Remote key for controlling vehicle functions

Abstract

This document describes a digital fob (210) comprising a digital key (111) that authenticates the digital fob (210) for controlling a function (103) of a vehicle (100), and a communication unit (202), the communication unit is configured to set up a communication link (112), in particular a Bluetooth low energy and / or ultra-wideband communication link, with the vehicle (100) for controlling the function (103). Furthermore, the digital fob (210) comprises a control unit (201), which is configured for adapting the scanning duty cycle for identifying a communication partner of the communication link (112).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This document is directed to controlling one or more functions of a vehicle using a remote control key. Background Art

[0002] A vehicle may include a communication unit that allows a user to control one or more functions of the vehicle using a portable device (such as a smartphone). Example functions that can be controlled using the portable device are unlocking and / or locking the vehicle's doors and / or starting the vehicle's engine. The portable device typically includes a digital key (in particular, a CCC (Connected Car Consortium) digital key) for authenticating the portable device at the vehicle. The portable device including the digital key may be referred to as a digital key device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This document is directed to the technical problem of controlling one or more vehicle functions using a remote control key. This technical problem is solved by the independent claims. Preferred examples are specified in the dependent claims.

[0004] According to one aspect, a digital remote control key is described. The digital remote control key can be carried by a user (e.g., in the user's hand). The digital remote control key includes a digital key (in particular, a CCC digital key, possibly version 3) that authenticates the digital remote control key for controlling functions of a vehicle (such as a car, truck, and / or bus). The digital key can be stored in a memory unit of the digital remote control key, in particular a secure element. Example functions of the vehicle are: an entry function for entering the vehicle, a function for controlling the vehicle's motor, a function for controlling the vehicle's windows, a function for controlling the (comfort) components of the vehicle, etc.

[0005] Furthermore, the digital remote control key includes a communication unit configured to establish a communication link with the vehicle for controlling the vehicle's functions. The communication link between the digital remote control key and the vehicle can include a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and / or Ultra-Wideband (UWB) communication link.

[0006] The digital remote control key includes a control unit that can be configured to authenticate the digital remote control key at the vehicle using the digital key. For this purpose, a key derived from the digital key can be sent to the vehicle via the communication link (e.g., via the BLE communication link). The vehicle can verify the digital key in order to grant or deny authentication of the digital remote control key. The fact that the vehicle has granted authentication can be notified to the digital remote control key via the communication link.

[0007] In addition, the control unit may be configured (authenticated) to control vehicle functions based on a digital remote key. In particular, the control unit of the digital remote key may participate in UWB ranging processing (via a communication link), which allows the vehicle to determine the location of the digital remote key relative to the vehicle. Vehicle functions may be controlled based on the location of the digital remote key. For example, if it is determined (within the UWB ranging processing) that the digital remote key is close enough to the vehicle door, the vehicle door may be unlocked.

[0008] Accordingly, the control unit may be configured to detect a communication partner and verify whether the communication partner is a vehicle associated with the digital key of the digital remote key. If the communication partner is a vehicle associated with the digital key of the digital remote key, a communication link, in particular a BLE and / or UWB communication link, may be established with the detected communication partner.

[0009] The digital remote key may include one or more control elements, in particular mechanical control elements (such as one or more buttons), respectively associated with one or more corresponding control commands (such as for locking or unlocking the vehicle doors). The control unit may be configured to: detect whether a user of the digital remote key has actuated a control element and transmit the control command associated with the actuated control element to the vehicle via a (BLE) communication link for controlling vehicle functions. As a result, vehicle functions may be controlled in a particularly comfortable and reliable manner.

[0010] The digital remote key may include a mechanical and / or physical key (such as hidden within the housing of the digital remote key) that allows the user to open the vehicle door (for example if the battery of the digital remote key has run out of energy). The mechanical key may be removed from the housing of the digital remote key. The mechanical key may be configured to be inserted into the lock at the vehicle door, thereby allowing the user to physically unlock the vehicle door.

[0011] Before establishing a communication link with a communication partner (especially with a vehicle), the control unit of the digital remote key may perform a scanning process for identifying a suitable communication partner for the communication link (especially for identifying a vehicle). The scanning process may be repeated with a certain scanning duty cycle. The scanning duty cycle may take a value between 0% (not scanning) and 100% (continuous scanning). The control unit may be configured to adapt the (BLE) scanning duty cycle for identifying a communication partner for the communication link.

[0012] The scan duty cycle can be adapted based on sensor data from one or more sensors of the remote key. Example sensors are motion sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and / or inertial measurement units. Alternatively or additionally, example sensors are global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers, in particular GPS receivers; pressure sensors; and / or temperature sensors.

[0013] Accordingly, a digital remote key is described which is capable of controlling one or more vehicle functions energy-efficiently, comfortably, and securely using BLE and / or UWB communication.

[0014] The control unit of the digital remote key can be configured to determine, in particular based on sensor data from the one or more sensors of the remote key, whether the digital remote key is approaching the vehicle and / or is in the vicinity of the vehicle. If it is determined that the digital remote key is approaching the vehicle and / or is in the vicinity of the vehicle, the scan duty cycle can be increased. Alternatively or additionally, if it is determined that the digital remote key is not approaching the vehicle and / or is not in the vicinity of the vehicle, the scan duty cycle can be decreased. By selectively increasing the (BLE) scan duty cycle, the energy efficiency of the digital remote key can be increased without affecting the reliability of vehicle control.

[0015] The control unit can be configured to detect at least one non-vehicle communication partner that is broadcasting for establishing a communication link (e.g., a BLE communication link, a WLAN communication link, or other type of communication link) with the digital remote key. Additionally, the control unit can be configured to determine information about the non-vehicle communication partner, where the information can include the type of the non-vehicle communication partner (e.g., radio, smartphone, home theater system, etc.) and / or the location of the non-vehicle communication partner. This information can be determined via communication between the digital remote key and the non-vehicle communication partner.

[0016] The scan duty cycle can be adapted based on the information about the non-vehicle communication partner. In particular, the information about the non-vehicle communication partner can be used to determine the probability that the digital remote key is approaching the vehicle and / or is in the vicinity of the vehicle. If the probability that the digital remote key is approaching the vehicle and / or is in the vicinity of the vehicle is higher than a probability threshold, the scan duty cycle can be increased. On the other hand, if the probability that the digital remote key is approaching the vehicle and / or is in the vicinity of the vehicle is lower than the probability threshold, the scan duty cycle can be decreased. By taking into account one or more non-vehicle communication partners in the vicinity of the digital remote key, the energy efficiency of the digital remote key can be increased in a particularly reliable manner.

[0017] The control unit may be configured to determine motion information regarding the moving speed and / or acceleration of the digital remote key. The motion information may be determined based on sensor data from one or more sensors of the digital remote key. Additionally, the control unit may be configured to adapt the scan duty cycle according to the motion information, in particular such that if the moving speed and / or acceleration of the digital remote key increases, the scan duty cycle is increased, and / or such that if the moving speed and / or acceleration of the digital remote key decreases, the scan duty cycle is decreased. By taking into account the moving speed and / or acceleration of the digital remote key, the energy efficiency of the digital remote key can be increased in a particularly reliable manner.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit may be configured to determine motion information regarding the motion of the digital remote key. The motion information may for example indicate the direction of motion of the digital remote key. In particular, the motion information may indicate whether the digital remote key is moving towards the vehicle or away from the vehicle. The control unit may be configured to adapt the scan duty cycle according to the motion information, in particular such that if the motion information indicates that the digital remote key is moving towards the vehicle, the scan duty cycle is increased, and / or such that if the motion information indicates that the digital remote key is moving away from the vehicle, the scan duty cycle is decreased. By taking into account the motion information regarding the motion of the digital remote key (e.g., regarding the direction of motion of the digital remote key), the energy efficiency of the digital remote key can be increased in a particularly reliable manner.

[0019] The control unit may be configured to detect and / or count one or more footsteps of the user of the digital remote key based on sensor data from one or more sensors of the digital remote key. Alternatively or additionally, the activity, in particular the type of movement, of the user of the digital remote key may be determined (e.g., using a classification algorithm). Example types of movement include: walking, running, or cycling. Additionally, the control unit may be configured to adapt the scan duty cycle according to the detected footsteps, the determined footstep count, and / or the determined activity of the user of the digital remote key, thereby further increasing the energy efficiency of the digital remote key without affecting the reliability of the control of the vehicle functions.

[0020] The control unit may be configured to determine, in particular based on sensor data from one or more sensors of the digital remote key, the current value of the scan duty cycle. The current value may be compared with one or more previous values of the scan duty cycle that were used during one or more previous interactions with the vehicle. The scan duty cycle may be adapted based on the comparison. By taking into account the historical data regarding the scan duty cycle, the energy efficiency of the digital remote key can be further increased.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit may be configured to determine current sensor data from one or more sensors of the digital remote key. For example, the current sensor data may indicate the signal strength of a (BLE and / or UWB) communication link (e.g., RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator)).

[0022] Furthermore, the control unit may be configured to compare the current sensor data with previous sensor data that has been sensed by the one or more sensors of the digital remote key during one or more previous interactions with the vehicle. The sensitivity for adapting the scan duty cycle may be set based on the comparison, in particular the threshold for comparison with the sensor data when adapting the scan duty cycle. Thus, the threshold limit for the sensor data may be adapted. In particular, the sensor data threshold may be adjusted based on the sensor data during one or more interactions with the vehicle.

[0023] For example, the sensor data may indicate the signal strength of a BLE signal, and a certain threshold (e.g., -50 dBm) may have been set. During one or more previous interactions with the vehicle, it may be detected that the sensor data indicates a signal strength below the threshold (e.g., -60 dBm), e.g., when the user grasps the door handle to open the vehicle. As a result, the threshold may be adjusted, in particular decreased (e.g., to -60 or -65 dBm), based on the sensor data. By doing so, the reliability of the digital remote key may be increased.

[0024] The control unit may be configured to operate the digital remote key selectively in a sleep state (with particularly low power consumption) and in a scan state (for identifying communication partners). The scan duty cycle for establishing a communication link for identifying communication partners is typically (significantly) higher in the scan state than in the sleep state. In particular, the scan duty cycle may be 0% within the sleep state. Thus, a state machine may be used to operate the digital remote key in a particularly efficient and reliable manner.

[0025] The control unit may be configured to detect, in particular based on the detected movement of the digital remote key (using sensor data from the one or more sensors of the digital remote key), a wake-up event. In response to detecting a wake-up event, the digital remote key may be transferred from the sleep state to the scan state. Furthermore, the digital remote key may be kept in the scan state for a (pre)defined period of time (e.g., between 3 seconds and 5 seconds, in particular 4 seconds). After the (pre)defined period of time, the digital remote key may be returned to the sleep state (if the digital remote key has not been transferred to the connected state, during which the digital remote key is connected to the vehicle via a (BLE and / or UWB) communication link).

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit may be configured to determine, in particular based on sensor data of one or more sensors of the digital remote key, the probability that the digital remote key is approaching and / or in the vicinity of the vehicle. The digital remote key may be operated in a sleep state or a scan state according to the determined probability. In particular, if the probability is less than a predetermined probability threshold, the digital remote key may be operated in a sleep state. On the other hand, if the probability is higher than the predetermined probability threshold, the digital remote key may be operated in a scan state. By doing so, the efficiency of the digital remote key can be further improved.

[0027] The control unit may be configured to repeatedly update (e.g., at a certain update frequency such as 1 Hz or greater, or 0.1 Hz or greater) the scan duty cycle during operation of the digital remote key in the scan state. By adapting the scan duty cycle within the scan state, the energy efficiency of the digital remote key can be further improved.

[0028] According to another aspect, a system for controlling functions of a vehicle is described, wherein the system includes a vehicle and the digital remote key described in this document.

[0029] According to another aspect, a method for controlling functions (e.g., an entry function) of a vehicle (e.g., a car, a truck, and / or a bus) using a digital remote key is described. The digital remote key includes a digital key (in particular, the CCC digital key version 3), and the digital key authenticates the digital remote key for controlling the functions of the vehicle. In addition, the digital remote key includes a communication unit configured to establish (BLE and / or UWB) a communication link with the vehicle for controlling the functions of the vehicle.

[0030] The method includes adapting the (BLE) scan duty cycle for identifying a communication partner of the (BLE) communication link, so as to enable energy-efficient control of vehicle functions using the digital remote key.

[0031] According to another aspect, a software program is described. The software program may be adapted to be executed on a processor and, when executed on the processor, to perform the method steps outlined in this document.

[0032] According to another aspect, a storage medium is described. The storage medium may include a software program that is adapted to be executed on a processor and, when executed on the processor, to perform the method steps outlined in this document.

[0033] According to another aspect, a computer program product is described. The computer program may include executable instructions that, when executed on a computer, a processor, or a programmable hardware component, are used to perform the method steps outlined in this document.

[0034] It should be noted that the methods and systems (including their preferred embodiments) outlined in this patent application can be used independently or in combination with other methods and systems disclosed in this document. In addition, all aspects of the methods and systems outlined in this patent application can be combined arbitrarily. In particular, the features of the claims can be combined with each other in any way. In addition, it is noted that parentheses are used in this document to indicate optional features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The present invention will be described below in an exemplary manner with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein

[0036] Figure 1a An example system for controlling vehicle functions using a digital remote key is shown;

[0037] Figure 1b An example situation where the digital key device is within the vicinity of the vehicle is shown;

[0038] Figure 2 An example remote key for controlling the functions of a vehicle is shown; and

[0039] Figure 3 An example state diagram showing different operating states of the remote key is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] As outlined above, this document addresses the technical problem of providing a vehicle access and / or control system that is particularly comfortable and secure. In this context, Figure 1a An example system 150 is shown, which includes a vehicle 100 and at least one digital key device 110. The digital key device 110 is typically a portable electronic device, such as a smart phone or a tablet PC, where the digital key 111 is stored on the portable electronic device, especially on a protected memory section and / or on a secure element of the portable electronic device.

[0041] The digital key device 110 can communicate with the communication unit 102 of the vehicle 102 via one or more different wireless communication links 112. The different communication links 112 can be used for different purposes. In particular, the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication link 112 can be used for:

[0042] · Determine the distance and / or relative position between the digital key device 110 and the vehicle 110 (in particular based on the signal strength of the radio signals exchanged between the vehicle 100 and the device 110, especially RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator), and / or based on channel side deep technology); and / or

[0043] · Exchange data between digital key devices 110 (e.g., control commands for controlling vehicle functions such as unlocking the vehicle doors, and / or opening the windows, and / or activating or deactivating heating functions).

[0044] Alternatively or additionally, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication link 112 can be used to determine the location of the device 110 relative to the vehicle 100 in a relatively precise manner. Determining the location of the device 110 using the UWB communication link 112 can be referred to as UWB ranging.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, a near-field communication (NFC) communication link 112 can be used to enable near-field control of vehicle functions (especially for unlocking the vehicle 100).

[0046] The control unit 101 of the vehicle 100 can be configured to control at least one vehicle function 103 of the vehicle 100 based on the communication between the device 110 and the vehicle 100, as Figure 1b shown. In this context, the digital key 111 of the device 110 can be verified, especially authenticated. Furthermore, upon authentication, one or more vehicle functions 103 can be controlled, especially based on the following:[[]]

[0047] · The distance between the device 110 and the vehicle 100;

[0048] · The location of the device 110 relative to the vehicle 100; and / or

[0049] · The control commands sent by the device 110 to the vehicle 100 via the communication link 112.

[0050] In the example system 150, once the distance between the device 110 and the vehicle 100 is equal to or less than the first distance threshold 121, a BLE communication link 112 can be established between the device 110 and the vehicle 100. This allows the user to use the device 110 to perform remote control of one or more vehicle functions 103. Generally, the vehicle 100 repeatedly (e.g., at a certain broadcast frequency) broadcasts the availability of the BLE communication link 112. At the first distance threshold 121, the device 110 (which can also be referred to as a user equipment (UE)) receives the broadcast, and on this precondition, the vehicle 100 and the device 110 establish the BLE communication link 112. Therefore, the first distance threshold 121 can depend on the communication capabilities of the device 110, the environment of the vehicle 100 and the device 110, and / or the location of the device 110 relative to the vehicle 100.

[0051] In addition, once the distance between the device 110 and the vehicle 100 is less than or equal to the second distance threshold 122 (which can be less than the first distance threshold 121, and / or which can depend on the communication capabilities of the device 110), a UWB communication link 112 can be established between the device 110 and the vehicle 100, thereby allowing the location of the device 110 to be determined in an accurate manner. On the precondition of establishing the UWB communication link 112, and / or on the precondition of determining the location of the device 110, it can be enabled to control one or more additional vehicle functions 103 (functions additional to the one or more functions 103 that can be controlled via the BLE communication link 112).

[0052] Figure 2 An example remote key 210 is shown. The remote key 210 can include a digital key 111, where the digital key 111 can be stored within the secure element 204 of the remote key 210. In particular, the remote key 210 can be configured to be used as a digital key device 110 within the control system 150, and the control system is used to control one or more vehicle functions 103 of the vehicle 100. The remote key 210 configured to be used as a digital key device 110 can be referred to as a digital remote key, and thus, the features described herein for the digital key 110 also apply to the digital remote key 210.

[0053] The remote key 210 includes a communication unit 202, and the communication unit is configured to establish a communication link 112, particularly a BLE and / or UWB and / or NFC communication link, with the communication unit 102 of the vehicle 100. The remote key 210 further includes an energy storage unit 206 (especially a battery), and the energy storage unit is configured to store electrical energy for operating the remote key 210.

[0054] In addition, the remote control key 210 may include one or more sensors 203, in particular one or more inertial measurement units, which are configured to provide sensor data indicating the orientation and / or movement of the remote control key 210. The control unit 201 of the remote control key 210 may be configured to determine whether the remote control key 210 is moving based on the sensor data from one or more sensors 203 of the remote control key 210.

[0055] The remote control key 210 may include one or more control elements 205 (in particular one or more buttons), which can be actuated by the user to generate control commands for controlling the vehicle function 103. For example, a control element 205 for unlocking the vehicle door of the vehicle 100 and / or a control element 205 for locking the vehicle door may be provided. The control unit 201 of the remote control key 210 may be configured to detect the actuation of the control element 205. In addition, the control unit 201 may be configured to send the control command associated with the actuated control element 205 (via the communication link 112) to the vehicle 100, so that remote control of the vehicle function 103 can be enabled.

[0056] Figure 3 An example state diagram 300 for operating the remote control key 210 in an energy-efficient manner is shown. When the remote control key 210 is not in use and / or not moving, the remote control key 210 may be in an idle or sleep state 301. For example, it can be determined based on the sensor data of one or more (motion) sensors 203 that the remote control key 201 is not moving. As a result, the remote control key 210 can be placed in the sleep state 301, in which the remote control key 210 has a particularly low power consumption within the sleep state 301. In particular, the scanning operation of the communication unit 202 (for identifying a corresponding (BLE) communication partner) can be paused within the sleep state 301. In addition, the activity of one or more sensors 103 can be reduced (compared to the activity of the remote control key 201 within one or more other states 302, 303).

[0057] The control unit 201 may be configured to detect a wake-up event 311, under which condition the remote control key 210 transitions from the sleep state 301 to the scanning state 302, in which the remote control key 210 repeatedly scans for a (BLE) communication partner within the scanning state 302. The wake-up event 311 can be detected based on the sensor data of one or more (motion) sensors 203 of the remote control key 210. For example, the remote control key 210 is moving can be detected as the wake-up event 311.

[0058] During the scanning state 312, the control unit 201 can repeatedly verify whether a sleep event 312 occurs, which triggers a transition back from the scanning state 302 to the sleep state 301. The sleep event 312 can be detected based on sensor data from one or more (motion) sensors 203. For example, it can be detected that the probability of the remote key 210 approaching the vehicle 210 is relatively low (e.g., less than a predetermined probability threshold) (e.g., because the remote key 210 is not moving). This can trigger a transition to the sleep state 301, thereby potentially pausing the scanning operation.

[0059] During the scanning state 302, the scan duty cycle of the remote key 210 can be updated (event 313), e.g., according to the moving speed of the remote key 210. For example, if it is determined (based on sensor data from one or more sensors 203) that the remote key 210 is moving at a speed higher than a predetermined speed threshold, the scan duty cycle can be increased. On the other hand, if it is determined that the remote key 210 is moving at a speed lower than the predetermined speed threshold (which can be zero or close to zero), the scan duty cycle can be decreased. By updating the scan duty cycle, the power consumption of the remote key 210 can be further reduced.

[0060] If a communication partner is detected, in particular the communication unit 102 of the vehicle 100 corresponding to the digital key 111, i.e., if a connection event 314 is detected, the remote key 210 can transition from the scanning state 302 to the connection state 303, within which a communication link 112 is established with the communication partner. The control unit 201 can be configured to verify whether the communication partner is known to the remote key 210, and upon positive verification, the connection event 314 can be detected.

[0061] Thus, the remote key 210 can act as a BLE central device, while the vehicle 100 can act as a peripheral. To establish a BLE radio link, the remote key 210 can enter the BLE scanning state 302 (as defined in Bluetooth Core Specification Version 5.2, Volume 6, Part B, 4.4.3, which is incorporated herein by reference). The power consumption of the remote key 210 in the scanning state 302 is typically significantly higher than in the sleep state 301 or in the connection state 303. With Figure 3 the state diagram 300, the time spent in the scanning state 302 can be shortened, especially minimized.

[0062] Accordingly, a remote key 210 utilizing BLE and UWB is described. Additionally, different means for minimizing the power consumption of the remote key 210 are described. The remote key 210 (i.e., an authentication device configured to control the access function 103 of the vehicle 100, where the authentication device is not a smart phone or a smart device) can be configured to authenticate via a BLE communication link 112. Additionally, the remote key 210 can be configured to perform ranging securely via UWB. The remote key 210 can be configured to derive a ranging key using a protocol that initiates communication via BLE and initiates mutual authentication. Additionally, the remote key 210 can communicate via BLE to trigger secure ranging via UWB using SP0 and SP3 packets to identify that the key is in the vicinity of the vehicle 100, and the SP0 and SP3 packets have a ranging key as defined in 802.15.4z. Details regarding BLE and / or UWB communication and / or authentication processing are described in CCC version 3 specification 4 (which is incorporated herein by reference).

[0063] The remote key 210 can be configured to use a BLE scan duty cycle of less than 100%. The BLE scan can be triggered by logic that detects the remote key 210 approaching the vehicle 10. An appropriate scan duty cycle can be determined based on one or more devices detected in the relatively close vicinity using BLE, Wifi, and / or other technologies. For example, if the remote key 210 detects a home theater receiver, it can be inferred that the remote key 210 is likely not close to the vehicle 100. As a result, the BLE scan duty cycle can be reduced. By adjusting the BLE scan duty cycle, the power consumption of the remote key 210 can be reduced.

[0064] The remote key 210 can be configured to use a sensor 103 to detect the approach of the vehicle and / or determine an appropriate scan duty cycle. Alternatively or additionally, the remote key 210 can be configured to use a GPS sensor to detect the approach of the vehicle and / or determine an appropriate scan duty cycle. Alternatively or additionally, the remote key 210 can be configured to use a pressure sensor to detect the approach of the vehicle and / or determine an appropriate scan duty cycle. Alternatively or additionally, the remote key 210 can be configured to utilize a heat sensor and / or a temperature sensor to detect the approach of the vehicle and / or determine an appropriate scan duty cycle.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, the remote key 210 can be configured to utilize a motion sensor, an accelerometer, and / or a gyroscope to detect approach towards the vehicle 100. The sensor data of the one or more sensors 103 of the remote key 201 can be analyzed (using appropriate logic) to provide a step counter and / or a step detector and / or provide activity classification for differentiating, for example, walking from running and from other activities such as cycling, etc.

[0066] The control unit 201 of the remote key 210 can be configured to determine the value of the scan duty cycle based on the sensor data of the one or more sensors 103 of the remote key 210. The current value can be compared with one or more values from one or more previous vehicle interactions to further improve the energy efficiency of the remote key 210.

[0067] As Figure 3 As shown in the state diagram 300 of, the default state of the remote key 210 can be the sleep state, which is a low-power state with limited sensor activity and / or a low or zero BLE scan duty cycle. During the BLE scan state 302, the BLE module 202 of the remote key 210 can scan with a scan duty cycle of ≤ 100% of the time. As soon as a sensor-triggered event 311 occurs (e.g., a change in the orientation of the remote key 210 is detected using a gyroscope, and / or the remote key 210 is accelerated using an accelerometer), the remote key 210 can register a "Scan Intend" and can exit the sleep state 301 and can enter the BLE scan state 302. In the BLE scan state 302, the movement of the remote key 210 can be classified using logic that can be implemented in the motion sensor 203 or the microcontroller 201 of the remote key 210. Alternatively or additionally, one or more sensor inputs, such as the GPS position of the remote key 201, the received BLE broadcasts (and their origin), a heat sensor, or a barometer and / or its history, can be used to improve the accuracy of the predicted vehicle proximity probability of the remote key 210.

[0068] If the remote key 210 receives a signal from a known vehicle 100, the remote key 210 enters the establish BLE connection state 303. If the motion classification algorithm determines that the vehicle proximity probability is low (event 312), the remote key 210 can enter the sleep state 301.

[0069] It should be noted that the description and the drawings only illustrate the principles of the disclosed methods and systems. Those skilled in the art will be able to implement various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, still implement the principles of the present invention and are included within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, all examples and embodiments outlined in this document are explicitly intended, in principle, only for illustrative purposes to assist the reader in understanding the principles of the proposed methods and systems. Further, all statements of the principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present invention and their specific examples provided herein are intended to encompass their equivalents.

Claims

1. A digital remote control key (210), comprising: - A digital key (111), which authenticates the digital remote control key (201) for controlling the functions (103) of a vehicle (100); - A communication unit (202), which is configured to establish a communication link (112) with the vehicle (100), in particular a Bluetooth Low Energy and / or Ultra-Wideband communication link, for controlling the function (103); and - A control unit (201), which is configured to adapt the scan duty cycle for identifying a communication partner for the communication link (112).

2. The digital remote control key (210) according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit (201) is configured to: - Determine, in particular based on sensor data from one or more sensors (103) of the remote control key (210), whether the digital remote control key (210) is approaching the vehicle (100); and - If it is determined that the digital remote control key (210) is approaching the vehicle (100), increase the scan duty cycle; and / or - If it is determined that the digital remote control key (210) is not approaching the vehicle (100), decrease the scan duty cycle.

3. The digital remote control key (210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control unit (201) is configured to adapt the scan duty cycle according to sensor data from one or more sensors (103) of the remote control key (210).

4. The digital remote control key (210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The one or more sensors (103) include: - A motion sensor; - An accelerometer; - A gyroscope; and / or - An inertial measurement unit.

5. The digital remote control key (210) according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein, The one or more sensors (103) include: - A Global Navigation Satellite System receiver, in particular a GPS receiver; - A pressure sensor; and / or - A temperature sensor.

6. The digital remote control key (210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control unit (201) is configured to: - Detect at least one non-vehicle communication partner that is broadcasting for establishing a communication link with the digital remote control key (210); - Determine information about the non-vehicle communication partner, where the information includes: - The type of the non-vehicle communication partner; and / or - The location of the non-vehicle communication partner; and - Adapt the scan duty cycle according to the information about the non-vehicle communication partner.

7. The digital remote control key (210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control unit (201) is configured to: - Determine, in particular based on sensor data from one or more sensors (103) of the digital remote control key (210), motion information about the motion of the digital remote control key (210); and - Adapt the scan duty cycle according to the motion information, in particular such that if the motion information indicates an increase in the moving speed and / or acceleration of the digital remote control key (210), increase the scan duty cycle, and / or such that if the motion information indicates a decrease in the moving speed and / or acceleration of the digital remote control key (210), decrease the scan duty cycle.

8. The digital remote control key (210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control unit (201) is configured to based on sensor data from one or more sensors (103) of the digital remote control key (210): - Detect and / or count one or more footsteps of a user of the digital remote key (210); and / or - Determine the activity of the user of the digital remote key (210), in particular the type of movement of the user; wherein the type of movement in particular includes one of the following: walking, running or cycling; and - Adapt the scan duty cycle based on the detected footsteps, the determined footstep count and / or the determined activity of the user of the digital remote key (210).

9. The digital remote control key (210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control unit (201) is configured to: - Determine current sensor data from one or more sensors (103) of the digital remote key (210); - Compare the current sensor data with previous sensor data that has been sensed by the one or more sensors (103) of the digital remote key (210) during one or more previous interactions with the vehicle (100); and - Set the sensitivity for adapting the scan duty cycle based on the comparison, in particular set a threshold for comparison with the sensor data when adapting the scan duty cycle.

10. The digital remote control key (210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control unit (201) is configured to selectively operate the digital remote key (210) in a sleep state (301) and in a scan state (302), wherein the scan duty cycle for establishing a communication link (112) for identifying a communication partner is higher in the scan state (302) than in the sleep state (301).

11. The digital remote control key (210) according to claim 10, wherein, The control unit (201) is configured to: - Detect a wake-up event (311), in particular based on the detected movement of the digital remote key (210); and - In response to detecting the wake-up event (311), transfer the digital remote key (210) from the sleep state (301) to the scan state (302) for a defined period of time.

12. The digital remote control key (210) according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein, The control unit (201) is configured to: - Determine the probability that the digital remote key (210) is approaching the vehicle (100), in particular based on sensor data from one or more sensors (103) of the digital remote key (201); and - Operate the digital remote key (210) in the sleep state (301) or in the scan state (302) based on the determined probability.

13. The digital remote control key (210) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The control unit (201) is configured to repeatedly update the scan duty cycle during operation of the digital remote key (210) in the scan state (302).

14. The digital remote control key (210) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein, The control unit (201) is configured to: - Detect a communication partner; - Verify whether the communication partner is the vehicle (100) associated with the digital key (111) of the digital remote key (210); and - If the communication partner is the vehicle (100) associated with the digital key (111) of the digital remote key (210), establish a communication link (112), in particular a Bluetooth Low Energy communication link, with the detected communication partner.

15. The digital remote control key (210) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, - the digital remote control key (210) comprises one or more control elements (205), in particular mechanical control elements, each associated with one or more corresponding control commands; and - the control unit (201) is configured to: - detect that a control element (205) has been actuated by a user of the digital remote control key (210); and - send the control command associated with the actuated control element (205) via the communication link (112) to the vehicle (100) for controlling a vehicle function (103).

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