Key finding device, vehicle key, vehicle, and key finding method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a key search device, a vehicle key, a vehicle, and a key search method. The key search device includes a low frequency signal unit configured to generate a low frequency signal and drive a low frequency antenna connected in communication with the low frequency signal unit to transmit the low frequency signal, a radio frequency signal unit configured to generate a first radio frequency signal and drive a radio frequency antenna connected in communication with the radio frequency signal unit to transmit the first radio frequency signal, and receive a second radio frequency signal from the radio frequency antenna and analyze the second radio frequency signal to acquire key search data from the second radio frequency signal, and a first control unit configured to generate a key search command and transmit the key search command to the low frequency signal unit and the radio frequency signal unit to drive generation of the low frequency signal and the first radio frequency signal, respectively, and receive the key search data from the radio frequency signal unit and generate a key search result from the key search data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of vehicle electronics technology, and more specifically, to a key retrieval device, a vehicle key, a vehicle, and a key retrieval method. Background Technology

[0002] In the automotive electronics field, controllers that include keyless entry and push-button start (PEPS) functionality all need to solve the problem of how to locate or precisely position the smart key in order to achieve functions such as external welcome, external vehicle unlocking, and internal push-button start. However, the key-finding methods currently used in the industry have high requirements for signal driving and signal processing, which in turn places higher demands on the quantity and quality of chips, leading to increased costs. Especially given the current shortage of automotive-grade chips, these chip requirements will further increase costs. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the key-finding method. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to provide a key retrieval device, vehicle key, vehicle, and key retrieval method to simplify key retrieval and reduce costs.

[0004] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a key retrieval device for a vehicle is provided, comprising:

[0005] A low-frequency signal unit, configured to generate a low-frequency signal and drive a low-frequency antenna communicatively connected to the low-frequency signal unit to transmit the low-frequency signal;

[0006] A radio frequency (RF) signal unit is configured to generate a first RF signal and drive an RF antenna communicatively connected to the RF signal unit to transmit the first RF signal, and to receive a second RF signal from the RF antenna and analyze the second RF signal to obtain key search data based on the second RF signal, wherein the second RF signal is generated and transmitted by a vehicle key paired with the key search device based on a received low-frequency signal and the first RF signal; and

[0007] A first control unit is communicatively connected to the low-frequency signal unit and the radio frequency signal unit. The first control unit is configured to generate a key lookup command and transmit the key lookup command to the low-frequency signal unit and the radio frequency signal unit to drive the generation of the low-frequency signal and the first radio frequency signal, respectively. The first control unit is also configured to receive key lookup data from the radio frequency signal unit and generate a key lookup result based on the key lookup data.

[0008] In some embodiments, the low-frequency signal unit is configured to drive only one low-frequency antenna.

[0009] In some embodiments, the low-frequency signal unit includes a full-bridge drive circuit.

[0010] In some embodiments, the radio frequency signal unit includes a radio frequency chip.

[0011] In some embodiments, the key lookup data includes a first received signal strength indication value of a low-frequency signal received by the vehicle key and a second received signal strength indication value of a first radio frequency signal.

[0012] In some embodiments, the radio frequency signal unit is further configured to calculate a third received signal strength indication value for the received second radio frequency signal.

[0013] In some embodiments, the radio frequency signal unit is configured to modulate according to a key lookup command to generate a first radio frequency signal; and

[0014] The radio frequency signal unit is also configured to demodulate the second radio frequency signal to obtain key lookup data.

[0015] In some embodiments, the frequency of the low-frequency signal is 125 kHz, the frequency range of the first radio frequency signal is 314–316 MHz or 433–434 MHz, and the frequency range of the second radio frequency signal is 314–316 MHz or 433–434 MHz.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first control unit includes a first microcontroller unit.

[0017] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle key is provided, comprising:

[0018] A signal transceiver unit, configured to receive and transmit wireless signals; and

[0019] A signal processing unit communicatively connected to the signal transceiver unit is configured to identify a low-frequency signal and a first radio frequency signal sent by a key-finding device paired with the vehicle key in a wireless signal received by the signal transceiver unit, and to generate a second radio frequency signal based on the low-frequency signal and the first radio frequency signal for transmission by the signal transceiver unit.

[0020] In some embodiments, the signal transceiver unit includes a signal transceiver antenna.

[0021] In some embodiments, the signal processing unit includes a second control unit and a signal measurement unit communicatively connected, wherein:

[0022] The second control unit is configured to identify a low-frequency signal and a first radio frequency signal in the wireless signal received by the signal transceiver unit, which are transmitted by a key finding device paired with the vehicle key;

[0023] The signal measurement unit is configured to measure a first received signal strength indication value of a low-frequency signal and a second received signal strength indication value of a first radio frequency signal; and

[0024] The second control unit is further configured to generate a second radio frequency signal based on a first received signal strength indication value of the low-frequency signal and a second received signal strength indication value of the first radio frequency signal.

[0025] In some embodiments, the second control unit and the signal measurement unit are respectively provided separately.

[0026] In some embodiments, both the second control unit and the signal measurement unit are integrated into a second microcontroller unit.

[0027] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle is provided that includes the key finding device described above.

[0028] In some embodiments, the vehicle further includes:

[0029] Low-frequency antennas; and

[0030] Radio frequency antenna.

[0031] In some embodiments, the vehicle also includes a vehicle key as described above.

[0032] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a key retrieval method is provided, comprising:

[0033] Generating and transmitting low-frequency signals and first radio frequency signals at the vehicle end;

[0034] The vehicle receives a second radio frequency signal from a key terminal paired with the vehicle, wherein the second radio frequency signal is generated and transmitted by the key terminal based on a received low-frequency signal and a first radio frequency signal; and

[0035] The vehicle generates a key lookup result based on the second radio frequency signal.

[0036] In some embodiments, during each key lookup process, the vehicle generates and sends only one low-frequency signal.

[0037] In some embodiments, the second radio frequency signal is configured to indicate a first received signal strength indication value of a low-frequency signal received at the key end and a second received signal strength indication value of the first radio frequency signal.

[0038] According to the fifth aspect of this disclosure, a key retrieval method is provided, comprising:

[0039] Receives wireless signals at the key end;

[0040] The key identifies the low-frequency signal and the first radio frequency signal transmitted by the vehicle end paired with the key in the received wireless signal; and

[0041] At the key end, a second radio frequency signal is generated based on the low-frequency signal and the first radio frequency signal, and then the second radio frequency signal is transmitted.

[0042] In some embodiments, generating a second radio frequency signal at the key end based on a low-frequency signal and a first radio frequency signal includes:

[0043] Measure the first received signal strength indication value of the low-frequency signal and the second received signal strength indication value of the first radio frequency signal at the key end; and

[0044] At the key end, a second radio frequency signal is generated based on the first received signal strength indication value of the low-frequency signal and the second received signal strength indication value of the first radio frequency signal.

[0045] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein instructions are stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the key lookup method as described above.

[0046] According to a seventh aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product including instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the key lookup method as described above.

[0047] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0048] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of this disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0049] This disclosure will become clearer with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, wherein:

[0050] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a key finding device in a vehicle and a vehicle key is shown;

[0051] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a key finding device and a vehicle key in a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0052] Figure 3A schematic flowchart of a key retrieval method performed on a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0053] Figure 4 A schematic flowchart of a key retrieval method performed at the key end according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0054] Note that in the embodiments described below, the same reference numerals are sometimes used across different figures to denote the same parts or parts having the same function, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In this specification, similar reference numerals and letters are used to denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0055] For ease of understanding, the positions, dimensions, and extents of the structures shown in the accompanying drawings and other materials may not represent actual positions, dimensions, and extents. Therefore, the disclosed invention is not limited to the positions, dimensions, and extents disclosed in the accompanying drawings and other materials. Furthermore, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be enlarged to show details of specific components. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0057] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use. That is, the various techniques, methods, and apparatuses described herein are shown in an exemplary manner to illustrate different embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to be limiting. Those skilled in the art will understand that they merely illustrate exemplary ways that can be used to implement the invention, and not exhaustive ways.

[0058] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0059] To enable keyless entry and push-button start functions, a key locator (or control unit) can be installed in the vehicle. The key's status information is determined through signal interaction between the key locator and the vehicle key, allowing the vehicle to perform corresponding operations based on the determined key status information.

[0060] like Figure 1As shown, a key locator is based on a high- and low-frequency communication key positioning solution. This key locator may include a control-end microcontroller unit (MCU) 110', a low-frequency driver chip 120', and an RF receiver chip 130'. The control-end MCU 110' can communicatively connect to both the low-frequency driver chip 120' and the RF receiver chip 130'. The low-frequency driver chip 120' can connect to six to eight low-frequency antennas 210' (for simplicity...). Figure 1 Only one low-frequency antenna is shown in the diagram. These low-frequency antennas 210' are connected to drive the generation and transmission of multiple low-frequency signals. The radio frequency receiver chip 130' can be connected to the control-end radio frequency antenna 220' to process the radio frequency signals received by the control-end radio frequency antenna 150' to obtain the key finding result. It is understood that in some cases, the low-frequency antenna 210' and / or the control-end radio frequency antenna 220' can be integrated into the key finding device. In other cases, the low-frequency antenna 210' and / or the control-end radio frequency antenna 220' can also be set independently of the key finding device, for example, arranged as needed in corresponding locations on the vehicle and physically connected to corresponding components in the key finding device via vehicle wiring harnesses, etc. Figure 1 As shown, a vehicle key may include a key-end MCU 310' and a key-end antenna 320', wherein the key-end MCU 310' and the key-end antenna 320' are communicatively connected to control the transmission and reception of corresponding signals.

[0061] During the key retrieval process, the control-end MCU 110' can drive the low-frequency antenna 210' to send low-frequency signals for locating the smart key via the low-frequency driver chip 120'. Each of these low-frequency signals can include a carrier wave and data. To achieve precise key positioning, six to eight low-frequency signals can be sent by six to eight low-frequency antennas 210' respectively. When the vehicle key paired with the key retrieval device receives the aforementioned low-frequency signals through its key-end antenna 320', the key-end MCU 310' can record the energy value of each received low-frequency signal (e.g., the received signal strength indicator RSS1 value) and transmit these energy values ​​as radio frequency signals through the key-end antenna 320'. Then, the control-end radio frequency antenna 220' can receive the radio frequency signal containing the recorded energy values ​​of each low-frequency signal, and the radio frequency receiver chip 130' analyzes the received radio frequency signal to determine the relative position between the smart key and the vehicle based on the analyzed low-frequency signal energy values.

[0062] However, this key-finding method requires a large number of chips, and because it needs to drive six to eight low-frequency antennas to achieve precise key positioning, the performance requirements for various chips are also high. Imported chips are typically needed to perform this function, leading to high costs. This is especially true given the current shortage of automotive-grade chips, which further increases costs. Moreover, this key-finding method involves a large number of components and is complex; failure of any component can cause the entire system to fail, resulting in poor system robustness and a significant potential risk of failure. Furthermore, the low-frequency signals used to locate vehicle keys have low energy, limited data transmission capacity, and short effective communication distances for onboard low-frequency antennas. This limits the effective range of functions such as external door greeting and external vehicle unlocking. To maintain the normal operation of these functions, the system's static power consumption will increase.

[0063] To address the aforementioned issues, this disclosure proposes a key retrieval device, a vehicle key, a vehicle, and a key retrieval method. This method employs a combination of high-frequency and low-frequency signals to locate the key, thereby simplifying the key retrieval process, improving the key retrieval effect, and reducing costs.

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the key finding device may include a low-frequency signal unit 110, a radio frequency signal unit 120, and a first control unit 130.

[0065] The low-frequency signal unit 110 can be configured to generate a low-frequency signal and drive the low-frequency antenna 210, which is communicatively connected to the low-frequency signal unit 110, to transmit the low-frequency signal. In some embodiments, the low-frequency antenna 210 can be integrated into the key finding device. In other embodiments, the low-frequency antenna 210 can also be set independently of the key finding device and arranged at a corresponding location in the vehicle as needed to transmit the low-frequency signal more effectively.

[0066] In some embodiments, to simplify the processing of low-frequency signals, only one low-frequency antenna 210 may be provided. Accordingly, the low-frequency signal unit 110 may be configured to drive only one low-frequency antenna 210. In this case, the difficulty of generating, transmitting, and processing low-frequency signals can be significantly reduced, thus allowing for the adoption of relatively simpler methods. Figure 1 The low-frequency driver chip 120' shown here implements the corresponding function using a simpler low-frequency signal unit 110. In a specific example, the low-frequency signal unit 110 may include a full-bridge driver circuit, such as a high-speed full-bridge driver circuit. However, it is understood that other chips or circuits may also be used to drive the low-frequency antenna 210, and this is not a limitation.

[0067] The radio frequency (RF) signal unit 120 can be configured to generate a first RF signal and drive the RF antenna 220, which is communicatively connected to the RF signal unit 210, to transmit the first RF signal. Furthermore, the RF signal unit 120 can also be configured to receive a second RF signal from the RF antenna 220 and analyze the second RF signal to obtain key-finding data based on the second RF signal. Similarly, in some embodiments, the RF antenna 220 can be integrated into the key-finding device. In other embodiments, the RF antenna 220 can also be set independently of the key-finding device and arranged at appropriate locations on the vehicle as needed for more efficient RF signal transmission and reception.

[0068] In some embodiments, the radio frequency signal unit 120 may include a radio frequency chip to process the radio frequency signals transmitted and received by the radio frequency antenna 220. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the radio frequency signal unit 120 may also include corresponding peripheral circuitry, as needed.

[0069] In some embodiments, the second radio frequency (RF) signal may be generated and transmitted by a vehicle key paired with the key finding device based on a received low-frequency signal and a first RF signal. For example, the second RF signal may be used to indicate, or may contain, the capability values ​​of the low-frequency signal and the first RF signal. In a specific example, the second RF signal may be used to indicate or contain a first RSS1 value of the low-frequency signal and a second RSS1 value of the first RF signal received by the vehicle key. In other words, key finding data including the first RSS1 value of the low-frequency signal and the second RSS1 value of the first RF signal can be extracted from the second RF signal for further determination of the key finding result.

[0070] In some embodiments, the radio frequency signal unit 120 may also be configured to calculate a third RSS I value of the received second radio frequency signal. Calculating the third RSS I value of the second radio frequency signal can, for example, help determine whether the first RSS I value and the second RSS I value are within a normal range, and help determine whether the communication between the key finding device and the vehicle key is normal.

[0071] The first control unit 130 can be communicatively connected to the low-frequency signal unit 110 and the radio frequency signal unit 120. The first control unit 130 can be configured to generate a key search command and transmit it to the low-frequency signal unit 110 and the radio frequency signal unit 120 to drive the generation of the low-frequency signal and the first radio frequency signal, respectively. Additionally, the first control unit 130 can also be configured to receive key search data from the radio frequency signal unit 120 and generate a key search result based on the key search data. In some embodiments, the first control unit 130 may include a first MCU to reduce the space required by the key search device.

[0072] In some embodiments, the first control unit 130 can transmit a key search command to the radio frequency signal unit 120. The radio frequency signal unit 120 can modulate the key search command, for example, modulating the key search command itself to generate a first radio frequency signal, or modulating another radio frequency signal according to the key search command to generate a first radio frequency signal, such that the first radio frequency signal contains relevant information about the key search command. Then, the radio frequency signal unit 120 can drive the radio frequency antenna 220 to transmit the modulated first radio frequency signal for key search. In addition, the first radio frequency signal may also contain pairing information between the key search device and the vehicle key, so that the vehicle key can determine whether the radio frequency signal it receives comes from its paired key search device, thereby avoiding interference from signals from other unrelated key search devices in the key search process.

[0073] In addition, the radio frequency signal unit 120 can demodulate the second radio frequency signal received by the radio frequency antenna 220 to obtain key search data from the paired vehicle key, so that the first control unit 130 can determine the key search result based on the key search data.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a vehicle key is also provided, which can interact with the key finding device described above, thereby enabling the key finding device to determine the key's location and status based on relevant signals. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle key may include a signal transceiver unit 310 and a signal processing unit 320 communicatively connected to the signal transceiver unit 310.

[0075] The signal transceiver unit 310 can be configured to receive and transmit wireless signals. In a specific example, the signal transceiver unit 310 may include a signal transceiver antenna. For example, the signal transceiver antenna may be a wideband antenna to achieve the transmission and reception of signals in the range from low frequency to radio frequency. Alternatively, the signal transceiver antenna may include narrowband antennas corresponding to multiple different frequency bands, such as low-frequency antennas and radio frequency antennas, to perform signal transmission and reception in the low-frequency and radio frequency ranges respectively, without limitation.

[0076] The signal processing unit 320 can be configured to identify a low-frequency signal and a first radio frequency signal transmitted by a key-finding device paired with the vehicle key in the wireless signal received by the signal transceiver unit 310. Furthermore, the signal processing unit 320 can also be configured to generate a second radio frequency signal based on the low-frequency signal and the first radio frequency signal for transmission by the signal transceiver unit 310. For example, if the signal processing unit 320 determines that the wireless signal received by the signal transceiver unit 310 is from a key-finding device paired with the vehicle key, it can further record the first RSS I value of the low-frequency signal and the second RSS I value of the first radio frequency signal in the received wireless signal, and include the recorded first RSS I value and second RSS I value of the first radio frequency signal in the second radio frequency signal, then transmit the second radio frequency signal, so that the key-finding device can comprehensively determine the location status of the vehicle key based on the first RSS I value and the second RSS I value parsed from the received second radio frequency signal.

[0077] In some embodiments, the signal processing unit 320 may include a second control unit 321 and a signal measurement unit 322 communicatively connected to each other. The second control unit 321 may be configured to identify a low-frequency signal and a first radio frequency signal transmitted by a key-finding device paired with the vehicle key in the wireless signals received by the signal transceiver unit 310. The signal measurement unit 322 may be configured to perform a low-frequency wake-up and measure a first RSS1 value of the low-frequency signal and a second RSS1 value of the first radio frequency signal. Then, the second control unit 321 may generate a second radio frequency signal based on the first RSS1 value of the low-frequency signal and the second RSS1 value of the first radio frequency signal, and drive the signal transceiver unit 310 to transmit the second radio frequency signal according to a preset protocol.

[0078] In some embodiments, the second control unit 321 and the signal measurement unit 322 can be configured separately, for example, as two separate chips. The second control unit 321 may include a second MUC. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the second control unit 321 and the signal measurement unit 322 may both be integrated into the same second MUC.

[0079] In some embodiments, the frequency of the low-frequency signal mentioned above can be 125 kHz, the frequency range of the first radio frequency signal can be 314–316 MHz or 433–434 MHz, and the frequency range of the second radio frequency signal can be 314–316 MHz or 433–434 MHz. However, it is understood that, depending on the specific construction of the key finding device and the vehicle key and the key finding requirements, the low-frequency signal, the first radio frequency signal, and the second radio frequency signal can also be in other frequency ranges, but the frequency of the low-frequency signal should be lower than the frequency of the radio frequency signal.

[0080] This disclosure also provides a vehicle that may include the key finding device described above. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the vehicle's low-frequency antenna and / or high-frequency antenna may be integrated into the key finding device. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the vehicle's low-frequency antenna and / or high-frequency antenna may be set independently of the key finding device and arranged at appropriate locations in the vehicle as needed for more efficient signal transmission and reception. In this case, the various antennas can be physically connected to the key finding device in the vehicle through the vehicle's wiring harness. Additionally, in some embodiments, the vehicle may also include a vehicle key as described above. It is understood that the vehicle key typically interacts with the key finding device and / or various antennas in the vehicle wirelessly.

[0081] Corresponding to the key retrieval device, vehicle key, and vehicle described above, this disclosure also provides a key retrieval method. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The steps of the key retrieval method performed on the vehicle end and the key end are shown respectively.

[0082] like Figure 3 As shown, on the vehicle side, key retrieval methods may include:

[0083] Step S310: Generate and transmit a low-frequency signal and a first radio frequency signal at the vehicle end;

[0084] Step S320: The vehicle receives a second radio frequency signal from a key terminal paired with the vehicle, wherein the second radio frequency signal is generated and transmitted by the key terminal based on the received low-frequency signal and the first radio frequency signal; and

[0085] Step S330: Generate key search result on the vehicle side based on the second radio frequency signal.

[0086] Correspondingly, such as Figure 4 As shown, on the key end, key retrieval methods may include:

[0087] Step S410: Receive wireless signal at the key end;

[0088] Step S420: Identify, on the key end, the low-frequency signal and the first radio frequency signal transmitted by the vehicle end paired with the key end in the received wireless signal; and

[0089] In step S430, a second radio frequency signal is generated at the key end based on the low-frequency signal and the first radio frequency signal, and the second radio frequency signal is sent.

[0090] In each key search process, the vehicle can generate and send only one low-frequency signal and one high-frequency signal, thereby significantly reducing the number of signals used for key search, which in turn helps to reduce the number of antennas and simplify the corresponding circuits or chips.

[0091] The second radio frequency (RF) signal can be configured to indicate the first RSS I value of the low-frequency signal received by the key terminal and the second RSS I value of the first RF signal. Specifically, generating the second RF signal at the key terminal based on the low-frequency signal and the first RF signal can include: measuring the first RSS I value of the low-frequency signal and the second RSS I value of the first RF signal at the key terminal; and generating the second RF signal at the key terminal based on the first RSS I value of the low-frequency signal and the second RSS I value of the first RF signal. In this way, the vehicle terminal can comprehensively determine the key's position status based on the first RSS I value of the low-frequency signal and the second RSS I value of the first RF signal received by the key terminal, thereby obtaining a key retrieval result.

[0092] As described above regarding the key finding device, vehicle key, and vehicle, the low-frequency signal can have a frequency of 125 kHz, the first radio frequency signal can have a frequency range of 314–316 MHz or 433–434 MHz, and the second radio frequency signal can have a frequency range of 314–316 MHz or 433–434 MHz. However, it is understood that, depending on the specific construction of the key finding device and vehicle key and the key finding requirements, the low-frequency signal, the first radio frequency signal, and the second radio frequency signal can also be in other frequency ranges, but the frequency of the low-frequency signal should be lower than the frequency of the radio frequency signal.

[0093] In the key locating method disclosed herein, the vehicle sends low-frequency and high-frequency signals (radio frequency signals), and the key is located based on the energy values ​​of the low-frequency and high-frequency signals received by the key and returned to the vehicle in the form of radio frequency signals. Compared to... Figure 1The key retrieval method disclosed herein can significantly reduce the number of antennas required (for example, from six to eight low-frequency antennas to a minimum of only one low-frequency antenna and one high-frequency antenna). Correspondingly, it can minimize the number and complexity of the required driver chips or circuits, thus significantly reducing the cost of the key retrieval system. Especially under the current tight chip supply situation, it can effectively reduce chip supply pressure. Furthermore, the key retrieval device and corresponding vehicle key of this disclosure have fewer components and lower component complexity, thus helping to enhance system robustness and reduce the risk of system failure. In addition, the key retrieval method of this disclosure can simultaneously retain the advantage of generating a relatively uniform communication area during high- and low-frequency communication. Moreover, compared to low-frequency signals, high-frequency signals can have higher energy, carry more data, and have a greater effective communication distance, thus solving the problem of limited key retrieval distance, expanding the coverage area of ​​key retrieval, and reducing the system's static power consumption when activating functions such as vehicle exterior welcome. In addition, radio frequency signals can still be effectively shielded by large areas of metal. Combined with their high energy and high sensitivity, they can effectively distinguish between inside and outside the vehicle, achieve accurate key positioning, and better control signal overflow.

[0094] In addition, this disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium on which instructions can be stored, which, when executed by a processor, can implement the steps of the key lookup method as described above.

[0095] The computer-readable storage medium in the embodiments of this disclosure may be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. It should be noted that the computer-readable storage medium described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0096] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is also provided, which may include instructions that, when executed by a processor, can implement the steps of the key lookup method as described above.

[0097] Instructions can be any set of instructions that will be executed directly by one or more processors, such as machine code, or any set of instructions that will be executed indirectly, such as a script. The terms “instruction,” “application,” “process,” “step,” and “program” used herein are interchangeable. Instructions can be stored in object code format for direct processing by one or more processors, or stored in any other computer language, including scripts or sets of independent source code modules that are interpreted on demand or compiled ahead of time. Instructions can include instructions that cause one or more processors to act as the various neural networks described herein. The function, methods, and routines of instructions are explained in more detail in other parts of this document.

[0098] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0099] The terms “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc., used in the specification and claims, if present, are for descriptive purposes and are not necessarily used to describe unchanging relative positions. It should be understood that such terms are interchangeable where appropriate, so that embodiments of this disclosure described herein can, for example, operate on orientations different from those shown or otherwise described herein.

[0100] As used herein, the term "exemplary" means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration," and not as a "model" to be precisely copied. Any implementation described herein by example is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to any theory expressed or implied as given in the foregoing technical field, background, summary of invention, or detailed description.

[0101] As used herein, the term "substantially" means any minor variation resulting from design or manufacturing defects, device or component tolerances, environmental influences, and / or other factors. The term "substantially" also allows for differences from the perfect or ideal situation due to parasitic effects, noise, and other practical considerations that may exist in the actual implementation.

[0102] The above description may refer to elements, nodes, or features that are “connected” or “coupled” together. As used herein, unless otherwise expressly stated, “connected” means that one element / node / feature is directly connected (or directly communicates) with another element / node / feature electrically, mechanically, logically, or otherwise. Similarly, unless otherwise expressly stated, “coupled” means that one element / node / feature can be directly or indirectly connected to another element / node / feature mechanically, electrically, logically, or otherwise to allow interaction, even if the two features may not be directly connected. That is, “coupled” is intended to include both direct and indirect connections of elements or other features, including connections using one or more intermediate elements.

[0103] It should also be understood that when the term “including / contains” is used herein, it indicates the presence of the indicated feature, whole, step, operation, unit and / or component, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, units and / or components and / or combinations thereof.

[0104] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the boundaries between the above operations are merely illustrative. Multiple operations may be combined into a single operation, a single operation may be distributed among additional operations, and operations may be performed with at least partial overlap in time. Moreover, alternative embodiments may include multiple instances of a particular operation, and the order of operations may be changed in various other embodiments. However, other modifications, variations, and substitutions are equally possible. Therefore, this specification and the accompanying drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0105] While specific embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail by way of example, those skilled in the art should understand that the examples are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The various embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in any way without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art should also understand that various modifications can be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A key locator for a vehicle, characterized in that, The key retrieval device includes: A low-frequency signal unit, configured to generate a low-frequency signal and drive a low-frequency antenna communicatively connected to the low-frequency signal unit to transmit the low-frequency signal; A radio frequency (RF) signal unit is configured to generate a first RF signal and drive an RF antenna communicatively connected to the RF signal unit to transmit the first RF signal, and to receive a second RF signal from the RF antenna and analyze the second RF signal to obtain key search data based on the second RF signal. The first RF signal contains pairing information between the key search device and the vehicle key, and the second RF signal is generated and transmitted by the vehicle key paired with the key search device based on a received low-frequency signal and the first RF signal. A first control unit is communicatively connected to the low-frequency signal unit and the radio-frequency signal unit. The first control unit is configured to generate a key lookup command and transmit the key lookup command to the low-frequency signal unit and the radio-frequency signal unit to drive the generation of the low-frequency signal and the first radio-frequency signal, respectively. The first control unit is also configured to receive key lookup data from the radio-frequency signal unit and generate a key lookup result based on the key lookup data. The key lookup data includes a first received signal strength indication value of the low-frequency signal received by the vehicle key and a second received signal strength indication value of the first radio frequency signal. The radio frequency signal unit is further configured to calculate a third received signal strength indication value of the received second radio frequency signal to determine whether the first received signal strength indication value and the second received signal strength indication value are within the normal range.

2. The key finding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The low-frequency signal unit is configured to drive only one low-frequency antenna.

3. The key finding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The low-frequency signal unit includes a full-bridge drive circuit.

4. The key finding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radio frequency signal unit includes a radio frequency chip.

5. The key finding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radio frequency signal unit is configured to modulate according to a key lookup command to generate a first radio frequency signal; as well as The radio frequency signal unit is also configured to demodulate the second radio frequency signal to obtain key lookup data.

6. The key finding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The low-frequency signal has a frequency of 125 kHz, the first radio frequency signal has a frequency range of 314~316 MHz or 433~434 MHz, and the second radio frequency signal has a frequency range of 314~316 MHz or 433~434 MHz.

7. The key finding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first control unit includes a first microcontroller unit.

8. A vehicle key, characterized in that, The vehicle key includes: A signal transceiver unit, configured to receive and transmit wireless signals; and A signal processing unit, communicatively connected to the signal transceiver unit, is configured to identify a low-frequency signal and a first radio frequency signal transmitted by a key-finding device paired with the vehicle key in a wireless signal received by the signal transceiver unit; and to generate a second radio frequency signal based on the low-frequency signal and the first radio frequency signal for transmission by the signal transceiver unit. The first radio frequency signal contains pairing information between the key-finding device and the vehicle key. The signal processing unit includes a second control unit and a signal measurement unit communicatively connected. The second control unit is configured to identify a low-frequency signal and a first radio frequency signal transmitted by a key-finding device paired with the vehicle key in the wireless signal received by the signal transceiver unit. The signal measurement unit is configured to measure a first received signal strength indication value of the low-frequency signal and a second received signal strength indication value of the first radio frequency signal. The second control unit is further configured to generate a second radio frequency signal based on the first received signal strength indication value of the low-frequency signal and the second received signal strength indication value of the first radio frequency signal, so that the key-finding device paired with the vehicle key obtains key-finding data based on the second radio frequency signal and calculates a third received signal strength indication value of the second radio frequency signal to determine whether the first received signal strength indication value and the second received signal strength indication value are within the normal range. The key-finding data includes the first received signal strength indication value of the low-frequency signal and the second received signal strength indication value of the first radio frequency signal received by the vehicle key.

9. The vehicle key according to claim 8, characterized in that, The signal transceiver unit includes a signal transceiver antenna.

10. The vehicle key according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second control unit and the signal measurement unit are each set up separately.

11. The vehicle key according to claim 8, characterized in that, Both the second control unit and the signal measurement unit are integrated into the second microcontroller unit.

12. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes a key finding device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

13. The vehicle according to claim 12, characterized in that, The vehicle also includes: Low-frequency antennas; and Radio frequency antenna.

14. The vehicle according to claim 12, characterized in that, The vehicle also includes a vehicle key according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

15. A key retrieval method, characterized in that, The key retrieval method is implemented based on the key retrieval device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

16. A key retrieval method, characterized in that, The key retrieval method is implemented based on the vehicle key as described in any one of claims 8 to 11.

17. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the key retrieval method according to any one of claims 15 to 16.

18. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the key retrieval method according to any one of claims 15 to 16.

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