Vehicle search card with thin-film battery

Abstract

Methods and devices for vehicle finding cards with thin film batteries are disclosed. Examples include a finding card and a vehicle. The finding card includes: a thin film battery; a mechanical button flush with the surface of the finding card; a passive near field communication module; and an active wireless module. The active wireless module broadcasts a wireless message with a command based on the mode in which the button is pressed. The vehicle provides a plurality of audiovisual alerts based on the command in the wireless message.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to vehicles with a valet mode, and more particularly, to vehicle finding cards with thin-film batteries. Background Art

[0002] An increasing number of vehicles are being manufactured with passive entry passive start (PEPS) systems that incorporate the driver's mobile device. In such a phone-as-a-key (PaaK) system, the driver typically does not carry a traditional key fob or physical key. For this reason, if the mobile device loses power, the driver may be unable to enter their vehicle until the battery of the mobile device is recharged. In addition, when the driver does not want to share their phone, the valet may not have an easy way to move the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The appended claims define the application. The present disclosure summarizes aspects of the embodiments and should not be used to limit the claims. Other implementations are contemplated in accordance with the techniques described herein, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon studying the following drawings and detailed description, and these implementations are intended to be within the scope of the present application.

[0004] Exemplary embodiments of a vehicle finding card with a thin-film battery are disclosed. Examples include a finding card and a vehicle. The finding card includes: a thin-film battery; a mechanical button flush with the surface of the finding card; a passive near-field communication module; and an active wireless module. The active wireless module broadcasts a wireless message with a command based on the pattern in which the button is pressed. The vehicle provides a plurality of audiovisual alerts based on the command in the wireless message.

[0005] An exemplary method includes receiving a message with a command from a finding card having a mechanical button and a thin-film battery based on the pattern in which the button is pressed. The method further includes, when the vehicle is in valet mode, using the vehicle to control the headlights to provide one of a plurality of audiovisual alerts based on the command in the message. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] To better understand the present invention, reference may be made to the embodiments shown in the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and related elements may be omitted, or in some cases, the scale may be exaggerated to emphasize and clearly illustrate the novel features described herein. Additionally, as is known in the art, the system components may be arranged differently. Further, in the drawings, the same reference numerals represent corresponding parts in several views.

[0007] Figure 1 A vehicle and a finding card operating in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure are shown.

[0008] Figure 2 A vehicle finding card for a vehicle used to access Figure 1 is shown.

[0009] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a block diagram of an electronic component of a vehicle.

[0010] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method for finding a Figure 1 vehicle, the method being implementable by a Figure 1 and Figure 2 vehicle finding card and Figure 3 the electronic component of a vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] While the present invention may be embodied in various forms, some exemplary and non - limiting embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described hereinafter. It should be understood that the present disclosure is considered an example of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments shown.

[0012] Vehicles equipped with a passive entry passive start (PEPS) system using a phone - as - a - key (PaaK) system provide keyless access to the vehicle using the driver's phone. However, drivers may be concerned about the phone running out of power when they need to access their vehicle. Additionally, drivers do not want valet personnel to access their phones when using valet parking services.

[0013] As disclosed below, the vehicle includes one or more low - power card devices that perform a vehicle finding function and provide access to the vehicle as if they were key fobs or phones. Additionally, in some instances, when the valet mode is activated, the finding card provides access to the vehicle such that some of the vehicle's functions are restricted (e.g., maximum speed, distance, sound system, etc.). The card is sized to fit into a wallet. In some instances, the finding card is credit - card - flat in size (e.g., 85.60 millimeters (mm) × 53.98 millimeters (mm) (3.370 inches × 2.125 inches)). In other instances, the thickness of the finding card can also be the same as the industry standard for credit cards (0.76 mm (0.03 inches)). The card includes a passive near - field communication (NFC) module and an active wireless module (such as low - power (BLE) or HaLow, etc.). Additionally, the card includes a button and a thin-film battery. The vehicle includes an internal NFC reader having a card holder for storing the finding card. Additionally, the vehicle includes an active wireless module to facilitate communication with the finding card to perform the vehicle finding function. The vehicle also includes an externally accessible NFC reader to facilitate access to the vehicle. For example, the vehicle may include an NFC reader in the B-pillar or the vehicle door handle on the driver's side.

[0014] The button of the finding card is a mechanical button that is flush with the surface of the finding card when not pressed. The active wireless module is typically in a low-power inactive state. Pressing the button temporarily activates the active wireless module to broadcast a message to the vehicle via the active wireless module. When the vehicle receives the message, the vehicle activates an audio and / or visual alarm (e.g., activates the horn, makes the vehicle lights flash, etc.). In some instances, different button press patterns generate messages with different contents to cause different alarms to be issued by the vehicle. For example, pressing the button twice quickly in succession may cause the vehicle to activate the horn or flash the headlights once, while holding down the button for three seconds may cause the vehicle to activate the alarm periodically until the finding card is detected.

[0015] The finding card communicates with the vehicle via NFC to provide access to the vehicle. When the finding card is within the range of the external NFC reader of the vehicle, the finding card and the vehicle communicate to unlock the vehicle doors. Alternatively, in some instances, when the button is pressed when the finding card is in proximity to the vehicle (e.g., two feet, five feet, ten feet) (e.g., as calculated by the received signal strength (RSSI) of the message broadcast by the finding card), the card initiates passive entry with the vehicle via an active wireless signal. The authentication process between the finding card and the vehicle may be similar to or the same as the protocol for passive entry passive start (PEPS). In some instances, unless the battery of the finding card is depleted, the finding card initiates passive entry with the vehicle after detecting the vehicle (e.g., via a wireless beacon message, proximity to the NFC module, etc.). In some instances, when the valet mode is activated, when entering the vehicle using the finding card, the vehicle restricts the functions of some subsystems of the vehicle. In some such instances, when entering the vehicle using a mobile device (e.g., a smart phone, a smart watch, etc.), the vehicle does not restrict the functions of some subsystems of the vehicle and disables the valet mode. When the finding card is placed in the card holder inside the vehicle, the internal NFC reader wirelessly charges the battery of the finding card when the ignition of the vehicle is turned on or in the delayed accessory power mode or if no other valid key is detected in the passenger compartment in the accessory power port mode. In some instances, unless an option is enabled (e.g., via the infotainment system), the vehicle ignores the finding card. This may be the same option as enabling the valet mode or may be an option separate from enabling the valet mode. For example, to support the use of the finding card, the driver may be required to enter a password into the infotainment system.

[0016] The battery of the finding card is a thin-film battery. In some examples, the battery, printed circuit board (PCB), electronic components (e.g., NFC module and active wireless module), and button are configured such that the finding card has the thickness of a credit card (e.g., 0.76 mm (0.03 inches)). Additionally, the finding card is encapsulated in a flexible plastic that provides access to the button. The PCB and the thin-film battery are flexible such that the finding card is resilient when carried in a wallet. Additionally, the electronic components and the button are oriented to minimize torsional stress resulting from flexure or bending of the finding card.

[0017] Figure 1 Vehicle 100 and finding card 102 operating in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure are shown. Vehicle 100 can be a standard gasoline-powered vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, an electric vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, and / or any other type of mobility implementation vehicle. Vehicle 100 includes mobility-related parts such as a powertrain having an engine, transmission, suspension, drive shafts, and / or wheels, etc. Vehicle 100 can be non-autonomous, semi-autonomous (e.g., some routine movement functions controlled by vehicle 100), or autonomous (e.g., movement functions controlled by vehicle 100 without direct driver input). In the example shown, vehicle 100 includes an internal near-field communication module 104, an external near-field communication module 106, a wireless communication module (WCM) 108, an infotainment host unit (IHU) 110, and a body control module (BCM) 112.

[0018] The internal NFC module 104 and the external NFC module 106 include an antenna and hardware (e.g., a processor, an integrated circuit, etc.) that communicate using a near-field communication protocol (e.g., as defined by ISO / IEC 18092). The NFC modules 104 and 106 have a range of 25.4 mm to 101.6 mm (1 inch to 4 inches). The internal NFC module 104 includes a card holder configured to hold the lookup card 102. For example, the NFC module 104 may have a housing embedded in the center console, the housing having a removable cover that covers a slot configured to receive the lookup card 102. The internal NFC module 104 includes an induction coil 114 that inductively charges the lookup card 102 when the lookup card 102 is placed within the housing and the ignition of the vehicle 100 is in the on or accessory or standby power mode. The external NFC module 106 is located on the vehicle 100 such that the lookup card 102 can be within the range of the NFC module 106 while the lookup card 102 is outside the vehicle 100. In some instances, the external NFC module 106 is located in the handle 116 of the driver-side front door 118. Alternatively, in some instances, the external NFC module 106 is located on a portion of the door 118 that overlaps the B-pillar. In some such instances, the external NFC module 106 is incorporated into a keyless entry unit that includes a keypad. An example of a keyless entry unit that can be modified to incorporate the external NFC module 106 is described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 238,390, titled "Vehicle Communication Status Indicator," filed on August 16, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0019] The wireless communication module 108 includes a wireless network interface to support communication with modular devices (e.g., smart phones, smart watches, etc.) and / or an external network. The wireless communication module 108 also includes hardware (e.g., a processor, a memory, a storage device, an antenna, etc.) and software for controlling the wireless network interface. Exemplary wireless communication module 108 includes for and / or a low-power communication controller. Additionally or alternatively, in some instances, the wireless communication module 108 includes communication controllers for other personal area networks (e.g., etc.) and / or wireless local area networks (e.g., IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac or others, etc.).

[0020] The infotainment host unit 110 provides an interface between the vehicle 100 and the user. The infotainment host unit 110 includes digital and / or analog interfaces (e.g., input devices and output devices) to receive input from the user and display information. The input devices may include, for example, a control knob, a dashboard, a digital camera for image capture and / or visual command recognition, a touch screen, an audio input device (e.g., a cabin microphone), a button, or a touchpad. The output devices may include an instrument cluster output (e.g., a dial, a lighting device), an actuator, a head-up display, a center console display (e.g., a liquid crystal display (“LCD”), an organic light-emitting diode (“OLED”) display, a flat panel display, a solid state display, etc.), and / or a speaker. In the illustrated example, the infotainment host unit 110 includes hardware (e.g., a processor or controller, a memory, a storage device, etc.) and software (e.g., an operating system, etc.) for an infotainment system such as, of and MyFord of of etc.). Additionally, the infotainment host unit 110 displays the infotainment system on, for example, a center console display.

[0021] The body control module 112 controls various subsystems of the vehicle 100. For example, the body control module 112 may control power windows, power locks, an anti-theft locking system, and / or power mirrors, etc. The body control module 112 includes circuitry for, for example, driving a relay (e.g., to control windshield washer fluid, etc.), driving a brushed direct current (DC) motor (e.g., to control a power seat, a power lock, a power window, a windshield wiper, etc.), driving a stepper motor, and / or driving an LED, etc. The body control module 112 controls the vehicle 100's headlights 120, horn 122, and siren 124. In the illustrated example, the body control module 112 includes a card handler 126.

[0022] Card handler 126: (a) Generate different alerts as different combinations and / or patterns of vehicle lights 120, horn 122, and / or siren 124 based on the content in the message received from the find card 102 via the wireless communication module 108; and (b) Provide access to the vehicle 100 (e.g., by unlocking the vehicle door 118) after detecting and authorizing the find card 102 via the external NFC module 106. The message received from the find card 102 includes different commands. Based on the commands, the card handler 126 generates corresponding alerts. For example, one command may be associated with a single activation of the horn, while another command may be associated with a periodic flashing of the vehicle lights. When the find card 102 is within the range of the external NFC module 106, the card handler 126 exchanges information (e.g., authorization tokens, etc.) with the find card 102 to determine whether the find card 102 is authorized to access the vehicle 100. When the find card 102 is authorized to access the vehicle 100, the card handler 126 unlocks the vehicle door 118. In some instances, the card handler 126 may be configured to unlock all vehicle doors.

[0023] Optionally or additionally, in some instances, the card handler 126 authorizes the find card 102 via the wireless communication module 108 in response to a PEPS command included in the message received from the find card 102. For example, when the find card 102 approaches the vehicle 100, the find card 102 may send a PEPS command when the user presses a button on the find card 102 in a certain pattern. Via the wireless communication module 108, the card handler 126 interrogates the find card 102 to determine whether the find card 102 is authorized to access the keyless entry and / or keyless start function of the vehicle 100. Once authorized, the card handler 126 unlocks the vehicle door 118. In some instances, the card handler 126 unlocks one or more vehicle doors of the vehicle 100 in response to a key fob command received from the find card 102 via the wireless communication module 108.

[0024] In some instances, the card handler 126 manages different modes to control the functionality of subsystems in the vehicle 100 (e.g., powertrain control unit, audio system, etc.). The modes include a normal mode, an enable alarm mode, an enable entry mode, and / or a valet mode. In the normal mode, the card handler 126 ignores all messages from the find card 102. In the enable alarm mode, the card handler 126 performs actions based on messages including commands related to the alarm, but does not unlock the vehicle door 118 via the external NFC module 106 or the wireless communication module 108. In the enable entry mode, the card handler 126 performs actions based on messages including commands related to the alarm, and unlocks the vehicle door 118 via the external NFC module 106 or the wireless communication module 108. In the valet mode, the card handler 126: (i) performs actions based on messages including commands related to the alarm, (ii) unlocks the vehicle door 118 via the external NFC module 106 or the wireless communication module 108, and (iii) when the find card 102 is used to unlock the vehicle door 118, changes settings and / or restricts access to various subsystems of the vehicle 100. For example, the infotainment host unit 110 may disable the infotainment system and / or the audio system, and the powertrain control module may limit the speed and / or acceleration rate of the vehicle 100. In some instances, when in the valet mode, when an authorized mobile device or key fob is used to open the vehicle door 118, the card handler 126 does not change settings and / or restrict access to various subsystems of the vehicle 100.

[0025] In some instances, an interface on the infotainment host unit 110 (e.g., a touchscreen, a display with associated physical buttons, etc.) facilitates the driver to change the mode. In some such instances, the card handler 126 changes the mode upon a selection after (a) the driver enters a credential (e.g., a passphrase or password) and / or (b) detecting that the find card 102 is docked in a slot associated with the internal NFC module 104.

[0026] Because long-range wireless communication (e.g., vehicle finding, remote start, etc.) requires power, the find card 102 is rechargeable to allow the card to maintain a power reserve during a long valet event or when away from the vehicle. When the find card 102 is docked in a slot associated with the internal NFC module 104 and the ignition is on, the card handler 126 charges the battery of the find card 102 via inductive coupling using the induction coil 114. In some instances, for wireless recharge, the find card 102 is placed on top of or near the internal NFC module 104 (e.g., when the internal NFC module 104 does not include a slot). In some instances, the card handler 126 according to The standard charges the lookup card 102, but other methods such as magnetic resonance can also be used to obtain charge. However, if the battery of the lookup card 102 does not have enough power for wireless communication, then since the NFC module of the lookup card is passive, the lookup card 102 still communicates with the external NFC module 106 of the vehicle 100.

[0027] Figure 2 Show a lookup card 102 for accessing Figure 1 the vehicle 100. The lookup card 102 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) covered by a flexible plastic layer and a battery 202. The printed circuit layer can be implemented in various forms, such as printed on a film or building an additive copper deposit into the plastic housing of the lookup card. In some instances, the battery 202 is a thin-film battery. Alternatively, in some instances, the battery is a thin or flat supercapacitor. The lookup card 102 is configured to fit inside a wallet. In some instances, the lookup card 102 is approximately 85.60 mm (3.370 inches) × 53.98 mm (2.125 inches) × 0.76 mm (0.03 inches). Additionally, the lookup card 102 includes a mechanical button 204, an active wireless module 206, and an NFC module 208.

[0028] The battery 202 is a thin-film battery. The PCB and the thin-film battery 202 are flexible so that the lookup card is resilient when carried in a wallet. Additionally, the electronic components (e.g., the NFC module 208 and the active wireless module 206) and the button 204 are oriented to minimize the torsional stress caused by flexing or bending of the lookup card 102. The battery 202 operates within the expected motor vehicle cabin temperature range. In some instances, the battery 202 has an operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F). In some instances, the battery 202 has a capacity ranging from 1 milliampere-hour (mAh) to 100 mAh. The thin-film battery has advantages over traditional chemical batteries. Traditional chemical batteries are rigid and relatively thick. Because of the thickness of the battery and the stress caused by torsion when a person sits with a wallet in their back pocket, such batteries are not suitable for storage in a wallet. Additionally, chemical batteries typically have a limited temperature range (e.g., -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F)). For this reason, traditional chemical batteries cannot be stored in the cabin and are not expected to be immediately usable throughout the entire expected range of the cabin. Additionally, the thin-film battery has a solid electrolyte, which is safer than the liquid electrolyte of traditional lithium-ion batteries.

[0029] Button 204 is a mechanical button that is rigid enough such that a finger is required to intentionally press button 204. Button 204 is electrically connected to active wireless module 206. Additionally, button 204 is flush with the surface of the find card 102 to prevent unintentional activation within a wallet. In some instances, find card 102 may include one or more buttons that correspond to key fob commands (e.g., door lock, door unlock, open trunk, etc.) separate from button 204. In such instances, the buttons for performing key fob commands are different from button 204.

[0030] Active wireless module 206 includes hardware and software for communicating via the same wireless protocol as wireless communication module 108 of vehicle 100. Active wireless module 206 remains in a low power mode (sometimes referred to as a “sleep mode”) until button 204 is pressed. Upon detection of activation of button 204, active wireless module 206 wakes up temporarily to communicate with wireless communication module 108 of vehicle 100. That is, active wireless module 206 pairs with vehicle 100 to broadcast a security message with a command to vehicle 100 and then returns to the low power mode. In some instances, active wireless module 206 advertises an insecure message to initiate the system without pairing with vehicle 100. In some other instances, active wireless module 206 broadcasts a message multiple times (e.g., five times, etc.) to address some electromagnetic noise environments that interfere with vehicle 100 receiving the message and then returns to the sleep mode. By waking up, broadcasting a message, and then immediately returning to the sleep mode, active wireless module 206 saves power. For example, active wireless module 206 may use only 0.1 μA of current in the low power mode. In such an instance, if the capacity of battery 202 is 1.4 mAh, find card 102 will have approximately 550 days of power in the low power mode.

[0031] The command included in the message broadcast by active wireless module 206 depends on the mode in which button 204 is pressed. Activation modes include a combination of long presses and short presses of button 204. For example, a single short press may be associated with a command to blink the headlights 120 of vehicle 100, a long press may be associated with a command to continuously blink the headlights 120 of vehicle 100, two long presses may be associated with a command to stop blinking the headlights 120 of vehicle 100, and two rapid consecutive short presses may be associated with a command to activate the alarm 124 of vehicle 100. In some instances, a long press is any press of button 204 that is greater than or equal to a threshold time (e.g., 2 seconds, 3 seconds, etc.). In such an instance, a short press is any press of button 204 that is less than the threshold time.

[0032] In some instances, the active wireless module 206 wakes up after detecting a certain button press pattern to perform the passive entry passive start function. In such instances, the active wireless module 206 remains active and communicates with the vehicle 100 until the passive entry passive start function is completed or the active mode of the wireless module 206 times out (to conserve the battery charge in the fob 102). In some such instances, the active wireless module 206 calculates the distance to the vehicle 100 based on the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) or transmission strength (RX) of the message received from the vehicle 100. In such instances, when the fob 102 is within a threshold distance (e.g., 2 feet, 5 feet, etc.) of the vehicle 100, the active wireless module 206 wakes up in response to detecting a certain button press pattern to perform the passive entry passive start function.

[0033] The NFC module 208 is a passive NFC device. The NFC module 208: (a) exchanges authentication tokens with the vehicle 100 to provide access to the vehicle, and (b) facilitates charging of the battery 202 when the fob 102 is placed on and / or into a wireless charger and / or the fob 102 is held in close proximity to a mobile device configured to provide wireless power transfer. The NFC module 208 includes authentication keys specific to the particular vehicle 100 and hardware (e.g., integrated circuit and memory, etc.) to generate an authentication token when interrogated by the vehicle 100. In this way, the fob 102 provides access to vehicle 100 events when the useful charge of the battery 202 is depleted, when authenticated. The NFC module 208 is electrically coupled to the battery 202. When the fob 102 is placed into or on a wireless charger (e.g., an internal NFC module 104 such as in the vehicle 100), the NFC module 208 transfers inductive power to the battery 202.

[0034] Figure 3 is Figure 1 A block diagram of the electronic components 300 of the vehicle 100. In the illustrated example, the electronic components 300 include an internal NFC module 104 and an external NFC module 106, a wireless communication module 108, an infotainment host unit 110, a body control module 112, and a vehicle data bus 302.

[0035] In the illustrated example, the body control module 112 includes a processor or controller 304 and a memory 306. In the illustrated example, the body control module 112 is configured to include a card handler 126. The processor or controller 304 can be any suitable processing device or collection of processing devices, such as, but not limited to: a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, a suitable integrated circuit, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The memory 306 can be volatile memory (e.g., RAM, which can include non-volatile RAM, magnetic RAM, ferroelectric RAM, and any other suitable form); non-volatile memory (e.g., disk memory, flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, non-volatile solid state memory, etc.), immutable memory (e.g., EPROM), read-only memory, and / or high-capacity storage devices (e.g., hard disk drives, solid state drives, etc.). In some instances, the memory 306 includes multiple categories of memory, particularly volatile memory and non-volatile memory.

[0036] The memory 306 is a computer-readable medium on which one or more sets of instructions, such as software for operating the methods of the present disclosure, can be embedded. The instructions can embody one or more of the methods or logics described herein. In a particular embodiment, the instructions reside, completely or at least partially, within the memory 306, any one or more of the computer-readable media, and / or within the processor 304 during execution of the instructions.

[0037] The terms “non-transitory computer-readable medium” and “tangible computer-readable medium” should be understood to include a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database and / or associated caches and servers storing one or more sets of instructions. The terms “non-transitory computer-readable medium” and “tangible computer-readable medium” also include any tangible medium that can store, encode, or carry a set of instructions for causing a processor to execute or causing a system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein. As used herein, the term “tangible computer-readable medium” is expressly defined to include any type of computer-readable storage device and / or storage disk and does not include propagated signals.

[0038] The vehicle data bus 302 is communicatively coupled to the infotainment host unit 110 and the body control module 112. In some instances, the vehicle data bus 302 includes one or more data buses. The vehicle data bus 302 may be implemented according to: the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus protocol as defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 11898-1; the Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) bus protocol; the CAN Flexible Data (CAN-FD) bus protocol (ISO 11898-7); the K-line bus protocol (ISO 9141 and ISO 14230-1); and / or the Ethernet TM bus protocol IEEE 802.3 (since 2002), etc.

[0039] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method for the vehicle 100, and the method may be performed by Figure 1 and Figure 1 and Figure 2 of the lookup card 102 and Figure 3 of the electronic component 300. Initially at block 402, the card handler 126 waits until the vehicle 100 is in valet mode or another mode that restricts the functions of the vehicle 100 (such as "service mode"). For example, the driver may place the vehicle 100 in valet mode via an interface on the touch screen of the infotainment host unit 110. At block 404, the card handler 126 activates the lookup card 102. In some instances, activating the lookup card 102 includes changing settings to indicate commands and / or authentication tokens that will be recognized and acted upon. Optionally or additionally, in some instances, activating the lookup card 102 includes transmitting a temporary authentication and / or session identifier to the lookup card 102 via the internal NFC module 104.

[0040] At block 406, the lookup card 102 waits until the button 204 is pressed. At block 408, the lookup card 102 determines whether it has been activated (e.g., it has received a temporary authentication and / or session identifier from the vehicle 100). When the lookup card 102 has been activated, the method continues at block 410. Otherwise, when the lookup card 102 has not been activated, the method returns to block 406. At block 410, the lookup card 102 wakes up the active wireless module 206. At block 412, the lookup card 102 determines the mode in which the button 204 is pressed. For example, the lookup card 102 determines the number of long presses and / or short presses. At block 414, the lookup card 102 establishes a connection with the vehicle 100. At block 416, the lookup card broadcasts a message via the active wireless module 206 that includes a command based on the button press mode determined at block 412. At block 418, the lookup card 102 sets the active wireless module 206 to low power mode.

[0041] At block 420, the card handler 126 of vehicle 100 monitors messages from the discovery card 102. At block 422, the card handler 126 determines whether a message has been received. When a message has been received, the method continues at block 424. Otherwise, when a message has not been received, the method returns to block 420. At block 424, the card handler 126 provides an alert based on the command included in the message. For example, the command may be associated with making the vehicle's horn sound. Then, the card handler continues to wait for other messages from the discovery card 102.

[0042] Figure 4 The flowchart represents machine-readable instructions including one or more programs stored in a memory (such as, Figure 3 the memory 306), which, when executed by a processor (such as, Figure 3 the processor 304), cause vehicle 100 to implement the exemplary card handler 126, or more generally implement Figure 1 and Figure 3 the body control module 112. Although the exemplary program is described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 4 , many other methods for implementing the exemplary card handler 126 may be alternatively used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and / or some of the described blocks may be changed, eliminated, or combined.

[0043] In this application, the use of a conjunctive adverb is intended to include a conjunction. The use of a definite or indefinite article is not intended to indicate a cardinality. In particular, a reference to "the" object or "a / an" object is intended to also represent one of the possible plurality of the said objects. Additionally, the conjunction "or" may be used to convey features that exist simultaneously rather than mutually exclusive alternatives. In other words, the conjunction "or" should be understood to include "and / or". As used herein, the terms "module" and "unit" refer to hardware having circuitry that typically provides communication, control, and / or monitoring capabilities in combination with a sensor. "Modules" and "units" may also include firmware that executes the circuitry. The term "comprising" is inclusive and has the same scope as "including" respectively.

[0044] The above embodiments and especially any "preferred" embodiments are possible examples of implementations and are only set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above embodiments without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of the technology described herein. In this document, all modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure and are protected by the following claims.

[0045] According to the present invention, there is provided a system having: a finder card including a thin-film battery, a mechanical button flush with the surface of the finder card, a passive near-field communication (NFC) module, and an active wireless module for broadcasting a wireless message with a command based on a pattern in which the button is pressed; and a vehicle for providing a plurality of audiovisual alerts based on the command in the wireless message.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the finder card includes a flexible printed circuit board, and wherein the thin-film battery is flexible.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the finder card is sized to fit within a credit card holder in a wallet.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the finder card has a length of no more than 90 millimeters, a width of no more than 60 millimeters, and a thickness of no more than 1 millimeter.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the passive NFC module of the finder card includes authentication data, and wherein the vehicle includes an external NFC module configured to receive the authentication data from the passive NFC module.

[0050] According to one embodiment, after authorizing the finder card based on the authentication data, the vehicle will unlock the vehicle's doors.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the passive NFC module of the finder card includes authentication data, and wherein the vehicle includes an internal NFC module on the inside of the vehicle, the internal NFC module being configured to receive the authentication data from the passive NFC module.

[0052] According to one embodiment, after authorizing the finder card based on the authentication data, the vehicle will enable the vehicle's ignition switch.

[0053] According to one embodiment, when the authentication data of the finder card is used to enable the ignition switch, the vehicle will modify the functions of some subsystems of the vehicle.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the active wireless module includes a low-power mode; wherein in response to detecting that the button has been pressed, the finder card will wake up the active wireless module, and wherein after broadcasting the wireless message, the finder card will place the active wireless module in the low-power mode.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the vehicle includes a valet mode, and wherein the vehicle will provide a plurality of audiovisual alerts based on the command in the wireless message only when the vehicle is in the valet mode.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the vehicle enters the valet mode in response to receiving a password.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the active wireless module of the finding card will perform a passive entry and passive start function in response to receiving a predefined pattern of the button being pressed.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the pattern of the button being pressed includes a combination of one or more button presses selected from the group of short press and long press.

[0059] According to the present invention, there is provided a method, the method comprising: receiving a message having a command based on a pattern of the button being pressed from a finding card having a mechanical button and a thin-film battery; when the vehicle is in valet mode, using a processor of the vehicle to control the vehicle's headlights to provide one of a plurality of audiovisual alerts based on the command in the message.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the features of the above invention further include: when the finding card is docked in the vehicle, in response to receiving a password, using the processor to activate the finding card via a near-field communication module inside the vehicle.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the features of the above invention further include: when the vehicle is in valet mode, interrogating the finding card to determine whether the finding card is authorized to access the vehicle when the finding card is within the range of the near-field communication module outside the vehicle.

[0062] According to one embodiment, when the finding card is authorized, unlocking the vehicle's door via the processor.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the finding card is interrogated using a first communication module, and a message is received using a second communication module, the first communication module being different from the second communication module.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the features of the above invention further include: when the vehicle is in valet mode, disabling the functions of the vehicle's subsystems.

Claims

1. A vehicle control system, the system comprising: Search card, the search card comprising: Flexible thin-film battery; Flexible printed circuit board; Mechanical button, the mechanical button being flush with the surface of the search card; Passive NFC module; and Active wireless module, the active wireless module being configured to broadcast a wireless message with a command based on a mode in which the button is pressed; and Vehicle, the vehicle being configured to: Enter a valet mode in response to receiving a password, wherein the valet mode restricts at least one vehicle function; and Provide a plurality of audio-visual alerts based on the command in the wireless message only when the vehicle is in the valet mode.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the finder card is sized to fit within a credit card holder in a wallet.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the finder card has a length not greater than 90 millimeters, a width not greater than 60 millimeters, and a thickness not greater than 1 millimeter.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the passive NFC module of the finder card includes authentication data, and wherein the vehicle includes an external NFC module configured to receive the authentication data from the passive NFC module.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein after the finder card is authorized based on the authentication data, the vehicle will unlock the vehicle's doors.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the passive NFC module of the finder card includes authentication data, and wherein the vehicle includes an internal NFC module inside the vehicle, the internal NFC module being configured to receive the authentication data from the passive NFC module.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein after the finder card is authorized based on the authentication data, the vehicle will enable the vehicle's ignition switch.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein when the authentication data of the finder card is used to enable the ignition switch, the vehicle will modify the functions of some subsystems of the vehicle.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the active wireless module includes a low power mode; wherein in response to detecting that the button has been pressed, the finder card will wake up the active wireless module, and wherein after broadcasting the wireless message, the finder card will put the active wireless module into the low power mode.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the active wireless module of the finder card will perform a passive entry passive start function in response to receiving a predefined pattern of the button being pressed.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the mode in which the button is pressed comprises one or more combinations of button presses selected from the group consisting of a short press and a long press.

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