Method, computer program, device and vehicle for checking software

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention create a method (100) for checking software for controlling vehicle functions. The method (100) comprises sending (110) a control signal to a control unit indicating a movement of the user terminal device on a trajectory along the vehicle. The method further comprises: receiving (120), by the control device, a state signal indicating a state of the vehicle; and checking (130) software on the basis of the status signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods, computer programs, devices and vehicles for checking software, and in particular, but not exclusively, to schemes for triggering the checking of software by a control signal for movement of a user terminal device. Background Art

[0002] The digital key, as described in the Car Networking Consortium Digital Key Release 3, can be used to gain access to the vehicle. The parameters for gaining access can depend on the version of the software, which is used to identify the digital key or the location of the digital key. In particular, it may be necessary from time to time to change the parameters for gaining access. Therefore, it may be necessary to check the software. Summary of the invention

[0003] There is therefore a need to provide a method for checking software for controlling vehicle functions. This need is met by the method, device, computer program and vehicle according to the independent claims.

[0004] The various embodiments are based on the core idea that a method for checking software for controlling vehicle functions can be implemented based on the reception of control signals and status signals. As a result, the checking of the software can be automated. In particular, human interaction may not be required.

[0005] Embodiments relate to a method for checking software for controlling vehicle functions, wherein the software enables access to the vehicle. The method comprises: sending a control signal to a control unit indicating that a user terminal device is moving along a trajectory of the vehicle. In addition, the method comprises: receiving a status signal indicating a state of the vehicle by the control device; and checking the software based on the status signal. The movement of the user terminal device relative to the vehicle can be triggered by sending a control signal. It can thereby be checked whether the user terminal device causes, for example, locking / unlocking of the vehicle, the start of a ranging intention for determining the position of the user terminal device, activation of a welcome light. An automated check of the software can then be implemented to enable access to the vehicle. In particular, software updates can thereby be checked.

[0006] In one embodiment, the status signal may also indicate the location of the user terminal device. Furthermore, the check may be based on the location of the user terminal device. This may improve the functionality check of the software for a determined vehicle function. For example, unlocking the vehicle may be related to the exact location of the user terminal device. The software check may be improved by receiving the location of the user terminal device.

[0007] In one embodiment, the method may further include: sending a directional signal to the control unit, wherein the directional signal indicates the orientation of the user terminal device. The directional signal may trigger a change in the orientation of the user terminal device. Thus, the software may be checked according to the orientation of the user terminal device, thereby improving the accuracy of the check.

[0008] In one embodiment, the method may further include receiving, by the control unit, a location signal indicating the location of the user terminal device. By receiving the location of the user terminal device, the software check may be improved. The location signal may, for example, be used to verify the status signal (the location of the user terminal device) or be used as a substitute for the status signal.

[0009] In one embodiment, the method may further include: sending a shielding signal to the control unit, the shielding signal indicating the shielding to be caused between the user terminal device and the vehicle. The shielding of the user terminal device can be readjusted by the shielding signal. As a result, the software can be checked based on the attenuated signal of the user terminal device, thereby improving the accuracy of the check.

[0010] Embodiments relate to a method for checking software for controlling vehicle functions, wherein the software enables access to the vehicle. The method includes: receiving, by a communication device, a control signal indicating that a user terminal device is moving on a trajectory along the vehicle. In addition, the method includes: triggering the movement of the user terminal device based on the control signal. The trajectory for the user terminal device can be determined by receiving the control signal. By triggering the movement of the user terminal device along the trajectory based on the control signal, the checking of the software for controlling the vehicle function can be realized automatically.

[0011] In one embodiment, the method may further include: receiving an orientation signal indicating the orientation of the user terminal device by the communication device; and triggering a change in the orientation of the user terminal device. The orientation of the user terminal device used to check the software may be changed, thereby improving the inspection.

[0012] In one embodiment, the method may further include: determining the position of a marker of the vehicle; and determining the position of the user terminal device relative to the vehicle based on the determined position of the marker. In addition, the method may include: sending a position signal indicating the position of the user terminal device to the communication device. The position of the user terminal device may be determined by determining the position of the marker. Thus, a comparison of the trajectory with the current position of the user terminal device may be performed.

[0013] Exemplary embodiments also create a computer program for performing one of the methods described herein, when the computer program runs on a computer, a processor or a programmable hardware component.

[0014] Another embodiment is a device for checking software for controlling vehicle functions. The device comprises an interface for communicating with other communication devices (e.g., a communication device, a control unit and / or a control device) and a data processing circuit, which is designed to implement at least one of the methods described herein. Embodiments further provide a vehicle having a device as described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The following further illustrates various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a method for checking software for controlling a vehicle function;

[0017] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing another method for checking software used to control vehicle functions; and

[0018] Figure 3 A block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a device for checking software for controlling a vehicle function of a vehicle is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Various embodiments are now described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which several embodiments are shown. In the drawings, the thickness and size of lines, layers and / or regions may be exaggerated for reasons of clarity.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a method 100 for checking software for controlling vehicle functions is shown. The method 100 may be performed by a communication device. The method 100 comprises: sending a control signal to a control unit indicating that a user terminal device is moving along a trajectory of the vehicle. In addition, the method comprises: receiving 120 a status signal indicating a vehicle status by the control device; and checking 130 the software based on the status signal.

[0021] The vehicle function may be any function that can be used in the field of digital key utilization. For example, the vehicle function may be a welcome light, unlocking (when the user terminal device is close), locking (when the user terminal device is far away), sending a ranging intention (especially according to the position of the user terminal device relative to the vehicle), and the type of ranging intention sent (for example, low approach confidence, medium approach confidence, high approach confidence).

[0022] The control unit may be part of a robot. The robot may be configured to hold the user terminal and to move along the track. By sending 110 a control signal, the movement of the user terminal along the track may thus be triggered. The communication device may thereby start a scenario for checking the software, for example, the user terminal approaches a vehicle.

[0023] The status signal is received by the control device. The control device may be, for example, a control device of the vehicle. The status signal may include, for example, information about whether the vehicle is unlocked, locked, or has sent a ranging intention. This may inform the communication device of the operation of implementing the vehicle function.

[0024] Based on the status signal, the communication device can then perform a check on the software. For example, the control signal can include a trajectory that must lead to the unlocking of the vehicle. With the help of the status signal, it can be checked whether the vehicle movement has been carried out. If the vehicle is unlocked, it can be assumed that the software is running correctly. The software can thus be automatically checked using the communication device.

[0025] For example, the communication device can be part of a computer. The computer can give a control unit, for example a robot, a command for driving along a predefined trajectory, for example by sending a control signal. Minimum conditions can be given (for example, when the vehicle should be unlocked or locked based on the position of the robot and therefore the position of the user terminal device), and the computer can detect whether the corresponding minimum conditions are implemented, for example based on the received status signal.

[0026] In one embodiment, the status signal may also indicate the location of the user terminal device. The check may furthermore be based on the location of the user terminal device. The software check may be improved with the aid of information about the location of the user terminal device.

[0027] Some functions may be based on the exact position of the user terminal device. In addition to checking whether the minimum conditions for unlocking the vehicle are met, it is also possible to check whether unlocking is only possible at a certain position of the user terminal device. For example, the vehicle can only be unlocked if the user terminal device is located within a predefined interval to the driver's door. By receiving the position of the user terminal device by means of a status signal, it can be checked whether this condition is met.

[0028] Alternatively or optionally, in one embodiment, the method 100 may further include: receiving, by the control unit, a location signal indicating the location of the user terminal device. The location signal may improve the accuracy of the location of the user terminal device, for example, by comparing it with the status signal (the location of the user terminal device).

[0029] In one embodiment, the method may further comprise: sending an orientation signal indicating the orientation of the user terminal to the control unit. The software may be checked for different orientations of the user terminal. For example, a first movement along a trajectory may be triggered by the communication device. Subsequently, a change in the orientation of the user terminal may be triggered by the communication device and a second movement along the trajectory may be achieved. In this way, different orientations of the user terminal and their effects may be checked. In this way, the checking of the software may be improved.

[0030] In one embodiment, the method may further include: sending a shielding signal to the control unit, the shielding signal indicating the shielding to be caused between the user terminal device and the vehicle. The shielding signal can trigger the shielding of the user terminal device relative to the vehicle. For example, the robot can be configured to provide a shielding body, such as a heat sink (Kühlpad) or an organic material, between the user terminal device and the vehicle or to provide the user terminal device behind the shielding body. In this way, the influence of the shielding can be determined, such as the shielding caused by the user's legs for a user terminal device carried in a trouser pocket. In this way, the software check can be improved.

[0031] The trajectory can be based in particular on the trajectory of the user when approaching or moving away from the vehicle. Alternatively or optionally, the trajectory can be based on the user's movements during the charging process, such as opening the cover of the charging connector. For example, a user with a user terminal device can move from the driver's door in the direction of the charging connector to establish a connection between the vehicle and a power source, such as a charging post. The trajectory of the user or the user terminal device can then be used, for example, to determine the unlocking of the cover of the charging connector. This can improve the user experience during the charging process. The status signal can include information about the opening state of the cover of the charging connector. This can enable a check of the software regarding the charging process.

[0032] The communication device may generally be a device that is capable of wireless communication, for example a computer having a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) interface.

[0033] The user terminal device may generally be a device that is capable of wireless communication. In particular, the user terminal device may be a mobile user terminal device, such as a user terminal device suitable for being carried by a user. The user terminal device may be, for example, a user terminal (UT) or a user equipment (UE) in the sense of a corresponding communication standard, which is used for mobile communication. The user terminal device may be, for example, a mobile phone, such as a smart phone, or other types of mobile communication devices, such as a smart watch, a laptop, a tablet computer, autonomous augmented reality glasses, etc. The user terminal device may be configured as a digital key in particular.

[0034] Other details and aspects are described in conjunction with the following embodiments. Figure 1 The embodiments shown in the figure may include one or more optional additional features, which correspond to one or more aspects, which are combined with the proposed solution or one or more of the following embodiments (for example Figure 2-3 ) explained.

[0035] Figure 2A schematic diagram of another method 200 for checking software for controlling vehicle functions is shown. The method 200 can be performed by a control unit, which is for example part of a robot. The method 200 comprises: receiving 210 a control signal by a communication device indicating that a user terminal device moves on a trajectory along the vehicle. The method 200 further comprises: triggering 220 a movement of the user terminal device based on the control signal. The control signal can be received by a communication device as described above.

[0036] The control unit may generate a control command based on the control signal. The control command may be sent to an actuator of the robot. The actuator may be adapted to move the robot along a trajectory. A user terminal device that can be fastened to the robot may be moved along the trajectory. Thus, automatic checking of the software may be achieved.

[0037] In one embodiment, the method 200 may further include: receiving, by the communication device, an orientation signal indicating the orientation of the user terminal device; and triggering a change in the orientation of the user terminal device. The control unit may trigger the change in the orientation of the user terminal device, for example, by generating an orientation signal, which is sent to the actuator. Thus, the software check may be implemented for different orientations of the user terminal device.

[0038] In one embodiment, the method 200 may further include: receiving a shielding signal by the communication device, the shielding signal indicating shielding to be caused between the user terminal device and the vehicle. Thus, software checks can be implemented for different shielding of the user terminal device. For shielding, for example, a water cushion can be arranged between the user terminal device and the vehicle.

[0039] In one embodiment, the method 200 may further include: determining the position of a mark of the vehicle; and determining the position of the user terminal device relative to the vehicle based on the determined position of the mark. The method 200 may further include: sending a position signal indicating the position of the user terminal device to the communication device. By determining the position by means of the mark, the control unit may implement synchronization with the local coordinate system of the vehicle. The mark may be, for example, a QR code label provided on a tire. In particular, the control unit may send the position of the user terminal device to the communication device by means of the position signal.

[0040] As described above, the control unit can be part of the robot. The robot can be partially composed of plastic. By using plastic, the shielding of the user terminal device can be reduced. In addition, the robot can be configured to change the height of the user terminal device. The control unit can then generate a control command for changing the height of the user terminal device. In addition, the robot can include a rotatable bracket for the user terminal device. The control unit can thus generate a control command for changing the orientation of the user terminal device.

[0041] The control unit may generally be a device capable of wireless communication, such as a processor having a WLAN interface, for example, for communicating with Figure 1 The communication device communicates.

[0042] Other details and aspects are described in conjunction with the following and / or above embodiments. Figure 2 The embodiments shown in the drawings may include one or more optional additional features, which correspond to one or more aspects, which are combined with the proposed solution or one or more of the above (for example Figure 1 ) and / or the following embodiments (e.g. Figure 3 ) explained.

[0043] Figure 3 4 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a device 30 for checking software for controlling vehicle functions of a vehicle 40. The device 30 comprises an interface 32 for communicating with a communication device (e.g. Figure 1 ), control units (e.g. Figure 2 The device 30 further comprises a data processing circuit 34, which is configured to implement at least one of the methods described herein, for example according to Figure 1 For communication devices or Figure 2 A further embodiment is a vehicle 40 comprising a device 30. The device 30 may comprise or be a communication device or a control unit.

[0044] exist Figure 3 The interface 32 shown in the figure can correspond, for example, to one or more inputs and / or one or more outputs for receiving and / or transmitting information, for example in the form of digital bit values, based on codes, within a module, between modules, or between modules of different entities. The interface 32 can be configured, for example, for communicating with other network components via a (radio) network or a local connection network.

[0045] In various embodiments, the data processing circuit 34 may correspond to any controller or processor or programmable hardware component. For example, the data processing circuit 34 may also be implemented as software, which is programmed for the corresponding hardware component. In this regard, the data processing circuit 34 may be implemented as programmable hardware including correspondingly matched software. Any processor, such as a digital signal processor (DSPs), may be used here. The various embodiments are not limited to a certain type of processor here. Any processor or multiple processors for implementing the data processing circuit 34 are conceivable.

[0046] like Figure 3As shown in FIG. 3 , the interface 32 can be coupled to the corresponding data processing circuit 34 of the device 30. In each example, the device 30 can be implemented by one or more processing units, one or more processing devices, any device for processing, such as a processor, a computer or a programmable hardware component (which can be run with corresponding matching software). Similarly, the functions of the data processing circuit 34 can also be implemented in software, which is then executed on one or more programmable hardware components. Such hardware components can be multi-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontrollers, etc. The data processing circuit 34 can be capable of controlling the interface 32, so that each data transmission implemented by the interface 32 and / or each interaction that the interface 32 can participate in can be controlled by the data processing circuit 34.

[0047] In one embodiment, the device 30 may include a memory and at least one data processing circuit 34 operatively coupled to the memory and configured such that it implements one of the above-described methods.

[0048] In various examples, the interface 32 may correspond to each mechanism for obtaining, receiving, transmitting or providing analog or digital signals or information, such as each connection terminal, contact, pin, register, input connection terminal, output connection terminal, conductor, line, etc., which can provide or obtain signals or information. The interface 32 may be wireless or wired and may be configured so that it can communicate with other internal or external components, such as sending or receiving signals or information.

[0049] In at least some embodiments, vehicle 40 may correspond to, for example, a land vehicle, water vehicle, air vehicle, rail vehicle, road vehicle, automobile, bus, motorcycle, off-road vehicle, motor vehicle, or truck. Device 30 may be, for example, a part of vehicle 40 or may be a control device thereof.

[0050] Other details and aspects are described in conjunction with the above embodiments. Figure 3 The embodiments shown in the drawings may include one or more optional additional features, which correspond to one or more aspects, which are combined with the proposed solution or one or more of the above (for example Figure 1-2 ) Example description.

[0051] Another embodiment is a computer program for implementing one of the methods described herein when the computer program is run on a computer, a processor or a programmable hardware component. Depending on the specific implementation requirements, the various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in hardware or software. The implementation can be implemented using a digital storage medium, such as a floppy disk, DVD, Blu-ray disc, CD, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM or flash memory, hard disk or other magnetic or optical storage (on which electronically readable control signals are stored), which control signals cooperate or can cooperate with the programmable hardware component so that the corresponding method is implemented.

[0052] A programmable hardware component can be formed by a processor, a computer processor (CPU = Central Processing Unit), a graphics processor (GPU = Graphics Processing Unit), a computer, a computer system, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC = Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), an integrated circuit (IC = Integrated Circuit), a system on a chip (SOC = System on Chip), a programmable logic element or a field programmable gate array (FPGA = Field Programmable Gate Array) with a microprocessor.

[0053] The digital storage medium can therefore be machine- or computer-readable. Some embodiments therefore include a data carrier having electronically readable control signals which can cooperate with a programmable computer system or a programmable hardware component in such a way that one of the methods described herein is carried out. One embodiment is therefore a data carrier (or a digital storage medium or a computer-readable medium) on which a program for carrying out one of the methods described herein is recorded.

[0054] In general, the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a program, firmware, computer program or computer program product with program code or as data, wherein the program code or data acts as follows, that is, when the program is run on a processor or a programmable hardware component, one of the methods is implemented. The program code or data can also be stored on a machine-readable carrier or data carrier, for example. The program code or data can also exist as source code, machine code or byte code and as other intermediate codes.

[0055] The above embodiments represent only an illustration of the principles of the invention. It goes without saying that modifications and variations of the arrangements and details described herein will become clear to other persons skilled in the art. It is therefore intended that the present invention should be limited only by the scope of protection of the following claims and not by the particular details presented therein by means of the description and illustration of the embodiments.

[0056] Reference numerals list

[0057] 30 devices

[0058] 32 interfaces

[0059] 34 Data processing circuit

[0060] 40 vehicles

[0061] 100 Method for checking software for controlling vehicle functions

[0062] 110 sends a control signal to the control unit

[0063] 120 The control device receives the status signal

[0064] 130 Based on status signal inspection software

[0065] 200 Method for checking software for controlling vehicle functions

[0066] 210 The communication device receives a control signal

[0067] 220 Triggering movement of the user terminal device based on the control signal

Claims

1. A method (100) for checking software for controlling a vehicle function, wherein: The software enables access to the vehicle, and the method includes: sending (110) a control signal to the control unit instructing the user terminal device to move along the trajectory of the vehicle; receiving (120) a status signal indicating a vehicle status by the control device; and The software is checked ( 130 ) based on the status signal.

2. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The status signal further indicates a location of the user terminal device, and the checking is further based on the location of the user terminal device.

3. The method (100) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising receiving, by the control unit, a location signal indicating a location of a user terminal device.

4. The method (100) according to any one of the above claims, further comprising: A shielding signal is sent to the control unit, the shielding signal indicating shielding to be caused between the user terminal device and the vehicle.

5. A method (200) for checking software for controlling a vehicle function, wherein: The software enables access to the vehicle, and the method includes: receiving (210) a control signal by the communication device indicating that the user terminal device is moving along the trajectory of the vehicle; and The movement of the user terminal device is triggered (220) based on the control signal.

6. The method (200) according to claim 5, further comprising: receiving, by the communication device, a directional signal indicating the orientation of the user terminal device; A change in the orientation of the user terminal device is triggered.

7. The method (200) according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising: Determining the location of the vehicle's markings; determining a position of the user terminal device relative to the vehicle based on the determined position of the marker; and A location signal indicating the location of the user terminal device is sent to the communication device.

8. Computer program for carrying out the method (100; 200) according to one of the preceding claims when the computer program is run on a computer, a processor or a programmable hardware component.

9. A device (30) for checking software for controlling vehicle functions, the device comprising: An interface (32) for communicating with at least one of a communication device, a control unit or a control device; and a data processing circuit (34) configured to implement at least one of the methods (100; 200) according to one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A vehicle (40) comprising the device (30) according to claim 9.

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