Vehicle digital key system

Abstract

A vehicle digital key system according to an embodiment of the present application includes a first communication module, a second communication module, and a control unit, the first communication module is configured to broadcast a first signal at a predetermined time interval, calculate a distance from a remote control key based on a second signal corresponding to the first signal when the second signal from the remote control key is received, and switch the second communication module from a sleep mode to a wake-up mode when the calculated distance is within a preset first threshold; the second communication module is configured to switch a plurality of third communication modules from a sleep mode to a wake-up mode, and calculate a position of the remote control key using at least three third communication modules among the plurality of third communication modules; and the control unit is configured to unlock a door lock of the vehicle based on the position of the remote control key.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This embodiment relates to a vehicle digital key system. Background Art

[0002] With the development of wireless communication technology, various devices have emerged that can unlock a vehicle from a distance even if the user does not directly insert the key into the vehicle. These devices, known as digital keys or smart keys, enable users to remotely unlock or lock the vehicle from a certain distance.

[0003] Because both vehicle anti-theft (security) and user convenience need to be considered simultaneously, such a digital key should only operate when the user is at a certain distance. To this end, multiple communication modules and sensors are attached to the vehicle and the digital key, allowing the digital key system to determine the distance between the vehicle and the digital key in real time.

[0004] However, in order to drive multiple communication modules or sensors in real time, a large amount of power consumption is required, which leads to problems. The power consumption can be reduced by reducing the number of communication modules or sensors, but in this case, the accuracy of distance measurement may be reduced and safety may be affected.

[0005] Furthermore, the vehicle and a key fob transmit and receive radio signals for remote control, but the radio signals are distorted due to the vehicle body being made of metal, resulting in inaccurate positioning.

[0006] Therefore, a method that can solve the above problems is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] The present embodiment provides a vehicle digital key system capable of reducing power consumption.

[0009] The present embodiment is directed to providing a vehicle digital key system capable of minimizing inaccuracy in locating a remote control key.

[0010] The problems to be solved in this embodiment are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and also include purposes and effects that can be determined from the following technical solutions and embodiments.

[0011] Technical Solutions

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle digital key system includes a first communication module, a second communication module and a controller. The first communication module is configured to: broadcast a first signal at a predetermined time interval, calculate the distance to the remote control key based on the second signal corresponding to the first signal when the first communication module receives the second signal from the remote control key, and switch the second communication module from sleep mode to wake-up mode when the calculated distance is within a preset first threshold; the second communication module is configured to: switch multiple third communication modules from sleep mode to wake-up mode, and use at least three third communication modules among the multiple third communication modules to calculate the position of the remote control key; the controller is configured to unlock the door of the vehicle based on the position of the remote control key.

[0013] The first communication module may communicate with the remote control key using a 2.4 [GHz] frequency band, and the second and third communication modules may communicate with the remote control key using a baseband frequency and a directional antenna.

[0014] The second signal may include moving speed information about the remote control key.

[0015] The first communication module may calculate a distance from the remote control key by correcting distance information calculated by a time when the second signal is transmitted from the remote control key and a time when the second signal is received with a moving speed of the remote control key.

[0016] Multiple third communication modules can send a third signal, and when the multiple third communication modules receive a fourth signal from the remote control key, calculate the individual distances from the remote control key based on the fourth signal corresponding to the third signal, and the second communication module can select at least three third communication modules adjacent to each other among the multiple third communication modules based on the individual distances, switch the third communication modules other than the selected third communication modules among the multiple third communication modules to sleep mode, and calculate the position of the remote control key based on the fourth signal received by the selected third communication module.

[0017] The second communication module can reselect at least three third communication modules using the third communication module having the shortest individual distance to the remote control key among the selected three third communication modules, and based on the reselection, the third communication modules adjacent to the left and right sides of the third communication module having the shortest individual distance can be switched to the wake-up mode or maintained in the wake-up mode, and the third communication modules other than the third communication module having the shortest individual distance and the third communication modules adjacent to the left and right sides can be switched to the sleep mode or maintained in the sleep mode.

[0018] The second communication module may switch the plurality of third communication modules to the awake mode when at least one of the selected third communication modules does not receive the fourth signal.

[0019] When the door of the vehicle is closed after being opened, the second communication module can communicate with the remote control key, and when a sensing signal is received from a sensor set in the vehicle, the controller can start the vehicle based on the communication result between the second communication module and the remote control key and the sensing signal.

[0020] The second communication module can switch multiple third communication modules to wake-up mode when the second communication module communicates with the remote control key, and can maintain the multiple third communication modules in the wake-up mode and interrupt the start-up of the vehicle when a fourth signal corresponding to the third signal sent by the multiple third communication modules switched to the wake-up mode is received, and can switch the multiple third communication modules from the wake-up mode to the sleep mode when the fourth signal corresponding to the third signal is not received.

[0021] In a vehicle digital key control method using a vehicle digital key system including a first communication module, a second communication module and a third communication module of a vehicle, the vehicle digital key control method includes: the first communication module broadcasts a first signal at a predetermined time interval; when the first communication module receives a second signal from the remote control key, the first communication module calculates the distance to the remote control key based on the second signal corresponding to the first signal; when the calculated distance is within a preset first threshold, the first communication module switches the second communication module from sleep mode to wake-up mode; when the calculated distance is within the preset first threshold, the second communication module switches multiple third communication modules from sleep mode to wake-up mode; the second communication module uses at least three third communication modules among the multiple third communication modules to calculate the position of the remote control key; and the controller unlocks the door of the vehicle based on the position of the remote control key.

[0022] The first communication module may communicate with the remote control key using a 2.4 [GHz] frequency band, and the second and third communication modules may communicate with the remote control key using a baseband frequency and a directional antenna.

[0023] The second signal may include moving speed information about the remote control key.

[0024] Calculating the distance to the remote control key may include calculating the distance to the remote control key by correcting distance information calculated by a time when the second signal is transmitted from the remote control key and a time when the second signal is received, with a moving speed of the remote control key.

[0025] Calculating the position of the remote control key may include: multiple third communication modules sending a third signal; when the multiple third communication modules receive a fourth signal from the remote control key, the multiple third communication modules calculating the individual distances from the remote control key based on the fourth signal corresponding to the third signal; the second communication module selecting at least three third communication modules that are adjacent to each other among the multiple third communication modules based on the individual distances; switching the third communication modules other than the selected third communication modules among the multiple third communication modules to sleep mode; and the second communication module calculating the position of the remote control key based on the fourth signal received by the selected third communication module.

[0026] Calculating the position of the remote control key may include: the second communication module reselecting at least three third communication modules using the third communication module having the shortest individual distance to the remote control key among the selected three third communication modules, and based on the reselection, switching the third communication modules adjacent to the left and right sides of the third communication module having the shortest individual distance to the wake-up mode or maintaining them in the wake-up mode, and switching the third communication modules other than the third communication module having the shortest individual distance and the third communication modules adjacent to the left and right sides to the sleep mode or maintaining them in the sleep mode.

[0027] The vehicle digital key control method may further include: when at least one of the selected third communication modules does not receive the fourth signal, switching the plurality of third communication modules to a wake-up mode by the second communication module.

[0028] The vehicle digital key control method may include: when the vehicle door is closed after being opened, switching the second communication module from sleep mode to wake-up mode; the second communication module communicates with the remote control key; and when a sensing signal is received from a sensor set in the vehicle, the controller starts the vehicle based on the communication result between the second communication module and the remote control key and the sensing signal.

[0029] The vehicle digital key control method may include: switching multiple third communication modules to wake-up mode when the second communication module communicates with the remote control key; sending a third signal by the third communication module switched to wake-up mode; and when a fourth signal corresponding to the third signal is received, keeping the multiple third communication modules in wake-up mode and interrupting the start-up of the vehicle; and when the fourth signal corresponding to the third signal is not received, switching the multiple third communication modules from wake-up mode to sleep mode.

[0030] Beneficial effects

[0031] According to this embodiment, the power consumption of the vehicle digital key system can be reduced.

[0032] According to this embodiment, the position of the remote control key can be accurately detected.

[0033] Various advantageous effects and benefits of the present invention are not limited to the above contents and should be easily understood through the description of the detailed embodiments of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a vehicle digital key system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle digital key system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for describing positions where a communication module and a sensor are provided in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram for describing a process of selecting a third communication module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 5a and Figure 5b is a flowchart illustrating a digital key driving method using a vehicle digital key system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a digital key driving method using a vehicle digital key system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a digital key driving method using a vehicle digital key system according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to some embodiments to be described, but can be implemented in various different forms, and within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, one or more components among the components in the embodiments can be used by selective combination and replacement.

[0043] In addition, unless specifically defined and described, the terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention may be interpreted as the meanings commonly understood by technicians in the field to which the present invention belongs, and commonly used terms such as those defined in dictionaries may be interpreted in consideration of the contextual meaning of the relevant technology.

[0044] The terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to describe the embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0045] In this specification, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form may include the plural form; and when described as "at least one (or one or more) of A, B and (or) C", it may include one or more of all possible combinations of A, B and C.

[0046] Furthermore, in describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used.

[0047] These terms are used only to distinguish the component from other components, and the nature, sequence, or order of the components is not limited by the terms.

[0048] In addition, when a component is described as being “linked,” “coupled” or “connected” to another component, the component is not only directly linked, coupled or connected to the other component, but also is “linked,” “coupled” or “connected” to the other component with another component provided therebetween.

[0049] In addition, when a component is described as being formed or disposed “on (above) or below (below)” another component, the term “on (above) or below (below)” includes not only a case where the two components are in direct contact with each other, but also a case where one or more other components are formed or disposed between the two components. In addition, when a component is described as being “on (above) or below (below)”, the description may include meanings based on both the upward and downward directions of the component.

[0050] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a vehicle digital key system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 , a vehicle digital key system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a vehicle 10 and a remote control key 20 .

[0052] The vehicle 10 may refer to a vehicle that can travel on a road or track. For example, the vehicle 10 may include vehicles such as trucks and cars.

[0053] The remote control key 20 may refer to a device capable of controlling the vehicle 10 from inside or outside the vehicle 10. Depending on the embodiment, the remote control key 20 may refer to a device capable of opening or closing the doors of the vehicle 10 or starting the vehicle 10 from inside or outside the vehicle 10. The remote control key 20 may be a terminal device including a communication module, etc. For example, the remote control key 20 may be an electronic key-type device or a portable terminal device such as a smartphone.

[0054] According to one embodiment, vehicle 10 can open or close doors or start the vehicle based on the positional relationship between remote control key 20 and vehicle 10. For example, when remote control key 20 is located within a first range (Range 1), remote control key 20 communicates with the first communication module of vehicle 10, and vehicle 10 determines its distance from remote control key 20 based on the communication results. Furthermore, when remote control key 20 is located within a second range (Range 2), remote control key 20 communicates with the second and third communication modules of vehicle 10, and vehicle 10 determines the position of remote control key 20 based on the communication results. When remote control key 20 is located at a predetermined point, vehicle 10 can open or close doors or start vehicle 10. Door opening and closing and vehicle 10 starting can be performed automatically when conditions are met, but is not limited to this. Remote control key 20 can include buttons for opening and closing doors or starting vehicle 10, and the buttons can be activated when the corresponding conditions are met.

[0055] Figure 2 FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle digital key system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Reference Figure 2 , a vehicle digital key system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a vehicle 10 and a remote control key 20 , and the vehicle 10 may include a first communication module 110 , a second communication module 120 , a third communication module 130 , a sensor 140 and a controller 150 .

[0057] The first communication module 110 may broadcast a first signal at predetermined time intervals. For example, the first communication module 110 may broadcast the first signal at 2 [s] intervals. The first signal may include a data packet. The first communication module 110 may use an omnidirectional antenna, through which the first signal may be broadcast omnidirectionally. The first communication module 110 may communicate with the remote control key 20 using the 2.4 [GHz] frequency band. The first communication module 110 may be a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module.

[0058] When the first communication module 110 receives the second signal corresponding to the first signal from the remote control key 20 , the first communication module 110 may calculate the distance to the remote control key 20 based on the second signal.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the first communication module 110 can calculate the distance to the remote control key 20 by correcting distance information calculated from the time when the second signal is transmitted from the remote control key 20 and the time when the second signal is received, using the movement speed of the remote control key 20. For example, the first communication module 110 can calculate the distance between the vehicle 10 and the remote control key 20 using the time interval between the time when the second signal is transmitted and the time when the second signal is received, and the speed of light. Furthermore, the first communication module 110 can calculate the distance to the remote control key 20 by calculating the amount of movement of the remote control key 20, calculated using the movement speed of the remote control key 20 and the calculated time interval, and correcting the calculated distance using the calculated amount of movement.

[0060] The first communication module 110 can switch the second communication module 120 from sleep mode to wake-up mode based on the calculated distance. According to an embodiment, when the calculated distance is within a preset first threshold, the first communication module 110 can switch the second communication module 120 from sleep mode to wake-up mode by generating a control signal. Sleep mode may refer to a low-power standby mode and may refer to a mode in which the sending and receiving of signals is not performed. Wake-up mode is an active mode and may refer to a mode in which the sending and receiving of signals is performed. The first communication module 110 can send signals to the second communication module 120 and receive signals from the second communication module via a serial peripheral interface (SPI) communication.

[0061] When the second communication module 120 is switched to the wake-up mode by the first communication module 110, the second communication module 120 can switch the plurality of third communication modules 130 from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode by generating a control signal. The second communication module 120 can operate as a controller that switches the third communication modules 130 from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode or from the wake-up mode to the sleep mode. The second communication module 120 can transmit and receive signals (data) with the third communication modules 130 via a controller area network (CAN) communication.

[0062] The second communication module 120 can calculate the location of the remote control key 20 using at least three third communication modules 130 from the plurality of third communication modules 130. Specifically, the second communication module 120 can receive information about the individual distance to the remote control key 20 from each of the plurality of third communication modules 130. The second communication module 120 can then select at least three third communication modules 130 from the plurality of third communication modules 130 based on the individual distances. In one embodiment, the second communication module 120 can select the third communication module 130 with the shortest individual distance and the third communication modules 130 located to the left and right of the third communication module 130 with the shortest individual distance as the three third communication modules 130. The second communication module 120 can also switch the third communication modules 130, except for the selected third communication module 130, from the plurality of third communication modules 130 to sleep mode.

[0063] The second communication module 120 may reselect three third communication modules 130 from among the plurality of third communication modules 130 and switch the selected third communication modules 130 to the awake mode. Specifically, according to one embodiment, the second communication module 120 may reselect at least three third communication modules using the third communication module 130 with the shortest individual distance from the remote control key 20 among the selected three third communication modules 130. Furthermore, based on this reselection, the second communication module 120 may switch the third communication modules 130 adjacent to the left and right sides of the third communication module 130 with the shortest individual distance to the awake mode or maintain it in the awake mode, and switch the third communication modules 130 other than the third communication module 130 with the shortest individual distance and the third communication modules 130 adjacent to the left and right sides thereof to the sleep mode or maintain it in the sleep mode. Furthermore, when at least one of the selected third communication modules 130 does not receive the fourth signal, the second communication module 120 may switch the plurality of third communication modules 130 to the awake mode and then reselect at least three third communication modules 130.

[0064] The second communication module 120 may calculate the location of the remote control key 20 based on the fourth signal received by the selected third communication module 130. Specifically, the second communication module 120 may receive individual distances from the selected third communication module 130 to the remote control key 20 and use the received individual distances to calculate the location of the remote control key 20. The second communication module 120 may calculate the location of the remote control key 20 by applying the individual distance information about the three third communication modules 130 to a triangulation algorithm.

[0065] When the door of the vehicle 10 is closed after being opened, the second communication module 120 may communicate with the remote control key 20 .

[0066] According to one embodiment, the second communication module 120 may switch the plurality of third communication modules 130 to awake mode after communicating with the remote control key 20. Upon receiving a fourth signal corresponding to the third signal transmitted by the plurality of third communication modules 130 switched to awake mode, the second communication module 120 may maintain the third communication modules 130 in awake mode and interrupt the startup of the vehicle 10. Furthermore, the second communication module 120 may locate the remote control key by selecting at least three third communication modules 130. On the other hand, if the fourth signal corresponding to the third signal is not received, the second communication module 120 may switch the plurality of awakened third communication modules 130 from awake mode to sleep mode.

[0067] The third communication module 130 may transmit the third signal. When the third communication module 130 receives a fourth signal corresponding to the third signal from the remote control key 20 , the third communication module 130 may calculate individual distances from the remote control key 20 based on the fourth signal.

[0068] The second communication module 120 and the third communication module 130 may communicate with the remote control key 20 using a baseband frequency band and a directional antenna. The second communication module 120 and the third communication module 130 may be ultra-wideband (UWB) communication modules.

[0069] The sensor 140 can detect whether the driver is sitting in the driver's seat of the vehicle 10. For example, the sensor 140 can be provided in the driver's seat of the vehicle 10. When the driver sits in the driver's seat, the sensor 140 can detect the fact that the driver is sitting in the driver's seat and generate a sensing signal. The detected sensing signal can be sent to the controller 150. The sensor 140 can be implemented as a piezoelectric sensor or a pressure sensor, but is not limited thereto.

[0070] A near-field communication (NFC) module (not shown) can read an NFC tag included in the remote control key 20. The NFC module can be used when the battery of the remote control key 20 is low (or discharged). According to one embodiment, the NFC module can be located in the driver's seat of the vehicle and can be used when starting the vehicle. According to one embodiment, the NFC module can be located in the door of the vehicle and can be used when opening and closing the vehicle.

[0071] The controller 150 may unlock the doors of the vehicle 10 based on the location of the remote control key 20. For example, when the remote control key 20 is determined to be within 1 m of the driver's seat of the vehicle 10, the controller 150 may unlock the doors of the vehicle 10. In another embodiment, the controller 150 may lock the doors of the vehicle 10 based on the location of the remote control key 20. For example, when the remote control key 20 is determined to be 5 m or more from the driver's seat of the vehicle 10, the controller 150 may lock the doors of the vehicle 10. The controller 150 may receive location information about the remote control key 20 from the second communication module 120.

[0072] When receiving a sensing signal from the sensor 140 provided in the vehicle 10, the controller 150 may start the vehicle 10 based on the communication result between the second communication module 120 and the remote control key 20 and the sensing signal. For example, the controller 150 may start the vehicle 10 based on the sensing result of the NFC module and the sensing signal of the sensor 140.

[0073] The controller 150 may be implemented as a microcontroller unit MCU.

[0074] The remote control key 20 may include communication modules corresponding to the first communication module 110, the second communication module 120, and the third communication module 130 of the vehicle 10, respectively, to transmit and receive signals to and from the first communication module 110, the second communication module 120, and the third communication module 130. Furthermore, the remote control key 20 may include an NFC tag for communicating with the NFC module of the vehicle 10. If the remote control key 20 is implemented as a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, it may also include an application that can be operated by the user.

[0075] The remote control key 20 may receive the first signal, generate a second signal corresponding to the first signal, and then transmit the generated second signal. The second signal may include information about the movement speed of the remote control key 20. The remote control key 20 may include an inertial sensor such as a gyroscope or an accelerometer, which can calculate the movement speed. The remote control key 20 may receive the third signal, generate a fourth signal corresponding to the third signal, and then transmit the generated fourth signal.

[0076] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for describing positions where a communication module and a sensor are provided in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Reference Figure 3 , a first communication module 110 , a second communication module 120 , a plurality of third communication modules 130 and a sensor 140 may be provided in the vehicle.

[0078] The first communication module 110 may be disposed on the vehicle roof. The first communication module 110 may use an omnidirectional antenna to transmit the first signal in all directions of the vehicle. Since the first communication module 110 is disposed on the vehicle roof, radio wave interference caused by the vehicle body (e.g., the side surface of the vehicle body) when broadcasting the first signal may be minimized.

[0079] The second communication module 120 may be mounted on the vehicle roof. The second communication module 120 may be integrated with the first communication module 110 into a single module, but is not limited thereto. The second communication module 120 may be designed and mounted separately from the first communication module 110. The second communication module 120 may use a directional antenna to transmit the third signal toward the interior of the vehicle. When the vehicle doors are closed, the second communication module 120 may not communicate with the remote control key located outside the vehicle because its antenna is positioned to face the interior of the vehicle.

[0080] Multiple third communication modules 130 may be provided on the side of the vehicle. According to one embodiment, the multiple third communication modules 130 may include eight third communication modules 130. The eight third communication modules 130a to 130h may be provided on the front, rear, left, and right sides of the vehicle, as well as at the corners of each surface. The multiple third communication modules 130 may use directional antennas to transmit third signals toward the exterior of the vehicle. The third communication module 130 may not be able to communicate with a remote control key located in the vehicle because its antenna is set to point toward the exterior of the vehicle.

[0081] The sensor 140 may be provided on a driver's seat of the vehicle. The sensor 140 may be provided on at least one of the seat or the backrest of the driver's seat. The sensor 140 may be provided on a portion of the driver's seat where pressure can be measured when the driver sits down.

[0082] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram for describing a process of selecting a third communication module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Reference Figure 4 The eight third communication modules 130a to 130h can be respectively arranged on the front, rear, left, and right sides of the vehicle, and at the corners of each surface. The second communication module can select three of the eight third communication modules 130a to 130h and switch the selected third communication modules to wake-up mode. In addition, the second communication module can reselect the selected three third communication modules based on the movement of the remote control key 20 and switch the reselected three third communication modules to wake-up mode.

[0084] like Figure 4As shown, when remote control key 20a is in the first position, the third communication module with the shortest individual distance to remote control key 20a is third communication module 130f located on the right side of the vehicle. In this case, the second communication module can select third communication module 130e and third communication module 130g adjacent to the left and right sides based on third communication module 130f located on the right side of the vehicle, wake up third communication modules 130e and 130g, and switch the other third communication modules 130 to sleep mode. The second communication module then calculates the remote control key's location based on the individual distances between the three third communication modules 130e, 130f, and 130g.

[0085] When remote control key 20b moves to the second position while the three third communication modules 130 are calculating the remote control key's position, the third communication module with the shortest individual distance to remote control key 20b becomes third communication module 130g located at the right front corner of the vehicle. The second communication module then maintains the wake-up mode of third communication module 130f located to the left of third communication module 130g located at the right front corner of the vehicle, and switches third communication module 130h located on the right side from sleep mode to wake-up mode. Furthermore, the second communication module switches third communication module 130e located at the right rear corner of the vehicle from wake-up mode to sleep mode.

[0086] If the third communication module is not reselected based on the movement of the remote control key, the accuracy of locating the remote control key may increase due to the metal material of the vehicle body, and errors may occur in locating the remote control key because the third communication module receives and transmits signals via a directional antenna. However, by reselecting the third communication module in the same manner as in the embodiments of the present invention, the remote control key's position can be accurately located even if the remote control key moves.

[0087] Figure 5a and Figure 5b is a flowchart illustrating a digital key driving method using a vehicle digital key system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Reference Figure 5a and Figure 5b , first, the first communication module may generate a first signal (S501).

[0089] Then, the first communication module 110 may broadcast a first signal at a predetermined time interval (S502). The first communication module 110 may broadcast the first signal using an omnidirectional antenna.

[0090] The remote control key 20 may receive the broadcasted first signal. After receiving the first signal, the remote control key 20 may generate a second signal corresponding to the first signal (S503). The remote control key 20 may transmit the second signal to the first communication module 110 (S504).

[0091] When the first communication module 110 receives the second signal from the remote control key 20, the first communication module 110 may calculate the distance to the remote control key 20 based on the second signal (S505). In this case, the second signal may include information about the movement speed of the remote control key 20. The first communication module 110 may calculate the distance to the remote control key 20 by correcting the distance information by the movement speed of the remote control key 20, the distance information being calculated by the time when the second signal was transmitted from the remote control key 20 and the time when the second signal was received.

[0092] The first communication module 110 compares the distance calculated in operation S505 with a preset first threshold ( S506 ).

[0093] When the calculated distance is within a preset first threshold, the first communication module 110 can switch the second communication module 120 from sleep mode to wake-up mode. Specifically, the first communication module 110 can generate a first control signal (S507) capable of switching the second communication module 120 from sleep mode to wake-up mode, and send the first control signal to the second communication module 120 (S508). The second communication module 120 switches to wake-up mode through the first control signal (S509). On the other hand, when the calculated distance is greater than or equal to the preset first threshold, operations S501 to S506 are re-executed.

[0094] After the second communication module 120 switches to the wake-up mode, the third communication module 130 can be switched from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode. Specifically, the second communication module 120 can generate a second control signal (S510) and send the second control signal to the third communication module 130 (S511). Then, the plurality of third communication modules 130 that receive the second control signal are switched to the wake-up mode (S512).

[0095] The plurality of third communication modules 130 switched to the awake mode may generate a third signal ( S513 ) and then transmit the third signal ( S514 ).

[0096] The remote control key 20 may receive the transmitted third signal. After receiving the third signal, the remote control key 20 may generate a fourth signal corresponding to the third signal (S515).

[0097] The remote control key 20 may transmit the fourth signal to the third communication module 130 ( S516 ).

[0098] The plurality of third communication modules 130 may calculate respective individual distances from the remote control key 20 based on the received fourth signal ( S517 ).

[0099] The plurality of third communication modules 130 may transmit the calculated individual distances from the remote control key 20 to the second communication module 120 ( S518 ).

[0100] Then, the second communication module 120 may select at least three third communication modules 130 from among the plurality of third communication modules 130 based on the received individual distances ( S519 ).

[0101] The second communication module 120 may switch the third communication modules 130 other than the selected third communication module 130 from the plurality of third communication modules 130 to sleep mode. Specifically, the second communication module 120 may generate a third control signal for switching the unselected third communication modules 130 to sleep mode (S520), and then transmit the third control signal to the plurality of third communication modules 130 (S521) to switch the unselected third communication modules 130 from wake-up mode to sleep mode (S522). Thus, only some of the plurality of third communication modules 130 are operated, thereby reducing the power consumed by the vehicle digital key system.

[0102] The selected third communication module 130 generates a third signal (S523) and transmits the third signal to the remote control key 20 (S524). The remote control key 20 that receives the third signal generates a fourth signal (S525) and transmits the fourth signal to the selected third communication module 130 (S526).

[0103] The selected third communication module 130 calculates the individual distance to the remote control key 20 based on the received fourth signal ( S527 ), and transmits the calculation result to the second communication module 120 ( S528 ).

[0104] Then, the second communication module 120 calculates the position of the remote control key 20 using the individual distance to the remote control key 20 received from the selected third communication module 130 ( S529 ).

[0105] The second communication module 120 may then compare the position of the remote control key 20 with a second threshold value (S530). When the position of the remote control key 20 is within the second threshold value, the comparison result may be sent to the controller 150 (S531). The controller 150 may then unlock the vehicle door based on the comparison result (S532). On the other hand, when the position of the remote control key 20 is greater than the second threshold value, operations S523 to S530 are repeated.

[0106] When the door of the vehicle 10 is closed after being opened, the second communication module 120 can communicate with the remote control key 20. Specifically, the second communication module 120 can generate a fifth signal (S533) and transmit the fifth signal to the remote control key 20 (S534). The remote control key 20, upon receiving the fifth signal, can generate a sixth signal corresponding to the fifth signal (S535) and transmit the sixth signal to the second communication module 120 (S536), thereby establishing a communication connection (S537). Since the second communication module 120 has a directional antenna pointing toward the interior of the vehicle, the second communication module 120 and the remote control key 20 can communicate with each other when the remote control key 20 is located in the vehicle.

[0107] Then, the sensor 140 may sense the driver's seat of the vehicle ( S539 ) and transmit a sensing signal to the controller 150 ( S540 ).

[0108] When receiving the sensing signal from the sensor 140 provided in the vehicle, the controller 150 starts the vehicle based on the communication result and the sensing signal between the second communication module 120 and the remote control key 20 (S541). That is, the controller 150 can start the vehicle after double-checking whether the driver with the remote control key 20 gets on the vehicle through the communication result and the sensing signal, and in this way, the safety of vehicle driving can be improved.

[0109] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a digital key driving method using a vehicle digital key system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] Reference Figure 6 ,exist Figure 5a and Figure 5bOperations S701 to S704 may also be included between operations S528 and S529. Operations S601 to S603 may be operations for reselecting the selected third communication module 130. For example, when the position of the remote control key 20 moves from the left side of the vehicle to the rear, errors may occur in the signal transmission and reception between the remote control key 20 and the third communication module 130 provided on the left side of the vehicle. This is not only because the third communication module 130 uses a directional antenna, but also because signal distortion occurs due to the metal material of the vehicle body. To solve this problem, the second communication module 120 can reselect at least three third communication modules 130 using the third communication module 130 with the shortest individual distance from the remote control key 20 among the selected three third communication modules 130. The second communication module 120 can, based on reselection, switch the third communication modules 130 adjacent to the left and right sides of the third communication module 130 with the shortest individual distance into wake-up mode or maintain it in wake-up mode, and switch the third communication modules 130 other than the third communication module 130 with the shortest individual distance and the third communication modules 130 adjacent to the left and right sides into sleep mode or maintain it in sleep mode.

[0111] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 6 One embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0112] First, when the selected third communication module 130 calculates the individual distance (S527) and sends the individual distance (S528), the second communication module 120 can determine whether the individual distance of the third communication module 130 positioned in the middle among the selected three third communication modules 130 is the shortest (S601).

[0113] When the individual distance of the third communication module 130 positioned in the middle is the shortest, the second communication module 120 may calculate the position of the remote control key 20 using the individual distances of the three previously selected third communication modules 130 without reselecting the third communication module 130 ( S529 ).

[0114] On the other hand, when the individual distance of the third communication module 130 positioned in the middle is not the shortest, the second communication module 120 may compare the individual distances of the selected left and right third communication modules 130 with a threshold value ( S602 ).

[0115] When the individual distances of the selected left and right third communication modules 130 are greater than or equal to the threshold, the second communication module 120 may calculate the position of the remote control key 20 using the individual distances of the previously selected three third communication modules 130 without reselecting the third communication module 130 ( S529 ).

[0116] On the other hand, when at least one of the individual distances of the selected left third communication module and right third communication module 130 is less than a threshold, the second communication module 120 can reselect the third communication module 130 based on the left third communication module 130 or the right third communication module 130 and then generate a fourth control signal (S603).

[0117] For example, when the individual distance of the left third communication module 130 is less than a threshold, the second communication module 120 may generate the following fourth control signal: This fourth control signal is used to switch the third communication module 130 adjacent to the left side of the left third communication module 130 to wake-up mode, and maintain the third communication module 130 adjacent to the right side in wake-up mode. For another example, when the individual distance of the right third communication module 130 is less than a threshold, the second communication module 120 may generate the following fourth control signal: This fourth control signal is used to maintain the third communication module 130 adjacent to the left side of the right third communication module 130 in wake-up mode, and switch the third communication module 130 adjacent to the right side to wake-up mode. When both the left third communication module 130 and the right third communication module 130 are less than the threshold, the second communication module 120 may generate the fourth control signal as described above based on the third communication module 130 with the shorter individual distance.

[0118] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, when at least one of the previously selected third communication modules 130 does not receive the fourth signal, the second communication module 120 may switch the plurality of third communication modules 130 to the awake mode and reselect at least three third communication modules 130 .

[0119] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a digital key driving method using a vehicle digital key system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] As mentioned above, since the vehicle body is made of metal, signal distortion may occur. Consequently, a problem may arise where the driver with the remote key 20 is determined to be in the vehicle, even though the driver is not actually in the vehicle, and the vehicle is started. To address this issue, the present invention ensures safety when starting the vehicle by rechecking the position of the remote key 20 after the driver has entered the vehicle.

[0121] Reference Figure 7 When the second communication module 120 communicates with the remote control key 20 (S537), the second communication module 120 can generate a fifth control signal (S701) and send the fifth control signal to the third communication module 130 (S702), thereby switching all of the multiple third communication modules 130 to the wake-up mode (S703).

[0122] The multiple third communication modules 130 switched to wake-up mode can generate a third signal (S704) and send a third signal (S705). Then, the multiple third communication modules 130 check whether the fourth signal from the remote control key 20 is received (S706) and send the check result to the second communication module 120 (S709). When it is determined that the fourth signal corresponding to the third signal is received as the reception result (S710), the second communication module 120 can disconnect the communication with the remote control key 20. Since the remote control key 20 may be outside the vehicle when the fourth signal is received, the vehicle can be prevented from starting by disconnecting the communication. On the other hand, when the fourth signal corresponding to the third signal is not received, the second communication module 120 can maintain the communication connection with the remote control key 20. Then, the second communication module 120 can switch the multiple third communication modules 130 from wake-up mode to sleep mode.

[0123] Although the present invention has been described with reference to embodiments, these embodiments are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the present invention, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, variations, and alterations not shown above may be made without departing from the essential features of the embodiments of the present invention. For example, the components specifically shown in the embodiments may be modified. It should be understood that differences associated with such modifications and alterations fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle digital key system, comprising: a first communication module configured to: broadcast a first signal at predetermined time intervals, calculate a distance to the remote control key based on the second signal corresponding to the first signal when the first communication module receives a second signal from the remote control key, and switch the second communication module from a sleep mode to a wake-up mode when the calculated distance is within a preset first threshold; the second communication module being configured to: switch a plurality of third communication modules from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode, and calculate a position of the remote control key using at least three third communication modules among the plurality of third communication modules; as well as a controller configured to unlock a door of a vehicle based on the position of the key fob, wherein the plurality of third communication modules transmit a third signal, and when the plurality of third communication modules receive a fourth signal from the remote control key, calculates each individual distance from the remote control key based on the fourth signal corresponding to the third signal, and The second communication module: selecting at least three third communication modules adjacent to each other among the plurality of third communication modules based on the individual distances, and calculating the position of the remote control key using the individual distances of the selected three third communication modules when the individual distance of a third communication module positioned in the middle among the selected third communication modules is shortest; as well as When the individual distance of the third communication module positioned in the middle among the selected third communication modules is not the shortest: the individual distances of the selected three third communication modules are used to calculate the position of the remote control key when the individual distances of the selected left third communication module and the right third communication module are greater than or equal to a threshold; and the third communication module is reselected based on the left third communication module or the right third communication module when the individual distances of the selected left third communication module and the right third communication module are less than the threshold.

2. The vehicle digital key system according to claim 1, wherein: The first communication module communicates with the remote control key using a 2.4 GHz frequency band, and The second communication module and the third communication module communicate with the remote control key using a baseband frequency and a directional antenna.

3. The vehicle digital key system according to claim 1, wherein: The second signal includes movement speed information about the remote control key.

4. The vehicle digital key system according to claim 3, wherein: the first communication module calculates a distance from the remote control key by correcting distance information with a moving speed of the remote control key, the distance information being calculated from a time when the second signal is transmitted from the remote control key and a time when the second signal is received, and The first communication module calculates a movement amount of the remote control key using a movement speed of the remote control key and a time interval between a time when the second signal is transmitted and a time when the second signal is received, and corrects the distance information by applying the calculated movement amount.

5. The vehicle digital key system according to claim 1, wherein: The second communication module switches third communication modules other than the selected third communication module among the plurality of third communication modules to the sleep mode, and calculates a position of the remote control key based on the fourth signal received by the selected third communication module.

6. The vehicle digital key system according to claim 5, wherein: The second communication module: reselecting at least three third communication modules using a third communication module having the shortest individual distance from the remote control key among the selected three third communication modules; as well as Based on the reselection, the third communication modules adjacent to the left and right sides of the third communication module with the shortest individual distance are switched to the wake-up mode or maintained in the wake-up mode, and the third communication modules other than the third communication module with the shortest individual distance and the third communication modules adjacent to the left and right sides are switched to the sleep mode or maintained in the sleep mode.

7. The vehicle digital key system according to claim 5, wherein: The second communication module switches the plurality of third communication modules to the awake mode when at least one of the selected third communication modules does not receive the fourth signal.

8. The vehicle digital key system according to claim 1, wherein: When the door of the vehicle is closed after being opened, the second communication module communicates with the remote control key, and When a sensing signal is received from a sensor provided in the vehicle, the controller starts the vehicle based on a communication result between the second communication module and the remote control key and the sensing signal.

9. The vehicle digital key system according to claim 1, wherein: The second communication module: When the second communication module communicates with the remote control key, switching the plurality of third communication modules to the wake-up mode; as well as When the fourth signal corresponding to the third signal sent by the multiple third communication modules switched to the wake-up mode is received, the multiple third communication modules are kept in the wake-up mode and the start-up of the vehicle is interrupted, and when the fourth signal corresponding to the third signal is not received, the multiple third communication modules are switched from the wake-up mode to the sleep mode.

10. A vehicle digital key control method, the vehicle digital key control method using a vehicle digital key system including a first communication module, a second communication module, and a third communication module, the vehicle digital key control method comprising: broadcasting a first signal by the first communication module at predetermined time intervals; When the first communication module receives a second signal from the remote control key, the first communication module calculates the distance to the remote control key based on the second signal corresponding to the first signal; When the calculated distance is within a preset first threshold, the first communication module switches the second communication module from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode; When the calculated distance is within the preset first threshold, the second communication module switches the plurality of third communication modules from the sleep mode to the wake-up mode; calculating, by the second communication module, a position of the remote control key using at least three third communication modules among the plurality of third communication modules; as well as unlocking, by a controller, a door of the vehicle based on the position of the remote key, Calculating the position of the remote control key includes: The plurality of third communication modules transmit third signals, and when the plurality of third communication modules receive fourth signals from the remote control key, calculate individual distances to the remote control key based on the fourth signal corresponding to the third signal, selecting, by the second communication module, at least three third communication modules adjacent to each other among the plurality of third communication modules based on the individual distances, and calculating the position of the remote control key using the individual distances of the selected three third communication modules when the individual distance of a third communication module positioned in the middle among the selected third communication modules is shortest; and When the individual distance of the third communication module positioned in the middle among the selected third communication modules is not the shortest: the individual distances of the selected three third communication modules are used to calculate the position of the remote control key when the individual distances of the selected left third communication module and the right third communication module are greater than or equal to a threshold; and the third communication module is reselected based on the left third communication module or the right third communication module when the individual distances of the selected left third communication module and the right third communication module are less than the threshold.

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