Method for informing a user of a vehicle about a user terminal device within the vehicle, computer program, apparatus and vehicle

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a method (100) for execution by a control unit of a vehicle for informing a user of the vehicle about a further user terminal device within the vehicle. The method (100) comprises determining (110) a distance of a user terminal device to the vehicle. The user terminal device is configured to trigger a locking of the vehicle. The method (100) also comprises comparing (120) the distance of the user terminal device to a limit value and, if the limit value is exceeded, determining (130) whether there is a further user terminal device within the vehicle. If there is a further user terminal device within the vehicle, the method (100) also comprises transmitting (140) information about the further user terminal device within the vehicle. The information is transmitted to the user terminal device.

Description

[0001] Method for informing a user of a vehicle via a user terminal within the vehicle, computer program, device and vehicle

[0002] Description

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods for informing a user of a vehicle via a user terminal within the vehicle, a computer program, a device and a vehicle, in particular but not exclusively to a concept for sending information via a user terminal within a vehicle.

[0004] When using the vehicle, a user can place a user terminal inside the vehicle, for example in a charging cradle, in order to charge the user terminal. Before a user leaves the vehicle, for example after switching off the engine, the user can be informed about the user terminal in the charging cradle. For example, information about the user terminal in the charging cradle can be shown on a display. This can remind a user to take their user terminal with them. However, this method is limited to a user terminal in the vehicle's charging cradle. Information about a user terminal that has been placed anywhere in the vehicle cannot, however, be made available. Furthermore, the user may simply want to perform an action on a trunk. In this case, there cannot be any intention to lock the vehicle.Notifying the user after switching off an engine may therefore result in an unwanted message.

[0005] There is therefore a need to provide an improved method for informing a vehicle user via a user terminal within the vehicle. The method, device, computer program, and vehicle according to the independent claims address this need.

[0006] Embodiments are based on the core idea that a method for informing a user of a vehicle about another user terminal within the vehicle can be carried out based on a comparison of a distance of a user terminal with a threshold value. As a result, information can only be sent to the user terminal, for example, if an intention of the user to leave the vehicle can be determined. This can prevent incorrect notification of the user regarding another user terminal within the vehicle. Furthermore, a user can be informed about another user terminal at any location within the vehicle. Embodiments relate to a method for implementation by a control unit of a vehicle for informing a user of the vehicle about another user terminal within the vehicle.The method comprises determining a distance of a user terminal from the vehicle. The user terminal is configured to trigger locking of the vehicle. The method further comprises comparing the distance of the user terminal with a limit value and, if the limit value is exceeded, determining whether the further user terminal is inside the vehicle. If the further user terminal is inside the vehicle, the method further comprises sending information about the further user terminal inside the vehicle. The information is sent to the user terminal. By determining the distance of the user terminal from the vehicle and comparing the distance of the user terminal with the limit value, a user's intention can be determined. For example, a user's intention to leave the vehicle can be determined.Optionally or alternatively, a probability that a user will leave the vehicle can be determined. If the threshold is exceeded or reached, it is then determined whether the additional user terminal or another user terminal is within the vehicle. This determination allows information about the additional user terminal to be obtained. This information can be used to inform the user of the user terminal about the additional user terminal within the vehicle. This allows a user to be informed about another user terminal within the vehicle in a simplified and / or more reliable manner.

[0007] In one embodiment, the information can be sent via a local communication connection. For example, the information can be sent via a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication connection and / or a Bluetooth communication connection. This allows the user to be informed in a simplified manner about the additional user terminal within the vehicle.

[0008] In one embodiment, the determining may comprise a determination by means of a local communication connection between the vehicle and the further user terminal. The local communication connection may be a WLAN communication connection, a Bluetooth communication connection, and / or an ultrawideband (UWB) communication connection. For example, a position of the further user terminal within the vehicle may be determined via a communication signal between the further user terminal and the vehicle, for example a communication device of the vehicle. For example, a signal strength and / or an angle of incidence of a communication signal from the further user terminal at a communication device may be used to determine the position of the further user terminal. Optionally or alternatively, a position of the further user terminal may be determined by means of triangulation.This allows the position of the other user device to be determined with increased accuracy.

[0009] In one embodiment, the information may be indicative of an identity of the user terminal and / or a position of the user terminal. This allows the user to obtain information about where the user terminal is located within the vehicle and / or which user terminal it is within the vehicle.

[0010] In one embodiment, the method may further comprise locking the vehicle before sending the information. By locking the vehicle before sending the information, the information can be integrated into an existing message for informing the user about the locking of the vehicle. This allows the user to receive information about the locking of the vehicle simultaneously with the information about the additional user terminal within the vehicle.

[0011] In one embodiment, the method may further comprise determining a second distance of the user terminal from the vehicle and comparing the second distance of the user terminal with a second threshold. If the second threshold is exceeded, the method may further comprise locking the vehicle and sending further information about the locking of the vehicle to the user terminal. By locking the vehicle based on the second threshold, the user may be informed about the additional user terminal within the vehicle before the vehicle is locked. This allows a user to retrieve the additional user terminal from the vehicle without having to unlock the vehicle. This may improve the user experience.

[0012] Embodiments relate to a method for informing a user of the vehicle about another user terminal within the vehicle. The method comprises receiving information about the another user terminal within the vehicle. The information is received by a control unit of the vehicle. Furthermore, the method comprises triggering an information output to the user to inform the user about the another user terminal. This allows a user to receive information about another user terminal within the vehicle.

[0013] Embodiments also provide a computer program for carrying out one of the methods described herein when the computer program runs on a computer, a processor, or a programmable hardware component. Another embodiment is a device for informing a user of a vehicle via another user terminal within the vehicle. The device comprises an interface for communicating with a user terminal or a control unit and a data processing circuit configured to carry out at least one of the methods described herein. Embodiments further provide a vehicle with a device as described herein.

[0014] Exemplary embodiments are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. They show:

[0015] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a method for informing a user of a vehicle about another user terminal within the vehicle;

[0016] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of another method for informing a user of a vehicle via another user terminal within the vehicle; and

[0017] Fig. 3 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a device for informing a user of a vehicle about another user terminal within the vehicle.

[0018] Various embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some embodiments are illustrated. In the figures, the thickness dimensions of lines, layers, and / or regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0019] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a method 100 for informing a user of a vehicle about another user terminal within the vehicle. The method 100 is carried out by a control unit of a vehicle. The control unit may include a data processing circuit for performing operations (e.g., for determining the distance or comparing the distance) and a communication interface (e.g., for transmitting the information).

[0020] The method 100 includes determining a distance of a user terminal from the vehicle. The distance of the user terminal from the vehicle can be determined 100 via a local communication connection between the vehicle and the user terminal. For example, a position of the user terminal can be determined using a Bluetooth communication connection and / or a UWB communication connection. Based on the determined position of the user terminal, a distance between the user terminal and the vehicle can be determined. Optionally or alternatively, a position of the user terminal can also be determined 100 using other sensors of the vehicle. For example, a camera and / or a lidar sensor can be used to determine a position of a person who has exited the driver's door. A position of the user terminal can, in particular, be identical to a position of the person who has exited the driver's door.By determining the person who got out of the driver's door, the position of the user device can also be determined.

[0021] The user terminal is configured to trigger locking of the vehicle. In particular, the user terminal can be configured as a digital key. The digital key can be a digital key as defined by the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) standard, for example, as defined in Digital Key Standards 3.1.0 [1].

[0022] Furthermore, the method 100 comprises comparing 120 the distance of the user terminal with a threshold value. The threshold value can be a distance from the vehicle for which the probability that a user will leave the vehicle is increased. For example, the threshold value can be at least 2 m, or 3 m, or 4 m. By comparing 120, the user's intention to leave the vehicle can be determined. A transmission 140 can thus only occur when the user leaves or wants to leave the vehicle. This can prevent erroneous transmission 140. For example, it can prevent a user who gets out of the vehicle and goes to a trunk from triggering a transmission 140. For example, the transmission 140 can be linked to locking the vehicle. Locking the vehicle can occur according to the CCC standard. This makes it easier to determine the user's intention to leave the vehicle.Furthermore, transmission 140 can be integrated into the CCC standard.

[0023] If the threshold is exceeded or reached, method 100 further includes determining 130 whether a (or the) additional user terminal is within the vehicle. The presence of a (or the) additional user terminal can be determined, for example, via a local communication connection. For example, the additional user terminal can be connected to a display in the vehicle via a Bluetooth communication connection. Based on the Bluetooth communication connection, a presence of the additional user terminal can be determined 130.

[0024] Optionally or alternatively, the presence of the additional user terminal can be determined via a UWB communication connection. For example, the additional user terminal can also be configured as a digital key. Accordingly, it may be necessary to determine the position of the additional user terminal in order to trigger locking of the vehicle. Based on this position determination, the presence of the additional user terminal within the vehicle can be determined 130.

[0025] The position of the additional user terminal can be determined, for example, via triangulation, a signal strength of a communication signal and / or an angle of incidence of a communication signal.

[0026] If an additional user terminal is located within the vehicle, method 100 further includes sending 140 information about the additional user terminal within the vehicle. The information is sent to the user terminal. By sending 140, a user of the user terminal can be informed about the additional user terminal within the vehicle. This makes it easier for a user to be notified of a (possibly forgotten) additional user terminal within the vehicle. The user can then take necessary measures, e.g., retrieving the additional user terminal from the vehicle.

[0027] Method 100 allows a user to be notified of another user terminal located anywhere within the vehicle. Restriction to a specific vehicle area, such as a charging cradle, can be avoided. For example, a user can be notified of another user terminal in a door compartment or on the rear seat.

[0028] In one embodiment, the information can be sent 140 via a local communication connection. For example, the information can be sent via a WLAN communication connection and / or a Bluetooth communication connection. This allows the user to be informed in a simplified manner via the additional user terminal within the vehicle. Alternatively, the information can be sent via a mobile communication connection (for example, via a base station).

[0029] In one embodiment, determining may comprise determining by means of a local (or via a local) communication connection between the vehicle and the further user terminal. The user terminal may be connected to the control unit via a local communication connection. As described above, a signal strength and / or an angle of arrival of a communication signal from the further user terminal at a communication device (which may, for example, be comprised by the control unit or may be external to it, e.g., may be a UWB anchor) may be used to determine the position of the further user terminal. Optionally or alternatively, a position of the further user terminal may be determined by means of triangulation.

[0030] Optionally or alternatively, the position of the additional user terminal can be determined using a camera of the vehicle. For example, the camera can be directed toward an interior of the vehicle. Based on the camera images, the presence of the additional user terminal within the vehicle can be determined.

[0031] In one embodiment, the information may be indicative of an identity of the user terminal and / or a location of the user terminal. For example, another user terminal may have been intentionally left inside the vehicle. By informing the user of an identity of the another user terminal, the user can decide whether or not to leave the another user terminal in the vehicle. This can improve a user experience. By informing the user of a location of the another user terminal, the user can retrieve the another user terminal from the vehicle more quickly.

[0032] For example, a family of four may have traveled in the vehicle. Each member of the family of four may have carried a user terminal with them in the vehicle. When leaving the vehicle, a passenger and a child who was sitting in the back seat may have left their user terminal inside the vehicle. The driver may have taken their user terminal with them. The position of the driver's user terminal can then be determined 110, which can trigger the transmission 140 of the information. A message can then be displayed to the driver on the user terminal's display. The message can, for example, include the information that a user terminal belonging to the passenger is on the passenger seat and a user terminal belonging to the child is in a door pocket of the right rear door. This advantageously informs the user about other user terminals within the vehicle.The driver can inform his or her family about the user devices left in the vehicle. The user devices can then be retrieved from the vehicle if desired.

[0033] The method 100 can support the deliberate locking of a user terminal, in particular a user terminal configured as a digital key. Furthermore, the method 100 can provide a reminder that certain user terminals are still inside the vehicle. User terminals that should not remain inside the vehicle can then still be retrieved from the vehicle. In one embodiment, the method 100 can further comprise locking the vehicle before sending the information. By locking the vehicle before sending the information, the information can be integrated into an existing message for informing the user that the vehicle is locked. As described in Table 19-68 of [1], a user can be informed about a status change of the vehicle, for example, a locking.In particular, the user can be informed about the change in the vehicle’s status when leaving the vehicle (walk away locking).

[0034] If a user moves away from the vehicle with their user device, this can lead to the vehicle being locked. Through an existing BLE communication connection, the user can be informed of the vehicle's status change within the framework of the CCC standard (see in particular [1] status change subEvent via tag 7F71). This can trigger the display of a "vehicle locked" message on the departing user device.

[0035] The message about the vehicle status change can be expanded with information about the additional user terminal within the vehicle. In particular, the information about the additional user terminal within the vehicle can be integrated into an existing message. This allows the user to be informed simultaneously about the vehicle status change and the additional user terminals located within the vehicle. The transmission 140 of the information about the additional user terminal within the vehicle can therefore occur at the same time as the transmission of the vehicle status change.

[0036] Alternatively, in one embodiment, method 100 may further comprise determining a second distance of the user terminal from the vehicle and comparing the second distance of the user terminal with a second threshold. If the second threshold is exceeded, the method may further comprise locking the vehicle and sending further information about the locking of the vehicle to the user terminal. By locking the vehicle based on the second threshold, the user may be informed about the additional user terminal within the vehicle before the vehicle is locked. This allows a user to retrieve the additional user terminal from the vehicle without having to unlock the vehicle. A renewed approach of the user terminal to the vehicle to unlock the vehicle can thus be avoided.

[0037] For example, transmission 140 can occur via proprietary communication. For example, an application (app) could be installed on the user terminal, in particular an application from a vehicle manufacturer (original equipment manufacturer, OEM). The control unit can therefore trigger an action of the OEM app by transmitting 140. For example, the control unit can trigger the display of information about the additional user terminal within the vehicle via the OEM app. This allows the user to be informed about the additional user terminal within the vehicle independently of a message implemented in the CCC standard.

[0038] The control unit may generally be a device capable of wireless communication. The control unit may communicate with a backend, e.g., a base station, a user terminal in a mobile communication system. For example, the control unit may communicate within / via a mobile communication system. The mobile communication system may include a plurality of transmission points and / or base stations capable of transmitting radio signals to the control unit. The control unit may communicate with the user terminal in a local communication system.

[0039] Further details and aspects are mentioned in connection with the exemplary embodiments described below. The exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1 may include one or more optional additional features corresponding to one or more aspects mentioned in connection with the proposed concept or one or more exemplary embodiments described below (e.g., Figs. 2-3).

[0040] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of another method 200 for informing a user of a vehicle via another user terminal within the vehicle. The method 200 is performed by a user terminal. The user terminal may include a data processing circuit for performing operations (e.g., for triggering an information output) and a communication interface (e.g., for receiving the information).

[0041] Method 200 includes receiving 210 information about the additional user terminal within the vehicle. The information is received by a control unit of the vehicle. Furthermore, method 200 includes triggering 220 an information output to the user to inform the user about the additional user terminal. This allows a user to receive information about an additional user terminal within the vehicle.

[0042] Method 200 can be performed together with the method described with reference to Fig. 1. Both methods can be performed within the framework of the transmitter and receiver.

[0043] REVISED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP The user terminal can generally be any device capable of wireless communication. In particular, the user terminal can be a mobile user terminal, e.g., a user terminal suitable for being carried by a user. The user terminal can be, for example, a user terminal (UT) or user equipment (UE) within the meaning of the respective communication standards used for mobile communication. The user terminal can be, for example, a mobile phone, such as a smartphone, or another type of mobile communication device, such as a smartwatch, a laptop, a tablet computer, autonomous augmented reality glasses, etc.

[0044] Further details and aspects are mentioned in connection with the embodiments described below and / or above. The embodiment shown in Fig. 2 may include one or more optional additional features corresponding to one or more aspects mentioned in connection with the proposed concept or one or more embodiments described above (e.g., Fig. 1) and / or below (e.g., Fig. 3).

[0045] Fig. 3 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a device for informing a user of a vehicle via another user terminal within the vehicle 40. The device 30 comprises an interface 32 for communication with a user terminal (for example, for carrying out the method described with reference to Fig. 1) or a control unit (for example, for carrying out a method described with reference to Fig. 2). The device 30 further comprises a data processing circuit 34, which is designed to carry out at least one of the methods described herein, for example, the method described with reference to Fig. 1 for the control unit or with reference to Fig. 2 for the user terminal. Further embodiments include a vehicle 40 with a device 30.

[0046] The interface 32 shown in Fig. 3 can, for example, correspond to one or more inputs and / or one or more outputs for receiving and / or transmitting information, for example in digital bit values, based on a code, within a module, between modules, or between modules of different entities. The interface 32 can, for example, be configured to communicate with other network components via a (radio) network or a local area network.

[0047] In exemplary embodiments, the data processing circuit 34 can correspond to any controller or processor or a programmable hardware component. For example, the data processing circuit 34 can also be implemented as software programmed for a corresponding hardware component. In this respect, the data processing circuit 34 can be implemented as programmable hardware with appropriately adapted software. Any processors, such as digital signal processors (DSPs), can be used. Exemplary embodiments are not limited to a specific type of processor. Any processor or even multiple processors are conceivable for implementing the data processing circuit 34.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 3, the interface 32 can be coupled to the respective data processing circuitry 34 of the device 30. In examples, the device 30 can be implemented by one or more processing units, one or more processing devices, any means of processing, such as a processor, a computer, or a programmable hardware component operable with appropriately adapted software. Likewise, the described functions of the data processing circuitry 34 can also be implemented in software, which is then executed on one or more programmable hardware components. Such hardware components can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller, etc.The data processing circuit 34 may be capable of controlling the interface 32 such that any data transfer that occurs over the interface 32 and / or any interaction that the interface 32 may be involved in can be controlled by the data processing circuit 34.

[0049] In one embodiment, the device 30 may include a memory and at least one data processing circuit 34 operatively coupled to the memory and configured to perform one of the methods described above.

[0050] In examples, interface 32 may correspond to any means for obtaining, receiving, transmitting, or providing analog or digital signals or information, e.g., any terminal, contact, pin, register, input terminal, output terminal, conductor, trace, etc., that enables the provision or receipt of a signal or information. Interface 32 may be wireless or wired and may be configured to communicate with other internal or external components, e.g., to send or receive signals or information.

[0051] In at least some embodiments, the vehicle 40 may, for example, correspond to a land vehicle, a watercraft, an aircraft, a rail vehicle, a road vehicle, a car, a bus, a motorcycle, an off-road vehicle, a motor vehicle, or a truck. The device 30 may, for example, be a part of or may be a control unit, e.g., a central control unit, of the vehicle 40. Further details and aspects are mentioned in connection with the embodiments described above. The embodiment shown in Fig. 3 may include one or more optional additional features corresponding to one or more aspects mentioned in connection with the proposed concept or one or more embodiments described above (e.g., Figs. 1-2).

[0052] Further embodiments are computer programs for carrying out one of the methods described herein when the computer program runs on a computer, a processor, or a programmable hardware component. Depending on specific implementation requirements, embodiments of the invention can be implemented in hardware or in software. The implementation can be carried out using a digital storage medium, for example a floppy disk, a DVD, a Blu-ray disc, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM or a FLASH memory, a hard disk, or another magnetic or optical storage device on which electronically readable control signals are stored that can interact or interact with a programmable hardware component in such a way that the respective method is carried out.

[0053] A programmable hardware component can be formed by a processor, a computer processor (CPU = Central Processing Unit), a graphics processor (GPU = Graphics Processing Unit), a computer, a computer system, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC = Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), an integrated circuit (IC = Integrated Circuit), a single-chip system (SOC = System on Chip), a programmable logic element or a field-programmable gate array with a microprocessor (FPGA = Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0054] The digital storage medium can therefore be machine- or computer-readable. Some embodiments thus comprise a data carrier having electronically readable control signals capable of interacting with a programmable computer system or a programmable hardware component such that one of the methods described herein is performed. One embodiment is thus a data carrier (or a digital storage medium or a computer-readable medium) on which the program for performing one of the methods described herein is recorded.

[0055] In general, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a program, firmware, computer program, or computer program product with program code or data, wherein the program code or data is effective to perform one of the methods when the program runs on a processor or a programmable hardware component. The program code or data can also be stored, for example, on a machine-readable medium or data carrier. The program code or data can be present, among other things, as source code, machine code, or bytecode, as well as other intermediate code.

[0056] List of reference symbols

[0057] 30 Device

[0058] 32 Interface 34 Data processing circuit

[0059] 40 vehicles

[0060] 100 procedures to be carried out by a control unit

[0061] 110 Determining a distance of a user terminal to the vehicle

[0062] 120 Comparing the distance of the user terminal with a threshold value 130 Determining whether another user terminal is inside the vehicle

[0063] 140 Sending information via the additional user terminal within the vehicle

[0064] 200 Procedures to be performed by a user terminal

[0065] 210 Receiving information about the additional user terminal within the vehicle

[0066] 220 Triggering an information output to the user

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method (100) for performing by a control unit of a vehicle for informing a user of the vehicle via another user terminal within the vehicle, comprising: Determining (110) a distance of a user terminal from the vehicle, wherein the user terminal is configured to trigger locking of the vehicle; Comparing (120) the distance of the user terminal with a threshold value; if the threshold value is exceeded, determining (130) whether another user terminal is within the vehicle; and if another user terminal is within the vehicle, sending (140) to the user terminal information about the other user terminal within the vehicle.

2. The method (100) of claim 1, wherein the information is sent over a local communication link.

3. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the determining comprises determining by means of a local communication connection between the vehicle and the further user terminal.

4. The method (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the information is indicative of at least one of an identity of the user terminal and a location of the user terminal.

5. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising Lock the vehicle before sending the information.

6. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1-4, further comprising Determining a second distance of the user terminal to the vehicle; Comparing the second distance of the user terminal with a second threshold; if the second threshold is exceeded, locking the vehicle; and Sending, to the user terminal, further information about locking the vehicle.

7. A method (200) for performing by a user terminal for informing a user of the vehicle via another user terminal within the vehicle, comprising: receiving (210), from a control unit of the vehicle, information about the other user terminal within the vehicle; and Triggering (220) an information output to the user to inform the user about the further user terminal.

8. A computer program for carrying out one of the methods (100; 200) according to one of the preceding claims, when the computer program runs on a computer, a processor, or a programmable hardware component.

9. A device (30) for informing a user of a vehicle via another user terminal within the vehicle, comprising: an interface (32) for communicating with at least one of a user terminal and a control unit; and a data processing circuit (34) configured to perform at least one of the methods (100) according to any one of claims 1-7.

10. A vehicle (40) having a device (30) according to claim 9.

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