Wireless vehicle control device and system

Abstract

A wireless vehicle control device is arranged on a vehicle and comprises a first communication module, a second communication module and a central management unit. The first communication module is used for detecting a first communication signal of the wearable device. The first communication module comprises at least one ultra-wideband communication unit. The second communication module is used for detecting a second communication signal of the wearable device, wherein the communication range of the second communication module is smaller than that of the first communication module. The central management unit is connected to the first communication module and the second communication module, and is used for pairing with the wearable device according to the first communication signal, and actuating the second communication module to detect when judging that a distance corresponding to the first communication signal is not greater than a preset distance; and controlling at least one vehicle lock of the vehicle according to the second communication signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a wireless vehicle control device and system. Background Art

[0002] The limitations of traditional car keys have been widely scrutinized in recent years. In addition to having to prepare an extra set of keys when going out, car keys are small in size and easy to lose. If the car keys are not lost but stolen, there will be more concerns. Therefore, the trend of using mobile phones as car keys is slowly developing. Even though mobile phone car key technology is more convenient, efficient, and time-saving than traditional handheld car keys, due to security considerations, you may still need to take out your phone and then use the phone password to unlock it, facial unlocking, etc. as a layer of security protection. If both hands are already in use, or the phone is placed in a bag, deep in a pocket, etc., there is an extra step to open the car door. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of the above, the present invention provides a wireless vehicle control device and system.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a wireless vehicle control device is arranged on a vehicle, and includes a first communication module, a second communication module and a central management unit. The first communication module is used to detect a first communication signal of a wearable device, and the first communication module includes at least one ultra-wideband communication unit. The second communication module is used to detect a second communication signal of the wearable device, wherein the communication range of the second communication module is smaller than the communication range of the first communication module. The central management unit is connected to the first communication module and the second communication module, and is used to pair with the wearable device according to the first communication signal, and when it is determined that a distance corresponding to the first communication signal is not greater than a preset distance, the second communication module is activated for detection, and at least one vehicle lock of the vehicle is controlled according to the second communication signal.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a wireless vehicle control system includes a wireless vehicle control device and a wearable device. The wireless vehicle control device is disposed on a vehicle and includes a first communication module, a second communication module and a central management unit. The first communication module is used to detect a first communication signal and includes at least one ultra-wideband communication unit. The second communication module is used to detect a second communication signal, wherein the communication range of the second communication module is smaller than the communication range of the first communication module. The central management unit is connected to the first communication module and the second communication module, and is used to connect according to the first communication signal, and when it is determined that a distance corresponding to the first communication signal is not greater than a preset distance, the second communication module is activated to detect, and at least one vehicle lock of the vehicle is controlled according to the second communication signal. The wearable device is used to control at least one vehicle lock of the vehicle, and includes a third communication module and a fourth communication module. The third communication module is used to generate the first communication signal and includes an ultra-wideband communication unit. The fourth communication module is used to generate the second communication signal, wherein the communication range of the fourth communication module is smaller than the communication range of the third communication module.

[0006] Through the above structure, the wireless vehicle control device and system disclosed in this case can use ultra-wideband sensors for precise positioning, so that when the wearable device is close to the car door to a suitable distance, the communication unit with a smaller communication range is activated to unlock the car door. In this way, an effect similar to opening the car door by induction can be achieved, so that the user only needs to use the wearable device for induction, solving the inconvenience of traditional car keys and mobile phone smart car keys.

[0007] The above description of the content of the present application and the following description of the implementation modes are used to demonstrate and explain the spirit and principle of the present invention, and to provide further explanation of the claims of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 FIG. 4 is a module diagram of a wireless vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 FIG. 4 is an operation flow chart of a wireless vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 3 FIG. 4 is an operation flow chart of a wireless vehicle control device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle, a wireless vehicle control device, and a wearable device.

[0012] Figure 5It is a module diagram of a wireless vehicle control system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 6 The module diagram of a wireless vehicle control device is shown according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0014] Explanation of symbols:

[0015] 1: Wireless vehicle controller

[0016] 10,30: Central Management Unit

[0017] 11: First communication module

[0018] 111: First Ultra-Wideband Communication Unit

[0019] 12: Second communication module

[0020] 121: First near field communication unit

[0021] 2: Wearable devices

[0022] 21: The third communication module

[0023] 211: Second ultra-wideband communication unit

[0024] 22: The fourth communication module

[0025] 221: Second near field communication unit

[0026] 3: Wireless vehicle controller

[0027] 31: First communication unit

[0028] 32: Second communication unit

[0029] 33: Connector

[0030] 34: System Basis Chip

[0031] 35: Transceiver components

[0032] 36: Security Element

[0033] S1-S5, S11-S12: Steps

[0034] C: Vehicle

[0035] UWB1: The first ultra-wideband communication unit

[0036] UWB2: Ultra-Wideband Unit 2

[0037] UWB3: Ultra-Wideband 3

[0038] UWB4: Ultra-Wideband Unit 4

[0039] NFC1: First Near Field Communication Unit

[0040] NFC2: Second Near Field Communication Unit

[0041] NFC3: Third Near Field Communication Unit

[0042] NFC4: The fourth near field communication unit

[0043] R: Communication range

[0044] MB: Motherboard DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The detailed features and advantages of the present invention are described in detail in the following embodiments, and the contents are sufficient to enable any person skilled in the art to understand the technical content of the present invention and implement it accordingly, and according to the contents, claims and drawings disclosed in this specification, any person skilled in the art can easily understand the relevant purposes and advantages of the present invention. The following examples further illustrate the viewpoints of the present invention in detail, but do not limit the scope of the present invention in any viewpoint.

[0046] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wireless vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the wireless vehicle control device 1 may include a central management unit 10, a first communication module 11 and a second communication module 12. The first communication module 11 is used to detect a first communication signal of a wearable device 2, and the first communication module 11 includes at least one ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit. The second communication module 12 is used to detect a second communication signal of the wearable device 2, wherein the communication range of the second communication module 12 is smaller than the communication range of the first communication module 11. The central management unit 10 is connected to the first communication module 11 and the second communication module 12, and is used to pair with the wearable device 2 according to the first communication signal, and when it is determined that a distance corresponding to the first communication signal is not greater than a preset distance, the second communication module 12 is activated for detection, and at least one vehicle lock of the vehicle is controlled according to the second communication signal.

[0047] The wearable device 2 may include a smart watch, a smart bracelet, or other smart devices that the user can wear. Compared to a smart phone, the wearable device 2 is more convenient to use and can reduce the number of steps required for the user to control the opening / closing of the vehicle lock, as described below. In this example, the wireless vehicle control device 1 is disposed on a vehicle and connected to at least one vehicle lock of the vehicle (not shown). In particular, the wireless vehicle control device 1 can be disposed in the vehicle near the door and connected to the corresponding vehicle lock of the door, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0048] The central management unit 10 of the wireless vehicle control device 1 may include one or more computing units such as a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, a programmable logic controller or a microcontroller to execute various process operations of the wireless vehicle control device 1. The first communication module 11 includes at least one ultra-wideband communication unit. Specifically, the first communication module 11 may include multiple ultra-wideband communication units, each of which includes an ultra-wideband signal transceiver that can be used to receive and send ultra-wideband signals. The second communication module 12 may include a second communication unit whose communication range is smaller than that of the ultra-wideband communication unit. For example, the second communication unit may be a near-field communication (NFC) unit. It should be noted that the central management unit 10 can be set together with the first communication module 11 and the second communication module 12 on a main board, and the central management unit 10 is connected to the first communication module 11 and the second communication module 12 by wire. Alternatively, the central management unit 10 may be disposed together with the first communication module 11 and the second communication module 12 on different mainboards, and the central management unit 10 may be connected to the first communication module 11 and the second communication module 12 wirelessly, which is not limited in the present case.

[0049] Please combine Figure 1 refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a flowchart of the operation of a wireless vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, the central management unit of the wireless vehicle control device can execute: step S1: detecting a first communication signal of the wearable device through a first communication module; step S2: connecting with the wearable device according to the first communication signal; step S3: determining whether a distance corresponding to the first communication signal is greater than a preset distance; if so, returning to step S2; if not, executing step S4: activating the second communication module for detection; and step S5: controlling at least one vehicle lock of the vehicle according to the second communication signal.

[0050] In step S1, the first communication module 11 can continuously detect the space within a certain range around it, and transmit the detected first communication signal to the central management unit 10. In this example, the communication range of the ultra-wideband communication unit of the first communication module 11 is about 10 meters, that is, when the user carrying the wearable device 2 approaches the first communication module 11 and reaches the above communication range, the central management unit 10 can receive the first communication signal sent by the wearable device 2. In step S2, the central management unit 10 can connect with the wearable device 2 according to the detected first communication signal. Specifically, before step S1, the wearable device 2 can perform a pairing operation with the wireless vehicle controller 1 in advance. The pairing operation includes: the wireless vehicle controller 1 detects the first communication signal sent by the wearable device 2, and stores the identification information of the first communication signal. In this way, in step S2, the central management unit 10 can identify the identification information of the detected first communication signal and connect with the wearable device 2.

[0051] In step S3, the central management unit 10 may calculate the distance between the first communication module 11 and the wearable device 2 by time of flight (ToF) according to the first communication signal, and determine whether the distance is greater than a preset distance, wherein the preset distance may be associated with the communication range of the second communication module 12. Specifically, when the central management unit 10 calculates that the distance is greater than the preset distance, it may be determined that the distance between the wearable device 2 and the second communication module 12 exceeds the communication range of the second communication module 12, so the second communication module is not activated for detection, while maintaining the connection between the first communication module 11 and the wearable device 2.

[0052] In step S4, when the central management unit 10 calculates the distance between the first communication module 11 and the wearable device 2 by time of flight (ToF) according to the first communication signal, and determines that the distance is not greater than a preset distance, the central management unit 10 can determine that the distance between the wearable device 2 and the second communication module 12 is within the communication range of the second communication module 12, so the second communication module 12 can be activated for detection. In step S5, the central management unit 10 can control at least one vehicle lock of the vehicle through the second communication signal sent by the wearable device 2 detected by the second communication module 12. For example, the user can select an operation related to the vehicle lock through the interface of the wearable device 2, so that the second communication signal can carry specific operation information (on / off and specific position of the vehicle lock). The central management unit 10 then performs control operations according to this second communication signal.

[0053] Please combine Figure 2 refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 FIG. 1 is an operation flow chart of a wireless vehicle control device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, when there are multiple candidate devices around the wireless vehicle control device, the central management unit of the wireless vehicle control device can execute the following steps before step S2: step S11: detecting multiple wearable identification communication signals from multiple candidate devices through the first communication module; and step S12: identifying the first communication signal. Specifically, the central management unit can pre-store the identification information of the paired wearable device, and then identify the first communication signal of the wearable device from the multiple communication signals to be identified from the multiple candidate devices according to the identification information, so as to connect in step S2.

[0054] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle, a wireless vehicle control device, and a wearable device. Figure 4 As shown, a central management unit 10 is provided on the vehicle C, and an ultra-wideband communication unit and a near-field communication unit are provided at positions corresponding to each door (and corresponding door lock) (i.e., the left front door corresponds to the first ultra-wideband communication unit UWB1 and the first near-field communication unit NFC1, the left rear door corresponds to the second ultra-wideband communication unit UWB2 and the second near-field communication unit NFC2, the right front door corresponds to the third ultra-wideband communication unit UWB3 and the third near-field communication unit NFC3, and the right rear door corresponds to the fourth ultra-wideband communication unit UWB4 and the fourth near-field communication unit NFC4). Each near-field communication unit has its own communication range, for example, the communication range of the second near-field communication unit NFC2 can cover the adjacent space of the left rear door. The wearable device 2 is used to send a first communication signal and a second communication signal to open a specific door.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, the communication range R of the near-field communication unit is about 10 centimeters, and the wearable device 2 is not yet within the communication range of the near-field communication unit. When the wearable device 2 is within 10 meters of any ultra-wideband communication unit, the central management unit 10 can be connected and paired with the wearable device 2 through the ultra-wideband communication unit. Further, the central management unit 10 can be used to calculate a position information based on multiple distances of the first communication signal relative to multiple ultra-wideband communication units, and decide whether to activate the second communication module for detection based on the position information. The above-mentioned calculation of the position information can be achieved by triangulation positioning method, which is not repeated here.

[0056] When the distance between the wearable device 2 and the vehicle continues to approach, the central management unit 10 can continuously update the above distance or location information, maintain the connection between the wearable device 2 and the UWB communication unit, and decide whether to activate the NFC unit for detection. In particular, when the distance between the wearable device 2 and the specific door is within a specific range, the central management unit 10 can obtain the location information through the above method, and according to the location information, actuate a corresponding one of the NFC units for detection. For example, when the second NFC unit NFC2 detects the second communication signal of the wearable device 2, the central management unit 10 can control the vehicle lock of the left rear door of the vehicle C according to the second communication signal. It should be noted that the UWB communication unit and the NFC unit shown in this example are arranged adjacent to each other, so that the distance measured by the first communication signal can represent the distance between the wearable device 2 and the NFC unit. However, in other embodiments, the UWB communication unit and the NFC unit can be arranged at different positions, and the central management unit 10 can perform additional calculations on the distance obtained according to the first communication signal to determine whether the wearable device 2 is close to the NFC unit.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wireless vehicle control system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 As shown, the wireless vehicle control system includes a wireless vehicle control device 1 and a wearable device 2. The wearable device 2 is used to control at least one vehicle lock of a vehicle, and includes a third communication module 21 and a fourth communication module 22. The third communication module 21 is used to generate a first communication signal, and includes an ultra-wideband communication unit. The fourth communication module 22 is used to generate a second communication signal, wherein the communication range of the fourth communication module 22 is smaller than the communication range of the third communication module 21. The wireless vehicle control device 1 is arranged on the vehicle, and includes a central management unit 10, a first communication module 11 and a second communication module 12. The first communication module 11 is used to detect the first communication signal of the wearable device 2, and includes at least one ultra-wideband communication unit. The second communication module 12 is used to detect the second communication signal of the wearable device 2, wherein the communication range of the second communication module 12 is smaller than the communication range of the first communication module 11. The central management unit 10 is connected to the first communication module 11 and the second communication module 12, and is used to pair with the wearable device 2 according to the first communication signal, and when it is determined that a distance corresponding to the first communication signal is not greater than a preset distance, activate the second communication module 12 for detection, and control at least one vehicle lock of the vehicle according to the second communication signal.

[0058] In this example, the second communication module 12 of the wireless vehicle control device 1 may include at least one first near-field communication unit 121, and other related operations are the same as the aforementioned embodiment. The second ultra-wideband communication unit 211 of the wearable device 2 may continuously send out a first communication signal to allow the first ultra-wideband communication unit 111 to detect. The second near-field communication unit 221 of the wearable device 2 may continuously send out a second communication signal to allow the first near-field communication unit 121 to detect. In addition, the wearable device 2 may also have a processing unit similar to the central management unit 10, such as a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, a programmable logic controller or a microcontroller, so as to be controlled by the user whether to send out the first communication signal and the second communication signal.

[0059] Please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wireless vehicle control device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6 As shown, the wireless vehicle controller 3 includes a central management unit 30, a first communication unit 31, a second communication unit 32, a connector 33, a system base chip 34, a transceiver element 35, and a security element 36. The central management unit 30, the first communication unit 31, the second communication unit 32, the connector 33, the system base chip 34, the transceiver element 35, and the security element 36 can be connected and arranged on the same motherboard MB. The motherboard MB can be a control board arranged between the driver's seat and the passenger seat.

[0060] The central management unit 30, the first communication unit 31 and the second communication unit 32 of the wireless vehicle controller 3 can communicate with Figure 1The central management unit 10, the first communication module 11 and the second communication module 12 of the embodiment are the same and are not described here. The first communication unit 31 is connected to the central management unit 30 via a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART). The second communication unit 32 is connected to the central management unit 30 via an integrated bus circuit (I2C). The system base chip 34 can be a power management chip (PMIC). The system base chip 34 is used to power the wireless vehicle controller 3 and perform power management. It can receive a voltage battery (VBAT) from the connector 33, connect to the central management unit 30 via a serial peripheral interface (SPI), and provide power (PWR) to the central management unit 30. The transceiver element 35 is connected to the connector 33 via a controller area network with flexible data rate (CAN FD), and is connected to the system base chip 34 via a controller area network (CAN bus). The transceiver element 35 may be a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) transceiver. The security element 38 is connected to the central management unit 30 via an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) to execute encryption and decryption algorithms for communication signals, such as asymmetric algorithms.

[0061] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the wireless vehicle control device and system of the present invention may be applied to vehicle-mounted devices, such as self-driving cars, electric cars, or semi-self-driving cars.

[0062] Through the above structure, the wireless vehicle control device and system disclosed in this case can use ultra-wideband sensors for precise positioning, so that when the wearable device is close to the car door to a suitable distance, the communication unit with a smaller communication range is activated to unlock the car door. In this way, the effect of induction door opening similar to staged and continuous identification confirmation can be achieved, so that the user only needs to use the wearable device for induction, solving the inconvenience of traditional car keys and mobile phone smart car keys.

[0063] Although the present invention is disclosed in the above embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any changes and modifications made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention are within the scope of patent protection of the present invention. Please refer to the attached claims for the scope of protection defined by the present invention.

Claims

1. A wireless vehicle control device, characterized in that: Set on a vehicle, including: A first communication module, used for detecting a first communication signal of a wearable device, wherein the first communication module comprises at least one ultra-wideband communication unit; a second communication module, configured to detect a second communication signal of the wearable device, wherein a communication range of the second communication module is smaller than a communication range of the first communication module; and A central management unit is connected to the first communication module and the second communication module. The central management unit is used to connect with the wearable device according to the first communication signal, and when it is determined that a distance corresponding to the first communication signal is not greater than a preset distance, the second communication module is activated for detection, and at least one vehicle lock of the vehicle is controlled according to the second communication signal.

2. The wireless vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The central management unit pre-stores identification information corresponding to the wearable device, and the central management unit is used to identify the first communication signal of the wearable device from multiple communication signals to be identified from multiple candidate devices according to the identification information for connection.

3. The wireless vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second communication module includes at least one near field communication unit.

4. The wireless vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least one UWB communication unit is a plurality of UWB communication units, and the central management unit is further configured to calculate location information according to a plurality of distances of the first communication signal relative to the plurality of UWB communication units, and activate the second communication module for detection according to the location information.

5. The wireless vehicle control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second communication module includes multiple near-field communication units, the at least one vehicle lock is a plurality of vehicle locks, the multiple near-field communication units correspond to the multiple vehicle locks respectively, and the central management unit is further used to calculate a position information according to a distance of the first communication signal relative to the first communication module, and brake a corresponding one of the multiple near-field communication units for detection according to the position information.

6. A wireless vehicle control system, characterized in that: Include: A wireless vehicle control device, disposed on a vehicle, comprises: a first communication module, configured to detect a first communication signal, wherein the first communication module comprises at least one ultra-wideband communication unit; a second communication module, configured to detect a second communication signal, wherein a communication range of the second communication module is smaller than a communication range of the first communication module; and a central management unit connected to the first communication module and the second communication module, the central management unit being used to connect according to the first communication signal, and when determining that a distance corresponding to the first communication signal is not greater than a preset distance, actuate the second communication module for detection, and control at least one vehicle lock of the vehicle according to the second communication signal, and A wearable device for controlling at least one vehicle lock of the vehicle, comprising: a third communication module, configured to generate the first communication signal, wherein the third communication module comprises an ultra-wideband communication unit; and a fourth communication module, configured to generate the second communication signal, wherein a communication range of the fourth communication module is smaller than a communication range of the first communication module.

7. The wireless vehicle control system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The central management unit pre-stores identification information corresponding to the wearable device, and the central management unit is used to identify the first communication signal of the wearable device from multiple communication signals to be identified from multiple candidate devices according to the identification information for connection.

8. The wireless vehicle control system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The fourth communication module includes a near field communication unit, and the second communication module includes at least one near field communication unit.

9. The wireless vehicle control system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The at least one ultra-wideband communication unit of the first communication module is a plurality of ultra-wideband communication units, and the central management unit is further used to calculate location information based on a plurality of distances of the first communication signal relative to the plurality of ultra-wideband communication units of the first communication module, and activate the second communication module to perform detection based on the location information.

10. The wireless vehicle control system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second communication module includes multiple near-field communication units, the at least one vehicle lock is a plurality of vehicle locks, the multiple near-field communication units of the second communication module correspond to the multiple vehicle locks respectively, and the central management unit is further used to calculate position information according to a distance of the first communication signal relative to the first communication module, and brake a corresponding one of the multiple near-field communication units of the second communication module for detection according to the position information.

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