a short range target 4, such as a NFC card, when the short range target 4 is in close proximity of the device 1, e.g. within 10 centimeter. The short range target may be a battery-less passive device that is powered by an electromagnetic signal from the short range communication module in the device 1.

[0084] The springs 12e shown in Fig. 9 may contain or be made of electrically conductive material, such as a conductive metal. The short range antenna 18 may be arranged to be in contact with one end of the spring 12e. In case multiple springs 12e are used, one or more of the springs 12e may be electrically connected to the short range antenna 18. The other end of the spring 12e may be electrically connected to the electronic circuit 14, possibly via an intermediate dedicated board 14a. Thus, the short range antenna 18 may be electrically connected to the short range communication module via the springs 12e.

[0085] The plug part 11 of the device 1 typically complies to a cigarette lighter socket form factor, in which case the plug 11 has two negative contact points 16b for making an electrical connection with a corresponding contact point within the power socket 30 when inserted into the power socket 30. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the contact point 16b partly protrudes the housing 10. The contact point 16b is configured to be pressed inwards relative to the housing 10 when inserted into the power socket 30, while spring force pushes the contact point 16b outwards relative to the housing 10. Thereby the plug part 11, and thus the device 1, gets removably clamped within the power socket 30 when inserted. [0086] In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 13, which shows a part of the interior of the plug 11 and a bottom portion of the board holding the electronic circuit 14, one or more of the contact points 16b form a second corresponding switch 21 with an internal contact point 16c. The contact points 16b and the internal contact point 16c are electrically connected to the electronic circuit 14. The second corresponding switch 21 is activated when the device 1 is inserted into the power socket 30, thereby pressing the contact point 16b towards the internal contact point 16c resulting in an electrical connection between the contact point 16b and the internal contact point 16c. The switch 21 may be used to detect insertion into and/or removal from the power socket 30 of the device 1.

[0087] The electronic circuit 14 may include one or more long range communication modules, such as a GPRS, UMTS, LTE and/or Wi-Fi module, configured to

communicate with a remote server for accessing one or more of the services.

Communication with the remote server typically uses the Internet Protocol (IP), or any other suitable data protocol. Fig. 14 shows an exemplary simplified network architecture, wherein a device 1 is connected to a network 3 via the long range communication module for accessing a remote server 2, which is also connected to the network 3. The network 3 may consist of two or more networks, such as a mobile network connected to the device 1 and an intermediary fixed network connecting the mobile network to a cloud network wherein the remote server 2 is located. Another example is a WiFi network connecting the device 1 to a private corporate network via the internet, with the remote server 2 being located in the private corporate network.

[0088] The use of the device 1 may be tight to a particular vehicle and the use of the services may be restricted to a specific user of the vehicle. Fig. 16 shows a flow chart of an exemplary process of generating a user in the remote server 2, registering the vehicle in the remote server 2 via the device 1 and authenticating an NFC card 4 for identifying the user. The flow chart of Fig. 16 is to be read as follows. The rows indicate where the steps of the process are being performed. Steps in the top row are performed in the remote server 2. Steps in the bottom row are performed in the device 1. Steps in the middle row are performed via an administrator interface 5, e.g. implemented as a web page running on a computer connected to the remote server 2 via the internet 3 or implemented directly on the remote server 2. The first column is related to a user generation process 100. The second column is related to an authentication process 200. [0089] In step 100 the process of generating a user is started. In step 102 a secret code, such as a pin code, is generated and in step 103 the secret code is placed in a user profile. The user profile is typically stored in the remote server 2 or at a location accessible by the remote server 2, such as in a data storage in a cloud environment.

Storage of the user profile may be performed in any known manner, such as but not limited to storage in a data base, in a file system, on a hard drive, on a solid state drive, etcetera.

[0090] In step 201 the vehicle is turned on. In Step 202 it may be detected if the device 1 was already plugged into the power socket 30. If this is not the case, then in step 203 the user may be requested to enter the license plate of the vehicle. Such request is displayed on the display 12 of the device and the license plate information may be input using buttons 13,13a,13b of the device 1 and possibly by using the display 12 as a top button to confirm a selection. The license plate data is stored in a memory of the device 1 and may later be used for vehicle related services. After entering the license plate information or if the device 1 was already plugged in, then in step 204 the NFC module of the device 1 waits for a signal from a NFC card. The signal is typically received when the NFC card, which may be any NFC card in the possession of the user, is placed in close proximity, such as within 10 centimeters, from the device 1. When a NFC signal is received, target identification data stored in a memory of the NFC card is received with the NFC signal in the device 1. The target identification data may be transmitted to the remote server 2, where in step 205 the target identification data is mapped to user identification data for identifying the user. Alternatively, the target identification data may be verified within the device instead of in the remote server 2, e.g. using a pre-stored white list of target identification data. Thus, any NFC card may be used to identify the user, if the target identification data is mappable to user identification data. In step 206 it is determined if the mapping can be made. If this is not the case, then the NFC card has not been used by the user and an association between the NFC card and the user is to be registered. Hetero, in step 207 a request for entering the secret code is transmitted from the remote server 2 to the device 1. In step 208 the user enters the secret code, which the user may have obtained via mail, email or any other means after the user generation process 100. The secret code may be entered in a similar manner as the license plate information. The secret code input by the user may be transmitted to the remote server and in step 209 the secret code may be verified based on the user profile. If the secret code is incorrect, then in step 210 the user may be requested to enter the secret code again. If the secret code is found to be correct, then in step 211 the target identification data is associated to the user identification data and the association is stored in the user profile. Herein, the user identification data and the secret code may be one and the same or the user identification data may be any other data identifying the user. Now the NFC card is associated to the user and services may be started in step 212. If in step 206 it is determined that a mapping between the target identification data and the user

identification data exists, then the authentication process may be successfully concluded immediately and services may be started in step 212.

[0091] Instead of using a secret code any other security token mechanism may be used, such as public key / private key encryption technology.

[0092] Fig. 17a shows an example of a request 203 for entering license plate information as may be displayed on the display 12 of the device 1. Side buttons 13a,13b may be used to scroll through the list of possible input characters and the top button 12 may be used to select an input character and advance to a next input position.

Simultaneously pressing the two side buttons 13a, 13b may be used to finish the input.

[0093] Fig. 17b shows an example of a request 207 for enter the secret code as may be displayed on the display 12 of the device 1. Side buttons 13a,13b may be used to scroll through the list of possible input characters and the top button 12 may be used to select an input character and advance to a next input position. Simultaneously pressing the two side buttons 13a, 13b may be used to finish the input.

[0094] Authenticating 200 of the device 1 using any NFC card enables matching rides to users of the vehicle (typically the driver), matching users to vehicles and multiuser use. Instead of a NFC card a NFC phone may be used.

[0095] The device 1 may used to inquiry the current vehicle position in case the user don't know where it is parked. The user may request the current position through an API call that can be triggered by an SMS or a mobile app operation.

[0096] An example of a service that may be offered by the device 1 is paying for parking. The parking service may be selectable on the device by scrolling to a parking icon selectable after the authentication process 200. Before being able to use the parking payments functionality a setup is typically performed, e.g. through the administrator interface 5. The setup ensures that the charges go to the correct entity and that reports may be provided to the right departments/people. After setup user may start a parking transaction. Alternatively the device 1 may be configured to start parking transactions automatically upon switching the vehicle off. The device obtains the current position using the GPS module 15 and the remote server 2 applies the right fare depending on the parking zone, processes the payment and obtains the license plate information from the device 1. Upon starting the vehicle again the user may be notified that the parking transaction has ended and what is the tariff being paid. Alternatively, the user may configure the device 1 to end the parking transaction only upon manually triggering a check out by pressing a button on the device 1.

[0097] The starting of the vehicle may be detected, thereby triggering service related actions. Such detection may be based on a change in power provided by the power socket (e.g. turning the power on) or by detecting a movement of the car.

[0098] The NFC card may be linked to another service provider that provides payments for services. An example of such NFC card is a public transportation card. When using such NFC card, the payment for services offered by the device 1, such as the parking service, may be handled by the other service provider.

[0099] Another example of a service is tracking of private/business driving. Tracking routes and determining whether the routes were done for business or personal reasons is a service that may provided through the administrator interface 5. Each route that is tracked may contain information about: type of drive (business or personal), GPS starting point, GPS end point, GPS intermediate points, date and timestamps, and/or total kilometers driven on the drive. The information is gathered by the device 1 and transmitted to the remote server 2. Based on this information the service may provides the starting point and end point of the drive as well as the mileage through APIs and the administrator interface 5 for a specified date range and generates reports.

[00100] Another example of a service is mileage tracking. The device may track for each drive the GPS starting point, GPS end point, and an estimation of the number of kilometer driven and transmit the information to the remote server 2.

[00101] Another example of a service is real-time tracking of vehicles. The device 1 may provide real-time tracking data to the remote server 2, enabling visualization of vehicles positions on a map at all time with a predetermined refresh rate (e.g. once every 15 seconds). Reports may be generated e.g. via the administrator interface 5 to visualize the routes of each vehicle and additional information about drivers. [00102] Another example of a service is co-drivers sign-in. Not every user of the device 1 is necessarily the driver of the vehicle. Multiple users may be authenticated, e.g. as co-drivers, and logged in the remote server 2.

[00103] The device 1 may be used for preventing the vehicle from starting until the license plate data and the identification data have been authenticated and/or authorized. Hereto the device 1 may be arranged to interact with vehicle logic or include a signal jammer interfering with an engine immobilizer system of the vehicle.

[00104] The administrator interface 5 may provide access to one or more of the following functions and information: user management, viewing the user's unique association secret code or pin code, viewing the associated NFC card's serial number, disassociating action button if a new NFC card is to be associated, viewing business routes driven per date range, viewing vehicles (vehicles may be automatically created when a new license plate is entered on the device), viewing mileage driven, viewing default C02 emission, odometer reading, view service subscription data, view number of devices, reporting.

[00105] One or more of the following APIs may be provided for accessing the remote server 2: list all users, create user, get user details, remove user, update user, list all routes (between specific dates and/or filtered by user), retrieve route details, delete route, list all driver positions (API may be updated realtime), list all parkings (between specific dates and/or filtered by user), retrieve parking details.

[00106] One or more of the following reports may be provided through the administrator interface 5, which reports may be organized by a specified period (e.g. monthly, weekly, or any other date range): number of business kilometers driven per user, number of kilometers driven for personal reason per user, routes driven (starting point and end point including number of kilometers) per user, list of all parking costs per user, reported odometer readings per vehicle, C02 consumption per vehicle, total kilometers driven per vehicle.

[00107] One embodiment of the invention may be implemented as a computer program or computer program product for use with a computer system or hardware processor within the device. The program(s) of the program product define functions of the embodiments (including the methods described herein) and can be contained on a variety of computer-readable storage media. Illustrative computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: (i) non-writable storage media (e.g. read-only memory devices within a computer such as ROM chips or any type of solid-state non-volatile semiconductor memory) on which information is permanently stored; and (ii) writable storage media (e.g. any type of solid-state random-access semiconductor memory or flash memory) on which alterable information is stored.

Claims

1. A device (1) for providing location based services to a user of a vehicle, the device comprising a housing (10), a display (12), a button (13,13a,13b) and an electronic circuit (14),

wherein the housing partly forms a plug (11) arranged for insertion along an insertion direction (50a,50b,50c) into a power socket (30) of the vehicle for powering the electronic circuit and the display,

wherein the button has a first corresponding switch (20a,20b) on the electronic circuit, the first corresponding switch configured to be activated by pressing the button,

wherein the electronic circuit comprises a positioning module (15), such as a GPS module, and

wherein the positioning module is arranged within the housing in a first inclined orientation (51) relative to the insertion direction to enable the positioning module to receive a positioning signal (60), such as a GPS signal, polarization independently.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the power socket is a cigarette lighter socket.

3. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first inclined orientation is a fixed angle (a) between approximately 20 degrees and approximately 70 degrees relative to the insertion direction.

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug comprises a contact point (16b) for making an electrical connection with a corresponding contact point within the power socket when inserted into the power socket, wherein the contact point partly protrudes the housing and is configured to be pressed inwards relative to the housing when inserted into the power socket, wherein the contact point forms a second corresponding switch (21) with an internal contact point (16c) electrically connected to the electronic circuit, the second corresponding switch configured to be activated when the device is inserted into the power socket thereby pressing the contact point towards the internal contact point.

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display is arranged in a second fixed inclined orientation (52) relative to the insertion direction (50d) to allow the display to at least partly face the user when the device is inserted into a power socket with a substantially horizontal insertion direction and when the device is inserted into a power socket with a substantially vertical insertion direction.

6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display forms a push button (12c,12f,l 12) having a third corresponding switch (22) connected to the electronic circuit, the third corresponding switch configured to be activated by pushing the display in a direction substantially following the insertion direction.

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is configured to display service related content on the display, and wherein the device is configured to rotate the content on the display depending on a rotation angle around the insertion direction when the device is inserted into the power socket with a substantially horizontal insertion direction.

8. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing comprises a top part defined by the part protruding the power socket when the device is inserted into the power socket, wherein the apparatus comprises two buttons (13a, 13b) each having a corresponding switch (20a,20b) on the electronic circuit configured to be activated by pressing the respective button, wherein the two buttons are arranged in the outer part of the housing on opposing sites of the top part parallel to the insertion direction, and wherein the display is arranged in the outer part of the housing

substantially facing away from the insertion direction.

9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic circuit further comprises a communication module, such as a GPRS, UMTS, LTE and/or Wi-Fi module, configured to communicate with a remote server (2) for accessing one or more of the services.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the device is configured to download service related data from the remote server for enabling the service on the device.

11. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic circuit further comprises a short range communication module, such as a NFC module, for receiving data from a data carrier (4), such as a NFC tag, a NFC card or a NFC enabled smartphone, when the data carrier is in range of the short range communication module, wherein the device is configured to conditionally provide the service based on the received data.

12. The device according to claim 11, comprising a short range communication antenna (18), such as a NFC antenna, wherein the short range communication antenna is shaped according to an active area (12g) of the display and arranged around the active area of the display.

13. The device according to claim 6 and claim 12, wherein the display is at least partly supported by a spring (12e) for generating a spring force in a direction substantially opposite of depressing the push button, wherein the spring comprises a conductive material, and wherein the short range communication antenna is electrically connected to the electronic circuit via the spring.

14. The device according to claim 9 and claim 11, wherein the device is configured to conditionally provide the service based on the data received by the short range communication module, by transmitting the data to the server using the communication module for authenticating and/or authorizing the user before using the service.

15. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the services is at least one of: a service for location based payments related to the vehicle and/or the user; a service for paying for parking the vehicle at a parking space; a service for tracking the user and/or the vehicle; a service for registering and/or tracking multiple users of the vehicle; and a service for authenticating and/or authorizing the user before starting the car.

16. A holder module (19) for holding a positioning module (15), such as a GPS module, within a housing (10) of a device (1) according to any one of the claim 1-15, comprising a recess (19b) for accommodating the positioning module in a slantwise orientation (51) relative to an insertion direction (50a) of the device into a power socket (30) of a vehicle, wherein the holder module is arranged to have the positioning module make an electrical connection with an electronic circuit (14) within the housing when the holder module is placed in the housing while the positioning module is in the slantwise orientation.

17. A display (12) for use in a device (1) according to any one of the claim 1-15, arranged to be mounted in the device in a fixed inclined orientation (52) relative to an insertion direction (50d) of the device into a power socket (30) of a vehicle to allow the display to at least partly face a user when the device is inserted into a power socket with a substantially horizontal insertion direction and when the device is inserted into a power socket with a substantially vertical insertion direction.

18. The display according to claim 17, wherein the display, when mounted in the device, forms a push button having a corresponding switch (22) that is electronically connected to an electronic circuit (14) of the device, the corresponding switch configured to be activated by pushing the display in a direction substantially following the insertion direction.

19. The display according to claim 17 or claim 18, comprising a short range communication antenna (18), such as a NFC antenna, wherein the short range

communication antenna is shaped according to an active area (12g) of the display and arranged around the active area of the display.

20. The display according to claim 19, wherein the display is at least partly supported by a spring (12e) for generating a spring force in a direction substantially opposite of depressing the push button, wherein the spring comprises a conductive material, and wherein the short range communication antenna is electrically connected to an electronic (14) circuit of the device via the spring.

21. A plug (11) for enabling a device to be inserted into a power socket of a vehicle for powering the device, wherein the plug comprises a contact point (16b) for making an electrical connection with a corresponding contact point within the power socket when inserted into the power socket, wherein the contact point partly protrudes the housing and is configured to be pressed inwards relative to the housing when inserted into the power socket, wherein the contact point forms a second corresponding switch (21) with an internal contact point (16c) electrically connected to the electronic circuit, the second corresponding switch configured to be activated when the device is inserted into the power socket thereby pressing the contact point towards the internal contact point.

22. A method for providing location based services to a device (1) according to any one of the claims 1-15, the method comprising:

starting the device when inserted into a power socket (30) of a vehicle and the vehicle is started (201);

registering the vehicle by requesting (203) a license plate input from a user of the device to obtain license plate data, and transmitting the license plate data to a remote server (2);

registering the user by receiving (204) identification data in the device and transmitting the identification data to the remote server;

starting (212) a service on the device and displaying service related data on a display of the device, wherein the service uses the license plate data and the identification data for authentication (200) and/or authorization of the user and/or the vehicle.

23. The method according to claim 22, further comprising detecting the vehicle being started, thereby triggering service related actions.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the identification data is received using a short range communication module, such as a NFC module, and originates from a short range target, such as an NFC card, in the form of target identification data stored in a memory of the target, and wherein the target identification data is transmitted to the remote server for mapping (205) the target identification data to user identification data for identifying the user.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the device performs the authentication and/or authorization of the user using the target identification data.

26. The method according to claim 24 or 25, further comprising:

receiving (207,210) a request to input a secret code, such as a pin code, from the remote server in case the target identification data is not associated to the user

identification data in the remote server;

transmitting the secret code input (208) by the user to the remote server for associating (211) the target identification data to the user identification data in case the secret code matches a pre-stored secret code in the remote server.

27. The method according to any one of the claims 22-26, further comprising:

detecting an insertion of the device into the power socket or a removal of the device from the power socket, thereby triggering the service to perform a predefined action.

28. The method according to any one of the claims 22-27, further comprising:

downloading service related data from the remote server to the device before starting the service.

29. The method according to any one of the claims 22-28, further comprising:

receiving a selection input from the user via one or more side buttons (13a, 13b) and receiving a confirmation input from the user via the display (12) functioning as a push button.

30. The method according to any one of the claims 22-29, wherein the service is a service for paying for parking the vehicle at a parking space, the method further comprising:

receiving a user input on the device for starting a parking session;

detecting a current location using a positioning module (15), such as a GPS module, of the device;

transmitting a start time of the parking session and an indication of the current location to the remote server;

detecting turning on of the vehicle by registering a change in a power provided by the power socket, the detection of the turning on of the vehicle triggering a transmission of an end time of the parking session to the remote server.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein a payment for the paying of the parking is handled by the remote server based on the user identification data, the start time of the parking session, the end time of the parking session and the indication of the current location.

32. The method according to any one of the claims 22-29, wherein the service is a service for tracking the user and/or the vehicle, the method further comprising:

periodically transmitting an indication of the current location to the remote server for tracking the current location of the user and/or the vehicle;

receiving a user input on the device for switching a driving mode between a private mode and a business mode and transmitting a current driving mode indicating the private mode or the business mode to the remote server to enable differentiation of the current location between the private mode and the business mode.

33. The method according to any one of the claims 22-29, wherein the service is a service for registering and/or tracking multiple users of the vehicle, the method further comprising:

registering multiple users by receiving identification data in the device for each of the multiple users and transmitting the identification data of each of the multiple users to the remote server.

34. The method according to any one of the claims 22-29, further comprising:

preventing the vehicle from starting until the license plate data and the

identification data have been authenticated and/or authorized by the remote server.