Transfer payloads between mobile devices and multiple anchor devices

Abstract

A method for transmitting payloads between a mobile device and a plurality of anchor devices is described. The method comprises: i) transmitting, by the mobile device, a first message to a first anchor device and to a second anchor device, the first message including a synchronization protocol; ii) upon receiving the first message, establishing a first time slot for the first anchor device and a second time slot for the second anchor device based on the synchronization protocol; iii) transmitting, by the mobile device, a second message to the first anchor device and / or to the second anchor device, the second message including a mobile device payload; iv) upon receiving the second message by the first anchor device, transmitting, by the first anchor device, a third message to the mobile device during the first time slot, the third message including a target device payload; and / or v) upon receiving the second message by the second anchor device, transmitting, by the second anchor device, a third message to the mobile device during the second time slot.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for transmitting a payload between a mobile device and a plurality of anchor devices. The present invention further relates to a system comprising a mobile device and a plurality of anchor devices. Background Art

[0002] Radio frequency (RF) ranging systems can be used to measure the range (distance) between objects, such as between a tag (such as a mobile phone or key) and one or more anchors (such as beacons). These ranging systems can determine the distance between the anchor and the tag based on the time-of-flight (ToF) principle. For example, a transmitter of a first transceiver sends out a waveform (such as a chirp or pulse), which is then reflected by an object or retransmitted by a second transceiver. Based on the amount of time it takes for the reflection or retransmission to reach the receiver of the first transceiver, the distance (and therefore the position) between the objects can be calculated. In another embodiment, the angle of arrival can be calculated.

[0003] In scenarios such as car entry, to ensure that ranging is always successful regardless of the user's approach, multiple anchors are used, such as at each edge of the car or on the roof, to ensure accurate ranging despite blind spots and interference from individual anchoring devices. If multiple objects (e.g., several anchors) are involved in the measurement, methods such as triangulation / trilateration can be used to accurately calculate the tag's position. In many applications, the distance or position between multiple devices can be used as a reference.

[0004] While RF ranging (position determination) is performed using the aforementioned system, transmitting payloads (e.g., authentication information, key credentials, transaction data) between a mobile device and multiple anchor devices (associated with payload target devices) remains a challenge. Transmitting payloads between a mobile device and (their) target devices requires secure communication (e.g., because sensitive authorization data is being transmitted), while also requiring robust and cost-effective technology (particularly because, for example, key fobs are mass-market products). Furthermore, in a system that includes multiple anchor devices, deciding which anchor devices should be used and how to effectively organize the used anchor devices can be a complex task. Summary of the Invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide for transferring payloads between a mobile device and a plurality of anchor devices via RF communication in an efficient and robust manner.

[0006] In order to achieve the objects defined above, methods and systems according to the independent claims are provided.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method is described for transmitting a payload (e.g., authentication information) between a mobile device and a plurality of (two or more) anchor devices (particularly associated with payload target devices such as automobiles) via a physical layer communication (channel) with ranging functionality, particularly ultra-wideband (UWB) (facilitating ToF ranging and data communication). The method comprises: i) transmitting a first message to a first anchor device (among a plurality of anchor devices) and to a second anchor device (among a plurality of anchor devices) (via a mobile device), wherein the first message comprises a synchronization protocol (for establishing a time slot system, in particular a time slot system comprising two or more rounds); ii) upon receipt of the first message (via the first anchor device and via the second anchor device), establishing a first time slot for the first anchor device (for transmitting the message to the mobile device) and a second time slot for the second anchor device (for transmitting the message to the mobile device) based on the synchronization protocol; iii) transmitting a second message to the first anchor device and / or to the second anchor device (via the mobile device), wherein the second message comprises a mobile device payload; iv) transmitting a (first) third message to the mobile device via the first anchor device in the first time slot (once the second message is received via the first anchor device), wherein the third message comprises a target device payload; and / or v) transmitting a (second) third message to the mobile device via the second anchor device in the second time slot (once the second message is received via the second anchor device).

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a (communication) system for transmitting a payload via a physical layer (particularly ultra-wideband (UWB)) communication with ranging functionality is described. The system comprises: i) a mobile device, ii) a first anchor device (particularly, arranged at a payload target device (e.g., a car)), and iii) a second anchor device (particularly, arranged at the payload target device (more particularly, at another location than the first anchor device)). The mobile device is configured to: a) transmit a first message to the first anchor device and to the second anchor device, wherein the first message includes a synchronization protocol, and b) transmit a second message to the first anchor device and / or to the second anchor device, wherein the second message includes the mobile device payload. Each anchor device is configured to: c) upon receiving the first message, establish a first time slot for the first anchor device and a second time slot for the second anchor device based on a synchronization protocol; d) transmit a (first) third message to the mobile device via the first anchor device during the first time slot, wherein the third message includes a target device payload; and / or e) transmit a (second) third message to the mobile device via the second anchor device during the second time slot.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, a ranging system based on a physical layer with ranging functionality (particularly ultra-wideband (UWB)) is described as being used as a payload transmission system between a mobile device and multiple anchor devices. Specifically, only anchor devices (more specifically, only one anchor device) that meet a communication quality standard for the physical layer with ranging functionality (particularly UWB) are used.

[0010] In the context of this application, the term "mobile device" may refer to any electrical device that is portable and can establish a UWB connection with an anchor device. The mobile device may be, for example, a mobile phone, a tag, a token, a key, or a key fob.

[0011] In the context of this application, the term "anchor device" may refer to any electrical device that can be associated with a target device (e.g., disposed at or coupled to the target device) and can communicate with a mobile device via physical layer communication with ranging capabilities, such as UWB. An anchor device may also be referred to as, for example, a beacon, node, or marker. An anchor device may be a one-way communication device or a two-way communication device.

[0012] In the context of this application, the term "synchronization protocol" may refer to a protocol that includes information and / or commands for establishing synchronization (a system). In embodiments, the synchronization protocol may be transmitted as a synchronization signal. In a preferred embodiment, synchronization may include establishing time slots (for transmitting messages) for multiple anchor devices, such that each anchor device is assigned a time slot. In this way, the anchor devices can transmit their messages one after another. The synchronization system may include two or more rounds, wherein each anchor device includes a time slot in each round.

[0013] In the context of this application, the term "target device" may refer to any device that can be associated with an anchor device. In one embodiment, authorization may be required to access the target device. In another embodiment, the target device may be a car, and the target device payload may include authentication information for opening the car. In another embodiment, the target device may be a door (e.g., of an office or hotel), and the target device payload may include authentication information for opening the door. In yet another embodiment, the target device may be in a transit area, and the payload may include a purchase ticket.

[0014] In the context of this application, the term "payload" may refer to the portion of the transmitted data (e.g., a message) that is the actual intended message. For example, headers and metadata may not be payload, but are sent to enable payload delivery. In embodiments, the payload may include authentication information, key credentials, transaction data, etc.

[0015] In the context of this application, the term "message" may refer to data transmitted between an electrical device, such as a mobile device and one or more anchor devices. A message may be a data packet or a frame. According to an example, a first message may include, for example, a synchronization protocol; a second message (from the mobile device) may include a mobile device payload (e.g., authentication data); and a third message (from multiple anchor devices) may include a target device (or anchor device) payload. In one example, the second message may be transmitted before the third message. In another example, the third message(s) may be transmitted before the second message.

[0016] In the context of this application, the term "physical layer communication with ranging functionality" may refer to any physical layer communication applicable to (e.g., time-of-flight) ranging, such as WiFi ranging (e.g., at 2.4 GHz, but also at 5 GHz and 60 GHz), Bluetooth (e.g., BLE HADM (Bluetooth Low Energy High Accuracy Distance Measurement)) ranging, ranging using VLC (Visible Light Communication), terahertz (e.g., >100 GHz) communication, and ultra-wideband communication (UWB). The physical layer may be defined as the first layer of the Open Systems Interconnection model (OSI model). Generally speaking, the physical layer handles bit-level transmission between different devices and supports an electrical or mechanical interface to the physical medium for synchronous communication.

[0017] In the context of this application, the term "ultra-wideband communication" (or UWB) may refer to a radio technology that enables short-range, high-bandwidth communication using extremely low energy levels within a large portion of the radio spectrum. UWB may refer to a technology for transmitting information over a large bandwidth (>500 MHz). UWB may be defined as transmissions from an antenna whose transmitted signal bandwidth exceeds the smaller of 500 MHz or 20% of the arithmetic center frequency. UWB transmissions can transmit information by generating radio energy at specific time intervals and occupying a large bandwidth, thereby enabling pulse position or time modulation. The range of UWB can be, for example, within 10 meters. UWB (RF) ranging systems can use the time-of-flight principle to determine the distance between a mobile device and a target device (e.g., a car to be opened) and / or an anchor device (tag) on ​​the target device. Typically, a transceiver's transmitter sends a waveform, typically a chirp or pulse, which is reflected by an object or retransmitted by a second transceiver. Based on the amount of time it takes for the reflection or retransmission to reach the receiver of the transmitting transceiver, the distance between the objects can be calculated. The range between the receiver and the transmitter so determined is then used as a control point (to enable access).In the same way, payloads can be transmitted using UWB.

[0018] According to exemplary embodiments, the present invention is based on the concept that payload transfer between a mobile device and multiple anchor devices (associated with payload destination devices) can be established in an efficient and robust manner by employing physical layer communication (particularly ultra-wideband communication) (connection) with ranging functionality between the devices and using a time-slotted synchronization protocol (e.g., from a ranging system). Payload transfer between a mobile device and (their) destination devices (anchor devices) requires secure communication (e.g., because sensitive authorization data is being transferred), but also requires robust and cost-effective technology (particularly because, for example, key fobs are mass-market products). Furthermore, in a system comprising multiple anchor devices, deciding which anchor devices to use and how to organize them efficiently can be a complex task. It has surprisingly been discovered that ultra-wideband is a robust and secure tool for transferring payloads between a mobile device and multiple anchor devices, where anchor device transmissions are organized into a time-slotted system. For example, only anchor devices with high-quality (e.g., UWB) communication channels can be used. In another example, transmission can be stopped after a high-quality message from a particular anchor device has been received by the mobile device. Thus, payload transmission can be achieved in an efficient and robust manner. Correct exchange of payload between the mobile device and the anchor system can be ensured. The described method can be easily implemented, for example, by reusing existing RF ranging systems. Furthermore, interference with other systems can be minimized, and the power required by the mobile device can be reduced.

[0019] In the following, further exemplary embodiments of the method and the communication system will be explained.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises: i) transmitting a first control message to a control unit (associated with the target device) (via the first anchor device); and / or ii) transmitting a second control message to the control unit (via the second anchor device). According to a further exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises: iii) upon receipt of the first control message by the control unit, transmitting a first reply message to the first anchor device (via the control unit); and / or iv) upon receipt of the second control message by the control unit, transmitting a second reply message to the second anchor device (via the control unit). This may provide the advantage that (in the case of the control unit as the interconnecting device) the mobile device and the anchor device system are in contact with the target device.

[0021] In the context of this application, the term "control unit" may refer to a unit associated with (e.g., disposed at or coupled to) a payload target device. In a basic embodiment, the control unit may be a microprocessor. In another embodiment, the control unit may be a body control module (BCM) of an automobile. In yet another embodiment, the control unit may be a control system for a door or transaction device. The control unit may be an interconnect between multiple anchor devices and target devices.

[0022] In an embodiment, a target device payload may be transmitted from the control unit to the anchor device. Each anchor device may transmit a control message to the control unit, wherein the control message includes, for example, information about the mobile device and / or at least a portion of the second message from the mobile device. Upon receiving the control message, the control unit may send a reply message to each anchor device, wherein the reply message may include, for example, information for the mobile device, a command to the anchor device, and / or at least a portion of the third message.

[0023] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises: removing (by the control unit) the second control message from the second anchor device when the second control message is a repetition (substantially identical) of the first control message from the first anchor device. This may provide the advantage of efficiently organizing data transmission.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, all anchor devices receive data packets (messages) from mobile devices. If an anchor device receives a message, it can check the message's integrity (e.g., via a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) or message (data packet) encryption). If the (first and / or second) message has been received correctly, the anchor device can transmit it (as a control message) to a (central) control unit (e.g., a BCM in a car). Depending on the communication quality, the control unit may receive the same (control) message multiple times from multiple anchor devices. Thus, the control unit can eliminate duplicates. The control unit can then transmit its reply message to all anchor devices or only to those anchor devices whose control messages are not duplicates.

[0025] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises: i) testing (by the control unit) whether the physical layer (UWB) communication with ranging capability of the first anchor device and / or the second anchor device meets the control unit quality standard, and ii) not transmitting (by the control unit) a reply message to the first anchor device and / or the second anchor device (respectively) if the physical layer (UWB) communication with ranging capability to the first anchor device and / or the second anchor device (respectively) does not meet the control unit quality standard. This may provide the advantage that only those control messages that have been received by the control unit with high quality are acknowledged. This may reduce errors and additional workload.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the anchor device may transmit information about its reception quality relative to the mobile device (e.g., in a control message) to the control unit. The control unit may select a control unit quality criterion (e.g., a threshold) at which transmission is made or directly select which anchors should respond, which may be useless. Thus, it may be ensured that only those (or only one) anchor devices with the highest reception quality will transmit.

[0027] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises: removing (by the mobile device) the third message when the (second) third message of the second anchor device is a duplicate of the (first) third message of the first anchor device. This may provide the advantage of efficiently organizing data transmission.

[0028] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises: i) testing (by the mobile device) whether the (first) third message from the first anchor device meets the mobile device quality standard, and ii) rejecting the (second) third message from the second anchor device (if the third message from the first anchor device meets the quality standard). This may also provide the advantage of efficiently organizing data transmission.

[0029] According to an example, once the mobile device has received the (third) message (during one round), the mobile device may avoid listening (until the next round) because there may be no advantage in receiving the same message again. According to another example, when the mobile device receives the (third) message from one or more anchor devices with very high quality, the mobile device may decide to listen only to this anchor device / these anchor devices when the received signal quality is high enough (or a small number > 1 to ensure a minimum level of redundancy, such as to minimize the impact of the sudden appearance of interference sources).

[0030] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises: i) testing whether the first message has been received (by the first anchor device and / or by the second anchor device (respectively)), and ii) not transmitting the (first and / or second) third message (by the first anchor device and / or by the second anchor device (respectively)) (if the first message has not been received by the first anchor device and / or by the second anchor device (respectively).

[0031] In an embodiment, if the anchor device does not receive a message (frame) from the mobile device, the mobile device may not receive an anchor device response at all. Thus, in such a case, the anchor device can avoid repeating reply messages from the control unit to the mobile device.

[0032] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises: i) testing whether the physical layer (UWB) communication with ranging capability meets the anchor device quality standard (by the first anchor device and / or by the second anchor device), and ii) not transmitting the (first and / or second) third message by the first anchor device and / or the second anchor device (respectively) (if the physical layer (UWB) communication with ranging capability to the first anchor device and / or the second anchor device does not meet the anchor device quality standard).

[0033] According to an embodiment, if the anchor device receives a message, but it can be estimated that the communication channel is of low quality and the mobile device is unlikely to receive a reply (perhaps because the mobile device will have received information about its reception performance during session establishment), the anchor device may decide to avoid transmission.

[0034] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the third message from each anchor device to the mobile device is substantially identical. This may provide the advantage of enabling a very simple implementation.

[0035] According to another exemplary embodiment, the (first) third message from the first anchor device includes the first part of the third message, and the (second) third message from the second anchor device includes the second part of the third message. This may provide the advantage that even long messages can be transmitted reliably (in the same round).

[0036] In an embodiment, the communication can be of very high quality, and different parts of a message can be transmitted in the same round (e.g., for long messages). For example, a link layer indicating sequence numbers can be used to assist in deduplication. For example, anchor devices 1, 3, and 5 can transmit the first part of a message, and anchor devices 2, 4, and 6 can transmit the second part.

[0037] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises: i) measuring the distance between the mobile device and the first anchoring device (ranging), and / or ii) measuring the distance between the mobile device and the second anchoring device. This may provide advantages that may improve safety and reliability. This can be done without additional effort, as the payload transfer can be implemented into the ranging system. The range information can still be used to determine the location of the mobile device, thereby improving safety and communication quality.

[0038] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the mobile device is at least one of the group consisting of: a mobile phone, a tag, a token, a key, a key card, a smart card. This may provide the advantage that common devices from daily life may be directly applied to the described method.

[0039] According to a further exemplary embodiment, the payload target device is at least one of the group consisting of: a car, a door, a transaction terminal, a border crossing gate. This may provide the advantage that the described method may be implemented in a plurality of important applications requiring authentication.

[0040] According to another exemplary embodiment, if transmission of the mobile device payload and the target device payload via physical layer communication with ranging capability (eg, UWB) has been successful, access to the target device is granted.

[0041] The aspects defined above and further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the examples of embodiment to be described hereinafter and will be explained with reference to these examples of embodiment. The invention will be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to examples of embodiment, but the invention is not limited to the examples of embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1 A physical layer communication system with a ranging function according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0043] Figure 2 A physical layer communication with a ranging function organized as a time slot system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0044] Figure 3 Another physical layer communication system with a ranging function according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0045] Figure 4 A time slot system established by a synchronization protocol according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0046] The examples in the drawings are schematic. In different drawings, similar or identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Before describing the exemplary embodiments in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, some basic considerations on which the exemplary embodiments of the present invention were developed will be outlined.

[0048] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the same RF channel used for ranging, particularly UWB, can also be used to transmit payloads (e.g., authentication information for opening a hotel door, an office door, or transaction information for paying a fee in a transportation system). RF ranging can complement current RFID-based systems by enabling mobile devices to perform card emulation over UWB. RF ranging and payload transmission can be used in personal systems such as keyless car entry or home access. RF ranging and payload transmission can also be used on a larger scale in scenarios such as controlled entry systems, for example, for hotels or office buildings, or for transportation systems. Ideally, only anchor devices with the highest communication quality are used for payload exchanges with mobile devices.

[0049] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in an RF (particularly UWB) ranging system (e.g. for position determination for keyless car entry), the following steps are performed:

[0050] i) Wake up a mobile device (e.g., a key fob or mobile phone) to begin a ranging session. This wakeup can be based on a radio signal, geofencing, or sensor fusion. The mobile device will then initiate a session with the target device (e.g., a car). This can be done over an out-of-band (OOB) channel, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Session parameters such as key information and RF configuration will be exchanged.

[0051] ii) The mobile and anchor devices will perform continuous ranging. Because there will be multiple anchor devices, the mobile and anchor devices will communicate via a time slot system. For example, the mobile device will send a synchronization protocol (synchronization signal) and the anchor device will synchronize on the synchronization protocol. The mobile and anchor devices will then allocate time slots to transmit their messages (data packets) according to the configuration agreed upon during session establishment. After a few time slots, for example, after 16 time slots, a new "ranging round" (i.e., a set of messages that allow ranging between the mobile device and each of the anchor devices) will begin again with the mobile device sending a new synchronization protocol.

[0052] iii) Once the mobile device reaches or is about to reach the trigger zone, i.e., an area where a transaction can begin when the distance is measured via the time of flight of the UWB message, the transaction (of the payload) will begin. The transaction (of the payload) will be performed over the same RF channel (UWB), and the mobile device and the anchor device will exchange messages, just like they do via, for example, NFC.

[0053] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, upon starting payload transmission, the system switches to its payload transmission configuration. The switching is controlled by the mobile device or the anchor device. The transmission is performed in conjunction with a time-of-flight measurement. According to the exemplary example:

[0054] i) The mobile device will transmit a data packet (message) at its dedicated transmission slot, with the payload encapsulated into the link layer, which includes a sequence number.

[0055] ii) All anchor devices will receive mobile device transmissions. If an anchor device receives a data packet, it will check its integrity, for example, using a CRC or checksum provided by packet encryption. If the packet is received correctly, the anchor device will transmit it to a (central) control unit, such as the BCM in a car. Depending on the link quality, the BCM may receive the same message multiple times from the anchor. The BCM will remove duplicates.

[0056] iii) The BCM then transmits its reply to all anchor devices.

[0057] iv) The anchor device transmits the reply to the mobile device. If no payload exists to transmit, a dummy reply may be transmitted. Each anchor device transmits the same payload to the mobile device during its own dedicated time slot. The mobile device receives the same message from each anchor device. Depending on the anchor device, the message may be complete, corrupted, or lost. Integrity can be checked via CRC or cryptographic integrity protection.

[0058] v) The mobile device then removes duplicate messages.

[0059] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to further reduce RF (transmission) usage:

[0060] i) If the anchor device does not receive frames from the mobile device, then there is no chance that the mobile device will receive an anchor device response. Therefore, in such a case the anchor device will avoid repeating messages from the control unit (BCM).

[0061] ii) If the anchor device receives the message, but can estimate that the link channel is poor and the mobile device will be unlikely to receive a reply (perhaps because it will have received information about its reception performance during session establishment), the anchor device may decide to avoid transmission.

[0062] iii) Anchor devices may transmit information about their reception quality for the mobile device to the control unit. The control unit may then select a threshold below which it is useless to transmit or directly select which anchors should reply, to ensure that, for example, only the two anchor devices with the highest reception quality will transmit (in which case the "ranging round" will be shortened, with only the first reply slot being used by the anchor device assigned as active).

[0063] iv) Once a mobile device has received a message during one round, it may avoid listening until the next round as there is no advantage in receiving the same message again.

[0064] v) When a mobile device receives a message from one or more anchor devices with very high quality, the mobile device may decide to listen to only this one anchor device if the received quality signal is high enough (or a small number > 1 to ensure a minimum level of redundancy, e.g. to minimize the impact of the sudden appearance of an interference source).

[0065] vi) For simple implementations, all messages from anchor devices to mobile devices within a ranging round will be identical. However, the link format may be very good, and different parts of a message may be transmitted in the same round (e.g., for long messages). In such cases, a sequence number will be indicated by the link layer to aid in duplicate removal. For example, anchors 0, 2, and 4 may transmit part 0 of a message, and anchors 1, 3, and 5 may transmit part 1.

[0066] According to exemplary embodiments, the described method has the advantage of being extremely easy to implement. A static frame structure can be used, and each anchor device can receive and transmit the same message. The BCM (control unit) can merge (or delete) one or more messages received from one or more anchor devices. The same packet (message) structure can always be used, thereby avoiding complex implementations for selecting which anchor devices should respond.

[0067] Figure 1 A physical layer ranging (particularly UWB) communication system 100 with ranging functionality according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The communication system 100 includes a mobile device 110 (e.g., a mobile phone or key) configured as a first transceiver and a plurality of anchor devices 120 to 125 configured as second transceivers. The anchor devices 120-125 are arranged at various locations on a payload target device 150, which in this example is a car. Thus, the anchor devices 120-125 are positioned at the four edges of the car 150 and on the roof. The diagram below illustrates communication between the mobile device 110 and one of the plurality of anchor devices 120-125. The same diagram can be applied to the other anchor devices 121-125. During a round n, the mobile device 110 sends a synchronization protocol to establish a time slot system and thereby synchronize the plurality of anchor devices 120-125. The mobile device 110 also transmits a second message 141 to the anchor device 120, including the mobile device payload. The anchor device 120 transmits a third message 142 including a target device payload. The same transmission is repeated in the second round n+1.

[0068] Figure 2A detailed example of physical layer (e.g., UWB) communication with ranging functionality between a mobile device 110 and multiple anchor devices 120-122 is shown. The mobile device 110 establishes an ultra-wideband communication channel with the multiple anchor devices 120-122. The mobile device 110 then transmits (TX1) a first message (sync+ranging) 141 to each anchor device 120-122, wherein the message includes a synchronization protocol (and optionally a ranging session initiation). The synchronization protocol allocates a first time slot to anchor device 120, a second time slot to anchor device 121, and a third time slot to anchor device 121 (the time slot duration is, for example, approximately 1 ms). The first anchor device 120 and the third anchor device 122 receive (RX1) the first message 141, while the second anchor device 121 does not receive the message, for example due to a low-quality communication link. Mobile device 110 transmits (TX2) a second message 142 to multiple anchor devices 120-122, where the second message 142 includes a mobile device payload. Mobile device 110 is here represented by first transceiver A, while anchor devices 120-122 represent second transceiver B. First anchor device 120 and third anchor device 122 receive (RX2) the second message 142 from mobile device 110, while second anchor device 121 does not receive the message, for example due to a low-quality communication link or by rejecting further transmissions based on detection of low-quality communication. Anchor devices 120-122 transmit the payload to control unit 130 and receive a reply from control unit 130 (not shown). Next, first anchor device 120 and third anchor device 122 transmit (TX3) a corresponding third message 143 to mobile device 110, where the third message 143 includes target device payload information (from control unit 130). Because different time slots have been assigned to anchor devices 120-122 (using a synchronization protocol), first anchor device 120 transmits a third message during the first time slot, and third anchor device 123 transmits a third message 143 during the third time slot. Due to low-quality communication, second anchor device 121 does not transmit during the second time slot. Mobile device 110 then receives (RX3) third message 143 during the first time slot, and again during the third time slot. Since third message 143 is identical in both cases, mobile device 110 discards the third message in the second case. Alternatively, after successfully receiving third message 143 for the first time, mobile device 110 blocks further messages. Based on the transmission of the payload over the UWB communication channel, authorization can be performed, such as granting access to target device 150.

[0069] Figure 3 As described above, the Figure 1A communication system 100 is provided, comprising a mobile device 110 and a plurality of anchor devices 120-122. The anchor devices 120-122 are disposed at a payload target device 150, such as a vehicle. The target device 150 is associated with (coupled to) a control unit 130, such as a BCM. Each anchor device 120-122 transmits a corresponding control message 160-162 to the control unit 130, wherein the control messages 160-162 are substantially similar and include information about the mobile device and / or a second message 141 from the mobile device 110. Upon receiving the corresponding control message 160-162, the control unit 130 sends a corresponding reply message 131-133 to each of the anchor devices 120-122, wherein the reply message 131-133 includes the target device payload. Each of the anchor devices 120-122 transmits a respective third message 142a, 142b, 142c including a target device payload to the mobile device 110. By performing this communication, access to the target device 150 may be permitted based on the transmitted payload.

[0070] Figure 4 A time slot system established by a synchronization protocol in a communication system 100 having a mobile device 110 and four anchor devices 120-123 is shown. Figure 4 One round n is shown, but the system can include many rounds. In time slot I1, mobile device 110 sends a first message 140, which is received by each anchor device 120-123. Each anchor device 120-123 then replies in its assigned time slot (I2 to I5) with a corresponding third message, which includes a target device payload. Mobile device 110 then sends a second message again in I6, which contains a mobile device payload. In optional time slot I7, all devices send payloads to the (control unit) of target device (e.g., car) 150. While this principle can be used to determine the range (distance, location) between mobile device 110 and anchor devices 120-122 (where the result can also be communicated to the control unit / target device), the range can also be effectively applied to transmit payloads.

[0071] Reference numerals

[0072] 100 Communication Systems

[0073] 110 mobile devices

[0074] 120-125 Anchoring device

[0075] 130 control unit

[0076] 131-132 Reply Message

[0077] 140 First News

[0078] 141 Second Message

[0079] 142 Third Message

[0080] 142a-c Third Message

[0081] 144 Message to the control unit

[0082] 150 Payload Target Device, Car

[0083] 160-162 Control Messages

[0084] t time

Claims

1. A method for transmitting a payload between a mobile device (110) and a plurality of anchor devices (120-125) via physical layer communication with ranging capability, in particular ultra-wideband (UWB), characterized in that The method comprises: transmitting, by the mobile device (110), a first message (140) to a first anchor device (120) and to a second anchor device (121), wherein said first message (140) includes a synchronization protocol; Upon receiving the first message (140), establishing a first time slot (12) for the first anchor device (120) and a second time slot (13) for the second anchor device (121) based on the synchronization protocol; transmitting a second message (141) to the first anchor device (120) and / or to the second anchor device (121) via the mobile device (110), wherein the second message (141) includes a mobile device payload; transmitting a third message (142) by the first anchor device (120) to the mobile device (110) by the first anchor device (120) during the first time slot (12), wherein the third message (142) includes a target device payload; wherein the third message (142) is transmitted to the mobile device (110) by the second anchor device (121) during the second time slot (I3) by the second anchor device (121), wherein the third message (142) from each anchor device (120, 121) to the mobile device (110) is substantially identical; The synchronization protocol allocates the first time slot (12) to the first anchor device (120) and allocates the second time slot (13) to the second anchor device (121).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: transmitting a first control message (160) to a control unit (130) via the first anchor device (120); and / or transmitting a second control message (161) to the control unit (130) via the second anchor device (121); and upon receipt of the first control message (160), transmitting a first reply message (131) to the first anchor device (120) by the control unit (130); and / or Upon receipt of the second control message (161), a second reply message (132) is transmitted to the second anchor device (121) by the control unit (130).

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that Also includes: When the second control message (161) of the second anchor device (121) is a duplicate of the first control message (160) from the first anchor device (120), the second control message (161) is removed by the control unit (130).

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that Also includes: testing, by the control unit (130), whether the physical layer communication with ranging function of the first anchor device (120) and / or the second anchor device (121) meets the control unit quality standard, and If the physical layer communication with ranging function of the first anchor device (120) and / or the second anchor device (121) does not meet the control unit quality standard, the reply message (131, 132) is not transmitted to the first anchor device (120) and / or the second anchor device (121) through the control unit (130).

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that Also includes: When the third message (142b) of the second anchor device (121) is a duplicate of the third message (142a) of the first anchor device (120), the third message (142b) is removed by the mobile device (110).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that Also includes: testing, by the mobile device (110), whether the third message (142a) of the first anchor device (120) meets a quality standard; as well as If the third message (142a) from the first anchor device (120) meets the quality standard, the third message (142b) from the second anchor device (121) is rejected.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that Also includes: testing, by the first anchor device (120) and / or by the second anchor device (121), whether the first message (140) has been received; and If the first anchor device (120) and / or the second anchor device (121) does not receive the first message (140), the third message (142) is not transmitted via the first anchor device (120) and / or the second anchor device (121).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that Also includes: Testing, by the first anchoring device (120) and / or by the second anchoring device (121), whether the physical layer communication with the ranging function meets the quality standard; and If the physical layer communication with ranging function of the first anchor device (120) and / or the second anchor device (121) does not meet the quality standard, the third message (142) is not transmitted through the first anchor device (120) and / or the second anchor device (121).

9. A system (100) for transmitting a payload via physical layer communication with ranging functionality, in particular ultra-wideband (UWB), characterized in that The system (100) comprises: Mobile device (110); a first anchoring device (120) associated with a payload targeting device (150); a second anchoring device (121), the second anchoring device (121) being associated with the payload targeting device (150); wherein the mobile device (110) is configured to transmitting a first message (140) to the first anchor device (120) and to the second anchor device (121), wherein the first message (140) includes a synchronization protocol; transmitting a second message (141) to the first anchor device (120) and / or to the second anchor device (121), wherein the second message (141) includes a mobile device payload; Each of the anchoring devices (120, 121) is configured to Upon receiving the first message (140), establishing a first time slot (12) for the first anchor device (120) and a second time slot (13) for the second anchor device (121) based on the synchronization protocol; transmitting, via the first anchor device (120), a third message (142a) to the mobile device (110) during the first time slot (12), wherein the third message (142) includes a target device payload; wherein the third message (142b) is transmitted to the mobile device (110) by the second anchor device (121) during the second time slot (I3), wherein the third message (142) from each anchor device (120, 121) to the mobile device (110) is substantially identical; The synchronization protocol allocates the first time slot (12) to the first anchor device (120) and allocates the second time slot (13) to the second anchor device (121).

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