Key hanging buckle and method for configuring key hanging buckle

Abstract

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a key clasp comprising: a wireless interface for establishing a wireless connection to a controller integrated in a vehicle, where the wireless connection enables the key clasp to provide access credentials to the controller; a wired interface for connecting the key clasp to a console integrated in the vehicle such that the key clasp can be used to perform wireless charging of an external mobile device and / or to act as an anchor device for performing ranging operations on the external mobile device. According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding method of configuring a key clasp is conceived.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a key fob. In addition, the present disclosure relates to a corresponding method for configuring the key fob. Background Art

[0002] Smart key fobs are often used as portable devices for accessing vehicles and their functions. Smart key fobs are usually equipped with a secure element (SE), a passive near field communication (NFC) unit, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication unit, and an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a key fob, the key fob comprising: a wireless interface for establishing a wireless connection to a controller integrated in a vehicle, wherein the wireless connection enables the key fob to provide access credentials to the controller; a wired interface for connecting the key fob to a console integrated in the vehicle, so that the key fob can be used to implement wireless charging of an external mobile device and / or to act as an anchor device for performing ranging operations on the external mobile device.

[0004] In one or more embodiments, the key fob further includes a power transmitter, which is configured to be connected to one or more antennas integrated in the vehicle through a wired interface and to perform wireless charging through the antennas.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, the key fob further includes a power receiver configured to receive power from an external charging device and transfer the power to one or more components of the key fob.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the key fob additionally includes a near field communication (NFC) unit, wherein the NFC unit is configured to act as a short range coupling device for establishing an NFC channel with a mobile device.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the NFC unit further includes a secure element for storing one or more of the following applets: a key fob applet, a wireless charging applet, an authentication applet, a payment applet.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the key fob further comprises an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit for performing the ranging operation on the mobile device.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the wireless interface is a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the wireless charging of the mobile device includes Qi-based wireless charging operations.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method for configuring a key fob is contemplated, the method comprising: providing a wireless interface for the key fob, the wireless interface being used to establish a wireless connection to a controller integrated in a vehicle, wherein the wireless connection enables the key fob to provide access credentials to the controller; providing a wired interface for the key fob, the wired interface being used to connect the key fob to a console integrated in the vehicle, so that the key fob can be used to implement wireless charging of an external mobile device and / or to act as an anchor device for performing ranging operations on the external mobile device.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the method further includes providing a power transmitter for the key fob, the power transmitter being configured to connect to one or more antennas integrated in the vehicle via a wired interface and to perform wireless charging via the antennas.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the method further includes providing the key fob with a power receiver configured to receive power from an external charging device and to deliver the power to one or more components of the key fob.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the method additionally includes providing the key fob with a near field communication (NFC) unit, wherein the NFC unit is configured to act as a short range coupling device for establishing an NFC channel with the mobile device.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the NFC unit further includes a secure element for storing one or more of the following applets: a key fob applet, a wireless charging applet, an authentication applet, a payment applet.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the method further includes providing the key fob with an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit for performing the ranging operation on the mobile device.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the wireless interface is a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 An example of a vehicle access system is shown.

[0020] Figure 2 An illustrative embodiment of a key fob is shown.

[0021] Figure 3 An illustrative embodiment of a method of configuring a key fob is shown.

[0022] Figure 4 An illustrative embodiment of a vehicle access system is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] As mentioned above, the smart key fob is usually equipped with a security element (SE), a passive near field communication (NFC) unit, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication unit, and an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit. A security element can be defined as a tamper-proof integrated circuit with an installed application, which has a specified functionality and a specified security level. In addition, the security element can implement security functions, such as cryptographic functions and authentication functions. The security element may include credentials for accessing a vehicle such as a car. Each communication and security protocol implemented by the smart key fob is energy-intensive, and it is difficult to operate the key fob for a long time using a single power supply or power cycle. The key fob needs to be charged very frequently, and in addition to devices such as mobile phones and access cards, it is also an additional device that should be maintained. In order to charge the high-energy key fob or phone, the vehicle usually also supports a separate secure wireless charging module (with high-power charging capability), which leads to a higher bill of materials (BOM) cost for the center console of the vehicle.

[0024] Figure 1An example of a vehicle access system 100 is shown. The system 100 comprises a center console 102 installed in a vehicle. The center console 102 also acts as an anchor for locating an access device. An example of such an access device is a smart buckle 112. This smart buckle 112 included in the system 100 provides access credentials to the center console 102, for example, to unlock the vehicle and gain access to its functions. For this purpose, both the center console 102 and the smart buckle 112 comprise BLE communication units 104, 118. Furthermore, both the center console 102 and the smart buckle 112 comprise UWB communication units 106, 120, by means of which ranging operations can be performed between the center console 102 and the smart buckle 112. These ranging operations can be used to enhance the security of the access procedure in the sense that it can be checked whether the smart buckle 112 meets the requirement of having a predefined distance to the vehicle. Furthermore, the center console 102 is capable of providing energy to the smart buckle 112, so that the latter can be charged by the center console 102. For this purpose, the smart fob 112 includes a power receiver 116, and the intermediate console 102 includes a power transmitter 110. In order to initiate the charging process and ensure that only authentic key fobs are charged, for example, NFC communication can be established between the intermediate anchor 102 and the smart fob 112. For this purpose, the intermediate console 102 includes an NFC reader 108 (i.e., a so-called close range coupling device or "PCD"), and the smart fob 112 includes a passive NFC device 114 (i.e., a so-called close range integrated circuit card or "PICC"). In order to store data and applets that should be protected, the passive NFC device 114 also includes a secure element. As mentioned above, Figure 1 An intermediate console 102 of the type shown in FIG. 1 has a relatively high BOM cost.

[0025] A key fob and a corresponding method of configuring the key fob are now discussed, which specifically help reduce the BOM cost of a vehicle by helping to reduce the complexity of a console of the kind described above.The key fob may be used in an automobile or another type of vehicle.

[0026] Figure 2An illustrative embodiment of a key fob 200 is shown. The key fob 200 includes a wireless interface 202 and a wired interface 204. The wireless interface 202 is configured to establish a wireless connection to a controller integrated in a vehicle (not shown), wherein the wireless connection enables the key fob 200 to provide access credentials to the controller. In addition, the wired interface 204 is configured to connect the key fob 200 to a console integrated in the vehicle, so that the key fob 200 can be used to perform wireless charging of an external mobile device (not shown) and / or to act as an anchor device for performing ranging operations on the external mobile device. By providing the key fob 200 with a wired interface 204 that enables the key fob 200 to perform wireless charging and / or act as an anchor device for performing ranging operations, fewer components need to be implemented in the console of the vehicle to support such functions. Therefore, the key fob 200 helps reduce the BOM cost of the vehicle.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the key fob further comprises a power transmitter, which is configured to be connected to one or more antennas integrated in the vehicle via a wired interface and to effect wireless charging via the antennas. In this way, wireless charging is facilitated while saving space in the key fob, since the antennas for the charging process are included in the vehicle and not in the key fob. In one or more embodiments, the key fob further comprises a power receiver, which is configured to receive power from an external charging device and to transfer the power to one or more components of the key fob. In this way, the key fob itself can be easily charged, for example by a dedicated charger device.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the key fob further comprises an NFC unit, wherein the NFC unit is configured to act as a short-range coupling device for establishing an NFC channel with a mobile device. In this way, various applications can be enabled, such as initiating or controlling a wireless charging process between the key fob and an external device, and exchanging UWB credentials between the key fob and the external device. In a feasible embodiment, the NFC unit further comprises a secure element for storing one or more of the following applets: a key fob applet, a wireless charging applet, an authentication applet, a payment applet. In this way, various security applications can be enabled.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the key fob further comprises an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit for performing the ranging operation on the mobile device. The UWB communication unit helps to estimate the distance between the key fob and the vehicle so that access to the vehicle can be controlled in a safer manner. In addition, in one or more embodiments, the wireless interface is a BLE communication unit. In this way, access credentials can be provided to the controller of the vehicle at low power consumption. In a feasible embodiment, the wireless charging of the mobile device includes a Qi-based wireless charging operation.

[0030] Figure 3 An illustrative embodiment of a method 300 for configuring a key fob is shown. The method 300 includes the following steps. At 302, a wireless interface is provided for the key fob, the wireless interface being used to establish a wireless connection to a controller integrated in a vehicle, wherein the wireless connection enables the key fob to provide access credentials to the controller. In addition, at 304, a wired interface is provided for the key fob, the wired interface being used to connect the key fob to a console integrated in the vehicle, such that the key fob can be used to perform wireless charging of an external mobile device and / or to act as an anchor device for performing ranging operations on the external mobile device. As mentioned above, by providing the key fob with a wired interface that enables the key fob to perform wireless charging and / or act as an anchor device for performing ranging operations, fewer components need to be implemented in the console of the vehicle to support such functions. Therefore, the method 300 helps to reduce the BOM cost of the vehicle.

[0031] Figure 4 An illustrative embodiment of a vehicle access system 400 is shown. The system 400 includes a center console 402 installed in a vehicle. According to the present disclosure, a smart electric digital key fob 406 can be coupled to the center console 402. Figure 1One difference of the key fob shown in FIG4 is that the smart electric digital key fob 406 includes an NFC unit 410 that can also act as a short-range coupling device (PCD). In addition, the smart electric digital key fob 406 includes a combined power transmitter / receiver 412. In addition, the smart electric digital key fob 406 includes a wired interface 408, which can be coupled to a corresponding wired interface (e.g., a USB-C interface) in the middle console 402. Therefore, for example, using a smart phone with a digital key (DK) enabled, the key fob 400 is enabled to perform wireless charging and / or act as an anchor device for performing ranging operations. Therefore, fewer components need to be integrated into the middle console 402. More specifically, the smart electric digital key fob 406 can perform wireless charging operations and / or ranging operations that were originally performed by the middle console 402. In addition, because the smart electric digital key fob 406 includes a BLE communication unit 414, it can also receive access credentials from an external device (e.g., a mobile phone) instead of the middle console 402. Therefore, the middle console 402 does not need to be equipped with Figure 1 Components shown in .

[0032] The described type of smart electric digital key fob can have a relatively high security level by integrating a security element into its NFC unit. In addition, it can be a portable device that can act as a power transmitter (PTx) as well as a power receiver (PRx) to support safe high-power charging (e.g., 15W charging). Because it can replace the vehicle's wireless charging module, it can reduce the vehicle's BOM cost. In addition, it can provide an ecosystem that integrates applications such as vehicle access, office / building access, payment, and Qi-based charging into one form factor.

[0033] The smart electric digital key fob manages Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) digital key (DK) car access and Qi-based wireless charging applications. Therefore, it can replace the combined wireless charging module plus the NFC unit, and thus reduce the BOM cost of the secure access module, while also serving as a key fob. When installed in the car, it can also serve as an additional anchor for hands-free access to the CCC DK using its built-in UWB and BLE transceivers (and thus replace a static intermediate anchor required for hands-free access to the CCC DK with a mobile phone). In addition, the secure element integrated into the smart electric digital key fob can securely run CCC DK and Qi 1.3 authentication applets. In addition, the secure element enables payment and smart home access with dedicated EMVCo or smart home applets.

[0034] More specifically, the smart electric digital key fob may include a Common Criteria (CC) certified security element with a passive NFC interface, which accommodates different applets such as the CCC digital key fob applet, the Qi 1.3 applet, and another proprietary certification applet to store access cards and house keys. With EMVCo certification, payment applications can also be installed on the security element. The NFC interface can be used for car access applications and for charging the key fob. The BLE communication unit included in the smart electric digital key fob can be used for communication, and is also used to manage the security element and the UWB communication unit as a host controller. In addition, the UWB communication unit included in the smart electric digital key fob can be used to establish a secure ranging session.

[0035] Thus, an integrated smart key fob can be implemented, which can be used in particular as a power transmitter / receiver to support Qi-based charging protocols. In power receiver (PRx) mode, an external wireless charging module can be used to charge the integrated smart key fob. In power transmitter (PTx) mode, the key fob can be used as a portable wireless charger for Qi-compatible electronic devices such as smart watches, wireless headphones, and smartphones. The security element included in the integrated smart key fob can be assigned a signed certificate from the Wireless Charging Alliance (WPC), and, because it can be a CC-certified EAL 4+ device, it can even support high-power charging (15W) according to the WPC Qi 1.3 certification requirements. In order to achieve a higher surface area, the key fob can be connected to an external antenna interface, in particular via a wired interface. This can significantly reduce the BOM cost of the smart access module in the center console of the vehicle.

[0036] The security element can be assigned in a secure and trusted environment with a CCC DK version 3 compatible digital key fob applet, which allows the owner to use the key fob for smart access in addition to the smartphone. In some use cases such as valet parking, it may be difficult to share digital keys via mobile devices, but sharing the key fob may be a viable alternative. When installed in a vehicle (for example, in the center console), it can be used not only as a power transmitter for WPC, but also as an anchor for improving BLE communication, UWB communication, or ranging performance of a hands-free vehicle access system. The smart key fob can be used for faster end-to-end times, but authentication can also be performed in the security element of the key fob. Specifically, there is no need to pass data to the security element in the vehicle's microcontroller.

[0037] The combination of the integrated smart key fob and antenna can replace the entire wireless charging module in the vehicle. More specifically, the user can connect the integrated smart key fob to a dedicated socket that is connected to the wireless interface (i.e., antenna) via USB-C. This allows it to act as a power transmitter and also provides proof to the external mobile device that it can support high-power charging. In addition, the private key of the certificate can be stored in a secure element, which is the most secure IC of the integrated smart key fob. The integrated smart key fob can be paired to the wireless interface when it is first used. It should be noted that if the interface supports dual antennas, the integrated smart key fob can also be used to charge two mobile devices (e.g., smartphones) at the same time.

[0038] Provided that the mobile phone supports the CCC DK hands-free functionality, the smart electric digital key fob can be permanently installed into the vehicle in the sense that it is used as a portable key fob only in a backup scenario (e.g., when the vehicle is shared with someone who does not have a CCC-enabled phone). In the scenario where it is installed into the vehicle, the smart electric digital key fob can act as a WPC-compliant power transmitter to charge the phone with up to 15W, and additionally act as a BLE / UWB / SE-combination anchor. In addition, the smart electric digital key fob can connect to the vehicle network via BLE / UWB / NFC. This can help improve the user experience in the CCC DK Phase 3 use case, as three or more indoor smart access anchors are typically required. Finally, in the backup scenario (i.e., the scenario where the fob is used as a portable key fob), it can simply be charged via USB or by an external WPC-compliant power transmitter.

[0039] It should be noted that the above embodiments have been described with reference to different subject matters. Specifically, some embodiments may have been described with reference to method claims, while other embodiments may have been described with reference to apparatus claims. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate from the above that, unless otherwise indicated, any combination of features relating to different subject matters, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter, in particular a combination of features of a method claim with features of an apparatus claim, is also deemed to be disclosed herein.

[0040] In addition, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic. In different drawings, similar or identical elements are represented by the same reference numerals. In addition, it should be noted that in order to provide a concise description of the illustrative embodiments, the implementation details that belong to the customary practices of technicians may not be described. It should be understood that in the development process of any such implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the specific goals of the developer, such as complying with system-related and business-related constraints, which can change from one implementation to another. In addition, it should be understood that this development work may be complex and time-consuming, but it will still be a common practice for general technicians to engage in design, production and manufacturing.

[0041] Finally, it should be noted that the skilled person will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in the claim. The words "a" or "an" preceding an element do not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The measures recited in the claims may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several different elements and / or by means of a suitably programmed processor. In a device claim listing several components, several of these components may be embodied by the same piece of hardware. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not in itself indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0042] Reference numerals list

[0043] 100 Vehicle Access System

[0044] 102 Middle Console - Anchor

[0045] 104 BLE communication unit

[0046] 106 UWB communication unit

[0047] 108 NFC Reader

[0048] 110 Power Transmitter

[0049] 112 Smart Buckle

[0050] 114NFC PICC / SE

[0051] 116 Power Receiver

[0052] 118 BLE communication unit

[0053] 120 UWB communication units

[0054] 122 Power Management Unit

[0055] 200 Key Chain

[0056] 202 Wireless Interface

[0057] 204 Wired Interface

[0058] 300 How to configure the key hook

[0059] 302 provides a wireless interface for the key fob, the wireless interface being used to establish a wireless connection to a controller integrated in the vehicle, wherein the wireless connection enables the key fob to provide access credentials to the controller

[0060] 304 provides a wired interface for the key fob, the wired interface being used to connect the key fob to a console integrated in the vehicle, so that the key fob can be used to perform wireless charging of an external mobile device and / or to serve as an anchor device for performing ranging operations on the external mobile device.

[0061] 400 Vehicle Access System

[0062] 402 Middle Console - Anchor

[0063] 404 Wired Interface

[0064] 406 Smart Electric Digital Key Buckle

[0065] 408 Wired Interface

[0066] 410NFC PCD-PICC / SE

[0067] 412 Power Transmitter / Receiver

[0068] 414 BLE communication unit

[0069] 416 UWB Communication Unit

[0070] 418 Power Management Unit.

Claims

1. A key hanging buckle, characterized in that: include: a wireless interface for establishing a wireless connection to a controller integrated in the vehicle, wherein the wireless connection enables the key fob to provide access credentials to the controller; A wired interface for connecting the key fob to a console integrated in the vehicle, such that the key fob can be used to effectuate wireless charging of an external mobile device and / or to serve as an anchor device for performing ranging operations on the external mobile device.

2. The key hanging buckle according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is a power transmitter configured to be connected to one or more antennas integrated in the vehicle through the wired interface and to perform the wireless charging through the antennas.

3. The key hanging buckle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Additionally included is a power receiver configured to receive power from an external charging device and transfer the power to one or more components of the key fob.

4. A key fob according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: Additionally included is a near field communication (NFC) unit, wherein the NFC unit is configured to act as a short-range coupling device for establishing an NFC channel with the mobile device.

5. The key hanging buckle according to claim 4, characterized in that: The NFC unit further includes a security element for storing one or more of the following applets: a key hanging applet, a wireless charging applet, an authentication applet, and a payment applet.

6. A key fob according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: Also included is an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication unit for performing the ranging operation on the mobile device.

7. A key fob according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The wireless interface is a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication unit.

8. A key fob according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The wireless charging of the mobile device includes a Qi-based wireless charging operation.

9. A method for configuring a key hanging buckle, characterized in that: include: providing the key fob with a wireless interface for establishing a wireless connection to a controller integrated in the vehicle, wherein the wireless connection enables the key fob to provide access credentials to the controller; The key fob is provided with a wired interface for connecting the key fob to a console integrated in the vehicle, so that the key fob can be used to perform wireless charging of an external mobile device and / or to serve as an anchor device for performing ranging operations on the external mobile device.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The key fob is also provided with a power transmitter, wherein the power transmitter is configured to be connected to one or more antennas integrated in the vehicle through the wired interface and to perform the wireless charging through the antennas.

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