Method for operating vehicle function of motor vehicle, motor vehicle and electronic device

Abstract

The invention relates to two methods for operating vehicle functions of a motor vehicle (10), a motor vehicle (10) and an electronic device (18). It is provided that the path of movement and the orientation of the user (20) are determined using a UWB measurement-based positioning method and in combination with sensor data of an inertial measurement unit. The vehicle function is performed based on the determined movement path and orientation of the user (20). This permits intuitive operation of the motor vehicle (10) without requiring specified operations by the user (20) on the motor vehicle (10).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to two methods for operating vehicle functions of a motor vehicle, a motor vehicle, and an electronic device.

[0002] In the prior art, there are known various solutions for operating vehicle functions, such as opening the tailgate, unlocking or locking the central locking system, etc.

[0003] Many of these solutions are based on the use of capacitive sensing devices, which are arranged in the form of touch surfaces or buttons on the doors and covers of the vehicle. The user triggers the desired vehicle function, such as opening or closing the tailgate, or opening or closing the sliding door, by touching such surfaces, as described in the patent document WO2021 / 156188A1.

[0004] However, the disadvantage of the solutions using capacitive sensing devices is that the user always needs to free one hand to touch the operating surface to operate the vehicle function. When the user arrives at their vehicle, they do not want to rely on having both hands free every time to operate the vehicle function. The user often holds items and plans to store them in the vehicle.

[0005] Therefore, some vehicle manufacturers have started to equip vehicles with so-called kick sensor systems to detect the movement profiles performed by the foot or leg. Such solutions are illustrated in the patent document DE102020209357A1. Thus, the user can operate vehicle functions, such as opening the tailgate, without using their hands by means of a kicking motion (usually guiding the foot along a sensor arranged in the bottom area of the motor vehicle).

[0006] However, operating vehicle functions by means of a kicking motion is not intuitive for the user, as it does not conform to the natural movement flow of a person. Therefore, there is a desire to provide a feasibility of operating vehicle functions without an additional operating motion (such as the movement of the hand or leg).

[0007] The patent document DE102012212260A1 relates to a method and a device for controlling the operation of a fully automatic driver assistance system (in particular a parking system) for a vehicle, which is configured for independent vehicle guidance.

[0008] The patent document DE102020112198A1 discloses a system and a method for simply and flexibly controlling vehicle functions.

[0009] The patent document DE102019211192A1 relates to a system and a method for determining whether an ID transmitter is located in the interior space of a vehicle.

[0010] The patent document DE102013225600A1 describes a vehicle system and a method for determining the current position of a wireless device on a vehicle based on a previously detected position.

[0011] The patent document DE102018222761A1 describes a method for authenticating vehicle users based on the movement data of a mobile electronic identification transmitter.

[0012] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a simplified method for operating a motor vehicle function.

[0013] The technical problem according to the present invention is solved by two methods for operating a motor vehicle function according to the independent claims, a motor vehicle, and an electronic device. The content of each dependent claim is a preferred improvement design.

[0014] The first aspect relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle function. The motor vehicle includes a radio system having a transceiver, a first ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna, and a second UWB antenna. The transceiver of the radio system is particularly configured to transmit and receive signals in a very large frequency range, especially in the frequency range of 3.1 GHz to 10.6 GHz, preferably in the frequency range of 3.5 GHz to 9 GHz, and particularly preferably in the frequency range of 6 GHz to 8.5 GHz. The transmission power of the UWB pulse is low here. The bandwidth of the UWB signal is at least 500 MHz, and the UWB transceiver is preferably configured to transmit signals with a transmission power between 0.5 mW / -41.3 dBm / MHz. In addition, the transceiver is preferably designed according to the IEEE802.15.4 standard (especially the part regarding the UWB PHY layer) and preferably according to the IEEE802.15.4z standard. By spreading the signal over such a large frequency range, the interference of the UWB signal to other radio signals is minimized.

[0015] According to a step of the method of the present invention, the radio system is controlled to perform a positioning method based on time-of-flight measurement to determine the position of the second radio system of the user electronic device. The present invention is based on the recognition that the detected position of the electronic device corresponds to the position of the user. Therefore, in the scope of this disclosure, the position of the electronic device is equivalent to the position of the user. Controlling the radio system preferably includes at least the following steps: The first UWB antenna is controlled at time t1 to send a first UWB pulse to the second radio system, and a second UWB pulse from the second radio system is received at time t2. The total flight time is determined based on the flight time of the first UWB pulse, the second UWB pulse, and the processing time ΔTVB of the second radio system, and the distance between the radio system and the second radio system is determined based on the total flight time and the speed of light.

[0016] In another step, user data is received from a second radio system in the case of using a radio system. In other words, UWB radio transmission is performed with the second radio system using the radio system. Preferably, the UWB antenna is controlled alternately for performing a time-of-flight based positioning method and for performing radio transmission. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the UWB pulses received for the time-of-flight based positioning method simultaneously contain user data.

[0017] The user data includes sensor data of an inertial measurement unit of the electronic device or the orientation of the user determined therefrom. The inertial measurement unit preferably includes an acceleration sensor, a plurality of angular rate sensors, and / or a gyroscope. Thus, the sensor data includes acceleration values and / or angular velocity values from which the orientation of the user can be determined. In other words, the orientation of the user can be described according to the orientation of the electronic device. As the orientation relative to the motor vehicle, the rotational position of the user along the z-axis (yaw axis) of the motor vehicle is preferably considered.

[0018] Furthermore, the travel path and orientation of the user relative to the motor vehicle are determined based on the results of the positioning method and the received user data. To determine the initial orientation of the user, it is preferred to wait for a detected position change of the user that exceeds at least a movement radius of 1.5 m around the detected initial position of the user. In other words, the initial orientation is considered as a vector that goes from the initial position of the user to the first detected position outside the circle with a radius of 1.5 m around the initial position of the user. By detecting the position of the user on the time curve, the trajectory can be reconstructed and the orientation of the user along the trajectory can be calculated using the received sensor data. By associating the determined position data with the received user data, multiple misuses (misuse cases) can be identified and prevented. For example, if the user takes out an electronic device, such as a mobile terminal device, preferably a smartphone, from a pocket, it can be recognized based on the sensor data of the inertial measurement unit that the mobile terminal device not only rotates along the z-axis of the motor vehicle but also makes significant rotations along the x-axis and / or y-axis (roll and / or pitch axes) that are orthogonal to the z-axis. In addition, for example, it is possible to distinguish whether the user is walking forward, laterally, or backward based on the slight rotations of the user's natural gait.

[0019] In another step of the method according to the invention, vehicle functions are executed based on the determined travel path and the determined orientation of the user relative to the motor vehicle. The vehicle functions include controlling the central locking system to lock or unlock the motor vehicle, controlling an actuator to open the doors, flaps and / or windows of the motor vehicle, controlling the lighting system of the motor vehicle and / or similar functions. Advantageously, the natural movement flow of the user can be detected by the method according to the invention and used to intuitively operate the vehicle functions of the motor vehicle. Fixedly predefined gestures, such as touching a capacitive sensor area, or (unnatural) movements, such as leg or foot movements along the underside of the motor vehicle, can be avoided. For example, if the user approaches the motor vehicle, moves to the tailgate and orientates their body towards the tailgate, this can be recognized according to the invention and the tailgate of the motor vehicle can be (automatically) opened. Thus, the user can store purchased items etc. in the trunk without having to perform operations or gestures prescribed by the motor vehicle. Thus, additional sensing devices can be saved. Furthermore, according to the invention, partial areas on the vehicle with a small size can be precisely located to operate the vehicle functions. Preferably, the partial areas are resolved with a size of 0.5 m × 0.5 m and an angular resolution of ±5 degrees. Here, relative to the conscious operation of the vehicle functions, it is also advantageous that the user simply passing by the motor vehicle can also be detected and possible unconscious operation of the motor vehicle can be prevented.

[0020] In a preferred design, it is provided that the vehicle functions are also executed under the following conditions: the determined travel path indicates that the user enters or stays in an area predefined for the vehicle function, and / or the determined orientation of the user relative to the motor vehicle indicates that the user is facing the motor vehicle. The predefined area is preferably an area in the vehicle's surroundings associated with the vehicle function. For example, the areas in front of the engine hood and behind the tailgate are predefined for opening the engine hood or the tailgate. The corresponding area in front of the vehicle door is for locking or unlocking the central locking system of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the area in front of the fuel tank flap can be associated with the locking or unlocking and opening or closing of the fuel tank flap. Thus, the rough area-based detection common in the prior art in the vehicle's surroundings can be replaced by the significantly more precise user position detection according to the invention. When the orientation of the user does not exceed a rotation angle of ±45 degrees, preferably ±30 degrees, particularly preferably ±15 degrees, about the z-axis (yaw axis) of the motor vehicle from a position facing the front and with a shoulder position parallel to the motor vehicle, the user is preferably facing the motor vehicle. In other words, the deviation from the front and parallel positioning of the user relative to the motor vehicle is tolerated to a certain extent for operating the vehicle functions in order to achieve as intuitive an operation experience as possible and as few misuses as possible.

[0021] Furthermore, it is preferably stipulated that the vehicle function is also executed under the following conditions: the user stays within a predetermined waiting time within a region predetermined for the vehicle function, and / or the determined travel path exceeds a predetermined length. The predetermined waiting time is preferably from 100 ms to 1000 ms, more preferably from 200 ms to 600 ms, and particularly preferably 400 ms. The predetermined length is preferably from 0.5 m to 5 m, more preferably from 1 m to 3 m, and particularly preferably 1.5 m. By using the predetermined waiting time or the predetermined length, it is possible to better distinguish between conscious and unconscious operations, thereby reducing the occurrence of misuse.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, it is also preferably stipulated that when the user enters or stays within a region predetermined for the vehicle function and / or faces the motor vehicle, the radio system is controlled to transmit UWB pulses and receive pulse responses in the case of using at least one of two UWB antennas. Due to the highly time-localized UWB pulses, it is feasible to extract information about the propagation path of the UWB pulses from the received UWB pulses together with their pulse responses generated by the influence of the environment on the transmitted UWB pulses. The influence of the environment is based on physical phenomena that cause the UWB pulses to deviate from their geometrically prescribed paths, such as refraction, diffraction, reflection, or attenuation. Obviously, the flight times of the signals or signal packets along different propagation paths are different and vary depending on the presence or absence of objects in or near the propagation path. The pulse shape of the signals or signal packets is also affected depending on the presence or absence of objects in or near the propagation path. Therefore, it is possible to advantageously infer the presence or absence of users and objects in or near the propagation path based on the measurement of the signals or signal packets transmitted along these propagation paths.

[0023] The vehicle function is also executed under the following conditions: based on the result of the received pulse response, the gesture movement of the identified user is used to execute the vehicle function. In other words, gesture recognition is achieved through the radio system. Preferably, gesture recognition is performed based on the position detected by the user at the nearest UWB antenna of the radio system. Gesture recognition can be used to further reduce the occurrence of misuse. In particular, in cases where the determined trajectory and the determined orientation of the person provide different results that cannot be correctly or reliably interpreted, it can be stipulated that the vehicle function can or must be operated by gestures. The possible operating gestures are basically known in the prior art. Therefore, they will not be described in detail.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment, it is stipulated that the user is authenticated based on the authentication data received from a second radio system in the case of using the radio system. At least one method step is performed depending on the authentication of the user. Preferably, the step of user authentication is performed prior to the positioning method in terms of time. Then, the positioning method is applied only after the user is successfully authenticated, thereby saving computing power. In addition, the authentication step is beneficial to the basic security concept that the operation of the motor vehicle should or be allowed to be performed only by authenticated users.

[0025] Preferably, the radio system and the second radio system each include a BT antenna configured to transmit and receive Bluetooth (BT) signals, in particular Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Preferably, the authentication data is received using the BT antenna of the radio system. Compared to UWB radio technology, BT radio technology has a greater range, so the user can be authenticated before the positioning method according to the invention can be performed by UWB radio technology.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the travel path and / or orientation of the user to the motor vehicle is determined using a digital filter, preferably a Kalman filter. Digital filters, such as Kalman filters, are preferably applied to the received sensor data. This improves the accuracy of determining the user's travel path and orientation.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that vehicle functions are performed based on the determined travel path and determined orientation of the user up to a range of up to 10 m, preferably at most 5 m, around the motor vehicle. Detecting the user at a range greater than 10 m is prone to high measurement errors. The measurement errors of objects or users within 10 m of the motor vehicle are small enough to perform the identification of the user's travel path and orientation. At a range less than 5 m, the measurement errors are particularly small, and thus the detection of the user's travel path and orientation is particularly reliable. This limitation can save computing power and enable reliable user detection.

[0028] On the other hand, it includes a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle includes a radio system having a transceiver, a first UWB antenna, and a second UWB antenna, and a control device. The control device is configured to perform the method described herein. The features and their advantages described with the method can be similarly implemented by the motor vehicle and can thus be arbitrarily combined.

[0029] On the other hand, it includes an additional method. The additional method is adapted to operate the vehicle functions of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle includes a radio system having a transceiver, a first UWB antenna, and a second UWB antenna. The motor vehicle is preferably the above-mentioned motor vehicle. The vehicle functions include controlling a central locking system to lock or unlock the motor vehicle, controlling an actuator to open the doors, covers, and / or windows of the motor vehicle, and / or controlling the lighting system of the motor vehicle.

[0030] According to the first step, control the second radio system of the user's electronic device to respond to a positioning method performed by the radio system of the motor vehicle based on time-of-flight measurements to determine the position of the second radio system relative to the motor vehicle. The electronic device is preferably the above-mentioned electronic device. In addition, user data is sent to the radio system when using the second radio system. The user data includes sensor data of the inertial measurement unit of the electronic device or the user orientation determined by the electronic device from the sensor data of the inertial measurement unit of the electronic device. In addition, operate the vehicle functions of the motor vehicle based on the travel path and orientation of the user relative to the motor vehicle. The features and advantages described with this method and the motor vehicle can be similarly achieved by the said additional method, and thus can be combined arbitrarily.

[0031] On the other hand, it includes an electronic device. The electronic device is arranged to operate the vehicle functions of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle includes a radio system having a transceiver, a first UWB antenna, and a second UWB antenna. The motor vehicle is preferably the above-mentioned motor vehicle. The electronic device includes a second radio system and a control unit, and the control unit is arranged to execute the additional method described herein. The features and advantages described with the additional method can be similarly achieved by the electronic device, and thus can be combined arbitrarily. The electronic device and the motor vehicle described herein preferably form a system for operating the vehicle functions of the motor vehicle.

[0032] The control device of the above-mentioned motor vehicle and / or the control unit of the above-mentioned electronic device are preferably implemented by electrical or electronic components or assemblies (hardware) or firmware (ASIC). Additionally or alternatively, the functions of the control device / control unit are achieved when executing an appropriate program (software). The control device / control unit is preferably also implemented by a combination of hardware, firmware, and / or software. For example, individual components of the control device / control unit are designed as independent integrated circuits or arranged on a common integrated circuit to provide a single function.

[0033] According to the individual components of the control device / control unit, they are also preferably designed as one or more processes that run on one or more processors in one or more electronic computing devices and are generated when executing one or more computer programs. The computing device is preferably configured to cooperate with other components (such as a central locking system, a motor controller, etc.) to achieve the functions described herein. The instructions of the computer program are preferably stored in a memory, such as a RAM element. However, the computer program can also be stored in a non-volatile storage medium, such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, etc.

[0034] It is also clear to those skilled in the art that the functions of multiple computing units (data processing devices) can be combined or combined in a single device, or the functions of a specific data processing device can be distributed among multiple devices to achieve the functions of the control device / control unit.

[0035] On the other hand, the present invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, such as a control device of a motor vehicle or a control unit of an electronic device having a radio system including a transceiver, a first UWB antenna and a second UWB antenna, cause the computer to execute one of the methods according to the present invention, in particular a method for operating a motor vehicle function.

[0036] Further preferred embodiments of the present invention result from the other features described in the dependent claims.

[0037] As long as no separate and contrary statement is made, the different embodiments of the present invention described in this application can be combined with each other in an advantageous manner.

[0038] The present invention will be further described below in the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0039] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a motor vehicle and an electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0040] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a method according to an embodiment;

[0041] Figure 3 is a schematic view of another method according to an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a motor vehicle 10 and an electronic device 18 according to an embodiment. The motor vehicle 10 includes a radio system having a transceiver and six UWB antennas 12, 14 and a control device 16 connected to the radio system. The control device 16 is specifically configured to execute a method for operating the vehicle function of the motor vehicle 10 associated with Figure 2 Five of the six UWB antennas 12, 14 are distributed on five doors of the motor vehicle 10, and the sixth UWB antenna 14 is arranged in the area of the interior rearview mirror of the motor vehicle 10. More specifically, the first UWB antenna 12 is located in the door behind the driver's door, the second UWB antenna 14 is located in the driver's door, the third UWB antenna 14 is located in the tailgate, the fourth UWB antenna 14 is located in the door behind the front passenger's door, and the fifth UWB antenna 14 is located in the front passenger's door. The number and arrangement of the UWB antennas 12, 14 are only exemplary in nature and are intended to help better understanding. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the arrangement and number of the UWB antennas 12, 14 shown. In addition, UWB antennas already installed in the motor vehicle 10 can be used. Modern vehicles are partially equipped with UWB antennas, which are installed in the motor vehicle 10 for keyless entry. Therefore, the UWB antennas 12, 14 can be used multifunctionally and cost can be saved.

[0043] The electronic device 18 is provided for operating vehicle functions of a motor vehicle 10. The electronic device 18 is a mobile terminal device of a user 20, in particular a smartphone. The electronic device 18 includes a second radio system having a second transceiver and a UWB antenna provided for transmitting and receiving UWB pulses. In addition, the electronic device 18 includes a control unit which is particularly provided for performing a method for operating vehicle functions of the motor vehicle 10 associated with Figure 3 . The electronic device 18 also includes an inertial measurement unit having a gyroscope and an acceleration sensor, which generates sensor data, the sensor data including the angular velocity and acceleration of the electronic device 18. Preferably, the control unit of the electronic device 18 is provided for determining the orientation of the user 20 from the sensor data of the inertial measurement unit of the electronic device 18.

[0044] The control device 16 of the motor vehicle 10 is provided for controlling the radio system, performing a positioning method based on time-of-flight measurement to determine the position of the second radio system of the electronic device 18 of the user 20 and receiving user data from the second radio system. The position of the user 20 and the electronic device 18 is regarded as equivalent here. The user data includes the sensor data of the inertial measurement unit of the electronic device 18. The control device 16 is also provided for determining the travel path 22 and orientation of the user 20 to the motor vehicle 10 based on the result of the positioning method and the received user data, and performing vehicle functions based on the result of the determined travel path 22 and determined orientation of the user 20 to the motor vehicle 10.

[0045] As Figure 1 shown in the example, in the vehicle environment of the motor vehicle 10, there are provided predetermined areas 24 associated with operable vehicle functions. These predetermined areas 24 are indicated by dashed lines. Predetermined areas 24 are shown in front of the engine hood and behind the tailgate for operating the engine hood or the tailgate. Each of the four doors of the motor vehicle 10 also has a corresponding predetermined area 24. In Figure 1 , for clarity, only the predetermined areas 24 on the left side of the motor vehicle are shown. It can be understood that this is also similarly provided for the right side of the motor vehicle. Further predetermined areas 24 are provided at the height of the fuel tank cap of the motor vehicle 10. By entering one of the predetermined areas 24, the user 20 can operate the vehicle function associated with this predetermined area 24. For example, the engine hood and the tailgate can be opened when entering the corresponding predetermined area 24, and preferably closed again when leaving the predetermined area 24. Regarding the predetermined area 24 of the door, the central locking system of the motor vehicle 10 can be locked or unlocked, and in the area of the fuel tank cap, for example, the fuel tank cap can be opened or closed when entering or leaving the predetermined area 24 of the fuel tank cap.

[0046] In order to reduce the occurrence of undesired misuse by the user 20, the position of the user 20 is determined multiple times, in particular at a required frequency, in the case of using a method based on time-of-flight measurement. However, the position determination is only carried out here once the user 20 enters the range 26 of 10 m from the motor vehicle 10. The range 26 is Figure 1 illustrated by way of example in the form of a dashed ellipse surrounding the motor vehicle 10. When the user 20 enters the range 26, their position is determined continuously (periodically repeated), and sensor data is received continuously (periodically repeated) from the electronic device 18. From the determined position and the received sensor data, the travel path 22 (trajectory) of the user 20 is determined.

[0047] For better understanding of the present invention, an example travel path 22 of the user 20 to the tailgate of the motor vehicle 10 is illustrated. It is understood that the present invention is not limited to this specific travel path 22, but rather multiple travel paths 22 can be determined, in particular towards or away from other predefined areas 24. According to Figure 1 the illustrated travel path 22, the user 20 is initially located outside the range 26 of the motor vehicle 10 and moves towards the motor vehicle 10, more precisely towards the tailgate of the motor vehicle 10. Once the user 20 has entered the range 26, as shown at point 22a of the travel path 22, the position of the user 20 is determined by using the UWB antennas 12, 14 in the case of using a method based on time-of-flight measurement. In addition, the current sensor data of the electronic device 18 is received. This is illustrated by way of example by an arrow between the first UWB antenna 12 and point 22a. In order to be able to determine the position of the user 20 relative to the motor vehicle 10, at least one second UWB antenna 14 is required to carry out a method based on time-of-flight measurement in order to be able to perform the orientation (triangulation) of point 22a of the user 20. For the sake of clarity, Figure 1 the arrows are not shown for this in the figure. Preferably, all UWB antennas 12, 14 are controlled to carry out a method based on time-of-flight measurement in order to obtain as precise a position determination of the user 20 as possible.

[0048] If the orientation of the user 20 is not transmitted by the electronic device 18, but only the sensor data of the inertial measurement unit is transmitted, then the vector from the determined first position (point 22a) of the user 20 to the later determined second position (point 22b) of the user 20 is considered as the initial orientation of the user 20. At point 22b of the travel path 22 of the user 20, the user is already partially located in the area 24 predefined for the tailgate. To prevent the incorrect use of vehicle functions, according to the invention, not only the travel path 22 of the user 20 is considered, but also the orientation of the user 20 is used. Based on the initial orientation and the received sensor data, the orientation of the user 20 can thus be continuously estimated (i.e., updated). The tailgate is only opened (automatically) by the motor vehicle 10 when the user 20, as shown at point 22c of the travel path 22, has an orientation towards the tailgate of the motor vehicle 10 and additionally stays within the predefined area 10. More precisely, the control device 16 then sends a control signal to the actuator of the tailgate to open the tailgate. At point 22b, the orientation of the user 20 is substantially orthogonal to the tailgate and thus not towards the tailgate. Therefore, the tailgate is not opened here, although the user 20 is already partially located in the predefined area 24. However, at point 22b, it is not yet clearly visible or predictable whether the user 20 is really walking towards the tailgate, or whether the user is simply passing by the motor vehicle 10 or even wants to walk towards another predefined area 24, such as opening the fuel tank flap.

[0049] Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing a method according to an embodiment. The control device 16 of the motor vehicle 10 is specifically configured to execute this method.

[0050] In a first method step 50, the control radio system executes a positioning method based on time-of-flight measurements to determine the position of the second radio system of the electronic device 18 of the user 20.

[0051] In a second method step 52, user data is received from the second radio system in the case of using the radio system of the motor vehicle 10. The user data includes the sensor data of the inertial measurement unit of the electronic device 18.

[0052] Based on the result of the positioning method and the received user data, in a third method step 54, the travel path 22 and the orientation of the user 20 to the motor vehicle 10 are determined.

[0053] In a fourth method step 56, a vehicle function is executed or implemented based on the result of the determined travel path 22 and the determined orientation of the user 20 to the motor vehicle 10.

[0054] Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing another method according to an embodiment. The control unit of the electronic device 18 is specifically configured to execute this method.

[0055] In a first method step 58 of this further method, a second radio system of the electronic device 18 of the user 20 is controlled in response to a positioning method performed by the radio system of the motor vehicle 10 based on time-of-flight measurements to determine the position of the second radio system relative to the motor vehicle 10.

[0056] In a second method step 60 of this further method, user data is transmitted to the radio system of the motor vehicle 10 using the second radio system, where the user data includes sensor data of the inertial measurement unit of the electronic device 18.

[0057] According to a third method step 62 of this further method, vehicle functions of the motor vehicle 10 are operated based on the travel path and orientation of the user 20 relative to the motor vehicle 10. In other words, the user 20 operates the vehicle functions at the end of the travel path by the travel path selected by the user and by the selected orientation relative to the motor vehicle 10, in particular.

[0058] List of reference numerals

[0059] 10 Motor vehicle

[0060] 12 First UWB antenna

[0061] 14 Second UWB antenna

[0062] 16 Control device 18 Electronic device

[0063] 20 User

[0064] 22 Travel path

[0065] 22a, 22b, 22c Points on the travel path

[0066] 24 Predetermined area

[0067] 26 Range

[0068] 50 First method step

[0069] 52 Second method step

[0070] 54 Third method step

[0071] 56 Fourth method step

[0072] 58 First method step of the further method

[0073] 60 Second method step of the further method

[0074] 62 Third method step of the further method

Claims

1. A method for operating a vehicle function of a motor vehicle (10), wherein, the motor vehicle (10) has a radio system with a transceiver, a first UWB antenna (12) and a second UWB antenna (14), wherein the vehicle function includes controlling a central locking system to lock or unlock the motor vehicle (10), controlling an actuator to open a door, a cover and / or a window of the motor vehicle (10), and / or controlling a lighting system of the motor vehicle (10), and wherein the method comprises the following steps: - Controlling (50) the radio system to perform a positioning method based on time-of-flight measurement to determine the position of a second radio system of a user (20)'s electronic device (18), - Receiving (52) user data from the second radio system in the case of using the radio system, wherein the user data includes sensor data of an inertial measurement unit of the electronic device (18) or the orientation of the user (20) determined therefrom, - Determining (54) the travel path (22) and orientation of the user (20) relative to the motor vehicle (10) based on the result of the positioning method and the received user data, and - Performing (56) the vehicle function based on the result of the determined travel path (22) of the user (20) to the motor vehicle (10) and the determined orientation.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, the vehicle function is performed under the following conditions: - the determined travel path indicates that the user (20) enters or stays within a region (24) predetermined for the vehicle function, and / or - the determined orientation of the user (20) relative to the motor vehicle (10) indicates that the user (20) faces the motor vehicle (10).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, the vehicle function is further performed under the following conditions: the user (20) stays within the region (24) predetermined for the vehicle function for a predetermined waiting time, and / or the determined travel path exceeds a predetermined length.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, when the user (20) enters or stays within the region (24) predetermined for the vehicle function and / or faces the motor vehicle (10), controlling the radio system to send UWB pulses and receive pulse responses in the case of using at least one of the two UWB antennas (12, 14), and wherein the vehicle function is further performed under the following conditions: based on the result of the received pulse responses, a gesture movement of the user (20) has been recognized to perform the vehicle function.

5. The method according to any one of the above claims, wherein, the method further comprises the step: - authenticating the user (20) based on authentication data received from the second radio system in the case of using the radio system, wherein at least one method step depends on the authentication of the user (20).

6. The method according to any one of the above claims, wherein, the travel path (22) and / or orientation of the user (20) to the motor vehicle (10) are determined in the case of using a digital filter.

7. The method according to any one of the above claims, wherein, the vehicle function is performed based on the determined travel path and determined orientation of the user (20) within a range up to 10 m, preferably at most 5 m, around the motor vehicle.

8. A motor vehicle (10), which comprises: - a radio system having a transceiver, a first UWB antenna (12) and a second UWB antenna (14), and - a control device (16) configured to perform the method according to one of the preceding claims.

9. A method for operating a vehicle function of a motor vehicle (10), wherein the motor vehicle (10) has a radio system with a transceiver, a first UWB antenna (12) and a second UWB antenna (14), wherein the vehicle function includes controlling a central locking system to lock or unlock the motor vehicle (10), controlling an actuator to open a door, a cover panel and / or a window of the motor vehicle (10), and / or controlling a lighting system of the motor vehicle (10), and wherein the method comprises the following steps: - controlling (58) a second radio system of an electronic device (18) of a user (20) in response to a positioning method performed by the radio system of the motor vehicle (10) based on time-of-flight measurements to determine the position of the second radio system relative to the motor vehicle (10), - sending (60) user data to the radio system using the second radio system, wherein the user data includes sensor data of an inertial measurement unit of the electronic device (18) or the orientation of the user (20) determined by the electronic device from the sensor data of the inertial measurement unit of the electronic device (18), and - operating (62) a vehicle function of the motor vehicle (10) based on the travel path and orientation of the user (20) relative to the motor vehicle (10).

10. An electronic device (18) for operating a vehicle function of a motor vehicle (10), wherein the motor vehicle (10) has a radio system with a transceiver, a first UWB antenna (12) and a second UWB antenna (14), and the electronic device (18) has a second radio system and a control unit configured to perform the method according to claim 9.

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