Program Functions That Can Be Activated and Deactivated
First Claim
1. An electronic control device (2) for a vehicle (1) having an interface facility for connection to a data line (3), the electronic control device including a plurality of program functions for executing control and regulation tasks in the vehicle, and it being possible to deactivate at least a subset of the program functions such that the electronic control device does not execute a deactivated program function even when there is a need of corresponding control and regulation, the electronic control device being configured to receive and evaluate encrypted activation information, and a related program function, which can be deactivated, being activated on valid activation information.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention relates to an electronic control device for a vehicle, further to a system for activating program functions thereof, and to a corresponding method for the same. The invention allows subsequent activation, optionally at a cost, of program functions, particularly allowing commerce in such program functions. To this end, an electronic control device (2) for a vehicle (1) is provided, having an interface device for connecting to a data line (3), wherein the electronic control device comprises a plurality of program functions for performing control and regulating tasks in the vehicle, and at least a partial quantity of program functions can be deactivated, such that the electronic control device does not execute a deactivated program function, even if there is a corresponding need for control and regulating, wherein the electronic control device is set up for receiving and analyzing encoded activation information and, upon presentation of valid activation information, activates an associated program function that can be deactivated.
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Citations
15 Claims
- 1. An electronic control device (2) for a vehicle (1) having an interface facility for connection to a data line (3), the electronic control device including a plurality of program functions for executing control and regulation tasks in the vehicle, and it being possible to deactivate at least a subset of the program functions such that the electronic control device does not execute a deactivated program function even when there is a need of corresponding control and regulation, the electronic control device being configured to receive and evaluate encrypted activation information, and a related program function, which can be deactivated, being activated on valid activation information.
- 10. A method for activating program functions in an electronic control device for a vehicle, the electronic control device having a plurality of program functions for executing control and regulation tasks in the vehicle, it being possible to deactivate at least a subset of the program functions such that the electronic control device does not execute a deactivated program function even when there is a need of corresponding control and regulation, it being possible to supply encrypted activation information to the electronic control device, the electronic control device decrypting the encrypted activation information and on valid activation information, activating a related deactivated program function.
Specification