Method, apparatus, vehicle and computer program for improving ultra-wideband ranging sessions

Abstract

Embodiments relate to a method (100) for improving an ultra wide band ranging session of a vehicle. The method includes obtaining (110) sensor data indicative of a person approaching the vehicle. Further, the method (100) includes determining (120) that the person is proximate to the vehicle based on the sensor data, and initiating (130) an ultra-wideband ranging session based on the determined proximity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of ultra-wideband ranging. Embodiments relate to methods, apparatus, vehicles and computer programs for improving ultra-wideband ranging sessions. Background Art

[0002] In order to allow a person to access the vehicle, the location of a user equipment (UE) carried by the user can be used. In order to determine the location of the UE, an ultra-wideband (UWB) ranging intent sent from the UE can be utilized. The ranging intent can define a trigger for the digital key framework to start UWB ranging. The ranging intent is triggered by the UE (see Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) Standard Version 3, CCC-TS-101). If positioning is not performed via UWB ranging, it is not possible to make any changes to the vehicle's central locking system before user action. If the UE (e.g., a smartphone) does not send a ranging intent, then UWB ranging cannot be performed. Therefore, only user actions (e.g., pulling the door handle) will cause active vehicle-triggered UWB ranging to be initiated as a fallback plan. This may have a negative impact on the user experience. Therefore, UWB ranging may need to be improved.

[0003] Therefore, it is found that UWB ranging (session) can be improved by determining that a person is close to the vehicle and initiating a UWB ranging (session) based on the determined proximity. Therefore, UWB ranging (session) can be initiated when needed, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0004] The example provides a method for improving an ultra-wideband ranging session of a vehicle, including obtaining sensor data indicating that a person is approaching the vehicle. In addition, the method includes determining that the person is approaching the vehicle based on the sensor data and initiating an ultra-wideband ranging session based on the determined approach. In this way, the UWB ranging session of the vehicle can be triggered by the sensor data. For example, the vehicle can initiate a passive vehicle-triggered UWB ranging session. In this way, there is no need to receive a ranging intent from a UE. Therefore, the experience of the person can be increased and / or the energy consumption of the vehicle can be reduced.

[0005] In an example, proximity may be determined based on sensor data of at least one of a microphone, an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor, a Bluetooth low energy sensor, or a camera. In this way, proximity determination may be improved because sensor data may be selected based on actual circumstances (e.g., environment).

[0006] In an example, the method may further include determining a position of the person relative to the vehicle based on the sensor data. In addition, an ultra-wideband ranging session may be initiated based on the position of the person. In this way, the initiation of a UWB ranging session may be improved based on the position of the person relative to the vehicle, for example, if the person is located next to a door of the vehicle, then a UWB ranging session may be initiated.

[0007] In an example, proximity can be determined based on sensor data from multiple sensors. In this way, the determination of proximity can be improved by combining different sensor data.

[0008] In an example, the method may further include checking whether the person is authorized to use the vehicle. In this way, erroneous initiation of a UWB ranging session may be avoided.

[0009] An example provides a method for improving an ultra-wideband ranging session of a vehicle, comprising receiving data indicating a ranging intent from a user device and obtaining sensor data indicating a person approaching the vehicle. In addition, the method includes determining that a person is approaching the vehicle based on the sensor data, and verifying the ranging intent based on the approach to improve the ultra-wideband ranging session. In this way, the ranging intent can be accepted or rejected (or ignored by the vehicle) based on the approach of the person. Therefore, unnecessary initiation of UWB ranging sessions can be avoided.

[0010] In an example, the method may further include initiating an ultra-wideband ranging session based on the determined proximity. In this way, a UWB ranging session may be initiated only when needed.

[0011] An example relates to an apparatus comprising interface circuitry configured to communicate with a sensor and processing circuitry configured to perform the method as described above.

[0012] An example relates to a vehicle comprising an arrangement as described above and a sensor for measuring sensor data.

[0013] The example also relates to a computer program having a program code for executing the above method when the computer program is executed on a computer, a processor or a programmable hardware component. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Some examples of apparatus, methods and / or computer programs will be described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0015] Figure 1 An example of a method is shown;

[0016] Figure 2 Another example of a method is shown;

[0017] Figure 3 A block diagram of an example of an apparatus is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Various example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some example embodiments are illustrated. In the accompanying drawings, the thickness of lines, layers or regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Optional components may be illustrated using broken lines, dashed lines or dotted lines.

[0019] Thus, while the example embodiments are capable of various modifications and alternative forms, embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that there is no intent to limit the example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the example embodiments are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the scope of the invention. Throughout the entire description of the drawings, the same reference numerals refer to similar or similar elements.

[0020] As used herein, the term "or" refers to a non-exclusive or, unless otherwise indicated (e.g., "otherwise" or "or alternatively"). In addition, as used herein, words used to describe relationships between elements should be broadly interpreted to include direct relationships or the presence of intermediate elements, unless otherwise indicated. For example, when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, the element may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be intermediate elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intermediate elements. Similarly, words such as "between," "adjacent," etc. should be interpreted in a similar manner.

[0021] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that when used herein, the terms "include" or "comprise" specify the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or groups thereof.

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the example embodiments belong. It will also be understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning of the terms in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted as an idealized or overly formal meaning unless explicitly defined herein.

[0023] Figure 1An example of a method 100 is shown. The method 100 for improving an ultra-wideband ranging session of a vehicle comprises obtaining 110 sensor data indicating that a person is approaching the vehicle. Furthermore, the method 100 comprises determining 120 that a person is approaching the vehicle based on the sensor data, and initiating 130 an ultra-wideband ranging session based on the determined approach. In this way, a UWB ranging session may be initiated independently of a received ranging intent. Thus, the energy consumption of the vehicle may be reduced by initiating a UWB ranging session when needed and / or even without a ranging intent. Furthermore, the vehicle may ignore ranging intents for which there is no corresponding, determined approach. Thus, the initiation of unnecessary UWB ranging sessions may be omitted. Furthermore, the energy consumption of the vehicle may be increased without reducing the experience of the person due to reliance on a backup plan, such as pulling a door handle, to initiate a UWB ranging session.

[0024] Obtaining 110 sensor data may be performed by receiving sensor data from a sensor (e.g., a sensor of an infrastructure) and / or by measuring sensor data using a sensor of the vehicle. The sensor data may include raw data of the sensor. The raw data may be evaluated by a processing circuit system (e.g., a control unit) included in the vehicle. Alternatively, the sensor data may include evaluated data, e.g., position data, distance data, which indicates proximity.

[0025] Determining 120 proximity may be performed by a processing circuit system of the vehicle (e.g., by a control unit). Proximity may be when the person is within a predefined distance from the vehicle, at a predefined position relative to the vehicle (particularly within an unobstructed line of sight). For example, proximity may be limited to within a line of sight between the person and the vehicle. When an obstacle (e.g., a wall) separates the person from the vehicle, proximity cannot be determined independently of the position or distance of the person relative to the vehicle. For example, proximity may indicate a likelihood that the person may want to use the vehicle. The likelihood may be determined based on the environment of the vehicle (e.g., obstacles and / or the position or distance of the person relative to the vehicle).

[0026] When the proximity of a person is determined (e.g., by a processing circuit system), a UWB ranging session 130 may be initiated. For example, the processing circuit system may generate an initiation signal that includes data indicating the initiation of a UWB ranging session. In this way, a UWB ranging session may be initiated only when the likelihood of using the vehicle increases. Therefore, the energy consumption of the vehicle may be reduced. In addition, a UWB ranging session may be initiated when needed, thereby increasing the experience of the person.

[0027] In an example, proximity can be determined based on sensor data of at least one of a microphone, an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor, a Bluetooth low energy sensor, or a camera. In this way, the sensor data can be obtained using a suitable sensor, for example, to adjust the sensor data obtained 110 to a specific situation, for example, to consider obstacles, daytime.

[0028] For example, the sensor data may indicate a Bluetooth low energy signal received strength signal indication (RSSI) value, a Bluetooth low energy distance measurement using channel sounding (particularly by using Bluetooth's channel sounding standard (e.g., by using Mode 2)), an ultrasonic measurement, a radar measurement, or voice detection. Based on the sensor data, the distance or position between the person and the vehicle may be determined. For example, a louder detected sound of the person may indicate a closer distance to the vehicle. For example, a higher RSSI value may indicate a closer distance to the vehicle. For example, the position of the person may be determined based on an ultrasonic measurement or a radar measurement. Based on the distance and / or position, proximity may be determined 120.

[0029] For example, proximity may be detected when a person is located near the vehicle, for example, within a distance of up to 2 meters or up to 1 meter from a door of the vehicle. In an example, the method may further include determining a position of the person relative to the vehicle based on the sensor data. In addition, initiating 130 an ultra-wideband ranging session may be based on the position of the person. For example, proximity may be determined when the position of the person relative to the vehicle indicates an intended use of the vehicle, for example, a person may be within a distance of up to 2 meters next to a door of the vehicle, which may be determined as proximity, while a position of the person within a distance of up to 2 meters in front of the vehicle may not be determined as proximity.

[0030] In an example, determining proximity can be based on sensor data from multiple sensors.For example, a robust implementation can use an ensemble learner to combine different information sources, such as sensor data from multiple sensors.

[0031] In an example, the method may further include checking whether the person is authorized to use the vehicle. For example, sensor data may be received from a camera. Thus, the sensor data may indicate an image of a person. For example, facial detection of the person may be performed by artificial intelligence. In this way, the person may be identified. Based on the identification, it may be checked whether the person is authorized to use the vehicle. Thus, the UWB ranging session may be initiated only when it is determined that an authorized person is approaching.

[0032] Further details and aspects will be mentioned in conjunction with the embodiments described below. Figure 1 The examples shown in may include one or more optional additional features that correspond to one or more aspects mentioned in conjunction with the proposed concept or below (e.g., Figure 2-3 ) described in one or more examples.

[0033] Figure 2 An example of a method 200 is shown. The method 200 for improving an ultra-wideband ranging session of a vehicle includes receiving 210 data indicating a ranging intent from a user device, and obtaining 220 sensor data indicating that a person is close to the vehicle. In addition, the method 200 includes determining 230 that a person is close to the vehicle based on the sensor data, and verifying 240 the ranging intent based on the proximity to improve the ultra-wideband ranging session. Thus, by verifying 240 the ranging intent, the vehicle can decide whether to initiate a UWB ranging session. For example, the vehicle can reject the ranging intent, for example, because it cannot be determined that a person is close. Therefore, the likelihood that a person may use the vehicle may be too low to initiate a UWB ranging session.

[0034] In an example, the method may further include initiating an ultra-wideband ranging session based on the determined proximity. For example, the UE may be carried by a person and may send a ranging intent to a vehicle event, even though the person may be separated from the vehicle by a wall. Therefore, the vehicle may not initiate a UWB ranging session because proximity cannot be determined because the person is not in the line of sight of the vehicle.

[0035] For example, a UE may be a user terminal (UT) or user equipment (UE) within the meaning of a corresponding communication standard for mobile communications. For example, a UE may be a mobile phone, such as a smart phone, or another type of mobile communication device, such as a smart watch, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, or autonomous augmented reality glasses.

[0036] Further details and aspects will be mentioned in conjunction with the embodiments described above and / or below. Figure 2 The examples shown in may include one or more optional additional features that correspond to one or more aspects mentioned in conjunction with the proposed concept or above (e.g., Figure 1 ) and / or below (for example, Figure 3 ) described in one or more examples.

[0037] Figure 3 An example of a block diagram of an apparatus 30 for a vehicle 300 is shown. The apparatus includes an interface circuit system 32 configured to communicate with a sensor; and a processing circuit system 34 configured to perform the above-mentioned Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 For example, the device may be composed of a vehicle 300 , for example, a control unit of the vehicle 300 .

[0038] For example, vehicle 300 may be a land vehicle, such as a road vehicle, a sedan, an automobile, an SUV, a motor vehicle, a bus, a robot taxi, a van, a truck, or a van. Alternatively, vehicle 300 may be any other type of vehicle, such as a train, a subway train, a ship, or a boat. For example, the proposed concept may be applied to public transportation (trains, buses) and future means of mobility (e.g., robot taxis).

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown in , the corresponding interface circuit system 32 is coupled to the corresponding processing circuit system 34 at the device 30. In the example, the processing circuit system 34 can be implemented using one or more processing units, one or more processing devices, any component for processing (such as a processor, a computer, or a programmable hardware component that can operate with corresponding adapted software). Similarly, the functions of the processing circuit system 34 can also be implemented in software, which is then executed on one or more programmable hardware components. Such hardware components may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller, etc. The processing circuit system 34 is capable of controlling the interface circuit system 32 so that any data transmission occurring through the interface circuit system 32 and / or any interaction that the interface circuit system 32 may involve can be controlled by the processing circuit system 34.

[0040] In an embodiment, the apparatus 30 may include a memory and at least one processing circuitry 34 operably coupled to the memory and configured to perform the method described above.

[0041] In an example, the interface circuit system 32 may correspond to any component for obtaining, receiving, sending or providing analog or digital signals or information, such as any connector, contact, pin, register, input port, output port, conductor, channel, etc. that allows providing or obtaining signals or information. The interface circuit system 32 may be wireless or wired, and it may be configured to communicate with another internal or external component, such as sending or receiving signals, information.

[0042] The device 30 may be a computer, a processor, a control unit, a (field) programmable logic array ((F)PLA), a (field) programmable gate array ((F)PGA), a graphics processor unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an integrated circuit (IC), or a system on a chip (SoC) system.

[0043] Further details and aspects will be mentioned in conjunction with the described embodiments. Figure 3 The examples shown in may include one or more optional additional features that correspond to one or more aspects mentioned in conjunction with the proposed concept or above (e.g., Figure 1-2) described in one or more examples.

[0044] Aspects and features described in relation to a specific one of the previous examples may also be combined with one or more other examples to replace the same or similar features of the other examples or to additionally introduce features into the other examples.

[0045] The example may also be or relate to a (computer) program, which includes program code for performing one or more of the above methods when the program is executed on a computer, processor or other programmable hardware component. Therefore, the steps, operations or processes of the above different methods may also be performed by a programmed computer, processor or other programmable hardware component. The example may also cover program storage devices, such as digital data storage media, which are readable by a machine, processor or computer and encode and / or contain machine-executable, processor-executable or computer-executable programs and instructions. The program storage device may include or be, for example, a digital storage device, a magnetic storage medium (such as a disk and tape), a hard drive or an optically readable digital data storage medium. Other examples may also include a computer, a processor, a control unit, a (field) programmable logic array ((F)PLA), a (field) programmable gate array ((F)PGA), a graphics processor unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an integrated circuit (IC) or a system on a chip (SoC) system, which is programmed to perform the steps of the above methods.

[0046] It should also be understood that the disclosure of several steps, processes, operations or functions disclosed in the specification or claims should not be interpreted as implying that these operations must rely on the order described, unless explicitly stated in individual cases or required for technical reasons. Therefore, the above description does not limit the execution of several steps or functions to a certain order. In addition, in other examples, a single step, function, process or operation may include and / or be decomposed into several sub-steps, sub-functions, sub-processes or sub-operations.

[0047] If some aspects have been described in relation to a device or system, then these aspects should also be understood as descriptions of the corresponding methods. For example, blocks, devices or functional aspects of a device or system may correspond to features of the corresponding methods, such as method steps. Thus, aspects described in relation to methods should also be understood as descriptions of corresponding blocks, corresponding elements, attributes or functional features of the corresponding device or corresponding system.

[0048] If some aspects have been described in relation to a device or system, then these aspects should also be understood as descriptions of the corresponding methods, and vice versa. For example, blocks, devices or functional aspects of a device or system may correspond to features of a corresponding method, such as method steps. Thus, aspects described in relation to a method should also be understood as descriptions of corresponding blocks, corresponding elements, attributes or functional features of the corresponding device or corresponding system.

[0049] The following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, where each claim can stand on its own as a separate example. It should also be noted that, although in the claims, a dependent claim refers to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other examples may also include a combination of a dependent claim with the subject matter of any other dependent or independent claim. Such combinations are hereby explicitly proposed, unless it is stated in individual cases that a specific combination is not intended. In addition, features of a claim should also be included for any other independent claim, even if the claim is not directly defined as dependent on the other independent claim.

[0050] The aspects and features described in relation to a specific one of the previous examples may also be combined with one or more other examples to replace the same or similar features of the other examples, or to additionally introduce features into the other examples.

[0051] Reference numerals

[0052] 30 devices

[0053] 32 Processing circuit system

[0054] 34 Interface circuit system

[0055] 100 Method for improving ultra-wideband ranging sessions

[0056] 110 Obtaining sensor data indicating a person approaching the vehicle

[0057] 120 Determine based on sensor data that a person is approaching the vehicle

[0058] 130 Initiate an ultra-wideband ranging session based on the determined proximity

[0059] 200 Method for improving ultra-wideband ranging sessions

[0060] 210 Receive data indicating ranging intention from user equipment

[0061] 220 Obtain sensor data indicating a person is approaching the vehicle

[0062] 230 Determining based on sensor data that a person is approaching the vehicle

[0063] 240 Proximity-based verification of ranging intent to improve ultra-wideband ranging sessions

[0064] 300 vehicles

Claims

1. A method (100) for improving an ultra-wideband ranging session of a vehicle, comprising: obtaining (110) sensor data indicating a person approaching the vehicle; Determining ( 120 ) a person approaching the vehicle based on the sensor data; as well as An ultra-wideband ranging session is initiated (130) based on the determined proximity.

2. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein The proximity is determined based on sensor data of a sensor of at least one of a microphone, an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor, a Bluetooth low energy sensor, or a camera.

3. The method (100) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising A position of a person relative to the vehicle is determined based on the sensor data, and wherein initiating the ultra-wideband ranging session is further based on the position of the person.

4. The method (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein The proximity is determined based on sensor data from a plurality of sensors.

5. The method (100) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising Check whether the person in question is authorized to use the vehicle.

6. A method (200) for improving an ultra-wideband ranging session of a vehicle, comprising: receiving (210) data indicating a ranging intention from a user device; obtaining (220) sensor data indicating a person approaching the vehicle; determining ( 230 ) a person approaching the vehicle based on the sensor data; as well as The ranging intent is verified (240) based on the proximity to improve an ultra-wideband ranging session.

7. The method (200) according to claim 6, further comprising An ultra-wideband ranging session is initiated based on the determined proximity.

8. A device (30), comprising: an interface circuit system (32) configured to communicate with at least one of a communication device, a user device, or a backend; as well as Processing circuitry (34) configured to perform a method (100; 200) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. A vehicle (50), comprising: The device according to claim 8; as well as Sensors used to measure sensor data.

10. A computer program having a program code for carrying out the method (100; 200) according to claims 1 to 7 when the computer program is executed on a computer, a processor or a programmable hardware component.

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